MTL - 78

Tang Yu, I think I’m the real winner in life. Three people are spoiling me.

— “Little Sugar Heart’s Diary”

The man’s softly spoken words, “Don’t make her suffer,” felt like he was placing her on the tip of his heart. Tang Xin’s eyes suddenly reddened, and she intertwined her fingers with his palm, suddenly feeling like crying.

Afraid of making a scene, she tried hard not to cry but truly felt wronged. Especially when being protected by the person she liked, all the bitterness and grievances from these days surged to her heart. With red eyes, she looked at Tang Dawei and Zhong Lijun, holding back tears and said: “Exactly! I haven’t been home for half a year, and now that I’ve been back for so many days, you haven’t properly paid attention to me. You’ve been giving me a hard time every day, going out to play and eating fancy meals without taking me along. You even post several updates on social media each night just to provoke me. And when you see me eating instant noodles at night, you don’t feel sorry for me. You didn’t even buy breakfast for me! It’s really too much!”

As soon as she finished speaking, tears began to fall drop by drop. She had liked someone for so long, unnoticed by anyone, swallowing her sadness and grievances. Finally, when they got together, she came home only to be disliked by her parents who had always spoiled her.

She loved Tang Yu and naturally hoped that her parents would like him too.

None of the three expected her to cry, leaving them momentarily stunned.

Tang Yu suddenly regretted it; he should have come back with her that day. He hugged her shoulders and gently consoled her: “Don’t cry, okay?”

Tang Dawei and Zhong Lijun hadn’t seen their daughter cry in years, leaving them somewhat at a loss, especially Tang Dawei, who hurriedly shouted: “Don’t cry! Daddy was wrong. Tomorrow, I’ll take you out for a big meal! I’ll also buy you a bag! Two bags!”

Zhong Lijun: “...”

Tears were really precious.

Tang Xin paused for a moment and continued crying: “I don’t want them.”

Tang Dawei, somewhat frustrated, looked at Tang Yu. Though this young man was in charge of such a large company, how could he not have some guile and negotiation skills? He immediately hit their weak points and took the upper hand with one sentence. Unfortunately, both Tang Dawei and Zhong Lijun were indeed in the wrong and couldn’t refute him.

He supported himself on his knees and sighed: “You young man still have a point. If it weren’t for you, could our family of three be so harmonious? Initially, you asked her to help chase Ming Zhu. They’ve been best friends since high school. After failing to pursue Ming Zhu, you turned around to pursue my daughter. How bad does that sound? People might think she was your backup choice! And then there’s that Lu Chuning. Those fans cursed so nastily. That’s cyberbullying. If no one stopped it, it would definitely affect her work. Don’t think we don’t understand the situation.”

There was silence in the air for a few seconds.

Tang Xin sniffled and continued to sob, attempting to soften Tang Dawei’s attitude.

Tang Yu stood up, pulled out a few tissues from the coffee table, and gently wiped away her tears while half-hugging her. In his heart, he cursed himself a few times, deeply regretting letting her face everything alone upon returning home.

He looked at Tang Dawei. No matter how low his posture was, his tone remained incredibly firm: “Yes, I admit it’s all my fault. Any suffering she endured because of me, I will compensate in the future and treat her better. If you’re unhappy with me, one call and I’ll come over. You can hit or scold me however you want, but please don’t take it out on her.”

These words made Tang Dawei furious: “I’m her father! I’ve pampered her since she was little. Do you think those words are appropriate?”

The next second, unable to control his temper, he directly threw the remote control in his hand.

Surprisingly, Tang Yu didn’t dodge. One corner of the remote hit his chin. Tang Xin reacted and anxiously turned to look at him: “Are you okay?” She frowned, her red eyes looking at Tang Dawei, “Dad!”

How dare he resort to violence, behaving like a thug!

Tang Yu remained calm, his tongue touching the lower part of his jaw, tasting a hint of blood.

He gently patted her back and whispered: “It’s alright.”

Tang Dawei finally spoke openly: “She’s just an ordinary girl. Our family’s financial situation is not bad either, and she can earn her own money. There’s no need for her to cling to you. We just want her to be simple and happy. Even dating has been so complicated. What about the future? And your good friend Huo Chendong, indulging in debauchery every day. Your circle is so complex. How can I not worry?”

