Chapter 346 - Just A Number

Once upon a time, Shui Xian could be considered a simple boy in love. He was young, a bit shy about everything, and wholeheartedly believed in lasting love. He believed love was restrained. He believed love was innocent. And maybe that's why when he first tasted the heartbreak, it broke everything within him. 

Because it was not just his heart breaking at that time. All of his beliefs were shattering right before his eyes. That innocent first love of his was gone and along with it, the young him also died down. It was only then he learned that love was the name of pain. It was painful, deceitful, and immoral. So, the fantasy of love that his mother built for him was buried along with his youth.

However, the fire of love had ignited in his heart once again because of his wife. And this time around, it was a lot more passionate than he thought. He said the love he felt for her was peaceful. Oh, it was peaceful because it made him learn to be patient. And yet, now this peaceful love was diving down towards the unrestrained territory. 

He was as eager for Raelle as he was patient around her. It was such a conflicting feeling that even he was confused. For the first time in his life, he was having trouble understanding his own feelings. And it was all because of his unpredictable, straightforward, and slightly awkward wife. She might not know how to love but she was definitely teaching him how to do it all over again.

He was just taking her lead. No, it'd be right to say that his heart had already taken her lead and now it wasn't under his control at all. Now, every single cell of his body was eager for her touch. Every single heartbeat of his was eager for her presence. 

They say dry wood catches fire faster.

Maybe he had been like a dried wood for so long that his heart was instantly set on fire by Raelle.

Because of their wild time spent in ecstasy, both Raelle and Shui Xian had a late dinner before they went back home. After washing up, they laid down on the bed to sleep.

Well, it was early for sleep but they both had spent their day wandering around and then the vigorous *cough* exercise. So, now they were laying down doing nothing. Shui Xian pulled Raelle and made her lay right on his body. 

His fingers continued to play with her hair as he said, "Tomorrow, I'll take you to a nearby village."

"To a village?" inquired Raelle. "What for?"

"Just to look around," he answered. "I believe you have never been to a village before, so I just want you to experience that as well."

"Okay," Raelle had no opinion regarding that. She really had never been to a village. Never really felt the need to do so. Besides, she never spent her time aimlessly wandering around. 

"Baby, did you have a good time today?" asked Shui Xian.

"It was good," she answered honestly.

Shui Xian smiled in relief. While taking her around, he always had to wonder if she'd actually like this place or not. But now it seemed like his worries were useless. And he wasn't narcissistic enough to believe that she had a good time because he was right by her side. 

He suddenly sighed to himself, "We only have one more day here."

"You want to stay longer?" asked Raelle. "Aren't you tired after spending half a month here already?"

Shui Xian looked sad as he said, "I was sick and tired of this place when I was alone. But now... Now, you're here with me. So, I think I can spend a while more here."

"I don't think we have to though," said Raelle. "Isn't it that you just want to spend time with me? Then we can spend the time together it back at home as well."

"Oh, that's true," agreed Shui Xian when she said it like that.

Shui Xian hugged her so tightly as if he was about to squish her. "I am so damn happy today."

"Are you trying to stop my breath?" came Raelle muffled voice from his chest.

"Oh, sorry!" Only then did Shui Xian realize that he seemed to have hugged her way too tightly. She couldn't even breathe properly because of him. "By the way, shall we buy gifts for everyone?"

"Gifts?" Raelle repeated his words. "Sure."

Shui Xian pinched her nose, "How come you're always so eager to buy gifts for others?"

"Have you ever noticed the smile on their faces when they receive the gift?" she asked in return. "Since I wanted to study the mystery behind that heartfelt smile, I bought a lot of gifts for everyone. And every time, they'd say, 'Why did you waste time on this? There was no need for gifts.' However, even though they say that their eyes would always bend down in pure joy. Trust me, I have studied it long enough to say that everyone likes getting gifts."

"What about you?" he asked her. "What does my wife like?"

"I'm not a fan of gifts though," she answered truthfully. She only loved to give gifts. Receiving them was a different story. 

"You just said everyone likes getting gifts," reminded Shui Xian.

"Well, then I'm not everyone," she stated.

"Forget it," said Shui Xian. "Even if I'm gonna get a gift for you, why would I ask for your opinion. A gift is like a surprise. If one already knows what they are getting, what's the fun in that?"

"But I already have everything I need," she told him.

"Babes, sometimes we buy things not because we need them," began Shui Xian seriously. "Sometimes we buy them just because we like them."

"Isn't that like wasting money if you buy something which you don't even need?" 

"Who cares?" retorted Shui Xian. "At least, you and I can afford to waste a little bit of money.. It's just a number."