RMM -Chapter 283 The Careless Fool

At that moment, Zhou Yunzhen heard a commotion outside. Her heart stirred, and she turned her head slightly to look.

When she saw Xi Yuechen at the door, her eyes widened slightly, shining with countless sparks of brilliance. She smiled gently at him.

Yet Xi Yuechen acted as if he hadn’t seen her at all. He swept his gaze across the room with a cold expression, then turned to leave—never once glancing at Zhou Yunzhen.

Zhou Yunzhen had prepared herself mentally before coming, but being so completely ignored still left her stunned and caught off guard. The excitement that had just risen in her heart had no time to transform.

Seeing Xi Yuechen about to leave, she didn’t even have time to consider her feelings. Instinctively, she called out, “Yuechen!”

At the sound of her voice, Xi Yuechen’s steady steps slowed slightly. Zhou Yunzhen felt a surge of joy, but before she could say another word, he continued walking forward. His usually captivating, upright back now appeared cold and piercing in the backlight, and that icy indifference stabbed straight into her heart, leaving her shivering all over.

Xi Yuechen’s expression remained serious and detached, as if Zhou Yunzhen’s presence had no effect on him.

Realizing that the visitor was not his little woman, disappointment naturally arose in his mind—but he quickly adjusted. Since she wasn’t his little woman, he had no reason to linger.

Xi Yuechen had recognized Zhou Yunzhen. After meeting her repeatedly, how could he not remember her? But what did that have to do with him?

He could clearly see that this woman’s connection to his little woman was trivial. So he didn’t even bother to glance at her. If it had been He Wen or the others, he might have entered to deal with them politely.

Still, Xi Yuechen was not completely without emotion toward Zhou Yunzhen. At least hearing her call him “Yuechen” with such familiarity irritated him—he even felt a trace of disgust.

He thought of his little woman, who almost never addressed him as Yuechen, always using “Commander” instead. Only in moments of intimacy would she whisper those two syllables, striking his heart one by one.

But this woman, who had appeared from nowhere, actually called him that—it was impossible for it to make him happy.

Despite his displeasure, Xi Yuechen had no desire to waste time with her, so he continued walking, his expression growing even colder.

Zhou Yunzhen, having sought him out, could not possibly retreat so easily. Seeing Xi Yuechen not even glance at her left her angry and ashamed. Refusing to accept it, a flash of cruelty crossed her eyes, and she bit her teeth hard.

“Yuechen, wait!”

Xi Yuechen had only taken a few steps when Zhou Yunzhen’s helpless and aggrieved voice rang out again. He furrowed his brows, showing impatience, but did not stop, walking straight ahead.

Zhou Yunzhen had not expected Xi Yuechen to be so heartless, leaving her embarrassed in front of everyone. Her heart filled with resentment.

But it was just in front of everyone—though people had dispersed earlier, the area had not been completely cleared. Many lingered nearby, pretending not to watch but keeping the scene in their peripheral vision.

They had wanted to see the famously cold and iron-blooded Commander Xi demonstrate affection with this elegant lady. While “public display of affection” was unlikely given his icy nature, observing how the couple interacted was juicy gossip.

The soldiers couldn’t be blamed for their curiosity; life in the army was monotonous, with the same routines day after day. A major event like this naturally excited them—especially since, aside from accompanying family members, few saw women around. Today, a refined and elegant woman had arrived—and she was Commander Xi’s wife!

Except for the little soldier at the entrance, no one had seen Su Ruo closely. Seeing a woman come for Xi Yuechen, and noticing her beauty, they naturally linked her to the rumors of the commander’s wife’s beauty and assumed she was the wife.

Moreover, when Zhou Yunzhen registered her visit, she did not clarify, only saying she had come for Xi Yuechen. The little soldier registering her was surprised and asked, “You’re the wife?” She did not deny it, giving an ambiguous, dismissive answer.

The little soldier, hearing it was the commander’s wife, didn’t question her further and eagerly ushered her in. He “accidentally” mentioned it to others—that this was the commander’s wife—and everyone became excited, taking it at face value.

Zhou Yunzhen, seeing the misunderstanding, played along, her smile becoming even warmer.

But now—what was happening?

The commander, upon seeing the “wife,” did not approach… cough, converse warmly, but instead did not enter the door and simply turned to leave. What was going on?

Before anyone could react with amazement, the next development left them dumbfounded. Seeing Zhou Yunzhen’s aggrieved expression, everyone immediately thought: did the two have a quarrel?

