Chapter 2018: Rejecting Hong Ling (3)

"Haven’t I been here the whole time? How could you not find me?" Jiaojiao emerged from behind her, humming softly.

"Ah! Jiaojiao, where did you come from? I clearly didn’t see you just now, and you suddenly came out and scared me." Seeing Jiaojiao suddenly appear from behind her, Hong Ling was genuinely startled this time, patting her chest and playfully accusing.

"You don’t even have me in your eyes, of course you wouldn’t see me." Jiaojiao still spoke in a soft tone, with a touch of grievance, like a pair of sisters deliberately making a fuss.

But in fact, Jiaojiao was rolling her eyes inwardly. She had been within five meters of Ruan Hao the whole time, being paraded around by Ruan Jianguo, showing off to everyone. As long as she lifted her eyes slightly, he would’ve seen her, unless he didn’t want to find her at all.

"Don’t be naughty." Seeing Jiaojiao, Ruan Hao’s expression softened, pulling her to his side and naturally resting his hand on her head to give it a gentle rub.

Jiaojiao had gotten up early today to style her hair, and she quickly protected her hairstyle with her hands: "Big brother, my hair will get messy."

Ruan Hao smiled helplessly, doting on her abundantly: "Alright, I won’t mess up your hair. Just let me know when you’re leaving."

"We’ll leave after dinner and go to the dance hall. Brother Bo and Brother Feng will also come. Big brother, do you want to join us?" Jiaojiao asked.

Thinking about it carefully, she realized she had never gone out to play with Ruan Hao before; it seemed like he never liked to hang out with them since they were young.

If he doesn’t go with them now, then there’s no point in hoping for the future. Thinking of this, Jiaojiao couldn’t help feeling a bit tempted, tugging at Ruan Hao’s hand and coyly asking: "Big brother, why don’t you come tonight? I’ll call Brother Chi and Second Brother, and we’ll all go. I’ve never played with you guys, ever since we were little."

Ruan Hao actually had plans for the evening, but seeing the slightly forlorn young girl, he was reluctant to refuse and nodded, almost without hesitation: "Alright, I’ll come tonight." After a pause, remembering something, he added: "A place with many girls isn’t safe. Let your Brother Chi book the dance hall, I’ll cover the expenses."

"Wow, thank you, big brother." Jiaojiao’s eyes brightened, extremely delighted, as she clung to his arm and jumped up and down.

This time, Ruan Hao couldn’t resist and again reached out to rub her head. Jiaojiao was in such a good mood that she didn’t mind her hairstyle getting messy.

For Jiaojiao, these wedding occasions were rare opportunities for gatherings, but for Ruan Hao, it was also a social event, so after talking with Jiaojiao for a bit, he turned around and continued his mingle.

And Hong Ling, aside from nodding politely, didn’t say much more.

Watching Ruan Hao walk away without sparing her a glance, Hong Ling felt a bit disappointed and remarked to the evidently cheerful Jiaojiao: "Jiaojiao, your brother is really good to you."

Jiaojiao nodded without any humility, feeling a bit proud: "Of course, he’s my brother."

"That’s nice. Jiaojiao, when you guys go out tonight, can I come along? I don’t know anyone else here, only you guys." Hong Ling said.

"Sure, you and sister-in-law can both come." Jiaojiao generously replied, no longer worried about Hong Ling’s little thoughts after knowing Ruan Hao’s intentions.