Ch. 61..70

Chapter 061 A Family of Rascals

Tan Rou didn’t care anymore. “I’ve finished talking about what happened yesterday. If you don’t believe me, you can ask your business partners. I’m sure everyone knows about their performance yesterday. They were the ones who ruined the reputation of the Tan family. They’re doomed to destruction if they’re unjust. Instead of wasting your time questining me, you might as well pray for yourself!”

Tan Song also knew a few things on his own. He knew of Chen Yi’s temper. In the past, she had always offended some people outside. Others would usually tolerate it because of their family’s reputation. However, after a long time, it was inevitable that they would gossip.

When men worked hard outside, socializing with their wives was a form of support for the family, but Chen Yi had never been a good wife.

However, Tan Song never took this problem seriously. After all these years, he was too lazy to care about Chen Yi’s bad temper. By the time he noticed this, Chen Yi had become even worse and was not well-liked in the circle.

Tan Song could already imagine how Chen Yi was yesterday. He felt a headache coming. If this continued, the Tan family’s reputation would really be ruined. Those pampered ladies would discuss this with their husbands, and no one would be willing to work with Tan Song.

Now, Chen Yi and Tan Jing even dared to complain when they were the ones who stirred trouble for everyone else. They used Tan Song as a tool and asked him to come to the Tao family to question the other party. Thinking of this, Tan Son only felt embarrassed!

However, he was already standing in front of the Tao family’s door, and those words had already come out of his mouth. No matter what, he couldn’t let others see him as a joke.

Tan Song still pretended to be serious and made a firm appearance as the head of a family. “Even if they have done something wrong, you should remember the kindness we have shown you while raising you all these years. No matter what, she is someone older than you. You know her temper well. You should try to calm her down instead of provoking her!”

Tan Rou wanted to sneer. Tan Song was incredibly shameless and even considered himself an elder to Tan Rou.

Mrs. Tao’s eyes were filled with tears as she shouted emotionally, “Her elder? What kind of elder do you think you are to her?! Even if it were merely a pet dog or cat, no one would bear to starve their own pet for three whole days! My Rou ‘er! You have poorly treated my child, and you still have the nerve to come to my house! Get out of here!”

When Tan Rou heard her mother’s angry and trembling voice, she felt a burst of sourness in her heart. All the hardships she had suffered were already in the past. It was enough that she had such a loving mother who would love her with all her heart now.

Tan Song’s face was filled with embarrassment. After all, the two families had raised another family’s daughter. It was inevitable that there would be a comparison.

Tan Song had already told Chen Yi that although the Tao family was not rich, they were still willing to spend money on Tan Jing. She learned to dance and play the piano and was raised to be a lively young girl. She was also a little pampered. At first glance, one could tell she was a child who was doted on.

Even then, Chen Yi said that the Tao family was tactful and raised her daughter well. It was just that the Tao family was too poor, and her daughter had to suffer. Now, she must compensate Tan Jing and provide more for her own daughter.

But on second thought, Tan Rou’s life in the Tan family was unacceptable.

Not only was she not cared for properly, but they didn’t even care for her much after sending her abroad.

Therefore, as Tan Song stood in front of the tao family, Tan Song also felt that he was in the wrong. He was no longer as arrogant as before when he had first arrived.

Mrs. Tao screamed in rage. “All of you are black-hearted people! I’ve raised Tan Jing with love, but I ended up being betrayed in the end, and you get to enjoy the result. As for my own daughter, she has been living such a hard life. You bastards! Don’t you dare come to my house and say such things! I don’t want to see you ever again!”

There was nothing that Tan Song could say at this point. He felt enraged out of humiliation and snorted coldly, “You’re being unreasonable. Forget it! We wouldn’t want to be related to you as well! Don’t try to curry favor with our family!” With that said, he quickly returned to the car and left dejectedly.

Mrs. Tao glared at Tan Song as he left in his luxury car. She felt that she was not harsh enough. She should have scolded him and beaten him up to vent her anger! Mrs. Tao was so angry that she was panting. “What the hell was that?! They are a family of rascals!!!”

Tan Rou held onto mother Tao’s hand and comforted her silently. Mother Tao was gentle and virtuous and probably had never scolded anyone in her life. Now that she was forced to lose her composure, it was all before Tan Rou, which caused Tan Rou to be touched yet sad simultaneously.

Tears were rolling in Tan Rou’s eyes as well. Now that she had a family who cared for her and would cry for her, it was as if her broken heart had been cured. All the hardships in the past had been smoothed out.

Tan Rou held Mrs. Tao’s hand as they returned to the house. Then, she saw Tao Zheng standing at the door, staring at her with a serious look.

 

Chapter 062 Everything Changes

“Rou ‘er, you’ve been wronged. Why didn’t you tell us? We would have seeked justice for you!” Mrs. Tao sobbed.

Tan Rou smiled and comforted her mother gently. “Mom, it’s all in the past. Now that I have finally returned to our family, I don’t want to care about them anymore. People like them will never own up to their mistakes. Why bother with them and ruin our mood for nothing? Aren’t things good now with how they are?”

Tao Zheng stood at the side, his heart filled with complicated emotions. He had thought that Tan Rou, who used to be a jerk, had suddenly changed because she had been forced to accept reality. In addition, she had been bullied the other day at the Tan family’s party that night. So, she finally became obedient and sensible.

He didn’t think that Tan Rou had been living such a hard life in the Tan family since she was a young girl. Since she has never been loved, she would use all her strength to protest, trying to get the other’s attention.

