Chapter 4: Gossip

Tang Jingnan stood by the window with his hands behind his back, silent. Despite nearing his sixtieth birthday, he looked only in his forties.

The butler respectfully stood by, bowing slightly. Even though the master had his back turned, the butler dared not utter a word, patiently awaiting the master’s command.

“Did Old Eight really say that?” Tang Jingnan inquired.

The butler immediately replied respectfully, “I dare not deceive the master. Miss Eight did indeed speak these words herself.”

Tang Jingnan repeated Tang Xin’s words with a playful tone: “Staying at home to test genes and determine ranks can lead to the selection of the next head of the family. As long as one can withstand the retaliation from Old Ten, they can snatch away the person he fancies. Butler, listen to this. This child is quite something.”

The Butler chuckled. “Miss Eight is the master’s daughter, naturally intelligent and wise.”

“It’s not about intelligence; it’s about courage.” Tang Jingnan walked briskly to his desk and sat down. “Old Ten is the popular choice for the next head, but Old Eight refuses to follow the crowd. Hey, this courage reminds me of my youth.”

Tang Jingnan couldn’t help but recall his days of struggle away from home. “In my generation, there were many talented individuals. At that time, whether it was in martial strength or resources, I ranked in the middle. But look, the top three favorites were all left beneath my feet. Just as Old Eight said, this game isn’t about good genes or high ranks; it’s about who laughs last.”

The butler hesitated. “Miss Eight is currently only at level two, and the master left as a level four warrior.”

Tang Jingnan sneered, “If one is timid inside, the game ends before it even begins. If you fear Old Ten and dare not snatch away the person he likes, what’s the point of competing for the position of head in the future? It’s just joining the numbers. Those willing to compete will always have a chance to counterattack.”

The butler’s heart pounded; did this mean indulging Miss Eight? Could it be that the master did not favor Young Master Ten’s succession? “Young Master Ten has a rare A-level gene. Miss Eight, aspiring to take over, might find it challenging.”

To his surprise, Tang Jingnan burst into laughter. “Of course. How many generations of Tangs have produced an A-level individual? Whenever there is an A-level, their descendants invariably become the next family head, without exception. Intelligence and luck can alter fate to some extent, but in the face of absolute strength, they are ultimately secondary. Old Eight can’t compete with him; that’s normal. But my daughter, Tang Jingnan’s daughter, can compete, and even if she fails, she must not be a useless person without the intention to fight! Before, I overlooked Old Eight; I didn’t see her determination.”

A glint of determination flashed in Tang Jingnan’s eyes. “Old Ten is eighteen years old, and his actions are quite unbecoming. Relying on his A-level gene, he acts recklessly. However, apart from martial strength, he lacks in cunning, calculation, and connections—falling short in many aspects.”

The butler chuckled. “Young Master Ten has extraordinary talent; he can resolve matters with brute force and doesn’t need to bother plotting against others.”

Tang Jingnan shook his head. “If the future of the Tang family is really to be entrusted to him, the current state won’t do. He needs refinement.”

After a moment of contemplation, he instructed the butler, “Has Old Eight not chosen her resources yet? butler, go and raise her quota to eighty thousand.”

The butler hesitated for a moment and cautiously asked, “What about the matter of the guards?”

Tang Jingnan waved his hand dismissively. “It’s just a B-level gene, and we have several of those at home. If Old Eight wants it, she can have it. There is no need to worry about it. In the future, I’ll give Old Ten something even better.”

The butler hesitated. “Will this damage Young Master Ten’s reputation?”

Tang Jingnan looked deeply at the steward and said, “One earns their own reputation. It’s time for Old Ten to taste a bit of setback.”

“I understand,” the butler said respectfully and left.

When the room was empty, Tang Jingnan muttered to himself, “Old Ten used to have it too easy. Now that he has a thorn in his side, maybe he’ll make some progress.”

Tang Xin, after seeing Tang Ning off, was resting alone in her room when she unexpectedly encountered an unexpected guest.

“Ninth sister?” Tang Xin asked, “Why are you here?”

Tang Jing entered the room, looked around to ensure there was no one else, closed the door sneakily, and ran to Tang Xin’s side, whispering, “Are you out of your mind? You dare to snatch someone from Tenth Brother?”

When she first heard the news, she thought it was a mistake. After getting confirmation, she was shocked and hurried over.

“He’s just a spoiled child; I snatched him, so what?” Tang Xin was indifferent. She originally thought Tang Ning had discovered Yan Hao’s secret, so she had to be the one to compete. Who knew it was based on looks? Considering him an opponent, Tang Xin felt her own status would be lowered.

Tang Jing was surprised that Tang Ning was so carefree after snatching someone, showing no concern at all.

Tang Jing sighed. “Now, I can’t even help you. The Tenth Brother is different from both of us. He’s the son of Dad’s favorite woman and has always been talented. His position in Dad’s heart is something we can’t compare with. Just take care of yourself, and hopefully, as time goes by, Tenth Brother will forget about this.”

“Favorite?” Tang Xin was curious: “Isn’t Dad married to six women? If he has a favorite, why marry others?”

