Ch. 371..380
Chapter 371: 371 Morning Trainin
When Tao Zhi came out of his parents’ room, he met his grandfather who came to the living room to get some water. He didn’t know if he was really thirsty or if he heard the noise and came out to take a look. After all, there was a thermos bottle in Grandpa and Grandma Tao’s room.
“Grandpa, why are you still awake?” Tao Zhi went over to greet him.
Grandpa Tao held the empty cup and said after a while, “I’m a little thirsty. I came out to get some water.”
Tao Zhi glanced at the cup and reached out his hand.
Grandpa Tao didn’t refuse. He handed the cup over, and the two of them stood under the dim night light.
After a while, Grandpa Tao couldn’t help but ask, “What are your plans for your return this time?”
Tao Zhi guessed that he had heard the conversation just now. After all, they didn’t close the door when they were talking just now. Grandpa Tao could easily hear them from the first floor.
“I want to join the company. I don’t plan on going back.” Tao Zhi said as he poured water.
Grandpa Tao nodded and agreed. “Alright, that’s good. We need someone to take over the company. Your father has been staying here all this time. Second Brother likes photography and is not cut out for it. Your other siblings are still in school. You’re the most suitable candidate.”
Tao Zhi smiled bitterly. So this was his value?
Grandpa Tao then said, “I remember that you liked music when you were young. Do you still like it now?”
Tao Zhi shook his head. “It’s not important anymore.”
Grandpa Tao paused for a moment before saying, “Our family bought a few music production companies a few years ago. You can work there first.”
Tao Zhi didn’t expect him to say that. When he said that he liked music, his grandfather was the one who opposed him the most. Grandpa Tao believed that playing music was a waste of time.
“Thank you, Grandpa.” Tao Zhi smiled. “I’ve made up my mind. I want to protect my younger siblings and let them grow up freely. And just like what I said to my parents just now, it doesn’t mean that I can’t make music while working at the company. As you said, we have a music company too. If I want to do music, I can do it there.”
Grandpa Tao smiled. “You’ve grown up.”
“People need to grow.” Tao Zhi felt completely relaxed. “I’d rather be with my family.”
“Alright.” Grandpa Tao said, “I’m going back to sleep. I’m old and can’t stay up late.”
Tao Zhi glanced at the cup in his hand and handed it over. “Grandpa, you forgot your water.”
Under the dim light, Grandpa Tao’s expression was a little strange. He seemed to have just remembered what he was here for. “Oh, right.”
The night slowly disappeared and the sun came out.
Tan Rou woke up at the urging of the alarm clock. She didn’t have the habit of lazing in bed. As soon as the alarm clock rang, she would get up and quickly put on her clothes to do her morning exercise.
However, there was one more person when she was exercising today.
Tan Rou was doing some warm up beside the artificial lake. She bent down and stretched, but when she looked up, she saw a familiar figure.
“Hey, is the Third Brother also here for a jog too?” Tan Rou walked over.
Zhuang Liu parked his wheelchair on a step, then put his walking stick on the ground. He propped himself up with both hands and stood up.
Tan Rou saw this and stopped in her tracks. She said happily, “Third Brother’s leg is recovering very well.”
Zhuang Liu supported himself with his walking stick and moved slowly. “Yes, I can walk quite the distance with the help of the walking stick.”
Tan Rou stood there and waited for him to come over. She was looking forward to seeing Zhuang Liu put down his crutch and walk healthily.
Zhuang Liu didn’t disappoint her. He didn’t fall even once after walking for more than ten meters.
Tan Rou decided not to run today. She would accompany Zhuang Liu for rehabilitation training instead.
Zhuang Liu was naturally very happy. He usually didn’t have the chance to talk to Tan Rou, but today he could finally talk to his heart’s content.
“Xiao Rou, when did you move here?” Zhuang Liu asked.
“I moved in on Thursday.” Tan Rou replied, “I thought about mentioning it to you, but then I remembered that you don’t live here which was why I didn’t say anything.”
Zhuang Liu said anxiously, “I’m here, I live here now!”
Tan Rou narrowed her eyes and smiled. “I can tell. You slept here last night, but wouldn’t that be far from the company?”
“It’s okay. I can wake up earlier in the morning. Besides, I’m the boss. I’m not afraid of being late.”
“True! This is the privilege of being the boss.” Tan Rou smiled..
Chapter 372: 372 Alone by the Lake
Zhuang Liu didn’t deny it. If he could spend more time with Tan Rou, he wouldn’t mind using this privilege.
Tan Rou accompanied Zhuang Liu as they slowly walked around the man-made lake. The weather was a little cold, so she put on the coat that she had taken off.
However, Zhuang Liu was drenched in sweat. His white shirt was soaked in sweat. Even in this late autumn, he could feel the heat.
“Wipe your sweat.” Tan Rou pulled out a tissue from her pocket and handed it to Zhuang Liu.
Zhuang Liu frowned, then raised his left hand with difficulty. His two arms were still tightly pressed against the crutch. It looked difficult for him to wipe his sweat on his own.
Tan Rou saw his actions and was stunned for a moment. Then, she raised her hand and carefully wiped his sweat. Usually, when she treated others, Zhuang Liu would be the one wiping Tan Rou’s sweat. So, she did not feel embarrassed wiping Zhuang Liu’s sweat now.
Zhuang Liu put his slightly raised hand back to its original position. He bent down to let Tan Rou wipe his sweat. Not only did he not feel embarrassed, but he also revealed a happy expression.
“Do you want to sit down and rest for a while?” Tan Rou asked as she wiped the sweat off his face.
