Ch. 221..230

Chapter 221 Return my daughter to me

The math teacher was in class when a skinny middle-aged woman suddenly rushed into the classroom. Her face was gloomy and her sickly face was red. She seemed to be furious.

“Who is Tan Rou?” The woman said gloomily, her eyes searching the classroom, which made people’s scalps numb.

The math teacher stood on the podium and asked her, “Hello, what’s the matter? Why are you looking for Tan Rou?”

The woman glared at him and went straight into the class, shouting, “Which one is Tan Rou? Tan Rou, come out here!”

Tan Rou didn’t want to talk to this woman she didn’t know and remained on her seat.

Who knew that this crazy woman would recognize her? After looking around, she found Tan Rou’s seat and rushed to her. She grabbed Tan Rou’s collar and raised her hand to hit Tan Rou.

How could Tan Rou let this woman hit her? She gently grabbed the woman’s hand and pushed the woman away with a little strength. The woman lost her balance and fell to the ground.

In the end, the woman sat on the ground and cried and shouted.

“You black-hearted b*tch! You framed my daughter and now she’s going to jail. Can you still sleep in peace at night! The woman wiped her tears and slapped the ground with both hands.

“Give me back my daughter!”

Tan Rou knew who she was. She was Li Jia’s mother. She heard that Li Jia and her mother only had each other to rely on and they didn’t have much money as well. However, judging from how she was crying, was her health in danger?

When Tan Jing saw this scene, she could not help but laugh in her heart. They took turns to take care of Li Jia’s mother but Tan Jing did not say a word about Li Jia. She only spent some money to buy some things to visit her mother as a good friend of Li Jia.

However, the other two didn’t know about this. She was sure that He Ling and Zhao Ru would tell Li Jia’s mother about what happened to her daughter.

Sure enough, when Li Jia’s mother found out that Li Jia had been arrested, her first reaction was not to go to the police station to see her daughter, but to call her good friend, Tan Jing, to ask for confirmation. Tan Jing exaggerated the facts and pushed all the blame to Tan Rou. She also showed the photos she had taken earlier to Li Jia’s mother, twisting the truth and saying that Tan Rou had framed Li Jia.

Li Jia’s mother believed her and quickly ran out of the hospital. She rushed to the school to settle the score with Tan Rou.

Tan Rou looked at Tan Jing’s smug expression and knew that she must have something to do with this.

“Madam, please be careful with your words.” Tan Rou didn’t give in to her. “Your daughter was sent to jail because she was slandering others. If you continue to cause trouble and disrupt the order of the class, I don’t mind calling the police again.”

Li Jia’s mother did not believe her. “You little b*tch! My daughter has always been law-abiding. How could she have done anything illegal? You must have framed her. You were the one who had an affair with those men and you refused to admit it when you were photographed. You want my daughter to take the blame, don’t you?”

Tan Rou didn’t want to waste time talking to her. “Teacher, this parent has seriously disrupted the order in the classroom. Can you please ask her to leave?”

The math teacher pulled a long face. “You must be Li Jia’s mother. Please leave. We’ll talk after class. Besides, there’s irrefutable evidence that Li Jia is spreading rumors about Tan Rou, there’s nothing more to it for now.”

After Li Jia’s mother heard this, she immediately lay on the ground and made a scene. “The teachers and students in this school have ganged up to bully a little girl. You’re not human! You’re just a teacher, what right do you have to protect this little b*tch and not my daughter?””

She sat up and seemed to have realized something. “I know! You must have slept with her too, so you’re defending this little b*tch!”

The math teacher was very angry. He was a righteous person and was praised by both the students and the teachers in the school. His wife was also a teacher and they were a loving couple. How could he bear to hear others slander his innocence like this?

“Madam if you continue to spout nonsense, I’ll call the police!” The math teacher took out his phone and was prepared to call the police.

Li Jia’s mother was a little scared when she saw that he was serious. She lowered her voice and said, “You don’t look like a decent person.”

“You’re the one who isn’t decent here!” Li Li screamed in rage. “How can a decent person be crying and making a fuss on the ground? Like Mother, like daughter. Your daughter is just like you!”

“What did you just say?” Li Jia’s mother grabbed the table and stood up, reaching out to hit Li Li.

Tan Rou was quick to react and stopped her slap. “Madam, please don’t disturb the order of the class!

She secretly pinched Li Jia’s mother’s nerves. Li Jia’s mother’s legs went soft and she fell back to the ground.

Tan Rou thought, ‘You deserved to remain on the ground.”

 

Chapter 222 Beat him up to vent his anger

“How dare you attack me!” Li Jia’s mother was completely enraged. “I’ll beat you to death, you little b*tch!”

Tan Rou really couldn’t stand her unreasonable behavior of making trouble and making bogus accusations. It just so happened that the woman was the one who made the first move, so Tan Rou had to teach her a good lesson.

Using Li Jia’s mother’s hand, Tan Rou pushed the other students away and inched toward the door. The space was too small, and she was afraid that the woman would go crazy and hit the other students.

Li Jia’s mother was wild and was grabbing people’s arms, faces, and hair. Tan Rou deftly dodged every attack from her, and when Li Jia’s mother pounced on her, Tan Rou secretly exerted her strength, hitting Li Jia’s mother so hard that she screamed in pain, but there were no visible injuries noticed.

When her wails of being beaten fell into the ears of others, it was her cheering for herself and scaring others.

Tan Rou had already moved to the corridor. There was more space here, and would allow her to use her skills smoothly. After a few rounds, only her clothes were caught by Li Jia’s mother. She was not hurt anywhere else.

This could not go on. When Li Jia’s mother tried to grab her again, Tan Rou secretly made a mark on her arm with her fingernail. She used very little force and did not cut her skin. However, her skin was so sensitive that a small mark was enough to shock her.

