Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1587 - 868: Uncontrollable Person (Part 2)

Yet Pei Yujing stands out, residing fully within her personal bubble, simply hoping that people would overlook her existence.

During his prior life, beyond her character traits, he found little else to fault; she boasted stunning looks, impressive stature, no prior relationships, and served as a government employee in Yu Zhou City.

On the other hand, Jiang Ning toiled at a private firm, pulling in merely a couple thousand yuan monthly, hailed from rural roots, and owned neither property nor vehicle.

At the outset, when Sister Ma set up their meeting, Jiang Ning dismissed it lightly, given the vast divide between them that promised certain embarrassment.

However, Sister Ma's eagerness pushed him to connect with Pei Yujing, and astonishingly, she turned out gentle and without any harsh traits.

Initially, he believed he'd uncovered a gem, only to discover later it was a specter in disguise.

During their cinema outing for coupled seats, Pei Yujing readily swapped with another patron upon request, leaving him behind without hesitation.

Pei Yujing commuted via electric bicycle to her job and suffered a vehicle collision, bruising her knee, but she promptly released the at-fault driver.

Pei Yujing sported remarkably lovely long locks, but after Ghost Fire teens pranked it with gum, she casually declared it no issue and sheared it into a short style.

Should any such incident befall Jiang Ning, he would never treat it so offhandedly, yet Pei Yujing merely dismissed it with ease.

It seemed as though, throughout everything, she truly never invested any real concern.

In those days, Jiang Ning lacked maturity, constantly advising Pei Yujing on her errors and proper responses, though Pei Yujing paid him no mind.

Reflecting now, was Jiang Ning truly correct?

He viewed himself as clear-headed, but at twenty-seven, his existence remained utter chaos.

Pei Yujing refrained from striving aggressively, yet she secured a spot in Yu Zhou City's top government office and independently purchased both home and automobile.

Maybe Pei Yujing held no fault whatsoever; perhaps it was Jiang Ning who erred.

This notion barely emerged before Jiang Ning swiftly rejected it, his expression firm: 'No, I wasn't mistaken.'

'She's the one beyond saving.'

Should he gain a second chance at life, Jiang Ning could rely on sheer power to compel alterations in her ways, thereby validating his stance.

Yet, in the end, coercion proved unnecessary for him.

'Right or wrong holds no significance anymore.' Jiang Ning shook his head, falling silent thereafter.

He lowered the compact tray and retrieved his mobile, where the display revealed multiple WeChat notifications from Tongtong.

'Hey Jiang Ning, check your phone's home screen right away, spot an app named 'Tools'?'

'Have you tapped it? Inside lies a video player, once opened, head to the cached videos section!'

'Found them? (grin)'

Adhering to the instructions, Jiang Ning accessed each step and unexpectedly uncovered scores of pre-loaded 'Tom and Jerry' installments.

He remained unaware of when Tongtong had stealthily borrowed his device to install them.

Tongtong: 'High-speed rail WiFi is spotty; these animations will keep you entertained during the trip without boredom, hehe.'

Gazing at the note, Jiang Ning envisioned Tongtong positioned before him, her young features beaming with mischievous delight.

...

At the riverside embankment minus Jiang Ning's presence, within a simple dwelling.

Tongtong frolics with mini sparklers outside, far surpassing Fairy Wands in spectacle once lit, as they erupt into dazzling bursts of light.

She seizes one mini sparkler, joyfully twirling it about.

Unlike extravagant fireworks, these mini versions cost far less; a single yuan's worth provides extended amusement.

The flickering lights brighten the evening heavens, while also highlighting half of Mr. Qian's visage as he adopts a mentor-like poise, narrowing his gaze warmly and amiably: 'Dongdong, why skip your training? Missing your mother perhaps?'

Dongdong, bundled in a padded coat, sturdy and shadowy in build, typically brims with boldness—engaging in basketball, badminton, or dashing about, unleashing his innate physical vigor!

But on this day, he slumped on the earth in defeat, surrounded by dimly seen empty Wangzai milk containers.

Amid the gloom, his demeanor struck as profoundly downcast, like one reeling from a severe setback.

Mr. Qian deemed this unacceptable, relying on Dongdong's growth to counter Jiang Ning and Uncle Zhang; regardless of the victor, he'd support fervently.

'Dongdong, countless folks worldwide merit a thrashing—don't you yearn to deliver it?' he persuaded gently.

