Ch. 51..60

Chapter 051 What An Embarassment

Everyone turned around and saw that Tan Rou with Xiao Mo was pushing Zhuang Liu across the small bridge as they slowly walked toward the courtyard.

The middle-aged man clapped his hands happily. “Young friend, you’re finally here! I told my old fellows that you were coming over, but they didn’t believe me. They insisted you didn’t like my place and clear soup!”

Zhuang Liu greeted him with a smile. “That’s not true. This place is unique and elegant. It’s a rare mystical realm, not to mention the priceless ornaments in your house. I’ve long admired your collection. Today, I can finally broaden my horizons.”

The surrounding people also chimed in happily. “That’s right. This place is really a paradise. You wouldn’t want to leave this place after coming here once!”

Xiao Mo pushed Zhuang Liu to the door, and Zhuang Liu motioned for him to stop. Then, he looked at Chen Yi coldly, “Looks like I came at the right time. I just happened to hear what Mrs. Tan said, so I had to interrupt her. Our families have already broken off the engagement. Back then, we had already agreed that we would never speak of each other ever again. Why did Mrs. Tan bring up this matter again just now? It’s better that everyone else wouldn’t misunderstand us.”

Tan Jing almost tore her palms to shreds. She started to blame Chen Yi in her heart. She had already said that she didn’t want to be here. It would have been fine if they were not allowed to enter, but why did Chen Yi bring up the marriage with the Zhuang family? Now, she had to meet the main character. It wasn’t enjoyable!

Zhuang Liu looked at Tan Jing again, and he laughed. “Miss Tan, what a coincidence. We will meet again here. Perhaps, Miss Tan still has some objections to what we just said? I’ve already made myself very clear. I will not allow Madam Tan to continue calling herself the Zhuang family’s in-laws.”

When Tan Jing heard Zhuang Liu mention the incident at the hotel, she felt even more embarrassed. She had just said that she looked down on the Zhuang family, but now Chen Yi acted as if they were still related. It was really embarrassing.

Chen Yi was so embarrassed that she could not say anything. After all, the two families had already fallen out when they met the last time. The ugly words had already been said, and they could never take it back.

When everyone heard Zhuang Liu’s words, everyone immediately understood what was happening. It was likely that the two families had already made things clear, and they had even gotten into a very unpleasant quarrel. However, Chen Yi was still trying to put on a show.

The middle-aged woman from before was still a little guilty after hearing Chen Yi’s words. She was afraid that she might have been too impulsive and may have offended the Zhuang family. Now that Zhuang Liu had clarified his stance, what was there to be afraid of? She had long since disliked Chen Yi’s nouveau riche style. Chen Yi, who liked comparing herself to others, was an idiot.

The woman smiled and said, “Chen Yi, this is your fault. We can just talk things out, but you brought out the Zhuang family to scare us without blinking. Now that the Zhuang family is asking for an explanation, that wouldn’t be nice for you as well!”

Chen Yi’s face turned red. She wanted to rush forward and tear the woman’s mouth apart.

The boss quickly stepped out to smooth things over. “That’s enough! You’ve come to my place to relax. There’s no need to make things unpleasant. Since that’s the case, all of you are allowed inside. Come, Xiao Zhuang, come to my room. Eh, I’ve seen Xiao Mo before. You even brought a little girl with you today?”

Everyone’s gaze was focused on Tan Rou. Tan Rou stood beside Zhuang Liu and greeted everyone with a smile.

Tan Jing’s eyes turned red. Tan Rou was really clinging onto Zhuang Liu?!

Chen Yi’s mind was in a daze just now. She only noticed now that Tan Rou was following behind Zhuang Liu. Then, thinking of what Tan Jing had said, she directed her anger at Tan Rou. “You sl*t! Don’t you feel shameful?! We had just ended the engagement with the Zhuang family, and you were already sticking close to them. Are you in such a hurry to suck up to them? Are you feeling happy after hearing what he said about me? Don’t you know your manners? I’m your mother, after all!”

Tan Rou shot a cold glance at Chen Yi, unwilling to pay attention to her.

Chen Yi had embarrassed herself in front of others, so how could she tolerate Tan Rou’s attitude now? She walked straight towards Tan Rou and raised her hand to slap Tan Rou’s face. “I don’t think you know what you have done wrong. Today, I’ll teach you a lesson on behalf of your own mother!”

Tan Rou stretched out her hand to stop her. She flung Chen Yi’s hand away. “I’m not like you. After breaking off the engagement, you still have the audacity to say that you’re the in-laws of the Zhuang family; even I feel embarrassed for you. Ever since I was young, you’ve never bothered with me for a single day. You have even less right to be teaching me right now!”

Chapter 052 Good Mother and Filial Child

Chen Yi was pushed, and she almost fell. She turned and looked at Tan Rou in disbelief as she screamed, “You! You are a rascal! How dare you lay hands on me?!”

Even if Tan Jing wasn’t happy with Chen Yi, she still had to side with Chen Yi. Plus, Tan Rou was disrespectful towards her foster parents in public! She would definitely have to add oil to this fire!

Tan Jing stepped forward to hold Chen Yi steady herself before she turned towards Tan Rou and said, “How could you push your mother?! She raised you for the past ten years. Even if you went back to the Tao family, you still shouldn’t hit your foster parent!”

Chen Yi felt today was a bad day to leave the house. She had humiliated herself. Just when she thought she could gain some pride from Tan Rou and leave once she satisfied her vanity, she didn’t think that Tan Rou would go against her in front of so many people, completely disregarding Chen Yi’s reputation!

Chen Yi held onto her chest and acted as if she was heartbroken, “Of course. You have wings now and found your family, which is why you can be disrespectful toward me. You’re dating Young Master Zhuang now, and you can be rude to me? You ungrateful child! Bastard!”

