RMM -Chapter 362 Side Story: A Day in the Life of Xi Zi (Part 1)

That day, Su Ruo left her one-year-old daughter at home and took Xi Zi out to play.

She felt that ever since her daughter was born, everyone’s attention had shifted from her son to her daughter. Xi Zi was no longer the sole cherished treasure of the Xi and Su families.

No matter where they went, people’s eyes would immediately be drawn to the little princess, competing to hold her. Meanwhile, Xi Zi, walking beside them, was always placed behind his younger sister.

Although Xi Zi never showed any resentment and still doted on and cared for his sister, Su Ruo couldn’t help but feel a pang of worry.

Both were precious little ones—how could she favor one over the other? Children’s hearts are fragile. What if he felt hurt?

So Su Ruo decided to shift some of her focus toward her son. Though his grandparents still adored him dearly, what mattered most to a child was whether his parents paid attention!

Yet, as his parents, Su Ruo felt that she and Xi Yuechen truly owed their son.

Since their daughter was still young and constantly needed her, it was understandable that she paid extra attention to her, right?

But Xi Yuechen? As a father, apart from work, he had plenty of time to spend with Xi Zi, didn’t he?

The reality, however… Su Ruo didn’t even want to think about it.

She’d just had a daughter—a daughter. Like her son, he was Xi Yuechen’s flesh and blood. Was it really necessary to hover over and pamper the little girl so obsessively?

Su Ruo couldn’t understand it. He already had a son, and it wasn’t as if he was a first-time father. So why did he dote on the daughter so much? That normally expressionless face would overflow with tenderness and affection whenever he saw her daughter.

Meanwhile, Xi Zi received even less attention. Forget about tenderness; Xi Yuechen wouldn’t even pull the corners of his mouth into a smile for him.

Moreover, his father was getting increasingly strict with him, imposing such high standards. What was the point? Training a soldier? Xi Zi was only six years old!

Su Ruo, unaware of the truth—that Xi Yuechen often took Xi Zi secretly to the training ground—would surely have gone into a meltdown if she knew.

Even at such a young age, Xi Zi had already mastered the basics. And Xi Yuechen had never been lenient just because he was his son.

Especially after the sister was born, the expectations placed on Xi Zi only increased. Xi Yuechen would sometimes tell him that a real man must be self-reliant and strong, so he could protect his little sister.

The first time Xi Zi heard this, he glanced at his father in surprise. In his memory, his father never spoke this way, with such emotional undertones. But when he saw Xi Yuechen’s serious and earnest expression, he silently lowered his head.

From then on, Xi Zi tried even harder in everything he did. In his small mind, one thought was firmly set: he had to become strong, just like his father, and protect his sister.

It was his responsibility.

Thus, Xi Zi’s young, small shoulders had already shouldered a responsibility far beyond his years.

Xi Zi didn’t really feel much about his family’s indulgent love for his sister. He thought it was only natural; she was born to be loved and cared for by everyone—including him.

So, throughout the day, aside from kindergarten, studying, exercising, eating, and sleeping, all of Xi Zi’s remaining time was devoted to his little sister—lying beside her, touching her little face, talking to her, or telling her stories, endlessly enjoying himself.

Every time he saw her small face, his love for her would overflow. His usual calm demeanor disappeared, his small gestures became constant, his expressions varied, and he would mutter to himself. Even when not speaking or teasing her, he would just stare at her with wide eyes, his face full of innocent wonder.

How could he possibly feel jealous of his sister? He simply felt that he was growing up and had to protect her alongside his parents.

So every time he saw his father’s face filled with affection toward the little girl, he felt no resentment and even helped his father take care of her.

For example, when it was time for milk, if his father held his sister, he would fetch the bottle and formula. Or if she wet her diaper, he would help his father change her and find fresh diapers.

Sometimes, when reading a book, if he saw his father going downstairs to take his sister for a walk, he would put the book down, trot after them, and join his father in strolling while holding her.

Xi Yuechen found Xi Zi’s behavior entirely natural; as an older brother, he should love his sister. But Su Ruo couldn’t see it that way. She just felt her son was too mature for his age, and that made her heart ache.

Only six years old, and yet he acted like an adult. He was still at the age where he himself needed to be cared for.

So that day, Su Ruo left the little princess with her mother-in-law and took her son out to play.

But the problem was, Xi Zi was completely different from other children. He didn’t like KFC, he didn’t like amusement parks. Faced with a son with no interest in snacks or play, Su Ruo was completely at a loss.

She wanted to make him happy—so where could she take him to have fun?

Once again, she silently blamed Xi Yuechen, complaining about his cold and dull nature. Not only was he unexciting himself, he had passed on this “trait” to their son, making life far less enjoyable.

In the end, the flustered Su Ruo took Xi Zi to a bookstore.

She really couldn’t blame herself—it wasn’t that she was failing, she simply didn’t know of anything else outside the house that would interest her son. Her heart felt heavy.

Xi Zi, however, was even more innocent. He didn’t mind much; he preferred staying home with his sister. At worst, he could read books, play with building blocks, or assemble toy guns—it was far better than “playing” outside.

But seeing Su Ruo so eager, he couldn’t say no. He silently allowed her to dress him in clothes he found too childish, followed her out, and wandered aimlessly along the streets.

After buying two books for her son, Su Ruo frowned, intending to head home.

Just then, He Wen called, asking her to visit Duan Wei.

Duan Wei had recently given birth to a daughter for Lu Yue, who was so delighted he nearly forgot his own surname. Everyone teased him endlessly, but he didn’t care—he was so proud, constantly talking about his wife and daughter.

Duan Wei was still on postpartum rest, so He Wen thought Su Ruo, being home recently, could come with him to visit her.

This call finally gave Su Ruo a new plan, or else she would have ended up returning home.

“Xi Zi, shall we go see Aunt Duan Wei’s baby? She’s also a little sister—you’ll definitely like her,” Su Ruo said, smiling brightly, crouching down to ask Xi Zi’s opinion.

“Mm.” Xi Zi couldn’t think of any other way to pass the time.

Then, as Su Ruo stood up, Xi Zi happened to glance and saw someone not far away—a long-lost acquaintance.