RMM -Chapter 287 A “Distinguished Guest” Calls

Zhou Yunzhen lightly brushed her swollen, reddened cheek and let out a hiss, frowning as she quickly lowered her hand.

It had already been three days, and the redness and swelling on her face hadn’t subsided. That alone showed just how hard Zhou Tingzhang had struck her. In his rage, he had lost all rationality and had spared no mercy.

Three days had passed since that day, and Zhou Yunzhen had been locked inside the house all this time. Zhou Tingzhang hadn’t spoken a single word to her since, leaving the entire home steeped in oppressive silence.

Zhou Tingzhang’s thinking was simple: if she still refused to see reason, fine—she could stay home and reflect. Whenever she figured things out, then she could leave.

As for the hospital, he personally called the director and said that due to some family matters, his daughter couldn’t come to work. He asked for a leave of absence, but if that wasn’t possible, she could be dismissed. It was a tricky situation, unlikely to be resolved quickly.

If she couldn’t even manage the basics of being a decent person, why go out to work? Going out would only endanger society. And what right would she have to save lives while wearing a soldier’s uniform? It would only tarnish the army’s honor!

Only those who could behave properly could achieve anything. If she wanted to leave the house, fine—first she must learn to conduct herself. If she never learned, she would stay home with him for life. He could easily support a single daughter.

And so, Zhou Yunzhen was trapped at home. Apart from the three daily meals, she barely saw anyone. Zhou Tingzhang hadn’t given her any medication to reduce the swelling, so the marks from the blows remained.

But the pain on her face was nothing compared to the anguish in her heart. Despair had consumed her entirely; Zhou Yunzhen felt as though her soul had been extinguished.

From the very start, she had known: if her father found out about this, he would never forgive her. That was why she had kept it a secret. Yet she hadn’t expected him to find out so quickly.

What surprised her even more was his reaction—so intense, it was almost as if he wanted to tear her apart. His wrath was unbearable, yet at the same time, almost ironically laughable. Only yesterday he had looked so loving, saying he wished her happiness. And yet… in just a single day, everything had changed.

Why, just when she finally liked someone, did it have to be denied? And marriage—so what if she got married? She could always divorce. What could possibly be wrong with that?

Was her lifelong happiness less important than so-called “face”?

Zhou Yunzhen’s heart ached. She was hurt by Xi Yuechen’s cold ruthlessness, and even more despairing because of her father’s reaction and actions.

Everyone seemed to oppose her, even her closest father… Hah, she really had failed at life. No one would love her wholeheartedly.

When Zhou Tingzhang entered, he saw his daughter sitting in front of the mirror, staring blankly. For a moment, a pang of sorrow and bitterness washed over him.

Just three days… and his daughter already looked so haggard.

“Ahem.”

Seeing that his daughter didn’t respond, knowing she was lost in thought, he coughed to break the silence.

The sudden sound snapped Zhou Yunzhen back to reality. She turned, her eyes flinching—still fearful, clearly traumatized.

“Dad.”

She hadn’t spoken in three days. When she finally did, her voice was dry, hoarse, pitiful, and disheveled.

Why bother…? Zhou Tingzhang’s heart ached as he looked at her, and he sighed softly.

“Yunzhen, have you thought it through?”

He thought that after three days, she should have realized her mistake. She was talented, and if given a chance, she could correct herself.

Unfortunately, Zhou Yunzhen seemed possessed, destined to disappoint him once again. If she could have corrected herself, she wouldn’t have ended up in this situation.

“Dad, I finally like someone—what’s wrong with that? I just want to fight for my happiness! I like him, you like him… so shouldn’t I just make him like me too? Dad…”

Her grievance was genuine, her heart stabbed with pain as if pierced by a knife. She pleaded in a hoarse voice, eyes bloodshot and brimming with tears.

Hearing this, Zhou Tingzhang’s anger ignited once more. Trembling with fury, he grabbed a bowl from the plate and hurled it to the ground.

