Training
Derek and Jade arrived at 6 pm back in Beijing. They were greeted by Father Lee and Steven. Both appeared solemn and serious but still managed to squeeze out a smile.
"Thank goodness, both of you are safe and sound. Regards to your uncle's matter, I am truly in the dark. Anyway, for now, we can only increase our vigilance. My bet is they won't be attacking any time soon. We need to prepare ourselves for a battle."
Father Lee spoke after a long silence in the car. His words were greeted by further silence. Jade continued to hold Derek's hands. She knew no words to comfort him but her touch is enough as her show of support.
They ate their dinner in silence. It was so quiet that even Jade who prefer silence over noisy situation finds this quietness chilly and stifling. She excused herself from the table and called for Sarah to bring her art supply. She suddenly had an urge to paint. She needed to calm her emotions. She knew whatever waiting ahead might be one of her hardest test in life. She then returned to the table and tugged at Derek.
Derek who was deep in thoughts, looked at his wife in surprised. A sudden realisation hit him, he was too absorbed in his own thoughts that he did not see how it was affecting her. He reminded himself, he is no longer alone and has a great wife besides him. He still has his father as well. Even though he is not sure who is their enemy and what is their goal, he is not alone anymore, he has people he wants to protect, thus he needs to be stronger and clear headed.
"Anything?" Derek asked.
"I want to paint, I need a room that I can use to paint and make a mess. Which room should I use? Sarah is bring over my easels and canvas. The room must be bright and can absorb sounds well because when I paint I like the music to be loud. So maybe further away from father's room." Jade said after careful deliberation.
Would they think I'm weird, wanting to paint at this moment? Am I being insensitive here? I need a distraction, the company is close till new year.
"It's okay, if my daughter wants to be loud, this old man has no qualms. This old man would like it even better is this old man is invited to see his daughter at work." Father Lee said with a huge smile.
Jade's simple and pure behaviour instantly made the atmosphere more relaxed. Her actions made the two men want to protect her further and protect what this relationship they have even more.
Derek took Jade by the hand and dragged her away to show her the room that meets her demands.
She was happy with the room. It is an empty room, bright with big windows, and plain white curtains.
"Derek, I don't have any words to comfort you and I am not sure if I have the ability to help. No matter what, I am your wife and I'll stand by your side. We will brave this through."
He kissed her passionately to show her how he felt. "I am the lucky one to have met you. You saved me over and over again from the abysmal darkness that shrouds me. My wife is the strong one. Jade, after the new year, I need to leave for military training. This is something I have to do as the new Master of Lee household. Father will be here to keep you company while I'm gone. He will be handling the Lee corporations business in my absence as well. You need to take good care of yourself because I really do not know what to do if I lose you."
"I hate to be apart but I know you hate it as much. You go do whatever you need to do and most importantly come back safe. Father and I will be waiting here. I'll hold the fort and help out father. Stay safe okay?" Jade spoke as she try her best to hold those tears back.
Derek took her in his arms and they stayed that way for some time. They only came apart when Steven knocked on the door to inform that Sarah has arrived with Jade's art supply.
Sarah and Jade chatted for awhile before Sarah took her leave. Jade reminded Sarah to be safe at all times.
Derek left Jade to setup her things and told Steven to assist any way he could. Derek went to look for his father. The two men stared at each other for some moment before father Lee spoke. "Your training.." his words just trail off because he do not know what is the right step.
"I will go. I have already explained it to Jade. Father I trust that you would take good care of her. I am entrusting my life to you. It is better if I complete the training earlier. I trust your judgement when you said, you don't think the person or organisation that took uncle would act so soon. It's imperative that I use this opportunity to be stronger." Derek said clearing away all the doubts in Father Lee's mind.
"Father have a feeling that they are planning to use your uncle to destroy us. We need to be prepared." said Father Lee.