Chapter 384: The Final Gentleness?

Chapter 384: The Final Gentleness?

No matter how Lu Ran counted the days, the Lantern Festival arrived calmly and on schedule.

As dusk approached, snowflakes began to fall from the sky, blanketing the outside of the Immortal Scenery Garden in a silver wonderland. Inside the Qiao Family Manor, the atmosphere was warm and cozy.

Qiao Yuansi was overjoyed! Her smiling eyes curved into two beautiful crescent moons as she sat at the dining table like a supervisor, watching as the two prepared ingredients, stirred the soup, and simmered the rice.

For so many years, this luxurious penthouse apartment had been spacious but lacked the warmth of a home.

Now, with her brother and Jiang Ruyi, the house finally felt like a home.

"Hey! No sneaking food!" Qiao Yuansi exclaimed, raising her eyebrows.

In the kitchen, Jiang Ruyi had just finished slicing the braised beef, when Lu Ran approached, intending to inspect his girlfriend's knife skills.

However, Jiang Ruyi misunderstood his intentions and picked up a thin slice of beef, feeding it to Lu Ran.

"Mmm!" Lu Ran momentarily forgot his original purpose and went back to washing vegetables.

"Aiya~~" Qiao Yuansi pouted and stomped her feet in protest.

Jiang Ruyi picked up another slice of beef and offered it to Lu Ran, "Here."

The supervisor, Qiao Yuansi, had no principles at all and immediately smiled happily.

She skipped over, opened her mouth, and accepted the feeding from Jiang Ruyi.

Jiang Ruyi smiled indulgently and handed the plate to Qiao Yuansi, "Put it on the table."

"Mm-hmm." Qiao Yuansi carried the plate away.

Suddenly, Lu Ran tilted his head and listened intently, "Mom's back."

"So early?" Qiao Yuansi, of course, believed in her brother's abilities and quickly ran out.

Qiao Wanjun, covered in frost and snow, had just closed the door behind her when she heard a "plop"! Her precious daughter slid to her knees and rushed towards her.

Her posture was like that of a soccer player celebrating a goal, full of joy.

Qiao Wanjun smiled helplessly.

At the age of 17, Qiao Yuansi was celebrating her birthday and turning 18 today.

She had none of the shyness that a young lady should have.

Speaking of which, it was quite a feat for the usually cold Sword One disciple to be smiling so happily.

"Mom, you're finally home!"

Qiao Yuansi looked up and smiled sweetly, her eyes filled with longing.

Qiao Wanjun had a scolding ready on her lips, but she swallowed it back.

Forget it, today is her daughter's birthday.

"Mhm." Qiao Wanjun responded softly.

Qiao Yuansi quickly helped her mother change her shoes.

On the side, Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi also came out, both speaking at once:

"Mom."

"Auntie Qiao."

Qiao Wanjun smiled and nodded, her gaze falling on Jiang Ruyi.

Rarely, a hint of surprise flashed in Qiao Wanjun's eyes.

Jiang Ruyi's celestial beauty was not just talk; she was indeed stunningly beautiful.

Qiao Wanjun observed her for a moment and asked, "Have you received a divine blessing?"

Jiang Ruyi moved slightly closer to Lu Ran and smiled shyly, "Lu Ran sought it for me from the Divine Sheep."

Qiao Yuansi whispered, "You really have a wife and forget your mother now~"

Lu Ran: "."

Jiang Ruyi's heart tightened at his words.

Qiao Wanjun, who rarely joked, looked down at her daughter and said, "It seems you've forgotten about your sister too?"

"That's right!" Qiao Yuansi nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice, "Mom, you have to scold my brother!"

Qiao Wanjun curled her finger and gently tapped Qiao Yuansi's head, "Later."

After saying this, her gaze shifted between Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi, growing more pleased with what she saw.

They were indeed a well-matched couple.

Qiao Wanjun was genuinely in a good mood, or perhaps she was intentionally immersing herself in the warm family atmosphere.

She looked at Lu Ran and teased, "Putting aside your other talents, your eye for beauty is truly top-notch."

Jiang Ruyi's face turned bright red, and she lowered her head, speechless.

Lu Ran smiled, "Maybe it's in my blood, following my dad."

Qiao Wanjun's expression froze for a moment.

After a full two seconds, she burst into laughter and walked into the living room.

As she passed by her son, she playfully ruffled his hair and then headed towards the master bedroom.

On the side, Qiao Yuansi's mouth was wide open in an 'O' shape!

When her mother's figure disappeared, Qiao Yuansi lowered her voice, "Brother, did you eat a bear's heart and leopard's gall?"

Lu Ran was not as calm as he seemed and immediately turned towards the kitchen.

Father,

This person, whom Lu Ran often mentioned with a hint of sadness and who had been a constant source of trouble for him,

Lu Ran finally brought up in a playful manner, amidst laughter.

The feeling was quite peculiar.

Perhaps this was what they called growth.

Since Qiao Wanjun entered the master bedroom, she hadn't reappeared. Qiao Yuansi checked several times, only to find the door tightly closed.

Not wanting to disturb her, she waited in the dining room.

