"It’s not a bother at all," the matriarch of the Ruanlin Family hurriedly said, recovering her composure. She slightly appeared uncomfortable—for her, always so generous and outgoing, this was the first time she had felt this way.
It was probably Shu Lang’s aura of refined grace that left her at a loss.
She extended her hand politely, inviting him into the main room to sit, busy with pouring water and offering fruit, displaying exceptional politeness and thoughtfulness.
In contrast, Shu Lang seemed quite at ease, probably accustomed to such hospitality from others.
To others, including Ruan Jianguo, this might seem normal—and even he was somewhat overwhelmed. Ruan Jie also buzzed around him, incessantly asking questions with a tone that held something he didn’t reserve for others... Ruan Jiaojiao couldn’t quite describe that feeling, anyway, it was uncomfortable to watch.
Especially seeing how courteously the matriarch of the Ruanlin Family was treating him, while he remained so apparently composed, it made Ruan Jiaojiao feel upset.
Shu Lang truly liked Ruan Jiaojiao. From the moment he saw her, he cherished her to his core. When he beckoned her over and she didn’t come, he condescended to walk over to her, squatted in front of her, eye to eye, and coaxed her with a gentle voice, "Is Jiaojiao shy? I’m your uncle, you know, why aren’t you calling me?"
Ruan Hao and Ruan Jie had already called him, the only exception being Ruan Jiaojiao, who was reluctant to speak, making Shu Lang somewhat anxious.
Ruan Jiaojiao looked at him and pursed her lips, still not uttering a word.
On the other side, Ruan Jianguo was a bit anxious and was just about to urge her to speak when Ruan Jiaojiao suddenly threw herself into the embrace of the matriarch, clinging to her legs and glaring at Shu Lang, "I won’t call him, he didn’t even call Dad!"
From the moment he arrived, Shu Lang had been deliberately ignoring Ruan Jianguo, not even bothering to call him brother-in-law, clearly not acknowledging her father. So, if that was the case, she wouldn’t acknowledge him either.
The instant Ruan Jiaojiao voiced this, Ruan Jianguo’s expression froze, then a flash of emotion crossed his eyes, and he looked at his little girl with a touch of moved pride.
His Little Jiaojiao was indeed his dear little treasure.
Shu Lang was also stunned, completely taken aback by Ruan Jiaojiao’s reason for not calling him.
His expression grew complicated.
Although he truly still couldn’t acknowledge Ruan Jianguo, he had to admit, he has fathered a wonderful daughter!
He rose to his feet, looked towards Ruan Jianguo, and extended his hand proactively, re-introducing himself, "Hello, I’m Shu Lang, brother-in-law." In the end, he did call out, albeit in a low voice.
Ruan Jianguo quickly clasped his hand, replying excitedly, "I know, I know, your sister used to talk about you often. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown; you’re unrecognizable!"
"Yes, time flies. When sister left..." Shu Lang sighed, withdrew his hand, not dwelling on the past, and his gaze once more swept toward Ruan Jiaojiao.
That’s when Ruan Jiaojiao finally stepped out from beside the matriarch and called out, "Uncle."
"Ah!" Shu Lang immediately responded, not holding back this time. He stepped forward and scooped her up in his arms, "Jiaojiao, you are so beautiful, even cuter than you were in the pictures that Uncle saw."
When Shu Jiao received the photos, Shu Lang was also at home. The moment he saw the pictures, he wanted to keep them, but someone else was quicker, and he didn’t have the nerve to challenge that person, so naturally, he had to accept defeat.
Later, he thought that if he couldn’t keep a picture of her alone, a family portrait would do, since Little Jiaojiao was in it after all. But again, that person was faster! Before he could react, they grabbed their luggage and left for school with the photo tucked away!