Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 2 2 People and Events from the Past

Jiang Ning traced her line of sight and spotted a milk tea store across from the bus stop, where a handful of folks were queuing up.

During 2013, milk tea outlets across China weren't as widespread as they'd become in future times, and plenty near railway stations shut down because of the rise of big chain brands.

Back then, one serving of milk tea went for around four yuan, similar to the price of a Coke, something Jiang Ning could easily cover with his pocket money.

Had this been in the past, he'd have surely picked up some for Shen Qing'e without hesitation, since he was always lavish toward her.

"I'm feeling parched, so I'll stick to water," Jiang Ning remarked offhandedly.

Shen Qing'e: "Jiang Ning, is something bothering you?"

The sharp-eyed girl picked up on his shift—he used to fulfill her every whim, yet since getting off the train, he acted like a whole new individual.

"Yeah," Jiang Ning replied coolly, lacking the energy to chat more.

With this fresh start, his mind was occupied with plans for navigating this existence.

Continuing school was a must; dropping out abruptly would stir up major issues with his folks.

Jiang Ning longed to relive that easygoing school days vibe once more.

After finishing university and diving into the job world, drowned in hectic tasks and endless facades, he'd frequently yearn for his younger days in dreams.

This round, he aimed to thrive, honoring the version of himself from before.

In today's world, securing a dignified existence demanded cash. Money would let him escape his uncle's home and enjoy superior circumstances. No more leaning on kin or enduring scornful glances this time.

"Qing'e, Qing'e."

A call from afar pierced Jiang Ning's hearing.

On the other side of the road, a lady in her mid-twenties waited beside a sedan, gesturing toward them; she was his cousin's spouse.

"Sister," Shen Qing'e set aside her earlier annoyance, her face lighting up with a charming grin as she hauled her bag over the pedestrian crossing.

"Oh, if your brother-in-law wasn't tied up lately, I'd have had him fetch you from the township," the cousin-in-law said warmly, grasping Shen Qing'e's hand.

Her eyes then shifted, appraising Jiang Ning:

"You're Jiang Ning, aren't you?"

"Yes, hi cousin-in-law," Jiang Ning inclined his head, maintaining a subtle grin.

In his last life, while residing at his uncle's, his cousin-in-law hadn't been hospitable and even harbored resentment toward him, though he'd been oblivious then. Reborn now, the truth hit him plainly.

"Hop in, let's go."

Once the bags were stowed, Jiang Ning settled into the rear seat.

The vehicle pulled away, and the streets held few cars; Yuzhou City's jams weren't the nightmare they'd turn into down the line.

His cousin-in-law, fresh off obtaining her license that year, conversed animatedly with Shen Qing'e up front while driving, their talk punctuated by bursts of chuckles.

In the back, Jiang Ning quietly buckled up.

He'd been a cultivator once, but those days were gone; currently, he was just an ordinary human. A crash leading to his death would be utter absurdity.

Jiang Ning recalled vividly that the following year, his cousin-in-law would be in a wreck, fracturing someone's limbs and bearing total fault, shelling out 180,000 yuan in payout.

Nevertheless, he held back from warning her to drive safely, knowing it might breed ill will.

Roughly ten minutes later, the auto entered a upscale neighborhood.

His cousin-in-law guided it into the basement parking and ushered them via elevator to the ninth level.

His uncle's place was a vast unit spanning 180 square meters, boasting five bedrooms and two halls—plenty of room for everyone.

His uncle ran a eatery in the city center. Not a huge spot, but after fifteen years in business, it had earned a solid reputation and steady patrons.

Lately, things were thriving, pulling in 300,000 to 400,000 yuan annually, meaning this apartment equated to a bit more than two years' earnings from the joint.

Yuzhou's property market wouldn't boom until 2017, when rates leaped from five to eight thousand per square meter in a single year, soaring even higher after that.

"Qing'e and Jiang Ning have arrived, please enter," the aunt announced at the entrance, offering two sets of slippers.

Jiang Ning swapped his footwear and walked in on the timber flooring.

The inside sported traditional Chinese decor. His uncle, unschooled formally, favored a blend of Oriental and Occidental touches with an outdated design flair. The ceiling held an ornate Sino-European lamp, reflecting a distinctive taste.

"Leave your bags here; I'll guide you to the bedrooms," the aunt directed them. "Tell me if something's missing, and we'll shop for it."

At that, Jiang Ning interjected, "Auntie, don't bother. I'm thinking of leasing a spot close by to make school easier."

This remark surprised his aunt. Her spouse had okayed Jiang Ning's stay without her input, leaving her irritated.

Assisting poor rural kin was one thing, but hosting someone for three years? That seemed unfair.

With her husband's nod, she felt irked yet couldn't retract it to keep appearances.

Jiang Ning's choice to decline staying caught her unprepared.

"You can study right here at our place!" she urged gently.

But Jiang Ning stood firm, "Really, no thanks. I'll ring my parents soon to settle it. School's starting in just days, so I'll hunt for a rental in the meantime."

Jiang Ning laid it out straightforwardly, and his aunt dropped the coaxing. She worried pushing might make him reconsider, complicating her life.

"Fine, chat with your parents first, and know our door's always ajar for you."

"Sure," Jiang Ning agreed with a nod.

Following this, the aunt's demeanor softened notably. She cut up fruits and tended to him attentively, which left Jiang Ning a tad uneasy.

Grabbing a chance, he slipped out.

He fished out his phone to glance at the hour. The 3.5-inch display read five o'clock in the evening.

The main screen showed icons for games like Temple Run, Fruit Ninja, Where's My Water?, and Inotia 3.

As his fingers brushed the device, a surge of reminiscence flickered in Jiang Ning's gaze.

This was a budget model, picked up by his dad from a repair shop for 300 yuan back in ninth grade. Inexpensive, yet loaded with cherished recollections.

Even when he later bought the newest iPhone after starting work, the thrill faded after a week.

He punched in his mother's contact.

His opening line was key: "Mom, I'd like to rent an apartment near Fourth Middle School."

A brief pause came from the line, then a soft tone answered:

"What's up, my boy? Not settling in at your uncle's?"

After eons, hearing his mother's voice stirred a torrent of feelings in Jiang Ning's chest.

He drew a few steadying breaths before continuing:

"Mom, Uncle's family is kind, but sharing space with separate households feels off. Clashing routines could spark issues down the line, putting Uncle in a tough spot.

That's why renting solo appeals to me. I'd drop by Uncle's now and then— that's what relatives do, isn't it? A few high school pals are doing the same. School meals on weekdays, and I'll whip up my own on weekends."

To Jiang Ning, his mother Dong Yun remained ever tender. She'd never laid a hand on him and always heard him out fully.

"My son, you're maturing with your own thoughts; that's okay, and I believe in you."

"I'll discuss with your father. Stay healthy, eat properly, and don't push too hard. I'll reach out to your uncle regarding the rent soon."

His mother showered him with worried instructions, and instead of irritation, Jiang Ning savored the exchange, lingering on the call for minutes before ending it.

Shortly, a message popped up: Dear Jiang Ning, your account ending XXXX has been credited 2000 yuan, new balance 2200 yuan.

"Son, shop around leisurely for a nice spot, and if funds run low, I'll transfer more."

"Understood," Jiang Ning powered down the display, a grin playing on his mouth.

What a blessing—parents in good health, himself in youthful vigor.

All hadn't slipped away just yet.