Ch. 21..30

Chapter 21

Zhou Wu was an adaptable man. He immediately changed his attitude and tried to curry favor with Tan Jing with a smile. It was good that the casino was exposed. He probably didn’t have to pay off his gambling debts. At most, he would just go to jail for a few days, but he still had to get some benefits.

Tan Jing also knew that these people were all heartless crooks. They would change sides whenever it benefitted them. After she returned to the Tan family, she received lots of cash gifts. Chen Yi also gave her a lot of pocket money, however, when she thought about how she was going to give this money to these people cheaply, her heart ached. She reluctantly took out her phone and transferred the money, “Alright, keep this for the time being.”

Zhou Wu looked at the money and pursed his lips. This missy was really stingy. This bit of money was barely enough for him to gamble once, but he did not say anything. He was going to slowly milk her.

Tan Jing was not happy either. She grew up leading a hard life and had always placed great importance on money. She turned around and was about to leave.

Wang Tian called out to her, “Hey! Sister Jing, what about my boss?”

“What do we do? The police station is not owned by the Tan family. Do you think you can leave just because you want to? You were too impulsive in the first place. Just stay in there for a few days and learn your lesson.”

Tan Jing was a little impatient. It was all Tan Rou’s fault. She had used some tricks to walk out scot-free. Now, she had to face this mess in order to win over these two people.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Tan Jing left without looking back.

Tan Jing felt that she had been a little unlucky these few days. Not only did she fail to one up on Tan Rou, but her reputation was also destroyed and she even lost the favor of the Tao family.

All of this was Tan Rou’s fault. Everything she had should be hers. If she was unhappy, how could Tan Rou live comfortably?

In fact, she was still very attached to the Tao family’s love for her. It was just that she did not manage to resist the temptation from the Tan family. But this was also human nature. What right did they have to criticize her? Was it comfortable for Tan Rou to leave the Tan family? Who would want to lead a hard life?

Tan Jing not only wanted the power of the Tan family, but also the love and affection of the Tao family! Only she can abandon them, how could they do it to her instead?

The more she thought about it, the more she was unwilling to resign to fate. Tan Jing felt that she had to go to the Tan family to make up for it. However, Tan Rou was there and she was a great obstacle. If she acted like she was unwilling, then Mother Tao really wouldn’t forgive her.

She took out her phone and called Li Jia, “Help me with something. The Tao family should have gone back. Think of a way to get Tan Rou out of the house. I have to go back to the Tao house. Let me know if anything happens!” Hearing Li Jia’s promise, Tan Jing was slightly relieved.

Then, she got ready to go to the mall to pick up some expensive gifts.

Li Jia hung up the phone. The task gave her a headache. In order to please Tan Jing, she had been sent by her to secretly observe the Tao family. She did not dare to leave the whole time, but how should she get rid of Tan Rou? Just as she was thinking, she saw the Tao family members walking over, happily chatting and laughing away.

Li Jia stood awkwardly at where she was. She did not know what to do. Tan Rou also saw her.

Tan Rou thought about it. Since she had already hinted to Tan Jing that she knew of Li Jia’s presence, she might as well get rid of her. She signaled to the Tao family members, “That seems to be someone I know. She must be looking for me. I’ll come home after I settle things with her.”

Mother Tao smiled and nodded. “Okay. Remember to come home early for dinner.” The rest of the family went back first.

Tao Zheng was still a little worried, “Are you alright? Who is that?”

Tan Rou smiled. “Brother, are you worried about me? I’m just a little girl. What danger can I be in?”

Tao Zheng felt made fun of, “Who’s worried about you? You’re overthinking things! “On second thought, she was right. He had seen Tan Rou’s skills with his own eyes. So many men could not even hurt her. His worries were redundant, he turned around and entered the house.

Li Jia did not expect things to go so smoothly. Tan Rou stayed behind alone. She even looked like she was in a good mood with a smile on her face.

However, her smile vanished the second the Tan family entered the house. She questioned Li Jia in a very imposing manner, “Why did Tan Jing send you here?”

Li Jia was dumbfounded. How did she know?

She stammered, “What… I don’t know. Have you forgotten? We met at the ball before. I came here this time to ask you for a favor. I’m a little too embarrassed to ask. Can we find a place to have a good chat about it?”

Tan Rou took notice of her flustered expression and evasive gaze. She knew that Tan Jing must be up to something. Tan Jing did not rest even for a moment.

Tan Rou used her height advantage to force Li Jia to back up to a wall, she felt cornered, “Since you’ve met me before, you must have heard that I’m not to be trifled with, right? You must have been the one who told Tan Jing about the incident at the police station. Do you know why the police were involved? Can a little girl like you take a beating better than Zhou Wu?”

 

Chapter 22

Li Jia was shocked by the look on Tan Rou’s face. For some reason, Tan Rou was even scarier than before. Li Jia didn’t dare to stay any longer, she inched to the side bit by bit, “I’m fine, I’m fine. I should get going.” Then, she scampered away.

Tan Rou sneered. The person that Tan Jing found was so easy to scare off? She wanted to see what tricks she had up her sleeves. She turned around and went home.

Not long after, Tan Jing came over with a gift. She piled the gifts at the door and knocked loudly. “Mom! It’s me. I’m back!”

Inside the house, Mother Tao frowned in annoyance, “Why is she here?”

Tao Zheng sighed in exasperation. “Why didn’t I notice in the past that she was so shameless?”

The knocks on the door did not stop. It was as if the knocking on the door would not stop if she was left unanswered. “Open the door quickly. I really realized my mistake. I want to come home!”

The neighbor next door opened the door. “Oh my, it’s Xiao Jing. What brings you back? Didn’t you return to your biological family?”

Tan Jing pretended to be reserved and nodded. “Yes, Auntie Liu. I missed them. I brought along gifts.”

