1054 [Bonus chapter] Rare Guest
Raelle drove out this morning all alone. First, Shui Xian was working. Second, she wanted to go out alone and wanted to drive on her own. Thankfully, she managed to convince Bà that she could drive on her own and that there was nothing wrong with it.
Actually, she rarely drove. Usually, she sat in the back seat and did other work like reading emails, work documents, or even her books. She rarely sat doing nothing. In fact, it only started after she married Shui Xian because her husband said she should pay more attention to the world than books.
Raelle got the address of this place from Grandfather Xiang and when she drove in here, she already liked the peacefulness of this place. It was so quiet and she could only hear the chirps of the birds that sounded melodious. It was pleasing. And as she got out of the car, she could feel that the air was fresher here.
Perhaps, because of the greenery around here.
The sound of the wooden water fountain caught her attention and she looked over at the water dripping from it. Then she looked at the beautiful Zen garden as she walked through the pathway and arrived at the door. She raised her hand and rang the bell.
The door was opened soon and the person she was looking for appeared before her eyes. Xia Zhao looked at the very unexpected guest at his doorstep and raised his brow in surprise. This was truly an unexpected guest.
“Raelle?”
“Hello, Uncle Zhao,” greeted Raelle. “Are you uncertain if I’m really here or not?”
“No, I’m just surprised to see you.”
.....
“Am I not allowed here?” she asked.
Xia Zhao stepped out of the way and even opened the door wide for her, “How is that even possible? Consider it your own place. Come inside.”
“Thank you,” said Raelle as she walked inside without any burden. After all, she knew he’d welcome her with open arms. She had no doubt about that.
Xia Zhao closed the door as she entered and even took out the new slippers for her to wear as he told her, “These are new. No one has used these. So, you can wear them. It’s completely hygienic.”
“You can tell I don’t like shared things? You have done your research.”
“It’s not difficult to tell,” he commented. “Come in, and have a seat. You’re such a rare guest. You didn’t even tell before coming. What if I wasn’t home?”
“Then I’d just wait for you,” she replied.
“Then I’m glad I didn’t go anywhere today. It’d be a shame if you had to wait. I can’t let Raelle Xiang wait for me. I don’t dare.”
Raelle looked at him in interest, “Do you think I’d complain to Yanyan if you made me wait?”
“Would you?” he asked in return.
“I’m not a tattletale,” she said. “I’ve always been a good child. I don’t make complaints. I handle my own things.”
“That’s what I thought,” he chuckled softly at her and asked, “What would you like to drink?”
“Anything is fine. I’m not particular about this,” she replied.
“So, you’re really not particular,” commented Xia Zhao. “But I heard you’re quite particular about the people who can associate with you.”
“How can people be the same as food? We can live without people. Food is indispensable!”
“I strongly agree,” said Xia Zhao. “It seems we have the same ideologies.”
“Yes, and that’s why I think we’d make good friends,” said Raelle.
Xia Zhao placed the tea utensils on the table and sat down properly to make the tea. Raelle watched all his movements with attention as it was pleasing to look at. After all, every move of his was elegant and like flowing water. It was kind of soothing even the way he poured tea into the cup.
As he offered her the cup of tea, he said, “But according to my knowledge, Raelle doesn’t make friends.”
Raelle took a sip of the tea and nodded in satisfaction, “Good tea.”
“Thank you, I cultivated it myself,” replied Xia Zhao.
“You’ve interesting hobbies,” said Raelle. “And I must say, you do know a little too well about me. It’s what? Our third meeting or so? And you seem to know every detail like I don’t make friends.”
“It’s not a secret exactly,” was his response.
“True, it’s not a secret,” said Raelle. “But since you paid so much attention to me, should I say I’m special? Or is it that Yanyan is?”
“You’re very special,” said Xia Zhao. “But there is no doubt that Yanzi is also very special.”
“I knew you’d say that.”
Xia Zhao only shook his head and went to the kitchen. When he came back, he placed a tray of pasteries before her. “Have some. I made these osmanthus cakes this morning.”
“Really? Were you expecting someone else?”
“Yes, actually,” replied Xia Zhao without hiding it. “I was expecting someone. But you gave me a surprise before that person. Not that I mind though.”
Raelle looked around at the minimalistic interior. A soothing scent was floating in the air and she asked, “What’s this smell?”
“It’s a spirit-calming incense,” replied Xia Zhao. “Would you like to have some?”
“Can I have some?”
“Why not?”
“How much?”
“It’s free.”
“I don’t like free things.”
“What a surprise, neither do I!”
Both of them looked at each other with interest and seemed to have a very tacit understanding of each other at the moment. It was just as Raelle said. This was their only third meeting but they didn’t seem like strangers at all.
“What should I do to get this spirit-calming incense?”
“But there is nothing I lack.”
“Oh, I thought you lacked a partner.”
Xia Zhao was slightly stunned at her blunt words. She didn’t even hesitate but just threw the straight ball. So, they were right about Raelle. She didn’t beat around the bush. She’d always catch you off guard with her straightforward words just like she did to him right now. He really liked people like her.
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