Ruan Jiaojiao had not intended to disrupt the original story, not wanting to compete with the female lead for this godmother, but the female lead’s previous push showed her that even if she was unwilling, even if she did nothing, it did not mean she could safely get through it all.
Since that was the case, she would seize the initiative and take control of every advantage for herself.
She was determined to protect the entire Ruan Family.
With Ruan Jiaojiao’s willingness, the Ruanlin Family no longer put on airs and graciously accepted her, and since there were too many people downstairs in a messy crowd, they had someone send things directly up to the second-floor living room.
Now, in the blistering heat of midday, the Ruanlin Family warmly invited the workers to stay for a meal too. The workers glanced at Lu Zhiwei, and after seeing him nod, they accepted with smiles.
The Ruan Family’s banquet was very respectable, with meat dishes making up the majority, a feast not even all families had during the New Year.
Everyone ate to their satisfaction, and of course, there were a few sour comments, but they were quickly countered by others, as the villagers were honest folk, not accustomed to speaking nonsense with their eyes wide open.
The Ruan Family’s hospitality was truly beyond reproach.
Lu Zhiwei was invited to sit at the main guest table, which was occupied by village leaders from the team.
Men’s meals meant drinking, and as soon as they sat, they started drinking, filling the entire house with laughter.
Zhao Li sat at another table with her two sons, sharing the table with the Ruanlin Family.
The Ruanlin Family looked at the other child next to her, who seemed about eight or nine years old: "This must be Lu Zishu, he looks so smart. What grade is he in now?"
"Third grade, in the same class as your Ruan Lei," Zhao Li answered, hardly able to spare an extra glance for her own son, while cooing at Ruan Jiaojiao with a bright smile, "Here, Jiaojiao, have a drumstick."
Ruan Jiaojiao sweetly expressed her thanks, but her gaze frequently swept over Lu Zishu.
In the original book, Lu Zishu was also a male supporting character, deeply in love with the female lead Wa Yiting, but never revealing his feelings, silently caring and protectively loving, he only came into contact with the female lead after Zhao Li recognized Wa Yiting as her goddaughter.
Their meeting was filled with drama.
After the female lead was recognized as Zhao Li’s goddaughter, she moved into the Lu Family’s home. At that time, Lu Xian was already married with children and did not live at home, while Lu Zishu was away on business and unaware that someone new had joined their household.
In the middle of the night, he returned home to find an unexpected woman there and mistook her for a thief, almost having her sent to the police station.
But could this be considered as "no fight, no acquaintance"?
Perhaps due to his innate personality, after falling in love with the female lead, Lu Zishu did not want to ruin her happiness and never disclosed his feelings, merely watching over her silently and protecting her. He was especially determined when dealing with the female supporting character Ruan Jiaojiao.
Ruan Jiaojiao’s scrutiny was felt by Lu Zishu, who was frowning and disdaining the rustic area. He looked up and saw Ruan Jiaojiao’s fair, tender little face.
He had heard too much about this little girl from Zhao Li, to the point where he even began to feel annoyed, especially when Zhao Li expressed disdain for him being a boy, saying that she would definitely exchange him for Ruan Jiaojiao if it were possible, which irritated him to no end.
Now that he had finally met the person in question, he thought she was just average, merely fairer, more tender, prettier, and plumper than others, nowhere near as exaggerated as his mother described.
Uninterested, he averted his gaze and continued eating, finding the rural food quite appetizing despite the dirtiness of the place, especially the stir-fried chili and pork, which for some reason tasted much better than what he had at home.