RMM – Chapter 115 Blockhead

Maybe it was because Xi Yuechen had returned, but Zhengjia Courtyard was especially lively today. Even Xi Jian’an had come home early from work.

After the big group finished a noisy, cheerful dinner, Xi Jian’an called Xi Yuechen into the study. This had practically become a ritual: every time Xi Yuechen came home or was about to leave, Xi Jian’an would have a talk with him.

The old man had already spent almost the whole day with his grandson, so this little while didn’t make much difference. He also called Xi Yuehui into the first-floor study, saying he wanted to check on his calligraphy—after all, he hadn’t checked for several days.

Young people were inevitably restless and impatient. How could they accomplish big things like that? Especially in officialdom, without breadth of mind, how could one go far? Calligraphy was the best way to cultivate one’s temperament.

Xi Yuehui shrugged and followed the old man into the study.

For the moment, only Shen Liang and Su Ruo were left in the living room.

Shen Liang checked the time—it was nearly nine. With Yuechen called into the study, the father and son wouldn’t talk too long, he’d be out before long.

Thinking that Su Ruo still hadn’t had a chance to be alone with Yuechen, she must not be feeling great. Smiling understandingly, Shen Liang looked at the obviously distracted Su Ruo.

“Ruo Ruo, it’s getting late. Let’s head back to rest. Yuechen should be out soon too.”

The young couple had finally reunited—she shouldn’t intrude on their private time. Besides, they’d all been sitting around the whole day.

Of course Su Ruo understood her mother-in-law’s intention. She nodded and smiled: “Mm, then I’ll head up first. Mom, you should rest early too.”

“I know, do I need you to remind me?” Shen Liang’s expression suddenly turned serious but also a bit amused. She leaned close to Su Ruo’s ear and whispered, “By the way, best not to have… marital relations tonight. It’s easy to cause a miscarriage at this time.”

Su Ruo’s cheeks instantly flushed red, her heart racing. She was mortified. Such a reminder…

Of course she knew that! She’d seen it in magazines before. And besides, wasn’t this common knowledge?

But she couldn’t very well tell Shen Liang, I already knew that. She could only give an awkward chuckle and quickly escape upstairs.

Seeing Su Ruo’s flustered retreat, Shen Liang shook her head in amusement. This girl, what’s there to be embarrassed about?

She hadn’t meant to nag. She was just worried—young people were hot-blooded, and after being apart so long, they might be impulsive. Better to give a reminder. She hadn’t expected Su Ruo to turn so red.

Sighing with a smile, Shen Liang also got up and went upstairs. It was late enough to sleep.

Back in the bedroom, Su Ruo still felt her cheeks burning and her heartbeat quick. Leaning against the door, she pressed both hands to her face, exhaling heavily.

She pouted, frowning. Honestly, how embarrassing to have my mother-in-law bring up that kind of thing! Makes it sound like I’m so desperate or something. Too mortifying.

After finally calming down, she sat on the bed. Her eyes shifted thoughtfully. She knew they couldn’t have sex right now—but did the chief know that?

Probably not. He spent all his time in the army like some kind of ascetic monk. How would he know?

She chuckled. Well, whether he knew or not, tonight they could only lie under the covers and talk.

Still not seeing Xi Yuechen return, she sighed helplessly. Picking up her pajamas, she went into the bathroom to bathe—who knew how long Father-in-law would keep him?

In truth, Xi Yuechen and Xi Jian’an didn’t talk long. With one in the military and one in politics, their topics didn’t overlap much.

Mostly Xi Jian’an asked about the situation in Province D. Since Province D was both a military focal point and politically significant, there were always new policies. But this wasn’t Xi Jian’an’s area of responsibility. In central government, duties were strictly divided, everyone minding their own, to avoid any appearance of meddling.

So the questions were limited to public security and livelihood issues.

Knowing the real reason for his son’s posting, Xi Jian’an also asked about the progress of the basic groundwork—how the action team’s setup was going, whether members got along, and whether Yuechen was on good terms with them.

He knew his son’s temperament—capable, yes, but not exactly amiable. If relations soured and he was isolated, that would be trouble. They’d need to fight side by side in the future.

“Mm, all good. No friction,” Yuechen answered calmly.

“That’s good. But you can’t just do things your own way. You have to consider their feelings and views. You’re not alone anymore, but part of a team—a team carrying heavy responsibilities. And you’re the one leading it, so remember to keep it united.”

Xi Jian’an spoke earnestly. Of course Yuechen already knew all this—he was well-versed in psychology. Still, he nodded seriously, as if taking the lesson to heart.

Xi Jian’an looked at his son with satisfaction. He knew Yuechen understood; he wasn’t omniscient, but his knowledge was broad, far more than his old father’s.

