Ch. 11..20

Chapter 11

“Madam Zhuang, let’s speak openly. There’s no need to pretend anymore. Back then, our old man insisted on going to your house to make an engagement. It wasn’t appropriate for us to say anything. However, I don’t need to say much about your son’s situation and there’s absolutely no need to drag our child into the water. Jing Jing is still young. I plan to keep her by my side for a few more years and then properly choose a husband for her. Third Young Master Zhuang’s health… Our family is really scared and can’t afford to serve him.” Chen Yi pulled Tan Jing to sit by her side as she said sarcastically.

Shen Qing was so angry that she almost couldn’t sit still. Her son’s health had always been a sore spot in her heart. This person spoke with total disregard for her feelings the moment she opened her mouth. She did not spare any thought for herself at all. Even though her third son had already informed her in advance, she was still extremely angry.

Grandma Zhuang, who was beside her, tugged at her calmly, “Are you sure you’ve thought this through? The Zhuang family’s marriage is not something that can be called off on a whim.”

Chen Yi laughed coldly. “Of course. The Tan family is not a charity. Not only is your Third Young Master crippled, but he’s also still sickly. I’ve just reunited with my precious daughter. If I were to allow her to marry your son and she ends up a widow, who would understand my pain?”

Even though Tan Jing pretended to smile reservedly, her eyes revealed her ridicule towards Shen Qing and Grandma Zhuang.

Chen Yi continued, “Don’t blame our family for being cruel. Let’s break off the engagement quickly and not ruin my daughter’s future. For the sake of our relationship, I will recommend a few good doctors to you. Even though it probably won’t make a difference, you should still try no matter what.”

Shen Qing was shaking, but she calmed down shortly after. She exchanged a glance with Grandma Zhuang. They had a plan.

“Okay, in that case, this marriage will be annulled. “But you must remember that the marriage is not child’s play. Since the union between our families has been annulled, our families will no longer have any affiliation. Don’t expect any favors from us anymore. Don’t regret it either.”

Tan Jing could not help but ask, “What do I have to regret?”

Naturally, she would want to marry someone outstanding. He must be the noblest and the best candidate possible. How could she be entangled with a person who was about to die from an illness?

The Zhuang family’s Third Young Master’s illness was getting more and more serious. It was said that it is an old illness that could not be cured. Everyone in the aristocrat circle knew about it. They had already heard that someone wanted to take advantage of the chaos and was preparing to hostile takeover their company at a low price.

Previously, he was just a sickly man who was struggling to keep the company afloat. Nobody knew if he was just a good-for-nothing disguised as a capable man. Asking her to marry him and help him take care of his family after he died of illness? That is ludicrous.

“Aunty, we will not regret it. We also hope that you will keep to your word. From now on, our two families will have nothing to do with each other.”

Shen Qing and Grandma Zhuang had nothing more to say to the mother and daughter. They just nodded politely and prepared to leave.

Back in the car, Shen Qing panted angrily. “Who do they think they are? I am the Zhuang Family’s Madame, and they still dare to look down on me?”

Grandma Zhuang smiled. “Even when I am the Zhuang family’s old lady, they did not welcome me! What do you have to be angry about? If you ask me, this is a good thing.”

Shen Qing thought about it and realized that it was also true. When the engagement was set, they were also in a dilemma. The Tan family had always had a poor reputation. However, her third son was so determined to get engaged. As a mother, she did not want to put her child in a difficult position and hence had always supported his decision.

It was hard for the Zhuang family to call off the engagement because they were of a higher status, it would have been inappropriate to break off the engagement on their own accord. If that happened, people would instead say that they were snobbish and looked down on the Tan family, which was why they wanted to get rid of them and go back on their words.

Now, the Tan family thought that something had happened to her third son and had taken the initiative to break off the engagement. Firstly, it would not damage the reputation of the Zhuang family. When the cat is finally out of the bag, people would only say that the Tan family was adding salt to the wound. Secondly, it was indeed a good thing to take this opportunity to get rid of the union with this evil family.

However, Shen Qing was still feeling aggrieved. She cursed in a low voice, “I don’t know what that third little brat is up to. He insisted on spreading the news. I’ll teach him a lesson when I see him!”

Grandma Zhuang shook her head, “Allow your children to live their own lives. As long as the third little brat’s health is stable, nothing else matters. You should also advise him to not worry too much about other things and end up aggravating his illness.”

Shen Qing nodded in agreement. Her third son, this child was good in every way. He never let anyone worry about him. His health, on the contrary, was a worry for the entire family!

 

Chapter 12

The Zhuang family’s marriage was henceforth annulled.

As for Tan Rou, ever since she returned home, she has been staying in her room to make spices.

During her previous visit home, she had already realized that although Mother Tao’s body seemed fine on the exterior, she was deficient in Qi and blood. To make matters worse, it was during this period that Tan Jing returned to the Tan family without any hesitation and Tan Rou had been kicking up a ruckus at home. As a result, Mother Tao’s liver deteriorated and her body even more so.

Tan Rou was never watchful of her mother’s health before, but now that she is determined to protect her family, it goes without saying that she has to nurse Mother Tao back to health.

These incenses can calm her nerves as they were mixed with numerous Chinese medicinal herbs that are beneficial to her. Tan Rou was finally done making the spices after preparing for ages.

Tan Rou took a box of herbal pills and walked out of the room to look for Mother Tao.

“Mom, I made this for you. Burn one daily and it will improve your sleep and appetite!”

