17 | Seventeen Roses
Tang You took a small step back, “Brother Weijing?”
Xiao Weijing awakened as if from a dream. He hurriedly helped Wen Ling off the ground, and said solemnly, “Tang You, you can't bully people like that.”
Wen Ling just had surgery two days ago; the sudden fall had struck the wound and her face paled with pain. Except for the initial cry of pain, she did not say anything; instead, she patted Xiao Weijing's arm, “It's okay, Lao Xiao1, it's just a fall.”
She was very composed, and even smiled, “I'm not such a delicate person, so don’t worry.”
Xiao Weijing rebuked her softly, “Don't act brave.”
He restrained himself from looking at Tang You's face. He said cooly and indifferently, but the fire from just now was gone, “Go back on your own for now, I'll take Wen Ling to the hospital first.”
Tang You deliberated for a moment.
It was indeed a bit unpleasant to be “set up” by Wen Ling like this, but from a certain perspective, Wen Ling’s actions did in fact help her out. Since she wanted to be a vicious little white lotus, wouldn’t she be wasting Wen Ling’s hard work by not being more vicious now?
In Xiao Weijing's eyes, wasn’t she bullying Wen Ling? Then she will just bully her to the end——
Tang You took a step forward, and the faint scent of vanilla milk wafted over again.
At the sight of her trembling lashes, Xiao Weijing's heart pounded non-stop; for a moment, his mouth went dry; he turned his face away, not daring to look at her directly.
Tang You took the opportunity to press on Wen Ling's wound with absolute precision, and asked with great ‘concern’, “I saw you holding onto this area just now, did you hit it when you fell?”
Wen Ling's sudden scream of pain finally brought the red-faced Xiao Weijing to his senses.
Xiao Weijing wanted to reprimand Tang You, but the moment he saw her pair of confused and misty eyes, he faltered somewhat, “Tang You, she just had an appendicitis operation, don't touch her.”
Wen Ling clutched Xiao Weijing's arm tightly, unable to repress the pain.
But Tang You covered her mouth, a face of pure innocence, “I'm sorry, Brother Weijing, I didn't know.”
It took Xiao Weijing a lot of effort to look away from her face, “…Forget it.”
He said stiffly, “You go back first.”
Go back?
Now was the time to add fuel to the fire!
Was there anything better than being able to bully Wen Ling openly while concurrently increasing Xiao Weijing’s disgust meter?
Tang You still wanted to continue with the show.
A bespectacled man who looked like an assistant pushed open the glass door and walked up to her, calling her name aloud, “Miss Tang.”
Tang You didn't know him; she turned her face slightly, “Hm?”
When Xiao Weijing saw the man, his expression relaxed considerably. Supporting Wen Ling, he asked, “Did Second Uncle tell you to come over for something?”
The assistant said courteously, “Sir has asked me to send Miss Tang back first.”
Xiao Weijing understood.
Just now, Xiao Zexing had come downstairs with him, but a careless intern had bumped into his chest and soiled his shirt with coffee. The intern had even tried to reach out to touch it and was fired on the spot, and Xiao Zexing had to change before going to Elder Xiao’s place.
Although there were spare clothes for Xiao Weijing in the office, and the two were similar in figure, Xiao Zexing never wore other people’s things. Because of this, Xiao Weijing suspected that his Second Uncle had some kind of mental mysophobia.
Xiao Weijing guessed that it was probably because Xiao Zexing saw the deadlock before leaving that he asked someone to pick Tang You up.
Second Uncle was really thoughtful, understanding, and considerate; he even took the trouble to help him take care of his fiancée.
Xiao Weijing was deeply moved; he didn’t look at Tang You, and his voice gradually returned to being cold and hard, “Since Second Uncle has said so, then you should go first. As for that old man, I will explain to him when I return.”
Tang You had not yet met this mysterious Second Uncle, but at this time, she couldn’t go against the elder’s good intentions.
Before leaving, she looked at Xiao Weijing “pitifully”, then set off reluctantly.
As soon as Tang You left, Wen Ling heard Xiao Weijing heave a sigh of relief.
He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples before looking down at her, “Lingling, are you okay?”
Wen Ling smiled, “Actually, it's fine. It's not particularly painful, I'm used to it.”
Xiao Weijing responded absently and let go of the hand that was supporting her.
This time, though the support suddenly disappeared, Wen Ling was mentally prepared and did not fall.
Wen Ling observed his expression and mocked, “Lao Xiao, I didn't expect the day will come where you will be so captivated at the sight of a beautiful woman.”
Xiao Weijing was displeased, “How long have you known me? Am I the kind of person who only looks at one’s face?”
In Xiao Weijing’s opinion, he was just surprised.
One would get used to the sight of beautiful women, and grow numb to them. When he saw Tang You four years ago, she hadn't grown up yet; his impression of her was simply that she had decent features.
Who would have thought that the witless little girl had now grown to become… so beautiful.
Furthermore, there was an inexplicable sense of familiarity about her, and he could not help but want to get close to her.
He definitely wasn’t confused by her beauty.