Zhang Liu patiently listened to them, and he didn’t even frown. He was about to speak up and get Xiao Mo to shut them up and throw them into the ditches.

However, Tan Rou was the one who spoke up first. Her tone was monotonous as she was already hopeless, “I am being ungrateful? What a joke! Have you done anything for me? Is there anything that I should be grateful for? The moment I could walk alone, you sent me away and never cared about me for the past ten years. You would like it better if you could send me to the moon.”

Tan Rou looked calm, but her eyes still undeniably showed her sadness.

“Have you even cared about how my life was? When I needed my mother, you happily had a party with the others when I was sad. I have finally grown up independently, and I don’t need you to love me anymore but at the ball….”

Tan Rou looked at the people around her before she continued, “Everyone here was present at the ball as well. All of you would know clearly that it was Tan Jing who tried to harm me. The evidence was laid right before you, but you decided to side with her. I felt accused instead. From that moment, I was no longer in debt for your upbringing. I would have returned everything if I ever owed you anything!”

The rest of them nodded their heads. Some of them were present at the ball, and they knew everything that happened. The rest who weren’t present would have already heard of it since it was the gossip of the years. They were all surprised by how biassed Chen Yi was that evening.

Tan Jing didn’t think that with these, Tan Rou immediately received sympathy from the rest of the people around her. They also started blaming Chen Yi for it, and Tan Jing wasn’t happy with it.

“Tan Rou, is there anything wrong with mother wanting to love me more? As her daughter, we should be understanding. How could you be so mindless? You can hate me all you want, but you still must be filial towards your mother!”

When Zhuang Liu heard Tan Rou talking, his eyes were locked on her. He could no longer suppress the pain from how heartbroken he was. Zhuang Liu didn’t think Tan Rou had to endure so much pain when she was young.

Children would always admire and look up to their parents, but Chen Yi ruined it for Tan Rou. When Tan Jing returned home, Chen Yi pushed the last straw for Tan Rou, and this was why Tan Rou didn’t see Chen Yi as her mother.

Seeing how Tan Jing still had the audacity to speak up, Zhuang Liu’s face turned cold as he stared at Tan Jing, “The wise man used to say that it is bad mothers who raise unfilial children. If a mother isn’t a good role model, how would they have filial children? Miss tan, I think it would be better for you to reflect on yourself first. You would have forgotten how to spell the word’ filial’ when you abandoned the Tao family and ran back to the Tan family.”

Zhuang Liu sneered as he continued, “You are only filial towards money and fame. It doesn’t matter who your parents actually are.”

Tan Jing felt her head spinning when she heard what the man said. She always thought of herself as a brilliant and obedient child. Did the rest of them see her this way as well?

The rest listened to the conversation between them and each other, and they had interesting looks on their faces. It was obvious that they were judging Chen Yi and Tan Jing.

One of the women let out a cold laugh, “A heartless mother and a traitor for a daughter. Oh, Chen Yi! This girl really is your biological child. Both of you are indeed family.”

Chen Yi started screaming, disregarding her image, “Shut up!” Even if Chen Yi was arrogant, she still cared about her reputation. Without a good reputation, none of the wealthy families would be willing to socialize with the Tan family. It was fine that Tan Rou was speaking against her, but now, Zhuang Liu was speaking up for her too!

As for Tan Jing, she was already sobbing uncontrollably.

Chen Yi glared at Tan Rou as she said, “You sl*t! I sent you overseas to further your studies, but all you have learned was how to seduce men! Young Master Zhuang, you shouldn’t believe her lies! Daughters of low-income families like her would only be dying to have a luxurious life like the Tan family, which is why she’s trying her best to be married to a wealthy family!”

 

Chapter 053 Zhuang Liu To The Rescue

Tan Rou frowned. Then, she stared at Chen Yi in disgust. Did Chen Yi think that everyone was like her? Calling other sl*ts when she was one herself. Chen Yi would probably be the one breaking her head to find a rich suitor for Tan Jing so that they could save the Tan family!

Tan Jing’s eyes were red as she looked at Tan Rou. She was cursing at Tan Rou secretly about how Tan Rou was a b*tch! Tan Rou was only acting pitiful and weak, so everyone would be heartbroken for her! Zhuang Liu was someone she rejected personally, but still, Tan Rou shouldn’t be able to have him!

The rest looked at how Chen Yi acted like an uncultured woman and felt that things were getting awkward. This was a family matter, and they didn’t have the right to be making any comments. They have never met their foster child, but looking at her now, she seems to be an obedient and polite little girl. But, none of them would really know if she was as evil as Chen Yi had said and how Tan Rou was the one who took away Tan Jing’s fiance.

Tan Rou lowered her head and did not say a word.

Public clamor can melt gold. What’s the use of explaining herself to these people? They would only believe things that they knew. Chen Yi and Tan Jing were like dogs being forced into a corner which was why they were dragging her along with them. Tan Rou felt cold and exhausted.

Zhuang Liu was the one who spoke instead, “I would love to have a marriage with the Tan family, but if the person that I’m marrying isn’t Tan Rou, I would want nothing to do with the Tan family.”

Not only the other women who were present but even Tan Rou was also stunned by what Zhuang Liu said. Did Zhuang Liu mean that…..back then, the old master Zhuang only lowered his status and asked for marriage from the Tan family because of Tan Rou.

Tan Rou didn’t think that Zhuang Liu, who didn’t like to explain himself, would say something so shocking. She thought that Zhuang Liu was only doing so because he didn’t like how Chen Yi and Tan Jing treated her. He only wanted to stand up for her, and his actions touched her.

Tan Rou stepped forward and poked Zhuang Liu as she whispered, “I’m fine. You shouldn’t be lying about this.”

