Chapter 991: 991: Peerless Gentleman (3)

Chapter 991: Chapter 991: Peerless Gentleman (3)

“Jiaojiao,” Ruan Hao called out, looking at his sister standing on the steps. His voice was as gentle and doting as ever.

Ruan Jiaojiao looked at him, but for some reason, her eyes suddenly stung.

As he stepped onto the last stair, she dashed forward.

She didn’t care how old she was now; she just wanted to hug her big brother.

Although Ruan Hao wasn’t as physically imposing as Ruan Jianguo, hugging his sister was more than effortless for him. He caught her as she threw herself into his arms and chuckled, patting her head gently. “You missed your brother, didn’t you?”

“Mm!” Ruan Jiaojiao nodded enthusiastically. She missed him—a lot.

Ruan Hao smiled warmly. “Your brother missed you too, Jiaojiao.”

Hearing this, Ruan Jiaojiao looked up at him, her heart brimming with sweetness.

Just then, the other family members inside the house stepped out. Mrs. Ruanlin hadn’t seen Ruan Hao for half a year. He was, after all, the eldest grandson; he was different from the others.

Her eyes grew slightly red as she stepped forward and took his hand, her face filled with concern. “You’ve lost weight.” She touched his suit, frowned, and said, “You’re not dressed warmly enough. Are you cold? Why didn’t you wear another layer?”

Shu Jiao, looking at her impressive-looking son, could tell from his attire that he had just come from some important occasion. Nevertheless, she said, “Business is business, but you still need to wear a coat. Why aren’t you wearing the overcoat I told you to bring last time?”

Ruan Hao first greeted his grandmother, gently squeezing her hand. Then he patiently explained to Shu Jiao with a smile, “I left in a rush and forgot. I’ll wear it next time.”

“Brother!” Ruan Jie also came running out of the house with Ruan Jianguo. He grinned as he saw Ruan Hao and bounded toward him.

Ruan Hao looked at the almost six-foot-tall Ruan Jie, reached out to pat his shoulder, and then turned to see Ruan Jianguo. “Dad, Grandpa,” he called.

“You’re here! Come inside quickly; it’s chilly out,” Grandpa Shu said.

Walking beside him, Ruan Jianguo had intended to deliver some fatherly remarks, but Grandpa Shu’s words silenced him. He merely coughed lightly before echoing, “Yes, come in, come in—it’s cold outside.”

Ruan Hao nodded and reached out to hold the hand of his little sister, whose eyes sparkled brightly as she gazed up at him.

Xiu Xi was the last one to step out, but Ruan Hao didn’t overlook him. Smiling, he called warmly, “Xiaoxi,” and tousled his hair.

Though Xiu Xi seemed a bit unaccustomed to the gesture, he didn’t show it. Knowing how much Ruan Jiaojiao adored her big brother, he followed suit and called him “Big Brother.”

Ruan Hao had just come home and wasn’t in a rush to eat. Shu Jiao, worried about him, urged him to change into casual clothes first. Once he had donned the long coat she handed him, the family finally left the house together.

Since Ruan Jiaojiao hadn’t seen Ruan Hao for so long, she naturally wanted to ride in the same car with him.

The two of them sat in the back seat, with Ruan Jiaojiao in the middle, Ruan Hao and Xiu Xi flanking her on either side. Ruan Jiaojiao wanted to act spoiled, so she frequently tilted her head to chat with Ruan Hao, asking questions that others might find silly.

For example, “Is your school big?”

But Ruan Hao didn’t show the slightest impatience; instead, he answered patiently and even said, “The school holiday is coming up soon. I’ll take you to visit the campus then.”

“Okay!” Ruan Jiaojiao nodded excitedly. Up front, Ruan Jie immediately chimed in, “Big Brother, I want to go too!”

“Sure, everyone can come—Xiaoxi too,” Ruan Hao replied with a smile. His large hand gently held Ruan Jiaojiao’s small one, as if a thought suddenly struck him. He turned to her and said, “Jiaojiao, show your left hand to Brother.”