Mother Tao, who was pleasantly surprised, accepted the gift. Her daughter’s care and concern were unexpected. It doesn’t matter what the gift was, she would still appreciate and cherish it. “Rou Rou is so well behaved. I will always treasure and never forget this moment.”

Tao Zheng was in slight disdain, “Mom, why don’t you ask what it is? This is an unlicensed product, right? I am warning you to not use it.”

Tan Rou stood by silently, grinning ear to ear at Tao Zheng and it made him uncomfortable.

“What’s wrong? Can’t I give my opinion?”

Mother Tao glared at Tao Zheng. “Stop with your nonsense! Don’t you bully your sister again!”

Tao Zheng pursed his lips and did not speak any further.

Mother Tao happily brought the pills back to her room, leaving only Tan Rou and Tao Zheng in the living room.

“Brother, I can tell you are in a bad mood now. Do you want me to make some pills for you to calm down?”

Tan Rou teased him.

Tao Zheng was infuriated at her mockery. “I think you want to secretly poison me to death! I do not need your pills!”

Tan Rou smiled gently, her elder brother was really cute.

The harmonious atmosphere was disrupted by a phone call. Tan Rou looked at the caller’s name and smiled once again.

It’s Zhou Wu. If he had not taken the initiative to call, she would have almost forgotten about him.

Tan Rou already had a rough idea in her mind of what the call was about. She tapped on her phone and answered the call. “Hello?”

The other end of the line was very noisy. Zhou Wu shouted loudly, “Tan Rou, the usual place, come quickly!”

“What usual place? I don’t understand. I’m not coming.”

“What’s wrong with you? It’s that casino! Come quickly, my luck is especially good today, I’ll definitely win. Come over and I’ll bring you around!”

Tan Rou heard the noise from the other end and could already imagine how chaotic the casino was. Zhou Wu was a friend of bad influence. He came from a poor family and had a lot of bad habits.

He frequently drank and gambled. The usual place he mentioned should be the casino he frequented. In the past, Tan Rou was manipulated by him, she had no idea how many times he had tricked her into going there. He would always lie about winning money and when Tan Rou arrives, she would be coerced into settling his gambling debts.

Despite feeling taken advantage of, Tan Rou couldn’t leave him behind whenever he cries for help. Tan Rou’s family background was impressive and she had a likable personality. She also loved helping her friends, so much so that even if she had to bite the bullet, she would still help him pay off his debts.

What if she looked away? It wasn’t the first time that Tan Rou heard him criticizing her behind her back for being a dull and a rich simpleton.

“Since your luck is good, I hope you win big. It’s best that you win back the gambling debt that I settled for you previously. I’m also short of money recently.”

Zhou Wu did not expect tricking Tan Rou will be tough this time and so he changed the topic.

“Xiao Rou, we haven’t seen each other for quite a long time. Do you not treat me as a friend anymore? You definitely have money, right? Don’t be modest. Hurry up and come. I’m waiting for you!”

Tan Rou sneered, knowing he is waiting for her to pay off his debts again.

Tan Rou didn’t waste any more time and told him firmly, “We’ll talk about it later. Have fun.” She hung up the phone and turned it off. It does not matter to her whether he wins or loses.

Tao Zheng taunted her from a corner. “Yo, you’re breaking up with your good friend? I thought someone has always loved hanging out with shady people. You may be playing it cool now but in a blink of an eye you would give in and rescue him, right?”

Tan Rou wasn’t offended. “Brother, I’m not going to help him. I’m still waiting to have dinner at home. I’ll return to my room first.”

Tao Zheng watched Tan Rou calmly return to her room, she did not throw a feat demanding money to go out with her friends like before. He pursed his lips suspiciously. “Has she really changed?”

 

 

Chapter 13

On the other side, Zhou Wu heard the call being hung up and didn’t think too much about it. He thought that Tan Rou was preparing to come over.

He grinned and shouted loudly, “Come, come, come. Let’s play again. I don’t believe my luck tonight will be so bad!”

The people beside him laughed disdainfully at him. “How many rounds have you lost? You should first pay up the money you owe before playing!”

Zhou Wu said proudly, ” How long have I been playing here? Haven’t you heard? Miss Tan is my friend. I will be able to pay up no matter how much I lose! She will be here soon. What are you talking about? Hurry up and start!”

That person was skeptical. He indeed did hear about a Miss Tan before. He had also been next to him on the phone just now, so it was somewhat believable.

Thus, everyone gathered together and played one round after another.

In the blink of an eye, the sky became darker and darker, and Zhou Wu’s expression became worse and worse.

For some reason, his luck today was getting worse and worse. He lost more and more, and Tan Rou was still not coming. The uneasiness in his heart started to grow.

The people in the casino refused to let him play anymore. “Zhou Wu, you already owe several hundred thousand. Is that friend of yours not coming? You should know the rules here. I don’t need to say much, right?”

Zhou Wu’s face was livid. He was still stubborn, “She will be here soon. One more round and I will definitely turn the tables.”

The people in the casino sneered. They had seen many gamblers like this, but most of them never returned from this.

“Bro we are not making things difficult for you. If you want to play, we will allow you to play for as long as you like. As long as your friend comes and settles the debt, you can play however more rounds you like.”

Zhou Wu picked up the phone and called Tan Rou again, but the call was never picked up. Hearing the recorded tone from the phone, he almost couldn’t catch his breath.

This idiot, did she really fool me?

After calling a few times in a row, Zhou Wu’s face became darker and darker. The people in the casino had roughly guessed it. They put away their smiling faces and with a blink of an eye, more than ten burly thugs surrounded them and they stared at Zhou Wu fiercely.

