Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1767 - 967: Defeating the Enemy with the Void (Part 2)

Jiang Ning called out to Chuchu, stating, "I had Tongtong prepare some food; come and eat."

Xue Chuchu entered the kitchen and observed Tongtong with a pout, looking as though she could hang an oil bottle, which stirred a pang of sympathy within her.

'Tongtong has been working tirelessly, busy with fish all day. Surely she must be exhausted. Jiang Ning is still teasing her; can her body truly withstand it?'

In that moment, Xue Chuchu wished she could alleviate Tongtong's burdens.

Tongtong announced, "Alright, let's eat."

Just as she finished speaking, the distinct sound of an electric scooter approached the door. Tongtong instantly stood up, exclaiming, "Mom, you're back!"

Aunt Gu parked her scooter and entered the house, carrying a substantial bag.

Tongtong promptly took the bag and discovered it was filled with an assortment of delicacies, including dairy products, cured meats, and small desserts, causing her face to light up with immediate delight.

Aunt Gu offered a gentle reminder, "Drink more milk and eat more meat regularly."

The unspoken wish was for her to grow taller.

Aunt Gu then located a chair in the kitchen and settled down, observing the three young adults as they ate.

A sense of deep contentment washed over Aunt Gu; it was a lively atmosphere she had rarely experienced. She mused that as people age and endure life's trials, they often yearn for a serene haven.

Xue Yuantong proudly declared, "Mom, I set up a stall by the dam today and earned one thousand yuan!"

Aunt Gu expressed her surprise, "That impressive?"

Xue Yuantong replied, "It was surprisingly easy; I simply stood behind the car selling fried fish."

Aunt Gu commented, "You’re still young, yet your skills are remarkably proficient."

Although pleased by the praise, Xue Yuantong felt a twinge of discontent, a slightly sulky expression crossing her features.

Aunt Gu, perceptive as ever, noticed her daughter's mood, understanding her inherent sensitivity.

Deciding on a strategy of tough love, Aunt Gu stated, "So what if you're short? What's the reason for your unhappiness? Think positively; how many of your peers are shorter than you? Rare things hold greater value."

Xue Yuantong was left speechless.

...

Saturday arrived.

As the sun began its ascent,

Jiang Ning wheeled his electric scooter out the door.

He was met by Tongtong, who stood at the entrance with her hands on her hips, saying, "You stopped caring about me long ago, didn't you? Sneaking out again so early!"

Jiang Ning reassured her, "I definitely care about you."

Tongtong retorted, "Liar."

Jiang Ning playfully countered, "Truly, why else would I sneak out?"

Xue Yuantong found herself with no response.

After Jiang Ning promised to bring back some delectable goodies for her, Tongtong finally retreated inside to resume her sleep.

Jiang Ning then steered his electric scooter towards the urban center, where he arranged to meet Geng Lu near the entrance to her neighborhood.

The young woman stood by the roadside, her smile as vibrant as a blooming flower.

Jiang Ning glanced at her attire and remarked, "Studying art has clearly refined your sense of aesthetics."

Her outfit consisted of a form-fitting long-sleeved shirt paired with a white-gray cardigan, complemented by black low-waist flared pants. She possessed an excellent figure, yet her style exuded a youthful charm rather than a mature heaviness.

Geng Lu, holding her handbag, asked, "Really?"

"Absolutely not fabricated. Hop on," Jiang Ning replied.

They had planned a picnic for the day. Geng Lu had already secured the necessary grilling equipment, but they still needed to purchase various ingredients from the market.

Jiang Ning parked the electric scooter at the market's entrance.

Geng Lu walked alongside him, engaged in lighthearted conversation and laughter. Despite her impending departure from Yuzhou the following day, Geng Lu ensured her mood did not cast a shadow on Jiang Ning, maintaining her cheerful demeanor.

The market was abuzz with activity. Geng Lu followed him closely, remarking, "When I was younger, I always believed my parents were remarkable for never being fussy eaters. It wasn't until later, when I visited the market, that I understood why."

"That's because parents typically purchase the foods they themselves enjoy," Jiang Ning explained. "Hmm, today you can also select the dishes you desire."

Geng Lu agreed, "Okay."

Jiang Ning chuckled, "Don't worry, I'm capable of grilling just about anything."

Geng Lu browsed the stalls, selecting items such as eggplants, green beans, and sliced potatoes...

The day unfolded at a leisurely pace, with Jiang Ning unhurried in his actions.

Near the market entrance, Shen Qing’e happened to be walking in. The previous day, Jiang Ning had mentioned needing one hundred catties of grass carp, and she had been diligently searching ever since.

In her quest for affordable and high-quality grass carp, Shen Qing’e had awakened at 7 a.m. and already visited three markets, this being her fourth.

Shen Qing’e's objective was clear, heading directly towards the area where fish were being sold.

At that precise moment, her gaze inadvertently drifted over the stalls, and she spotted two familiar figures.

