RMM – Chapter 72 The Commendation Ceremony

When Su Ruo left Jingyue Mingdu, she had specifically picked out two slightly more formal outfits just for the commendation ceremony.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she touched her neck—fortunately, there weren’t any marks this time. Otherwise, she’d have had to stay home. How could she show her face like that—especially in the military base?

After dressing, she moved her still faintly aching waist with some effort. Frowning, Su Ruo thought: This can’t go on every time… it’ll be the death of me. Should I start doing yoga again? It’s been a while. Even if I don’t get super flexible, I shouldn’t be left sore like this afterward.

With a face full of black lines, Su Ruo cursed under her breath at Xi Yuechen. Now she finally understood—this brute, once his hormones took over, he lost all reason. Asking him to exercise restraint was a pipe dream.

Forget it, forget it. I’ll just start practicing again. It’s for my own good anyway—helps with fitness too.

Around 3 PM, Xi Yuechen called. He asked if Su Ruo was ready. If she was, she should come downstairs—he was on his way to pick her up and take her to the auditorium.

After double-checking that her outfit was appropriate, Su Ruo smiled in satisfaction, opened the door, and prepared to head downstairs.

“Aiya, you must be Commander Xi’s wife, right?”

A woman’s voice suddenly came from beside her. Su Ruo turned to see a tall, slender woman who was quite pretty.

“Mm, and you are?” The woman looked a few years older than her. Judging by her presence here, she must be a military spouse too.

Sure enough, the woman smiled politely. “I’m Zhang Minqiang’s wife. He’s the battalion commander of Regiment 3, Battalion 1. We live next door to Commander Xi. Sister-in-law, you’re so beautiful—stepping out today is going to blind a whole bunch of people.”

“Nice to meet you,” Su Ruo said after a slight pause. “I’m actually on my way to the commendation ceremony, and I’m a bit pressed for time. I’ll visit in the evening. So sorry.”

“Oh, the commendation ceremony? Commander Xi treats you so well—he even takes you along to that. I haven’t even seen what the big auditorium looks like. Seems like Commander Xi is really about to be promoted! I’ll congratulate you in advance, haha.”

The woman chuckled as she took out her keys and opened her door, still chatting: “Then you’d better go now—I won’t keep you. I’ll come visit you tonight.”

Su Ruo nodded and smiled, then turned and headed downstairs—but she felt a bit irritated inside. What was that woman’s deal? Wasn’t she being a bit snide? I didn’t do anything to her. So weird! And that line about blinding people—was she praising me or mocking me?

Noisy. Sharp-tongued. Su Ruo mentally labeled her, deciding to keep some distance in the future. No need to make herself upset. Who knows what she’ll say next time? Not like she stays here often anyway.

Su Ruo walked slowly. When she reached the ground floor and still didn’t see Xi Yuechen, she simply waited by the building entrance.

The greenery here was quite nice—shady trees, lots of flowers. Though the flowerbeds were a bit messy and obviously not meticulously maintained, they were full of vitality. It was pleasing to the eye.

“Ruoruo,” came Xi Yuechen’s voice.

Su Ruo tilted her head and saw him walking toward her with long strides. Dressed in his military uniform, he looked dazzling in the sunlight, exuding a commanding and heroic aura. She couldn’t help but stare.

Xi Yuechen in uniform was… something else. Su Ruo felt that no other man could pull it off like him. It was as if his temperament and that uniform were made for each other.

“What’s wrong? A grown woman spacing out like that,” Xi Yuechen said as he approached, frowning slightly.

“Nothing. The sun’s just too bright,” Su Ruo muttered, unwilling to admit she had been staring at him.

“Then let’s go. Don’t be late.” Xi Yuechen didn’t press her, just glanced down at Su Ruo.

Hmm, her complexion looks good, outfit’s nice… seems like she’s okay physically?

“Are you still in pain?” he asked.

“What do you think?” Su Ruo glared at him. “Still hurts a lot.”

Xi Yuechen was taken aback and gave a dry cough, dropping the topic. “Let’s go.”

Su Ruo wasn’t really angry anymore. Since he dropped it, she didn’t push either—no point making a scene.

They walked together along the tree-lined path at a relaxed pace, though Su Ruo tried to walk a bit faster. Xi Yuechen must be busy—he even came all the way to pick her up—they really couldn’t be late.

They made quite the eye-catching pair. Not only was Xi Yuechen the famous hero of the military district, but word had also spread yesterday that the regimental commander’s wife had arrived. Those who hadn’t seen her yet were full of curiosity. Soldiers passing by would salute and greet Xi Yuechen while stealing glances at Su Ruo.

Su Ruo felt helpless. Since yesterday, things had been way too dramatic. Was this really necessary? It wasn’t like she was some mythical beast with three heads and six arms.

