Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1749 - 960

In a secluded corner, Pei Yujing stood by the railing, her gaze fixed on Jiang Ning. With considerable effort, she managed to utter two words: "Thank you."

Observing her apprehension, much like a student awaiting reprimand, Jiang Ning found the irritation within him significantly fading.

He recalled that Xue Yuantong also used to be timid, though in a different manner than Pei Yujing.

When faced with bullying, Xue Yuantong would experience anger, mentally curse the aggressor, and envision a future where he'd grow powerful and shock the world.

Pei Yujing, however, was different; a profound numbness seemed to grip her, as if unaware of the bullying, always choosing to withdraw.

Jiang Ning found himself unable to even offer constructive advice.

He mused that if not for Pei Yujing's competent academic performance, she might face even harsher treatment if she ended up in a less reputable high school or vocational school with dormitory arrangements.

Jiang Ning inquired, "Did you forget the method I taught you?"

Pei Yujing avoided his direct gaze, her eyes darting away as she lowered her head. "I didn't."

Jiang Ning had previously instructed her to claim pregnancy when confronted.

"When your classmates asked you to sign up, why didn't you use that excuse?" Jiang Ning probed.

Pei Yujing, feeling uncomfortable, responded, "It wouldn't set a good example."

"Oh, so you do consider the impression you make?" Jiang Ning let out a chuckle.

Pei Yujing remained silent.

Jiang Ning observed her submissive demeanor.

It seemed even with a second chance, she would still be this uninspired.

Jiang Ning's enthusiasm for her instruction waned, and he waved a hand. "Forget it, go entertain yourself."

With that, Jiang Ning turned and walked away, his juice in hand.

It wasn't until Jiang Ning had moved more than ten steps away that Pei Yujing dared to lift her head. Noticing the remaining juice in his bottle, she pondered for a moment before exiting her secluded spot and heading towards the playground entrance.

Hu Mengqing, who was currently instructing junior students, spotted Jiang Ning approaching and quickly called out, "Let's go watch the long jump event at the sandpit. Plenty of familiar faces will be there."

"Sure."

Several junior students called out, "Senior Sister Hu, what about us?"

Hu Mengqing picked up an ink pen and scribbled on a piece of paper. "All right, you're dismissed for now; no further practice is required."

A cheer erupted from the students.

Only Cheng Xia wore a grim expression. "Are you deliberately singling me out for amusement?"

Hu Mengqing completely disregarded her. "Try reporting me to the academic office?"

Her invitation to Jiang Ning for the long jump perfectly aligned with the school's objectives. As a member of the sports team, Hu Mengqing was keenly aware of the significance of the Tri-city Sports League. It was undeniable that the school would ruthlessly eliminate any competition.

...

At the edge of the track, a first-year student squinted at a figure on the green field and remarked, "That Jiang Ning looks rather familiar, doesn't he?" Another added, "Just a word and they're excused from sports training."

"He's almost as influential as our Brother Xun."

The overt flattery caused Gai Shixun's expression to darken. 'Are you mocking me, you idiot?'

A boy suddenly had an idea. "I've got it! He was the one who did the special effects for the New Year's Eve performance!"

Although Fourth Middle School had expanded its student body to nearly three thousand, Jiang Ning had made an appearance before the entire school, so some individuals still remembered him.

"So that's the guy. No wonder he has connections. I remember Sister Ai from our grade even asked for his contact information."

"Wow, it's Sister Ai!"

Ai Man was quite renowned among the first-year students, gaining popularity even before the New Year's Eve show. Later, she successfully petitioned the school administration and secured a dance studio in the multipurpose building as the base for the dance club. The school even went as far as renovating it, complete with heated floors, a dressing room, and a large full-length mirror. Such was her influence!

Recently, however, clothing had been mysteriously disappearing from the dressing room. No one knew the culprit, making the situation quite unsettling.

"Do you think he's dating Sister Ai?" one of the boys suddenly speculated.

Gai Shixun found this prospect quite displeasing.

For boys of their age, reputation was paramount. Gai Shixun stated, "Ai Man just thinks he's talented at performing, so she added him as a friend. Isn't that common in their social circles?"

"Ask yourselves, would Sister Ai genuinely be interested in someone like him?"

One student, appearing to have insight, said, "True, Sister Ai has added many people before. Didn't she add a guy from the experimental class? He mistakenly thought Sister Ai liked him, and later invited her to the field during evening self-study, only to be rejected publicly on the spot."

"I recognize that person! He used to achieve excellent scores, holding a position within the top fifty of our academic year. However, he never managed to recover after a certain incident."

Wu Shixun felt a surge of satisfaction, remarking, "It appears some individuals are simply unaware, believing themselves significant when they are merely pawns."

"One hopes he doesn't experience too much disappointment due to Ai Man," someone mused.

Wu Shixun tilted his head, his tone tinged with feigned sympathy.

"During that time, a girl in a white dress performed alongside him. I believe her name is Bai Yuxia; she looked like an ethereal fairy. On a related note, could they possibly be partners?"

An immediate rebuttal came: "So what if they performed together? I was chatting with Shang Wanqing at precisely 11:29 PM!"

Inspired, others began to boast about their own minor interactions: "I once assisted Zhou Jinglan in moving a piano."

"I provided tissues for Liu Yihan!"

"The last time Luo Yingzhu actually smiled at me, and I even had a badminton match with Qiu Yi!"

"Can we truly call ourselves proud after these feats?"

Gai Shixun cleared his throat twice before speaking with grave seriousness: "Indeed, there exist certain flowers in this world that blossom precariously on the edge of a cliff. The moment one attempts to pluck them, they are destined to plummet and be utterly annihilated."

The group, having satisfied their 'Ah Q spirit,' all felt a sense of self-importance, as if they had ascended to life's highest plateau.

"Truly, it is Brother Xun who has mastered the art of wooing a girlfriend and reaping the benefits!"

"Brother Xun, please impart some of your wisdom!"

Carried aloft by the flattery of his companions, Wu Shixun's gaze swept across the surroundings, coincidentally landing upon a flirtatiously posturing cheerleader.

The girl, adorned with heavy makeup, struck an elegant orchid finger pose, continuously twirling her skirt. My, those legs, that slender waist; truly a sight to behold!