Chapter 387: The Final Tenderness?

No matter how Lu Ran counted the days, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month arrived neither hurriedly nor slowly, exactly as scheduled.

As dusk approached, snowflakes began to drift down from the sky, falling in a gentle flurry.

Outside the Immortal Scenery Garden, everything was wrapped in silver, while inside the Jiang Qiao residence, the atmosphere was remarkably warm and cozy.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was overjoyed!

Her smiling eyes curved into two beautiful crescent moons as she sat at the dining table like a foreman, watching the two of them prepare vegetables for stir-frying and simmer soup for the rice.

For so many years, this spacious luxury apartment had been abundant in opulence but lacking in the warmth of daily life.

Now, thanks to her brother and Sister Jiang Ruyi, this house finally felt like a home.

"Ah! No stealing food!" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi suddenly exclaimed, raising her eyebrows sternly.

At the kitchen counter, just as Jiangjiang Ruyi had finished slicing the spiced beef, Lu Ran leaned in, ready to inspect his girlfriend's knife skills.

Jiangjiang Ruyi, however, misunderstood his intent; she casually picked up a thin slice of beef and popped it into Lu Ran's mouth.

"Mmm!" Lu Ran immediately forgot his original purpose and went back to washing vegetables.

"Aiyah~~~" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi stamped her feet in protest.

Jiangjiang Ruyi picked up another slice of beef and offered it sideways, saying, "Here."

Foreman Jiang Qiao, having no principles whatsoever, instantly broke into a beaming smile.

She trotted over happily, opened her little mouth, and accepted the feeding from Sister Jiang Ruyi.

Jiangjiang Ruyi smiled with doting affection and handed the plate to Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi, saying, "Put it on the table."

"Mm." Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi carried the plate away.

Lu Ran suddenly tilted his head, listening intently with one ear: "Mother is back."

"So early?" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi, of course, trusted her brother's abilities completely; she dashed out quickly.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun, covered in frost and snow, had just turned to close the door when she heard a "thump"!

Her precious daughter was sliding on her knees, rushing straight toward her.

The posture resembled that of a soccer player celebrating a goal on the green field; she was ecstatic.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun smiled helplessly.

Which family has a seventeen-year-old acting this way? Jiang Qiao Yuanxi had celebrated her birthday today; she was already eighteen.

She possessed not a shred of the reserve a young lady ought to have.

Then again, being able to make the cold and aloof disciple Liangye Jian Yi smile was quite an accomplishment for little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi.

"Mother, you're finally home!"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi looked up, smiling sweetly, her eyes filled with longing.

The words of reprimand were already on Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun's lips, but she swallowed them back down.

Never mind; today was her daughter's birthday.

"Mm." Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun responded softly.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi hurriedly helped her mother change her shoes.

Nearby, Lu Ran and Jiangjiang Ruyi also came out, each speaking in turn:

"Mom."

"Auntie Jiang Qiao."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun smiled and nodded, her gaze settling upon Jiangjiang Ruyi.

Rarely, a hint of surprise flickered in Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun's eyes.

Jiangjiang Ruyi's immortal beauty and jade-like appearance were no mere exaggeration; she was indeed stunningly magnificent.

After observing for a moment, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun asked, "Blessed by a deity?"

Jiangjiang Ruyi moved slightly closer to Lu Ran, her smile somewhat shy: "Lu Ran prayed to Lord Xiang Xiang Xianyang on my behalf to obtain this."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi muttered under her breath, "Truly, once he has a wife, he forgets his mother~"

Lu Ran: "."

Jiangjiang Ruyi's heart instantly tightened.

Rarely in a joking mood, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun looked down at her daughter: "It seems he has forgotten you, his little sister, as well?"

"Exactly!" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice, "Mom, you must scold my brother!"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun curled her finger and lightly tapped Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi on the head: "Let's do that later."

Having said that, her gaze swept back and forth between Lu Ran and Jiangjiang Ruyi, growing ever more satisfied.

They were quite a well-matched pair.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun was in a truly good mood, or perhaps, she was deliberately immersing herself in the warm family atmosphere.

Looking at Lu Ran, she teased further, "Leaving aside your other skills for now, your taste in women is indeed first-rate."

Jiangjiang Ruyi's face instantly turned crimson; she lowered her head without speaking.

Lu Ran smiled: "Perhaps I inherited it from my roots; mm, from my father."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun's expression froze slightly.

A full two seconds later, she burst into a soft laugh and stepped into the living room.

As she passed her son, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun rubbed his head with moderate force, then proceeded toward the master bedroom.

To the side, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi's little mouth dropped open into an 'O' shape!

Only after her mother's figure disappeared did Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi lower her voice: "Brother, have you eaten bear hearts and leopard gallbladders?"

Lu Ran was not as composed as one might imagine; he turned his head and headed straight for the kitchen.

Father,

this was a person whom Lu Ran, every time he mentioned, felt a touch of sorrow over, even someone who had constantly troubled him.

Lu Ran still brought him up, joking and smiling.

The feeling was quite strange.

Perhaps this was what they called growing up.