The neighbor looked at the gift. “Oh, I heard that your biological mother is very rich. The gifts don’t look cheap. You’re so sensible. You even came back to check on them.”

Tao Zheng, who was in the house, could not stand listening to her anymore. He opened the door and clarified, “Auntie Liu, don’t listen to her nonsense. Our family has already disowned her. Whether her family has money or not has nothing to do with us!”

To her surprise, there was someone home, which means that they did not answer the door on purpose. What was going on? However, she did not say anything. She just nodded politely and returned to her home.

Tan Jing was somewhat unhappy. If Tao Zheng did not open the door, she would have continued talking to Auntie Liu. It would be best if everyone thought that she was not an ingrate. She wanted to show the others that she even came back to visit with so many gifts and was very filial.

Tao Zheng said bluntly, “We have already made ourselves clear. Why are you still here? In the past, you were so afraid that getting involved with us would delay your return to the Tan family. So what is wrong with you today, why are you acting like you’re possessed by a ghost today?”

Mother Tao did not want to show her face. She coldly said, “You’re not welcome here.” As she was done speaking, she was ready to return to her room.

Tan Jing hurriedly picked up the gifts and rushed into the house. “Mom! This is the tonic I bought for you! It was very expensive. And I got a branded watch for Dad. His colleagues will be so envious of him if he wears it at work. Brother, this latest mobile phone is for you!”

After saying that, she saw Tan Rou. Why was she still there? What did Li Jia Do?

Tao shook her head. “I don’t need any tonic. Rou Rou has been nursing me back to health. I’m better than ever. Your Uncle Tao is just an ordinary salaryman. He doesn’t need such luxurious products. Instead, it will attract unwanted attention. Take it back.”

Tao Zheng was even more disdainful. “I don’t need the latest model of mobile phone either. The one I’m using now is working fine. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Tan Jing held the gifts awkwardly. She didn’t expect her family to not appreciate her kindness at all. She never cared truly cared for them before and naturally, she didn’t know what to buy at all. She just blindly picked the expensive ones thinking that they had never seen them before and would definitely be pleasantly surprised. Tan Rou was also there. These luxurious goods were nothing to her. Tan Rou was probably laughing at her in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more Tan Jing felt hatred in her heart.

Tan Rou smiled,. “The sun has risen from the west. I still remember the day when I found out about our real identities. Before I could react, you ran to the Tan family excitedly. You hugged Chen Yi and cried out for her. I even thought that you must have been a child suffering from vagrancy. You have already abandoned this family at that very moment. However today, you refused to leave?”

Tan Jing blushed in embarrassment. At that time, she was so excited as if she had won the lottery. She had been staying with this poor family for a long time. Of course, she was excited to return to the Tan family.

Mother Tao also recalled that scene Tan Rou was talking about and sighed helplessly.

Tan Jing quibbled loudly, “No, mother! At that time, I was just overwhelmed with joy… No, not joy. I just thought that if I could return to the Tan family and be rich, I would definitely return to repay you guys. Look, now I can buy you anything!”

Mother Tao had never felt so tired before, “Don’t you understand? We never needed any expensive gifts. No matter how rich you are, it has nothing to do with us. You should leave quickly!”

Tao Zheng was also in a difficult position. Although he did not treat her as his biological sister anymore, he was a gentleman. He could not force her out if she insisted on staying here, what more can he do?

 

Chapter 23

Tan Rou took out her phone calmly, “What a touching scene. I must record it and send it to my friends in the past and show them that the daughter of the Tan family actually thinks that way. She sacrificed herself to return to the Tan family just to get money to support the family. Shouldn’t someone give you a top ten filial child award for sacrificing yourself?”

Tan Rou deliberately paused for a moment. “I just don’t know if Auntie Chen will still think that you’re filial if this video is sent to her.”

Tan Jing quickly covered her face, “Tan Rou, what are you doing? ! Stop it! You’re deliberately trying to get me in trouble!”

Tan Rou smiled. “Tan Jing, don’t be too greedy. I advise you to obediently return to the Tan family and be the heiress of the Tan family. Don’t come looking for trouble again. Otherwise, I have plenty of ways to deal with you.”

Tan Jing glared at Tan Rou fiercely, “You finally admit that you deliberately harmed me?”

Tan Rou shook her head. “I never once took the initiative to provoke you and you don’t have to pretend to be my good friend anymore. Haven’t you harmed me enough behind my back? I only have one thing to say. If you still have any tricks up your sleeve then just come at me, I have a clear conscience.”

Tan Jing did not dare to let Chen Yi find out that she had contacted the Tao family behind her back, she had to leave. “Mom, brother, you have to believe me. Tan Rou has evil intentions. I will never harm you guys!” With that said, she walked out reluctantly.

The moment she left, Tao Zheng took out the gift she had brought and threw it at the door. He said, “Don’t be such a hypocrite.” With that, he slammed the door shut.

Tan Jing gritted her teeth and left in a sorry state with the gifts in her hand, leaving the Tao family behind. They were originally in a good mood, but after Tan Jing’s disturbance, there was an air of unsavoriness.

However, Tan Jing’s action did remind Tan Rou that she had been home for some time and had not given any gifts to her family.

It was time to make some preparations.

Now that she has left the Tan family, Tan Rou had to think of ways to earn money on her own so that her family could live a better life.

With this thought in mind, Tan Rou greeted Mother Tao and the rest before returning to her room.

She bought a whole plethora of herbs the last time when she was shopping for Mother Tao. After giving some to Mother Tao, there was still a lot left. She had to hurry up and make more spice pills.

When she thought about how she could display her skills and rely on her own abilities to help her family, Tan Rou smiled happily. This sense of steadiness and self-reliance made her all the more eager to give it a try.

On the other hand, Zhuang Liu had been paying attention to Tan Rou’s movements and was ready to protect her at any time.

