035 Sowing discord
Mother Tao thought for a moment. “We have to make up a story to convince the kids that we aren’t struggling to get by and that they don’t need to be in a hurry to earn money.”
Father Tao hesitated and said, “Then… Tell them that I won the lottery? Take out a dozen of millions and they might believe it.”
Mother Tao hit Father Tao a few more times. “Do you think that the children I gave birth to are fools!”
Father Tao smiled evasively, “Then what should we do? Money can’t just appear out of thin air in the family.”
Mother Tao instructed father Tao, “Just say that you have nothing better to do and that you have succeeded in investing with others. Every month, you will receive an additional income of 200,000 yuan. We break the news bit by bit!”
Father Tao nodded. He felt that this method was feasible.
At dinner, Tao Zheng looked at the table full of dishes and was extremely surprised. “Wow! Are we celebrating anything? It’s so sumptuous!”
Tan Rou thought that it was because she had given Mother Tao 500,000 yuan, so she had specially prepared a whole table of dishes tonight.
However, she heard Mother Tao say with a smile, “Your father and his friends invested in a rising industry and made some money. Our family will be better and better in the future.” After saying that, she poked father Tao.
Father Tao hurriedly continued, “Yes, I will receive an additional 200,000 yuan in dividends every month. Xiao Rou, I heard that you went out to work again. Don’t tire yourself too much. I can still work. You don’t have to worry about money.”
Mother Tao picked up some food for the children and instructed, “Now is the time where you two should be focusing on school and pursuing your dreams. Ah Zheng, in the future, I will take care of everything related to your photography hobby.”
Mother Tao carefully peeled the prawns for Tao Rou and placed them in the bowl, “Your father has settled your enrollment for you. You will be able to return to school once the next school term starts.”
Tan Rou ate the prawns in puzzlement and thought to herself, ‘I’ve never heard of Father Tao dabbling into investment in the previous life. Isn’t it such a coincidence that just as I gave mom 500,000 yuan, the family suddenly struck fortune?’
Father Tao saw Tan Rou’s expression and was afraid that she would see through their lie so he hurriedly said, “Aiya, I’m really lucky this time. It seems like it’s all thanks to Xiao Rou’s return to the family. With a daughter, even my luck is getting better!”
Tao Zheng chewed on the ribs and said unhappily, “Dad, so you’re saying that your son was previously holding you back from earning money?”
Mother Tao teased Tao Zheng, “Hurry up and eat your food. Even this can’t shut your mouth!”
Tan Rou smiled happily and let go of her doubts. It was a good thing that her family was doing better but she still had to continue making incense in order to save others.
Tan Rou explained to Mother Tao obediently, “Mom, it’s not entirely for the sake of earning money. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment and joy that I am able to help others with my own abilities. Don’t worry, I won’t be distracted from my studies.”
Father Tao nodded in agreement, “It’s a good thing that Xiao Rou is capable. As long as you don’t get too tired, you can do whatever you want.”
Mother Tao also agreed. “We support you. You can also keep the money that you made for yourself. My daughter is so amazing. I’m so proud of you.”
Tan Rou smiled happily. It was good that they could support her. Even if Mother Tao didn’t want the money, Tan Rou had already planned to save it for times of need.
The atmosphere in the Tao family was very warm, but on the other side, Tan Jing could not sit still.
Tan Jing felt extremely unhappy these few days. Whenever she thought about how Tan Rou was living well, she felt uncomfortable all over.
When she went downstairs, she saw Chen Yi lying on the sofa and watching TV. Tan Jing leaned over and said coquettishly, “Mom, you look so beautiful today.”
Chen Yi smiled and applied some lipstick to her lips. It was bright red. She caressed Tan Jing’s head and said, “You’re quite the smooth talker.”
Tan Jing pretended to casually take out her phone and tapped open Tan Rou’s family photo. She handed it to Chen Yi and said, “Mom, look. Xiao Rou seems to be very happy after returning to the Tao family.”
Chen Yi glanced at her phone coldly and said disdainfully, “Why are you looking at this? What does it have to do with me whether she cries or laughs? She fits right into that poor family.”
Tan Jing knew that Tan Rou and Chen Yi’s relationship was not very good in the past, but after all, Tan Rou had been raised by the Tan family for so many years. She was still worried and wanted to test Chen Yi’s attitude. She did not expect that Chen Yi really did detest Tan Rou.
After Tan Jing received a satisfactory answer, she felt a little better, “Mom, look at their family. They all look so petty. They look so happy from just taking a photo.”
Tan Jing kept trying to please Chen Yi. “Mom, you’re so beautiful. It’s would be so classy to take a photo with you!”
Chen Yi was coaxed into laughing again, “Why else would I say that you’re my good daughter? You’re different from that poor family.”