He worried. If his daughter were bullied in the future, he would be old, unable to fight, and lacking in wealth and power compared to others. Who could he argue with?

Zhong Lijun had been sizing up Tang Yu the whole time. Having observed enough, she patted Tang Dawei’s back: “Alright, save it. Since she was little, she has always liked this type of man. Even if you’re unhappy, you can’t force them to break up, right?”

Upon hearing this, Tang Yu paused. Tang Xin, embarrassed and angry, exclaimed: “Mom!”

Zhong Lijun glanced at her and smiled: “Moreover, they’ve just started dating. It’s just a relationship. Marriage is still far off. It’s not a problem for girls to date once or twice more.”

Her meaning was clear: she didn’t oppose dating, but if they wanted to get married, they needed further testing.

Tang Yu silently exhaled in relief. Getting them to relent tonight was sufficient. He didn’t expect them to fully trust him immediately. He said: “I understand your concerns. This circle is complex, but I know what I want.”

“She’s a little princess in your home, but in mine, she’s a little tyrant.”

“If she’s with me, I absolutely won’t let her suffer.”

Tang Xin looked up at him, her eyes full of stars. The man’s gaze was calm and deep, his demeanor consistently aloof and restrained. His tone was still faint while saying those words, yet very convincing.

Tang Dawei stared at him, unable to say phrases like “smooth talker” or “nice words.” He had to admit that Tang Yu at this moment was indeed persuasive.

After a while, Tang Xin brought Tang Yu into the room.

As soon as they entered, she turned around and hugged him, touching his chin. Feeling sorry for him, she said: “It’s already bruised.”

Tang Yu hugged her, not minding much: “It’s fine, it doesn’t hurt.”

How could it not hurt?

Tang Xin frowned, softly complaining: “Tang Dawei was so fierce; he actually hit you...”

Tang Yu chuckled softly, loosely leaning against the white wardrobe with her in his arms. With a teasing look, he glanced down at her: “Getting hit like this and making them change their minds is worth it. Moreover, I understand them well since I have an unruly younger sister.” Seeing her eyes still red and swollen, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, pinching her cheek gently and giving her instructions: “This was originally a matter between the two of us. If anything happens in the future, tell me first.”

“I’m a man. No matter what happens, I should be the one to bear it. You just stand behind me.”

She looked up at him, smiling brightly, unable to resist praising him: “You speak so nicely today.”

Tang Yu smiled noncommittally. This was simply what a man should do.

The two quietly embraced. She softly asked: “What time are you leaving tomorrow?”

“Noon.” Tang Yu had just mentioned inviting them to dinner, but Tang Dawei refused, telling him not to push his luck. He looked down at her, “What about you? Do you want to go with me?”

“I’ll wait until after New Year’s Day to return. We didn’t talk properly these past few days, so I’ll stay with them for two more days.”

“That’s fine too.”

“I’ll see you off tomorrow.”

Tang Yu didn’t agree with her. He relaxed against her, and Tang Xin stood between his slightly spread legs. Her chin was lifted by his hand as the man casually gazed at her: “Have you liked my type since you were little?”

“...”

Tang Xin knew she couldn’t avoid it. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned in to kiss his chin, cunningly smiling: “I like how you look in suits and shirts. When I was little, the family next door all had high looks. The neighbor’s brother looked especially handsome in a suit. I was really into him.”

Tang Yu narrowed his eyes at her, indifferently asking: “And now?”

Tang Xin blinked: “Now? His kid is already in elementary school.”

Tang Yu: “...”

After a while, he tilted his head slightly, looking at her with a teasing smile: “A suit fetish?”

Tang Xin blushed, softly admitting: “Maybe.”

So that’s why she craved wearing his shirt that day. Tang Yu’s gaze suddenly deepened, staring at her intently. Tang Xin inexplicably felt her mouth dry and her heart beat wildly out of rhythm.

Tang Yu bent down, forcefully kissing her lips, his tongue immediately probing in to entwine. Tang Xin tasted a faint trace of blood in his mouth, her heart trembling. She frowned and murmured, “You...”