“Don’t even think about it! You unfilial wretch! Stubborn, shameless! Even if I die, you won’t get away with this disgrace! Has your conscience been eaten by dogs? Huh? You have no shame? Are you trying to make me die of rage?!”

He hadn’t eaten or slept properly for three days, his condition poor. Now, enraged, his voice was hoarse, and his face contorted with anger born of utter disappointment.

He never expected that after three days, his daughter could still speak like this—interfering in someone else’s marriage, shamelessly defending herself, utterly obstinate!

“Dad…”

“Shut up!”

Zhou Yunzhen wanted to argue, but her father’s roar cut her off. Seeing his blazing fury, she involuntarily recalled three days ago and felt a flicker of fear.

Yet she quickly forced herself to meet his gaze. She was right! Why admit fault? Why compromise?

“Fine! Fine! Since you insist, then continue your self-reflection! Until you see the light, don’t think about stepping out of this room! If you dare defy me, I’ll see if I can break your legs! Better to keep you crippled at home than let you harm others!”

Zhou Tingzhang slammed the plate to the ground and roared, then turned to leave. He didn’t even want to look at his stubborn daughter, fearing that he might lose control and truly harm her.

“Dad!” Seeing him about to leave, Zhou Yunzhen suddenly called out, “Xi Yuechen… he told you, didn’t he?”

Zhou Tingzhang froze, coldly snorting: “If you don’t want others to know, then don’t do it. You’ve already lost your sense of decency.”

The door slammed shut mercilessly. Zhou Yunzhen withdrew her gaze and let out a bitter laugh. But this laugh carried a chill.

“Xi Yuechen… not bad at all.”

Her dry, hoarse voice floated in the silent air, then vanished as if it had never been.

A strange smile lingered at the corner of her mouth. Her eyes were empty, like a walking corpse.

She hadn’t been idle these three days. She knew who had told her father. Only one person knew about her going to the army. No effort was needed to figure out who it was.

Xi Yuechen… well done. After humiliating me, you even called my father yourself. Hating me, are you? Feeling I’ve suffered too little?

Hah, fine. Hate me if you want. I don’t expect your heart anymore. Want to give your heart to Su Ruo? Go ahead.

But there’s no reason for you and your wife to bring me so much disaster while enjoying happiness yourselves.

Just wait. You like surprises, don’t you? I’ll return the favor.

Su Ruo, what I cannot have, you shall not enjoy in peace.

That day, Zhou Yunzhen stayed frozen like a statue as the sky deepened into ink-blue darkness.

Meanwhile, Su Ruo was blissfully enjoying her day, completely unaware of everything that had happened, living her perfect little life.

But even the calmest days will ripple.

For instance, right now.

Su Ruo, after her midday yoga routine, lay basking lazily in the warm sunlight, sweat dripping, feeling utterly comfortable.

She put her phone in her hand, headphones in, ready to listen to music. But before choosing a song, a call came in.

Seeing the caller ID, Su Ruo burst into laughter. Ah, a distinguished guest!

“Hello, Yunzhen!”

Her voice was genuinely happy, not feigned. She realized how long it had been since they last contacted her. Yunzhen had vanished for so long, making Su Ruo think she had turned over a new leaf!

Now, she couldn’t hide her joy. Old habits die hard, after all.

“Mm, Ruo Ruo, how have you been recently?” Zhou Yunzhen asked softly.

“Of course I’m fine! Life is comfortable,” Su Ruo stretched and said lazily. “I was just going to ask how you’re doing. You disappeared for so long—weren’t you afraid of worrying people? How’s everything now?”

Even without Su Ruo saying it, Zhou Yunzhen could hear her contentment clearly through the phone. A flash of cold malice crossed her eyes. Su Ruo, enjoy it while you can. I wonder how long your happy, peaceful days will last.

“I’m fine too. Long time no see. I miss you. Can we meet up?”

Su Ruo rolled her eyes at this, thinking how ironic that she claimed to miss her. Probably she was secretly wishing some disaster would strike her instead.

Still, since Yunzhen extended the invitation, how could she refuse? Of course she’d go.

“Sure, when?”

“This afternoon? No problem! Don’t be late.”