Chapter 253: Keeping Distance

"Why are you like this?" he whispered softly. 

"Like what?" she asked.

Shui Xian shook his head since he possibly couldn't tell what he even meant himself. It was truly difficult to describe his wife. 

"Master Xian, we are here," informed the driver.

Shui Xian could only let her go and alighted down from the car. First, they moved to the arrivals and waited for Shui Koshing to come out since his flight had already landed. While they waited there together, Raelle asked him, "Did you pack your suitcase?"

"Hmm... I asked the maid to pack everything."

"Did you check whether you have everything you need with you or not?" inquired Raelle.

"I did," answered Shui Xian. 

"That's good," said Raelle.

Just standing there together, both of them caught a lot of attention as always. But they both had grown immune to the eyes of people who had nothing better to do except for staring rudely at others.

No one could say anything about what Raelle felt but as for Shui Xian, actually, it did bother him a little. Although he had been getting unnecessary attention since he was young, he had never really gotten used to it completely. He thought he had it under control after years but now that those eyes were pointed at his wife, he was really losing his patience.

"What are you both doing here?"

Shui Xian's eyes focused when he heard that question and looked at his father. He frowned a little when he saw his father. For some reason, he felt like his father was looking weaker than before. 

Shui Koshing shook his head, "I only asked the driver to pick me up without telling you both. How come you both knew?"

"You promised my wife you'll be coming within two days," answered Shui Xian. "I didn't think you'd not keep your promise."

"Still, you both didn't have to come. We could meet at home."

"Not really," spoke up Raelle. "If you had gone home, you would not be able to meet my Hubby. He is going on a business trip."

Shui Koshing frowned when he heard that and looked at his son, "You're going on a business trip?" Shui Xian nodded his head which deepened Shui Koshing's frown. "How long have you been married for? And you're already leaving my daughter-in-law alone? Is this something you should be doing?"

"I wish she would have reacted like you," said Shui Xian. "But she seems perfectly fine with the fact that I'm going."

Shui Koshing looked at Raelle who said, "Work is work, Bà."

Shui Koshing patted her head affectionately, "Aiyo, my daughter-in-law is so sensible." Then he turned to his son and inquired, "When are you leaving?"

Shui Xian looked at his wristwatch to check the time and answered, "I have an hour before the plane takes off." He took a moment and said, "Bà, I'm leaving my wife in your care. Please, take care of her." Shui Koshing was amused by his son's words. "Try to spend more time with her. Don't just let her bury her head in books."

"Are you ordering your father right now?"

Shui Xian shook his head immediately, "No. I'm just requesting here."

As the three of them moved towards the Departures, Shui Koshing asked his son in a low voice, "Is it really urgent? Why are you leaving so suddenly? And where are even going?"

"I'm going to Meiji," answered Shui Xian. "There is some land dispute going on and someone is making trouble for us. The construction has been halted. I sent people to solve it but they are also useless. Now, I have to go myself or the project will be delayed."

Shui Koshing nodded in understanding. Although he had distanced himself from work, Shui Xian had been keeping him informed regarding all the projects under their company. So he was well aware of what Shui Xian was talking about and why it was urgent for him to leave. 

"Alright. How long do you it'll take?" asked Shui Koshing. "Normally, I don't interfere with how you work but this time I have to. You better get everything sorted out as soon as possible and come back to accompany my daughter-in-law."

"You're really worried about your daughter-in-law?" 

"I am," answered Shui Koshing honestly. "How can I not be? I want you both to strengthen your bond and that is only possible when you both are together."

"Not necessarily," said Shui Xian. "Haven't you heard, Bà?" Shui Koshing raised his brow while Shui Xian went on, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder." 

"Oh really?"

Shui Xian nodded his head. "Yes, really! Besides, some distance is always good in a relationship. What if she got tired of me?"

"And why would she be tired of my son?"

"Have you forgotten that your son is a clingy person in love?" asked Shui Xian. He had no shame to accept that when he loved someone he became extra clingy with that person. It was just the way he was. 

Shui Koshing looked over at Raelle who was walking ahead of them and said, "I don't think she'll get tired of you."

"You have quite some faith in my wife?"

"I do actually," answered Shui Koshing.

It wasn't that Shui Koshing was really familiar with Raelle that he said it but from what little time he had spent with her, it was enough to make him believe in her. She took everything in life seriously and sincerely. She didn't do things half-heartedly. And she'd never take her marriage half-heartedly either. That was why he was so reassured leaving his son in her care.

Shui Xian smiled at his father, "Bà, even I know she won't get tired of me. I was just saying it. But seriously, I really think we should keep some distance from each other."

"Why?"

"To give both of us some space to gather our feelings," answered Shui Xian as he eyes bore into the back of Raelle's head.