Chapter 295: Element Of Surprise

From the moment, Shui Xian's eyes had fallen on Raelle's face, his smile hadn't died down. If anything, his smile only grew gorgeously. He didn't even notice himself that he had been smiling like a fool and she wasn't even around him. At times like these, he was truly thankful for the advancement of technology. At least, he was able to see his wife and hear her voice.

When he continued to just look at her in silence, Raelle couldn't help asking, "What are you looking at?"

"You," he answered honestly.

"I can see that," said Raelle. "But why? Is there something really interesting on my face that you keep looking at it?"

"I wish I could let you see yourself through my eyes," he told her. "Only then you'd understand why I keep looking at you like a fool."

"Like a fool?" repeated Raelle. "So, my husband is a fool now?"

Shui Xian nodded his head, "I really am a fool. Why else did I give up the perfect opportunity to be with you earlier?"

"Don't they say, everything has a right time?" 

Shui Xian took a deep breath, "No wonder you entered my life when I really needed you."

Shui Xian wanted to spend hours talking to her but he couldn't do it. Soon, he heard his assistant calling him and he groaned in frustration. He sat up and said, "Babes, your hubby has to go now. Can't talk for long."

"Go, do your work," said Raelle once again completely ignoring the way he called her.

"I might have to stay for a couple more days," added Shui Xian in a bitter voice.

"I understand," responded Raelle. 

Shui Xian's assistant's voice rang again and Shui Xian was annoyed now, "I'm coming!" he yelled out before turning to Raelle again. "Did you see that? I feel like everyone is working against us. Always trying to drag me away from you."

"You let them drag then," said Raelle. "I'll just keep following you."

Shui Xian's heart took a critical hit because of those simple words and he was left stunned for a moment. Only when he came around did he say, "I wish I could teleport. Because I really want to kiss you so hard that you become a part of me." He sighed out and shook his head, "I should really go now or else, I'll lose my reasoning. Take care of yourself."

Raelle nodded in reply and only then did Shui Xian hung up the call. He found it truly a shame that he was stuck here all alone. Looking at the beautiful landscapes before his eyes, he felt like it was truly a pity that he came here without his wife. One can only enjoy the beauty of nature when beauty is beside you to give you company. 

Meanwhile, when Raelle put her phone down. She fell into contemplation. Her phone conversation with Shui Xian replayed in her mind. As she absentmindedly rapped the table, the door was knocked. 

Raelle looked up and seeing her grandfather, she stood up immediately.

"Opa!" she called out. "You didn't tell me you're coming."

"Didn't my Yenay wanted to talk to me about something?" asked Grandfather Xiang with a gentle smile. "I thought I should come myself."

Raelle kept looking at him in silence. She really didn't want to argue about her name once again. After all, no matter how many times she told this old man not to call her 'Yenay', he never listened. Since it hadn't changed in years, she couldn't expect it to change now either.

She silently went over to the sitting area. She first took a special tea set made of jade and also took out the tea that she had placed just for her grandfather. While Grandfather Xiang asked his attendants to wait outside, Raelle sat down on the thick carpet in the kneeling position. Extending her hands out, she started preparing the tea in a practiced manner.

Grandfather Xiang put his elbow on the armrest of his wheelchair while his hand supported the side of his face. His eyes lingered on his granddaughter's movements. He had taught her everything he knew. And since her desire to absorb knowledge was so strong, she always learned with interest. So, even though she grew out of the country, he had imparted his culture in her. 

He could still recall how he was against the idea of teaching her about tea ceremonies. He was scared she'd scald her hand with the hot water. But seeing how her interest grew by just watching him make tea, he couldn't stop her from learning. Especially since she managed to learn only by watching him.

Watching her performing a tea ceremony was a feast for any man who was a tea enthusiast like him. Her movements were precise and not hurried at all. She looked relaxed and leisurely. She made it look so easy and beautiful that no one could take their eyes away. 

As she offered the tea in a respectful manner, he said, "It seems like I gave you trouble by coming here. You shouldn't have wasted time on preparing tea for me."

"You can never be a trouble for me," answered Raelle. "And my time is all for you. Don't say you're wasting it."

Grandfather Xiang smiled sweetly and brought the cup of tea close to his nose. As he smelled it, his eyes brightened and when he took a sip, he felt relaxed. "It's been a while since I tasted the tea made by you. It's still the best one in the whole world."

"Opa just knows how to flatter me," said Raelle.

"If only my flattery would work on you," he replied. "Now, don't just sit there. Come up here."

Raelle stood up and went to sit on the couch. Grandfather Xiang held her hand in his own.

"I believe you have something to talk to me?"

"Yes," answered Raelle. "But I told you I'll come to see you on my own when you're free."

"I'm an old man who is always free," said Grandfather Xiang.

"Fool someone who is easy," retorted Raelle. "I know better how much of a free man you are."

Grandfather Xiang's smile turned meaningful and he didn't bother refuting her words. She knew things well. He couldn't possibly fool her. 

"Anyway, since you wanted to discuss something I chose to come to you. Is it wrong to come to see my granddaughter?"

"Absolutely not," answered Raelle. She waited for a moment before telling him, "I do have something to talk to you. Soren Ke recently came to me with a project..." After detailing him about the project while leaving out the confidential information, she looked at him to wait for an answer.

"Since you've brought this topic up, I believe you have a strong interest in the project?" It was more of a statement rather than a question. "Then why are you asking me? Have I ever stopped you from doing anything?"

"It's not that you've ever stopped me from making my own choices, it's more like I just want you to tell whether I should take part in this or not?"

Grandfather Xiang touched her head lovingly, "It's your interest. Do what makes you feel happy. I did want to keep you away from the military as much as possible because of the promise I gave to your grandmother but it doesn't mean I want you to give up on something you like just because of me."

"Then I'll think about it again," said Raelle. It was true that Raelle had a strong interest in the topic of research but she had still not come to a decision whether she wanted to be part of this project or not. For some reason, she had been avoiding it.

"Do as you like," said Grandfather Xiang as he enjoyed the tea made by his precious granddaughter. 

"Opa," she called out.

"Hm?"

"When I used to go out for days and you didn't get to see me, did you miss me?"

Grandfather Xiang's brows knitted up because of this unexpected and somewhat strange question. 

"I still miss you when I can't see you for one day," answered Grandfather Xiang sincerely.

"Then if I suddenly show up in front of you after being apart for a long time, would you feel happy?"

"That'd be the best surprise ever!" said Grandfather Xiang. "I'll be over the moon." It was such a silly question. It'd definitely be a big surprise. He'll really be over the moon if his granddaughter gave him such a surprise.

"You won't think that I should have informed you before coming?"

"No way!" responded Grandfather Xiang. "It'll take away the element of surprise. Besides, just seeing my granddaughter I'll forget about everything. Why would it matter whether she informed me before coming or not?" He noticed her contemplating expression and felt something amiss. After a brief pause, he asked, "Why are you asking this?"

"I..." Raelle paused for a moment before coming clean. "I'd like to surprise Xian."