Chapter 13: Who

"Hm? What's going on?"

Li Huijuan immediately leaned in with concern, and Jiang Jianguo and Jiang Nainai also looked over.

Even Jiang Ran perked up his ears; he only knew that his sister seemed to have quarreled with her partner yesterday, but the exact details were unclear.

Jiang Jiaojiao then vividly narrated, in full color, how yesterday on the street she was publicly humiliated by Zhang Jianmin, who called her a "mad old woman" and a "tiger mother", how she was so angry she could not speak, how the surrounding people watched the spectacle, how Su Ruan appeared like a divine soldier from the heavens, and in a few words left Zhang Jianmin speechless and fleeing in disgrace, recounting the whole process word for word.

She especially emphasized Su Ruan's few classic lines:

"Reasoning with this kind of male counterpart who can't understand human speech, only uses volume and shouting to mask his own cowardice and incompetence, is useless."

"True dignity is respecting one's partner and solving problems, not barking wildly like a dog whose tail has been stepped on."

"Come to think of it, you're more like that 'tiger'—just paper‑thin, breaking with a poke, only able to howl."

Jiang Jiaojiao spoke with animated gestures, mimicking perfectly: "You didn't see Zhang Jianmin's face—red one moment, white the next, finally as ugly as if he'd eaten excrement, then he fled in disgrace! Absolutely satisfying!"

Afterward, she looked at Su Ruan with utmost admiration: "Dad, Mom, do you think RuanRuan is impressive? Is she brave? Is her mind quick? In just a few words she ripped the scoundrel's veil of shame right off!"

"At that moment I thought, this girl is so cool! Whoever can marry her is truly blessed beyond measure!"

She sighed, "I was thinking at the time, but unfortunately I didn't know her name or where she lived; otherwise I would have definitely befriended her!"

"Then, unexpectedly, what a fateful coincidence! She turned out to be Ranran's partner, my future sister‑in‑law! Isn't that convenient? Isn't that divine?"

The three Jiang Family members, after hearing this, all opened their mouths in shock, glancing at Jiang Jiaojiao's face begging for praise, then at Su Ruan, who looked a bit embarrassed and lowered her head slightly.

They simply couldn't reconcile the sharp‑tongued, logically clear, daring 'Chivalrous Woman' Jiang Jiaojiao described with the seemingly frail, easily bullied, submissive girl from the Su family they had just seen!

What a huge contrast!

Li Huijuan was the first to react, grabbing Su Ruan's hand, her eyes reddening with emotion: "Oh my dear child! You've been wronged!"

"Being bullied at home yet still righteous outside! What a good child! Kind‑hearted, brave and clever! That Ranran can marry you, it's as if the old Jiang family's ancestral tomb is smoking with joy!"

Jiang Jianguo wore a face full of admiration and disbelief; looking at Su Ruan, he said gravely: "Well done, RuanRuan! You did great! When dealing with that kind of scoundrel, you can't be polite! Uncle didn't expect you to have such daring and eloquence! Excellent!"

He increasingly felt that his son had found a daughter‑in‑law who was truly a treasure!

Jiang Nainai also said cheerfully, "Alright, alright! RuanRuan's temperament is good, unlike Jiaojiao, who only has a domineering reputation outwardly but actually just stews in a sulk! From now on, let's see who dares to bully our family!"

Jiang Ran felt his heart surge; he only knew Su Ruan was beautiful and alluring, never expecting her to be so formidable and brave!

She actually stood up for his sister on the street, berating that scumbag so badly his blood boiled!

He couldn't help but quietly grasp Su Ruan's hand under the table, lean close to her ear, lower his voice, his tone full of pride and excitement: "Well done! Your little mouth can talk so much? Why didn't you see it yesterday? From now on, will you have to deal with me the same way?"

Su Ruan's ears flushed slightly; she glared at him petulantly and whispered: "Watch your performance."

That little glance and gesture made Jiang Ran's heart itch, wishing he could pull her into his arms and kiss her right then.

After Jiang Jiaojiao's 'promotion', the Jiang Family's impression of Su Ruan reached its peak.

Originally they only felt pity for her plight and were pleased with her looks and temperament; now they added a full measure of respect and affection!

【9】 This girl, not only beautiful and good‑natured, also has courage and wisdom, a kind heart, and can take charge at crucial moments! Simply perfect!

This girl, not only looks good and has a good temperament, also has courage and insight, a kind heart, and can shoulder responsibilities at crucial moments! Simply perfect!

The meal was enjoyed in harmonious merriment, the atmosphere exceedingly warm.

The Jiang Family now regarded Su Ruan as an indispensable member of their own.

After the meal, Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan checked the time; though reluctant, the factory and the hospital still had work to attend to.

Jiang Jianguo instructed Jiang Ran: "Ranran, stay with RuanRuan properly, don't bully her, understand? If the night gets late, bring her straight home to stay; your sister's room is empty."

His words were already a clear hint, evidently fearing Su Ruan would return to that miserable home and suffer again.

Li Huijuan also nodded repeatedly, pulled some money and various Cloth Vouchers and Industrial Coupons from her bag, and whispered: "Take RuanRuan to buy a few new outfits, get things girls like to use. Choose good ones, don't be stingy! Look at how worn her current clothes are."

Speaking, she gently patted Su Ruan's head, "RuanRuan, if you lack anything later, tell auntie, or let Ranran buy it for you directly, don't be shy."

Jiang Nainai also said cheerfully, "Yes, go shop, dress up all pretty!"

Jiang Jiaojiao, arm‑in‑arm with Grandma, also lifted her chin at Jiang Ran and said: "Did you hear? The mission's yours; if you buy poorly, see how I'll deal with you later!"

She winked at Su Ruan again, "RuanRuan, pick whatever you like, buy whatever you want; this kid has money, don't skimp on him!"

Surrounded by the Jiang Family's warmth and kindness, Su Ruan felt a cozy warmth and obediently nodded: "Thank you, auntie, thank you, Grandma, thank you, sister. I'll keep an eye on the purchases."

Only then did the Jiang Family leave with peace of mind, Jiang Jiaojiao accompanying Grandma back home to rest.

In the blink of an eye, only Jiang Ran and Su Ruan remained standing at the restaurant's entrance.

Jiang Ran clutched a thick stack of cash and vouchers in his hand, watching Su Ruan beside him in faded, washed‑out old clothes yet still stunningly beautiful, his inner urge to give her all the world's good things growing even stronger.

He grinned, flashing snow‑white teeth, that unrestrained vigor resurfacing, this time laced with pure pampering: "Come on, daughter‑in‑law! I'll take you to the department store! Today I must revamp you from head to toe!"

Su Ruan's cheeks warmed at his natural call of 'daughter‑in‑law', and she glared at him: "Who is your daughter‑in‑law? We haven't gotten the marriage certificate yet."

"Sooner or later! It's nailed on the board!"

Jiang Ran said proudly, grabbing Su Ruan's hand in one swift motion and dragging her toward the department store without further ado.