Ever since Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun entered the master bedroom, she had not appeared again; Xiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi went to check two or three times, only to find the door tightly shut.

She did not dare to disturb her, so she could only wait in the dining room.

This wait lasted until just before dinner began.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun had changed into a white homewear nightdress; though the style was simple, on her it appeared exceptionally elegant and graceful.

A woman's overall aura was clearly not bolstered by her clothes, but by that gentle face.

Looking at her children in the dining room, her heart, once soaked in ice and snow, had indeed softened considerably.

"Mom, come quickly, we're just about to start eating," Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi hurriedly called out.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun looked at the table laden with dishes, her gaze falling on a bottle of red wine, beside which there was even a decanter.

Such objects had never appeared within the Jiang Qiao residence before.

Perhaps because the three children had not obtained the family head's approval, the red wine remained unopened, and the decanter had become merely a decoration.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun asked, "You want to drink?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi felt somewhat nervous and asked cautiously, "Is that allowed?"

To increase the success rate, she added, "I came of age today."

Lu Ran looked at Mother, seeing her nod with a smile: "Mm, just drink a little."

"Quick, quick, quick, Brother!" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi beamed, urgently urging Lu Ran to open the wine, "This was given by Skull; it must be good stuff~"

Speaking of this, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi opened up, proudly announcing, "By the way, Mom. Two of my teammates have been selected for the second edition of 'Heaven's Pride'!"

The success of her teammates naturally involved some effort from Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi, and she shared in their glory.

At the same time, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was very grateful to her mother, after all, this small team had been personally arranged for her by Mom.

Although Wang Ling had joined later, Guan Guan Yiren was an initial teammate; now being crowned with the name 'Heaven's Pride' was sufficient to demonstrate Mother's insight.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun took her seat at the head of the table and remarked casually, "Guan Yiren and Wang Ling?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was quite surprised, "How does Mom know?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun smiled gently, "These two teammates of yours have good potential.

With your brother paving the way for them, plus the maneuvering of their families, their selection is only normal."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi looked at Lu Ran not far away, her heart feeling sweet: "My brother takes great care of us; he also built up tremendous momentum for them!"

Jingcheng University is the most prestigious institution in Great Xia, so naturally, talents abound within its walls.

Everyone is at River Realm · Stage Five, all possessing first-class talent and combat power; who gets selected and who does not

depends on how much force is exerted 'off-stage'.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun exhorted her daughter, "You should also focus more; think about your path to advancement.

The River Realm cannot hold back these few teammates of yours; you must keep up with their pace."

"Got it." Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi suddenly thought of something, stood up, and ran out of the dining room.

Lu Ran returned holding the decanter and placed it on a corner of the dining table: "Hasn't Mother been in secluded cultivation all this time? How did you pay attention to these matters?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun raised her eyes to look at her son: "I had Chen Jingjing fetch your combat recordings, and then I saw them."

Lu Ran felt somewhat uneasy and asked, "Did I perform adequately?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun's eyes held a smile: "The number one Heaven's Pride of Great Xia, so lacking in confidence?"

Those eyes, which should have resembled a deep, cold pool, now looked like a clear spring, transparent and bright, warming the heart.

Lu Ran said nothing, merely smiling as he sat down beside Jiangjiang Ruyi.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun spoke with an amused tone: "That speech of yours at the award ceremony was quite confident."

Lu Ran fell silent.

Before the world, he was unstoppable in his prominence, and even in people's hearts, he might be considered unparalleled in his generation.

But to Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun, would those words of his seem somewhat childish?

Mm... never mind; regardless of whether they were childish or not, he was walking this path.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun looked at her son, who hung his head in silence, and said softly, "Having ambition is a good thing."

"Brother!" Before Lu Ran could respond, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi ran over, holding a long, box-like object in her hands.

"What is this?"

"A gift!" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi stuffed the box into Lu Ran's arms, "This is the birthday gift our small team is giving you!"

Without even opening it, Lu Ran knew what was inside.

It should be that Tian Chen Dao which Lu Ran had refused to accept last time at the entrance of the home?

As expected!

Lu Ran opened the box, revealing a Tian Chen Dao, and beside it, a matching scabbard added later.

This scabbard shared the same standard design as Lu Ran's previous three scabbards, likewise featuring a black and gold color scheme.

The only difference was that there were no square characters on the scabbard representing the blade's name.

This time, Lu Ran accepted it with a smile and looked at Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi: "I haven't prepared a birthday gift for you; what should I do?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi pouted her little lips: "When have you ever given one in any year? I'm used to it!"

Lu Ran: "."

The birthdays of the brother and sister had never involved exchanging gifts.

To the two of them, the reunion after a year apart, along with Mother's companionship, was the best gift of all.

And this time, Lu Ran had actually prepared a gift.

He glanced at Jiangjiang Ruyi beside him; the young woman understood immediately and took a small square box from her pocket.

"Ah?" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi exclaimed, both startled and delighted, "Is this for me?"

Jiangjiang Ruyi nodded and said, "Your brother gave it to you."

Lu Ran immediately corrected her, "Your Sister Jiang Ruyi and I gave it to you together."

