Rebirth and making money first

Uncle Zhang perked up immediately, saying, "Why is it so hard to talk about this? Just say it." Zhang Jing explained that her situation was different. "Then tell me more about you and your boyfriend, and I'll analyze it for you. After all, men understand men best."

Zhang Jing recounted every detail of her relationship with her boyfriend from beginning to end, including the confusing parts of her past life. "I don't even know what the relationship between us is?" Zhang Jing concluded, "You said break up, but he hasn't even confirmed a romantic relationship with you!" It was really a headache.

"You met a scumbag! He just wanted to take advantage of you without saying no or making any promises, and treated you as a backup. Did you suffer any losses? Were you cheated of your money and sex?" Zhang Jing knew very well that this was the key to repelling Uncle Zhang's fantasy about her. "We have done everything we should do. I don't have the money for him to cheat, and I even lent him 800 yuan. I spent more than 4 yuan on buying books. I will just pay him back 6000 yuan in due time."

Uncle Zhang's enthusiasm immediately waned, and Zhang Jing flattered him again, "Actually, it's you, Uncle Zhang, whom I should thank the most. My parents haven't gotten along since I was a child, and having a father is no different than not having one. I always thought people liked me when they smiled at me. I've failed in every relationship, and now I think it must be my own fault. No one ever taught me anything, and my mother favors boys over girls, so I have to help her support her younger siblings. It's really tiring, but luckily I met you at the securities company. When I first resigned, my family and relatives scolded me like I was useless!"

As expected, Uncle Zhang's love overflowed as he comforted Zhang Jing and helped her analyze the current problem of escaping the predicament. Zhang Jing saw calmness and wisdom in his eyes, and realized that he would only treat her as a junior from now on, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

When Uncle Zhang mentioned spending over 4 yuan on books, he learned that Zhang Jing had also purchased a complete set of gold coins. After inquiring about the set in detail, he decided to buy it as well. Zhang Jing said that judging by the current situation, it must have been sold out. Uncle Zhang laughed at Zhang Jing, saying she was still too young, and immediately picked up the phone to call someone. Zhang Jing ate slowly while Uncle Zhang tried to find someone. After three or four calls, he finally confirmed that it was sold out. After another three or four calls, someone bought several sets, and Uncle Zhang agreed to give them one each. But he wanted to raise the price to 5500 yuan, a friendly price. Uncle Zhang agreed to the deal tomorrow.

Speaking of stocks, Uncle Zhang said he'd sold all his previous purchases. Overall, he'd made some money, even with some losses. He'd hedged his losses, but he'd still made some money. He also told Zhang Jing, "Don't fall in love with stocks," and to sell whenever possible. "The stock market is risky, so invest with caution." His words weren't entirely unfounded. He also suggested Zhang Jing buy into the Shanghai Airport stock after hearing about it. Zhang Jing said she'd have to look into it some time, as she was currently tied up with work. She knew Uncle Zhang had bought it at just over 14 yuan, and with patience, she could still make money.

When they parted ways, Uncle Zhang not only rushed to pay the bill but also told Zhang Jing to come to him if she needed help, not to handle it alone. Speaking of his daughter-in-law's nursing home job, Uncle Zhang said she could go there if she couldn't, but just take it for now. He also helped Zhang Jing take care of her personal matters, reassuring her. Zhang Jing was deeply moved by the fact that they were now close friends, regardless of age.

Touching the unspent money in her hand, Zhang Jing felt helpless. Money was hard to come by, and in this land of high value, she had to hold on tighter to her wallet. Stirred, Zhang Jing went back to shower and wash clothes before rushing into the computer room to copy novels from her past life. The short stories were equally thrilling and exciting, while the novellas were full of domestic drama. Zhang Jing planned to write her own novel, a story about a matchmaking agency, her countless blind dates in her past life, and all the bizarre stories she'd heard. If it wasn't compelling, it would be the beginning of her originality. She kept repurposing other people's memes for profit, fearing that one day she'd lose control.

The next day at work, the students completed their entire set of exercises. They were told that a few would be chosen to perform on stage next month. Everyone was excited, vying to raise their hands. Zhang Jing said it was still early, and whoever performed well would be chosen. They were encouraged to practice more over the next few days. The class leader offered to go out for more practice, and Zhang Jing agreed. This time, before the music started, she announced that she would not lead the practice. She asked Alan, who had memorized the moves well, to lead the practice while she watched.

