Chapter 2018 - 2014: Sisterly Bonds
On Earth, within Tantai Wanrong’s residence, Zhao Tianya finally returned.
After all, she had no other place to go. Coming back to see Tantai Wanrong, she wanted to know the true state of Tantai Wanrong’s condition. After Tantai Wanrong woke up, her body was still very weak and needed care. She used the excuse that Qin Mengyao and Yang Xiaoting couldn’t take proper care of Tantai Wanrong, but actually, she couldn’t rest easy about Tantai Wanrong.
"Big sis, you should know that Yaoyao and Xiaoxiao, those little girls, are solely devoted to Ye Fan. They won’t really care about you and me with much heart. Keeping them by your side would just lead to embarrassment; you know you have some points of contention with those two girls. Why don’t you let them return to school sooner?" Zhao Tianya asked, sitting on the sofa.
Tantai Wanrong replied, "Since you know I’m competing with them for a man, don’t say such things, because we are also rivals in love!"
"I wasn’t implying anything else. You don’t need to be so tense. We are all sisters, loving the same man. If there’s anything, we should discuss it together." Zhao Tianya spoke with a hint of sarcasm.
Tantai Wanrong glanced at Zhao Tianya. On the surface, they were amicable, but inside, they were at odds with each other. "You still have feelings for Ye Fan, huh? It would be good if you didn’t bring him trouble. Every time he sees you, he gets upset for days. Once or twice is fine, but you keep doing it."
"And you were the same before. Besides, we’re all women. How can you not understand a woman’s little thoughts? Look at you; you hardly started dating Ye Fan and now you’re siding with him on everything." Zhao Tianya refused to back down, exchanging words without conceding.
As the big sister, Tantai Wanrong still had her limits and understood that Zhao Tianya was just bluffing, but she still cared deeply inside. She poured Zhao Tianya a glass of water without refuting.
Zhao Tianya seemed to realize something. Her mind wasn’t slow, nor was her mouth dull. She quickly added, "Are Yaoyao and Xiaoxiao really taking good care of you? They are still somewhat immature, though they mean no harm and each has their little plans. You can’t trust them entirely; you should keep an eye out for yourself. I won’t say much more so you don’t feel I’m trying to stir discord."
"You should focus more on yourself. My situation is better than yours now. At least Ye Fan cares about me, and that’s enough. Since we’re all Ye Fan’s women, and I’m older than them, I have the responsibility and capability to guide them well and ease some of Ye Fan’s concerns. Ye Fan will surely be happy to see us getting along peacefully when he returns." Zhao Tianya said.
"Okay, okay. All you think about is Ye Fan. Everything you do is for him. Anyone would assume Ye Fan is also totally devoted to you. Are you really putting your heart and soul into him?" Zhao Tianya’s tone was tinged with jealousy.
At this moment, Qin Mengyao and Yang Xiaoting returned from outside, chatting and laughing. Seeing Zhao Tianya, they immediately approached her, "Ah, the beautiful sister is here."
Zhao Tianya offered a slight smile without saying anything.
The duo continued, "We’ve heard a lot about Sister Ya’s beauty and grace. Now, looking at you, you still maintain such good looks. Share some beauty secrets?" They laughed heartily, speaking without reservation.
Zhao Tianya said, "You two are still young, staying happy every day is the best beauty secret. I’m envious of you both."
"No way, Sister Ya always teases us. Aunt also always treats us like kids, but we are grown-up girls now." Yaoyao pouted, made faces and said.
Tantai Wanrong felt they weren’t suited to stay there and immediately said, "You two should get back to your room and review your lessons. Don’t neglect your studies despite the cultivation practice. Even now, learning is important. Your Brother Fan hopes you study well and not be dazzled by the chaos of the cultivation world."
The duo responded with an "Oh" and walked away.
Tantai Wanrong and Zhao Tianya watched them leaving, feeling inexplicably awkward, unsure of what to say.
Tantai Wanrong said, "Actually, you could try communicating with Ye Fan properly. He’s always busy with heavenly tribulation matters and hardly has time for you. I know my advice is ineffective since you’re so adamant in your thinking. I want to tell you something, but considering your mindset, many topics are difficult to discuss with you."
"Big sis, if you know it’s bad to say certain things, why say them? The name I least want to hear now is Ye Fan. Who cares about him? He’ll always be surrounded by beautiful women. I’ve tried to change him before, but did it work? You know, Ye Fan really is too extreme, and this is quite a fair statement, don’t you think? You can’t blame me for being impartial in my actions!" Zhao Tianya said.
Tantai Wanrong made a wry smile, unsure of what to say.
Zhao Tianya continued, "Now I’ve come to realize, if the heavenly tribulation is true, after it passes, I can peacefully do some things without considering Ye Fan and you all. At that point, maybe I’ll find a place to retreat, so no one will bother us anymore. What do you say?"
"Do you think you can really escape Ye Fan?" Tantai Wanrong asked.
"What if I can’t? At least I’ll try. I can’t be around him every day. I’m thinking now, if only I could find an appropriate place to retreat, then everything could return to nature. You know, I’m doing all this to make Ye Fan understand and not bother me. I have other people to care about and don’t need him interfering in my life!" Zhao Tianya said.
Tantai Wanrong sighed softly, knowing that Zhao Tianya was most concerned not only about Ye Fan but also her daughter Yueyue.
"Tianya, your situation is indeed different from ours, and I can’t criticize you for it. I just hope you can live a peaceful life. Since you don’t want to bother Ye Fan, I think Ye Fan will respect your decision. After all, relationships are between two people. Ye Fan has tried countless times to keep you, but if you can bear it, I won’t make any further comments and will only wish you smooth sailing in your future journey!" Tantai Wanrong showed great generosity.
"Big sis, are you happy or sad now? Without me by your side, will you miss me?" Zhao Tianya asked.
Tantai Wanrong smiled and said, "Since you’ve decided to leave Ye Fan, it means we won’t meet in the future. No matter if we miss each other or not, let’s treat this as a deep sisterly bond that will remain in our hearts for years to come!"