Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1607 - 878: Forgive Him (Part 2)
Previously on Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation...
Observing the unfolding events, Lu Qiqi's mind raced with ideas; as a practical individual, she had closely studied numerous folks at school.
Folks resembling Zhuang Jianhui prove tougher to manage compared to Qi Tianheng.
From Lu Qiqi's perspective, Zhuang Jianhui often grinned openly across the school grounds, yet a faint chill and detachment lingered in his gaze, like he remained detached from the world, untouched by it all, observing from an elevated vantage, as though he pierced right through those nearby, rendering him more distant to connect with.
Right now, he's engaging in an easygoing talk with Jiang Ning, expressing himself with firm assurance.
In particular, that fashionable young lady, who held deep respect for Jiang Ning, managing to associate with Zhuang Jianhui suggests she's likely on par with him socially.
For the first time, Lu Qiqi glimpsed Jiang Ning's circle of connections.
Her thoughts involuntarily drifted back to a relaxed conversation with Shen Qing’e, where the composed Shen Qing’e remarked: “Him, a guy who's strayed from the path.”
…
Descending from his vehicle, Jiang Ning conversed with Wei Zishan and the rest.
As the proverb states, stirring up issues comes easily, but settling them proves challenging.
Gazing at the youths sprawled on the floor, Lu Qiqi felt a surge of concern: “How are they going to sort this out?”
Yan Tianpeng replied: “Exactly, she's the offspring of Mr. Wang!”
Zhang Chi let out a mocking chuckle: “What's impressive about being Mr. Wang's daughter? If you rile me up too much, I'd even take a swing at Mr. Wang himself! It's merely one existence—who claims superiority over another?”
Within his philosophy, all individuals stand equal, no matter their riches or position; should you drive him to the brink, he'd bide his time watching your moves, then grasp the chance to act, treating everyone the same irrespective of background.
Lu Qiqi found herself at a loss for words: “Zhang Chi, you're overdoing the bravado!”
Does he regard existence as some video game, complete with multiple respawns?
“We must resolve this properly,” Lu Qiqi declared.
Yan Tianpeng: “We should bolt from here fast; Mr. Wang holds real sway, controlling two massive spa establishments in Yuzhou!”
Zhuang Jianhui mulled it over briefly, preparing to seek reconciliation.
Just then, Xue Yuantong chimed in, eyeing the strewn youths below: “I figure they've pardoned me already.”
“Huh?” The group stared in confusion.
Xue Yuantong: “Back in my childhood, I unwittingly trod on a dog's tail; it howled and spun around but held back from snapping at me. Why? It had let me off the hook!”
Jiang Ning chimed in: “Similarly, with these kids, I thrashed them, yet they stayed down without fighting back, which means they've absolved me.”
Lin Zida flashed a thumbs-up: “Your words ring completely true!”
Yuan Lin couldn't believe it. Having lived through numerous years, he'd never come across reasoning so flawlessly circular. He probed: “Maybe they're too hurt to rise and fight back?”
Wei Zishan paid no mind to the fallout, for in her eyes, those ruffians equated to mere canines; even the mighty Mr. Wang appeared no grander than such thugs to her.
All her focus centered on Jiang Ning, whose allure proved overwhelmingly captivating.
“Jiang Ning, I'm aware of your father's occupation.” Wei Zishan, having hung around with Ding Shuyan, had picked up plenty of charming approaches from her.
Lu Qiqi recalled that Jiang Ning's dad appeared employed at Evergreen Liquid, perhaps in a managerial role...
Zhuang Jianhui and Lin Zida shot glances at Wei Zishan, thinking: ‘Has she delved that deeply into his background?’
The prior fellow Wei Zishan had checked out was a remarkably arrogant youth, about twenty years old, from a real estate dynasty prominent in Jiangxi Province; such clans often dispatched their offspring overseas.
Once that family discovered the Wei clan probing, they buzzed with enthusiasm, given how real estate thrives on governmental favors, urging their son endlessly to bond closely with Wei Zishan.
Before long, Wei Zishan lost interest, cast him aside, leaving him to plead in vain against the split.
At present, Wei Zishan's actions heightened the wariness in Zhuang Jianhui and his companions.
