El joven amo desvergonzado

Capítulo 3

She practiced until late at night, and only then did she fall asleep, exhausted.

Tan Huan grew up with martial arts as her companion. At first, she only wanted to beat Wu Qingfeng, but as she practiced, she unconsciously became serious. Although she had a mother, she did not have maternal love; although she had a father, she did not have paternal love. She was just growing up in the Wu family. They gave her food, drink, and clothes, but they never treated her as a true member of the family.

When Tan Huan first arrived at the Wu family, she felt resentful, envious of Wu Qingqiu, and hated Wu Qingfeng. She was used to hiding all her intense emotions behind a calm exterior, only retaliating occasionally when provoked too severely. She lived in a false peace, and then, over time, everything faded away.

Her parents had always been cold towards her, but after raising her for several years and spending every day together, they had developed some affection for her. At least Wu Canyang and Du Shuizhen would treat her kindly.

Tan Huan thought to herself, "This is enough. As an illegitimate child, I'm satisfied with this treatment. One can't ask for too much, can one? Contentment brings happiness."

She didn't ask for much; all she wanted was food and a place to live. Her parents' favoritism was nothing to worry about. Besides, she wasn't exactly a model student, so it was normal for her not to be well-liked.

Wu Qingfeng wasn't a good older brother. He used to bully Tan Huan when they were young, and he still disliked her even as they grew up. However, their relationship had become a balance of power. He would sometimes target her, but as he got older, Wu Qingfeng learned to maintain his gentlemanly demeanor and wouldn't argue or fight with her anymore.

Tan Huan thought to herself, "Forget it, just ignore his snorts like a dog farting. What's the point of arguing? What's the point of fighting? No matter what, that bastard is the future heir of the Wu family. As a commoner, I won't make an enemy of this young master Wu."

Although she didn't particularly like him, and although she was itching to punch him, she had painstakingly learned martial arts for herself. Her initial motives might have been impure, but she had genuinely come to enjoy it. If she learned martial arts for that bastard, her life would be a complete failure. Besides, putting aside his personality—he was a bastard, but at least he was good-looking. She was afraid she might ruin his face if she attacked him, so she decided against it. If Wu Qingfeng's face was ruined, he would truly have nothing left.

Spring has passed and autumn has come; three more years have slipped by.

Chapter Two: Martial Arts Genius

Tan Huan mostly practiced martial arts indoors, sometimes a few moves in the yard, but she knew the importance of keeping it private and dared not show off too much in public. She always heard her father praise Wu Qingfeng's exceptional talent, but looking at Wu Qingfeng's progress in learning, Tan Huan really didn't think his talent was exceptional at all!

Although they hadn't actually sparred, Tan Huan felt her martial arts skills were more than enough to deal with Wu Qingfeng. Even though she hadn't been able to actually beat him up, the thought that she was stronger than that bastard was a form of self-comfort. It wasn't that Tan Huan didn't want to, but rather that she didn't dare. Two years ago, she had read in a book, "The nail that sticks out gets hammered down, the local bully is cut down," and something like "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime." Hmm, Tan Huan pondered this deeply; those two phrases probably described her.

Being too outstanding isn't a good thing either. That bastard Wu Qingfeng is so petty; if he knew her martial arts were better than his, he'd be consumed by jealousy and target her even more. She silently reminded herself, "Remember this, remember this, don't offend a petty person."

Tan Huan worried that if she beat up Wu Qingfeng, she would be kicked out of the Wu family and forced to live a life of wandering. Looking at her own body, Tan Huan realized she was only an eight-year-old child, with no means of survival. She would be forced to beg on the streets, constantly on the move… She counted on her fingers, thinking, "Hmm, then I'll have no clothes to wear, no food to eat, no bed to sleep in…" Forget it, a scholar can be humiliated but not killed; it's better for her to stay in the Wu family.

Every night before bed, she would remind herself: Wu Tanhuan, Wu Tanhuan, you can't be too arrogant. You're just an illegitimate child; that's life. You weren't born with a privileged life, are you really going to compete with Qingqiu for favor? You've already lost everything before the battle even begins... living under someone else's roof, dependent on their whims... Sigh, that's how it is...

Thinking of the last two idioms, Tan Huan opened her eyes again. "Huh, is that how those two idioms are used?" That's how the teacher taught it in class, and that seems to be the meaning... Oh well, it doesn't matter if I use them wrong. I'm just thinking about it in my head, so the teacher won't know... Then, she fell soundly asleep.