Zhuang Liu thought that it was fine. He didn’t want to practice walking. He could practice walking at home. He just wanted to spend more time with Tan Rou. Usually, Zhuang Liu would still be resting at this time. He had come over because his mother had told him that Tan Rou would be having a morning jog at the artificial lake, which his mother had heard about from Tan Rou’s mother. It could be seen that these two mothers were very close.
In order to wake up early to exercise with Tan Rou, he had set an alarm clock that was almost an hour earlier than what he was used to, but he was willing to do anything for Tan Rou.
“Uh…” Tan Rou sat down where she had placed her things. “There’s only a glass of water. You… Do you want some?” She had brought only one small thermos bottle with her and would drink a little water to moisten her throat after every run.
Tan Rou’s cup was light green, and there were two small daisy flowers nestled together on it. It looked fresh and natural.
“Can I have some?” Zhuang Liu was very excited. He really wanted to drink the water in Tan Rou’s cup, but was their relationship so good that they could drink a cup of water?
Tan Rou thought for a moment, unscrewed the lid of the cup, poured a cup of warm water, and handed it to Zhuang Liu. “Sure, we’ve eaten so many meals together, what’s wrong with sharing a cup of water?”
Zhuang Liu gladly accepted it and tasted the warm water one mouthful at a time. There seemed to be sugar in the water, and it tasted especially sweet.
“Did Xiao Rou put sugar in the water?” Zhuang Liu asked with a smile.
Tan Rou did not understand what he meant, so she answered seriously, “I didn’t put sugar in the water.”
After saying that, she felt a little regretful. “If I had known that I would meet you during my morning exercise today, I would have brought you some candies. I just happened to make a few new ones, but I haven’t had the time to give it to you yet.”
Zhuang Liu didn’t know if he really liked candy. He just liked eating things that Tan Rou gave him. Whether it was fruit tea or candy, perhaps his love for them came from Tan Rou. Tan Rou had given those things to Zhuang Liu. No matter if they were bitter or sweet, he would still like them.
Thinking of this, Zhuang Liu felt a hint of sweetness in his heart. The candy he ate was specially made by Tan Rou for him. No one else had the same kind of candy. This was a little secret that belonged to him and Tan Rou. Just thinking about it made him very happy.
Zhuang Liu was looking forward to the new candy. “Sure. Perhaps you can bring it to me tomorrow when you come for a run in the morning.”
“Will you still be here tomorrow?” Tan Rou asked.
Zhuang Liu nodded slightly. “Yes, I’ll come here for rehabilitation training tomorrow.”
“Alright.” Tan Rou looked at the time on her phone and said, “We should head back and have breakfast. I have to go to school. You should go to work too.”
Zhuang Liu suddenly had a feeling of peace and tranquility. He would go to work while Tan Rou went to school, and everything was wonderful.
It was just that he could not live such a life now. The trouble within the Zhuang family had not been eliminated yet. After the new year, his grandfather would announce the heir. Presumably, his uncles would not let him off easily during this period of time.
“Let’s go.” Tan Rou stood up and said, “I’ll push you back..”
Chapter 373: 373 I Will Definitely Help
When they were almost at the door, Tan Ron suddenly thought of something, so she stopped and pushed Zhuang Liu to the side.
Zhuang Liu didn’t understand and asked, “Rourou, what happened?”
“Third brother, I want to ask you for a favor.” Tan Rou said solemnly.
Zhuang Liu didn’t hear what she said and immediately agreed with her. “Tell me, I’ll help you do it.”
Tan Rou chuckled and said, “I haven’t said anything yet and you’ve agreed. What if it’s something illegal?”
“No, you won’t let me do anything bad. I believe you.” Zhuang Liu looked at Tan Rou with a firm gaze. “And if it’s your request, I’ll do it even if you ask me to do something bad.”
After Tan Rou heard his words, she remained silent for a long time. Her long eyelashes trembled slightly as if she was thinking about something.
After a long time, Tan Rou answered him in a low voice, “Third Brother, thank you for believing in me. I won’t let you down.” She smiled brightly. “But, back to the topic…”
Tan Rou told Zhuang Liu. “I want you to help me investigate something. It’s about my big brother.”
Hearing that it was about Tan Rou’s brother, Zhuang Liu immediately sat up straight. “Go ahead.”
Tan Rou said, “My big brother suddenly came back from his confidential workplace and his hand was injured. I want to know where he works and who injured him.”
Tan Rou could investigate this matter herself. She just needed to find the people she knew at that place to help her investigate. However, she didn’t want to be involved with them. Once she was involved, her quiet life would be ruined.
“May I ask where your brother works?” Zhuang Liu asked.
Tan Rou shook her head. “He worked in a secret place and asked him several times, but he didn’t tell me. He only said that place was a national secret agency and couldn’t tell others.”
In her previous life, she wasn’t in the mood to pay attention to where her brother worked. She only knew that he did not come back in the end. After her rebirth, everything had changed.
Zhuang Liu roughly understood what difficulties Tan Rou had. Even if her brother had resigned, he still could not reveal the work of the state secret agency to outsiders.
“1 will investigate this matter in private.” Zhuang Liu promised her, “It’s just that there are too few clues now. It will probably be more difficult to investigate.”
“It’s alright.” Tan Rou didn’t mind. “As long as we can find out who harmed my big brother, that’s enough.”
When the time came, even if her brother did not want to pursue the matter, she would still think of a way to seek justice for her brother.
“Alright, I’ll check it out.” Zhuang Liu agreed.
