RMM -Chapter 163 The Strange Zhou Yunzhen

“Actually, I have someone I like.”

Su Ruo didn’t notice anything unusual in Zhou Yunzhen’s voice, only felt surprised. “You have someone you like?”

“Mm.” Zhou Yunzhen lowered her head, her expression unreadable.

The gossip gene inside Su Ruo immediately perked up. Zhou Yunzhen had someone she liked? That was really unexpected.

“Who is it? Do I know him?”

Su Ruo asked mostly out of curiosity. Zhou Yunzhen was in the same social circle, but not exactly in the same friend group. Even people around Su Ruo didn’t know her. Take Feng Weijia, for example—he hadn’t even heard of her. It showed how low-profile Zhou Yunzhen usually was.

So Su Ruo thought, even if Zhou Yunzhen revealed her crush, she probably wouldn’t know him anyway.

Hearing Su Ruo’s question, a faint shadow flashed across Zhou Yunzhen’s half-lowered eyes. When she lifted her head again, her gaze was a little embarrassed, her cheeks tinged with a slight blush, and there was a trace of awkwardness.

“I’ll tell you when the time is right.”

“Alright then, I’ll wait for the good news.” Su Ruo shrugged helplessly, not paying it much mind. Even if Zhou Yunzhen told her, she probably wouldn’t know the person anyway. Besides, they weren’t best friends—they didn’t have to share every secret. So Su Ruo wasn’t bothered by Zhou Yunzhen’s evasiveness.

“Who knows when that will be.” Zhou Yunzhen let out a long sigh.

Something about that sounded off—was Zhou Yunzhen harboring unrequited feelings?

“Does he know you like him?” Could it really be unrequited love? Such a beauty like her… it was hard to believe. Which man wouldn’t like her?

Of course, here “man” meant a normal man—someone like Feng Weijia didn’t count.

“He… doesn’t know yet.” At this, Zhou Yunzhen’s expression darkened, biting her lip, looking quite troubled.

What’s wrong? Why does she look like she’s about to cry? Su Ruo’s heart skipped a beat. Was there some unspeakable trouble?

“Ruo Ruo, I’m really conflicted right now.” Zhou Yunzhen covered her face, her voice heavy and stifled. “I don’t even know what to do…”

Su Ruo was genuinely startled. Zhou Yunzhen’s sudden vulnerability and gloom caught her completely off guard.

“What’s wrong? Don’t be like this. Can you tell me?” Su Ruo gently patted Zhou Yunzhen’s back. She didn’t fully understand the situation, so she didn’t know how to comfort her properly.

Zhou Yunzhen lowered her hands, clasping them tightly together. Her expression was anxious.

Su Ruo watched curiously. Why did talking about love make her act like this? Her reaction was more like someone guilty of a misdeed.

“I… I feel really sad,” Zhou Yunzhen raised her head to look at Su Ruo. “Ruo Ruo, love is really torturous. I know I’m in the wrong now, but… if I like him, shouldn’t I fight for it?”

Su Ruo was utterly confused. She had no idea what Zhou Yunzhen was talking about. But seeing her like this, she went along. “Mm. Try it. They say women chasing men is just a veil away. Someone as outstanding as you… wouldn’t he be moved?”

“Really?” Zhou Yunzhen’s eyes lit up at Su Ruo’s encouragement, as if a weight had been lifted. “Then I’ll go after him?”

As if unsure, she looked at Su Ruo again to confirm: “You said that, okay?”

Su Ruo didn’t fully understand, but thought maybe Zhou Yunzhen just wanted reassurance. She reflected that perhaps Zhou Yunzhen, like most women, was a bit shy and wanted support and positive energy.

A woman like Zhou Yunzhen—wealthy, capable, beautiful—would naturally be proud. Even before Su Ruo had her second chance at life, she herself wouldn’t have dared to make the first move. Women’s hearts were delicate; they preferred subtlety, especially in front of someone they liked.

“Yes, I said it. If you like him, be proactive. Life is uncertain. Some things, if you don’t fight for them, you might regret forever.”

Su Ruo had personal experience with this. Not everyone was as lucky as her to get a second chance. She liked Zhou Yunzhen, so she offered her help wholeheartedly, especially since it was just a few words of advice.

“I will.” Zhou Yunzhen finally smiled, her face showing a sense of relief.

Su Ruo thought for a moment. Something about today’s Zhou Yunzhen felt off, but she couldn’t figure out what. She let it go—Zhou Yunzhen was pursuing her happiness, and that was what mattered.

