RMM – Chapter 119 Reunion

This time, Xi Yuechen’s leave wasn’t long—only three days. Even so, it was already considered a special “favor.”

When Su Ruo woke up this morning, she was already feeling a little low. The commander was leaving today.

She couldn’t help but scold herself for being greedy. The fact that he could come back to see her at all was already difficult enough—what more was she expecting?

While Su Ruo was quietly brooding, Xi Yuechen’s phone suddenly rang in the study.

He pulled it out and saw it was an unfamiliar number. He thought about not answering and was just about to decline when Xi Jian’an spoke up beside him.

“Answer it. What if it’s something important? Don’t risk missing it.”

Since his father said so, Xi Yuechen answered the call.

“Hello, this is Xi Yuechen.”

“Haha, I know you’re Xi Yuechen.” The other end was a hearty, resonant male voice, full of laughter and clearly in good spirits.

Almost immediately, Xi Yuechen recognized the owner of the voice. His expression shifted into the solemnity he reserved for superiors.

It was General Zhou Tingzhang.

During his last mission, Xi Yuechen had reported directly to him several times. With his excellent memory, there was no way he could fail to recognize the voice.

“General Zhou.” Xi Yuechen greeted, his voice returning to the cool, professional tone of work.

Unless it was family, he rarely showed emotion—always maintaining a steady, impeccable calmness.

Hearing his son mention “General Zhou,” Xi Jian’an raised an eyebrow in surprise. If he wasn’t mistaken, this Zhou was the General Zhou Tingzhang. Why would he call Yuechen personally?

After a brief exchange, Xi Yuechen hung up the call.

“Was that General Zhou Tingzhang?” Xi Jian’an asked.

Su Feng had told him privately that the highest person in charge of the current plan was General Zhou.

He had heard of Zhou Tingzhang’s reputation. Thinking it through, it all made sense, and he felt a little relieved. If Zhou was in charge, the mission’s safety factor was at least higher than with others.

“Mm.” Xi Yuechen himself was a little surprised. He hadn’t expected Zhou to contact him directly. “He knows I’m leaving today. He asked me to drop by before I go—said he wants to ask about the situation.”

It had to be something related to Province D. Nothing else would make Zhou call him personally.

“Then go see him early. He’s the one in charge of the plan. Communication between you two is important. The fact that he called you personally means he thinks highly of you,” Xi Jian’an advised.

“Yes. I’ll head over now.”

Though Zhou had said it was fine to come before leaving, Xi Yuechen would never allow himself to be lax. He intended to go immediately, both to allow more time for discussion and to show proper respect. After all, Zhou was a busy leader. Making a superior wait was something he would never do.

General Zhou lived in the military compound as well, but because of his personality, he rarely socialized. Xi Yuechen had only seen him from afar a few times and had no real interaction. Even his father-in-law, a colleague, had little contact with him.

Before setting off, Xi Yuechen decided to bring Su Ruo along. Since he was heading to the compound anyway, he thought it better for her to stay at the Su residence for a few days. That way, when he left, she wouldn’t feel so down. She might even feel freer there than at the Xi household.

He had considered it thoroughly.

Shen Liang also agreed. In fact, she had already discussed with Zhang Huaqing that Su Ruo should alternate between the two homes.

Su Ruo thought for a moment and didn’t refuse. With a small nod, she began to pack.

There wasn’t much to prepare—her things at the compound were already complete. Zhang Huaqing had prepared everything she might need long ago. She just grabbed a few personal essentials she was used to.

Xi Yuechen didn’t understand these things, so he couldn’t help much—he just leaned against the wall, watching her. Thankfully, there wasn’t much to carry, so it wasn’t difficult.

Before they left, Shen Liang fussed over her daughter-in-law: be careful of this, watch out for that. She knew Su Ruo would be well cared for in the compound, but still couldn’t help reminding her.

Su Ruo just smiled and nodded, promising she would.

Checking the time, Shen Liang realized they shouldn’t delay further. Since her son still had to see General Zhou, she urged them to go quickly.

Because Xi Yuechen would return home again before leaving, he didn’t bid farewell to each family member one by one.

“Commander, is this General Zhou really famous?”

The car ride felt heavy with unspoken gloom, so Su Ruo tried to break the silence with a question.

“Yes. He’s a very formidable man,” Xi Yuechen answered, eyes fixed ahead but flicking a quick glance at her.

“Oh, I’ve never met someone like that before.” Su Ruo pursed her lips and chuckled. “Actually, I feel like I haven’t met anyone at all. Even now, I don’t know who my neighbors are.”

Xi Yuechen smiled lightly. Understandable. After her memory loss, she had moved straight into Jingyue Mingdu, then into Zhengjia Court, and only occasionally went to the compound. No chance to know any neighbors.

