Since Ruan Jianguo and Shu Jiao divorced, days when Shu Jiao returned to the Ruan Family were few and far between. At first, Jiaojiao cared, but she got used to it over time. Anyway, if she really wanted to see her, she could do so anytime.

So the next night at around nine, she was curled up on the sofa watching TV with the Ruanlin Family. When Shu Jiao walked in, it was quite a surprise.

"Mom, it’s so late, why are you here?" she asked, lifting herself up.

Because Ruan Family hotel was closer to the Shu Family, and it was already late, Shu Jiao usually headed that way. That was her intention, but upon hearing this, Shu Jiao’s expression stiffened slightly and she asked vaguely, "What? Mom can’t come this late?"

"Of course not," Ruan Jiaojiao quickly shook her head, "I didn’t mean it like that. I meant to say isn’t it closer to grandpa’s side?"

Ruan Jiaojiao walked over and hugged her arm, explaining.

Shu Jiao knew her emotions were inexplicable, lowered her eyelids, and said, "I had some business in the Western District today, so I came by on the way."

"Have you eaten?" Ruanlin Family asked, rising to stand.

"Mom, I have. You go ahead and watch TV; I’ll take a shower first," Shu Jiao replied. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"Alright, the hot water’s ready," Ruanlin Family nodded, then sat back down and continued watching TV.

Ruan Jiaojiao gazed thoughtfully at Shu Jiao’s back as she returned to her room, a seemingly impossible notion flashing through her mind.

And this notion was quickly confirmed.

Ruan Jiaojiao was accustomed to going to bed early and waking up early, so she headed to her room after ten. Just as she lay down, she heard a knock at the door. Thinking it was Duan Xi, she called out for them to come in, only to see Shu Jiao open the door.

Shu Jiao stood at the door looking at her, "Already asleep?"

Ruan Jiaojiao leaned against the headboard and shook her head.

Shu Jiao came in, sat by her bedside, and touched her quilt, asking, "Is this too thin?"

"No, it’s not," Ruan Jiaojiao replied.

Shu Jiao nodded and continued, "Remember to take the herbal medicine your aunt sent last time, don’t be afraid of the bitterness..."

"Mom, is there something you want to ask me? Just ask, and as long as I know, I’ll tell you," Ruan Jiaojiao said candidly, as she was not used to seeing Shu Jiao being so indecisive.

Shu Jiao’s expression stiffened slightly, feeling a bit ashamed.

Ruan Jiaojiao crawled over and held her hand, "Mom, I’m your daughter. Is there anything you feel awkward asking between us?"

Shu Jiao sighed.

She raised her head and looked at Ruan Jiaojiao. No longer hesitant, she directly asked, "Yesterday you said you called your dad, was it a woman who answered?"

"Mom, how did you know?" Ruan Jiaojiao looked at her in shock.

This reaction by Ruan Jiaojiao undoubtedly confirmed a suspicion in Shu Jiao’s heart, making her feel sour and uncomfortable with some changes in her expression.

Ruan Jiaojiao, seemingly unaware of her reaction, continued, "It was a woman, speaking in a sticky tone, claiming to be dad’s secretary. But I remember dad’s secretary is Uncle Qing. I don’t know where this secretary came from. Later that night, dad called me back, but not from that mobile number, it was another one. Dad also said he changed his phone, and his number too."