Zhuang Liu asked, “Have you found out about the fiasco in the police station?”

His assistant, Xiao Mo, nodded. “Miss Tan Rou has already returned home safely. There weren’t any injuries on Zhou Wu, but I secretly contacted the people from the casino.”

Zhuang Liu tilted his head. “Oh? What did they say?”

Xiao Mo said, “The thugs present said that Miss Tan Rou really did give them a beating. They couldn’t even retaliate. Zhou Wu was indeed beaten up badly.”

Then, he suddenly recalled something and smiled faintly. He continued, “They are now hiding from the police themselves. However, they also said that if they managed to escape, they would definitely not let Zhou Wu off.”

Zhuang Liu revealed a faint smile, “I know. She has always been so smart. She would not let herself be in danger.”

Xiao Mo watched from the side and could not help but sigh. Third Young Master’s health has always been poor. He had been sick for many years and had suffered a lot. Because of this, he was always cold and aloof. However, Miss Tan Rou seemed to be an exception, every time he mentioned her, Third Young Master’s mood always seem to improve. He had to pay more attention to her.

Immediately after, Xiao Mo recalled another matter, “I don’t know how Zhou Wu managed to contact the Tan family’s newly returned daughter, Tan Jing, while he was in the police station. Tan Jing transferred a sum of money to him, but there was no follow-up.”

Zhuang Liu thought for a while and said, “She’s a daughter who just got reunited. She must have some money now but she won’t be able to stir up any big waves for the time being. As for Zhou Wu, you keep an eye on him personally. Don’t let him escape so easily.”

Xiao Mo nodded. He understood this. The third Young Master cared so much about Miss Tan Rou. If Zhou Wu wanted to harm her, Third Young Master would definitely not let him off easily.

Zhuang Liu reminded, “Aren’t the people from the casino looking for him? When necessary, give them some hope. Use them to take care of Zhou Wu first. Afterward, you can give them up to the police and clean up their lair.”

Zhuang Liu naturally wouldn’t let Zhou Wu off easily. Even if he went to jail, he would be out within a couple of days. It would be better to let the people from the casino have their revenge on him. They would surely have many ways to deal with him.

As for the casino, they had no idea who they were dealing with. Since they troubled Tan Rou, he might as well be a concerned citizen and help the police out for once.

Xiao Mo held back his laughter. Third Young Master was still as scheming as ever. He nodded and left to carry out Zhuang Liu’s instructions.

 

Chapter 24

“Wait.” Zhuang Liu stopped Xiao Mo.

Xiao Mo quickly asked again, “What’s the matter, Third Young Master? Do you have any other orders for me?”

Zhuang Liu pondered for a moment before finally making up his mind, “Go and contact Uncle Bai.”

Xiao Mo was nervous, “Are you feeling unwell again? I’ll look for him now!”

The Uncle Bai that Zhuang Liu was talking about was the famous godly doctor, Bai Jing. Bai Jing’s medical skills were superb, and his true identity was a mystery. His medical skills were one of a kind, and his use of acupuncture needles was god-like.

However, he never revealed himself easily, and his principle of saving people was very unique as well. He couldn’t be bothered to save those who could be saved by other doctors, and he disdained saving those that did evil. He also refused to save those who kept bugging him, but most of the time, it depended on his mood or if he felt that they were fated.

These mysterious rumors coupled with his temperamental personality and his erratic whereabouts made him seem particularly mysterious.

It was rumored that his medical skills were already at the peak of perfection. Even if one is already near the gates of Hell, as long as he made a move, he would be able to turn the tide. As a result, the reputation of the godly doctor grew larger and larger, and countless people coveted his medical skills.

Countless people were willing to give up all their fortunes just to seek an audience with him, but not many might not end up being able to see him in person.

Zhuang Liu was poisoned as a kid, and it looked like he was going to die soon. The Zhuang family had searched for famous doctors worldwide, but they had all failed.

However, by chance, they met Bai Jing. Bai Jing was very interested in the poison in Zhuang Liu. Such a lethal and uncommon poison made even a godly doctor like him unable to do anything about it. It was incredibly challenging.

Bai Jing could not find a better way, for the time being, so he could only temporarily suppress the poison. Zhuang Liu’s life was saved, but the poison has always been in him. It slowly started to accumulate in his legs. From then on, Zhuang Liu never stood up again.

An accident happened in Bai Jing’s godly doctor career.

The more capable a person was, the more they could not accept failure. Zhuang Liu’s illness had stimulated Bai Jing’s exploration of medical theories. He talked about the boundless sea of knowledge. If he did not solve Zhuang Liu’s problem, he would never claim to be a godly doctor of his generation.

Zhuang Liu had once thought of giving up, but Bai Jing comforted him, “You have extraordinary talent, and you are definitely not a short-lived person. Our meeting was fate. If Hades wants to take you in, he would have to ask me first.”

Occasionally, Bai Jing would also crack jokes to encourage Zhuang Liu, “Do you think that your life and death have no implications? My reputation is at stake here. If I can’t cure you, how can I continue practicing medicine? So live on.”

Thus, Zhuang Liu and Bai Jing tried countless methods and suffered together. Bai Jing’s beard grew whiter and whiter by the year, and he did not give up. Their bond was no longer an ordinary doctor-patient relationship, but a life-and-death friendship.

Divine Doctor Bai, who used to skip between towns began to settle down and started to stay in the city where Zhuang Liu was. Under normal circumstances, Bai Jing would experiment with new treatment methods on his own. When there was progress, he would inform Zhuang Liu to go over and test it out, and occasionally, he would go out to source precious herbs.

Recently, Zhuang Liu’s condition had been relatively stable. It had been a long time since he had gone to look for Bai Jing. This time, Zhuang Liu took the initiative to ask to see Bai Jing, which really scared Xiao Mo. He was afraid that Zhuang Liu’s condition had worsened.

