Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1741 - 954: Class 8’s Class Meeting

Class 8's paramount concern at this moment wasn't Guo Kunnan, but the unassuming Zhang Chi. The table he occupied drew even more scrutiny than Jiang Ning’s usual spot. Zhang Chi felt as if their table was a spectacle, with the surrounding students behaving like onlookers, their gazes persistently curious.

"Wow, I've heard so much about you all, I never imagined we'd actually share a meal at the same table!" Niu Ying from Class 9 exclaimed, her mouth forming words as she spoke. The round-faced Hong Yuanyuan chimed in warmly, "Wang Yanyan, I noticed your outfit post on the forum; it was incredibly stylish!"

"And Jiaojiao, I heard you got a new manicure," Hong Yuanyuan added with a touch of envy. Pang Jiao, upon hearing this, placed her hands on the table. Zhang Chi’s heart skipped a beat – 'My heavens, what kind of hands are these? Hooves covered in dark hair, with garish colored nail enhancements adorning the tips.'

"Jiaojiao, your nails are absolutely stunning, the base is so flawless, they suit you perfectly!" Pang Jiao responded with a soft, covered-mouth laugh, while Zhang Chi was nearly overwhelmed. 'Good grief, the vendor selling trotters rice at the entrance must be intimately familiar with the quality of your "foundation"!' Pang Jiao basked in a flurry of insincere adoration.

Hong Yuanyuan posed another question, "Jiaojiao, what color clothing do you think would look best on me?" Pang Jiao replied, "Black, black always makes one appear slimmer." Oh dear, this was a diplomatic blunder; Hong Yuanyuan's multiple chins seemed to diminish by one layer as her smile faltered.

Only Wang Yanyan maintained her composure, readily discerning Hong Yuanyuan's underlying intent. Wang Yanyan called out warmly, "Sister!" Hong Yuanyuan responded, "Huh?"

"Sister, while black does create a slimming effect, I believe you're already quite slender, no need to strive for extreme thinness. You can confidently opt for lighter colors like white!" Wang Yanyan made sure to preserve her sister's pride, adding, "Jiaojiao suggested black to enhance your beauty, but I think you're already lovely, no need to intentionally pursue more beauty right now!"

With her words, everyone at the table, save for Zhang Chi, erupted in delight. The larger girls burst into hearty laughter, "Hohoho!" "Hohohohohohoho!" Their boisterous guffaws echoed in a collective chorus, creating a powerful resonance that left Zhang Chi’s mind filled with a cacophony of "hohoho!"

Half the students in the cafeteria turned their heads towards the source of the commotion. At an adjacent table, Duan Shigang stared, dumbfounded, at the origin of the "hohoho," perceiving Zhang Chi as a tiny foam board adrift in a tumultuous sea, unstable and overwhelmed. Liu Chuandao offered a thumbs-up, remarking, "He's a true warrior!"

Indeed, despite the surrounding chaos, Zhang Chi managed to finish his meal. There was no alternative; the cafeteria's dinner offered exceptional value, costing only 4 yuan. Thanks to the subsidies from Evergreen Liquid, it included fried chicken legs, a generous portion of meat dishes, a vegetable serving, and an assortment of soups and porridges. Having personally experienced destitution and hunger, Zhang Chi was determined not to waste a single bite.

Yet, as he exited the cafeteria and gazed at the sky, a profound sense of frustration washed over him. The previous day, he'd overheard Gong Jin arranging seating for small dining tables. Gathering his courage, Zhang Chi inquired privately about the price of a spot. Gong Jin had stated, "Ten thousand." Zhang Chi rejoiced, mistakenly believing the extravagant Gong Jin intended to purchase it. However, Gong Jin clarified, "Even if you offered me ten thousand, I wouldn't go." Zhang Chi felt utterly dejected.

He ambled across the campus, navigating the throng of students, and noticed a frail-looking student engrossed in reciting English vocabulary with unwavering dedication. 'He resembles Chen Qian, but it isn't him.' Zhang Chi approached and inquired, "Excuse me, why are you reciting here?" The frail student replied, "Greetings, senior! I find that memorizing words in a noisy environment actually enhances my concentration!"

Zhang Chi placed a hand on his shoulder, "I know of an even more chaotic place; if you can study there, you'll undoubtedly become much stronger!" He then produced the small dining table pass, "Breakfast tomorrow is 4 yuan per serving; I'll sell it to you for 3!" The frail student regarded him with surprise, "Senior?"