Zhuang Liu gave a gentle smile and comforted Tan Rou. He shook his head and said, “It isn’t a lie.”

Then, Zhuang Liu told the rest, “The Zhuang family does not care about status or fame. We don’t need it, but character is important to us. The elders of the Zhuang family look highly on Tan Rou, and she is also someone important to me. We were happy that she got back to her real family. As for the Tan family, she is no longer related to them, which means that the Zhuang family isn’t as well.”

Zhuang Liu was worried that what happened today would bring more trouble to Tan Rou. So, he decided to use his family’s name to tell the rest that the marriage of the Zhuang family agreed to be only with Tan Rou. He believed that it wouldn’t take long for this news to spread, and once this got out, the rest of them would be more careful before bullying Tan Rou to be close to the Tan family.

Even when Liu Zhuang’s words weren’t straightforward, they clearly showed how protective he was of Tan Rou. Everyone present was smart people, and all of the rich women instantly looked at Tan Rou with welcoming eyes. They nodded their heads and immediately knew what to do next. If they were lucky enough to have the opportunity, they would definitely want to get to know her better.

The boss looked at Zhuang Liu and said, “You’re right! Fame and status would be nothing when making friends. The character would be more important. This would only allow relationships to last longer.”

Then, the boss turned towards Tan Rou and invited her, “Xiao Zhuang is already speaking so highly of you. I believe there must be something interesting to learn from you, young miss. What you said just now indeed sparked an interest in me. Quick, come in with me. We should sit down and have a conversation! If you don’t mind this place, you should come here more often!”

Tan Rou could feel the kindness coming from the boss, and she didn’t have the heart to reject him. Plus, Tan Rou felt differently after seeing how beautiful the courtyard was. To be able to let go of all the fame in the city and to own such a beautiful restaurant in the woods was definitely something difficult to do. It was just like what Zhuang Liu had said, and this man was unique.

It wasn’t difficult to see that the streams and plants had been placed meticulously. The ancient touch in this place was incredible and different. The boss must definitely be someone special, and it was no touch that this restaurant became famous.

After getting the boss’s invitation, Tan Rou was delighted.

Tan Rou knew this was all because of Zhuang Liu and immediately gave him a thankful look.

Zhuang Liu smiled and said, “This has nothing to do with me. I know that you would appreciate each other’s company.”

While conversing, the boss and the rest of the crowd walked into the restaurant with Zhuang Liu.

 

Chapter 054 Chen Yi Going Crazy

Tan Jing stood by the side, and she no longer had the time to cry! She couldn’t even hide the jealousy in her eyes. How was it that they were stopped from entering with excuses of how there weren’t any tables left, but Tan Rou was being welcomed into the restaurant?!

Tan Jing hated Tan Rou to her bones! That b*tch! She didn’t even get to enter this place, but how was it that the fake young miss became so popular?! Wasn’t it all because Tan Rou had Zhuang Liu supporting her?! When she thought about how she could have had the chance to enjoy all these by being close to Zhuang Liu, Tan Jing immediately regretted her actions.

However, the things that Zhuang Liu said offended her as well. He is a cripple who can’t even stand! How dare he look down on her and be unwilling to be married to her? Look highly at Tan Rou. The sl*t just seduced him! A cripple who doesn’t know what’s best for him!

The rest of them intentionally ignored Chen Yi and Tan Jing. They were all standing around Zhuang Liu, welcoming them into the courtyard. Tan Rou and Xiao Mo stood on both sides to protect Zhuang Liu, worried that someone might touch his legs.

Chen Yi, who was left behind, felt the blood rushing up to her head, and she was flushing.

She cared about the reputation the most. She would never allow anyone to humiliate her. She would always retaliate against the other person if she heard anything that she didn’t like so that she would be able to remain prideful. However, on this day, not only did she get humiliated by this stupid restaurant, she was embarrassed by Tan Rou.

Seeing how people were surrounding Tan Rou and she, as the madam of the Tan family, was being left behind, she felt that this world was turning upside down! This must be Tan Rou’s doing! Tan Jing was just telling her back at home how Tan Rou had been cursing Chen Yi. From the looks of it now, Tan Rou definitely has no respect for her!

As the emotions got the better of her, Chen Yi couldn’t stand it anymore. She no longer cared about the image of an educated woman and wanted to grab Tan Rou’s hair. Then, her other hand was ready to slap Tan Rou hard.

The rest of them didn’t even have the chance to react to this. However, Tan Rou quickly noticed what Chen Yi was doing. She quickly moved backward to dodge Chen Yi’s attacks.

Chen Yi placed all of her energy on the slap, but instead of hitting someone, she tripped.

The rest of them were surprised as well. They quickly took one step backward, and they could all hear the sound of the wind created by Chen Yi’s hard slap.

The rest of them started mumbling, “Has she gone mad?”

“I’ve heard that she has been mean to her daughter previously. She must have wanted this child dead. Look at how heartless she is!”

“Oh my! That scared me! What was Chen Yi trying to do?”

Chen Yi was like a shrew. Her eyes glared at Tan Rou. She couldn’t even breathe properly as her chest heaved up and down heavily.

Tan Rou frowned, “What are you doing? My parents are the ones who gave me this body. You have no right to hit me now. I have sworn that I will never allow you to bully me. You have to be careful with what you want to do next.”

Chen Yi sneered as she screamed, “You rascal! I am also telling you that no matter how old you become, you will never be allowed to talk above me!! You are merely a rascal that we took home by mistake! You were allowed to live a luxurious life in the Tan family that your lowly family would never be able to afford! You should have been grateful!”

