Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1610 - 880: Ding Ding Dang

Winter, by the river dam.

On this day, the sunlight beams brilliantly, its soft and radiant beams cutting through the chilly atmosphere, landing on the simple houses and the ground below.

Normally, Xue Chuchu would linger at the entrance alongside Tongtong. Merely resting there silently under the sun's warmth offered a scarce feeling of ease and tranquility.

Even though the day felt mild, Xue Chuchu pulled her padded jacket tighter around herself.

A faint coldness appeared to infiltrate her frame, causing her complexion to turn even more ashen.

She headed back home in complete silence.

'Everything's fine. With Jiang Ning around, Tongtong won't be stuck indoors like she used to. She was meant to be full of energy,' Xue Chuchu reflected inwardly.

Having shared their childhood as close companions surviving the toughest years, she truly wished for Tongtong's joy to keep growing.

What about her own situation? Her face stayed composed and detached, revealing nothing of her inner thoughts.

Her steps toward home were unhurried.

Reminiscent of those distant days when she and Tongtong played hide-and-seek around the village. Tongtong, being petite and sharp, always concealed herself masterfully, leaving Xue Chuchu unable to spot her.

Naturally, Xue Chuchu wasn't one to back down easily. After finishing her count each time, she'd make a show of searching briefly.

Once she pretended not to locate her, she'd head straight home to eat, then stroll back leisurely to concede the game.

From her spot, Tongtong would pop out beaming with delight, naively proclaiming, 'I'm the queen of hide-and-seek!'

Xue Chuchu always played along, feigning a look of defeat.

Unbeknownst to Tongtong, she'd been tucked away amid the wood pile for ages, dusted with bits of rubbish, and would face a scolding from Aunt Gu upon returning home.

'Act as if she's just tucked away playing hide-and-seek with me,' Xue Chuchu reassured herself.

At his doorway, Zhang Ruyun was busy cleaning his vehicle while keeping an eye on Xue Chuchu.

Spotting her approach, he called out loudly, mimicking a herald: 'No luck finding her, huh? Jiang Ning whisked Xue Yuantong away on an outing earlier. Word is they headed to town for the flower and bird market. They left you behind?'

Xue Chuchu's breathing hitched; she halted for a couple of beats before replying, 'Thanks.'

Thrilled as if he'd pulled off something heroic, Zhang Ruyun briefly overlooked his girlfriend's rendezvous with someone else.

Ignoring him completely now, Xue Chuchu continued to her home's entrance, planning to enter the main area directly, yet the primary door stood firmly closed.

She extended her hand and nudged it softly; it refused to yield, apparently secured from within.

Wonderful—even besides failing to track down Tongtong and Jiang Ning, she couldn't access her own residence... Misfortune was stacking up relentlessly...

While she stood there confused, a crisp voice rang out from indoors: 'Hmph, same as when you were little—can't locate it and head home, huh?'

The door swung open.

There stood Tongtong, arms folded across her chest, radiating smug confidence,

with Jiang Ning positioned beside her, composed and reliable, resembling a top-tier guardian.

Despite Tongtong's teasing words, in that instant, gazing at the pair—one tall, one tiny—Xue Chuchu sensed a wave of happiness surging within her.

...

In the city.

Jiang Ning secured his cherished e-bike; Chuchu dismounted, followed by Tongtong hopping down behind.

At the roadside, Tongtong tilted her head up at the enormous banner, announcing: 'Yuzhou Flower and Bird World—what an imposing title!'

Jiang Ning eyed the excited Tongtong without comment, simply proceeding into the market.

Being the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, the flower and bird market buzzed far more than Tongtong had anticipated, featuring a vibrant assortment of items, vendors' shouts mingling with haggling voices amid the throng. This bustling vibe, full of genuine human connection, outshone anything in the malls.

Up ahead bloomed splendid blooms: pothos, lilies, phalaenopsis, tulips... making the very air taste sugary.

Xue Yuantong snapped pictures to send to Chen Siyu, then dashed over to a cluster of succulents. These plants boasted distinctive forms, were affordable, and required minimal upkeep.

'Siyu, I've picked up two succulent pots.'

Chen Siyu shot back right away: 'Grabbing all that meat—sure you can polish it off?'

'...' Xue Yuantong: 'Won't be enough to devour.'

Chen Siyu sent over 50 yuan, offering freely: 'On me—go ahead and indulge.'

Xue Yuantong displayed the message thread to Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning remarked: 'No worries, she's a tad dim and somewhat clueless, yet she treats you decently enough.'

Through the flower and bird market, Tongtong and Chuchu wandered; Tongtong spotted a stall with candied rice sticks and craved some, but lacked cash.

Thus, she gestured toward an older pair purchasing candied rice sticks, exclaiming, 'Jiang Ning, Jiang Ning, see—they're so aged, but grandpa's still getting candied rice sticks for grandma!'

Jiang Ning glanced over; the senior duo dressed elegantly, likely refined retirees, displaying tender affection that epitomized ideal romance.

Tongtong's words reached the ears of grandma and grandpa; the elderly woman beamed with satisfaction and leaned nearer to her husband, who encircled her with his arm, swelling with pride.

Nearby young pairs watched enviously, murmuring in awe and wonder.

Jiang Ning remained indifferent: 'Candied rice sticks? Too ordinary—we youngsters need something more thrilling.'

With that, he purchased two enormous cotton candies, each bigger than Tongtong's face.

Tongtong chomped down largely, savoring the sweetness that also melted warmly in her chest.

The old man, smug just seconds before, now stared in shock.

Uncontent, the old lady desired cotton candy as well.

Hastily, the old man declared: 'Absolutely not—you've got high blood sugar, and at our age, avoid sweets like the kids do!'

This irked the old lady.

Bearing Tong and Chu, Jiang Ning strode past haughtily, like a triumphant champion.

...

Tongtong ventured into the section for fish, insects, and birds.

Goldfish glided gracefully in their tanks, offering a calming sight, while tiny turtles ambled in their containers.

Tongtong crouched near the side, calling out: 'Jiang Ning, Jiang Ning, check it out—your buddy's caught!'

Irritated, Jiang Ning grabbed her cotton candy from her grasp.