She stood still, her eyes vacant, her mouth gaping, wanting to speak but unsure of what to say.
She could only watch helplessly as her elder brother was thrown into the pit, with only his head struggling to stay above the ground.
Despite the tragic scene unfolding before her, the indomitable spirit of Ruan Ling'an persisted, with his head held high as he cursed Ruan Fengsi.
Although Ruan Shu couldn't understand the language of the beasts at that moment, she could discern from the expression on his lion-like face that it was certainly unpleasant. He appeared particularly skilled at speaking harshly.
But Ruan Fengsi paid no attention, even kicking some mud with his hind foot as he left.
Ruan Ling'an: Curse, curse, curse…
After scolding his younger brother, Ruan Fengsi walked lightly over to his sister.
Taking on a human form, he brushed the dirt off his hands.
Ruan Shu: This scene looks very familiar, just like the last time when our eldest brother was buried by father.
"It's time for dinner." Let's go inside."
Ruan Shu: "...Are we really not going to help our elder brother?" "He has many injuries."
As soon as Ruan Shu finished speaking, she was lifted up by her elder brother with one hand.
Though he still appeared somewhat disheveled, Ruan Ling'an had grown rapidly from the days when he was always pushed around by his elder brother to being able to fight back and hold his own against him for so long.
As he removed his suit, the injuries on his body became even more apparent. Yet, clearly, he paid no mind to these injuries.
"I'll go take a bath." Let's eat dinner.
Ruan Fengsi patted Ruan Shu's head and went upstairs.
At the dining table, a lavish dinner was already set, and the butler warmly greeted her to start the meal.
Ruan Shu: "Aren't we waiting for father?" "And what about our elder brother?"
"The master of the house may return later today." "Don't worry, the young master and Miss are accustomed to this, as the elder young master and the others used to play like this."
This statement made Ruan Shu's lips twitch in disbelief. Was it really just playing?
Still not accustomed to such tumultuous scenes, Ruan Shu occasionally glanced outside while eating, her face showing clear signs of worry.
In the yard, the occasional roar could be heard.
If her elder brother was uninjured, she wouldn't be so worried. But the injuries on his hands looked quite severe, and she couldn't help but wonder if everything was really alright.
After just a few moments, her head was turned away by a hand.
"Eat properly, and once you're finished, please help me bandage up as well."
He knew that she was the one who had helped bandage up his younger brother's injuries before.
Huh... Was he deserving of it?
To say such words to Shu Shu!
Indeed, the butler had confidently reported the incident.
As the steward, he couldn't treat the young master unfairly, but he would certainly report such incidents.
Naturally, Ruan Shu nodded and earnestly continued her meal.
Chomping away, her mouth full, she felt a bit bloated.
Ruan Fengsi knocked on Ruan Shu's head. "I asked you to bandage me, not to eat so hastily."
He got up to pour a cup of water for Ruan Shu.
After finishing her meal, she listened to the sounds outside.
"Does our elder brother know he's wrong?"
Ruan Fengsi calmly shook his head. "No, he's calling me a fool and saying that I will eventually be pinned down, rubbed on the ground by him, and beaten into a pig's head…"
Ruan Shu: "..."
Very well, let the elder brother continue to be buried.
After dinner, Ruan Shu tended to her elder brother's wounds. The lion roaring outside seemed to have tired from all the shouting, as there was now silence.
Feeling worried, she meticulously bandaged her elder brother's wounds with a neat butterfly knot, then went outside.
Ruan Fengsi made no effort to stop her.
Upon stepping outside, she saw the majestic lion resting, its head bloodied and stained, with blood seeping into the ground, giving it a menacing appearance.
"Elder brother."
Ruan Shu ran over, holding medicine, and sprayed it on the wound on his head.
In fact, Ruan Ling'an hadn't received another blow to his head; it was the previous wound that had reopened and worsened due to the fight.
It was of his own making!
Ruan Ling'an glanced at her. The medicine made his nose uncomfortable, causing him to sneeze.
This startled Ruan Shu even more, especially because of the giant beast's sneeze, which was so loud that she felt the ground shake.
Approaching cautiously, she whispered, "Elder brother, should you apologize to our elder brother? Your wounds have opened up."
Ruan Ling'an coldly scoffed, showing no intention of apologizing to Ruan Fengsi.
Ruan Shu noticed his reluctance and pouted, "You were the one who started the fight."
Perhaps because he was buried with only his head exposed and unable to move, Ruan Shu gained a bit more courage and dared to speak to him in such a manner.
It was indeed commendable progress.
"You already had wounds on you, yet you still chose to fight." "Why do I feel... feel..."
She hesitated with her words, but Ruan Ling'an turned to her, his eyes conveying one word, "speak!"
Moving a bit further away, Ruan Shu said, "You made me say it, don't get angry."
With a pout, she added in a childish voice, "I think you're a bit silly."
After saying this, she quickly retreated, fearing that his large head might come over and bite her.
Ruan Ling'an gazed at her expressionless face, but deep down, he was seething.
Why wasn't he surprised at all? But still...
He was still very angry!
He let out a roar at Ruan Shu, beginning to shout again, taking advantage of his buried position, and this little creature's courage was truly growing.
"Don't you dare try anything once you're out."
A cold, oppressive voice rang out, causing Ruan Ling'an to shudder.
Though he didn't see the person, he knew who it was.
"Father"~"
Unlike Ruan Ling'an, Ruan Shu happily ran over with her short legs pattering.
"Dad, you're back." Have you eaten?
Stopping beside the man, she noticed the sky darkening and looked up at him with her delicate face.
Ruan Xiao tousled her hair. "I've had my nutrient intake."
He was still wearing his combat gear: a black short-sleeve shirt, assault pants, and military boots. His silver short hair was pulled back, fully exposing his brows and forehead, which gave him a more stern appearance.
Despite being four hundred years old, he still looked as youthful as ever, just more mature and reserved, with all his thoughts hidden beneath a composed exterior.
"Let's go inside."
He didn't ask Ruan Ling'an who buried him, but it was clear that he already knew.
Ruan Shu noticed that ever since her father spoke, her elder brother hadn't moved; he remained still, as if playing dead.
It seemed that he was quite afraid of their father.
Ruan Xiao left with his daughter, and the butler emerged, finally revealing the Third Young Master who had been pretending to be dead.
He glanced at the muddy young man. "Was this really necessary?"