Wen Ling put a hand on his shoulder and teased, “Look at you, after four years of absence, I can’t even joke around with you anymore!”
The two of them used to get along like this, but now, Xiao Weijing felt vaguely uncomfortable. However, he couldn't identify the source of this discomfort, and after thinking about it, decided to attribute it to being too tired today, which led him to lose his wits.
But…
Wen Ling had gotten one thing right; Tang You was indeed very beautiful.
So beautiful that he had even, for two seconds, forgotten about her “crimes”.
Tang You got into the car and thanked the assistant softly.
She didn't know much about this second uncle. She only heard that Tang Xiao mentioned him once before. Since it was the second uncle who sent someone over to relieve the situation, she had to ask out of politeness, “Will the second uncle be having dinner together tonight?”
The assistant smiled, “Yes.”
He was her elder after all, and this was going to be their first meeting.
Besides, Xiao Zexing had a stake in Mingjian now; she might need his help in the future.
In addition, that person said last time that she had not only peed all over the second uncle when she was five, but also damaged many things…
Tang You pondered for a moment, wondering what she could gift him to gain some favourability.
She hoped that the old man, Second Uncle, would forgive her childhood misdeeds on account of the gift.
Tang You couldn't figure out what the man’s preferences were, so she tried to sound out the assistant, “Do you know what Second Uncle likes?”
“Why is Miss Tang suddenly asking this?”
"After all, it's my first time meeting him, an elder.” Tang You looked in the mirror and carefully wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with a tissue. “I, as a junior, should prepare a gift.”
“The Sir likes tea; you can gift him some tea,” the assistant suggested.
Tang You accepted the idea.
Xiao Weijing still had to send Wen Ling to the hospital, and Tang You was in no hurry to go to the mansion. She first went to buy some good tea, and with reference to Xiao Zenian's preferences, chose the gift packaging that best met the aesthetics of elders.
When she arrived at the old man's residence, the moon was already hanging high, and the night breeze was slightly cool.
Sure enough, as Tang You expected, Xiao Weijing was still in the hospital with Wen Ling and had not yet arrived.
It was a family dinner after all, so not many people were invited. Zhao Manlan took Tang You's hand and they chatted alone for a long time before she finally brought the conversation to the main topic.
“Youyou, you don't have to worry about the incident with Weijing and Wen Ling,” said Zhao Manlan warmly. “I know everything about what happened this afternoon, and the café’s surveillance videos are being looked into.”
Tang You's eyelids twitched. “Auntie, I’m not aggrieved.”
I’m really not aggrieved ahhhhhh!
She wished Xiao Weijing would misunderstand her even more!
Just think of her as an unpardonably wicked and vicious woman!
Zhao Manlan squeezed her hand, full of compassion, “I know you are a good child, you won’t say anything even if you were wronged…”
Before she could finish, the servant requested for Zhao Manlan to go out; only then did Zhao Manlan release Tang You's hand. She pinched her cheeks and said, “Good girl, don't worry, Auntie will back you up.”
Without waiting for Tang You to reply, Zhao Manlan turned and left leisurely.
Tang You was left alone; only then did she start taking in the décor of her surroundings.
There was a book on the table and a half-smoked cigarette in the ashtray beside it. Tang You took the book curiously and looked at it; it was all written in classical Chinese, and without a single annotation. Completely puzzled, she looked at the cover; it was “Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang”2.
After a cursory glance, there weren’t many obscure words, and it wasn’t too difficult to read. As she was trying hard to read it, a shadow came over her.
A long, slender hand covered the page, pressing down on the line she was reading.
The clear, light scent of cedar washed away the dull silence.
She heard a man’s warm voice, “You like reading this?”
Tang You looked up and saw Xiao Zexing.
The figure clothed in a light grey shirt was tall and straight. Perhaps because it wasn’t a formal occasion, he wasn’t wearing a formal western shirt; it was slightly looser. He wasn’t wearing a tie either, and the top button was left undone.
Xiao Zexing looked at the book in her hand. “I didn't expect that you’d be interested in such miscellanea.”
Tang You was shocked. "Why are you here?”
“The old man told me to come, so I came,” Xiao Zexing let go of his hand. He remained seated opposite her; he pressed his fingers against the porcelain teapot, testing its temperature, and called aloud, “Bring a new pot here.”
The servant who had been standing by the side immediately took the teapot and went out.
There was no one else in the room.
Tang You looked at him blankly, "Who are you, really?”
“My surname is Xiao,” Xiao Zexing clasped his hands, his manner leisurely. He smiled and said, “With so many hints, it should be clear to you by now, right?”
As Tang You looked at his face, which was extremely similar to Xiao Weijing's, her head buzzed with only one thought——
She moved closer, leaned in, and lowered her voice, “Could it be that you are Uncle Xiao’s illegitimate son? And you’re preparing to join the family and acknowledge your ancestors?”
Xiao Zexing laughed helplessly, “I didn't expect you to have such a rich imagination in that small head of yours.”
Tang You felt that this person was mocking her and became angry; she was unable to restrain herself and grabbed his collar with both hands, “No laughing!”