Tan Rou pushed the wheelchair. “Thank you, Third Brother.”
Zhuang Liu said, “You’re already calling me your brother, why are you still being so polite?”
Tan Rou smiled but didn’t say anything. This was a matter of politeness and had nothing to do with the title. Sometimes, she would also thank her parents.
When they reached Zhuang Liu’s house, Zhuang Liu suddenly said, “Rourou, why don’t we leave together later?”
“Don’t you have to go to work?” Tan Rou asked, puzzled.
Zhuang Liu replied, “I’ll send you to school before going to work.””
“Wouldn’t it be too troublesome for you?” Tan Rou knew that Elegant Jade Water Residence was located between her school and Zhuang Liu’s company. If Zhuang Liu wanted to send her off, it would double the time his journey.
“No, nothing related to you will be troublesome.” Zhuang Liu smiled gently. Actually, he rarely smiled, but in front of Tan Rou, he would always unconsciously smile.
Tan Rou nodded gently.
Xiao Mo was the only pitiful one. His boss had suddenly moved to Elegant Jade Water Residence and had to travel back and forth. Zhuang Liu couldn’t drive, so the heavy responsibility of driving fell on Xiao Mo. Xiao Mo looked at the time and message on his phone and sighed.
When Tan Rou returned home, Tao Zhi was already awake. He saw Tan Rou come out so early and asked, “Why are you up so early?”
When he was at work, he had to keep an eye on the chemical reaction, so he did not have a fixed resting time. However, after he returned home, he would sleep until eight or nine clock in the morning every day but he was exceptionally early this morning.
Tao Qi, who was eating at the dining table, said, “Big Brother, do you think everyone sleeps until eight or nine o’clock every day like you? We have to go to school, Dad and Mom have to go to work, and even my Second Brother has gone out early in the morning to check out some scenery.
Tao Zhi scratched his head and said embarrassedly, “I woke up late. I’ll wake up earlier tomorrow.”
“Big Brother, you don’t have to wake up early.” Tan Rou washed up briefly and sat at the table to eat. “You’re too tired from work. You should take a good rest now that you’re not working.”
“It’s fine, I’ve rested enough.” Tao Zhi answered..
Chapter 374: 374 Help Me Once
Tan Rou whispered into his ear, “Big Brother, wait for me at the school gate after school in the afternoon. We’ll go somewhere before coming back.”
Tao Zhi didn’t ask where she was going and just nodded.
Tao Qi looked at them suspiciously and asked, “What are you whispering about?”
Tan Rou raised her eyebrows and smiled evilly. “We were just discussing buying you more study materials. You can tell us which one you like.”
Although Tao Qi liked to study, he didn’t like people buying study materials for him. It was as if they were forcing him to study. He didn’t like this feeling.
“No, no, no!!!!” Tao Qi shook his head faster than a rattle-drum. “I don’t need you to buy it for me. If I need it, I’ll buy it myself.”
Tan Rou continued to lie to him. “That’s it then. I’m going out to buy some study materials in the afternoon. Tell Mom and Second Brother about this.” Tao Qi nervously asked, “Are you really buying it for me?”
“Of course not.” Tan Rou reached out and ruffled his short hair. “We won’t force you to do something you don’t like.”
Tao Qi pouted. “That’s more like it. Also, Third Sister, you don’t have to touch my head all the time. Touching my head won’t make me tall!”
Tan Rou did not mind and continued to rub his hair. “Everyone in our family is tall. You don’t have to worry about being short.”
When school ended in the afternoon, Tao Zhi was already waiting for Tan Rou at the school gate. In order not to be discovered, he even wore sunglasses and a mask, like a celebrity in disguise.
Tan Rou was stunned at the door for a long time before she recognized that the person who was wrapped up tightly and waving at her was her big brother.
“Big Brother, why are you dressed like this?” Tan Rou looked around. “Be careful not to be mistaken as a terrorist by the school security.”
Tao Zhi took off his mask, revealing a face that looked very similar to Tan Rou’s. “I’m afraid of causing unnecessary trouble.”
Tan Rou glanced at the security guard at the door and smiled. “The security guard has been watching you.”
Tao Zhi quickly took off his mask and sunglasses. “I’m sorry to have troubled you.”
Tan Rou waved at the security guard, indicating that she knew this person. The security guard was relieved when he saw the man’s face. They guessed that the older brother had come to pick up his younger sister, but they were too embarrassed to show their faces.
“Let’s take a taxi.” Tan Rou brought Tao Zhi to the opposite side of the road. “There are many people after school, so it’s not easy to get one. Let’s walk for a while before getting a taxi.”
Tan Rou was going to take Tao Zhi to Bai Jing’s clinic. She had already told Bai Jing to prepare the medicine. She also wanted to ask Bai Jing’s opinion about her brother’s hand, but she didn’t think she could get much from Bai Jing.
“So this is your big brother!” Bai Jing stared at Tao Zhi, who was not far away. “He looks exactly like you!”
Tan Rou said, “Yes, among us siblings, I look the most like my big brother!”
Bai Jing nodded slightly. “I roughly understand what you’re talking about, but I don’t know much about chemicals. I don’t think I can help you, but as long as I have the medicine you need, I will definitely get it for you.”
Tan Rou didn’t have much hope. Bai Jing specialized in Traditional Chinese Medicine, so he definitely didn’t know much about chemicals. She had brought Tao Zhi here because she had something else to do.
“Uncle White, I’ll introduce you to my big brother later. Tell him that you’re my master, that I learned my medical skills from you, and that I got my medical books from you.” Tan Rou instructed.