Tan Jing also came out. She shouted, “Stop fighting! Stop fighting! Tan Rou is innocent!”

Then, Tan Jing joined the battle. However, she was not here to seek justice for Tan Rou. She was here to help Li Jia’s mother beat Tan Rou up.

Tan Rou saw her coming over and smiled, “Just in time!”

Tan Jing pounced over, and just as her hand was about to grab Tan Rou’s face, Tan Rou moved nimbly and took the opportunity to grab Li Jia’s mother’s hand, ruthlessly cutting Tan Jing’s arm with it a few times.

“You b*tch!” Tan Jing blurted out in pain.

“How dare you!”

Tan Rou saw the security guards coming from the stairs, so she ran over to them. When she was about the same distance away, she hid behind the security guards and avoided all the attacks.

“Shut it!” The strong security guard held the thin woman down. “Well, she’s not tall, but she’s quite strong.”

Li Jia’s mother cried out loud. She was not crying for her daughter, and she was crying for herself. She had been with Li Jia’s father since she was a teenager, but that man had a wife and children while she was just a mistress.

Li Jia’s mother knew that this man was rich. If she married him, she would not have to worry about food and clothing for the rest of her life. When she found out that the man had two daughters and wanted a son, she schemed to get pregnant. However, the man’s wife was also pregnant at that time, and soon they found out that they were having a boy.

After finding out that his mistress was pregnant, the man left with his wife and children that very night to do business elsewhere.

At that time, Li Jia was already seven months old. It was very dangerous to abort the baby, so Li Jia’s mother had no choice but to give birth to her. After giving birth to Li Jia, she was in poor health and did not have any skills, so she had to be a mistress.

Later, Li Jia made rich friends who were generous enough to send her to a high-end sanatorium. She felt that her good days were coming. After Li Jia graduated in a few years, she would be able to support her completely. Who knew that Li Jia would be sent to prison by this little b*tch?

“HUhuhuhuhu….” Li Jia’s mother was crying in the corridor, causing the teachers and students of other classes to stick their heads out to watch the fun.

“Tan Rou, how are you feeling?” The math teacher was very concerned about her. Firstly, this child had just been hit by an attack on the internet, and the school had asked the teachers to pay more attention to her during classes. Second, he cherished talents. Tan Rou was excellent in all subjects, which made the teacher like her even more.

“I’m fine.” Tan Rou gently touched her injured arm.

Seeing this, the math teacher said, “Hurry up and go to the infirmary. Don’t let it get infected.”

Lu Qing followed them out of the classroom. He was afraid that Tan Rou would be at a disadvantage. However, Tan Rou’s steps may look messy, but they were very steady. He guessed that Tan Rou had some skills. Thus, he stood at the side and watched the show with the others.

Hearing that the math teacher was going to take Tan Rou to the infirmary, he volunteered.

Xu Yan, who rarely spoke, argued with him. “I’m the class monitor. It’s more appropriate for me to send her there.”

“Why are you two big boys fighting over it?” Li Li pulled Tan Rou’s arm.

“I’ll accompany her there.”

Tan Rou felt that Lu Qing and Xu Yan were a little strange. Why did they keep getting close to her recently? Could it be because her grades had improved?

“No need, Li Li will accompany me. It’s only a mark.”

Xu Yan continued asking, “Is there really no other injury? She was pretty ruthless just now.”

Tan Rou chuckled. “Do you want me to get hurt, class monitor? ”

Xu Yan paused and said awkwardly, “That’s not what I meant.”

 

Chapter 223 Confrontation with the principal's office

In the end, only Li Li accompanied Tan Rou to the infirmary to apply some medicine for the wounds.

Tan Jing had also been scratched. It was not a simple mark, but a bloody wound. From her upper arm to her lower arm, there were three obvious bloody marks. While the wound was being treated, Tan Jing was in so much pain that she didn’t forget to ‘show concern’ for Tan Rou.

“Xiao Rou, are you okay? It’s all my fault for not stopping Li Jia’s mother. Tan Jing deliberately showed his injured arm. “Doctor! Can you be gentler?”

He Ling, who had come with her, quickly said, “Doctor, please be gentle. Jingjing is afraid of pain.”

Zhao Ru was blaming Tan Rou for it, “Tan Rou, Jingjing was injured because of you. Why don’t you say sorry?”

The doctor cast an unfriendly look at Tan Rou. She felt that this child was a little cold. Her classmate was injured because of her, but she didn’t say a word.

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Li Li was furious. “I saw it clearly. It was Tan Jing who wanted to push Li Jia’s mother and grab Tan Rou. All Tan Rou did was just dodged the attack and Tan Jing ended up getting caught. Who can you blame?”

“You …” He Ling still wanted to say more, but Tan Jing stopped her.

“Stop it, lingling. It’s my fault for being too weak,” Tan Jing said sadly.

“You’re really good at pretending to be a white Lotus,” Li Li mumbled.

Tan Rou went back to the classroom with Li Li after she was done disinfecting. Seeing that Tan Rou had left, Tan Jing hurriedly pretended to be a white Lotus to make a good impression, which moved the school doctor to the brink of crying as she had no idea what had happened.

When Tan Jing returned to the classroom, Tan Rou was no longer there. As she learned that Tan Rou had been called to the principal’s office, she immediately rushed over.

When Tan Rou arrived at the principal’s office, Father Tao was already there. His hair was a little messy, and there was sweat on his forehead. He must have rushed here in a hurry.

“Dad.” Tan Rou called out.

“My daughter!” Mr. Tao was extremely nervous. He turned Tan Rou around to take a look. When he saw the injury on her arm, his heart ached.

“You’re injured!”

Tan Rou looked at his nervous expression and felt warm in her heart. She shook her head and said, “I was accidentally scratched. I’ve already disinfected it. It’s just a small matter.”