This wait lasted until just before dinner.

Qiao Wanjun changed into a white casual sleepwear. The simple design looked exceptionally elegant on her, and her gentle face added to the overall softness.

Her overall demeanor was not just about the clothes she wore; it was her gentle and beautiful face that made the difference.

As she looked at her children in the dining room, her heart, once frozen by ice and snow, softened considerably.

"Mom, come quickly, it's almost dinner time." Qiao Yuansi hurriedly called out.

Qiao Wanjun looked at the dining table filled with dishes, her gaze landing on a bottle of red wine, and even a decanter beside it.

Such items had never appeared within the Qiao family residence.

Perhaps because the three children hadn't obtained the family head's approval, the wine remained unopened, and the decanter became a mere decoration.

Qiao Wanjun asked, "Do you want to drink?"

Qiao Yuansi was a bit nervous, cautiously asking, "Is it okay?"

To increase her chances, she added, "I'm an adult today."

Lu Ran looked at his mother, seeing her smile and nod, "Okay, just have a little."

"Quick, quick, brother!" Qiao Yuansi smiled widely, urging Lu Ran to open the wine, "This is from the Skull, it must be good stuff~"

At this, Qiao Yuansi opened the conversation, proudly announcing, "Oh, Mom. I have two teammates who were selected for the second season of Celestial Pride!"

The success of her teammates naturally included Qiao Yuansi's efforts, and she took pride in it.

At the same time, Qiao Yuansi was also grateful to her mother, after all, this team was personally arranged by her mother.

Although Wang Ling joined later, Guan Yiren was an original teammate, and now being crowned with the title of "Celestial Pride," it was enough to show the foresight of Mother.

Qiao Wanjun came to the head seat and casually said, "Yiren and Wang Ling?"

Qiao Yuansi was quite surprised, "How does Mom know?"

Qiao Wanjun smiled, "Your two teammates have great potential."

Plus your brother paving the way for them, and with your family's influence, it's normal for them to be selected."

Qiao Yuansi gazed at Lu Ran not far away, her heart filled with sweetness, "My brother takes good care of us and helps them build momentum!"

Jing University is the top institution in Great Xia, naturally filled with talented individuals.

As fellow Fifth Stage River Realm cultivators, they were all top-tier in terms of talent and combat prowess. Who would be chosen depended on the support from "outside" sources.

Qiao Wanjun advised her daughter, "You should also focus and think about the path to advancement.

The Fifth Stage is not enough to hold back your teammates; you need to keep up with their rhythm."

"I know." Qiao Yuansi suddenly thought of something and got up to run out of the dining room.

Lu Ran returned with the decanter and placed it in a corner of the table, "Mom, have you been in seclusion? How did you pay attention to these things?"

Qiao Wanjun looked at her son, "I had Jing Jing find your combat recordings, and then I saw them."

Lu Ran was a bit nervous and asked, "Did I do well?"

Qiao Wanjun smiled, "The first Celestial Pride of Great Xia, and you lack confidence?"

Those eyes that were once like deep, cold ponds now resembled a clear spring, transparent and bright, warming people's hearts.

Lu Ran didn't say anything, just smiled and sat down next to Jiang Ruyi.

Qiao Wanjun spoke playfully, "Your speech at the award ceremony was quite confident."

Lu Ran fell silent.

In front of the world, his fame was boundless, and in people's hearts, he might be the most outstanding existence.

But to Qiao Wanjun, were his words a bit childish?

Oh well, regardless of whether they were childish or not, he was walking on this path.

Qiao Wanjun looked at her son, who was silent and bowed his head, and said softly, "Having ambition is a good thing."

"Brother!" Before Lu Ran could respond, Qiao Yuansi ran over, holding a long rectangular box in her hand.

"What's this?"

"A gift!" Qiao Yuansi stuffed the box into Lu Ran's embrace, "This is a birthday gift from our team to you!"

Without opening it, Lu Ran knew what was inside.

It should be the Celestial Blade that Lu Ran had refused to accept at the family's doorstep the last time.

Indeed, it was!

Lu Ran opened the box and saw a Celestial Blade, along with a matching scabbard beside it.

This scabbard was the same design as Lu Ran's previous three scabbards, also in a black and gold color scheme.

The only difference was the absence of square characters on the scabbard representing the name of the blade.

This time, Lu Ran accepted it with a smile and looked at Qiao Yuansi, "I didn't prepare a birthday gift for you, what should I do?"

Qiao Yuansi pouted, "When have you ever given me one? I'm used to it!"

Lu Ran: ". . ."

The siblings never exchanged gifts on their birthdays.

For the two of them, the reunion after a year, along with Mother's companionship, was the best gift.

But this time, Lu Ran had indeed prepared a gift.

He looked at Jiang Ruyi beside him, and the girl understood, taking out a small square box from her pocket.

"Oh?" Qiao Yuansi was both surprised and delighted, "For me?"

Jiang Ruyi nodded, "Your brother sent it to you."

Lu Ran immediately corrected, "I and your sister, Jiang Ruyi, sent it together."

Inside the box was a delicate gold necklace, and the pendant was a small, white jade bead.

