Ch. 201..210

Chapter 201 Learn from Tan Rou

The teacher had given her full marks, but Tan Jing still refused to believe it. She grabbed Tan Rou’s test paper and looked at it over and over again, repeating, “I don’t believe it. I don’t believe it. She’s an ignorant and incompetent person! How could she get full marks?”

The corners of Tan Rou’s mouth rose. She shook her head and said, “Tan Jing, don’t be crazy here. You’ve said that I cheated and now you’re saying that I’m ignorant and incompetent but, everyone was here watching. The principal and teachers were watching the entire time. Did I cheat? I didn’t.”

“I don’t believe…” Tan Jing only knew how to repeat this same phrase over and over again. Hatred and anger filled her heart. Why! How did Tan Rou answer the test paper with full marks?

The principal couldn’t bear to watch this farce anymore. He believed that Tan Rou didn’t cheat. Was there a need for a genius who could easily find the lost surveillance video to cheat?

Moreover, he didn’t like Tan Jing. Like Father, like daughter. Tan Song did have a good heart and his daughter also learned from him. Not only was she not a kind-hearted person, she had an evil personality. She was already filled with jealousy now at such a young age.

“Enough!” The principal had been in the military before, so his voice was righteous and loud. “The exam is already over. Record the score as it is. The first place shall be given to whoever deserves it!” His Hawk-like eyes swept across the surroundings, scaring the inexperienced students into taking two steps back.

“Go back to your class.”

After the students heard the principal’s words, they pushed each other back to the classroom.

“Oh my God, Tan Rou is amazing!” One of the students exclaimed.

“Scoring full in twenty-eight minutes? I wouldn’t even dare to dream of this.”

“If I can finish a test paper with full marks in an hour, I would be worshipping the test paper for the rest of my life….”

The students walked further and further away, leaving only Li Li and Xu Yan.

Li Li looked at Tan Rou happily, then raised her head and said to Tan Jing, “Some people can’t pass the exam themselves, so they accuse others of cheating. What a joke! What was this called? This is called going for wool and coming home shorn!”

Xu Yan didn’t say anything, but he let out a sigh of relief after seeing Tan Rou’s full score. He believed in tan Rou. She wasn’t the kind of student who would cheat. There might have been some misunderstandings in the past, but now everyone’s misunderstandings should have been cleared up.

“Go back to your classroom, all of you,” The principal asked them to go back to class.

Li Li said to Tan Rou,”Tan Rou, we’ll be leaving first.”

Tan Rou smiled and nodded at them. “Okay, see you in class.”

After Li Li and Xu Yan left, only Tan Rou, Tan Jing, the principal, and the invigilating teacher were left in the office.

Seeing how she could no longer beat Tan Rou academically, Tan Jing put on a pitiful look on her face.

Tan Rou was right when she said that Tan Jing should go to the dream-chasing entertainment industry; even a Sichuan Opera master would be impressed with Tan Jing’s ability of changing the look on her face effortlessly.

“Actually, I believed in Tan Rou. When she was abroad, she didn’t even get a graduation certificate. Now that she suddenly got first place in the grade, I was thinking that the students in school would be unhappy. That’s why I suggested that she take the exam again to clear her of any suspicion of cheating.” Tan Jing was very sincere, and her eyes were filled with tears.

“Now that her grades are authentic, I’m happy for her.”

“Don’t be happy for me.” Tan Rou didn’t want to accept her so-called ‘good intentions’. “You were the one who said it was impossible and was the loudest when you said that you didn’t believe me. Those who don’t know would think that you thought that I had cheated.”

Tan Jing clenched her teeth so hard that they were about to break, but she still had to put on a facade in front of the principal. “I’ve always believed that you didn’t cheat. It’s just that what you’ve done in the past really makes it hard for people to believe that the results are real.”

“Some people would say that the grapes are sour when they can’t have them. They work so hard, reading books and asking questions all day and night, but they still can’t get first place. What a pity!” Tan Rou hit the nail on the head. She had already heard from her mother about how Tan Jing got her good grades. How could she not take advantage of such favorable conditions here?

“Speaking of which,” The invigilator next to her spoke. “It seems that Tan Jing didn’t do well this time?”

There were only so many students here who came from wealthy families and the teachers would pay extra attention to these students. Lu Qing and Tan Jing were amongst them, and their results would be something that the teachers would always pay attention to.

Speaking of this, the fire in Tan Jing’s heart was about to burst out. She could only learn one or two things every day, and she memorized them until she turned nauseous. What did she get in the end?

In the end, she never came first place. She could accept that Lu Qing was first before, but now this little b*tch, Tan Rou, was first. How could she tolerate this?

Chapter 202 Pleading for Wei Ling

“Tan Jing.” The principal didn’t like the Tan family’s style, but Tan Jing was still a student in his school, so there were some things he needed to say. “You have to learn from Tan Rou. Don’t form cliques and gangs in school. You should spend more time on improving your grades instead and cultivating your mind, understand?”

Tan Jing wanted to bite Tan Rou to death, but she couldn’t say anything in front of the principal. She could only admit her defeat. “I understand, principal.”

The results were out, and Tan Rou’s innocence was proven. The principal felt that he should not delay the children’s studies, so he allowed them to return to their classes.

Tan Rou still had Wei Ling’s matter in mind, so she deliberately walked slowly. Tan Jing was in front acting as the White Lotus of glory for the teachers, and Tan Rou was busy thinking about how to tell the principal about Wei Ling.

As the rest walked out of the room, Tan Rou was left behind.

The principal was happily looking at the test paper, thinking that he had not misjudged tan Rou. Not only did she have good grades, but she was also bold. No timid girl would have spoken like she did earlier.

“Sir, are you still in there? I’m looking for you.” Tan Rou knocked on the door.

“Come in.” the principal said, recognizing her voice. “The door isn’t locked.”

When Tan Rou walked into the room, the principal looked at her with a kind smile, which was completely different from the stern look he had when he scolded the rest of the students.

