The Ace Bigshot Becomes A Farmgirl

Chapter 1822: Chapter 1822: Sold Herself Out

However, Tao Ling immediately realized something was amiss; she always wore Tao Qin’s old clothes. Occasionally, there might be one or two new outfits for the New Year, but definitely not this year.

With her father just deceased, it was fortunate enough not to wear white during the New Year, let alone have the mindset to buy new clothes.

Furthermore, as the one who worked the hardest in the family, she knew very well that the food was constantly decreasing. The family was already out of money, yet they bought clothes at such a crucial juncture?

Tao Ling always felt that Zhang Clan and Tao Qin were acting strange. She didn’t say anything outwardly, did whatever Zhang Clan asked, but covertly started coaxing words from her brother.

Tao Ling always knew her mother and sister were of poor character, but she hadn’t expected them to be so terrible as to sell her for money.

What had the years of endurance counted for? She thought she would soon come-of-age, marry, and finally leave this home.

Who knew she’d be plotted against even at this critical moment?

Tao Ling was angry and furious, but quickly calmed down.

She obediently followed along to buy clothes, dutifully tidied herself, applied the balm her mother bought to look a bit more lively.

Afterward, she followed her mother to the neighboring county to meet Landlord Jin.

She pretended to know nothing and sat quietly by, allowing her mother and Landlord Jin to talk, pretending not to realize Zhang Clan’s intentions.

Landlord Jin was reasonably satisfied with the tidied-up Tao Ling, though she wasn’t stunningly beautiful and was somewhat frail. But it didn’t matter; overall, she looked fine, not a crooked melon or split date. After raising her a bit and giving a slight makeover, she could be considered a modest beauty.

Zhang Clan and Landlord Jin had a lively conversation, and the marriage was quickly settled between the two families.

Tao Ling didn’t say much throughout, and Zhang Clan was satisfied with her performance; this second daughter was finally obedient and didn’t cause any issues.

However, considering Tao Ling’s character, she wasn’t worried, marriage was a matter for the parents to decide, there was no option even if she didn’t want to marry.

Afterward, two days passed, and Landlord Jin invited Tao Ling to the Manor outside the city to view the plum blossoms.

Tao Ling was disgusted inside but agreed nonetheless. Yet she turned around and added croton to Zhang Clan’s meal, causing Zhang Clan, who was supposed to accompany her, to run to the outhouse.

Zhang Clan planned for Tao Ling to go alone, but the latter pretended to be scared and dared not go out alone. In the end, unable to help it, Zhang Clan had Tao Qin accompany her.

No one noticed that Tao Ling still wore the same outfit from their last meeting, with its hem stained by dirt from work. In contrast, Tao Qin had more clothes and looked pretty enough to appear superior even in simple attire compared to Tao Ling.

The two arrived at the Manor, and sure enough, Landlord Jin’s eyes fell on Tao Qin at first glance.

Tao Ling was like a little maid, following behind Tao Qin, extremely timid, not daring to speak loudly, and stammering when slightly anxious.

This performance was entirely different from their first meeting. Last time, most of the conversation was with Zhang Clan, only responding with two words when Tao Ling was addressed.

Landlord Jin thought she was just overly shy and embarrassed back then.

Now, it clearly seemed to be problematic.

Landlord Jin was not impressed, especially compared to the habitually obedient Tao Qin, Tao Ling was really difficult to look at.

With her indifference toward him, Tao Ling was pleased and then said she had an upset stomach and needed to go to the outhouse.