Ch. 581..590

Chapter 581: 581 Mentality

 

 

“Yue Yue, I’ve long taught you not to care too much about gains and losses, and not to be jealous of others. You should be able to tell without me saying it. Xiao Rou is indeed very outstanding. We have to be brave enough to admit the excellence of others and our own shortcomings,” Second Aunt Tao said earnestly.

Tao Yue didn’t dare to show her true self in front of her mother. “Mom, I understand what you’re saying. I’ll admit my shortcomings and wouldn’t be jealous of others.”

Second Aunt Tao didn’t really trust Tao Yue. Ever since Tan Rou came back, Tao Yue’s personality had changed. Every time they met, Tao Yue would say bad things about Tan Rou, as if she was deliberately trying to make others dislike Tan Rou.

Even though Second Aunt Tao had been correcting Tao Yue’s misconception, Tao Yue still didn’t change. The more she was told not to care too much about gains and losses, the more she would care about the difference between herself and others.

In this competition, Second Aunt Tao believed that with Tao Yue’s strength, it was impossible for her to get the last place. However, Tao Yue did get the last place. She had also watched the replay of the competition. Tao Yue’s performance in the competition was not even one-tenth of her usual level.

Tao Yue couldn’t blame anyone for losing the match. She could only blame her own bad mentality.

“Yue Yue, I’ve taught you since you were young not to compare yourself with others. I’m already satisfied as long as you try your best. I hope you can adjust your mentality and return to your previous state as soon as possible.”

“My previous state?”

Second Aunt Tao sighed. “You used to be a sensible and obedient girl. You never needed your mother to worry about you but you have changed now. You have become very materialistic and care a lot about what others get.”

Tao Yue lowered her head. “I didn’t want this to happen.”

“Yue Yue, you should know what kind of life your eldest cousin had in the past. She used to have a hard time. Now that she’s back, Grandpa and Grandma will undoubtedly treat her better. Since you were young, what did they not give you?”

Tao Yue did get a lot of things, but she felt that they weren’t worth much. They couldn’t compare to the things that her grandparents gave Tan Rou. For example, her piano was worth three million yuan, but Tan Ron’s Yuanxi Manor was worth more than ten times that.

Tao Yue lowered her head and didn’t say anything. Second Aunt Tao thought that Tao Yue had realized her mistake and was regretting it.

“Yue Yue, you must calm down.” Second Aunt Tao held Tao Yue’s hand tightly. “If it wasn’t for your unstable mentality, how could you have gotten last place in this piano competition?”

Tao Yue would never admit that her mentality was unstable, nor did she think that losing the competition was her fault. If Tan Rou hadn’t scared her, she would definitely have gotten good results.

“She was the one who scared me.” Tao Yue whispered.

Second Aunt Tao heard it and said helplessly, “Yue Yue, 1 know that the loss of this competition has dealt a heavy blow to you, but you can’t blame it on your eldest cousin. Moreover, this is not a reason for you to target her.”

“Mom has been speaking up for Eldest Cousin. Does Mom think that Eldest Cousin’s daughter is better than me?” Tao Yue cried.

“You will always be Mommy’s most beloved daughter. No matter how outstanding others are, they will never be Mommy’s daughter. Second Aunt Tao cupped Tao Yue’s face and said gently, “Only my Yue Yue is my precious daughter.”

Tao Yue pretended to cry. “Mom, I know.”

“But 1 have to remind you that if you do something wrong one day, 1 will definitely not protect you.” She wasn’t Old Master Meng, who would turn a blind eye to juniors who had done something wrong. If Tao Yue did something wrong, she would never forgive her, especially when Tao Yue could not hurt her family.

“I’m sorry, Mom.” Sensing that her mother was about to get angry, Tao Yue quickly lowered her head and apologized. Even if she hated Tan Rou, she couldn’t show it now.

“A good child would be able to realise her mistake and change for the better. You have to adjust your mentality. No matter what others say, you have to remain calm.”

“Yes, yes.” Tao Yue nodded. She had to hide her thoughts deeper in the future and not let others find out.

“There will be a charity auction tomorrow night. Your grandfather has decided to let your eldest cousin brother and eldest cousin sister represent the Tao family.. You shouldn’t have any objections, right?”

 

Chapter 582: 582 Very Strong Objection

 

 

Tao Yue immediately realized that Second Aunt Tao was testing her, so she smiled and said, “This is what I should do. Big Cousin and Big Cousin are the first grandson and granddaughter of the Tao family. They are the most suitable to represent the Tao family at the charity auction.”

Second Aunt Tao was always paying attention to her daughter’s emotions. When she saw her daughter smiling, she finally relaxed. “That’s right.”

As soon as the mother and daughter finished their conversation, Tan Rou and Grandma Tao came over.

Tan Rou held Grandma Tao’s arm and the two of them walked into the greenhouse while chatting and laughing. Then, they saw the ground full of flowers and Tao Yue in the middle of it.

Grandma Tao’s expression instantly turned ugly. She asked coldly, “Yue Yue, do you have any objections to Grandma’s garden?”

Tao Yue was shocked and stammered, “No objections. Of course not! It’s just….”

She could not give a reason. Tao Yue was so angry that she didn’t notice what she had done.

“Mom, I’m really sorry.” Second Aunt Tao apologized on Tao Yue’s behalf, “Yue Yue is not in a good mood today, so she accidentally stepped on your flowers.

