RMM – Chapter 46 The Vexing Conduct of a Beast

Watching Su Ruo’s awkward and slow movements, Xi Yuechen touched his nose. I’d better be more careful next time.

“How about we go back tomorrow instead? You can rest for a day,” he kindly suggested.

“No need. Let’s go today,” Su Ruo refused flatly.

Rest? What rest? Isn’t all this your fault? she grumbled inwardly. That brute—he left her body still aching.

Xi Yuechen’s return yesterday hadn’t gone unnoticed by the Zhengjia Compound. It was only right to go back today. Even if she was feeling unwell, she had to endure it. For parents, the greatest wish was nothing more than seeing the whole family together and well.

Seeing her cool and indifferent response, without even sparing him a glance, Xi Yuechen realized she was truly angry.

To be fair, Su Ruo did have reasons to be upset—her body sore, covered in marks that couldn’t just be ignored. But that wasn’t the real issue.

She felt something had changed between them. Their relationship was no longer indifferent as it was at first, nor was it the respectful distance they had maintained later on. Now, not only had Xi Yuechen’s behavior shifted, but even her own feelings seemed to be changing. The discomfort, awkwardness, and uncertainty made Su Ruo feel unsettled.

When it was time to go out, she faced a dilemma—her neck bore obvious marks, but there wasn’t a single high-necked outfit in her wardrobe that could hide them. She couldn’t just walk out like that in broad daylight, could she?

Staring at the row of clothes, she sighed in frustration. Next time, I have to make sure Xi Yuechen takes it easy and stops leaving visible marks like this. I can’t even leave the house without looking ridiculous.

Wait a minute—what am I thinking? Shouldn’t I be hoping that brute gets a taste of abstinence instead?

Meanwhile, Xi Yuechen sat quietly on the sofa, basking in the lazy midday sunlight, waiting for Su Ruo to finish changing. He suddenly thought: When I’m not home, won’t it be too lonely and unsafe for her to stay alone? Should I bring her a retired military dog from the unit? There’s a batch ready for retirement anyway.

Soon Su Ruo came out, wrapped up from head to toe, even wearing a silk scarf around her neck. Xi Yuechen couldn’t help but say, “It’s really hot outside. You should wear something cooler. Be careful not to get heatstroke.”

Su Ruo finally couldn’t hold it in anymore. She glared at the overly serious Xi Yuechen and said, “I’d love to, but do you really want me to show off your ‘victory marks’ to my parents?”

Her voice, hoarse from overuse, was soft and lazy, completely lacking the intimidation she’d hoped to convey.

Xi Yuechen finally understood and cleared his throat, sensibly dropping the topic of her clothes. Let her dress like that—if anyone else caught sight of those marks on her… Colonel Xi figured he’d experience a new level of embarrassment.

Truthfully, it was partly Su Ruo’s fault too—she was too lazy to exercise, which was why she was so sore now. After they slowly made their way downstairs, she originally planned to go to the garage with him, but he stopped her.

“Wait here. I’ll bring the car around. It’s hot outside,” Xi Yuechen said, then strode off toward the garage.

Pouting slightly as she watched his tall, imposing figure walk away, Su Ruo suddenly broke into laughter. How rare… even this wooden block can be considerate sometimes.

Xi Yuechen drove out the BMW Su Ruo usually used. The military car had already been taken back by Wang Ze yesterday. There was only this one car in the garage, but Xi Yuechen wasn’t picky.

Chapter 46: The Vexing Conduct of a Beast (continued)

Watching as Xi Yuechen parked the car in front of her and even got out to open the door for her, Su Ruo felt a mix of awkwardness and curiosity. This is definitely Xi Yuechen, right? Why is he suddenly acting so attentive, like he’s been possessed?

She accepted his care without hesitation, letting him fasten her seatbelt. Since he wants to be considerate, I’ll take it. It’d be a waste not to enjoy it. She reached out to turn on the air conditioning. It was sweltering outside, and with how tightly she was bundled up, she felt suffocated—absolutely miserable.

