Chapter 270: Ulterior Motives
Chapter 270: Ulterior Motives
As Jiang Ruyi had said, Jiang's parents indeed had pleasant personalities.
The group sat on the living room sofa, chatting for a long time, and the conversation was delightful.
Jiang Ruyi sat on the floor next to the coffee table, constantly refilling tea for everyone.
She smiled sweetly, and every time she heard her parents praising Lu Ran, her heart felt warm and content.
Her well-behaved and charming demeanor made Lu Ran look at her again and again.
Lu Ran was invited to stay for lunch, and it was only when he saw the zongzi on the dining table that he realized why Jiang's parents were on vacation.
Yesterday had been the Dragon Boat Festival.
There was something else that Lu Ran realized belatedly.
When he tasted Jiang's mother's cooking, he was surprised to find that the dishes tasted familiar.
Jiang Ruyi often brought lunch boxes for Lu Ran, and it turned out that some of the dishes were made by Jiang's mother.
"Eat more, Lu Ran, you're too thin," Zhuang Jingyi said as she served Lu Ran a piece of braised spare ribs.
"Thank you, Aunt Zhuang," Lu Ran quickly picked up his bowl.
Zhuang Jingyi smiled at the young man before her.
She had seen Lu Ran's heroic figure on TV.
It was hard to associate the renowned and mighty Great Summer Tianjiao with the gentle young man in front of her.
She had learned a lot about Lu Ran from her daughter.
Zhuang Jingyi understood that Lu Ran was indeed like this in real life.
"Lu Ran, I heard you want to go to Wu Lie River University?" Jiang Zheng suddenly spoke up.
"Yes," Lu Ran nodded.
Mentioning this, Zhuang Jingyi expressed her gratitude, "These past few months, we've been receiving calls from college admissions offices.
With you by her side, Ruyi has benefited a lot, and she can choose any school she wants."
Lu Ran smiled and said, "It's because Ruyi is excellent and capable."
Jiang Zheng smiled and asked, "With such good grades, you could easily get into Capital University. It would be a pity not to."
Better universities naturally meant more resources and opportunities.
However, Lu Ran didn't care about these things.
He said, "If Rain Alley City had a university, I would have stayed here directly."
"Hehe~" Zhuang Jingyi chuckled softly, "You really miss home, huh?"
Lu Ran silently nodded.
Zhuang Jingyi sighed in her heart.
She knew that Lu Ran had come from the capital and was living alone.
Lu Ran's self-reliance and independence made Zhuang Jingyi, as a mother, feel emotional.
She also knew that there were things here that Lu Ran couldn't bear to part with.
Jiang Zheng spoke up at the right moment, "Actually, the capital isn't far from here, just an hour away by high-speed rail."
As a father, he naturally hoped that his daughter would go to a better university, which was understandable.
However, his daughter had declined invitations from many prestigious schools and had made up her mind to go to Wu Lie River University with Lu Ran.
Lu Ran thought for a moment and said, "Uncle Jiang, my roots are here.
I'm not going to Wu Lie River University because it's in our province.
It's because of this river, which flows through the city where the university is located."
Lu Ran was clear that he was like a tree, and to grow taller and more lush, his roots needed to be deeper.
"Dad," Jiang Ruyi frowned slightly, a little dissatisfied.
"Okay, okay," Jiang Zheng repeatedly apologized, "Uncle is just an ordinary person, and he doesn't understand many things. Blame me for being too talkative."
Lu Ran shook his head with a smile, "No, Uncle Jiang is also looking out for us."
"Eat your food," Zhuang Jingyi served Lu Ran a few more pieces of spare ribs.
Lu Ran suddenly spoke up, his expression turning serious, "I will take good care of Ruyi."
Jiang Zheng looked at Lu Ran's earnestness, and his smile was filled with relief, "Uncle believes in you."
Lu Ran was not an ordinary young man; he was the renowned Great Summer Tianjiao.
It was truly fortunate that his daughter had found such a person to love.
Zhuang Jingyi spoke softly, "Lu Ran, you've already taken good care of Ruyi.
Your uncle and I are just ordinary people, and there are many things we want to do but can't.
The sword you gave Ruyi can protect her for life, and it has given us great peace of mind."
Jiang Ruyi lowered her head and ate her food in small bites.
There were some things her parents didn't know.
For example, what were the conditions for the Cool Night Sword to become a Divine Weapon?
The meal was enjoyable for both the hosts and the guests.
Lu Ran stayed at home for a while longer, and then, with Jiang's parents seeing them off, he left the house with Jiang Ruyi.
The two strolled leisurely on the road, and the only downside was that the dark clouds had dispersed, and the afternoon sun was scorching.
Lu Ran felt even hotter.
He was still wearing his black combat uniform.
Jiang Ruyi, on the other hand, had changed into a white short-sleeved shirt and denim shorts, with a pair of exquisite slippers on her feet.
Her youthful and stylish look made Lu Ran's heart flutter.
Who was so lucky to have such a fair-skinned and beautiful girlfriend? It turned out to be me!
Hehe~
Where can I complain about this?
Jiang Ruyi spoke softly, "Don't mind what my dad said. He..."
Lu Ran interrupted the girl, "I understand, it's just a father's concern.
If we have a daughter in the future, I'll be nervous too."
"Huh?" Jiang Ruyi's face turned red in an instant, and she gently pecked Lu Ran on the cheek.
Lu Ran said, "Uncle and Auntie are really nice, with great personalities, and they don't put on airs as elders.