Bai Jing shook his head. “Xiao Rou, how can I be your master?”
“Please, Uncle Bai. I can’t find another master now. Please help me one more time.” Tan Rou said earnestly.
Looking at her sincere gaze, Bai Jing could only compromise. “Alright, but don’t let it slip. If your big brother wants me to perform on the spot, you have to stop him.”
Tan Rou smiled and said, “My big brother wouldn’t ask for that.”
“Big brother, I’m done talking to my master.” Tan Rou called for Tao Zhi.
After Tao Zhi walked in, he stood in front of Bai Jing and respectfully said, “Master Bai, how have you been?”
Bai Jing felt a little guilty. With Tan Rou’s abilities, he should be calling her master instead.
“Good! Hello!” Bai Jing nodded slightly and hurriedly sent them in. “The pharmaceutical lab is ready. Do you want to use it now?””
“I don’t have time today. I’m just here to get some ingredients. I’ll have to trouble Uncle Bai to prepare the medicinal ingredients I need.” Tan Rou said.
“Sure, I’ll find it for you.” Bai Jing replied..
Chapter 375: 375 Meeting Tan Jing
After leaving Bai Jing’s place, Tan Ron went to a large spice shop nearby to buy some spices.
Tao Zhi looked at the time and asked, “Will it delay your afternoon class?”
Tan Rou said, “I have to prepare your medicine as soon as possible and I also need to replenish the ingredients for the incense pills. I’ll buy them together today. There was no need to worry about classes in the afternoon. It’ll be fine. I just have to skip one afternoon’s nap.”
“Oh, okay.” Tao Zhi followed her. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll carry it for you.”
Tan Rou wanted to buy more spices. Now that her mother had prepared a studio for her, she could buy as many things as she wanted.
“Alright, then help me carry some later.” Tan Rou said as she headed for the spice shop.
Since Tan Rou came here often, the things she needed were quickly packed.
“Let’s go outside and take a taxi.” Tan Rou said.
Tao Zhi held the spices in both hands and followed her. “Alright. Whatever you need.”
As they walked, a familiar and annoying voice suddenly came from behind them.
“Big brother, it really is you! When did you come back?” Tan Jing carried her school bag and jogged over.
Tan Rou looked at her school bag and found it strange. Didn’t Tan Jing drop out of school? Why was she still carrying her school bag? Could it be that she found another school to attend for the time being? That was not right. With the Tan family’s status, even if they wanted to find a tuition class, they would have to stayed home for it.
When Tao Zhi saw Tan Jing, he was stunned for a few seconds before he remembered who she was. “Don’t call me big brother. I’m not familiar with you.”
His tone was extremely cold.
Tan Jing paused and said sadly, “Big Brother, I’m Jingjing. Don’t you recognize me?”
Of course, Tao Zhi knew her. Not only did he know her, but he also hated her very much. He didn’t like this sister of his to begin with. Now that he thought about it, there was a reason. It was because Tan Jing wasn’t his biological sister.
Moreover, after he returned, he heard about how the Tan family and Tan Jing bullied his biological sister, so he hated Tan Jing even more.
“I don’t know her.” Tao Zhi hooked his arm around Tan Rou’s
shoulder. “Rourou, let’s go.”
Tan Rou looked at Tan Jing in surprise. Why was this person here? Could it be that she had followed them here? “Didn’t you drop out of school and stay at home?” Tan Rou asked with a frown.
“What are you doing here?”
Tan Jing glared at her and said angrily, “What does it have to do with you?”
Tao Zhi stood in front of Tan Rou and angrily said, “How can you talk to my sister like that?”
Tan Jing said with a hurt expression, “Big Brother, am I not your sister? I’ve also called you Big Brother for seventeen years!”
Although she looked like she was heartbroken, she was actually cursing Tan Rou in her heart. Tan Rou must have said something to Tao Zhi. Otherwise, Tao Zhi wouldn’t have spoken to her like this.
“I’m sorry, but you’re not my sister.” Tao Zhi used his hand that was carrying something to hold Tan Rou. “Rourou, let’s go. Mom and Dad are still waiting for us to go back for dinner.”
Tan Jing stood in front of them. After resting for some time, she could finally walk but still had trouble running.
“Wait, wait, big brother!” Tan Jing panted heavily and said, “I have something to say to you… Big brother, no matter when, you will always be my big brother!”
Tao Zhi was puzzled. Their relationship wasn’t good in the past. Why did Tan Jing suddenly act like she was deeply in love with him?
“Big Brother, Mom is waiting for us. Let’s go!” Tan Rou urged.
Tao Zhi didn’t waste any more time with Tan Jing. “Tan Jing, I’m not your big brother anymore. Don’t call me that anymore.”
The siblings sped up and left. Tan Jing’s legs were not fully recovered yet and could not keep up with them. Tan Jing had noticed them at the school gate just now, but she was a little slow and did not catch up with them.
She followed behind them in a taxi and found them when she saw the taxi driving out of the vicinity. As soon as she entered, she saw Tan Rou and the others coming out of the spice shop.
“Spices…?” Tan Jing looked up at the spice shop. Was Tan Rou making incense? Coincidentally, there was an announcement at the entrance for an apprentice. After thinking for a while, she walked in. She could do what Tan Rou could do. Since she wasn’t going to school now, she could come over and learn how to make incense. She would definitely learn faster than Tan Rou..