“Take off the scarf for now. You can put it back on when we get out,” Xi Yuechen said as he drove, noticing her fanning herself nonstop. He couldn’t help thinking, I really should be more careful next time. I don’t want her dressing like this again, sweating in misery.

He glanced over to see Su Ruo obediently removing her scarf, revealing her fair, slender neck dotted with visible marks. He chuckled silently at himself. When did I start acting like a hormone-driven teenager, so reckless and unrestrained?

There was some traffic on the way, so by the time they arrived at the Zhengjia Compound, nearly two hours had passed. Just as Su Ruo finished retying her scarf, Xi Yuechen opened the car door for her.

What timing, Su Ruo muttered inwardly.

Perhaps Xi Yuechen had called his younger brother Xi Yuehui in advance, because he was already waiting at the entrance and stepped forward as soon as they arrived.

“Big Brother, Sister-in-law,” he greeted warmly and respectfully. Xi Yuehui had always taken pride in his elder brother, so when he was around, he showed a rare level of politeness—and even refrained from bickering with Su Ruo.

Su Ruo glanced at the usually cocky Xi Yuehui, now acting so differently, and chuckled softly without saying a word.

“Yeah. Are Mom and Dad home?” Xi Yuechen asked calmly.

“They’re both here. Been waiting,” Xi Yuehui replied.

Shen Liang had been restless ever since hearing that her eldest son was back yesterday. He had just returned from military exercises—was he okay? Was his chronic stomach issue acting up again? And she’d heard he’d earned merit this time—such good news! But no matter how anxious she was, she didn’t want to disturb the young couple’s reunion. Her son coming home and immediately seeking out his wife—finally, he was growing up. Now, all she had to do was wait for a grandchild.

As soon as she heard voices, Shen Liang quickly rose from the sofa and walked to the door.

“Mom, Dad,” the two greeted in unison.

Su Ruo felt slightly awkward—was that rehearsed or something? Why did it sound so synchronized?

Xi Jian’an, sitting on the sofa, only gave a faint “Mm” in response and said nothing more, letting Shen Liang eagerly bombard them with questions. Still, the way his eyes kept glancing over betrayed the concern he felt for his son.

Shen Liang pulled them both to the sofa, casually asking Xi Yuehui to get some water. She glanced at Su Ruo’s overly modest outfit and gave a knowing smile, saying nothing. Did they think I couldn’t tell? Even her voice is hoarse. But out of consideration for Su Ruo’s dignity, she didn’t bring it up, just held her hand affectionately and continued chatting with her son.

Su Ruo let out a breath of relief. Thank goodness Mom didn’t say anything. Otherwise, I really wouldn’t know how to answer. That brute… beastly conduct!

Not long after, Xi Jian’an called Xi Yuechen upstairs to the study—probably to talk about the recent military exercises.

Shen Liang held Su Ruo’s hand and chatted with ease, her demeanor affectionate and loving.

Su Ruo couldn’t help but feel touched. The Xi family truly treated her well, always viewing her as one of their own—especially Shen Liang, who doted on her like a daughter. Being a daughter-in-law in this family was truly a blessing. Even if she had inherited this from the original Su Ruo, she would repay it with gratitude. After all, she was Su Ruo now.

“Ruo Ruo, you haven’t gone back to the military compound yet, right? Once Yuechen comes down, you should go see your parents.”

“It’s fine, Mom. We’ll have dinner here tonight. We can visit the compound tomorrow. I haven’t had a proper meal here in ages—I’ve really been craving it,” Su Ruo replied with a smile, her tone playfully coquettish. Of course she knew her mother-in-law missed her son. And since it was getting late anyway, there was no rush.

“Perfect! I’ll cook for you myself tonight. I guarantee you’ll eat to your heart’s content,” Shen Liang said happily. She understood Su Ruo’s intentions and gladly went along with them. Her son was in the army, and such family gatherings were rare—who wouldn’t want the time together to last a little longer?

A capable son, a thoughtful daughter-in-law—if only there were a lively, adorable grandchild, life would be truly perfect… Shen Liang thought wistfully, her heart full of anticipation.