Chapter 1225 [Bonus chapter] Here For?
"Do you think he really called just to ask about the gifts?" asked Shui Xian.
"I'm 90% sure that the problem he wanted to discuss had already been solved before we called back," answered Raelle. "So, he chose to not mention it instead."
"That's really something he'd do," said Shui Xian. "But I have to say, he does give practical gifts. If only, you had used the first one as we used the second one."
Raelle looked at his face, "You really want me to wear that... That thing?"
"It's not a thing. It has a name!"
"I don't care," replied Raelle. "To me, it's just a capitalistic way of using less fabric, tagging it with an expensive price, and calling it luxury just to fool consumers into buying."
"Well, that's also true," agreed Shui Xian.
Suddenly, a drop of water fell on Raelle's face. She looked towards the sky and all of a sudden, the rain started pouring down.
Shui Xian was also taken aback by this sudden change and he held her hand to pull her up, "Let's go inside."
However, Raelle didn't move and continued to sit there.
"Raelle!"
She looked at him and said, "Can't we just stay for a while?"
Shui Xian frowned slightly and asked, "You will get wet."
"I'm already soaking," she replied matter-of-factly because the rain came down so fast that it had already drenched her enough. "So, let's just sit here for a while, okay?"
Shui Xian couldn't say no to her. So, he sat down beside her. He continued to look at her face as her eyes were following the rain. She seemed so engrossed in watching the rain that it surprised him but he didn't rush her. Instead, he took off his suit jacket and put it on her saying, "Don't catch a cold."
"It's summer," she replied.
"People do catch a cold in summer too. Especially after soaking in rain like this," he responded. "I seem to have noticed that no matter what changes about you, you still can't take care of your health better."
"What are you here for?" she asked.
Shui Xian smiled at her with his eyes looking at her with tenderness and helplessness.
....
On the other side, earlier Mu Chenyan also went out with Xia Zhao. Her purpose was clearer than Raelle's. She really just wanted to see the garden lights.
Xia Zhao held her hand in his own as he walked with her. While her attention was on the scenery, his eyes only had her. He seemed to be as usual. With no rush or impatience. But his face seemed a lot softer with her around.
As they walked in silence, they suddenly ran into a familiar face who was taken aback seeing the two of them as well.
"Uncle Song!" called out Mu Chenyan.
She looked at Xia Zhao beside him who also called out dryly, "Father!"
Yes, it was none other than Xia Zhao's father, Xia Songbei. He came out to smoke and breathe in some fresh air. Who knew he'd run into his elder son whom he hadn't seen in a very long time?
After all, even if they lived in the same city, it was rare to see Xia Zhao even his parents. No, it should be said it might be easier for strangers to run into Xia Zhao than his own parents. He always had a reason to keep his distance from his parents. Not like he could blame his son for that though.
"It's Chenyan," said Xia Songbei. "It's such a surprise seeing you. You look like you're stuck in time. Still as beautiful as ever."
Mu Chenyan smiled slightly, "Uncle Song doesn't look old too."
Xia Songbei smiled kindly at her, "Uncle is old now. Even if he doesn't look like it."
His eyes fell on their tightly intertwined hands and something flashed in his eyes. Noticing his eyes, Mu Chenyan wanted to take out her hand from Xia Zhao's grasp but his grip was too strong and he made it clear that he was unwilling to let go.
These small movements fell into Xia Songbei's eyes and the smile in his eyes deepened. There was a relief in his eyes that he didn't even try to hide. Sadly, the other two were too busy with each other to notice that expression.
"How's your godfather?" asked Xia Songbei. "The last I met Brother Tian was two years ago."
"He is doing fine," responded Mu Chenyan. "He is here. We just had dinner. Would you like to say hi?"
Xia Songbei shook his head, "You came for a family dinner. It'd be rude for me to barge in like this. I'll pay him a visit at home. You just let him know about this."
"I will let him know," answered Mu Chenyan.
"It's good to see our Xiao Yan has grown up into a beautiful lady. If your father had been here, he'd been very proud to see you."
Mu Chenyan lowered her eyes, "I don't know about that."
"But I do know," said Xia Songbei. "Xiao Yan has always been remarkable. And it's no doubt that Wanda has done a very good job raising you. It's sad that she left too soon."
"I also wish she was here," she said a bit sadly.
"Sorry! I guess I shouldn't have mentioned your godmother."
Mu Chenyan shook her head, "No way. Why won't you mention her? I don't get sad remembering her. I am happy that you remember her even now."
"I think there'd be no person who won't remember her," said Xia Songbei.
Mu Chenyan smiled sweetly, "I also think no one can forget her. She was so awesome after all."
"And she raised an equally amazing daughter like you too," complimented Xia Songbei.
"Uncle has become talkative," commented Mu Chenyan.
"It happens with age."
Xia Zhao had a very complicated look in his eyes when he saw them chatting to each other. What else could he do? He couldn't pull her away from him either. In fact, if there was one thing he was really thankful to his father for, that'd be that he brought him to meet Mu Chenyan when they were younger.