Ch. 491..500

Chapter 491: 491 Nightmare

It was already dark when they returned, and they encountered the evening rush hour. Although they took the highway, it was still filled with cars.

Tan Rou leaned her head against the back of the chair. She had been working on the physics questions for the entire day and hadn’t rested much. Although she had rested for a while in the afternoon, she was woken up by the sound of the discussed questions and couldn’t fall asleep.

After the competition, she wanted to go back and rest early, but she was brought back to pay her respects to her ancestors. Not long ago, she recalled what happened before she was reborn. She was physically and mentally exhausted.

Gradually, she closed her eyes.

“Are you sleepy? Are you exhausted from today’s competition?” Mrs. Tao asked.

Tan Rou forced her eyes open again. “I’m a little sleepy. I’m going to rest for a while. Wake me up when we get home.”

Mrs. Tao took a blanket from the back of the car. “Okay, you rest for a while. I won’t disturb you anymore.”

After Tan Rou covered herself with the blanket, the warm and comfortable atmosphere quickly made her fall asleep. However, what she had was not a beautiful dream but a nightmare.

First, she dreamed of her second brother. In her previous life, his second brother had always wanted to be a photographer, but he did not become one. In the end, he died of depression. When he died, Tan Rou was right beside him. She watched the emaciated Tao Zheng close his eyes.

She woke up from her dream. However, this was not reality. It was still a dream. Tan Rou could feel that it was a dream. This dream was about Tao Zhi. Tao Zhi wanted to continue his music career, but his hands were destroyed. Tao Zhi, who could no longer play the guitar, was depressed. His favorite guitar was broken by Tan Jing as well. With all of them happening, Tao Zhi got into a car accident and died tragically.

Her parents and the young Tao Qi had all died tragically before her. She could not save them even if she wanted to.

“Ah!” Tan Rou broke out in a cold sweat. It was not hot in the car, but she was still sweating.

“Xiao Rou, what’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?” Mrs. Tao touched Tan Ron’s forehead and asked with concern.

Tan Rou wiped the cold sweat off her forehead and said, “I just dreamt I was running by the cliff. I was very tired and fell.”

Mrs. Tao touched Tan Ron’s forehead and comforted her softly. “Dreams are all fake. Xiao Rou, don’t be afraid. Mommy will be by your side and protect you.”

Tan Rou knew that it wasn’t all fake. Some things had happened in her previous life. The fact that she had indirectly killed some of her family members in her previous life wouldn’t change.

However, she still had the chance to take care of her family. All the bad things in her life had not happened. Moreover, she had found her family and returned to her real home. No one would be able to hurt them in the future.

“I know that dreams are fake. Those were all things that happened in a dream. They will never come true.” Tan Rou said softly.

“Xiao Rou, did you see something in the stone?” Mother Tao asked suddenly. “Did the stone affect you?”

Tan Rou was shocked but didn’t show it on her face. “I didn’t see anything. I just thought that it was magical that the stone could show the previous and present life.”

Mrs. Tao pushed all the blame for Tan Ron’s nightmares onto the stone. “I told them not to bring you to see that stone, but your grandfather insisted that you come and see it. In the end, you had a nightmare after seeing the stone. That stone is really unlucky.”

Tan Rou had to defend the stone. “Actually, it’s not that strange. I probably had nightmares because 1 was too tired today.”

“Have a good rest when you get home.” Mother Tao had just finished speaking when she remembered that other things were waiting for Tan Rou at home.

She could only say, “You can’t rest even if you go home. Your uncles and aunts are all waiting for you to go back.”

Mother Tao gave her daughter a brief introduction to the Tao family. Grandpa Tao’s generation had three brothers, while Mr. Tao had four siblings: three boys and one girl. The daughter was the youngest. Father Tao was the eldest, Second Uncle Tao had a son and an adopted daughter, Mr. Tao’s third brother had a son, and her aunt had two sons.

In Tan Ron’s generation, she was the only biological daughter. Before she came back, only the Tao family knew that the Tao family had another daughter. Outsiders thought that the Tao family only had one daughter, Tao Yue.

“There aren’t many girls at home. When you come back in the future, you have to get along well with Sister Yueyue. Sister Yueyue is very kind. You will like her.”

Tan Rou laughed coldly in her heart and nodded, “I understand, Mom.” She already knew that Tao Yue could not get along well with her..

 

Chapter 492: 492 Showing off

 

 

There were several rows of people standing in front of the Tao family’s villa. Not only were the Tao family members present, but some distant relatives of the Tao family were also present.

Grandma Tao stood at the front with a few middle-aged men and women. Behind them were the juniors. The younger children stood beside their parents. Tan Rou and the others finally arrived at the villa. By the time they reached the villa, the sky was almost dark.

“Sister!” When Tao Qi saw them, he was the first to say, “1 miss you so much!” He hadn’t seen Tan Rou for a few days. This time, Mother Tao wanted him to stay there to study, but he insisted on coming back because he wanted to see his sister.

Tan Rou smiled at him, then held her mother’s arm and walked into the crowd.

“This must be Xiao Rou. She looks so much like sister-in-law!” A woman with exquisite makeup said.

“This is your aunt,” said Mother Tao to Tan Rou. Then, she pointed at the others. “These are your Second Uncle and Third Uncle. Behind them are their wives.”

Tan Rou greeted them one by one.

