————-
A coppery sun skimmed the horizon. It's rays of light poured through the windows of penthouse 1503.
"Mm....."
Yue Ling woke up from her sweet dream and stretched her arms. With sleepy eyes, she looks at the spot next to her.
"You're awake."
Hearing the voice she didn't expect, she turns to look at the door. Seeing Lu Tian already dressed in all black and ready for work, Yue Ling arch her brows.
"Well, you're always the early one."
She lifts the comforter and gets out of bed. Out of habit, she fix the bed. Just when she was done and about to turn around, a pair of strong arms wrap around her waist.
"What's wrong?"
Yue Ling asked as it was unusual for Lu Tian to do this in the morning. Not only that, isn't he leaving for work?
"I have an early meeting, so I wanted to hug you before I leave for work."
Lu Tian rested his head on her shoulder and inhaled her unique scent that eases his mind. Moving one hand, he place it on her stomach and gently caress it without making anything unnoticeable.
He swore to protect Yue Ling and their baby. He will spoil the both of them and let them know, they are always safe.
Hearing Lu Tian's words, Yue Ling chuckles and squirm around to face the man. Looking up at him, she smiles and wrap her hands around his neck.
"Silly, it's not like you won't see me."
Lu Tian's dark eyes did not leave Yue Ling's bluish green ones. Like a man in a trance, he lowered his head to kiss the woman.
Just when he was about to kiss her, Yue Ling quickly cover Lu Tian's mouth with one hand. Her cheeks flushed red and she slightly lower her head bashfully.
"I just woke up and haven't brushed my teeth."
Lu Tian's lip curl upwards behind Yue Ling's hand. Lifting one hand, he held her hand covering his mouth and moves it.
Lu Tian: "It's ok."
Yue Ling: "Even when I have morning breath? What if it smells like fermented tofu?"
Lu Tian: "That's fine with me too."
Yue Ling: "..."
Lu Tian held in his laugh seeing Yue Ling's dumbfounded expression. Leaning forward, he kisses her lip that he loves so much.
Pulling away, he sighed reluctantly. There's never a time when he wants to part from her. However, work calls and he needs to maintain a good income to give to his wife and child.
Not only that, he needs to find out which gang those men from last night are from. Only by doing so, he can protect his family from any upcoming harm.
He smiles a small smile and kiss Yue Ling's forehead. Stepping away, he chuckle at how she is still in a daze and stride out of the bedroom.
"I already made breakfast, eat it while it's still warm."
Yue Ling stare unblinking at Lu Tian's back. She was really surprised because of his answers. No matter how many times it is, she don't ever think she will get use to it.
After a long while, her eyes finally blinked. She quickly shake herself back to her senses and walk to the bathroom to get ready. Doing so, she caress her stomach and chuckles.
"Baby, your daddy is a little weird sometimes."
——————
With the sun slowly rising in the sky. Inside a building that looked to be abandoned, Liu Shan stood inside a tightly secured room. In front of him was a table full of boxes and wrapped up items that looked like logs.
"This is all of the things."
Master Zhi spoke as he sets a box on the table. Looking at Liu Shan, he sighed at how time flew by so quickly. When he met Liu Shan for the first time, he never thought the young man from back then would change so much. Yet, knowing that Liu Shan is always by Yue Ling's side, he can relax.
Liu Shan scanned each item and nod his head, "Boss knew she could count on you to get these materials."
"It's the least I can do. If it wasn't for her, I'd never be where I am at, nor would this shop existed."
Walking to another table by the window, Master Zhi pour himself a cup of tea. Taking a sip, he looks out the window.
"The last time I saw her was when she came for her grandfather's gift. How is she doing now?"
"She's doing fine. Her plans are slowly coming to place. However, I just received news from over there that she has finally decided to sell L'amour de ma vie."
Hearing this, Master Zhi crease his brows and looks at Liu Shan. "She's finally moved on then?"
Liu Shan nod his head and walks up to the table. He looked out the window and he sighed. "It's been three years already. I think it's time for her to move on too. She deserves to be happy like everyone else."
Master Zhi nod his head, "Shin was a good man. Only a pity, he had to leave this world at such a young age. If Yue Ling can find a man to love her, that'll definitely make her deceased family happy."
Liu Shan: "She is seeing Lu Tian."
"Mm, that's good." Master Zhi nod his head and takes another sip of his tea. However, when Liu Shan's word processed correctly in his mind, he spit the tea out and starts coughing.
"*cough* L-Lu Tian? *cough* The cold and ruthless business king?"
Patting his chest, he wipes his mouth and looked at Liu Shan with wide eyes of disbelief.
Liu Shan glance at the man and then back to the window. His reaction was quite similar to the middle age man's when he found out too. Sighing, he nod his head.
"Mm. THAT Lu Tian."
"...."
In complete shock, Master Zhi was at a loss for words. Putting the cup of tea down, he takes a deep breath to calm himself.
"Ayyyy.... I really cannot believe this news at all."
Sighing, he could only trust his instincts and respect Yue Ling's decision.
"If that Lu boy is capable of loving and protecting her, then I will not go against them. However..."
Thinking of the unimaginable, Master Zhi's eyes dimmed, "If he dares to cross the line and hurt her, I will not hesitate to return to my old self and take him down. Even if it means exchanging my life."
Looking at Master Zhi, Liu Shan chuckles with a sigh. Lifting his hand he pats the middle aged man on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, I've been with boss for a long time. Although Lu Tian is known for his ruthlessness in the business world, if one is capable of protecting her, it is definitely him. Not only that, with me around, I will never let anyone hurt her."
Master Zhi looks at Liu Shan and he narrow his eyes with a suspicious look.
"You've known her for so many years, yet...." He leans in to Liu Shan and whispers, "Do you love her?"
"...."
Hearing this, Liu Shan's cheek flush and his entire body froze for a quick second. Clearing his throat, he divert his eyes from the man. His expression and voice softens as he thinks about his beautiful boss. Her beauty that is incomparable to any woman...
"I do love her..."
He doesn't blame everyone else for thinking he loved his boss in a romantic way. He had always stood by her side since they met, how can he not love her...?
It wasn't because she was the most beautiful woman he's ever come across, but because she was the one who pulled him out of the darkness. The one who gave him a second chance at life.
His boss has been through so much, all he knows is that, he wants his boss to be happy. Anyone who gets in the way of her happiness, he will definitely stop them.
Thinking of his boss, his lip curl into a faint smile, "However, the way I love her is similar to a brother's love for his sister. Not only is she my boss and savior, she is my only family and sister."
"Hahah!" Master Zhi let's out a laugh and pats Liu Shan on the back, "Aye... You were always by her side even when she had Shin, everyone thought you held one sided feelings. Now that you've cleared this for me, I'll wait to know which lucky girl will receive the love from our little Shan."
Liu Shan smiles and looked out the window to the rising sun peeking in the distance.
Lost in his thoughts, his mind couldn't help but think of his pretty brown hair neighbor.
———————