Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1756 - 966: Lulling to Sleep

It was nighttime by the river dam.

In a rustic courtyard, moonlight cascaded like water, while the symphony of spring insects filled the air.

Xue Chuchu felt an overwhelming urge to flee the scene.

However, departing so abruptly would appear childish, and Tongtong would undoubtedly interpret it as her being upset over a simple cup of lemon tea mixed with chili powder, likely leading to prolonged teasing.

'And Jiang Ning... he definitely did that on purpose!'

If she were to confront him, Jiang Ning might retort with, 'Are you feeling guilty about something?'

How would Xue Chuchu possibly respond to such an accusation?

Noticing Xue Chuchu's internal turmoil, Jiang Ning offered an apology, "My mistake, sorry."

Xue Yuantong, with a wave of her hand, generously declared, "Jiang Ning, pour her another cup! No, make it two cups!"

With that, she resumed her task of grilling skewers, already beginning to brush them with honey.

Jiang Ning picked up another cup of honey tea and said, "Have a drink."

A chaotic mix of emotions swirled within Xue Chuchu, accompanied by a strong desire to escape. Hesitantly, she reached out and accepted the cup.

Tongtong held out a handful of beef skewers, offering, "Have a bite!"

Seeing Chuchu still lost in thought, Jiang Ning deliberately probed, "We're both serving you, yet you're neither eating nor drinking. What's the reason?"

Tongtong, continuing to tend to the skewers, chimed in agreement, "Exactly, exactly."

Extreme embarrassment often saps one's appetite. Chuchu managed to say, "Tongtong hasn't eaten yet; I'm worried I might not be able to resist eating them all myself."

Jiang Ning replied, "Just make sure she doesn't find out."

Tongtong, engrossed in grilling the skewers, shot an immediate glare at Jiang Ning.

Xue Chuchu stated, "I won't do that."

Tongtong huffed, "Humph, you better not!"

Feeling a pang of guilt, Xue Chuchu interpreted their words as a veiled commentary, deepening her melancholy.

Unconsciously, she picked up a beef skewer and took a small bite. Initially, a gentle warmth spread through her. The honey-glazed surface of the skewer was remarkably crispy, and she detected the sweet, fresh notes of locust blossoms, followed by the tender beef and a hint of spice.

'Wow, this is truly delicious.'

'Take another bite, just one more, it's so good.'

Lost in her enjoyment, Chuchu unknowingly consumed the entire first batch of grilled skewers, leaving absolutely none for Tongtong.

Xue Yuantong was incensed. What did this act represent?

It was akin to knowingly committing an offense and executing it right before her very eyes!

Having finished the skewers, Xue Chuchu reached for more, only to meet Tongtong's furious gaze.

Suddenly realizing her oversight, Xue Chuchu quickly apologized, "Tongtong, they were just too delicious!"

"Humph, so they're delicious, and you just keep eating them, huh?"

Xue Yuantong, though slightly irritated, still offered Chuchu a few skewers, acknowledging her earlier contributions.

Jiang Ning, with greater consideration, received his share of skewers but did not eat them immediately. Instead, he presented them to the hardworking Tongtong.

Xue Yuantong bit into the grilled meat, speaking with her mouth full, "You're so thoughtful, Jiang Ning."

It was only then that Jiang Ning took a bite of a skewer himself and savored two mouthfuls of the iced honey lemon tea.

This particular honey originated from the local hives at Hu Qi Mountain. The bees diligently collected nectar from Spirit Flower buds, resulting in this painstakingly brewed delicacy.

Even the small bottle of honey he had given to Lin Zida, though it was of the lowest grade, was incredibly rare.

Meanwhile.

At the rural tourism spot, Lin Zida was manning a small grill alone, skillfully preparing skewers.

Possessing a decent level of intelligence, he had frequented the rural tourism spot, observing the process often, which enabled him to grill competently.

The atmosphere around Lin Zida began to liven up. Even at ten o'clock at night, Wang Yong arrived with four young women: Xu Wenyi, Yin Yu, and two others of similar standing to Xu Wenyi. None of them appeared to be the type to frequent nightclubs; all exuded an air of sophistication.

After all, it wasn't uncommon for the scions of wealthy families to attract a bevy of beauties late at night. Especially now, with the deputy secretary's son in town, many were eager to make an impression.

Wang Yong wasn't particularly keen on bringing Yin Yu along, as her remarks tended to be rather sharp.

However, with Yuzhou experiencing rapid development and becoming a hub for emerging powers, attracting various influential groups, Hui Province's inspection team had arrived. To enhance oversight, they planned to establish a permanent presence, and Yin Yu's father was heading this crucial team.

Wang Yong, a mere insignificant figure, wouldn't dare refuse such a request.

After Lin Zida applied the honey glaze to the skewers, the cooking process became significantly more challenging. Honey tends to caramelize rapidly under intense heat, necessitating frequent reapplication of the glaze. He struggled to manage the heat effectively, and to his dismay, two tiger prawns were already burnt to a crisp.

