488 Precious Ones

"Do you know in Norwegian, you don't refer to your romantic partner as 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend'. You say 'kjæreste', which is gender-neutral and it literally translates to 'the dearest'," Shui Xian was telling Raelle when they entered through the door of the Xiang Manor. He had one of his arms wrapped around her neck and the other hand held her hand as he played with her slender fingers, particularly enjoying himself. "Isn't it heartwarming?"

"Is it?" was Raelle's response. "I heard in Swedish you refer to your boyfriend or girlfriend by saying 'älskling' which translates into 'my beloved one'."

"Oh?" Shui Xian quirked his brow at his wife. "Baby, why do you know about this?"

"I heard it when I was there the last time," answered Raelle. 

"That sounds sweet," said Shui Xian. His face was leaning close to hers as he whispered, "So, should I start calling you, my dearest or my beloved one?"

"Drop it," said Raelle. "We have company."