Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1725 - 943: Hurting Each Other

A mere day vanished as swiftly as a fleeting breath.

It was Friday morning.

Golden morning light cascaded over the fields, the gentle spring breeze caressed their cheeks, and Xue Yuantong, with a sense of urgency, nudged, "Jiang Ning, hurry! Chuchu must be famished!"

Jiang Ning chuckled in response, "Haha, I suspect it's you who's feeling the hunger pangs."

Xue Yuantong's small legs propelled her forward with surprising speed, as she dashed into Chuchu's kitchen.

"The aroma is divine! Absolutely wonderful!" she exclaimed, her little nose twitching with curiosity. "Are those… sauced beans?"

Xue Chuchu, clad in an apron, was busy scooping batches of pan-fried flatbreads. "Indeed, you and Jiang Ning can each grab a piece to sample."

"I feel terribly shy!" Xue Yuantong declared with mock sternness. After all, as a guest in someone's home, the proper etiquette dictated waiting for the host to partake first!

However, Jiang Ning was far less reserved. In his eyes, Chuchu's home was practically indistinguishable from his own.

He reached for a freshly baked, piping hot flatbread, its surface boasting a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.

With a generous hand, he scooped two to three spoonfuls of sauced beans, mingled with vibrant green and red peppers, artfully spreading them across the bread. Folding it in half, he took a hearty bite, savoring the exquisite taste.

Tongtong, watching intently, swallowed audibly. "Is it as scrumptious as it looks?"

Jiang Ning obligingly held the prepared bread near her mouth. Without hesitation, she took a massive bite, devouring it with gusto.

Xue Chuchu, having finished plating the honey date rice soup, settled down with a gentle grace.

Tongtong, still clutching her half-eaten bread, piped up, "Chuchu, tomorrow is a holiday! Let's have some fun."

Xue Chuchu paused for a moment, a flicker of hesitation crossing her face. "I have school tomorrow."

During the previous semester's final examinations, Xue Yuantong had secured the top position city-wide. Yu Zhou Second Middle School had become accustomed to her brilliance, as it wasn't the first time Xue Yuantong had claimed the highest honor; the second and third places had also been clinched by students from Yu Zhou Second Middle School.

However, this time, the second-place position could not be maintained, having been claimed by Du Chuan from Fourth Middle School, with Jiang Ning securing the ninth spot.

Furthermore, Tu County No.1 High School had managed to secure three positions within the county's top ten rankings. Yu Zhou Second Middle School, incensed by this perceived threat to their academic dominance, was reportedly planning to escalate their efforts in the upcoming year.

Caught in the ensuing academic crossfire, Xue Chuchu was compelled to attend make-up classes on Saturday.

Tongtong, hearing this news, took large gulps of her rice soup, her small hand waving dismissively. "Take a day off! A balance between work and rest is essential for well-being!"

Xue Chuchu quickly shook her head. "My mother would absolutely not agree to that."

Tongtong, ever the strategist, suggested, "Why not simply tell her there are no make-up classes at school tomorrow?"

No sooner had the words left her lips than Hua Fengmei's figure materialized at the doorway, her time-worn face etched with an air of seriousness.

Tongtong's innocent face flushed with embarrassment.

Jiang Ning let out a soft laugh. "Haha."

Angrily, Tongtong discreetly kicked him under the dining table with her little legs. 'Really, is this something to laugh about!'

"Auntie, you're here too?" Jiang Ning offered a polite greeting.

"Yes, the company granted us a day off today," Hua Fengmei replied. Her impression of Jiang Ning remained as favorable as ever; the young man was tall, handsome, academically gifted, and possessed impeccable manners and excellent physical condition. The only perceived flaw was his lack of affiliation with her family.

Tongtong's attempt to lure Chuchu into a bit of mischief had been thwarted, caught red-handed by her mother. With her playful scheme foiled, she could only channel her disappointment into her appetite, eating with renewed vigor.

She swiftly finished her bowl of honey date rice soup and prepared to refill it.

Hua Fengmei teased gently, "You can leave it there once you're finished; I'll wash it later."

A more sensitive individual might have taken the hint and abstained from a second helping.

Tongtong, however, immediately declared, "Chuchu's rice soup is so delicious, I'll have to use a larger bowl!"

Hua Fengmei sighed, a hint of helplessness in her expression. This little girl had always been this way, consistently oblivious to indirect suggestions.

...

Following the conclusion of the third class that morning, Gao Heshuai exited the classroom.

"Jiang Ning, let's play badminton on the playground during the next class. I'm incredibly skilled at badminton, far surpassing Bai Yuxia!" Chen Siyu boasted with evident pride.

Bai Yuxia offered a dry comment from the side, "You're too formidable; even professional athletes would defer to your prowess."

Chen Siyu exclaimed with unbridled joy, "Truly? Am I really that magnificent? Thank you."

Chen Siyu's naiveté was genuinely endearing.

Jiang Yanan expressed a concern, "The last scheduled class for Class 11 was physical education. I heard Mr. Gu went for a blind date outside of school, so they've likely substituted it with English. He might not be back for this class."