Shen Qing’e looked again, her eyes widening in shock!

'Isn't that Jiang Ning? What is he doing with Geng Lu?'

A relentless flood of questions overwhelmed her mind; she desperately wanted to rush over and demand an explanation from Jiang Ning!

However, a moment of hesitation stayed her. If Jiang Ning were to inquire about her presence at the market, how would she possibly respond?

With this thought, Shen Qing’e quickly retreated from the market.

Jiang Ning’s divine sense detected the retreating figure. A knowing smile touched his lips; what a peculiar coincidence.

Geng Lu turned her head, her gaze meeting his dark eyes as she asked, "Are you happy?"

Jiang Ning replied: "Going out with you, of course I’m happy."

Geng Lu felt a sweetness spread through her, her eyes becoming gentle and misty.

Jiang Ning then surveyed the market stalls, commenting, "The prices seem quite high these days."

Geng Lu responded, "It's not expensive; I recently earned a good amount from my paintings. I'll treat you."

Jiang Ning agreed, "Alright, I'll be in charge of the grilling."

"Okay," Geng Lu readily agreed.

After purchasing the necessary ingredients and seasonings, Jiang Ning placed them on his electric scooter and rode to the wetland park to fetch the cooking equipment.

With spring in bloom and a gentle breeze, a few scattered tourists were setting up their own camps.

Geng Lu found a quiet spot, set down her backpack, spread out a blanket, and began arranging snacks, drinks, and small cakes.

Jiang Ning assembled the BBQ grill, rubbed his fingers together, and began lighting the charcoal directly.

The two then sat on small stools, facing the lake, and started skewering the ingredients. Once they were done, Jiang Ning began grilling the skewers while Geng Lu continued preparing more.

As she worked, Geng Lu couldn't help but watch Jiang Ning, her movements gradually slowing.

She propped her chin on her palm and remarked, "Jiang Ning, when you concentrate on something, you tend to furrow your brow slightly. It's particularly... handsome!"

Jiang Ning looked over at her, noticing how much Geng Lu had slimmed down. Her once chubby cheeks had completely disappeared, presenting a look he hadn't seen in their past life—even more beautiful.

It seemed that the Geng Lu of this current life had entirely taken the place of her former self, with only her soul remaining unchanged.

In the past, his most vivid memory was playing games while she happily watched him.

Jiang Ning had previously found her habit of speaking aloud while he was researching quite bothersome.

However, recalling it now evoked a different, more poignant feeling.

Jiang Ning finished seasoning the potatoes and announced, "It's all done."

Geng Lu parted her lips and took a bite of a potato slice.

She ate one slice, leaving two for Jiang Ning, and then retrieved a small box from her pocket.

"Jiang Ning, I bought this for you," she said, unboxing it to reveal a bottle of eye drops.

Jiang Ning looked at her, puzzled, "Why did you think of buying these?"

Geng Lu explained, "I heard from others that you spend a lot of time on your phone. Use these when your eyes feel tired; they protect your vision. I chose them carefully after a long time; this particular brand has no preservatives."

"Thanks," Jiang Ning replied.

"Tomorrow, um..." Geng Lu’s expression showed a hint of reluctance as she hesitated. She didn't finish her sentence, only adding, "This time, let me help you."

Jiang Ning commented, "Eye drops are difficult to apply; many doctors say they don't do it very well."

"I can do it!"

Geng Lu put down the skewers and shifted slightly.

Jiang Ning remained seated on the small stool. If she stood, the height difference would be too significant, so she gently knelt behind him.

Jiang Ning tilted his face up. Before him were two rounded curves, but he couldn't see Geng Lu's face.

Geng Lu realized the awkwardness and moved in front of Jiang Ning, saying sheepishly, "Let's do it this way."

She then opened the bottle cap.

Jiang Ning met her earnest gaze, which was as soft as water.

Geng Lu had learned the technique seriously. She held the small bottle directly above Jiang Ning's eyes and gently instructed, "Ah~"

Then, a single drop gently fell into his eye.

It was a perfect application.

Geng Lu quickly inquired, "Does it feel cold?"

Jiang Ning blinked, responding, "It feels perfect."

"Hmm."

At this moment, Jiang Ning's phone, which he had placed aside, lit up. Geng Lu noticed it and informed him, "Chen Siyu is looking for you."

Chen Siyu texted, asking Jiang Ning what he was doing and if she could join him.

Geng Lu and Chen Siyu were classmates, and Geng Lu had some awareness of Chen Siyu's true nature. She felt that Geng Lu, too, had faced a devil's gift.

With this thought, Geng Lu took out her phone and decisively sent a private message to Chen Siyu: "Jiang Ning is too busy to reply to you right now."

In a certain bedroom within the city.

Chen Siyu was puzzled, asking, "Why?"

Geng Lu replied, "Because I just drugged him."

Chen Siyu was shocked and scrambled next to her sister, panicking, "Oh no, oh no indeed!"