Chapter Text
Wen Zhuliu was tired. Following the Wen leader and taking care of the idiot Wen siblings was exhausting. He just really wanted to dive into his bed and sleep for a year. But being the head bodyguard of a Mafia family never allowed that.
Wen Zhuliu was standing in the conference room of the 35th floor building, as his boss and his offspring waited for some “important” people. Usually Wen Zhuliu would research who was coming but he felt like shit and hadn’t slept in 2 days. His team is more than capable of canvassing the area and setting up the security positions.
Wen Zhuliu was distracted as he dozed off and didn’t notice the doors opening. However what made him wake up was the sweet and delicious scent of Lotus and Jasmine. That smell took Wen Zhuliu to a simpler time when he was just 25 years old, and had visited Yumeng.
It reminded him of his first and only love. The woman he would never forget. The ironic part is that he met her the day of her wedding…….
10 years before…
It was the first time that the boss had asked him to accompany him on a long trip. He had left his abusive family and decided to work for the Wens since the leader had been kind to him.
That day Wen Ruohan had asked Wen Zhuliu to go pick up his tux for the wedding they were attending. Wen Zhuliu had no idea who the couple was, just that the bride was a childhood friend of Wen Ruohan. His main focus was making a good impression on his boss so that he could become a permanent bodyguard for his family.
Unfortunately his car broke down 2 minutes away from the shop, near a park with a lake. Wen Zhuliu left the car there and decided to walk the rest of the way and then call his boss to send another car. As he walked through the park to get to the shop, he noticed there were lotuses in the lake and decided to pluck one and smell it.
As he did that he heard sniffling and crying. He turned around and noticed a woman with her knees pushed to her chest and her face hiding there. At the time he didn’t know why but he decided to tap her finger and say “Excuse Me”.
“Leave me alone!”
To Wen Zhuliu, That voice sounded warm but with a touch of despair. “Here” he said.
The woman finally looked up and Wen Zhuliu felt like time stopped. The woman was a goddess on earth. She had beautiful long dark hair, shiny violet eyes, a sharp but elegant nose, and rosy cheeks. She looked around his age.
Her eyes and nose were red from possibly crying but that made her look even more beautiful. Wen Zhuliu was so confused. He had never met a person who looked that beautiful crying.
Wen Zhuliu felt his chest and stomach get warm and a sinking feeling at the same time. He couldn’t stop looking and almost dropped the lotus on the floor.
The woman looked at Wen Zhuliu with surprise as she realized he was handing her a lotus. “Thank you”, she said.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes?”
Wen Zhuliu laughs and says “Was that an answer or question”.
The woman huffs and turns around as she tries to hide a small smile. Wen Zhuliu notices his surroundings and can see that the tailor shop is across the street next to a boba cafe.
“Um, I know you don’t know me but would you like to get some boba with me? You seem kind of sad and usually having a Mango Matcha Tea with Boba cheers me up”.
The woman seems to contemplate what to do for a couple of minutes but does not respond. “Look no pressure, I understand. I will be going to the tailor shop to pick up something and call a tow truck for my car. I will pass by here again so if you change your mind yell my name. I’m Wen Zhuliu”.
Wen Zhuliu smiled and waited for the woman to nod before he turned and pulled out his phone. He called the boss and told him what happened. Wen Ruohan sent another car to pick him up and the tux. However, Wen Zhuliu told the driver he would wait for the tow truck or see if the car could be fixed and drive back to the hotel. Wen Zhuliu hoped that would not piss off the boss but, oh well.
He felt like he needed to go back and check on the woman who had not left his thoughts since their eyes locked. Wen Zhuliu walked back to the park where he had seen the woman but unfortunately she was nowhere to be found. He walked closer to the lake and enjoyed the view for a couple of seconds.
Was he disappointed? FUCK YES! But why? That woman was a stranger and for all he knows she thought he was a creep who asked her on a date while she was vulnerable. Suddenly Wen Zhuliu could smell the lotus but there was a hint of jasmine in the air. He took a deep breath and turned his head to where the smell was coming from.
“Enjoying the smell of the lotuses, Wen Zhuliu?. I’m A-yuan , by the way”.
“Um, yeah yo- I mean it smells amazing here”. Wen Zhuliu knew that his face was red as a tomato but he was just so flustered and he didn’t know why. Well that’s a lie, he did know why. It was because of the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.
“Is the offer still open for the boba? I just had to let my fía—family know that I would be late for dinner.” A-yuan said.
“Yes of course! Umm let me just make a quick call and we can go”. Wen Zhuliu quickly called the tow truck and let them know he would be at the boba shop and for them to let him know if the car could be fixed on site or if they would take it back to their shop.
Wen Zhuliu then turned and smiled while he waved at A-yuan , “All done. Ladies first”. They both walked the short distance, ordered their drinks and waited patiently as the barista prepared their order.
