Previously on Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation...
Liu Chuandao’s hopes are crushed when Yun Tingting rejects him. Meanwhile, Yu Wen asks Meng Gui to track down someone who scammed her out of 18 yuan. New students are introduced to Class 8, including Yin Yu, who catches Guo Kunnan’s eye, and Zhong Huai and Han Wen Nuan, who find themselves in an awkward situation with Zhang Chi.
"Hello, I am Yin Yu."The moment the words left her lips, Shen Qing’e’s gaze shifted to Yin Yu. A lovely smile graced her features, and her introduction exuded confidence and composure."Hello, I am Shen Qing’e."As Yin Yu was about to engage in further conversation, Meng Zi Yun, seated diagonally behind, detected a kindred spirit and inquired proactively, "Yin Yu, which town high school did you attend?""Oh, I’m not from a town school. I attend Ancheng 168 Middle School."An immediate exclamation of shock came from Jiang Yanan, "168 Middle School? That's the top high school in the province!"While Yu Zhou Fourth Middle School was experiencing a surge in prominence and its students' confidence was on the rise, there remained a degree of deference when interacting with a school that had long held a prestigious status.Yin Yu explained, "My parents were transferred for work, so I enrolled in Fourth Middle School.""Wow, your parents must be quite influential to get you into Fourth Middle School," Jiang Yanan expressed with clear surprise.Dong Qingfeng regarded Yin Yu, commenting, "Either your parents possess significant influence, or your academic performance is exceptionally strong."Fourth Middle School was keenly seeking talented students, recognizing that impressive college entrance examination results were crucial for establishing itself as a formidable institution.Although these students from town schools were ostensibly part of a targeted support program with the intention of returning to their original schools for the college entrance exams, Dong Qingfeng, based on his extensive observations, was certain that Fourth Middle School would retain this cohort of students until the exams concluded, leaving no one behind.The question of whether the town high schools would consent was largely irrelevant. Under the pervasive influence of the Evergreen Liquid, Yu Zhou’s entire educational framework was gradually being reoriented to favor Fourth Middle School.Yin Yu responded with a simple, "Ah, I suppose my parents are quite influential."Jiang Yanan then asked, "May I inquire about your grades? Specifically, your score from the end of last semester?"Yin Yu tilted her head, a slight frown appearing. "The final exam last semester was quite challenging; I didn't perform as well as I'd hoped.""How much worse than you expected?" Meng Zi Yun's curiosity was piqued.Though silent, Shen Qing’e’s attention was also fixed on Yin Yu. Academic scores were the undisputed currency of value within the school, much like the arrogance displayed by Xue Yuantong.Yin Yu offered an apologetic smile, "It was significantly lower than I anticipated, and I'm rather embarrassed to admit it."Jiang Yanan attempted to offer comfort, "It’s alright, my grades aren't that great either. At the end of last semester, I only managed to score 490 points."That final exam had been notoriously difficult, comparable in rigor to recent college entrance examinations. This score placed one on the cusp of admission to top-tier universities, though likely only securing a spot in a respectable second-tier institution.Meng Zi Yun chimed in, "I scored 440."This score was just above the threshold for second-tier universities, typically qualifying for admission into a third-tier institution.Observing Yin Yu's continued display of distress, Dong Qingfeng also offered words of encouragement, "Don't worry, your score isn't the most important thing. There's still over a year until the college entrance exams."Jiang Yanan added, "Yes, current scores aren't that critical. So, what was your score?"All eyes turned to Yin Yu, awaiting her answer.Yin Yu replied, "655."
After a brief conversation, Jiang Yanan inquired, "Yin Yu, are you so innocent because your family shields you well?"
Yin Yu responded with a smile, "My parents are incredibly kind to me."
Meng Zi Yun harbored a suspicion of insincerity but lacked concrete proof.
Jiang Yanan commented, "Families like yours seem destined to be with orphaned boys in the future."
Yin Yu looked on, puzzled.
Shen Qing’e, aware of Jiang Yanan's peculiar fondness for orphans, which apparently garnered favor, let out a gentle cough, calling out, "Yanan."
Recognizing her misstep, Jiang Yanan swiftly diverted the topic, noting, "The other new students are all gathered together."
...
Indeed, Xiao Shaoxiong and Zhang Zhaodi were seated in front of Zhao Qianqian and Lu Qiqi.
Lu Qiqi was voicing her annoyance to Zhao Qianqian, lamenting, "I'm only 17, and today a child of four or five called me 'auntie' again. I'm starting to truly detest little kids!"
Zhao Qianqian echoed her sentiments, expressing complete agreement.
Xiao Shaoxiong turned around and remarked, "The age gap is nearly fifteen years; it's quite normal to be addressed as 'auntie,' isn't it?"
Zhao Qianqian countered, "But I'm a boy?"
Xiao Shaoxiong then noticed his brightly painted nails, which momentarily silenced him.
Lu Qiqi regarded Xiao Shaoxiong with evident disdain. She considered Zhang Zhaodi a potential ally, finding her name uniquely memorable.
With enthusiasm, she posed a question, "Zhang Zhang, do you have a boyfriend?"
Zhang Zhaodi replied directly, "Yes, we've been together for over a year now."
"Then why didn't he accompany you to the city for your studies?" Lu Qiqi inquired, her tone hinting at deliberate probing.
Zhang Zhaodi explained, "My boyfriend's academic performance is rather moderate."
Lu Qiqi expressed feigned shock, exclaiming, "You're so beautiful and academically gifted! Why are you interested in him? Is he exceptionally handsome?"
"He treats me exceptionally well," Zhang Zhaodi responded simply.