With that, Chen Yi raised her arms again and aimed them at Tan Rou. She missed it the first time and was now infuriated. She was so irrational that she no longer cared if others were watching her. She only wanted to teach Tan Rou a lesson!

Tan Rou didn’t want to bear the crime of hitting her foster parent. No matter what, the rest of them didn’t know the truth, and Chen Yi was still her ‘parent.

Plus, Tan Rou didn’t want the Tao family to be dragged into this and end up with a bad name.

She wouldn’t be able to hit Chen Yi, but that wouldn’t mean that she would allow others to hit her. Tan Rou was agile enough to dodge it. She acted as if she tripped, and just when Chen Yi’s palm was about to land on her face, Tan Rou moved and stood behind Tan Jing. That’s when the huge slap landed on Tan Jing’s face, and it was indeed a hard one.

Tan Rou wouldn’t be able to seek revenge here, but she wouldn’t allow anyone to bully her. Chen Yi wanted to beat someone badly. So her precious daughter would be able to satisfy her. Tan Rou pretended to trip, but her real intentions were to get behind Tan Jing.

Chen Jing gave her all in that slap. When her palm landed on Tan Jing’s cheeks, Tan Jing felt as if she was about to turn deaf! There was a ringing sound in her ear, and her face turned numb. She felt lost as she covered her face, and after some time, she screamed in her high-pitched voice, “Mother!!!”

 

Chapter 055 It Wasn't Intentional

Chen Yi panicked as well. Her arms were still raised as she said helplessly, “Xiao Jing! It wasn’t intentional! How did I end up hitting you? Tan Rou! You b*tch! You did this on purpose, didn’t you?”

Then, Tan Rou walked out from behind Tan Jing with an innocent smile, “I was too scared. I don’t think my face would still be intact if you slapped me. I know you were mad and wanted to hit me, but I didn’t think you would hit your daughter either.”

Chen Yi wasn’t done, but Tan Rou had already returned to Zhuang Liu’s side. Then, she said to Chen Yi, “Instead of wasting your time here, you should quickly bring your daughter to the hospital. Her face is so swollen that she looks like a pig.”

Everything happened so quickly. The rest were only about to intervene, but the whole thing ended so dramatically that they wanted to laugh.

The boss shook his head helplessly before speaking to Chen Yi, “It was only a small deal of a meal, but I never thought it would drag on for so long. Both of you should leave now. Take a look at your child’s face and stop this. This place does not welcome the both of you!”

Tan Jing held onto her cheeks, which were red and swollen. She was crying, and that made her look even scarier. She was worried that her face would resemble a pig, as Tan Rou said, and she quickly screamed, “Mother! I want to go to the doctor! Quick! I don’t want to stay here anymore!”

Chen Yi quickly looked at Tan Jing’s face. It didn’t look serious since she was only a woman, but it was definitely swollen. Along with how Tan Jing wouldn’t stop crying, Chen Yi panicked and quickly left with Tan Jing.

The middle-aged woman who didn’t like Chen Yi sneered as she said, “Chen Yi is losing her mind as she grows older. She’s taking that garbage that only owns how to cry as a precious treasure. Those things have ill intentions.”

The rest of them calmed her down. “Well, you don’t have to comment on it. She won’t be able to do this for long. We’ll stay further away from her. She’s beating up everyone just because she’s mad. Look at how she’s acting now. Does she still look like the Ma’am Tan that we know?”

The boss then interjected and said, “Well, I truly apologize for the trouble caused. All of you would have come here to have a good time. Let’s head in and enjoy our meal. I have already brewed some beautiful tea, and you would have to try it out.”

The rest of them smiled in response. They agreed not to talk about what had happened earlier and returned to their respective rooms.

However, when they returned home, it became a mystery about how this story would turn out after being spread to the others.

The boss enthusiastically served them and said, “Let’s head inside. I have kept some tea for you. We must sit down and have a good conversation together.”

Zhuang Liu shook his head and rejected the offer, “I brought Xiao Rou here so that she could try some dishes here. I am a little exhausted from the drama earlier as well. Plus, you have friends here today. I will make sure to visit you very soon.”

The boss understood what Zhuang Liu was hinting at as well. Zhuang Liu was considerate towards Tan Rou, thinking she wouldn’t want to be stuck entertaining them. The boss was considerate enough to nod his head and said, “Very well then, an old man like me shall not be disturbing young people like you. I will prepare a few dishes and have them sent your way. All of them are dishes that I have just discovered. I’m sure you’ll like it!”

Tan Rou gently thanked the boss and was grateful for the considerate arrangements.

She came here in a good mood, but after her encounter with Chen Yi and Tan Jing, she felt a little moody. Tan Rou wasn’t worried about how they would cause a scene. They only knew how to embarrass themselves and a few slanders that would be sent her way. Tan Rou knew how to deal with them.

However, Tan Rou still had her worries. She didn’t care if her name got ruined since she wasn’t hoping to get something out of these socialites. It didn’t matter if these people had anything to say about Tan Rou, nor would it affect her.

But this cannot happen to the Tao family. They were good parents, and her brother was a wonderful man. They should not be dragged into the drains because of her. They shouldn’t end up like how they had in her previous life, where everyone hated them.

Therefore, Tan Rou always reminded herself not to be impulsive. She had already made a mistake once. This time, she should be more aware of the rumors. These would be able to ruin lives, and she would never allow anyone to have anything to say about her.

Now, this has proved her right. The reputation of Chen Yi and Tan Jing was getting progressively worse. The bad things they had done previously were now reflected in them. This was karma.

They should experience how it feels to be hated; how no one cares about them.

 

Chapter 056 Matchmaker

Tan Rou, along with Zhuang Liu and Xiao Mo, was seated in an exquisite room. Before they sat in their seats, the boss dragged Xiao Mo along with him. He was telling Xiao Mo that he wanted to talk to him about life, but he was trying to leave some space for Zhuang Liu and Tan Rou.

