Chapter 255: Tang Yubbing’s Past
Tang Yubbing wasn’t new to crashing at Young Master Sang’s house for meals.
Even when Young Master Sang was away on business not long ago, Tang Yubbing often showed up at his home to eat. As a result, she got along quite well with everyone in the Sang family.
After dinner, she would often sit in the courtyard with Zhang Xiaoying, Yan Rouwan, and Shi Qingyan, chatting over fruit tea while Aunt Yu served up her delicious pastries.
So when Young Master Sang returned, he found that Tang Yubbing seemed more at home in his house than he did.
She showed no signs of embarrassment, acting as if it was her own house.
Of course, with his own wife showing no objections, Young Master Sang dared not say much.
During dinner, seeing the girls laughing and joking together, he felt like the odd one out, unable to hold back a helpless sigh.
After dinner, Little Ying and Aunt Yu went to clear the dishes, while Yan Rouwan and Shi Qingyan went to the courtyard to set up snacks. Si Jingzhu disappeared into her room, who knows doing what.
Young Master Sang initially planned to give the girls some time for gossip, but he suddenly heard a shy, hesitant voice from behind:
“Young Master Sang… do you mind chatting with your sister for a bit?”
Turning around, he saw Tang Yubbing’s face, avoiding his gaze.
He had sensed that she might have something to say ever since she suggested crashing for dinner, so he agreed.
However, he thought she wanted to talk about work.
But when they reached the bamboo grove behind the Sang house, Tang Yubbing suddenly mustered up a lot of courage and said:
“Young Master Sang, how do you feel about me?”
Young Master Sang: “…Uh? W-Well, it’s certainly good…”
Wait a minute.
Why does this feel so awkward?
Why does this suddenly feel like a confession scene from a novel?
Tang Yubbing lightly blinked at him, then her cheeks turned slightly red as she shyly looked away and whispered:
“So… Young Master Sang, do you like your sister?”
“You’re joking, right?” Young Master Sang chuckled awkwardly, “Who would dislike a sensible and beautiful big sister like you?”
This isn’t right.
Is she being serious?
Tang Yubbing’s beautiful eyes lingered on him for a moment before she slowly withdrew her gaze, her tone suddenly becoming a bit forlorn.
“Young Master Sang, do you know about my past before I came to the Demon Cult?”
Young Master Sang blinked.
Actually, he had never heard Tang Yubbing mention it.
After all, when he was picked up by the Sect Leader, Tang Yubbing was already a well-known figure in the Demon Cult.
In the entire Demon Cult, aside from the Sect Leader Hua Jianglian, Tang Yubbing was the most famous and formidable head of the Punishment Department—the stunning yet dangerous vixen. No one from surrounding sects was unaware of her fierce reputation.
At that time, he was just a little wage slave passing time in the Punishment Department.
But to be fair, even though Tang Yubbing was terrifying to outsiders, she was very protective of her own people.
Even when Young Master Sang was just a stray dog the Sect Leader brought home, Tang Yubbing treated him equally, confidently assigning him tasks from the Punishment Department, and after he achieved some small successes, she rewarded and promoted him generously, showing no signs of discrimination whatsoever.
He was able to thrive in the Punishment Department thanks to her favoritism and protectiveness.
However, when it came to Tang Yubbing’s past…
Young Master Sang truly knew nothing.
He wouldn’t dare to ask such personal questions directly. He had vaguely heard through the grapevine from colleagues that Tang Yubbing was quite different from others who ended up in the Demon Cult out of desperation.
But in what way was she different? He had no idea.
“Actually, most employees in the Demon Cult have a past they’d rather not look back on. After all, if given a choice, who would want to join such a notorious place like the Demon Cult?”
“But I assure you, my past is different from most people.” Tang Yubbing’s gaze slightly lowered, and she spoke softly, “I don’t have a tragic past.”
“I was born into a prominent family in the south, with ancestors and grandfathers who were all Crossing Tribulation Stage experts. My clan boasted a multitude of talented offspring and esteemed elders, dominating the local scene.”
“My lineage is considered pure, with high aptitude in my clan. As the only daughter of my parents, I wasn’t neglected or bullied.”
“It sounds like I have no reason to join the Demon Cult, right?” She suddenly smiled self-deprecatingly.
Young Master Sang remained silent, listening intently.
“With my talent and status in the family, if I grew up steadily, I would undoubtedly become one of the leading figures in the family.”
“But even so, I still ran away from home.”
“For no special reason,” Tang Yubbing’s tone turned bitter, “I just… wanted to escape.”
Escape from a world where everything was laid out step by step.
Escape from a life that felt predetermined from birth.
“Leaving behind a favorable family and a life others envy, I chose to escape to a forgotten place to live alone.”
“It sounds like a little kid throwing a tantrum and running away from home,” she mused, walking slowly through the tranquil bamboo grove.
The evening breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, the soft nightfall draping over her graceful figure, gently lifting her flowing skirt to reveal her delicate, smooth legs.
“You think Young Master Sang also…”
“Thinks I am childish?” she turned back slowly, her eyes shimmering with a mix of anticipation and caution.
Young Master Sang considered it and nodded earnestly.
“Yeah, it’s pretty childish.”
Tang Yubbing’s cherry lips slightly pouted.
“But I admire you, Sister Yubbing.” Young Master Sang chuckled lightly, “Wanting to live a little more childishly takes a lot of courage.”
“I, for one, just don’t have the guts to do that. I can only go with the flow and live a muddled life.”
“You’re being overly humble, Young Master Sang. That could get you disliked, you know~” Tang Yubbing’s face gradually broke into a smile.
Young Master Sang said nothing.
He just smiled noncommittally.
“So, Sister Yubbing, you’re not suddenly feeling emo in the middle of the night, wanting to talk with me, right?”
“Ugh. Can’t a sister just like her brother and want to chat more?”
“Of course, but it definitely doesn’t mean today.”
Tang Yubbing shot him a flirtatious glare before gracefully turning around.
“Even though I don’t like the life in my family, I don’t have any deep-seated grudges against them.”
“So while I did run away, I still can’t bear to cut off contact with my parents.”
“And not long ago… my mom contacted me.”
Young Master Sang jolted, raising his hand quickly: “Stop!”
“Please don’t tell me it’s about some blind date, matchmaking nonsense that requires me to play a fake boyfriend in some clichéd drama?”
Tang Yubbing didn’t speak but gazed at him with her beautiful eyes.
Young Master Sang: “…Wait a minute.”
