Wedding Rings

Earlier that day...

~Shui Residence~

Shui Koshing was arranging the books neatly on the bookshelf that was already filled with books. This was his personal library and it was something he cherished like a prized possession. He never let the servants clean this place up as he thought that only he could give these treasured books the immaculate care and attention they required.

After everything that changed in his life, these were the only companions he had been left with, at this age. So, he cherished these books all the more.

The servant brought his Maojian tea along with some light snacks and placed it silently on the table. As the servant was about to leave, Shui Koshing inquired, "Has Xian left?"

The servant bowed his head and replied differentially, "No, Elder Master. Master Xian is still in his study."

Shui Koshing nodded his head saying, "Tell him to come to see me."

"Yes, Elder Master!"

The servant left the room with his head lowered.

After he was done arranging the books, he came to sit at the grey colored sofa and poured himself a cup of tea. He had just lifted the cup of tea to take a sip when he heard the unhurried steps of his son.

Finally, when Shui Xian entered the home library inspired by the smokey tones, the premium handmade leather shoes of his stepped lightly on the carpet and didn't make a sound. He was dressed in a pair of neatly pressed pants with a complementary expensive shirt. He exuded a sense of cool charm.

He took a seat beside his father and asked, "You have something to talk about?"

Shui Koshing languidly sipped on his tea as if he wasn't at all in a hurry to talk. Of course, he could see that his son was in a hurry but didn't affect him in any way.

Shui Xian also silently looked at the side profile of his father. The man's appearance was still handsome and bright as before, but the passage of time had made him look even more steady and mild, like a finely aged wine that had settled after time. Once he used to emanate a powerful aura filled with vigor, but now he was unwittingly tender.

Sometimes, Shui Xian himself couldn't believe the change in his father's temperament. But then again, he also changed in a way that he was unable to recognize himself. How could he question his father's change anymore? It was just that with the passage of time, everyone was meant to change.

"You didn't tell me anything after meeting your fiancée," Shui Koshing finally spoke up in a gentle tone.

"I'm a little taken aback," replied Shui Xian honestly. "I didn't think you'd have chosen Raelle Xiang as my life partner." His gaze was probing as he continued, "She is not only the CEO of Wanda Enterprises but also the chairwoman of the board of Xiang conglomerate. Are you looking for business collaboration?"

Shui Koshing's gaze turned hard and his tone harshened a bit as well, "I don't think my son needs a marriage to aggrandize his business." He took a deep breath and elaborated, "I just personally think she'd make a perfect match for you." Shui Xian's brows arched ever so slightly in question as his father went on, "She is not only tenacious, spirited, but even her dominance matches with you perfectly."

Shui Xian looked calm as heard this. He actually thought his father would look for a young miss from a noble family that had a sweet and mild temperament. Obviously, that kind of person wouldn't make a good match for him but he still didn't expect his father to choose someone like Raelle as well.

"There are some rumors about her," began Shui Xian thoughtfully. "They say Raelle Xiang values profits beyond anything. If something brings value, she'll keep it. If something doesn't bring her any value, she'll cast it away. She is heartless and insensitive."

"There are a lot of rumors about you in the business world as well," retorted Shui Koshing. "Does that mean all the rumors are true? Of course, not!" Shui Xian didn't interrupt his father and silently but attentively listened. "Although Raelle indeed values profits, she values loyalty even more. As for casting things away, that's not her style. If something really doesn't bring her any value, she'd make sure to work hard and extract value from it."

Shui Xian eyed his father, "How do you know her so well?"

"You don't need to know that," replied Shui Koshing. "Anyway, just let me know your opinion. Are you still going ahead with this marriage or not?"

"When did I say I'm backing out?" questioned Shui Xian monotonously. However, his father could see a light behind those unfathomable eyes of his.

"So, you're serious about it?" asked Shui Koshing, and seeing his son nodding, he heaved a sigh of relief. "Then I only have one request... Please, give her the respect she deserves as your wife." Shui Xian was a little surprised that his father said something like this. "I know you can't offer her a place in your heart. But I do hope, you don't treat her like an unwanted wife."

Shui Xian's lips twitched at his father's remark, "I'd never do that. Of course, I'll treat her just as a husband is supposed to treat his wife. You can rest assured."

Since he said it himself, Shui Koshing could put his heart to rest now. His son had never gone against his own words. So, it was reassuring to see that his son was willing to give this marriage a chance. He was willing to give Raelle a chance and also himself. It truly made him very happy.

"So, did you buy the wedding ring for her?" asked Shui Koshing but the blank look on his son's face made his mood dampen. "Are you gonna ask your assistant to buy your wedding rings or you're not even planning on buying it all together? I understand that we are not holding a wedding ceremony but how can you forget the wedding rings?"

Shui Xian parted his lips but nothing came out. He had no excuse for this. He really had forgotten about this. "Sorry, it really didn't come to my mind." Before his father, he didn't mind accepting his mistake or acting humble.

"Well, now that I have reminded you. What are you gonna do?"

Shui Xian stood up promptly, "I'll be going to do this right now!"