Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1588 - 869: Lucky Money
Previously on Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation...
Window seat on the high-speed train.
'Whatever...'
What sort of reply is that? Given Pei Yujing's way of thinking, it's tough to grasp.
'Perhaps he didn't catch it right...' Pei Yujing pondered.
She gathered her thoughts and questioned once more: "Jiang Ning, once the high-speed train halts, which city do you intend to get off at?"
Jiang Ning answered in a haphazard manner: "I'll exit on foot with my own legs."
Pei Yujing froze for a moment and responded: "Could you elaborate a little?"
Jiang Ning: "Of course, I'll choose to lead with either my left foot or right foot depending on the circumstances and my own liking."
Well, Pei Yujing went quiet now.
Jiang Ning stayed still, quietly employing his Divine Sense to probe her, musing: 'So even you can be at a loss for words?'
During his previous lifetime, whenever he dealt with Pei Yujing, she stayed composed, making Jiang Ning appear immature and hot-headed, lacking in poise. Yet that was natural; usually, girls that age outgrow boys their own age.
Besides, judging by ordinary societal norms, Pei Yujing truly surpassed Jiang Ning by a wide margin.
Thus back then, Jiang Ning knew his place and decided to back off. Even during their final goodbye in the park, he never caught Pei Yujing displaying any unique feelings for him.
The final update about Pei Yujing came months afterward, via a WeChat from Sister Ma: 'Xiao Jiang, Jingjing wonders why you haven't reached out to her recently.'
Whether that statement was genuine can't be confirmed anymore, but Jiang Ning figures it's very likely Sister Ma invented it on purpose.
Having gone through the Shen Qing’e affair, he had no desire to laboriously win over a girl's affections anymore, since the deeper the commitment, the more devastating the eventual rebound.
Jiang Ning's reply had been, 'I miss Jingjing.'
From that point on, their exchanges ceased entirely.
Right now.
Pei Yujing got Jiang Ning's offbeat answer.
She remained seated calmly for some time, then flipped down the tray table. A ring on the rear of her phone cover extended, letting her prop the device flat like a holder.
On the phone display, a renowned instructor was giving a lesson, and she soon got drawn in, focusing closely.
Pei Yujing possessed striking looks, yet her nature was aloof, avoiding social interactions, and preferring to withdraw from crowds, leaving her friendless.
Her folks operated a barbecue joint, and back in junior high, classmates mocked her, shaping her outlook even more. However, she escaped actual bullying thanks to Sister Ma, the barbecue shop owner—a bold female figure who feared no agitators, much less mere kids.
Jiang Ning examined her once more; amid the racing compartment, Pei Yujing relaxed comfortably, her lengthy dark hair cascading down her back. Surprisingly, as his Divine Sense passed by, he sensed a subtle tenderness.
'It's no surprise that in my former life, hearing how the Ghost Fire kids gummed up her hair forcing a short cut left me so furious...'
Abruptly, Jiang Ning stiffened, narrowing his gaze.
In his earlier school years, his cousin's safeguarding spared him the Ghost Fire kids' torments. Yet in this existence, why does spotting the Ghost Fire kids always tempt him to launch fireworks their way?
'In that regard, this life's outcomes are quietly shaped by the prior life's origins.'
Jiang Ning experienced a strange sense of melancholy.
The surroundings bore no connection to Pei Yujing; she appeared timeless, lost in the realm of virtual lectures.
Jiang Ning observed her iPhone 6 Plus in use. Upon reflection, it fit; Sister Ma's Barbecue was delicious, probably raking in twenty to thirty thousand monthly with ease, and Pei Yujing assisted frequently, so even basic wages could cover such a purchase.
Pei Yujing had no clue about Jiang Ning's musings; she dove deep into her studies.
She cherished education; while engaged in it, loneliness never touched her.
Despite home duties consuming much of her time, she still earned a spot in the experimental class, hooked on the pursuit of knowledge.
"Ladies and gentlemen, hello, the train you're on is approaching the next station, Ancheng Station. Those getting off at Ancheng Station, kindly get ready ahead..."
Ancheng wasn't Jiang Ning's destination; right after the broadcast, an older lady grabbed her bag swiftly, hurrying to the doors like she couldn't bear to stay a moment longer.
A little lad posed a big puzzle to his dad: "Dad, why do folks abandon their seats and line up in the passage before the train pulls in? It clearly needs minutes to halt!"
The child's dad, ever polite, gently clarified: "The high-speed train's dwell time is brief, with crowds eager to board outside. Delay your exit, and you'll get jostled."
The child's mom added: "Plus, exiting sooner lets you snag a cab ahead, sparing a few minutes inside but avoiding a half-hour queue outside."
Enlightenment dawned on the boy, his folks beaming happily—a heartwarming family moment!
All of a sudden, a remark came from the side: "Could it be she's rushing away fearing a strike?"
The words landed, and the atmosphere stiffened.
Numerous gazes shifted automatically toward Jiang Ning's spot.
Jiang Ning stated firmly: "In exceptional cases, I usually refrain from striking anyone."
The riders laughed lightly, amazed this rugged fellow could quip so casually.
With departing regulars stepping off and newcomers climbing on, the high-speed train resumed motion.
Aboard the high-speed train, the noisiest elements were the boisterous traders yapping on calls and rowdy youngsters.
For the first group, Jiang Ning channeled his Mana to disable their devices' batteries.
Regarding the kids, Jiang Ning faced away, snapping at a persistently clamorous girl opposite: "Quiet!"
In general, guardians of disruptive offspring often share that same poor caliber.
The girl's dad, stern-faced, scowled and retorted: "Why pick a fight with a young kid?"