The jade bead was obtained by Lu Ran, and the necklace was assembled by Jiang Ruyi.

"Wow!" Qiao Yuansi was overjoyed, taking out the jade bead necklace and examining it carefully, smiling sweetly, "Thank you, brother and sister-in-law!"

Jiang Ruyi's face instantly turned red.

This Xiao Yuansi, she really is something.

On regular days, she happily calls her "Sister Ruyi," but today, with her parents around, Qiao Yuansi addresses her as "Sister-in-law."

"Sister-in-law, can you put it on for me?" Qiao Yuansi giggled, winking at Jiang Ruyi.

At the head seat, Qiao Wanjun's eyes narrowed slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Her gaze remained fixed on that tiny jade bead, clearly sensing something.

Following Lu Ran's gesture, Jiang Ruyi took the jade bead necklace and approached Qiao Yuansi from behind. "It's called the Tranquility Chain."

Qiao Yuansi asked in confusion, "Tranquility Chain? What a strange name."

Jiang Ruyi sighed inwardly, trying to suppress her melancholy emotions. "It will protect you and keep you safe. If you encounter danger, you can shatter this jade bead."

"Huh?" Qiao Yuansi was a bit dazed.

She had assumed that the name of this necklace held a beautiful meaning.

But is this its true, practical effect?

Jiang Ruyi fastened the necklace around Xiao Yuansi's neck and patted her shoulder, speaking solemnly, "Yuansi, remember, it can only be used once.

You must only shatter this jade bead when you're in a dire situation, facing certain death."

Qiao Yuansi turned her head, staring at Lu Ran in a daze.

Lu Ran had expected his sister's gratitude, her joy, and her delight at receiving such a treasure.

But unexpectedly, Qiao Yuansi's eyes gradually turned red, and tears began to flow.

She suddenly remembered why this jade bead seemed so familiar.

Sister Ruyi's wrist, on that thin red bean bracelet, also had a similar jade bead!

Qiao Yuansi didn't know where her necklace came from.

Nor did she know how it worked.

But Qiao Yuansi was certain that the necklace would keep her safe.

Her brother giving her this necklace at this time,

it's as if he's settling his affairs before leaving!

After tonight, Lu Ran will depart, and everyone knows it.

He might never return, his fate uncertain, with no news to follow.

And this Tranquility Chain is Lu Ran's final act of kindness for Qiao Yuansi.

After he leaves, he can still take care of her once.

Perhaps for the last time.

Emotions are never instantaneous.

It's just that at a certain moment, the dam breaks, and things become uncontrollable.

"Oh!" Lu Ran's chair slid back halfway.

Lu Ran held his sister, who had rushed into his embrace, gently patting her back and laughing, "You're eighteen, and you're still crying?"

Qiao Yuansi pouted, her face buried in Lu Ran's shoulder, not saying a word.

Lu Ran felt helpless and glanced at his mother apologetically.

Qiao Wanjun's face held a faint smile as she quietly observed the scene.

"Get up now," Lu Ran whispered, "Mom's watching."

"Promise me you'll come back," Qiao Yuansi said softly.

"Okay," Lu Ran's response was unexpectedly straightforward.

Qiao Yuansi lifted her pretty face, her big eyes brimming with tears. "Pinky swear?"

Lu Ran: "..."

A pinky swear with a child?

Qiao Yuansi stubbornly stared at Lu Ran, unwilling to let go.

"Okay, okay." Lu Ran indulged Xiao Yuansi, as he had always done.

"Pinky swear, hang yourself."

The eighteen-year-old girl, with red-swollen eyes, spoke childishly, sounding a bit funny.

It seemed like this action would bring her some peace of mind.

Jiang Ruyi's heart fluttered slightly.

Others might have the right to call Qiao Yuansi childish, but she didn't.

Not long ago, Jiang Ruyi had also stubbornly asked Lu Ran to carry her up the mountain and accompany her on a pilgrimage.

One step, one promise.

What essential difference was there between her and Xiao Yuansi?

Qiao Wanjun spoke softly, breaking the silence, "Let's eat."

Qiao Yuansi reluctantly left her brother's embrace and suddenly asked, "Can we eat the cake first?"

Qiao Wanjun looked at the table filled with delicious dishes, prepared with care by Lu Ran and Jiang Ruyi.

But seeing Xiao Yuansi's tearful face, Qiao Wanjun's heart softened.

"Sure," Lu Ran, sensing the situation, stood up and went to the refrigerator, taking out a six-inch cake.

Eighteen candles were lit, and the dining room lights were turned off.

As Qiao Yuansi closed her eyes, clasped her hands in prayer before the cake, and prayed for a long time,

everyone realized one thing.

Xiao Yuansi was eager to make a wish, more than she was to eat the cake.

And her birthday wish seemed rather significant.

After all, the candles had burned halfway down, and she was still praying.

In the flickering candlelight,

her small face was filled with devotion.

Four thousand three hundred words!

Also, a quick announcement: One chapter today.

It's time, Rong Yu, to prepare well!

It's time to create some excitement with a fun little program!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end