Chapter 376: 376 It’s Zhuang Liu
When Tao Zhi and the others took a taxi back, they happened to bump into Xiao Mo who was driving Zhuang Liu home. Actually, Zhuang Liu had originally gone to pick Tan Rou up from school, but he hadn’t calculated the time well. He had encountered the afternoon rush hour. By the time they arrived at school, everyone in the school had left. Zhuang Liu had no choice but to ask Xiao Mo to drive back home. He had thought of a way to send Tan Rou to school in the afternoon.
“Xiao Rou…” Zhuang Liu rolled down the car window the moment he saw Tan Rou. Xiao Mo also stopped the car and gave him a walking stick.
Tan Rou greeted Zhuang Liu. “Third Brother, you were on the way home too?”
Zhuang Liu didn’t mention picking her up. “Yes, I just came back.” He glanced at Tao Zhi, a young man who looked like Tan Rou. He must be the big brother that Tan Rou mentioned.
“This is my big brother.” Tan Rou noticed Zhuang Liu’s gaze, so she introduced him, “Big Brother, he’s a good friend of mine, Zhuang Liu.”
Unexpectedly, after Tao Zhi heard his name, he looked at Zhuang Liu’s legs and his eyes widened slightly. “Zhuang Liu?”
“What’s wrong?” Tan Rou asked, puzzled.
Tao Zhi pretended that nothing had happened. “It’s nothing. It’s a nice name.”
Zhuang Liu and Tan Rou both felt that Tao Zhi was a little baffled. Why did he compliment Zhuang Liu’s name for no reason? Was he not satisfied with his name? Why would he say that out of the blue?
Zhuang Liu saw them carrying things and said, “Why don’t you get in the car? I’ll give you a ride.”
“No need. There’s only a short distance left. We can just walk back.”
Tan Rou also said, “Third Brother, you should go back for lunch. We can just walk back.”
Zhuang Liu could only give up. “Alright. Do you want me to give you a ride in the afternoon?”
Tan Rou was about to agree to it when Tao Zhi rejected him again. “Second Brother is at home. He can send our sister to school, so we don’t have to trouble Third Young Master Zhuang.”
The hidden meaning in this also meant that Zhuang Liu should not interfere in their family matters.
Zhuang Liu had a strange feeling when he heard how Tao Zhi addressed him in such a manner. Although others also called him ‘Third Young Master’, that was only because they knew his identity. However, this was the first time he and Tao Zhi met, so why would Tao Zhi call him ‘Third Young Master’?
Tan Rou had also noticed this, but she did not say it out loud. Perhaps her brother knew Zhuang Liu. She could also find out a little about their family’s secret from her brother.
Zhuang Liu’s car drove away. Tan Rou took the opportunity to ask Tao Zhi,” “Big brother, why do you call him the ‘Third Young Master’? Did you know him before?”
Tao Zhi suddenly realized what he had done. With his family’s current status, he shouldn’t have known Zhuang Liu. He had said something wrong just now and Zhuang Liu must have realized it as well.
“I don’t know who he is.” Tao Zhi smiled and said, “Didn’t you just call him ‘Third Brother’. I couldn’t call him that, but it was better than to call him by his name, so I called him Third Young Master Zhuang. It sounded more respectful.”
This reason was too far-fetched. A normal person wouldn’t address someone as ‘Third Young Master Zhuang’ or ‘First Young Master Tao’. However, Tan Rou didn’t intend to expose him. “Oh, I see. I thought that our family was some hidden wealthy family and we knew people from those wealthy families like the Zhuang family.”
Tao Zhi’s eyelids twitched. “Aiya, that’s impossible.” He walked forward quickly. “Let’s go back for lunch. Dad and Mom must be waiting anxiously.”
Tan Rou made an expression as if she didn’t know anything. “Alright.”
Tao Zhi sighed in his heart. His mother was really too much. There were so many houses to choose from, but why did she choose to live in the same neighborhood as the Zhuang family? His parents came here early and did not know Zhuang Liu very well. However, Tao Zhi was Zhuang Liu’s classmate once, even though Zhuang Liu did not remember him.
The Tao family’s parents had moved here a long time ago, but Tao Zhi, as the eldest son, stayed with his grandparents in the Capital. By then, when he was studying in the Capital, he might not have heard much but he had heard stories of the Zhuang family’s prodigy, Zhuang Liu.
Tao Zhi and Zhuang Liu studied in the same school. At that time, their family was very low-key, and almost no one knew him in school. However, Zhuang Liu was different. The third young master of the Zhuang family in the capital was a once-in-a-century prodigy. He jumped from the second grade to the third grade, and from the fifth grade to the sixth grade. The honor roll was full of Zhuang Liu’s name.
Later, when Tao Zhi was in junior high school, he happened to meet Zhuang Liu who skipped a grade to junior high school. Once Zhuang Liu entered senior high school, they no longer had the chance to meet..
Chapter 377: 377 It’s All the Same
While eating, Tao Zhi kept thinking about Zhuang Liu. The Zhuang family was very chaotic. Tao Zhi had even witnessed Zhuang Liu being assassinated when they were in school.
At that time, they were observing the plants in the botanical garden. At that time, someone suddenly appeared and sprayed chemicals at Zhuang Liu. If the teacher had not reacted in time, Zhuang Liu would probably have died. Later on, he overheard some news that Zhuang Liu’s injury was caused by someone from the family.
Zhuang Liu must have been ostracized by the Zhuang family; maybe it was because of his leg injury.
“Big brother, why are you in a daze again? Are you still eating the chicken wings in your bowl?” Tao Qi asked.
“You can have them.” Tao Zhi gave the chicken wing to Tao Qi and deliberately said, “Eat more and grow taller.”
