Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1765 - 969: The Final Invitation (3)

As his speech concluded, a somber mood enveloped the private room, the sense of farewell intensifying with each passing moment.

Several classmates, overcome with emotion, regarded him with evident reluctance. Though Zhong Huai’s appearance was rather ordinary, his academic performance consistently secured him a top-three position in their year, an achievement seemingly unshakeable.

His remarkable grades cast a sort of halo around him, setting him apart and making him appear extraordinary.

One girl, her voice tinged with regret, voiced her feelings: "Zhong Huai, why must you leave?"

From the shadows, Zhong Huai's expression momentarily froze. Staying was simply not an option; he was destined to venture into a grander world and achieve greatness!

Choking back his emotions, Zhong Huai explained, "I don’t want to go either, but this is my father’s deeply held wish. He toils relentlessly at the construction site!"

"How could I possibly bear to disappoint him?"

"Come, allow me to dedicate a song to my dearest father!"

Zhong Huai proceeded to choose a song, his voice resonating with profound emotion as he began to sing: "I always take from you but rarely say thanks~ Only when I grew up did I truly grasp your struggles~"

His vocal talents were quite impressive, and the already poignant atmosphere in the room resonated deeply with everyone, moving them all.

Zhong Huai furtively wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, continuing to pour his heart into the song.

Before long, the entire group joined in, their voices rising in unison during the song’s crescendo: "Time, oh time, please slow your pace, don't let him age further~ I'd trade all I have to keep your years eternal~"

Every single one of the twenty classmates crammed into the KTV booth was moved to tears!

Even after the final note faded, some were still overcome, their thoughts consumed by the arduous lives of their fathers. One person began to wail loudly:

"Dad!"

"Oh, Dad!"

The atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming noticeably subdued.

Amidst this emotional outpouring, a girl with a slender build, dressed in a simple jacket, sat quietly in a corner, diligently reviewing her mistake notebook. She remained completely unfazed by the surrounding sentiment.

Zhong Huai noticed this classmate. She wasn't crying!

A slight frown creased his brow as he subtly moved closer to her and inquired, "Han Wen Nuan, why are you still studying?"

Han Wen Nuan lifted her gaze. Her face was unadorned and plain, lacking any striking beauty. She even appeared somewhat pale, perhaps a consequence of insufficient nourishment.

Han Wen Nuan's voice held a distinct note of detachment as she replied, "I must study; otherwise, I won't have the funds for the next outing."

Zhong Huai looked at her, his tone softening as he said, "I understand your focus on earning money, but this time, we're all together. You don't need to contribute. Could you please indulge us and participate?"

Han Wen Nuan simply responded, "Alright."

Zhong Huai seemed pleased. "You should join the rest of us. It's our last night together here, after all."

Having resolved that matter, Zhong Huai returned to the center of attention, endeavoring to uplift the mood once more.

At this juncture, a strikingly beautiful girl cast a challenging glance towards the corner. "Han Wen Nuan, care to join me for a duet?"

Her words drew the attention of everyone in the room towards Han Wen Nuan.

Han Wen Nuan placed her notebook aside, her pale lips forming a slight smile. "Okay."

"Let me be clear from the start, I sing quite often, so I'm rather good. You can't give up halfway, alright?"

"Zhong Huai, could you help me record a video?"

Zhong Huai readily agreed, "Consider it done."

The dazzling girl took hold of the microphone and began to sing softly, "I am still searching~ For a hand to hold, a comforting embrace~"

After crooning a few more lines, it was Han Wen Nuan's turn.

All eyes were on her. It was common knowledge that Han Wen Nuan came from a very poor family, and her demeanor was considered peculiar. Everyone anticipated she would surely embarrass herself by singing...

Yet, no one intervened to stop her.

Han Wen Nuan parted her lips, and the indifference in her voice vanished, replaced by a remarkable clarity. "Happiness begins to bloom~ Destiny draws us ever closer~"

In stark contrast, the dazzling girl's performance felt more like a recitation than a song.

The dazzling girl's face contorted through a spectrum of colorful expressions.

She vociferously exclaimed, "Han Wen Nuan, you absolutely must pay your share for the singing!"

Han Wen Nuan immediately ceased singing, her voice sharp with protest, "No, I refuse!"

...

The river dam.

Upon returning home, Jiang Ning meticulously cleaned his food cart. He made preparations to take the remaining fried fish back to Lin Zida at the rural tourism spot.

"Jiang Ning, would you like an ice cream?" Tongtong playfully dangled an ice pop.

"Aren't you going to take a shower?"

"I’ll shower later. Maybe Mom will be home by then. Better to eat first," Tongtong stated matter-of-factly.

Jiang Ning deliberately remarked, "You earned a thousand yuan today, so what are you afraid of her for now?"

Tongtong's confidence immediately surged. "Precisely! Economic power dictates one's standing in the family. It's time to prove who truly holds authority!"

Jiang Ning accepted the ice cream, about to take a bite, when his phone vibrated unexpectedly.

He unlocked the screen, and simultaneously, another message notification popped up.

Shen Qing'e: "This time, for a targeted reunion, several classmates from our old high school are visiting Fourth Middle School. Shall we gather tomorrow?"

Geng Lu: "Jiang Ning, I will be heading to An City the day after tomorrow. Will you be free tomorrow... hmm?"