Mr. Tao didn’t think that this was a small matter. His precious daughter had been beaten up by a crazy parent in school. How could he take it?

“The school has to give us an explanation for this!” Mr. Tao’s aura changed.

“First, you accused my daughter of cheating in the exam. Then, one of your students from your school started rumors and slandered my daughter. Now, the mother of the perpetrator came to the school to beat up my daughter, the victim. Do you really think that our family is easy to bully?”

The newly appointed director, Director Zhang, was so anxious that he was sweating. Of all times, all these had to happen when the principal was not around. He was just newly appointed and did not know anything!

“Don’t worry, our school will definitely give you an explanation.” Director Zhang tried to calm him down.

“I left my daughter here in your care because I trusted your school but how did you take care of her? Time and time again! Is my daughter so disliked by your school?” Father Tao questioned.

Director Zhang’s mind went blank when he heard what he said. He couldn’t be thinking of transferring Tan Rou to another school, right? No, no, Tan Rou was the new top student. She was outstanding in all aspects. They couldn’t lose such an outstanding student.

“We will definitely give you a satisfactory answer. Please be patient with us.” Director Zhang tried to calm Father Tao.

“What are you waiting for?” Mr. Tao was very angry.

“You’re not anxious about it because she isn’t your daughter? Think about it, if your daughter was maliciously slandered and beaten up for no reason, how would you feel?”

Director Zhang was also a father. If his daughter was beaten up by a rumor, he would grab a stick and go to the other party’s house to seek justice.

“Yes, yes, yes. Our school has been dealing with this matter. In fact, The principal isn’t here because he’s dealing with this. The school has already expelled Li Jia, so we’ll cooperate with the police to punish the criminal and give Tan Rou an explanation.”

Li Jia’s mother heard what he said and her heart sank. The school had completely given up on Li Jia. What was she going to do in the future?

That’s right, Tan Jing! Tan Jing was the young lady of the Tan family. She had a good relationship with Li Jia and was a wealthy young girl. She would definitely be able to help Li Jia. Even if she couldn’t help Li Jia, they could still ask her for more money to ensure her own livelihood.

Mr. Tao wasn’t very satisfied with the outcome, but he could only cooperate with the police step by step. He also needed to ask for his daughter’s opinion.

“Dear, are you happy with the way that they’re dealing with this?” Father Tao asked.

Tan Rou nodded. “I’m sure the school and the police will give me a satisfactory answer.”

 

Chapter 224 Let's Stay In Our Own Path

 

Since she had already said so, Mr. Tao no longer pressed the school for an answer. He spoke a few more words to Director Zhang before the father and daughter duo left the principal’s office.

On the way, Mr. Tao looked at his obedient and sensible daughter and felt his heart ache again. In the past, her life in the Tan family was not good. Now that she was back, they did not protect her well either. She was accused of cheating, with rumors of her spreading online, and was beaten up in school. They only found out about the situation when others informed them. They were too passive.

He had to arrange for some people to protect Xiao Rou. Father Tao thought to himself, ‘I have only one daughter, so I have to protect her well.’

“Daddy!”

A familiar voice interrupted Father Tao’s thoughts. He turned around and saw Tan Jing, whom he had not seen for a long time. This made his already bad mood even worse.

“Daddy!” Tan Jing unconsciously leaned closer to him. “Why did you come to school personally?”

She felt indignant. In the past, when she was with the Tao family, Mr. Tao never came to school, and every parent-teacher meeting was attended by Mrs. Tao. She always thought that Mr. Tao was too busy with work to attend, but now that something happened to Tan Rou, he came to school immediately.

‘Damn it, what’s so good about this bitch Tan Rou? Why did she have all the good things? All of them loved her. How many people had she poured magic soup into?’

“Miss Tan Jing, I’ve already made it clear last time that we’re no longer father and daughter, or rather, we’ve never been related by blood, so please don’t call me ‘dad’. Gather Tao said in a distant tone. “Of course, if you can’t bring yourself to call me uncle, you can also call me Mr. Tao.”

“Dad, how could you be so cruel?” Tan Jing’s eyes turned red.

“We’ve had years of father-daughter relationship, all of it is just over like that?”

“When you decided to leave after knowing that your biological parents were rich, did you think about our father-daughter relationship that lasted for many years?” Father Tao asked.

Tan Jing lowered her head. Her eyes were filled with ruthlessness. She clenched her fists. “I understand. I won’t call you daddy anymore.”

Tan Rou must have said something to the Tao family. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so heartless! Tan Jing shifted the blame to Tan Rou.

Mr. Tao already knew Tan Jing’s true colors. He had heard some things from Director Zhang and had secretly asked someone to investigate it. Although Tan Jing was not involved in the whole process, according to Tan Jing’s personality, she was probably the one who had pushed the progress of the entire incident behind the scenes.

At the thought that his daughter was going to attend the same school as this evil person, Mr. Tao became worried. He lifted Tan Rou’s arm and asked, “Does your arm still hurt?”

Tan Rou shook her head gently. “Dad, it really doesn’t hurt. It looks serious, but I don’t feel anything at all.”

Tan Jing looked at Father Tao in this state and then looked at the bloody wound on her arm. Her heart was filled with hatred. Wasn’t she the one who was heavily injured? He didn’t even look at it.

“It’s good that you’re fine.” Mr. Tao was slightly relieved. “In the future, don’t shoulder everything by yourself. You have to tell mom and dad. We’ll always be your support.”

“Yes.” Tan Rou felt touched. She finally had a family that belonged to her and loved her. She had done something wrong in her previous life, so she had to make it up to her family in this life.

With this delay, Li Jia’s mother came out of the principal’s office. When she saw Tan Jing standing there, she struggled to break free from the security guards and rushed to Tan Jing.