Even if she was grabbing his collar like this, there was not the slightest trace of anger on Xiao Zexing’s face. His dimples deepened, and his deep eyes hid a sliver of light. “Willing to show your claws at last?”
Tang You froze momentarily, then realised what she had done.
She let go and sat back down.
“I don't care what your identity is; you must follow through with what you promised,” reminded Tang You again. She ordered him seriously, “You have to forget about all that nonsense before. Anyway, you can’t——”
Xiao Zexing smoothed out the shirt she had just wrinkled unhurriedly. “Can't what?”
Tang You said, “You can't say anything! Also, don't think about it, and don’t ever mention it again!”
“Why?”
Tang You became angry from embarrassment, “Do I still have to spell it out?”
Of course it was because she wanted to maintain a good image in front of her elders.
She felt like she always lost her composure easily in front of him. This feeling made her a little flustered, and she inhaled and exhaled three more times. From the corner of her eye, she saw Xiao Zexing put his hand on the gift box on the table, and immediately stopped him with a yell, “Don't touch it!”
Xiao Zexing ran his fingers over the exquisite pattern and smiled, “Looking at this packaging, is it a gift for the old man? What kind of treasure is it?”
“It's for Second Uncle!” Tang You's nerves were taut. “Let go, don't ruin it with your touch.”
“Second Uncle?” Xiao Zexing raised his eyebrows and smiled lightly. “Why are you giving him a gift for no particular reason?”
“This is none of your business.”
“Trying to curry favour with Xiao Zexing?”
“Hmph,” Tang You harumphed. She realised that her weakness was still in this person’s hands, and warned immediately, “You better not say too much in front of Second Uncle. Don't affect our uncle-niece relationship.”
“Uncle-niece relationship?” Xiao Zexing repeated these words and chuckled. “Don't worry, it won't be affected.”
At the sound of the opening door, Tang You immediately stopped talking. She adjusted her sitting posture and lowered her head like a gentle quail.
“Tang…… Youyou,” as soon as Xiao Weijing entered, his gaze fell upon Tang You's white, clean neck, and he changed his term of address. “Grandpa wants to see you.”
Tang You's heart pounded.
She secretly observed the expressions of Xiao Weijing and Xiao Zexing.
Xiao Zexing was reading “Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang”, not at all concerned about the conversation between the two of them; he only raised his eyes when Xiao Weijing entered, then lowered his eyes to continue reading.
It was as if the squabble between them just now did not take place.
Xiao Weijing’s expression was mild; he did not show the slightest surprise at Xiao Zexing’s presence.
Tang You felt as though there was a kitten scratching frantically at her heart——
Who the hell was this person?
Xiao Weijing's expression was so calm, so he shouldn’t be Uncle Xiao's illegitimate son.
Surnamed Xiao, was abroad for the past few years, looked so much like Xiao Weijing, and even had such a good relationship with him…
Tang You couldn’t figure it out.
Elder Xiao called for her to say a few words; apart from showing concern for her health, the rest was the routine urgings and exhortations.
It was nothing more than the issue of Xiao Weijing and Wen Ling.
After leaving the old man’s side, Zhao Manlan took her hand and said with a smile, “A copy of the surveillance video has been sent. I'll go and talk to Weijing after dinner.”
“……Brother Weijing was just being anxious.”
“Don’t hurry to speak up for him,” said Zhao Manlan disapprovingly face. “He is spoiled by your soft nature.”
Having said that, she suddenly remembered something and asked, “By the way, your second uncle is also here today, did you meet him just now?”
Second Uncle?
Tang You shook her head reflexively, “No.”
She thought about it, but it didn’t seem like she had met with any unfamiliar elder male…
As she contemplated, she caught a glimpse of Xiao Zexing walking over.
Zhao Manlan called out to him, “Zexing!”
Tang You's eyes suddenly opened wide.
The next moment, she was gently pushed in front Xiao Zexing by Zhao Manlan.
Zhao Manlan smiled and asked, “Youyou, why aren’t you greeting your Second Uncle?”
————-
The author has something to say:
Regarding Youyou and Second Uncle, because I have always believed in the principle that love should make each other better and better, so Youyou will also grow slowly. =v=
The old fox will also be occasionally kicked by the rabbit.
Youyou’s future character setting, and a picture of Second Uncle, have all been posted on my weibo, please go take a look if you’re interested.
Footnotes:
1 Lao Xiao: Wen Ling is addressing Xiao Weijing as 老萧, which directly translates as Old Xiao, which I suppose shows off her familiarity with Weijing. As it looks odd in English, and I didn’t want to cause confusion with the number of seniors/ elders in the story, I decided to use the pinyin instead.
2 Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang: 《酉阳杂俎》Youyang Zazu; A book written by Duan Chengshi in the 9th century. It focuses on miscellany of Chinese and foreign legends and hearsay, reports on natural phenomena, short anecdotes, and tales of the wondrous and mundane, as well as notes on such topics as medicinal herbs and tattoos. Fun fact: one of the oldest variants of Cinderella is found in this collection, titled “Ye Xian”.