You said you were going to make games, how did you become the richest man without doing anything?

Chapter 533: Break in the Canteen

After hearing Hua Lu's words, Tang Yin frowned slightly, a trace of doubt flashing through his mind. He originally thought that Hua Lu was a prophet who could predict the future, but now it seems that this is not the case.

"Oh, is that so? I thought you were a prophet." Tang Yin blurted out with a hint of disappointment in his tone.

Hua Lu was slightly stunned when she heard this, then shook her head and her tone became serious: "Our Hua family is not a house of guards."

This sentence was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples in Tang Yin's heart. He couldn't help but ask, "What does the 'guardian's house' mean?"

Upon hearing this, Hua Lu's eyes flashed with a complex expression, as if she was hesitant about how to respond. She bit her lower lip lightly and said, "...Well, this matter is a little complicated."

Tang Yin noticed the change in Hua Lu's expression and pondered inwardly. Hua Lu's thinking was clearly not as open-minded as Wang Lina's, and she probably wouldn't answer such a question easily. He decided to change the subject, trying to lighten the mood.

"Um... um, sorry," Tang Yin cleared his throat, "Your clothes are very unique, are you a clergyman?"

Hua Lu was wearing a simple, ancient-style robe, which indeed gave her a mysterious aura. When she heard Tang Yin's question, a hint of discomfort crossed her face, and she replied softly, "Well... I'm not a remarkable person."

At this moment, Wang Lina interrupted and said, "Tang Yin, don't bully Miss Hua Lu."

Tang Yin was startled and quickly waved his hands to explain: "Ah, I didn't mean that. Sorry, Miss Hualu."

Unexpectedly, this sentence caused Hualu to react even more. Her face instantly turned red, and she stammered, "Oh, oh, suddenly calling me by my name."

Tang Yin finally realized his mistake and apologized hurriedly: "Ah... Sorry..."

He secretly groaned in his heart. He accidentally called Hua Lu's name together with Wang Lina. This time he said the wrong thing.

Hua Lu seemed to notice Tang Yin's embarrassment and said softly, "It's nothing, don't mind it."

Tang Yin smiled awkwardly, trying to ease the atmosphere: "Oh, sorry, hahahaha."

Wang Lina watched this scene, a sly look flashing in her eyes, and asked, "What's going on? What's this atmosphere?"

Tang Yin was speechless and could only say helplessly, "Hey, how should I respond to this?"

The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat tense. Hualu seemed to feel a little uncomfortable and turned to Xiaome and said, "Go back, Xiaome."

Xiao Mei pouted, looking reluctant: "...I haven't had enough fun yet."

Hualu looked out the window at the setting sun and said softly, "Really? Then you must be back before dusk."

After saying this, Hualu nodded slightly to everyone and left the cafeteria with Xiaome. Her back looked particularly lonely in the setting sun, as if carrying some unspeakable heaviness.

Wang Lina watched Hua Lu leave, then turned around with a mischievous smile on her face. "How is it? Isn't she cute? And she has a mysterious aura?"

Tang Yin was stunned by the question and answered subconsciously: "Is that so?"

Wang Lina blinked and asked, "Who's cute?"

Tang Yin finally reacted and said helplessly, "This is my line."

Wang Lina was relentless and continued, "Ha... She's truly a beauty. No matter how old she is, she's a beautiful girl."

Tang Yin heard the hook in Wang Lina's words and thought it was a perfect match. But he couldn't help but take the bait. He asked curiously, "I took the bait. Um, how old is she?"

Wang Lina gave a mysterious smile and said, "I don't know either. She should be no more than 30 years old. But she is definitely older than me."

"It's really unexpected." Tang Yin murmured to himself, with a hint of surprise in his voice.

Wang Lina sat across from me, a mysterious smile on her face. She leaned forward slightly and said in a low voice, "Right, just like a legal lolita."

Tang Yin was amused by this metaphor and was about to continue asking about Hua Lu. "By the way, she..."

However, before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by a sudden voice.

"Hello."

Tang Yin turned around at the sound and saw several familiar figures appear at the cafeteria entrance. They were the high school students. The sunlight shone in from behind them, outlining their silhouettes with a golden edge.

Qin Ming walked in first, his eyes falling directly on Chen Xiang. "Mom, is it convenient now?"

When Chen Xiang saw her son, a loving smile immediately spread across her face. "Oh, Qin Ming, Xiaomei is here too."

Gao Mei followed Qin Ming. After scanning the area, her gaze finally settled on Tang Yin. Her brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of displeasure lingered in her tone: "Why you again?"

Tang Yin laughed to himself when he heard this. He pretended to be serious and repeated, "Well, why is it me again?"

Gao Mei was irritated by his obviously teasing attitude. She put her hands on her hips, glared at Tang Yin and said, "Are you kidding me?"