Inside the box lay a delicate gold necklace, its pendant a small, lustrous white jade bead.

Lu Ran had obtained the jade bead, while Jiangjiang Ruyi had helped match it with the chain.

"Wow!" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was overjoyed; she took out the jade bead necklace to examine it closely, smiling sweetly as she said, "Thank you, Brother and Sister-in-law!"

Jiangjiang Ruyi's face instantly flushed red.

This little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi, really...

On ordinary days she cheerfully called her "Sister Jiang Ruyi," yet today, with the elders present, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi had changed her address to "Sister-in-law."

"Sister-in-law, put it on for me?" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi giggled, winking at Jiangjiang Ruyi.

At the main seat, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun's eyes narrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Her gaze remained fixed on that small jade bead; clearly, she had noticed something.

At Lu Ran's signal, Jiangjiang Ruyi took the jade bead necklace, moved behind Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi, and said, "It is called the Peace Chain."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi asked in confusion, "Peace Chain? That name sounds so strange."

Jiangjiang Ruyi sighed softly in her heart, striving to restrain her sorrowful emotions: "It will protect you and keep you safe from harm; if you encounter danger, you can shatter this jade bead."

"Ah?" Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was somewhat bewildered.

She had thought the necklace's name was merely a beautiful wish.

Could it be that this was a genuine, tangible effect?

After fastening the necklace around little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi's neck, Jiangjiang Ruyi patted her shoulder and spoke with a serious tone: "Jiang Qiao Yuanxi, remember, it can only be used once."

"You must only shatter this jade bead when you face a desperate situation with no chance of survival."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi turned her head and stared blankly at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran had expected his sister's gratitude, expecting to see her overjoyed, treating the gift like a priceless treasure.

Instead, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi's eyes gradually reddened, and tears came instantly.

She suddenly remembered why this round jade bead seemed so familiar.

On Sister Jiang Ruyi's wrist, that delicate red bean bracelet also bore a jade bead just like this one!

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi did not know how this necklace of hers had come to be.

Nor did she know how it functioned.

But Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was certain that the necklace possessed the power to keep her safe from harm.

For her brother to give such a necklace at this particular moment...

It was just like settling affairs before death!

After tonight, Lu Ran would depart; everyone knew this clearly.

He might never return, his life or death unknown, with no further news ever again.

And this Peace Chain was Lu Ran's final tenderness bestowed upon Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi.

Even after he left, he could still protect her one more time.

Perhaps it would be the very last time.

Some emotions never arise all at once.

It is merely that at some instant, a breach opens in the dam, leading to an uncontrollable surge.

"Oh!" The chair Lu Ran sat on slid backward half a length.

Lu Ran embraced his sister who had thrown herself into his arms, gently patting her back as he smiled and said, "You're eighteen years old now, still crying like a baby?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi pouted, burying her face in Lu Ran's shoulder without saying a word.

Lu Ran felt somewhat helpless and glanced apologetically at his mother.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun wore a faint smile on her face, quietly observing this scene.

"Get up quickly," Lu Ran whispered, "Mother is watching."

"Promise me you will definitely return," Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi said softly.

"Alright," Lu Ran replied, unexpectedly straightforward.

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi lifted her pretty face, her large eyes brimming with tears: "Pinky promise?"

Lu Ran: "..."

A child, still making pinky promises?

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi stared stubbornly at Lu Ran, refusing to let go.

"Alright, alright," Lu Ran was willing to coax little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi, just as he had always done.

"Pinky promise, cross my heart..."

An eighteen-year-old young lady, with red-swollen eyes, speaking such childish words, sounded somewhat amusing.

It seemed that by doing so, she could seek a sense of peace in her heart.

Beside them, Jiangjiang Ruyi felt a slight tremor in her heart.

Others might have the qualification to call Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi childish, but she herself did not.

Not long ago, Jiangjiang Ruyi had also stubbornly demanded that Lu Ran carry her up Dengshan and accompany her on a pilgrimage.

One step per stone stair, one step per promise.

What essential difference was there between her and little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi?

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun spoke softly, rousing the few of them: "Let us begin the meal."

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi reluctantly left her brother's embrace and suddenly said, "Can we eat the cake first?"

Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun looked at the table laden with delicious dishes, all carefully prepared by Lu Ran and Jiangjiang Ruyi.

But seeing little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi's tear-streaked face, Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Wanjun's heart ultimately softened.

"Alright." Lu Ran, reading the situation, stood up, went to the refrigerator, and took out a six-inch cake.

Eighteen candles were lit one by one, and the dining room lights were turned off.

As Jiang Qiao Jiang Qiao Yuanxi closed her eyes, pressed her palms together before the cake, and prayed for a long time,

the others finally realized something.

Compared to eating the cake, little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was impatient to make a wish.

And her birthday wish seemed quite substantial.

After all, half of those candles had already burned down, yet little Jiang Qiao Yuanxi was still praying.

In the flickering candlelight,

that small face was so devout.

Four thousand three hundred words!

Also, a notice: Only one update today.

It is time; Rong Yu must prepare properly!

It is time to stir up some trouble, to bring some exciting little programs~

(End of Chapter)