RMM – Chapter 106 The Radiance of Motherhood

These past few days, Su Ruo had been getting along well with the old man, far better than she had expected. The ease of their interactions allowed her to finally breathe a little easier.

Xi Ping’s temperament now was completely different from before. He had never been this gentle, this pleasant. At the same time, he seemed a bit more childish—often puffing up his chest and glaring—which used to leave everyone in the Xi family helpless.

“Where’s Ruo? Still asleep?”

Around seven in the morning, a voice came from the Xi family’s living room—slightly weathered but full of force.

“Dad,” Shen Liang walked in from the garden, shaking his head helplessly, “Ruoruo needs more rest right now. Let’s not disturb her. She can keep you company when she wakes up.”

It seemed that the old man’s attention was entirely on Ruoruo lately. He kept calling for her from morning till noon. While it wasn’t wrong to call, a pregnant woman wasn’t the same as a normal person—her body couldn’t handle such constant activity.

“Hmph, so you think I’m being troublesome?” the old man scowled, though his voice was noticeably softer, showing he was mindful of the situation.

“Grandpa, come on, isn’t it because you’re worried about tiring out my sister-in-law? If your great-grandchild gets exhausted, wouldn’t you feel concerned?”

From the staircase came a voice. Shen Liang looked over and saw Xi Yuehui in a light gray home outfit, his tall figure moving lazily down the steps.

In the past few days, Xi Yuehui hadn’t gone to school much. He had already completed all his courses in advance and applied for early graduation. Having decided to pursue an official career, he had no time or mood to idly linger at school.

So, he spent his days at home reading materials, rarely leaving the house. When tired, he would stroll around the vicinity, then immediately dive back into the study. Xi Jian’an had already allowed him free access to his study, so Yuehui spent the entire day immersed in learning. When Xi Jian’an occasionally returned home, he would call Yuehui into the study to discuss his studies and exchange viewpoints.

Xi Yuehui was actually quite capable. Perhaps because most of his family were involved in politics, he had a certain sensitivity to political matters. Even as a fresh graduate, his perspectives were respectable. Satisfied with this, Xi Jian’an began guiding him personally—analyzing current affairs, showing him how to approach and think about problems.

Under the guidance of someone as experienced as Xi Jian’an, Xi Yuehui benefited greatly, feeling a surge of confidence and ambition.

Soon, Xi Yuehui would have to leave the capital to start training at the grassroots level. Xi Jian’an would not give him a high platform to stand on; if he had the ability, he would rise step by step, and if not, being lifted too high would only make the fall harsher. The Xi family reached its current position through ability, not shortcuts.

Xi Yuehui knew where his first step would be and understood his father’s considerations. Proud as he was, he would never accept an artificially elevated position.

Still, being born into such a family gave him an innate advantage—higher starting points than ordinary people—but to gain true recognition, he had to work even harder. Xi Yuehui understood this clearly, so he resolved to push himself and act with a clear conscience.

Seeing his son so energetic, Shen Liang felt a little relief. These past few days had been tough on him too.

“You rascal, stop talking nonsense! My great-grandchild isn’t that fragile!” the old man scowled at Xi Yuehui, who had come over.

“But isn’t he still young?” Xi Yuehui laughed, teasing as he grabbed the old man’s arm. “Grandpa, why are you always thinking about your great-grandchild? I’m right here, your grown grandson, and yet you barely notice me.”

“Hmph, aren’t you trying to improve yourself? How dare this old man disturb your future?” the old man snorted, though a hint of amusement shone in his eyes. “Only Ruo has the time and energy to accompany me. You’re all busy—busy with your own lives.”

Shen Liang laughed: “Dad, jealous much? We don’t work, where would the money come from to support the whole family?”

Xi Yuehui pulled the old man toward the door. “Grandpa, today let’s skip my sister-in-law. I’ll keep you company all day, okay? Let’s go for a walk now—the morning air is fresh.”