Grandma Tao couldn’t be angry with Second Aunt Tao. “Forget it, 1 won’t hold it against you. Since Yue Yue was in a bad mood, she should go back and rest early.”

Tao Yue got off the swing. “Grandma, I’ll go back and rest now.”

Second Aunt Tao didn’t go back with Tao Yue. She still needed to talk to Tan Rou.

“Xiao Rou, I’m really sorry. 1 don’t know how Yue Yue became like this. She used to be very obedient.” Second Aunt Tao said sadly. “After you came back, her mentality changed. She became very calculative and easily jealous of others. I’m very sorry for her targeting you.”

Tan Rou knew Tao Yue’s nature, but Second Aunt Tao didn’t. She didn’t want Second Aunt Tao to be sad. After all, Second Aunt Tao treated her very well. Therefore, Tan Rou couldn’t make things clear to Second Aunt Tao. “Second Aunt, 1 know what you’re saying. 1 won’t argue with her over such a small matter. After all, we’re family. However, 1 still feel that she holds a grudge against me. I hope she would get over it soon.”

“I’ve already spoken to her, and she promised to change. 1 don’t think she’ll target you anymore.”

“Alright, stop saying things that destroy family harmony. We have to educate our own children. If they can’t be educated well, they’ll be sent to me for education. “If it weren’t for her concern for her daughter-in-law’s feelings, Grandma Tao would have brought Tao Yue to her side to educate her.

“Rourou, is there anything you don’t understand about the rules of the charity auction tomorrow night?” Second Aunt Tao asked Tan Rou.

Tan Rou went to the auction just for the sake of showing up for her family. She didn’t know how to speak, nor did she know how to bid for things, so she didn’t need to learn the rules of the auction.

“I’m almost done. Moreover, Big Brother is by my side. I just need to follow him.” Tan Rou said.

Second Aunt Tao smiled. “Your brother is indeed reliable. If you like something, just buy it. When you come back, We’ll reimburse you. Just treat it as a gift. You’ve been back for so long, but I haven’t given you a decent gift yet.”

Tan Rou thanked Second Aunt Tao for her kindness, but she did not want to accept her gift. After all, she did not lack anything. Moreover, her family had given her enough. She could not take more.

“Thank you, Second Aunt, but 1 don’t want anything. Even if I want it, I can’t spend your money. You’ve already given me enough gifts.” Tan Rou smiled.

Grandma Tao interrupted their conversation. She said to Second Aunt Tao, “Don’t waste this money. I’ll get the old man to pay later. He’s the richest person in our family. If my granddaughter wants to buy something, why shouldn’t he pay for it?”

Second Aunt Tao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Alright, we shall do it that way.”

The laughter of the three people kept coming from the greenhouse. Tao Yue, who was eavesdropping outside the greenhouse, was filled with hatred and anger.

Second Aunt Tao asked if Tao Yue had any objections. Of course, Tao Yue had objections. Not only did she have objections, but she also had a very strong opinion about it.

She had heard about the charity auction. The quality of the goods were excellent. Those who could attend the auction were wealthy, so Tao Yue had to attend the auction. Since the Tao family didn’t want to bring her, she would find someone else to bring her there..

 

Chapter 583: 583 Meeting at the Auction

 

 

A charity auction, as the name implied, was an auction held for charity. The items auctioned here were unconditionally donated by individuals or groups. All the money after the auction would be donated to social welfare agencies.

Such auctions would be held almost once a year, and the approximate time was at the end of each year.

Tan Rou held her brother’s arm as she entered. The moment she entered, she became the center of attention.

“I didn’t expect Miss Tao to be attending this year’s auction. Miss Tao is so elegant, much more elegant than Tao Yue. Just seeing them makes me feel that this auction was worth it.”

“Indeed. In the past, the young master and young miss of the Tao family did not come back to participate in the auction.”

“If Miss Tao and 1 had taken a fancy to the same item, I would be too embarrassed to bid for it.”

“You can bid for it and give it to Ms. Tao.”

Tan Rou sat down quietly amidst the crowd’s discussion. She was not used to such a lively atmosphere, nor did she like the smell of perfume. As soon as she sat down, she took out the perfume she had made and sprayed some on herself.

Her perfume attracted some noble ladies and daughters of rich families who loved scents. It also opened the door to socializing for her. In a short while, she was like the talk of the town.

As soon as Tao Yue entered the door, she saw a group of people surrounding Tan Rou. Many of those people had once surrounded her.

“Cousin, you’re early! Oh, Mrs. Li and Ms. Li are here too!” Tao Yue said shamelessly. “Mrs. Wang, your dress today is really beautiful. Is it a high-end dress from the VP family? Miss Zhang, your necklace today matches your skin color very well.”

The moment she arrived, she greeted everyone around her as if she was the only one who knew them.

Tao Yue had already greeted the other party, so the other party felt embarrassed not to reply to her. Besides, they already knew each other.

“Miss Yue’s dress tonight is also beautiful.” Madam Wang said.

“I bought this necklace from your brand.” Miss Zhang smiled and said, “If Miss Yue has anything good to recommend, you can also recommend it to me. 1 happen to want to buy a few new ones.”

“Didn’t the Tao family recently release a few new jewelry designs?” Mrs. Li asked. “Moreover, it has a oriental touch to it. It’s very suitable for young people to wear. I’m going to buy a few for my daughter.”

