Rebirth of Wu Tong

Chapter Six

Upon returning home at noon, Chu Qing did indeed return disappointed. However, due to Wu Tong's prior reminders, she refrained from committing any actions that would be considered "excessive" by today's standards. She simply appeared a bit listless, lacking in energy.

"Alright, Xiaoxing, let's have a quick meal. I know you feel disappointed, but that doesn't change anything. There are always a few talented students in the class, right? As long as we teach earnestly and provide learning opportunities for those willing to study, we can have a clear conscience. Why bother feeling upset about those stubborn students? Nowadays, there's no rule about 'respecting teachers,' so let's be wise and protect ourselves..." Wu Tong, unsure of how to comfort a young person with grand ambitions and enthusiasm, spoke from her own experiences of effort, failure, and conflicting emotions. On one hand, she was unwilling to destroy the fighting spirit of this seemingly naive but idealistic girl. On the other hand, she didn't want this girl to experience the cruel blows of life at such a young age, coming with dreams and leaving with scars.

"Don't worry, Xiaotong. I'm just a bit down. You're right; we are insignificant, and the current situation is not something we can change just by wanting to. I'm a timid and cowardly person, never daring to stand out. I can only endure and go on quietly. But our class does have diligent and studious students, like that one named Wan Qing. Although he looks fierce and has mediocre foundations, his serious and willing-to-learn attitude is commendable. That child will go far in the future..." Despite the societal challenges that left people helpless, the young ones filled with hope never despaired. Even though they were battered by setbacks right after entering society, Chu Qing firmly believed that one day, light and justice would return to the country she deeply loved.

"Right? That child is really good. Don't be deceived by his intimidating appearance; in reality, he has a soft heart and a clear sense of right and wrong. Xiaoxing, you should take care of him more. Who knows, when the college entrance exam is reinstated, he might truly become a great talent!" Wu Tong, radiating an aura of love and pride, seemed to think that Chu Qing was praising her own child. This strange expression left Chu Qing's mouth twitching. Wasn't this girl a bit insensitive? Didn't she realize that the "child" she was praising was actually the same age as her, just born a month later? Chu Qing was now a bit worried; if Wu Tong continued to look at Wan Qing so affectionately, would that boy interpret it as looking down on him?

Seeing Chu Qing lost in thought, Wu Tong called her several times before realizing something was amiss. Staring at her strangely, Wu Tong asked, "Xiaoxing, what's wrong? Weren't you just fine? Why the frowning and confusion again?"

"Ah? Oh, it's nothing. I was just too immersed in thinking about the students' issues. Hurry and eat; it'll get cold. You're still recovering; you can't afford to get sick again. By the way, should I inform your parents? When you were sick, I sent a telegram to them, and they are probably worried now..." Chu Qing said hesitantly. She knew very well that those hypocritical parents probably didn't care much. She couldn't understand how they could be so indifferent when their daughter was unwell. Was this the coldness of a wealthy family? Chu Qing didn't know the specific situation of Wu Tong's family; seeing Wu Tong dressed nicely and behaving differently from others, she assumed Wu Tong came from a wealthy and now declining prestigious family. In reality, Wu Tong was taken care of by her late father's close friend and received a noble education until the age of eight, leading Chu Qing to this misconception. After all, even if memories are lost due to accidents or deliberate forgetfulness, the inherent temperament and cultivated behavior are not easily changed.

"Oh, I see..." Wu Tong understood Chu Qing's meaning, as well as the pity and sympathy in her eyes. However, at this moment, she couldn't reveal the truth to her only sister, whether in this life or the previous one. Because she was still weak, unable to inherit the legacy left by her father (not reaching the legal age yet), she couldn't break ties with that ungrateful family! If her father knew that the once grateful servant treated his cherished daughter in such a way, he would be very angry, right? Wu Tong secretly vowed in her heart that in this life, she would live happily. Even if her parents left her early, she would still strive for happiness, not only for herself but also for the parents who loved her as if she were their own life.

Chu Qing, seeing Wu Tong's indifferent reaction, felt relieved. Perhaps it was for the best; this way, Xiaotong wouldn't be forced to do things she didn't like due to family ties. After all, there were always many troublesome matters in large families. Xiaotong, the innocent and dull little girl, was particularly sensitive to emotions. If those who didn't genuinely care about her used emotional bonds to manipulate her, they would probably succeed. A bit of emotional detachment would make things easier. At least, before making decisions, she would carefully consider them!

With no classes in the afternoon and not during the busy farming season, they didn't have heavy labor tasks. Taking advantage of the free time, the two of them went back to their rooms to take a nap. Chu Qing, who stayed up late last night due to excitement, was already tired, and the morning's mental exhaustion added to it. She was already drowsy and, after a yawn and a casual "good afternoon" to Wu Tong, she fell asleep in her room.

Wu Tong, not feeling very tired, found the morning classes quite simple. She was still energetic. Entering her shabby little house, closing the doors and windows, she eagerly entered the space she hadn't properly explored for several days. The space was still as it had been, with a misty atmosphere, but the air was extremely fresh and comfortable, devoid of the suffocating feeling outside. The pitch-black, soft soil stretched endlessly, and walking barefoot on it was very comfortable (she was afraid that having soil on her shoes would raise suspicions, so she usually took off her shoes and entered barefoot). It was soft, just like the soft sand on a vacation beach in her past life. However, there were some changes in the space at this moment, making Wu Tong delighted. The dozen or so seeds she planted a few days ago had all sprouted, emitting tender shoots from the black soil. Although only small, delicate sprouts emerged, Wu Tong felt a profound sense of satisfaction and joy. After all, these were seeds she had planted with her own hands, and witnessing them sprout, and potentially bloom and bear fruit, was an incredibly happy thing!

Looking at the small sprouts next to the shovel and small bucket, Wu Tong fell into deep thought. After recovering her memories in her previous life, she had avoided everyone and secretly went to see the place where the family had hidden treasures for generations. The vast array of exquisite and priceless antiques and jewelry shocked even her, who had no ambitions and a limited understanding of wealth

. No wonder so many people deliberately approached her to inquire about her family secrets, and when unable to extract information, they were unwilling to let the only heir of the Wu family go! The Wu family's successive patriarchs were extremely shrewd, and Wu Tong, despite being pitifully deceived, was no exception. She eventually managed to preserve those precious treasures, but at a great cost. Now, in this life, possessing the miraculous existence of the space, could she use it to protect the most precious gift her parents left her? If she placed those things in the space, those who coveted them wouldn't be able to find them, right?