“Um, I-“
“Do you always start your sentences with Um? Or are you that flustered to be around a beautiful woman?”
“Ummm?” As soon as Wen Zhuliu said that, they both looked at each other and started laughing. Wen Zhuliu felt a happiness that he had not felt in a long time, and felt blessed to be able to witness the most beautiful woman on THIS GALAXY laugh so freely.
Wen Zhuliu did not know what got into them but being with this woman in this little corner of the world made him feel happy and safe.
Their laughing attack was cut short by the barista coming over with their drinks. They both thanked her and Wen Zhuliu waited for A-yuan to try his favorite drink. A-yuan eyed the drink and then took a big gulp. Her face became disgusted at first but then she gulped, licked her lips, and smiled.
And that moment, ladies and gentlemen, was when Wen Zhuliu understood what was happening. He had fallen in love at first sight with A-yuan . He felt his heart beat fast and said the first thing that came to his mind, “You are you know!”
“What?”, A-yuan said confused.
“You are a beautiful woman. The most beautiful I have ever seen.” Wen Zhuliu felt shy and decided to take a big gulp of his boba.
A-yuan smirked and leaned close to Wen Zhuliu, “I know”. Then she sat back and was about to speak when she noticed a car outside. Wen Zhuliu noticed how all the color left her face as she saw a woman open the door and nod for A-yuan to follow her.
“Is anything wrong?”, he said.
“I have to go. They are waiting for me.” A-yuan responded.
“O-o-okay. I understand but-“, Wen Zhuliu began looking for a paper and a napkin to write his number down, when A-yuan stopped his hand. Wen Zhuliu looked up and was transfixed with the smile that was directed towards him. It was sweet but sad, with a little bit of longing.
“Don’t. I wouldn’t be able to accept it. Thank you for the boba. You were right, I feel much better after trying the Mango Matcha tea with boba. Goodbye”. And just like that she disappeared. By the time Wen Zhuliu reacted and ran outside, the car was out of his sight.
When he got to his car the tow truck already had it hooked on the flatbed. He asked them for a ride back to the hotel where the guests were getting prepared for the wedding.
By the time he ran upstairs and changed the ceremony had already begun. He quickly walked to where his boss was seated at, and stood right next to the aisle close to the wall.
He looked at his surroundings and could see some of the most powerful and rich men and women of their country. However when he saw who was at the altar, he felt his soul leave his body.
There was a man dressed in a dark violet tux with the insignia of the Jiang gang, which was a lotus flower. Wen Zhuliu had heard of them and now he understands why he saw lotuses earlier. However what had him shocked was that the man was saying his vows to A-yuan. Wen Zhuliu understood at that moment, her last words to him.
Present…
That was 10 years ago. Wen Zhuliu had never been the same since. He had never felt such pain. He felt like someone was ripping his heart out. But he survived and focused on his career. He never let his mind wander to that day and that person.
And when he did it was at night when he struggled to sleep and he imagined the smell of Lotus with Jasmine.
Through-out the years whenever the boss visited or spoke about the Jiangs, Wen Zhuliu would make up an excuse and stay behind or would just be silent.
A-Yuan, or Madam Yu as she is known now, walks in with her two children. She looks beautiful in black dark slacks that hugs her tights and long legs, a lace purple corset that makes her waist look so small, but also shows her big round breast. Wen Zhuliu can’t look away.
There are no signs of the young woman he met that day. The goddess in front of him has a stern expression, sharp eyes, and looks like she is ready to murder if she needs to. She has an aura of elegance but also fear.
“Han-ge I need your protection” she says and Wen Zhuliu can see the glimpse of desperation in her eyes. “That piece of shit of my husband found his childhood love and is trying to take her away from her husband. I know you have the best lawyers and security of all the 5 mafia families, and you owe me a favor after introducing you to your first wife”.
Wen Zhuliu made eye contact with Wen Ruohan and he smirked at him. “Of course by dear Ziyuan. Anything for my oldest friend. I will help you divorce your husband and I’ll even make sure my lawyers take half of his assets for you and your children. However I have a condition. I want one of your children to be betrothed to one of my boys”.
“No.” Madam Yu responded.
“Ziyuan, it is a good deal. You will become my family and no one will dare touch you or your children.” Wen Ruohan stated.
Wen Zhuliu was shocked at how fast Madam Yu responded. There were other feelings too but he didn’t have time to explore them as he heard his old love speak.
“I was forced into an arranged marriage with the most despicable man and I will not do that to my kids. I am sure that you are raising your kids well, but that is another reason why I’m leaving my husband. He wants to marry Jiang Yanli to the Jins and I will not allow that.”, Madam Yu explained.
Wen Zhuliu tried not to look at Madam Yu and act professional but he just couldn’t stop. He had forced himself to avoid her anytime he could for the last 10 years. But being in her presence, smelling her scent, seeing her beauty, was unavoidable. He felt something pull him to her like a magnet.