“Yue Yue, did you also participate in the new designs?” asked Miss Li.

Tao Yue didn’t know who designed the new jewelry. She was too busy at that time and didn’t have time to ask about the design of the new jewelry. However, since others had already asked, she would just take the credit. They would not investigate anyway.

“Most of it was designed by the designer. I only participated a little.’Tao Yue touched the earrings on her ears and smiled. “If you really like that, you should buy a few more sets to keep.”

Tan Rou sneered and asked Tao Yue, “I remember you were preparing for the finals of the piano competition. 1 didn’t expect you to be so capable that you can actually multitask.”

When she mentioned the piano competition finals, the rich ladies who didn’t like Tao Yue chuckled.

“Second Miss Tao, haven’t you always boasted that your piano skills are very high? Why did 1 hear that you won last place in the finals? Were you only bragging before this?” A rich young lady mocked.

The other one continued to mock him. “If you don’t have the ability to multitask, then don’t. Your name isn’t written in the jewelry design column. Why are you trying to get the attention? Now, you won last place in the piano finals, and you didn’t sign your name on the jewelry design. Looks like you didn’t get any benefits from either side!”

Tao Yue’s heart hurt from their words. These batches always liked to find trouble with her. Now that she had been caught by them after several failures, she would be laughed at to death by them in the future!

It was all Tan Ron’s fault. If Tan Rou hadn’t mentioned the piano finals, these women wouldn’t have had the chance to speak.

Tao Yue glared at Tan Rou angrily. “In my heart, the family business is more important than me. If I had to choose again, 1 would still choose to design jewelry..”

 

Chapter 584: 584 Lies, Lies, Lies

 

 

“What jewelry design?” When Tao Zhi came over, he happened to hear Tao Yue’s words. “When did you get involved in the family business?”

Tao Yue felt a little guilty because Tao Zhi knew the Tao family’s work very well. If he knew about the design department, then her lie would be exposed.

She thought for a moment and felt that the possibility of Tao Zhi knowing was not high. During this period of time, Tao Zhi had been assisting Father Tao and the others in handling company affairs and had no time to wander around the design department.

Tan Rou smiled. “Cousin is talking about her glorious deeds of righteousness.” “Second Cousin’s glorious deeds?” Tao Zhi repeated, “Could it be that Second Cousin won last place in the piano finals?”

His words made everyone laugh. This matter could not be moved on anyway. Everyone had to bring it up again.

“No.” Tan Rou raised her eyebrows. “She was just talking about how she delayed her piano practice in order to design our new jewelry line.”

“When did you miss your piano practice?” Tao Zhi didn’t understand what they were talking about. “Is practicing seven to eight hours a day considered a waste? And did you participate in the design of the new product this time?”

Tao Yue couldn’t say a word after a series of questions. She stammered, “This… I…”

Tao Zhi didn’t like Tao Yue very much, and he didn’t want to hear her lie. “Alright, you don’t have to rack your brains to come up with an excuse. Don’t take responsibility for things you didn’t do, lest others expose your lies.”

Tao Yue’s face turned red and white. She braced herself and said, “I was involved in the design this time. It’s just that you’re too busy with work and wasn’t aware of it.”

“I’m sorry, but the design department is under my control now. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of you participating in the design of new products. As for the person who participated in the design of the new product but did not leave her name, 1 do know who she is, but I won’t tell you about it. Anyway, it’s not you.” “No way, no way?” The rich girl who spoke earlier laughed again.”Could it be that someone is lying?”

“I didn’t expect the famous number one socialite in the Capital to lie! Oh my! Could it be that her title as the number one socialite in New York was also fake? Did she say that herself?”

Before Tan Rou came back, Tao Yue had the ability to be the number one socialite in the Capital. She was previously the eldest daughter of the Tao family and was sought after by everyone. She was beautiful, had good grades, and had many skills. Coupled with her own marketing skills, she could indeed be said to be the number one socialite in the capital.

However, now that Tan Rou had returned, Tao Yue was no longer worthy of being the number one socialite in the Capital just based on her status. The rich ladies who were previously suppressed by her had to seize the time to kick Tao Yue out and shift the title of the number one socialite in the capital to themselves as soon as possible.

“You guys take your time.” Tao Zhi pulled Tan Rou. “Rourou, let them have this seat. Let’s go sit somewhere else.”

“Cousin, let’s sit together.”

Tao Zhi didn’t want to be with her, so he changed the topic and asked, “I wanted to ask you just now. How did you get here?”

“Uh… A friend brought me here,” Tao Yue replied.

Tao Zhi was still wondering which friend of theirs had such a big face when Zhuang Che came over to greet them.

“Mr. Tao, AAiss Tao, good evening!” Although Zhuang Che was greeting the two of them, his eyes were fixed on Tan Rou. “It’s really fate that we’re able to meet you here!”

Tao Yue sensed Zhuang Che’s gaze and walked back to him. “Brother Che, let’s sit with them. We can discuss it when we have a guessing game later.”

“Do we need to discuss this with you?” Zhuang Che said contemptuously. “Do you have the money to bid for these collections? You didn’t say that when you begged me to bring you in just now.”

Tao Yue’s expression changed. She said shyly, “Brother All Che, don’t say that. Although I don’t have that much money to buy precious auction items, I can still afford some small things.”