Zhuang Liu shook his head. “I’m fine. It’s just that Uncle Bai mentioned a method last time. He said that it might be effective, but it would be a little risky. He asked me to think about it for a few more days. Now, I’ve made up my mind.”

Xiao Mo was still worried, “Third Young Master, let’s not take the risk. Let’s wait a little longer. There will definitely be a better method!”

Zhuang Liu touched the wheelchair beneath him, “If it were in the past, I wouldn’t be in a hurry. I’ve sat on this thing for so many years and I’ve gotten used to it. But now, I can’t…”

In the past, it was as if he was walking alone in the dark. He had no direction, but others did not know that for someone like him, once he discovered the light in the darkness, he would definitely chase after it with all his might. As long as the light was there, he had the will to keep living on.

Zhuang Liu’s eyes revealed a strong sense of determination, “I finally found her again. There’s no more time. In my current state, I can’t protect anyone. No matter what method I use, I have to try something!”

Xiao Mo’s face was bitter. He had gone mad. who was that woman? She actually made Third Young Master is risking his life just so that he can stand up and protect her.

Xiao Mo did not dare to disobey his wishes. He agreed and left.

Zhuang Liu was left alone on the spot. He muttered to himself, “Wait for me a little longer.”

 

Chapter 25

Tan Rou rushed as much as she could and finally finished making the remaining herbs and spices. She carefully packed them neatly in her bag and went out to find a Chinese medicine clinic to inquire about the market price of the herbs.

Tan Rou went to the vicinity of the medicinal herbs market she went to the last time. Usually, there would be a few large Chinese medicine clinics around such markets because it was convenient to purchase the medicinal herbs.

Sure enough, Tan Rou saw a shop with a big and grand entrance.

As soon as Tan Rou walked in, an enthusiastic apprentice came forward to welcome her. “Hello, are you feeling unwell? Today, Doctor Wang’s schedule is already full. I can schedule other doctors for you.”

When Tan Rou heard that, it was only morning, and he was already fully booked for the day. She thought to herself this Doctor Wang must be really good, so she cooperation in mind, “I am not here for a consultation. I just want to have a chat with the doctors here.”

The apprentice was a little puzzled. “You are not here for a consultation? Then there’s no other way. Our doctors are very busy. You have to pay a registration fee before entering.”

Tan Rou asked, “Then how much is the registration fee?”

The apprentice smiled, “Five hundred Yuan.”

“What?” Tan Rou was very surprised. That was daylight robbery. If one could really get a good Chinese medicine practitioner to treat them, the value would naturally be immeasurable. However, the registration fee alone was five hundred Yuan. Isn’t that asking for a little too much?

The apprentice sized up Tan Rou and felt that she probably didn’t have any money. His attitude became a little perfunctory, “Oh, this is how we do things here. Usually, even if you are willing to pay more you might not get a consult with our doctors. Business is just that good.”

Tan Rou frowned. She wasn’t very happy. The words of this apprentice made her feel a little uncomfortable. Opening a clinic was different from other businesses. One shouldn’t measure how good the business of a clinic was.

Seeing that Tan Rou neither paid nor left, the apprentice started to get impatient. “If you have nothing else to do, don’t stand at the door and block the way.”

At this moment, an elderly man came out with a teapot, “What is the ruckus about?”

The apprentice bowed respectfully, “Divine Doctor Wang, this lady does not want to register for treatment. She only said that she wants to see you. I was just talking to her.”

Tan Rou also sized up this so-called Divine Doctor Wang. She couldn’t tell if he was really that capable or not.

Divine Doctor Wang smiled, “Young lady, What do you want?”

Tan Rou nodded politely and said, “I wanted to discuss a collaboration with you. I made this medicine myself. You can take a look. I would like to sell it in your clinic.”

When Tan Rou said this, Doctor Wang’s friendly expression immediately changed. “Nonsense! Chinese medicine is not something that can be casually made for people to eat. Moreover, you are proposing to sell your medicine in my clinic. Is our own medicine there for decoration? We still have to sell yours?”

Tan Rou explained, “No, every medicine is different in its contents and dosage. Every tweak to the medicine also brings about a difference in its effects. I am not trying to steal your business. These are mostly supplementary medicinal herbs. You can take a look and then make a decision.”

There was a lot to know in the realm of Chinese medicine, and every Chinese medicine practitioner had different habits of using the medicine. Therefore, there was no such thing as damaging one’s reputation or stealing their business. It was just a matter of who can more accurately identify the root of the problem and come up with prescriptions that better target the problem.

Divine Doctor Wang looked at Tan Rou with disdain. “Our clinic has to hire several workers to grind medicine every day. There are many people who want a prescription. If we do as you say, we don’t need to do business anymore. You should leave!”

The apprentice also came over and pulled Tan Rou away. “Go, go, go, go, go to another place to sell!”

Obviously, they thought that Tan Rou was a salesman who did not know the trade and only wanted to make money.

Tan Rou sidestepped the apprentice’s hand, “Since we have different opinions and can’t work together, I will take my leave. There’s no need for you to chase me away.”

Walking to the entrance, Tan Rou thought for a moment, then she turned around. “However, I still advise you to make money ethically. Don’t put the cart before the horse and insult the reputation of traditional Chinese medicine. I hope that one day there is no suffering in this world. I would rather have the medicine shelf start collecting dust. You should stay true to yourself and only then you are living up to the expectations of your patients who have so much faith in you.”

Divine Doctor Wang was used to being praised by others every he went. He was so angry that he was stunned when he was suddenly lectured by a little girl.

The apprentice also shouted in exasperation, “Don’t cause trouble here! Who dares to use the medicine you are trying to sell? Just wait for it to rot in your hands!”