Next, Grandma Tao introduced Tan Rou to the children who were about her age. Among them, only Second Uncle Tao’s son, Tao Sheng, was older than Tan Rou. Third, Uncle Tao and Aunt Tao’s children were younger than Tan Rou, especially Aunt Tao’s twin sons. They were only ten years old this year, even younger than Tao Qi.

Finally, Grandma Tao introduced Tao Yue. “Xiao Rou, this is your cousin’s sister, Yueyue. From now on, you two will be the two golden flowers of the Tao family. You must treat each other kindly.”

Tan Rou smiled. “So you’re Sister Tao Yue. What fate!”

“Do you know each other?” Grandma Tao asked in confusion.

Tao Yue wanted to take the initiative, so she said, “Yeah, we know each other.” I didn’t expect you to be my cousin. When 1 saw you, 1 felt that you were very familiar and 1 really wanted to get close to you. As expected, there is indeed a connection between families.”

“Do you have intermittent amnesia?” Tan Rou asked with a smile. “Didn’t you already know my name when we met this afternoon? Your attitude towards me back then wasn’t like this.”

“I wasn’t sure of your identity at that time, so I followed you.” Tao Yue said.

“Humph!” Tan Rou looked at Tao Yue and sneered. “There’s a photo, and you already knew my name. It almost feels like you did this on purpose. Also, the way you looked at me at that time was very strange. Those who didn’t know better would think that 1 owed you something. Even my classmates are asking me if I owe you money.”

Tao Yue’s face darkened. She shouldn’t have gone to Tan Rou today, but she couldn’t be blamed. No one told her that Tan Rou would be coming home today. If she had known that Tan Rou would come back, she would have made preparations.

“Second Sister-in-law, have you seen Xiao Ron’s friends?” Mother Tao asked.

“I didn’t find them. Yue Yue said that they might have left.”

Tan Ron’s phone suddenly vibrated. She took it out and saw that it was a message from Li Li. She told her that they had just returned to the hotel and were going back to school tomorrow.

Tan Rou asked them when they got on the bus, and Li Li sent her the time and the incident where Tao Yue provoked them.

“Did you really see them leave?” Tan asked Tao Yue when she saw the time.

Tao Yue suddenly panicked. “i did see them leave.”

“Did you tell them that it was not easy to hail a taxi here and let them freeze to death at the bus stop?” Tan Ron’s eyes turned cold.

“Eldest cousin, we’re family. How can you believe the outsiders so easily?” Tao Yue said sadly.

Tan Rou kept her phone. “Second Cousin, 1 hope my friend is just trying to make me happy. After all, I don’t like people lying to me.”

She didn’t expect Tao Yue to admit it. She just wanted to show Tao Yue that she was powerful. Now that she was back, the Tao family wouldn’t allow Tao Yue to behave atrociously.

Tao Yue panicked for no reason. She didn’t dare to look into Tan Ron’s eyes. It was as if Tan Ron’s eyes could see through her heart.

Second Aunt Tao could tell that the atmosphere between them was not right. In order to protect her daughter, she came out to smooth things over. “It’s getting dark. Let’s go in first. The food has been prepared.. Rourou and Yueyue must be hungry after a long day, right?”

 

Chapter 493: 493 How Did You Do

 

 

“I’m indeed a little hungry. Why don’t we eat first?” Tao Yue quickly said.

Tan Rou didn’t have any objections. If she said that she wasn’t going to eat now, her relatives would probably blame her for being insensible.

The Tao family had prepared a dinner party. They did not invite many outsiders. There were no reporters or anything like that. Only their own family members and some important figures working for the Tao family were invited.

Tao Yue changed into an exquisite dress and walked to Tan Rou with a glass of juice. “Big Cousin, let me give a toast.”

Tan Rou was drinking champagne today. It had a certain degree of alcohol. She raised the champagne and didn’t touch Tao Yue’s glass.

Tao Yue raised her cup and felt a little awkward. “Dear cousin, do you think that I’m not worthy enough to give you a toast?”

“No.” Tan Rou gently swirled her glass. “It’s just that I think it’s a little strange that you’re drinking juice while I’m drinking champagne.”

Tao Yue had always been an obedient girl in front of everyone. I low could an obedient girl drink so early?

“Eldest cousin, don’t make things difficult for me. I’m still young and can’t drink.” Tao Yue said with an aggrieved look.

Everyone looked at Tan Rou unkindly. At first, they had thought that the eldest daughter of the Tao family was Tao Yue. Moreover, Tao Yue had always been obedient in front of others, so they were more biased towards her. Now that Tan Rou had embarrassed Tao Yue in public, how could they be happy?

“You’re so cute.” Tan Rou smiled. “I was just teasing you. You’re not angry, are you?”

“Young miss is really a humorous person.” A middle-aged man smiled and said, “We often joke like this. We say that those who drink tea don’t deserve to sit at the same table as us who drink.”

Tan Rou raised her cup. “Weil, I am already an adult now but you would have to wait a little longer.”

Tao Yue really wanted to splash the juice in her glass on Tan Ron’s face. What did Tan Rou mean by that? Was she implying that Tao Yue was just the second daughter of a wealthy family and would always be behind her?

The two sisters clinked their glasses, but neither of them drank the liquid in the glass, as if something dirty had entered it.

“Cousin, how did you do in your physics exam today?” Tao Yue was eager to know how Tan Rou did. After she came back, she asked someone to check Tan Ron’s results, but she still couldn’t find anything useful.

“Don’t you know that it’s a tacit rule not to ask others about their results after the exam? This is my privacy,” Tan Rou said. “I think it’s better if you don’t ask.”

