RMM – Chapter 79 Worries

By the time Su Ruo called Xi Yuechen, it was almost 10 PM. She’d waited this long because she didn’t want to interrupt if he was still busy.

“Commander, let’s just forget about the Hong family issue.”

“What happened?” Xi Yuechen sounded surprised.

“Well, I wasn’t really hurt, and this wasn’t directly related to his family either. I think giving a punishment is enough—there’s no need to push them into a corner.”

“A poor upbringing is still the family’s responsibility,” Xi Yuechen remained unmoved. Raising a son like that who poses a danger to society—being taught a lesson was only right.

Su Ruo rolled her eyes. What kind of logic is that? “Even so, the punishment should be enough by now, right? Let’s not force them into a dead end. Let’s just let it go.”

“What happened today?” Why bring this up out of nowhere?

“Hong Shirong came to see me today.” Su Ruo had barely finished the sentence when she could clearly feel the change in his tone, even through the phone. She quickly added, “I was with Su Heng, nothing happened. He just came to apologize and begged us to let his family off.”

After she spoke, Xi Yuechen remained silent. She waited, but he didn’t say anything.

“Commander, I just think… mercy where it’s due. The wheel of fortune turns—who knows what might happen to me one day…”

“Nothing will happen. Don’t say that.”

Before she could finish, Xi Yuechen cut her off sharply. Su Ruo stuck her tongue out and laughed, “I’m just saying. Let them go, consider it a good deed. We can make them leave Beijing—that’s already a pretty serious punishment, isn’t it?”

“Fine. But don’t make this a habit.” Xi Yuechen frowned slightly as he spoke. She’s just too kindhearted.

“Got it. Nothing serious anyway.” Having achieved her goal, Su Ruo was in high spirits. “Commander, are you still as busy these days?”

“Mm.” Xi Yuechen opened the window, letting the night breeze cool his face. “The transfer order has come through.”

“Transfer?” Su Ruo was startled. Where to?

“Province D.” He only gave the location, not the details, not wanting her to worry.

“That far?”

Su Ruo froze for a second, blinking in surprise. She put down the peach she’d been eating—suddenly she had no appetite. How could he be transferred there?

“So… when are you leaving?”

“Probably this week. It’s on a tight schedule.” Everything was ready—he was the only piece left to complete the team. The sooner he took the post, the better.

“Oh. Will you come home before you go?” Su Ruo’s voice was hoarse and low, drained of energy.

“I should be able to drop by once.”

They didn’t talk much longer after that. Su Ruo was feeling stifled and didn’t feel like chatting anymore.

Province D… why does it have to be so far? Once he goes, wouldn’t that mean they’d be separated indefinitely?

After ending the call, Xi Yuechen stared out into the night with furrowed brows. Orders from above—he had no choice but to obey. Besides, there was an important mission waiting for him. It was a sign of trust from his superiors and a call of duty from the nation. No matter what, he could only comply.

As for Su Ruo… he felt he owed her. She gained nothing by being with him. He couldn’t even give her time, let alone anything else. Now, even being by her side might no longer be possible.

Originally, he had thought about taking her with him when he was transferred. But now, that was no longer an option. Province D was on the border, the conditions were harsh, and she’d grown up in the capital—she wouldn’t be able to adapt. On top of that, he was being deployed there to combat transnational crime. He could take the risk himself, but he couldn’t let her face it with him.

Xi Yuechen knew—there was a hard battle awaiting him in Province D.

That night, it seemed no one slept well.

Su Ruo woke early, no mood to lie in bed. After washing up, she went downstairs to see if there was anything she could help with. Keeping busy might calm her restless heart.

When Shen Liang came down from upstairs, she saw Su Ruo sweeping the floor and frowned, glancing around. Where is everyone else?

“Ruo Ruo, why are you sweeping? Where are the others?”

Hearing her mother-in-law’s displeased tone, Su Ruo quickly smiled, “I woke up early and didn’t have anything to do, so I thought I’d help clean. They didn’t even want to let me!”

“Put that down. Your hand’s not fully healed yet. Don’t you know to take better care of yourself? Such pretty hands—aren’t you afraid of leaving scars?”

Shen Liang walked over and pulled Su Ruo to sit on the sofa.

“It’s nothing. By the way, Mom, do you know about the commander’s transfer?”

“Transfer? I heard something about it, but I’m not sure it’s confirmed. Hopefully he’s not being sent somewhere terrible.” Shen Liang frowned. If the location was decent, Su Ruo could go with him. Long-distance marriage was no good.

Since it was clear Shen Liang didn’t know Xi Yuechen was going to Province D, Su Ruo hesitated. Should I tell her? Was Province D considered “somewhere terrible”?

“Mom, I called the commander yesterday. He said he’s being transferred to Province D…”

“What?! Province D? Why would he go there?” Shen Liang’s voice shot up in surprise.

“What’s all the yelling so early in the morning?” came a sudden voice from the garden—it was Xi Jian’an.

