Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1754 - 964: Overbearing President…

Night fell, casting a somber shadow over the otherwise unremarkable small garden.

Chen Shuaishuai, a student of average height and build, found himself confronting the three dominant figures of Class 8.

He attempted to maintain his composure; the timid student from before was gone, replaced by the class leader!

Reasserting his role, he demanded, "Do you have any idea what you are doing? Do you understand?"

Liu Chuandao, known for his easygoing nature, simply replied, "I know, I'm just preventing you from leaving."

Chen Shuaishuai met his gaze directly and asked, "And what about the repercussions?"

Liu Chuandao reached out, tapping Chen Shuaishuai's forehead and causing his head to jolt. "What consequences are you even talking about?"

Abruptly, Chen Shuaishuai swatted his hand away, his voice laced with anger, "Touch me again and see what happens! Don't push my boundaries!"

Zhang Chi, his interest piqued, stepped forward and poked Chen Shuaishuai's forehead. "So what if I do?"

A surge of anger coursed through Chen Shuaishuai, wishing he could punch Zhang Chi square in the face!

However, their numbers and apparent strength made him hesitate.

Chen Shuaishuai resorted to a verbal threat: "Try touching me again, and then what?"

In response, Liu Chuandao and Zhang Chi each took a step forward and poked him once more.

Chen Shuaishuai's anger flared as he shouted, "Try it three more times and face the music?"

The trio of Liu, Duan, and Zhang then moved in unison.

Despite their actions, Chen Shuaishuai still hesitated to physically resist.

A collective sigh of exasperation rose from his tormentors: "Dude, can you keep moving the goalposts?"

He was an entity they could not simply provoke into action.

Chen Shuaishuai remained silent, his fear evident, yet a spark of defiance still flickered within him.

Yu Wen produced her phone and read from a prepared script: "Chen Shuaishuai, a warning is being issued: from this moment forward, you are forbidden from causing trouble for Pei Yujing in Class 3. You will immediately remove her from her group leader position, and then..."

"...Otherwise," Yu Wen continued, her voice stern, "you will face the consequences!"

The trio chimed in, echoing her warning, "Did you hear that?"

Chen Shuaishuai quickly lowered his head, meekly responding, "Yes, yes, yes."

Though his outward demeanor was submissive, a fierce determination burned in his eyes.

Duan Shigang suddenly asked, "Are you planning on running back to the administration to complain?"

Chen Shuaishuai was taken aback. 'How could he possibly know my intentions?'

Duan Shigang gestured towards Yu Wen. "Yu Wen, show him one of the people backing this operation."

Yu Wen tapped her screen, and a video played, displaying a stern young face. The voice declared icily, "Tell him, I am Xue Yuantong."

This was actually a recorded boast from Tongtong, captured by Jiang Ning sometime ago and now being ingeniously repurposed.

Chen Shuaishuai was utterly terrified!

Xue Yuantong! The name alone struck fear into him.

He, who often frequented the office to seek favor, was acutely aware of Xue Yuantong's immense influence. Whenever academic achievements were discussed, she was invariably the focal point.

Teachers, so as not to disturb her studies, would personally deliver any necessary documents to Class 8, rather than summoning her. She was renowned as the most brilliant science prodigy since the founding of Fourth Middle School, a formidable contender for the top academic rank.

And now, such a powerful individual had set her sights on him!

Panic seized Chen Shuaishuai. He realized that in any confrontation, the school administration would unequivocally side against him, and his position as class leader would undoubtedly be forfeited!

The critical issue was that in his capacity as class leader, he had indeed shown favoritism and unfairness to some students. Pei Yujing, having once rejected his advances, became a target for his petty revenge after he assumed his leadership role.

His continued tenure as class leader was solely due to his constant presence in the administration office. If Xue Yuantong intervened, everything he had built would crumble to dust!

Once he lost the class leader position...

The terrifying implications of this prospect spurred Chen Shuaishuai into immediate action. He quickly promised, "I absolutely will not report this to the teachers. I will definitely go back and help Pei Yujing."

Liu Chuandao clenched his fists, his tone triumphant. "You've made the smart choice!"

Zhang Chi added, "Consider this a mere warning for now."

Duan Shigang, displaying a more refined demeanor than the other two, placed an arm around Chen Shuaishuai's shoulders. "Hey, buddy, don't hold any grudges about what just happened, alright? Please accept our apologies."

Liu Chuandao interjected, "If anything happens to Pei Yujing in the future, we'll be sure to teach you a lesson every time we see you!"

Duan Shigang reprimanded him, "Don't speak like that; resorting to violence is unnecessary, isn't it?"

"Our friend Shuaishuai is an excellent student from the advanced class!" He patted Chen Shuaishuai's shoulder. "Good student, would you like a cigarette?"

Chen Shuaishuai shook his head in refusal.

Duan Shigang nodded. "Alright, you're free to go now."

Chen Shuaishuai felt as though he had been granted a pardon and quickly made his escape.