Wu Xiaoqi, clutching a basketball, declared, "If there's no gym class, I'll just have to conduct my own session!"

With that declaration, he strode towards the classroom doorway. Though short in stature, his shadow seemed to loom large.

Xue Yuantong announced, "The weather is quite warm today; I feel like playing games. Come on, Jiang Ning!"

She beckoned Jiang Ning to lead the way, and together they proceeded to the office located downstairs.

The office was abuzz with activity. Teachers were engrossed in researching recipes, sipping tea from their thermos flasks, student committee members were clutched stacks of test papers, and Guo Ran was engrossed in watching a drama.

"Well, well, the gaming master has arrived!" Mrs. Zhou greeted them warmly.

Xue Yuantong frequently visits to engage in gaming. Her excellent grades and the distinct aura of a top-tier student, coupled with her cute appearance, earn her recognition from the teachers.

She offers a polite greeting: "Hello, Mr. Zhou."

Witnessing their interaction, Guo Ran smiles and expresses gratitude, "Thanks to you, the school administration has upgraded my computer setup."

Jiang Ning employs his Divine Sense for a scan; indeed, a 2K screen is present, alongside the latest computer hardware and a dedicated, stable broadband connection.

Mrs. Zhou playfully asks, "Xue Yuantong, when will you let me use your computer to play games?"

The teachers are aware of the school's ambitions. Fourth Middle School, the alma mater of Evergreen Liquid, is targeting Yu Zhou Second Middle School, with aspirations to become the preeminent high school in the entire Huibei Region.

Consequently, a top student is needed to maintain prestige. Currently, Xue Yuantong is considered the most promising candidate.

Already settled in the gaming chair, Xue Yuantong commences her virtual conquest of the digital battlefield.

Not far off, Chen Shuaishuai, the monitor for Class 3, is busy organizing test papers, harboring a tinge of envy towards Xue Yuantong's composed demeanor.

Gao Heshuai instructs, "Chen Shuaishuai, inform your class that the next period is standard physical education."

Chen Shuaishuai voices his uncertainty, "Isn't Mr. Gu away?"

Gao Heshuai calmly replies, "I will be teaching your class physical education next period."

He thinks to himself, 'You're truly something!' before promptly leaving the office to relay the news to his classmates.

Jiang Ning, seated casually, enjoys sunflower seeds that Teacher Guo Ran purchased online.

Mrs. Zhou comments, "Mr. Gu seems to be doing quite well, having been matched by his classmates after all."

A stylish woman in high heels enters the office, bringing with her the subtle fragrance of perfume.

Mrs. Zhou exclaims, "Ah, Man Yin is back."

The teacher referred to as Man Yin is the new music instructor this year. Her fashionable attire sets her apart from the typical female teachers.

"What about that civil servant introduced by Lao Shan?" Mrs. Zhou inquires.

Man Yin shakes her head, responding, "Not really. The income is a bit low, and what's more, his parents lack any retirement funds."

While Mrs. Zhou privately considers her to be overly selective, she outwardly reassures, "Let's see. I'll arrange for someone to introduce you to another prospect next time."

Man Yin, holding a 6plus and with her red-painted nails catching the light, turns to ask, "Lao Gao, how was the person you went on a blind date with?"

Gao Heshuai's expression darkens. "Don't bring it up. I had lunch with her yesterday, and after the meal, she suddenly felt unwell."

Man Yin questions, "Was it because the restaurant's food was of poor quality?"

Mrs. Zhou chimes in with surprise, "Oh my, that's a prime opportunity! Take her to the hospital, tend to her needs, show some compassion. Wouldn't that help win her over?"

Gao Heshuai explains, "I did go. At the time, I suspected food poisoning and quickly drove her to the hospital. But upon arrival, can you guess what the doctor revealed?"

At this juncture, Gao Heshuai's somber expression begins to flush.

Man Yin offers a guess, "Did she have some hereditary genetic condition?"

Mrs. Zhou's brow furrows slightly.

Gao Heshuai delivers the unexpected news: "The doctor joyfully informed me that I was going to be a father."

Mrs. Zhou exclaims with delight, "That's wonderful news, truly splendid! Xiao Gao, you certainly know how to handle things!"

Gao Heshuai adds, with a hint of disbelief, "But we've only known each other for less than a week."

Silence descends upon the office.

Guo Ran nearly spits his sunflower seed shells onto Jiang Ning's face.

Man Yin can barely contain her reaction.

Mrs. Zhou, growing incensed, questions, "Who on earth set you up with her? That's utterly inappropriate, isn't it?"

Gao Heshuai casts a look in her direction. "Last time, at dinner, your husband added me. He made the introduction, you do recall?"

Mrs. Zhou falls silent.

The music teacher, Man Yin, feeling rather dejected after her unsuccessful blind date, is offered some aromatic sunflower seeds by Guo Ran.

Man Yin observes Jiang Ning, taken aback by his striking handsomeness and his bright, clear demeanor. His eyes, in particular, possess a captivating charm.

Drawing a comparison to her recent blind date, Man Yin inquires, "Guo Ran, do you happen to know any interesting bars in the city?"