 

Chapter 26

“Who said it can’t be used?” A powerful voice came from behind Tan Rou.

Tan Rou turned around and saw that there was another Chinese medicine clinic across the street. It was very small and seemed very bare. It was located diagonally across the big clinic, so it paled in comparison and was very difficult for people to notice it.

However, at this moment, when she looked at it, it did have an antique flavor and seemed to have character.

At this moment, there was an energetic old man standing at the door. He was stroking his white beard and had a smile on his face. He looked like a sage.

The old man said, “I would like to see. Although this lady is young, her attitude towards the medical practice is much better than those half-baked Chinese medicine practitioners.”

The old man looked at Tan Rou kindly, “Young Lady, based on what you said just now, I am willing to take a look at your medicine.”

How could Divine Doctor Wang not know that this person was referring to him? However, the clinic opposite him was a little strange. There was clearly no business, but occasionally, there would be some high-ranking officials and dignitaries rejected at his doorstep. They were unmoved by him no matter how much he tried to promote himself.

Divine Doctor Wang was not sure what kind of methods the old man had, so he did not dare to provoke him easily. He held back his anger and signaled his apprentice to stop bothering her. Then, he turned around and returned to his room.

Tan Rou walked toward the old man and smiled gratefully, “Thank you.” No matter what, the old man agreed with her point of view and was willing to give her medicine a try. This made Tan Rou feel that her insistence was right.

The old man called out to Tan Rou, “Come in, let’s have a chat. Let me see what medicine you have made.”

The two walked into the clinic. Tan Rou was surprised to find that although it did not look like much on the outside, there was another world inside the clinic.

It was obvious that all the mahogany furniture was expensive, especially the bookcase. It was filled with a wall full of medical books. It was a magnificent sight. On the other side, there was another wall of drawers filled with medicine. The air was filled with a faint medicinal fragrance. It smelled great.

Tan Rou immediately fell in love with this place. Her eyes were sparkling. Her intuition told her that this old man wasn’t simple. He might be her benefactor.

The old man led Tan Rou to the tea table and told her to sit down. He poured her a cup of hot tea, then he said, “Little girl, I think we are fated, and what you said just now made me very happy. There are not many doctors with the same attitude as you nowadays. Moreover, you are still young. This is very good.”

The old man seemed kind and looked at Tan Rou with a smile. “My surname is Bai. May I know how to address you?”

Tan Rou replied politely, “Hello, Grandpa Bai. My name is Tan Rou.”

The old man, or more accurately, Bai Jing, hurriedly waved his hand. “Hey! “Don’t call me grandpa. I’m still in my prime. It’s all that brat’s fault. He made me worry for him until I was several years older. I see that the two of you are about the same age. You should call me Uncle Bai just like him.”

Tan Rou burst into laughter. Just a moment ago, he was still a sage-like person. Now, he looked like an old mischievous child, but that him seem a lot more approachable.

Tan Rou naturally agreed. “Alright, Uncle Bai. Take a look at my herbs and medicinal pills. Are they of any use to you?”

Tan Rou took out the things that she had prepared from her bag and handed them to Bai Jing.

Seeing that Bai Jing was not perfunctory and did not look down on her at all, instead, he was seriously studying her pills, Tan Rou was very happy. This meant that she had received the respect of this senior.

Bai Jing carefully studied it for a moment and became more and more excited.

He originally did not have many expectations for her pills. After all, the girl was not old and definitely did not have enough experience. He originally planned to give her a few good pointers to aid her on her path of learning. However, he did not expect that not only was there no mistake at all, but the number of ingredients used was simply immaculate!

Bai Jing could be said to be a medical junkie. As long as it was something that he was interested in and had never seen before, he would always have extremely high enthusiasm and would not hesitate to pay any price.

At this moment, he realized that Tan Rou’s herbs and medicinal pills were not simple. In fact, they were even more refined than some family secret medicine that had been passed down from a lineage of famous doctors. He didn’t care much and directly crushed a small bit with his hand, he sent it into his mouth and tasted it carefully.

“Hey! Uncle Bai!” Tan Rou wanted to stop him, it wasn’t that she was unwilling to let him try. Indeed, doctors often needed to try some medicine on their own, but the two of them had just met for the first time, and Uncle Bai had already eaten the medicine that she had made. This made Tan Rou panic a little.

Bai Jing carefully tasted the ingredients Tan Rou used and was overjoyed. “Wonderful! The usage of each herb was wonderful!” After saying that, he actually laughed out loud.

When Tan Rou heard this, it made her really proud of herself. She was actually very confident in her own skills but facing uncle Bai whom she had already treated as a respectable senior. Receiving his praise made her very happy.

Bai Jing repeatedly praised, “I really picked up a treasure! Little friend, I didn’t expect you to have such high attainments in refining incense and medicine at such a young age. You’re a genius!”

Tan Rou was a little shy from being praised. “There are still many shortcomings. I am still working on improving myself.”

 

 

Chapter 27

Bai Jing nodded his head in approval, “It’s good that you are accomplished. However, it’s your humility that is valuable. Unfortunately, refining incense and making medicine isn’t my forte. Your current mastery of it is already very high, so it’s very difficult for me to give you any more useful pointers.”

Tan Rou shook her head, “Uncle Bai, don’t say that.”

Bai Jing waved his hand indifferently. “What’s the big deal? If I can’t teach you, then I should admit it. I can’t just pretend to be able to guide you and then waste your time. However, even though I can’t teach you, I have a lot of medical books on this aspect.”

Bai Jing pointed at the wall of books. “When you’re free, you can come and study them. We can also have discussions on medicine, I’m sure we will have a great friendship.”

Tan Rou was pleasantly surprised. She had noticed the wall of medical books the moment she step foot in the clinic. She was thirsty for knowledge and was very envious but she didn’t know how to ask. Now that Uncle Bai had taken the initiative to invite her, it was really great.

