RMM – Chapter 112 Unexpected Joy

Su Ruo’s phone usage time was now strictly controlled—Shen Liang only allowed her two hours a day, and even then, not all at once.

But Su Ruo didn’t really mind. She only used it to play some small games to kill time anyway. Now that she couldn’t, so be it. Besides, it was all for the sake of the baby. Because of that, she followed the rule quite willingly.

Watching Shen Liang take the phone from her, Su Ruo grinned. “Mom, don’t you think we’re acting strange? It’s like we’re doing something shady, only being allowed to contact the outside world at fixed hours every day.”

“You child, what nonsense are you talking about? Your body just recovered, and you’re already thinking about causing trouble again?” Shen Liang chided lightly.

Fortunately, this girl’s health foundation was strong. Yesterday’s cold hadn’t been too serious. After a good night’s sleep, she had actually recovered, much to the family’s relief. But something like this mustn’t happen again.

“What trouble? I’m just following the rule very thoroughly.” Su Ruo muttered as she powered on the phone.

Shen Liang had been keeping it herself. In fact, almost every electronic device in the bedroom had been removed—after all, it was said that radiation was harmful during the most fragile stage of fetal development.

To be honest, Su Ruo really wanted to sigh. Other people still did whatever they wanted during pregnancy—why so many taboos here? Didn’t they still give birth to perfectly fine children? But she only thought it to herself, never saying it aloud.

Since they had the means, she might as well comply. It would ease her mother-in-law’s mind and her own. Who knew, maybe the child would indeed be born smarter and cuter? She let her imagination run wild.

Thinking of this, she couldn’t help feeling smug. Of course her baby would be outstanding—just look at the parents’ conditions. The genes couldn’t possibly be bad: her looks, the Commander’s brains… as for his temper? Best not to inherit that—it would ruin the charm, hehe…

Shen Liang didn’t bother bickering with her and simply chuckled. “Manage your own time. When you’re done, put the phone away and remember to turn it off.”

Su Ruo raised her brows in surprise. “Mom, you mean… I can keep the phone with me?”

What was going on with her mother-in-law today? She wasn’t afraid of radiation anymore?

“I said you can keep it, not play with it. You still only get fixed hours. Be mindful. Once your belly gets bigger, we can loosen up a bit.”

Shen Liang’s reasoning was this: at first, she had kept the phone away to prevent radiation and to help Su Ruo get used to living without it. Now that time had passed and the habit should be formed, she might as well return it. That way, Su Ruo wouldn’t feel overly restricted or mistrusted.

For the sake of this unborn grandchild, Shen Liang was truly meticulous—careful in every matter, yet also considerate of Su Ruo’s feelings. But she enjoyed it nonetheless.

Su Ruo quickly understood her intention and smiled. “Mom, I get it. Don’t worry—I’d never let my child suffer.”

Shen Liang nodded, satisfied, and left the room, even closing the door behind her.

Smiling, Su Ruo let out a sigh, picked up the phone, and wondered what to do with it. Playing games no longer interested her.

She decided to call He Wen first. Yesterday had been so busy she hadn’t said a word, and He Wen must be worried.

Sure enough, He Wen was growing more anxious by the moment. Why hadn’t Ruo Ruo contacted her? She used to call every day. Could her cold have worsened?

The thought made her panic. It was all her fault for being careless and letting Ruo Ruo catch a cold. Hopefully nothing serious happened.

In a rush, she ran downstairs, planning to drive to Zhengjia Courtyard to see her. Better than sitting here, restless. But just as she got into the car, her phone rang.

Seeing Su Ruo’s name, her heart finally relaxed. She exhaled deeply.

“Ruo Ruo, are you okay? How’s your cold?”

Hearing her urgent voice, Su Ruo couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m fine. Just felt uncomfortable yesterday, so I slept all day. Now I’m back to my lively self.”

“Thank goodness. I couldn’t reach you yesterday and worried myself sick.” He Wen leaned back in her seat with a long sigh.

“It’s nothing. Don’t make such a fuss. You’re all being too cautious, it’s like… like being startled by every rustling leaf.”

He Wen chuckled. “Of course we’re cautious. Think about who you are, and what the baby in your belly means—one is the precious daughter of the Xi and Su families, the other is the little crown prince of the capital. Both are priceless treasures.”

Rolling her eyes at the exaggerated joke, Su Ruo thought her friend could never speak seriously.

“I was just about to go see you. I’m already in the car. Shall I still come?” He Wen asked. Since she’d gotten in anyway, she might as well.

“Mm, sure. Come on over. It’s just me, Mother, and Yue Hui at home. Grandpa went out to visit a friend.”

