The Kitty Became a Cutie and Was Pampered in the 80s
Chapter 724: Snatch (16)_1

As she walked, she pricked up her ears carefully, listening for any noises from above.

She had just asked the Ruanlin Family downstairs; they had said that Ruan Wei had gone upstairs after having dinner and taking a shower and hadn’t come down since. The Ruanlin Family had checked on him halfway through and saw he had already gone to bed.

Ruan Jiaojiao was surprised; she didn’t expect Ruan Wei to be so unaffected. Was he truly indifferent, or was he just pretending?

She treaded lightly, listening attentively while she pondered, which ironically made her less focused.

So when Ruan Wei ran out of Ruan Chi’s room with a dark expression on his face, Ruan Jiaojiao’s heart skipped several beats in fright.

Ruan Wei’s eyes were red, clearly from crying, and obviously, he had been waiting here for her. As soon as she came up, he glared at her with all his might, "Jiaojiao, did you know about this all along?"

Ruan Jiaojiao hadn’t used a bottle for the milk, but a cup. Startled by him, some had spilled out. It wouldn’t hurt her skin, but the temperature was still a bit scalding for summer.

But that bit of heat was nothing compared to the accusations and resentment in Ruan Wei’s eyes at that moment.

Ruan Jiaojiao felt like her heart had been injured by a sharp object, it ached, and she finally understood the meaning behind Shu Jie’s words that involving herself too much in some matters could bring resentment upon her.

Ruan Jiaojiao lowered her eyes, hiding the hurt in them, and nodded slightly.

"Then why didn’t you tell me sooner? Why wait until now to tell me?" Ruan Wei questioned, his voice rising with each word.

Ruan Jiaojiao’s eyes stung with grievance, and she fought back the tears that threatened to spill, whispering, "Jiaojiao was afraid you’d be upset."

"So you just watched me be foolishly happy every day like an idiot?" Ruan Wei asked. His heart felt as though it had been torn open. This past week had been the happiest for him; he’d always thought about how to share it with his sister, but now... He was thinking, was his sister just watching him like one watches a fool?

"I know I’m not good at studies, you all think I’m dumb," Ruan Wei said before he glanced at Ruan Jiaojiao again, turned around, and went back into his room, slamming the door shut with a bang.

The tears that Ruan Jiaojiao had been holding back filled her eyes and finally fell with a plop.

She felt overwhelmed with grievance.

Xiu Xi, who had entered a few steps slower than she had, reached the staircase and immediately sensed something was off with her mood. His expression darkened, and he strode up quickly. He looked down and, indeed, saw her face covered in tears.

In that moment, the rage stirring within him couldn’t be contained; he lifted his foot and kicked the door in front of him open with a loud "bang."

Inside, Ruan Wei was buried in Ruan Jie’s bed, crying so much he couldn’t catch his breath. In order not to make a sound, he was biting down on the blanket fiercely. Startled by Xiu Xi’s kick, he jerked up, his face a mess of tears and snot as he looked back, still biting on the blanket—the sight was as foolish as it gets.

"..." Ruan Jiaojiao, for some reason, suddenly didn’t feel so bad anymore.

Downstairs, Shu Jie and others who heard the slamming door immediately rushed upstairs, with Shu Jie leading the way, followed by the Ruanlin Family.

When Shu Jie saw Ruan Jiaojiao with red-rimmed eyes and tears on her face, what else was there to misinterpret? Her expression turned unpleasant in an instant.

Truth be told, she really didn’t mind taking care of a few more little nephews at home, nor did she care about the expense. Even though Jiandang, like a negligent shopkeeper, had dumped all three children on them, she never had any negative thoughts.