Now that she had returned to the Tao family and felt their genuine love for her, her uneasiness was naturally soothed. She had become more sensible.

Tao Zheng looked at Tan Rou lovingly. He felt heartbroken for his little sister.

Mrs.Tao was still upset and kept caressing Tan Rou’s face. “My dear child! You’ve suffered all these years! I was the one who came late. I should have found you earlier so that my child could come home earlier. I’ve wasted all my love on Tan Jing. I regret it every time I think about it.”

Thinking back to what happened earlier, Mrs. Tao said hatefully, “Tan Song, that scumbag! Chen Yi, that evil woman! They treated you so badly in the past and now they dare to find trouble with you. They’ve gone too far!”

Tao Zheng also recalled what Tan Song had said earlier. He furrowed his brows and the heartbroken look in his eyes was replaced by a cold gaze. “I was woken up by him just now and heard his nonsense. I was looking for something that I could use to beat him up but he managed to run away before I found one!”

Mrs Tao nodded her head. “I wouldn’t be satisfied even if I beat up that scumbag! ”

Without another word, Tao Zheng walked towards the door.

“Brother, what are you doing?” Tan Rou quickly stopped him.

Tao Zheng lowered his eyes, his face filled with anger. “He had the audacity to show up at our house and act crazy. I can’t let him bully us like this. I’m going to the Tan family to teach him a lesson so that I can take revenge for you!

Tan Rou laughed. Her brother was an upright person and loved her wholeheartedly. However, being too rigid would cause them to break easily. Those who were as emotional as him would definitely end up being hurt. He was too easy to be used and hurt by people with ulterior motives.

Tan Rou persuaded him in a low voice, Brother, it really wouldn’t be necessary for you to go there. They can’t do anything to me now. I can handle it. If you go now, two of your fists wouldn’t be enough to fight them. He has so many bodyguards. What if they hurt you? Let’s take it slow, okay? ”

Then, she consoled Mrs.Tao, “Mum, don’t be sad anymore. I don’t really have any feelings left for them. I won’t be sad if I don’t hold any expectations for them. I’m satisfied as long as we can live a good life.

“I’m hungry now. Let’s eat!”

Tao Zheng felt a little guilty when he heard Tan Rou’s words. It was all his fault for not being strong enough to help his family. He had to plan properly and grow up as quickly as possible so that he could seek justice for his sister.

With this thought, Tao Zheng’s face became determined. His eyes no longer looked young and confused but they became resolute.. They flickered with an extremely imposing light, and he returned to his room without a word.

Mrs. Tao wiped her tears away. She had a serious look on her face as well. Mrs Tao seemed to be deep in thought, exuding an aura that was different from her usual self. She gently patted Tan Rou and said, “Child, I’ve prepared food for you. Let’s eat immediately!”

Tan Rou looked at Tao Zheng’s and Mrs. Tao’s expressions and was a little surprised. The Tao family had always been honest and dutiful, living their own cosy lives. They were just ordinary people. However Tan Rou could sense a unique aura on their faces that weren’t even commonly seen on the faces of those wealthy people.

Mrs. Tao was just a housewife, but right now, she seemed like a strong woman who was a domineering one. Tao Zheng was like a knife that had just been sharpened, revealing its edge.

Tan Rou suppressed the emotions in her heart and nodded obediently. She did subconsciously think that perhaps her family was not a simple one. She had been given a second chance and perhaps she had inadvertently changed her fate, causing things to be different now.

 

Chapter 063 Let's Get Bankrupt

Mrs. Tao entered the kitchen and stared at the pot of porridge in a daze.

Of course, the Tao family wasn’t as poor as the outside world thought. For so many years, the Tao couple never mentioned the family’s business. They even kept it a secret from their child, thinking that they were born into an ordinary family.

All these years, Mr. And Mrs. Tao had intentionally distanced themselves from the wealth and glory of the past and only wanted to maintain the lives of the most ordinary people.

For one, she really didn’t want to care about the deception and mockery in their social circle. Plus, she hoped that the children wouldn’t be affected by external vanity and rely on their own hard work for everything.

Therefore, other than the most basic of expenses, Mr. and Mrs. tao never bought any luxury goods for their child. They supported their studies and hobbies but they would never allow them to waste anything and spend without restraint.

The good news was that their children were all brought up well. Tao Zheng had been very sensible since he was young. He was so sensible that he even kept his hobby of photography a secret from his family. Mother Tao’s heart ached for him but she found it funny at the same time. With the Tao family’s assets, it would be a piece of cake for Tao Zheng to place all of his branded cameras in the house and fill up the entire villa.

Two of their other children had their own strengths and left home early to study and work abroad.

Even Tan Rou, who had just been found, was rebellious at the beginning but soon learned to be sensible. She had even put her specialty to use and wanted to help the family earn money.

This was exactly what Mr. And Mrs. Tao wanted. They wanted to live an ordinary and happy life, but now, they couldn’t go on like this. If they couldn’t even protect their own children, what was the point?

Mrs. Tao’s eyes turned determined. They didn’t want to make this public but that didn’t mean they didn’t have the ability to. Who was the Tan family anyways?

The Tan family’s words and attitude did not anger Mrs. Tao. They chose to hide their identity earlier on because they had seen through all these false titles. They had seen too many people who fawned over the rich and powerful, so they just treated it as a dog barking.

However, the Tan family should not have mistreated Tan Rou and even bullied her at their doorstep.

Mrs. Tao laughed coldly. Karma would come for them sooner or later. Since the Tan family was so insistent on getting themselves into trouble, she decided to help them out.