Bai Jing’s eyes looked even more compassionate, “How many of these things do you have with you? I want them all!”

Tan Rou shook her head. “I didn’t make too many. They’re all here.”

Bai Jing thought for a moment and said, “That’s fine too. Sell these to me first. I’ll offer you a price of ten thousand per portion. If you’re free, make more and bring them over. I’ll take them all.”

Tan Rou was a little surprised. “Ten thousand?”

Bai Jing asked, “Do you think it’s low? These herbs and medicinal pills are indeed rare. I won’t make money from you. I’ll only help you sell them to the people who need them.”

Tan Rou shook her head repeatedly. “No, no, the cost of these herbs and medicinal pills are actually not high. I didn’t think that they could fetch such a high price.”

Bai Jing smiled understandingly, “The cost is not expensive, but your skills are. Ten thousand, you’re worth it!”

Hearing Uncle Bai say so, Tan Rou smiled happily and nodded in agreement. When she went home, she wanted to improve on her own skills so that she could draw out the maximum potential of the herbs.

This time, Tan Rou brought a total of twenty portions, and Bai Jing accepted them all.

Bai Jing was on with the times and wanted to add Tan Rou’s contact information to transfer the money to her. Two hundred thousand was transferred to the account in an instant.

Tan Rou looked at the balance curiously. This was earned through her own hard work. This was a greater sense of achievement than ever.

Bai Jing smiled and said, “Although my clinic isn’t big, I’m very rich. You just have to focus on making the medicinal pills. I’ll be your reseller.”

Tan Rou nodded. She was even more motivated now!

After leaving the clinic, Tan Rou went to pick out a lot of gifts and returned home.

As she passed by the alley, she saw her neighbor Auntie Liu holding onto Tao Zheng and chatting about family matters.

Auntie Liu patted Tao Zheng and asked, “Ah Zheng, your sister has returned to the Tan family. Is she loaded now? Why did you chase her out that day?”

Tao Zheng explained helplessly, “Auntie Liu, she’s no longer my sister. Every family has something they are unwilling to touch on. Since she chose to return, then she has nothing to do with us anymore.”

Auntie Liu pouted exaggeratedly. “Aiyo, I’ve watched the two of you grow up. What misunderstanding can be so deep that it can’t be resolved? What a huge mess it has turned into. I saw Xiao Jing come back with so many gifts the other day. Although she is now rich, she didn’t forget about you guys.”

As she spoke, Tan Rou walked over and stood beside Tao Zheng.

Tan Rou greeted him. “Brother, I’m back.”

Then, she looked politely at Auntie Liu. “Hello, Auntie Liu. I’m Tan Rou.”

Auntie Liu thought of what she had just said. She didn’t know if Tan Rou had heard it, but she felt a little embarrassed. “You’re Ah Zheng’s biological sister. Good, you guys look so alike!”

Tao Zheng frowned. He looked at Tan Rou carrying so many bags in her hands and thought that she was spending money recklessly again. However, he did not want to embarrass Tan Rou in front of the neighbors. He said, “Go home quickly.”

Unexpectedly, Auntie Liu spoke first. “Xiao Rou, Auntie Liu has been your family’s neighbor for many years. Pardon me for being nosy. You may have been used to leading a good life in the past, so it is only normal that you spend money recklessly. However, it is not easy for your parents. You have to learn to be sensible.”

Tao Zheng’s expression turned even worse. This Tan Rou had only been obedient for two days, and she was already spending money recklessly. She was even seen by their neighbors. Isn’t she embarrassing them?

Tan Rou nodded obediently. “I know, Auntie Liu. I bought these with my own money. I didn’t spend the family’s money.”

Auntie Liu was a little suspicious. She could tell that the things this girl bought were not cheap. How could she earn so much money at such a young age? However, she did not mean any harm. She smiled politely and left.

Tao Zheng dragged Tao Rou back home and could not help but ask, “Tell me the truth. Where did you get the money?”

Chapter 28

After returning home, Tao Zheng calmed down a little, but he still felt a little uneasy. In the past, Tan Rou was a spendthrift. When she had just returned from the Tan family, she still retained her old spending habits, she quickly squandered whatever money she had left from before.

Without money, she still had to go out and socialize with those scoundrels. She even helped them pay the bill. Often, when she returned home, she would throw a tantrum and force her parents to fork out money for her.

The Tao family’s life had always been plain and simple. However, Tan Rou was heartless as she tried a plethora of ways to trick her parents into raising money for her.

Tao Zheng thought that Tan Rou had relapsed into her old habits, so he was both angry and anxious.

On one hand, Tao Zheng had witnessed Tan Rou’s change over the past few days. He had gradually let go of his prejudice and wanted to accept her again. He felt that she had matured and would not be unreasonable anymore.

On the other hand, Tao Zheng loved his sister very much. When he thought of Tan Rou’s high quality of life in the past, it was difficult for her to go from extravagance to frugality. As long as she did not waste money, it was understandable. He might have to give her more time.

He could only blame himself for not having the ability to improve his family’s standard of living.

Tao Zheng sighed, after thinking for a while, he said, “Although I did not treat you well in the past, I have seen the changes in you over the past few days. Since you called me brother and we are now a family, I have to take care of you. Where did you get the money to buy these things? You asked for money from mom and dad again?”

Mother Tao heard the noise outside and pushed the door open. “What’s wrong? Ah Zheng, don’t quarrel with your sister!”

Tao Zheng frowned helplessly. “Mom, we didn’t quarrel. I feel that since we’re a family, you can’t continue to pamper her without restraint! Did you give her money again?”

Mother Tao frowned in confusion, “No. Rou Rou didn’t ask me for money.”

