Both Jiang Nuan and Jiang Bai narrowed their eyes as if calculating something unknown to others. They each snorted, then turned to instruct the kids snuggled up beside them to follow along.
In the end, what was originally supposed to be a four-person outing turned into a chaotic, sprawling group.
Even the unruly troublemaker from before tagged along, followed by a young girl trying to be friendly with Xiu Xi but receiving no acknowledgment. Ruan Jie considered himself much older than this band of little soldiers and believed he shouldnât mingle with them. However, he was concerned about his younger sister, so after some hesitation, he adjusted his pant leg and decided to join them.
Once they stepped out of the Jiang Familyâs courtyard, Jiang Bin wasted no time in circling around Shu Wen.
First, he grinned and flattered Ruan Jiaojiao, pulling out a handful of chocolates and soft candies from his pocket and handing them to her. Then he said, "Jiaojiao, why donât you and your brother Xun walk around somewhere else first? Uncle Jiang Bin wants to have a few words with your aunt."
Ruan Jiaojiao glanced at her hands, now stuffed full of candies. She actually wanted to say she was far past the age of being bribed with sweets, but seeing how earnest Jiang Bin lookedâand noticing her aunt didnât seem to resistâshe reluctantly agreed.
Feigning helplessness, she let out a sigh and said, "Alright then. Jiaojiao will lend Uncle her aunt for ten minutes, but only ten minutes, okay?" As she spoke, she tucked the candies into her pocket. When the pocket couldnât fit anymore, she began putting them in Xiu Xiâs pocket instead. These were all imported premium candiesâwhy let them go to waste? She was worried about getting cavities, but she could bring them back for Grandma and Grandpa. Grandpa had dentures anyway, so no worries about cavities there!
"Alright, just ten minutes. Thank you, Jiaojiao!" Jiang Bin chuckled at her exaggerated manner, then signaled Jiang Xun with a glance to lead the younger siblings away. Only then did he tug the reluctant Shu Wen to a quiet corner.
Given the current times, neither Shu Wen nor Jiang Bin could really be considered young anymore. They had dated for nearly a year, and logically, a decision shouldâve been made by now.
Ruan Jiaojiao couldnât help wondering what had caused them to break up.
Once the two unruly kids left the courtyard, they bolted off to play on their own. Yu Rou stayed close to Xiu Xi, gazing curiously at his eyes.
She wanted to ask Jiang Xun about it but was afraid of this suddenly serious older cousin whoâd appeared out of nowhere. Finally, she turned to Ruan Jiaojiao and asked directly, "Jiaojiao, why do your brotherâs eyes look like that? Is he mixed-race?"
Xiu Xi hadnât introduced himself specifically when visiting the Jiang Family, so naturally, everyone was curious about his eyes. However, since the Ruan Family hadnât explained, it implied they didnât want others prying too much. Hence, Jiang Yuanlong and Ma Yinyin hadnât brought it up.
Jiang Nuan and Jiang Bai, disdainful of such countryside folks, certainly wouldnât lower themselves to ask.
Only Yu Rou, small and spoiled from a pampered upbringing, asked whatever came to mind without hesitation.
"Nope, Brother Xiâs eyes are like that naturally. What grade are you in? Youâll learn about it in biology class later," Ruan Jiaojiao replied, sticking to her usual explanation that Xiu Xiâs eyes were a result of genetic mutation.
"Iâm in fifth grade," Yu Rou said. Hearing Ruan Jiaojiaoâs answer, she quickly dismissed her curiosity about Xiu Xiâs eyes and moved on to another question: "You call him Brother Xi? He does look older than me. Can I call him that too?" As she spoke, she pulled out a lollipop from her pocket and added, "Here, have one."