Tao Qi bit his chicken wing angrily. “I’m still young. Once I’m at your age, I’ll definitely be taller than you.”
Tao Zhi smiled but didn’t say anything.
After dinner, Tan Rou rested for about ten minutes before Tao Zheng drove her to school.
Tao Zhi had been watching the Zhuang family’s situation. When he saw Zhuang Liu’s car come out, he immediately went forward to stop them.
Zhuang Liu saw Tao Zhi and felt that he had something to say to him. He asked Xiao Mo to wait at the side while he moved towardsTao Zhi in his wheelchair.
“You probably don’t know me.” Tao Zhi said.
Zhuang Liu was not surprised. He replied, “I can roughly guess your identity.”
Tao Zhi raised his hand, signaling him not to continue. “It’s fine as long as you know. You don’t have to say it.”
Zhuang Liu sat quietly by the table and asked, “Big Brother Tao, What would you like to talk to me about then?”
“Don’t call me Big Brother Tao, we’re not that close.” Tao Zhi said in a distant manner.
Zhuang Liu calmly changed the way he addressed him. “Alright, Mr. Tao.”
“I came here to tell you something. To be precise, it’s time to warn you about something.”
Zhuang Liu could almost guess what he wanted to say, and then he smiled slightly. “Both of Rourou’s elder brothers are indeed interesting.”
Tao Zhi paused. “What do you mean?”
Zhuang Liu whispered, “I think what you want to say next might be the same as what your brother said to me.”
As expected, Zhuang Liu did not have good intentions. Even Tao Zheng, that idiot, could tell that he had ill intentions.
“But I still have to say it. Stay away from my sister.” Tao Zhi seemed a little angry.
Zhuang Liu said, “Xiao Rou and I only have a doctor and patient relationship. Your family knows about this.”
Tao Zhi was puzzled.” Doctor and patient?” He looked at Zhuang Liu’s leg. “What happened to your leg?”
“Paralyzed by poison.” Zhuang Liu answered truthfully.
Tao Zhi thought of the way he stood up with a walking stick in the afternoon and asked curiously, “But you could walk in the afternoon!”
“I can, but we still have to hide it.” Tao Zhi immediately understood what he meant.
“Who poisoned you?” Tao Zhi asked. After asking, he answered himself, “Forget it. The internal strife in your Zhuang family is very fierce. One of your uncles must have done it.
Zhuang Liu wasn’t surprised by his words at all. To know that the Zhuang family’s internal strife was fierce and that it was his uncles who did it, it was already obvious who Tao Zhi was.
“You just said that you and Xiao Rou are patients and doctors. Was she the one who treated your leg?” Tao Zhi asked again.
“Yes.” Zhuang Liu thought of Tan Rou and the corners of his lips curled up. “Rourou has been treating me.”
Tao Zhi wasn’t very happy after hearing that. “Hmph, you should be fine soon, right?”
After all, Zhuang Liu could already walk on with the help of those walking aids.
“Yes.” Zhuang Liu was both hopeful and regretful. He was hopeful that his leg would recover, but he was also regretful that he could not use this as an excuse to look for Tan Rou.
“Once your leg recovers, stop looking for my sister again. She’s still a student and needs to focus on school.” Tao Zhi warned him.
Zhuang Liu did not want to listen to him, but he could not offend Tao Zhi either, so he could only say, “I’ll listen to what Xiao Rou wants.”
Tao Zhi couldn’t stop Tan Rou, but he didn’t want his good sister to get involved in the chaos of the Zhuang family. So he said, “Deal with your own family matters first before talking about this.”
With that, Tao Zhi left without looking back.
Xiao Mo quietly came over and said, “Mr. Tao seems to be very opposed to you being with Miss Tan Rou.”
Zhuang Liu said helplessly, “If Xiao Rou was your sister, you would be worried too.”
Xiao Mo thought for a moment. He would indeed be very worried..
Chapter 378: 378 Not in a Hundred Years
Tan Jing had been learning how to make incense for the past two days. She was very talented in making incense. Even her master who taught her how to make incense said that she was a ‘once-in-a-century incense genius.’
When Tan Jing heard this, she was extremely happy. She felt that she could already graduate.
After leaving the incense shop, she was in a good mood. It was still early, but she did not want to go near the school to put on an act, nor did she want to go home. After all, the Tan household was in a mess and there were broken things everywhere, which made her feel disgusted. Therefore, she wanted to go to the Tao family to take a look.
A few days ago, she had parted ways with Tao Zhi on bad terms. Now, she wanted to use something to mend their relationship. After all, Tao Zhi had not rejected any of her gifts directly.
Tan Jing firmly believed that Tao Zhi was bewitched by Tan Rou. As long as she explained it clearly, Tao Zhi would no longer hate her.
She carried the incense sticks that she made to the neighborhood where the Tao family lived. On the way, she thought about what to say. In the end, when she reached the neighborhood where the Tao family lived, she was dumbfounded.
“Where are there?” Tan Jing banged hard on the door. “Dad! Mom! Big brother! Tao Qi! Are you home?”
The security door rattled loudly, causing the neighbors to be woken up by the loud noise and one of them started scolding her.
“Why are you knocking on it so loudly? Are you crazy?” Zhang Huan’s mother scolded. “Don’t you know that there are others who’re trying to take a nap?!”
Tan Jing’s face darkened. “I’m sorry.”
“Eh? Isn’t this Jingjing? Why are you knocking on this door?” Zhang Huan’s mother asked in surprise.
Tan Jing rolled her eyes secretly before smiling. “Auntie, I wanted to visit my parents, but they locked the door.”
