RMM – Chapter 21 An Awkward Morning

By the time Su Ruo woke up the next day, it was nearly noon. She had turned over in her sleep, only to be jolted awake by pain—it felt like her entire body had been run over, sore from head to toe.

She opened her eyes groggily, not quite comprehending the situation. But when she saw the bruises and marks all over her body, she instantly sobered up. Does this mean… we consummated the marriage?

But—why did it hurt so much? And all over?! Were soldiers really just a bunch of brutes?

As she struggled to sit up, supporting her aching waist, her gaze fell upon the few crimson stains on the bedsheet. Instantly, her face flushed red. Thank goodness Xi Yuechen had already gotten up. Rubbing her sore waist with resignation, she cursed inwardly. See? This is what happens when you dig your own grave! Who told you to mess with that brute Xi Yuechen?

After struggling through washing her face and brushing her teeth, Su Ruo didn’t rush to go outside. Instead, she hurriedly tried to change the now-ruined bedsheets before Xi Yuechen returned.

But, as fate would have it, the very thing she feared happened. Just as she was secretly relieved at her timing, Xi Yuechen walked in.

This morning, Xi Yuechen had also woken up later than usual. Given how ingrained his biological clock was, this was nothing short of a miracle. But he couldn’t deny that he was in a very good mood. Whether it was due to excessive “exercise” last night or simply his reluctance to leave the warmth in his arms, he wasn’t sure. Either way, for the first time in history, Colonel Xi had overslept.

It seemed that ever since meeting Su Ruo, many of his so-called “impossibilities” had been shattered one by one. And strangely enough, while he wouldn’t say he enjoyed these changes, he certainly didn’t resist them either. Time and time again, he indulged himself in the transformations that Su Ruo had brought into his life.

For instance, looking at the woman sleeping soundly in his arms, completely defenseless and relying on him with her whole being—his heart couldn’t help but skip a beat.

Thinking about last night, Xi Yuechen was slightly surprised at himself. So I’m also capable of being insatiable because of something like this? He let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Carefully, he got up, making sure not to wake the sleeping woman. He quietly cleaned up the mess on the carpet before closing the door behind him.

Knowing that Su Ruo probably wouldn’t have the strength to get up and make breakfast, he smirked slightly and headed to the kitchen to cook some porridge. He even tidied up the house while he was at it—looking every bit like the perfect domestic husband.

The moment he walked into the bedroom, he saw Su Ruo awkwardly struggling to change the bedsheets. His voice rang out immediately: “Leave it, I’ll do it.”

Last night’s events were still fresh in his mind—he knew exactly what kind of state she was in. This little woman should be lying down and resting. What is she doing, struggling like this?

At this moment, Su Ruo really wanted to facepalm and sigh towards the heavens: Yep, I brought this on myself!

“It’s fine, it’s just changing the sheets.” Now, if you could just leave…

Xi Yuechen didn’t say anything more. Instead, he simply walked over, took the bedsheets from her hands, and—ignoring her resistance—effortlessly replaced them in just a few swift motions. Then he turned to her and said, “You’ve already washed your face, right? I made some porridge. Lie down, I’ll bring it to you.”

“No need, I’ll eat in the dining room,” Su Ruo quickly refused, finding his suggestion far too impractical.

Xi Yuechen didn’t argue. He merely followed behind her as she walked—her gait undeniably awkward. Watching her act all nonchalant, a subtle smile flickered in his eyes. She really thinks I didn’t notice the bloodstains on the sheets?

To be honest, Su Ruo was completely taken aback by Xi Yuechen’s attentiveness—serving her porridge, handing her chopsticks… Seriously, Colonel Xi, do you have to be like this? Last night was just us fulfilling a proper marital duty. Can you not make it seem like I sold myself to you?

After that, Su Ruo naturally didn’t participate in any household chores. Under Xi Yuechen’s sharp and cold gaze, she had no choice but to sit back and enjoy being taken care of. And with that, she couldn’t shake the feeling that their relationship had subtly changed ever since last night.

Like right now.

Su Ruo had a habit of lounging in the rocking chair on the balcony in the afternoon to enjoy the sun. Usually, Xi Yuechen would stay in his study, and the two of them would mind their own business in peaceful coexistence.

