RMM -Chapter 221 Zhou Tingzhang’s Agitated Objections

No matter what the scene was like elsewhere, here with Su Ruo, it was full of laughter and joy—a lively, cheerful atmosphere.

After staying in the hospital for several days, Su Ruo’s health had mostly recovered. She cheerfully discharged herself with Xi Zi and moved into the house that Zhang Huaqing and the others had purchased in advance. There, she could rest comfortably and recuperate, planning to return to B City once fully recovered.

In these days, Xi Yuechen also hadn’t returned to B City, staying in H Province instead. Originally, with the situation in D Province just settled, as the team leader of the action unit, he should have returned to B City for the many follow-up tasks and several reporting meetings. But Xi Yuechen had declined everything that didn’t require his direct presence, applying for leave in advance, and focused entirely on taking care of his wife and child.

Although this wasn’t entirely proper in January—who just leaves right after winning a major victory? Especially when higher-ups had been paying special attention to him—Xi Yuechen’s decisive application for leave was justified by months of intense work and the need for rest and recuperation. Besides, his deputy was fully capable, and not every report required his attendance.

The big achiever had made it clear he didn’t want to take credit. What could anyone say?

Except for Zhou Tingzhang. Upon hearing that Xi Yuechen was taking leave and leaving follow-up tasks unfinished, he was stunned and then furious. What was Xi Yuechen thinking? Tired? Pfft! He didn’t believe anyone could be that tired at this stage—it was clearly a cop-out. After all the hard work, after accomplishing so much, to drop the ball at the very last step—it was infuriating.

Although Xi Yuechen’s accomplishments in D Province had secured him fame and left a strong impression on the higher-ups, a stronger performance during the summary work would have made the effect even greater. Yet, what was he thinking now?

Zhou Tingzhang was genuinely angry. He had always been very optimistic about Xi Yuechen and wanted to cultivate him personally. Naturally, he hoped to see even better performance. Opportunities to report directly to the leadership were rare; no matter how strong Xi Yuechen’s background, he shouldn’t be so dismissive. Pushing away such opportunities—the deputy may have made contributions, but it was Xi Yuechen who had risked his life in the den.

So Zhou Tingzhang refused to accept Xi Yuechen’s leave and personally called him. Couldn’t he just hang on a few more days? At this age, few reached such a position; he should see things through properly. After these tasks were done, Xi Yuechen could take leave as he pleased—Zhou Tingzhang had no objection then.

But Xi Yuechen remained unmoved. When Zhou Tingzhang advised him, he simply replied: “My wife has given birth prematurely. I need to take care of her.” That left Zhou Tingzhang speechless.

The reason was perfectly valid—and undeniably so. If the wife gave birth prematurely, of course the husband should be by her side. Yet, if someone claimed it was an excuse, that would also be believable. Zhou Tingzhang realized that, whether it was an excuse or not, Xi Yuechen had firmly decided to take leave. With such resolve, what else could he say?

Su Feng, the father-in-law, hadn’t said anything yet. Why should an outsider get worked up? Su Feng cared more about the future than anyone.

He considered ignoring Xi Yuechen and letting it go, but the thought only made him angrier. He couldn’t help meddling—besides his daughter, who else had he cared for so deeply? Now, he simply didn’t want to let Xi Yuechen have his way. “Tired, are you? Want to take care of your wife and child? Fine, then we’ll compromise a little.”

Thus, Zhou Tingzhang called Xi Yuechen, stubbornly insisting that he agree. Even if he skipped ordinary reporting meetings, he must attend the higher-level ones, and perform perfectly, leaving a deep impression on everyone.

Even if Xi Yuechen didn’t want to go, facing Zhou Tingzhang’s insistence, he had no choice but to nod reluctantly. Fortunately, there were only two critical meetings that required his personal attendance, so it didn’t take much time; he could return to H Province the same day. All other work was effortlessly delegated to Gao Yunxiao and the others—they were all well aware.

Yes, the mission had finally ended, and with his wife having been through kidnapping and premature labor, of course he needed to stay by her side. As for post-mission glory—he didn’t want it anyway. The trip to D Province had been purely for orders; earning merit and promotion had never crossed his mind.