“Any one of the items here starts at a few hundred thousand. Are you sure you can afford it? Don’t talk big if you don’t have money,” Zhuang Che said mercilessly.

Tao Yue was furious.. Why were they all trying to ruin her reputation? Couldn’t they just shut up?

 

Chapter 585: 585 Depressed

 

 

Tao Zhi and his sister were not in the mood to watch the two of them perform, so they changed seats and left.

Zhuang Che did not waste any time with Tao Yue. He was here today for Tan Rou. Wherever Tan Ron went, he would follow. Fortunately, the seats at the auction today were not fixed. Otherwise, he would not have been able to sit with Tan Rou.

“Brother Che, wait for me!” Tao Yue’s high heels made it difficult for her to run, but she still ran to catch up to Zhuang Che.

No one in the Tao family cared about her anymore, so Tao Yue had to hold on to Zhuang Che. They were already a couple in the eyes of everyone in the circle. They were all waiting for the news of their engagement to spread. Moreover, Zhuang Che also had the intention to marry her.

She didn’t expect Tan Rou to appear out of nowhere. Not only did she steal her identity as the eldest daughter of the Tao family, but she also stole the man that originally belonged to her. Tao Yue couldn’t take it anymore! She would never give Zhuang Che to Tan Rou. She must marry Zhuang Che and become the future mistress of the Zhuang family.

Zhuang Che pretended to be a gentleman. He walked elegantly to Tan Rou’s side and asked politely, “Miss Tao, may 1 sit beside you?”

Looking at Tan Rou up close, he realized that she was much prettier than Tao Yue. Tao Yue wasn’t ugly, but compared to Tan Rou, she paled in comparison. Tan Rou and Tao Yue were like diamonds and pearls. Although pearls were beautiful, diamonds were more beautiful and noble.

Such a beautiful woman should be very interesting in bed, right? As he thought about it, Zhuang Che’s body started to react.

Tan Rou ignored him. She had never been kind to people with ulterior motives. Moreover, this person had harmed Zhuang Liu before.

Tan Rou looked at the seat on her right. There were two seats on her left and right. One was for Tao Zhi, and the other was currently empty. If Zhuang Liu represented the Zhuang family today, then the seat on the right would be Zhuang Liu’s. Unfortunately, Zhuang Liu did not come today.

Seeing that Tan Rou did not reply, Zhuang Che smiled and asked again, “This beautiful lady, may 1 sit beside you?”

“I’m sorry, my sister doesn’t like to talk to strangers. If you want to look for someone to talk to, you can talk to me.” Tao Zhi and Tan Rou switched seats.

Zhuang Che’s smile froze. His gaze followed Tan Rou. “Little President Tao is really interesting. What is there to talk about between us?”

“My sister has nothing to say to you too.” Tao Zhi said.

Zhuang Che turned sideways and walked past Tao Zhi to speak to Tan Rou. “Miss Tao, may 1 have your contact number?”

Tan Rou fiddled with her phone and rejected Zhuang Che firmly. “No.”

Zhuang Che felt that Tan Rou was really good at pretending. Wasn’t she just a wild girl who had just been recognized by the Tao family? What was there to be proud of? He had to get Tan Rou. When that time came, Tan Rou would do whatever he said. If she dared to resist, he would teach her a lesson!

“Don’t worry, I won’t harass you. I’m just trying to be your friend.” Zhuang Che said.

“I don’t need a friend like you.” Tan Rou continued to fiddle with her phone, not taking Zhuang Che seriously at all.

Tao Zhi blocked Zhuang Che’s line of sight. “Director Zhuang, my sister doesn’t want to chat with you. Let me entertain you instead.”

Zhuang Che and Tao Zhi had nothing to talk about. “Forget it. The auction is about to start. Let’s be quiet for a while.”

Tao Yue sat next to Tan Rou. She was so happy to see Zhuang Che suffer. Zhuang Che was such a b*tch. She clearly did not want to talk to him, but he still rushed to stick his warm face to her cold buttocks. How despicable.

She hoped that Tan Rou would say a few more words to Zhuang Che so that he would completely lose interest in Tan Rou. Besides, she would be happier for a while longer if Zhuang Che was scolded.

“Brother Che, my cousin doesn’t really talk to strangers. Don’t mind her. Maybe she’ll talk to you after you get to know her,” Tao Yue said with a smile.

Zhuang Che’s face darkened. Tao Yue was a haunting woman. Why was she everywhere? If he had known earlier, he wouldn’t have brought her over. If she hadn’t occupied the seat next to Tan Rou, he might have been able to sit next to her now.

Tan Rou glanced at Tao Yue and said, “You came with this gentleman.

Shouldn’t you be sitting next to him? Don’t sit next to me. I’m not used to strangers around me.”

This time, it was Zhuang Che’s turn to laugh. It turned out that Tan Rou did not like Tao Yue either.. How could she say ‘stranger’? Their relationship wasn’t as good as Tao Yue had said!

 

Chapter 586: 586 A Foolish Fool

 

 

Tao Yue and Zhuang Che were hurting each other for a while. Tan Rou and Tao Zhi were also forced to listen to their nonsense. If the auction wasn’t about to start, they would have changed seats right now. Zhuang Che and Tao Yue finally stopped being annoying when the auction started.

However, Tan Rou was still uninterested. Every time the auction item came out, she would only take a look. After looking at it, she would turn her attention to her phone. Her fingers were quickly tapping on the screen with a smile on her face.

