Chapter 2316

Chapter 2316: Chapter 2316

"You little rascal!" Lu Zishu exclaimed in shock, staring at Lu Meng.

Lu Meng shook his little face solemnly, "Don’t bully Auntie."

Ruan Jiaojiao laughed heartily, "Lu Zishu, now you know how tough it is, you’re asking for it!"

Zhao Li saw someone taking care of Lu Zishu and had already returned to the kitchen, with a smile still lingering at the corner of her mouth as she turned around, while the two men chatting in the living room also smiled helplessly upon hearing the commotion.

Because of this uproar, the morning’s vague tension completely dissipated.

During breakfast, Ruan Jiaojiao asked Ruan Jianguo in confusion, "Dad, where’s Mom?"

"There was something at the hotel this morning, your mom went to handle it," Ruan Jianguo replied.

Ruan Jiaojiao frowned slightly, finding it strange that something required her mom to deal with it instead of her older brother.

However, since Ruan Jianguo said so, Ruan Jiaojiao didn’t ask further.

At this time, Shu Jiao came out of the Shu Family’s study, her face pale and looking very unpleasant.

Gu Zichen, holding Little Potato, approached and asked her to stay for breakfast; she just shook her head. Shu Lang feared she might get into an accident driving in this state, so he got in the car to take her back.

All the way, Shu Jiao lowered her head, staring out the window without speaking.

Shu Lang asked her a question, but she didn’t answer. Although the report had already been submitted and she pleaded with Old Shu to intercept it in vain, she still didn’t mention Ruan Jie’s undercover mission, which was a matter of life and death. The most basic requirement was confidentiality, something she didn’t agree with, yet instinctively kept secret for him.

Shu Lang dropped Shu Jiao off at home and didn’t stay. He left directly.

Ruan Jiaojiao felt a bit suspicious—wasn’t she supposed to go to the hotel? How come Uncle drove her back?

Ruan Jiaojiao attempted to find any hint of abnormality in Shu Jiao’s expression, but there was none.

Although New Year’s Eve wasn’t as grand as New Year’s Eve itself, it was still an important day for gathering. The Ruanlin Family prepared a large table full of dishes, and the Lu Family decided to spend it here.

The day passed lively and bustling. In the evening, Ruan Jiaojiao took out some fireworks sticks she bought days ago and played with them in the yard.

Perhaps because of playing with fire before bed, she got up several times at night, and the last time she woke up, she heard the sound of a car starting downstairs.

She opened the window and looked down, only to see Duan Xi’s car driving off.

Ruan Jiaojiao frowned; it was so late—was Brother Xi going out?

She put on her coat, opened the door, and came out, standing in front of Duan Xi’s door, gently knocking twice. With Duan Xi’s alertness, he should hear, but there was no movement inside, indicating the car was really driven by him just now.

Ruan Jiaojiao pursed her lips, returned to her room, and picked up her phone to call Duan Xi.

The ringtone sounded about twice before being picked up.

Ruan Jiaojiao immediately asked, "Brother Xi, did you just go out? So late, where are you going?"

Duan Xi hadn’t expected her to notice because he once promised her never to hide anything as long as she asked, so he replied truthfully, "Going to the zoo."

"Hmm? What are you going to the zoo for, did something happen?"

Duan Xi glanced at Ruan Jie sitting beside him, shook his head, and replied, "No, I’ll explain the details when I’m back in the morning. Go to sleep early, nothing happened, don’t worry."

Ruan Jiaojiao sighed, unable to disturb his driving, and could only hang up the phone first.

Meanwhile, inside the car, Ruan Jie disapproved somewhat, "Don’t tell her."