“Feelings are feelings, and wives are wives. Otherwise, why did you always call him a playboy?” Tang Jing teased

Tang Jing counted on her fingers, “The favorite is the fourth one to enter. Later, due to a business alliance, Dad married other young ladies from different families. Once, he was seriously injured while out, and a girl saved him. After recovering, Dad said he couldn’t let her kindness go to waste, so he married her.”

Tang Xin had a bewildered expression: “Marrying the person who saved his life as the sixth wife is considered not letting her down?”

Tang Jing chuckled. “Do you think that woman was a good person? She was originally poor, but after entering the Tang family, she had extra money, went shopping every day, and occasionally, Dad had to go to her room to spend the night. She lived a very happy life. It wasn’t for love; who cares how many wives he has? As long as the credit points keep landing in her account every day.”

Tang Xin had a dumbfounded look. “Can Dad’s favorite endure dad having other wives? After marrying her, he just kept marrying one wife after another.”

“So what? With a son, Dad can just stand aside. In the future, the entire Tang family will be hers and her son’s.” Tang Jing sneered, “But that’s just me casually saying it. The favorite thinks Dad actually loves her because, being in a high position, he had no choice but to marry other women. Let’s not talk about the others; Dad doesn’t pay much attention to his other children but occasionally acts like a father to Tenth Brother.”

“Favorable treatment to others, indifference to others, and the favorite thinks she’s the true love?” Tang Xin exclaimed, “It’s a miraculous way of thinking…”

“It’s just normal. If she had a normal mind, she would have long called Dad a scumbag. Nowadays, most people are monogamous. If the favorite had a clear mind, with so many good men outside, why bother sharing Dad with other women? A woman with a brain, upon learning that her husband wants to remarry, would surely divorce him first. The favorite, on the other hand, eagerly came to the Tang family even though Dad already had three wives. Fortunately, now there is marital freedom, and as long as the couple agrees, whether it’s monogamy, polygamy, or polyandry, it’s all acceptable. If it were the old times, Dad would have been arrested by the federation long ago.”

Tang Xin laughed. Despite being a wealthy and influential family, the Tangs still had to abide by federal laws.

Tang Jing felt her throat dry as she spoke. She picked up a cup of water from the table, took a few sips, and realized something was wrong. With a dark expression, she said, “I came to talk to you about the matter of the guards, not to gossip with you!”

“I was just curious, and your information is not as well-informed as mine. Just have some tea.” Tang Xin smiled and poured her a cup of tea.

Watching Tang Xin’s carefree demeanor, Tang Jing felt a sense of powerlessness. The person involved was not worried, but she was anxious for no reason, worrying about something unnecessary.

Feeling disheartened, Tang Jing asked, “Is it worth it for a man?”

Tang Xin nodded. A-level gene, level five warrior, it’s definitely worth it.

Tang Jing was speechless for a moment. After a while, she curiously asked, “Is the guard really that handsome? Is he worth doing this for?”

Tang Xin continued nodding. This was something she couldn’t deny! His appearance was distracting, even to her.

Now truly intrigued, Tang Jing asked, “Where is he? Let him come out. I have to see what he looks like.”

Tang Xin glanced at the clock and said, “He’ll have to leave with me tomorrow. He’s going back to pack his things. He should be back in a while.”

“I’ll be waiting right here.” Tang Jing crossed her arms in front of her chest, seemingly determined to see the real person; she wouldn’t give up unless she saw him.

After a while, Tang Xin heard someone speaking. If her hearing weren’t so keen, she probably wouldn’t have been able to hear it clearly.

“If, in the future, you find it hard to cope with Tenth Brother’s targeting, you can quietly come to the planet where I am.”

Tang Xin looked at Tang Jing in surprise, only to find that the latter was looking around the room, seemingly interested in the decorations. She didn’t turn her gaze toward Tang Xin.

Tang Jing moved her lips twice. “When the time comes, I’ll give you a sofa to lie on and provide you with pickled vegetables and plain porridge three times a day, no problem.”

Tang Xin smiled, rarely showing a genuine and gentle smile. “For saying that, if you ever face difficulties, I will help you.”

Tang Jing looked disdainful. “You, a muddy Buddha crossing the river, struggling to save yourself, still want to help me? Forget it; save yourself first before talking about helping others.” She had no idea the weight of Tang Xin’s promise.

“Just remember this sentence; after all, you have my contact information.” Tang Xin didn’t say much; she just smiled lightly.

Where did this confidence come from? Tang Jing was about to say something when she saw a man entering the room. His facial features were well-defined, like a carved sculpture, with sharp eyebrows, starry eyes, and a high and straight nose. He was indescribably handsome. His figure was slender, the type that looked slim in clothes but had substance without them.

Tang Jing opened her mouth wide, staring blankly at him, mesmerized.

The man walked up to Tang Xin and nodded. “Everything is packed.”

Tang Jing pointed at the man, then at Tang Xin, alternately. Her mouth didn’t make a sound; she temporarily lost the ability to speak.

Tang Xin introduced, “The person you wanted to see, my chosen guard.”

Tang Jing was stunned for a long time and sighed, “Beauty is a disaster. It’s worth offending the Tenth Brother for him.”

Yan Hao clenched his fist, trying hard to restrain himself to avoid accidentally kissing Miss Nine on the face with his fist. Beauty is a disaster? What a lousy adjective!