Mrs. Tao took out her phone and gave Mr. Tao a call. “Hubby, it’s time for us to end this life. It’s time to do something.”

Mr. Tao left for work early in the morning. He racked his brains to find a place where no one knew him. He was an influential man in the business world but every single day, he would play the role of an ordinary employee.

Mr Tao was still a little confused. He asked, “What’s wrong? Didn’t we decide to keep it as a secret?”

Mrs Tao told Mr. Tao about what had happened earlier. Her voice was a little choked. “Our Xiao Rou have been so obedient. She went through so much but still grew up to be such a beautiful and sensible girl. The heavens are watching over us and taking pity on us. Otherwise, we wouldn’t even be able to say anything about our regrets! If we continue to hide it and not do anything, how are we worthy enough to be her parents?”

Mr. Tao’s tone changed instantly. His heart ached for his daughter. However, Mr Tao was different from Tan Song, who was merely a paper tiger. Although he had been living a stable and ordinary life over the years, he had not slacked off and still had a clear mind.

After hearing Mrs. Tao’s words, Mr. Tao’s kind gaze changed. He started to exude his own aura, turning from an ordinary middle-aged man to an enigmatic man.

After a moment of silence, Mr Tao said calmly, “I understand. Don’t worry, I’ll make the arrangements. The Tan family hasn’t improved in the past few years. They’re just frogs in a well.”

Mrs. Tao heaved a sigh of relief and continued, “Didn’t they think that they look down on others as they please just because they are rich? If that;s the case, our family has enough money to do whatever we want. Let’s solve this issue with their ways. We’ll crush them with money and make them bankrupt!”

On the other end of the call, Mr. Tao nodded. “We shall do according to what you want. They should pay the price for torturing out daughter. We merely left that society but that doesn’t mean that we’re dead. For my daughter, I will return to that world so that they will never be able to have a good comeback.”

Mrs. Tao finally laughed. “Alright, I’m going to cook for the children. I was really hoping that we’ll be able to keep this peaceful life but the Tan family was the ones that forced us. They should never blame us for not showing them any mercy.”

Father Tao laughed too. “It’s fine. We can still continue to live happily like this. Our child is home now, so what’s there to be afraid of? We don’t lack anything anyways. So, we can vent our anger as we please. There’s nothing to hold us back.”

With a simple conversation, the fate of the Tan family has been decided.

 

 

Chapter 064 A Strange Boy

The Tao family had put the plan to bankrupt the Tan family on the agenda, but the Tan family still had no idea what kind of despair they were about to face. This was something to be discussed later.

In the blink of an eye, Tan Rou and Tan Jing had met their families and experienced a series of things. Finally, the holiday passed and school had finally started.

Tan Rou hadn’t finished her studies abroad. After returning to China, she submitted her college registration to the best school in the city.

Naturally, this school was also attended by many of the daughters and heirs of the major families.

Previously, at the Tan family’s ball, those followers who had betrayed Tan Rou and followed Tan Jing were her classmates at school.

Tan Rou was already familiar with the school’s curriculum. So naturally, there was nothing to worry about.

After all, the things she had learned abroad were much more difficult than this. However, those were professional skills. It always felt cold and structured for Tan Rou. The thing that she desired the most was the beautiful atmosphere of the campus.

Whenever she was there, she would see Tan Jing and those bootlickers. Tan Rou was already annoyed just thinking about it. School was undoubtedly another battlefield.

But now, the situation has changed compared to her previous life.

Tan Jing’s public image had collapsed multiple times and she had embarrassed herself everywhere with Chen Yi. Would these people still think that the Tan family was a deep-rooted tree?

Each and everyone of them had their own considerations to decide if Tan Jing was still someone worth following. Tan Rou carried her school bag and thought about strolling around the campus.

Occasionally, when someone passed by Tan Rou, they would cast a curious look at her. They would start whispering before getting far from her. “So… that’s the child that the tan family mistook? She’s quite pretty.”

“Lower your voice! It’s my first time seeing her too. I heard that she used to live abroad. That’s great, she’s been living like a rich girl for more than ten years.”

“What’s the use of that? Tan Jing has returned to the tan family. She’s the real young lady of the tan family. Tan Rou still has nothing. She has nothing!”

“Forget it. We will never understand the lives of the wealthy people. Let’s go. we’re going to be late! ”

Few of them whispered as they gradually ran away.

Tan Rou laughed. They didn’t have the courtesy to only start gossiping about her once she was out of their sight. Their conversation was overheard by the person whom they were talking about and she didn’t know if they did it on purpose.

Just as she was thinking about it, a lazy teasing voice came from the side. “How can you still smile when you hear others talking bad about you? Are you stupid?”

Tan Rou turned her head to look at the person who spoke and saw a boy in a white shirt sitting lazily on a bench not far away. He was holding an English vocabulary book in his hand. The sun shone on his face. With his long fringe drooped down on his forehead, it cast a few shadows on his exquisite face.

Tan Rou smiled indifferently. “They’re not talking about the real me. Why can’t I smile?”

The boy smirked. “What’s the real you like? Tan Rou?”

Tan Rou was a little confused. “You know who I am? Who are you?”

The boy stood up from the bench and casually closed the book in his hand,before moving his long legs. He got close to Tan Rou in just a few steps and gently knocked her head with the book. “You will know soon.” After saying that, he walked past Tan Rou toward the academic building.

Tan Rou touched her head suspiciously and muttered, “He’s quite handsome but he’s so strange. What a pity.”

Seeing that it was almost time for self-study, Tan Rou quickened her pace and walked toward the classroom.