The more Tan Rou said this, the more Tao Yue felt that her previous results were fake. So, she continued to ask, “I heard that your results were very bad in the past. How did you suddenly improve so much in the past few months and even participate in the physics competition?”

“You can just say that my grades are bad. Why are you beating around the bush and asking so many questions?” Tan Rou didn’t give Tao Yue any face. Since Tao Yue had come to make Tan Rou unhappy, Tan Rou wouldn’t let her off either.

“I didn’t say that.” Tao Yue’s voice was very loud. “You said it yourself. You said that your grades were bad.”

“My sister’s grades are bad?” Tao Qi ran out of nowhere and happened to hear this sentence. “How can you say that my sister’s grades are bad? My sister’s results are excellent. She has scored full marks in several subjects every time she takes the exam. Even the teacher said that she did not give her full marks for Chinese because she was afraid that my sister would be too proud of herself.”

Tao Yue felt wronged and said, “I didn’t say that her grades are bad. She said it herself.”

“I think you’re hoping that my grades will be bad, right?” Tan Rou pulled Tao Qi over. “It’s my first day back. Are you sure you want to keep harping on this issue?

Grandpa Tao turned unhappy almost immediately “Rourou is right. Today is her first day back. None of you have asked her how she has been all these years, and you’ve been harping on about her results. Is our Tao family the kind of family that only cares about results?”

“Grandpa, I’m sorry. 1 won’t ask again.” Tao Yue lowered her head, her eyes full of anger. In the past, whenever she was wronged, the Tao family would come to comfort her. But now that she had been wronged, not only did the Tao family not comfort her, but they also defended Tan Rou. It was too hateful!

The most hateful person was Tan Rou. The moment she came back, she targeted her and made the whole family protect her instead.. In that case, would Tao Yue still have the right to speak up for the Tao family in the future?

 

Chapter 494: 494 Source Creek Manor

 

 

Grandpa Tao smiled and said to Tan Ron, “Xiao Ron, don’t blame your sister Yueyue. She usually studies very hard. She often studies until late at night which is why she’s very concerned about her grades.”

Tan Rou shook her head gently. “I won’t blame her for it. After all, her results were earned through hard work. I respect everyone who works hard.”

“Yes.” Grandpa Tao liked Tan Ron’s answer. She was indeed a child of the Tao family. Not only was she smart, but she was also very understanding. “Xiao Rou, Grandpa and Grandma have prepared some gifts for you this time. They have already sent them to Yuanxi Manor. Yuanxi Manor will be yours from now on.”

Tan Rou didn’t know what this place was, but from the name, she knew that this place wasn’t simple. “Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma. 1 will cherish this gift-”

Tao Yue was so jealous that she was going crazy. Her grandfather had really given the manor to Tan Rou. She had begged for it many times but failed. How could he give it to Tan Rou so easily? It was so unfair.

“Aren’t you happy for me, dear cousin? Don’t you like me coming back?” Tan Rou asked Tao Yue on purpose.

Tao Yue had a fake smile on her face. “Of course I like it that you’re back. Now that you’re back, there will be two girls in the house. I was the only one in the past, so I couldn’t share anything with anyone.”

“You’ll have a chance to share it in the future.” Tan Rou said, “But it’s best if you wouldn’t get reluctant when you have to.”

Tao Yue suddenly felt her heart palpitate. What did Tan Rou mean by that? Was there something else she wanted to snatch? Wasn’t the entire Yuanxi Manor enough?

“Haha.” Grandpa Tao smiled happily. “I’m very happy to see you sisters getting along. Everything in Yuanxi Manor is ready for you. Xiao Rou could move in now.”

“I don’t know the way yet, so I’ll have to trouble Yueyue to lead the way for me.”

“Alright, I will show you the way.” Tao Yue really wished that she could push Tan Rou into the lake at Yuanxi Manor and drown her. That way, she would be the only daughter in the Tao family.

Yuanxi Manor was a small manor in the Tao family’s manor. It was connected to the main manor and could be reached in a few steps.

As Tan Rou and Tao Yue walked on the streets, a few helpers followed behind them to ensure their safety.

Even at night, Tan Rou could see that the manor was very beautiful. The manor was spacious and she could hear the sound of running water. The faint fragrance of flowers filled her nose. It was really rare to be able to smell the fragrance of flowers in this season.

Tao Yue was more excited than Tan Rou. She had been looking around the manor ever since she entered. If it weren’t for the fact that the conditions didn’t allow it, she would have taken out her phone to take a few photos.

“You seem to like this manor very much.” The lights were quite bright, so Tan Rou could easily see the expression on Tao Yue’s face. She thought that Tao Yue would only show a fake expression, but she didn’t expect her to show such a real smile.

Tao Yue realized that she had lost her composure and quickly stopped smiling. “I do like this place. In fact, I’m envious of you. You’ve obtained Yuanxi Manor as soon as you come back. You have to know that Yuanxi Manor is the most beautiful manor. You can’t find any other manor that is as perfect as this one in the entire capital.”

“Do you want this manor?” Tan Rou asked.

Tao Yue’s eyes lit up and she asked excitedly, “Eldest cousin, are you giving me Yuanxi Manor?”

“I want to give it to you, but I can’t do that.” Tan Rou smiled and said, “After all, this is a gift from my grandparents. I can’t easily give it to others.”

Tao Yue was very angry. “Tan Rou! Are you saying this to show off your new manor to me?”