“You’re very brave, kid. If it was someone else, they would probably be too afraid to come,” the principal said.

However, Tan Rou said, “Sir, an upright person is not afraid of a crooked shadow. I won’t admit to what I haven’t done. With the abilities that I have, I am not afraid of her.”

The principal was very satisfied with her answer. “Not bad. Is there anything else that you need?”

Tan Rou drafted a draft in her heart. “Principal, I’m here to talk to you about Wei Ling …”

Before she could say anything, the principal interrupted her. “You don’t have to worry about this. The evidence of Wei Ling cheating in the exam is in front of you. She’ll be expelled for sure. You don’t have to worry.”

“No.” Tan Rou had promised Wei Ling that she would come and plead for mercy, so she would keep her word. Besides, wasn’t it good to have one less enemy?

“Huh? Do you have any other requests?”

“I’m here to plead on Wei Ling’s behalf,” Tan Rou threw out her purpose before the principal interrupted her.

“Why?” The principal did not understand. “Aren’t you the victim?”

“Wei Ling is only the same age as me. After this incident, her parents wanted to send her abroad to fend for herself. I was also sent abroad when I was four, so I know how difficult it is to live abroad.” Tan Rou recalled the past and felt suffocated.

“I’ve never heard of that. You want to plead for her? What would you like us to do for her?” The principal asked.

“I want the school to accept her again and give her another chance. She made a mistake this time, but I believe she will turn over a new leaf.” principal,” Tan Rou pleaded sincerely. “Wei Ling has really realized her mistake. Please give her another chance!”

The principal frowned and finally sighed. “I didn’t judge you wrongly.You are a kind and good child. Even if it was someone else who hurt you, you chose to forgive them. But, the principal paused for a moment. This child is up to no good…”

“Principal, you’ve said it yourself. Wei Ling is still a child. It’s hard for him to live overseas.” Tan Rou tried to reason with him.

“Besides, isn’t there an old saying in our country that a prodigal son can’t be exchanged for gold after he returns? Please give her another chance.”

“Hmmm.” The principal didn’t want to be the bad guy either. “Alright, since you’re the victim, I’ll allow her to return to school. I also hope that she can turn over a new leaf.”

“Thank you, principal!”

“Don’t be happy too soon. Although I’m the principal, there’s already conclusive evidence that she cheated. No matter what, she has to explain herself to the rest of the teachers and students.”

Tan Rou felt that what the principal said made sense, so she suggested to the principal, “Wei Ling did cheat in the exam this time. Her results must have been invalid. If she takes the exam again, I wonder if the school will accept her?”

“That’s a good idea.” The principal also agreed, “Her grades are usually below average. How about this, as long as her total score for this exam reaches the average of her class, we’ll allow her back in school but if she doesn’t, she would have to be expelled.”

“Thank you for giving her a chance, principal.” After getting the approval from the principal, her heart was at ease. Tan Rou still pitied Wei Ling.

Tan Rou didn’t tell Wei Ling the news immediately. She planned on telling her after school, so it was better for Tan Rou to head back to class first. At this point, whether Wei Ling could stay or not was entirely up to her.

Chapter 203 Accidentally overhearing

“You’re one with tricks up your sleeves.” Tan Jing stopped Tan Rou on her way back to the classroom. Seeing that Tan Rou was gone, she had found an excuse to get rid of the teacher and waited for her here.

Tan Rou wanted to laugh when she saw Tan Jing’s angry expression. “Why do I see my defeated opponent stomping her feet here?”

“Tan Rou!” Tan Jing roared. “You b*tch!”

“Miss Tan, where are your manners? Why is it that every time you open your mouth, you start scolding people?” She didn’t want to talk nonsense with Tan Jing.

“Get out of the way. A good dog would not block its owner’s way.”

“You dare to scold me? Tan Rou, you’re getting bolder these days!” Tan Jing said in disbelief.

“Not only am I bold enough to scold you, I don’t mind laying my hands on you as well.” Tan Rou pushed Tan Jing away.

“Don’t get in my way.” Tan Rou left Tan Jing behind and went back to class. At this time, she actually hoped that Wei Ling could come back. At least Wei Ling could disturb Tan Jing and stop her from her evil-doings in places where Tan Rou cannot see.

“Tan Rou!” Tan Jing swore that she would definitely destroy Tan Rou.

Tan Rou would not bring a bad mood home. She hoped that she and her family would be happy forever. The beautiful family atmosphere should not be destroyed by trash like Tan Jing.

“I’m back,” Every day when she returned home, Tan Rou would announce her return out loud. First, it was to inform everyone that she was home, and second, she wanted to get a response from her family.

Mrs. Tao, who was cooking in the kitchen, heard the noise and immediately put out the stove. She wiped her hands and came out. “You’re back.”

“Mom.”

Tao Zheng also came out of his room. He had been working on his photoshoot for the past few days and had not had a good night’s sleep.

“Brother, have you decided on your photo for the competition?” Tan Rou asked with concern.

There were dark circles on Tao Zheng’s face and it was obvious that he hadn’t slept well. “Not yet. I want to take a few perfect shots, but I haven’t decided on the materials yet.”

“Wasn’t the landscape map that you took the last time pretty good?” Tan Rou asked.

Tao Zheng was not satisfied. “The angle, lighting, and color of the photo were all excellent, but I just feel like something is missing.”

At this moment, Tao Qi came out of the room. When he saw Tan Rou, he had a complicated expression on his face. Although the matter last time was resolved, he still felt awkward. Why would sister Jingjing send him such a photo?

Thinking of this, Tao Qi wanted to return to his room but Tan Rou quickly caught him. “Where are you going? It’s almost time for dinner.”

Tao Qi rolled his eyes. “Then, I’ll get dad for dinner.”

