Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1755 - 965: Poisoning

The river dam at night offered a unique tranquility, fitting for the countryside.

Parking his bicycle, Jiang Ning extended his Divine Sense, finding Chuchu quietly engrossed in her studies indoors. He sensed a growing distance from her lately, a shift he couldn't quite comprehend.

Since things had reached this point, he decided to focus on the present task: eating.

Boss Yang from the rural tourism venture had supplied fresh lamb. Jiang Ning skillfully ignited the charcoal with his Fire Skill, preparing for a barbecue session in the small courtyard. He opted for the outdoors to avoid discretely concealing the smoke, which would be disrespectful to Tongtong's intelligence if he were to grill inside.

“Chuchu hasn’t come over,” Tongtong mentioned as she set the table.

Jiang Ning inquired, “Should we give her a call?”

Tongtong replied, “She’s likely studying. Let’s start grilling the skewers first, then we can call her. Hehe.”

With that, she wet her small hands and began threading the lamb onto skewers. Jiang Ning joined her, and once the skewers were ready, they were placed on the grill. Ever since experiencing the honey-glazed roast squab previously, Tongtong had been eager for more honey barbecue, prompting them to prepare only raw lamb this time.

While working, Tongtong leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “Let me tell you, Jiang Ning, brush on honey, add a layer of chili, and wrap it with sesame seeds; it’s absolutely scrumptious!”

Jiang Ning responded, “Yes, yes, you grill quickly; I’m getting hungry.”

“Alright!”

When Chuchu was present, Tongtong often slacked off; however, in Chuchu’s absence, she worked with diligence.

Jiang Ning observed her busy movements, noting how, after more than a year, she remained so petite, seemingly unchanged.

Meanwhile.

At the rural tourism site.

Lin Zida also found himself unable to forget the succulent squab he had at Jiang Ning’s residence that day. He declared his intention to catch a few squabs for himself.

Gong Jin remarked indifferently, “It’s just squab.”

Earlier that day, Gong Jin had impressively caught a bamboo rat in front of everyone, earning him the title of hunting expert. To demonstrate his newfound skills, Gong Jin decided to set up a simple trap for squabs. It was a basic contraption: a bamboo basket propped up with a stick and secured with a string, a replica of the one he’d seen at Jiang Ning’s neighboring property.

He placed the trap in an open area near the entrance, scattering corn kernels beneath the basket. Then, he crouched in a nearby corner, patiently awaiting the squabs’ arrival.

After a ten-minute wait, not a single bird appeared in the night sky. Gong Jin appeared puzzled, murmuring, “What’s going on?”

Lin Zida provided the explanation, “Because squabs go back to their homes to sleep at night.”

Gong Jin was taken aback and suddenly questioned, “You knew this, so why didn't you remind me?”

Zhuang Jianhui chimed in, “We saw how serious you were and couldn’t bring ourselves to interrupt.”

Lin Zida added, “Those who work hard should not be mocked.”

Gong Jin felt exasperated.

He thought those two were being far too mischievous.

Lin Zida declared, “Forget it, I won’t rely on you anymore. I’m going to borrow some honey from Jiang Ning to make honey-barbecue chicken wings.”

Gong Jin wasn't particularly impressed, stating, “When I visited Yazhou before, there was a popular honey barbecue spot, but honestly, the taste was only decent, not exceptionally remarkable.”

Lin Zida simply shook his head, replying, “It’s different.”

Gong Jin conceded, “Well, you all enjoy yourselves then. I still prefer traditional barbecue.”

Lin Zida inwardly mused, ‘What an ignorant child.’

With that, he began his westward journey, skillfully avoiding Butcher Zhang’s notoriously vicious dog and successfully arriving at Jiang Ning’s doorstep.

“Wow, it smells amazing!” Lin Zida exclaimed appreciatively.

Jiang Ning asked, “What brings you here?”

Lin Zida flashed a grin and shamelessly requested, “Was the squab at your place last time prepared with honey? Could I possibly borrow some?”

Jiang Ning turned his palm upwards, revealing a small bottle no larger than a billiard ball, and casually tossed it over. “This is all I have right now.”

Lin Zida quickly caught it, nodding and bowing in gratitude before departing.

Xue Yuantong quipped, “He looked like he was begging.”

Jiang Ning jokingly replied, “A filthy beggar, just ignore him.”

Noticing the barbecue was nearing completion, Jiang Ning announced, “I’ll go make some lemon tea. You go call Chuchu.”

“Okay!”

Tongtong bounded out the door with her little legs.

Jiang Ning went to the main room’s refrigerator and discovered only two slices of lemon remaining in the glass jar, just enough for a single cup of lemon tea. This was something Tongtong was aware of; with her memory, she certainly wouldn't forget such a detail.

Jiang Ning sneered inwardly, thinking, ‘Chuchu, how dare you try to distance yourself from me.’

Tongtong hurried to Chuchu’s house and called out, “Chuchu, we’re having honey barbecue today; it's incredibly delicious. Come with me quickly!”