“Not only that.” Tan Rou leaned over and whispered in her ear, “You offended my friend today. Don’t expect me to be nice to you.”

As soon as she got closer, Tao Yue realized that Tan Rou was at least 15 centimeters taller than her. She had been taking supplements to increase her height all these years, but it didn’t work. She was still short. Even the twins at her aunt’s house were taller than her.

“We’re a family. Why should you protect an outsider instead of me?” Tao Yue asked unhappily.

“Then you have to ask yourself. Do you treat me as family?” Tan Rou asked “Why did you greet me today?”

“I…” Tao Yue couldn’t give any reason for what she had done..

Chapter 495: 495 Aunt Zhou

 

 

“No need to explain. I don’t want to hear your explanation either.” Tan Ron walked forward quickly.

Tao Yue chased after her unwillingly. “Are you that close with your friends?”

“This has nothing to do with you.” Tan Rou didn’t want to waste any more time with Tao Yue. She wanted to get into her room and experience the happiness of owning a villa.

“Are you confident in today’s physics competition?” Tao Yue asked another question. She really wanted to know Tan Ron’s physics results.

“Are you confident enough in yourself?” Tan Rou asked Tao Yue.

“I definitely hope that you are. If Eldest Cousin does well, our family will have two trophies.” Tao Yue said.

“There’s only one winner. Who do you think will win the trophy?” Tan Rou asked.

Tao Yue almost blurted out, ‘I’ll definitely get first place.’ However, there were a few servants behind her, so she couldn’t ruin her image as a good girl. “No matter who gets first place, it’s still a piece of good news for our family.”

“Indeed.” Tan Rou nodded slightly. “However, the physics test for today’s individual competition is very difficult. It will be difficult to get a high score.”

Hearing Tan Ron’s words, Tao Yue was relieved. The questions for the individual competition this afternoon were indeed difficult. She wasn’t sure if two of them were correct.

Tan Rou said that on purpose because she didn’t want to argue with Tao Yue about this. Tao Yue just wanted to hear the news that Tan Rou did not do well, so she answered it casually. Anyway, the exam was over, so it didn’t matter what she said.

“Good evening, Miss!” An older woman stood in front of the building. She greeted Tan Rou first, then looked at Tao Yue and said coldly, “Good evening, Second Miss!”

“Aunt Zhou?” Tao Yue was surprised to see Aunt Zhou. “Aren’t you taking care of Grandma at this time? Why are you here?”

In the last century, there was still the custom of rich families raising maids. Aunt Zhou was the dowry maid of Grandma Tao. No one knew her name, only that her original surname was Zhou. For so many years, Aunt Zhou was only responsible for taking care of Grandma Tao. Even Grandpa Tao could not order her around.

“Ma’am asked me to take care of Young Miss.” Aunt Zhou smiled. “I will be taking care of the young miss for the period of time that you’re here in the Capital.”

“Thank you, Aunt Zhou. However, I don’t need anyone to take care of me. You should go back and take care of Grandma.”

Aunt Zhou insisted, “Old Madam sent me to take care of you, so I must take good care of you. If young miss thinks that I’m too old, you can tell Old Madam about it. I won’t have any objections.”

How could Tan Rou dare to despise her? “No, no, Aunt Zhou. If you could come over to take care of me, I’ll be more than happy.”

Aunt Zhou was very happy to hear that. “Thank you for your understanding, Miss.”

Tao Yue was very jealous. She didn’t want Aunt Zhou to take care of Tan Rou. She was Grandma Tao’s dowry maid, but not only was she a dowry maid, she was also the butler of the entire Tao family manor. Many things in the manor were arranged by Aunt Zhou. For example, if the manor wanted to add things, or if the kitchen wanted to buy a different vegetables today, Aunt Zhou had to agree to it. It could be said that Aunt Zhou’s status in the Tao family was higher than Tao Yue’s father’s.

“Aunt Zhou, if you come here to take care of my cousin, who will take care of Grandma? Besides, there are so many people at home,” Tao Yue said. “Why should we bother you to take care of her?”

Aunt Zhou glanced at her indifferently and said, “Since the old madam sent me to take care of the young miss, she must have her own intentions.”

Tao Yue was a little afraid of Aunt Zhou. When she was a child, she was not sensible and was scolded by Aunt Zhou. At that time, her parents did not stand up for her. Instead, they had asked her to apologize to Aunt Zhou.

The young Tao Yue thought that Aunt Zhou was a servant and she was the eldest daughter, so she didn’t apologize to Aunt Zhou. Immediately after, she was sent to another courtyard by Grandma Tao for a month. No matter who begged for mercy on her behalf, it did not work.

From then on, Tao Yue was a little afraid of Aunt Zhou. The moment she saw Aunt Zhou looking at her with that indifferent gaze, she felt afraid.

“Grandma is so good to Sister.” Tao Yue lowered her eyes. “But without Aunt Zhou, Grandma may not be used to it. That wouldn’t be something that you would want right, cousin?”

Tan Rou said, “1 will only listen to Grandma’s arrangements. Since Grandma asked Aunt Zhou to come, she must have her own intentions. If you have any objections, go and tell Grandma on your own..”

Chapter 496: 496 You Should Leave

 

 

“I’ll listen to the old madam’s arrangements. Now that the old madam has asked me to take care of the young miss, I’ll listen to the young miss’s instructions.” Aunt Zhou expressed her stance. “If Second Miss feels that there’s no one to take care of Old Madam, you can volunteer to take care of Old Madam for a few days. After all, it’s very normal for a granddaughter to take care of her own Grandma.”