Tang Yin couldn't help but chuckle at Gao Mei's irritated expression. "I was just teasing you," he silently replied. But outwardly, he pretended to be nonchalant and said, "What's wrong, little... Gao Mei?"

Gao Mei keenly noticed the pause in Tang Yin's words, and her eyes narrowed instantly. "Did you mean to call me Xiaomei just now? We just met, right? Do you have any common sense?"

Tang Yin was amused by Gao Mei's reaction. He pretended to be serious and said, "Calm down. Berserker heroines are definitely not welcome."

Gao Mei's expression became even more complicated when she heard this. She bit her lip, as if suppressing some emotion. "Are you kidding me again...! I have something to tell you!"

Tang Yin looked at Gao Mei's angry expression and thought to himself, "Aren't you the one who lacks common sense?" However, he did not say this out loud. Instead, he sat up straight, looked at her silently, and waited for her next words.

Gao Mei took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, and said, "Don't cling to Sister Lina. Sister Lina is so busy, can't you even take care of yourself!"

Tang Yin was somewhat bewildered by Gao Mei's sudden accusation. He subconsciously asked, "Is that so?"

Seeing this scene, Wang Lina smiled awkwardly, trying to ease the atmosphere: "Hmm~hmm...it's nothing actually...but..."

However, Gao Mei didn't give Wang Lina a chance to finish. She continued, "Even if Sister Lina has time, so what? Don't you know the difference between men and women? You're already adults, don't you know how to maintain a proper distance?!"

After listening to it, Tang Yin pretended to be thoughtful, nodded and said, "It seems to make some sense."

Seeing that Tang Yin seemed to agree with her point of view, Gao Mei became even more aggressive. She pointed at Tang Yin and raised her voice a few degrees: "Then get out of here as far as you can! You treacherous and dirty adult!!"

Tang Yin looked at Gao Mei, whose face had turned red with anger, and laughed inwardly. He pretended to admit his mistake and said, "Yes, yes, I am a dirty uncle."

Gao Mei was so angry at Tang Yin's obviously perfunctory attitude that she was speechless. She could only utter one word: "You——!" Just then, Qin Ming couldn't bear it anymore. He patted Gao Mei's shoulder and said, "Xiao Mei, is this what you came here to say..." Then, he turned to Chen Xiang and his tone became serious, "By the way, Mom, Brother Gang has something to tell you."

When Chen Xiang heard her son mention "Brother Gang," she immediately put away her smile and turned serious. "What's wrong?"

Qin Ming took a deep breath and said, "Everyone needs to rest early during this period, so it's better to prepare lunch boxes early."

After hearing this, Chen Xiang's face showed an expression of sudden enlightenment. "Oh, indeed... I'll go cook now..." As she said this, she stood up and was about to leave.

Qin Ming reached out to stop his mother, "There's one more thing." He turned to Tang Yin and took out a small object from his pocket, "Tang Yin, this is for you."

Tang Yin looked at the thing in Qin Ming's hand, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. "Hey, give it to me?"

Tang Yin originally wanted to continue teasing Gao Mei and appreciate her cute angry look, but Qin Ming's next words caught him off guard.

Qin Ming pulled a key from his pocket and handed it to Tang Yin. It was a ball-shaped lock key, slightly worn and scuffed, without a keyring. Under the light, the key shone with a weathered and mysterious sheen.

"This is the key to the student dormitory. Brother Gang got it after persuading Grandma Rong." Qin Ming explained with a hint of apology in his voice.

Tang Yin took the key, frowned slightly, and asked in confusion: "Hey, why?"

Qin Ming sighed softly, a trace of guilt in his eyes, "I'm sorry for making you sleep in a cage this morning. Those were his exact words."

Tang Yin looked down at the key in his hand, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. He said softly, "How thoughtful..."

Chen Xiang, who was standing nearby, overheard this conversation and a relieved smile appeared on her face. Hope flickered in her eyes, "Is that so? As long as he's here, we can definitely get through this."

Qin Ming heard his mother's words, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. He was about to say something, "Mom, you really are..."

However, Chen Xiang seemed to realize that she had let the cat out of the bag and quickly interrupted, "Ah, cooking, cooking!" After that, she quickly walked into the kitchen with an embarrassed smile, leaving everyone in the room looking at each other in confusion.

Qin Ming watched his mother leave and sighed helplessly. He turned to Tang Yin and said apologetically, "I'm sorry to have embarrassed you."

Tang Yin pretended to be confused and shrugged, "What happened? I'm just an outsider who knows nothing."

This was clearly a lie, and even Tang Yin himself felt a little guilty. Anyone with eyes could see the subtle affection between Madam Chen Xiang and Zhao Gang.

Qin Ming glanced at Tang Yin gratefully and said, "Thank you." Then, he turned to Gao Mei and said in a serious tone, "By the way, Xiaomei, don't lose your temper just because she's from another place."