Xi Jian’an always practiced tai chi in the garden early in the morning. Today, he’d just finished when he heard Shen Liang’s exclamation.

Su Ruo stuck out her tongue. Father-in-law probably knew already, right? Then why didn’t he tell Mom?

Sure enough, Shen Liang lashed out the moment he stepped into the living room, “Yelling? I want to ask why you didn’t tell me about Yuechen’s transfer!”

Yuechen? Xi Jian’an quickly realized what she was talking about. Why didn’t I tell you? Wasn’t it to avoid exactly this reaction? Hmph.

“It’s just a transfer—not his first one. What kind of attitude is that?” Xi Jian’an walked in and sipped from his teacup.

“That’s Province D, not the capital!” Shen Liang shot back, clearly displeased. Wasn’t that too far? And surely the conditions weren’t great either.

“What’s wrong with Province D? It’s still part of our country! As a soldier, he’s meant to protect national security. And you call yourself an intellectual.”

Shen Liang was stung by his righteous speech. Yes, what he said made sense. But when it’s your own family, how do you stay calm? What does this have to do with being an intellectual?

“But who knows how long he’ll be gone? What about Ruo Ruo?” she asked irritably. Their son and daughter-in-law already had little time together—now they’d be separated across the country. How could Ruo Ruo possibly go with him?

Xi Jian’an snorted and said no more, turning back toward the garden.

Feeling a little awkward, Su Ruo tried to comfort her mother-in-law, “Mom, I’m fine. I can always go visit the commander. It’s an honor for him to be defending the borders—this is a good thing.”

Shen Liang looked at her and gave a forced smile. She knew Ruo Ruo wasn’t feeling great either and was only saying this to comfort her. There was no point sulking. She sighed heavily.

Was it really the right decision to insist on bringing Ruo Ruo into the family? Such a good girl. The Xi family truly owed her…

Meanwhile, Xi Jian’an lay back in his garden recliner, humming quietly. Doesn’t anyone else care about grandchildren? All those other old guys already had adorable grandkids to show off, and here he was—no grandkids, and now even his son and daughter-in-law were going to be in different places. How could he be happy?

But the transfer order was already issued—could he get it revoked? Impossible. Lao Su had told him everything. Xi Yuechen had agreed to it himself. What could the two of them do? Even if they had influence, would they really override national needs for personal reasons? Even Yuechen wouldn’t agree to that, and neither would they.

He sighed. His wife only cared about grandchildren, but he had more to worry about. Lao Su had told him the real reason for Yuechen’s deployment, and it weighed heavily on his heart.

The instability near the national border in Province D wasn’t just a military concern—it was a political one, too. Every year, it drained resources from both sectors. Despite large investments from both the military and government, results had been disappointing.

This special operation plan was a top-level military secret. If Lao Su hadn’t told him, he wouldn’t have even known it existed—much less that his own son would be assigned to it.

Serving the country was a great honor. But those drug traffickers were ruthless criminals, people who valued money over life. It was far too dangerous. And who knew how long the mission would last? There were just too many unknowns.

Sigh… let’s just hope nothing bad happens.

After having breakfast at Zhengjia Courtyard, Su Ruo returned to the military compound. As expected, she found Zhang Huaqing already busy preparing lunch.

“Mom, why are you cooking so early? Don’t make too much—we might not finish it.”

“Aren’t these your favorites? Now that you’re married, I have to make a proper spread when you come home.”

Zhang Huaqing didn’t mind at all. She missed her daughter, and now that she was back, she was more than happy to be busy in the kitchen. She was a great cook—Su Ruo and Su Heng had clung to her for food since they were little.

Seeing how happy her mother was, Su Ruo didn’t say more. She stepped into the kitchen to help, paying close attention to her mom’s methods, as if trying to learn.

“What? Learning to cook now after learning to make soup? I thought you already knew a bit?” Zhang Huaqing teased, noticing her daughter’s focused gaze.

“I’m not that good. How could I show off in front of you? Come on, teach me.” Su Ruo smiled and acted coy.

“Alright, alright. Watch closely—make something for Yuechen when he gets back.” Hearing that made her happy. “But mind your hand, okay?”

Zhang Huaqing slowed down her movements, occasionally explaining as she worked. My daughter’s grown so thoughtful now that she’s away from home.

During lunch, Su Ruo kept glancing at Su Feng as if she had something to say, but held back.

“What is it? You keep looking at me.” Su Feng couldn’t help asking.

“It’s nothing.” Su Ruo looked at the others—her mother and Su Heng—before saying, “After we finish eating, I’d like to talk to you in the study.”

“Alright. Come find me after lunch.” Su Feng figured she wanted to ask about Yuechen’s transfer—seems she already knew.

“What’s going on? Why so secretive?” Zhang Huaqing asked curiously.

“It’s nothing, I’ll tell you later. For now, let’s eat while it’s hot.” Su Ruo hurried them along—cold food wouldn’t taste as good.