Chapter 34
"Don't mention her!" Xu Anguo roared, "That ungrateful wretch! I raised her for nothing! The Chen Family has broken ties with our family and the company is in crisis, and she actually ran away like that!"
"Did you arrange another marriage for her?" Xu Haocheng asked. Otherwise, how could Xu Wan possibly abandon the Xu Family she clung to so tightly?
Embarrassed by being caught out, Xu Anguo raised his voice, "The Chen Family has already broken off the engagement and clearly severed all ties with us. What can I do? As long as she marries the Zhou Family's youngest son, the Zhou Family is willing to help us through this crisis! I raised her all these years. Isn't it only right that she repays me?!"
"The Zhou Family's youngest son? I remember he's paralyzed in bed, isn't he?" Xu Haocheng frowned.
"Yes, he was in a car accident and is now in a vegetative state." Xu Anguo's voice was matter-of-fact, as if he didn't think there was anything wrong with what he was doing.
"If only we can find Tang Yao to help. She knows so many people. Any one of them can help us get through this. Unfortunately, she's an ingrate. I gave her life and she doesn't even know how to be grateful!" Xu Anguo said.
Xu Haocheng shook his head: "Why should she help us? Have you forgotten how we treated her when she just came back? Dad, let it go. If the company's fate is sealed, nothing we do can salvage it. Stop tossing around and stop setting your eye on her."
After saying this, Xu Haocheng went upstairs to his room with his heavy steps.
Downstairs, Sun Yulan and Xu Anguo exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and confusion in each other's eyes.
...
Xu Haocheng let Tang Yao know he was safe and nothing else. Tang Yao didn't ask any questions either.
Soon, the next episode of the variety show began. Many more netizens were waiting to watch.
The official account's comments were bustling. Even the Weibo account for the guesthouse registered by Tang Yao gained many followers.
After this episode, the first half of the variety show would be over. Huang Yong and Tang Yao had only signed for the first half of the year, as the scenery in Wanhua Town would be much less appealing in the second half.
Whether the next season would be filmed at the guesthouse remained to be determined.
Once the variety show ends, the guesthouse could resume normal operations and Tang Yao's leisurely days would be over.
Knowing this might be the last episode filmed at the guesthouse, everyone was quite emotional and worked even harder.
Cheng An had stayed at the guesthouse for a while and her whole demeanor had changed, attracting the attention of netizens.
"I don't know if it's just my imagination, but An'an seems more cheerful."
"I feel the same way. Before, although An'an was successful, she always seemed lonely and isolated. Now look how happy she is."
"I don't know who it's because of, but thank you so much."
"I hope the second half of the season will also be filmed at the guesthouse. I'll miss it!"
"The scenery in Wanhua Town won't be as beautiful in the second half of the season. I guess the director will change the location."
"Ah, it doesn't matter if it's not as beautiful. I really love the atmosphere of the guesthouse."
"With this garden, I don't think it will be too bad. I never get tired of looking at it. After the show ends, I definitely need to take a two-day vacation there!"
...
Huang Yong looked at the comments, lost in thought.
On the other side, the guests served the food to the table. Seeing that the customers were enjoying their meal, they finally had some free time.
They sat down and started calculating how much money they had earned over the past few days.
In this episode, Huang Yong issues a hidden task: use the money they earn to buy airport tickets at the end of the last day.
If they don't have enough money, they couldn't leave the guesthouse and the production team wouldn't provide any assistance.
So, besides the daily regular customers, they also have to deliver food and sell fruit at the market.
These experiences were completely new for the guests. Although it was tiring, everyone was very enthusiastic.
This has also been a source of great interest for viewers.
At this moment, Tang Yao was sitting outside Aunt Li's shop, eating wild fruit that Aunt Li brought back from Xiao Duo's hometown.
Though it was slightly sour, it was very juicy. It had a unique flavor.
Aunt Li was talking about the aftermath of her trip back to Xiao Duo's hometown.
Seeing that Xiao Duo doesn't want to get married and has verbally defied them for the first time, Xiao Duo's parents were furious and wanted to lock her up and forcibly send her to a neighboring village.
Fortunately, Aunt Li called the police and rescued Xiao Duo in time.
With the help of the local Women's Federation, Xiao Duo retrieved her documents, transferred her household registration to Aunt Li's name, and completely severed ties with her parents.
