RMM -Chapter 364 Side Story: A Day in the Life of Xi Zi (Part 3)

“Little Ci, mind your manners.” Liang Bo’an couldn’t stand it any longer. He cleared his throat and lightly scolded her.

But Su Ruo laughed. This little girl was truly amusing. Seeing Xi Zi’s frustrated expression was just too rare and entertaining.

“I wasn’t being rude!” Little Ci looked a bit displeased at her father’s words. Then, looking at Xi Zi who was watching her, she lifted her chin, her pretty little face full of proud arrogance.

“Listen carefully, okay? My mom used to be the only most beautiful person in my heart, but now there’s another one—Auntie is the second most beautiful person in my heart. So that makes just the two of you.”

This time, Little Ci didn’t call Xi Zi stupid, but the way she lifted her chin and her tone clearly said one thing: You’re so dumb.

“…” Xi Zi fell silent, unsure if it was the sheer audacity that left him speechless or if his pride was stung by the little girl’s blatant contempt. His small mouth pressed into a straight line.

“Pfft…” Su Ruo laughed again, ignoring Xi Zi’s mood, and reached out to ruffle Little Ci’s hair. “Bo’an, your daughter is just too adorable.”

“She’s been spoiled by me,” Liang Bo’an laughed too, clearly amused by the two children. But seeing Xi Zi’s stiff expression, he turned to Little Ci and said, “Little Ci, how can you speak to your brother like that? Apologize.”

Actually, Xi Zi was only a few months older than Little Ci; they were essentially the same age, so calling him “brother” was fine. But on the surface, Xi Zi’s cold, detached demeanor made him seem much older than the bright and lively Little Ci, so the title still fit.

“Nope, I didn’t do anything wrong! That’s just how it is.”

Little Ci pouted her rosy little lips, muttering in dissatisfaction, still unwilling to admit defeat, and gave Xi Zi a defiant glance.

“Yes, Little Ci is right. No need to apologize. It’s big brother who doesn’t understand. Little Ci is the best!”

Su Ruo’s fondness for Little Ci grew even stronger. Seeing her unhappy, she quickly comforted her, subtly showing that even her son was a bit lacking in comparison.

“Yes! Pretty Auntie is the best!” Little Ci immediately beamed again, her smile radiant.

Xi Zi, repeatedly dismissed, looked at Little Ci with an expressionless face. His dark eyes betrayed nothing, though the blows to his pride were probably severe—first rejected by a little girl, and then by his own mother.

Stupid? Xi Zi clearly refused to accept that word being used on him. His face darkened, his expression identical to his father’s displeased look.

“Ruo Ruo, don’t let her get away with it, or she’ll get cocky.”

Although Liang Bo’an verbally disagreed with Su Ruo, the eyes he cast on Little Ci were full of indulgent affection.

“Bo’an?”

At that moment, a clear, bright female voice sounded, and a person approached.

Su Ruo instinctively turned to look—and was stunned.

What kind of day is this, she thought, encountering such breathtaking people one after another.

It was undoubtedly Qi Ran. Her beauty was naturally unparalleled, and a first meeting like this inevitably left an impression.

Su Ruo, upon seeing her, immediately noticed some resemblance between Qi Ran’s striking features and Little Ci’s, confirming her identity.

“Xiao Ran.”

Sure enough, Liang Bo’an greeted her with a gentle smile, his tone affectionate. If anyone claimed there was no connection between them, who would believe it?

“Let me introduce you,” Liang Bo’an said to Su Ruo. “This is my wife, Qi Ran.”

Then, looking at Qi Ran, he continued, “And this is Su Ruo, my friend.”

When Liang Bo’an said Su Ruo was a friend, his expression was natural and his tone calm, revealing no lingering emotions. Whatever tangled feelings there had been were clearly long gone.

Su Ruo and Qi Ran exchanged a nod and a smile after the introductions.

“Just looking at Little Ci, you can tell her mom must be exceptionally beautiful. I didn’t expect her to be this stunning, Bo’an. You’re quite fortunate.”

Su Ruo teased, joking that when both parents are extraordinary, it’s no surprise the daughter is exceptional too.

