Rebirth Begins with Rejecting My Childhood Friend

Xu Xiuwen returned home.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Ning Wanqiu walking out of the kitchen.

She was holding a cup of water, sipping it gracefully. Her movements were elegant.

"Mom, you're still up?" Xu Xiuwen asked with a smile.

Ning Wanqiu seemed a little surprised to see him.

"Is school on break?"

"Yeah."

"Have you had dinner?"

Xu Xiuwen initially wanted to say that he had already eaten.

But knowing Ning Wanqiu's personality, if he said so, she would likely just say nothing more and head back to her room.

It had been a while since they had seen each other, and he wanted to chat with his mother for a bit.

So Xu Xiuwen smiled and said, "Not yet. I'm actually a little hungry."

Ning Wanqiu replied calmly, "Do you want some noodles? I'll make you a bowl."

"Of course!"

"Then wait a moment."

Ning Wanqiu placed the water cup casually on the table and turned to head back into the kitchen.

Xu Xiuwen walked slowly to the kitchen door, leaning in to take a look.

Ning Wanqiu's cooking skills weren't outstanding, but they weren't bad either.

In fact, Xu Xiuwen was a much better cook than her.

Still, he was looking forward to her cooking.

It had been so long since he'd seen her, and he missed both his mother and her cooking.

Once Ning Wanqiu stepped into the kitchen, she got busy.

She grabbed a pot, filled it with water, and turned on the stove.

Then she pulled two packs of instant noodles out of the cupboard.

Yes, Ning Wanqiu's idea of cooking noodles was just making instant noodles.

Xu Xiuwen couldn't help but comment, "Mom, why did you buy instant noodles again? Eating too much of that isn't good for your health."

Ning Wanqiu turned her head and shot him a glare. "Stop nagging. Are you eating or not? If not, I'll stop cooking."

She made a move to turn off the stove.

"Eat! I'll eat!" Xu Xiuwen quickly shut up.

Ning Wanqiu continued focusing on the stove while Xu Xiuwen started observing her.

Today, Ning Wanqiu was wearing a white blouse.

Due to her full figure, the shirt was tightly stretched at the chest.

Beneath the white blouse, a faint trace of a black lace bra was visible.

She paired the blouse with a knee-length black pencil skirt.

Her mature figure made the skirt appear as though it was a size too small, though it actually fit perfectly.

On both sides of the skirt, there were narrow slits about a finger's width wide, exposing more of her thighs wrapped in black stockings.

The bright kitchen light illuminated the room, and the glossy sheen of her stockings was accentuated under the light.

Following the line of her stocking-clad legs downward, they ended in a pair of delicate feet in slippers.

The rounded heels, encased in the black stockings, still revealed a faint hint of rosy skin beneath.

It was undeniable.

Ning Wanqiu was truly beautiful.

Yet, such a stunning woman had remained single for 18 years.

And it seemed likely she would continue to stay single in the future.

Sometimes, Xu Xiuwen couldn't help but feel that his mother was pitiful.

But if Ning Wanqiu were to actually find herself another husband—give him a stepfather—Xu Xiuwen would never agree to it.

He absolutely didn't want a "cheap" dad in his life.

This inevitably made Xu Xiuwen curious about his biological father.

What kind of blind fool could have let go of someone like Ning Wanqiu?

When he was younger, Xu Xiuwen had asked Ning Wanqiu about his father, but she never spoke about him.

Over time, he stopped asking.

Yet, at this moment, his curiosity flared up again.

Even though he'd never met his father, he could imagine that his father probably wasn't very good-looking.

Xu Xiuwen was already quite handsome, but compared to Ning Wanqiu, it was clear that he hadn't inherited all of her superior genes.

The conclusion was obvious—his father's genes had dragged down his looks.

The more he thought about it, the more curious he became.

How could an unattractive man win over someone as stunning as his mother?

Even to the point where she, a university student at the time, would have a child with him?

Xu Xiuwen could only think of one explanation:

His father must have been a sweet-talking, manipulative scoundrel.

And if that were the case, then perhaps his own sly tendencies were just inherited from his father.

Before long, Ning Wanqiu's instant noodles were ready.

She placed the bowl of noodles on the table and stood to the side, watching him.

Xu Xiuwen hadn't been particularly hungry, but under Ning Wanqiu's gaze, he immediately picked up his chopsticks and started eating.

To be fair, Ning Wanqiu's skills at cooking instant noodles were surprisingly good.

After just two bites, Xu Xiuwen praised her, "Mom, it's been so long since I've had your cooking. It's still as delicious as ever."

It had been a while since Ning Wanqiu had seen Xu Xiuwen, and hearing his words, a sense of motherly affection seemed to awaken in her.

She reached out and gently stroked his head, her tone carrying a hint of indulgence as she said, "If you like it, I'll make it for you again tomorrow."

Xu Xiuwen tilted his head to look at her.

The sleeve of Ning Wanqiu's right arm had been pushed up, revealing half of her smooth, lotus-like fair arm.

