Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1748 - 959: My Friend Jiang Ning

Jiang Ning observed Pei Yujing retreating to her secluded spot, a slight frown creasing his brow as he considered her demeanor somewhat extreme.

Had she perhaps forgotten the advice he'd given her?

Were it not for the formidable Sister Ma managing the shop outside the school gates, he might have suspected Pei Yujing was facing hardships at school.

Jiang Ning was occupied with cracking sunflower seeds. Following the conclusion of the 100-meter sprint, Hu Mengqing from the sports team continued to summon individuals for training. Subsequently, Pei Yujing reappeared from her isolated area, positioning herself at the track's edge.

As it transpired, the girl who had previously monopolized the track reappeared with her companion, intent on claiming it once more.

Witnessing this, Hu Mengqing consulted the registration log in her hand and called out, "Cheng Xia, cease occupying the lane; allow Pei Yujing to practice first. She still has numerous attempts remaining."

"She's the one unwilling to practice!" Cheng Xia retorted with nonchalance.

Her friend chimed in agreement, "Indeed, observe her – she just walked away."

Hu Mengqing's expression turned severe, and she declared, "Do you believe I didn't witness that?"

She strode over, confronting them directly, "Constantly commandeering others' spots, have you no sense of shame?"

...

A short distance away, on the football field.

A young man displayed exceptional skill, weaving past two adversaries with deft dribbling before coming to a halt.

"Hey, Gai Shixun, what are you standing around for? Continue playing!" someone yelled.

Following his line of sight, they noticed a girl with hair cascading to her waist. "Wow, this girl is truly stunning. So, you were captivated by a beauty this entire time?"

One individual approached and playfully slapped Gai Shixun's shoulder, "What, are you taken with her?"

Gai Shixun chuckled, "My interest has been piqued for some time now!"

Upon hearing this, several nearby fellows erupted in laughter, their own speculative thoughts quickly vanishing.

Gai Shixun commanded a certain reputation, being a year senior, excelling in both academics and athletics, possessing high emotional intelligence, and demonstrating unwavering loyalty. Competing against such an individual was simply out of the question.

Consequently, some of the boys deferred their aspirations of pursuing the attractive girl to their esteemed friend, Gai Shixun. Should he succeed, they envisioned sharing in the triumph.

Someone chimed in encouragingly, "Brother Xun is formidable; she is our senior!"

"Senior or not, once Brother Xun makes his move, it will be a done deal!" a couple of student players egged him on.

After all, Gai Shixun was remarkably adept. From the beginning of their freshman year until the present, he had courted four or five girlfriends, each one possessing striking looks and an athletic build.

Gai Shixun declared with an air of indifference, "Very well, let us go and observe."

Thus, with Gai Shixun taking the lead, a sizable contingent proceeded towards the 100-meter track.

...

Hu Mengqing was engaged in a confrontation with Cheng Xia, a student from the first year.

"Senior Sister Hu, I committed no wrongdoing, did I?" Cheng Xia inquired with a veneer of justification.

Hu Mengqing responded, "Very well, then this particular run of yours, I shall not record."

Cheng Xia's displeasure was immediate. Her objective was to complete her laps swiftly and then enjoy some leisure time. Naturally, students participating in training sessions at the field were obligated to fulfill a specific number of laps.

"Are you suggesting an abuse of authority for personal gain?" Cheng Xia, clearly indignant, directly challenged.

Hu Mengqing countered, "It is the school's directive that we oversee these matters."

Nearby, Yang Sheng, who was overseeing the 800-meter training, approached to request the registration book, intending to log the laps for the girls who had just completed the 800-meter race.

Gai Shixun and his entourage also arrived. He, adopting a commanding posture, waved his hand and stated, "Cheng Xia, cease this bickering; grant me some respect!"

Cheng Xia retorted with biting sarcasm, "And who might you be? Why should I offer you any respect?"

Gai Shixun's countenance immediately stiffened.

He had not anticipated that Cheng Xia, from the adjacent class, would utterly disregard him, leaving him in an awkward impasse.

Gai Shixun found himself at a stalemate; he hesitated before addressing Senior Sister Hu, "Senior Sister Hu, please show me some consideration!"

Hu Mengqing completely ignored him.

Gai Shixun was visibly taken aback: 'Blast it!'

He was relegated to the position of mere background scenery, standing there immobile.

The argument persisted.

Cheng Xia raised her hand, pointed directly at Pei Yujing, and declared to Hu Mengqing, "Furthermore, this matter rests between her and myself; is it within your purview to intervene?"

Perceiving Pei Yujing as an easy target, she deliberately challenged, "Ask her if she possesses the courage to compete against me!"

Hu Mengqing fixed her gaze directly upon Cheng Xia, her tone hardening significantly, "She has no need to make a choice at this moment; this is a dispute between you and me. If you persist in causing trouble, you will not be permitted to run at all."

