Chapter 2222: Sister-in-law (Part 4)
After seeing off relatives and friends, Lu Zhiwei looked at Ruan Jianguo several times, wanting to speak but not knowing what to say. Instead, it was Ruan Jianguo who came over and patted his shoulder: "It’s okay, we all know she didn’t mean it, no hard feelings."
The Ruan Family indeed held no grudges, understanding that Zhao Li had been deeply affected and might have some mental issues.
But Duan Xi thought differently; among those at the cemetery, his expression was the most unpleasant.
Still, he was mindful of both families’ reputations and refrained from speaking out directly.
Ruan Jiaojiao hadn’t expected Zhao Li to end up like this, feeling both pain and guilt. In the days since Lu Xian left, she couldn’t sleep well; whenever she closed her eyes, it was as if Lu Xian’s image and smile were still before her.
Memories that were once not deeply ingrained now replayed over and over.
She remembered the first time she met Lu Xian; back then, she didn’t like him because he had injured her brother, and she disliked him for it.
Yet he seemed oblivious to her dislike, always stuffing chocolates in her pockets when he saw her.
At that time, chocolate was a rarity, but he would bring handfuls every visit, once causing Zhao Li to joke that he’d emptied his family’s pantry.
Later, when she grew a bit older and worried about her teeth, he stopped giving sweets and started with other small gifts.
The popular toys of the time, he would gather many before having Ruan Jie bring them to her.
Whenever she and Lu Zishu had a conflict, he would unerringly go after Lu Zishu first. Even if it wasn’t Lu Zishu’s fault, he would always kick Lu Zishu.
So many past events...
They haunted Ruan Jiaojiao’s mind, leaving her unable to sleep.
Lu Xian’s departure had already pained everyone profoundly. Now Zhao Li was like this, and Ruan Jiaojiao was truly overwhelmed.
She stood there dazed, listening to Zhao Li mumble about things that didn’t exist, over and over, as if she and Lu Xian were genuinely married and had Lu Meng, her heart ached unbearably.
After speaking for a while, Zhao Li turned her head to Ruan Jiaojiao, smiling with great kindness, reaching out to hold her hand and saying: "Jiaojiao, come, say a few words to your brother Xian."
"Godmother..." Ruan Jiaojiao choked up as she looked at her.
"Why are you crying again, child? Stop crying now; think how upset your brother Xian would be to see you like this. My greatest accomplishment in this lifetime was arranging your betrothal back then. Otherwise, how would we have such a cute grandson like Xiaomeng now, right?"
With that, Zhao Li turned to talk to Lu Xian again.
But her words were repetitive, circling back, saying them over and over.
Everyone just watched silently as she spoke, no one making a sound, until eventually the rain grew too heavy to stay. Lu Zishu and Ruan Jiaojiao finally managed to coax Zhao Li back.
Once out, Zhao Li dragged Ruan Jiaojiao into her car, with Lu Meng by her side, the three sitting in the back, each hand holding onto one of them.
Duan Xi furrowed his brows as he got into the passenger seat ahead of Lu Zishu.
From the cemetery to the Lu Family residence, nearly an hour’s journey, Zhao Li chattered nonstop, as if she would never tire or thirst, remaining cheerful throughout, showing no sign of sadness or sorrow.