Tan Rou knew that Tao Qi had been used by Tan Jing, but it didn’t mean that she would let it go. Tan Rou didn’t want her family to be used by Tan Jing again, especially Tao Qi. He was only ten years old. If Tan Jing wanted to hurt him, it would be easy.

“I’ll go get dad. You go and help mom prepare the bowl and chopsticks.” Tan Rou said.

“Oh.” Tao Qi only wanted an excuse to slip away and he didn’t care what excuse he had to use.

Tao Zheng looked at his family and suddenly had an idea. He knew what was missing from the photos before.

On the other side, Tan Rou walked over to Father Tao’s study. The door wasn’t shut tightly, but she wouldn’t go in directly. Just as she was about to knock on the door, she heard Father Tao talking on the phone. Tan Rou heard his voice and decided to wait outside for a while. She would call him for dinner after her father finished his call.

“Yes, I can.” Mr. Tao’s usual warm and gentle image was replaced by a cold, domineering and sophisticated voice, unlike a small employee who worked hard in the company. “In short, you have to keep a close eye on the Tan family. Don’t ignore even the slightest movement. If you have to do it, do it cleanly so that they can’t make a comeback.”

Hearing her father’s words, a new image seemed to appear in Tan Rou’s mind. A middle-aged man in a suit was sitting on a leather sofa with a cigar in one hand and a phone call in the other, giving out his orders. With one simple command, another small company would vanish from the face of the earth.

Last time, the rare authentic artworks placed in the study had already made Tan Rou suspect that their family was secretly a wealthy family. This time, her father’s phone call made her even more convinced that their family wasn’t one that was simple.

So, did mom and dad really hide their identities and come here to live in seclusion? It seemed likely.

She smiled. If that was the case, would she be able to work a few decades less? No, no, no. The small flame of this idea was extinguished by her as soon as it popped out of her mind. She couldn’t have such a thought. She had to rely on herself. Hidden billionaire? That was merely just her assumption. It was more important to grasp what was in front of her.

After Mr. Tao hung up the phone, Tan Rou knocked on the door. “Dad, it’s time to eat.”

The person inside was obviously flustered and hurriedly packed up the documents on the table. “I know. You guys eat first, I’ll be right there.”

“Alright,” Tan Rou answered quickly.

Chapter 204 Tan Rou cooking

When Tan Rou came to the table, Tao Zheng and Tao Qi were already seated. After Mother Tao served the last bowl of soup, she also sat down to eat.

“Where’s your dad?” Mrs. Tao asked.

Tan Rou glanced in the direction of the study. “Dad seems to be packing documents.”

“Oh.” Mrs. Tao knew that it was probably information about the Tan family.

After a while, Father Tao came out with the same gentle expression that Tan Rou was familiar with.

“Let’s eat.” Mrs. Tao said.

Tao Qi didn’t really want to eat. He stared at the green vegetables on the table for a long time but didn’t eat.

Mother Tao didn’t like how Tao Qi was picky with his food. “Xiao Qi, you’re not allowed to be picky with your food. You have to eat both meat and vegetables.”

Tao Qi missed the green vegetables that Tao Rou made. He felt that only that was worthy of being called ‘stir-fried green vegetables’. Other green dishes shouldn’t be served.

How could Tan Rou not know what he was thinking? This little guy was a proud little man; even if he wanted to eat it, he wouldn’t say it.”

“Mom, I’ll cook tomorrow.” Tan Rou suggested.

Tao Qi’s eyes lit up.

Mrs. Tao would never let her cook. “I don’t want to affect your studies.”

“It’s fine. I also want to cook for you.” Tan Rou requested again.

Mrs. Tao had no choice but to agree. “Alright, then.”

Since they had to go to class in the morning, Mrs. Tao would be the one buying the groceries. Tan Rou told Mrs. Tao what she wanted to buy in advance, so that she could cook it directly when she came back. Mrs. Tao cooked the rice and helped Tan Rou wash the vegetables. This would save Tan Rou some time when she came back.

The vegetables that Mrs. Tao bought were fresh, and they were what Tan Rou needed. In her previous life, tan Rou had never cooked for her family. She had not even eaten many of the dishes her mother had prepared. After the rebirth, she was hoping that she would be able to cook for them.

Tan Rou washed her hands and began preparing the ingredients. Mrs. Tao had already washed some of the ingredients for her, but she had to handle the fresh ones herself, such as fish and prawns.

Tan Rou scraped off the scales of the lively bass, cleaned its internal organs, and washed it clean. The big live prawns were still jumping around in the basin. Tan Rou didn’t think that it would be cruel to eat them since they were bought to be served on the table. Tan Rou washed, removed the head, and picked the shrimp’s thread in one go. When she was done, the shrimp would still wriggle. This kind of shrimp is sweet, so it’s fine to just blanched it and with Tao Rou’s secret sauce added to it, it already smells fragrant.

The cooking method of bass was even simpler. Steamed bass was simply delicious. With the hot oil poured on the scallions, and the aroma of the fish mixed with the scallions could be smelled from far away. At the end, Tan Rou also added her secret seasoning to make the fragrance even more alluring.

With vegetables, there must be soup. Tan Rou used ham, eggs, tofu, tender bamboo shoots, and other types of starch to make a savoury soup. As soon as it was taken out of the pot, she sprinkled it with crushed coriander, crushed peanuts, and then drizzled it with a little sesame oil. It was delicious.

Of course, she didn’t forget to stir-fry Tao Qi’s favorite vegetables.

“It smells so good.” Tao Qi gulped. It seemed like she had been too conservative when she made those chicken wings before. This was her showing her true skills.

Mr. Tao came home late, so he didn’t see Tan Rou cooking in the kitchen. He found it hard to believe when he saw the table full of dishes.

“These… Xiao Rou did all these?” He picked up his chopsticks, not knowing where to start.

Tan Rou gave him a shrimp. “Dad, try it.”

Father Tao quickly responded, “Alright. Alright… Mhm! It’s delicious. This soup is amazing.”

