“I’ve indeed selected an incredible partner for my son.”

The head steward standing respectfully behind Shui Koshing found his master’s words startling. “Elder Master, that Young Miss is the one whom you picked for Master Xian?”

Shui Koshing nodded his head. He had only come out a little farther for a morning walk, who knew he would even get a chance to see such a stimulating scene involving his future daughter-in-law. This was undoubtedly a delightful surprise. Until now, he had only heard about Raelle and had only seen her photos. This was his first time seeing her and that too in action. He found it too thrilling.

“Elder Master, shouldn’t you reconsider your judgment?” Shui Koshing’s brows arched slightly inquisitively. “I’m stepping out of my place but I think she is too domineering for Master Xian.”

Shui Koshing’s lips curled up, “And that’s exactly the kind of person my son needs in his life right now. Someone overbearing like her. How else will she be able to break the ice walls around my son’s heart?” He took a small pause before adding, “Someone meek or sweet won’t be a good match for what he has become now.”

“Master Xian needs someone warm to bring back the warmth in his life,” the head steward remarked cautiously.

Shui Koshing was unconvinced as he noted earnestly, “No, my son needs someone who can oppugn his emotions and beliefs.” With a faint smile gracing his lips he took the same route back home.

He just passed the main gate leading towards the villa when a car drove past him and parked at a side. Looking at the person who came out, Shui Koshing called out, “Ma Jin, what are you doing here?”

Ma Jin bowed to Shui Koshing before replying, “Master Xian wanted me to bring some files to him.”

Shui Koshing’s brows creased up as he took large strides towards the living area. On the leather sofa, Shui Xian was languidly enjoying his morning coffee while reading business news on his iPad.

“Xian!” Shui Koshing’s stern voice called out.

“Yes, dad!” came the reply almost instantly. Shui Xian looked at his father and frowned, “What took you so long? I’ve been waiting for you over breakfast.”

Shui Koshing pointed towards Ma Jin, “What is he doing here? It’s the Lunar New Year. If I remember correctly, he should be on a flight to get to his family. And you’re making him work?”

“Elder Master,” started Ma Jin when he noticed the tension created because of him. “Master isn’t making me work. My family is traveling for this holiday and I didn’t think it’d be worthwhile to go back. That’s why I proposed to help.”

“Still, it’s your break,” retorted Shui Koshing and turned to his son. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Shui Xian sighed out, “Jin, leave the documents and you can enjoy your holiday.”

“Master…” Ma Jin knew his protest won’t work. Even if he wished to work now that his Master Xian has spoken, he couldn’t possibly go against it.

Since the time Shui Xian had taken over the business, he had been rigorous, serious, and responsible. He was a strict superior who expected the best from his employees. And only the best was acceptable to him as well. However, he wouldn’t bully his subordinates ever. If it wasn’t that Ma Jin really didn’t want to go on a holiday, he’d have never asked him to bring the documents no matter how important.

Ma Jin placed the files on the marble coffee table before saying, “Then I wish you both a happy new year!” With that, he turned around and left.

Shui Xian didn’t pay attention to him leaving as he was still focused on reading the finance news online. Even when Shui Koshing came back after taking a shower, his son was still sitting in the same posture, doing the same thing.

Shaking his head, he asked, “How many cups of coffee have you had till now?”

“This is my third,” replied Shui Xian with a straight face.

Silence fell in the spacious living room. Shui Xian noticed the silence and looked up. His father was still sitting before him but seemed to hesitate again.

“Dad, why are you so careful around me?”

“When sons grow up, fathers need to learn to be cautious with words,” replied Shui Koshing.

Shui Xian put his iPad down and faced his father, “You can say anything to me. I’ll even allow you to beat me up if I’m wrong.”

Shui Koshing waved his hand, “No, I don’t feel good beating a grown-up son. You’re twenty-nine now. I can’t even think of touching you anymore.” Taking a pause he added, “But I was wondering if you checked the photos of the girls I sent you?”

Shui Xian shook his head, “I didn’t.”

“Why? Are you going back on your words?” Shui Koshing’s voice raised a little.

“I’m not going back on my words. It’s just that I told you already, you can choose the girl yourself. I won’t interfere at all. I’ll put my trust in your pick.”

“Why don’t you just simply say you don’t even care who you marry now?”

Shui Xian didn’t refute his words instead spoke softly, “It really doesn’t matter to me now.”

“Fine then. I have chosen the right match for you,” announced Shui Koshing. “And a week after the Lunar New Year, you’ll get married to her.”

Shui Xian’s perfect brows creased a little. It had been months since his father brought up this conversation. He actually thought his father forgot about it but it seems it was his own wishful thinking. But now that his father found a match, he is in a hurry to get him married. But what did it matter if he married today or a month later? It was all the same to him, so he didn’t say anything to upset his father.

“I’ll do as you say,” he answered respectfully.

Shui Koshing calmed down a little and said, “I wanted you to meet her once before the marriage but it might not be possible now. I just received the message that she went out of the country.” He peered at his son’s side profile and asked, “Won’t you like to see her photo?”

“No, I’m good,” he had no interest in seeing a photo. He couldn’t possibly know a person’s personality through a photo. But with his personal experience he would like to say that even if you knew someone for years, it didn’t guarantee that you knew them completely. Sometimes, people living under the same roof could become strangers. Marrying a stranger didn’t seem like that bad of an idea to him.

“I’ve asked the kitchen staff to make your favorite dumplings,” told Shui Koshing excitedly.

Shui Xian forced out a soft smile and asked, “Dad, you do know that Shui Sying is in the city, right?”

Shui Koshing’s movements paused before he resumed his action of sipping on his tea as he said, “Yes, I did learn that my daughter is back in the country through media. How interesting that the media knew my daughter’s movements better than me, her father.”

Shui Xian pursed his lips before saying, “I asked her to come home for dinner but she said she is busy with work.”

Shui Koshing snorted, “Busy? She just doesn’t want to see me.” He shook his head in disappointment as he went on, “It doesn’t matter. It’s enough that you’re here with me for this holiday. Soon, I’ll also have my daughter-in-law. Then our family will be complete.”

Since his father didn’t want to discuss it, he won’t push it either. Besides, the matter between his father and his sister was just between them. It was better if he kept his distance from it. He knew if he got involved, he’d have to choose sides and he didn’t want to do that.

As for his marriage again, he had no opinions at all. As he said, marrying a stranger was a lot better. At least, he won’t have any expectations. So, even if something went wrong, he would still be able to protect his heart.