RMM -Chapter 133 Everyday Amusements

Xi Yuechen put down his phone, a rare, unmistakable look of pleasure on his face.

He had just finished a call with Zhou Tingzhang, reporting everything that had been happening on this end, and finally mentioning his request for leave.

Zhou Tingzhang was extremely satisfied with Xi Yuechen. As long as it wasn’t excessive, he was practically granting every request. For nearly a month now, Xi Yuechen had been shuttling back and forth between the troops and Yanmen in D Province, putting in tremendous effort—and reaping even greater returns.

When such a major contributor asked for leave, the answer was naturally yes. It was only for a few days, after all. The situation in D Province had stabilized, and there was no need to rush into action. This matter required patience and the most perfect plan—ideally, a plan that would net everything in one sweep.

So this was a good time to rest, to ease the tension that had built up over such a long period. Besides, Zhou Tingzhang wasn’t unaware that Xi Yuechen’s wife, Su Ruo of the Su family, was already six months pregnant. The kid’s eagerness to return to the capital was surely for that delicate little wife of his.

Ah, young people these days… Who would have thought that Xi Yuechen would know how to cherish someone? Truly rare.

Thinking of Su Ruo with her pregnant belly, Zhou Tingzhang couldn’t help feeling a twinge of envy. She was even a few years younger than Yun Zhen, yet already expecting a child. And his own daughter? Forget children—she didn’t even have a boyfriend. What kind of situation was that?

No, Yun Zhen had to find someone and get married soon. Otherwise, when would he ever get to hold a grandchild?

A few days later, Xi Yuechen indeed received another notice from Yanmen: Big Brother wanted to see him.

This time, there was no need for Brother Long to lead the way. Xi Yuechen drove his own car straight up the mountain to Bai Xiong’s villa. Bai Xiong must have given prior instructions—at the mountain entrance, a few people checked his identity, but didn’t make things difficult for him and let him through.

Xi Yuechen stayed at the villa until dusk before heading back down the mountain. He didn’t mention the transaction even once to Bai Xiong; they only chatted about everyday matters.

Xi Yuechen’s tact and sense of propriety made Bai Xiong even more satisfied with him, and Bai Xiong promised that “the goods” wouldn’t keep him waiting too long.

With Bai Xiong’s assurance, the deal between Xi Yuechen and Yanmen was naturally put on the agenda. It likely wouldn’t be long now.

In truth, returning to the capital at such a critical moment was extremely unwise. If anything went wrong and Yanmen’s people caught on, all their previous efforts would be wasted.

But then he thought—if he didn’t go back this time, things would only get busier later. There would absolutely be no chance to return then. Who knew how long that stretch of busyness would last?

What if it dragged on until after the little woman gave birth?

The moment that thought crossed his mind, Xi Yuechen could no longer remain calm. No one knew how things here would ultimately unfold. It would be better to make a trip back. With Yanmen’s people, there was no way they could tail him.

He already owed the little woman more than enough. He didn’t dare hope to make up for everything—but if there was a chance, he had to seize it. At the very least, he didn’t want to leave any regrets.

As luck would have it, just as Xi Yuechen was preparing to leave for the capital, Brother Long called him. He said that Brother Bai had been busy lately and probably wouldn’t have time for him, so Xi Yuechen was free to take care of any personal matters—or even just find some entertainment to pass the time.

Xi Yuechen had been about to call Bai Xiong himself, so Brother Long’s call came at just the right moment. There was no need to call Bai Xiong anymore. He simply told Brother Long that he happened to have some matters to deal with in S City and would take this opportunity to handle them.

Bai Xiong had told Brother Long to pass along the message—essentially meaning Xi Yuechen shouldn’t contact him for the time being—which suited Xi Yuechen perfectly.

Brother Long didn’t even ask what the matter was. He nodded and agreed immediately, telling Xi Yuechen not to rush and to take his time handling things before coming back. After all, Big Brother wouldn’t have time anytime soon. At this point, Brother Long trusted Xi Yuechen completely—whatever he said was believed, without the slightest question.

As for Bai Xiong’s sudden disappearance, Xi Yuechen didn’t pry. Even if he asked, he wouldn’t find out anything anyway. Why waste the effort?

So, the next afternoon, Xi Yuechen set off on his return journey. This time, though, he didn’t tell anyone he was going home.

During this period, Su Ruo had been staying at the Su family home. That morning, Su Feng instructed Su Heng to drive Su Ruo back to Zhengjia Courtyard.

Zhang Huaqing sighed, but didn’t try to keep her. She and Shen Liang had long agreed that Su Ruo would rotate between the two families. No matter how reluctant she felt, she had to endure it.

Seeing her mother’s restrained expression, Su Ruo couldn’t help laughing. She went over, took her mother’s hand, and joked, “Oh come on, Mom, what are you doing? It’s not like your daughter is leaving forever. I’ll be back after a while. Besides, haven’t you started getting annoyed with me these past few days? This is perfect—you can have a buffer period. When I come back in a few days, you’ll be in top shape to welcome me. Otherwise, if I stayed home a few more days, you’d definitely start disliking me.”

Zhang Huaqing couldn’t help glaring at Su Ruo, who was grinning from ear to ear. “Nonsense! Who says I’m annoyed with you? I’d love to take care of you every single day—if only I had the chance.”

Her words suddenly made Su Ruo feel a little sad. She knew her mother would feel awful once she left. She didn’t dare show any sorrow and continued smiling as she comforted her. “I know you love me the most, Mom. But I’m not going thousands of miles away. If you miss me, you can come see me at Zhengjia Courtyard. Come on, smile.”

