The father had always been a mountain Tang Yu wanted to conquer.
Listening to his heartfelt words, Tang Yu felt no waves in his heart at this moment.
He said nothing and silently hung up.
Tang Yu did not go to work.
He went to a bar alone and drank a lot, thinking about many things, many things.
What could he do for this family?
What could he do for his parents' precarious marriage?
And, where was that illegitimate daughter?
...
When Tang Yu returned home, it was already past midnight.
As he stumbled home drunk, Tang Yiyi happened to come out for a drink of water.
"Big Brother, have you been drinking?"
Tang Yiyi stepped forward, trying to help Tang Yu.
As soon as she extended her hand, she withdrew it, seemingly hesitant.
"Mom said to keep my distance from you. I'll call Butler Wang to help you up."
"No need."
Tang Yu staggered and sat down on the sofa.
"Then I'll make you some honey water."
Tang Yiyi busied herself with making honey water. It was simple enough, just honey mixed with warm water.
Dad often had work dinners, and when he got drunk, Xue Yi had taught her how to make it.
Tang Yiyi handed a cup of honey water to Tang Yu.
Tang Yu took it and took a sip, feeling much better in his stomach.
"Honey water, who taught you to make it?"
"Xue Yi taught me."
When Tang Yiyi mentioned Xue Yi, a hint of sadness crossed her face.
"Mom suddenly sent Xue Yi away, I don't know why. Big Brother, do you think it might be because of Sister? Sister didn't like Xue Yi and even beat her into the hospital."
Tang Yu, half-drunk and half-sober, listened to Tang Yiyi's constant mention of Xue Yi.
Suddenly, a ridiculous thought flashed through his mind.
...
Before Tang Xiaomin returned, the Tang family was indeed harmonious.
Tang Yiyi had always been well-behaved and sensible, treating everyone kindly.
Their ten years of sibling affection were also genuine.
"Mom sending Xue Yi away has nothing to do with Xiaomin. Don't overthink it, go get some rest."
Tang Yiyi said somewhat unwillingly, "Ever since I can remember, Xue Yi has been working in the Tang family. Mom treated her very well. If it weren't for Sister, I really can't figure out why Mom would send Xue Yi away."
"Enough!"
Tang Yu snapped at Tang Yiyi.
"She's just a servant, so she's gone, no explanation needed. Don't mention those insignificant people in front of Mom and Dad anymore."
Tang Yu's sudden harshness made Tang Yiyi feel very uncomfortable.
"I won't mention her. I did some bad things to Tang Xiaomin, but you don't have to be so cold to me, Big Brother. I'm not related to you by blood. But is our ten years of sibling affection truly not as strong as blood?"
"She doesn't even give anyone in the family a pleasant look, so why should everyone fawn over her!"
After venting her frustrations, Tang Yiyi stormed back to her room.
The next day, after Tang Yiyi had left, Tang Yu quietly entered her room and found a few hairs on her pillow, taking them with him.
He wanted to find out if Tang Yiyi was adopted or if there was another hidden story.
At the company, Tang Zhongcheng completed all the work handover.
The Tang Corporation was officially handed over to Tang Yu.
Tang Zhongcheng said to Tang Yu, "Yiyi is not young anymore. I plan to arrange for her to intern at the company. Although the Tang family is wealthy, personal ability should not be overlooked."
"I understand. I will arrange more opportunities for her to train in the future."
Tang Zhongcheng sighed, his expression somewhat helpless.
"Your mother has a very strong opinion of Yiyi because of Xiaomin's matter, and she often threatens to kick her out."
"You should also try to persuade your mother more, don't let her drive Yiyi away, lest outsiders make fun of our family."
His father's words were reasonable and did not reveal any impropriety.
Whether it was as Tang Yu suspected, they just needed to wait for the result.
...
Lately, Tang Yiyi had been attending school alone and interning at the company on weekends, being exceptionally well-behaved.
One day, Butler Wang prepared another exquisite evening gown for Tang Xiaomin.
"Miss Xiaomin, Madam wants you to attend Mr. Ye's birthday banquet at the Ye family's residence tonight. Madam said you are Young Master Ye's fiancée and you should attend in full formal attire."
Tang Xiaomin looked at the evening gown with disdain.
"Will Tang Yiyi be there?"
"Sir, Madam, and Miss Yiyi will all be attending."
Tang Xiaomin took the evening gown.
In her previous life, the Ye family's birthday banquet had been quite eventful.
In her previous life, she had caused Ye Fengxing to lose face at the banquet, and she herself had lost all her dignity, becoming a laughingstock in the entire city of Modu.
In the evening, as the sun began to set.
Tang Xiaomin wore a black court-style evening gown and tied her hair in a ponytail.
Zhang Meiyu and the others were ready and waiting for her in the living room.
Looking at Tang Xiaomin slowly descending the stairs, Zhang Meiyu's eyebrows furrowed.
"Where are your high heels? You should wear high heels with an evening gown. What kind of pairing is this? It's so tasteless."
"Butler Wang, go upstairs and get her high heels for her to change into."
"And your hair, how can you tie it in a ponytail? Quickly let it down and be a lady. Today is a grand occasion for the Ye family. With your current status, any slight impropriety will be criticized."
Zhang Meiyu's taste in fashion had always been excellent. She was worried sick about this.
Tang Xiaomin, however, was unconcerned.
"If I change, I'll just be ordinary like you all. There's no need."
This...
"Today is a very important day, you cannot..."
Tang Xiaomin rolled her eyes. "Then I won't go."
Tang Yiyi quickly persuaded, "Mom, Sister is beautiful, and she looks good dressed like this. Let's not force her anymore." Su Dan Novel Network
Zhang Meiyu was truly at her wit's end with Tang Xiaomin, so she no longer insisted.
The Tang family dispatched two cars.
Tang Xiaomin rode with Zhang Meiyu in one car, and Tang Zhongcheng with Tang Yiyi in the other, splitting into factions with tacit understanding.
Zhang Meiyu cautioned, "Today is Mr. Ye's birthday banquet, absolutely no mishaps. Once we arrive at the Ye family's residence, you will stay by my side."
Tang Xiaomin remained silent, a cold smile playing on her lips.
Today, Zhang Meiyu would likely be disappointed.
The Ye residence was adorned with festive lanterns and streamers, bustling with guests.
Nobles and elites from all walks of life arrived continuously, creating a lively scene.
After Tang Xiaomin alighted from the car with Zhang Meiyu, a waiter relayed a message via walkie-talkie, and soon, Butler Ye himself came out to greet them.
Butler Ye bowed slightly before Tang Xiaomin and said respectfully.
"Miss Tang has arrived. Please, please come in!"
Butler Ye's status within the Ye family was self-evident.
At this moment, Butler Ye's respectful attitude towards Tang Xiaomin indirectly confirmed the rumors.
It turned out that the engagement between the Tang family and the Ye family was indeed with Tang Xiaomin, the true daughter, not Tang Yiyi, the adopted false daughter.
Instantly, many felt deceived.
While casting envious and jealous glances at Tang Xiaomin, they simultaneously looked at Tang Yiyi with contempt.