Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1616 - 883: Competition

Along the Huishui River, an excavated branch stream links up with the primary waterway, but it fails to surge along with the current; instead, it stays remarkably still.

Close by, a middle-aged man engaged in fishing, as serene as the river's waters, perches there like an old monk deep in meditation, apparently unaffected by the surrounding clamor; that's the special endurance anglers possess.

A fishing pole, a bundle of smokes — eternal classics.

Yet the youth lack such endurance. Li Qingyang's cheerful spirit swiftly soured as she snapped coldly, “Yao Yiyao!”

During her elementary school days, Li Qingyang felt ecstatic upon discovering that her grandfather, a bureau chief, once had a language instructor who openly commended her name during lessons, quoting poetry: ‘There is a beauty, clear and graceful...’, foretelling she would mature into a refined and spirited beauty.

The youthful Li Qingyang brimmed with delight, and from that moment, she adopted a soft and elegant manner of speech, resolved to become a graceful and vibrant young lady.

Of course, had it not been for the notorious ‘Qingyang Shampoo’ resounding throughout Jiangnan, she might well have developed into a truly gentle woman...

Li Qingyang despises hearing anyone bring up her nickname above all else; in her view, Yao Yiyao's behavior amounts to nothing less than a blatant challenge!

Yao Yiyao displayed no intimidation, countering sharply, “Why are you calling me, sis?”

Li Qingyang abruptly chuckled, a sly grin forming at her lips as she winked, “I had some free time today, figured I'd head to the river for a bit of fishing. Never expected to find a carousel here for some fun!”

She withdrew her hand from her pocket, pinching a coin between her thumb and forefinger, “You taking customers now?”

Yao Yiyao's face twisted into a scowl instantly.

Jiang Ning observed the exchange with amusement, as the two young women bickered like schoolchildren, seizing on each other's vulnerabilities and striking hard, remarkably immature.

Still, reflecting on upcoming political contests, one could call them the height of global drama, not unlike childish taunts and latching onto flaws. Maybe that's just how so-called sophisticated people truly operate.

In contrast to Jiang Ning's aloof position, Li Han, who had arrived to fish alongside Li Qingyang, promptly sought to defuse the situation: “Sister Qing, Yao Yao, Yuzhou's so vast, running into each other is pure chance, no need to get heated, why not settle down and fish together!”

At the same time, Li Han's eyes casually glanced over Jiang Ning, who lounged against a Yang Tree; a flash of unease crossed his features.

This fellow in the black windbreaker looks strikingly handsome, exuding a refined air, and Li Han couldn't deny it, the man could match him even on his best-groomed days staring into the mirror.

Except he skipped washing his hair this morning!

‘Who’s this guy? What’s he doing with Yao Yiyao?’ Li Han's suspicions ignited.

While steering the conversation elsewhere, Li Han also probed, “Yao Yao, who's this? What's the deal between you two?”

Once he finished, he waited tensely for Yao Yiyao's response.

“Jiang Ning, a friend of mine.” Yao Yiyao appeared disinterested; spotting Li Han right now only irritated her, stirring a deep-seated revulsion.

Li Han's household belongs to the national grid network; earlier, Mrs. Yao had pressed her father to build connections, hoping to snag some contracts.

Yao Haikuo moved swiftly, hosting lavishly and offering gifts generously, going back and forth repeatedly. The memory that stuck with Yao Yiyao most was one evening around ten, when her father abruptly departed following a phone call; he didn't return until the wee hours, thoroughly intoxicated.

She found out afterward that Li Han's father had summoned her dad, presented him to their superior, and covered the expenses casually, assuming a deal would follow after such efforts, yet it all amounted to empty gestures.

On the other hand, Jiang Qitian's uncle expended little energy yet landed the Evergreen Liquid deal. Back then, Yao Yiyao often overheard her father venting frustration about the Li family inside the house.

At first, Li Han's folks acted superior; to them, Yao Haikuo was merely a dirt-grubbing project handler, whereas they held grid authority. Not only authorities, but even an ordinary grid employee could outearn a local government worker by a mile, in their perspective.

However, as the proverb goes, fortunes shift like the river's flow over decades; now Yao Haikuo boasts a powerful patron, pulling in millions yearly. Though the income ‘perhaps’ doesn't eclipse the Li household's, they no longer bother with them.

The formerly eager pups ceased their fawning; the Li family sensed the sting.

Thus, not long back, the Li family approached via Mrs. Yao, wishing for Yao Haikuo to escort Yao Yiyao over for a visit.

At present, witnessing Yao Yiyao's aloof attitude, Li Han grew unsettled; she's attractive, and among the grid kids, she could stand toe-to-toe with Li Qingyang.

Before, when Yao Yiyao dined at his place, he'd quietly mentioned to his parents how pretty she was.

His mother remarked, “But she's too coddled, overly indulged!”

His father gestured toward the television showing wildlife documentaries, with eagles gliding high, jesting, “She'll harden with time.”

These days, with Yao Yiyao's clan ascending, what's left to harden? It left Li Han fretting restlessly; he'd come to the riverbank to fish for relaxation, yet stumbled upon more troubling tidings.

Li Qingyang noticed Jiang Ning too, equally taken aback—is he Yao Yiyao's boyfriend?

‘Should he be her boyfriend...’ A gleam of resolve lit Li Qingyang's eyes; if she snatched the carousel's beau, would that carousel still strut so boldly before her?

At the same time, she eyed the young girl angling by the water, wielding a whimsical little yellow duck pole... Li Qingyang dismissed it outright, merely a side prop?

“Carousel, you gonna introduce him or what?” Li Qingyang uttered, though her gaze locked onto Jiang Ning.

Even under Jiang Ning's direct look, she held her stare without flinching, drawing from the assurance built by fending off numerous suitors.

Occasionally, one's name shapes their destiny; ever since earning the shampoo moniker, she embraced her true self, shedding ladylike pretense for a liberated existence.