Tang Yao looked at Xiao Duo, who was cleaning the house. The worry in her eyes had mostly dissipated and she looked much more cheerful now.
"I want her to continue her studies and go to university, but Xiao Duo doesn't want to spend my money. No matter what I say, she won't budge. Sigh, this child used to have excellent grades and was always among the top students."
"I'll provide the tuition. You can let her go to school and say it's a donation from an unknown kind person." Tang Yao took a bite of wild fruit. The juice burst in her mouth and the slightly sour taste made her squint.
"No need, I have money. You're just a young girl. It's not easy for you. Save the money yourself," Aunt Li said.
“Do you think I don’t know how much money you have? Xiao Duo is a smart girl. She can tell whether you’ve spent it or not. Consider it a good deed for my parents, letting them be reborn into a good family in their next life.” Tang Yao finished the wild fruit and wiped the juice from her hands.
Sure enough, these somewhat superstitious words made Aunt Li hesitate.
“Don’t worry, I definitely won’t slap myself to make myself fat. I’ll only do what I can.”
Finally, under Tang Yao’s persuasion, Aunt Li could only reluctantly agree. So grateful, she was rendered speechless and could only hold Tang Yao’s hand with reddening eyes.
That afternoon, the guests sold fruit at the market. They had all picked and carried the fruit themselves, so selling it gave them a special sense of accomplishment.
“I’ve thought before that when I’m not an actor anymore, I’ll go back to my hometown and sell pears. There’s a whole grove of pear trees there,” Shen Wentao said jokingly.
The market was bustling with people. Those who recognized the guests happily came to buy things and take photos, while others, seeing the fresh and beautiful fruit, were willing to buy some to take home and try.
Soon, the group sold out of fruit.
Netizens were incredibly envious of those present, wishing they could immediately take their place.
"God Lu selling fruit is so down-to-earth, hahaha."
"I really want to buy the apple An An was holding!"
"My Yunyun was so clumsy. She gets flustered when there are many people, hahaha."
"This kind of event should be held more often, it's so much fun!"
...
Comments like these flashed across the screen.
At this rate, they finally raised enough money for their trip on the last day and boarded the bus to leave after the live stream ended.
Before leaving, the guests took a group photo with Tang Yao, which she hung in the glass-enclosed restaurant, serving as a form of advertising. In addition, Tang Yao took a separate photo with teacher Shen Wentao, which was hung in Tang Yao's parents' room.
Huang Yong was very grateful to Tang Yao. He settled the final payment without hesitation and even gave her a red envelope, saying he hoped Tang Yao would prioritize them if they needed to use the venue again in the future.
After all, once the show became popular, there would definitely be more people wanting to rent the guesthouse for filming.
Tang Yao replied, "I don't plan to use the guesthouse for filming. If it weren't for fulfilling my mother's dream, I wouldn't have agreed to this filming."
Huang Yong expressed his understanding. Tang Yao had indeed initially intended to refuse, but agreed after seeing Shen Wentao.
"But you're welcome to come visit in the future," Tang Yao said with a smile.
Cheng An, Lu Bei, and Lu Nan were all returning to the capital. Cheng An reluctantly bidded farewell to Tang Yao.
Tang Yao said she had something for Cheng An and Cheng An followed her into the room with a puzzled look.
Upon opening the door, a stunningly beautiful evening gown appeared before her.
“I already said I wouldn’t be making clothes anymore, but it’s rare to meet such a compatible friend. I heard you have a fashion show next week, would you like to wear it?” Tang Yao leaned against the doorframe. Using her porcelain-doll-like face, she spoke with undeniable charisma.
Cheng An was captivated by the dress and couldn’t help but step forward: “So, you’re the legendary double-sided embroidery master I heard about?”
Tang Yao raised an eyebrow, neither confirming nor denying.
“What incredible luck I have to become friends with you,” Cheng An murmured.
Finally, Tang Yao packed some fruit and snacks for them. She also packed a bottle of peach blossom wine that Lu Nan loved.
“I’ll come back to the guesthouse when I’m done with my work. Feel free to call me if you need anything,” Lu Bei told Tang Yao.
Tang Yao nodded and waved to them.
After everyone got into the vehicle, Lu Bei looked back through the window. Tang Yao was still standing at the door.