“Jingjing, please help Jiajia. Aren’t you the young miss of the Tan family? As long as your father puts in the word, Jiajia will be fine.” Li Jia’s mother grabbed Tan Jing’s injured arm with great force.

“Li Jia and Tan Jing are very good friends,” tan Rou whispered.

Mr. Tao already knew about it. When the rumor monger was caught, Mr. Tao sent someone to investigate Li Jia and found out that she was just a young girl with no background. However, she had a very good relationship with Tan Jing. Tan Jing even allowed her mother to stay in a high-end nursing home.

However, this woman didn’t look like a patient at all, except for being a little thin. She looked lively.

Since they had something to say, the father and daughter of the Tao family wouldn’t disturb them and gave them space.

“Xiao Rou, I’ll send you back to class. Mom and dad will protect you from now on. We won’t let you get hurt in the slightest,” Father Tao reassured his daughter.

“Dad, I can protect myself.”

How could Mr. Tao trust a little girl? He put his arm around Tan Rou’s shoulder and said, “Yes, alright. Xiao Rou is a very strong young woman.” However, he also warned Tan Rou, “But, you have to be careful. Although the school is relatively safe, it’s not absolutely safe. All of these incidents happened in school, so it’s hard to guard against them.”

 

Chapter 225 Who is he?

“Yes, I know.” Tan Rou nodded.

“Also, in the future, if you can’t afford to offend tan Jing, just hide from her. She’s no longer on the same side as us. The road is broad. Let’s each go our own way. We’ll mind our own business.” Father Tao spoke coldly.

Tan Rou went back to class, and Tan Jing only returned after a long time. Seeing her in such a sorry state, she must have been tortured by Li Jia’s mother.

‘Let’s go our separate ways?’ Tan Rou thought to herself.

‘No, I won’t allow it. I want Tan Jing to have no way out.’

“Xiao Rou!” Mrs. Tao had been waiting at the door for a long time. Seeing that her daughter had returned safely, she finally relaxed.

“You scared me.”

Mr. Tao only told her about Tan Rou’s beating at school after he was done with the matter. Otherwise, she would have gone to the school to seek justice for her daughter.

“Mom, I’m fine. You didn’t have to worry.” Tan Rou reassured her mother.

Mrs. Tao immediately noticed the red mark on her arm. “You said you’re fine but it’s such a long mark! It must be very painful, right?” Mrs. Tao’s heart ached.

“It doesn’t hurt.” Tan Rou patiently explained, “I have a sensitive scene. It’ll turn red just by touching it. I didn’t let that woman catch me. I did this to myself.”

Mrs. Tao held her hand. “You child. Come in quickly, I’ll apply some ointment for you.”

Mrs. Tao’s hand was very warm and Tan Rou felt very comfortable holding it.

“Xiao Rou, if you have any grievances, you have to tell us. You said you have your own way this time, so we didn’t interfere, but you can’t continue doing so. No matter how powerful your friends are, and how they can help you, you still have to tell us about this. We’ll be your backup, understand?” Mrs. Tao said earnestly.

“I understand, mom.” Tan Rou agreed.

“I shouldn’t interfere too much in your life. You’ve grown up and have your own thoughts. I’m very pleased but are your friends reliable? Also, who is that person in the photo?” Mrs Tao was still worried.

Tan Rou knew that her family would definitely ask her about it. Now that the matter was resolved, there was no harm in telling them so that they wouldn’t worry.

“Do you still remember the nerve-soothing incense I made earlier?” Tan Rou said.

Mrs. Tao still remembered that it was all thanks to the nerve-soothing incense that she was able to sleep well. “I do. What about it?”

Tan Rou told her parents what she had said to the police at school.

“So that day, he came to me to ask if I had any nerve-soothing incense. Because of the urgency of the matter, Mr. Zhuang came to me directly, and in the end, he was photographed. My classmate’s grandfather was sick at that time, and I told him that I wanted to visit his grandfather at the hospital. Mr. Zhuang happened to be going to the hospital as well, and he had a car, so he gave me a ride.” Tan Rou processed the matter and told her parents. She didn’t want to tell them everything now. Some things were safer if fewer people knew.

Mrs. Tao was relieved. As long as they weren’t bad friends, she was fine with it.

Tan Rou hugged her mother’s arm and said coquettishly, “Mom, are you relieved now? Also, you don’t have to worry about the aftermath. The gentleman who was involved with it will not let them get away with it so easily.

“My daughter has been wronged.” Mrs. Tao said, patting her daughter’s head.

“Mom, don’t worry.” Tan Rou knew that her mother was worried about her. This time, she had not thought things through. Although she had told her parents in advance, it would definitely still be difficult for them to see those words on the headlines.

“There won’t be a next time.” Tan Rou secretly swore.

Tao Qi came back. After he saw Tan Rou, his expression didn’t look good. When he saw those comments on the internet, he doubted Tan Rou. When others scolded her, he also echoed them. Now that the truth was out, he didn’t know where to hide.

Why did he not believe her? Little Tao Qi asked himself, ‘why can’t I trust her a little more every time she’s been framed?’ He clearly wanted to believe her, but he still ended up scolding her along with others.

Tan Rou looked at his expression and knew that he was still feeling awkward. After all, he was still a child and did not understand the evil of the world. He could only see what was in front of him, and it was normal for him to be used by others.

“Where’s elder brother?” Tan Rou didn’t bother to argue with him.

“Why don’t I see him?”

“Your second brother heard that you were beaten up in school and went out nervously. He said that he wanted to buy you some self-defense equipment.” Mrs. Tao talked about what Tao Zheng was doing.

Tan Rou didn’t need any self-defense tools. Was there anyone in school who could hurt her? However, she was still very touched. “I can’t bring those tools to school.”

