Chapter 259 - 259 259 Down the Well (1)_1

Chapter 259: Chapter 259: Down the Well (1)_1 Chapter 259: Chapter 259: Down the Well (1)_1 The Ruanlin family matriarch let out a sigh and reached out to touch his head.

She waited until his crying had subsided before speaking softly, “Why cry? You’re such a grown boy. Aren’t you afraid that others will see and laugh? Get up, we’re going home. Whatever the matter, just tell Grandma.”

Ruan Jun nodded through his sobs, and the Ruanlin matriarch led him to his feet. They returned to the Ruan family courtyard under the curious and puzzled gazes of the onlookers.

Ruan Jiaojiao and Xiu Xi worked together to close the courtyard gate.

Once Ruan Jun’s emotions had stabilized, the Ruanlin matriarch asked him, “What exactly happened? You want to go down into the mines to dig coal; do you know what kind of place that is? Once you go, you may not be able to return.”

Ruan Jun nodded to show he understood.

Ruan Jiaojiao fetched some cold water from a bucket, soaked a towel, and had the minion wring it out before taking it to Ruan Jun, “Second Brother, wipe your face.”

Ruan Jun, with red-rimmed eyes, glanced at her, managed a forced smile, buried his face in the towel, and took several deep breaths before lifting his head.

Looking at the Ruanlin matriarch, he recounted the event of Liao Zhaoji coming to find him yesterday.

He knew his mother had already burdened the family much, especially was a disappointment to his uncle’s family. He also knew how much the Ruanlin matriarch despised her and that she would definitely not offer any help.

But as her son, even though he also disliked her, he couldn’t refrain from helping.

That was where his true despair lay.

He had grown up with Ruan Hao since they were little. Ruan Hao, as a child, was raised single-handedly by his aunt. Since their ages were close, he learned alongside him, hence he had always yearned for university, as advocated by his aunt.

His brain might not be as good as Ruan Hao’s, but he was diligent. He believed in what his aunt said, that hard work would always pay off, and that knowledge could change one’s destiny.

He had a clear goal for his future — to attend university and bring a better life to his family. He had always been moving towards that goal.

However, the issue with Liao Zhaoji had completely destroyed his future. He was not like Ruan Jiandang; he was decisive and goal-oriented, and in this way, somewhat resembled Ruan Jianguo. Therefore, after learning about the issue today, he had almost immediately made his decision.

He didn’t want to be a burden to the entire Ruan family.

He wanted to solve it on his own.

It’s just that— he was still too young.

The thought of leaving home, possibly to never return due to an accident, was too much for him. That’s why he broke into tears while eating, which was discovered by Ruan Jiaojiao.

Thankfully, she discovered it in time.

Ruan Jiaojiao didn’t know what “going down the mines” meant, but seeing the enraged look on the Ruanlin matriarch’s face, she knew it wasn’t anything good. She hugged Ruan Jun’s arm with some fear and looked up at him, “Second Brother, can you not go out? Jiaojiao hopes Second Brother can bring Jiaojiao candy in the future. If you go, who will buy candy for Jiaojiao then?”

Hearing her soft words, Ruan Jun almost couldn’t hold back his tears and embraced her tightly to hide his own vulnerability.

The Ruanlin matriarch’s face remained cold and silent, but from her eyes, it was evident that she was on the verge of rage, albeit forcefully suppressed.

If Liao Zhaoji were in front of her now, she would have scratched her alive!

How could this woman be so cruel? There’s a saying that even tigers do not eat their cubs. How could she bear to push her own son towards death!?

She remained silent for a very long time.

So long that Ruan Jiaojiao thought she might not speak at all, until she finally heard her say, “I’ll give you the money, but you must listen to Grandma.”