Zhang Huan’s mother said, “You won’t be able to open them. They’ve already moved away.”
As she said that, she was a little unhappy. “So what if she’s moving out? I asked your mother where she’s moving to, but she didn’t want to tell me about it. I guess they ran out of money and moved to some run-down neighborhood.”
Tan Jing immediately thought of Tan Rou. She had bought so many things and taken out so much money. She must have asked her parents for it. Now, her parents had finally gone bankrupt because of her.
“Auntie, do you know when they moved and where?” Tan Jing asked.
Zhang Huan’s mother snorted coldly and replied, “Didn’t I say that I don’t know? They didn’t even tell you that they moved away. Obviously, they don’t care about you. You’re the daughter they raised for 17 years. They moved away just like that and didn’t even notify you about it. They really don’t have any conscience.”
Tan Jing was about to explode. Tan Rou, this b*tch! Not only did she bankrupt her adoptive parents’ family, but she also didn’t even tell Tan Jing that they were moving. She was too detestable.
Zhang Huan’s mother was very happy when she saw Tan Jing’s angry expression. It was her fault that Mrs. Tao was better than her in every aspect. Even her daughter’s grades were better than hers. Now that she saw someone angry at Mrs. Tao, she felt delighted.
“Aiya, if you really want to know, go ask their biological daughter.” Zhang Huan’s mother said with a faint smile, “Even if they don’t want to tell anyone about it, their daughter will definitely know where they live.”
With that, she happily went back to sleep.
Tan Jing stood in front of the door and kicked the security door hard. Then, she carried the incense pills that she had just made and went home.
At this moment, Chen Yi sent a message to Tan Jing asking about Tan Song. Tan Song no longer wanted Chen Yi in his house. Everytime she went in, she would be chased out. Once she got chased out, she would shout at the door of the house, causing a commotion.
Tan Jing really didn’t want to pay attention to her, but she was still her biological mother after all. Hence, she sent her a message saying, “I’m in class. If there’s anything, wait until I’m done with school.”
Chen Yi did not care if she was in class or not. She kept sending messages to ask if she had persuaded Tan Song to remarry her. Tan Jing was extremely annoyed. She turned off her phone screen, refusing to reply to Chen Yi’s message.
Once Tan Jing had walked far away, Zhang Huan’s mother opened the door to take a look. She muttered to herself, “That’s strange. Why isn’t she in school? Isn’t it school time today?”
Forget it, it was none of her business. She was more concerned about where the Tao family had moved to and whether they had moved to the dilapidated neighborhood as she wished..
Chapter 379: 379 Returning to School
After a week of punishment, Tan Jing finally went back to school. Although everyone else stayed away from her, Zhao Ru and He Ling still went up to her and asked about her well-being.
Tan Jing enjoyed the attention from Zhao Ru and He Ling. She liked being followed by others. Although there were fewer people now, it was better to have someone following her than no one.
Li Li looked at her expression and couldn’t help but say to Tan Rou with disdain, “Doesn’t she look like a rooster?””
Tan Rou glanced at Tan Jing and said, “She is the only one who thinks that she won.”
“If the school didn’t care about her grades, they definitely wouldn’t want her back.”
The moment Tan Jing returned, she cast her gaze at Tan Rou. Her eyes were filled with ruthlessness and disgust.
Tan Rou turned her face away and did not look at her. Tan Jing was a lunatic who loved to throw tantrums everywhere. She always blamed everything on others and never found fault with herself.
“Jing Jing, are you alright? Why didn’t you reply to my message?” Zhao Ru asked with concern.”
In fact, Zhao Ru had wanted to talk to Tan Jing, but seeing that Tan Jing’s family had not fallen, she felt that the Tan family still had a chance to make a comeback. Therefore, she wanted to please Tan Jing first. Once the Tan family recovered, she would definitely benefit from it.
As for He Ling, she didn’t have many opinions to begin with. Moreover, she still had the hopes and dreams of a young girl. She had always hoped to have a few very good friends. Tan Jing was now her best friend. She believed that Tan Jing had only made a mistake and would definitely correct it.
“I’ve been busy lately.” Tan Jing said perfunctorily, “I didn’t have the time to do so. I’m really sorry.”
Zhao Ru didn’t think she had anything to do. She was ordered to stay at home, so what else could she do? She would only be scolded by her parents when she stayed home.
Tan Jing returned to her seat, but her gaze was fixed on Tan Rou. She wanted to ask Tan Rou where they had moved, but Tan Rou would definitely not tell her.
If she could find out where Tan Rou was staying and help them when they were at their most miserable state, her adoptive parents would probably change their minds and regret treating her so badly.
“Hey! Tan Rou! Don’t you think you guys went overboard with it?” After Zhang Huan entered, she threw her bag on the table in front of Tan Rou and said angrily, “Why didn’t you tell me you were moving?”
Tan Rou raised her eyes and looked indifferently at this classmate and neighbor who had not spoken much. She asked coldly, “May I ask why I should tell you that I’m moving?”
Zhang Huan’s aura weakened and she stuttered, “Well… It is an unspoken rule! All those who moved had to treat their neighbors for a meal. This was called housewarming. You should have told us when you moved, so that we could… we could have held a celebration for you!”
This was the first time Tan Rou heard that people had to treat others to a meal when they moved. Then wouldn’t people who often changed houses have to treat several times a year?
“We don’t need that celebration.” Tan Rou rejected the invitation. “All we did was just move houses.”
