Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1757 - 967: Shattering the Genius Dream with a Kick (5K)

Guanlan Mansion was where it was. Zhao Shuang guided the way to a private elevator, the identity verification was completed, and they ascended directly to the ninth floor.

The ninth floor served as the reception area, designed with a home-like ambiance. Three young girls were seated on the sofa, their nervousness palpable, utterly silent.

Meanwhile, within a separate room, separated by one-way mirrored glass, Shao Shuangshuang observed the scene. She found it amusing, likening the situation to interrogating elementary school students.

These young girls were part of the elite external liaison team of Evergreen Liquid. Discovered from various corners of the nation's mountains and rivers, they were promising talents from backgrounds of remarkable innocence.

"The two taller ones hail from Shu Province," Zhao Shuang informed her.

"The shortest one is from Qian Province, and her name is Mei Dai."

Even with Shao Shuangshuang’s naturally pleasant demeanor, a light chuckle escaped her lips. "Does she frequently face reprimands from her teachers at school?"

Zhao Shuang paused, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. Then, a vivid memory of a teacher scrutinizing homework assignments flashed through her mind.

Mei Dai: 'I am Mei Dai.'

Teacher's scolding: 'If you didn't bring it, it means you didn't do it!'

Mei Dai: "I am Mei Dai, but I did do it."

Thankfully, Zhao Shuang managed to maintain her professional composure. "Mei Dai's academic performance is outstanding; she is a true rare genius, tragically with untapped potential."

"Her family resides in the mountains of Qian Province; they lack even a television. Her mother passed away two years after her birth. Her father relocated to Shen City for work and hasn't been seen in seven or eight years. I had discreet inquiries made into her records, and the last known whereabouts traced him to Southeast Asia, suggesting he is likely deceased."

"Her grandfather died before she was born, and her grandmother passed away the year before last. It is said that a dog named Mengui used to accompany her to school daily, but by the time we located her, Mengui had also passed away."

"..."

Gazing at Mei Dai through the one-way glass, Shao Shuangshuang observed the young girl sitting composedly between the other two, her hands clasped tightly with theirs, as if offering silent comfort.

She remarked, "Quite tragic."

Zhao Shuang replied, "Indeed, her family endures extreme poverty. Simply to attend school, she traverses seven to eight kilometers of mountain roads each way. It is the year 2015, and communities still contend fiercely over water resources for irrigation."

Shao Shuangshuang commented, "It truly sounds arduous."

Zhao Shuang added, "Yet, she doesn't seem to perceive it as such."

A smile then graced Zhao Shuang's lips. "However, that hardship will soon be a thing of the past."

Shao Shuangshuang responded, "Hmm, let them reside at Hu Qi Mountain hereafter."

Zhao Shuang looked upon the three young girls, a profound sense of envy welling within her. It wasn't solely the prospect of leaving the mountains and escaping destitution, but also the promise of personal cultivation under the direct tutelage of President Shao.

To reside within her own household, to be genuinely raised as her daughters.

Shao Shuangshuang activated a button. The wall vibrated, and the one-way mirrored glass slid open to the sides, seamlessly merging the two distinct rooms into one unified space.

She addressed the three girls, an inexplicable memory of her own mother, who had always yearned for grandchildren, surfacing in her mind. "Hello, I am Shao Shuangshuang. From this moment forward, I am your mother."

The two slightly older girls appeared bewildered, offering hesitant, unfocused responses.

Mei Dai considered her words for a moment before replying, "But, my mother is already deceased."

...

Thursday morning, during the third period, just two minutes before the bell signaling the end of class, Shan Qingrong and Gu Wei appeared at the doorway of Class 8.

Teacher Ouyang cast a brief glance at the pair, swiftly jotted the answers onto the blackboard, and promptly dismissed the class.

Shan Qingrong strode to the podium, his gaze sweeping across the six vacant seats. "I have an announcement to make. Several students have departed from our class, correct? Next week, we will be welcoming a few students from town high schools, hailing from Wamiao Town, Liuhu Town, Daxi Town..."

Xue Yuantong looked up, a flicker of recognition – wasn't Wamiao Town her hometown?

Nonetheless, after completing her elementary education in her hometown, Xue Yuantong had enrolled in Iron Middle School in the urban district, while Chuchu continued her middle school studies in their hometown.

Shan Qingrong observed the reaction of his astute student, Xue Yuantong, and kindly elaborated, "Much like Wamiao Town, the originating place of our classmate Xue Yuantong. The students joining us this time are all top achievers from their respective town high schools!"

"Although they will need to return to their hometowns for the crucial college entrance examinations, once they join our class, everyone must strive diligently and not be outshone."

"Excellent, they are the pride of the towns; we are saved!" Meng Gui chimed in.

Cui Yu exclaimed, "Quickly, inform the Elder! In this sect's grand competition, dark horses are bound to emerge!"

The classmates responded with sporadic bursts of laughter, with the notable exception of Gong Jin, who remained somber. The empty seat he had long coveted now had a new occupant, signifying his continued stagnation.

Pang Jiao, stationed at the front desk, was equally engrossed, absorbed in editing Lu Qiqi’s selfie, a task requiring an almost 200% effort.

"Oh, Yanyan, do you believe I appear more attractive in the photograph or in the video?"

Wang Yan Yan’s eyes, wide as a fish’s, opened further: "Of course, you look even better in person!"

Gong Jin felt a surge of resentment: 'Doesn't she feel any guilt lying so brazenly?'

He looked down upon Wang Yan Yan.

Pang Jiao let out a soft roar, but confined herself to a lower volume due to the presence of the class teacher at the podium. The intensity of her suppressed emotion was almost palpable in the air.

She turned around with a clumsy movement; the adjacent desks shifted subtly, a movement that could be likened to the slow crawl of tectonic plates.

"Gong Jin, which one do you think makes me look better?"

Gong Jin managed a strained smile, his social skills kicking in to allow for a swift adaptation: "Every appearance of yours is beautiful, absolutely flawless."

Pang Jiao emitted another roar, her voice tinged with profound regret: "If only you didn’t already have a girlfriend, otherwise I..."

At this point, Pang Jiao was filled with immense regret.

Gong Jin's girlfriend was merely an invention, a fabrication born from his genuine desire to avoid unwanted attention.

He quickly interjected, "Without me, your family might be reduced to mere bones, but without you, you remain a princess, an extraordinary being!"

Pang Jiao was instantly elated, viewing Gong Jin's words as being second only to Huang Zhongfei in their deference towards her.

Consequently, she made a promise: "In the future, should you ever require assistance, do not hesitate to ask me!"

"That sounds perfect," Gong Jin agreed, though his inner thoughts were dismissive. Even though his family’s primary base wasn't situated in Yuzhou, he had already established a presence there, and his friend happened to be the son of the deputy secretary. What possible need could he have for the help of a high school student?