Chatting idly, they soon arrived at the compound. The guards at the gate already knew Xi Yuechen and recognized Su Ruo, so they let them through without question.

After settling Su Ruo at her family’s home, Xi Yuechen quickly left for General Zhou’s residence.

Zhang Huaqing was surprised to see her daughter and son-in-law suddenly return. Didn’t they just come yesterday? And with luggage—did this mean they were staying?

Since it was a last-minute decision, Su Ruo hadn’t notified her mother beforehand.

After explaining briefly, Xi Yuechen excused himself to go see General Zhou. Zhang Huaqing, knowing General Zhou’s temperament, didn’t try to keep him.

Everyone in the compound knew General Zhou’s fiery, unsociable nature. If displeased, he wouldn’t even let you past his door, no matter who you were.

Su Ruo stood outside watching Xi Yuechen walk away until he disappeared from sight, then sighed softly and went back inside.

General Zhou’s home was deeper inside the compound. Xi Yuechen didn’t drive—he walked quickly, covering the distance in little time.

Inside, he found General Zhou alone. The house felt cold and quiet.

“Don’t mind the cold atmosphere,” General Zhou laughed. “I don’t like too much socializing. It’s just me and my daughter here. No idea where that girl’s gone off to—on vacation but doesn’t even come home.”

General Zhou’s wife had passed away years ago, leaving only his daughter. He doted on her, and fortunately she hadn’t grown up shadowed by the loss. Now she was graceful and accomplished, a source of comfort for him.

Xi Yuechen didn’t know these details, so he simply nodded politely.

General Zhou didn’t mind his reserve—he had already learned this was his nature. In fact, after meeting him in person, he was even more impressed: steady, confident, unshaken by honor or disgrace, carrying himself with the poise of a future general.

They went to the study. The conversation was brief but to the point. General Zhou knew Xi Yuechen was leaving today, so he kept it concise.

Even so, he was secretly exhilarated. Yuechen’s insights were sharp and precise, his perspective always broad, calm, and objective. Talented yet humble—truly a rare gem.

General Zhou’s expectations for the mission rose. With such an outstanding team leader, plus a strong squad, they stood a real chance of wiping out the cross-border criminals once and for all. If successful, it would remove a national threat—something he could retire without regret over.

He even offered a rare word of encouragement, urging Xi Yuechen to give it his all and ensure success.

Xi Yuechen saluted firmly. “Yes, sir!” His resolve was evident.

Satisfied, General Zhou escorted him to the door, telling him to hurry back and spend time with his family before departure.

Just as Xi Yuechen reached to open the door, it suddenly swung open from the outside.

A young woman stepped in and froze in shock at the sight of him. Then, recognizing him, she exclaimed, “It’s you?”

Xi Yuechen recognized her too—the woman he had bumped into at the airport. Judging from the situation, she must be Zhou’s only daughter.

He gave a brief nod but said nothing.

“You two know each other?” General Zhou asked curiously.

“We ran into each other once.” Regaining composure, Zhou Yunzhen’s expression softened. She glanced up at Yuechen’s stern face with a smile. “Dad, since we have a guest, aren’t you going to introduce us properly?”

General Zhou chuckled. “My mistake. Come, let me introduce. Yuechen, this is my daughter, Zhou Yunzhen. Yunzhen, this is Colonel Xi Yuechen—an extraordinary talent.”

Yunzhen’s lips curved in a smile, her eyes bright with delight.

“Hello, I’m very pleased to meet you.” She extended her hand.

It was clear she wanted to shake hands, but Xi Yuechen hesitated. He disliked physical contact with women other than Su Ruo. Still, it would be too rude to refuse outright. Reluctantly, he brushed her hand in the briefest of touches before quickly withdrawing.

It was more a passing touch than a real handshake.

“General Zhou, I’ll be taking my leave. Thank you for your time.” Xi Yuechen saluted again, then turned and left without another glance at Yunzhen.

Watching him leave, General Zhou scolded his daughter. “What are you staring at? You never come home to see me—do you dislike me now that I’m old?”

Yunzhen snapped back to herself, smiling. “Dad, don’t say that. Come on, let’s play a round of chess.”

Pleased, General Zhou nodded and walked toward the waiting chessboard.

But before joining him, Yunzhen turned once more toward the direction Yuechen had gone, her face tinged with delight and a faint blush. Only after a deep breath did she close the door and return to her father.

Inside, her heart fluttered. That man—so outstanding, so magnetic—was perhaps the most captivating she had ever met. Just that fleeting moment of contact had sent a spark straight to her heart.

Who would’ve thought fate would bring them together again so soon? Truly, destiny worked in mysterious ways.