RMM – Chapter 87 A New Arrival

Su Ruo returned to the military compound the next day, looking very upbeat and full of confidence.

Zhang Huaqing was thrilled. Her daughter had said last time that she’d stay a few days on her next visit.

“If you’d come a bit earlier, you would’ve caught mealtime. Have you eaten?” Zhang Huaqing asked regretfully, holding her daughter’s hand.

“I have. You always treat me like a child, as if I can’t take care of myself.” Su Ruo pouted, acting spoiled, though she was quite happy inside.

“In a mother’s eyes, you’ll always be a child. That’ll never change,” Zhang Huaqing said with a smile, patting her daughter’s hand.

She then pulled Su Ruo’s hand up and carefully examined it. “Let me see… You’ve been using ointment lately, haven’t you?”

Su Ruo’s hand had mostly healed. At a glance, it didn’t look like anything was wrong. But upon closer inspection, faint scars could still be seen crisscrossing her skin. Fortunately, she had been applying the medicine that Xi Yuechen found for her, and it was working well. The recovery was excellent, so she wasn’t worried about scarring.

“It’s all better now! Your daughter has great fortune and a long life—you should be totally at ease.” Su Ruo hugged Zhang Huaqing’s arm and swayed it playfully.

“That’s good to hear.” Zhang Huaqing let out a sigh. “By the way, how long are you staying this time? Did you let Zheng Jiayuan know? Don’t go forgetting to tell them.”

How long was she staying? Su Ruo suddenly remembered she had said she’d stay a few days… but, well… the Empress Dowager might be disappointed this time.

“Ahem… Actually, I came this time because there’s something more important I wanted to discuss with you…” She glanced at her mother’s face and gave a dry laugh. “Of course, if you’d just say yes right now, that’d be even better.”

“Just say what you need to say. Don’t beat around the bush.” Zhang Huaqing snorted, though she had already prepared to say yes. Ever since her daughter had grown up, she’d rarely asked anything of her parents. Even when she started her woodcraft brand, she hadn’t taken a single penny from home or even let them know. If she was truly asking for something now, Zhang Huaqing had every intention of agreeing.

“Okay, I’ll just say it then. The commander just got posted to Province D, right? I heard it’s remote and damp there. He just arrived, and it’s bound to be inconvenient. Plus, being a pure northerner in the deep south, who knows if he’s adjusting well… So I was thinking—should I go check on him? I have plenty of time anyway.”

Su Ruo rattled off her explanation and then cautiously looked at Zhang Huaqing, clearly nervous.

“Province D? No way. That’s too far! Do you not remember how recently you got hurt? Already forgetting the pain?” Zhang Huaqing refused without hesitation. Sure, her daughter was an adult and capable of taking care of herself. In the past, she wouldn’t have objected. But after what happened, she was far too anxious. What if something happened again?

Just as expected… Su Ruo sighed silently. Her mother-in-law had reacted the same way yesterday—first agreed, then remembered what happened with Hong Shirong and changed her mind. Su Ruo had to coax and promise over and over again before she reluctantly agreed—on the condition that Xi Yuehui escorted her there.

Su Ruo felt like she was becoming the family’s giant panda—so overly protected. Was it really necessary to be this cautious? Were there really that many Hong Shirong-types out to get her? Besides, hadn’t Hong Shirong already fled the scene long ago? Clearly, it was a case of once bitten, twice shy…

“Oh come on, Mom. I told you already—it was just an accident last time. Why can’t you all let it go?”

“Accident or not, what if something happens again? You don’t know anyone there! What if something goes wrong?” Zhang Huaqing’s tone was firm. She was old now—whether or not she had grandchildren was up to fate, but her children could not afford even the slightest mishap.

“You guys… I don’t even know what to say anymore. My mother-in-law said the same thing,” Su Ruo sighed helplessly. “She told Yuehui to take me there. Doesn’t that put your mind at ease?”

“Yuehui? But why do you have to go?” Zhang Huaqing frowned.

“He’s stationed at a border post and doesn’t have time to come home. As a military wife, with all the free time in the world, shouldn’t I go visit him? Isn’t that the way you taught me to manage a marriage?” Su Ruo beamed with anticipation.

Zhang Huaqing was momentarily speechless… Sure, that sounded right. But still, she couldn’t relax. This was her only daughter—what if something bad happened?

“Oh please, just say yes already! I’ll visit him and take in the scenery too. I’ve never been to that part of the country, and I heard it’s gorgeous,” Su Ruo quickly acted spoiled again, sensing her mother was wavering.

“Enough with the nonsense. I can’t make that decision. Wait till your dad gets home and ask him.” Zhang Huaqing huffed.

Oh yeah! Su Ruo knew that meant her mom had basically agreed. If she was on board, her dad was bound to follow.

Unexpectedly, when Su Feng heard about it, he hesitated for once and even asked if she could not go.

“Dad, why are you both saying no? It’s not like I’m heading into a lion’s den or something! I’m not going on an expedition! What are you even worried about?” Do you think you can watch me forever?

She kept that last thought to herself. Saying it out loud might hurt their feelings—and that would be a real headache.

Su Feng was troubled. He knew exactly why Yuechen had been deployed. If it had been a routine reassignment, fine—but this was a special mission. High pressure. If it could be avoided, she really shouldn’t go.