Zhou Wu broke out in a cold sweat. He couldn’t argue anymore, “Brother, don’t be like this. Let’s discuss this. My friend is really rich! Her name is Tan Rou, the eldest daughter of the Tan family. She will help me settle the debt.”

“Ha!” The people in the casino laughed loudly, “Brother, are you kidding me? Tan Rou is no longer the heiress of the Tan family. Haven’t you seen the news? The real eldest daughter of the Tan family is called Tan Jing! And she definitely isn’t your good friend!”

Zhou Wu was stunned on the spot and shouted angrily, “That’s impossible! She was the one who gave me the money last time! She’s really rich!”

The casino staff took a baseball bat, he weighed it in his hand and said, “You’re addicted to gambling and don’t watch the news. The Tan family found their long-lost daughter and it made the front page of the news. I know all about it. Didn’t your friend, who is called Tan Rou, tell you about it? Or did you know all about it and still tried to cheat me? !”

A dull thud hit the table, scaring Zhou Wu until his legs went soft. “That b*tch, it was that b*tch who lied to me. I really didn’t know.”

“So you have no money? You should have said so earlier. If you have no money, then we have another way for that…” the thugs of the casino walked forward with a sinister smile and surrounded Zhou Wu.

When Zhou Wu saw this, he was almost scared to death, he quickly knelt down and begged for mercy. “Brothers! Don’t! Give me another chance, I will definitely get the money! Even if you beat me to death, I won’t be able to return the money. But I have a way, you have to believe me one more time!”

Early in the morning, Tan Rou woke up feeling really refreshed. She sat in front of the table and ate the breakfast that Mother Tao had meticulously prepared.

“Rou Rou, I used the incense that you gave me. I slept really well last night. Thank you, my good daughter.”

When Tan Rou heard this, she felt really happy, “Mom, I’ll make more for you when you run out.”

The family was very harmonious. It was rare that Tao Zheng did not mock Tan Rou.

Father Tao instructed, “Rou Rou has been back for quite some time. Ah Zheng, when you have time, take your sister out for a walk. Don’t stay at home all the time.”

Tao Zheng subconsciously retorted, “She is alive and well. Why does she need me to bring her out?”

Mother Tao patted Tao Zheng lightly. “You brat. What’s wrong with spending more time with your sister? Be obedient!”

Tao Zheng curled his lips. “Then hurry up and eat. If you’re late, I won’t wait for You!”

 

Chapter 14

Tan Rou narrowed her eyes and smiled. She nodded her head obediently.

As the saying goes, ‘Those who hate to see each other will surely meet’. Tan Rou and Tao Zheng had just finished their meal and walked out of their house. They had just arrived at a large plain field and were planning to cut through to get to the park when they bumped into Zhou Wu.

Zhou Wu’s expression was ferocious as he glared fiercely at Tan Rou. Behind him were a few brawny men. They were the thugs from the casino.

Zhou Wu pointed at Tan Rou. “How dare you lie to me! Why didn’t you come last night!”

He turned around and said to the thugs, “I found her! It’s her! She has money!”

Tao Zheng saw that something was wrong and stood in front of Tan Rou. “Who are you people?” Although he had not truly acknowledged Tan Rou, she was still his biological sister. She was also very obedient the past few days, he could not let her be bullied by outsiders.

One of the thugs walked forward with a wooden bat in his hand. He said arrogantly, “We are looking for that little girl. Little girl, your friend owes us a huge gambling debt. He brought us here to look for you. Will you settle it?”

Tan Rou enjoyed her brother’s protection. She hid behind Tao Zheng and only revealed her small head. “Big brother, I don’t have any money. He lied to you.”

Zhou Wu shouted angrily, “You did it on purpose. Why didn’t you tell me you were chased out by the Tan family last night? Even if you’re not the heiress of the Tan family anymore, you still have a lot of money from the past. How dare you say you don’t have any money?”

Tan Rou said aggrievedly, “You said it yourself. I was chased out by the Tan family. How could I have any money left? Moreover, shouldn’t the debtor be responsible for his own debts? Zhou Wu owes you money. It has nothing to do with me.”

The thug impatiently waved the bat in his hand. “Cut the crap! I don’t care about what is going on in your lives. I just want money! If you can’t take it out today, none of you are walking away!” There was nothing unreasonable about it. If they couldn’t pay up then they would beat them up. There would always be someone who didn’t want to be beaten up and would step up to pay the money.

Clearly, he also thought that Tan Rou was a little girl who was easy to bully. He thought that he could scare her into paying up.

When Tao Zheng heard that, he was so angry that he gritted his teeth. “Tan Rou, take a good look at the kind of friends you are making.”

Zhou Wu thought that Tan Rou was afraid when she saw the thugs, so he had some confidence. “What kind of bullsh*t friend are you talking about? I bothered hanging out with you because I took pity on you. I’m asking you to pay the bill because I’m giving you face. I didn’t think that you would dare to fool me like this.”

Tan Rou nodded. “Big brother is right. It’s my fault.”

She turned around and smiled at Zhou Wu. “Make a fool out of you? You are right. You are the fool here!”

The thug saw that Tan Rou was being stubborn and there was a man who was protecting her. He raised the wooden stick in his hand and wanted to teach them a lesson.

Tao Zheng subconsciously wanted to shield Tan Rou, but before anyone could react, Tan Rou reached out to stop the wooden stick and struck the thug’s shoulder with her other hand.

The thug cried out in pain and loosened his grip. The wooden stick was snatched by Tan Rou.

Tao Zheng was a little surprised. His sister seemed to be quite good at fighting?