“It’s nothing.” His voice hoarse, he embraced her, turned her around, and pressed her against the wardrobe door.

—Knock knock knock.

The door was knocked hard several times.

Tang Yu finally bit her lips once more, released her, and smiled: “Your parents are kicking me out.”

As they walked out of the room, Tang Xin looked at the sofa: “Mom and Dad, I’ll see him downstairs. I’ll be back soon.”

Tang Dawei didn’t say anything. Zhong Lijun stood up, escorting them to the door, as if curious, she asked: “Tang Yu, what if I still let Tang Xin eat instant noodles and neglect her tomorrow? What will you do?”

These words were prompted by Tang Dawei.

Tang Yu stood outside the door, looking at Tang Xin: “Then I’ll take her away tomorrow.”

Alright, bold.

After the two went downstairs, Zhong Lijun returned to the sofa and sat down, looking at Tang Dawei: “Satisfied? Husband.”

Tang Dawei snorted: “Let them date. Marriage is still far off. Our Xinxin is still young, no rush.” He paused, “I’m just afraid our girl will be completely dominated by him.”

Zhong Lijun crossed her legs, chuckling: “Don’t worry unnecessarily. I think Tang Yu genuinely likes our daughter.”

Actually, she was quite satisfied with Tang Yu in her heart. Recently, her friends have been praising her, saying where else can you find such a good son-in-law?

...

The winter night wind was piercing, and the snow had stopped, accumulating thick layers. Every step left a footprint. As the couple walked to the car, Tang Xin looked back and looked up at him: “I thought you would lower your stance and have a proper talk with my parents. I didn’t expect you to be so firm...”

It really surprised her, but at the same time, she felt this was truly Tang Yu.

Tang Yu lightly raised his eyebrows: “To deal with a tyrant, use tyranny. Dealing with your thug father follows the same principle.”

Tang Xin: “...”

This man...

Cut open, he must be pitch black!

Tang Xin put both hands in his coat pockets, leaning against his chest, looking up at him: “Tang Yu, I feel like I’m liking you more and more. More than you imagine.”

“Is that so?” He smiled, “I like you more than you imagine too.”

So, have a bit more confidence in me.

...

Three days later, Tang Xin also returned to Beijing.

The script was submitted, and Tang Dawei and Zhong Lijun agreed to let her date Tang Yu. Suddenly, all her worries seemed to vanish, and her whole demeanor changed. When she went to You Huan’s store to look at the design drafts, You Huan raised an eyebrow upon seeing her: “You look very radiant. Been sleeping with a man lately?”

Tang Xin glanced at her: “You’re really worried.”

You Huan laughed a few times and tossed the design drafts to her: “Take a look. If you have any opinions, you can suggest them. I’ll consider and make changes.”

The crew directly handed over the costumes and styling for the main female roles to You Huan, and Tang Xin helped to give feedback.

You Huan had read the book and the script long ago, grasping the character images well. The designs were almost perfect. Tang Xin flipped through them one by one, feeling there wasn’t much to criticize.

Finally, she pointed to the last picture: “The filming starts in March, and the location is in Xiamen. It’s quite cold there. Can we add a coat or something to this set?”

You Huan glanced at it: “Sure.”

Just as she finished speaking, the door was pushed open.

Tang Dingding walked in, taking off her hat and mask, smiling brightly: “I brought afternoon tea!”

Tang Xin glanced at the assistant behind her, clicking her tongue: “Little Fatty is becoming more and more like a star. In the future, when going out, she might even need bodyguards.”

Tang Dingding had the assistant place the afternoon tea on the table. She pouted: “Not yet, it’s not that exaggerated.” Sitting on the tall stool, she sighed deeply, lamenting: “Everything is fine now, except it’s inconvenient to go out. People always recognize me, wanting autographs and photos. I feel a bit restricted.”

You Huan leaned against the counter, kindly reminding her: “When you start dating in the future, people will follow and take photos. Be prepared and draw the curtains, okay? I don’t want to see pictures or videos of you passionately kissing men on Weibo.”

Tang Dingding: “...”