In the classroom, some of them were quietly sitting at their desks preparing for their next class but a few of them were gathered in a small group, discussing excitedly with their heads next to each other.

The topic of discussion was nothing other than Tan Rou.

Upon a closer look, one could see that the crowd was surrounding Tan Jing. She sat on the chair with a wronged look on her face. The people around her were talking non-stop, as if they were excited to fight for Tan Jing.

Tan Rou stood at the door and heard her name being repeatedly mentioned. She knew that Tan Jing must have come to school early to perform the lines she had prepared in advance.

Tan Rou thought to herself, ‘Tan Jing really didn’t fail to disappoint me this time’. Sure enough, wherever she was, there would be a stage prepared for her. Even when she was at school, she didn’t spare any effort to defame Tan Rou.

 

Chapter 065 The Show

What was she going to do this time? To join forces with other people to ostracise him? Or perhaps school violence?

If it was going to happen, it was not certain yet who may be the violent one.

Tan Rou didn’t want to listen to them anymore. Instead, she walked into the classroom and sat down in her seat.

As soon as Tan Rou had entered the classroom, the small group of people seemed to have pressed the pause button. All of them stared at Tan Rou movements and stopped talking.

Most of these people used to follow Tan Rou around. When Tan Rou lost her identity as the young lady of the tan family, they all turned to Tan Jing’s side.

Compared to the so-called friendship, they valued the Tan family more. It was better to lean against a big tree for shade. It made no difference to them who the daughter of this tree was.

Therefore, they agreed to be fence-sitters. After all, there was no sincerity in the first place. So, why should they feel guilty?

They felt that they had a clear conscience. Each of them looked at Tan Rou as if they wanted to eat her up. However, there was one special person in this group. This person was none other than Wei Ling, who had fawned over Tan Jing at the ball and took the initiative to cause trouble for Tan Rou!

She had a good relationship with Li Jia. So, when Tan Jing had Li Jia guard the door of the tao family to keep an eye on Tan Rou, Wei Ling had heard Li Jia mention Tan Rou.

However, at that time, Li Jia had been caught by Tan Rou. Then, Li Jia had made complaints about it to Wei Ling, “Tan Jing would send us to do this kind of thing. Tan Rou is too scary now and I don’t dare to provoke her anymore. You should understand it sooner. Tan Jing is not Tan Rou. She is not a good person.

At that time, she didn’t think much of it. Tan Jing wasn’t a good person but did that mean they were? They were just using each other, so why would it matter?

However, she heard that Tan Rou had beaten up Zhou Wu so badly that he was admitted into the hospital and she managed to escape unscathed. Tan Rou was able to see through Tan Jing’s various schemes and had recently gotten involved with the Zhuang family, she understood that Tan Rou was no longer the good-for-nothing she used to be. Tan Rou was not someone that could be bullied by anyone.

Wei Ling’s mind was clear now. She only dared to gossip behind others’ backs and make his presence known to Tan Jing but she would never have the guts to provoke Tan Rou.

Since Wei Ling didn’t want to stand out from the crowd, someone else would.

One of the girls couldn’t wait to attack Tan Rou. “Tan Rou, how dare you appear in school after bullying Jingjing?!”

Tan Rou looked at the person who spoke and stared at her with a sharp gaze. “Why wouldn’t I come to school? Did I delay the show for Miss Tan?”

When Tan Jing heard this, it was as if she couldn’t stand the words coming out of Tan Rou’s mouth. She put her arms on the table, buried her head in it, and whimpered in a low voice.

Tan Rou sneered. “What else can you do besides crying? It’s only the first day of school. What bad luck.”

The girl who had just spoken stomped her feet anxiously. “Tan Rou, this is too much. Jingjing already told us just now that you humiliated her and her mother at the restaurant yesterday! Their faces are still swollen now!”

Hearing this, the others around her also began to criticise Tan Rou. “That’s right! Not only did you bully Jingjing, you even disrespected Mrs. Tan. She has raised you for more than ten years and you actually did such a thing. You’re really cruel and unscrupulous! How can a person like you be in school?! Everything that you’ve learned here must have been fed to the dogs!”

“We don’t want to be in the same class as you. I’ll go to the teacher and tell him that someone like you doesn’t deserve to sit in the same classroom as us!”

Tan Jing sobbed as she looked up from her desk. “Don’t! Rou ‘er should still be allowed to stay in such a good school. It must be the Tao family’s parents who put in so much effort to help her. We can’t hurt their feelings! Don’t do this! Xiao Rou … should understand.”

Tan Jing’s words attracted the praises of the people around her. “Jingjing, you’re so filial. Even after returning to the Tan family, you’re still concerned about the Tao family’s parents, unlike some people who have their conscience fed into the dogs ‘stomachs. Indeed, you shouldn’t compare yourself to people like her!”

Tan Rou looked at Tan Jing. Tan Rou did not say a word. She just stared at Tan Jing quietly without any expressions on her face.

Tan Jing suddenly felt guilty after being stared at by Tan Rou like that. She even forgot to fake her tears and stood there awkwardly. Why did Tan Rou’s eyes look so scary? Tan Jing’s heart was in a mess and she didn’t know what Tan Rou would do.

 

Chapter 066 Don't Make Up Stories

Unexpectedly, Tan Rou chuckled. “Tan Jing, your face is injured. Who was the one who hit you? ”

Tan Jing opened her mouth but she couldn’t say that it was Tan Rou.

Instead, the people around answered for Tan Jing, “Of course it’s youQ What’s wrong?? Are you afraid to admit it?”