Mother Tao saw the item in Tan Rou’s hand and understood what had happened. “Xiao Rou, where did you get the money? Did you… Ask your adoptive mother again? If you need money, I have it. Tell me.”

Mother Tao felt a little sad. She knew that Tan Rou had already been disappointed in her adoptive family. If her daughter had gone to Chen Yi because she didn’t have the money, she would feel especially bad.

Tan Rou was touched when she heard Tao Zheng’s words. Sometimes, the sternness of a family member was better proof of their love than them pampering her.

Only family members would be genuinely worried that they had taken the wrong path. They would not be like Chen Yi in the past, who would just transfer her money occasionally as if she was completing a mission and couldn’t be bothered about her life.

Hearing that Mother Tao had misunderstood, she quickly explained, “Mom! That’s not it. Didn’t I make some herbs and medicinal pills for you a few days ago? Didn’t you also say that you feel much better after using them?”

Mother Tao nodded. “Yes, I really feel that my body has been exceptionally comfortable recently. I also sleep very soundly at night.”

Tan Rou smiled. “So I made use of the rest of the ingredients and sold the finished product to the clinic. Look at this transaction history. This is money I earned myself.”

Mother Tao and Tao Zheng looked at the 200,000 yuan transfer on their phones in surprise. It really came from a clinic called He Shou Tang.

Tao Zheng’s mouth was agape, “That thing of yours can fetch such a high price?”

Tan Rou nodded, “We’ve already agreed on a partnership. I can bring my finished products and sell them there in the future.”

Tan Rou stepped forward and held Mother Tao’s hand. “Mom, brother, you guys don’t have to worry. Since I’ve left them, I will definitely never ask for money from them again.”

Mother Tao was extremely gratified, “Xiao Rou, I always knew that you were a good child.”

Tan Rou smiled obediently. “Mother, I won’t spend money recklessly anymore. Since we are a family, we are on the same boat through thick and thin. Don’t worry, your daughter can also earn money. I will be there in the future!”

Mother Tao was so touched that she started to tear. Everyone said that having a daughter was like wearing a warm little cardigan. Her worries and disappointment from before had been completely wiped away by Tan Rou’s words. She has reunited with such an obedient and caring daughter. What more could she ask for?

Tao Zheng was also feeling guilty and sad at the side. His sister was really sensible. “Brother didn’t know better. I was wrong to suspect you just now. Just you wait. I will earn money too. When the time comes, I will spend it all on you.”

Tan Rou smiled slyly. “Brother, how do you plan to earn money?”

Tao Zheng stammered. He really did not have much abilities. Even Tan Rou started making money while he still had to rely on his family. Thinking of this, he realized that he simply did not have the right to lecture Tan Rou anymore.

 

 

Chapter 29

But Tan Rou knew that Tao Zheng was not incompetent.

In her previous life, Tao Zheng’s biggest dream was to be an exceptional photographer.

His entries also won awards, and he was known as a rising star in the photography industry.

Unfortunately, in his previous life, such a rising star was made a fool of by fate and was used by Tan Rou. The Tao family has also been torn apart because of her.

The mess in his life and family gradually made Tao Zheng lose the desire to dream. The last time Tan Rou saw Tao Zheng in her previous life, he was exhausted and had become a walking corpse.

Thinking of this, Tan Rou felt particularly upset. Tao Zheng’s life should have been successful and bright, but he ruined it.

Tan Rou quickly took out a set of the latest professional camera from the pile of gifts and handed it to Tao Zheng, “I’m kidding brother. This is for you!”

Tao Zheng was so happy that he was at a loss when he saw the camera. “Oh my god! Am I dreaming?”

Tao Zheng wiped his hands on his clothes before carefully taking the camera. He held it in his hands and instantly fell in love with it. “How did you know?”

Previously, when Tan Jing came back with gifts and gifted him the latest model of mobile phone, Tao Zheng was really not interested.

Photography was his biggest dream. He poured all his energy into it and did not care about any other material goods. Even in his dreams, his room was filled with a plethora of HD lenses.

But Tao Zheng had never shared his dream before. Photography was too expensive to get into. Every lens was so expensive. Tao Zheng did not want his parents to tirelessly just to support his dream. He just saved money bit by bit and persevered with his dream.

Looking at the camera in his hands was like a dream come true, Tao Zheng was extremely excited.

Tan Rou saw that her brother loved it and was very satisfied, “I’m your sister. Of course, I would know.”

Tao Zheng hugged the camera tightly and smiled at Tan Rou proudly. “This investment is the best you will ever make. I will definitely produce the best work. When the time comes, I will invite you to my photography exhibition as a Thank-you Guest!”

Tan Rou smiled. “Alright, I will wait for you then. You will definitely succeed.”

Mother Tao looked at the two children with gratification, and her heart softened.

Tan Rou was back, and she was still so sensible. The family was finally complete.

However, Mother Tao still said with some regret, “It would be great if your big brother and fourth brother were here too. They haven’t seen Xiao Rou before.”

Tan Rou knew that she still had an older brother who was already working and a younger brother who was studying outside. However, in her previous life, she rarely interacted with the two of them, it seemed that the place where they worked and studied was more strictly managed and did not allow them to leave easily.

Tan Rou also looked forward to meeting the two family members as soon as possible. She hugged Mother Tao and comforted her, “Mom, there’s no rush. I am not going anywhere.”

Not long after, Father Tao also returned home.

Tan Rou gave Mother Tao a set of high-grade skincare products while Father Tao received tea leaves.

Father Tao was so happy that he even couldn’t close his mouth. He said that he would invite his friends over tomorrow to taste the top-grade tea his daughter gave him. His friends would definitely be envious.

The family used Tao Zheng’s new camera to take the first family photo. Although it was short of two family members, it was still very heartwarming.

In the photo, Tao Zheng’s parents were sitting on chairs with smiles on their faces. Tan Rou was hugging their necks intimately behind them. Tao Zheng was also standing beside Tan Rou with a smile on his face. The family was very happy.

