Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1573 - 861: The Demon King Returns (Part 2)
Due to that old house, the eldest brother had previously called the family together multiple times to discuss it, yet every discussion ended with postponing to the next time, much like those pointless corporate meetings.
Aunt Gu chose to resolve it decisively and proposed earnestly: “Brother, Sister, what if I contribute thirty thousand yuan, and after the New Year, you all hire workers to tear down the house and construct a new one—does that work?”
Her words prompted the smoking eldest brother to stub out his cigarette right away, while the second sister’s face relaxed noticeably.
The third brother stepped in to mediate, remarking: “Sis, we can’t have you footing the entire bill; villagers would spot it and label us as complete idiots.”
Aunt Gu had anticipated this, grinning as she replied: “You’re aware I typically labor in the city and rarely return, making it tough to maintain the house, so I appreciate you all looking after the elderly—doesn’t it make sense for me to cover more?”
With that explanation, nods and smiles spread across the group, settling the issue unanimously.
Upgrading their parents’ residence and spreading the news in the village would surely earn respect! The delay in repairs stemmed purely from money worries before!
The old couple beamed with approval too, filling the atmosphere with joy.
Having sorted out this nagging family problem, grins widened on every face, and the second sister noted enviously, “Xiao Gu, you appear truly radiant these days, what a transformation!”
“Is the Changqing Liquid Company truly as impressive as rumored?”
Questions poured in rapidly, drawing all eyes to Aunt Gu, who answered them one by one.
Once the clarifications wrapped up, calm returned, and Aunt Gu intended to head to Houzhuang to chat with Hua Fengmei about returning to the city that afternoon.
Before departing, the second sister lamented: “Xuanxuan headed out on yet another date today; the girl they matched him with seemed fine, solid background and everything, but her legs are impaired, she walks with a heavy limp, which concerns me deeply!”
The third sister-in-law chimed in swiftly: “We absolutely cannot accept someone with a disability—don’t push Xuanxuan into marrying her!”
The eldest sister-in-law added her view: “As you mentioned, with legs so badly affected, taking her anywhere would be challenging; would she just remain indoors dozing constantly?”
Aunt Gu had stayed quiet until then, but her thoughts turned to her own daughter, whose condition had worsened lately, spending days bedridden and rising only to eat—did that count as disabled?
Maybe it was a maternal instinct, but Aunt Gu’s phone vibrated then, bearing a message from her daughter:
“Mom, I’m out enjoying the city, hehe!”
Aunt Gu: “Haha, why aren’t you resting at home?”
Tongtong: “How could I stay in bed all day? I gotta get out too; my back aches from all that lying!”
Aunt Gu remarked: “Haha, overslept a bit.”
Tongtong: “Heading out to have fun now; the world outside buzzes with energy.”
Aunt Gu: “Haha, you hole up at home, naturally everything seems spooky; the city’s bound to feel vibrant.”
Tongtong pouted: “Mom, realize ‘haha’ often signals mockery?”
Aunt Gu: “I do, and I’m using it deliberately.”
Tongtong, ever indulgent, went on to update: “I’m really at a clothing shop.”
Right then, inside the clothing store.
Tongtong captured photos of two coats: “Mom, check out these stylish women’s coats these days—which shade suits better?”
Aunt Gu responded promptly: “Light gray edges out white.”
She followed with a voice note: “Why inquire about colors? No need to get anything for me; my wardrobe’s full, better save your cash for tasty eats.”
Tongtong: “Mom, L size seems oversized for you, right?”
Aunt Gu noted: “L runs a tad large; for a coat, M would fit perfectly—skip the purchase.”
Tongtong: “Alright.”
With that, she pocketed her phone.
“Auntie’s rejections hit hard...” Xue Chuchu shook her head.
Tongtong dropped 599 yuan on a light gray M-sized coat for her mother.
Excitement surged after the buy, yet glancing at Jiang Ning stirred a twinge of guilt in her.
“Sigh, Jiang Ning treats me so kindly, yet I’ve got no way to return the favor!”
Tongtong mused: “Perhaps I’ll swing by the market shortly.”
She aimed to ask Chuchu for a loan and grab ingredients to whip up a delightful lunch for Jiang Ning.
