Sweet Adorable Wife, Please Kiss Slower! Chapter 1569

Father Ruan, deeply affected by the child he had nurtured for his godmother over two decades, lost all composure in his fury. "If you utter another word in her defense, you will be banished from the Ruan family alongside her!"

"Father, you…"

"Brother, please desist!"

Ruan Bao’er interjected, stifling the ache in her heart. Gazing at her father, who had once showered her with affection, she declared, "Elder Ruan speaks the truth. I was never a true child of the Ruan family to begin with. From this day forward, I sever all ties with the Ruan household and shall not return. Elder Ruan, I wish you well for the future. Brother, farewell."

The resolute expression on her face caused Ruan Qinghe immense pain. A flicker of internal conflict crossed Father Ruan’s features, but upon recalling her true identity and the demise of his own daughter, Fuya, his tone hardened significantly.

"If you believe your pathetic display can alter anything, you are profoundly mistaken. You are unworthy of being my daughter and are no longer the young miss of the Ruan family. Begone!"

Each word struck Ruan Bao’er’s heart like a poisoned arrow, drawing blood.

"Do you think she will even care?"

At that precise moment, a frigid voice cut through the air. Xing Si appeared, striding forward until he stood protectively beside Ruan Bao’er, his presence exuding an undeniable dominance.

"Even without the Ruan family's backing, she can still attain the utmost glory. Dare to slight her again, and you court my enmity!"

It was an unprecedented outpouring from Xing Si, his voice edged with a raw, uncharacteristic tremor.

Father Ruan, initially taken aback, soon scoffed. "Xing Si, you fancy a no-name scoundrel. Your preferences are truly peculiar."

The phrase 'No-name Scoundrel' ignited a spark of lethal intent within Xing Si's eyes.

"Xing Si, that’s enough. Let’s depart."

Ruan Bao’er drew a steadying breath, her composure regained. Taking his hand, she cast a final, lingering look at Father Ruan and Ruan Qinghe before turning to leave.

Ruan Qinghe watched until she was out of sight, slumping onto the sofa, his voice heavy with despair. "Father, why must you behave this way?"

Father Ruan felt an agonizing void within him, a pain that cut to the very core of his being.

"What else can I do…"

He clawed at his hair, his eyes bloodshot, his expression contorting with anguish.

"For years, seeing Bao’er has constantly reminded me of Fuya. I cannot help but unleash my pent-up rage. I feel as though I am losing my mind…"

Ruan Qinghe closed his eyes, appearing utterly defeated.

"Qinghe."

"Yes."

"Send me away. Let me go far, far away."

Perchance, only by distancing himself from this torment could he find a semblance of peace.

"…Very well."

If their continued proximity only brought mutual suffering, then separation was the only recourse.

There was no possibility of recapturing the past; all they could do was hope that time might offer a chance for change.

Xing Si, at the wheel, cast sidelong glances at Ruan Bao’er. After a considerable silence, he finally spoke, his tone dry. "Do not despair. He no longer values you, so you need not concern yourself with him either."

Ruan Bao’er offered a silent shake of her head.

She understood the turmoil within her father’s heart. She remained in his thoughts, yet he found himself incapable of accepting her. His harsh words served only as a brutal means of drawing a line between them.

In truth, perhaps this was for the best.

After so many years, Ruan Bao’er had learned to find contentment regardless of circumstances.

Xing Si guided the car to a stop beneath Ruan Bao’er’s apartment building and exited the vehicle.

Ruan Bao’er inquired with a touch of bewilderment, "Would you care to come up for a moment?"

"Please."

Upon entering the apartment, Ruan Bao’er prepared two cups of tea. Xing Si accepted one, drinking it in quiet contemplation.

Noticing his statue-like stillness and his apparent reluctance to depart, Ruan Bao’er eventually initiated the conversation. "Is there something you wish to discuss with me?"

Meeting her earnest gaze, Xing Si felt an unfamiliar tightening in his throat.

Abruptly, as if by some peculiar conjuration, he produced an identification card.

"Ruan Bao’er, this is my military identification. Here are all my bank cards. I also possess property under my name. I don’t have my personal identification with me at this moment, but I shall provide it at a later time."

Ruan Bao’er stared at the items laid out on the table, her expression one of utter bewilderment.

Xing Si cleared his throat with a hint of awkwardness. "My name is Xing Si. I am thirty-one years old and hold the rank of Major General. I have no detrimental habits and have never been in a relationship. I harbor feelings for you. Should you consent to a relationship with me, all that I possess shall be yours."

Ruan Bao’er could discern his palpable nervousness, underscored by a subtle… hopeful expectation.

She had been aware of Xing Si’s affections for a considerable duration.

For years, Xing Si had acted as her silent protector. Though he rarely spoke of his feelings, every action he took was imbued with care and profound respect towards her.

He had finally reached this pivotal moment.

"And what if I desire certain things from you, yet have no inclination for a romantic involvement?"

"If you desire them, take them."

"Truly? Without any reservation or regret?"

"Indeed."

Huddled in her arms, Ruan Bao’er clutched her treasures as if she had stumbled upon a king's ransom. "I gained all this without giving up a single thing. Truly, I've struck gold."

Xing Si's gaze softened incrementally. "Everything I possess from this moment forward shall belong to you."

Ruan Bao’er placed a finger to her lips, pondering deeply. Adopting the persona of a shrewd bargainer, she declared, "In that case, I must remain by your side for an extended duration, allowing me to perpetually 'squeeze' you dry. Very well, I agree to give this 'trial' a chance. You must treat me exceptionally well. Should we, by any chance, part ways midway, all these acquired possessions shall not be returned!"

A flicker of elation illuminated Xing Si's normally stern and handsome countenance. He enfolded Ruan Bao’er within his embrace, his voice thick with emotion as he stated, "You are forbidden from retracting your vow."

"I shall not break my promise." Because, truthfully, my heart harbors feelings for you as well.

Previously, Sister Ball had cautioned her that whoever yielded first in this particular contest of wills would forfeit their strategic advantage, a warning that had compelled her to remain steadfastly silent.

When affection arrives unbidden, it descends with a beauty akin to celestial melodies.

Companionship stands as the most enduring declaration of love. Throughout these long years, had it not been for his unwavering presence, she might never have emerged from the lingering shadows so swiftly.

Xing Si, my deepest gratitude; I humbly request your continued guidance and companionship moving forward.