Tao Yue had been paying attention to Tan Rou’s movements. She noticed that Tan Rou had been looking at her phone with a sweet smile on her face. She guessed that Tan Rou must have some secrets. As far as Tao Yue knew, this kind of smile would only appear when they were in love and sending messages to their partners.

Was Tan Rou in love?

“Eldest cousin, why aren’t you looking at the auction items?” Tao Yue craned her neck to look at Tan Rou’s phone. “Who are you texting? Why are you so happy?”

Tan Rou frowned slightly. She turned off her phone screen and replied, “You should keep your eyes on the auction. Why are you paying attention to me? Besides, this is my privacy. 1 don’t have to tell you.”

“Is there anything that Rourou likes?” Tao Zhi asked when he heard Tan Rou and Tao Yue talking. “1 think this bracelet is pretty good. Should I bid for it?”

The item being auctioned now was a jade bracelet. The color and quality of the bracelet were good, and both young girls and women could wear it.

Tan Rou was not interested in this. Instead of spending so much money on this jade bracelet, she might as well use the money elsewhere.

“This bracelet will definitely look good on fair-skinned people.” Tao Yue also took a fancy to this. “I really want to bid for it.”

Tan Rou observed Tao Yue’s expression and found that she really liked the bracelet. She said, “This bracelet looks really good. 1 can’t go back empty-handed after coming here today. Why don’t we bid for this bracelet?”

Tao Yue didn’t want to give the bracelet to Tan Rou. She was still considering it, but after hearing that Tan Rou liked the bracelet, Tao Yue had to buy it back.

Jade bracelets were very expensive. The starting price of this bracelet was 800,000.

Tan Rou casually raised her number tag. “1 bid 850,000.”

Tao Yue was stunned for a moment, but she still raised her number tag and added 20,000 yuan. “870,000 yuan.”

A lady bid 900,000, and Tan Rou followed with 950,000. After bidding, she didn’t forget to provoke Tao Yue.

“This jade bracelet looks good. I’ll buy it for my mother. She’ll definitely like it.” Tan Rou said.

Since Tan Rou said so, Tao Yue couldn’t back down. She continued to raise the bid.

Tan Rou decided to raise the bid one last time. If she won the bid, she would give it to her mother. If she couldn’t win it, then forget it. She didn’t really want it anyway.

“1.1 million!” Tan Rou made her final bid.

The lady who was competing also knew Tan Rou. Seeing that Tan Rou kept bidding, she thought that Tan Rou really wanted to bid for the bracelet. In order to leave a good impression on the eldest daughter of the Tao family, the noblewoman gave up on this auction.

Tao Yue raised the bid. Tan Rou bid 1.1 million, but she didn’t even raise it to 50,000. She directly raised it to 1.25 million.

To be honest, the price of the jade bracelet had reached a maximum of one million. There was no need to raise it any higher. Tao Yue knew the value of the bracelet, but she didn’t want to give it to Tan Rou.

Tan Rou put down her number tag.

Tao Yue saw her put down the number tag and her mind suddenly cleared up.

Tan Rou smiled. “Since Second Cousin likes this bracelet so much, then I won’t fight with her.”

“Wait… Wait a minute!” Tao Yue wanted to stop the host from bidding.

However, the host had already started. “1.25 million going once, 1.25 million going twice, 1.25 million going thrice! Congratulations, Lady Seventeen, for winning this auction item!” he said loudly.

Tao Yue’s palms were sweaty. How could she have so much money to pay?

Tao Yue suddenly remembered what Grandma Tao said about reimbursement. Grandma Tao said that Tan Rou could get reimbursement from Grandpa Tao. Could she get reimbursement too?

Tan Rou never did business that would be a loss. This bracelet was worth at most one million yuan. She would not buy it for more than one million. The reason why she was bidding today was because she wanted Tao Yue to be the sucker..

 

Chapter 587: 587 Anxious to Get Married

 

 

After the auction ended, the customers who had won their items could go to the back to get their own items. The Tao siblings didn’t buy anything and just left.

However, Tao Yue couldn’t leave. She had to pay for what she bidded. Moreover, it was a charity auction, she couldn’t go back on her word. She did not have that much money and did not dare to ask Grandpa Tao for reimbursement. Hence, she wanted Zhuang Che to buy it. Zhuang Che had given her many things in the past, so it should not be a problem this time.

“Brother All Che, 1 bid for a bracelet. Do you think it looks good?”Tao Yue asked.

Zhuang Che was looking for Tan Rou. They were sitting together just a moment ago, but she had disappeared in the blink of an eye. “Yes,” he answered perfunctorily.

Tao Yue knew that Zhuang Che was not looking at her, but it did not matter. As long as Zhuang Che bought the bracelet, it would be fine. “Brother Ah Che, the New Year is coming soon. 1 want this bracelet as a New Year gift.”

Zhuang Che understood Tao Yue’s intentions. He turned around and smiled. “If you want a new bracelet, then buy it. I think this jade bracelet is excellent too. You should buy it.”

Tao Yue was delighted. “Thank you, Brother Ah Che.”

“Why are you thanking me?” Zhuang Che asked nonchalantly. “Didn’t you auction it off yourself? Hurry up and pay. If you don’t pay, you’ll be breaking your promise. You won’t be able to enter this Auction House in the future. Not only that, you won’t be able to enter any of the auctions in the future.”

