Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1775 - 977: ’Quasi’-Complete Class 8

All eyes downstairs were fixed on them.

Guo Kunnan and Yun Tingting were engaged in a lively game of badminton, his excitement making his face flush a deep crimson.

Cui Yu, with a hint of envy, commented, "Brother Nan's face is as red as a century egg."

Meng Gui, his hair bristling with mild irritation, calmly handled his prayer beads, reciting, "If you are not Kun, how can you understand Kun's joy?"

Despite their jealousy for their good brother, they remained quiet.

It was Liu Chuandao and his companions who couldn't contain their reactions. Liu Chuandao, whose face resembled a shoehorn, boomed, "Yun Tingting, what kind of guys do you like?"

As soon as he spoke, everyone first glanced at Liu Chuandao, then, as if in silent agreement, turned their gazes toward the captivating Yun Tingting.

Yun Tingting turned leisurely, tilted her head up, and looked directly at Liu Chuandao on the upper floor. With a giggle, she replied, "Your type."

Her words, like a giant pink heart, shattered into a multitude of smaller hearts that pulsed and echoed in Liu Chuandao’s ears, creating a constant buzz.

While Yun Tingting could be playful, she often maintained a detached demeanor towards many.

Yet, here she was, publicly declaring her ideal preference.

'So, she fancies tall and dashing men like me!'

Beside him, Shi Qianjin clenched his fist, Gu Tai upstairs seethed with rage, and the hearts of the boys from Class 3 below crumbled. Even Guo Kunnan, who was midway through a badminton rally with Yun Tingting, felt a sharp sting of discontent!

Guo Kunnan wondered, 'Am I just a stand-in?'

Liu Chuandao was lost in a sea of blissful happiness.

However, his joy was short-lived as he saw Yun Tingting mouth the words: "Your type, I don’t like!"

With that, Yun Tingting flicked her ponytail and resumed their game.

Liu Chuandao stood frozen, utterly bewildered.

Simultaneously, countless male students exhaled a collective sigh of relief.

Liu Chuandao's expression turned rigid. Yu Wen and Jiang Yanan, sprinting from the western corridor, happened upon Liu Chuandao's crestfallen face. Jiang Yanan, with a curious tilt of her head, inquired, "Liu Chuandao, are you feeling unwell?"

Seeing the fair-skinned and attractive Jiang Yanan, despite her small eyes, express concern, Liu Chuandao rallied slightly and managed a forced smile. "Yun Tingting said she doesn't like my type."

Yu Wen cast a brief glance at him and remarked indifferently, "It’s hardly surprising she doesn’t like you; we don’t fancy your type either."

After delivering this blow, Yu Wen tugged Jiang Yanan along, and they hurried away.

Liu Chuandao's last shred of hope dissolved.

Yu Wen dashed all the way to Meng Gui's location, her voice laced with urgency, "Meng Gui, I heard you're exceptionally skilled at fortune-telling?"

Meng Gui turned, his voice resonating with a mystic authority, "A touch of divine insight, no need for theatrics."

Yu Wen produced her phone, showing him a QQ number, and implored, "Alright, help me uncover the identity of this scoundrel!"

Meng Gui looked at her, questioning, "Yu Wen, why are you slandering someone without cause?"

Yu Wen explained, "I sent her a red envelope, hoping she'd help me post something on a forum. She took the money and then blocked me. Please help me recover my funds."

Meng Gui inquired, "How much was it?"

"18 yuan," she replied.

Meng Gui extended his hand. "My fee for fortune-telling is 50 yuan."

Yu Wen retrieved a fifty yuan note and pressed it into his palm. "Here!"

Zhang Chi, witnessing this exchange, let out a laugh and quickly rushed over, eager to snatch the opportunity. "Yu Wen, if you give me 50, I can also help you get that 18 yuan back!"

Yu Wen regarded him with disdain. "Aren't you planning to return the 18 yuan yourself?"

Zhang Chi blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"

Yu Wen scoffed, "This proves you lack depth. You'll never achieve great wealth!"

Zhang Chi bristled. "What if I do make money?"

Yu Wen chuckled, unimpressed. "You?"

Zhang Chi vowed to prove her wrong by amassing a fortune.

Having accepted the fifty yuan, Meng Gui casually stated, "Before the evening study session concludes, I'll ensure she returns your money to you."

Yu Wen nodded. "Understood."

Zhang Chi stared at Meng Gui’s striking hairstyle, incredulous. "How can you be so certain?"

Meng Gui offered no response.

