Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1810 - 996: In the Present Moment

The stuffy bus could barely contain the students' buzzing excitement, their chatter filling the cramped space.

"Students, please buckle up, we are about to..." Teacher An Chan’s voice attempted to cut through the din.

Jiang Ning and Xue Yuantong casually selected seats, while Bai Yuxia, leading Chen Siyu, settled in behind them.

Up front, Jiang Yanan held his phone aloft for a selfie, a wide grin stretching across his face. His already small eyes crinkled shut: "Alright, it’s 7:40 AM, our school trip officially begins now."

"Jiang Yanan, did you get so excited you wet yourself?" Cui Yu’s voice rang out, teasing.

The entire class seemed to morph into cartoon characters, their reactions varied.

Jiang Yanan quickly lowered his phone, realizing it was his cup that had leaked. He shot back, "Are you sick, Cui Yu!"

Wang Longlong, mid-speech, declared dramatically: "What led to the mysterious disappearance of two thousand souls from Fourth Middle School? Why do the vanished rejoice while those left behind lament? Welcome, everyone, to the grand mystery theater..."

"Everyone, please fasten your seat belts," An Chan reminded them once more.

A persistent, ear-piercing alarm sound emanated from the bus. Yu Wen, adorned with a golden bracelet, stood up and inquired, "Teacher An, what’s with that constanteping? Can we turn it off?"

An Chan glanced at her and replied, "That alert is for anyone who hasn’t fastened their seat belt."

Yu Wen sniffed haughtily, accusing, "Then who exactly is being so inconsiderate? Have they no manners? Don’t they consider everyone else?"

With that, she promptly fastened her seat belt, and the alarm ceased. The sound vanished.

Those nearby exchanged glances. Cui Yu smirked, calling her a "Clown."

Zhang Zhaodi hid her face, embarrassed on Yu Wen’s behalf.

Lu Qiqi nonchalantly picked at her nails, remarking, "A minor issue, typical of her."

Once the bus situation was settled, An Chan reported in, and the vehicle slowly began to move.

Along the main road within the campus, several teachers waved goodbye to the departing bus. The students inside returned the gesture, a farewell from the moving vehicle.

The bus turned towards the morning sun, heading for the train station, and pulled into the square designated for pickup about ten minutes later.

Xue Yuantong jolted awake, asking groggily, "Are we there?"

Jiang Ning replied, "This is just the beginning."

Xue Yuantong seemed to understand, saying, "Oh, then let’s continue."

Jiang Ning gently pulled her from her seat, suggesting, "Let’s switch spots."

Jiang Ning retrieved his luggage and disembarked from the bus, preparing to board the train.

On the bustling platform, Zhong Huai, a transfer student from the town's middle school, gazed at the train signage welcoming Yu Zhou Fourth Middle School’s teachers and students for the Yun City school trip.

He expressed his astonishment: "Is our Fourth Middle School truly that distinguished?"

Xiao Shaoxiong, equally surprised but eager to show off, responded with feigned nonchalance: "What’s this? Last time, I saw a whole passenger plane with a welcome banner. Now that was impressive."

Zhang Zhaodi couldn't help but steal a few glances at him.

Xiao Shaoxiong basked in the perceived admiration.

Ma Shicheng, overhearing, chuckled and added: "That’s nothing, really. Last time, I spotted a warp-speed spacecraft with a similar banner."

Lin Zida from Class 1 walked past, clicking his tongue in amused disbelief, "You guys certainly have a vivid imagination."

Xiao Shaoxiong mentally noted Ma Shicheng, promising himself retribution later.

The school had meticulously arranged the boarding process. Students smoothly boarded the train. The carriage itself was quite spacious, with students from various classes — Class 1, Class 2, Class 9, and others — sharing the space as no single class could fill an entire car.

Once everyone was settled, Teacher An Chan’s voice came over the loudspeaker: "Students, this train journey will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please enjoy the passing scenery..."

In the middle section of the carriage, a rather handsome young man spoke with evident care:

"Jiayi, I brought your favorite konjac jelly for you."

"Don’t trouble yourself with rinsing your mouth afterward; I’ve packed four bottles of purified water and two bottles of grape juice... plus tissues and wipes, everything you might need."

Dong Jiayi replied, "You’re incredibly thoughtful."

Wei Xiu Yuan beamed at the praise from Dong Jiayi, the object of his affection, and responded with bubbling enthusiasm, "Of course, I always make sure to be prepared!"

