The twelve-year-old Jiaojiao might be pretty, but no matter how pretty she is, sheâs still just a little girl.
"What nonsense are you talking about, Lu Xian? Are you itching for a beating?" Ruan Jie suddenly figured out what Lu Xian meant, his eyes widening as he landed a kick on Lu Xianâs butt. "Lu Xian, when are you going to change this nasty habit of yoursâalways full of dirty thoughts!"
"..." Lu Xian stumbled forward from the kick, blinking innocently. What did he even think?
Wasnât it just assuming heâd use Jiaojiao as a shield to fend off unwanted admirers? How was that dirty thinking?
Lu Xian pouted, but just as he was about to retort, Jiaojiao came downstairs wearing a snowy satin dress. She looked as fresh and lovely as a little celestial goddess. Even Lu Xian couldnât deny itâJiaojiao might be young, but taking her out would surely be a point of pride. She was leagues ahead of those so-called class beauties and school queens.
Thinking about how she was his honorary little sister, Lu Xian couldnât help but feel sweet insideâafter all, he had a share in this adorable sister too.
"Come on, Jiaojiao, Big Bro Xian will take you out for a feast and some fun." As Jiaojiao reached the bottom of the stairs, Lu Xianâs cheeky words rolled out without hesitation. He reached out to grab Jiaojiaoâs little hand, but Ruan Jie promptly delivered another kick, sending him flying away.
"Dream on! Sheâs my sister. Stay away from her!" Ruan Jie scoffed coldly, then proudly grabbed Jiaojiaoâs hand and led her toward the door.
"Arenât we best bros? Whatâs yours should be mine too!" Lu Xian shouted as he chased after them.
"Scram! At times like this, weâre unrelated," Ruan Jie shot back.
Lu Xian made a face like he was devastated and pointed at Ruan Jie while turning to Jiaojiao: "Jiaojiao, did you see that? Your brother is so heartless! Iâve stuck by him all these years as a friend purely because of you!"
Jiaojiao didnât say anything; she merely smiled, because her favorite thing was watching her brother and Lu Xian bickerâit simply lit her up with joy.
Just before heading out the door, Jiaojiao called out to Ruanlin Family, who was watering vegetables in the yard: "Grandma, weâre going out to play. Weâll be back in time for dinner."
Ruanlin Family looked up at her and replied, "Alright, be careful and come back early."
Nearby, Meatballâtheir wolfâwas busy digging at vegetable roots. Seeing the trio about to head out, Meatball circled excitedly around Ruanlin Family, clearly expressing its intentions. Ruanlin Family suddenly remembered something and said to the three: "Take Meatball with you. Itâs been a few days since it got to stretch its legs."
Already troubled by having to bring his sister along, Ruan Jie grew even more exasperated at the idea of taking the wolf too. He immediately protested: "Grandma, weâre going to meet up with classmates. Bringing Meatball along..."
"Whatâs wrong with taking Meatball? Meatballâs more well-behaved than you! Whatânow that youâve grown up and gotten some independence, you wonât do what Grandma asks anymore?" Ruanlin Family countered sharply, her tone growing angrier with each word.
"..." Ruan Jie felt deeply wronged.
Seeing Ruanlin Family fume all on her own, Ruan Jie had no choice but to console himself internally: whatever, bringing one along is bringing; bringing two isnât much different.
And so, what was originally supposed to be a trio outing turned into a three-human, one-wolf expedition. The group walking down the street truly turned heads.
Of course, the attention wasnât directed at themâit was all because of Meatball.
By now, Meatball was already well-known in the neighborhood. Many people recognized the wolf, and whenever they saw it, those familiar would always greet it with questions like, "Meatball out for a stroll?" or "Hey, Meatball, where are you off to?"