But today?

Su Ruo kept sneaking glances at Xi Yuechen, who was sitting on the sofa nearby, utterly confused. Why isn’t he in his study?!

However, as soon as she saw his emotionless face flipping through a magazine, she swallowed all her complaints. Fine, fine. If I can’t provoke him, I can at least avoid him.

She closed her eyes and decided to take a nap. There’s nothing around me, nothing at all…

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Meanwhile, elsewhere—

“Liang Bo’an, where are you off having fun?”

He Wen was on the phone with Liang Bo’an. She had been busy with Si Qi affairs for days now, finally getting the chance to be directly involved in corporate management for the first time. She was putting her heart and soul into it.

Whether or not it would be profitable wasn’t even her main concern—what mattered to her was proving herself.

As someone born into privilege, she had always stood on a higher platform than most people. Opportunities had always come more easily to her. While many envied this, it also had its downsides.

No matter how much effort she put in, others would never see it. Everything she achieved was attributed to the power backing her, as if she was merely living under the shelter of her family’s influence.

He Wen was naturally proud and fiercely determined to prove herself. This time, she saw Si Qi as a rare opportunity.

Of course, she was swamped with work. Even this call to Liang Bo’an was about the same matter. In their circle, people pursued all kinds of careers—some joined the military or politics, others started businesses, while some simply did nothing at all. Among them, there were a few outstanding individuals: Xi Yuechen, Su Ruo, Ye Huaiming, and Liang Bo’an.

It had to be said—Liang Bo’an was a genius in this field. He had been dabbling in stocks since high school, making quite a bit of money, and by the time he entered university, he had already started his own business. Like Su Ruo, he was incredibly successful. The difference? Liang Bo’an’s business had grown even larger and was the envy of many. He was also the wealthiest among them, which was precisely why He Wen had come to learn from him.

“I’m at Mu You. What’s up?”

Liang Bo’an was at a bar in Mu You, drinking with Feng Weijia. It had almost become a routine—at least twice a week, he would come here for drinks, ignoring the women who tried to strike up conversations. Wen Shaoning and Lu Yue often joked that he was Mu You’s most loyal patron, showing up rain or shine.

As Liang Bo’an’s most devoted “follower,” assistant, and sworn brother (as well as his direct superior at work), Feng Weijia naturally followed without question whenever it was time for drinks.

“He Wen is coming over?” Feng Weijia, having eavesdropped on the call, leaned in curiously.

Seeing the sudden spark in his friend’s eyes, Liang Bo’an sneered, “She’s just coming to learn from me. Look at you getting all worked up over nothing.”

Feng Weijia rolled his eyes. Fine, I admit it—I’m hopeless. But you? Your whole heart is practically tied to Su Ruo.

“Learn from you? Learn what?”

“She’s been working with Si Qi, investing and partnering with them. She’s coming to ask for advice and strategy proposals. Since you’re so interested, why don’t you handle it?”

Liang Bo’an had little interest in any woman who wasn’t Su Ruo, so he simply passed the responsibility to Feng Weijia. He could clearly see the guy’s intentions and was more than happy to give him a hand.

“Now that’s what I call a true brother! Cheers to you!” Feng Weijia grinned, clinking glasses and downing his drink, all while secretly planning how to make the most of this opportunity.

By the time He Wen arrived at Mu You, only Feng Weijia was left. Seeing his annoyingly cheerful expression, she frowned in immediate disdain.

“Where’s Liang Bo’an? And why are you here?”

“Bo’an had something to do, so he asked me to wait for you. You came to learn from us, right? I’ve got plenty of knowledge to share. Take as much as you want, free of charge.”

Feng Weijia smirked, completely unaware of how suggestive his words sounded—or of how He Wen’s eyes were narrowing dangerously.

“Agh—! What the hell, He Wen? Why are you hitting me?!” Feng Weijia clutched his stomach in pain.

“And why do you think? Huh?! I just feel like it!”

“Ow, take it easy! Are you even a woman—oof! Stop hitting me!”

In a certain corner of the bar, a series of miserable wails echoed, drawing the attention of several amused onlookers.