Gathered were a group of elderly gentlemen who seldom frequented the internet. Their main pastimes included gathering for chess games or going on small adventures. Apart from staying informed about national news, they had no interest in entertainment gossip.
Thus, they remained oblivious to the several instances where the Ruan family members trended online, especially Ruan Shu.
The members of the group were extremely puzzled. What is happening now? How did this person suddenly introduce a granddaughter?
Furthermore...
Old Xiao: Are you certain this isn't a toy? Is that really your granddaughter? Are you merely jesting with us?
Old Yuan: We're not calling you old in jest, but you seem to be losing your touch with age. If you're weaving tales, do so with more finesse.
Faced with the group's condemnation, Ruan He didn't say much. He simply and straightforwardly shared the video.
Hmph, not believing this old man? Let me show you what authenticity means.
The video featured him taking a stroll with the cat, as well as the cat playing around him.
Even through the screen, one could hear the kitten's soft meows.
The soft, melodic voice of the kitten melted the hearts of the elderly men and women.
With age comes tenderness, and in the presence of such a small, adorable creature, whose heart can remain firm?
Old He: Hiss… This little thing, it can't be more than a month old, right?
Old Jiu: "That can't be right." How can a baby less than a month old run around and play so energetically? Its fur has grown quite long.
Old Xiao: I'm more curious about what kind of celestial creature this is. I've racked my brain and can't figure it out.
Old Yuan: Seriously, is this truly your granddaughter? When did this happen?
With the release of the video, the group became excited, and Ruan He became even prouder. He shared a few more pictures of his adorable granddaughter. She looked so human.
There was one with Ruan Shu leaning against him, and another where she was braiding his tail.
The little one was a soft, cute bundle, especially when she smiled, revealing two shallow dimples.
Most importantly, even from the photos, one could sense her gentle nature.
Her human and celestial forms blended perfectly, evoking a desire to embrace her, a healing kind of hug.
Seeing everyone mentioning him in the group, Ruan He's tail couldn't help but wag proudly. Envious, aren't you? This is my granddaughter!
But that wasn't enough. Many people in the group were still offline. Today, everyone must know that Ruan He has a granddaughter!
Before he could call each one, his friends were already enthusiastically calling him.
Almost all the calls were about his granddaughter's news, particularly the unexpected arrival of his granddaughter!
"Hello, Lao Wu, what did you say?" How could I not have a granddaughter? Shu Shu is my granddaughter, my very own granddaughter! What business is it of yours why I didn't mention it before? It's not like Ruan Xiao told me. You have a strained relationship with your granddaughter. "Why are you so irritating?"
"Old Zhang, what does your grandson have to do with my Shu Shu?" I don't see! My precious granddaughter is timid and afraid of being scared by you and your grandson!
"Why doesn't Shu Shu look like me anymore?" What's wrong with being a rough old man? My Shu Shu may be gentle, but she loves her old, rough grandpa!
"Hey, Lao Sun, I'm telling you that I have a granddaughter." What do you mean you already knew? Who's the jerk who told you? I wasn't even bragging yet. Would you like to bring your grandson over? Forget it, I don't even know you. If you even think about it, I'll know you want to cause trouble. "No way!"
What began as showcasing his granddaughter through phone calls quickly deteriorated into arguments, with voices escalating.
Meanwhile, Ruan Shu had a brief nap and woke up, sitting in her father's lap, nibbling on a cookie. She watched her grandfather argue with people on the communication device.
Beside her, long fingers handed her a cup of water. Ruan Shu, with her childlike voice, thanked her older brother.
Ruan Feng raised his hand and gently touched his sister's soft, smooth hair.
The little girl tilted her head and nuzzled her brother's hand, appearing very well-behaved.
"Grandpa talks too much." "Don't listen to him too much, and don't learn from him."
Although her grandfather also graduated from the top military academy, he was naturally hot-tempered and irritable. Even in school, he challenged everything and everyone. Only after entering the military did he become more restrained, yet his temper remained explosive at times.
Now in retirement, his temper hadn't changed much. But in front of his granddaughter, he was relatively reserved.
Ruan Shu nodded obediently, her voice soft as she replied, "I won't learn."
Initially, Ruan He intended to brag about his granddaughter, but the calls ended up making him furious.
Despite that, his objective was achieved. The group members were discussing his adorable granddaughter, envying him.
Ruan Shu ate her snacks, drank her milk, and since it wasn't bedtime yet, she decided to continue drawing on her small table in her room.
The paintings could be given to her father the next day.
In the lower right corner of the portrait she was drawing of her father, Ruan Shu wrote, "Ruan Shu's Dad."
Around eleven o'clock, she tidied everything neatly, transformed into a plush cat, and then settled into her cozy cat bed.
The next morning, she woke up to sunlight streaming through the window. The cat stretched lazily, its fluffy tail swaying twice, basking in the golden sunshine as if emitting light itself.
The cat sat down obediently, lifted its white paw to lick it clean, and then proceeded to groom its face.
Quiet and serene throughout, it felt refreshed. Ruan Shu, familiar with the routine, hopped down from the cat climbing frame.
Continuing her day as a fluffy, chubby, white bundle, Ruan Shu slipped on her slippers, rubbed her eyes, and went out.
Just as she stepped out, she bumped into a pair of legs.
Ruan Shu looked up, her expression puzzled, as she met her grandfather's loving gaze. He smiled affectionately.
He bent slightly to lift the little girl, effortlessly carrying the soft bundle despite his age.
"I assumed my granddaughter would be awake."
Ruan Shu blinked, her blue eyes twinkling with a smile. "How did Grandpa know?"
Ruan He ruffled her hair. "I asked your big brother."
The little bundle obediently responded by letting Grandpa carry her downstairs.
"Grandpa is going to build a small amusement park in the backyard for you." "Do you have any requests?"
Ruan Shu shook her head.
"No requests?"
Ruan Shu replied softly, pinching her dress with her slender fingers. "Can we not build it?" "It's too wasteful."
She furrowed her brows. "It's just me, I don't need an amusement park."