Zhou Yunzhen’s approach was quite bold—asking Su Ruo for support. Su Ruo was clueless but gave full support. Later, if she found out, she wouldn’t know how to react. Did she just encourage someone to pursue her own husband?

Thinking about it…

With Su Ruo’s backing, Zhou Yunzhen felt at ease. The embarrassment Feng Weijia had caused her earlier didn’t matter. The gloom that had hung over her these past days seemed to vanish.

Su Ruo said to go for it—so why not? After all, meeting someone she liked was rare. If she missed this chance, she might regret it for life.

Seeing Zhou Yunzhen suddenly so happy, radiating joy, was almost palpable.

So happy? Su Ruo tilted her head, smiling. It was clear Zhou Yunzhen was serious. She wondered which man could charm her this much.

Zhou Yunzhen didn’t mention it again, switching casually to another topic.

Su Ruo, seeing Zhou Yunzhen didn’t want to continue, didn’t press further and followed along.

Everyone had secrets; no one was obliged to share them. Su Ruo was easygoing about it.

They chatted casually, and the atmosphere was pleasant. Both seemed in good spirits when Su Ruo’s phone rang.

She picked it up—Hé Wēn, who had just left, calling without avoiding Zhou Yunzhen.

“What’s up, Miss Hé?”

Hé Wēn wasn’t out with Feng Weijia? Why call now? Would Feng Weijia let such an opportunity slip?

“You ask what’s up? No matter how much you regret meeting late, you should check the time. If you don’t go home soon, I’m afraid your mother-in-law will come asking for you.”

Hé Wēn half-teased, half-serious. They had been out longer than planned. Since she had taken Su Ruo out, she had to make sure she returned safely.

Su Ruo checked her watch, sticking out her tongue. She hadn’t realized how late it was.

Su Ruo actually had freedom to go out; the Xi family wouldn’t interfere. Young people needed a bit of freedom. Besides, her friends were trustworthy—no trouble would arise.

But since becoming pregnant, Su Ruo rarely went out. Even when she did, it was with Shen Liang, Zhang Huaqing, or Hé Wēn—not other childhood friends. She also limited outings to three or four hours max—her belly made it inconvenient and tiring. She also didn’t want to worry her family, who cared deeply for her.

So long habits formed. Hé Wēn knew Su Ruo was now a “dutiful daughter-in-law.” Seeing the time, it was natural to call.

Winter days darkened quickly. Outside the window, lights illuminated the night, making it seem even darker.

“I’ll head back, I didn’t realize it was so late. My family must be worried,” Su Ruo replied, ignoring Zhou Yunzhen for the moment.

“Alright, get ready. I’ll come pick you up,” Hé Wēn said before hanging up.

After Su Ruo ended the call, Zhou Yunzhen teased: “Late enough to get caught by curfew?”

“No, haha.” Su Ruo laughed at the term, putting her phone in her bag. “I just don’t want my family to worry. After all, I’m not exactly easy to take care of, right?”

Zhou Yunzhen glanced at Su Ruo’s belly, heart suddenly tightening. That curve… was like an electric shock, making her uncomfortable.

That was… her child with Xi Yuechen…

Bittersweet filled Zhou Yunzhen’s heart, but she dared not show it. Luckily, her smile was already in place, so Su Ruo didn’t notice anything wrong.

“Yes, you’ll need to be careful now. That child must be adorable.”

Su Ruo couldn’t help touching her belly, smiling proudly. “As long as there’s no genetic mutation.”

Although she said that, she showed no worry—only pride. With the Xi and Su families, any pairing would produce excellent genes. There was nothing to fear.

Zhou Yunzhen watched Su Ruo’s happiness, forcing a smile herself, and remained silent, lost in thought.

When Hé Wēn arrived, Feng Weijia wasn’t there. Su Ruo felt relieved—if he had come, Zhou Yunzhen would’ve been embarrassed.

Zhou Yunzhen let Su Ruo leave with Hé Wēn, saying she wanted to sit a bit longer; after all, the house was empty.

Su Ruo didn’t object, smiling as she left. She even remembered to wear the hat Shen Liang had given her, bundling herself up before stepping outside.

Hé Wēn watched Su Ruo’s slightly clumsy movements and laughed, not offering help.

Right now, Su Ruo was like a child. Hé Wēn wondered how she would handle raising a child later.