He harbored hopeful thoughts of this school trip potentially advancing their relationship by a crucial 0.02%, reaching a comfortable 100% and becoming an official couple. Wei Xiu Yuan felt an overwhelming surge of excitement.

The envisioned future was so bright, so dazzling, it felt almost unreal!

Jiang Ning looked away, a complex mix of emotions swirling within him. He recalled envying Wei Xiu Yuan in his past life, but discovering this man’s true sycophantic nature now was profoundly disappointing.

Across from them, Chen Siyu produced a deck of playing cards and gestured towards the small table between the seats: "Jiang Ning, shall we play cards on the train?"

This was a new experience for Jiang Ning.

"Alright," he agreed readily.

"Yuxia, Tongtong... Ah well, Tongtong has already fallen asleep." Chen Siyu's words faltered momentarily, but it was clearly better this way, so they proceeded to play cards right in front of Tongtong!

With a deck of cards, the trio soon engaged in a game of Landlord. Jiang Ning declared himself the Landlord, while Bai Yuxia joined forces with Chen Siyu. Their cooperation, however, crumbled, leading to a dismal defeat for both.

Bai Yuxia was left speechless.

Chen Siyu lamented, "If only I possessed some skill, I wouldn’t feel so utterly useless!"

Nearby, the lovely Dong Jiayi watched their card game with a graceful demeanor, feeling a pang of envy.

Wei Xiu Yuan inwardly regretted not bringing a deck of cards himself; it could have potentially altered the course of events!

Beyond the card game, Dong Jiayi also took notice of the accessory adorning Chen Siyu’s wrist – a jade koi fish, glowing red, its tail artfully curved, appearing to swim through the very air.

The universal appeal of beauty drew Dong Jiayi closer, her curiosity piqued. "Chen Siyu, may I inquire where you purchased the Jade Pendant on your wrist?"

Her hope was to obtain a link or some form of purchase information.

Chen Siyu and Dong Jiayi were acquainted, and with Chen Siyu’s naturally outgoing personality, she proudly showcased the koi. "Isn't it lovely? Jiang Ning crafted this for me!"

She lifted her wrist, and the sunlight filtering in through the carriage window illuminated the jade, causing it to shimmer. The intricate scale patterns gleamed brilliantly, captivating everyone’s attention.

Even Meng Zi Yun and Fang Qiuyue from Class 2, situated nearby, were drawn to admire it.

In stark contrast, Yu Wen’s rather gaudy gold bracelet seemed dull by comparison. She couldn't help but ponder, "If I were to offer a substantial sum, would Jiang Ning be willing to carve a Jade Pendant for me as well?"

Dong Jiayi gazed at the koi fish, her eyes practically brimming with envy. She subtly observed Jiang Ning, who was quietly playing cards, but ultimately dismissed the notion.

After a period of boasting, Chen Siyu eventually ceased and resumed playing poker.

Dong Jiayi then shifted her attention and suddenly noticed that Bai Yuxia was also wearing a wrist adornment – beads of a deep, cool hue reminiscent of smoky purple, accented by a pure, innocent white jade tiger, an eye-catching piece.

It instantly enchanted her.

Dong Jiayi felt a sense of bewilderment; were the girls from Class 8 blessed with such refined taste? Were their jewelry pieces truly this exquisite?

Wei Xiu Yuan overheard the exchange between Dong Jiayi and Chen Siyu but paid it little mind; regarding jewelry and such, he planned to select a few pieces for Dong Jiayi himself later on.

He believed that expressing care in the mundane aspects of life was the ultimate strategy in relationships!

Wei Xiu Yuan offered a konjac snack, attempting to gain favor. "Eat this."

Dong Jiayi remained silent.

"I’m sorry, I don’t have much of an appetite right now," Dong Jiayi politely declined.

Coincidentally, Jiang Ning happened to glance over.

Wei Xiu Yuan harbored a suspicion that Jiang Ning was pitying him, though he lacked any concrete proof.

Wei Xiu Yuan mused internally, "Jiang Ning, I must thank you. Thank you for inadvertently revealing Dong Jiayi’s preferences to me!"

He believed that catering to her desires would inevitably lead to success!

Having received admiration from a lovely lady, Chen Siyu’s frustration from her card game losses vanished in an instant. She began pulling out an array of snacks: lactic acid drinks, pickled pig skin, preserved fruits, spicy jerky strips – a veritable pile of goodies.