Otherwise, why would Commander Xi be so cold? Yes, they must have quarreled!

The soldiers’ curiosity surged even more.

But Commander Xi having quarrels too? Tsk, tsk—a shocking piece of news. Yet now, the “wife” was so meek, and he remained so indifferent? Weren’t rumors saying their relationship was close?

No matter what, Commander Xi was cold and strict. Even if his wife was at fault, she had already taken the first step to show humility—he could at least soften a little. Couples argue in bed, reconcile by the foot of the bed.

Such a beautiful woman, and Commander Xi lets her feel hurt—he truly had no sense of gratitude.

“I told you, she’s not the wife, but you didn’t believe me. If she really were, Commander Xi wouldn’t treat her like this!”

The same soldier spoke to his comrades, now with pride. He did not lower his voice this time, and several people overheard.

“What? Not the wife? Then who is she?”

“Yeah, who is she? If not the wife, why chase after him?”

“Fools! Can’t you see? This is clearly one-sided love. Look at her expression—don’t you understand?”

Soon, everyone was discussing animatedly, forgetting to stay hidden, pointing and whispering excitedly.

Zhou Yunzhen was already angry. Hearing all this only fueled her fury—damn you, Xi Yuechen!

“Yuechen, wait for me! I came here with such difficulty.” Her voice was full of grievance.

Her words felt disingenuous, but coming here had not been easy.

After telling Zhou Tingzhang she had “made her intentions clear,” she subtly mentioned her crush—none other than Xi Yuechen’s comrade. Yet she had not confirmed anything with him, nor left contact information. Now she could not reach him.

Hearing this, Zhou Tingzhang became anxious. His daughter had finally found someone she liked—how could she give up just because she couldn’t contact him? If he were Xi Yuechen’s comrade, the matter was easily solved—he would handle it.

Zhou Yunzhen, however, firmly opposed her father’s plan, insisting that since this was a personal matter, it should start fairly. She did not want power or influence involved.

Pleased with her daughter’s resolve, Zhou Tingzhang laughed heartily. That’s my daughter—truly different!

Relieved, he muttered to himself, thinking, Xi Yuechen must be around somewhere; who else could this outstanding young man be with?

Hearing her father’s words, Zhou Yunzhen subtly moved, storing this information.

Her revelation about her crush, and that he was Xi Yuechen’s comrade, had her own purpose. Later, she might need her father’s help; military matters were not easy to handle alone. She couldn’t show any abnormality in front of him, so she needed a cover story.

Thus, coming to this address was purely a happy accident—no effort required.

But no matter how pitiful Zhou Yunzhen felt, what did it matter to Xi Yuechen? Even Su Ruo occasionally complained about his insensitivity, yet to Zhou Yunzhen, he was naturally cold and indifferent.

So Xi Yuechen would not pause for even a second. In fact, he thought about switching the training subject this afternoon, paying no attention to the lovesick Zhou Yunzhen behind him.

Zhou Yunzhen gritted her teeth, watching him walk farther and farther away, showing no mercy. The murmuring of the curious soldiers grew louder, snapping the last thread in her heart.

Without thinking, she broke into a jog after Xi Yuechen. Catching up, she reached out to grab his hand, softly calling, “Yuechen…”

Before her fingers touched his sleeve, a sharp light flashed in Xi Yuechen’s eyes. In one swift motion, he grabbed her wrist, fast and harsh.

“Ah…” Zhou Yunzhen cried out in pain.

Xi Yuechen showed no mercy. Her audacity had already angered him, so he intercepted her immediately.

No woman except Su Ruo and Zhang Huaqing dared come close to him like this.

“Let go!”

Zhou Yunzhen had some skill, but against Xi Yuechen, it was meaningless. Her wrist was firmly held, and she could not break free. She had no choice but to plead.

Even if she hadn’t called out, Xi Yuechen would have released her quickly; he had no interest in touching other women. But…

A shadow passed over his eyes. This woman’s relentless pursuit had crossed the line. Irritated, with no thought of gentleness, he gripped her wrist even harder before finally letting go.

Zhou Yunzhen pressed her other hand to the released wrist, her face pale, sweat forming on her forehead. The pain was immense.

Though quick, Xi Yuechen’s action was ruthless. In that one motion, her delicate wrist was red and slightly swollen.

Stories of Xi Yuechen’s ruthlessness and coldness were not exaggeration. If angered, he did not hesitate regardless of gender.

So when a careless fool forced her way forward, naturally, she would suffer.