Xue Chuchu turned her face, preparing to decline, “I…”

“Ah, hurry up, hurry up, stop dawdling!” Tongtong grabbed her hand, pulling her along.

Internally, Xue Chuchu felt a growing dread, a fear that their connection might become unbreakable if things continued down this path.

Tongtong was her dearest friend.

Tongtong’s fondness was directed most strongly towards Jiang Ning, and Aunt Gu also harbored hopes of a union between Tongtong and Jiang Ning.

It was through Aunt Gu’s connections that her mother secured her job.

Despite this, Jiang Ning’s conduct towards her often crossed boundaries...

While Tongtong might remain blissfully unaware and live without a care, Chuchu could not afford such ignorance.

She worried that she would sink deeper and deeper, and by her own actions, bring ruin upon her entire family.

Tongtong tugged insistently at Chuchu’s arm, urging, "Let’s go, let’s go!"

Before Xue Chuchu could fully process it, she was forcefully escorted to Jiang Ning’s doorstep. Suddenly, Tongtong exclaimed, "Jiang Ning is running low on honey lemon, I’ll dash home to grab a jar. You go on ahead!"

Caught completely off guard and left alone, Xue Chuchu stood beneath the moonlit sky, gazing at the warmly lit small courtyard.

'Will he take my hand and invite me to sit...'

'Will he purposefully brush against me, only to feign indifference...'

A wave of unease washed over Chuchu, tinged with sadness, and she found herself begrudging her own appearance once more.

With hesitant steps, she entered the small courtyard.

Jiang Ning, engrossed in preparing honey water, didn’t notice her entrance. Midway through, he tore open a small, nondescript packet and poured a peculiar red powder into a cup.

Chuchu froze instantly, a torrent of chaotic thoughts flooding her mind. Names of sedatives, Obedience Water, and other illicit substances flashed through her thoughts.

Jiang Ning’s movements were swift, the entire process of adding the substance to the drink taking mere moments.

Standing there for a few seconds, Xue Chuchu harbored a desperate urge to turn and flee.

Then, she heard Jiang Ning’s voice call out, "Chuchu, you’ve arrived."

Jiang Ning offered a gentle smile, his demeanor as pleasant and radiant as ever.

Yet, Xue Chuchu’s emotions churned with a profound complexity.

She eventually made her way to the small, round table and took a seat. Jiang Ning’s reception wasn't overly effusive.

Naturally, it wouldn't be, considering he had just doctored the drink; the evening was poised to become quite intense...

Jiang Ning slid the lemon tea towards her, saying, "I prepared this drink especially for you, go ahead and enjoy it."

Xue Chuchu’s mind was in disarray, unsure how to react.

She felt the urge to question Jiang Ning about the contents of the cup, but at that precise moment, Tongtong burst back through the door.

"I’ve brought lemon slices! I’ll help make it!" Tongtong volunteered enthusiastically.

Jiang Ning chuckled, responding, "I’ve already prepared a cup, this one is specifically for Chuchu."

Xue Yuantong chimed in, "Mm, mm, she’s been studying all day and must be exhausted. Plus, she needs to wake up early to cook tomorrow."

"Drink up, Chuchu," Jiang Ning urged, his gaze fixed directly on her.

In that instant, Xue Chuchu caught a peculiar, fleeting glint in his eyes.

A chill ran down Xue Chuchu’s spine, her mind locked in a desperate internal debate. If she drank it and lost consciousness, who knew what depraved acts Jiang Ning might commit that night!

By then, there would be no turning back...

However, if she exposed him right then and there, Jiang Ning’s reputation would be shattered, making it impossible for him to find housing again. Once he was forced out of their neighborhood, the heartbreak for Tongtong would be immense.

Thus, a critical dilemma presented itself to Chuchu: 'To drink, or not to drink?'

Jiang Ning presented himself as an ideal figure, the kind neighborly older brother she had often imagined – gentle yet sharp, courageous yet never reckless, serious with a hint of tenderness, almost flawless, save for his occasional inappropriate advances...

Yet, ironically, it was precisely that imperfection that made Xue Chuchu perceive him as truly human.

It is said that everything has its flaws; it is through these cracks that light can enter.

This light illuminated the otherwise mundane sixteen years of Xue Chuchu’s existence.

Unconsciously, Xue Chuchu reached for the cup.

She reassured herself: 'If I only take a tiny sip, it should be manageable.'

'After that small taste, I can 'accidentally' knock the cup over.'

'Everything will be alright.'

With that resolve, Xue Chuchu’s lips brushed against the rim of the cup as she delicately took a small sip.

The very next second, a sharp, spicy sensation flooded her tongue.

Quickly setting the cup down, Xue Chuchu frowned and remarked, "It’s so spicy."

Xue Yuantong inquired with curiosity, "What’s wrong, Chuchu?"

Jiang Ning deliberately glanced at the cup, explaining, "Ah, when I was adding the seasonings earlier, I might have accidentally spilled some chili powder in."

Upon hearing this explanation, Xue Chuchu’s expression shifted to one of utter bewilderment.

This was swiftly followed by a surge of overwhelming humiliation and vexation: "!"

"This is too much! Way too much!"