Tao Yue subconsciously rejected this suggestion. “It’s better not to. I already have too much on my plate. 1 usually have classes and other activities on Saturday and Sunday. I don’t think I have time to take care of Grandma. Besides, I’m clumsy. I definitely won’t be able to take care of Grandma like Auntie Zhou.”

She did not want to take care of the old lady because she knew that Grandma Tao had always had the problem of waking up at night. She would wake up seven or eight times a night. Would she still be able to sleep?

Aunt Zhou compared Tan Rou and Tao Yue in her heart. When Tan Rou found out that her grandmother was not in good health, she took care of her grandma, prescribed medicine, and took care of her personally. Tan Rou even gave her a massage. Tao Yue’s first reaction was to ask someone else to take care of her grandma.

As expected, a biological granddaughter and a foster granddaughter were different. Bloodline was really a magical thing.

Aunt Zhou didn’t like Tao Yue. She didn’t like Tao Yue since she was very young. Not only was Tao Yue disobedient when she was young, but she was also a very arrogant person. She felt that everyone had to give in to her as the eldest daughter of the Tao family.

Moreover, Tao Yue was very disrespectful to the servants. She even asked the servants to lie down so that she could ride on them like a horse. Aunt Zhou stopped her when she saw it. After that, Tao Yue made a fuss. In the end, it went to Grandma Tao. When Grandma Tao found out, she was very angry and sent Tao Yue to the other courtyard.

Tao Yue learned to hide herself after she grew up. She seemed to have forgotten what she had said and done when she was young. Now, she had packaged herself into a perfect rich family’s daughter. She was very good at talking. However, when there was no one around, she would still behave arrogantly and crudely.

Some things are inherent in one’s genes. No matter how much one educated them, they could not change them.

Aunt Zhou didn’t really want Tao Yue to take care of Grandma Tao. Even if Tao Yue wanted to go, she wouldn’t allow Tao Yue to go. Who knew what a thoughtful girl like Tao Yue would do to Grandma Tao?

“Since Second Miss can’t do it, then there’s no need to say it in the future.” Aunt Zhou said, “I’ve already sent someone to take care of Old Madam. Second, Miss, you don’t have to worry.”

Tao Yue smiled. “In that case, I’m relieved.”

“Aunt Zhou has been taking care of Grandma for many years. She’s the most familiar with Grandma’s daily life. I’m afraid that Grandma won’t be used to it if someone else takes care of her. Isn’t that right?”

However, Tan Rou ignored her. Tao Yue has been going on and on for a very long time, but none of them were doing anything about it.

“Miss, please come this way.” Aunt Zhou led Tan Rou to the largest building in the manor. “The main building has three floors. The first floor has a meeting room, study room, lounge, and so on. The second floor has three guest rooms, and the third floor is where your bedroom is. There’s a movie room and a small kitchen next to it. If Miss wants to watch a movie or eat, you can arrange it anytime.”

Tan Rou roughly observed the living room. All the furniture was new and made of solid wood. It gave off a faint wooden fragrance. Precious orchids were placed everywhere in the room, exuding a noble and elegant aura.

It was Tao Yue’s first time seeing the renovated building. The white walls, wooden floors, fragrant furniture, and rare orchids. All of this was meticulously prepared by the Tao family for Tan Rou.

When Tan Rou and the others returned, it was already dark. After eating and chatting for a while, it was already nine o’clock in the evening.

“Do you still want to take a look inside?” Tan Rou looked at Tao Yue and said, “Thank you for sending me here today.”

Tao Yue was confused. “Aren’t you going to let me in to take a look?”

Tan Rou said, “We’ve been taking exams for the whole day. I’m sure you’re tired as well. Why don’t we go back and rest first? We can talk about it tomorrow.”

Tao Yue really wanted to stay here for the night. “Cousin, I still have a lot to tell you…”

“Second Miss, you should go back and rest first.” Aunt Zhou interrupted Tao Yue. “The Yuanxi Manor is still quite a distance from where you live. It’s not easy to walk at night.. Second Miss, you should go back early!”

 

Chapter 497: 497 Tao Yue’s Hatred

 

 

Tao Yue looked at Tan Rou and then at Aunt Zhou. She could only say helplessly, “There are not many people here at night. Cousin, you have to be careful. Don’t let any strange things come in.”

Tan Rou said, “You don’t have to worry about that, Yueyue. I think Yuanxi Manor is a very safe place. No matter if it’s snakes, insects, ants, or strange people, they won’t be able to come in.” When she said ‘strange person’, she was looking at Tao Yue.

Tao Yue wanted to get angry, but Aunt Zhou was here. She couldn’t ruin the good image she had built in front of Aunt Zhou.

“Then I’ll be leaving.” Tao Yue looked at the living room longingly, as if she wanted to make her memory more memorable.

“Well, I won’t see you leave then since 1 still have to take a look around. Goodnight!” Tan Rou turned around and said.

Tao Yue stared at Tan Ron’s back. Anger filled her heart. If it weren’t for Tan Rou, she could have asked her grandparents for the Yuanxi Manor.

“Second Miss, please leave with us!” A few servants said.

“Aren’t you going to stay and take care of her?” Tao Yue asked.

The servant replied, “The old madam will send someone to take care of the young miss in a while. Besides, Aunt Zhou is also here, so we don’t need to be present.”

