Chapter 1142: Chapter 1142 Fear of Death (3)
She didn’t return to school but instead found a secluded spot to have a good cry, releasing all her emotions. Only then did she return to the Ruan Family in the evening, wearing a smile as if nothing had happened.
But Ruan Jiaojiao couldn’t muster any energy for a moment.
Her status in the Ruan Family was like an emotional barometer; when she was happy, everyone in the Ruan family was happy too. When she was sad, no one in the Ruan family would feel good.
At the dinner table in the evening, looking at the clearly downcast, almost lifeless Ruan Jiaojiao, both Shu Lang and Qin Qiong were somewhat perplexed. During lunch, when they left, everything was fine. Why had things suddenly changed upon their return?
Qin Qiong, being humorous and witty, tried to cheer her up continuously. Yet, Ruan Jiaojiao couldn’t even force a smile. She even had red-rimmed eyes, almost shedding tears after Qin Qiong told a joke.
She quickly got up, accidentally knocking the rice bowls in front of her to the ground, but didn’t care. She only lowered her head and said hoarsely, “I… I feel a bit warm, I’ll go out for a walk first.”
After speaking, she didn’t wait for anyone else to react and walked out with her head down.
This reaction was unexpected for Shu Lang and Qin Qiong.
Qin Qiong felt a bit at a loss, thinking he might have said something displeasing to the young girl. He turned his head somewhat helplessly to Shu Lang, who then looked at Shu Jiao: “Sis, brother-in-law, what’s wrong with Jiaojiao?”
Right after Ruan Jiaojiao got up, Xiu Xi followed quickly, as if sensing something. Even the pet Meatball, followed behind.
Shu Jiao watched Ruan Jiaojiao and Xiu Xi leave the dining table one after the other, a hint of pain in her eyes, and then turned apologetically to Qin Qiong: “I’m full, Mr. Qin, feel free to continue.”
After saying that, she also got up and left the table, not caring about others.
The Ruanlin Family and Ruan Jianguo exchanged glances, having already guessed what was happening. Their mood was very heavy.
The Ruanlin Family also had no appetite; Ruan Jiaojiao’s issue was like a heavy stone on the Ruan family’s heart. Previously, when they had not told Ruan Jiaojiao, they could barely hold it together; but now, with everything out in the open, it was like tearing off the final veil that covered the Ruan family’s face, exposing their unhidable fear and pain.
“I’m full too; take your time eating.” After saying this, the Ruanlin Family also left the table.
Like Shu Jiao, they followed out the door after Ruan Jiaojiao.
In the entire Ruan Family, it was only Ruan Jianguo who truly held it together, still managing to sit by the dining table to host the two guests.
“Brother-in-law, is there something going on in the family?” It wasn’t difficult to see something was amiss with such an obvious anomaly, so Shu Lang asked worriedly.
His sister, such a shrewd and delicate person, would never do something so out of character, and Ruan Jiaojiao, though pampered since childhood, was never spoiled. Clearly, she was fine during the day but suddenly like this at night. He really couldn’t think of any other reason.
The Ruan Family were all aware of and firmly believed in the situation, yet they couldn’t confide in anyone else, even someone like Shu Lang.
Ruan Jianguo, faced with the worried expressions of Shu Lang and Qin Qiong, could only lower his head and down the drink in front of him…
Meanwhile, Ruan Jiaojiao walked straight out the door, heading down the street. The wound on her calf had scarred, but now, due to exertion, it cracked open again, fresh blood dripping down her calf, leaving a trail of bloodstains on the ground.