RMM – Chapter 49 A Night Market Stroll (Part 1)

By the time they left the military compound, the sky had already darkened into a dusky black.

As they drove through the bustling downtown area, Su Ruo gazed out the window at the vibrant nightlife — glowing lights, the buzz of people, and the overall lively atmosphere — and couldn’t help but feel a sense of longing.

“Commander, how about we stop and check out the night market? It looks so lively out there. I haven’t been to one in ages.”

When Xi Yuechen heard her say that, the anticipation and nostalgia in her voice made it impossible for him to say no.

“Okay,” he replied simply.

As he spoke, he had already pulled the car into a nearby parking lot.

Su Ruo was a little surprised. She had merely mentioned it on a whim after seeing the lively scene outside, reminiscing about how often she used to hang out at night markets. She hadn’t expected him to actually agree — he wasn’t fond of noisy, crowded places, was he?

Xi Yuechen indeed didn’t like such places, nor the noise, but when it came to Su Ruo, some of his old habits and principles seemed to be gradually shifting. If it were anyone else, he would’ve ignored them and left without a word. Then again, no one else would be so tactless as to invite him to walk through a night market.

After getting out of the car, Su Ruo beamed brightly, clearly in high spirits. She radiated joy and energy, catching the attention of many.

Seemingly influenced by her mood, a soft smile formed in Xi Yuechen’s eyes as well.

Knowing full well that Xi Yuechen had likely never been to a place like this before, Su Ruo looked at the crowded market ahead and took his hand in hers.

“You’ve probably never been to a night market, right, Commander? I’ll lead the way. I know my way around!”

“Mm. Just follow your lead then.”

Hand in hand, the two of them strolled through the bustling night market, walking slowly and closely together due to the crowds.

“Ooh! Grilled squid! Commander, can I have one?”

Su Ruo looked around with wide eyes at the surrounding stalls. A familiar, rich aroma hit her nose, and she turned toward the source with sparkling eyes — grilled squid!

It would’ve been fine if she hadn’t seen it, but once she did, she couldn’t take another step. It had been so long since she last had it. She really, really wanted some. Knowing full well that Xi Yuechen probably didn’t like this kind of street food, she looked at him pitifully and asked — they were already here, after all, so why not have a few skewers?

Hearing her request, Xi Yuechen frowned slightly. “Street food isn’t clean. It’s not healthy.”

Just as she expected, Su Ruo pouted. Well, I’m still going to eat it today no matter what.

“Just this once, please? It’s not like I come here often. I really want some! Look — so many people are eating it, and they’re fine. You don’t have to eat any, okay?”

Seeing her pitiful expression, Xi Yuechen felt his heart soften. Since she really wanted it, he let her be. How much could she eat anyway?

“Fine, but just a little.”

Yes! Su Ruo cheered inwardly.

“Wait here for a bit, Commander. I’ll go buy some now!”

Xi Yuechen watched the almost-giddy young woman in front of him and couldn’t help but wonder: What’s so exciting about this? It’s just street food. Oh well, indulging her once or twice wouldn’t hurt.

She had said she would only get a skewer or two, but when it came time to buy, Su Ruo completely lost control. Since her rebirth, not only had she not eaten these kinds of snacks, she hadn’t even seen them. Who cared if she couldn’t finish them — she was going to buy to her heart’s content.

Xi Yuechen looked speechlessly at the two large skewers of grilled squid in her small hands. Don’t people get tired of eating this stuff?

“Can you finish it? Don’t overeat.”

“Mmm, it’s fine! I have a good appetite. Want a bite, Commander?” Su Ruo said casually.

Seeing the grilled squid in her hand, Xi Yuechen shook his head. “You eat it. Just don’t force yourself if you can’t finish.”

Su Ruo couldn’t care less what he said and happily devoured her squid.

Watching her eat so seriously, ignoring everyone around her, Xi Yuechen pulled her closer protectively to avoid the crowd and shield her from being bumped.

Thanks to Xi Yuechen, Su Ruo was able to enjoy her grilled squid peacefully in the midst of the bustling crowd, peeking around with curious eyes like a little kid.

