TMLSG -Chapter 6 A Little Tantrum

Tang Zhen still went to the Zhou family over the weekend.

Before she went, the original character’s mother had been calling relentlessly, with the kind of intensity that suggested she would keep calling until Tang Zhen came home. She had thought about blocking her, but figured that would only cause bigger trouble.

Because this lady would probably show up at her dorm herself.

When she arrived home, her stepfather wasn’t there, but the Zhou family’s eldest son, second daughter, youngest son, and the original mother were all present.

Among them, only little Zhou, just eight years old, liked her the most. He ran up to her shouting, “Pretty sister!” as soon as he saw her.

Her mother was clearly dissatisfied, and directly questioned her, “Why didn’t you answer your phone?”

Tang Zhen felt a headache coming on. “My phone accidentally got set to silent. I didn’t hear it.”

“You can’t even handle this little thing—what use are you?”

Tang Zhen didn’t respond.

Miss Zhou the second sat nearby, looking smug. The Zhou eldest son was on the sofa drinking coffee, eyes fixed on his laptop, not giving her a single glance.

In this bestselling novel she had entered, the Zhou eldest son could barely be considered the “third male lead.” He secretly liked the female lead, protected her along the way, invested in her endeavors without limits, and was extremely devoted.

Tang Zhen chatted with 000. “I’m getting more and more curious about the female lead.”

【A few months from now, you’ll meet her. Honestly, there’s nothing special to be curious about. She has two eyes, one nose, one mouth—just like anyone else.】

Tang Zhen laughed at 000’s teasing. Its soft, cute tone helped ease her tension.

She felt very uneasy at the Zhou family.

The original mother’s intent in calling her home was obvious. At first, Tang Zhen didn’t understand why her mother insisted on having her come back, until her mother led her into a deserted storage room and, in a tone of “I wish you were more capable,” said, “Your eldest brother is home today, and you dawdled until the afternoon to show up…”

What? How does her brother being home concern her?

“Your eldest brother may have a bad temper, but you’re beautiful. If you try hard, it’s not impossible.”

“Not impossible for what?”

Tang Zhen quickly realized what was coming. She opened her mouth in disbelief. “Mom… he’s my eldest brother…”

Her mother snorted. “What eldest brother? What kind of eldest brother is he to you? Try calling him ‘brother’ and see if he responds.”

That wasn’t easy. Up to this point, neither the original character nor Tang Zhen had ever called him “brother.” Even if they accidentally met, they at most called him “Young Master.”

Her mother tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Don’t worry. Your household registration is still under your father. You and him aren’t on the same family record. It won’t affect anything.”

Tang Zhen: ……

“Recently, a few heiresses have been chasing your eldest brother really aggressively. Keep an eye out!”

Tang Zhen remained silent. She finally left the storage room, only to see Zhou Xusi nearby. He had his left hand casually in his pocket, his right hand holding a coffee cup, standing in front of the large floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing at the view outside.

He was dressed casually today and looked young. Indeed, he was young—only 26, yet already successful in his career.

He wore rimless glasses, looking both restrained and refined.

Tang Zhen wasn’t sure if he had overheard her conversation with her mother—or even if he did, whether he cared. She could never read this eldest son’s thoughts.

Seeing her emerge, Zhou Xusi tilted his head to look at her.

Tang Zhen instinctively called out, “Big brother.”

Oh no! She had always called him “Young Master” before!

It’s fine, he probably wouldn’t respond.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Xusi simply let out a soft “hm.”

She called him “big brother,” and he actually responded!

After dinner, Tang Zhen prepared to leave.

Her mother spoke up, “Xusi, why don’t you see Tang Zhen off?”

Tang Zhen immediately refused. “No need. The subway is convenient—I don’t need you to send me.”

But before she could continue refusing, Zhou Xusi had already picked up the suit jacket from the sofa armrest and said to Tang Zhen, “Let’s go.”

Tang Zhen’s mother looked surprised. She had only mentioned it casually, never expecting Zhou Xusi to actually agree. Even his own younger sister looked stunned, seeming like she wanted to say something but didn’t know how to start.

Tang Zhen had no choice but to get into Zhou Xusi’s car.

Unlike the male lead, Zhou Xusi was driving a dark gray business vehicle—low-key and spacious. As soon as she got in, he turned on the music.

The entire ride passed in silence. Tang Zhen kept turning her head to look out the window, completely unaware that Zhou Xusi had glanced at her eight times along the way.

000 noticed, but assumed Zhou Xusi was just checking the right side mirror.

It’s normal to catch a glimpse of the passenger in the mirror.

Half an hour later, the car finally stopped at the school gate.

Tang Zhen said a quick “Goodbye, big brother,” and eagerly got out.

Once outside, she couldn’t help but ask 000, “What’s his deal? Why did he actually agree to send me?”

000 was just as confused. 【Maybe it was just on the way.】

“Is his residence nearby?”

【He owns too many properties. No matter which direction, it’s on the way.】

Ah, that makes sense. Tang Zhen understood.

She arrived back at the dorm at around 9:30 p.m.—not early, but not too late either.

She glanced at her phone. She and the male lead hadn’t contacted each other for three days. There’s a saying: couples who don’t talk for three days might as well be broken up.

But she knew he hadn’t reached out simply because he had been busy.

Just as Tang Zhen was about to put her phone away, the system issued Mission Four.

The mission read:

【Throw a little tantrum in front of the male lead.】

Tang Zhen: ……

000 stated firmly, 【The male lead hasn’t contacted you in three days. You need to get a little angry in front of him, but don’t overdo it. If you actually break up, the plot can’t continue…】

For Tang Zhen, this mission wasn’t difficult.

She went out to the dorm balcony, closed the door, tilted her head to look at the moon, and dialed Ren Yanjing’s number.

Beep… beep… beep…

The first call went unanswered until it automatically disconnected.

Tang Zhen quickly dialed again.

The second time, someone finally answered.

On the other end, Ren Yanjing’s slightly tired voice came through. “Hello?”

Anyone could hear that he must have had a tough few days. Tang Zhen didn’t want to disturb him, but this mission wasn’t hard—she only needed to waste a minute of his time and throw a little tantrum. He could handle that.

She pouted softly on the phone. “Ren Yanjing, have you forgotten who I am?”

Ren Yanjing exhaled over the line. “No…”

“No? Do you realize you haven’t contacted me in three days? We just started dating three days ago! Is it normal for couples to not talk at all after being together only a short time?”

“Sorry, I’ve been very busy these past few days.”

Tang Zhen huffed, delivering her “little tantrum” perfectly—but her voice was so sweet and soft that, though she was clearly scolding him, it sounded more like playful teasing. “So busy you didn’t even have time to send a single message?”

In this bestselling novel, the male lead belongs to the female lead. He only shows impatience toward the side character. No matter how gentle he is in nature, in his career, the female supporting character must step aside.

Tang Zhen was mentally prepared. Even if he said he forgot to message her, she could fully accept it. Or he might say it in a way that would sting a little more.

But she never expected this—the male lead’s “sliding kneel” reaction was way too fast. He cleared his throat lightly over the phone, lowered his voice, and the pleasant, flowing sound reached Tang Zhen’s ears like a gentle stream.

“My fault. I promise it won’t happen again.”

Tang Zhen: ???

Wait… isn’t this reaction wrong?