Tao Yue’s face turned ugly. “Brother All Che, are you asking me to buy this bracelet myself?” she asked.

Zhuang Che found it funny. “You wanted this bracelet. If you don’t want to buy it, do you expect me to buy it for you?”

“I…” Tao Yue bit her lip and said honestly, “I don’t have that much money on hand right now.””

“You don’t have money, but you still insist on coming to the auction? What did you tell me when 1 came?” Zhuang Che said mercilessly. “You said that there was something you really wanted at the auction, so I brought you here. In the end, you can’t even take out more than a million yuan. Then how did you have the guts to come to the auction?”

Tao Yue didn’t want to buy anything at the auction. She just didn’t want Tan Rou to be in the limelight.

“Just treat it as me asking for a loan!” Tao Yue gritted her teeth. “I’ll return it to you as soon as possible.”

Zhuang Che relented. “You were the one who borrowed the money from me. It’s only right that you return it. Don’t make it seem like I owe you money.”

“Brother All Che, you’ve changed. You never treated me like this before.” Tao Yue said sadly.

“You used to be the eldest daughter of the Tao family. Are you still the same now?” Zhuang Che smiled and asked, “You should think about how to get the Tao family to give you more of their assets. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get anything in the future.”

Zhuang Che had to think twice. If he couldn’t get Tan Rou, he could choose Tao Yue. It would be good for him if Tao Yue got a lot of assets. But now, Zhuang Che only wanted to get Tan Rou.

“I know!” Tao Yue said angrily.

Tan Rou and Tao Zhi were walking not far from Tao Yue. However, they were standing in a secluded corner so Tao Yue and Zhuang Che did not notice them. “Is Tao Yue in such a hurry to get married?” Tan Rou shook her head and said, “I didn’t want her to come today. She went looking for Zhuang Che. Now, she’s still here arguing with Zhuang Che. She probably has her eyes on Zhuang Che.”

Tao Zhi did not like Zhuang Che very much. Furthermore, Zhuang Che had a bad reputation in the industry. “Zhuang Che is not a good person. He doesn’t have much ability and he is very evil.”

“As long as the Second Cousin likes him.” Tan Rou said, “You can tell Second Uncle and Second Aunt about this and get their opinion.”

“There’s no need to say it so early.” Tao Zhi looked at Zhuang Che’s disdainful expression and knew that Zhuang Che did not like Tao Yue. “Wait until they have some practical progress. If we tell them now, they might say that we’re ruining their family relationship.”

“Don’t bother about her.” Tan Rou said coldly, “Since Zhuang Che brought her here, he can definitely send her back. Let’s go first. Mom just sent a message urging us to go back.”

“Sure.” Tao Zhi took out his car keys and asked, “Are you hungry? Do you want to eat something else?”

“No need, I’ve eaten enough.” Tan Rou said..

 

Chapter 588: 588 A Discipline

 

 

When Tao Yue returned to the Tao family’s house, it was already past 10 pm. In fact, the banquet ended at 8 pm. Tan Rou and the rest had already returned. The reason why she had waited until now was because Zhuang Che did not want to send her home at all.

Zhuang Che looked for Tan Rou everywhere in the venue. After knowing that Tan Rou had left, Zhuang Che was not in a hurry to leave. Instead, he talked to some business partners and did not care about Tao Yue at all.

Tao Yue followed behind Zhuang Che and kept harassing him, asking him to send her back. Zhuang Che had no choice but to call a cab for her. Tao Yue still didn’t want to take a taxi. She said it wasn’t safe for a girl to take a taxi alone.

Zhuang Che did not let her have her way. He told her to either wait for him to finish speaking or take a taxi back. His original intention was to get rid of Tao Yue, but Tao Yue was very persistent this time and insisted that Zhuang Che send her back.

Zhuang Che could not leave Tao Yue alone, so he sent her home.

Tao Yue entered the house quietly. She thought her parents were already asleep, but they were waiting for her. She suddenly felt a little scared because she did not tell her parents that she had gone to the auction today. She only said that she had gone to play with her friends.

“Why are you back so late? What kind of friend is it that you’re out until so late?!” Second Uncle Tao asked first.

“A friend from school asked me out to watch a movie.” Tao Yue made up an excuse. “It’s late. I’m going back to rest.”

“Stop!” Second Uncle Tao pointed at the sofa on the side and said sternly, “Sit here!”

Tao Yue asked her mother for help. She hoped that her mother would let her go back to sleep. “Mom, I’m sleepy.”

Second Aunt Tao shook her head slightly and did not say a word.

Tao Yue saw that she couldn’t leave, so she sat beside her mother. “Dad, Mom, 1 really went out with my friends.”

“Call your friend now.” Second Uncle Tao’s expression was very serious. “Let me see what kind of friends they are.”

“Alright.” Fortunately, Tao Yue was prepared. Before she left, she sent a message to a friend, saying that if she called her at night, she must tell her that they went to the movies together.

Tao Yue dialed the girl’s number, but it didn’t get through until the second time.

The girl had just woken up from her sleep and was still sleepy when she spoke. “Helio, Yue Yue, what’s wrong?”

Tao Yue raised her voice and repeated it to the girl. “It’s like this. Didn’t we go to the movies tonight? Then, my parents didn’t believe that 1 went out with you and insisted that I call you to ask.”

