Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1802 - 991: Two Strikes (Part 2)

However, Chuchu's demeanor remained steadfast from beginning to end. She didn't bridge the gap as his attitude shifted, but instead maintained a consistent distance throughout. Chuchu is a truly kind individual, possessing a beauty and character without any discernible flaws. Had it been Jiang Ning from a past existence, he would have stood no chance. Regardless of whether it was Chuchu's own inclinations or the expectations of Hua Fengmei that formed barriers, the Jiang Ning of the past life was incapable of overcoming them. But Tongtong presented a different scenario; if Jiang Ning had shown even a bit more kindness to Tongtong during their first year of high school. Although Tongtong's words were often sharp, a girl who subsisted on biscuits and plain water was, in reality, easily content. Moreover, she harbored a deep sense of loyalty, always reciprocating kindness shown to her. He likely could have persuaded Tongtong to generate income for him. Thus, upon careful consideration, Jiang Ning still concluded that Tongtong was the superior choice, immediately followed by the thought, 'Forget it, dwelling on these matters is ultimately futile.' Jiang Ning quietly concluded his meal, exchanged a brief word with Chuchu, and then turned, departing the kitchen. Xue Chuchu observed his retreating figure, a flicker of bewilderment crossing her brow; she perceived Jiang Ning as somewhat peculiar today, even foregoing conversation during their meal. ... Jiang Ning proceeded to Tongtong's residence, his gaze drifting through the window to find her sleeping soundly. Jiang Ning initiated contact by sending a message to Brother Li of AAA Aquatic Products: "I require one hundred jin of black carp today, are any available?" Meanwhile, within the generously proportioned city apartment. Shen Qing'e had just concluded her dishwashing, dried her hands, and discovered a message on the Kwai app. Noticing it was from Jiang Ning, her heart gave an involuntary leap, feeling touched. However, upon carefully reading the message's content, a profound sense of unease washed over her. She had quoted far too low a price for the black carp to Jiang Ning; selling a hundred jin all at once would result in a loss of two to three hundred yuan! That represented two to three hundred! How could a high school student possibly possess such a sum? Shen Qing'e responded with a tone of resignation: "The fish business is not faring well; it has gone bankrupt." Jiang Ning: "That is even better. Surely there are some leftover fish in your pond, why not sell them to me at a reduced rate." Shen Qing'e: "..." Meanwhile, her sister, Shen Hongdie, clad in an elegant dress, clutching a handbag, and with Mercedes-Benz car keys in hand, inquired, "Qing E, are you unwell? You don't appear your usual self." Shen Qing'e quickly replied, "I am perfectly fine." "Then accompany me for a kite-flying session." "Alright." Brother Li from AAA Aquatic Products did not send a reply. Jiang Ning let out a soft chuckle, understanding that the other party must have backed out, and he mentally anticipated the next entity, AAA. Putting away his mobile device, Jiang Ning pushed open the door, calling out, "Tongtong, wake up." Tongtong clutched her blanket tightly, rolled over, her soft Hello Kitty pajamas becoming entangled around her. Jiang Ning deliberately stated, "There's a scrap collector outside; I've sold the cans on the table." Tongtong instantly awoke in alarm, exclaiming, "Don't sell my cans!" Jiang Ning clapped his hands together, "They have already been sold." Startled, she leaped out of bed, crying out in distress, "There's two hundred yuan in my cans!" Her gaze swept across the room, and she spotted the cola can resting quietly nearby. She let out a sigh of relief. Jiang Ning picked up the can, a smirk playing on his lips, "Secretly hoarding money, aren't we?" He carefully pried open the can, revealing two hundred-yuan bills, rolled into tight cylinders. Xue Yuantong felt a sense of suffocation. After Jiang Ning secured the money, he issued an command, "Come, let's head into town to sell fish." Xue Yuantong vehemently protested to the heavens, "You go on your own, I am not going! I refuse to sell fish!" Jiang Ning: "Even if I offered you fifty yuan in wages, you still wouldn't go?" "Yes, I'll go." Jiang Ning: "Then why put on such an act just now?" Xue Yuantong: "I was merely putting on a show." Having secured her assistance, Jiang Ning exited the small bedroom. As Tongtong was preparing to change her attire, he refrained from intruding on her privacy. He went to the doorway to bask in the sunlight, noticing Mr. Qian had erected a small enclosure containing yellow chicks. "Wow, are you raising chickens now? Did you consult Xiao Ben?" Jiang Ning inquired with a chuckle. While free-range chicken possesses a delightful flavor, raising them is an exceedingly bothersome task; those who have undertaken it are well aware of the inherent messiness of chickens. Mr. Qian smirked, appearing unfazed, "I specifically procured these chicks, intending to market them at the river dam." Jiang Ning: "I wish you swift success." Mr. Qian fanned himself, gazing at the chicks with a fond expression, as if they were his own progeny. Only when Tongtong was fully prepared did Jiang Ning, with her aboard his electric bicycle, set off towards town. As they were about to depart, Yin Yu approached on his own electric bike, emerging from the direction of the rural tourism area.