His associate, Cui Yu, chimed in. "Zhang Chi, do you have any idea of Meng Gui’s esteemed position in the realm of fortune-telling? Let me enlighten you!"

Zhang Chi, his skepticism evident, asked, "How high is his status?"

Cui Yu shrugged. "Honestly, I haven't the faintest idea."

...

During the first class of the evening study session, a throng of students congregated outside the door of Class 8.

Shan Qingrong entered the classroom and, upon seeing Xue Yuantong peacefully asleep, his demeanor softened considerably. He then gestured for the students waiting outside to enter with him.

As they streamed in, a group of six students entered simultaneously, drawing the immediate attention of everyone present.

Cui Yu whispered excitedly, "Wow, two more boys have arrived."

Shan Qingrong cleared his throat and announced, "With the departure of a few arts and sports students from our class, several seats have become vacant. The school has assigned new students to join our class."

Cui Yu erupted in applause, exclaiming, "A grand welcome to our Class 8 family!"

The straightforward and earnest Dan Xiao chimed in, "Welcome!"

Instantly, the classroom filled with resounding applause, creating a warm atmosphere that enveloped the new students.

Gong Jin felt a peculiar sensation, peeking from behind Pang Jiao's sturdy frame, and asked in disbelief, "Yongzi, do we know anyone here?"

At that moment, Yin Yu, clad in a brown coat, stood upon the platform, a radiant smile gracing her features.

Guo Kunnan gazed at her, feeling as if her smile had pierced the depths of his heart, resonating with his very Dao heart.

Dan Kaiquan observed him and suddenly inquired, "Has your Dao heart awakened?"

Guo Kunnan drew a deep breath and solemnly declared, "Engrave it! My cherished one!"

In that very instant, a cascade of emotional imprints swirled within his mind: Manman, Xu Yan, Lu Yaya, Yun Tingting... and now, the monument of his affections had been graced by another beloved!

Guo Kunnan vowed to remember her for all his days.

Shan Qingrong, with a gentle tone, suggested, "Let's have the new students introduce themselves."

As the words settled, Zhong Huai, who fancied himself a natural leader, confidently strode to the podium. He sported an old-fashioned jacket, exuding an air of maturity and stability.

Surveying the entire class, he mused, 'This shall be my grand stage; I must seize victory!'

'Wait, why is a classmate dozing off?' Zhong Huai paused, momentarily bewildered by the unexpected sight.

Nevertheless, he remained unfazed. Zhong Huai possessed no trace of stage fright and began his introduction: "Greetings, everyone. My name is Zhong Huai, and I hail from Hu Temple Middle School..."

Concluding his self-introduction, he added, "I am quite helpful, so don't hesitate to seek my assistance if anything is unclear!"

The moment he finished, from the midst of the quiet classroom, Cui Yu piped up, "If your mother and wife were simultaneously plummeting from a skyscraper, whom would you rescue first?"

Zhong Huai found himself in a quandary, pondering for a few seconds before instinctively formulating a response.

Chen Qian adjusted his spectacles and interjected, "They would both reach the ground at the same moment."

Shan Qingrong shot a stern look at Cui Yu, commanding, "Go to the rear and stand there!"

Cui Yu departed with a crestfallen expression.

Next was Yin Yu, who approached the podium with a cheerful demeanor.

Observing her, Meng Zi Yun felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as if they shared a common past.

She murmured, "She's truly beautiful. If I possessed her looks, I'd awaken with joy every night in my dreams."

Dong Qingfeng feigned ignorance, asking, "Is that so? My eyesight might be failing me?"

Yin Yu stood poised, a smile gracing her lips as she spoke with remarkable clarity, "Greetings, everyone. My name is Yin Yu, and I am 16 years old..."

Her delivery was exceptionally fluent, enhanced by a pleasant, broadcast-like intonation.

Meng Gui idly dug at his ear and inquired, "Which Yin character is it?"

Yin Yu clarified, "'Yin' as in 'Prefect'."

The term was a tad obscure, leaving Meng Gui struggling to recall, "Which 'Prefect' do you mean?"

Liu Chuandao announced loudly, "'Yin' as in 'Dragon Knight's' Yin!"

With that clarification, Meng Gui's understanding clicked into place, while many classmates wore expressions of amused ambiguity.

Meng Gui then asked, "And which Yu?"

Yin Yu replied, "'Yu' as in 'Jade'."

Meng Gui nodded, processing the information. "Yin Yu? Why not just call yourself English?"

Shan Qingrong could no longer contain her exasperation and declared, "You too, go to the back!"

