Chapter 1803: The One I Was Guarding Against Was Myself (9)

But compared to letting Shu Jiao endure this struggle her whole life, she just couldn’t bear it.

Listening to Jiaojiao’s words, the tears that Shu Jiao had been holding back finally burst forth again. She hugged Jiaojiao tightly, and Jiaojiao silently embraced her back, offering comfort.

That evening, Shu Jiao didn’t really eat much. The food Gu Zichen brought her was almost untouched, sitting on the vanity table by the bed. Seeing this, Jiaojiao took her out of the room to eat.

Seeing Jiaojiao coming over made Shu Jiao willing to come out, and although her eyes were still red, Old Master Shu couldn’t hide his joy.

Shu Jiao didn’t have much appetite but still accompanied Jiaojiao to finish a bowl of rice. After dinner, Jiaojiao greeted Duan Xi and then returned to the room with Shu Jiao.

It was already past ten o’clock. Jiaojiao lay beside Shu Jiao, casually chatting about amusing stories from school. Shu Jiao listened quietly, occasionally chiming in.

Under the dim light at the bedside, Shu Jiao gazed at Jiaojiao, who was already half-asleep, and slowly felt warmth returning to her cold heart. She couldn’t help but pull Jiaojiao into her arms, speaking softly, "Jiaojiao, can you promise Mom one thing?"

Jiaojiao lifted her head, sleepily looking at her.

Shu Jiao said, "In the future, when you and Xiaoxi are together and get married, whatever you do, the two of you should discuss everything. The most important thing is, even though Mom knows you care about your brothers, promise Mom that no matter what, always prioritize your husband, because he is the one who will accompany you into old age."

In fact, Shu Jiao’s words were quite tactfully spoken.

Jiaojiao is Ruan Jianguo’s daughter, and many of Jianguo’s characteristics are inherited by Jiaojiao. Normally, Jiaojiao seems sensible and obedient, but when it comes to matters involving her brothers, she tends to take on everything, just like Jianguo, regardless of whether she can handle it.

Now she is still young and has not yet married Duan Xi. Caring about her brothers doesn’t matter much, but if she remains this way after marriage, prioritizing her brothers over her husband, Duan Xi’s passionate heart will gradually cool.

"Mom?" Jiaojiao looked at Shu Jiao with some surprise, not understanding why she suddenly brought this up.

"Before marriage, parents, sisters, and brothers are indeed family. But after marriage, they will all have their own families, and Xiaoxi will be your partner in this new family, Jiaojiao. You need to understand this and not waste his love indiscriminately just because Xiaoxi is good to you and forgiving. Understand?" Shu Jiao’s tone became serious.

Jiaojiao pouted in grievance. Was she really like that before?

"Alright, sleep now." Shu Jiao softened again, seeing her pitiful expression, thankful she was still by her side, with plenty of time to guide her in the future.

Jiaojiao buried her head in her arms, inhaling her scent. Her mind, however, grew increasingly alert, pondering over Shu Jiao’s words.

When Jiaojiao woke up the next morning, Shu Jiao was already up.

Outside, Duan Xi seemed to be keeping time as he knocked on the door: "Jiaobao."

"Brother Xi, I’m getting up right away." Jiaojiao craned her neck and shouted, quickly getting up. Since the Shu family had heating, Jiaojiao didn’t put on the down jacket she took off last night but went to open the door in her pajamas.