Jiang Ning fixed his gaze on her: “You know about my father?”
Wei Zishan beamed radiantly, with eager warmth: “Not just that—I know his line of work too!”
Jiang Ning: “Is that so?”
Wei Zishan hid her smile behind her hand: “Was your father once a robber who nabbed the shiniest stars from the sky to place in your eyes?”
Her comment plunged the group into quiet astonishment.
Lin Zida: “Sis, when words fail you, better to stay quiet.”
Jiang Ning's lips curved in a grimace: “Did my dad swipe your brains or something?”
A wave of chuckles broke out among the crowd.
Amid this merry instant, upon the chilly pavement, one youth twitched his finger subtly, furtively clasping the metal rod nearby.
In the earlier turmoil, he'd smartly flattened himself, feigning demise to dodge harm.
At last, his moment had arrived.
The instant after, cutting through the mirth, an enraged shout burst forth: “Damn it, did you fools actually believe I'd let you off, you scum!”
From her side angle, Lu Qiqi spotted a silhouette abruptly surging up behind Jiang Ning, hoisting the metal rod to crash it onto Jiang Ning's skull.
The youth's features contorted in fury, deeply insulted, and now vengeance would unfold.
Fierce animosity surged in his savage stare, unleashed following prolonged restraint!
The assault struck too near and abrupt, with everyone lost in glee, too slow to respond.
By the time Xue Yuantong and Xue Chuchu caught on, the rod hovered directly above Jiang Ning's crown.
Instantly, they recalled that film protagonist who triumphed over every foe, only to fall to a covert shot in his victorious revelry!
The entire group witnessed the peril develop yet stood frozen, powerless to intervene.
The rod, loaded with immense power, descended forcefully, as onlookers nearly foresaw the looming disaster.
In that dire instant, Jiang Ning shifted back a short pace, pivoted aside, and effortlessly evaded the rod's descent.
The sneak attacker's swing fell short, his momentum sending his frame lurching ahead from the excess motion.
Like a vise snapping shut, Jiang Ning's right arm shot forward, grabbing the assailant's throat and hoisting him aloft as if he were a helpless fledgling.
“That's your best shot?” Jiang Ning snickered, utterly unfazed.
Lin Zida burst out involuntarily: “Whoa, he sidestepped it just like that?”
“Attempting a surprise with such meager talent!” Jiang Ning retaliated with a flurry of smacks, drawing blood from the youth's lips.
He wailed in misery, dropping to his knees in supplication: “Big bro, ease up, I beg you—it hurts bad!”
This once-fierce aggressor, reduced to a wretched figure on his knees, created a vivid disparity for all to see.
Jiang Ning delivered another boot: “My vehicle's wrecked—how do you plan to make it right?”
“We've got cash, cash!” Desperate to escape more punishment, the youth rifled through the pockets of his downed comrades, not overlooking even the leopard-print-clad girl, presenting Jiang Ning with a total of 1327 yuan.
One fifty-yuan bill appeared too tattered for Jiang Ning's taste, yet Xue Yuantong persuaded him to accept it anyway, pointing out it remained valid currency.
With all that settled, Jiang Ning addressed the fallen youths: “Any of you still holding a grudge against me? Now's your chance to say it, or I'll pummel you senseless!”
The formerly hushed surroundings exploded into a frenzy of pleas: “Boss, boss, we've let it go!”
Jiang Ning nodded approvingly: “Good, now we've secured their pardon.”
Lu Qiqi stood stupefied: ‘This...’
Stunned by Jiang Ning's outlandish way of tying up loose ends, in Zhuang Jianhui's circle, Yuan Lin stood out as an eager student; his habit of devouring egg-fried rice had even inspired Zhuang Jianhui to launch a street food venture.
He'd observed Jiang Ning's abilities on several occasions before; with that in mind, he inquired: “Jiang Ning, to reach your caliber of expertise, how much time would it require if I trained?”
This piqued Zhang Chi's curiosity as well; that fluid dodge and riposte from Jiang Ning moments ago resembled pure mastery.
What guy wouldn't yearn for such prowess?
Jiang Ning grinned: “Begin your training immediately, and keep at it till someone next poses that question to you.”