Tao Yue’s brain was spinning fast. She suddenly remembered something. “Oh, 1 seem to have forgotten to give something to her. Wait for me. I’ll be back after I give it to her.”

After she finished speaking, she ran back to the building without waiting for the servants to respond.

When Tao Yue returned to the living room, Tan Rou and Aunt Zhou had already gone upstairs. Tao Yue took off her shoes and walked up the stairs barefooted.

It was a three-story building, and each floor was about 3 square meters. The first, second, and third floors were all paved with wooden floors. Even the stairs were paved with wooden floors, so Tao Yue didn’t make a sound when she walked on the ground.

Although it was only on the third floor, there was also an indoor elevator installed. It was very hidden. The elevator door was hidden in the wall, and there were exquisite decorations beside it. If one did not look carefully, they would think that it was a display cabinet.

“Miss, this is your cloakroom. The company’s latest limited edition jewelry has been sent over. You can take a look. If the young miss had other jewelry she liked, she could bring it up.” Aunt Zhou’s voice came from the bedroom on the third floor.

Tao Yue hid at the stairs on the third floor, biting her nails so hard that they almost broke.

Tao Yue only had a few sets of the Tao family’s latest limited edition jewelry, but Tan Rou had a cabinet full of jewelry. In the past few days, Tao Yue kept seeing boxes with the Tao family’s jewelry logo enter the Yuanxi Manor. There would always be a few boxes going in, but no boxes were taken out.

“This is too much. I’m so grateful for these but I don’t usually wear jewelry.” Tan Rou said.

Aunt Zhou said, “Eldest Miss, you don’t have to make things difficult for yourself. These jewels are not for Eldest Miss to wear now. If Eldest Miss is not used to wearing jewels, you can keep them for later.””

Tao Yue bit her finger. She was both jealous and angry. She couldn’t get what she wanted, but Tan Rou could get it so easily. Was blood relations that important? She had lived in the Tao family for almost 17 years. Was she really not as good as Tan Rou, who had just returned to the Tao family?

Only then did Tao Yue realize that those words of ‘I like Yueyue the most’ were all fake. The Tao family only cared about their biological daughter and did not care about her, the adopted daughter who had lived with them for nearly 17 years.

“Miss, this is the elevator. If you don’t want to take the stairs, you can take the elevator.” Aunt Zhou’s voice grew louder and louder.

Tao Yue ran downstairs in a panic. After she went downstairs, her first reaction was to look for the power switch. If she destroyed the power switch when Tan Rou was in the elevator, would Tan Rou fall to her death?

Tao Yue, who had the evil idea, went to look for the power switch according to how well she knew the Tao family. As expected, she found the power switch behind a painting. At this time, Tan Rou and the others also took the elevator.

Tao Yue put her hand on the main switch and pulled it off with a smile.

In the elevator, Tan Rou was talking to Aunt Zhou when the elevator suddenly stopped. She followed the elevator and swayed a few times before squatting down with her hand against the wall.

“Is there a blackout?” Aunt Zhou was puzzled. “Why is there a blackout in this area?”

Tan Rou took out her phone to illuminate the room. When she realized that there was still a signal on her phone, she wanted to call someone over..

 

Chapter 498: 498 Interesting

 

 

Before the call could be made, the panicked voice of the servant came from outside.

“What happened? Why is there a blackout in the room?”

“Hurry up and turn on the backup power!”

“Where are Eldest Miss and Chief Zhou?”

Tan Rou turned around to look at Aunt Zhou and saw that the phone screen in her hand was lit up. She guessed that Aunt Zhou had called people over.

“Miss, I’m really sorry. It’s your first day back and 1 made you encounter such a thing. It’s our mistake!” Aunt Zhou bowed and apologized.

“You don’t have to apologize to me.” Tan Rou helped Aunt Zhou up. “No one could have predicted this. It might just be a blackout.”

“No, it can’t be a blackout. If there was a blackout in this area, the backup power generator underground would have been activated.” Aunt Zhou said in a heavy tone.

“But now, the underground power generator hasn’t been activated, which means that there’s no problem with the power supply in the main residence.” “So this is the only place with a blackout?” Tan Rou frowned slightly. She felt that this was not just a simple blackout.

The backup power was quickly activated. After the elevator was restored to power, it landed safely on the ground.

“Have you found out the reason for the blackout?” Aunt Zhou asked coldly.

“Someone pulled the main switch,” said a maid.

Aunt Zhou said angrily, “Find out who it is!”

Tan Rou stopped her.” Aunt Zhou, don’t tell anyone about this. I want to see if this person will do it a second time.”

Aunt Zhou was still worried. “Miss, this person is definitely coming after you. What if you let him do bad things and hurt you?”

“Aunt Zhou, don’t worry. 1 know who did it.” Tan Rou said.

After Tao Yue pulled the switch, she didn’t dare to stay to see if Tan Rou had fallen to her death. She ran out with the help of the streetlights outside the manor.

“Hu hu hu hu…” Tao Yue only stopped to rest for a while after she had run quite a distance. “Huff huff, did she fall to her death?”

Ten minutes later, the lights in Yuanxi Manor were restored, but there was still no sound. Tao Yue was confused. Did Tan Rou not fall to her death? The elevator went from the third floor to the first floor. There were only two floors. Even if they fell, they wouldn’t die.

Tao Yue felt a little regretful. She shouldn’t have pulled the power switch. If the Tao family investigated, they would soon find out about her.

