Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1584 - 867: Carriage Overlord

A wave of embarrassment flooded Pei Yujing's heart, tugging relentlessly at her sensitive emotions until it became too much to bear, when the announcement in the hall finally echoed.

"Attention passengers, train G9XX traveling from Huai City to Linzhou departs at 20:02, now boarding..."

Relief washed over Pei Yujing like a soothing tide, lifting the weight from her shoulders, and she thought to herself with quiet thanks: ’Thank goodness it’s ending; once we’re on the train, no more awkward run-ins.’

Breaking the quiet moment, Pei Yujing hurriedly said: "Jiang Ning, time to check in."

Jiang Ning gave a nod: "Yeah, let’s head out."

As if granted a lifesaving order, Pei Yujing dashed away to flee, blending swiftly into the throng of people.

Unbeknownst to her, Jiang Ning’s lips curved into a subtle smile; as a vigilant cultivator, he had already employed his divine sense to scan the ticket details tucked in Pei Yujing’s pocket.

The unexpected gift orchestrated by Shao Shuangshuang for Jiang Ning happened to be Pei Yujing herself.

’Seat 6, so tonight she’s my present, is she?’

Recalling the captivating senior who had labored so diligently for him at the Evergreen Liquid Company, Jiang Ning couldn’t suppress a touch of warmth in his heart; she truly knew what he liked.

In contrast to Pei Yujing’s rushed wait in line, Jiang Ning lingered until the queue had thinned considerably before stepping forward.

Following the second ticket inspection, Jiang Ning trailed the flow of travelers toward their train’s platform; the station buzzed with crowds that evening, forcing a descent from the overpass to the tracks, where throngs jammed the escalators and moving stairs—Jiang Ning, traveling light, sidestepped the masses and opted for the regular staircase by himself.

The bullet train was yet to pull in, leaving numerous travelers milling on the platform along the rails, some engaged in talks, others glued to their mobiles, a few puffing cigarettes, a diverse bunch indeed.

Gripping her suitcase handle, Pei Yujing stared at the far-off city lights, her features set in a blank stare, her statuesque build lending her an icy demeanor.

Yet beneath it all, Pei Yujing experienced a profound ease; that prior scene had been utterly humiliating, especially her rash agreement to race the bullet train with Jiang Ning—looking back now, it mortified her to no end.

Moreover...

Right then, Pei Yujing instinctively twisted her head in a fluid, elegant turn, twirled a strand of hair near her ear between her fingers, and took a gentle whiff.

The barbecue joint thrived during winter vacation, where she’d pitched in daily, soaking up the scents like a pickled dish, and only at first light would she shed her garments, scrubbing herself clean thrice over.

Still, doubt nagged at her, fearing any trace of barbecue aroma clung on, wondering if Jiang Ning had detected it...

But the very next instant, Pei Yujing froze her sniffing gesture.

Did the scent even count? No, not really.

In her existence, such humiliations weren’t novel; brush it off, no matter, since nobody truly minded her anyway...

A sudden gloom draped Pei Yujing in a mysterious veil.

Abruptly, a crisp voice from a man broke through:

"You smell nice."

Recognizing the voice, Pei Yujing whipped her head around, catching sight of Jiang Ning’s serene grin.

Embarrassment surged through Pei Yujing, and she quietly lowered her hand.

Jiang Ning approached her side and halted, inquiring: "What perfume are you using?"

Pei Yujing stammered in reply: "Chili and cumin."

Jiang Ning: "That explains the allure."

Pei Yujing’s eyes dulled; so the odor was noticeable after all.

To her surprise, Jiang Ning added brightly: "Quit sniffing yourself; there’s nothing off about it."

In that instant, Pei Yujing sensed she’d been laid bare by Jiang Ning, with no place to conceal or flee, merely positioned next to him.

Strangely, the vulnerability didn’t bring discomfort; rather, a spark of joy flickered within her.

"Thanks." She murmured.

Jiang Ning: "I’m a decent guy."

Pei Yujing nodded faintly: "Yeah, you truly are."

She questioned: "You’re in car 4 too?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning lifted his ticket, holding it up close to Pei Yujing’s view.

Pei Yujing mirrored the action, raising her own ticket alongside his, revealing both seat details plainly: one 6D, the other 6F.

"Ah!" Pei Yujing let out a startled cry.

"What a twist of fate." Jiang Ning remarked.

Assured that her scent pleased him, Pei Yujing’s embarrassment eased somewhat.

Around others, she could stay mute, uttering not a syllable.

Yet beside Jiang Ning, silence carried a heavier weight for her; without sparking some chatter, unease gnawed at her intensely.

Eyeing Jiang Ning’s modest backpack, Pei Yujing started the talk: "No suitcase with you?"

Even for a brief New Year visit to her grandma, she’d stuffed a whole bag with outfits and essentials.

Jiang Ning answered: "I have one."

Pei Yujing stared in astonishment: "Then where is it? Forgot it on the security belt? Should we retrieve it?"

Jiang Ning stated evenly: "It’s back home."

Silence enveloped the air.

Jiang Ning shot her a look, thinking inwardly: ’See how tough chatting with you can be, huh?’

Pei Yujing found herself speechless, struck quiet by Jiang Ning.

Moments passed steadily, on the level platform, Jiang Ning remained still, his eyes cutting through the enveloping night, locked on the horizon.

Through his divine sense, he detected the fidgety feelings of nearby passengers; soon, a low hum drew nearer, then a gleaming silver-white metal beast sliced the sky, whipping up fierce winds, its thunderous approach swelling, embodying humanity’s advanced ingenuity—the train—rushed past Jiang Ning’s gaze.

Jiang Ning pondered that relying solely on raw might, he’d likely need to reach Golden Core Stage to effortlessly hoist a multi-hundred-ton locomotive.

Still, power wasn’t synonymous with total dominance; for sheer destruction, it proved straightforward, something he could achieve presently.

As the train halted at the platform, folks formed lines, ascending sequentially; Pei Yujing and Jiang Ning, one reserved in nature, the other drifting casually through existence, lagged toward the end.

With few remaining, the pair entered the coach, which hummed with clamor: a chubby kid clutched a tablet, blasting cartoons at max volume, while adjacent riders donned headphones, struggling to muffle the intrusive sounds.