Chapter 1985: Love Going Stale (2)

Jiaojiao saw this and felt puzzled, her gaze wandering over Shu Jiao’s flushed face.

"I’ll go wash my hands first." Shu Jiao felt a bit embarrassed and headed to the downstairs bathroom, her face still warm.

In the bathroom, she not only washed her hands but also splashed water on her face, feeling the warmth ebb away. Only then did she open the door and step out, just in time to meet Ruan Jianguo, who had just changed his pants.

Because the downstairs had air conditioning, it wasn’t hot. Ruan Jianguo was wearing men’s jeans, and a blue undershirt on top. Although his outfit was simple, now that he lost his beer belly, he was like a clothes rack, tall and handsome.

To be fair, heaven has favored the Ruan Family. Ruanlin is over sixty now, yet for years she’s been consuming the Ganoderma Powder Xiaobai brought back, looking not only younger than peers but increasingly spry. Ever since her gray hair turned black again years ago, it stayed that way. Now, with such a large villa and so many mouths to feed, she manages everything easily and joyfully.

Both Ruan Jianguo and Shu Jiao are in their forties, yet they look younger than peers, especially Shu Jiao. She knows how to maintain herself and exudes good temperament. If she hadn’t mentioned having a son as old as Ruan Hao, no one would guess she was over forty.

As for Ruan Jianguo, even when he had a beer belly, he never looked old — just a bit flashy. Now with that belly gone, he faintly resembles his youthful self again.

Jiaojiao sat curled up on the sofa, nibbling on a watermelon slice, watching her parents walk side by side, and couldn’t help flashing her eyes brightly.

No matter how others said that Ruan the Wealthy wasn’t a match for Shu Jiao, in her eyes, the two were perfect for each other.

With a smile, she waved at them. Once Shu Jiao sat beside her, Jiaojiao promptly handed her a slice of watermelon, asking, "Mom, are you coming back with us?"

Ruan Jianguo didn’t go out to buy tickets. Sitting with a few boys on the other side, upon hearing Jiaojiao’s question, he immediately looked eagerly at Shu Jiao.

Shu Jiao glanced at her, pondered for a few seconds, and then nodded.

Jiaojiao’s face bloomed with a smile, and Ruan Jianguo also grinned. Although father and daughter don’t resemble each other, their smiles share a mysterious likeness.

But now, figuring out how to get back was truly challenging.

If we want Rou Rou to come back, then Xiaoxue can’t be left alone here. If Xiaoxue wants to come back, that means the thirteen little cubs have to come along too. Traveling back by train with such a large group is impractical.

Jiaojiao suddenly remembered when Yu Rou mentioned wanting to visit her home during their travels, sparking an idea. Her eyes gleamed as she surveyed the room full of brothers: "How about we drive back? We could rent a long-haul sleeper vehicle to return. Brothers, you all know how to drive, we can take turns on the road."

The more Jiaojiao spoke, the more viable it seemed: "We could enjoy the scenery along the way, treating it like a trip. Anyway, there’s still a month to Jun’s wedding. We can definitely make it."

She turned to Shu Jiao, shaking her arm: "Mom, what do you think?"

Seeing Jiaojiao’s expectant eyes, Shu Jiao nodded: "Okay."

Although it might take some time, being able to accompany her daughter to explore and fulfill her wishes was the most important thing to Shu Jiao.