“I’m so full…” Su Ruo wiped her hands and patted her stomach, muttering. Though she was stuffed, her good mood remained unchanged. Her eyes sparkled with joy.

At that moment, she didn’t notice that a hand was already reaching toward the outside pocket of her bag, fingers slowly slipping inside. The movement was subtle, nearly invisible in the crowded night market — it was about to succeed.

Su Ruo had no sense that anything was amiss — she was completely unaware. Her awareness was far too lacking. When out and about, one should pay attention to their belongings, yet she had carelessly left her bag unzipped after buying her squid.

She didn’t notice a thing, but that didn’t mean others didn’t. Still, who would actually speak up and warn her? Most people just watched as if it were a show.

Xi Yuechen, however, noticed something off from the way a few people were looking. He frowned, turned his head toward Su Ruo, and immediately caught sight of what was happening. His eyes narrowed dangerously, a sharp gleam flashing within.

Before Su Ruo could react, Xi Yuechen had already stepped forward and grabbed the hand reaching for her bag.

The thief, caught in the act, grew angry out of embarrassment. Seeing that it was just two people, he opened his mouth and snapped, “Hey, what the hell? Why are you grabbing my hand? Looking for a fight? Let go!”

“Scram,” Xi Yuechen growled, twisting the man’s wrist forcefully.

“Aah! That hurts like hell! Let go!”

Xi Yuechen’s grip was frighteningly strong. Using full force, the man yelped in pain, feeling as if his wrist was about to snap.

After twisting it once, Xi Yuechen let go. He hadn’t intended to do more than give the guy a lesson. But the man took advantage of it, collapsing to the ground and wailing, “Aiyo! It hurts! My hand’s broken! Is there no justice? Assaulting people in public — someone help me get justice!”

A crowd quickly gathered. Some knew the situation, others didn’t, and they all started gossiping. Seeing this, the man cried even louder, acting like his hand really was broken.

Su Ruo finally understood what had happened. Hearing the man cry victim made her furious. She snorted coldly. “You’re the one sneaking around and stealing, and you dare deny it? Now you’re pretending to be the victim? For someone like you, a parasite to society, even if your hand really was broken, it’d be what you deserve.”

The man grew even more hysterical. “Just because you know a few moves, you think you can bully people? I was just passing by — what did I do to provoke you? My hand is broken! You have to pay for my medical bills!”

Su Ruo laughed angrily. This guy’s smart. Failed to steal, now he’s trying to extort money.

Xi Yuechen watched him coldly, expression full of scorn. “Let’s go. No need to waste time here,” he said to Su Ruo.

She nodded and turned to leave without sparing the man another glance.

Seeing this, the man panicked. He stopped pretending to be hurt and jumped up to grab Xi Yuechen, but before he could even touch his clothes, Xi Yuechen caught his wrist again — firmly and without mercy.

“Weren’t you screaming your hand was broken? Funny how agile it is now,” Su Ruo said sarcastically.

Realizing he’d been caught again, the man struggled, but Xi Yuechen’s grip was unyielding.

The surrounding crowd, witnessing this second act, finally started pointing fingers at the thief. Moments ago, they had turned a blind eye — now, they looked self-righteous.

Su Ruo sneered. “I was actually thinking of taking you to the hospital earlier — didn’t want this nonsense to drag out. But now? Forget it. You’re clearly fine.”

The man clenched his teeth in fury, but it was too late for regrets. Today had been a complete failure. He didn’t manage to steal, couldn’t extort money, and got caught red-handed.

Without saying a word, Xi Yuechen tightened his grip, this time even harder. The man howled in pain.

But no one believed him now — they all assumed he was faking again. Even Su Ruo thought he was still putting on a show, until she looked at Xi Yuechen and realized this time, he was serious. That sharp aura was no act.

Xi Yuechen released him shortly after and didn’t spare him a glance. He pulled Su Ruo away and walked off.

Su Ruo gave a cold snort. Serves you right. Screaming like that when your hand’s not even broken. Let’s see you try scamming people again.

The onlookers clicked their tongues and left one by one, leaving only the man crouched on the ground, still groaning in pain.