The three of them ate heartily. Mrs. Tao was the only one who doted on her daughter the most. Needless to say, her daughter’s culinary skills had been trained in the Tan family. As for how she was trained, Mother Tao would never know. Her heart ached at the thought of it. Her daughter had suffered too much.

“Mom, eat the fish belly.” Tan Rou picked up some food for Mother Tao.

“Sure.” Mrs. Tao’s heart ached for her daughter. “My dear child, you’ve worked hard.”

Mother Tao was sincerely touched.

Tan Rou smiled and said, “Well… as long as mom and dad, big brother…” She glanced at Tao Qi, who was wolfing down his food. Tao Qi also stopped to look at her.

She smiled happily. “And also my little brother likes my food, I’ll be satisfied.”

Tao Qi’s heart ached, but he was still stubborn. “I didn’t say that I like your food.”

“Look at the pile of prawn shells in front of you. Are you still going to say that you don’t like them?” Mrs. Tao rebuked.

Tao Qi pouted. “Just… Just a little bit.”

“A little what?” Tan Rou asked.

“I only liked them a little!” Tao Qi shouted with a red face.

His expression made the whole family laugh. Tao Zheng seized the opportunity to film this moment with the camera he had set up earlier.

Chapter 205 Treatment on the agenda

Tan Rou had to rest for a while at noon, go to class, and make incense and medicine in the evening. Her body wouldn’t be able to take it if she went on for a long time, so she took a nap at noon to make up for the hours lost during her sleep.

However, before she went to bed, she received a message from Zhuang Liu. After reading the message, Tan Rou’s hand clenched her phone even tighter.

The Tan family was in contact with a foreign doctor. It was obvious who had requested it, but why did they contact the foreign doctors? It couldn’t be that Tan Jing had a problem with her brain and wanted to get it treated.

Thinking of this, Tan Rou couldn’t fall asleep. She couldn’t give tan Jing any chance. There were some things that she needed to firmly grasp with both her hands.

“Do you want to go see Old master Lu?” Zhuang Liu asked her.

“Yes.” Tan Rou said firmly. “Not only would I want to visit him, but I also have to convince Old master Lu first.”

“Alright,” Zhuang Liu replied without further questions.

Zhuang Liu said that he would go with her. This was what they had agreed on. However, before they went, they had to ask around to see if Lu Qing was there. Zhuang Liu didn’t want Lu Qing and Tan Rou to meet in the hospital.

Tan Rou didn’t have any objections. She just wanted to cure Old master Lu. Having one more ally was better than having another enemy. As for Lu Qing, in order to avoid unnecessary trouble, it was better not to mention him.

A few days later, Zhuang Liu and Tan Rou decided to head to the Clearflow Pavilion for lunch. It was secluded and suitable for discussing business. Plus, the food here was delicious.

“These days, Old master Lu’s condition has been fluctuating. Young master Lu has been in and out of the hospital frequently, so it’s hard to find an opportunity to meet Old master Lu alone.” Xiao Mo explained the situation to Zhuang Liu and Tan Rou.

“If you want to see old master Lu in private, you have to distract Young Master Lu.”

Zhuang Liu understood. “Follow him closely. When you see him leave the hospital, think of a way to trap him outside for a while.”

Tan Rou added on, “We just need to delay him for a short while. The plan that Uncle Bai and I have come up with is to focus on recuperation first. We can only give him a strong dose once Old Master Lu’s body has become stronger.”

“How long do you need?” Xiao Mo asked.

Tan Rou wasn’t sure yet. She would only have an answer for it once she evaluated the situation. “Once you catch Lu Qing, just try your best to delay him as long as possible. Once we finish the treatment, we will give you a signal.”

“We’ll do as Xiao Rou says.” Zhuang Liu gave the final call.

“You can head out and continue what you were doing.”

Once Xiao Mo left, only Tan Rou and Zhuang Liu were left in the room. Zhuang Liu’s legs were disabled, so he needed Tan Rou’s help.

“How was it? Did you like today’s dishes?” Zhuang Liu asked gently. He rarely spoke like this, and it could be said that all his gentleness was reserved for this girl sitting across from him.

“There’s nothing here that isn’t good. Even Tao Qi, that troublesome little guy, couldn’t stop praising the food here.” Tan Rou said with a smile.

“He has been asking for me to bring back more for him.”

“It’s good that my little brother likes it. I’ll order a few dishes later and have them sent to your house.” Zhuang Liu spoke naturally.

Little brother? Whose younger brother did he refer to? Were they already this close? Speaking of which, with Tan Rou and Zhuang Liu’s friendship, there was no problem for Zhuang Liu to call Tao Qi “little brother.” However, Tan Rou and Zhuang Liu did not seem to be just friends.

“Thank you,” she said. Tan Rou stirred the soup that Zhuang Liu had specially ordered for her. Her face that was blushing now betrayed her inner thoughts. She seemed to be drinking the soup calmly, but her heart was jumping. Zhuang Liu was indeed very concerned about her.

“There’s no need for you to thank me.” Zhuang Liu didn’t want them to be so distant with each other.

Before they finished their meal, Zhuang Liu sent a message to Xiao Mo and asked him to come over as soon as he was done with his business.

“Isn’t Miss Tan Rou over there?” Xiao Mo asked, unable to wrap his head around the situation. “Don’t you like to be alone with Miss Tan Rou?”

Zhuang Liu really wanted to fire this stupid assistant. “Just come over. What nonsense are you talking about? All of your bonuses will be deducted if you don’t do as I say.”

Xiao Mo, the bitter worker, thought to himself, ‘what did I do wrong this time?’

Zhuang Liu had asked Xiao Mo to check with Mr. Fang asked if the takeaway he ordered was ready, and Xiao Mo went to get it. Zhuang Liu and Tan Rou were then left alone inside the room. Zhuang Liu tilted his head to look at the girl standing beside him, and his heart ached. He had to get better soon so that he could stand beside her.

