"Alright." Shu Jiao was worried about Shu Grandpa and didnât notice Jiang Binâs overly enthusiastic attitude.
But Jiaojiao did notice.
Because she felt that Jiang Bin, now holding the hotel door open to send their family off, had a strangely familiar air about him. This bootlicking demeanor seemed like something sheâd seen somewhere before.
She looked at him suspiciously. Jiang Bin smiled and ruffled her little head lovingly, with a doting expression, "Alright, Jiaojiao, see you next time."
"Sure, weâll get together next time," replied Ruan Jianguo, who was already ahead of them.
Jiang Bin smiled and answered, keeping his gaze on them until their whole family had left. Then he finally withdrew his eyes.
Standing at the entrance, he thought for a moment before heading to the hotel front desk and making a phone call home. Coincidentally, heâd been worrying about not having a chance to visit the Shu Family. Wasnât this opportunity delivered straight to his doorstep?
Compared to his gratitude to Xiu Family for adopting Xiu Xun, now renamed Jiang Xun, Jiang Yuanlongâs family felt even more indebted to the Ruan Family. However, the distance had always been too great, and their thanks were ultimately limited to a phone call. Now that they were in Beidu, it was natural to express their gratitude wholeheartedly.
Besides, Jiang Bin could tell his nephew seemed to care about the Ruan Family. Heâd found a photo of Jiaojiao stuffed in Jiang Xunâs book before. Judging by the stamp on it, it seemed to have been torn from somewhere.
This was perfect timing, though. He had recently had some matters that required visiting the Shu Family but hadnât mustered the courage. Now the Ruan Familyâs arrival had conveniently handed him the opportunity. Thinking about this, he couldnât help but laugh, feeling like the Ruan Family was truly his fated lucky charm!
After leaving the hotel, the Ruan Family got into the car, sitting in the same arrangement as when they arrivedâexcept Ruanlin Family and Ruan Jie had switched places.
The Ruanlin Family now sat in the same car as Jiaojiao and the others and sighed, "Can you believe how big Beidu is, and yet we ran into someone we know on the first day here? Talk about fate, right?"
Back when Xiu Xun returned to Jiang Family, Ruan Hao had already come to Beidu, but theyâd heard bits and pieces from Shu Grandpa as well.
Upon hearing the Ruanlin Familyâs comment, Ruan Hao merely chuckled. He ruffled Jiaojiaoâs little head next to him. Seeing that her gaze was a little blank, he realized she was sleepy and pulled her into his arms. "Go to sleep. When we get home, Iâll carry you upstairs."
Jiaojiao murmured in response. Although part of her mind was still preoccupied with Jiang Binâs unusually enthusiastic behaviorâit felt off somehowâshe ultimately couldnât resist the drowsiness and fell asleep leaning on him.
The next morning, Jiaojiao found herself already in bed.
The room was cozy, and she climbed out of bed without putting on a coat. As she stepped outside, she yawned. Shu Jiao was coming from the other side with a glass of honey water. Seeing her awake, she said, "Jiaojiao, are you hungry? Breakfast is ready downstairs; go eat first."
"Mom, where are you going?" Jiaojiao asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Your grandpa drank too much yesterday. Heâs got a headache this morning, so Iâm bringing him some honey water," Shu Jiao explained.
Jiaojiao nodded instinctively, wanting to say sheâd go along, but then remembered she hadnât washed up yet, and her appearance was a bit of a mess. So, she ran back to her room, washed her face, brushed her teeth, and smoothed her hair with a comb since she couldnât tie it up. Only then did she head to Shu Grandpaâs room.
Although Shu Grandpaâs health had improved significantly in recent years, his age still showed. Drinking so much last night had really left him miserable today. Jiaojiao sat with him and chatted for a while, then used her little chubby hands to massage his head. Finally, she stepped out, leaving him to rest properly.