Tan Rou ignored those people and continued staring at Tan Jing. “Is that so? Have you thought of a good lie to tell? Anyway, you know that I’m close with Zhuang Liu and he has a good relationship with the boss. Why don’t I ask him to show us the surveillance camera in the courtyard and see what happened yesterday?”

Tan Jing felt even more guilty when she heard this and her eyes looked timid.

Tan Rou’s aura was too strong. Her eyes were fixed on Tan Jing, which scared her. What Tan Rou said made her feel even more frightened. If there were really surveillance cameras, wouldn’t that be a huge slap to her face?

The people around them looked at their expressions and gradually noticed that something was wrong.

Why wasn’t Tan Rou anxious at all? Instead, it was Tan Jing’s aura that weakened as if she was afraid of tan Rou?

Just as everyone was thinking about this, Tan Jing said with a trembling voice, “Forget it. I don’t want to argue with you. Everyone, please stop talking about it.”

However, the other girl still refused to give up. “Jingjing, don’t be afraid of her! We’re all here for you. What’s wrong with allowing her to play the surveillance camera?!”

Tan Jing was getting furious. She had never seen someone who did not understand the look on another person’s face!

Tan Jing was flustered and exasperated. “I already said that I don’t want to discuss this anymore. Just shut up!”

The girl didn’t expect that she would be scolded for standing up for Tan Jing. At that moment, she stood in place, feeling wronged and embarrassed.

As for Wei Ling, who was standing by the side, noticed that something was off.

It was just as she had heard. Tan Rou and the Zhuang family knew each other and Tan Jing was the one in the wrong in this matter.

It was a good thing that she did not stupidly raise her voice for Tan Jingh earlier on. Otherwise, she would be the one who would be embarrassed now.

Seeing Tan Jing’s guilty look, Tan Rou finally retracted her gaze from Tan Jing and restrained her aura. She smiled gently. “That’s enough, Tan Jing. Stop making up stories. I don’t know where you got the courage to frame me with this.”

Tan Jing, who was in the middle of the crowd, felt that Tan Rou’s eyes had finally moved away from her face. She heaved a sigh of relief and sat in the crowd, biting her lips tightly. She didn’t have the guts to say a single word.

The pride and confidence in Tan Jing’s heart had been worn out in the process of fighting with Tan Rou.

Tan Rou had changed and it was beyond Tan Jing’s understanding. This made her upset for a while as she didn’t know what to do with Tan Rou.

Without Tan Jing’s instructions, the others didn’t know whether to stay or leave. For a moment, they were frozen in place.

Suddenly, the class monitor, Xu Yan, spoke up, Haven’t you had enough? The self-study period has already started. If you still don’t want to return to your seats, I can request the teacher to let you go home and rest.”

When Xu Yan spoke, she looked coldly at the people around Tan Jing. The direction she was pointing at was very obvious. The person who was being criticised argued awkwardly, “We were just trying to fight for justice on behalf of Tan Jing? Class monitor, why aren’t you scolding Tan Rou instead?! She scared Jingjing so much that Jingjing can’t even tell the truth!”

Xu Yan’s face was expressionless. She lowered her head and continued to calculate the maths problem as she said, “The truth? I can tell you the truth. My mom was there that night when Mrs. Tan and her daughter tried to break into the restaurant but failed. In the end, Tan Jing got slapped by her own mother. Is a farce worth all of you quarrelling so early in the morning that I can’t answer these questions in peace?”

At this point, there was nothing left for the rest of them to say.

The Xu family was also very powerful. There was no need for Xu Yan to lie for Tan Rou. In addition, Tan Rou had been so confident when she said that she was going to check the surveillance cameras. The few of them finally understood that they had been deceived by Tan Jing and were used like clowns.

The classroom suddenly fell silent and no one dared to speak.

Tan Jing felt the suspicious and resentful eyes of the people around him. Her face turned red and she lay back on the table without saying a word. She wanted to skip class and run home.

Then, the bell for class rang. The few of them seemed to have taken this as a signal to save themselves and took the opportunity to disperse and return to their seats.

 

 

Chapter 067 Making A Fortune

Tan Rou sneered as she watched the crowd disperse. She lowered her head and began to tidy up her desk.

Tan Rou thought of something else. She looked at Xu Yan and thanked him softly. “Thank you for just now. Otherwise, I’m afraid they wouldn’t have stopped.”

Xu Yan stopped writing and looked at Tan Rou seriously. His eyes were probing as if he wanted to say something but he quickly restrained his expression. Then, he turned around and shook his head. “It’s nothing. I was just telling the truth. I’m not trying to help you so don’t misunderstand.”

Tan Tou laughed. “I know. There’s no misunderstanding here. You don’t have to emphasise it.”

Xu Yan’s expression was a little unnatural. “Hmmm…Alright then. If they find trouble with you again, you can tell me about it … I mean, as the class monitor, this is my responsibility. I will help you communicate with the teacher.”

Tan Rou couldn’t hold back her laughter. She had never realized that Xu Yan had such a serious and cute side. He looked like a cold and aloof top student but he was so enthusiastic that he even wanted to help her complain to the teacher.

In the past, Tan Rou was stuck in a quagmire and lived every day in a daze. Her heart was filled with trying to please Tan Jing but she actually was bullied by those people. She never noticed that there was such a person in the class as she had never interacted with Xu Yan.

But after her rebirth, she changed. The attitude of the people around her had also changed as well. This made Tan Rou feel very fresh and new.

Life wasn’t static and fate was really changing one step at a time.

