Josephine found it unbelievable. "Is sex something you can owe?"
Stuart said, "Of course! We should be having sex every night, but look at how many days you haven't been home? So you owe me!"
"Even married couples don't have sex every day, right?"
"I don't care about others," Stuart said. "We need to have sex every day."
"At this rate, you'll really need medication soon."
Stuart looked at her plaintively. "There you go again! Haven't I proven to you that I don't need medication?"
Josephine explained to him, "I'm not saying you can't do it now, I'm saying in the future... mmm..."
Then Josephine was kissed. Stuart physically demonstrated whether he could or couldn't.
He felt that whatever he said seemed like empty words, so he had to prove it with actions. And it would be the same in the future.
But in the end, he didn't dare to tire Josephine out too much. Because early the next morning, Josephine had to go to The Clarence Family, and it would be terrible if she couldn't get up.
Stuart felt he couldn't control his desire at all. And yet Josephine had to leave him.
She hadn't even left yet, and he already felt he couldn't take it. He missed her so much.
He really wanted to go with her, but Josephine had given him tasks. She wanted him to take good care of Andrew and Jeffery at home.
Thinking about their separation, Stuart's eyes couldn't bear to leave her. But he restrained himself a bit.
Knowing that Josephine was going abroad, Nicole started giving all sorts of advice.
Food, safety, accommodation abroad—anything she could think of, she wanted to tell Josephine.
Gerald couldn't help but speak up. "Mom, the place where Josephine is staying has very strict security, you don't need to worry about these things."
"I know, but she can't stay there all the time, right? What if she wants to go out shopping or something? Forget it, it's better not to go. I heard it's quite dangerous abroad, with many shootings."
Josephine laughed, "Honestly, I don't have time to go out. I have to work overtime to get things done and come back. Otherwise, I'll miss you all."
Nicole felt sorry for her. "Then you should still go out and have some fun when you have time. You need to balance work and rest, don't overwork yourself."
Gerald added, "Mom, I have friends abroad. I'll ask them to help take care of Josephine."
Josephine quickly said, "Gerald, no need. I have my own friends abroad, don't trouble yourself."
Gerald smiled.
Nicole said, "Gerald have never asked anyone for a favor. People would be happy if he asked them for help. So, you should give Gerald a chance to show himself."
Stuart listened on the side, not daring to speak up even if he had opinions. He hoped Josephine could complete her project smoothly and come back soon. Better not go shopping. In the future, he could accompany her if she wanted to shop.
After all, if she went shopping, she might meet friends like Roy. They were all his potential competitors!
Before leaving, Josephine saw that he had something to say and asked him several times before he spoke up.
He said, "Josephine, when you're abroad, keep your distance from men who have intentions towards you. Don't give them any chances."
Josephine was both angry and amused. "Do you think I'm such a person without principles? I have you, why would I give them a chance?"
"Just don't pay attention to them."
Seeing his low spirits, Josephine had to coax him with a smile. "Got it. Don't worry, I'll just stay in the studio and not go out. Our colleagues are all men in their fifties and sixties. Now are you relieved?"
Hearing this, Stuart did feel a bit more at ease. But longing was something invisible and intangible, yet it could make you lose your appetite and sleep. He didn't know how to get rid of it. Probably, only seeing her would make the longing disappear.
Because Josephine was going abroad, Stuart lost enthusiasm for Jair's proposal.
He had been giving advice in the group chat before.
Now, Jair had to tag him to get him to say something.
Jair tagged him today and asked: [Can you help me check how these flowers look?]
Stuart opened the picture and saw a large bouquet of red roses with many decorations, looking very much in line with a girl's aesthetic.
Stuart replied: [Josephine doesn't like this kind of thing.] It looked a bit childish.
Jair: [It's for Claudia! What does it matter if Josephine likes it or not? As long as Claudia likes it!]
Stuart: [Then it's fine.]
Jair replied: [You're so perfunctory.]
Steven: [Cut him some slack, he's feeling lonely right now.]
Jair: [Alright, I won't tease him then.]
Stuart: [You know you're teasing me?]
Jair: [Come on, Josephine isn't gone for years, she might be back in a few weeks.]
Stuart replied: [Try staying at the military base for a month without coming back.]
Jair went silent. Then he typed: [You endure loneliness and don't let others enjoy it? What's your problem?]
Stuart: [Yes, that's exactly my problem.]
Steven: [How old are you two? Can you stop being so childish? Jair, when are you proposing?]
Jair: [I'm planning for this weekend.]
Stuart: [Then I'll come back early.]
Steven: [Let us know in advance if you need anything.]
Jair: [Just be there, I've got everything arranged.]
Stuart replied: [I'll video call Josephine so she can see it too. Pick a suitable time, there's a time difference, and I don't want to inconvenience Josephine.]
Jair replied: [Got it.]
With the time difference, Stuart waited for Josephine's video call at night. When Josephine called, she was usually just waking up.
Stuart had agreed with her that she would video call him in the morning, and then Josephine could go about her day while he watched.
Josephine was still a bit groggy when she woke up, brushing her teeth with her eyes closed.
The phone was placed aside, she rinsed her mouth, looked up, and saw Stuart staring at her.
"Go do your own thing," Josephine said, taking the phone and walking out. "You don't have to watch me all the time."
"Miss you," Stuart said pitifully. "Looking at you eases my longing."
Josephine laughed and tied her hair up. "I've only been here a few days, and you already miss me?"
"Don't you miss me?"
Honestly, Josephine didn't have time to miss him. But she knew if she told the truth, Stuart would be sad again.
So she said, "Of course I miss you."
"Jair said he's proposing this weekend."
"Really? That's great!" Josephine was happy. "Remember to video call me then, I want to see it too."
"Okay." Stuart asked her, "Are you working late tonight?"
Josephine said, "Not sure, but I'll probably be busy until after nine."
"Then make sure to eat well."
They talked until Josephine had to go to work, then hung up.
Stuart informed his family and then went to the airport.