His Crush, His Brother's wife

Chapter Two

The neon lights of Shanghai cast a vibrant glow over the bustling streets, where there was never a dull moment. The air was filled with the hum of chatter, the honking of cars, and the occasional laughter from passersby. People moved with purpose, savoring the city's dynamic energy as they went about their lives. Luna, weary and famished after her shift as a waitress, was just stepping out when her phone buzzed. It was a call from Kristopher, her boss and friend at the Drivers Agency, where she worked part-time for better-paying night gigs.

“Lu, there's an urgent need for a driver,” Kristopher said. “You mentioned needing extra cash, right?”

“Yes, Kris. Thanks for thinking of me. I owe you one.”

“Dinner, to be precise,” Kristopher added with a chuckle. “How about this weekend?”

“Great! I'll treat you to a hot pot,” she replied cheerfully.

“Nah,” Kristopher shrugged. “Let's have something special. Don’t worry, the bill’s on me.”

“What did I ever do to deserve you?” Luna teased, making Kristopher blush.

“Stop flattering me and get to work. I’ve sent the client’s details to your phone.”

“Perfect, and don’t forget to send me the dinner details too.”

“Sure. First thing, tomorrow,” Kristopher said, ending the call with a smile. His heart raced as he thought about asking Luna to be his girlfriend over dinner.

Luna hailed a taxi to the upscale bar Kristopher had mentioned. The aroma of street food wafted through the open window, mingling with the crisp night air, and making her more hungry. Her client was escorted out by two men she assumed were friends. They helped him into a sleek Lexus LS and handed her the keys.

“Miss, please drive him to the address you received,” one of them instructed.

“Tell anyone you meet that he was alone,” the other added.

Luna raised an eyebrow, and the first man explained. “His father would make our lives miserable if he knew we were with him. But we’re his only friends. We can’t abandon him, can we?”

“No need to explain. It’s not my business,” Luna said with a nonchalant smile, getting into the car and driving off, leaving the second man scoffing.

“Drivers nowadays have no respect,” he muttered.

“Let’s go drink more. Babysitting is over,” the first one said.

“I was getting bored anyway without a woman,” the second man grumbled as they walked back inside.

Luna glanced at her client with pity, puzzled why a young man like him would drink himself into a stupor. Upon reaching a grand black gate of a luxurious mansion, she recognized it as the Xu family residence and realized her passenger was Shaun Xu, one of the influential Xu sons, known for their architectural designs in Shanghai.

“We’re home,” Luna said. Shaun mumbled something inaudible and remained asleep. Luna got out and rang the bell. Briskly, two imposing men appeared, and she informed them about Shaun. They rushed to the car, one of them carrying Shaun inside intending to be incognito, while the other approached Luna.

“Miss, you won’t be able to leave at this hour. The road is dark, and there are no taxis in this area. It’s a private residence,” he explained.

Luna was taken aback. “Does that mean I’ll sleep on the streets?”

“For coming this far, we can offer you a place to stay. You’ll be paid handsomely too.”

“The agency has already received the p*****t,” Luna replied.

“Then accept our p*****t as a token of gratitude. No one else agrees to come here, especially not women. It’s very far.”

“Yeah, well, that’s true, but I need the money,” Luna candidly said, making the bodyguard chuckle.

“Shall we go inside then?” Luna asked afterward. The night air was cold, sending shivers through her petite frame. The bodyguard gestured for her to get back into the car, and they drove into the expansive yard, where the scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. The smooth lawn was dotted with maple trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze.

They drove a while before parking near the mansion, an impressive display of ancient architecture. It was adorned with marble stones and red brick walls, exuding an air of timeless elegance. The front porch was lush with brightly colored flowers, their petals glistening under the soft glow of the porch lights.

The bodyguard stepped out of the car. Luna followed, her eyes widening as she took in the grandeur of the estate. He led her to the guest quarters, a cozy yet luxurious and spacious room. The bed was inviting, covered in fine sheets that looked incredibly soft. The walls were painted a warm yellow, adorned with beautiful paintings that added a touch of sophistication. A small table in the corner held a few books, and an ornate chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystals catching the light and casting a shimmering reflection around the room. A plush sofa near a large window offered a stunning view of a garden fountain.

Luna marveled at the serene beauty outside and then glanced at the twinkling lights of the main house, thinking about the Xus’ luxurious life. She sensed the bodyguard's gaze on her and turned.

“Done scanning the area? Do you think it's safe for you now?” he asked with a playful smile.

“Huh?” Luna looked surprised. The bodyguard laughed, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

“Just kidding. You may sleep here tonight. The bathroom is over there, and please use the phone if you need anything,” he said, pointing to the phone on the bedside table.

