The Kitty Became a Cutie and Was Pampered in the 80s
Chapter 1021: Xin Family (9)

Chapter 1021: Chapter 1021: Xin Family (9)

Before heading out today, Ruan Jie was sternly instructed by the Ruanlin Family matriarch, only then allowed to leave the house. Shu Jiao, feeling somewhat uneasy, reminded Xiu Xi after getting into the car: "Xiaoxi, auntie might be a bit preoccupied today. Could you help auntie keep an eye on Jiaojiao, alright?"

Xiu Xi naturally agreed.

This was Ruan Jiaojiao’s first time attending such a banquet. To say she wasn’t nervous would be untrue, but with Shu Jiao by her side and Xiu Xi holding her hand the entire time, she managed to keep herself steady.

The Xin Family and Jiang Family lived in the same compound. The Jiang Family inhabited a traditional courtyard-style residence, while the Xin Family resided in a small villa with front and back gardens. Thus, this birthday celebration wasn’t held at an external hotel but directly at their home, with invitations extended to Beidu’s upper social circle.

By the time the Ruan Family arrived, many guests were already present at the Xin Family’s residence. With introductions facilitated by the Jiang Family, the Xin couple promptly came out to greet them as soon as they stepped out of the car.

Xin Miao was turning ten this year. She had an older brother, aged fifteen, and an older sister, aged thirteen. The Xin couple were of similar age to Shu Jiao and Ruan Jianguo.

Madam Xin was a Jiangnan beauty, exuding a particularly graceful and charming demeanor. She bore some resemblance to Shu Jiao but was also distinct—Shu Jiao possessed a touch more scholarly refinement.

As for Xin Bo and Ruan Jianguo, the contrast couldn’t be starker.

The Ruan Family rose to prominence in the early 1990s, and though they were now modestly wealthy, they still fell far short of true affluence. Ruan Jianguo was quintessentially a farmer—though he had received some education, it wasn’t extensive. Years of farming had shaped him, and even now, clad in a suit, he gave off the impression of a beast dressed in human clothing.

One couldn’t help but feel, from the depths of their heart, that he was completely out of place in such an environment.

Xin Bo, however, was the epitome of a cultured gentleman—a university professor. He had a younger sister who had been classmates with Shu Jiao years ago, thus forming a faint connection.

Back then, Shu Jiao had been the dream girl of many—well-off family background, good looks, and intellect. Yet, few could have imagined her marrying such a man. Some who recognized Shu Jiao wore expressions of pity on their faces, though what they truly thought remained inscrutable.

When Ruan Jiaojiao stepped out of the car, clutching Shu Jiao’s hand, she could sense those gazes fixated on them. Her mood soured, and she pursed her little lips unhappily. She wasn’t oblivious—how could she not know that these people were looking down on her father?

She felt indignant. Her father’s virtues could take ten days and nights to recount; what would these people understand!

From another car, Ruan Hao alighted, first helping Grandpa Ruan down. Then, noticing Ruan Jiaojiao sulkily puffing out her cheeks nearby, he couldn’t help but smile warmly. He roughly guessed what she was thinking. His little sister shared the same fiercely protective streak as Ruan Jianguo. Quietly walking over, he reached out to gently hold her small hand, silently offering comfort.

"Big brother?" Feeling Ruan Hao’s firm yet reassuring grip, Ruan Jiaojiao tilted her head to look at him.

"Just be yourself. You don’t need to care about others’ opinions." Ruan Hao spoke with a gentle smile, his eyes radiating warmth.

Ruan Jiaojiao pouted. Though still annoyed, under Ruan Hao’s kind and indulgent gaze, she obediently nodded her head.

"Please come in, please come in." Nearby, the adults had finished their pleasantries, and Madam Xin and Xin Bo personally welcomed them inside.

Before taking her first step, Shu Jiao instinctively looked for Ruan Jiaojiao. Madam Xin, standing beside her, followed her gaze and also spotted Ruan Jiaojiao, her eyes instantly lighting up.