Her hand rested on his head, the warmth of her palm just right.

In the air, aside from the aroma of instant noodles, there was also a faint, delicate fragrance.

The two scents intertwined, but they weren't unpleasant.

In fact, they smelled rather comforting.

Xu Xiuwen shook his head and said, "No need, Mom. I'm heading back to Jinling tomorrow. I just came back today to drop off Youran."

Hearing this, Ning Wanqiu's expression grew even gentler.

She continued stroking his head and asked, "You've been balancing school, managing the company, and taking care of the distillery. It must be so busy. Are you feeling very tired?"

Ning Wanqiu's words made Xu Xiuwen feel a bit embarrassed.

It wasn't like he was actually struggling.

Neither the company nor the distillery's affairs, nor his schoolwork, had ever really caused him much trouble.

What truly drained his energy was navigating between the women in his life.

Of course, Xu Xiuwen couldn't possibly say such things to Ning Wanqiu.

He smiled and said, "It's fine, I'm used to it. The distillery and the company are both running smoothly now, so there's not much I need to worry about."

"Good," Ning Wanqiu responded with a nod.

Her gaze toward him was filled with both tenderness and pride.

"Keep eating."

"Alright."

Xu Xiuwen continued eating his noodles.

After a couple of bites, he paused and looked up.

"Mom, I ran into Aunt Zhang at Youran's house earlier. She mentioned that Uncle Jiang might have cheated on Aunt Gu. Is that true?"

Hearing this, Ning Wanqiu was momentarily stunned.

Then the smile at the corners of her mouth gradually faded.

She nodded lightly and said, "I've heard the same. It seems to be true."

"Are you sure?"

Ning Wanqiu shook her head. "Unless you see it with your own eyes, how can anyone be completely sure?"

"Wow, I never would've thought Uncle Jiang, someone so honest and dependable, could cheat."

Ning Wanqiu replied calmly, "You can never truly know a person's heart. Even those who seem honest and straightforward might be full of hidden schemes. You should be careful too. No matter who you're dealing with, always keep your guard up. Don't be naive."

Xu Xiuwen grinned. "Don't worry, Mom. If anyone's doing the tricking, it's me. Nobody's going to outsmart me."

Ning Wanqiu shot him a beautiful side-eye but couldn't help the faint smile that curved her lips.

Xu Xiuwen continued, "How's Aunt Gu handling it? Is she really upset?"

Ning Wanqiu nodded slightly, her smile disappearing again.

"Sigh, why is Aunt Gu's luck so bad? Do you think she's planning to divorce Uncle Jiang?"

Ning Wanqiu shook her head. "I don't know." She paused.

"Alright, don't worry about adult matters. Whatever Sister Gu and Old Jiang decide to do, it's their business."

Xu Xiuwen obediently nodded and returned to eating his noodles.

Still, he couldn't help but wonder if Aunt Gu would really divorce Uncle Jiang.

But considering her conservative and dignified personality, divorce seemed unlikely.

For someone like Aunt Gu, traditional and old-fashioned, getting a divorce would feel worse than dying.

Most likely, they'd just have a big fight, Uncle Jiang would apologize, and they'd reconcile in the end.

Of course, none of this was really Xu Xiuwen's business.

The only reason he cared so much was because both Aunt Gu and Uncle Jiang had been close family friends since his childhood.

And, perhaps more importantly, because of Jiang Ruoyu.

After all, she was a young girl who had a crush on him.

Xu Xiuwen didn't want her to be hurt by her parents' relationship issues.

After finishing his noodles, Xu Xiuwen went to take a shower.

Meanwhile, Ning Wanqiu cleaned up the kitchen, washing the pot and dishes.

When Xu Xiuwen came out of the bathroom, Ning Wanqiu had just stepped out of the kitchen.

She gave him a gentle reminder, "Go to bed early."

After returning to his room, Xu Xiuwen took out his phone and started contacting Cheng Lu.

After chatting with Cheng Lu for a while, he gave up on the idea of reaching out to Jiang Ruoyu.

The night passed uneventfully.

The next day, Xu Xiuwen didn't wake up until after nine. Ning Wanqiu was already gone, having left for school.

Feeling a bit hungry, Xu Xiuwen decided to make something to eat.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Xu Xiuwen went to open it.

Standing outside was Xiao Youran, looking as if she were sneaking around, nervously asking, "Aunt Ning isn't home, right?"

"She's gone to school."

"Good." Xiao Youran let out a sigh of relief.

Xu Xiuwen didn't pay her any more attention, turning back to the kitchen to look for food.

After searching for a while, he only managed to find some instant noodles.

With no other options, Xu Xiuwen decided to cook instant noodles.

He casually asked, "Have you eaten yet?"

Xiao Youran had already eaten breakfast and smiled, "I have."

"Then I'm not making anything for you."

Xu Xiuwen cooked two packets of instant noodles.

Watching him skillfully prepare the noodles, Xiao Youran had only one thought: Xu Xiuwen is so amazing, he can do everything.