“Watch a movie?” The girl was a little confused. Then she remembered what Tao Yue had said to her in the afternoon, so she instantly woke up. “Yes, Uncle and Auntie. 1 was at the movies with Yue Yue tonight. The movie ended a little late, so we came back late.” Since Tao Yue was calling her now, it meant that Tao Yue came home very late. She couldn’t let it slip.

Second Uncle Tao reluctantly believed it, and Tao Yue hung up the phone.

“Mom, Dad, are you suspecting me?” Tao Yue asked unhappily.

In the past, Second Aunt Tao trusted Tao Yue completely. However, Tao Yue’s behavior was really strange recently. She was worried that Tao Yue would do something stupid.

The Capital was a chaotic place during the New Year. It was not safe for Tao Yue to be alone outside. If she accidentally met a bad person, it would be too late for them to regret.

“Try not to go out at night in the future. Even if you do, don’t come back so late.” Second Uncle Tao set a time for Tao Yue. “You can’t come back after 9:30 in the evening for the time being. Also, if there’s nothing important, don’t go out at night.”

Tao Yue really wanted to ask why there were no restrictions on her eldest cousin going out at night, but she couldn’t say it in case her parents found out that she was targeting her uncle’s family again.

“Go back and rest.” Second Aunt Tao was also a little sleepy. If it weren’t because she was waiting for her daughter, she would have gone to bed long ago. “Wake up early tomorrow. It’s New Year’s Eve in a few days. We have to decorate the house.”

Tao Yue nodded slightly. “Good night, Mom and Dad.”

After she left, Second Uncle Tao said to Second Aunt Tao, “I hope she didn’t lie to us.”

Second Aunt Tao said sadly, “1 hope my Yue Yue won’t go astray!” Compared to her own son, Tao Sheng, Second Aunt Tao liked her adopted daughter more. She liked her daughter very much. Otherwise, she would not have adopted Tao Yue at the orphanage. She only hoped that Tao Yue wouldn’t hurt her..

 

Chapter 589: 589 Playing Cards

 

 

This year was a rare family reunion. Grandpa Tao and Grandma Tao were very happy. They prepared a lot of things to celebrate the new year.

Grandpa Tao took out a brush that he had not used for a long time and personally wrote the couplet. The other juniors also took out their own skills. Each of them created a couplet. After they finished writing, they paste the couplets on the door.

Grandma Tao gave all the servants a holiday and gave them red packets, telling them to go home for the New Year. Although the Tao family manor was much quieter without servants, it did not reduce the lively atmosphere at all.

Tao Zhi’s mother took out a stack of freshly cut window grilles and handed them to the three Tao brothers. “These are the new window grilles that Xiao Rou and 1 designed overnight. You guys go and paste them on the window.”” Before the window grilles were finished, Second Aunt Tao came over and called out to Mother Tao, “Sister-in-law, Mom said that we’re going to play cards. Do you want to come along?”

Mrs. Tao wasn’t very good at playing cards, but she would play with the old lady for a while during the new year to cheer her up.

“Alright, 1’11 go right away.” Mother Tao put on her coat and instructed her sons, “I’ll bring Xiao Rou over to play cards with Grandma first. You three can go over after you’re done here.”

Tan Rou didn’t know how to play cards. She said, “Why don’t I stick window grilles with Big Brother and the others?”

“How can 1 let my precious Rourou do such tiring work?” Mrs. Tao held her daughter’s hand and said with a smile. “Leave it to your brothers. They are more suitable for tiring work.”

Tao Zhi also said, “Xiao Rou, go with Mom first. Grandma likes to give out red packets when she plays cards. As long as she wins, she will give them out. Go over and bask in the joy.”

Tan Rou thought for a second and decided to go over to take a look.

Grandma Tao had already prepared the game for four people, but there were five or six people watching from the side. Those who didn’t know better would think that they were all waiting for Grandma Tao’s red packet.

Mother Tao played a few rounds, but her skills were not good and she kept remembering the wrong cards, so it was Aunt Tao’s turn. When Aunt Tao had nothing to do, she would ask her sisters to play cards together, so her card skills were the best.

This time, it was Grandma Tao’s turn to lose money. She was the kind of person who was skilled and loved to play. There was no need to worry about her giving out too many red packets because she would win all the time. Anyway, she would not win many rounds. Most of the time, it was the juniors who let her win.

Although they played it casually, the amount of money was very large. The money given to them was several times higher. For example, they were supposed to pay 20 yuan for losing a game, but they set the amount to loo yuan. It was boring to play with too little money.

As soon as Tan Rou entered the door, she sat beside Grandma Tao. Grandma Tao said that Tan Rou was her lucky star and that she could win money by sitting beside her. However, ever since Tan Rou sat beside her, she had not won a single round. The stack of cash in the drawer was almost gone.

“What’s going on today?” Grandma Tao asked in annoyance. “Why didn’t 1 win a single round?”

Tao Yue glanced at Tan Rou and smiled. “Perhaps it’s because of dear cousin?”

Tan Rou glanced at her and said, “Grandma, do you need me, your lucky star, to help you?”

Grandma Tao was a little surprised. “Does Rourou know how to play cards?”

“I don’t but I can try?”

Tao Yue understood what Tan Rou meant. “Eldest Cousin, did you really think you can play cards after watching it a few times, do you?” She mocked. “I’ve watched it for so many years, but I can’t understand how the game is played.” “Everyone’s different. Just because you can’t learn it doesn’t mean that others can’t,” Tan Rou said mercilessly.