Xu Yan heard Tan Rou’s laughter. Even though he pretended to be doing maths seriously, his red ears had already betrayed him.

Seeing this, Tan Rou quickly stopped laughing. She didn’t dare to continue laughing. She was worried that in case the good student became angry from embarrassment.

Tan Rou was engrossed in reading the textbook in her hand. When she saw the familiar yet strange textbook, she felt a little emotional. In her previous life, she had been muddled and had no mood to study at all. She gradually abandoned everything, even those that she was good at.

In this life, not only would she be able to change the Tao’s family and her fate from being destroyed by the tan family, she would also have the opportunity to learn again, which made Tan Rou feel relieved.

However, when she thought of the things she had once abandoned, Tan Rou remembered that there was something that had to be moved up on her schedule.

After all, she couldn’t just rely on earning her fortune from making fragrance and medicine. If she wanted to get the most return with the lowest amount of income, she still had to rely on the money chain and make money from it.

This was something that gave her a great sense of accomplishment but it was also something that was extremely difficult. High risk would bring high return. The best place in the world to make money was the stock market.

Tan Rou quietly took out her laptop and re-applied for a trading account. She logged into the world stock market and focused on browsing. She didn’t dare to be careless and take anything lightly.

The stock market was full of crouching tigers and hidden dragons. There was also a group of old men who had been watching Tan Rou. If they found out that Tan Rou had come out of retirement, they would probably come to her door and take her away by force.

Tan Rou was also a little nervous but the convenience of her rebirth and her keen insight allowed her to easily pick out a few stocks with potential. without much hesitation, she quickly bought them with her new account.

Zhuang Liu’s reward was very generous. It was more than enough to be used as Tan Rou’s capital.

Tan Rou smiled happily. In this life, she had relied on herself to make a fortune for herself and reached the peak. Her future awaits her. She would definitely be able to bring a better life to her family.

While Tan Rou was buying stocks, there were still hidden and subtle waves that travelled across the classroom.

Although no one said anything, it could be said that there was a hidden vibe because of what had happened just now.

Tan Jing raised her head from the table and lowered her eyes. No one knew what she had in mind.

Wei Ling sat at the table next to Tan Jing. She observed everyone’s expressions without leaving a trace.

As she was reading, Wei Ling felt someone patting on her shoulder. She turned around and saw that it was the girl who had argued the loudest to protect Tan Jing. She was handing her a small note.

Wei Ling took the note and saw that the girl had written on it: Why didn’t you say anything just now? Did you already know something about it? What’s wrong with Tan Jing? She used us as tools to stand up for her but she deceived us. What are you thinking?”

Wei Ling sneered in his heart. Was this girl trying to get something from her?

Don’t these people have the brains to think for themselves? At such a critical period of time, if she picked the wrong side, everything would be over for them.

 

 

Chapter 068 Missing Love

Wei Ling was not in a hurry to make a choice. This was because her relationship with Tan Rou had already broken after how she spoke up for Tan Jing at the tan family’s dance party. Moreover, Tan Rou was very eloquent now. If there was no good opportunity, even if she wanted to express her goodwill to Tan Rou now, Tan Rou would not easily accept her fickle-minded behaviour.

So Wei Ling still felt that she had to think carefully about what to do.

However, Wei Ling still had to be cautious. No one would be allowed to go to Tan Rou and claim credits before she did.

Therefore, she wrote on the note, Sister Jing is the young lady of the Tan family no matter what. What are you afraid of? I don’t know anything else. I just felt uncomfortable just now.”

After writing those, Wei Ling threw the note back on the girl’s table and lowered her head, pretending to be studying.

The girl was left looking at the note thoughtfully, frowning in distress. She looked at Tan Jing and Tan Rou from time to time.

Everything was changing quietly. Some people who were sensitive enough noticed Tan Jing’s true appearance and felt the true difference between Tan Jing and Tan Rou.

Moreover, Tan Rou had just said that she had a very good relationship with the Zhuang family’s third young master. The Zhuang family! An aristocratic family that people like them had no chance of getting close with. Compared to the Zhuang family, the title of the Tan family’s eldest daughter was nothing.

Tan Jing had always put on a weak White Lotus look and had deceived many people. However, when her lie was exposed just now, the others could not help but doubt her true character and whether she was as pitiful as she appeared.

In the eyes of others, Tan Jing was innocent and kind. Her real identity had been stolen by Tan Rou for more than ten years but she often spoke well of Tan Rou in front of them and was considerate in every way.

Even though many people had initially approached her because of her identity as the Tan family’s eldest daughter, Tan Jing’s weak image still caused everyone to pity her. They were particularly willing to stand up for her.

However, Tan Jing’s behaviour just now was strange. Not only did he lie and slander Tan Rou, she also seemed to be irritable and angry. Her face was full of hatred.

As the rest of them thought about it, they couldn’t help but look at Tan Jing.

Tan Jing felt the suspicious looks from her classmates and broke down. It was all Tan Rou’s fault! It forced her to lose control of her emotions and humiliated herself in front of her classmates. In the future, it wouldn’t be so easy to deceive those idiots and make them work for her!

No matter how Tan Jing thought about it, she was unwilling to accept defeat! First, she suffered a setback at the Tao family and then she failed to make Tan Rou suffer these few times. Even Chen Yi and Tan Song couldn’t torture Tan Rou. It was really hateful!

If it was just this, it would be fine. What made Tan Jing most uneasy was that she also felt that no matter how she wanted to destroy Tan Rou, Tan Rou had a way to escape. On the other hand, Tan Rou had been holding onto her weakness all the time, Tan Jing’s reputation was getting worse and worse; even her classmates had begun to doubt her.