“Yes, I am quite lucky,” Liang Bo’an replied naturally, laughing lightly.

“Don’t listen to him,” Qi Ran said playfully, clearly in a good mood.

Su Ruo’s impression of Qi Ran was very favorable, probably also influenced by Little Ci. Such a clever, lively little girl couldn’t possibly have a bad mother. Coupled with Qi Ran’s own aura, Su Ruo’s fondness for her shot up rapidly.

After a little more conversation, it was time to say goodbye. Since this was an accidental meeting, a long, intimate chat wasn’t appropriate—especially out on the street.

Su Ruo didn’t feel any regret. She remembered Liang Bo’an’s earlier words: in a few days, they would gather and be introduced properly. So there would be another chance to meet Qi Ran and Little Ci. They could chat properly then.

While the adults said their goodbyes, the children didn’t idle.

Having been dismissed by both Little Ci and Su Ruo, Xi Zi fell silent, no longer looking at Little Ci, his expression serious and distant.

Little Ci felt uncomfortable. She was too young to overthink, but she knew big brother was upset—and that it was because of her.

At first, Little Ci was indifferent, but seeing Xi Zi’s blank expression gradually unsettled her. Initially a little stubborn, she quietly thought he was too petty, and soon became upset.

Why wouldn’t big brother talk to her? She wanted to be friends, to play.

So, as the adults began to part, Little Ci grew anxious. She didn’t know her father’s plan and feared she might never see big brother again, so she hurriedly spoke to Xi Zi.

“Big brother, are you mad at Little Ci?”

Xi Zi hadn’t intended to respond, but hearing her cautious tone, he couldn’t help but look at her. Seeing her anxious yet hopeful expression, he finally replied.

“No, I’m not mad anymore.” A typical “not truly speaking from the heart.”

Xi Zi’s voice was slightly awkward, but his expression softened considerably.

“Really? That’s great!” Little Ci grabbed Xi Zi’s hand excitedly. “I knew big brother wasn’t so petty!”

Xi Zi’s face, just relaxed, stiffened again. His brows lightly furrowed as he stared at the hand Little Ci had grabbed. His expression was awkward, and a strange feeling ran through him.

Su Ruo noticed their interaction and marveled at Little Ci’s charm. Even Xi Zi, who usually kept his distance from children, couldn’t help but approach her. If her own daughter grew up this lively and lovable, it would be wonderful.

“All right, Xi Zi, it’s time for us to go see Auntie Duan Wei,” Su Ruo said with a smile, watching the two remarkable children, her face full of joy.

“Auntie Ruo Ruo,” Little Ci adjusted her address from “Pretty Auntie” to match Su Ruo’s, “can you come visit my house in a few days?”

“Little Ci is inviting me?” Su Ruo laughed.

“Yes! I like Auntie Ruo Ruo. And… I want to play with big brother.”

Little Ci tilted her head seriously, her eyes now on Xi Zi as she smiled brightly.

Xi Zi pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

“All right, Auntie will come by, and you and big brother can play,” Su Ruo promised, making an agreement.

“Well, we should get going. He Wen is waiting for me,” Su Ruo said warmly to Liang Bo’an and Qi Ran.

“Yes, don’t forget your promise to my daughter. Contact Bo’an in advance so I can prepare,” Qi Ran reminded with a smile.

“Of course. We’ll have a good chat then,” Su Ruo replied, nodding to Liang Bo’an before turning to leave.

After Su Ruo left, Liang Bo’an withdrew his gaze from her, took his daughter’s hand, and smiled gently at Qi Ran.

“Shall we go too?”

Once in her car, Su Ruo let out a happy, relaxed smile and a soft sigh.

She knew that Liang Bo’an had once truly liked her—no, the real Su Ruo—but no matter what, she could never respond to him. So it was better for everyone to pretend nothing happened.

She also knew his obsession ran deep, and that his abrupt departure years ago was because of her.

It had weighed on her, though she never showed it. She didn’t want to burden him.

Now, Liang Bo’an had Qi Ran, and together they had a lively, adorable daughter. This ending was undeniably perfect.

At last, everyone had the happiest fate imaginable. Life could proceed exactly like this—and it was good.