While Tongtong and Chuchu browsed outfits, Jiang Ning snapped a shot of the vast mall and shared it online:
“In the city for New Year’s purchases.”
Former classmates Wang Xue and Gao Yinghui hit like immediately.
Security guard Zhang Chi skipped the like but commented at once: “New Year shopping, what’s your budget?”
Jiang Ning shot back: “Unclear, just grabbing what catches my eye.”
Zhang Chi: “I’m gearing up for some year-end buys myself, staying frugal—think 50 yuan suffices?”
Dan Kaiquan responded to Zhang Chi: “That’s a riot; 50 yuan wouldn’t snag even a pack of six walnuts.”
Wang Longlong replied to Zhang Chi: “Brother Chi, totally feasible! Hand over the 50, and I’ll spread word you hauled a full load of goods.”
Zhang Chi fell quiet.
…
Tongtong got a coat for her mom, and Chuchu followed suit.
Tongtong’s funds dried up, though Chuchu held a small reserve, wealthier than her friend.
Thus, Tongtong guided Chuchu and Jiang Ning toward the produce market.
In his previous life and now, Jiang Ning seldom visited vegetable markets, as vendors there tended to be cunning and dishonest, frequently overcharging or skimping on portions—a widespread issue.
Tongtong and Chuchu contrasted sharply; they shopped for food routinely and grasped fair prices, ensuring they never got cheated.
Tongtong declared: “Jiang Ning, I’ll hang back today, so you can witness Chuchu’s masterful haggling!”
Jiang Ning glanced sideways: “Oh?”
He genuinely struggled to picture Chuchu in the market, negotiating with those sly sellers.
Xue Chuchu pursed her lips.
As the New Year neared, with costs rising, market prices had shifted, leaving her uncertain on exact figures.
Yet the vigilant Chuchu, eyes keen, scanned the throng for a ‘pro-level’ auntie.
Trailing the auntie to a seafood stand stocked fully with fish, shrimp, crab, and shellfish.
The auntie, a frequent buyer, inquired: “These shrimp look fresh today; what’s the price per jin?”
The vendor lady quoted swiftly: “40 per jin.”
Auntie: “You must be joking? 40’s outrageous; no other spot charges that—most go for 30...”
After a heated back-and-forth, they agreed on 33 per jin.
Xue Chuchu seized the moment to step up, brightening the boss lady’s gaze: “Wow, such a lovely young lady! What catches your interest? My prices beat everywhere else here!”
Typically, attractive young women lacked savvy and fell prey to inflated quotes.
The very next instant, Xue Chuchu stated: “I’ll have a jin of shrimp for 33.”
The auntie who’d just settled spun around, face screaming ‘you’re cheating me’.
The boss lady swallowed her reluctance and measured out a jin of shrimp for her.
Xue Yuantong told Jiang Ning: “See how skillfully Chuchu bargains?”
Jiang Ning conceded: “Impressively so.”
…
River Dam Bungalow.
Lacking Zhang Ruyun for practice, Dongdong channeled his anger and terror by seizing a ping pong paddle solo, smashing it furiously against the wall—bang bang bang!
These were the paddle and balls he’d taken from a child.
Zhang Ruyun, viewing him like a raging beast, warned: “Dongdong, if Jiang Ning returns, what if he demands you haul the cart once more?”
Dongdong’s bravado swelled; he clutched the paddle tight, lashed out wildly, and snarled: “I’ve powered up already!”
“Ha! Ha! Ha!”
He pummeled the ping pong balls madly, prompting Mr. Qian to marvel, “This boy in olden days would rival Overlord Chu!”
Dongdong: “Overlord Chu falls short of me!”
Mr. Qian: “Fine, fine!”
Even Zhang Ruyun deemed Dongdong excessively cocky!
At that point, a sleek electric bike approached from the west, arriving in a flash.
Dongdong detected the intimidating presence; his grip shook, sending the ping pong ball flying off.
Jiang Ning, aboard the electric bike, maintained full speed, the tire crushing the ball flat in an instant.
Tongtong cried out: “Jiang Ning, how reckless!”
Jiang Ning halted, eyed the squashed ball on the ground, then fixed on Dongdong with the paddle: “Does this belong to you?”
Dongdong’s bravado evaporated entirely, trembling in fear of repercussions, he stammered: “N-no, mine isn’t squished like that!”