She responded toward the door, put the towel aside to open it, and saw it was Jiaojiao. She smiled, "Jiaojiao, what brings you here?"

"Sister-in-law, we’re about to head out soon to the dance hall. I came to see if you need any help." Jiaojiao didn’t come inside but poked her head in to look. Seeing Ruan Jun lying still on the bed, she pointed with some concern, "Is Jun okay? Should I call the other brothers to help later?"

Looking at Jiaojiao’s concerned expression, and thinking about her parents and sister who couldn’t wait to go shopping at the big mall across the street right after the banquet, Hong Ping felt a bit softened inside.

When Hong Ping first learned of Jiaojiao’s existence, she couldn’t quite understand why the Ruan brothers doted on her excessively. Although she also had a sister whom she loved, no matter how much she adored her own sister, it wouldn’t reach the level of the Ruan brothers’ affection.

For example, her current husband often mentioned Jiaojiao when he was with her, and whenever he went to Beidu, he’d bring a bunch of stuff, saying his sister liked it.

He truly had his sister on his mind at all times.

And then there’s Ruan Hao.

Compared to the other Ruan brothers, she had more dealings with him due to her relationship with Ruan Jun.

Her current job is mainly to assist Ruan Jun, essentially being a personal assistant.

The first time she met Ruan Hao, she thought he was a very gentle person, gentle to everyone, even to the hotel staff, always a gentleman with a perpetual smile, which led to many new young girls at the hotel having some unrealistic fantasies about him.

However, once you spent more time with him, you’d discover that his gentleness and gentlemanly demeanor were just courtesies, not signaling any special regard for you.

He would smile at you and speak to you softly, but that’s all it would be.

He would never extend a hand to help you up if you fell and hurt yourself, nor let you even touch the hem of his garment.

Such is Ruan Hao, seemingly gentle but with a heart as cold as ice.

The only person she had ever seen him show indulgence, emotion, and affection towards was Jiaojiao.

In the past, she didn’t understand why the Ruan brothers spoiled her so. But as she looked at Jiaojiao standing in her doorway now, she understood.

Today was her wedding, and all the embarrassment came from her own family.

Yet, all the warmth came from Jiaojiao, who was pampered by the Ruan family like a treasure, someone you wouldn’t think would understand anything.

Whether it was her unhesitating help in holding up her dress initially or her little head peeking through the door now, asking if she needed help without barging in, it all made her feel a warmness in her heart.

Looking at her, Hong Ping said, "No need, sister-in-law can handle this." After a pause, she couldn’t help but grasp the young girl’s soft little hand: "Jiaojiao, thank you."

Jiaojiao had no idea Hong Ping’s mind had been swirling with so many thoughts in such a short time. She shook her head bashfully, "Oh, sister-in-law, you’re too polite. I didn’t do much. I’ll head out now. If you and Jun have time tonight, come join us. Big brother’s rented out the place for us. It’s just our family, no outsiders."

Hong Ping nodded.

As Jiaojiao was leaving, she remembered something and said, "Oh, sister-in-law, if Lingling asks later, just tell her we’ve already reached the dance hall and she can come over on her own."