The boss could socialize with so many rich businessmen and politicians. He would definitely be someone who could read between the lines. This was the first time that Zhuang Liu brought a woman here, and along with what he just said earlier, even if the others couldn’t see it, the boss could.

Zhuang Liu mentioned that she was someone important, but perhaps this was also someone that he held in his heart dearly. Seeing how Zhuang Liu’s eyes were always stuck on Tan Rou, it was easier for others to read his mind.

Xiao Mo instantly understood the situation as well. Not only did Miss Tan Rou cure the young master, but she was also a wonderful person. She was kind and considerate, with a mild temper that made everyone feel comfortable around her. Especially in comparison to Tan Jing, Miss Tan Rou was a good woman that was hard to find nowadays. Xiao Mo was also aware of his own boss’s intentions.

Therefore, Xiao Mo followed the boss obediently. He went to the other room, giving space to Tan Rou and Zhuang Liu.

Zhuang Liu was delighted that both Xiao Mo and the boss understood his intentions. He complimented them inside his heart but still maintained a polite smile as he looked at Tan Rou with gentle eyes.

Tan Rou was feeling a little awkward. It wasn’t hard for her to guess from the Boss’s expression that he wanted to give them space. Due to what Zhuang Liu said earlier in front of those people, it would be unavoidable that the others would consider them as a couple.

However, after thinking it through thoroughly, from the moment they first met, they have had lots of affairs tangled together, but Zhuang Liu has always been a considerate man. It would be difficult for anyone to reject him.

Tan Rou asked herself as well. Regards to Zhuang Liu really admired and trusted her. Since this was the case, she did not need to think too much about it. It would be better to just go with the flow.

Their eyes met, and the atmosphere between them was comforting.

Zhuang Liu spoke first. “Don’t take them seriously. They still do not have the ability to do anything. They just like disgusting others. I can help you to shut their mouths.”

Tan Rou shook her head. “I shouldn’t have to trouble you. It’s such a waste of your time and talent. Plus, it would also stain your reputation. Our conflict is a little complicated, but I am hoping that I will be able to end things with my own abilities.”

Zhuang Liu knew that Tan Rou was a prideful woman. When he asked her the question, he already expected that this was the answer. It was a piece of cake for him to deal with the Tan family, but he couldn’t do so.

Just like what Tan Rou did today. With her martial arts skills, Chen Yi could not lay her hands on Tan Rou. Tan Rou would still be able to defeat them and leave them crying on the ground since he had witnessed her abilities.

However, Tan Rou did not do so.

Sometimes, solving something isn’t as easy as cutting it with a knife. It was important for the other party to get the punishment that they deserved. Plus, there must be a reason for it so that the others would believe that they were the ones who did these to themselves.

So, Tan Rou didn’t only want Chen Yi and Tan Jing to suffer. She wanted them to feel that they deserved to suffer. She wanted everyone to lose trust in them, and everyone around them would despise them.

It’s better to slander one’s heart than slice their body into pieces. This would bring them more pain than causing the Tan family to go bankrupt overnight.

With a few exchanges, they understood what the other party wanted. Tan Rou smiled as well. Zhuang Liu was indeed a considerate man. He also understood her well. He had the abilities, but he was never arrogant. He didn’t interject into her problem but instead allowed her to do as she pleased, which comforted Tan Rou.

The dishes were served. Zhuang Liu was carefully cutting the dishes for Tan Rou and slowly introduced them to her from the story behind them and the ingredients found inside them.

Tan Rou picked up a piece of fish, and no bones were seen. It was so soft that it melted as soon as she placed it in her mouth. The fish was tender and smooth. The fish was cooked to perfection.

Zhuang Liu then filled up Tan Rou’s bowl with seafood porridge. Tan Rou took a small bite of it, and her eyes widened in shock. They were glistening as she stared at Zhuang Liu.

Seeing how Tan Rou was happy with the food, he was also overjoyed. “This should suit your appetite.”

Tan Rou nodded her head. “It’s delicious! The porridge is so tasty! It must have been cooked for a long time! The fish instantly melted inside my mouth!”

 

Chapter 057 Tan Song

Zhuang Liu kept his eyes on Tan Rou. She was like a cat who finally got to eat its fish. Both her eyes were shining brightly with joy.

Zhuang Liu couldn’t hide the love in his eyes as he said, “All of these are their signature dishes. The boss loved eating, which is why he designed all these.”

Tan Rou turned shy when she saw the look in Zhuang Liu’s eyes. She turned around to avoid his gaze and buried her head in the delicacy before her.

Tan Rou noticed that Zhuang Liu was more daring than before. Then, she spoke difficulty, “You should eat as well. Did you say that you were hungry as well? Would you be filled by just looking at me?”

Zhuang Liu smiled and said, “I’m filled with such beauty before me.”

Tan Rou glared at Zhuang Liu.

Zhuang Liu immediately admitted defeat as he said, “Alright, alright. I’ll stop talking and start eating right away.”

Tan Rou rolled her eyes, but she felt a warmth inside her chest, “You should eat more! It must have been tiring for you today.”

Zhung Liu was enjoying the porridge when he shook his head, “You were the one who must be exhausted. Not only did you help me with my treatment, but there were also lots of events that followed after that.”

Tan Rou mischievously winked. “That’s nothing. After enjoying such delicious food, I don’t remember anything now! I’m feeling much better now!”

Both of them were happily eating and chatting. Their relationship seemed to be progressing, and they were getting closer to each other.

Inside the restaurant, it was a pleasing atmosphere, while the Tan family was the complete opposite.

Tan Jing’s cheeks were covered with a large bandage as she returned home with Chen Yi.