“What’s wrong?” Tan Rou noticed his gaze and asked with concern.

“Nothing. I just wanted to ask if you’re full.” Zhuang Liu smiled.

“I’m very full, thank you for your hospitality.”

“I’ve told you so many times.” Zhuang Liu repeated himself, “There’s no need for you to thank me. We don’t have to be so hostile with each other.”

Tan Rou raised her hand to brush her hair behind her ear and said with a smile, “Okay, I’ll remember.”

Zhuang Liu thought to himself, ‘I don’t want you to remember it. I hope you can make this a habit.’

Chapter 206 Going to the hospital

Old Master Lu’s health fluctuates a lot. When he fell into a coma, Lu Qing stayed by his side and did not leave for a moment. Lu Qing would only leave when he was awake.

The dispirited old man on the hospital bed looked at his young grandson. He was really unwilling in his heart. His son and daughter-in-law had passed away early, and his grandson was still in high school. Although Lu Qing was very sensible, he was still a child after all. How could he leave Lu Qing behind and die now?

“Grandpa, don’t worry.” Lu Qing hadn’t had a good meal or a good night’s sleep for the past few days. His originally handsome face had lost its youth and there were dark circles under his eyes. “You will get better.”

“Don’t worry, Grandpa can live for another 2 years.” Old Master Lu tried his best to open his eyes wide and speak. “But, I just want you to be well now. I want you to get into university, start a family, and then…”

Old Master Lu started coughing continuously.

“Grandpa! Where do you feel uncomfortable?” Lu Qing asked nervously.

“It’s fine! It’s fine.” Old Master Lu waved his hand and changed the topic,”You haven’t eaten, have you? Quick, you should have something to eat.”

“No!” Lu Qing said, shaking his head.

“How can you skip meals? When I was a soldier, I would thank the heavens if I could even get one meal a day. Now that you have something to eat, you shouldn’t starve yourself.

Lu Qing could tell that his grandfather wanted him to leave. “I’m not leaving!”

“Are you not going to listen to your grandfather?” Old Master Lu’s temper was still very bad. Even though he had been lying in bed for so long, he still had his strong military sura. “Don’t worry, it’s not time for me to go yet. Grandpa can hold on so that you have the time to eat.”

Lu Qing frowned.

“If you don’t eat, I won’t take my medicine.” Old Master Lu continued.

“Alright, I’ll go.” Lu Qing wanted to return quickly.

Just as Lu Qing stepped out of the door, Tan Rou and Zhuang Liu rushed to the hospital. Xiao Mo was entrusted with the task of holding Lu Qing back.

They had been here before and Old Master Lu had also said that there was no need to report their arrival in the future, so the guards let them in directly.

Old Master Lu was very happy to see Tan Rou. “Young girl, you’ve come to see this old man again.”

Tan Rou brought a ‘small gift’ over and sat on the edge of the bed quietly. “Yes, I thought I should come and visit you.”

Old Master Lu looked to the other side. “The Zhuang family’s third young master is here too.”

Zhuang Liu deliberately talked to him to attract his attention. “Mr. Lu, you can just call me Zhuang Liu. Calling me the third young master is making me feel distant from you.”

Old Master Lu sized him up. “You look much better than last time. I heard people talking about you a while ago…” He didn’t finish his sentence. Third young master Zhuang’s illness was not a secret in the society but it wasn’t something that Zhuang Liu had announced to the public. However, he felt that he was getting more and more energetic and didn’t look like he was in an incurable state.

Tan Rou didn’t want to be exposed so she put the credit on Bai Jing. “The doctor at home changed the treatment plan.”

“That’s good.” Old Master Lu felt his eyelids getting heavier and heavier. “I can’t take it anymore. I’m already feeling sleepy.”

Tan Rou gave Zhuang Liu a look. After Zhuang Liu received the signal, he immediately said, “You shall rest then. We’ll call the guards for you.”

Old Master Lu slowly closed his eyes. “Alright. Thank you.”

Zhuang Liu didn’t call for the guards because this was Tan Rou’s plan. Tan Rou had not been idle just now. She had been setting up the incense.

“I’ve already told them to block the surveillance. You should hurry.” Zhuang Liu reminded her.

“Sure.” Tan Rou took out the sterilized silver needles from her bag and arranged them on the table beside the bed. She took out a thin needle and inserted it into Old Master Lu’s body. Old Master Lu did not feel anything in his sleep and he did not make a sound because of the pain.

The silver needles in Tan Rou’s hands danced in the air, and in a short while, Old Master Lu’s body was pierced with countless needles. Suddenly, Lu Qing’s voice came from outside.

It seems like Xiao mo didn’t manage to hold him back for too long. Zhuang Liu operated the wheelchair. “Just focus. I’ll hold them outside.”

“I’ll be done in two minutes.” Tan Rou said.

Zhuang Liu couldn’t hold Lu Qing back for too long but he definitely could for two minutes. Just a simple conversation and two minutes would have passed. While they were talking, Tan Rou removed the needle and lit up the antidote fragrance.

The antidote incense quickly burned out. She opened the windows and the ventilation system to disperse the smell so that the incense would not be discovered. After waiting for a few minutes, Zhuang Liu still hadn’t come back, so she decided to leave and wait for him outside the room.

“This is the tonic that the third young master Zhuang brought for the old man.” Tan Rou handed the prepared herbal dish to the guard. “If Old Master Lu is hungry, you can give this to him.”

The guard accepted her herbal dish, but he didn’t think that the chief would be eating it. Recently, his appetite had been getting worse and he couldn’t keep anything in his system.

Chapter 207 Getting Better

Lu Qing didn’t want to talk to Zhuang Liu, but he was from the Zhuang family. They would definitely meet in the future. Plus, Zhuang Liu was the one who took the initiative to talk to him. He couldn’t refuse.

However, Zhuang Liu didn’t seem to be here for serious business. He kept talking and staring at his phone, not knowing the conversation’s main point.