“I am hungry,” Luna admitted shyly.

The bodyguard chuckled and picked up the phone, making a meal request on her behalf. Soon, a young woman in her twenties, dressed in a helper’s uniform, brought a tray of food to Luna's room.

Luna's mouth watered, scanning her meal. She was served roasted potatoes, spaghetti and meatballs smothered in sauce and cheese, and a glass of red wine.

“If you need anything else, please call her. Her name is Julia Ann,” the bodyguard said.

“This is more than enough, thank you,” Luna replied with a grateful smile. She silently thanked the heavens for the sumptuous meal and sat down as the bodyguard and the helper bid her goodnight.

Luna's thoughts quickly drifted to the rumors about the Xu family. Despite not having met them yet, the kindness of their staff contradicted the gossip that painted the Xus as pompous and aloof. Bloggers often described them as selfish and mingling only with their own class.

She brushed aside her thoughts and took a hot shower, letting the warmth soothe her tired muscles. Feeling refreshed, she returned to the room, devoured her meal, and savored every bite. The wine was the perfect finishing touch, leaving her content as she finished the last drop.

Throwing herself onto the bed, Luna closed her eyes, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events. Who knew that accepting this job would lead to such comfort and a hearty meal? She asked herself before drifting into a deep sleep and waking to the soft morning light the following day. Unaware of the changes ahead in her life, she took a quick shower, dressed, and was about to leave when a knock interrupted her. The bodyguard and Julia, the helper, greeted her warmly with a tray of sumptuous breakfast.

“Ready to leave without having breakfast?” the bodyguard asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Thank you, but I should leave as soon as possible. I have to report to work,” Luna replied, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

“The Agency?” he inquired.

“No. I work as a waitress during the day,” she explained.

“You work two jobs? You poor thing,” Julia chimed in, her tone dripping with a mix of sympathy and condescension. It was clear she thought her job was superior to Luna's. But Luna valued her independence and the ability to call the shots in her life. Julia's life, though cushy and controlled by her employers, seemed like a gilded cage to Luna. The Xu residence, despite its luxury, was a prison for Julia, and perhaps even for the bodyguard, though he at least had the freedom to run errands outside.

“Tough life, you see,” Luna said, though she wanted to remind Julia that her two jobs were better than being confined to a house, obeying orders day and night.

“In that case, please wait for Julia to pack your breakfast. You can take it with you,” the bodyguard suggested. Luna nodded and thanked him for his kindness. As Luna and the bodyguard headed to the exit gate, Julia quickly packed Luna's food and returned with a pretty gift bag.

“I bet this is goodbye forever,” Julia said. “Thank you for visiting. Not many people make it to the Xu residence, let alone the gate.”

“Does that mean this entire area belongs to them?” Luna asked, ignoring Julia's indirect taunts.

“All the way up to the roadway,” the bodyguard replied.

“Wow. Julia is right. But there's no way I wouldn't have made it to the gate since I was driving one of the family members,” Luna said casually, noting Julia's surprise. The helper's eyes widened; she hadn't been told that Luna had driven one of the Xus home. The mansion's gossip was that Luna had delivered an important package.

“You drove someone home? Who was it?” Julia asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Julia, why does it matter? Stop looking for something to gossip about,” the bodyguard said as a van pulled up beside them. “There you go, Miss. The driver will take you back to work.”

Luna thanked him and was about to get into the van when the bodyguard stopped her.

“Oh, and may I have your WeChat?” he asked. She turned to him, surprised. “It's for the p*****t we discussed last night.”

“Oh, I see,” Luna smiled with relief. Although the bodyguard had been kind, she wasn't comfortable adding him on WeChat.

Luna took out her phone, and the bodyguard scanned her code. They bid each other farewell once more, and she got into the van. As the driver navigated the Xus' expansive property, Luna couldn't help but think of Julia. She realized she had judged the helper too quickly. Julia's behavior that morning had been tinged with arrogance and pride, but the bodyguard had remained kind and professional.

Soon, they arrived at Crystal Lake, the restaurant where Luna worked as a waitress. She thanked the driver and rushed inside. She hadn't even made it to the changing room when her phone buzzed with an alert from the bodyguard.

“$1000,” she marveled, questioning whether she deserved such a generous p*****t. She was about to text him when Mr. Lee, her tyrant of a boss, called her to his office. Deciding to deal with it later, she tucked her phone away and rushed to the manager's office to meet him, her heart pounding. Relief washed over her when she realized he was just calling her to give her a bonus. It seemed he hadn't noticed her slightly late arrival.

“Thank you, Manager Lee,” she said, her voice steady as she accepted the bonus and returned to her duties. The day had just begun, and her dreams were ar from beng achieved.