She was still sobbing. Her eyes were red. She lay on the sofa, looking incredibly pitiful.

Chen Yi frowned. She sat on the other side of the sofa, looking annoyed as she sighed, “Stop crying already. The doctor already said that you’re fine.”

Tan Jing sobbed as she said, “But it still hurts! The doctor said that my eardrums would have exploded with a little more force!”

Chen Yi was also frustrated: “I was trying to hit that b*tch, Tan Rou! How would I know that you were standing right in front of her? Why can’t you be smarter and move aside?”

Tan Rou felt wrong, but she knew this was not the time to argue with Chen Yi. “It’s all Tan Rou’s fault! What a cunny sl*t! She purposely stood behind me, and I didn’t even have the time to react!”

Chen Yi continued cursing under her breath, and the entire house was surrounded by an eerie atmosphere.

Tan Song finally returned home, and he immediately felt that something felt different. He frowned as he asked them, “What’s wrong? Why are both of you looking so sad?”

Tan Jing finally found the person who could stand up for her, and she quickly got up, “Daddy! You’re finally home! That b*tch, Tan Rou, bullied Mummy and me!”

Tan Song was confused. “Tan Rou? Didn’t she return to the Tao family? Why are you two still getting bullied by her?”

Tan Song was the head of the Tan family now. Even when he wasn’t excellent at running a business, with the inheritance from his father, the business was still up and running.

Tan Song hated it when the others compared him with his father. It always felt as if he would ruin the family. This was why he was completely focused on his career, with no regard for what he had to sacrifice.

He never asked about what happened at home and never cared for Tan Rou. When Tan Jing returned home, he had gotten closer to her since they were blood-related, but that was all.

Chen Yi also stood up, looking mad as she complained, “That daughter that we raised for the past decade has the audacity to talk back against me now! That b*tch was so good at pretending to be pitiful. She’s a traitor. She’s saying that I have never cared for her and was so cunning that I hit Jingjing instead. Look at how swollen her face is!”

Tan Son frowned. He didn’t want to be bothered by the scandals between these women. He looked at Tan Jing’s face and simply said, “Just listen to the doctor’s advice and take your medicine. Stop mingling with these irrelevant people. You’re just embarrassing yourself.”

Tan Jing’s heart turned cold. She has noticed this since the beginning. Her father was a cold and distant man. Tan Rou was a stranger to him, and even for her and Chen Yi, they didn’t hold much importance to him. The only thing that mattered to him was his career and status.

Therefore, Tan Jing quickly added, “Daddy! Not only was I slapped in the face, but so many people there also witnessed it. That stupid restaurant did not allow us to go in! When Tan Rou rebutted mummy, all of them saw it as well! It was embarrassing!”

As expected, there was finally a change in Tan Song’s expression.

Tan Jing continued, “Plus, Zhuang Liu was there as well. He was protecting Tan Rou the entire time and said that he looked down on the Tan family. He wouldn’t want a marriage with the Tan family without Tan Rou! He was degrading the Tan family intentionally in front of all those people!”

Tan Song’s face immediately turned cold as he asked, “Is that true? Why didn’t you say so earlier? Zhuang Liu is involved in this as well! This is ridiculous!”

 

Chapter 058 The Complaint

Tan Jing let out a cold laugh inside her. As expected, Tan Song only cared about the status of his family name. He was dying to get the acknowledgment of others. When he heard that she was beaten, he didn’t even panic, but when he heard how the other wealthy families would boycott his family, he started panicking.

Tan Jing quickly added oil to the fire as she squeezed a few drops of tears from her eyes, “It’s true. Tan Rou found her opportunity when we ended the marriage with the Zhuang family, and she ran to Zhuang Liu. She embarrassed mother and me in front of all those women. Those people would definitely talk about it when they return home. Once their husbands hear about this…it would be humiliating!!!”

Chen Yi quickly knew what she had to do as well. They had been married for years, and she knew the type of man her husband was. She was infuriated earlier and forgot about Tan Song’s weakness. This was why he wasn’t bothered by it earlier.

Chen Yi then said, “Those women have always been jealous that I’ve found a good husband, but now that Tan Rou has embarrassed us, I’m feeling so ashamed. I won’t be able to go socializing after this!”

Tan Jing quickly nodded her head. “Zhuang Liu even said that they only care about a character when choosing a wife. Isn’t he trying to hint that I don’t have a good character?! This will definitely affect your business, dad! Tan Rou is such an evil woman! She’s trying to ruin our family!”

Tan Song felt even more worried after hearing what they said. He held onto his chest as he panted, “That rascal! She hasn’t given up yet after returning to the Tao family! She even got herself associated with the Zhuang family and is showing it off to us!”

Tan Song was infuriated. He wanted to teach Tan Rou a lesson immediately, but he was worried about Zhuang Liu at the same time.

From Tan Song’s perspective, he has no idea that Tan Rou has already become someone entirely different. He still thought of Tan Rou as a useless clown. She didn’t believe that Tan Rou would have the ability to affect how the others looked at the Tan family.

Tan Rou must have gotten lucky that Zhuang Liu found her interesting. Zhuan Liu’s taste in women was unique as well. How could he protect a gold digger like Tan Rou and even embarrass the Tan family for her?

However, Tan Song couldn’t make any decision now as well. Although he knew the culprit was Zhuang Liu, there were still a lot of rumors surrounding him. Zhuang Liu’s health was still a mystery. The Zhuang family isn’t simple, and the Tan family could not afford to offend them.

So, even when there were lots of them who had already taken action, Tan Song was still trying to be cautious. He has decided to be an audience in this situation, afraid he might lose everything he has now.

However, today’s event caused Tan Song to realize that something was different.

