Chapter 2313

Chapter 2313: Chapter 2313

"When are you leaving?" Shu Jiao asked amid the silence.

"The report has been submitted. It should be finalized by April at the latest," Ruan Jie replied, his voice hoarse.

Then, another bout of silence ensued.

After a long time, Shu Jiao tossed the documents aside and stood up: "We understand. It’s getting late. Let’s all go our separate ways." After speaking, she headed to her room.

Shu Jiao rarely reacted this way. Even when upset, she wouldn’t show it. Seeing her response, Ruan Jianguo quickly stood up, gestured toward Ruan Jie, and hurried after her.

Once the couple closed the door, Ruanlin Family sighed and also stood up, saying: "You all have grown up and made your own choices. We, as parents, have aged and can’t stop you from doing anything. Sigh."

In the end, only Ruan Hao, Ruan Jie, and Duan Xi remained in the living room.

Ruan Jie bowed his head, fingers tangled in his hair. His heart was heavy too. He didn’t know if he made the right choice, but he had to go. That was his brother, after all, who died in such a place.

How could he find peace with injustice!

He buried his head in his hands, an expression of restraint on his face. Ruan Hao voiced his curiosity: "Do you feel like the family doesn’t understand you?"

Ruan Jie lifted his head. Ruan Hao stared coldly at him: "They don’t know the truth about Lu Xian. They can’t comprehend why you’re doing this. But, Ruan Jie, have you ever considered all of us? To cut off retreat, you submitted the report before even telling us."

Upon hearing this, Ruan Jie’s expression turned obscure and guilty.

Ruan Hao stood up and left too.

Only Duan Xi remained: "Think about how you’ll explain to Jiaojiao."

After speaking, he too departed, leaving Ruan Jie alone in the living room, stunned.

In the master bedroom downstairs.

Ruan Jianguo walked hesitantly behind Shu Jiao, patted her shoulder, and handed her a piece of paper. Shu Jiao took it with her head down and wiped her face.

Ruan Jianguo consoled her: "Don’t cry, honey. Xiaojie grew up in the countryside, won so many awards at school. I’ve heard he’s quite capable; he should be fine."

Upon hearing this, Shu Jiao immediately glared at him: "What do you know!"

Shu Jiao pressed the tissue against her eyes, tears quickly soaking it.

Conducting JD undercover work, especially in such a dangerous border wasteland, few return safely. Especially thinking that Lu Xian perished there, Shu Jiao’s heart ached.

Even though she usually favored Ruan Jiaojiao, both children are part of her soul; how could she not be hurt?

The most frustrating part was his irreversible decision, leaving no way back, directly submitting the report.

Ruan Jianguo fell silent, his heart heavy.

As parents, they take pride in their children’s achievements. But if this success requires risking their lives, they’d rather have their children be ordinary as long as they are healthy and safe.

As Shu Jiao said, Ruan Jie was too ruthless, not leaving any room for himself or for them.

The next day was Little New Year. Ruan Jiaojiao slept early and woke up early the following day. As the family gathered, she thought of Zhao Li returning today, feeling particularly good.

After washing up, she hummed a tune as she descended the stairs. Seeing that breakfast wasn’t ready, she walked into the yard, jogging over to the neighbor’s place. Seeing the Lu family’s door wide open and hearing noises inside, she happily called out: "Godmother, Godfather."