Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 4 4 Xue Yuantong

At the stroke of midnight, the lamps in Uncle's residence shone with intense brightness.

Uncle Jiang Qitian perched on the couch, his expression grave, his voice brimming with vigor.

"Hadn't we settled that you'd reside with me? What prompted this shift, do you disdain your uncle's abode?"

"No, Uncle's home is roomy and tastefully furnished."

"It's simply that I generally like dwelling by myself. Had I not promised to stay here, my folks would never have allowed me to head to the city for schooling." Jiang Ning offered a justification.

Uncle Jiang Qitian chuckled, "You sly kid, have you been toying with your uncle from the start?"

Jiang Ning grinned, "Doesn't it stem from knowing how open-handed Uncle is?"

Following a brief conversation with Uncle, Jiang Ning managed to clarify everything, and Uncle voiced no further concerns.

In the meantime, Shen Qing'e clutched her phone, viewing an anime, and now and then peeked at Jiang Ning. Since his return, he hadn't uttered a word to her, stirring irritation in her heart. If you're unwilling to talk, so be it!

Ignoring each other— who can't play that game?

Cousin Jiang Junlong lounged across the dining table, devouring his meal. He and his schoolmates had embarked on an excursion, returning only after a fortnight. Now, with Jiang Ning gracing their home, joy bubbled within him.

During their childhood, every break, he'd return to the village where Jiang Ning would lead him to the countryside, grilling sweet potatoes over a blaze, kindling fires, or angling in the brooks, reveling in pure delight.

Jiang Ning matched his age and always devised exciting pursuits. In those days, to him, Jiang Ning seemed capable of wonders. Yet, as years passed and his worldview expanded, the mystique surrounding Jiang Ning dimmed.

Still, deep down, he relished Jiang Ning's advent in Yuzhou City, anticipating shared adventures ahead.

...

On the following morning, Jiang Ning rose at dawn. As he stepped from bed, Aunt hustled in the kitchen, whipping up breakfast.

Noting that the meal wasn't quite prepared yet, Jiang Ning mentioned heading out to scout for lodging and departed the dwelling.

Along the way, he spotted a eatery for breakfast, slurped down egg soup, and munched on several hefty steamed buns.

Next, he drew out one thousand yuan in bills, since digital payments via QR weren't widespread back then.

He strolled all the way to the Huishui River embankment, where, prior to seven o'clock, the warmth hadn't climbed, and numerous seniors ambled along the dam, savoring the moment.

He located the electrical substation box from his prior practice session and commenced the 'Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Body Tempering Technique,' drawing in the current to temper his physique.

Once the sun blazed fiercely, Jiang Ning halted his practice. With the mercury hitting the thirties, lingering under the rays might make folks question his sanity.

Glancing at the clock, it showed nine already. Jiang Ning tidied his attire and made for the low-rise neighborhood.

This day, he aimed to resolve the housing issue.

After climbing down the dam and trekking a short distance, he reached a line of single-story homes.

One served as a modest store with sparse customers, and its spot suggested it barely covered small expenses.

Several older gentlemen, mugs of tea in hand, gathered beneath the tree canopy, engaging in card games and tea-sipping.

Spotting a youth of fifteen or sixteen nearing, the elders ignored him.

Jiang Ning proceeded directly to the third dwelling on the western end. He wasn't sure if it was occupied, and if so, bargaining might prove challenging.

Just then, a young girl emerged from the adjacent property. Standing about one and a half meters, she resembled an elementary pupil with tousled locks, clad in dark shorts paired with a plain white tee, and sporting blue flip-flops.

Upon beholding the girl's features, Jiang Ning halted briefly.

She was Xue Yuantong, the striking and eccentric lass from his class.

Xue Yuantong sniffed and gestured toward a direction:

"The store's that way; you've veered off course."

Jiang Ning replied, "I'm not shopping; I merely wish to inquire if this residence has occupants? Thanks."

Upon hearing this, Xue Yuantong shot him a wary look, eyeing Jiang Ning intently:

"Occupants there are, indeed. They're rather intimidating and keep a massive wolfhound that snaps at intruders. What's your purpose?"

"Ah, unfortunate. I'm seeking a rental," he responded, shaking his head.