Dongdong chugs another Wangzai milk, his gaze dull and voice feeble: 'I do, but they're beyond my reach!'

Mr. Qian motivated: 'Dongdong, my analysis shows you possess the talent to overcome Jiang Ning!'

Dongdong's gaze sparked with interest.

Tongtong pursed her lips: 'Among Jiang Ning's vanquished foes, he scarcely qualifies.'

Dongdong's budding optimism faded away.

Mr. Qian grew annoyed, pressing on: 'Dongdong, trust me, you're youthful yet, with boundless prospects ahead!'

Tongtong sneered: 'Prospects? Ha, one day Jiang Ning could snap his limbs, erasing any future entirely.'

Upon hearing this, Dongdong succumbed to despair and sobbed uncontrollably.

Mr. Qian fumed: 'Utterly useless!'

Dongdong's aspirations lay crushed by Jiang Ning's strike, rendering them barely viable now.

...

Tongtong wraps up her fun with the mini fireworks and heads indoors cheerfully.

The kitchen glows with cozy warmth, Aunt Gu positioned near the stove, feeding logs into the fire as she slowly cooks beef shank.

The previous day, Tongtong yearned for chilled sauce-slathered beef slices, so Aunt Gu prepared it early, cooled and set it firm for easy slicing later.

With New Year's Eve approaching, mother and child unite in the kitchen under the soft bulb's radiance, Aunt Gu shares tales from the village excursion.

Aunt Gu mentioned using thirty thousand yuan to renovate Tongtong's grandparents' residence.

Tongtong lauded instantly: 'Mom, you're amazing!'

She extended her thumb upward, playfully adding: 'Thanks to Mom's commanding presence, when I visit for dinner, the elders yield their spots to me!'

Aunt Gu mixed exasperation with laughter: 'Shoo.'

Tongtong chuckled, drawing nearer rather than retreating, clutching her mother's arm firmly.

Once family matters concluded, Aunt Gu shifted to their cityward journey, recounting how a boastful aunt inquired smugly about their travel to Yuzhou.

Aunt Gu mimicked the haughty voice: 'Xiao Gu, need a lift from me?'

Aunt Gu proceeded with the memory.

Maintaining composure, she declined steadily: 'No trouble needed; our firm offers transport perks for family trips.'

'Right then, a Mercedes pulled up at the village gate.' Aunt Gu's grin proved tough to contain.

Tongtong echoed the sentiment: 'That family despises others! Next round, have Jiang Ning nab their pup!'

Aunt Gu shot Tongtong a stern look: 'Stop that silly talk!'

Tongtong laughed: 'Mom, remember to grab roe-filled crabs tomorrow morning; that's my craving!'

Lately, she'd delved into crab-prep methods, discreetly ordering a crab utensil kit online to devour neatly and astonish the lackluster Chuchu.

'Of course, I'll get all your favorites!' Aunt Gu's tender features softened into a warm grin.

Beneath the cheer, observing her innocent child, she felt a surge of sentiment, thinking back to how her girl had shared scant indulgences with her, braving numerous trials.

Aunt Gu heard no gripes from her, regardless of hardships; a simple dish of stir-fried shredded potatoes with peppers kept her beaming through the day.

She earnestly wished for their lives to improve steadily...

Tongtong's eyes grew wide: 'Mom, anything at all?'

Aunt Gu assured boldly: 'Absolutely, Mom's got ample funds!'

Tongtong: 'In that case, chocolate ice cream topped with nuts.'

Aunt Gu paused briefly, then burst out: 'You resemble ice cream yourself!'

...

Aboard the bullet train bound for Linzhou.

Jiang Ning reclined against the pane, leisurely viewing 'Tom and Jerry'; this series eased him since justice balanced both parties, unlike the verdant meadow tales where he hoped the predator devoured every lamb.

Conversely, Pei Yujing fidgeted uneasily, aware her seating stemmed from Jiang Ning's aid.

Yet moments earlier, she'd sensed his sudden chilliness.

She committed no offense; yielding her place to an expectant mother meant brief standing, hardly burdensome.

Evenings found her assisting at a barbecue joint, enduring hours on her feet...

Pei Yujing failed to grasp Jiang Ning, but grateful for his support, she initiated chat: 'Jiang Ning, alighting at Linzhou terminal?'

Jiang Ning lifted his eyes, responding: 'Doesn't matter.'

Pei Yujing: 'Huh?'