Ruan Tang gradually grasped and mastered the rules of getting along with Austin after carefully spending time together. In fact, he actually felt that Austin was a lunatic that wasnât so hard to get along with as othersâ had imagined.
At least, he treats his nominal partner quite well.
Meanwhile, Ruan Tang woke up to an invitation to an Empire Star banquet.
In the extravagant1Â aristocratic circles of the Empire Star, nobles with nothing better to do hold banquets all the time for the upper-class aristocrats that love to eat, drink, and play to pass the time.
Ruan Xi was a popular person at this kind of banquet. On such an occasion, he had many supporters and made many die-hard admirers.
In fact, Ruan Tang personally doesnât really like this type of party. It was better for him to stay at home and read than participate in this kind of social event, so he has turned down countless of these kinds of invitations this month.
But refusing this kind of thing, once or twice is fine, but if you refuse too much, people would gossip.
It was fine when he was not married before but now that he is married, he represents the face of the royal family and the Duchy of Austin.
He hasnât appeared in public for a long time and as his husband is the Empireâs infamous Bluebeard Duke, he would certainly provoke peopleâs imagination and attract a lot of rumorsâŚThe Empressâ side would also be displeased.
So, Ruan Tang thought about it and agreed to the party.
And at the appointed time, he arrived at the place the banquet was held in the exclusive Ducal House of Austinâs hover car.
âLong time no see, Ruan Tang. No, no, I should call you Duchess now.â As soon as Ruan Tang entered the door, the host of the party, Countess Wenger, came forward with several other noble wives and greeted him,âYouâre a very busy man. This is the first time you have come out for an event since you got married, it really makes me honored by your gracious presence2Â in my humble abode.â
He looked warm and hearty, familiar with everyone, but in reality he was calculative opportunist3.
In the past, when Ruan Tang was not favored by Ruan Ming, he never acknowledged Ruan Tang. Now that Ruan Tangâs nominal status has become the Duchess of Austin, heâs able to change effortlessly and overtly get acquainted with Ruan Tang.
Ruan Tang was also familiar with the rules in this circle. When others gave him a small smile, he also gave others a small smile, âI just got married, and it is difficult to manage a lot of affairs. I hope you can bear with me.â
âAfter all, newlyweds, ought to, yesâŚwe all understand.â Several noble wives nodded in agreement on the surface, regardless of what was in their hearts.
This is one of the advantages of Ruan Tangâs marriage to Austin. No matter what these people think of him, they will not be able to disrespect him openly because of Austin and the royal family.
The banquet went on for a very long time.
After exchanging pleasantries with everyone who should be greeted, Ruan Tang found a place to sit down and be alone, away from all the wanton glamor4.
Although he was the Duchess of Austin, everyone knew that he was a mere breeding tool, so there was little attention paid to him and he was left in peace.
It wasnât until another bright and lively figure appeared at the banquet that many people turned their attention to Ruan Tang.
âItâs Xiao Xi. Itâs been a long time. You look really good today.â
âResearcher Ruan has really been missing for a while. â
âIsnât this Ruan Shaoye? I wonder when I can drink your and Shen Gongziâs wedding wineâŚâ
It was Ruan Xi.
In comparison to the Duchess, Ruan Tang, who was not well liked by his father, married to the Duke of Austin as a breeding tool, and whose husband was a madman who obviously doesnât think much of him, Duchess Ruan Tang who has lived through today but has no tomorrow; Ruan Xi, as Marshal Ruan Mingâs favorite son, Shen Mozhiâs beloved fiancĂŠ, and an Omega who has harvested the adoration of a large number of outstanding Alpha.
Ruan Xi was a star-studded celebrity at such a party.
Whether they knew him really well or not, they were willing to go up to him and get close to him for the sake of his future prospects.
And likewise a number of people who couldnât squeeze forward threw either direct or subtle probing glances at Ruan TangâŚ
Although the identities and status of these two brothers were worlds apart, it was a fact that Ruan Tang had to pay two marriage contracts because of Ruan Xi, even if Ruan Tang reaped what he sowed.
And every time Ruan Tang and Ruan Xi meet, there would be a good show to watch.
Now Ruan Tang is a Duchess, even if only in name, his status has greatly improved compared to before.
Now that the two are appearing at the same occasion, how can one not expect to see a good show?
However, in the face of their expectations, Ruan Tang disappointed them. He only swept a glance towards the noise where the crowd was boisterous, and then he indifferently averted his gaze.
He never looked at his brother, who was loved by all, again.
It was as if they didnât know each other at all, to the point where it made the teeth of those who sat and watched the show itch with hatred.
And although Ruan Tang did not cast a glance in Ruan Xiâs direction, Ruan Xi was secretly watching Ruan Tang while socializing with othersâŚ
Ever since Ruan Tang got married, he had been waiting for the good news that Ruan Tang was skinned alive by Austin and accidentally died by having his glands dug out so that he could smoothly and completely succeed Ruan Tang as the main character of the world and gain the power of the whole world.
However, it backfired. Itâs been a while since Ruan Tang got married, but nothing has happened, and no news has come out at all.
Rather, he couldnât get in touch with the protagonist, Ruan Tang, for a long time, and couldnât slap Ruan Tang in the face, so the halo and energy he had stolen from him was less and lessâŚ
He was not the real protagonist of the world. Only by purchasing system props with stolen energy can he maintain his heartthrob attribute and lure more people to fall in love with him.
