Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1764 - 969: The Final Invitation (Part 2)

Since my aunt dislikes driving, the car naturally ended up with my brother-in-law. My sister, employing some marital charm, managed to trade the family's Volkswagen for a Mercedes. And that, in turn, led us to our current predicament.

Right now, Shen Hongdie is behind the wheel of the Mercedes, exuding the aura of a genuine urban sophisticate. Shen Qing’e feels a sense of happiness for her sister, yet a whisper of melancholy lingers within. While her sister might not possess the same level of beauty or intellect, her life seems to unfold with remarkable ease.

Overhearing their casual conversation, they mention the car is valued at nearly four hundred thousand, a sum substantial enough to purchase a home in the city center. Shen Hongdie can hardly contain her delight: "Qing’e, accompany me to the river dam for a jog later to shed some weight! Your brother-in-law has been networking with business contacts recently, delving into history and global politics, even focusing on Europe. I can’t afford to fall behind as your sister." As a woman from a rural background, Shen Hongdie is keenly aware of her circumstances.

‘The river dam…’ Shen Qing’e’s thoughts drifted to Jiang Ning; that’s where he was residing. She hadn't visited in quite some time.

Shen Hongdie brought the car to a halt at Nan Hong Park. Gazing at the polished white sedan, her resolve to lose weight solidified even further. The sisters commenced their warm-up and embarked on a leisurely jog along the river dam.

The riverside scenery along the Huishui River is breathtaking, and the air is refreshingly clean, making it a popular spot for many to engage in weight-loss routines. Once fatigue sets in from their run, the temptation of the nearby snack stalls offers a delightful reward.

Shen Hongdie displayed unwavering determination, bypassing the tempting aromas of fried skewers, steamed buns, and cold noodle vendors. However, the irresistible allure of fried fish finally caused her resolve to falter. ‘I’ve already run for five minutes; it’s acceptable to indulge myself a little, isn't it?’ Shen Hongdie joined the queue and even beckoned her sister to come over.

Shen Qing’e paused, catching her breath, and exclaimed in surprise: "Jiang Ning!" Shen Hongdie took a closer look and, indeed, it was Jiang Ning! Hurrying out of the line, she called out enthusiastically, "Jiang Ning."

Jiang Ning recognized his sister-in-law. When he first arrived in Yuzhou City two years prior, it was his sister-in-law who had driven to pick him and Shen Qing’e up. Time had truly flown by in the blink of an eye. In truth, during his previous life when he resided at his uncle’s home, his sister-in-law had shown a degree of annoyance towards him. She was, in essence, quite similar to Shen Qing’e, harboring a touch of vanity. Yet, when living under someone else’s roof, such dynamics were often unavoidable.

Jiang Ning offered a faint smile. "Sister-in-law, please try our fried fish." He expertly packed a portion of the fried fish and handed it over. Although Shen Hongdie intended to pay, Jiang Ning simply waved his hand. Shen Hongdie did not press the issue, understanding that Jiang Ning was not lacking in funds and was likely just experiencing the life of a street vendor. She had intended to chat a bit longer, but noticing the growing number of customers, she moved to a nearby cold noodle stall, ordered two servings of cold noodles along with some cold rice wine, and then began savoring the fried fish.

"This fish is absolutely divine, far superior to any I've had in Shen City; it’s so incredibly tasty." Shen Hongdie devoured several pieces consecutively, completely setting aside her weight-loss aspirations. Shen Qing’e quietly partook in the fried fish as well.

Observing her sister’s demeanor, Shen Hongdie suddenly sensed an incongruity. She inquired with a touch of bewilderment: "Qing’e, weren’t you and Jiang Ning close friends? Why haven’t I seen you two conversing for such a long time?" Shen Hongdie was fully aware that her ability to drive a Mercedes was a direct result of her father-in-law persuading Jiang Ning’s parents to have Uncle Yao undertake the Evergreen Liquid project. Therefore, in her heart, she held Jiang Ning’s family in high regard and would never underestimate them.

Faced with her sister’s question, Shen Qing’e hesitated, momentarily unsure how to respond. She found the fried fish in her hand uncomfortably difficult to swallow. Shen Qing’e replied: "We… are in a cold war."

"How long has this cold war been going on?"

Shen Qing’e answered: "It should be about a year."

"A year?" Shen Hongdie was initially taken aback. Having listened to her husband recount history lessons daily, she remarked, "A year constitutes 365 days, enough time for France to surrender eight times over. And you're telling me this is a cold war?"

...As the fish sales neared their conclusion, Chuchu passed by after school and joined them. Once all the fried fish was sold out, Jiang Ning drove the vendor's cart to take Tongtong home, while Chuchu followed alongside on her electric scooter. From the moving vehicle, Tongtong's voice could be heard: "We sold a total of 51 pounds of fish, at 30 per pound, bringing in 1530 bucks! However, the cost of the fish was 232, and we used four buckets of oil, amounting to nearly 500 bucks. Running a business is truly challenging!" "Sigh!" Life isn't easy, Tongtong heaved a sigh.

Jiang Ning commented: "That’s quite good." Xue Chuchu added: "When my mom used to work in a factory, she only earned 100 bucks a day." Xue Yuantong proudly declared once more: "Then I must be pretty amazing."

"If you and Chuchu ever find yourselves in a tight spot, come work for me; I'll make sure you're taken care of!"

Jiang Ning responded, "Thank you."

Xue Chuchu pursed her lips, then remarked, "Tongtong, someone from Hu Temple Middle School is transferring to your Fourth Middle School."

Before high school, she hadn't possessed a QQ account, but later, upon acquiring a smartphone, she created one.

Upon returning to the village for the New Year, she was indeed added by numerous former classmates, who even established a QQ group.

Tongtong inquired, puzzled, "How did you find out?"

Xue Chuchu explained, "I've received quite a number of private messages over the past few days, all mentioning this."

Tongtong's eyes widened in shock, "Why didn't I receive any?"

Observing the distinct difference in appearance between Tongtong and Chuchu, Jiang Ning remained silent out of politeness.

Xue Chuchu continued, "Some excellent students, like Zhong Huai and Han Wen Nuan, are transferring as well."

Xue Yuantong's eyes grew wide, "Han Wen Nuan, I know her!"

Jiang Ning noted the expression on Tongtong's face and was slightly taken aback; she typically appeared so innocent, rarely displaying such a pronounced emotion.

...

Meanwhile.

In Xinhong County, Hu Miao Town, at a Karaoke establishment.

Within a private room illuminated by flashing neon lights, a young man held a microphone, positioned at the center of the gathering.

He raised his glass and declared with emotion, "Classmates, commencing tomorrow, I will be commencing my studies at Yu Zhou Fourth Middle School!"

"Farewell!"

"Farewell!"

All the classmates raised their glasses, their eyes reflecting a mixture of reluctance and admiration. That was the prestigious Fourth Middle School!

Its reputation was not solely due to the assurance of a bright future for its graduates, but also because students from the townships deeply yearned for an urban lifestyle.

Zhong Huai delivered his parting words: "Here, I must express my gratitude to all of you, my classmates, for your companionship. After my departure, the next time we convene might be during the summer holiday! I shall miss you all dearly!"