Mrs. Tao glanced at Mr. Tao, who understood what she meant and nodded at her. It was time to protect their precious daughter.

Chapter 226 You said you would treat me to a meal

Sure enough, Tao Zheng had brought a huge bag of things with him. Pepper spray, electric batons, pepper spray, tiger claw gauntlets, and a whole bunch of other things. They could be used for protection, but she couldn’t bring them into the school!

Tan Rou didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She couldn’t reject her brother’s good intentions, so she could only accept these things. However, she didn’t intend to bring them to school, in case the teachers found out during a surprise inspection.

It was the weekend, so Tan Rou did her homework and developed new pills during the day. After dinner, she found that she hadn’t moved much the whole day, so she put on her headphones and went out for a walk, running a few laps.

“Mom, dad, I’m going out for a run.” Tan Rou didn’t forget to inform parents, lest they worry about her.

“It’s late, let your brother go with you.” Mrs. Tao was worried about Tan Rou going out alone.

Tan Rou understood her mother’s good intentions, but she explained to her mother about how she wanted to go out for a run alone, so that there was no need to talk.

After hearing her daughter’s words, Mrs. Tao could only remind her to be careful, not go to dark places or less crowded places, and to come back early.

Tan Rou answered all of them.

The evening wind blew on her face and her long hair fluttered. The last scent of Acacia Flower floated in the air. Soon, all the Acacia Flowers here would wither. Two or three pedestrians came and left in a hurry, and a car with two flashing lights was waiting by the side of the road. The person standing beside the car looked a little familiar.

“Third young master!” Tan Rou unconsciously smiled. “What are you doing here? Where’s Xiao Mo?”

When Zhuang Liu saw her, the corners of his lips curved up. “He’s waiting for me in the car.”

“Why is the assistant in the car? Does the boss want to get some fresh air outside?” Tan Rou chuckled.

Xiao Mo rolled down the window. “Miss Tan Rou, you’ve wronged me.”

Tan Rou was just joking with him. “Third young master, what are you doing here? Don’t you have any work to do?”

Zhuang Liu raised his eyebrows. “I’m waiting for someone to fulfill her promise.”

Tan Rou looked around. The people on the road were in a hurry home, and they didn’t seem to be the people he was waiting for. “Who is the third young master waiting for me?”

Zhuang Liu looked up at her. “I’m waiting for a particular person who wants to take me out for a meal.”

Tan Rou didn’t react in time. She thought Zhuang Liu was waiting for some business partner. She was still thinking about how arrogant the business partner was to make the third young master Zhuang wait in person and even had the audacity to be late.

Zhuang Liu noticed that she was still in a daze, so he reminded her, “Do you remember what you said to Xiao Mo at the school gate?”

Tan Rou tried hard to recall and finally understood who he was talking about.

However, it was almost ten o’clock, and even if the restaurant opened, there wouldn’t be any good dishes left. If she went to the Clearwater Pavilion, it would be too far away, and it would already be too late. She didn’t want to trouble Mr. Fang and the others. Moreover, she had eaten the dishes at the Clearwater Pavilion several times. It would be too boring if she invited Zhuang Liu there.

“I remember.” In fact, Tan Rou hadn’t decided where to treat Zhuang Liu to dinner yet. Ordinary restaurants didn’t suit his status, and he must have been tired of high-end restaurants. After thinking about it, she still couldn’t find a suitable place to eat. “Just give me a minute. I’ll tell you when I’ve chosen a good place.”

“Okay, I’ll be waiting,” Zhuang Liu answered calmly.

A gust of night wind blew, and the rich fragrance of Acacia Flower collided with the two. Tan Rou felt a little hot, but she didn’t know if it was from running or something else.

“It’s so hot,” Tan Rou saw a fruit tea shop not far away. “Third young master, since we can’t have dinner today, why don’t I treat you to a cup of fruit tea first?”

As long as it was her treat, Zhuang Liu would not be picky about it.

“Sure.”

Tan Jing walked behind Zhuang Liu’s wheelchair and pushed him to the fruit tea shop to order. The waiter asked her what sugar level Tan Rou wanted.

“Which one would taste best?” Tan Rou asked the waiter.

“Full sugar is the best. It completes the recipe.”

Tan Rou made her own medicine, so she naturally knew how these recipes came about so she chose to have full suger for both drinks.

“Let’s wait for a while. We’re no.99.” Tan Rou put the receipt on the table in front of the fruit tea shop.

Zhuang Liu liked the number very much. “99… That’s a good number that means eternity.”

“Third young master, are you superstitious about this?” Tan Rou asked.

“I’m not superstitious.” Zhuang Liu looked at her and said gently, “It wasn’t until I met you that I believed that fate was predestined. God has given me a second chance to meet you again.”

“We’ve met in the past?”Tan Rou was wondering where they had met before.

“Now that I’ve seen you, I feel like I knew you in my previous life.” Zhuang Liu said ambiguously.

After Tan Rou heard this, she only thought that it was a normal but ambiguous statement and didn’t take it seriously.

 

Chapter 227 Sweet Lover

“Is there anything else you need help with at the police station?” Zhuang Liu asked while they were waiting.

“The evidence has been collected. The police said they were asking for my opinion, but they wanted to file a lawsuit as soon as possible and close the case. Third young master, they might want you to appear in court.”

Zhuang Liu expressed that he would go. “It’s not just your lawsuit. The Zhuang family will also file a lawsuit. It’ll save them a lot of trouble.” Although he was happy to hear others say he and Tan Rou were a couple, it didn’t mean he could accept others slandering Tan Rou.

He hoped that one day, they would be able to stand in front of everyone and receive everyone’s blessings instead of spreading rumors in secret photos. This time, if Tan Rou had not insisted on waiting for the right time, he would have settled the matter from the beginning and shut them up forever.