Bai Yuxia, in turn, unpacked her carefully prepared dried shrimp, red tea cookies, and green apple juice.

All of it was intended to be shared with Jiang Ning.

Witnessing this, Wei Xiu Yuan felt a surge of displeasure. "...I’m beginning to develop a slight dislike for Jiang Ning."

Chen Siyu cast a glance at the sleeping Tongtong, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. "She really hasn’t woken up!"

Jiang Ning observed Tongtong for a moment, maintaining his concentration. "Let her sleep a while longer."

As the train journeyed onward, snacks were shared, cards were played, and Yuzhou gradually receded into the distance, while Yun City drew nearer.

When Teacher An Chan passed by Jiang Ning’s seat, she was offered a piece of dried shrimp.

An Chan expressed surprise, "Wow, I’ve tried this brand before; it has a rather delightful taste."

Chen Siyu, demonstrating her high emotional intelligence, chimed in, "Yuxia purchased it, which implies that preferences sometimes align with those of a truly remarkable individual!"

An Chan chuckled, but truthfully, this student, Bai Yuxia, possessed a captivating charm, emanating a unique aura often found in those from intellectually prominent families.

"Student Bai will undoubtedly surpass me in beauty in the future," An Chan generously complimented. She predicted that once Bai Yuxia entered university, her future would surely be quite extraordinary.

Her gaze drifted back to Jiang Ning, who was engaged in a game with Bai Yuxia. She recalled the scene of him diligently setting up a stall by the river dam to earn money, acknowledging that certain paths were destined to be challenging.

All she could do was wish him a joyous and fulfilling youth.

An Chan moved a few steps forward, her youthful energy and enthusiasm evident as she addressed the students, "Students, we have approximately twenty minutes remaining before we reach the station; how about we engage in some games to pass the time?"

The students, a chorus of voices, ultimately settled on a song performance.

Yu Wen, with encouragement, nudged Jiang Yanan, Shen Qing’e, Zhang Chi, Wang Longlong, and the others to nominate Huang Zhongfei for the opening performance.

Xiao Shaoxiong eagerly joined the lineup, his considerable talent unfortunately relegated to third place.

"No need to rush, I'll make my grand entrance later," Xiao Shaoxiong declared, unyielding. "The final spot is always the most impactful."

"What shall I sing?" Huang Zhongfei inquired.

"Xu Song! Xu Song!" the group eagerly chanted.

"Which song?"

"Why Not?"

"Very well," Huang Zhongfei readily agreed.

Huang Yuzhu then provided his small speaker; its modest sound quality, a testament to youth, lent an authentic charm to the performance.

"It feels like rain is coming; Wanna live next door, standing foolishly beneath your apartment~"

Despite the humble stage, Huang Zhongfei's voice was exceptionally captivating, his handsome features and focused delivery transforming the passing scenery of mountains and lakes outside the window into a flawless backdrop.

"You truly understand my heart, singing this song for you, it lacks any pretension, merely conveying the joy I wish to share~"

Wei Xiu Yuan's initial smile faltered, replaced by a remarkably vivid expression upon hearing Dong Jiayi's enthusiastic cheers.

It was akin to a young man secretly observing the object of his affection cheering for another.

From a distance, the girls, some even girlfriends of present company, rushed over, drawn by Huang Zhongfei's performance.

Shen Xu, a budding Shanghai entrepreneur who once built a mobile empire, clenched his fists, his face an unnatural shade of green.

The rural girl he'd recently been attempting to court discreetly glanced at Huang Zhongfei, her cheeks flushed.

Shen Xu felt utterly helpless!

"Blast it, Teacher, didn't you promise we'd go sightseeing together?"

As Xiao Shaoxiong braced himself for his final performance, a sense of despair washed over him, "How on earth can I possibly compete with that?"

The song's conclusion was met with a brief, stunned silence before erupting into applause.

No one else stepped forward to perform.

After some time, Tongtong naturally awoke, her eyes meeting Chen Siyu engaged in a game of poker with Jiang Ning.

Chen Siyu was struck by a jolt of mingled horror and thrill, akin to being caught in the act.

A wave of guilt washed over Chen Siyu, who immediately apologized, "I'm sorry, Tongtong."

Xue Yuantong noticed the discarded snack wrappers on the tray, her voice laced with fury, "From now on, do nothing to displease me!"