As he spoke, Lu Qing saw the stern smile on the third young master’s face. Although it was fleeting, he still saw it. What could make the third young master Zhuang so happy?

“Well, young master Lu, we’ll meet again.” Zhuang Liu came and left inexplicably.

Lu Qing returned with a stomach full of doubts, “Is the third young master Zhuang here to see his grandfather? But why did Zhuang Liu talk to him instead? Did they know each other?”

However, this doubt was directly thrown out of his mind after he heard what the guards said.

“What did you just say? Say it again!” Lu Qing was extremely excited. He held the Guard’s arm with both hands and asked repeatedly. “What happened to Grandpa?”

The security guards were also very excited. “The chief said that he wanted to eat something and finished the tonics that the third young master Zhuang brought here.”

No matter who sent it, as long as it was something his grandfather could eat, it was still good news. Lu Qing hurried back to the ward to see his grandfather. He saw Old Master Lu holding a spoon in one hand and a thermos in the other. He was drinking the delicate and rich soup inside.

“Grandpa, you’re finally willing to eat on your own!” Lu Qing was surprised.

Old Master Lu was not satisfied with what his grandson was saying. “Why can’t I eat it by myself? When I was younger, I carried boxes of grenades that weighed tens of catties on my back. I can’t even lift a spoon now?”

“I didn’t mean it that way.” Lu Qing was delighted. He was so happy that he was incoherent. “I said you can eat by yourself now… No! I meant to say that you’re finally eating! Uh…. I didn’t mean that either.”

The genius, Lu Qing, was so excited that he couldn’t form a coherent sentence.

Old Master Lu understood what he meant. “Alright, alright! You don’t have to say anymore. I understand, but….”

Old master Lu moved his arms.

“It’s strange. I clearly felt that my body weighed a thousand pounds before, but now it seems I’m only five hundred pounds. I also have a good appetite. I just drank a big bowl of soup.”

“That’s good.” Lu Qing was slightly relieved. As long as he could still eat, it was a good thing.

“Hmm…. maybe your grandma and your parents bless me from heaven. They’re blessing me to live a few more years and watch you grow.”

Lu Qing didn’t want to talk about sad things. “Grandpa, you will definitely live up to a hundred years old.”

Old master Lu laughed heartily. “I hope so.”

Zhuang Liu and Tan Rou met outside the hospital. Tan Rou reported the treatment results to Zhuang Liu, her eyes full of joy. Zhuang Liu’s heart ached instead. Was she that happy to treat the Lu family?

“Mr. Lu’s first course of treatment has ended. It’s now time for your second course of treatment. Are you ready?” Tan Rou asked.

Hearing Tan Rou’s words, Zhuang Liu’s unhappiness disappeared. “I’m always ready, but I want it to end soon!”

“We can’t complete the whole treatment in one day. We have to do it step by step.” Tan Rou advised him. “We can’t be too hasty.”

“I know.” Zhuang Liu clenched the handle of the wheelchair with both hands and tried to lift himself, but he failed. He couldn’t even move in the wheelchair.

Tan Rou saw the blue veins on the back of his hand and understood his desire to try to get back on his feet. Indeed, he had been in a wheelchair for so many years, so he must be dying to stand up and walk again. If someone else had been trapped in a wheelchair for more than ten years, he would have collapsed long ago.

“Your legs are much better now.” Tan Rou squatted down and gently comforted Zhuang Liu, “Do you believe in me? I will be able to help you.”

Zhuang Liu slowly held her slender hand. “I know that you will definitely cure me.”

“I’ll talk to Uncle Bai first, and we’ll start the treatment tomorrow.” Tan Rou felt it was about time, and there was no longer a need to wait.

“Alright, we’ll go according to your plan.” Zhuang Liu smiled warmly.

Tan Rou started treatment for Zhuang Liu at the Zhuang family’s hotel. However, photos of Tan Rou suddenly appeared on the school forum the day after the treatment. There were photos of her going in and out of the hotel with a man, going to the hospital with him, and then coming out alone. The photos were almost the same, and the contents were similar, but there were many of them.

They could take pictures from 18 different angles, and every one showed Tan Rou’s face in high definition.

Chapter 208 The Flooding Photos

One stone caused a thousand waves. Not only were the photos on the school’s forum, it even went online and became a hot topic. The media went all over the news and the headlines were more explicit than the last.

‘Explosive! A high school girl bought by a rich man and has appeared in high-end hotels several nights in a row!’

‘My eyes! City X’s high-school girl entered the hospital, suspected of abortion!’

[I’m her alumnus. I’m here to prove that this girl was accused of cheating in an exam not long ago. First place? She probably bribed the school with the money from this old man.]

[I know! All I know is that this girl is ignorant and incompetent. She studied abroad for many years and didn’t even get a diploma.]

[Oh my God, it’s her! Didn’t she become the sugar baby of a rich man a long time ago? He’s not the only one. I don’t know where she got her charms but she has attracted all those old men to fall for her rotten dress.]

[Just one look at her face and you can tell that men would fall for her. Besides, she didn’t go to the hospital for an abortion. She went for a prenatal examination. I heard that she had already given birth to a child. She gave birth to her first child when she was 15. The reason why she didn’t graduate from abroad was because she was pregnant.]

Tan Rou never looked at the school forum, nor did she read this boring news. Instead of wasting her life on those, she would rather be with Uncle Bai to look through a few more prescriptions.

Therefore, when Li Li sent her a link to sort out hundreds of ‘fake news’ that was made up about her, Tan Rou was still dumbfounded. However, once Tan Rou finished reading, she crushed the glass with her bare hands.

She didn’t even have to think about who might be behind this; only Tan Jing would do such a dirty trick. She didn’t know how much money Tan Jing had spent on these photos. From the timing of these photographs, Tan Jing must have started this a long time ago.

She had been too careless and did not prevent Tan Jing from using such a despicable method.