“She’ll be punished for several crimes; even if Li Jia isn’t 18, she’ll have to be imprisoned for many years. It’s a pity that Tan Jing managed to get away with it.” Tan Rou said with regret.

“The wicked will have their retribution. If she continues to do evil things, she will give herself away sooner or later.” Zhuang Liu comforted her.

“Yes.” Tan Rou rubbed the receipt in her hand and said firmly, “Tan Jing’s good days will soon come to an end.”

“Number ninety-nine!” The service staff called out the number.

“I’ll go get it. Wait for me.” Tan Rou cast aside her unhappiness.

While Tan Rou went to get the fruit tea, Zhuang Liu sent a message to Xiao Mo, asking him to gather all the information about the Tan family, especially the business issues, as soon as possible. He also asked him to learn about Tan Rou’s life in the Tan family when she was young. He wanted to see what kind of life Tan Rou had lived in the past.

“This cup is yours. Try it!” Tan Rou pushed a cup of fruit tea to Zhuang Liu.

Zhuang Liu took a sip, and his eyes widened in shock. Then, he calmed down and said, “It’s good.”

Tan Rou also took a sip. It was indeed a cup of tea with full sugar. It was so sweet that she even wanted to drink water while drinking this fruit tea.

It was so sweet that she thought Zhuang Liu wouldn’t like it, but he was delighted. From his bright eyes and satisfied expression, she knew he liked it.

Tan Rou was curious. Did he like the fruit tea or liked it because he liked having sweet drinks?

“How is it? Does it taste good?” Tan Rou asked.

“It’s delicious.” Zhuang Liu said happily. “I didn’t expect a roadside shop to make such delicious food. It’s my first time drinking it.”

Tan Rou wanted to test if he liked sweet things. He probably wouldn’t answer her if she had asked him directly.

“Would you like to have supper? There’s a small cake shop there.” Tan Rou said. “Do you want to have any?”

Zhuang Liu looked at the cake. He was actually a little resistant. Wasn’t it strange for a man to eat cake? However, since Tan Rou said so, it meant that she wanted to eat it.

“Alright, I’ll buy them.”

“It’s alright. I’ll go instead.”

Zhuang Liu couldn’t move freely and only allowed her to do so.

Tan Rou picked two sweet cakes, which were said to be sweeter than first love.

As expected, she felt like she had swallowed a large amount of rock sugar when it entered her mouth. It was incredibly sweet.

She looked at Zhuang Liu curiously, who ate the cake without a change in expression.

Tan Rou understood now. Zhuang Liu liked sweet food. She didn’t expect the stern and stern young third master Zhuang to have such a cute side.

“How is it? Is it good?” Tan Rou asked.

Zhuang Liu answered, “It’s a little sweet, but the taste is okay. I don’t usually eat these, but it feels good to eat them occasionally.”

Tan Rou made a mental note. The next time she went to see Zhuang Liu, she would bring him some desserts, but not the sweetest, in case he ate too much sugar.

After eating and drinking to her heart’s content, Tan Rou realized that her jog had been a waste.

She pushed Zhuang Liu back and started talking about old master Lu again.

I’ve asked Xiao mo to send the pills over. “Old master Lu didn’t suspect anything. He just took it as an ordinary high-end tonic,” Zhuang Liu said.

“After giving the Old master Lu a few more acupunctures and the pills. It won’t be long before old master Lu can leave bed. I have to thank you for this.” Tan Rou changed the attention over to Old Master Lu’s condition.

“I’ve told you so many times that there’s no need to thank me,” Zhuang Liu said helplessly.

“Alright, alright, I’ll remember it.”

The stars in the sky shone on the people on the ground. In the quiet night, a burst of fragrant wind blew, pulling each others closer into each other’s hearts.

 

Chapter 228 The illegitimate child who returned to China

“Xiao Rou, guess who’s coming back?” On Monday morning, Tan Rou was dragged to the side by Li Li as soon as she entered the classroom. She was acting mysteriously.

Tan Rou didn’t care who was coming back. Unless Li Jia was released without charges and returned to class safely, she didn’t care.

“Song Lin! Song Lin! Li Li said excitedly, “The one who’s ranked alongside Lu Qing as the school hunk!”

There was indeed such a person in Tan Rou’s memory. It was not for any other reason but because this guy was Tan Jing’s number one and most loyal pursuer. In his words, he was obsessed with Tan Jing. However, Tan Jing seemed to have never agreed to his pursuit. He only had a one-sided love.

“Oh.” Tan Rou’s reaction was indifferent. “Isn’t it normal for him to come back?”

Song Lin had been studying abroad for half a year as an exchange student. Now that the exchange was over, it was only natural that he would return to school. What was so strange about that?

“You’re so calm!” Seeing that Tan Rou didn’t mind, Li Li lost her interest. “That’s true. You already have hunk Lu.”

Tan Rou was confused but she laughed. “Huh? When did I have anything to do with Lu Qing?”

Li Li looked up and said excitedly, “Oh my, handsome Lu seems to be sunny and cheerful around you. However, he’s indifferent and distant to everyone. You’re the only one. Tell me, do you feel anything different?”

“I feel that the weather today is pretty good.” Tan Rou walked past her and said, Aalso, I think we should go to the morning class.”

Li Li’s desire for gossip was extinguished by Tan Rou’s cold and unbothered She could only sigh and go back to prepare for morning reading.

“Jingjing, Song Lin is coming back. No one will dare to bully you now.” He Ling said happily.

Tan Jing just laughed it off.

Song Lin, the son of the Song family. The Song family was a well-known family in the city, not inferior to the Tan family or the Lu family. By right, the handsome Song Lin should be as popular as Lu Qing. However, he was still not as good as Lu Qing. The reason was that Song Lin was not the real young master of the Song family. He was just an illegitimate child who had been accepted back home.

