Rebirth of the Best Businesswoman at School Chapter 3
Previously on Rebirth of the Best Businesswoman at School...
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
During the night, Jian Ai experienced an incredibly vivid dream.
Within the dream, she perceived no figures or scenery, only words. It felt akin to an ancient legend or a forgotten sect appearing before her.
Abruptly, a resonant voice echoed in her mind. “In the Primordial World, the founder of the spiritual sect, Yu Jiang, dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge. He sought out individuals who defied destiny, integrating his essence into their very bloodlines. His will dictates all things..”
This voice, immense and authoritative, sounded distant and otherworldly, like a patriarch from a bygone era speaking across dimensions. The slumbering Jian Ai jolted awake, finding words — golden words — shimmering in the air above her.
Defied fate?
These were the initial words that registered in Jian Ai’s consciousness. In her dream, the words spoken by the voice lingered: those who defied fate would have his bloodline infused into them.
Having somehow been reborn from her twenty-sixth year back to the age of fourteen, was this what could be termed defying fate?
She lifted her gaze to the golden characters suspended before her. It was the secret manual of an ancient sect, detailing the twelve sets of mental cultivation techniques established by the founder, Yu Jiang. Before Jian Ai could scrutinize the contents, however, thousands of golden characters, seemingly imbued with life, sprang into motion. Then, to Jian Ai’s utter astonishment, they all surged into her mind.
The sudden influx of sheer cognitive power made Jian Ai’s head feel as though it was burning. A sensation of her brain expanding and heating up overwhelmed her, creating a deeply unpleasant experience. In less than two minutes, the intense energy subsided, vanishing completely.
At this juncture, Jian Ai found she could recite all twelve mental cultivation techniques flawlessly, as if they were indelibly etched into her memory.
Jian Ai sat up in bed and glanced at the Little Ball alarm clock. She extended her hand, and the clock on the nightstand levitated towards her.
A mixture of surprise and exhilaration washed over Jian Ai. She had initially believed her rebirth was the ultimate boon from heaven, but who could have predicted she would receive such an astounding gift from an ancient sect? It was an unexpectedly delightful turn of events.
Rebirth itself was already difficult for her to process, and now she had acquired the twelve sets of mental cultivation techniques. Had this sequence of events not transpired, Jian Ai would have never conceived of such impossibilities occurring in reality.
Upon waking, it was already 6 AM. Jian Ai swiftly completed her morning ablutions, donned the school uniform she hadn't worn in quite some time, slung her schoolbag over her shoulder, and headed out.
Currently, her mother and brother were already engaged in the bustling activity of their breakfast stall. Jian Ai customarily ate her breakfast there each morning before school.
“Xiao Ai!”
As she walked, a voice called her name from behind.
Jian Ai paused and turned. A girl, approximately her age and dressed in the same school uniform, was hurrying towards her.
Guan Tao was Jian Ai’s classmate and closest companion. Having grown up together, they had resided in the same neighborhood from kindergarten through high school. Although they chose different universities due to diverging aspirations, their profound friendship endured.
In her previous existence, Guan Tao married into wealth, wedding a second-generation heir and subsequently giving birth to twin sons. This allowed her to stand confidently within her in-laws’ household, enjoying a life of ease.
“You’re heading to school already, despite not being fully recovered? Why not rest at home for a few more days?” Guan Tao inquired with evident concern as she caught up.
Encountering Guan Tao at such a young age unexpectedly caused Jian Ai a brief moment of stunned silence. She then replied, “I’m alright. I’ve missed several days of school, and if I don’t go now, I’ll struggle to catch up.”
Seeing Jian Ai’s expression genuinely eased, Guan Tao felt relief. She then let out a sigh and cautioned, “Don’t provoke Li Yunmei and her group again. They have considerable influence due to their family’s wealth. They pushed you into the pond this time; what if they escalate their actions next?”
Jian Ai blinked in surprise. She recalled having a fever from falling into the water, but she had no memory of Li Yunmei being involved in the incident.
Erzhong High School ranked among the premier educational institutions in Baiyun City. Its student body broadly comprised two distinct categories: the offspring of affluent and influential families, and those academic prodigies who excelled through their own merit, securing scholarships.
Jian Ai and Guan Tao belonged to the latter group. Otherwise, ordinary families would find it prohibitively expensive to cover the substantial tuition fees.
Nevertheless, scholarship recipients constituted a minority. Given the tendency for adolescent girls to form social circles, Jian Ai and Guan Tao, hailing from the less affluent neighborhoods of the South City District, inevitably faced isolation and even bullying from their peers.
Still, Jian Ai possessed no memory of Li Yunmei ever pushing her into the school pond; such an event had never transpired in her previous existence.
Could it be that after her rebirth, numerous circumstances had been altered?
“Xiao Ai, I am addressing you.”
“I comprehend,” Jian Ai swiftly responded, returning to reality.
Their family's humble breakfast stall was situated at the street's extremity. Given its favorable position, they were not the sole establishment offering breakfast in the vicinity.
“Auntie Mei, Xiao Ai and I shall dine outside,” Guan Tao announced to the bustling Wang Yunmei.
“Very well, please allow me a moment. I will be with you shortly,” Wang Yunmei replied amidst her tasks.
The morning rush at the breakfast stall maintained a consistent rhythm, drawing a predictable clientele. Wang Yunmei's delectable fried dough sticks cultivated a loyal following, with patrons specifically frequenting their stall for this morning treat.
“Esteemed ladies, what culinary delights may I serve you?”
At this juncture, Jian Yu approached their table, a smile gracing his features.
Upon glimpsing Jian Yu, Guan Tao's eyes sparkled. However, before she could utter a word, Jian Ai interjected, “Soy milk, fried dough sticks, and two tea eggs. Be swift, Brother; we have limited time.”
“Understood.” Jian Yu's eyebrows lifted slightly as he retreated into the stall.
Guan Tao opened her mouth, only to close it again, her gaze following Jian Yu's departure.
“Alright, cease your staring; your eyes might just detach,” Jian Ai remarked, observing Guan Tao with evident amusement.
Guan Tao responded with a pout and an eye-roll. “Auntie Mei certainly knows how to give birth. You and your brother are both remarkably good-looking.”
Jian Ai possessed fair skin and an oval countenance. While her features weren't intricately delicate, she exuded a classic, timeless beauty.
In contrast, Jian Yu was endowed with prominent brows, captivating eyes, and a dazzlingly white set of teeth. His smile radiated warmth, akin to a miniature sun, making him immensely appealing to many young ladies.
“But it's true; Auntie Mei is also quite attractive. You two inherited excellent genes,” Guan Tao added.
Her observation held merit. Wang Yunmei had given birth to Jian Yu at the tender age of seventeen, followed by Jian Ai four years later, when she was twenty-one. Now thirty-five, it was difficult to fathom that she was the mother of two grown children.
The reality that a thirty-five-year-old woman pursued a career as a nightclub hostess might invite ridicule from some quarters.
However, Wang Yunmei defied expectations. Blessed with natural beauty, even at thirty-five, her skin retained its firmness, and her figure possessed a captivating allure, surpassing that of many younger women.