[“Why do I keep watching this simple video of someone changing clothes? I’ve replayed it so many times, and I can’t control the strange smile creeping onto my face.”]
[“I’ve watched it over ten times now, even saved it. Whenever I’m feeling down, I watch this to lift my spirits, haha…”]
[“Oh my god, the way the little one smiles at their father is so incredibly healing. I’m begging the God of Beasts to bless me with such a soft and adorable child!”]
[“Why does this little one look so familiar?”]
[“Wait, isn’t this cute kid the one I saw at the amusement park? But the person holding her didn’t look like the Marshal. I’m so confused—whose daughter is this really?”]
Before long, the video of Ruan Qingran taking Ruan Shu to the amusement park resurfaced, causing an even greater buzz online. Almost everyone was tagging Marshal Ruan, demanding to know what Ruan Shu’s relationship to him was.
However, the person at the center of this viral topic hadn’t seen any of it online.
Others, though, were stunned by the news.
For instance, those at the military headquarters—and particularly Marshal He, who had always doubted that Ruan could have a daughter.
He Feng was the type to keep up with trends, scrolling through the internet whenever he had a moment, and prided himself on maintaining his image. His profile was filled with various pictures of himself looking dashing, along with videos from battle.
So, during his leisure time today, he took a scroll through the web, only to stumble upon the news that left him utterly shocked.
“Ruan Xiao has a daughter?!”
He nearly sprang from his reclined chair, hastily opening the videos and photos.
The moment he saw the snowy little child in Ruan Xiao’s arms, He Feng instinctively clutched his chest.
“This can’t be. I must be dreaming!”
It had to be some glitch with how he opened the star network!
Resolute, He Feng exited the app and, after a brief internal struggle, opened it again.
Seeing that the same familiar video still topped the trending list, he pressed his fingers to his forehead, willing himself to calm down.
Once he managed to breathe again, He Feng meticulously rewatched the video.
A whirlwind of emotions—excitement, envy, jealousy, and an overwhelming wave of cuteness—twisted his expression.
“This can’t be real! How could that block of ice Ruan Xiao have such an adorable daughter? It’s illogical, it’s… unreasonable!”
Despite his disbelief, He Feng knew deep down it was probably true; Ruan Xiao wouldn’t waste time parading a replica doll through the streets.
Recalling the voice message he overheard on Ruan Xiao’s terminal last time, it dawned on him… that was really a message from his daughter.
That adorably soft and gentle voice, and now, in the video, a sweet, well-behaved, and exquisite little dumpling.
This… this could only be his daughter!
Consumed with jealousy, He Feng cast aside all sense of decorum, convincing himself that the precious, soft little one in the video should be his.
With a burst of energy, he sprang from his seat, handing off any minor, unfinished reports to his adjutant. Today, he was taking leave. He had to pay a visit to his “old friend.”
Meanwhile, Ruan Xiao, unaware of the uninvited guest about to arrive at his home, was busy trimming Ruan Shu’s hair.
Her bangs had grown a bit long, sometimes obscuring her eyes.
The hairdresser looked at the slightly nervous but obediently seated little girl with eyes practically sparkling.
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure her hair looks absolutely perfect!”
But when it was time to wash her hair, Ruan Shu became anxious and uneasy the moment she couldn’t see her father, her expression pitiful as she seemed on the verge of tears but held back bravely.
The hairdresser, who had never seen such a reaction, quickly went to call the Marshal.
“What’s wrong?”
Just as Ruan Shu was sinking into her emotions, her father’s voice broke through the haze of darkness clouding her eyes.
“Daddy!”
Ruan Shu’s eyes lit up, and her small hand immediately reached for his, finally relaxing as she felt his comforting presence.
“Daddy.”
Ruan Xiao’s expression grew serious, and his heart sank. Ruan Shu’s reaction reminded him of those early days at home when she would have nightmares.
He had initially thought it was just the stress of adjusting to a new environment and the lingering psychological shadows left by Xiao Yuanyi’s treatment. Over time, he’d seen Ruan Shu gradually warm up, her timid nature remaining but her smiles becoming more frequent, even engaging with those around her. He’d thought she was healing.
But now, it seemed she might still be struggling internally.
Ruan Xiao kept his composure as he comforted her, staying by her side until her hair was fully washed.
During the haircut, Ruan Xiao noticed that, although she sat obediently, she kept glancing at him every so often for reassurance.
With swift fingers, he sent a message.
Ruan Xiao: Shushu might have some psychological issues. I remember you have a friend in psychology. Could you find a way to have them take a look at her?
Ruan Qingran: Did something happen?
Ruan Xiao explained what had just happened, along with similar incidents from when she first arrived at his home.
Ruan Xiao: When there’s no familiar person around, she reacts strongly to her surroundings and is very resistant.
Although Ruan Qingran had studied a bit of psychology, he wasn’t a specialist, so he agreed promptly.
Ruan Shu had no idea that her father and brother were planning to find her a psychologist. Once her haircut was finally done, she couldn’t wait to go to her father’s side, her eyes bright and clear, without a trace of sadness.
If Ruan Xiao hadn’t noticed that moment of unease earlier.
He concealed his heavy thoughts and gently patted her head.
“It looks wonderful.”
Ruan Shu’s smile grew even brighter, her eyes crinkling like little crescents.
“Alright, let’s go home.”
Ruan Xiao took her hand in his, his large palm wrapping firmly around her small hand, as though he were afraid of losing something precious.
Back home, it wasn’t Xiaomi or the butler who greeted them but rather someone unfamiliar to Ruan Shu.
“My darling~~~”
That voice was undeniably annoying.
Before Ruan Shu could react, she was suddenly enveloped in a familiar presence, and then… something flew away.
Oh, it seemed to be that thing that had just been running toward her.
She tilted her head up, her gaze following the figure that had been launched into the air.
Then, with wide eyes, she stared at her father’s long leg that had just retracted.
Her first thought was: Wow, Dad’s leg muscles must be really strong!
Her second thought was: What exactly was that thing that just flew off?
He Feng crashed to the ground but immediately bounced back up, seemingly unscathed and full of energy.
“Oh, Ruan, you really didn’t hold back at all! And to think I came here out of consideration for our ‘friendship’!”
As he spoke, his gaze landed on Ruan Shu, who was cradled in Ruan Xiao’s arms.
“So this is our daughter, huh? I’m your dad’s best friend. His son is my son, and his daughter is my—”
“Shut up!” Ruan Xiao cut him off.