As it turns out, whether in martial arts or academics, Tan Huan is a diligent and studious child who can apply what he learns.

A few days ago, Wu Canyang took Wu Qingfeng out. Upon hearing this news, Tan Huan was genuinely overjoyed. She could now enjoy her freedom at home without worrying about running into Wu Qingfeng, and she could practice martial arts without restraint. Compared to Wu Qingfeng's rascally nature, Wu Qingqiu was incredibly kind, often saving the best food and toys for her.

When Wu Qingfeng returned, he was incredibly triumphant. He seemed to have been sparring with several children from martial arts families and achieved second place, the best result the Wu family had achieved in decades. Wu Canyang had only managed fifth place back then, which was already quite remarkable.

Du Shuizhen was overjoyed, and the Wu family immediately began preparations for the celebration. Servants came and went, buying groceries and gifts. The mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

When Wu Qingfeng saw Tan Huan, he didn't put on his usual deadpan expression or make sarcastic remarks. Instead, he smiled at her with a slight upturn of his lips.

Tan Huan's face froze in shock. Seriously? This guy actually smiled at her? Had he lost his mind? Tan Huan swallowed hard, feigning composure. It seemed he was genuinely happy to have gotten second place. She reluctantly said, "Congratulations."

Wu Qingfeng smiled and said, "You're welcome."

Talking to him properly felt really strange, like being possessed by a ghost. Tan Huan shuddered and hurriedly tried to run away. She had only taken a few steps when she ran into Wu Canyang again. Helpless, she could only stop and greet him.

Wu Canyang was in a very good mood. When he saw Tan Huan, he took the initiative to greet her, "Tan Huan, have you been practicing martial arts properly while your father was away? How is it going? You can ask your brother for some pointers when you have time."

Tan Huan nodded. She was used to their cold, distant interactions, and their sudden warmth made her incredibly uncomfortable. She thought sadly, had she become so pathetic as to prefer their aloofness?

"Qingfeng, keep up this good result and keep working hard. Who knows, you might even get a top-three finish at the Lingfeng Sword Tournament four years from now!"

Wu Qingfeng nodded and said proudly, "Dad, my goal has always been to be number one."

First place? Tch, overestimating himself. Tan Huan thought disdainfully to himself, "I hope this bastard suffers a crushing defeat at the Spirit Peak Sword Tournament!"

"Good, it's good to have a goal." Wu Canyang grinned from ear to ear, but his smile gradually faded as he sighed, "However, first place won't be easy. If the alliance leader's son also participates, I'm afraid no one of the younger children of similar age in the martial world can rival him!"

Wu Qingfeng also put away his proud expression and said in a deep voice, "Is Father talking about Pei Jin?"

Tan Huan had no interest in listening to them; she found it neither interesting nor meaningful. After quietly taking her leave, she immediately ran off. The mansion was currently busy preparing for the evening's banquet, and after thinking for a moment, there was nothing else she could do. Tan Huan hesitated for a moment, then, realizing that the only person in the mansion she could talk to was Qing Qiu, she inquired of a servant about Qing Qiu's whereabouts.

"Reporting to the Second Miss, the Eldest Miss is with the Madam."

Tan Huan nodded and tiptoed toward Du Shuizhen's room. Although Du Shuizhen clearly favored the other two children, she treated Tan Huan quite well. Tan Huan always regarded her as her mother, and knowing that Wu Qingfeng had achieved good results, Tan Huan knew that Du Shuizhen would be very happy, so even if it went against her conscience, she would still congratulate her.

Just as she reached the door and was about to push it open, Tan Huan suddenly heard Wu Qingqiu's voice and abruptly stopped in her tracks.

"Mother, did you only order one?"

Du Shuizhen was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Mother forgot to order one for Tan Huan as well."

Looking through the window, the pink gauze dress in Wu Qingqiu's hands was incredibly eye-catching, brightening the entire room. Tan Huan's palms were ice-cold; her previous relaxed mood had vanished. Had she only ordered one? Was it only available to Qingqiu?

Wu Qingqiu asked innocently, "Then what will Tan Huan wear at night?"