Guo Ran shakes his head. "I'm not sure."

Man Yin declares, "Alright then, I think I'll head to a bar tonight and find someone to share a drink with."

Gao Heshuai, appearing somewhat perplexed, asks, "There are so many men in bars; why don't you try to find a boyfriend there, Man Yin?"

Upon hearing this, Man Yin's mood shifts uncomfortably, and she retorts, "Am I completely out of my mind to look for a boyfriend in a place like that?"

Gao Heshuai, bewildered, challenges, "If you believe the men in bars aren't good people, then why are you planning to go there yourself?"

"You! Stay out of women's affairs!" Man Yin snaps back at him.

Gao Heshuai, known for his own short temper, retorts, "Why are you getting upset? What did I even say to provoke you?"

He then glances sideways and, with a forced smile, utters, "When a stone is tossed into a dog kennel, the one that yelps is usually the one that got hit."

If he wasn't so formidable and seemed indifferent to women, Man Yin might have resorted to striking him.

Man Yin scoffed, "Ha, so you finally grasp it! That's precisely why you can't find a romantic partner!"

The sting of an attack from a peer of the opposite sex was indeed quite hurtful, and Gao Heshuai found himself utterly furious.

...

Physical education class commenced.

Gao Heshuai took charge of both classes himself, pushing them through an arduous training regimen.

Only Jiang Yanan, Tang Jing, and Lu Qiqi managed to find pretexts to rest.

After approximately twenty minutes of intense training, Gao Heshuai finally announced a pause, by which time even Cui Yu and the others were thoroughly exhausted.

Liu Chuandao grumbled, "Damn it, that Fatty Gao is such a weakling, isn't he supposed to be a math teacher? What's he even doing teaching physical education, holy crap!"

Guo Kunnan, gasping for breath, added, "He's a top student from Nanshi University. Our class is so impressive now that none of us dare to claim a guaranteed spot at Nanshi University."

Dan Kaiquan chimed in, "He used to be able to explain Chinese exam papers even when he was drunk!"

Liu Chuandao retorted unhappily, "What, are you all praising him now?"

Cui Yu taunted, "Dao brother, Dao brother (dog), can't you think of a solution?"

Liu Chuandao angrily exclaimed, "Can you stop calling me brother?"

Duan Shigang suggested, "Chuandao, do you have an older sister you could introduce to Mr. Gao? I heard he's also single!"

Cui Yu burst into laughter, looking at Liu Chuandao's broad, somewhat awkward face, "With his looks, if he actually introduces his sister to Gao Heshuai, we'll all be in trouble."

The group erupted in shared amusement.

Liu Chuandao shot a fierce glare at Cui Yu, his anger flaring; being tall and robust, he lowered his voice and roared, "Say that again, motherfucker?"

As he spoke, he reached out to grab Cui Yu's collar.

Dan Kaiquan raised his arm, intercepting Liu Chuandao's wrist, and said, "Don't do it."

"Step aside!" Liu Chuandao tried to shake his arm free, but to his surprise, he couldn't break Dan Kaiquan's grip.

Dan Kaiquan, having endured over a year of relentless high-intensity training, had already achieved an athlete's caliber. Although he lacked Liu Chuandao's height and weight, his strength was by no means inferior.

Duan Shigang then playfully wrapped an arm around Liu Chuandao's neck, laughing, "Chuandao, we're just having fun, don't take it to heart!"

Liu Chuandao, observing Dan Kaiquan's earnest expression and considering Cui Yu and his companions, ultimately decided against escalating the situation.

Cui Yu dismissively remarked, 'Back when Pang Jiao used to fawn over you daily, why didn't you dare to act? You're simply a coward!'

'Yan Tianpeng is ten times more formidable than you, and yet he doesn't behave like this!'

A moment of awkward silence followed, after which Cui Yu grabbed a bottle of water and approached Gao Heshuai, saying, "Mr. Gao, would you like some water?"

Gao Heshuai glanced over. Given the recent increase in temperature and noticing the female physical education teacher in the distance instructing the freshman students, he did indeed feel a bit thirsty.

Cui Yu initiated a conversation, "Growing up, this is my first time seeing a female physical education teacher."

Gao Heshuai responded, "Once you get into college, it's quite common."

Cui Yu continued, "That gym teacher seems new, primarily working with the freshman class. I heard she's also single."

Gao Heshuai's expression brightened considerably.

Cui Yu observed this and added, "However, she's very strict with her training."

Gao Heshuai, normally serious and austere, nodded in agreement, stating, "Indeed, such a teaching method can make students resistant. A slightly gentler approach would be more effective!"

Cui Yu immediately called out, "Miss, Mr. Gao mentioned you're too gentle and wants to add you on WeChat!"

The female physical education teacher turned around, revealing a face that was distinctly above average.

Gao Heshuai was taken aback and harshly reprimanded Cui Yu, "What are you saying? I must punish you!"

As a consequence, sophomore classes 8 and 3 were granted twenty minutes of free activity time.

Cui Yu rejoined the crowd, basking in the warm reception from his classmates. Even Pang Jiao offered him cheers.