After a few more soldiers passed by, Xi Yuechen noticed Su Ruo rubbing her waist with the back of her hand, though she didn’t show any pain on her face. He couldn’t help but feel guilty—he really should’ve shown more restraint. Then she wouldn’t be suffering like this today.

“If you’re feeling unwell, we can go back and rest.”

Su Ruo immediately huffed. “No way—I’m definitely going.”

Xi Yuechen raised a brow. “You think your body can handle it?” So stubborn, this woman.

Su Ruo shot him a glare. “Whether I can handle it or not, it’s all your fault anyway.”

That shut Xi Yuechen right up. He couldn’t exactly say it’s only human nature, could he? Besides, he should’ve gone back to the bedroom last night… though, admittedly, the bathroom wasn’t bad either… cough.

“Are we going to be late?” Su Ruo asked. She didn’t want to make him late.

“No, I came early.” Xi Yuechen was telling the truth. He’d expected she might not feel well and didn’t want anyone else picking her up, so he made time to come personally.

Su Ruo acknowledged with a hum and picked up her pace. Her body didn’t feel that bad now—she could manage.

The ceremony started at 3:50 PM. They arrived around 3:40. The hall was nearly full. As they walked in, the whole room’s attention instantly focused on them.

Su Ruo felt that this visit to the base was enough to use up all the “spotlight” she’d get in her lifetime.

Following Xi Yuechen to the front, they sat in the second row from the front, near the aisle. They’d barely sat down when someone greeted them.

Su Ruo looked up and saw Political Commissar Wang from yesterday, along with some other officers they’d dined with. She smiled and returned each greeting warmly. People in the military weren’t that hard to get along with after all.

Soon everyone quieted down—the ceremony was about to begin.

Su Ruo did her best to ignore the fact that she was the only one in civilian clothing in the entire auditorium and focused on the host’s opening speech.

After that, a leader gave a formal address. Su Ruo listened attentively, her face serious. Once the general procedures were done, the leaders began awarding medals and commendations to those who had made outstanding contributions during the recent military exercises.

Maybe it was the solemn atmosphere, but Su Ruo suddenly felt nervous. Her palms were sweaty, soaking the scabs that hadn’t fully fallen off, causing a faint sting—but she had no time to worry about that.

Soon, Xi Yuechen’s name was called. As the top performer in the exercises, he received a First-Class Military Merit, presented by the military district’s commander.

After saluting Commander Peng, Xi Yuechen accepted the medal. Commander Peng congratulated him, then removed the insignia from Xi Yuechen’s shoulder and replaced it with that of a Senior Colonel.

Once it was done, Xi Yuechen saluted again. Commander Peng returned the salute, smiling: “The younger generation is truly formidable—you have a bright future ahead.”

Xi Yuechen turned to the audience, holding the medal in his left hand, and gave a sharp salute with his right. Thunderous applause erupted from the hall, full of admiration and congratulations.

Su Ruo couldn’t clap hard, so she gently tapped her fingers together. Watching the proud and commanding figure of Xi Yuechen on stage, her eyes suddenly brimmed with tears, and her heart ached sweetly. Yet the smile at the corner of her lips grew wider and wider.

Xi Yuechen didn’t linger on stage and came down quickly. Su Ruo’s eyes followed his every step—steady, confident, awe-inspiring. Her heart was both sore and proud.

Look at that. Such an incredible man… and he’s mine.

The ceremony continued, but Su Ruo could no longer focus. After calming herself a bit, she turned to whisper: “Commander, you were amazing. And… you were so handsome just now!”

Then she quickly faced forward, eyes fixed on the stage, though her ears turned pink.

Xi Yuechen hadn’t expected such a comment and was momentarily stunned.

Handsome? All these years, Su Ruo was the first person to describe him with that word. It caught him by surprise.

He glanced at Su Ruo pretending to pay full attention to the stage, then looked back up—his face clearly showing a rare, unmistakable joy. He looked thoroughly pleased.

This time, several people from Xi Yuechen’s reinforced regiment also received awards—Second- and Third-Class Military Merits among them. At the end, the regiment was awarded a First-Class Collective Merit, solidifying its reputation throughout the entire army.

Su Ruo couldn’t stop glancing at Xi Yuechen’s shoulder—four stars now. A Senior Colonel! So impressive. And those shoulder boards were so shiny.

She made a silent vow: When we get back, I have to touch them. Maybe I’ll absorb a little of that four-star glory.

Xi Yuechen noticed Su Ruo’s distracted state since he came off the stage but didn’t call her out—he silently indulged her. He could tell she was in an exceptionally good mood.

At the end of the ceremony, Xi Yuechen went on stage to deliver a summary report. Watching him speak with calm confidence, Su Ruo suddenly felt he was truly born to lead.

Gazing at Xi Yuechen, Su Ruo silently sighed—Fate really is strange. It actually brought two people who had nothing to do with each other together… for a lifetime.