Chapter 600 - 600 600 Two Years Later (1)_1

Chapter 600: Chapter 600 Two Years Later (1)_1 Chapter 600: Chapter 600 Two Years Later (1)_1 “…” Ruan Jiaojiao.

It wasn’t just wearing red, even if she wrapped herself in a curtain and went out, those several sizeable male members of the family could still heap praise upon her like growing a flower, which was something she was very clear about.

Seeing Ruan Jiaojiao fall silent, the Ruanlin Family matriarch thought she was feeling shy, so she smiled and pushed her out the door.

Outside, the Ruanlin brothers had just finished paying respects to their ancestors and were tidying up.

According to local customs, before the midday New Year’s meal, they had to allow their ancestors to “eat” first, then they could eat. The four brothers stood in the courtyard paying tribute to their ancestors while several women were busy in the kitchen and a few youngsters were watching TV in the main room. Shu Lang and the Shu Family patriarch Shu Wen sat off to the side, laughing and chatting.

As Ruan Jiaojiao was pushed out from the Ruanlin matriarch’s room, everyone turned their gaze towards her.

“My, who is this celestial maiden gracing us with her presence?” Shu Wen was the most exaggerated, immediately exclaiming as Ruan Jiaojiao appeared and scooped her into his arms.

With such an exclamation, even those who hadn’t seen before turned to look.

Especially Xiu Xi, who was silently sitting in a corner, his customarily green eyes now shone even brighter.

“Hahaha, she’s from our family!” Little Fatty declared proudly, thinking his sister, wrapped in red, looked exceptionally pretty.

“Nonsense, clearly, she’s from our old Shu Family.” The Shu Family patriarch slapped the armrest of his chair and huffed.

“…” A group of youngsters wanted to object, but faced with the stern face of the Shu Family patriarch, none dared to make a peep.

“Clearly, she’s from our family…” Little Fatty softly protested, but upon seeing the patriarch glance his way, he immediately stopped his mutterings and turned his head.

Ruan Jiaojiao had anticipated such a reaction and didn’t mind it at all.

Once Shu Wen put her down, Xiu Xi pulled her to his side. He looked at her and said, “Like this, you look beautiful.” He spoke with serious earnest, his eyes sparkling with sincerity, as if he feared Ruan Jiaojiao wouldn’t believe it.

“Thank you.” Ruan Jiaojiao smiled. Everyone liked to be complimented on their looks. She glanced at his new clothes and said, “You look good too.”

“Yes, we both look good together.” Xiu Xi.

“…” Ruan Jiaojiao, not knowing why, felt there was something peculiar about that statement.

——

Last year’s New Year’s, due to Shu Jiao’s absence and followed by Ruan Jiaojiao falling seriously ill, was simply a mess. Nobody was in high spirits. But this year’s New Year’s celebration was exceptionally warm and lively.

All day long, Ruan Jiaojiao’s smile never faded.

She watched the youngsters playing and watching TV, the women busy preparing the New Year’s Eve dinner, the men huddled together as if discussing some national affair, and the three-colored cat sprawled on the woodpile, teasing Meatball with its large tail. Her eyes became slightly moist.

Thinking back to when she first returned to this body compared to now, it seemed like only a year had passed, yet it felt as though ages had gone by.

Her heart felt a bit sour, and yet a bit sweet.

“Xiuge, thank you.” She turned her head to look at Xiu Xi, who had at some point come to sit beside her.

Xiu Xi held her small hand, said nothing, and didn’t ask what she was thanking him for.

After all, this lifetime… he would always be there for her.

——

New Year’s Day.

Ruan Jiaojiao was roused early by Ruan Jie because, as per tradition on New Year’s Day, they couldn’t go outside, but they did need to pay respects to the elders in their own family.