“Alright, alright, go already. Stop worrying about me. I was just feeling sentimental for a moment. You leaving is just right—I’ll enjoy some peace and quiet. Out of sight, out of mind,” Zhang Huaqing said, switching to an expression of mock disdain as she impatiently shooed Su Ruo away.

…Su Ruo fell silent. This lightning-fast face-changing—only Madam Zhang could pull it off so masterfully.

“Well then, I’m leaving. Now you’ll finally have time to go shopping and get beauty treatments with your old sisters. Don’t stay home all day—be careful you’ll age faster.”

After teasing her mother, Su Ruo immediately shut the car door. She was afraid the Empress Dowager might charge over and beat her up.

Sure enough, Zhang Huaqing instantly bristled. Just as she was about to scold her, Su Feng, standing nearby, stopped her with a stern look.

“That’s enough. At your age, behaving like this—what kind of example is that? Let Ruo Ruo go. Zhengjia Courtyard is probably waiting for her.”

Zhang Huaqing choked at the phrase “at your age.” Was he implying she was old and past her prime?

Oh, so the young one had just finished looking down on her, and now the old one was starting too. Fine. Did they really think she wouldn’t dare discipline anyone anymore?

“Su Heng! Hurry up and take your sister away. Today I want to see exactly how General Su here looks down on me!”

Hearing the Empress Dowager’s order, Su Heng didn’t dare slack off. He stepped on the gas and sped away in a cloud of dust, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire. Maybe he should drive around outside for a bit before coming back?

Once the children had left, the Su household was anything but peaceful. Su Feng deeply regretted his loose tongue—why hadn’t he controlled himself and ended up provoking this formidable deity?

At Zhengjia Courtyard, Shen Liang and the old man were indeed waiting for Su Ruo. As soon as they saw her return, they hurriedly stood up to greet her.

“Girl Ruo, you’re finally back. I’ve missed you so much these days,” the old man said.

Though he was still seated on the sofa, his booming, energetic voice reached them first.

After returning this time, the old man hadn’t mentioned going back to the southern town at all. He was fully focused on holding his great-grandchild and didn’t bring up his late wife either.

This made everyone breathe a sigh of relief. Although they could never let him go south again, once the old man’s stubborn streak flared up, persuading him would be no small matter.

At such an advanced age, what was the point of all that traveling? Staying home and enjoying his later years was best. Leaving him alone in the south would have everyone constantly worried.

In truth, the old man understood their concerns perfectly well. He knew they worried about him. Sigh… no more tossing about. He was old now; it was time to rest.

Old companion, you won’t blame me, will you? I’m truly too old—I can’t walk much anymore. I’ll listen to you, watch over them properly, and one day I’ll be able to give you an account.

“Grandpa, why are you here? Don’t tell me you were waiting for me?” Su Ruo asked, frowning slightly in feigned confusion.

As if that even needed asking—it was obvious he was waiting for her.

“You little brat. Stop being cheeky,” the old man said, smiling so broadly he looked delighted.

“Mom.”

“Grandpa, Aunt Shen.”

Su Ruo and Su Heng spoke at the same time, their voices overlapping.

“The siblings are quite in sync,” Shen Liang laughed lightly. “Alright, don’t just stand there—come in.”

After pulling Su Ruo to sit down, Shen Liang turned to Su Heng, who had also sat down. “By the way, Yuehui is in his bedroom upstairs. Not sure what he’s up to. Su Heng, why don’t you go find him?”

She knew Su Heng wouldn’t have much to say sitting here with them anyway—it would just be boring.

“Sure thing, I’ll head up then.”

Hearing that Xi Yuehui was home, Su Heng immediately stood up and headed upstairs. He came to Zhengjia Courtyard often, and the Xi family doted on him, so he felt completely at ease here, with no fear of being unwelcome.

The three people in the living room smiled as they watched Su Heng take the stairs two at a time. That kid really did get along well with Yuehui.

“Well then, now that Girl Ruo is back, I’m at ease. This old geezer won’t disturb your conversation any longer,” the old man said, standing up as if to leave.

“Grandpa, let’s chat together. We don’t mind that you’re an old geezer,” Su Ruo said quickly, joking as she tried to keep him.

“Ruo Ruo, just let your grandpa go,” Shen Liang said with a smile before Su Ruo could finish. “You don’t know—these past few days he’s found a like-minded old chess buddy. He’s out every day and can hardly wait to stay away from home.”

Her voice was full of teasing amusement.

The old man didn’t get annoyed at all. He snorted lightly as he stood up, looking disdainful. “Isn’t that exactly what you want? Seeing me a few times less a day is better, right? I just like finding chess buddies. I can’t have fun with you lot.”

He looked like a petulant child, making Su Ruo burst out laughing. “Grandpa, listen to yourself. If you want to go see your chess buddy, then go. Seeing you happy makes us happy—we wouldn’t dream of disliking you. I’m still counting on you to take your great-grandchild out to play in the future.”

Her words delighted the old man. He chuckled. “I knew Girl Ruo dotes on me. Of course I’m waiting to hold my great-grandchild. Alright, my chess buddy is waiting—I won’t waste any more time with you. I’m off.”

They watched as the old man left energetically, birdcage in hand, humming a little tune, in an excellent mood.

Su Ruo smiled and said to Shen Liang, “Grandpa looks really energetic.”

“Yes, that’s the one thing about him that doesn’t make people worry,” Shen Liang replied, smiling and shaking her head, her expression one of deep contentment.

A family reunited, healthy and safe—that was all Shen Liang wished for now.