Su Feng was surprised by Xi Yuechen’s decision but quickly became calm, not offering any persuasion. He reasoned: at this age, Xi Yuechen knew what he was doing. Moreover, he had always been decisive and never acted impulsively. For this matter involving his daughter, Su Feng could simply observe. Even if Xi Yuechen’s deputy attended the meetings, he could never take Xi Yuechen’s credit—Su Feng was watching. Xi Yuechen wouldn’t be treated unfairly.

Besides, seeing a son-in-law who valued his daughter so much gave Su Feng great satisfaction. Regardless of anything else, for his daughter, he fully supported Xi Yuechen’s “rash” decision—even if it seemed absurd.

Thus, Su Feng quietly approved of Xi Yuechen’s “mischief”: skipping the summary meetings was no big deal. With so many military achievements, could a few meetings erase his merit? What was he, the father-in-law, here for if not to support his daughter?

Listening to Zhou Tingzhang pushing Xi Yuechen to attend several meetings, Su Feng felt a little annoyed. Previously, he had thought Zhou Tingzhang a decent person, but now he seemed obsessed with appearances and accolades. D Province’s drug den had been cleared by Xi Yuechen; even if he skipped the meetings, his future was secure. Forcing him to attend now—was Zhou Tingzhang seeking credit?

Looking at the few meetings Zhou Tingzhang insisted Xi Yuechen attend, Su Feng’s displeasure grew. Sure, it was a chance to show off, but when had Xi Yuechen needed such opportunities to climb higher? Their military people always relied on solid skills.

Troublesome!

Su Feng concluded disdainfully: why should an outsider like him worry? Xi Yuechen was already under his own protection. No one could jeopardize his son-in-law’s future. Besides, Xi Yuechen’s abilities weren’t for show, and the higher-ups certainly recognized that. No need to rush for credit.

Meanwhile, everyone else fretted and fumed—but Su Ruo was blissfully happy.

Her son was healthy and safe, her husband never leaving her side. Tsk tsk, it was almost perfect, Su Ruo thought indulgently.

When she lifted her shirt to feed Xi Zi, Xi Yuechen entered the room, making her momentarily flustered—neither able to feed nor stop feeding. Seeing Xi Zi calmly suckling, she obediently continued.

Since last time, after Xi Yuechen had stimulated her milk, Su Ruo felt slightly awkward whenever he saw her chest.

Sometimes she even despised herself. Already married with children, and yet still so coy—it wasn’t like she was a pure-hearted teenager in love.

Yet she couldn’t help feeling uneasy. At this moment, with her shirt lifted to feed Xi Zi, there was no hiding anything. Though Xi Zi latched on, her full contours were still visible.

Su Ruo’s figure was naturally good—curves in all the right places. After pregnancy, her body had become fuller, especially her bust, now noticeably larger and exposed to the air—truly eye-catching.

Xi Yuechen glanced at her, the sunlight making her fair skin almost glow, highlighting enticing curves that drew his gaze.

Su Ruo, busy adjusting her discomfort, didn’t notice Xi Yuechen’s brief awkwardness until he sat at the edge of the bed and looked up at her.

“Have you all eaten?”

Su Ruo quickly changed the topic. It was mealtime; the commander had likely finished.

“Yes, after feeding him, we ate,” Xi Yuechen nodded, glancing at Xi Zi enjoying his milk.

Now that Su Ruo was almost fully recovered, everyone still forbade her from moving much. Aside from using the restroom, all activities were confined to the bed, including meals, determined to make her healthier than ever.

So every time after others finished eating, Xi Yuechen took care of feeding Su Ruo. She protested several times—she could move, she could walk, why be treated like a bedridden patient? But no one paid attention. Despite frustration, she had to endure a life of having everything done for her.

“I’m not hungry yet. Let’s wait until Xi Zi finishes,” she said, smiling at the child in her arms.

Xi Yuechen was unhurried. She wanted to feed Xi Zi first, so he quietly waited, eyes first on her lowered face until her cheeks flushed pink, then sliding down to Xi Zi, a trace of warmth in his gaze.

Su Ruo, under such scrutiny, could hardly ignore it. Initially she tried to, but gradually, she felt the gaze’s tangible heat, making her face slightly warm.

Rogue! Playing the rogue! Su Ruo thought indignantly. This is clearly taking advantage of the situation!