Chapter 255: Father & Daughters

On their way back, Shui Koshing asked Raelle, "Dear daughter, did you miss me?"

Raelle looked at his sparkling eyes waiting for an answer and she pressed her lips together not knowing how to answer that. She knew that she didn't like the fact that she couldn't find him at home whenever she came back but could that be defined as missing him?

"Didn't I tell you last time that I think I did miss you? Why would you even ask that again?"

Shui Koshing laughed out when he saw her struggling to find the right words and said, "I was just looking for that positive reply." Thinking of something he asked, "So, did you like the house I prepared for you both as a wedding gift?"

"It's quiet," answered Raelle. "I like it."

Shui Koshing finally relaxed, "Now I'm happy that you said that. You can tell me if you want to change anything. Now that I'm back I'll fix everything."

"There is no need to change anything," said Raelle. She looked at Shui Koshing thoughtfully before saying, "Bà, you look worn out." Shui Koshing looked at her as she went on, "Are you alright?"

"I am," said Shui Koshing.

"I don't think so," said Raelle. "I can tell your health has declined in the past week. Did you not take care of your meals? Or did you not rest well? Why does it seem like you're weaker than before?"

"It's nothing like that. I ate well and I slept well as well," said Shui Koshing.

"Then something must be bothering you," countered Raelle. "And your health declined because of stress. Am I right?"

Shui Koshing stared into her eyes, "My dear daughter, why are you paying me so much attention? I'm not used to it."

"You're not used to the attention I'm giving you?" asked Raelle and he nodded his head.

Raelle could see a hint of sadness flash in his eyes as he told her, "Since my wife died, I was left with no one who would give me this much attention. And honestly, I've grown used to the lack of attention as well. Don't spoil my habits again. These habits are the dangerous part of one's life."

"I don't just call you Bà," began Raelle. "You already know I don't do anything against my own conscience. I truly respect you as a father. I never had one but I like having you around. I mean it. So, I have to take care of you. You're a part of my family and family is the one thing I hold dear in my life."

Shui Koshing's eyes teared up at her words and he placed his hand on her head. "I just came back. Do you want me to start crying already?"

"That's not my intention," answered Raelle. "I won't say anything if you don't like it."

"Who said I don't like it? I like it a lot. But I'm old now, and age has made me a little sensitive. That's why I easily end up crying. So, go easy on me a little."

"I'll take note of that in the future."

"Yes, please do."

Raelle watched his wiping his tears and said, "Now that you've mentioned it, I do think you look older than you really are."

"What? How is that possible? I was told I'm quite young."

"Yes, but after this one visit to your hometown, it seems like you've aged a decade."

Shui Koshing didn't argue with her. Because he really had nothing to argue about. His daughter-in-law was too good at observing everything. She could read his mood perfectly well. She could already tell that he didn't have a good week back in his hometown but he didn't want to explain it to her.

She obviously deserved to know everything but he didn't want her to get involved in his family drama. He had already distanced himself from that family for his son's sake. Now, he'd do anything to keep his daughter-in-law away from those people as well. There was no point to get connected with a family that was nothing good. They were more like wolves in sheep clothing. 

He wished to keep Raelle far away from those wolves.

As they reached home, Raelle said, "Bà, freshen up and then we can have our dinner. It's about time and you must be hungry."

"Dear daughter, I just want to sleep peacefully in the bed I'm familiar with," said Shui Koshing.

"Bà, I can't let you sleep on an empty stomach. Just have something to eat and then you can rest."

Shui Koshing really couldn't say no to her so he nodded, "Fathers should never argue with daughters because they can't win anyway. I should learn that lesson by now."

Raelle offered him one of her practiced smiles, "Yes, you should get used to it."

He was about to go upstairs when he said, "Why don't we call Uncle Yu for dinner as well. I heard that Chenyan isn't back yet."

"Opa must be with Hyson at the hospital and he'll have his dinner with him there. You don't need to worry about him."

"Hospital? What happened to Uncle Yu?" Shui Koshing was startled. He always respected Xiang Tianyu but since his own father's death, he had become even closer to Xiang Tianyu. Now, hearing that he was at the hospital, his heart almost jumped out in worry.

Raelle shook her head at him, "Bà, Opa is fine. It's Hyson. He got into an accident. Opa is just accompanying him."

Shui Koshing patted his chest to calm himself before asking, "Wait? Did you say Yue Fai got into an accident? Is he okay? What happened?"

"I'll take you to see him tomorrow. Stop worrying about him as well. He is already jumping around like a monkey. He is a tough one. He won't get hurt this easily."

"But I'm still worried about him. Let's go with what you said. We'll go to see him early in the morning, okay?"

"If you say so," said Raelle. "Now, go and change your clothes now."

Shui Koshing nodded his head and went to his room while Raelle continued to climb the stairs to the third floor.