Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1634 - 892: The Watcher

Inside the gold store.

'Am I your gift?' Upon hearing this question, Jiang Ning found the sentiment both strange and strangely touching.

In his past, as a lonely youth venturing into the city for his studies, the kind-hearted Mr. Guo had effectively been a gift to his life.

Jiang Ning spoke softly, "That is a different matter. I am simply fetching this gold brick for you; it is yours now..."

Guo Ran opened her mouth, intending to explain that gold earrings were far too intimate a gift, usually reserved for impending marriages.

However, Jiang Ning held a finger against his lips with a half-smile, cutting her off: "Teacher, I recall you once stating that you detest those who endlessly decline a generous gesture."

Guo Ran was rendered speechless.

"Sir, would you like me to box these up?" the salesclerk inquired.

"No need." Taking the Butterfly Tassel earrings, Jiang Ning flicked his wrist. A moistened tissue magically manifested in his grip, and he proceeded to wipe the jewelry with careful precision.

Watching his intense focus, Guo Ran was struck by how elegant he appeared.

'Could he intend to put them on me himself?'

'If that were to happen...' Guo Ran felt a profound sense of conflict; should that boundary be crossed, she...

The next instant, Jiang Ning called out, "Sister Qin."

Guo Ran’s pounding heart immediately settled.

Le Qin hurried over without hesitation.

"Please help Guo Ran put these on," Jiang Ning requested.

Le Qin cast a glance at the pair, clicking her tongue as she sensed a highly intricate dynamic between them.

Choosing not to tease them, she simply accepted the jewelry.

'Stunning...' Le Qin thought, even as a seasoned professional in the legal field, she found herself captivated by the earrings.

As she leaned in to apply the jewelry to Guo Ran’s pink ears, the younger woman’s earlobes slightly shivered in modesty.

A minute passed, and after appraising her work, Le Qin nodded in approval: "Let us step outside and see how they look."

The employee hurriedly led them to the exit, where the crowd grew increasingly frantic near the gold brick display, many desperate to replicate Jiang Ning’s feat, unaware that their dreams were ultimately futile.

Moving through the throng and into the warm sunlight, Guo Ran halted. As Jiang Ning looked at her, he was reminded of a line: ’Golden butterflies dance round the ear, tassels sway to mirror beauty.’

Guo Ran teased a lock of hair away from her ear with delicate fingers, her eyes bright with anticipation: "Do these earrings suit me?"

Le Qin had only ever known Guo Ran to dress modestly in slim-fitting jeans that highlighted her figure.

Seeing her wear jewelry for the first time, Le Qin exclaimed: "Absolutely mesmerizing. Like two tiny butterflies taking flight—truly magnificent."

Guo Ran beamed, though her gaze quickly drifted back to Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning had intended to follow Le Qin’s lead, but recollecting a compliment Chuchu had given to an outfit yesterday, he nodded and murmured: "It is not the earrings that are stunning, but you."

Guo Ran froze, a radiant smile instantly gracing her features.

...

Without expressing her thanks aloud, Guo Ran took out her phone and captured a few side-profile selfies that showcased the butterfly studs.

She moved to publish them on social media, blocking her own parents first, but then hesitated; fearing she might be misunderstood by others, she considered filtering her colleagues and students but paused at her friends lists.

Since when had posting a simple update become so complicated?

Guo Ran removed all restrictions, wrote the caption [Gratitude to my senior disciple—Jiang Ning for the New Year’s gift], and posted it publicly.

Jiang Ning observed the process with a serene expression. Being the only Immortal in this world, he moved through life without any limitations.

After the post went live, Guo Ran felt an unaccustomed sense of tranquility.

Seven kilometers away, Mrs. Guo nearly dropped her phone in shock: "My Ranran actually posted to her moments?"

Mr. Guo peered over from the couch: "Why wouldn't she? You were just blocked, that’s all!"

Mrs. Guo found his tone irritating: "As if you weren't blocked too!"

Mr. Guo retreated into silence.

"Goodness, those earrings are gold, in the shape of butterflies—simply gorgeous!"

"Jiang Ning? Isn't that her student? A very handsome lad! I recall his family mentioned Evergreen Liquid..." Mrs. Guo’s eyes lit up; with such a dapper son-in-law, she would certainly have more status in the community.

"No wonder she woke up so energetic today!" Mrs. Guo paced the living room with excitement.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit internet cafe, Kun Nan sat wearing headphones while watching a romance anime, fantasizing about the moment he walked out the door and encountered a delicate 165cm, 45kg high school girl who would bashfully confess her love for his charming personality.

Kun Nan’s expression grew increasingly strange while he daydreamed, until a child at the next terminal caught a glimpse of his face and the screen—now showing pop-ups of scantily-clad models—and recoiled in fear.

Hearing the commotion, Kun Nan returned to reality and lowered his smirk, feigning a mature attitude as he looked at the child. "Little one, playing games so young? It reminds me of my youth."

The boy managed a nervous smile: "You’re a real pro, big brother."

Delighted by the flattery, Kun Nan chuckled: "Hehe, once you finish that round, Uncle will treat you to some candied haws!"

The child was terrified, quickly sliding off his chair: "Uncle, I’m far too young, please spare me!"