The other thugs screamed and charged forward, but they were all knocked to the ground by Tan Rou and she fought her way to Zhou Wu.

Zhou Wu stared at Tan Rou as if he had seen a ghost. “You! Are you still the same Tan Rou!”

In the past, when they had been fooling around together, they often got into fights as well but Tan Rou had never lifted a finger before. She was a delicate young lady. He had never thought that she would have such skills?

Tan Rou hit Zhou Wu with her stick. As she hit him, she said, “That’s right. I’m no longer the Tan Rou of the past. Did you just realize that?”

Zhou Wu cried out in pain, “Ah! You b*tch, stop it!”

Tan Rou picked a sweet spot, making him feel pain but not fatal. “Stop it? Didn’t you come to me? You even brought people here. Do you still think I’ll obediently settle your debt for you?”

With a swift move, she was about to hit Zhou Wu again. The wooden stick cut through the air and even let out a frightening sound. Zhou Wu hugged himself and shriveled up on the ground in fear.

With a “Pa” sound, the wooden stick broke. Zhou Wu lay on the ground in pain and his face turned pale.

Tan Rou tossed away the broken wooden stick in her hand and snorted, “Don’t ever come looking for me again!”

Zhou Wu raised his ferocious face, “I want to call the police! You beat me up so badly. Just you wait to pay up and go to jail!”

 

 

Chapter 15

When the thugs heard this, they ignored the pain in their bodies and bellowed, “Are you stupid? ! Why did you call the police? !”

Zhou Wu’s eyes were red from the beating. All he wanted to do was to take revenge on Tan Rou. His mind was blank. He couldn’t care less.

The thugs struggled and quickly ran away. They were not in a legal trade, to begin with. If they called the police, they might be the ones who would go to jail instead!

Tan Rou did not expect Zhou Wu to be so stupid. She laughed out loud, “Are you sure?”

Tao Zheng was a little hesitant. Tan Rou’s appearance just now had frightened him. He did not expect such a weak little girl to have such prowess. It’s amazing to think that she didn’t beat him up all this while. It seems that she still treated him quite well after all…

However, it was Tan Rou who had hit someone. If they really wanted to call the police, the police would not let Tan Rou off easily.

“That… How about…”

Before Tao Zheng could finish his sentence, Tan Rou gave him a reassuring look. “It’s alright, brother. Since he said so, then let’s call the police!”

The police arrived very quickly. Tan Rou and Tao Zheng stood obediently at the side. Zhou Wu stood on the other side with a fierce expression. The police looked around for a bit but did not understand what was going on. He asked, “Who called the police? You reported a fight?”

Tao Zheng gestured, “It was me.”

He stood there firmly. There was not a single injury on his body, but his eyes were a little evasive. As for Tan Rou, she was a young lady standing there, she did not look like someone who was looking for trouble.

The police looked at Zhou Wu. “You fought?”

Zhou Wu felt a mouthful of blood in his throat. He gritted his teeth, “Officer, I’m a victim. She hit me.”

He pointed at Tan Rou fiercely.

The officer looked at Tan Rou in confusion. He could not believe that this young lady was the one who had hit him. However, he still nodded and said, “If that’s the case, then follow me back to the station for investigation.”

When they arrived back at the police station, the officer started to mediate as usual. “Tell me, why did you hit him?”

Tan Rou said timidly, “Officer, we didn’t hit anyone. He even brought people along with him to hit me and my brother.”

Zhou Wu immediately jumped up. “How dare you lie to the police! I can barely stand up after beating beaten up by you!”

The police officer frowned. “Ok, you guys speak one at a time.” He looked at Zhou Wu and felt a little unhappy. This man was infamous for being a jerk. He had heard from his colleagues before that they had dealt with a few of his fights in the past, “I’ll ask you about your side of the story later. Don’t be anxious.”

Tan Rou stood there obediently. She looked like a model student. She recounted how Zhou Wu had threatened her to go to the casino to settle his gambling debts last night, and how he had brought thugs to force her to settle the debt for him earlier today.

The policeman looked at Zhou Wu sternly, “Don’t you know that gambling is illegal? ! You even started a fight and extorted money!”

Zhou Wu refused to admit it, “What evidence do you have to back up her recount? You can’t just listen to her side of the story. I just happened to bump into her and she gave me a beating!”

The casino had always been well hidden, and the thugs from the casino were long gone. Before coming to the police station, he had already thought it through. As long as he refused to admit it and insisted that it was Tan Rou who had beaten him up, it would be fine. After all, there was evidence.

“Officer, I have evidence. I want to examine my injuries!”

Tao Zheng, who was at the side, was just about to open his mouth to defend Tan Rou. Tan Rou patted him reassuredly, then she said, “Officer, there are no surveillance cameras at the scene of the incident. Let’s give him the benefit of doubt and examine the injuries. Otherwise, he would never back down with his accusations. But when he mentioned evidence just now, I remembered.”

Tan Rou took out her cell phone. “He called me last night. I was extremely scared. He used to threaten and intimidate me in the past, so I recorded the conversation in advance. Listen.”

The phone played the conversation between Zhou Wu and Tan Rou last night.

The police officer looked at Zhou Wu. “What else do you have to say this time?”

Zhou Wu’s face was ashen. He didn’t think that this fool would be so cunning and set him up. But even so, he couldn’t let her off easily.

“I request a medical examination. She really did hit me!”

“Alright, I agree to your request and give you a medical examination. But in the meantime, while waiting for the hospital’s test report to come out, you have to give me a good explanation! Where is the casino? How much gambling capital is involved, explain everything clearly!”