Seeing that his energy was decreasing, Ruan Xi couldnât care to explore how Ruan Tang hadnât died. As soon as he heard that Ruan Tang appeared at the banquet, he immediately rushed over, intending to slap Ruan Tang in the face, arouse his anger and othersâ contempt and hostility, and get a wave of energy first.
âBrother, I have something to tell you, come with me, okay?â Ruan Xi pitifully walked up to Ruan Tang in front of everyone and nervously opened his mouth; putting on a good act of a full-blown white lotus.
He said with an air of intimacy, and wanted to pull Ruan Tangâs hand.
Before he could even touch him, Ruan Tang had already shook off Ruan Xiâs hand and said in a chilling voice, âI donât think we have anything to talk about.â
He didnât know what Ruan Xi was up to, but every time he met him in a public place like this, they end up making a big scene for people to laugh at.
Ruan Xi wants to be a laughing stock for otherâs amusement, but Ruan Tang doesnât want to.
Besides, he didnât think that there was anything left to say between him and Ruan Xi.
âBrother, I know Iâm wrong, itâs all because of me that you and Zhou-ge had a misunderstanding and got into this mess. If, it wasnât for me, you wouldnât have married Duke Austin, itâs all my âŚmy fault, donât hate me, donât blame me, okay?â Ruan Xi saw that he was going to leave, but he didnât give him the chance to escape; He grabbed Ruan Tangâs hand, and burst into tears, as if what happened to Ruan Tang happened to him.
He cried bitterly but his voice was not low, âI donât expect you to forgive you, but looking at you like this, in such a mess with Zhou-ge, itâs really difficult for meâŚâ
Because of his not-so-subtle voice, more eyes fell on them in the banquet hall where many people were already quietly peering at them.
Sure enough, as soon as he met Ruan Xi, he had to give people a show again.
âYou think too much, Iâve had a good life with Duke since I got married, I donât have time to hate you, nor do I have time to blame you.â Faced with such a scene, Ruan Tang did not know what kind of expression he should make. He just felt that his state of mind was like a pool of stagnant water, and even the slightest ripple could not make any waves.
Ruan Xi, however, seems to have some kind of performative personality, the more people watching, the more he clings to Ruan Tang, crying even louder, âBrother, looking at you like this, I would rather you hate me and blame me. I know you must be having a hard time, I feel really sad ahâŚâ
Looking at his grand white lotus act, Ruan Tang finally couldnât stand it anymore. He ruthlessly flung Ruan Xi away at once, turned, and left.
Really canât bear this disgrace
Ruan Xi was gently thrown by him and immediately fell heavily to the ground, âAh~â He screamed out miserably.
âWhat is the meaning of this Ruan Tang? Donât be shameless here!â Today Shen Mo Zhi and Zhou Yao were both absent; Seeing Ruan Xi fall to the ground, exactly as in the past, another one of Ruan Xiâs suitors, the youngest son of Duke Feidia, immediately stepped forward in anger, helped Ruan Xi up and acted as his protector.
He looked at the tear-stained Ruan Xi with heartache and glared angrily at Ruan Tang, âIâll give you one last chance, you apologize to Xi Xi immediately or else Iâll kick your ass!â
âNo, Owen, donât do this. My brother didnât mean to do it. He was just too upsetâŚâ Ruan Xi heard the words and kind-heartedly wanted to protect Ruan Tang at once.
Owen immediately felt more distressed for Ruan Xi, âXi Xi, you are too kind, youâre completely blinded by Ruan Tang, a vicious personâŚâ
When Ruan Tang looked at them like this, he only felt as if he had seen some major drama; It was absurd and ridiculous.
âHow can I be so shameless! I wonât apologize today, I want to see what Feidia-shaoye can do to me?â Ruan Tang didnât know why every Alpha would turn out like this when they met Ruan Xi, he just looked at this prodigal wastrel5Â indifferently and sneered.
He hadnât bothered to argue with them in the past, and in fact he didnât really think Owen Feidia could do anything to him.
He had done nothing wrong, so why should he apologize?
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TL Notes:
[1] extravagant aristocratic circle â actually 纸éé迡 [zhÇ zuĂŹ jÄŤn mĂ] lead a voluptuous life; given to sensual pleasures; indulge in a wanton life; live an extravagant life, I was debating between luxurious, wanton, and extravagant but I liked extravagant better
[2] gracious presence â uses čŹčçčž which translates to: âMy humble house is honored by your presence [with your visit].; We shall be greatly honored by your gracious presenceâ he was sucking up so I hope i showed that.
[3] calculative opportunist â Actually an idiom 个çčä¸ç˘ç人粞 âsomeone who watches dishesâ aka someone who treats people different due to their status
[4] wanton glamor â same as [1], just wanted to accentuate it more this time
[5] prodigal wastrel â 纨çťĺĺź a good for nothing young man from a wealthy family; fops, dandy, playboy, etc
The TL has something to say:
I have no excuses TvT, I did finish the chapter on time but it was a big hurdle just to post it somehowâŚâŚ.Please forgive me!! Iâll definitely, for sure, 100%, have the next part up soonâŚ.Speaking of which, I did not cut this chapter up, its originally in 3 parts so donât raise your pitchforks at me QAQ! Back to the story; thatâs right! My Tang Tang didnât do anything wrong!!! All you maggots need to stop squirming for attention! Austin come support Tang Tang! If you have any questions, want to point out any mistakes, or simply want to say something then go ahead and leave a comment!