His identity as an illegitimate child was also the most important reason why Tan Jing did not agree to his pursuit. Compared to an illegitimate child, Tan Jing was more inclined to choose Lu Qing, who was also the most handsome guy in school, had good grades, was handsome, and was the heir of the Lu family.

“Jingjing, now that Song Lin is back, why don’t you go and look for him and ask him to help Jiajia? It’s been so many days already thatJiajia has been in the detention center. When I went to see her, she had lost so much weight.” Zhao Ru mentioned Li Jia. She had hoped that Tan Jing could help, but so many days had passed, and there was still no news from Tan Jing. It was clear that there was no chance here.

Tan Jing did not want to trouble Song Lin in regards to the issue with Li Jia, but she could ask Song Lin to do something else. Since Song Lin liked her, then she would see how much his love was worth.

“It’s okay. I know you’re worried about Jiajia. I’m worried about her too but don’t worry. I’ll look for Song Lin as soon as he comes back. I’ll see if he can help Jiajia.”

After hearing this, He Ling and Zhao Ru both felt that Tan Jing was really a kind and good girl. Since she was a good girl, then there would be bad Girls. Who was the bad girl here? That would be Tan Rou, who had sent Li Jia into prison.

Tan Rou returned to her seat. Before she could even open her book, she heard Xu Yan walk over and whisper, “Be careful of Song Lin.”

“Why should I?” Tan Rou raised her head and asked.

Xu Yan thought for a moment and said, “Because of his identity as an illegitimate child, Song Lin is very stubborn and unscrupulous. He has a dark heart. He has a viciousness that doesn’t belong to his age.”

“What does this have to do with me?” Tan Rou shrugged her shoulders. “I’m just a student. I’m here to take lessons and get into a top university. I’m not here to play psychological warfare with him.”

Xu Yan was not at ease. He reminded her again. “In short, you have to be cautious.”

“Well, I’ll have to thank you for your reminder.” Tan Rou said with a smile.

Xu Yan’s heart thumped as he watched. “I’ll be leaving first.”

He left with ears that have turned red.

After he left, Tan Rou’s smile immediately disappeared. She knew very well why Xu Yan had reminded her about it. It was because of the relationship between Tan Jing and Song Lin. Song Lin liked Tan Jing. If Song Lin helped Tan Jing to mess with Tan Rou, it would not be easy to deal with her.

However… Tan Rou laughed and said, “It’s not certain to say who would be in trouble for now.”

If Song Lin dares to provoke her, he will end up in a state worse than Wei Ling and Li Jia.

 

Chapter 229 228 Who's healing you secretly?

That day, Old master Lu’s attending doctor looked for Lu Qing and asked him if he had found a new doctor for Old master Lu.

Lu Qing was confused. “My grandfather was being treated in your hospital. Why would I go to another doctor? Did something happen to grandpa’s body? But… he’s gotten much better recently.”

“I’m only asking you this because his condition has improved.”

The attending doctor showed Lu Qing the recent examination reports, “Look at these indicators. They are almost at the normal level. Moreover, the old chief’s appetite has obviously increased recently, and he’s in much better spirits.”

“I can tell.” Lu Qing looked at the report, “But I can guarantee that I didn’t find any other doctor for Grandpa. Could it be that your treatment plan was effective?”

The doctor-in-charge was a man of integrity, and would not take the credit if it was not his. Furthermore, Chief Lu trusted him, and he could not let him down.

“No. As you can see, our hospital’s treatment plan is only to extend old chief Lu’s life. Moreover, his condition has only been getting worse and worse. We wanted to change the treatment plan, but we didn’t change it after his condition improved. I’m sure the treatment we’re using can only extend one’s life. I’ve already made this clear to you at the beginning of the treatment.”

Lu Qing knew that the doctor was telling the truth. When they first arrived at the hospital, the doctor had already explained that his grandfather’s body was not suitable for Western treatment. On the contrary, traditional Chinese therapy was more beneficial for his body.

However, for some reason, his grandfather was very resistant to Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy and insisted on using Western medicine as the sole treatment.

They couldn’t come to a decision. Moreover, Lu Qing couldn’t find a good Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to treat his grandfather. So, he had to take a step back and use Western medicine.

“Let’s go and ask Grandpa. We won’t be able to get the answer even if we keep guessing.”

The two of them went in to ask old master Lu and happened to see him eating a brown pill the size of a finger.

“Grandpa, what are you eating? Why haven’t I seen it before?” Lu Qing asked curiously.

Old master Lu showed him the pill. “This is a tonic that the Zhuang family gave me. I thought it tasted good, so I ate one but I found it delicious, so I continued eating it.” He took out the instruction manual that he had written.

“It looks like a special tonic; even the instruction manual was written with a writing brush.”

The attending doctor was very interested when he saw the pill. “Old Chief, can I please have a look at it?”

“Sure.” Old master Lu handed it to him. “Don’t worry, this is from third young master Zhuang. With his status, he doesn’t need to harm an old man like me.”

The attending doctor didn’t mean that, but it wasn’t the time to explain.

He pinched the pill open and sniffed it. It was indeed very fragrant and appetising. Although he couldn’t smell the ingredients, as a doctor, he had some knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine. He could basically judge that this pill was beneficial and harmless.

“This may be one of the reasons for the old General’s recovery. There is another treatment in Chinese medicine, which is acupuncture. Acupuncture usually goes along with a diet regime. This pill may be the person who also gave you acupuncture. Perhaps someone has already performed acupuncture on you…” The attending doctor suggested.

Old master Lu couldn’t believe it. He said agitatedly, “How is that possible? Who did this?”

Lu Qing held him down, “Grandpa, don’t be so agitated. Let’s hear what the doctor has to say.”