Cheng Xia covered her mouth, emitting a loud, dismissive laugh, "You believe that merely by declaring I cannot run, I am indeed incapable?"

Not only did she point a finger at Hu Mengqing, but she also gestured towards Yang Sheng, provocatively taunting them both, "You individuals revel in acting superior, utterly unaware of your true standing!"

Yang Sheng, having just concluded his roll call, turned his head upon hearing this, fixing his gaze directly on her. "You believe I don't know my own limitations?"

Cheng Xia offered a chuckle. "One must possess self-awareness."

Hu Mengqing attempted to interject, but Yang Sheng, weary of further discussion, decisively flipped open the registration ledger with a distinct 'swish.'

She then seized an ink pen and, with swift strokes, proceeded to obliterate all of Cheng Xia’s recorded running achievements for the day.

Subsequently, she presented the ledger with a flourish. "So, what is your assessment now?"

Cheng Xia was left utterly dumbfounded.

Hu Mengqing, equally incredulous, exclaimed, "Hold on, Yang Sheng, that ledger belongs to me!"

Cheng Xia erupted, hopping in agitation and shouting, "Are you out of your mind?!"

Yang Sheng responded with nonchalance. "With such a vociferous outcry, I had mistakenly assumed the registration book I held was a fabricated copy!"

Right before her eyes, Yang Sheng then proceeded to meticulously fill in Pei Yujing’s training session entries with the ink pen.

"Can I manage this task or not? Go on, articulate your opinion!"

Cheng Xia’s companion let out a shrill "Ah."

Yang Sheng theatrically raised his pen once more. "Continue screaming, and I shall strike yours out as well!"

An immediate silence descended.

Having completed his actions, Yang Sheng firmly placed the registration ledger back into Hu Mengqing’s hands. "If anyone dares to defy, simply strike their name, submit it to the administration office, and let them deliberate with their respective homeroom teachers!"

With that declaration, Yang Sheng applauded his hands together and made his departure.

...

Hu Mengqing had certainly learned her lesson. With her typically direct nature, she straightforwardly proclaimed, "Everyone, continue your training routines!"

"Oh, and by the way, Pei Yujing, you are exempt from practice today!"

Cheng Xia descended into immediate fury.

Gai Shixun observed Yang Sheng's retreating figure with awe. 'Damn, this girl is incredibly cool!'

He found himself momentarily contemplating whether to approach the short-haired girl or the long-haired one first.

After Cheng Xia’s outburst gradually subsided with no apparent effect, she finally fixed her indignant gaze upon Pei Yujing.

The most isolated and vulnerable individual on the field was undoubtedly Pei Yujing.

Hu Mengqing was also perplexed. The reason she had hesitated in letting Pei Yujing make a choice earlier stemmed from a fear that she might simply concede defeat.

This young lady appeared excessively reserved, lacking even a single acquaintance.

She observed that the girls engaged in training nearby were casting peculiar glances in Pei Yujing's direction.

Hu Mengqing, having experienced similar social dynamics, was acutely aware of the intense rivalries that could fester among high school girls, a situation often likened to elaborate palace intrigues.

This situation could not be allowed to persist. While she could offer protection once, she could not guarantee it perpetually.

At that precise moment, Jiang Ning materialized at the starting line of the 100-meter dash, announcing, "Senior Sister Hu, from this point forward, I request you to record all of Pei Yujing’s training times."

The instant he uttered these words, Cheng Xia swiftly interjected, "And who, precisely, do you believe yourself to be?"

Upon recognizing Jiang Ning, Hu Mengqing’s eyes immediately lit up, all her previous anxieties vanishing. "Understood, I shall handle this matter."

Cheng Xia's expression soured considerably.

Hu Mengqing was intimately familiar with Jiang Ning’s exceptional capabilities. The physical education instructor had previously informed their sports delegation that if Jiang Ning chose to pursue athletics, gaining admission to a premier university would be a certainty, with even prestigious institutions like Qingbei not being out of reach.

Regrettably, Jiang Ning's academic prowess in conventional subjects was so profound that he possessed no need for athletic achievements to enhance his scholarly standing.

Jiang Ning responded, "Very well, I appreciate your assistance."

Hu Mengqing then instructed Pei Yujing, "Henceforth, whenever you arrive at the training grounds, simply find a suitable spot to relax."

"On a related note, Jiang Ning, do you happen to have any availability to observe the long jump team?" she inquired tentatively, given that the school administration had formally requested Jiang Ning’s involvement with the long jump squad.

Jiang Ning gave a nod. "Indeed, please resume their practice session. I shall have a private word with Yujing."

Hu Mengqing cheerfully concurred, "Excellent, understood."