Du Shuizhen remained silent for a while before deliberately changing the subject, "Qingqiu, try it on for your mother to see. Don't worry about Tanhuan's matter; she'll always have clothes to wear."

Wu Qingqiu looked at the beautiful clothes and smiled happily, "Okay."

Tan Huan froze, standing outside for a long time, watching Wu Qingqiu put on her new clothes. The dress was beautiful, and she liked it very much, but what she really wanted wasn't new clothes. If her mother could make one for her too, she wouldn't mind even if it was a little ugly; she would wear it happily. But even a little ugly clothes weren't for her.

Tan Huan, unwilling to be discovered, felt weak and listless, barely able to walk. So she leaped and sat blankly on Du Shuizhen's roof. A little while later, Wu Canyang arrived. Wu Qingqiu greeted her father happily and then left just as happily. A little while later, Wu Canyang and Du Shuizhen were chatting inside the house.

Tan Huan sat motionless on the roof. She wasn't deliberately eavesdropping, but the sound of their voices reached her ears.

"Huh? You only made clothes for Qingqiu?"

"..." After a long silence, "I originally wanted to make one for Tan Huan as well, but when I talked to the tailor, I could easily tell Qing Qiu's size, but Tan Huan's... I can't remember anything."

Wu Canyang sighed and comforted him, "It's nothing, don't worry about it. It's just a piece of clothing. If you can't remember, you can't remember."

“Shenyang, I’ve tried my best to be kinder to that child. These past few years have passed, and I’ve tried to be a good mother and try to forget her background… But no matter what I do, I can’t treat her the same way I treat Qingqiu and Qingfeng.”

"Forget it, forget it, don't be so hard on yourself. You've already done very well."

Tan Huan sat on the roof with a blank expression. Yes, she also felt that her mother had done a good job and should have realized her place in the family long ago. However, whenever she saw their smiling faces, she would unconsciously become infatuated and unconsciously consider herself a part of the family.

Was she wrong? Was she wrong? She lowered her head, her long eyelashes trembling. Was she wrong?

She didn't know that she was only eight years old and couldn't understand such a difficult question.

As darkness fell, the red lanterns illuminated the entire mansion.

After Wu Canyang left to attend to other matters, Tan Huan jumped down from the roof without making a sound. He wandered aimlessly around the mansion, pacing back and forth in the courtyard, when he looked up and saw Wu Qingqiu skipping and hopping towards him. "Tan Huan, I found you!"

Tan Huan stood still, his eyes unfathomably black.

Wu Qingqiu put on the new clothes, twirled around, and said, "Tan Huan, isn't it pretty?"

"It looks good." The voice was simple.

Wu Qingqiu paused, then moved closer to her. "Tanhuan, are you angry?"

Tan Huan glanced at the clothes again and shook her head, "It's nothing."

Wu Qingqiu blinked, stared at her, and after a moment, suddenly laughed, "Tanhuan, are you envious of me? Do you also want to wear new clothes? Haha, you're jealous, aren't you?"

She was indeed jealous. This feeling made Tan Huan feel both distressed and ashamed. She kept asking herself, what right did she have to be jealous of Qing Qiu? It was only natural for her mother to favor her own daughter. However, Tan Huan was honest. She said softly, "Yes, it's a very beautiful dress. I like it very much."

Wu Qingqiu, always generous, laughed and said, "How about I lend you this dress for one night?"

Tan Huan stared at her with wide eyes, unable to believe it.

"What? Not even this?" Wu Qingqiu interpreted her expression in her own words. "I like this dress very much too. Do you want me to give it to you? I just got it."

Tan Huan's face gradually flushed red, a feeling of humiliation washing over her. Why? Why? The thing she had so desperately sought, Qing Qiu could so easily give away?

She told herself over and over again: Be content, be content, don't ask for too much, life is already very good.

Tan Huan knew Qing Qiu meant well, and she should be grateful for her kindness. However, the feelings slowly rising deep within her were quite different. In Qing Qiu's presence, she felt like a beggar. Everything was hers—her father's love, her mother's love, everything she wanted, everything she longed for—Qing Qiu had it all, but she didn't.

She tried, she fought for it. She knew this family didn't welcome her, so she exhausted everything to win their favor; she almost gave them her heart, but they were indifferent. Qingqiu, on the other hand, didn't have to do anything to easily get the affection she wanted.

Why? Because she wasn't born to Du Shuizhen?

Is that all?

