Chapter 2238
Since his brother had gone to such lengths to hide this matter and keep their parents from finding out, as the younger brother, there wasn’t much else he could do to help, so this was the only thing within his power.
Only that very night he went back to the Zhao Family home, pulled Lu Meng to a quiet place and asked, "Xiaomeng, Uncle already knows whose heart you have now. From now on you’re Uncle’s real nephew. But... can you tell Uncle what deal you and your dad made?"
Lu Meng blinked his pretty big eyes at him and shook his head. "No. If I tell, Dad will be angry. That’s Dad’s only wish."
"Wish?" Lu Zishu thought it over.
Based on all the years he’d known his brother, there was nothing his brother wanted that he couldn’t get. If he had to name one exception, it would be Ruan Jiaojiao.
Could it really be related to Ruan Jiaojiao?
He leaned closer to Lu Meng and asked in a low voice, "Is it about your Aunt Jiaojiao?"
Lu Meng still didn’t answer. He only said, "Dad said Xiaomeng has to always protect Aunt Jiaojiao, guard her forever." Thinking of what happened last time in the hospital, he persuaded Lu Zishu again, "Uncle, you have to do that too. You can’t hurt Aunt Jiaojiao. Dad will be unhappy."
When it came to feelings, Lu Zishu was usually incredibly dense, but this time, listening to Lu Meng, he understood in an instant.
It really was about Ruan Jiaojiao.
Bitterness and sourness welled up in his chest, all because of his brother.
He pulled Lu Meng into his arms and nodded solemnly. "Okay, Uncle will guard her together with you."
Lu Zishu knew he had a sharp tongue; he’d been like that since he was a kid. Maybe he did have some feelings against Ruan Jiaojiao, but those feelings came quickly and went just as fast. He had never truly resented her; it was just that sometimes, when his emotions flared up, he couldn’t control his mouth.
He didn’t keep digging into it either. It was just that every year after that, he would go to a temple once and donate some incense money, because no matter what wish his brother had made, he hoped it would come true...
——
In early February of 1999, Beidu welcomed a heavy snowfall.
Because there was heating indoors, the temperature difference between inside and outside was huge. Early in the morning, Ruan Jiaojiao was wrapped up like a dumpling by the Ruanlin Family and sent out the door.
In the car, Duan Xi had already turned on the heater. Ruan Jiaojiao felt uncomfortable wearing so many layers, but if she didn’t, the Ruanlin Family would nag, so she could only put them on first, then start taking things off once she got in the car.
"You only just got over your cold a few days ago." Duan Xi reminded her with a frown as he drove.
"But like this I can barely breathe." Ruan Jiaojiao scrunched her little brows and whimpered. Wearing so much, she felt like a ball. Never mind not looking good—when she sat down she honestly felt a bit short of breath.
Seeing her little face flushed red and not looking like she was lying, Duan Xi finally didn’t lean over to stop her.
Ruan Jiaojiao first took off the down jacket on the outside, then the wool sweater underneath. After taking off two layers, she felt much freer in her movements, and only then did she let out a comfortable sigh of relief.
"Brother Xi, I only have one exam this time. You don’t have to wait outside for me. Later, I’ll just go back together with Big Brother."
Because she hadn’t stayed over at Hengya for a long time, Ruan Jiaojiao didn’t have much to pack for winter break. After today’s exam, she could go straight home. As for the exam results, they would be mailed home later.
"Okay." Duan Xi nodded. His company had been busy lately, and he really couldn’t spare the time.