Returning to the Ruan Family, they didn’t have the heart to entertain the curious villagers. They hastily exchanged a few words and asked them to leave, not caring what they were discussing.
Ruan Jiaojiao was solemnly placed on the table in the main hall.
The family touched her here and looked at her there, making sure there weren’t any injuries on her body.
As the Ruanlin Family checked her over, tears started to flow again. This day and night had been more unbearable for her than her entire life. She had even thought that if Ruan Jiaojiao couldn’t be found in the end, she would follow her to the next life.
She was unwilling to let her Little Jiaojiao go to the Underworld alone, afraid she would be bullied or neglected...
But just when she was desperate enough to die, her daughter came back, which was a gift from heaven to her. Holding her daughter, she really couldn’t bear to let go, fearing that if she did, Heaven might take her back.
"Grandma, Jiaojiao is fine. It was Brother Xiuxi who saved me," Ruan Jiaojiao said softly as she wiped the tears from the Ruanlin lady’s eyes, and then she repetitively assured the Ruan family members as she looked at Xiu Xi standing on the other side.
Initially, everyone’s attention was on Ruan Jiaojiao, unable to shift their gaze to anyone else. Now that her safety was confirmed, their eyes finally turned to Xiu Xi.
Seeing his disheveled appearance and scars, the Ruan family was deeply moved.
"Good child, good child!" the Ruanlin lady said, her eyes teary as she looked at Xiu Xi as if he were a heavenly being.
They didn’t doubt his sincerity or the possibility of what had happened; whatever Ruan Jiaojiao said was taken as truth.
The Ruan family was very grateful to Xiu Xi.
As Ruan Jiaojiao was taken by the Ruanlin lady to bathe, Xiu Xi was surrounded by the Ruan boys at the edge of the courtyard. Since he was a boy, his bath wasn’t as elaborate, simply washing in his shorts in the courtyard.
After the bath, Du Qing brought over a set of Ruan Lei’s clothes and some new shorts for him to wear.
When Xiu Xi emerged in new clothes, Du Qing was astounded, clicking his tongue in wonder: "This child is so spirited. I’ve never seen such a good-looking child. It’s a shame he’s with that family."
Otherwise, such a handsome child would be cherished by everyone.
"Indeed, he is so beautiful." Perhaps it’s not appropriate to call a boy beautiful, but Xiu Xi was indeed beautiful, and not in a feminine way.
Du Qing led Xiu Xi out, where Ruan Jiaojiao had already finished bathing, her scrapes medicated, and was being comforted in the Ruanlin lady’s arms. Seeing Xiu Xi being led out, everyone showed admiring looks.
"How can this child be so good-looking!" exclaimed the Ruanlin lady.
"Exactly, I was just saying the same. I’ve never seen such a beautiful child before." Du Qing smiled too, walking over to take the bottle of red medicine from the Ruanlin lady’s hand, asking Xiu Xi to sit on a low stool while she crouched to apply the medicine to his wounds.
"Fourth child’s wife, quickly go make something tasty for the two kids to eat. Cook whatever good things we have at home, let’s nourish them well," the Ruanlin lady said with concern, looking at the injuries on Xiu Xi and speaking to Wu Le.
"Eh, yes," Wu Le responded promptly and hurried to the kitchen to prepare food.
"Xiaoxi, you saved our Jiaojiao. From now on, if you don’t mind, whether you want to eat or need anything, just tell Granny. As long as Granny can do it, it’s yours!"