Zhang Chi looked up, a touch of nostalgia in his voice, "Seeing you reminds me of my past self; I must help you!" His sentiment and melancholy were undeniably genuine. Thus, Zhang Chi successfully sold a breakfast pass.

...

The initial evening self-study session commenced. It was intended as a period for academic pursuits, but the homeroom teacher, Shan Qingrong, entered the classroom, closing the door behind him. "Classmates, let us convene a class meeting to discuss a few matters!" The attention of the students immediately shifted to Shan Qingrong; even Wu Xiao Qi, who had been holding a basketball, settled down. Shan Qingrong’s gaze then fell upon Xue Yuantong, who was fast asleep.

As she slept soundly, a small blanket was draped over her...

Xin Youling, with understanding, gently adjusted the covering to better shield Xue Yuantong from any chill.

Shan Qingrong's troubled expression softened.

Within his metaphorical confinement, Gong Jin mused, 'Is this really fair?'

Despite a lifetime of being doted upon, he had never received such devoted attention from an instructor.

Aware that Xue Yuantong was sleeping in the front row, Shan Qingrong moderated his speaking volume.

Jiang Ning motioned, conveying calm assurance that their discussion wouldn't disturb Xue Yuantong, permitting Shan Qingrong to amplify his voice.

"I have an announcement to make. Firstly, regarding our spring excursion next month."

The moment these words were spoken, the classroom erupted in a buzz of conversation.

Shan Qingrong quieted the growing noise, explaining, "Director Yan secured this chance for us, personally petitioning the principal, stating, 'Last year was for the first-year spring trip; this year should be designated for the second-year students.' The principal concurred."

Amusement rippled through the students, recognizing his playful exaggeration.

"The precise location," Shan Qingrong added, "will ultimately be determined by the school administration."

Zhang Chi raised his hand, inquiring, "Will there be a participation fee?"

"I cannot provide a definitive answer at this moment, but I wished to inform everyone," Shan Qingrong responded.

Zhang Chi declared, "If the cost is too high, I will not attend."

With a straight face, Shan Qingrong retorted, "Even if there is no cost, attendance is not mandatory."

Zhang Chi was rendered speechless.

"The second item concerns our art and sports-focused students. The school intends to establish specialized classes for these disciplines to better facilitate their academic trajectories. Following this lesson, I will be holding individual discussions with specific students."

Geng Lu, Zhang Chi, Liu Chuandao, and numerous students preparing for art examinations displayed palpable shifts in their demeanor.

Zhang Chi piped up, "My focus is on sports; is it an option to opt out?"

Geng Lu echoed, "Indeed."

Shan Qingrong felt a pang of sympathy, yet he was merely a regular faculty member.

"We will address this further in our next class, during individual talks. This is a directive from the school, and enrolling in the newly formed classes will undoubtedly enhance your academic performance."

At present, Fourth Middle School was engaged in a competitive drive with other educational institutions, with graduation rates being a primary concern.

Upon hearing this, many sensed Shan Qingrong's inclination to guide art and sports students toward the new programs, anticipating another significant class reorganization within Class 8.

Shan Qingrong continued, "You should all be aware that in recent years, our school has extended targeted support to several township institutions. Soon, Fourth Middle School will be admitting exceptional students from township high schools, and some may even be assigned to our class, so please prepare yourselves mentally."

A glimmer of hope surfaced in Gong Jin's thoughts, 'With new students arriving, perhaps I'll finally escape this predicament?'

Liu Chuandao inquired, "New classmates?"

Could there be any attractive female students among them?

Shen Qing'e began to contemplate the possibilities.

Their own township middle school was among those receiving assistance from Yu Zhou Fourth Middle School.

Could it be that someone she knew would be joining them?

Instantly, Shen Qing'e dismissed the notion, deeming it highly improbable given the numerous classes within the second-year cohort; the chances of them being placed together were slim.

Before she could delve further into this line of thought, Shan Qingrong announced, "Furthermore, in April, another significant event is scheduled: Yu Zhou Fourth Middle School will be the venue for the Three Cities High School Joint Sports Meet!"

"What exactly is a joint sports meet?"

"Is it a city-wide competition?" Dan Kaiquan asked, his fists clenching unconsciously, having diligently trained in secret for an extended period.

Shan Qingrong first glanced at Jiang Ning, drawing a measure of reassurance, before stating, "The final competitions will indeed take place at Yu Zhou Fourth Middle School."