Su Ruo noticed her dad’s serious concern and was baffled. Did they think she was some helpless bird in a gilded cage?

“Dad, I’ll only stay two days! And Yuehui will be with me. What could go wrong? Don’t worry about it, it’s settled—I’m going to Province D in two days.”

Before she could get rejected again, Su Ruo made the executive decision. She was going—no two ways about it.

Su Feng saw how determined she was and relented. His daughter had always been strong-willed and rarely asked him for anything. Maybe it was time to indulge her a bit.

Yuechen had only just arrived in Province D. He’d likely be dealing with logistics and wouldn’t be launching into anything high-risk just yet. At best, the mission was still in the training phase. Two days wouldn’t interfere with anything.

Although Su Feng was a high-ranking general, he hadn’t been involved in this particular operation. It was kept highly classified, and unless he deliberately pried, he wouldn’t get much intel. He had declined participation precisely to avoid favoritism. If Yuechen did well, he’d definitely get promoted—but if Su Feng got involved, it might look like nepotism and cause trouble. So it was better to stay out of it from the start.

He sighed. “Alright, you can go. But once everything over there starts running in full gear, you won’t be allowed to visit again. Be careful, and stick close to Yuehui. If anything else happens to you, you’re not leaving B City again.”

Su Ruo stuck out her tongue and smiled to herself. Old Man Su was strict—but at least he said yes. Everything else could be handled.

“Got it! Don’t worry, I promise I’ll come back safe and sound!”

Seeing her so cheerful made Su Feng feel bitter again. She was that happy to see Yuechen? Years of raising her, all for nothing. Hmph.

“Don’t stay too long. Yuechen’s got official duties. You’ll just get in the way. Two days, then come back,” he grumbled.

“Call Yuechen and let him know. Don’t get lost over there.”

Zhang Huaqing didn’t object anymore. If she really wanted to go, then let her.

“No need, no need! I’ll call him, don’t worry about it,” Su Ruo hurriedly said. She hadn’t told the commander—if he found out, he’d definitely say no. Then how could she go?

“I’ll explain it to him. Oh, by the way, Dad, where exactly is he stationed now?”

Su Feng had no idea about her little scheme, so he told her.

And just like that, under Su Ruo’s carefully managed plan, Xi Yuechen remained completely unaware—he was busy preparing to carry out a newly issued order.

Two days later at L City Airport in Province D, two people stood waiting. A young man kept glancing around, clearly looking for someone. The young woman beside him, however, looked completely relaxed.

“Sis-in-law, did you call my brother? Are you sure he’s coming to pick you up?”

“I called, I called! He said he’d be here soon. Geez, why are you so annoying?” Su Ruo shot Xi Yuehui a glare—so naggy.

Xi Yuehui fell silent. “Then call again and hurry him up! We’ve been waiting forever. My flight’s about to take off! If I don’t hand you over safely, how can I leave?”

“He’s obviously on the way now, driving. Don’t interrupt him. Just go board your flight—I’ll wait here.”

Truth was, Su Ruo had called. But now that she was here, there was no turning back. Yuechen’s phone was off—she hadn’t reached him.

But so what? She already knew where his unit was. Did she need him to guide her? She just needed Yuehui to leave, then she could head straight to H Town. She couldn’t risk the last step failing.

Xi Yuehui was right in the middle of finals. Normally he’d have time, but now he had to rush back for exams. With a test that afternoon, being stuck in Province D made him anxious.

“Really? You’re sure my brother’s coming?” One more glance at Su Ruo’s don’t-you-dare look, and he sighed. “Fine, I’m going. Just be sure to call home when you get there.”

In the end, Xi Yuehui gave in, leaving Su Ruo at the airport to “wait for Xi Yuechen,” and boarded his flight back to B City. His parents had only asked him to drop her off here. His brother was supposed to be on his way. Mission accomplished… right?

If only he knew Su Ruo hadn’t told Xi Yuechen anything—and that Xi Yuechen wasn’t coming to pick her up. He might’ve skipped the exam to personally escort her to H Town—or dragged her back to B City.

Too bad he didn’t know. Nor did he see Su Ruo wave cheekily at his back as he passed through security, then turn and strut right out of the airport. She didn’t look like she was “waiting” for anyone at all.

Outside, Su Ruo muttered a curse at Xi Yuehui for wasting so much of her time.

Feeling a little tired, she checked the time—it wasn’t too late. Strolling through the streets of L City, she thought she might stop somewhere for a drink before heading to H Town.

She hadn’t eaten much today. She wasn’t starving, but she was very thirsty.

As fate would have it, she happened to walk by an entertainment center. She glanced up—looked decent enough—and walked in.

On the second floor, it was pleasantly quiet. A few people sat in small groups, talking softly. A woman played soft piano music on stage—soothing and gentle.

Su Ruo smiled in satisfaction and was about to find a seat when her eyes suddenly widened in surprise.

That was… the commander?! What was he doing in a place like this? Shouldn’t he be with the unit?

Her mind filled with confusion and shock, she started walking toward him—completely unaware of the odd atmosphere around Xi Yuechen, or the warning signs she’d missed entirely…