Gao Mei's fur flew up like a cat whose tail was stepped on when she heard this. She widened her eyes and said in disbelief, "Throwing a tantrum? Brother, he'll get you into trouble!"

Qin Ming shook his head helplessly, "...You think too much."

Gao Mei seemed irritated by her brother's attitude. She bit her lip, a hint of stubbornness flashing in her eyes. "...Hey... Anyway! Since you have nothing to do with the party, why don't you leave as soon as possible!" She pointed at Tang Yin, her tone full of hostility.

When Qin Ming heard this, his face darkened and he shouted sternly, "Xiaomei, stop talking!"

Gao Mei was startled by her brother's sudden harsh attitude and asked aggrievedly, "...Why..."

Qin Ming took a deep breath and softened his tone, but still spoke with unquestionable determination, "Tang Yin is also a victim, don't say such heartless words."

Gao Mei's eyes instantly filled with tears when she heard this. She stamped her feet and angrily shouted, "What?! My brother is an idiot!!"

Qin Ming was somewhat bewildered by his sister's reaction. He frowned, his tone slightly irritated, "That's enough, what's going on?"

Xiao Mee, watching the sudden sibling argument, looked back and forth helplessly. Her big, round eyes were filled with confusion, as if wondering why adults were always so complicated.

Tang Yin stood aside, watching the farce in front of him, and sighed in his heart: "Don't quarrel for me! There is a cute little girl watching here!" His eyes unconsciously fell on Xiao Mei. The innocent expression made him feel a desire to protect her.

Putting this matter aside, it seems that Wang Lina is right. It is really dangerous for them to leave now, so Xiaomei's suggestion is regarded as cruel.

Is it really impossible to get out?

In any case, Tang Yin now at least has his own room. He has been thinking about the village and this series of events, but has not considered his personal safety. He must formally thank Zhao Gang.

"Alright, alright, calm down." Wang Lina's voice was like a gentle sedative, slowly infusing the tense atmosphere. She turned to Gao Mei, her smile even brighter. "Xiao Mei, let's play a game together?"

Gao Mei's tense face relaxed slightly, and confusion replaced anger. "...What game?"

Wang Lina blinked and said mysteriously, "To pay homage to the Thousand Bright Gods."

Gao Mei frowned, her confusion deepening. "Now? Why?"

Wang Lina turned her gaze to the bewildered Xiao Mei, and her tone suddenly became serious, "I must show Xiao Mei the correct way."

When Xiao Mei heard her name, she tilted her head and asked a cute question, "Mei...?"

Gao Mei sighed and said helplessly: “…Okay, Sister Lina, you are starting to worry about this kind of thing again.”

After hearing this, Wang Lina chuckled and said, "Hehehe, I guess so." There was a hint of mischief in her tone, but it also concealed some elusive deeper meaning.

At this moment, Tang Yin suddenly noticed a glass of boiled water beside him. He subconsciously picked up the cup, but found that the water was already cold. Just as he was about to put the cup down, a detail caught his attention.

There was a strange pattern on the bottom of the cup, resembling some kind of family crest. The pattern had clear outlines, seemingly carefully painted with glaze. Tang Yin's brow furrowed slightly, and a sense of inexplicable unease welled up in his heart.

"Qin Ming, what is this pattern..." Tang Yin asked.

Qin Ming's eyes fell on the pattern upon hearing this, and his expression instantly darkened. "Ah... This is the family crest of the elders of Baifeng Manor. It's better to throw this kind of tableware away." His tone was filled with bitterness and disgust, as if the pattern represented some unpleasant memory.

Tang Yin keenly detected the resentment in Qin Ming's tone. He secretly speculated that the pattern was likely the family crest of the Qin family, who had exiled Qin Ming and his son. A complex story hidden behind this peaceful village seemed to be slowly emerging.

At this moment, Gao Mei brought a chair and sat in front of Wang Lina. The atmosphere between the two suddenly became somewhat mysterious.

Wang Lina's eyes flashed with excitement, "I play the male lead?"

Gao Mei nodded, "Yeah."

"Okay, let's start." Wang Lina took a deep breath, as if she was getting into a certain role.

The next scene struck Tang Yin as both familiar and unfamiliar. Wang Lina and Gao Mei began singing, clapping their hands as if performing a tea-picking or clapping song. Their movements were perfectly synchronized: hands clasped together, clapping knees, hands clasped together again, clapping hands together again... The rhythm seemed to possess a strange magic that compelled one to follow along.

At first, Tang Yin thought it was just a simple imitation game. However, as he listened carefully to the melody of the song, a chill suddenly ran down his spine. The melody, the rhythm, was exactly the same as the one he had heard on the radio at the village entrance yesterday morning!
(End of this chapter)