After they departed, Yu Wen observed the trio of Liu, Duan, and Zhang, a sense of wonder filling her: "So this is how you block someone?"

Despite her spirited nature, Yu Wen's upbringing was refined; she wasn't one to associate with delinquents.

Duan Shigang lit a cigarette, remarking, "It's nothing, just the usual business."

Yu Wen tilted her head, inquiring, "Aren't you worried they might lash out when you confront them? I've heard that when decent folk get riled up, there's no chance to beg for mercy."

Duan Shigang couldn't help but chuckle at her words.

Holding his cigarette, he stated with composure, "Indeed, some individuals are like prickly porcupines, easily provoked by minor matters. You look at them, and they seem ready to explode at any moment, willing to fight to the bitter end."

Yu Wen nodded in agreement, "Yes, some people are truly extreme."

Zhang Chi scoffed,

A sudden inspiration struck Chen Shuaishuai, and he declared, "Class 11 possesses the strongest hygiene and discipline within the school because they have a dedicated hygiene inspector. Therefore, I've appointed Pei Yujing as the hygiene inspector. She will form a small, independent team and be exempt from regular duty assignments!" This announcement immediately caused a commotion throughout the classroom, akin to bestowing special privileges publicly!

Chen Shuaishuai surveyed the room, asking, "Who is in favor, and who is against?" He was quite adept at currying favor with the faculty, leading most students to hesitate in challenging him directly.

"Furthermore, in future hygiene inspections, Pei Yujing will conduct the initial check, and I will perform a second review. Don't even think about trying to get away with anything!" Chen Shuaishuai added as an amendment.

After a moment of thought, deeming everything in order, he announced, "Alright, everyone, commence self-study."

Yun Tingting muttered under her breath, "Is Chen Shuaishuai losing his mind?"

"Completely crazy!"

"He's not actually trying to pursue Pei Yujing, is he?"

Pei Yujing, engrossed in a math test, felt a bit disoriented by the recent turn of events.

Just then, her phone vibrated softly. She discreetly retrieved it.

Jiang Ning: "I've arranged for someone to intercept Chen Shuaishuai."

Reading the message, Pei Yujing paused, understanding why the usually firm class president had suddenly implemented such drastic changes. A strange, indescribable feeling washed over her.

She typed back: "I often spend time studying at home anyway, so it’s fine."

Jiang Ning: "Absolutely not. It pains me to think of it."

Pei Yujing: "..."

A subtle shift in her usually stoic expression revealed a hint of discomfort, a peculiar itchiness she couldn't quite place.

...

Class 8.

Jiang Ning pocketed his phone with a knowing look.

He believed that to effectively reach Pei Yujing, a more potent approach was needed to jolt her dormant senses awake.

In the front row, Chen Siyu, known for her chattiness, would engage anyone who approached while she was supposedly studying.

Yang Sheng approached her, phone in hand: "Siyu, I recall you joining the school sports planning group today. Someone added you, didn't they?" Chen Siyu immediately put down her books: "Let me check."

In contrast to the pleasure-seeking Siyu, Bai Yuxia was considerably more self-disciplined.

She acknowledged her own beauty but understood that attractive individuals were plentiful. The trajectory of many beautiful women, she mused, often began at a high point and ended in decline. She found resonance in the saying: "A woman's misfortune lies in being surrounded by nearly irresistible temptations; she is not required to strive upwards, only encouraged to slide down to bliss. When she realizes she has been deceived by a mirage, it’s too late, her strength having been exhausted in a failed adventure." Consequently, possessing sufficient insight to comprehend the world and oneself was paramount.

Bai Yuxia immersed herself in her studies.

Yang Sheng inquired, "Did he message you?"

Chen Siyu took out her phone: "Let me see. Oh yes, someone did add me. They said notifications would be sent privately." Chen Siyu accepted the request, and indeed, the individual sent a formal notification. After acknowledging it, Chen Siyu saw...

"He sent barbecue pictures, mentioning he'll be dining at Sister Ma’s Barbecue tonight."

Yang Sheng: "Hmm?"

She placed her phone on the desk.

Chen Siyu glanced at it, surprised: "He sent us identical messages!"

Yang Sheng: "He sent me an extra emoji."

Chen Siyu: "That implies he fancies you more."

Yang Sheng chuckled wryly: "Then my luck is rather poor." It felt somewhat absurd.

After a moment's consideration, she replied to the sender: "Sounds good." Chen Siyu quickly followed suit: "Wow, you get to eat barbecue tonight? Is it the kind with lamb skewers glistening with cumin and chili powder? That sounds amazing!"

The sender, noticing Yang Sheng's brief response, felt his perceived favorability was insufficient and turned his attention to conversing with Chen Siyu.

Just a few exchanges later.

Chen Siyu exclaimed, "What a creep! He just met me and is already inviting me for barbecue tonight."

Yang Sheng: "Oh? Then I’ll ask him if he’s joining us for dinner tonight too."

Bai Yuxia, unable to suppress her curiosity, broke from her study trance: "You two certainly have a lot of free time."