Tan Rou looked at the photo on the camera. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it. She instructed Tao Zheng to develop the photo as soon as possible. Then, she impatiently took a photo with her phone and shared it on social media platforms.

Looking at such a beautiful photo, Tan Rou became even more determined. Tan Jing would definitely not let the matter rest. She did not know when she would up to her tricks again. She could not let her guard down.

Tan Rou understood that no matter what, she had to be strong to protect her family. Otherwise, she would implicate her family and make them pay for her mistakes.

How could such a good family end up in such a tragic end in her previous life?

Yet, villains like Tan Jing and Chen Yi could enjoy the adoration of others as they pleased. Could it be that a good person didn’t get a good return, while the scourge would always get the last laugh?

The more Tan Jing wanted to destroy Tan Rou and the Tao family, the more Tan Rou had to make sure that she and her family lived a glorious life.

On the other side, Tan Jing had suffered a setback at the Tao family home and had been sulking at home. She couldn’t figure out what had gone wrong.

At this time, a message notification came from Tan Jing’s phone. When she turned on her phone, she saw the family photo that Tan Rou had posted on the social media platform.

 

Chapter 30

Tan Jing was always looking out for opportunities to embarrass Tan Rou, she had favorited Tan Rou’s social media account and paid special attention to it. She wanted to know about Tan Rou’s movements immediately.

However, Tan Jing had never felt so enraged before. She threw her phone fiercely and smashed it into pieces.

Tan Jing gritted her teeth and cursed, “Tan Rou! You b*tch, why do you keep stealing my things! You deserve to die! I’ll make you pay for this!”

Zhuang Liu had already prepared the car early in the morning and arrived at He Shou Tang where Bai Jing was.

The moment Xiao Mo pushed Zhuang Liu into the room, they were greeted by Bai Jing, frowning. He was holding a medical book in one hand and brewing medicine in the other. He was still muttering, “This medicine is too strong, I’m afraid it won’t work…”

Zhuang Liu was actually very grateful to Bai Jing. In the span of so many years, he and his family had almost given up several times. However, Bai Jing had firmly promised that he would cure him.

Saying this would undoubtedly put a lot of pressure on him. God knew how much effort this little old man had secretly put in.

Whatever the reason was, be it his dedication to his medical skills or his concern for his reputation, Zhuang Liu will always be sincerely grateful to Bai Jing. If it wasn’t for him, he would have died a long time ago, not to mention, that he would have never met Tan Rou.

Bai Jing was too focused. He raised his head and asked, “Oh, you’re here so early?”

Zhuang Liu nodded. “I couldn’t sleep, so I came over.”

Bai Jing was puzzled. “You usually either refuse or say that you’re fine when I ask you to come over. Why are you so enthusiastic today?”

Zhuang Liu giggled. “It’s not that I’m stubborn. I know my own body well.”

Bai Jing sighed. “I’m really sorry to have dragged this out for so long. About the method I told you before, I actually wasn’t sure of it myself. When Xiao Mo told me about your decision, even I was shocked.”

The poison was present for too long. If one was not careful, it would explode. In a few hours, the poison would travel through Zhuang Liu’s entire body and poison him to death.

Therefore, they did not dare to experiment recklessly. They only adopted other conservative methods to delay it.

However, if this continues, Zhuang Liu’s legs would lose their function sooner or later. He would never be able to stand up again.

Bai Jing riffled through the medical books and came up with the last resort. It was to use acupuncture to urge the poison to flow down again. Since blood in the human body is constantly circulating, the slightest negligence would cause the poison to flow into the heart. Any attempts at reversing this situation would be powerless.

Zhuang Liu’s expression also turned somewhat solemn. How could he not know that he was taking a huge risk? However, he was too eager to stand up again, for Tan Rou and for himself.

He could not help but think of a young girl’s animated voice. “If I can’t live a dazzling life, then wouldn’t my life be in vain!”

Zhuang Liu thought to himself, ‘

That’s right. If I can’t get better and protect the person I love, I can only stay in bed and drink medicine every day to prolong my life. What fun would that be?’

‘Even if I fail, how much worse can it be compared to my current situation?’

Zhuang Liu looked sombrely at Bai Jing. “Uncle Bai, I want to stand up and I can only rely on you!”

Bai Jing was silent for a long time before he sighed heavily. “Are you very sure about this?”

Xiao Mo looked at Bai Jing worriedly. “Is it dangerous?”

Bai Jing nodded. “From now onwards, every attempt will definitely be accompanied by risks.”

Xiao Mo wanted to say something but hesitated.

Zhuang Liu motioned for Xiao Mo to stop talking and looked at Bai Jing. “I have something that I must achieve. No matter what price I need to pay, I have thought it through.”

Bai Jing put down the medical book and looked at Zhuang Liu sternly. “Since you believe in me and are willing to entrust your life to me, then no matter what, I will do my best to fight for you!”

Zhuang Liu smiled. “Of course, I trust you the most. If you can’t do it, then I might as well wait to die.”

Bai Jing glared at him. “Don’t spout nonsense! Don’t mention die lightly!”

Bai Jing led Zhuang Liu to the acupuncture table and began to prepare for the acupuncture. His mood seemed to brighten up having thought of something. He said, “Two days ago, I met a girl. She was an expert at making medicinal pills. You could say that it’s fate. You so happen to be in time for it.”

Zhuang Liu was a little surprised to hear this. Bai Jing relies on his superb medical skills. His arrogance stopped him from easily praising others. For him to acclaim that she was an expert, she must be very powerful.

Bai Jing lit up a set of spices, “When I apply the needles later, avoid having intense emotions. That will speed up the flow of blood. This incense can help you focus and calm your mind. You just need to relax a little.”