After a while, Tao Yue decided to go back and see if Tan Rou was alright. It would be best if she fell and broke her head and ruined her face.

As soon as she entered the manor, Tao Yue heard the voices of the servants.

“Who pulled the switch?” One of the servants asked.

“It shouldn’t be done by one of us, right?” Another servant asked in fear, “If Old Master and Old Madam find out that we made a mistake at work, will we be fired?”

“Don’t think about the blackout first. Have you forgotten about Second Miss?

Didn’t she say she was going to deliver something?”

“That’s right. Where’s the second miss? Could it be that she was the one who pulled the switch just now?”

Hearing others mention her, Tao Yue felt that it was necessary to show her face so that they wouldn’t find out about her.

She came over from the door and asked them in a blaming tone, “Didn’t I tell you to wait for me over there? Why are you all gone the moment 1 come out? It’s so dark, I’m really scared to walk alone.”

The servants looked as if they had seen a ghost. “Second Miss, why did you come from outside? We thought you hadn’t come out yet.”

“Second Miss, I’m sorry! It was our mistake!” The servants were extremely afraid. They had already made two mistakes tonight. If they made another mistake, they might really be eaten.

“It’s too late now. Let’s go first.” Tao Yue glanced at the small building and saw Tan Rou at the door. She suddenly felt a little guilty. “Let’s go!”

After Tao Yue and the others left, Tan Rou returned to the living room.

“Second Cousin is really interesting.” Tan Rou suddenly said.

Aunt Zhou did not understand. “Eldest Miss, you mean…”

“Heh. I didn’t expect Second Cousin to come back to look for them. 1 thought she had left long ago.”

Aunt Zhou said, “Second Miss is not the kind of person who would wait for a servant.”

“That is why I said that she is indeed someone interesting.” Tan Rou chuckled at the thought of it..

Chapter 499: 499 Teach Her a Lesson

 

 

“Miss, I’m in the nanny room on the first floor. If Miss needs anything in the middle of the night, just call the internal line. I’ll be the first to reach your room.” Aunt Zhou said to Tan Rou before she went to bed.

Tan Rou nodded. “Thank you, Aunt Zhou. Good night.”

After lying on the bed, Tan Rou sent a message to Li Li, telling her to be careful when she returned tomorrow morning. She must not go alone or sleep in the departure hall.

Li Li didn’t reply. She was probably asleep.

She turned off her phone and was about to sleep when Zhuang Liu called. It was a video call, but just as Tan Rou was about to pick up, he hung up again. A second later, Zhuang Liu switched to a voice call.

Tan Rou reacted quickly this time. She pressed the green answer button, not giving Zhuang Liu a chance to reply.

“Xiao Rou, are you still awake?” Zhuang Liu’s magnetic voice came from the phone. There was a hint of a smile on his face, and it sounded very pleasant. “Why did Third Brother cut off the video?”Tan Rou asked.

Zhuang Liu paused for a moment before saying, “I accidentally pressed the wrong button just now.” Actually, he really wanted to video call Tan Rou, but he was afraid that it would be inconvenient for Tan Rou, so he changed it to a voice call in the end.

“Actually, you can also make video calls.” Tan Rou said.

Zhuang Liu really wanted to hang up the voice call now and change it to a video call. After thinking for a moment, he still felt that he should just stay with a voice call for now. He would wait for the video call to be made slowly in the future.

“Are you tired today?” Zhuang Liu did not ask Tan Rou how she did. He knew that she would definitely do well.

“I’m a little tired.” Tan Rou answered truthfully, “First, 1 took the exam for a day. Then, 1 was taken to the ancestral temple to pay respect. I only came back when it was almost dark. After returning, 1 even attended a small banquet and only returned to my room to rest after nine o’clock.”

“Xiaorou has worked hard today.” Zhuang Liu’s heart ached.

“It’s alright. These are all things that have to be done.” Tan Rou said.

“Have you seen your cousin?” Zhuang Liu asked.

Tan Rou “Does Third Brother know Tao Yue?”

“Yes.” Zhuang Liu said simply, “She was once the eldest daughter of the Tao family. She was very well liked by the Tao family and her grades were not bad but I heard that she’s only a foster daughter.”

Tan Rou smiled. “Tao Yue tried her best to hide the fact that she wasn’t the biological daughter of the Tao family. 1 didn’t expect so many people to know about it. Even my third brother, who doesn’t live in the capital, knows about it.” “This matter is no longer a secret in the capital.” Zhuang Liu laughed, “I think only Tao Yue doesn’t know that she has been exposed.”

“Perhaps there’s one more person who doesn’t know. Third Brother, do you know the Second Miss of the Meng family?” Tan Rou asked.

“I met her at the hotel two days ago. She seemed to be sent by Tao Yue to cause trouble for me.”

“Second Miss Meng?” Zhuang Liu recalled carefully. “I’ve heard about her. She was originally the most favored young lady of the Meng family. It was because she was too favored that she developed an arrogant and rude personality. Later, she offended a big shot in the Capital. In order to save her life, she was sent overseas. I did not expect her to be back now.”

“Who did she offend?” Tan Rou was a little curious.

“I’m not sure.” Zhuang Liu had been away all these years and rarely returned to the capital, so he didn’t know much about the secrets of the wealthy families in the capital. “If Rourou wants to know, I can help you investigate.”

“There’s no need to waste time and energy on this.” Tan Rou didn’t really want to know. “Meng Xiao isn’t a smart person. There’s no need to waste time on her.”