Zhang Huan recalled what her mother had said to her in the past two days. She said maliciously “Could you be embarrassed that your family has moved to a dilapidated neighborhood?!”
Tan Rou couldn’t figure out how Zhang Huan thought of this. Although their family wasn’t rich, they weren’t that poor that they had to move into an old and dilapidated neighborhood, right?
However, Tan Rou didn’t plan to tell Zhang Huan anything. There was no need to waste her breath on someone she wasn’t familiar with. “Sure. You’re right. Our family moved to a run-down place. Not only is it dilapidated, but it’s also very remote, so don’t ask.”
Her expression was very calm, as if she was talking about something very normal.
“Where did you move to? Do you need me to send you anything?” Zhang Huan asked.
Tan Jing, who was eavesdropping, was also very happy. She rushed over and asked, “Rourou, where did you move to?” Mom and dad… I mean, Uncle and Auntie, are they alright? What about big brother, second brother and Xiao Qi? Were they living well? Do you want me to help you with finding a new home?”
“Tan Rou,” Zhao Ru said. “Is it because you donated five million back to the Tan family and broke your family? Your parents had to sell their house to pay off your debts?”
If it wasn’t for the timing, Tan Rou would have stood up and applauded these imaginative students. She had only said it casually, but these people had already imagined that their family was so poor that they had to sell their house to pay off the debt..
Chapter 380: 38 They Don’t Want to See You
Li Li knew about Tan Rou moving houses. Tan Rou had even invited her to her new house. It was said to be a very good neighborhood. She believed that Tan Rou would not lie to her.
However, these people in front of her were vicious. From their words itself, it was obvious that they hoped Tan Rou would have a bad life. She really couldn’t understand why they were targeting Tan Rou like this.
“What does it have to do with you guys?” Li Li couldn’t stand it anymore. “All of you are high school students. Don’t you know that you can’t pry into other people’s privacy? I really don’t understand what you have learned about morality and law in junior high.”
Back then, they were definitely taught that privacy was not to be violated. It was illegal to pry into other people’s privacy.
“Oh my, why are you being so serious?” Zhang Huan hugged her arms and said arrogantly, “We just want to ask Tan Rou where her new home is. What privacy? Aren’t you making a big deal out of it?”
“Humph!” Tan Rou sneered and asked Zhang Huan, “Arc you that miserable that you need me to buy you a beal?”
Zhang Huan opened her mouth and mumbled, “I wasn’t the one who asked for it.”
“Was it a dog then who asked Rourou to treat her to a meal?” Li Li asked.
Zhang Huan said angrily to Li Li, “You’re always speaking up for Tan Rou. You’re Tan Rou’s lapdog, aren’t you? Whatever Tan Rou says goes. There’s no dog more loyal than you.”
Tan Rou frowned and was about to say something when she was stopped by Li Li. “Rourou, I’ll say it myself. Don’t quarrel with this kind of person on my behalf.”
Tan Rou respected her wishes. If Zhang Huan wouldn’t stop attacking Li Li, she would stop Zhang Huan immediately.
“I’m Xiao Rou’s laptop?” Li Li held onto Tan Rou’s arm generously. “Rourou’s grades are great and she’s willing to even share her knowledge with me. Plus, Xiao Rou is pretty. I always feel better when I’m with her. Tell me, did you see how I improved academically?! If it weren’t for Xiao Rou, how could I have made it to the top ten in the physics competition?”
Zhang Huan’s expression turned ugly. Originally, Li Li’s results were not as good as hers. Now, not only did Li Li improve in all of her exams, but she also successfully advanced to the physics competition. She was about to represent the province to participate in the national competition.
Seeing that she didn’t say anything, Li Li continued, “Meeting a good teacher will really benefit you for a lifetime. My results weren’t even as good as yours. However, my results in the past few weekly exams have improved so much that I’m placed higher than you. That’s why you shouldn’t keep an eye on where Rourou’s family moved to. Instead, you should read more books.”
Zhang Huan was so angry that she grabbed her bag and returned to her seat.
Li Li stuck out her tongue at her back. “I don’t mind being Xiao Rou’s lapdog. There are even some who don’t even have the rights to!”
Tan Rou shook her head helplessly. “Li Li don’t say such self-inflicting words just to piss off the others.”
Li Li chuckled and said, “I was just telling the truth.”
“We are good friends.” Tan Rou frowned and held her hand. “It’s not a relationship between a dog and its owner. If you say that again, I’ll get angry.”
Li Li smiled again and winked. “Alright, I won’t say it anymore.”
Tan Jing looked at the interaction between the two of them and wanted to kick them to death. They were disgusting!
“Xiao Rou, where did you move to?” Tan Jing continued, “Uncle and Auntie have raised me for more than ten years. If your family is in trouble, I should help.”
“There’s no need for that.” Tan Rou refused,”My parents don’t want to see you.”
Tan Jing clenched her fists. “That’s just your opinion. I have to ask Uncle and Auntie personally.”
Tan Rou crossed her arms and smiled scornfully. “Then you can ask them.”
Tan Jing suppressed her anger. “Then you’ll have to tell me where they live now!”
“Why should I tell you where my parents live? Are they still your parents?” Tan Rou asked. As she spoke, she seemed to have remembered something. “Tan Jing, have your parents settled the divorce?”
Tan Jing was furious when she heard this. “This has nothing to do with you!”
“That’s why it has nothing to do with you where my parents move.” Tan Rou said, “You should head back and trouble yourself with your parents’ matter instead.”
Li Li chimed in. “I heard from my mom that your mother has been complaining about it on her social media.. Is that true?”