His son was excellent in all respects. Only this mission worried him—it was too dangerous. Success would be no easy feat.

“Enough, go back now. We’ll talk another time.” Xi Jian’an sighed and shook his head. It was late. He’d said these things many times before. As for military secrets, his son wouldn’t share, and he had no right to ask.

“I’ll head out then. Please rest early, Father.” Yuechen nodded, turned, and left the study.

Only much later did Xi Jian’an leave the study himself.

Pushing open his bedroom door, Yuechen didn’t see Su Ruo. From the bathroom came the sound of water—she was bathing.

He removed his jacket, sat on the edge of the bed, and idly noticed some books on the nightstand. He picked one up—it was a childcare magazine. A thick one. He’d never touched such books before. In the past, he wouldn’t even have glanced at it. But now, with fatherhood looming, a strange warmth welled in his heart as he flipped it open.

When Su Ruo came out, she saw him sitting on the bed, head lowered, reading something.

Drying her hair with a towel, she walked over.

Hearing her steps, Yuechen looked up—she was in a light-purple cotton nightdress, her hair still damp.

“Why didn’t you dry your hair?” He frowned slightly. The weather was chilly. What if she caught a cold?

Biting her lip, Su Ruo smiled, and sat down beside him. Breathing in his familiar scent, she instantly felt at ease, deeply content.

All the negative emotions seemed to vanish, leaving only warmth in her heart.

“Chief, what are you reading?” She leaned closer—and saw it was her magazine.

A rush of sweetness filled her. Soon, she’d be giving him a baby.

“Do you feel unwell anywhere?” Yuechen closed the magazine and looked at her.

“No,” she smiled faintly, eyes moving from the magazine to his face. “Not uncomfortable at all. Actually, I feel really happy.”

Yuechen glanced at her still-flat belly, his eyes flashing with tenderness. How could it not be hard on her?

“Chief, I missed you so much.” She couldn’t hold it in any longer. Hugging him tightly, she rested her head against his chest, her tone tinged with sorrow.

He stared at the top of her head, eyes complicated. Then he raised his arms—one circled her gently, the other patted her back in comfort.

They simply leaned against each other, silent, unmoving.

“Go dry your hair.” After a while, he spoke evenly, eyes fixed disapprovingly on her damp hair.

His words instantly shattered the tender atmosphere. Su Ruo’s heart clenched in exasperation. Honestly! What an unromantic blockhead!

She pulled back, noticed the damp spot left on his chest, and thought grimly, Serves you right. You don’t even know how to be considerate.

With a huff, she stood and walked to the bathroom. Fine, she’d dry it.

Plugging in the dryer, just about to switch it on, she saw Yuechen come in. “Why are you here?”

Looking at him through the mirror, her tone was annoyed, her expression a little helpless.

Sigh. Expecting anything from this ice block was my mistake. What does he know of sweet words and passion?

Though she tried to brush it off, disappointment lingered. She had missed him so much. Couldn’t they at least cuddle for a while?

She was about to turn on the dryer, but he took it from her.

“I’ll do it.” One hand held the dryer, the other gently combed through her hair.

Her mood lifted again, a smile tugging at her lips despite her attempt to look unimpressed.

Of course he knew what she was feeling. “It’s cold. You’ll catch a chill if your hair stays wet.”

Hearing that, her mood fully eased. Fine, you’re not completely hopeless.

Running his fingers through her thick, long hair, he realized it would take a while. He didn’t want her standing so long. Unplugging the dryer, he said calmly to her surprised face, “Let’s do it in the bedroom. Easier there.”

Puzzled but obedient, she followed him back. When he plugged the dryer in by the bed, she instantly understood, sat down quietly, and waited.

Her lips curved in a secret smile. Finally. This blockhead can be thoughtful too.

Thinking of how he’d been when they first met, she couldn’t help but marvel. How had she earned such sincere care from him?

His big hands guided the warm airflow gently through her hair. Who would imagine this iron-blooded man could be so tender, handling her like some rare treasure?

Both of them smiled faintly. The bedroom atmosphere grew quiet and warm.

Before bed, Su Ruo was still wondering how to explain that they couldn’t have sex. But after showering, Yuechen simply held her and did nothing more.

She raised a brow. So he did know about the no-intimacy rule during the first trimester?

Hmph, encyclopedic as always, she thought, pursing her lips.

His hand, though, slid to her belly, resting gently there. Warmth flowed steadily into her through his palm.

Baby, can you feel this warmth? This is from your father. Remember it well.

Mom will tell you a secret—don’t blame your father for not always being with you. He has important duties. That’s his responsibility. He’s a true hero.