Everything seemed to be normal in their home. As always Han Meixiu was at home and from time to time she would go to the indoor shooting range to practice shooting.
Liu Zijian became a bit busier the past few days as they were planning to visit Q City for the next week couple of weeks.
She was just informed by her husband that he's scheduled to visit Q City and asked her if she wanted to go or not.
Even though she didn't have any specific person to visit in Q City, she agreed to come along.
After Liu Zijian left that morning, she decided to inform Madam Liu. It was also what her husband told her.
"Meixiu dear, is there a problem?" Her Mommy Yi's voice was as sweet as ever.
"No, there's none, Mommy Yi. Zijian told me that we're going to go to Q City probably 2 weeks from now. I called to inform you about it." She said and a simple smile was plastered on her face.
"That's great! Ah-hahaha! We can spend time together. How long will you be staying here?" The older woman asked. She wanted to know the exact date the two would be visiting so she could plan ahead the activities she wanted to do with her daughter in law.
"I'm not yet sure how long, but I think it won't be shorter than a week."
"Hmm, knowing Little Zi, I think it would only be maximum of two weeks. Both of you should stay at least a month!"
"Mommy Yi, you can ask him about it."
"Not me, it would be better if it's you."
"But he might not listen to me. Besides I don't know what would be the acceptable reason so I can convince him." She's not that confident that she could persuade her husband to stay longer in Q City based from the fact that she really didn't have any important things to do or person to visit.
"Don't underestimate yourself, my dear. Even your reason would be the most absurd one, I think he will still listen to your request. Why don't you try now? Or tonight perhaps?" Madam Liu casually said those words seemingly giving the younger woman a push to be more open to her husband.
"Well,.." Han Meixiu was a bit hesitant but she's actually considering her Mommy Yi's suggestion.
"Give it a try. Remember, timing is everything." Madam Liu continued. She proceeded to mention a couple more advice that didn't really help Han Meixiu. Instead she became even more confused.
When the call ended, the young woman sat down slowly on the nearby chair.
Mood? Timing? Be affectionate? Appropriate words?
Why would she need those things? Could she just say it out casually together with the reason she would come up with?
She never considered those things when she was asking for something to both her grandparents and Li Xioazhi. She just normally say it but looking back, there were indeed times she was declined flatly and there were times her requests were granted enthusiastically.
When the night came and Liu Zijian was once again confined in his study after dinner, Han Meixiu was walking here and there in front of the study's door.
She was still thinking the words to say and even practiced them several times on her head. She was also convincing herself that Liu Zijian might be in good mood as he was just like normal.
She was so engrossed with her thoughts that she didn't notice the door opened.
Liu Zijian wanted to look for his wife because he had something to give her. He didn't expect that she was just in front of the door and was walking back and fort. She was clearly having a mini debate on her mind.
He didn't call her out. He just observed her instead and leaned on the door frame while putting his hands on his trouser's pocket.
"Liu Zijian.." Han Meixiu tried to practice her 'speech' when she uttered his name.
"Yes?"
"Huh?" She suddenly stopped and looked at the source of the voice. She saw her husband lazily leaning on the door frame and looking at her. There was a subtle smile seemingly playing on his lips.
"You're calling me?" He asked. He was surprised that she was actually thinking about him. It made his feelings delighted.
"Ahh, yes... No.. I mean,.." Han Meixiu cursed herself. The words that she's been practicing were nowhere to be found now.
Liu Zijian stood up properly and extended his right hand as if asking the young woman to do the same.
"Let's talk inside."
Han Meixiu who also reached out to accept his hand nodded timidly and she allowed herself to be dragged inside the room.
They both sat down on the sofa before Liu Zijian spoke.
"What do you want to say to me?"
She inhaled deeply first before she blurted out her request.
"Can we stay for about a month in Q City?"
"Sure."
With the sudden casual answer of her husband, Han Meixiu stared at him with disbelief. He didn't even ask her for a reason why she wanted to stay longer. He just agreed right away.
What was the point of mulling over the reason when in fact it wasn't simply necessary?
Was her timing correct? Was he in a good mood? Did she show an affection? Were her words appropriate?
She wasn't sure but she knew about one thing, her effort to practice was just a waste of time. In the end, it was still better to just say it out loud and not to overthink anymore.
"That's all?" Liu Zijian asked her when she stared at him more than necessary.
"Yeah. That's basically all. But why didn't you ask for a reason?"
"Do you want me to ask?"
"Not really. I don't have actually an important reason aside from spending time with Mommy Yi."
"Then it's okay. If there's nothing else, I have something to give you." He said shortly and stood up to get a mail envelope on his desk. He then sat back beside her again and handed it to her.
"It arrived later today. It's for you but doesn't have a sender address." He continued when Han Meixiu who was baffled accepted the envelope.