By now, the reporters have not released any statement, so none of them have read that Zhuang Liu’s health has been restored.

However, after what happened tonight, most people would have realized that Zhuang Liu looked much better. He spoke firmly and did not look like someone in a critical situation.

Tan Song wasn’t sure if Zhuang Liu had come back from death or if this was just an act.

When they wanted to break the marriage, Tan Song was aware of it. In fact, he didn’t want anything extra happening at that time. No matter what happens to the Zhuang family in the future, cutting ties with them when Zhuang Liu is severely ill might piss off the Zhuang family. If Zhuang Liu were going to die soon, the Zhuang family would be done for, and Tan Song would also be affected.

This was why Tan Song always remained neutral. He didn’t want to get anyone’s attention, but Chen Yi and Tan Jing were complaining about it to him every day. They kept saying he was heartless, allowing their only daughter to marry a cripple. Tan Jing was also always crying, saying she didn’t want to be a widow and wanted Tan Song to have mercy on her.

Tan Song was being disturbed so badly that he had no other choice. He allowed it and felt happy that he had made the right choice. Perhaps the rumor about how the Zhuang family would collapse soon was real?

However, the reaction the Zhuang family gave back then was unexpected. Although the Zhuang family agreed, Tan Song felt something wasn’t right.

With what Zhuang Liu said today, everything became clear. They have never considered the Tan family; perhaps, Zhuang Liu was already together with Tan Rou since the beginning!

Tan Song hated it the most when others ignored him. Since he wasn’t sure if the Zhuang family still had the ability to do anything, he could only turn to the weaker party. He can’t question Zhuang Liu, but he could still question Tan Rou!

Tan Song didn’t think that Zhuang Liu would be by her side the entire time. Plus, they were just kids. How much love would there be between them? This was merely an irrational decision. Tan Rou was nothing compared to the Tan family.

Tan Rou was overconfident about his status and didn’t think that Zhuang Liu wouldn’t know what was best for him!

Tan Jing and Chen Yi were waiting for Tan Song to decide. They have just been badly humiliated by Tan Rou. They would definitely make her pay for what she has done today.

 

 

Chapter 059 Paper Tiger

Tan Song rubbed his temples as he felt exhausted. Then, he said in a tired tone, “Fine. I will go to the Tao family tomorrow. How dare Tan Rou act as if she was someone important! I would like to question the Tao family if they knew how to educate their daughter! Perhaps they were the ones that taught Tan Rou to use her past identity to get close to the Zhuang family!”

Chen Yi let out a breath of relief. She nodded in agreement, “Is there anything those poor people wouldn’t do?!”

Tan Jing pursed her lips as she listened to what they were saying. She had nothing to say at this point. She didn’t have to stand up for the Tao family now. It was more important for Tan Song to teach Tan Rou a lesson.

This way, the Tao family would also realize that Tan Rou was a b*tch that wasn’t worth their love!

As Tan Jing thought about this, she finally felt much better.

The next morning, Tan Song got his driver to send him to where the Tao family lived.

Tan Song opened the door with disgust as he walked through the narrow alley. He felt bad for his branded leather shoes that had to be in contact with such a dirty place. Then, he found the Tao family. He despised them and thought of how different this place was from the Tan family. It was no surprise that they thought of such a horrible plan.

If they were to depend on their own abilities, they might not be able to grow out of this place. They finally gave birth to a daughter who had the chance to be part of the upper-class socialites. These people would definitely make use of such a perfect opportunity.

Tan Song felt even more confident as he thought about it and started knocking at the door.

Mother Tao was preparing breakfast, thinking of how to feed both her children with better food. Especially Tan Rou, she was too skinny. Her children had to eat more.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Mother Tao was wondering who would be at their door early in the morning.

She was shocked when she opened the door. Tan Song was dressed in a tailored suit and stood tall as he looked at Mother Tao sternly.

Mother Tao was frightened. Since the day that she found out that her daughter had been switched, she had been worried ever since. She was afraid that these people would take away her daughter. What was Tan Song doing here? It must be related to Xiao Rou, right?”

However, Mother Tao didn’t show how nervous she actually was. She smiled and politely asked, “What pleasant surprise for you to have the time to come here. What’s the matter?”

Mother Tao never had a good impression of Tao Song and Chen Yi. When both families were discussing their children, the Tan family was arrogant and rude. Mother Tao could only try her best to maintain her manners and politeness, but she never considered inviting him into the house.

Plus, Tan Rou was still sleeping inside. Mother Tao had her own intentions. She didn’t want Tao Rou to be in contact with those from the Tan family.

Tan Song sneered as he asked, “Where’s Mr. Tao? I need to talk to him. Tao Rou got herself in trouble. Didn’t she tell you about it when she came home?”

Mother Tao was confused but still protected her child subconsciously, “What happened to Xiao Rou? You can just talk to me about it.”

Tan Song stood by the door. He was getting frustrated as he loosened his tie. He felt that he had stained his reputation by being here. It was a mistake. These people didn’t even know manners. This woman didn’t even invite him inside the house, which was why he also started being rude.

“That rascal had the audacity to insult my wife in public and even injured Jingjing. Get her out here now to apologize!”

When Mother Tao heard what Tan Song said, her face turned cold. Tan Song came to their house early in the morning and started lecturing her daughter. This was something that infuriated Mother Tao, and it was so bad that her head started hurting.

Mother Tao was trying her best to control her anger. This was the only reason she didn’t pick up a broom to kick him out.

She frowned and tried to suppress her anger as she stood up for her daughter, “I don’t believe that Xiao Rou is someone like that. There must be some understanding, but before you find out the truth, please do not insult my daughter right in front of my house.”

Tan Song scoffed as he stared at Mother Tao in disdain, “People like you do not know manners. This is why Tao Rou would do such things.”