Her lips bore a sheen of oil; even without employing his Divine Sense, Jiang Ning discerned she had just departed from Boss Yang’s establishment after consuming lamb soup.

Accompanying Yin Yu on the electric bike was a young girl who keenly observed the pair.

Although Yin Yu had personally witnessed Jiang Ning’s capabilities within the confines of the small garden, she remained unaware of his family’s background.

The notoriously playful Lin Zida and Zhuang Jianhui had neglected to share any such details with her.

Considering Jiang Ning’s circumstances, Yin Yu mused that resistance was futile – could they possibly contend with the authorities?

She delicately touched her brow, offering a sweet smile: "Jiang Ning, where are you off to?"

Xue Yuantong’s internal monologue registered: ’What a cunning woman!’

Jiang Ning replied: "I’m going to procure inventory. I plan to set up a stall this afternoon to earn some money."

Xue Yuantong offered a sigh: "Life is indeed arduous!"

Observing this exchange, Yin Yu’s smile widened. She subtly remarked: "To gain something, one must relinquish something else. For instance, the fish might have to be of lesser quality."

Xue Yuantong pinched her fingers together, stating: "Today, we are switching to deceased fish."

Yin Yu’s expression faltered for a brief moment; her tentative probing had barely begun before Xue Yuantong launched a decisive blow.

Yin Yu inquired delicately: "Isn’t that somewhat… disadvantageous?"

Jiang Ning stated: "I assure you the taste will be excellent. Do come and sample it this afternoon; there’s no limit on purchases this time."

Yin Yu managed a strained smile: "I shall certainly make a visit."

With that, she turned her electric bike and sped away, while Jiang Ning also set his course, accelerating towards the precipitous incline situated before the river dam.

The slope was notably steep, and Yin Yu prepared to have the young girl dismount.

However, beside her, Jiang Ning seized the throttle and surged upwards, his titanium-gray electric bike ascending the asphalt path of the river dam with remarkable agility.

Unwilling to concede, Yin Yu attempted to emulate his maneuver, twisting her own throttle.

Yet, midway up the ascent, her electric bike abruptly lost power, rolling backward down the slope. Yin Yu frantically leaped from the vehicle, tumbling into the adjacent roadside grass.

Jiang Ning released his Magic Formation, thinking, ‘Likes to show off, does she?’

Yin Yu pushed herself from the grass, lifting her head to meet the gazes of Jiang Ning and Xue Yuantong from their vantage point atop the dam.

Yin Yu drew a deep breath, momentarily finding herself utterly without words.

...

"Jiang Ning, Jiang Ning, look quickly, wedding cars!"

Xue Yuantong pointed towards a procession of wedding cars proceeding past them.

The river dam, despite its secluded location, served as a convenient shortcut, frequently witnessing the passage of vehicles, and recently, a notable number of wedding processions.

"Hmm, I see them," Jiang Ning responded, though he found such ceremonies rather ordinary.

In the mundane world, the most striking wedding he recalled experiencing was from a past existence, at a temple fair, where a magnificent steed led a bride seated in a sedan chair, borne by eight individuals.

Tongtong, perched on the electric bike, watched the wedding cars recede into the distance.

She giggled, remarking: "Back in the village, I always loved when people got married. I could get so much wedding candy."

Jiang Ning was familiar with the custom: during the candy distribution, villagers would energetically scramble to snatch the sweets.

Tongtong, with a completely serious expression, boasted: "Let me tell you, I was incredibly adept back then, I always secured loads of candy!"

Employing his Divine Sense, Jiang Ning scanned her petite frame, suppressing a chuckle: "You, yourself, resemble a gummy bear, yet you managed to grab candy? Weren’t you concerned about being crushed?"

Xue Yuantong became incensed, striking Jiang Ning with her small fists.

"To the left, uh-huh, a little to the right." Jiang Ning instructed.

Xue Yuantong retrieved the house keys and lightly jabbed Jiang Ning’s back: "Here’s one on your left!"

Jiang Ning replied: "Apologies, my heart resides on the right."

Xue Yuantong jabbed again, this time towards his right side: "Hah! See if you drop dead now!"

Jiang Ning stated coolly: "Regrettably, there was no impact; I feel no pain whatsoever."

Xue Yuantong exclaimed in shock: "Impossible!!"

Jiang Ning added: "My apologies, it’s because my heart is currently in my mouth."

Xue Yuantong was momentarily rendered speechless before bursting into laughter, her eyes wide with a grin: "Jiang Ning, you truly have some nerve!"