Su Ruo nodded. Having someone to chat with would be nice.

After hanging up, she hesitated a bit, then dialed another number.

Xi Yuechen had planned to return today, but an unexpected matter delayed him until tomorrow. He had just come back from the mess hall and hadn’t even changed clothes when his phone rang.

Normally, he kept it off during the day, but ever since Su Ruo started calling in the afternoons, he kept it on at home, just not with him outside.

Knowing it must be her, his lips curved as he picked it up.

“Ruo Ruo.”

Hearing his deep voice, Su Ruo couldn’t resist smiling. “Commander, have you eaten yet?”

“Mm, just got back.”

He hadn’t thought much of her not calling yesterday—after all, she usually only called every other day, knowing he was busy and not wanting to disturb him.

Carrying a glass of water into the living room, he sat down, still holding the phone close to his ear.

“It’s autumn now. The weather’s cooling. You must be too. Take care not to catch cold. Don’t bury yourself only in work.”

Su Ruo couldn’t help fussing. He was always so neglectful of himself—otherwise, his stomach wouldn’t be in such bad shape.

“Mm.” Xi Yuechen nodded, his face soft with a faint smile ever since picking up the call, his mood clearly lifted. “I’m coming home tomorrow.”

“Mm… wait, what? Home?” Su Ruo froze, then cautiously probed, “You mean… coming back?”

Which home did he mean?

“Back to B City tomorrow.” He repeated with a trace of good humor.

“Really? That’s wonderful!” The words slipped out before she realized she sounded too excited. Embarrassed, she laughed. “So you’re coming back tomorrow? Did you get leave?”

Her reaction pleased Xi Yuechen. His smile deepened. “Yes, I took leave. I’ll stay home for two days.”

Su Ruo didn’t ask if it was because of her, but sweetness surged through her heart, flooding her whole body.

They didn’t talk long—Xi Yuechen knew her phone time was limited. Anyway, he would see her tomorrow.

Su Ruo, however, remained giddy after hanging up.

“Baby, do you think your dad suddenly coming home on leave… could it be for us?” She whispered to her belly, her face glowing with joy. “Hmph, Xi Yuechen, you’ve finally come around.”

She had known he was back with his unit—he’d told her himself. That had reassured her, since that “Brother Long” character clearly wasn’t simple. Missions out there were too dangerous, no matter how capable Xi Yuechen was.

She thought it was all over now, but little did she know, it was only the beginning. The real danger still lay ahead.

Deciding her in-laws should know early, she left her room. With her grandfather and father-in-law out, she didn’t bother dressing up, just slipped on cotton pajamas.

She didn’t need to look for Shen Liang—she would be in the living room by the sunny window, sitting at the small tea table. Autumn sun wasn’t harsh like summer, so it was pleasant there.

Indeed, Shen Liang was on the soft chair, reading a magazine, bathed in warm light.

“Mom.”

Looking up to see Su Ruo, she set the magazine aside. “Can’t stay in bed anymore? Come sit in the sun.”

Su Ruo joined her, reclining in the chair. The sunshine felt so cozy she couldn’t help but relax.

“Here, have an apple.” Shen Liang handed her one, smiling at her lazy contentment. “Feels nice, doesn’t it? You should come down more often—good for your health.”

“Alright. I can’t lie down all day anyway. Didn’t you tell me to move more?” she teased, biting into the apple.

“That was because you had a cold, so you needed rest. Now that you’re better, you should walk around to strengthen your immunity.” Shen Liang flipped through the magazine. Spotting a baby photo, she pointed excitedly.

“Ruo Ruo, look at this one—so cute! How could a baby be so pretty?”

Seeing her mother-in-law’s fond expression, Su Ruo chuckled. “Don’t worry, Mom. When your grandson is born, you can compare then. See who’s cuter.”

“You cheeky girl.” Shen Liang laughed, though of course she believed her own grandchild would be the cutest.

“Oh right, Mom—I have good news.” Su Ruo couldn’t hold back her grin.

Shen Liang looked at her curiously. “What is it? You look so happy.”

Blushing, Su Ruo tried to act casual. “The Commander just told me—he’s coming home tomorrow.”

“Really?” Shen Liang’s eyes widened. What a delightful surprise! Who would have expected her son to suddenly return?

“Of course it’s true—he said he’s on leave.” Su Ruo nodded earnestly, though she was just as thrilled inside.

“That’s wonderful. He’s been gone so long, who knows how he’s been doing out there. It’ll be so good to have him home.” Shen Liang sighed with relief, then teased, “And he can see his greatest contributor—his little wife.”

“Mom!” Su Ruo blushed scarlet, pretending to be upset, though her heart thumped wildly.