But now she hesitated.
Because selecting a godparent required matching their astrological birth charts, Ruan Jiaojiao’s chart was already unique. She had not believed in this before, but now she was utterly convinced. She feared that rashly choosing a godparent with a clashing chart could bring adverse effects to Ruan Jiaojiao. Of course, there was still the most important point—she needed to seek Ruan Jiaojiao’s opinion.
After his initial surprise, Ruan Jianguo laughed heartily. He was unaware of the Ruanlin Family’s concerns and thought it didn’t matter much. Just as he was about to agree, he saw the Ruanlin Family giving him a look, and the words on the tip of his tongue were forcefully swallowed back.
The look from the Ruanlin Family was far from subtle; everyone sitting in the hall saw it, including Ruan Jiaojiao, not to mention Zhao Li and Lu Zhiwei.
The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.
The Ruanlin Family thought for a moment, then stood up and said, "Sister Zhao Li, about this... I won’t beat around the bush and will just speak plainly."
"Please do," said Zhao Li.
"Our Jiaojiao has been frail since she was a child. We’ve had the fortune-teller in our team cast her birth chart before, and it’s a bit special. I dare not casually recognize a godparent for her. If you really desire it and don’t mind, could you provide your birth chart first? I’ll have Qian Xiabai look it over. If there’s no clash, I won’t hesitate to agree!"
Upon hearing this, Ruan Jianguo, despite knowing nothing about the matter, immediately added, "That’s right, my dear daughter has always been in poor health. If you truly don’t mind... "
"I don’t mind at all!" Zhao Li immediately replied, her expression easing. She had thought that they were reluctant to agree. Although she had grown up in the city, she had heard about astrology, and since she was the one seeking the arrangement, there was no reason not to understand.
What she didn’t know was that this astrology excuse was just a temporary ruse by the Ruanlin Family.
The Ruanlin Family truly adored Ruan Jiaojiao to the bottom of their hearts.
When it came to recognizing a godparent, they were certain to ask for her opinion. The reason they didn’t ask now was to avoid embarrassment should Ruan Jiaojiao refuse, allowing all parties to save face. By using astrology as an excuse, they could have a set of justifications ready, regardless of Ruan Jiaojiao’s willingness.
Ruan Jiaojiao heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing what the Ruanlin Family said.
She had absolutely no interest in recognizing Zhao Li as a godmother and seizing the opportunity to become the female protagonist.
Apart from changing the antagonist’s feelings towards the female protagonist and protecting all the members of the Ruan Family, she didn’t want to alter any other plot points, fearing that it might cause the storyline to collapse, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Just as she let out a breath of relief, she saw someone suddenly burst into the doorway of her home, kneel down with a plop in front of Zhao Li, and stun everyone in the room.
"I’m willing, I am willing. Auntie, I’m willing to be part of your family, please accept me as your goddaughter, will you?" Wa Yiting knelt before Zhao Li, looking up beseechingly, and reached out to hold Zhao Li’s legs, scaring Zhao Li into retreating several steps.
Ruan Jiaojiao stared blankly at Wa Yiting, equally stunned by her series of actions.
Had she been eavesdropping outside all along?
"Tingzi, what are you doing!" After snapping out of her daze, the Ruanlin Family immediately came over to pull her up.
But Wa Yiting, kneeling on the ground with one hand braced against the floor and the other pushing the Ruanlin Family away, refused to get up. Her eyes, filled with pleading, were fixed on Zhao Li. This was her only chance.