Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1596 - 873: Are You Satisfied with This Answer?

Sister Ma’s Barbecue.

The winter season in Yuzhou brings intense cold, leaving the barbecue eatery's front courtyard without any open-air seating options.

Guo Kunnan along with his companions timed their arrival perfectly, spotting a sizable table that had just emptied indoors. After taking their seats, the bunch called for some roasted skewers and beverages, then launched into their discussion.

With a tray in hand, Pei Yujing approached, her expression frosty, as she set out the dishes one after another: fried silkworm bean flowers, fried bean cakes, and cucumber salad.

Guo Kunnan pulled back his admiring look and suddenly let out a sigh: “Brother Ma, I’ve been really bothered lately!”

Wang Longlong: “What’s troubling you this time?”

Dan Kaiquan grabbed a piece of silkworm bean flower using his chopsticks, nonchalantly: “It’s likely tied to one of his old elementary or middle school girl classmates.”

Thus, Guo Kunnan started recounting how he’d friended two attractive female classmates near the New Year. With one, they exchanged adds, shared memories from school, and grew close quick. He made a habit of sending morning and evening greetings to her, yet in mere days, she abruptly removed him. When he tried re-adding, she explained she had a boyfriend who insisted she clear out all guys from her friend list.

As he spoke, a trace of sadness crossed Guo Kunnan’s face. That classmate was rather good-looking, and he had a soft spot for all pretty ladies, so watching one snag a boyfriend left him feeling jealous and uneasy.

Zhang Chi munched on a fried bean cake, and hearing the story, he knitted his brows.

This evening’s barbecue came courtesy of Brother Nan. Lately, Zhang Chi had taken up security work, encountering all sorts of folks, and got duped by Yan Tianpeng over the New Year, experiencing the ups and downs of people’s true natures. In this harsh reality, with Brother Nan footing the bill for his meal, how could Zhang Chi remain unmoved?

Zhang Chi chimed in with anger on his behalf: “Damn, if they have the nerve to delete you, I’ll hack them up!”

Wang Longlong pointed out: “Brother Chi, that’s way too harsh!”

Cui Yu: “That girl lacks sense; she’s bound to rue the day later.”

Guo Kunnan heaved a heavy sigh: “Even if she does regret it, by that point, she won’t be the innocent girl I pictured anymore...”

He hailed from town middle school and understood well the wild side of local high schools.

Cui Yu joked: “Anan, if Hu Jun was around and caught wind of this, he’d be thrilled for sure.”

Wang Longlong: “To the memory of Brother Jun.”

Ma Shicheng fixed his gaze on Guo Kunnan and inquired: “So, what exactly do you want?”

Guo Kunnan gave a wry smile: “Truth is, I don’t harbor any improper intentions toward her now; I just wish to bid goodnight and hold onto the recollection.”

‘What a fool...’ the others thought to themselves mockingly.

Ma Shicheng mulled it over briefly before responding: “If you’re set on friending her again, let’s approach it from a tech angle. Once added, tell her you’ve got something crucial to share.”

Guo Kunnan blinked in surprise: “But I don’t actually have anything crucial?”

Ma Shicheng: “Aren’t your ‘good morning’ and ‘good night’ messages crucial?”

Guo Kunnan’s face lit up, and he declared earnestly: “Crucial!”

Ma Shicheng: “After friending her, quietly set up a WeChat group and drag her in. Repeat this to whip up hundreds of groups fast. Even if she cuts you off, you’ll have tons of chats left to message her through. Make plenty, and she won’t escape them all, meaning she can’t truly block you.”

Once he wrapped up, silence hung for a beat, then Guo Kunnan hesitated: “But that approach...”

Wang Longlong remarked: “This tactic isn’t exactly honorable; it’s at best impulsive.”

Guo Kunnan looked uncomfortable and shook his head: “Not quite right.”

Ma Shicheng wasn’t taken aback by his refusal; Brother Nan still held some principles. Someone like Liu Chuandao would have jumped at it already.

As their talk flowed, a handful of youngsters entered from the entrance, seeming around twelve or thirteen.

“Boss, got any open spots?” The kid in front tried mimicking an adult vibe.

Pei Yujing grabbed the menu and guided them: “Sure, this way.”

The kids settled in and eagerly huddled over the menu, diving into their barbecue picks.

“Go for vegetarian chicken; it’s affordable and satisfying!”

“Starch sausage tastes great, so let’s grab a few each, plus some napa cabbage... and grilled eggplant sounds yummy too!”

Zhang Chi caught their chatter, and as a fellow strapped-for-cash type, he saw right through them—penny-wise lads pooling coins for a grill-out—and a scornful grin formed.

Guo Kunnan had been about to mention his other female classmate, but spotting the young bunch nearby shifted his words: “How great; it takes me back to my middle school years.”

Ma Shicheng eyed the group; with solid pals to chill with and money in pocket these days, he chuckled: “It’s fine. Since things are going strong for me now, no point lingering on old times.”

Wang Longlong: “One should always face ahead.”

Pei Yujing carried dishes over to the kids’ adjacent table, plating silkworm beans and bean cakes while noting: “On the house.”

Zhang Chi observed and muttered: “They’re spending next to nothing, and she’s tossing in extras for free!”

Dan Kaiquan: “Customers are customers!”

Zhang Chi wagged his head and bluntly stated: “Sister Ma doesn’t run business sharp; if it was my call, I’d squeeze every profit possible.”

Noticing Zhang Chi’s assured tone, Cui Yu prodded on purpose: “Come on, Brother Chi, share your wisdom.”

Zhang Chi dipped his head toward the paper cup before him.

Cui Yu swiftly hoisted the big cola bottle and topped off his cup.

Zhang Chi sipped the cola, flashed a composed smile, and began: “If I ran the place and saw they weren’t big spenders, I’d slash the food expenses first—no free silkworm bean flowers or bean cakes—then for their garlic eggplant order, I’d choose the tiniest one available.”

Dan Kaiquan scoffed: “That’s all? Is that what passes for morals these days?”

Zhang Chi went on steadily: “They asked for mild spice, yeah? I’d load it up with extra chili to make it blazing hot!”

Cui Yu scowled: “That’s straight-up sabotaging without any gain!”

Zhang Chi pressed on: “Once the heat overwhelms them, I’d hand out a cola bottle to each to cool the burn.”