"Very well, I shall observe from the rear!" Meng Gui playfully fiddled with his prayer beads as he happily made his way to the back row, eager to reunite with his close friends and share in their predicament.

Just then, the homeroom teacher called out, "Cui Yu, you may return."

Meng Gui's face flushed with embarrassment.

Following Yin Yu's introduction, another stylish young woman stepped up to the podium. Her features possessed a certain allure, yet she spoke with notable earnestness, "Greetings, everyone. My name is Zhang Zhaodi. You might find my name sounds rather common, but I personally find it quite charming."

Liu Chuandao posed a direct question, "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Yes, I do."

Hu Jun, who typically paid little attention to his female classmates, suddenly brightened up, exclaiming, "I admire you, classmate!"

"Thank you. My sole focus is on my studies," Zhang Zhaodi replied before stepping aside.

Next was Xiao Shaoxiong, who also appeared unfazed by the spotlight. "Hello, everyone. My name is Xiao Shaoxiong. My father drives a Rolls-Royce, my mother a Bentley, and I have a penchant for lighthearted jest!"

Duan Shigang perceived the young man as possessing a carefree spirit, perhaps even a kindred soul, and offered a welcoming applause.

Subsequently, it was Han Wen Nuan's turn. Though quite slender, her eyes shone with remarkable brightness. She stated, "Hello, everyone. I am Han Wen Nuan. My primary hobby is conserving time, so any remaining moments will be dedicated to the next speaker."

Finally, the last student approached. She was a girl wearing black-rimmed glasses, her voice soft as she spoke, "Hel-hello. I am Jianxi, from Xuzhou Middle School."

Shan Qingrong announced, "Very well, there are still a few vacant seats in the classroom. You may select your preferred spots for now, and we will reassign everyone after the midterm examinations."

A ray of hope flickered within Gong Jin's heart as he thought, "I just need to endure until the midterm exam, and then I'll be free."

...

Once Shan Qingrong departed, a hush fell over the classroom once more. Wang Longlong, as was his custom, stepped up to manage the day's class assignments.

Zhong Huai and Han Wen Nuan selected seats in the classroom's northwest corner. They positioned themselves behind Dan Xiao and in front of Liu Chuandao and Zhang Chi, a location seemingly brimming with hidden potential.

Zhang Chi, being proactive, greeted them, "Hello, Han Wen Nuan. Do you happen to have any money? Could you lend me two hundred? I don't have any cash for food."

The slender Han Wen Nuan turned around and replied, "Thank you."

Perplexed, Zhang Chi asked, "Why are you thanking me?"

Han Wen Nuan responded, "You're the first person in the world who seems to think I possess two hundred yuan."

Zhang Chi mused inwardly, realizing that not even having two hundred truly signified poverty.

Determined to make an impression in the esteemed Class 8, Zhong Huai spoke up on behalf of his fellow schoolmate, "Nuannuan's family situation is quite modest, and she's always looking for part-time work. If you come across any job openings, please consider introducing them to her."

Zhang Chi took another look at Han Wen Nuan and asked, "You work part-time?"

He then lightly shook his head. "I can't take you in."

Han Wen Nuan, believing these city-dwelling, carefree students couldn't possibly grasp the importance of money at such an early age, didn't take offense. "No need, I can find something myself," she replied.

For reasons unknown, Zhang Chi detected a hint of disdain in her eyes!

Zhang Chi's pride was wounded, and he reacted unhappily, "You?"

With that, Zhang Chi produced a can of yellow peaches and prepared to open it using a piece of rough paper he obtained from Dan Xiao.

Witnessing his struggle after a couple of attempts, Zhong Huai enthusiastically offered his assistance, "Let me give it a try."

He took the can of peaches and, with a firm twist, the lid came off instantly.

'City kids born with a silver spoon.' Zhong Huai concluded internally.

In the very next second, Zhang Chi extended his hand. "Fifteen yuan."

Zhong Huai inquired, "What do you mean by that?"

Zhang Chi then exclaimed, "I only took it out to wipe off some dust. You opened it for me, isn't that asking for too much?"

'Damn it!' Zhong Huai, unwilling to engage in an argument, reluctantly produced fifteen yuan with a grim expression.

In front of Han Wen Nuan, Zhang Chi ostentatiously displayed the bills. "I'm earning eight yuan a minute."

His tablemate, Liu Chuandao, glanced at Zhong Huai and silently thought, 'Damn, I wouldn't dare touch anything belonging to Zhang Chi.'