“Sure. Then, what about Tao Yue?” Zhuang Liu asked again. “Do you need me to ask Xiao Mo to find some information about her?”

“I don’t need it for the time being. My cousin is very interesting, so I want to play with her first.” Tan Rou said playfully.

“If she was smart enough not to provoke me, then 1 wouldn’t do anything to her as well. If she dares to provoke me, I’ll teach her a lesson.”

Zhuang Liu also smiled. “It’s her honor to be taught a lesson by Rourou.”

As she spoke, Tan Rou yawned. She looked at the time and saw that it was almost eleven o’clock.

“Third brother, I want to rest. Good night!” Tan Rou said.

Zhuang Liu asked, “Do you have time to come out tomorrow? I want to take you around.”

Tan Rou did not know if she had any other plans tomorrow. “Can we talk about it tomorrow? I’m a little sleepy.”

“Alright, good night, Xiao Rou!” Zhuang Liu said softly..

Chapter 500: 5 Don’t Like Me

 

 

After Tao Yue left Yuanxi Manor, she returned to her family’s manor. Although this manor was slightly larger than Yuanxi Manor, only Tan Rou lived in Yuanxi Manor, while there were four people living in their manor. Tao Yue usually restrained herself from saying or doing anything, afraid that others would find out.

“Dad, Mom, I’m back.” Tao Yue greeted her parents obediently.

Second Uncle and Aunt Tao stopped talking and called her to their side.

“Yueyue, how did it go with your cousin’s sister today?” Second Aunt Tao pulled Tao Yue to sit beside her. “You just went to Yuanxi Manor with her. Isn’t the newly renovated manor beautiful?”

Second Aunt Tao’s words hit Tao Yue’s sore spot. She didn’t want to answer these two questions, but she had to answer her mother’s question.

“I think I get along well with her, but she doesn’t seem to like me. Since this afternoon, my eldest cousin has been making things difficult for me.” Tao Yue said sadly.

“How could that be?” Second Aunt Tao asked in surprise.

“Didn’t you two have a very pleasant conversation tonight? Your eldest cousin even invited you to her new manor? There are so many brothers and sisters in the family, but you’re the only one who’s been to the newly renovated Yuanxi Manor.”

“But my eldest cousin just doesn’t like me very much. She asked me to leave as soon as we arrived at Yuanxi Manor.” As Tao Yue spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. “Mom, does Eldest Cousin hate me because I’ve taken over her identity as the eldest daughter of her family all these years?”

“Your eldest cousin is not that kind of person. Besides, both of you are still daughters of the Tao family. The only difference between the eldest and second young misses is in age. There won’t be any other differences.”

Tao Yue really wanted to ask her father why Tan Rou had an entire manor. Why could Tan Rou enter the ancestral shrine? Why did Tan Ron’s entire family have to come over to welcome her?

But Tao Yue couldn’t ask. If she did, her parents would say that she was being insensible. Ever since she found out that she was the adopted daughter of the Tao family, Tao Yue had been careful with everything she did. She didn’t dare to do anything wrong. She was afraid that the Tao family would send her back to the orphanage.

“Yueyue, did you do something to make Rourou mad at you?” Second Aunt Tao asked.

Tao Yue wanted to say that she didn’t do anything, but she suddenly thought of Meng Xiao, that idiot.

A few days ago, she had asked Meng Xiao to stay in the presidential suite of a hotel under the Tao family’s name and snatched Tan Ron’s room. She did not expect Meng Xiao that idiot not only did not get a place but also expose Tao Yue.

That night, Tao Xiang sent a message to remind Tao Yue not to get too close to Meng Xiao. Tao Yue was preparing for the physics competition at that time and did not take Tao Xiang’s words to heart.

Could it be because of this? Tao Yue finally realized why Tan Rou had such a sour face when she saw Tao Rou for the first time.

No, Tao Yue couldn’t let Tan Rou tell Grandpa Tao about this first. She had to take the initiative.

“Mom, it’s all my fault.” Tao Yue burst into tears. “What happened was…. a few days ago, Meng Xiao came back from abroad. She wanted to stay in the presidential suite of our six-star hotel, so she called me and asked me to make an appointment for her. I was busy with the exam at that time, so I didn’t help her and let her go alone.”

“Isn’t the presidential suite reserved for Rourou and the others?” Second Aunt Tao asked.

“I forgot.” Tao Yue said sadly, “Meng Xiao met Tan Rou at the front desk of the hotel. During the fight for the suite, Meng Xiao said that I was the one who told her to stay at that suite. In fact, I didn’t! 1 just told her to book the room herself. I think that’s why my cousin is mad at me now.”

After Second Aunt Tao heard this, her expression turned ugly. “Yueyue, why are you still in contact with Meng Xiao? Didn’t 1 tell you to cut off contact with Meng Xiao?”

“Mom, it’s not that I wanted to take the initiative to interact with Meng Xiao. She was the one who came to me first.” Tao Yue quickly made up an excuse. “I haven’t contacted her for years, but after all, we used to be friends. I can’t be so ruthless.”

Second Uncle Tao said, “What you’re saying makes sense. Others can be cold and heartless, but we can’t be cold and heartless. Otherwise, we won’t have any friends in the future. We should always treat other with kindness.”

Tao Yue’s head hurt every time she heard her say these things.. When would her father stop loving all living beings and when would he be able to snatch back the position of the head of the Tao family?