Jiaojiao came out in the evening, just before it got dark.
Following Jiang Bin were Jiang Xun and Yu Rou.
On Jiaojiaoâs side, the group heading out was much larger. Except for Shu Laoyezi, who wasnât very fond of moving around, everyone else turned out in full force.
The two families had agreed to meet at the street corner in the North City District. As soon as Jiaojiao got out of the car, her attention was instantly drawn to the rows of glowing red lanterns that decorated the street. Not far away, Yu Rou had already spotted their car. Seeing Jiaojiao step out, she immediately jumped and shouted, "Jiaojiao, Jiaojiao, weâre over here!"
The two families finally gathered together.
Yu Rouâs mother was Jiang Xunâs third aunt. Jiaojiao had met this third aunt beforeâsomeone who, on the surface, seemed proper and courteous but would secretly roll her eyes and express disdain for her father. Jiaojiao didnât like her very much.
Yu Rou, however, was different. Her personality was lively and naive, so even though this was only the third time the two young girls had met, their relationship was unexpectedly good. Yu Rou really adored Jiaojiao, and as soon as she saw her, she eagerly grabbed her little hand and started chatting away.
"Jiaojiao, I tried to make plans with you during the Lunar New Year, but you didnât come out to play," Yu Rou complained, referring to the invitation she had extended on the eighth day of the festival.
At the time, Jiaojiao had just suffered an emotional blow from Feng Nianian and wasnât in the mood to go out, so she had declined.
Not wanting to upset the young girl, Jiaojiao apologized, "Xiaorou, Iâm sorry. I wasnât feeling too well during those days."
"Oh, I see. Are you feeling better now?" Yu Rou asked with concern, without questioning further.
"Yes, much better," Jiaojiao nodded, taking the initiative to hold her little hand.
The two young girls walked ahead of everyone else, while Xiu Xi and Jiang Xun followed a little behind, each flanking them as if guarding the pair.
Meanwhile, Jiang Bin was talking to Ruan Jianguo, though his gaze kept flickering toward Shu Wen, who was walking with her head down and hands in her pockets, not looking at anyone.
Shu Jiao walked alongside her, glancing over at Jiang Bin, who was staring in their direction. Her gaze paused momentarily before she pulled Shu Wen back a couple of steps.
"Whatâs going on between you and Jiang Bin now?" Shu Jiao asked directly.
Shu Wen raised her head to glance at her, only to see that most of the surrounding couples were out on dates for the Lantern Festival. Her mood sank even further. She lowered her head again, kicking at the pebble underfoot, her energy visibly lacking. "What else could it be? Just what you see."
Seeing Shu Wenâs clearly low spirits, Shu Jiao felt a pang of sympathy.
After a moment of silence, she said, "If you really canât let go, then make up with him. His brothers are decent people. Even though his two sisters-in-law can be a little difficult, you can keep your distance from them after marriage."
Shu Wen stopped in her tracks upon hearing this.
She looked up with a bitter smile. "Sis, itâs not that simple."
"The issues between us go far beyond that. Sis, do you know what kind of person he is? Heâs one of those people who donât believe in marriage. Am I supposed to spend my entire life with him living like this?"
The two sisters-in-law might be hard to deal with, but would Shu Wen really be afraid of them?
Shu Wen might not be some stunning beauty, but finding a man willing to marry her wouldnât be hard. Why should she waste her time lingering by his side like this?
"A marriage skeptic?" Shu Jiaoâs face darkened.
This was practically shameless!
"Forget it, itâs complicated, and thereâs no point discussing it. Anyway, thereâs no way between us. Sis, since youâre back for a rare visit, spend some time with Brother-in-law and enjoy the evening. Iâll handle my own affairs."