Free Web NovelChapter 405: Chapter 405: Yanxi 13
She had never intended to teach Jin Li how to dance, but Jin Li had happened to catch her practicing. The little girl was just short of throwing a tantrum, desperate to learn from Tan You.
Tan You was worn down by her persistence, but she had laid down one condition: learning was fine, but once Jin Li started, she couldn’t quit. Tan You wasn’t the type to casually take on an apprentice; any student of hers had to see their training through to the end.
And so, this scene came to be. From the looks of it, Jin Li could definitely handle the hard work.
By now, Tan You’s food cart had practically become a landmark on the food street. It was a soft, pastel pink, with smooth, rounded corners—a sight sweet enough to melt your heart.
Since it sold small desserts, it was especially popular with office workers and students. Tan You usually didn’t manage the cart’s operations; a few students ran it on their own while she just pulled up a small stool and watched from a corner.
Strangely, however, someone came looking for her that evening. And that person was none other than Hong Xiazhen. The moment she saw her, Tan You couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. "Is there something you need?"
Hong Xiazhen was practically glaring at Tan You. "I... I need to see you about something."
One look at her expression and Tan You knew Hong Xiazhen wasn’t up to any good. She paused for a moment. "If you’re here to ask about Hong Youcheng, then I find this laughable."
"He was crooked to begin with, associating with scum like Park Youren. Just spending a few years in prison is letting Hong Youcheng off easy."
"So it really was you!" Hong Xiazhen’s hand, clutching her purse, tightened. "Are you holding a grudge against me? Are you deliberately getting revenge?"
"You’re giving yourself too much credit," Tan You sneered. "You’re not that important. What about you is worth holding a grudge over? Why would I lament losing a man who could be so easily stolen? Jin Taiyuan really doesn’t mean that much to me."
"In fact, I should congratulate you. I hear your mother has found you a rich heir to marry."
Tan You hadn’t actively sought out news about Jin Taiyuan, Hong Xiazhen, or the others, but she had her own little informant. Whenever there was the slightest whisper of trouble involving them, the Beauty System would dutifully report it to her.
"By the way, does Jin Taiyuan know about this? Does your fiancé know his future wife was a homewrecker? I feel like your mother ought to know about all this, too."
"Don’t!" Hong Xiazhen nearly shrieked. She wanted to fly into a rage, but conscious of the crowds at the bustling night market, she could only force her voice into a whisper. "What do you want?"
Tan You’s lips curved into a smile. "I want you and Jin Taiyuan shackled together for life, so you don’t go and ruin anyone else. I want your reputations destroyed, to have you condemned by everyone. On what grounds should you be able to live with a clear conscience after hurting someone? How can you sleep soundly at night?"
"You really do hate me," Hong Xiazhen said after a long silence. She had gotten her wish to be with Jin Taiyuan, but she was discovering that he alone wasn’t enough.
With her father, Hong Youcheng, in prison, life at home had become miserable for her. Her birth mother had died long ago, and she was now living under the thumb of Hong Youcheng’s legal wife, Fang Zhenshun. Without her father’s protection, things were truly difficult.
She used to despise her status as an illegitimate daughter, but even so, at least Hong Youcheng had given her money. Now that he was suddenly in prison, there was no way Fang Zhenshun would show any kindness to an illegitimate daughter like her.
Furthermore, Hong Youcheng’s previous entanglement with Mayor Wu had severely impacted the company. Now, Fang Zhenshun was scheming to marry Hong Xiazhen off in a strategic alliance to save the Fang family’s business.
Tan You let out a short laugh. "Hate is too strong a word. I just find you loathsome. You and Jin Taiyuan are ridiculous. Truly."
"You both claim to despise your status as children born out of wedlock, yet one of you actively interfered in someone else’s relationship, while the other cheated the second someone gave him a little attention. The thought alone is nauseating."
"They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. The fathers were no good, and now the children are chips off the old block. Every time I think of Jin Taiyuan, I wish I could turn back time so that we had never met." freeweɓnovel.cѳm
"Long time no see, Jin Taiyuan."
Hong Xiazhen whipped her head around to see Jin Taiyuan standing just a couple of steps away. He was gazing at Tan You with sorrowful eyes. That look alone was enough to make Hong Xiazhen’s heart sour with jealousy.
’She knew Jin Taiyuan wasn’t over his ex-girlfriend, but he had clearly been tempted back then. Why is he still so hung up on her now that she’s broken up with him?’
"Long time no see, Yan... Teacher Xu." Jin Taiyuan opened his mouth, forcing his expression to remain composed. He always cared about appearances. Perhaps the only time he’d ever lost his composure was when Tan You broke up with him.
Tan You replied, "Long time no see. You don’t look like you’re doing too well. I’m glad to see it."
The students, who had been eavesdropping for who knows how long, couldn’t help but stifle their laughter. Before Tan You’s death glare could land on them, they quickly got busy. "Your matcha cube is ready! Have a great night, and come again soon!"
Jin Taiyuan gave a bitter smile. "I’m not doing well at all, you’re right. You could even say things are terrible."
Tan You’s lips curved. "If you’re here about Hong Youcheng, then there’s nothing left to talk about."
"I’m not here because of him," Jin Taiyuan sighed. He suddenly gave Tan You a deep bow. "I’m sorry. It’s taken me until now to work up the courage to face you. I wronged you."
"I failed to keep the promises I made. I didn’t stand my ground, and I failed to protect our relationship. I’m so sorry."
Standing to the side, Hong Xiazhen’s face burned with shame. There are some things you can do, but hearing them spoken aloud is a different matter entirely. Especially in front of Tan You, she felt so ashamed she wished the ground would swallow her whole.
Tan You was silent for a few moments before speaking. "I’m not going to tell you it’s okay. What’s done is done. Even if I stabbed you to death right now, it wouldn’t turn back time. You betrayed our vows. That’s a fact."
"Don’t come looking for me again. Since you were tempted, you two should just continue on this path together. You both have the same background, so you should be able to understand and sympathize with each other better."
"So just keep doing what you’ve been doing. Don’t turn your betrayal and her interference into a complete farce. Wanting to have both money and love will just make people despise you."
Jin Taiyuan clearly caught her meaning. He looked over at Hong Xiazhen. "What does she mean?"
"Hasn’t she told you?" Tan You scoffed. "Hong Youcheng’s wife, Fang Zhenshun, is planning to marry her off for a business alliance. And in my opinion, for someone like her to enter a marriage alliance would just be ruining another person’s life."
"The two of you loving each other is a public service, really."
Hong Xiazhen’s gaze shifted nervously; she hadn’t told Jin Taiyuan about this yet. ’When I had money, I wanted love. But now that I’m broke, all I want is money. No matter how deep my feelings are for Jin Taiyuan, they’re not more important than cash.’