Tan Rou stood to the side with a faint smile, not panicking in the slightest.

 

 

Chapter 16

By now, Tao Zheng really understood. His sister was really different from before. How could this be an idea that a wilful little girl could come up with and not panic at all?

He secretly poked Tan Rou, “Hey, do you still have a backup plan? Are you really going to let them conduct the medical examination?”

Tan Rou nodded, “Don’t worry, brother. I know what I’m doing.”

The police brought Zhou Wu to the hospital alone to check his injuries. When they came back, they continued to question the details of the casino.

Father Tao and Mother Tao did not see the two children return home. They were still wondering where they had gone to play. When they received a call from Tao Zheng, they rushed to the police station.

“Rou Rou! Are you hurt? Ah Zheng! Weren’t you suppose to protect your sister?” Mother Tao looked at the two children, afraid that they were being bullied.

“Ah Zheng, didn’t I tell you to bring your sister around? How did you guys end up at the police station?”

“Brother, why did you tell Mom and Dad?”

Tao Zheng was feeling as if his head was going to explode, “Stop! Mom, we’re not hurt. Dad, this was really an accident. And you, Tan Rou, mom, and dad called to ask. We won’t be back anytime soon and I couldn’t lie to them either!”

Tan Rou pursed her lips. She didn’t want her parents to worry about her. Such a small matter could be quickly settled.

The family stayed at the police station, waiting for the results of the medical examination. Tao Zheng and Tan Rou briefly explained the matter to their parents.

“This is too much!” Tao Zheng’s parents were furious.

Tao Zheng had thought that his parents would be really angry this time. After all, they had fought and even entered the police station. However, he did not expect that their love for Tan Rou was limitless.

“This is too much. This person is actually bullying my daughter!”

“Xiao Rou, don’t be afraid. Does your hand hurt? Mommy is here. I will protect you.”

Tao Zheng saw that his parents did not care about the fact that Tan Rou had used a stick to beat down a few men. Instead, they were checking the severity of the injuries on her and were still feeling sorry for Tan Rou’s hand. He was speechless.

‘Dad, Mom, your daughter is tough as a nail!’

‘I was also shocked, why isn’t anyone here to feel sorry for me? !’

Tao Zheng leaned against the wall without any feelings. This morning has had a huge impact on him.

Tan Rou looked at her parents’ worried and angry expressions and felt satisfied. It was great that they cared about her and trusted her unconditionally.

On the other side of the house, Tan Jing received a phone call. “What? Jia Jia, are you sure?”

On the other end of the phone, Li Jia replied in a low voice, “Sister Jing, I followed your instructions to keep an eye on the Tao family. I saw your foster parents go to the police station with my own eyes just now. It seems that Tan Rou is in trouble!”

Tan Jing was a little excited. Tan Rou had been arrested and brought back to the police station. This was a good opportunity for her. Recently, she had not been able to find anything wrong with her. How could let up such a golden opportunity?

Tan Jing secretly calculated in her heart. Ever since Tan Rou returned to the Tao family, she had not been willing to accept them as family members. Naturally, Tan Jing also had a hand in that. What right did she have to go back and still receive the love of her biological parents? Everything should belong to herself.

This time, her adoptive parents would probably be disgusted with Tan Rou. She must be there to add fuel to the fire!

At the police station, the police completed the preliminary interrogation of Zhou Wu. The crime of illegal gambling was basically confirmed.

“Little girl, don’t be afraid. How many times has this happened?”

The police saw that Tan Rou who was very young and obediently stayed by her parents’ side. She did not seem like a bad child, so they asked her gently.

“Many times. After I just returned to China, I met him once by chance. At that time, I wasn’t mature yet. I was half coaxed and half coerced by him. He cheated me of a lot of money. Every time when we went to drink at the bar, he would always spend tens of thousands. There were no limits to his gambling. If I wanted to go home, he would threaten me. Now I know that this is wrong. I don’t want to be cheated by him anymore.”

The policeman nodded. “It’s good that you now know that this is wrong. He broke the law. You were lucky to be able to get out of it in time. You didn’t sink deeper and deeper with him.”

Mother Tao’s heart ached when she heard this, “My dear daughter, I don’t blame you for what had happened in the past. You were still young and gullible, but not anymore.”

Tan Rou nodded. In the past, she had suffered because she wanted to save face. She hadn’t been valued by the Tan family, which had triggered her inferiority complex. Although she felt sorry for the money, her ego was boosted every time when they were asking her for money. Naturally, she would never do it again in the future.

At this moment, a cry of surprise came from behind him. “Ah! You’re really here.”

 

 

Chapter 17

Everyone turned around and saw that it was Tan Jing who had found her way here.

“Dad, mom, brother, you’re all here. Xiao Rou, what’s going on? Did you really hit someone?” Tan Jing pretended to be particularly surprised as she walked over.

“How did you know?” Tao Zheng asked in an unfriendly tone. Ever since Tan Jing found out that she was the biological daughter of the Tan family, she ignored the love that her family had for her for more than ten years and left without any hesitation. She broke the family’s heart and never came back ever since.

“I missed you guys and wanted to go home. I didn’t expect to hear that Rou Rou had fought and come to the police station. I was so scared that I rushed over to look for you guys… Rou Rou, how can you be so immature? Mom and dad must have been so worried for you. Why are you still fighting and causing trouble like before?”

Tan Rou sighed helplessly. This white lotus was really commendable. This kind of enthusiasm to smear her name was too zealous, and she could be insulting her while still putting up a pitiful persona every time.