The attending doctor said sincerely, “I’ve talked to young master Lu previously. Your body is already weak and the damages have already been done. Western medicine can cure the symptoms but only traditional Chinese medicine can better make up for your loss. However, you have been against it, so we can only develop a Western medicine plan for you.”

“I know.” Old master Lu was well aware of this. He didn’t believe in Chinese medicine, which was why he refused to use it.

“Now that someone has given you acupuncture and diet therapy without you knowing, it’s clear that traditional Chinese medicine therapy is beneficial. For the sake of your health, we’d recommend you try Chinese medicine again.

“Of course, we’re not trying to promote our Chinese medicine. After all, our Chinese medicine isn’t at the level of the person who’s treating you.”

Before Old master Lu could reject him, Lu Qing said, “Grandpa, just try it. Acupuncture will definitely be more comfortable than all the injections and infusions that you’re having. Look at your arm. There are needle marks and bruises all over it. As your grandson, my heart aches for you. Nothing is more important than your life, right?”

Old master Lu looked at his young grandson and chose to compromise. “Alright, let’s try it.”

 

Chapter 23 Going out to eat

Although old master Lu had agreed to try traditional Chinese medicine therapy, he was still confused. Was it the hospital setting him up, or had someone really given him acupuncture without him knowing?

Who was the one who did acupuncture? Zhuang Liu was the one who sent the tonics. He said that he gave them out of concern for his elders. He didn’t mean anything else. Old master Lu just ate it after smelling it and didn’t think much about it. If Zhuang Liu was really the one who treated him, what was Zhuang Liu’s purpose?

Old master Lu could not comprehend what was going on. Comparing the Zhuang family to the Lu family was like comparing the moon to the stars. Even if the main Zhuang family was not here, there was no need to curry favor with him. The difference between the two families was huge.

Moreover, the other party was very smart. He seemed to know that Old master Lu didn’t believe in Chinese medicine, so he didn’t reveal any information during the treatment.

“Let’s check the surveillance cameras.” Lu Qing ordered the guard, “See who did it.”

Old master Lu also reacted quickly. “Yes, check the surveillance cameras!”

However, the results of the investigation were beyond their expectations. The footage on the surveillance camera in the past few days has gone missing, especially during the times when Zhuang Liu appeared. There were very few traces of him in the surveillance video, as if he had deliberately blocked them.

“How did this happen?” Old master Lu’s face was stern.

“Who touched the surveillance camera?”

“It should be the person who is treating you. The other party is very smart, ” They’ve thought it through. They know that there are guards guarding the place and nothing will happen and we won’t be checking the surveillance cameras either. That’s why they blocked it.

“It’s also because we think that the hospital is absolutely safe that we don’t have the habit of checking the surveillance cameras. That’s why we’re in a passive position now.”

“Find out who it was. We have to know who’s behind this!” Old master Lu ordered.

Just as Old master Lu and Lu Qing were struggling over who treated old master Lu, two of the ‘culprits’ involved were preparing to go to an extremely important dinner.

“Xiao Mo, what do you think of this?” Zhuang Liu was trying on a new suit. It was a black shirt, black pants, and a white shirt. It was something traditional.

Xiao Mo touched his chin and said, “It doesn’t look like you’re going for dinner. You look like you are about to have a meeting.”

Zhuang Liu threw the clothes aside, and the place was already filled with the clothes he had ruled out.

Two days ago, he had received a message from Tan Rou that she was ready to take him out for a meal. He had been so happy that he had laughed from time to time during work hours, but in his joy, he had been struggling with what to wear.

For this reason, he postponed a family gathering in the capital city and personally picked out clothes for himself. After two days of picking, he still did not choose a suitable set of clothes.

If he wore a sweater, he would look a little out of place and not in line with his identity. If he wore a suit, just like Xiao Mo had said, he would look like a businessman. He should wear a long trench coat. He was sitting in a wheelchair, so no trench coat would look good on him.

After so long, even the private tailor was defeated by him, and he still couldn’t find a decent piece of clothing.

“I believe that no matter what you wear, Miss Tan Rou won’t mind.” Xiao Mo spoke like an oblivious young man.

Zhuang Liu glared at him. “What’s the use of having you?”

Xiao Mo didn’t understand why he had said the wrong thing again. “Third master, please hurry up. It’s almost time for you to meet up with Miss Tan Rou.”

Zhuang Liu looked at the pile of clothes and finally chose a neatly ironed white shirt, just like what he usually wore.

However, Tan Rou had carefully matched her outfit. She wore a beige floral long-sleeved dress, five-centimeter high heels, and two white crystal bracelets. Her hair was slightly loose, and she had a plain floral headband as decoration. She looked simple, fresh, and natural.

Compared to her, Zhuang Liu felt that he was too rude. She had dressed up meticulously while he came to the appointment in a white shirt.

“Here, fruit tea.” Tan Rou handed the fruit tea that she had been carrying for a long time to Zhuang Liu. “I saw it on the way and thought you would like it, so I bought you a cup.”

Zhuang Liu did like it. He would like anything that Tan Rou would have given to him. After getting the fruit tea, he couldn’t wait to open it and drink it, but he was stopped by Tan Rou.

“You can’t drink it now.” Tan Rou pressed his hand down. “You won’t be able to enjoy dinner after this then.”

Zhuang Liu looked at their hands and felt full even though he had not eaten.

“So, where are we going to eat?” Zhuang Liu actually stuttered.

Tan Rou blinked. “Now, that’s a secret.”

Zhuang Liu was moved. “Okay, I’ll follow your lead.”

“Yes. You’re always the one making arrangements! Just follow mine today.” She pushed Zhuang Liu’s wheelchair from behind.

Xiao Mo, who was following behind, felt that he was a little redundant.