"Renting a place?" Xue Yuantong's face stiffened.

"Indeed."

"This is my home," she confessed, a touch sheepish.

Jiang Ning's mouth quirked faintly, "And the one beside it?"

"We own both units. You're after a rental, yes? For how long? Why do you need it?" Xue Yuantong folded her arms, adopting an authoritative stance, though her petite frame undermined the effect.

"A year minimum to begin. What's the monthly fee?"

Xue Yuantong, unfamiliar with leasing, pondered briefly before shouting indoors, "Mom, a person's here to lease the place."

Shortly, a middle-aged woman in her forties appeared. Her garments were neat yet faded from use, and time had etched lines on her visage, aging her beyond Aunt's years.

With the key figure present, Jiang Ning promptly stated, "Greetings, madam. I'm a pupil at the nearby Fourth Middle School and wish to lease your property."

Jiang Ning recalled that years on, the owner differed from this woman; likely, post Xue Yuantong's illness and demise, the home was sold.

Such reflection caused Jiang Ning's look at Xue Yuantong to flicker subtly.

"Oh, Fourth Middle School as well? My daughter starts there this year," the woman beamed.

Jiang Ning, factoring this in, remarked on purpose, "Really? She attends Fourth Middle School too? Who'd have thought. Quite the achievement."

Xue Yuantong pouted discontentedly at his words. Fourth Middle School held no prestige; she could enroll effortlessly.

Her mom softly clarified, "Tongtong appears youthful for her age; she's fifteen this year, actually."

"Mom, he's renting, not here for small talk."

"Madam, what's the monthly rate for this dwelling?"

"Solo living?"

"Correct."

"I'll give you a tour first."

Jiang Ning was ushered into a rectangular lounge, roughly five meters square. A few paces beyond a doorway lay a compact yard paved in cement, facing three narrower chambers—bathroom, sleeping quarters, and galley, sequentially.

"The property includes piped water, solar heaters, and individual utility meters for power and H2O. Move in anytime. Rental's two hundred yuan monthly."

The lady didn't demand steep fees. Though the abode was solid, its outlying position, purely rural fringe, hindered commuting or education. With it idle, a low lease to boost earnings was logical.

Naturally, Jiang Ning's tidy appearance and student status from Fourth Middle School inspired trust; a rowdy local lad inquiring would face rejection.

"Agreed," Jiang Ning consented, the cost aligning with his budget, skipping any haggling.

A pact was struck verbally, Jiang Ning handed over eight hundred yuan as three months' deposit, and gained the keys.

Subsequently, Jiang Ning ventured downtown to procure household items, then returned to Uncle's to fetch his luggage.

Aunt marveled at Jiang Ning's swift housing success, Cousin volunteered transport aid, and idle Jiang Junlong joined the effort.

Teamwork sped things; Jiang Ning's basics like a chill mat, quilts, bedside light, basin, and sundries were swiftly obtained.

Aunt even donated a spare induction stove from the family eatery's recent buy, and with setups complete, the leased space felt lived-in.

Xue Yuantong perched on a tiny stool outside, cradling a watermelon half outsizing her noggin, scooping it with a utensil. She observed Jiang Ning and kin furnishing from alpha to omega.

Curiosity gleamed in her eyes, "Jiang Ning's kin own a vehicle, and their attire suggests affluence. Why lease here?"

"Perhaps a secret tale?"

"Whatever, it's irrelevant. Extra cash to ease Mom's burdens is what's key."

Jiang Junlong eyed his mom and aunt organizing Jiang Ning's quarters, a twinge of jealousy stirring. He craved his own nook, but that dream was impossible; discovery meant doom from Mom.

Lacking chores to assist, he loitered by the entrance, inwardly sighing and coveting Jiang Ning's independence.

Turning, he spied Xue Yuantong savoring the melon, deeming her adorable and charming.

He hailed, "Hey, little one, big bro'll share chocolate with you!"

From his pocket came a fancy-wrapped nut chocolate, a travel souvenir at fifteen yuan apiece, beyond his usual treats.

Xue Yuantong shot him a glare upon hearing.

Faced with her sharp glare, Jiang Junlong pocketed the treat, grumbling under breath, "Tch, rude young pest."