Chapter 226: Chapter 226

Cai Ming set out early in the morning carrying a small package, just as he ran into Tong Juan coming out of the house.

After greeting Tong Juan, Cai Ming quickly left.

Ever since my big sister and others visited, the village has been filled with various rumors about her, like she came to borrow food, they’re not doing well, and even stories about my brother-in-law owing grain to the brigade.

If Tong Juan wasn’t involved in spreading these rumors, Cai Ming would never believe it; without so-called informed sources, how would villagers know these things?

Even if my brother-in-law did borrow grain from the village, how come the Red Flag Brigade didn’t spread it, yet it’s being spread around here?

And the timing is just right; don’t take them for fools.

Given the situation, why should Cai Ming show any kindness to Tong Juan and the others? Cai Ming is really on the verge of going crazy.

Tong Juan doesn’t care about Cai Ming’s cold demeanor over these days; he’s just a down-and-out guy, does he really consider himself important?

Hmph, even took time off to go to the neighboring village to bring food to his sister; it’s difficult for him being the one going hunting in the mountains with such a hindering big sister around, which doesn’t bode well for his future.

After a few cold snorts, Tong Juan returned to the house.

Tong Juan used to restrain herself somewhat, but since learning about Cai Meina’s situation, she’s been treating Cai Ming unkindly, not holding back the cold snort.

Upon hearing the cold snort, Cai Ming’s expression soured considerably. Initially, he thought Tong Juan was somewhat decent; he didn’t expect her to be so opportunistic. It seems she had been acting all along, and he must increase vigilance and keep distance from this type of person.

Cai Ming recalled things he occasionally overheard in the past. Initially, he thought people might be tarnishing Tong Juan’s reputation, but now it appeared wasn’t tarnishing at all; it was the truth.

Cai Ming stepped heavily out of the village, determined to pass the examination and become a teacher, not wanting to interact daily with those people—it was truly disgusting.

Since Cai Ming left early, upon arriving at the Red Flag Brigade, he saw Gong Ruini dramatically out of breath while running.

This left Cai Ming shocked; during his stay, he saw several boys exercising by jogging and boxing, but not his niece.

When asked why she wasn’t exercising, it was either the bed being too comfortable to get up early or saying indoor exercising was the same; how was it she suddenly woke up early for a run—it was too strange.

"Ni Zi, you..." Although Cai Ming found this strange, Gong Ruini didn’t seem to be doing well, she looked exhausted from the run, especially since Gong Ruwen seemed not able to bring himself to stop her.

Back then, if Gong Ruini showed any discomfort, he’d be unwilling to let her be, couldn’t wait to take her place; how come he’s just watching now without stopping—what was going on?

"Uncle, good uncle." Gong Ruini was also struggling, feeling her legs going weak, regretting; if only she hadn’t insisted on visiting Cai Ming, all this wouldn’t have happened.

"You..." Hearing her gasping breath, seeing Gong Ruini almost unable to breathe, Cai Ming truly feared for her, "Ni Zi, you better stop running."

Gong Ruini didn’t want to run, but couldn’t stop. Gong Ruwen was silent, not letting her stop, and Zhao Guangran hoped she’d stop, but also expected she’d fall into his hands at ninety-one.

Thinking of her miserable state then, Gong Ruini dared not stop, "I, I can persevere." Yes, it’s just about perseverance; first-year girls’ running exams can’t be that difficult, Gong Ruini really didn’t feel it was hard, but needed regular exercise nonetheless.

"Maintain a steady pace." Zhao Xuran turned, shouting at Gong Ruini.

"Uncle, you head home first, I’ll return slowly." Zhao Xuran didn’t expect Cai Ming would arrive so early, truly curious, but this wasn’t a suitable place for him to stay.

Even Uncle Gong and Aunt Cai worried about seeing Ni Zi’s various pitfalls, being unable to bear, they deliberately avoided helping plead.

Just watching Cai Ming was already struggling; this wasn’t a good sign. Although Gong Ruini said she could persist, her eyes revealed otherwise not long ago. The rıghtful source is NoveIＦire.net

Cai Ming didn’t expect to be sent away by Zhao Xuran, guess he’d gain no favor here when his nephew spoke out.

Moreover, seeing his niece struggle this hard, he felt uneasy; though he didn’t know why Ni Zi suddenly got diligent, yet more exercise was beneficial after all.

"Ni Zi, run diligently, uncle waits at home."

Cai Ming waved farewell to Gong Ruini, the latter filled with tears, hoping Uncle might help her, not expecting just a cheer before leaving.

Excessive, better he hadn’t shown up at all, sparing false hope and subsequent disappointment.

"Run faster," Zhao Xuran shouted, "without completing the mission, no breakfast."

Although without examination, daily tasks were expected, if not completed, there would be punishment, "and if delayed too long, also no breakfast."

Really? Weren’t they training? Wasn’t it examination time yet? How come there was such punishment—Gong Ruini felt dizzy. Despite eating something before departure, just that little wasn’t enough. After running slightly more, her stomach started growling.

No, can’t be hungry doing tasks; that spelled disaster, white day she’d many tasks like writing and drawing, failure meant no leniency from Grandma.

Know the cane? Gong Ruini heard its reputation, never thought it’d be used on her; its pain upon her palm was real.

Gong Ruini already experienced this many times, and the more mistakes made, the heavier the punishment following.

The penalty cycle waited morning run couldn’t be ignored, otherwise, subsequent studies may suffer.

If not properly managed, she’d face punishment, increased assignments post-cane punishment.

So, potential late night wait for rest; unrest fostering capacity for next-day running?

Conclusively, a vicious cycle; upon realization, Gong Ruini’s body shuddered, mission completion imperative.

Fortified by conviction, Gong Ruini found seemingly endless strength, gradually accelerating her pace.

Really? Ni Zi running further—it stunned Zhao Guangran, noting earlier her lack of strength, however, amid a blink, she started running, even gathering pace.

Upon observing Gong Ruini run anew, Zhao Xuran beamed with satisfaction, understanding Ni Zi wasn’t lacking stamina, but requisite stimulation—evidently decent.

Comparing simpler living stimuli, brother’s simplistic scheming—he never extended thoughts, regardless of desired meddling; one could only offer resignation.