When you met my mom, you weren't as relaxed, were you?"
"Don't talk nonsense," Jiang Ruyi slapped Lu Ran's shoulder in dissatisfaction, "Aunt Qiao has been very good to me.
Lu Ran smiled.
So, she's already taking care of things?
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship seemed to be harmonious.
In the afternoon, the two returned to the Little Garden Community together.
As soon as they opened the door, they heard a "meow, meow, meow" sound.
Little Li Hua darted over, completely ignoring Lu Ran, and ran straight to the girl's leg, rubbing against her ankle.
Lu Ran pouted, "After I leave, you'll have to take care of Little Li Hua.
If Uncle and Auntie don't like it, you can just leave it here, and all you need to do is fill up its cat food once a month."
Jiang Ruyi bent down and picked up the little cat, gently poking its little nose, "Don't worry, I'll take it back with me."
"Meow~" Little Li Hua extended its pink tongue, licking the girl's fingertips.
The more Lu Ran looked, the more annoyed he became.
Damn it!
I haven't even licked it yet. After she leaves, I must give you a big karmic reward!
Just wait for me to use the Crimson Paper Art · Paper Puppetry to control you and roll you up into a little cat strip~
Lu Ran reached out and rubbed the fluffy cat's head, then bent down to get a pair of slippers for Jiang Ruyi.
The two of them went to the small bedroom, greeted the Celestial Sheep, and then Jiang Ruyi left with Little Li Hua.
After Lu Ran closed the bedroom door, he went to the shrine, clasped his hands together, and said in a low voice, "Celestial Sheep, I have fulfilled your request."
"Not bad," a hoarse voice echoed in Lu Ran's mind.
Lu Ran immediately asked, "After the college entrance examination, I will go on a pilgrimage. Do I need to make any other preparations?"
The white sheep jade sculpture replied, "Just bring your life with you."
Lu Ran: "."
Is it that scary?
Lu Ran could foresee that going to the Celestial Sheep would definitely involve a training session in the demon den.
Without his teammates by his side, Lu Ran would be able to move freely, delve deeper into the demon den, and freely display his dark arts.
He thought that as long as his strength and realm improved, or when he fully integrated his dark arts, he should be able to gain the approval of the Celestial Sheep.
Lu Ran's heart stirred, and he continued, "Celestial Sheep, before I go to you, should I go to the Ghost General Demon Cave for a slaughter first?
If I can activate this evil statue, I will have access to defensive techniques."
"Consider it yourself."
Although the deity's tone was neutral, it carried a hint of approval.
Lu Ran's heart rejoiced, and he silently agreed.
The more cautious and steady one is before the Celestial Sheep, the more points one will gain!
Lu Ran clasped his hands together and bowed slightly.
Subsequently, he changed into a short-sleeved shirt and shorts and walked out of the small bedroom.
In the living room, Jiang Ruyi was sitting on the sofa, stroking Little Li Hua while watching TV.
Lu Ran strode over and sat next to the girl, taking the relaxed and content Little Li Hua from her.
"Meow~ Meow!" Little Li Hua struggled in protest.
But after Lu Ran bleated, the little cat no longer wanted its female owner.
With this compassionate sound, it wasn't Lu Ran who wanted to hold Little Li Hua, but Little Li Hua who was hugging Lu Ran tightly.
"You're so mean, always bullying it," Jiang Ruyi said with dissatisfaction.
Lu Ran held the restless Little Li Hua and looked at the girl, "Don't go back today, okay?"
Jiang Ruyi averted her gaze and looked at the TV.
However, on the TV, Lu Ran's figure was still being discussed by the three hosts, showcasing his heroic act of slaying the Jiang Jing Evil Dog.
"We'll eat dinner, and then I'll go back," Jiang Ruyi said softly.
This time, Lu Ran was persistent, "Uncle and Auntie have already agreed to us."
Jiang Ruyi's heart raced as Lu Ran put down Little Li Hua and leaned his face closer to hers.
She could feel Lu Ran's burning gaze.
After hesitating for a long time, Jiang Ruyi finally spoke, "I..."
Lu Ran kissed her directly.
Jiang Ruyi's face turned redder, and she realized that she was being carried.
This was her first time entering the master bedroom of this house, but she hadn't expected it to be like this.
The master bedroom had already been cleaned spotlessly.
The bed sheets and blankets were all brand new, and the wedding photo above the bed had been put away by Lu Ran in the wardrobe of the small bedroom.
Lu Ran had many mischievous thoughts.
He had prepared for this day, and this house should have its female owner now.
That morning, in the elevator, Lu Ran had told Jiang Ruyi that she was a little different today.
At that time, his words were interrupted by the opening of the elevator door.
Lu Ran wanted to say that she was more proactive, after all, this visit was initiated by her.
They had already acknowledged each other, and now with the approval of both families, Lu Ran no longer had any concerns.
Regarding being proactive, he didn't want to fall behind.
Lu Ran placed his girlfriend on the bed, supporting her body with his hands on both sides, and looked down at her blushing, beautiful face, "Today, don't leave, okay?"
Jiang Ruyi turned her head to the side, closing her eyes and remaining silent.
Lu Ran turned back and closed the bedroom door.
Little Li Hua happened to be standing in front of the door, curiously poking her head in.
"Click."
"Meow~ Meow~ Meow~ Meow~"
Outside the door, Little Li Hua's scolding voice could be heard.
(End of Chapter)
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