“I’d like to see what you’re up to.” Tan Rou didn’t look at the photos. She took a broom and swept away the glass shards on the ground. She swept very carefully, even throwing the sesame-sized glass shards into the trash can.

“Xiao Rou, I believe in you!” Li Li sent her a message. “They’re just spreading rumors. I’ll get my dad to get someone to remove the news.”

Tan Rou calmly replied to Li Li’s message. “No, the truth will not be hidden and the lies will be exposed soon. Since they want to play dirty, let’s make it bigger. We’ll see how many of them would like to be invited for tea at the station.”

“Xiao Rou, they’re too vicious!” Li Li was so angry that she typed quickly. “I’ve just released a post to clear your name but they reported my post!”

“You don’t have to clear my name. I can solve it myself.”

Tan Rou was very grateful to Li Li.

“You’re just a high school student. How are you going to settle this? You’re not expecting the Tan family to solve this for you, are you?” Li Li asked as she was getting curious.

Even Tan Rou laughed; get the Tan family to solve this? Was that a joke? Did the sun rise from the West? Tan Jing was definitely the one who started this. If the Tan family could solve it for her, it would be suspicious.

“You really don’t have to worry.” Tan Rou consoled Li Li a little more. “If there’s anything, let’s talk about it tomorrow at school. I’m sleepy.”

“Xiao Rou, don’t be too angry. Have a good rest!” Li Li was genuinely concerned about Tan Rou.

“Alright, good night.”

The next day, Tan Rou went to school in a carefree manner. On her way to school, she felt many times more gazes than usual. Some looked suspicious but most of them were shooting vicious looks at Tan Rou.

Tan Rou seemed to be able to hear what they were saying in their hearts. They were all saying that she was shameless and cheap. She had heard these words from Tan Jing more than a hundred times, and they were not interesting at all.

Suddenly, a boy with a face full of pimples rushed over. His behavior was extremely wretched, and he even used his hand that had just finished breakfast to touch Tan Rou. “I heard that you get paid ten thousand a night. Do you want to try it with me? I’ll give you eight, how about that?”

Tan Rou took a step to the side and the boy missed.

“Is that you in the photo?” Two girls rushed over angrily, and one of them stuffed her phone in front of Tan Rou. “It’s you, isn’t it? you shameless Vixen! You actually seduced my boyfriend.”

She stretched out her hand to slap Tan Rou’s face.

Tan Rou wasn’t stupid. Why would she just stand there and allow the other person to hit her? Tan Rou dodged and stood behind the girl. Then, with some unknown methods, she caused the girl’s body to go soft and fell into the arms of the wretched man.

Seeing this, Tan Rou laughed and said, “This is your boyfriend? It’s quite a match for you!”

The girl was flustered and exasperated, but the wretched man continued to pester her.

Tan Rou walked into the class. Her classmates gave her all kinds of looks, and some of them even pointed at her.

Chapter 209 The matter fermented

“It’s the self-study session! Don’t be so noisy in class!” The class monitor, Xu Yan, had never lost his temper in ten thousand years. Those who were in class today had witnessed a new history being made. “Whoever says another word will not be allowed inside the class. What good does it do you to slander your classmates with those false photos and rumors on the internet?”

“Class monitor, why are you protecting her? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten what she was like before?” One of them spoke up.

Xu Yan clenched his fists. “I only know that she has turned over a new leaf!”

“You can’t say that she’s turned over a new leaf just because she got first place in the exam, right? In my opinion, she must have cheated. I don’t know what method she used to avoid the invigilator.”

Xu Yan was furious. “How could you say that?!”

“She has already proven her innocence in front of the principal!” Li Li was so angry that she stomped her feet. She pointed at the people who had framed Tan Rou and questioned them loudly. “You were all there at that time. Have you forgotten it or are you blind?:

Most of the students stopped talking and there were only a few of them who were still trying to speak their case. Without exception, they were all Tan Jing’s lackeys.

“Xiao Rou….” Tan Jing’s disgusting voice rang inside the classroom.

“Were you really the one that they were talking about on the internet?” The rest of them could definitely hear the excitement in Tan Jing’s voice.

Tan Rou kept a straight face as she answered coldly, “Wouldn’t you know best if it was me or not?”

Tan Jing couldn’t hide the smile on her lips. “Rou, how could you do this? A girl’s reputation is the most important thing. After doing such a thing, would there be any man who would still want to marry her? What are you going to do when you’re old?”

Suddenly, she acted as if she had just woken up from a dream. “Didn’t they say that you have a child? Where’s the child now? Why don’t you hand the child over to the Tan family so that we can help you raise the child? You were once part of the Tan family.”

Tan Rou felt that the greatest humiliation in her two lives was being a member of the Tan family. In this life, she would make everyone in the Tan family pay a painful price to vent the hatred in her heart.

“Xiao Rou, don’t worry. I will help you.”

Tan Jing said hypocritically, “You only have to bring the child home and stay away from that man…..those men. I’ll get dad to deal with them!”

Tan Rou was almost moved to tears by his sincere words. If it was Tan Rou in her previous life, she would probably have cried and gone up to thank Tan Jing for this deep sisterly love. However, Tan Rou could only thank the heavens for giving her a second chance, giving her a chance to take revenge.

“Spreading false information, creating rumors, slandering others, and causing a bad impact, you have to bear the legal responsibilities for these.” Tan Rou smiled.

“Tan Jing, are you trying to get yourself a criminal record?”

Tan Jing panicked for a moment. “I just read it on the internet. I’m just repeating it.”

“Those who just listen to rumors blindly, slander others, and cause a bad impact also have to take responsibility.” Tan Rou took out her phone. “Go on, I’ll help you record it.”

Tan Jing was indeed panicking. She didn’t know much about the law, and she usually didn’t have time to read it, so she couldn’t be sure if Tan Rou was telling the truth.

“Huh?” Tan Jing chucked and returned to her seat.