“Well, learning it wouldn’t make you an expert in it.” Tao Yue continued. “You better not lose all of Grandma’s money.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t touch Grandma’s money.” Tan Rou said. “Let’s play a few rounds first. If we lose, it’s on me. If we win, it’s on grandma.”

Grandma Tao said generously, “Xiao Rou, don’t worry. If you don’t have enough money, 1’11 go get you more.”

Tan Rou didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Grandma, 1 haven’t even started playing yet. Why are you expecting me to lose?”

Grandma Tao spat out a few times. “Bah, bah, bah, I’m bad at talking. Our Xiao Rou won’t lose. She will kill everyone and win them all.”

Tao Yue despised her in her heart. She didn’t think Tan Rou knew how to play the game. When Tan Rou lost, she would laugh at her and vent her anger..

 

Chapter 590: 590 My Show

 

 

Second Aunt Tao smiled and said, “Mom, give it to Rourou. We’ll get to win more money too.”

“Second Aunt, it’s not certain who will win.”

“My mom won’t lose anyway,” Tao Yue said happily.

Second Aunt Tao said to Tao Yue, “Yue Yue, don’t be in a hurry to talk. Come over and help me look after the money pile. After 1 win your eldest cousin and your grandmother’s money, I’ll go buy you new clothes.”

Tao Yue was overjoyed when she heard her mother’s words. She excitedly sat beside Second Aunt Tao. “Mom, I’ll definitely help you look after the money.”

Tao Yue was very excited at the thought of using Tan Ron’s money to buy clothes. She kept her eyes on the game and prayed that Tan Ron wouldn’t get any good cards.

It seemed that Tao Yue’s prayers had worked. Tan Ron’s first round was terrible. She didn’t have many good cards and even accidentally fed a few good ones to Second Aunt Tao, allowing Second Aunt Tao to win a few hundred.

“Thank you for the money, Rourou.” Second Aunt Tao took the money back. “If we play a few more rounds, it’ll be enough to buy you a set of new clothes.”

Tan Ron took a deep breath and smiled. “Second Aunt, that was only a trial round. I’ll start getting serious now.”

Tao Yue thought Tan Rou was bluffing. Playing mahjong was such a difficult activity. How could Tan Rou learn it after watching it a few times?

At the start of the second round, Tan Rou had already drawn a good hand. She didn’t even realize it herself. It was Grandma Tao, who was sitting next to her, who noticed it.

Grandma Tao slammed the table excitedly. “Rourou is going to win.”

Tan Rou also reacted. She raised her eyebrows. “Well…”

She already had three ‘Winds’ in her hand. She only needed to play one more card to make up for a good combo. Coincidentally, the next card was exactly what she wanted.

“Little Sixi!” Tan Rou flipped over the card. “Aunties, pay up.”

The money in Tao Yue’s hand was sent out before it could even warm up.

Tan Rou didn’t give anyone else a chance to win. Just as she said, it was her turn.

“I won!”

“Blossom on the Bar!”

“Touch yourself!”

A steady stream of cash poured into her drawer, and she couldn’t put any more money in it, so she put the money on the table.

Tao Yue looked at the pile of money with an ashen face. The money was originally hers, but now it had all gone to Tan Rou. And for some reason, the one who won the most was Second Aunt Tao. Almost every round, Second Aunt Tao was the one who gave the most money.

“I’m sorry, it’s all the same!” Tan Rou smiled and pushed the cards away. “Everyone, you can pay now.”

“Rourou, is this really your first time playing cards?” Second Aunt Tao and the others asked.

Tan Rou said honestly, “Today is indeed my first time playing mahjong. I’m still trying to figure it out. There were a few rounds that I only knew I had won when Grandma told me that 1 had already won.”

“Xiao Rou is indeed not very skilled,” Grandma Tao said. ‘I can prove it for her.”

“So… are we still going to continue.” Tan Rou asked.

Second Aunt Tao wanted to, but she didn’t want to continue losing money. She had originally planned to buy clothes for her daughter, but now, she had lost all her capital.

Second Aunt Tao pretended to be angry. “I’m not playing anymore. You’ve won all my money. I don’t have any money left to play.”

“My eldest granddaughter is the best,” Grandma Tao said happily. “You can’t go back on your word. Quickly give the money to Xiao Rou.”

Tan Rou didn’t want the money. She had also said from the start that if she won, it would be on her grandmother’s account. If she lost, it would be on her. She couldn’t go back on her word.

“This money should be given to Grandma. 1 said I’d give it to Grandma, so I must give it to Grandma.” Tan Rou said.

Grandma Tao didn’t lack money. “Rourou, you won this. Just take it as pocket money.”

“I don’t lack money.” Tan Rou shook her head. “Besides, I rarely buy anything. This money is not of much use to me.”

She rarely bought anything, but every time she bought something, it was very expensive.

The money was not of much use to her because it was not enough for her to buy even one computer part. Having a few thousand yuan or not did not affect her at all.

Tao Yue was getting angrier. Since none of them wanted it, then she could have it. Tan Rou didn’t lack pocket money, but Tao Yue did! Tao Yue only had 300,000 a month as pocket money. She had used up all of that money a long time ago. Moreover, she still owed Zhuang Che more than a million yuan. Zhuang Che was urging her to pay up..