Just as Raine had anticipated, the instant she appeared in the main house she was apprehended by Xu Ying. "Where have you been? It's almost midnight."
Raine looked at Xu Ying with raised eyebrows and pointed to the click which read 11:15 pm
"Yes, it's 45 minutes to 12. There's nothing wrong with reading the time that way." Xu Ying replied shamelessly and stood up from the couch. "It's already late and my flight tomorrow is early. Let's go to bed."
Raine didn't argue with what she said and followed her upstairs. However, before Xu Ying could open the door to her room, Raine spoke. "Biao jie, I'm not prepared to talk the night away, moreover, like you said, your flight is early."
Xu Ying frowned. She understood what Raine was driving at and wasn't prepared to eat a humble pie. "I'm also not prepared for that but I'll need you to answer some of my questions. You can spare me that right?"
Without waiting for an answer, Xu Ying opened the door and walked to the bed where she sat down and awaited her prey.
Raine gave up and sat besides her elder cousin. "I'll give you three questions so go straight to the point with your questioning."
"Yes, Ma'am! Do you need help at all? I know I've asked previously but this time I'm very serious. Say the word and I'll provide back up. I can be the best informant since I'm going back to the country."
Raine looked at her and she shook her head. "I'm not putting you at risk; not now not ever and you should know that everything is within my control. Treading lightly doesn't mean defeat, it just means I'm aware of what's going on and I don't want you suffer too much casualties."
Xu Ying shrugged. "Suit yourself but know that my option is forever so don't forget to ask me whenever you're in need. Now my second question: Is Rachel really getting married? I've heard from a reliable source that she might be married before the end of the year."
"You are really nosy. You've never been this gossipy in the past."
"Blame it on staying at home for an extended period without having anything sensible to do. So...the answer to my question?"
"I have no answer to that question. I don't bother about Rachel's private life and she never mentioned marriage to me so I cannot confirm that rumour. However, they are engaged so marriage is a matter of time. Your last question?"
This time Xu Ying paused for a short while before speaking. She seemed to be trying to paraphrase the question brewing in her mind in a way that it wouldn't offend Raine. "Are you really going to get married? Have you finally written off Knox from your life?"
Raine raised up her lowered face and looked into the eyes of Xu Ying. She could see the deep worry and desperation to hear a reply but for the first time she had to leave her hanging. "You asked two questions instead of one so it's been negated. Go to bed now. I'll review some files then join you."
Raine didn't wait for an answer before going straight to her computer. She didn't want to give Xu Ying an opportunity to repeat her questions. Her marriage was something she wished to keep quiet and she was not someone to deceive people especially those who were close to her.
Xu Ying, on the other hand thought Raine was avoiding the question because she didn't want to break her heart. "Raine, I'm not going to ask you to change your mind. I just think it's best if you think it out properly. You've waited enough for him and frankly you aren't getting younger, things would become more difficult if you refuse to get married and I understand that.
However, I learnt something from my experience, arranging a marriage based on profits is not worth it. I've been there and it nearly destroyed me because I fell in love with him. Please, try to find new love instead of an arrangement. I was lucky to figure things out before I got married to him, don't jump into my shoes."
"I, Raine Elizabeth Juan Peters will never go through what you went through. This is my solemn vow to you."
"Raine..."
"Biao Jie, I will not marry for love neither will I marry out of necessity or obligation. The person I will marry is the one I find most compatible to me. Someone who can stand by me and has the same values I have so you need not worry."
"Even people with same value systems can betray!!!"
"Ying Jie! why are you finding it hard to understand me. Even if I'm retired, I was once a soldier, I come from a family of soldiers and shall only marry a soldier!"
"Ohhhh..." Xu Ying said when the meaning of what Raine said dawned on her. "A soldier from here?"
This time Raine swiveled in her chair until she was facing her elder cousin. "YING JIE!" She exclaimed in frustration. "I'm going to marry from our homeland. I'm returning to my roots in every meaning of that sentence. I really hope I've answered your questions because I'm going back to work. Do me a favor and sleep!"
Xu Ying finally crawled into the covers and switched off the bedside lamp. She wasn't ready to deal with a cranky Raine.
Seeing Xu Ying settle in, Raine exhaled and turned back to her desk. She saw her phone on the desk and was a bit confused until she remembered she had been given her phone the other night April had visited.
Staring at the phone reminded Raine of her 'supposed meeting' with her husband and she paused. She couldn't call him because of her cousin but her morals wouldn't allow her to let it go without an explanation.
She took the phone and decided to message him. "Let's meet up tomorrow at Bleü Raine. I'll be at the entrance by 8:30."
After sending the message, she placed her phone down and continued with the document she was reviewing.