“What a coincidence? It’s been so long since you last came back, right? Which wind blew you back today? Could it be that someone tipped you off?”

Tan Rou didn’t make a move, but it didn’t mean that she didn’t know what was going on. Two days ago, she had noticed that one of Tan Jing’s lackeys, Li Jia, always appeared near her home, but Tan Rou didn’t expose her.

Sometimes, by presenting herself as prey, it would be easier to lure out the enemy. And as expected, someone took the bait.

Tan Jing’s thoughts were very easy to guess. She wanted to take advantage of Tan Rou’s mistake and further smear her in front of their parents, causing them to be completely disappointed in Tan Rou and further reminiscence the days with Tan Jing.

Tan Rou shook her head. Tan Jing was celebrating her victory a little too early. She wanted to make use of her parents’ feelings. This was something she couldn’t tolerate. Competing for affection? Things won’t go her way.

“Mom, I don’t want to see her.” Tan Rou held Mother Tao’s hand and said aggrievedly.

Tan Jing did not expect that Tan Rou had become so close to her family. She was a little flustered and quickly said, “Rou Rou, do you really hate me that much? But I miss mom too. I came here because I was worried about you guys.”

Mother Tao held Tan Rou’s hand tightly and turned to look at Tan Jing coldly, “I haven’t forgotten what you said the day you left home. You’ve already returned to the Tan family, so you don’t have to call me mom anymore.”

Tan Jing cried as soon as she said it. “Mom, don’t you want me anymore? Dad, are you angry with me too?”

After all, she was the child they had taken care of for so many years. Even though Father Tao and Mother Tao were disappointed in her actions, they could not bear to see her cry like this.

Tan Rou didn’t want to see her continue using her parents’ feelings. “Mom, didn’t you keep asking me what kind of grievances I suffered at the Tan family’s house that day? That day, it was Tan Jing. She tried to get a hooligan to drug me and rape me. She even brought people to catch us in bed and ruin my reputation. That hooligan admitted it himself. Instead of standing up for me, Auntie Chen even retorted that I framed Tan Jing. I really don’t want to see them again.”

“What?” Mother Tao looked at Tan Jing in shock. Their daughter had always been a little manipulative and materialistic. However, she did not expect that she would become so vicious. She is still so young yet she came up with such a dirty trick to harm Rou Rou.

Father Tao’s face turned red with anger. “Tan Jing, I’m completely disappointed in you. You’re already a member of the Tan family. Don’t come looking for us again!”

After listening to her, Tao Zheng finally understood Tan Rou’s abnormal behavior over the past few days. The little girl might have really come to her senses after experiencing such a traumatic thing.

Her previous foster mother had sided with Tan Jing and hurt her heart. That was why she had made up her mind to return to this family.

Thinking about this, Tao Zheng gradually forgave his sister.

As for Tan Jing, Tao Zheng roughly knew of her thoughts. Ever since she had said those harsh words and returned to the Tan family without looking back, he never took her for his sister anymore.

Tan Jing did not expect the Tao family to trust Tan Rou so much. After listening to Tan Rou’s side of the story, they did not even bother to listen to her explanation and their attitude towards her had completely deteriorated. She was angry and anxious, and she cried even harder.

She did not know that everyone had seen the changes in Tan Rou over the past few days. They did not suspect that she would lie to the family at all. They were only filled with heartache. No wonder the child had changed so much.

Tao Zheng frowned impatiently, “Go back to your home and cry. There’s nothing wrong with our family. You don’t have to worry.”

 

Chapter 18

Tan Jing did not expect the Tao family to treat her like this. She did not expect Tan Rou to wise up in just a few days and turn the tables on her.

Tan Jing thought to herself not only did the drugging incident not turn out well. Furthermore, she was sold out by that damn hooligan Zhou Zheng. It was a complete disgrace. She did not dare to go out these few days for fear of hearing the gossip outside.

Now, the Tao family has also found out what she did. Indeed, she had done it too hastily. She had no way to explain herself, so she could only divert their attention and wait for things to blow over.

Tan Jing squeezed her tears. “Xiao Rou, no matter what you say about me and how you accuse me, I will not argue with you. But you can’t hurt yourself. I know that dad and mom don’t like me anymore, but I still hope that they can be happy.”

Tan Jing couldn’t wait to reiterate the fight that she got into, “I’ve long heard that you always hung out with gangsters and caused trouble every few days, and this time you even landed yourself into the police station.”

After she said that, she quickly looked at the police officer, “Officer, who was beaten up? Is it serious? Xiao Rou won’t end up in jail, right?”

The police officer was confused. However, it was their family’s matter, and he did not want to get involved.

He was still a little confused after hearing Tan Jing’s question. The police had not even arrived at a conclusion yet. The young lady, on the other hand, had already put the other young lady in the position of the perpetrator, “The results of the medical examination will be out soon. So far, nothing conclusive has been found. The person concerned is still fine inside.”

Tan Jing was a little disappointed. She thought that the matter would blow up, but since a medical examination was conducted, she could always find something to use against Tan Rou. “Xiao Rou, what should we do? You’re still a student. If you end up with a criminal record, what can you do in the future?”

Tan Rou sneered, “You don’t have to worry about that. You, on the other hand, can’t wait to become a judge and hand me a sentence. The policeman hasn’t even said anything yet. Why are you in such a hurry?”

Mother Tao held Tan Rou’s hand tightly and looked at Tan Jing. “If you don’t know anything, then don’t sprout nonsense here. Hurry up and go back home.”