Tan Jing thought in a panic that this could not go on. Things should not be like this! What right did Tan Rou have to be so calm?! What right did she have to have everything go her way?! What right did she have to gain everyone’s support?!

For Tan Jing, Tan Rou should be suffering in her palm. Tan Rou should accept the reality and she should be isolated and helpless. Then, Ta Rou would have to flatter her like a dog, relying on her mercy to survive.

But….what went wrong here?

Why is Tan Rou’s life getting better after returning to the Tao family? Tan Rou even got the chance to refute Tan Jing! The more Tan Jing thought about it, the angrier she became. She turned her head and stared fiercely at Tan Rou. She kept thinking in her mind that there must be something wrong. She must find Tan Rou’s weakness and stab it hard to make up for all the grievances she had suffered during this period of time!

However,Tan Rou was happily putting away her laptop and taking out a notebook

Tan Rou smiled shyly when she saw the cover of the book that Mrs. Tao had carefully wrapped.

When they were at home, Mrs. Tao took all of Tan Rou’s books and said that she wanted to give Tan Rou a nice cover. Tan Rou was a little embarrassed and wanted to stop her. “Mom, I’m already so old now and I don’t even need a cover anymore.”

However, Mrs. Tao insisted, “I’ve never wrapped a single book cover for you. I didn’t get to witness your growth. As your mother, this is my biggest regret. I’ll make sure to wrap it up nicely for you. No matter how old you are, you’ll always be my precious daughter.”

Tan Rou had no choice but to allow her to do so.

Recalling the determination on Mother Tao’s face, Tan Rou touched the book in her hand. The cover was the one Mother Tao had chosen for her. It was a light pink colour with a few small cherry blossoms.

 

 

Chapter 069 Tao Qi is Back

No one had ever covered Tan Rou’s book. Wouldn’t this become one of Tan Rou’s regrets as well? Mrs. Tao understood that. After hearing how Tan Rou had a hard time in the Tan family, she was trying her best to make up for the love she had lost.

Tan Rou touched the book cover cherishingly.

Tan Jing, who had been watching from the side, was burning with jealousy when she saw this. Tan Jing recognized it at a glance. It was a book that Mother Tao had wrapped.

In the past, Mother Tao had also helped Tan Jing with things like these when she was young. However, when she grew up, Tan Jing felt childish and embarrassed. So, she no longer allowed Mother Tao to do this.

Tan Jing looked at the smile on Tan Rou’s face and sneered. As expected, she had found Tan Rou’s weakness.

“Tan Rou, oh tan Rou, you must be touched by the cheap love of the Tao family. Look at how happy you are. Do you think you finally have family love?”

Tan Jing’s lips curled up, “I shall break your dreams with my own hands. I’ll let you lose this love when you think you’re surrounded by love. The look on your face will be interesting when you’re hurt by the family that you’ve finally accepted!”

Tan Jing was immersed in her own fantasy as if she could already see Tan Rou’s disappointed and hurt expression. Unknowingly, it was time for class to end.

As soon as the bell rang, Tan Jing walked to Tan Rou and whispered, “I have something to tell you. Come out for a while.” There was a faint smugness on her face.

Tan Rou looked at Tan Jing in confusion. She felt that Tan Jing was indeed someone with a twisted mindset. Just a while ago, Tan Jing was crying so hard that she looked like she was going to kill Tan Rou but now, she cheered up so quickly. Did she come up with some twisted ideas again?

When the people in the class saw Tan Jing take the initiative to talk to Tan Rou after class, they all perked up their ears. The class was quiet, waiting to hear what the two would talk about.

Tan Rou didn’t move. “If you have something to say, say it. There’s no need to hide from others.” Tan Rou glanced at the gossiping gazes in the class and wasn’t even bothered by it.

Tan Jing didn’t want the rest of the class to hear what she was about to say. At this moment, the people in this class were no longer so loyal to her, and they were all watching Tan Rou and her.

If she said it in class, she would inevitably have some scruples to maintain her image. How could she stab Tan Rou sharp in the heart?

“It’s about the Tao family. Are you sure you want me to say it here?” Tan Jing whispered. “Aren’t you the most worried about them? Do you want others to be discussing your family here?”

Tan Rou raised her head and stared at Tan Jing. The Tao family was indeed her bottom line. She didn’t expect Tan Jing to react so quickly and grasp her weakness.

Tan Jing was confident enough and allowed Tan Rou to size him up.

Tan Rou sneered. “Fine, let’s go outside and talk.” She wanted to hear what other tricks Tan Jing had up her sleeve.

The two walked out of the classroom one after another, and the classroom exploded with chatter. Some people even guessed they had gone out to fight and whether they should go to the teacher.

Xu Yan frowned in his seat and looked at the back of the two people leaving. His eyes were filled with worry.

Tan Jing and Tan Rou found a remote warehouse with unused sports equipment. It was rare for anyone to be here.

Tan Rou stood still and turned to look at Tan Jing. “It should be fine here, right? Start talking.”

Tan Jing smiled. “You should know that you have a younger brother in the Tao family, right? Has he contacted you yet?”

Tan Rou didn’t expect Tan Jing to want to say this, and she immediately guessed Tan Jing’s thoughts.

Indeed, the Tao family had a younger son called Tao Qi. He was a mischievous child with a high IQ and had left home early to study abroad.

