Chapter 129 - The Air We Breathe
Whether Shui Xian was asking a question or stating a fact, Raelle had to give him a response. There was no way, she would stay silent.
"I've already introduced you to the people who have a place in my life," she said. "It's nothing surprising that you'd be interested in them. On the other hand, I've only met your father." She took a pause and added, "The reason why you're ignoring your sister... I'm not curious to know. As for why I'm not interested in her... She isn't a part of your life. Not as far as I can see." She stared at the lanterns intently before she went on, "Besides, isn't it more important that I'm interested in you?"
Her last statement had to be the highlight for Shui Xian. Because it actually made him forget what he really wanted to say to her. And while he was staring at her in silence, someone passed by his side. Soon, that 'someone' backtracked his steps and came to stand right by his side.
"Xian?"
Hearing that voice, Shui Xian finally looked up and almost let his annoyance show on his face. However, he held back and tried to keep his usual appearance before this person.
"Oh, you're enjoying dessert with sister-in-law," said the 'uninvited guest' as he looked at Raelle.
"Why? I am not allowed to come here with my wife?" Shui Xian's eyes bore into Zhai Yanjun who didn't even flinch.
Rather casually, he replied, "No. In fact, this is the place where you should come with your partner. Lanter Street is one of the top picks for romantic dates in our city. You can literally smell the intoxicating scent of love in the air around here."
Raelle looked at him as she said, "What does it smell like?"
"Pfft!" Shui Xian had to cover his mouth to hide his laughter while Zhai Yanjun's face twitched at her question.
Zhai Yanjun cleared his throat as he said, "Love is like oxygen. It's odorless and colorless but it's still there and it's essential. We all need to breathe in oxygen to survive."
Raelle propped her chin on the back of her knuckles as she stared at him, "The air we breathe contains 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and only 1% carbon dioxide. There is no 100% oxygen in the air we breathe in. We don't just survive on oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide are also a part of our life."
Zhai Yanjun rubbed his hand as he said, "And here I thought I graduated high school."
"In other words, Mr. Zhai, love is supposedly just another part of your life. It might be essential but we don't entirely depend on it to survive," said Raelle as she even offered Zhai Yanjun a smile.
Shui Xian was still trying to contain in his laughter. And he really didn't feel like helping Zhai Yanjun at all. However, he wanted him to get lost as soon as possible!
"Didn't you say this place is perfect for couples?" asked Shui Xian and Zhai Yanjun nodded his head. "Then where is your partner?" As he asked that, he even raised his brows at him provocatively.
Zhai Yanjun was left gaping at Shui Xian. He actually poked right where it hurt! He already knew about his miserable dating life, and yet he had to go there! As always!
"You feel happy when I tell you I have broken up again?" retorted Zhai Yanjun.
Surprisingly, Shui Xian nodded his head, "It does make me feel good." While Zhai Yanjun was glaring at him, Shui Xian asked, "But on a serious note, what are you really doing here?"
Zhai Yanjun sighed out, "My grandparents had an argument."
"What does that have to do with you being here?"
"Let me finish," said Zhai Yanjun. "Grandma hasn't been talking to grandpa for four days now. They had been in a cold war with each other to see who will give in first. And as always, grandpa is the one to give in first. Since grandma loves the freshly cooked Tangyuan of this specific store, I was sent on this confidential mission."
Shui Xian nodded in understanding. Since his grandmother died before he was even born, he always admired the relationship between Zhai Yanjun's grandparents. Even at this age, the two elderly were just like a couple deeply in love.
"Mister, your order is ready!"
Zhai Yanjun turned around his head and walked over to get the packed food. When he returned, he waved at Shui Xian saying, "I shouldn't interrupt your time with your wife. So, I'll be taking my leave now. Have a good time together!" Shui Xian had yet to heave a sigh of relief when Zhai Yanjun appeared before him again, "I forgot something."
"Now what?"
"I was thinking about inviting you out for a meal to congratulate you for the marriage," stated Zhai Yanjun. He sounded sincere and Shui Xian couldn't find a reason to refuse either.
"Don't you have to go back to the base?" questioned Shui Xian.
"My vacations are ending next week, and that's why I want to take you two out for the meal before that."
"There is no need for the meal," said Shui Xian. "We aren't even that close."
"We might not be close but don't forget, our families are closely involved. Even your wife's family is tied up with ours through friendship. That's why I'm just being courteous," Zhai Yanjun merely stated the facts.
While these two men were busy with their discussion, Raelle who had been silently listening noticed something particular on Zhai Yanjun's body. Her flexible hands extended and soon she had the cold thing in her hand, she caressed its black metallic body as she remarked, "So, this is Glock 17."
Both Shui Xian and Zhai Yanjun's heads whipped towards her. And instantly their eyes widened at the sight of the pistol in Raelle's hands. Zhai Yanjun instantly checked his waist and was shocked to know that it was indeed his own gun that she held. As for when did she manage to take it, he couldn't tell. But he blamed it on the fact that he was distracted by Shui Xian and had let his guard down.
Raelle's fair, slender fingers against the crude body of the gun, looked strange. Just one glance at her eyes and Shui Xian knew she was interested. She found something interesting.