The old man, going along with them, reminded Shen Liang to prepare lunch. Shen Liang smiled helplessly; the old man was becoming more childlike, clearly afraid of loneliness. Only Yuehui and Ruo could keep him company, along with occasional visits to old friends for chess and conversation.

Indeed, the elderly grow increasingly afraid of loneliness and the chill of life.

Su Ruo had indeed slept late today. Since becoming pregnant, she had grown increasingly sleepy, though her appetite remained excellent. She ate whatever was given to her, and over this period, her figure had become noticeably fuller, delighting Shen Liang and Zhang Huaqing—they thought a little more weight would be even better, signaling good fortune and a healthy baby.

Every time Su Ruo looked at her slightly protruding belly, she felt a pang of emotion. All of this was from eating and sleeping, yet each time she ate, she couldn’t help but want more—her appetite had never been stronger.

Seeing the time—already past eight—she hurried to get ready, knowing her grandfather would have called for her.

Coming downstairs, she found only her mother-in-law quietly in the living room. “Mom, where’s everyone? Where did Grandpa go?”

“You’re up?” Shen Liang set down the baby magazine and smiled at Su Ruo. “Your grandfather and Yuehui went for a walk. They’ll be back later.”

“Grandpa must’ve called me this morning. I overslept again,” Su Ruo said sheepishly, sitting on the sofa.

“He didn’t call much. Your grandfather doesn’t care who keeps him company—he just wants someone there. You should rest more now. I’ll have them prepare breakfast for you.”

Su Ruo looked at Shen Liang in speechless amusement. This was almost pampering her into a pig.

Seeing her bored expression, Shen Liang suggested she go out to meet He Wen and the others. After this period of rest, her body was much stronger, and she didn’t need to stay cooped up at home.

“Really? I can go out?” Su Ruo asked, surprised. Weren’t the first three months dangerous?

“Why not? Just be careful. Don’t run around recklessly, and avoid crowded places. Don’t go alone,” Shen Liang warned.

“Got it!” Hearing she could go out, Su Ruo’s spirits lifted. These past few days had been dull, even though keeping her grandfather company was nice, she felt a little stifled.

After breakfast, Su Ruo called He Wen to pick her up. At home, every precaution was taken for her—keeping her away from electronics, decorating the house with flowers to lift her mood. Letting her go outside alone was unthinkable.

He Wen drove, teasing her the whole way: “When did you turn into a child? Your mother-in-law is so worried.”

Her mother hadn’t treated her this cautiously as a child.

“Ha, just because I get along with my mother-in-law? Plus, there’s her precious grandchild in my belly. How could I not be careful?” Su Ruo replied with mock irritation.

“Oh, so you’re powerful because of motherhood, huh? Impressive,” He Wen teased, laughing.

“You’d better like me as a mother too, or else you’re just stirring trouble,” Su Ruo said, playfully.

“Not at all! I’m just reacting to how pampered you’ve become lately,” He Wen said, turning the steering wheel. “Honestly, I can only describe it in one phrase.”

Su Ruo raised an eyebrow. “What phrase?”

“Plump and full?” she guessed, unsatisfied.

“Ha! You, Miss Su, are naturally beautiful—plump and full of charm!” He Wen laughed. “Perfectly round and glossy! That’s it, it fits you perfectly.”

“This one’s acceptable,” Su Ruo smiled, adjusting her seat for comfort.

“Honestly, it suits you. Your aura is different now, more beautiful.”

He Wen’s words were true. Perhaps due to knowing Su Ruo was pregnant, she seemed to radiate a calm, gentle charm. Her eyes smiled constantly, and her whole presence was more graceful.

“What kind of aura?” Su Ruo teased.

“Hmm… the radiance of motherhood! Pure and captivating!” He Wen said dramatically, with absolute conviction.

Su Ruo could only snort, closing her eyes, ignoring He Wen as she muttered to herself.

Round and glossy was one thing, but the “radiance of motherhood”… really, was He Wen trying to tease her? Her belly wasn’t even moving yet—whose motherhood was she supposed to show off?