Mother Tao couldn’t stand it anymore. “Is that right? It’s a shame that families like us do not welcome people like you into our homes. Please leave right now!” Then, she closed the door.

Seeing what Mother Tao wanted to do, Tan Song’s face turned cold. He started screaming at the house, “Tan Rou! Why are you hiding inside your house now after causing so much trouble?! Get out here now and follow me back so you can apologize!”

Tan Rou was awakened by the noise outside. When she stepped outside, she could hear Tan Song screaming at the top of his lungs.

Tan Rou didn’t have much of an impression of Tan Song. Chen Yi sent her abroad when she was a young girl, and Tan Song agreed with her decision. He has never reached out to Tan Rou. When she returned home when she was 18 years old, Tan Song would also be at the office and allowed Chen Yi to torture her as she pleased.

 

Chapter 060 Passing By

For Tan Rou, Tan Song was just a useless, cold man. If it weren’t because how he didn’t care much about them, Chen Yi and Tan Jing wouldn’t have been able to act so arrogantly.

The mother-daughter duo had just been humiliated yesterday, and Tan Song was already here looking for trouble again.

Tan Rou let out a cold laugh. She thought they would at least come up with something better, but they were still bullying others who were weaker than them and putting on a tough act. However, they were wrong. Tan Song was just a paper tiger. He didn’t have much ability to protect the Tan family or his wife and daughter.

Tan Rou walked out of her room and looked at Tan Song, “You’re looking for me?”

“Child, I’m here. You just wait inside. We’ll be having breakfast soon.”

Tan Rou shook her head. Tan Song was here for her. She can’t allow her mother to face Tan Song alone.

None of them from the Tan family were nice people.

Tan Song definitely didn’t come with a kind heart. When he saw Tan Rou, he started screaming at her. “I have heard of everything that happened last night! You have been nothing but a disappointment. Given the relationship that we’ve had for the past decade, I didn’t mind the money that I have spent on you, but you shouldn’t have seduced Zhuang Liu to bully my wife and daughter. You don’t have your heart placed in the right place.”

Tan Rou wanted to laugh out loud. What is the relationship for the past decade? It was a joke that Tan Song said out loud. She was even closer to her neighbor than to Tan Song.

Mother Tao was pissed. She was worried that Tan Rou would be affected by these people from the Tan family that are heartless. She quickly stood up for her child, “We can afford to raise our own daughter! We can give her everything that Xiao Rou wants! We wouldn’t have to bother you! How dare you say that about my daughter! You are the one who’s the devil!”

Tan Rou gently patted mother Tao’s shoulder to comfort her. She was worried that Mother Tao would get too angry and quickly told her, “Mum, I don’t need their money. Don’t get too worked up because of what he said.”

Mother Tao looked at her daughter and slowly felt better.

That’s right. Xiao Rou was a considerate young girl. She was no longer who she was last time.

Tan Song sneered when he heard what Tan Rou said.

“That’s nice to hear. You don’t care about money? Then, why would you seduce Jingjing’s ex-fiance? Do you think that Zhuang Liu would have true feelings for you? You’re just something new to him. Have you ever thought of the consequences once he gets tired of you?”

Tan Rou already expected Tan jing and Chen Yi to add their opinions to the story. After hearing what Tan Song said, Tan Rou didn’t even feel angry at all.

“Mr. Tan, you are here because you wanted to know what happened yesterday. I can tell you what happened. Chen Yi and Tan Jing went to a private courtyard for lunch, but they didn’t make any reservations and ended up getting stopped. They were making a scene by the entrance, which was why they humiliated themselves.”

Tan Song was caught off guard. Chen Yi and Tan Jing did not mention this.

Tan Rou saw the look on Tan Song’s face and knew they must have hidden certain details. Then, she continued, “When they saw me, they wanted to release their anger on me. They started calling me all sorts of names, acting like uneducated shrews. The boss tried to calm them down, but Chen Yi still wanted to hit me.”

When Mother Tao heard about it, she looked worried. Her child must have suffered badly last night, but Tan Rou didn’t tell her anything. It must have been because Tan Rou didn’t want them worrying about her.

Tan Rou stared at Tan Song and said, “I dodged it, but it landed on Tan Jing’s face instead. Both Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Chen were there. You can ask them about it if you don’t trust me.

“I have never once provoked them, but that does not mean I will stand still and allow them to bully me. Mr. Tan, I was your daughter before this and allowed you to be harsh. Even when you sent me abroad when I was four years old and completely ignored me, I have never hated you for it.”

Tan Rou scoffed, “I remember when I was a young girl, Chen Yi locked me inside my room and didn’t feed me for three entire days. I didn’t drink a single drop of water, but I still survived. I am no longer your daughter, and you have no right to bully me now. If this happens again, I will still do the same thing.”

After hearing what Tan Rou said, he looked a little awkward. He was aware of how he didn’t care about Tan Rou and had his heart poured out at work.

Tan Song has also heard of how Chen Yi left their daughter inside the storage room. However, Chen Yi cried, and they moved on from it. When Tan Rou was four years old, Chen Yi mentioned that there was a wise man who was good at raising children to become brilliant people. Chen Yi decided on her own and only informed Tan Song about it after Tan Rou was sent abroad. Tan Song was occupied with one of the projects. When he returned home and found his daughter missing, he thought that it was for the better since the house had become much quieter.

Tan Song knew that he was at fault. He opened his mouth several times, but nothing came out of it. He secretly looked at Mother Tao and looked incredibly guilty.

On the other hand, Mother Tao was staring at Tao Rou with eyes filled with sorrow. She has never heard Tao Rou talking about her childhood. After hearing them for the first time, she was so heartbroken that she was about to cry.