"I really donât know how her parents taught her. She came to our house wailing early in the morning. Itâs so inappropriate, standing at the front door for all the neighbors to see. Whatâs going on?" said Ruanlin Family, truly fed up at this point.
The elderly, especially Ruanlin Family, having gone through Ruan Jiaojiaoâs escapades over the years, were quite superstitious. In her eyes, Hong Ling coming over and crying first thing in the morning, seemed utterly inexplicable and extremely inauspicious, almost like mourning at a funeral, which displeased her greatly.
Everyone in the family was doing well, her little darling was healthy and happyâhow wonderful was that? Who was she cursing by crying so early?!
So she directly told her, if you want to cry, do it somewhere else, not at the Ruan Familyâs doorstep.
Ruan Jiaojiao, after hearing her grandmotherâs explanation, couldnât help but burst into laughter, leaning forward to hug her grandmotherâs waist, who was bending over to pick up firewood, and said, "Grandma, youâre just too adorable."
Who would have thought her grandma was such a straightforward woman.
She chuckled at the thought of Hong Ling being told by Ruanlin Family to go elsewhere to cry.
At first, Ruanlin Family found it baffling, but seeing Ruan Jiaojiao laughing, she couldnât help but chuckle along too. She patted her hand and said, "Alright now, Grandmaâs clothes are dirty, let go, or youâll get your hands dirty."
Ruan Jiaojiao shook her head, smiling brightly, "Grandma, how about we go back to Xiahe Village tomorrow? Dad said Uncle Ruan Xia has already cleaned up the old house. Weâll stay there for ten days to half a month, how about it?"
"That sounds good, that sounds good." Hearing this, Ruanlin Family nodded repeatedly. Although life was getting better now, what she truly missed was the life in Xiahe Village.
Seeing Ruanlin Family so happy, Ruan Jiaojiao felt joyful as well. The grandmother and granddaughter shared a warm moment in the kitchen, until Ruanlin Family, annoyed at her hindering her work, stuffed a freshly steamed basket of corn into her hands and pushed her out.
Outside, Yu Rou and Lu Zishu were still bickering, like natural-born enemies. As soon as they met, theyâd argue, and when it got intense, theyâd even get physical.
Ruan Jiaojiao nibbled on her corn, passing another to Duan Xi. The two sat on the sofa, munching away, not bothering to mediate, but watching with great interest instead.
Watching them, Ruan Jiaojiao started to feel puzzled.
In TV dramas, when a man and a woman argue all the time, they usually end up as a couple, as happy rival lovers.
Why wasnât that the case with these two?
Lu Zishu was still infatuated with Xin Miao, and Yu Rou seemed to fancy her brother Xiaojiu. Every time she saw Xiaojiu, sheâd be all thrilled but too shy to approach, always pushing Ruan Jiaojiao to create chances for them.
When the two finally tired from arguing, they automatically sat down on either side of them.
Ruan Jiaojiao handed a corn cob to Yu Rou, while Lu Zishu reached over to grab one himself, asking Duan Xi, "Xi, itâs your birthday tomorrow. How would you like to celebrate? Should we gather the guys for a get-together, or try something new?"
Duan Xiâs birthday was on the fifth day of the seventh lunar month, which was tomorrow.
Hearing this, Ruan Jiaojiao curiously looked toward Duan Xi.
Duan Xi was over three years older than her, turning twenty this year, a milestone birthday, which Ruan Jiaojiao thought was quite a significant one.
Duan Xi was too lazy to respond, simply casting a gentle gaze at Ruan Jiaojiao, the meaning was clearâhaving her by his side was all he needed.
Lu Zishu immediately shrugged and nervously scooted to the side.