Yin Yu smiled and remarked, "Such beautifully charred shrimp heads."

Lin Zida heard her words. While they might have been intended as a compliment, he felt a sting of criticism.

With a somber expression, Zhuang Jianhui fought the urge to dismiss her, but politeness held him in check.

Yin Yu's presence irked Zhuang Jianhui; Wang Yong had previously shared her background with him, and earlier that night, Lin Han had also discussed Yin Yu with him.

Ushering her away was not a viable option, as any incident occurring late at night would place the blame squarely on Zhuang Jianhui.

"You mentioned it was well-grilled, didn't you?" Zhuang Jianhui seized the moment, instructing, "Xiao Pang, please offer Sister Yin some shrimp."

Lin Zida presented the two char-grilled tiger prawns to Yin Yu, inquiring, "Would you like to try?"

Yin Yu maintained her smile, replying, "Thank you, you're very kind."

She accepted the skewers, using her fingernails to delicately peel away the blackened exterior of the prawns before bringing them to her lips, seemingly unbothered by any potential charring.

It was evident to all present that Yin Yu paused almost imperceptibly as she took her first bite of the shrimp.

Zhuang Jianhui, observing this, harbored a smug thought: 'Your half-second hesitation, was it out of reluctance?'

Having achieved a minor victory, Zhuang Jianhui's spirits lifted considerably.

Yin Yu consumed two tiger prawns in this manner, then offered a slight smile, asking, "May I have more?"

Zhuang Jianhui’s inner monologue continued: 'You're quite persistent, aren't you!'

He subtly signaled to Xiao Pang with his eyes.

Among brothers, understanding needed no words.

Lin Zida promptly prepared two more grilled tiger prawns.

"Would you like more?"

Another two were offered.

"Would you like to continue eating?"

Eventually, Yin Yu even prompted Lin Zida to grill more tiger prawns, remarking casually, "Is this the extent of your grilling capabilities?"

Gong Jin sensed a discrepancy. As Lin Zida grilled an additional pair of tiger prawns, he took one himself. Mimicking the peeling of the charred skin, he examined it closely, realizing the shrimp itself was not burnt but coated in a glistening caramel hue.

He took a bite; the shrimp, infused with chili and cumin, offered a surprising burst of sweetness.

A catchy advertising slogan suddenly surfaced in his mind: 'The taste of the ocean, I know it.'

'Wow, this is genuinely delicious!'

Yet, Gong Jin artfully maintained a look of disdain, shaking his head as he declared, "No, the burnt flavor is overwhelming; your skills are lacking, Xiao Pang."

Aware of Gong Jin's sly nature, Lin Zida grilled two more skewers with less charring, offering one to himself and one to Zhuang Jianhui.

Zhuang Jianhui peeled away the dark exterior, lowered his head to take a bite, and in that instant, understood he had been the fool.

He looked up, meeting Yin Yu's gaze. Yin Yu offered a subtle smile, remarking, "You were quite impressive when you invited me to eat earlier."

Zhuang Jianhui commanded, "Don't let her have any more."

Yin Yu paid his words little heed, softly addressing the group, "None of them are as miserly as you, are they?"

Zhuang Jianhui's expression soured; this woman was far too cunning.

Lin Zida chuckled and interjected, "Jianhui isn't stingy; he's merely concerned that eating too much at night isn't ideal for young ladies."

He then shifted the focus, adding, "However, I wouldn't want to spoil the mood."

Lin Zida generously grilled two more shrimp skewers, but deliberately omitted the honey and ensured they were slightly burnt.

Upon taking a bite, Yin Yu's feigned smile vanished instantly as the taste was markedly inferior.

Gong Jin, having observed the entire exchange, mused internally: 'This honey really is something special!'

...

The courtyard.

After finishing the skewers, Tongtong cleaned the table and departed to brush her teeth and shower. Chuchu also left shortly after.

With their departure, Jiang Ning finally found the peace needed for his practice.

Not long after, clad in pajamas with her hair still damp from drying, Tongtong returned, seeking amusement.

"Hmph, what are you doing sitting there looking so vacant again?"

Jiang Ning leaned back against the sofa, replying, "Meditating."

"I bet you're just lost in thought!"

Tonight, Xue Yuantong eschewed her usual computer games. Instead, she hopped onto Jiang Ning's bed, retrieved the iPad hidden beneath the covers, and began playing 'Clash of Clans'.

She wore soft, white Hello Kitty pajamas. When engaged in the game, she would lift her feet, clad in white socks.

Time flowed gently onward as Jiang Ning completed his breathing cycle.

He opened his eyes to find a small white sock playfully wiggling on the bed beside him.

Jiang Ning shifted closer to the edge of the bed, extended two fingers, and lightly prodded the sole of the foot within the white sock.

Tongtong reacted as if a mild electric shock coursed through her, swiftly pulling her foot away.

She twisted her body, turning around indignantly, "You annoying Jiang Ning, what are you doing!"