"You can come after you've dealt with things in the capital. Don't look like you're facing a life-or-death separation," Lu Nan said.
Cheng An turned to look at Lu Bei, but only saw his usual expressionless face.
She couldn't help but give Lu Nan a thumbs up. He could even read his emotions like that. They were truly brothers.
Lu Bei turned his head away, ignored Lu Nan, and closed his eyes to pretend to sleep amidst the noise.
His hand was in his pocket, gently stroking a small sachet. Each guest had one. It was embroidered by Tang Yao herself.
The production crew left a little later than the guests. They still needed to retrieve some equipment installed at the guesthouse.
After they left, the guesthouse returned to its former tranquility.
Xu Haocheng also sent her a message. The Xu Family's company had completely gone bankrupt, and now the whole family was preparing to move out of the villa. “There must have been a problem from the start and then some powerful families intervened to suppress them on your behalf, Elder Sister. This was what they deserve. Luckily, the old house is still there. A three-bedroom apartment isn't small, it's enough for us.” Xu Haocheng's tone sounded relatively optimistic.
He made the call from outside, not wanting Xu Anguo and Sun Yulan to know about his contact with Tang Yao.
Although it was closely related to her, Tang Yao remained unmoved.
She had paid with her life in her past life. Although they weren't directly responsible, they were still involved.
Simply bankrupting them was already more than enough.
After telling her the gist of the situation, Xu Haocheng hung up.
The Xu Family was shrouded in gloom.
Xu Anguo sat on the sofa, smoking one cigarette after another, while Sun Yulan covered face and sobbed quietly.
“Stop crying! All you do is cry, cry, cry! If you hadn’t insisted on treating that imposter like a treasure and pushing Tang Yao away, would we be in this mess now?!” Xu Anguo said irritably.
Sun Yulan looked up, her eyes filled with disbelief: “Now you know to blame me? Didn’t you say that Xu Wan’s marriage to the Chen Family would be very beneficial to our family, and that I should treat her well?”
Xu Anguo slammed his cigarette butt on the ground, stood up, and left the living room.
“Wait! Explain yourself!” Sun Yulan chased after him.
“What do you mean, ‘explain yourself’? You shrew!” Xu Anguo flung Sun Yulan’s hand away and she fell to the ground.
When Xu Haocheng pushed open the door, he saw the two of them hurling insults and accusations at each other, a scene that had been playing out frequently in this house lately.
He sighed, "Mom and Dad, stop arguing. Hurry up and pack your things. We have to move."
Although their argument had stopped, Sun Yulan's incessant sighs and Xu Anguo's slamming of the door were still particularly noticeable in the empty house.
At this time, a voice came from the front door.
Xu Haocheng and Sun Yulan turned around simultaneously. The person who entered was Xu Wan, who had disappeared for a long time.
She was completely different from her former gentle self. Her face was cold. And a man stood beside her.
"Xu Wan, what are you doing here?!" Xu Haocheng said warily.
"I heard the Xu Family went bankrupt. I've come to get my things." She had left in a hurry, leaving many things behind.
"Wanwan, I'm your mom! How can you be so heartless? I've raised you for over twenty years, and this is how you repay me?" Sun Yulan cried again.
Xu Wan sneered, "Mom? I'm nothing more than an object for you to show off and use. If I weren't outstanding, would you still love me unconditionally? Don't be ridiculous. Did you object when Xu Anguo suggested that I marry that cripple?"
Hearing the commotion, Xu Anguo came downstairs. "Xu Wan! You still have the nerve to come back!"
Before he finished speaking, he saw the man next to Xu Wan.
"Young Master Wang, what brings you here?" Xu Anguo's tone changed abruptly.
"Naturally, I'm here with my girlfriend to pack her things." The man in front of him had a nonchalant air about him.
Xu Anguo recognized him as the son of their former business partner. Although the two families used to be roughly equal in strength with the other party slightly weaker than the Xu Family. Now that the Xu Family was bankrupt, they were far inferior. Xu Anguo could only speak to the man with a fawning smile.
Xu Wan ignored them and went straight to her room, taking all the things she hadn't had time to pack.
Then, she took the man's hand again and prepared to leave the house.
Xu Anguo quickly stopped her: "You silly child, why didn't you say you know Young Master Wang sooner? Quickly bring him in to sit."
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