Tan Rou was doing this to warn the others. She knew that Tan Jing wouldn’t have the guts to say anymore about this because Tan Jing was the one who started it. Tan Jing, who did not understand the law, naturally did not dare to speak nonsense in public.

After the leader was killed, the rest of the monkeys behind it naturally didn’t dare to make a scene. They were all inexperienced students and didn’t have the guts to challenge the law so openly.

As soon as Tan Jing sat down, she began to work on another matter. After listening to Tan Rou’s words, she felt that she could not take it lightly. If she really had a criminal record, her future would be ruined. She had to get herself out of it.

The post had been on the hot news for a long time after it was posted. It was impossible to take it back. Fortunately, she had a trick up her sleeve. All the accounts she used had nothing to do with her. With a little change, she could retreat from the hot search.

“Li Jia, can I borrow your account again?” Tan Jing sent a message to Li Jia. Li Jia had failed her task previously and since she was still useful, this was a chance for Li Jia to prove herself.

Li Jia did not dare to refuse. After Tan Jing got her hands on the social media accounts, she first sent a message to the most capable private detective in the industry, then gave him a large sum of money and asked him to send the rest of the information to her.

After receiving the money, the private detective quickly sent the information he had collected to Li Jia’s account. Tan Jing immediately kept it. If she wanted to put on a show, she’ll have to see it through so that her pawn, Li Jia, wouldn’t be wasted.

Chapter 210 Getting The Family Involved

The matter was getting more and more intense. It was unknown if someone was adding fuel to the fire or if these netizens really had nothing to do, but they actually dug out Tan Rou’s family and Tan Rou’s past.

An article said that Tan Rou used to be a hooligan and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in the casino every night. Smoking, drinking, and fighting were something common for her.

Tan Rou didn’t care about this. What she really cared about was that her family had been exposed.

The uncensored photos were posted on the internet. Her parents, brother, and she were all in the photos. The clearest was the photo of them entering and leaving the police station. They even took a photo of the entrance of the police station, afraid that others would not know it was a police station. The accompanying text of the pictures was also unsightly, with various comments.

“Xiao Rou, are you okay?” When Li Li saw those photos, she felt the world around her had turned dark. How could they be so vicious? They just randomly guessed about a girl and kept slandering her. They’ve used extremely insulting words to insult her as if she had already become an unpardonable evil person.

When Tan Rou saw the photo, she smiled at Li Li. “It’s fine, but some people should be punished.”

Li Li thought that Tan Rou was upset. She quickly comforted her. “I’ll ask my dad to help you find the person behind this. You don’t have to worry about this.”

“Thank you, but I’ll handle this myself.”

“Can you handle it?” Li Li was worried.

Tan Rou looked at the photo and smiled, “We shall wait and see.”

She called Zhuang Liu and said jokingly, “Third master, I have some interesting news here. Would you like to hear about it?”

Zhuang Liu was confused after receiving the call. “What happened?”

“We’re on the hot news together, but your face has been deliberately blurred out, probably to avoid getting into trouble.”

Zhuang Liu’s face turned pale. “When did this happen? ”

“Two days ago. It’s still on the internet. If you’re interested, I’ll send it to you.”

“Send it to me.” Zhuang Liu frowned; he was feeling pissed.

Tan Rou sent the link Li Li had sent to her to Zhuang Liu. Zhuang Liu only took a glance at it, and he was furious.

“Preposterous! Who did this?” Zhuang Liu said angrily.

“Third master!” Xiao No came running over with a tablet. “Third master, something bad has happened. Miss Tan…”

Zhuang Liu’s eyes widened, and he said in an unfriendly tone, “I know about it already! What were you doing?” he reprimanded. “Why did you only tell me about such an important matter now?”

“I’m sorry, the third master, it’s my mistake!” Xiao No said as he cowered at the side.

Now that things had come to this, the most important thing was to solve this matter and stop it from worsening.

“I’ll immediately get my men to withdraw it.” Zhuang Liu said.

“Let’s wait a little longer,” Tan Rou told him not to be anxious. “There isn’t enough evidence yet. The more people spread rumors. The more people can be punished when we are clear about the issue. Moreover, the more indulgent they are, the more likely the mastermind will let his guard down and expose himself.”

Zhuang Liu understood what she meant. “Are you trying to cast a long line to catch the big fish?”

“Of course. Otherwise, I’ll be sorry for having it online for so long.”

Zhuang Liu hung up the phone. He thought awhile and said, “Secretly help her collect the evidence.”

“Are we not going to remove this news from the internet? This will affect Miss Tan Rou’s reputation.” Xiao Mo asked out of curiosity.

Zhuang Liu waved his hand. “No need for that; just do as Xiao Rou says.”

Xiao Mo quickly got to work.

When Tan Rou got home after school, she found that everyone in the family was waiting for her in the living room. She guessed that they had found out about what had happened online.

Mrs. Tao said, “Rou’er, I know you’ve been wronged. Don’t worry. We’ll definitely find a way to help you.”

“No matter who’s behind this, I won’t let them off easily,” Father Tao said in a low voice.

After hearing her parents’ words, Tan Rou felt warm in her heart. No one was better than her own family. Even if everyone else did not believe her, her family still chose to stand by her side.

“Mom, dad, don’t worry. I already have friends who are already helping us.” Tan Rou snickered in her heart, ‘you guys better hide your identities well and not have them exposed.’

“Is your friend reliable?” Mr. Tao asked.

Tan Rou guaranteed, “Yes.”

“Good, that’s good.” Even so, Mr. And Mrs. Tao were still worried. They had to help Xiao Rou privately.

Tao Zheng patted his sister’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll always be by your side.”

The tsundere Tao Qi also made his stand clear. “They’re the ones talking nonsense. You’re not that kind of person.”

Tan Rou felt touched in her heart. “Thank you.”

“We’re a family; there’s no need to thank us.”

Tan Rou nodded. “Yes, we are a family.”