After saying that, Mother Tao turned around to comfort Tan Rou, “Don’t be afraid, daughter. I believe in you.”

Tan Rou nodded. She knew that no matter how much Tan Jing said, it was just an ugly person causing trouble. She would have to eat her own words in just a while. When she beat up those people, she used a little trick. She focused on hitting the flesh. With the delicate use of force, there wouldn’t be any serious injuries like fractures, and the beat marks wouldn’t show up so quickly either.

Sure enough, the police had just received the medical report from the hospital. They signaled everyone to enter the room and showed the medical report in front of Zhou Wu and the others.

When Tan Jing saw Zhou Wu, she understood. She had met him through Tan Rou before, but they never had much interaction. However, this person’s lackey had contacted her two days ago, asking her for money.

Tan Jing had another plan in mind. In the past, this Zhou Wu and Tan Rou had been together, so he must have had a lot of dirt on Tan Rou. Now that things had turned out this way, he must hate her to death. So why not rope him over and use him to her advantage? Even if it did not yield anything, she would be content as long as she could snatch something from Tan Rou.

Thus, Tan Jing wanted to reveal her identity without making it too obvious, “How are your injuries? Xiao Rou, don’t be afraid. Although you have left the Tan family, I will help you. I can ask mom to get the Tan family to hire the best lawyer for you. But, is this your friend? I think I have met him before. Why did you beat him up?”

Zhou Wu also saw Tan Jing. At that moment, he immediately understood what was going on. A few days ago, that brat Wang Tian had just found out about a big news and wanted to introduce him to someone. However, his focus was dead set on the casino, he had already gambled until his eyes turned red. If only he had known that the new heiress of the Tan family was this little girl, then in the future, wouldn’t he have found another money bucket to leech on?

The two of them looked at each other, each with their own ulterior motives and they hit off instantly.

The police officer shook his head. “The injury report is out. There are no obvious injuries, so it’s impossible to determine the severity of the injury.”

“What! That’s impossible!” Zhou Wu was still immersed in the fantasy of finding a new money bucket to leech on when he heard the news that made him break down.

He continued to shout, “I refuse to accept it! How could I not know if I was beaten or not! I felt like my bones were about to break. Did you guys tamper with the results to protect this b*tch? I want to redo the examination!”

 

Chapter 19

Tan Jing frowned secretly after hearing that.

‘What a fool. Why didn’t he fake some injuries before calling the police? If he had made it worse, he would have been able to convict Tan Rou right away.’

Zhou Wu was not as smart as Tan Jing thought. He did not purposely injure himself to frame Tan Rou. He really felt that he was about to be beaten to death by Tan Rou. The injury examination was his last trump card.

The police officer shouted, “Behave yourself! The whole process was conducted by us. How could it be fake! Are you questioning the fairness of our law enforcement?”

Zhou Wu was still unconvinced and wanted to make a scene again. Tan Jing turned her back and stared at him sternly. Zhou Wu was rooted to the spot.

Damn it, the two daughters of the Tan family. One of them had tricked him and beat him up. The other one did not seem to be a simpleton either. He was a man, and he had completely forgotten what he wanted to say after being stared at by her.

Tan Jing knew that it would be difficult for her to make a fuss over this matter. She didn’t know what tricks Tan Rou had used, but there was no trace of injury. Or was it really just a cheap shot by Zhou Wu who was desperate?

There was no way to verify this. Since she couldn’t frame Tan Rou anymore, she might as well save it and save some face in front of the Tao family.

Tan Jing timidly said, “I told you, Xiao Rou would never do such a thing. There must be some misunderstanding. This person is really too despicable but you guys were such good friends in the past after all. Now that things have turned out this way, it won’t be good for your reputation if it gets out. Why don’t we settle it in private?”

Father Tao pondered for a moment and looked at Tan Rou, “Child, tell me, what do you want? If you feel wronged and want him to pay the price, then we will support you. We will pursue the case all the way. You don’t have to be afraid.”

Tan Rou looked at Tan Jing’s 180-degree change in attitude. This was the second-best option. She wanted to create a facade of being sensible and understanding.

If she did not let go of this matter, it would seem like she was making a big fuss out of nothing. Indeed, there was no need to make a fuss about this matter. Zhou Wu’s gambling incident was not something that could be easily erased.

He can not escape the consequences that are waiting for him. She did not know if Tan Jing would help him this time?

Tan Rou shook her head, “Since the results of the medical examination are here and the matter is resolved, I won’t be holding on to it anymore. I have no other requests. I have no evidence that he cheated my money in the past. I deserve that. I only hope that his evil deeds this time will be taken seriously and that he will not do anything illegal in the future.”

The policeman nodded. “Of course. We have already followed up on the casino. We will do a thorough investigation.”

Mother Tao bowed politely to the policeman, “Thank you for your hard work, police officer. We will take the two children back first.”

The Tao family of four turned around and left. Zhou Wu slammed the table in exasperation. “How can she leave so easily? !”

Tan Jing turned around and stared at Zhou Wu. She shook her head secretly, indicating for him to calm down. Then, she turned around and chased after him.

“Mom! Wait for me!” Tan Jing shouted.

Mother Tao turned around. “I told you, you don’t have to call me mom anymore.”

Tan Jing’s eyes were teary and red. “I know I’m wrong. Don’t be so cruel.”

Father Tao sighed heavily. “It’s not that we’re cruel. It’s you who is too cruel. There is no point in saying anything else. From now on, we will go on our separate paths. All our teachings these years were in vain after all.”