If that's the only reason, then there's nothing she can do. No matter how hard she tries, she can't change that. Tan Huan's eyes began to redden.

Wu Qingqiu was shocked; she had almost never seen Tan Huan's eyes red. Could it be that she had made Tan Huan cry? Wu Qingqiu immediately took off her clothes and stuffed them into Tan Huan's hands, "Don't cry, if you want it so badly, you can have it."

Tan Huan held back her tears and stuffed the clothes back into Wu Qingqiu's hands. "I don't want it." I don't want what you don't want. I'm not a beggar. I don't want your charity.

Wu Qingqiu frowned and forcefully shoved the clothes back into her hands. "I said I'd give them to you, so what are you fussing about?"

“I’m not being difficult.” Tan Huan stared at her. “I don’t want it. I mean it.” Since you don’t want to give me the feelings I want, then from now on, I don’t want them.

As the two were entangled, Wu Qingfeng happened to witness it. What Wu Qingfeng saw made him believe that Tan Huan was using his martial arts advantage to bully his sister, even trying to snatch the clothes from her hands. Wu Qingfeng angrily shouted, "Wu Tan Huan, what are you doing?! This heartless brat! Qingqiu has been so good to her, and she's still bullying her!"

Wu Qingfeng swiftly appeared in front of them, and with a backhand slap, he delivered a resounding "smack!" to Tan Huan. "Get lost!"

Blood trickled from the corner of Tan Huan's mouth. She slowly raised her eyes, her gaze fixed on him without blinking.

There was another "smack," louder than the first one.

With a wave of his hand, the movement was as swift as lightning.

When Wu Qingfeng came to his senses, his face was burning with pain, marked by clear five-finger marks. He stared at Tan Huan in disbelief; when did this guy become so fast?

Tan Huan knew perfectly well that no one in the Wu family would stand up for her. If her parents found out that Wu Qingfeng had hit her, she would likely be the one scolded. There's always an excuse for scolding someone; they'd find fault with her no matter what.

No one will stand up for Wu Tanhuan and uphold justice.

Therefore, one can only indulge in pleasure by oneself.

At first, she didn't intend to fight back; a slap was nothing to Tan Huan. Looking at the handprint on Wu Qingfeng's face, Tan Huan was stunned, staring blankly at her palm for a moment, unable to believe it. She actually hit him? She actually slapped Wu Qingfeng?

Wu Qingfeng touched his cheek; the strength was unlike that of an eight-year-old child. He knew Tan Huan was learning martial arts, but he didn't know when she had developed such skill. Besides her strength, what was even more terrifying was her speed, as swift as the wind.

Tan Huan bit her lip and took a step back. If... if Dad found out...

Seeing her reaction, Wu Qingfeng actually laughed, "Hey, what do you mean by that? Are you scared?"

Tan Huan remained silent, then raised his head and asked, "Do you want to fight back?"

Wu Qingfeng curled his lip, the contempt in his eyes fading slightly, his dark pupils flashing, "You practice your skills very diligently?"

"……fine."

Wu Qingfeng snorted, "What were you doing to Qingqiu just now?"

He remained silent, lost in pleasure, unsure of what to say.

Wu Qingqiu opened her eyes and looked at the situation before her. She stepped forward and interjected, "Brother, you've misunderstood." She looked at Tan Huan, remained silent for a moment, and then explained to Wu Qingfeng, "I was just joking around with Tan Huan."

"Just kidding? Is this how you play games?" Wu Qingfeng raised an eyebrow, his handsome face still bearing a hint of childishness. He stared at Tan Huan for a long while. He must have really misunderstood earlier. Aside from occasionally talking back to him, this little brat Wu Tan Huan was always as obedient as a kitten in the Wu family. Let alone bullying Qing Qiu, she probably wouldn't even dare to disobey Qing Qiu. However, thinking of this, Wu Qingfeng smiled strangely. Feeling the pain on his face, he chuckled and put his hand on her shoulder, "Wu Tan Huan, have you gotten bolder?"

Tan Huan glanced at him, her face clearly expressing the question, "You're not even fighting back?" They stared at each other for a while, but he didn't make a move. She turned away without saying a word, intending to leave.

"Did I say you could leave?" Wu Qingfeng pressed down on her shoulders, his tone turning cold. "Wu Tanhuan, where did you get your martial arts skills from?"