The situation spiraled out of control again. Alan, nervous, forgot his movements. Zhang Jing quickly consoled him and practiced with him. Gradually, things got better. Zhang Jing asked everyone to take a restroom break while she secretly inquired about the stock market. She inquired with the securities firm and learned that Fuyao's stock had risen, while Gun Mine's hadn't risen much. Zhang Jing hung up the phone, saying, "These two stocks aren't working. I'll sell them now and buy them back later."

Before she could figure it out, Alan came over and said, "Teacher Zhang, I was so nervous just now! There were so many people facing me." Zhang Jing encouraged her to be bolder, saying that she should just pretend that everyone in front of her was a normal person. Looking at Alan's ungainly face and hairstyle, Zhang Jing knew that she wasn't very intelligent, but she was far from disabled. Unsure why she came in, she asked her curiously.

"I'm not actually my parents' biological child; I was adopted." Sure enough, Alan's words immediately flowed like a novel. Her mother died when she was just a child. With five older siblings already, her father couldn't afford to raise her, so he gave her and her younger brother away. The younger brother asked his older siblings to take her back, saying they were too young to support her. And since his adoptive parents were well-off, they let him live there.

Later, her father went to Hong Kong, taking her older siblings with him. It wasn't until her older brother came back two years ago that she learned about all this. Alan described her adoptive parents as being very kind, saying they bought her many gifts. They also said they wouldn't take her away and would visit her often. They also joined her in calling her "Mom and Dad," which delighted her. They said they couldn't believe that raising just one child, Alan, would lead to several more. They interacted like family, and her older brother even invited the three of them to Hong Kong for a trip. They rode a double-decker bus, visited Ocean Park and Disneyland, ate a ton of delicious food, and even visited Victoria Harbour. Alan's excitement grew, drawing the other students in.

"But I've also been to Lantau Island and Mount Fuji," Dazhuang interjected, unwilling to be outdone. "Teacher, I've been to America. My mother took me there for medical treatment," another practitioner added. More practitioners gathered around, some saying they'd been to Beijing, some to Yunnan, and still others to Guangxi... Zhang Jing guided everyone in sharing their experiences. She knew this particular group was unfortunate, yet also fortunate. Because, compared to others, they had already been to Rome.

Zhang Jing had an idea and asked them if they believed in Guanyin Bodhisattva. Most did, and some even mentioned that their grandmothers had Guanyin Bodhisattva worshipped at home. Zhang Jing suggested, "How about I teach you to sing a Guanyin Bodhisattva song tomorrow?" Everyone agreed, and Zhang Jing concluded the day's sign-in, saying goodbye to each of them.

During dinner, Aunt Zhang came out of the kitchen to find Zhang Jing. She said that since she started practicing Guanyin Quan, her arms and legs are less stiff and the pain has gone. She just can't remember the movements. She came to Zhang Jing because she had a relative who also practiced Tai Chi, and the Tai Chi uniforms were nice and inexpensive. She wanted to buy some, but she was afraid of being laughed at. She asked Zhang Jing if she wanted to buy one, and that they should both buy it together.

Zhang Jing found out it was 120 yuan a set and thought it was too expensive. Aunt Zhang said the material, workmanship, and style were all beautiful, but Zhang Jing remained unmoved, saying she had a price range of 50 yuan in mind and wouldn't consider anything over 80. Aunt Zhang had to work, so she said she'd ask more and then went back to work.

That afternoon, Director Chen called Zhang Jing in to sort out the students' attendance records from the previous month, preparing for tomorrow's payouts from the finance department. Zhang Jing was curious about how these students were selected, and the director explained that each district just returns recommendations—you know what I mean! Zhang Jing was about to respond, "I don't know shit," but then stopped herself. After all, it's possible that this is a mix of showmanship and reality, and no one would delve deeper.

Director Chen said, "We must treat the students well. Everyone has a family." Being able to avoid provoking others and befriend them is a testament to our work. "I'm optimistic about you," Zhang Jing thought. Little did she know, she would be presented with an opportunity a few months later.

After finishing work in the afternoon, I spoke with Director Chen and went back to writing. Director Chen urged her not to forget this month's manuscript, but Zhang Jing gave him an OK sign and slipped away without looking back. Making money is more important than anything else. The thought of giving A-Long 6000 yuan made my heart ache. From now on, I must remember not to buy too many of my favorite things.