She even started imagining their married life in the future—Xu Xiuwen cooking in the kitchen while she helped out by his side.

The thought of this warm and sweet scene made Xiao Youran unconsciously smile dreamily.

"Hehe."

Xu Xiuwen placed the noodles in bowls and set them on the table.

Seeing Xiao Youran still standing dazed at the kitchen door, he walked over and waved his hand in front of her face.

"Youran?"

Xiao Youran snapped back to reality, her cheeks instantly turning red.

"Spacing out while standing—didn't sleep well last night?"

"No." Xiao Youran denied it, blushing.

"Then why were you smiling like that?" Xu Xiuwen didn't press further.

He turned and went into the bathroom to wash up.

When he returned, Xiao Youran was lost in thought again.

This time, Xu Xiuwen didn't wake her but quietly ate his noodles instead.

Hearing the sound of noodles being eaten snapped Xiao Youran out of her daze.

She stared at Xu Xiuwen, occasionally licking her lips.

Xu Xiuwen more or less guessed what she was thinking but chose to act oblivious.

Unable to hold back any longer, Xiao Youran spoke up first, "Xiao Xu, are the noodles tasty?"

"No." Xu Xiuwen replied without hesitation.

"You're so mean—they clearly look delicious!"

Xu Xiuwen ignored her.

After a while, Xiao Youran softly asked, "Xiao Xu, can I have a bite?"

"No."

"Huh? Why not?"

"I asked if you'd eaten already, and you said yes."

"But I'm hungry again now."

"Still no. This is junk food, and Aunt Zhang doesn't let you eat junk food, remember?"

"But my mom doesn't know."

"Still no."

"Why are you so stingy? You won't even share a bite of noodles," Xiao Youran complained, feeling frustrated.

But as soon as she finished speaking, she noticed Xu Xiuwen holding back a laugh. Instantly, she realized he was doing it on purpose.

Xiao Youran's face turned red in an instant.

Xu Xiuwen couldn't hold it in anymore and burst into laughter.

Xiao Youran was so annoyed that she gritted her teeth in frustration.

After laughing for a while, Xu Xiuwen, acting magnanimous, said, "Alright, I'll let you have a bite."

He handed the chopsticks to her.

Xiao Youran wanted to maintain her dignity and respond with, I don't need to eat your noodles.

But the smell of the instant noodles was tempting. Her craving won out, and blushing, she accepted the chopsticks. She picked up a mouthful and started eating.

Her actions were natural, completely ignoring the fact that the chopsticks had been used by Xu Xiuwen.

Watching this scene, Xu Xiuwen couldn't help but realize how much Xiao Youran liked him.

If it were someone else—especially a boy—or even Aunt Zhang's chopsticks, she wouldn't hesitate to refuse.

That was her personality and habit.

But when it came to Xu Xiuwen, those habits seemed to disappear entirely.

These little details were enough to show how much she cared about him.

After eating a couple of bites, Xiao Youran handed the chopsticks back to Xu Xiuwen. "Alright, I'm done. You can eat now."

When she finished speaking, Xu Xiuwen didn't respond.

She looked up and saw Xu Xiuwen staring at her.

She didn't know how long he had been watching.

Just as she was about to say something, Xu Xiuwen suddenly reached out and ruffled her hair affectionately.

"Our little Youran is so cute. I really just want to eat you up," he said with a tone full of indulgence.

Xiao Youran's heart leapt with joy, but she quickly became shy.

At the same time, she couldn't help but enjoy Xu Xiuwen's intimate gesture.

Afterward, Xu Xiuwen took the chopsticks and continued eating the noodles.

When Xiao Youran noticed that he didn't mind using the chopsticks she had just used, she felt even happier.

After breakfast, Xu Xiuwen checked the time and prepared to return to Jinling.

Before leaving, Xu Xiuwen thought of Jiang Ruoyu and reminded Xiao Youran, "Youran, if you have time, go check on Xiaoyu'er. Her parents' situation is really hard for her—try to comfort her a bit."

"Okay, I will," Xiao Youran nodded obediently.

Then Xu Xiuwen drove back to Jinling.

Upon arriving in Jinling, he didn't go to see An Shishi but instead headed straight to the hotel where Tang Weiwei was staying.

It's worth mentioning that after the fire in Tang Weiwei's dorm building, the school had paid for nearby hotels and inns to house the students.

The accommodation fees were covered up until the summer break, which started today—July 5th.

When Xu Xiuwen arrived at the hotel, Tang Weiwei had already checked out.

She was sitting in the lobby with several large bags of belongings beside her.

The fire not only caused significant damage to the school but also resulted in heavy losses for the students.

Many dorm rooms were completely burned.

Tang Weiwei's dorm, Room 601, was relatively lucky. Although some items were burned, most of their belongings, including clothes and daily necessities, were spared.

When they moved to the hotel, Tang Weiwei brought all those items with her.

So, when Xu Xiuwen saw her, it was no surprise that she had a pile of luggage around her.