Tan Rou suddenly understood the reason why Tan Jing was so confident. In her previous life, Tao Qi liked Tan Jing, her sister. He didn’t acknowledge Tan Rou at all. When he returned home, he helped Tan Jing to make things difficult for Tan Rou.

Tan Rou smiled playfully. So, Tan Jing thought of this younger brother and wanted to use him to make Tan Rou feel uncomfortable.

Tan Jing had been waiting for a reaction from Tan Rou, but she didn’t expect Tan Rou to laugh after hearing it. She continued, “Tao Qi is the closest to me. He even called me a few days ago and said he’d be back soon. He wants to kick you out of the Tao family and let me continue to be his sister!”

Tan Rou wasn’t bothered about it. “So? Why are you telling me all this? If you really treat him as a little brother, then treat him well. The rest has nothing to do with me. If he really wants to kick me out of the Tao family, that’s our business. You can’t do anything about it. ”

Tan Jing didn’t give up. “Tao Qi is the most pampered child in the Tao family. They treat him like their most precious treasure. If he makes a scene at home, do you think the Tao family will side with him or you, the daughter they just found?”

 

Chapter 070 A Long Journey Ahead

Tan Jing looked proud of herself as she continued, “Oh… Tan Rou, don’t be too arrogant. You’re just a burden that no one wants. Do you really think you’re a pearl in their palm?”

After Tan Jing finished speaking, she quietly waited for Tan Rou’s reaction.

Wasn’t tan Rou immersed in the love that the Tao family had for her? However, all of this was only temporary and would soon be broken. The little demon King of the Tao family, Tao Qi, would be back soon.

Tao Qi was the youngest and he was the youngest son that the Tao couple had by accident. He had been astute since he was young and he had coaxed the whole family to grant all his requests and dote on him. Even Tan Jing had been secretly jealous of him when she was young.

However, Tao Qi liked his sister the most. He had been following Tan Jing since he was young. Tan Jing thought he was noisy and bullied him a lot in private but Tao Qi was never bothered by it. He always called her his big sister.

Tan Jing had almost forgotten about this little devil. She only heard that Tao Qi was sent to study there because of his high IQ. Everything else was kept a secret and the two had not seen each other for a long time.

But now, Tao Qi was of great use. She could use him to suppress Tan Rou’s prestige. After all, Tao Qi was both obedient to Tan Jing. With him around, Tan Rou would no longer be able to stay in the Tao family!

Of course, Tan Rou knew what Tan Jing was trying to say.

In her previous life, Tao Qi had rushed home and cried his heart out. Seeing that the Tao family hadn’t driven Tan Rou out yet, he changed his strategy and worked with Tan Jing to hinder Tan Rou from both inside and outside. Sometimes it would be a prank and other times may be accusation. There was once where he even hid a snake in Tan Rou’s blanket.

Tan Rou wasn’t actually worried about her brother. Even if Tao Qi’s IQ was frighteningly high, he was still a child in terms of emotional intelligence. After all, he was a child of the Tao family and his nature was still pure and kind. It was just that he could not accept the fact that he had a different sister and he was incited by Tan Jing.

What Tan Jing didn’t know was that in her previous life, after Tao Qi hid the snake in his blanket, he was still worried and took a wooden stick to guard nearby. Seeing that she was so scared, he walked out with an awkward face and took away the snake.

Tan Rou thought of her brother. Not only was she not provoked by Tan Jing’s words but she smiled instead, “I’m very happy that my brother is back. As for what you said, I’m not interested at all. I was wondering why you suddenly became so smug. Do you want Tao Qi to be your little helper in order to deal with me?”

Tan Jing sneered. “Don’t be stubborn. Even if you don’t admit it, I know that you should be panicking by now. In the hearts of the Tao family, how can a newly acknowledged daughter be compared to a son who has been pampered since young? I don’t need to do anything. Your biological brother will make you feel pain. What a great show! I’ll definitely appreciate it!”

Tan Rou stared at Tan Jing from head to toe. She couldn’t help but laugh. “Tan Jing, don’t tell me you’ve already gone crazy? You’re really putting in so much effort now just to defeat me. Don’t tell me you’re already a psychopath?”

Tan Rou’s face was indifferent but she was still in the mood to mock Tan Jing with a smile. This made Tan Jing feel like she was the only one who seriously regarded the other as an opponent, like a clown!

Tan Jing gritted her teeth as she said. “Tan Rou, there’s still a long way to go. Let’s see how long you can continue to act so smug. You’re pretending to be calm and collected now but don’t cry in the next few days!”

Tan Rou laughed and shook her head. Tan Jing was really interesting. No matter how many times Tan Jiang had suffered in her hands, Tan Jing always had an inexplicable confidence that she would be defeated sooner or later. This kind of spirit of becoming braver each time she got defeated was really worth learning.

However, Tan Jing was wrong about one thing. Tan Rou never pretended to be calm. Instead, she had full confidence and tried her best to live a good life. After Tao Qi returned, Tan Rou naturally had a way to deal with this somewhat rebellious brother.

Class was about to start and Tan Rou didn’t want to dawdle with Tan Jing any longer. She put on a solemn look on her face and looked at Tan Jing seriously. “You’re right. We have a long way to go but I’ll give you a piece of advice. You can look down on me and you can also stir up trouble for me but this is between the two of us. If you still have a conscience, don’t drag the Tao family into this.”

Tan Rou stared into Tan Jing’s eyes, and as she spoke, she stepped closer to Tan Jing. Her dark pupils reflected a cold light causing Tan Jing to remain frozen in place.

“Especially with Tao Qi. He might really like you as his sister in the past but that might not be the case in the future.”