Jiang Ning let out a laugh and responded, "Nothing at all."

"Hmph!" Tongtong chose not to engage further with Jiang Ning and returned to her game.

"It's already half-past eleven; you should head home and get to sleep." He gently reminded her.

"Just one more game, and then I'll sleep."

"Sleeping too late could hinder your growth."

"..."

Tongtong put away the iPad and quietly returned to her own home.

Yet, Jiang Ning found no peace for even five minutes before a call came through.

Preempting the conversation, Jiang Ning declared, "Excellent! I was having trouble sleeping. Tell me a story now."

Xue Yuantong responded with a befuddled "?"

Did something feel amiss?

Regardless, she was courageous, and weaving a tale was simple. A spiritual light flickered in her dark eyes.

"Certainly, certainly. Once upon a time, there existed a quail."

Jiang Ning found himself enjoying the bedtime story, a sensation akin to returning to his childhood. Though, in truth, his mother had never told him bedtime stories as a child...

But, it's never too late.

Snuggled beneath her small blanket, Xue Yuantong continued, "While other birds laid their eggs in the morning and afternoon, this one was unique, laying eggs only at night."

Jiang Ning's anticipation grew: "Hmm, and then what?"

Xue Yuantong giggled, "Consequently, many people began calling it – the Evening Quail Egg."

...

Night had fallen over a residential complex in the city.

After a demanding day, Shao Shuangshuang opened her front door and quietly made her way to the kitchen, only to discover the stove empty.

Unable to help herself, Shao Shuangshuang called out towards the living room, "Mom."

The only reply was the profound silence of an unoccupied room.

A sudden recollection surfaced: hadn't she been recently complaining about her mother's incessant nagging regarding marriage? To remedy this, she had recently arranged an overseas tour for her parents.

"Now it's perfect, with no one left to prepare food for me anymore," Shao Shuangshuang remarked with a wry smile.

Despite the company providing several employee cafeterias, there were times she still cherished her mother's home-cooked meals. This was especially true when Jiang Ning would frequently bring over his own culinary specialties for her mother to prepare.

Within the old house, devoid of her parents' constant admonishments, Shao Shuangshuang felt an unexpected sense of displacement. A pervasive emptiness seemed to envelop her from every direction.

Everyone possesses vulnerabilities; it's impossible to maintain a state of heightened alertness twenty-four hours a day.

In that moment, Shao Shuangshuang finally grasped the underlying reason for her parents' persistent desire for her to settle down.

Shao Shuangshuang's gaze darkened; such a path seemed unattainable for her.

Her phone rang. She retrieved it and answered.

The crisp, efficient voice of her secretary, Zhao Shuang, came through the line: "President Shao, the group of children you selected will be arriving at the station in twenty minutes. Would you like to meet them?"

Shao Shuangshuang responded, "Hmm, I shall head to the South Station immediately."

She ceased her reflection, turned, and descended the stairs.

Outside Yuzhou South Station.

A gentle night breeze stirred as police lights pulsed, illuminating several plainclothes officers, both men and women, who were briskly escorting three young girls.

Zhao Shuang murmured, "They have arrived."

Upon meeting, Shao Shuangshuang observed the three little girls, approximately eleven or twelve years old, with deeply tanned skin. One was notably thin and small, yet her eyes shone with a remarkable brightness, meeting Shao Shuangshuang's gaze unflinchingly.

Shao Shuangshuang found this quite intriguing.

"President Shao, they slept during the journey and are full of energy," one of the men said with a laugh.

"Hmm, let's proceed," Shao Shuangshuang replied.

The three young girls boarded a Mercedes business van, while Shao Shuangshuang entered a Maybach. With a police car leading the way, they set off towards Guanlan Building by Snowflake Lake.

Seated in the back of the Maybach, Shao Shuangshuang crossed her legs and closed her eyes, seeking to rest.

Zhao Shuang spoke softly in her ear, "The clinical trials for Longevity Medicine have concluded. All 128 patients with kidney disease in the trial achieved reversal of fibrosis, and necrotic kidney units have regenerated... Several academicians are eager to expedite the drug's release."

Reflecting on the efficacy of the culture medium, Zhao Shuang was inwardly astounded. With nearly 700 million individuals worldwide suffering from chronic kidney disease, and the incidence of uremia as an end-stage condition escalating annually, the market potential is immense...

Shao Shuangshuang inquired, "And what about Changqing Hospital?"

Zhao Shuang answered, "All personnel were integrated a week ago and are prepared for deployment."

Shao Shuangshuang nodded in acknowledgment.

After briefly reporting on a few additional matters, Zhao Shuang finally turned to what appeared to be a minor detail: "President Shao, is it confirmed that the new drug will be unveiled in conjunction with the Fourth Middle School's spring event?"

Zhao Shuang found this request rather peculiar.

Shao Shuangshuang opened her eyes, the beauty mark at the corner of her eye appearing even more captivating. She smiled, "Isn't it rather amusing?"