Mother Tao also nodded and agreed with her husband’s words. “In the past, I thought that I raised a good daughter. From a young age, although you were occasionally willful, you were still generally obedient. We have always let you have your way and loved you.”

“You have changed so much. It makes me feel that I have been blind. We have been together for more than a decade. Even a kitten or a dog would have developed feelings by now. I have also thought things through and wish you a happy return to the home that you have always dreamed of.”

“But I never expected that there was no limit to your wilfulness. You even pretended to be obedient in the past. In actual fact, you simply have no limits. We’ve completely given up on you. You’re not worthy of calling me mom anymore. We don’t have a daughter like you who is so evil. We don’t have to see each other anymore.”

Father Tao patted Mother Tao’s back and comforted her, “Don’t be sad for people who aren’t worth it.”

Mother Tao nodded and looked at Tan Rou lovingly. She was satisfied as long as she still had her.

Tao Zheng did not say a word because he felt that he had nothing more to say to his ex-sister. His previous bad attitude towards Tan Rou was because he was once so welcoming towards her but was despised instead. As for Tan Jing, he never had expectations for her to begin with so then how could he be disappointed? He shook his head and said, “Take care of yourself.”

 

Chapter 20

Tan Jing bit her lips tightly and looked at the happy family of four in front of her. She was so angry that she was about to explode. She death-starred at Tan Rou.

‘Tan Rou, it’s all your fault! You were the one who stole the status as missy of the Tan family from me for more than ten years. How could you still enjoy the love and care of your biological family after coming back?’

‘

Just now, you even deliberately said what happened two days ago to make the Tao family completely despise me. I will not let this go. You owe me everything. You owe me everything! You guys do not want to acknowledge me? Do you guys think Tan Rou is good? Sooner or later, all of you will regret it. I will make all of you pay the price!’

Tan Rou looked at Tan Jing’s somewhat ferocious expression with interest. She could not help but laugh. She had just started to retaliate, and she already could not stand it?

There would be many days like this in the future.

Tan Rou patted Mother Tao’s hand to comfort her and told Tan Jing, “I advise you to stop playing tricks. How nice of you to say that you want to come home and have a look? But in actual fact, someone must have tipped you off and you couldn’t wait to come and enjoy the show. Sorry to disappoint you.”

Tan Jing’s heart skipped a beat. Tan Rou was really different from before. In the past, she was always at her mercy. But now, she had to admit that she had underestimated her enemy. She was no longer that idiot, she seemed to be able to see through every move of hers.

But of course, she could not admit it, “What did you say? I don’t understand.”

Tan Rou did not care if she admitted it or not, “It’s okay if you don’t understand. I’m just telling you that if your friend can’t find her way home and likes to wander around, I don’t mind talking to her. However, no guarantees about what she may end up telling me.”

Tan Jing gritted her teeth. This vicious woman still dared to threaten her.

In a distance, a scrawny man ran over anxiously. Tan Rou knew him. He was one of Zhou Wu’s sidekicks, Wang Tian. When these people gathered together, there would always be a good show. Next, it would be up to Tan Jing to help Zhou Wu clean up the mess.

However, she was not interested in getting involved with them anymore. She pulled Mother Tao along and the whole family headed home without looking back.

Tan Rou stayed where she was and watched them leave. She secretly swore that she would definitely take revenge and destroy Tan Rou’s reputation!

Wang Tian was surprised to find that Tan Jing was also there. “Sister Jing? Why are you here? What a coincidence!”

Tan Jing turned around and saw Wang Tian. She knew that he must have heard about Zhou Wu’s accident and rushed over. She nodded. “Let’s go in and take a look. Your boss is in trouble.”

Wang Tian chuckled, “Sister Jing, you’re really resourceful. You even know about this. Our boss comes to the police station every two to three days. It’s a common occurrence. Sister Jing since you are around this time, you must help us.”

These words made Tan Jing very happy. She needed a group of people with brains who were loyal to her and not like Zhou Zheng, who screwed things up and still drag her down with him.

After entering the police station, Zhou Wu still felt a little aggrieved, “Why did you do that just now? You let that b*tch off so easily. Don’t tell me that you have given up on dealing with her. I can tell. Moreover, if you had really given up, you wouldn’t have come back, right?”

Seeing that Tan Jing had indeed come back, Zhou Wu felt a little more confident. As long as he had something that she needed, she might help him.

Tan Jing snorted coldly, “You’re really smart but you’re using your smarts at the wrong place. Since you’re so good at reading the situation, why can’t you see that the situation just now didn’t benefit you at all? The injury report is right there. What else is there to say?”

Zhou Wu cursed under his breath. “To hell with the report!”

Tan Jing asked, “Did she really hit you? If she did, then why didn’t the medical report show that you were injured?”

If he was really injured, she would naturally be able to make a big fuss and make that wretched woman, Tan Rou, suffer. However, without actual evidence, how could the police believe that Tan Rou beat up a man who was twice her size?

Zhou Wu said, “It’s absolutely true! God knows how she did it.”

Tan Jing could tell from his expression that he was not lying, and there was no need for that. It was not a glorious thing for a man to be beaten up by a woman and call the police.

“Alright, I’ll let it go this time. Don’t be so impulsive in the future. Listen to my instructions.” Tan Jing was also tired. Not only did she not gain anything from this trip, the Tao family even despised her for her actions. She was in a terrible mood.

“Hehe, I always knew that b*tch Tan Rou was unreliable. It seems that Miss Tan is indeed reliable. Don’t worry. From now on, I, Zhou Wu, and my brother, Wang Tian, will follow you. We will follow Miss Tan’s lead. However, right now, my finances are a little tight…”