“The day of my marriage I ran away because I overheard Jiang Fengmian say to his second-in-command how he would never love me because his heart belonged to Cangse Sanren. I was hopeful He would at least try to care for me but that confirmed we were both just doing our “duty”. I was saving my family and he was gaining an ally.”
Wen Ruohan became serious as he said, “I told you I could hide you but you still went through with it. I always saw you as a sister and knew Jiang Fengmian was a piece of shit.”
“Yea, I should have listened to you Han-ge. That day I met someone, and hated the universe for not letting me meet them a month earlier. He was so kind and made me want to have a sweet romantic love. I hated mango but for some reason that day it tasted sweet,” Madam Yu looked at the window with a far-away expression.
Wen Ruohan laughed, and threw his head back, “Hahahah Ziyuan! You always speak of that mysterious man but you don’t remember his name”.
Wen Zhuliu felt like he had been slapped. Yu Ziyuan remembered him but at the same time she didn’t remember his name.
“Shut up Han-ge! I decline your condition.” Yu Ziyuan grabbed her two kids and headed to the door.
“Wen Zhuliu. His name was Wen Zhuliu, A-yuan” Wen Zhuliu shouted and noticed how still Yu Ziyuan became. She turned around and locked eyes with Wen Zhuliu and smiled.
The room was silent for a couple of seconds until Wen Ruohan broke it with his booming voice. “NO WAY! My head bodyguard was that mysterious man. Is that why you were late that day, Zhuliu? Is Ziyuan the woman you have been trying to forget for 10 years? The one that stole your heart at first sight”
Wen Zhuliu wanted the earth to swallow him. Leave it to his boss to embarrass him in front of the goddess he loves.
“In that case, I changed my mind. I will protect you and help you divorce Jiang Fengmian . You will get a condo or house for you and your kids to stay in. But with the condition that my head bodyguard will be assigned to you and your family.” Wen Ruohan smirked at Wen Zhuliu.
Wen Zhuliu and Yu Ziyuan hadn’t broken eye contact. Yu Ziyuan nodded and thanked Wen Ruohan.
Wen Ruohan looked at the Jiang siblings and at his kids and smiled, “Come children, Uncle Ruohan will buy you some snacks and toys for your new house!”
Madam Yu began to follow them until she was stopped by her new handsome bodyguard.
“Would you spare me a couple of minutes, Madam Yu?”. Wen Zhuliu said.
“Yes”, Yu Ziyuan sounded confident but Wen Zhuliu could tell she was nervous by the way she bit her lip and held her purse tightly in her hand.
“As soon as the boss chooses which house he will assign to you, I will take my team to set up security and it should be ready in 48 hours tops. If you have any questions, let me know”. Wen Zhuliu tried to focus on the assignment but his eyes kept lingering on Yu Ziyuan’s beautiful face and lips.
“I do have a question”, Yu Ziyuan stated
“Yes Madam Yu?.”
“What Han-ge said, was it true?”
“Um-m, I-“ Wen Zhuliu was interrupted by the most beautiful sound he had heard. He had missed the sound of A-yuan’s laugh. He couldn’t control himself and laughed with her.
“You haven’t changed. You just look older and sexier” Yu Ziyuan winked and Wen Zhuliu felt his face burn.
Wen Zhuliu was lost for words. He just stared and stared at Yu Ziyuan. But he pushed himself and said what he had been locked away in the deep parts of his mind and heart.
“And you continue to be the most beautiful woman I know. You are a true goddess, and everyday I regret letting you go. I know I am going to be in charge of protecting you, but I want more. I want to court you, take you on dates, and go get boba together. I have missed you so much A-Yuan, I love you. I’m in love with you. I don—,” Wen Zhuliu was interrupted by soft and warm lips.
Yu Ziyuan kissed Wen Zhuliu like she meant it. Their kiss started slow and soft but as soon as Wen Zhuliu reacted, it turned into hot and steamy. Yu Ziyuan pulled away and Wen Zhuliu made a noise of protest.
Yu Ziyuan giggled as she put her finger on his lips and shot Wen Zhuliu with a stern look filled with softness. “I’m not an easy woman to woo, so you better be ready to work hard. Like you said Wen Zhuliu, I am a goddess who is hard to please and I expect to be worshiped and loved.”
“I promise to prove myself everyday. As long as you accept me.”
“I did”
“What?”
“I kissed you idiot! That was my answer.”
“I fucking love you A-yuan. And I promise to work hard everyday to make you the happiest and most loved woman of THE GALAXY”, Wen Zhuliu smiled and pulled Yu Ziyuan into his arms.
Yu Ziyuan came easily and whisperer in his ear, “I missed you too. And I fucking love you Zhuliu”
Wen Zhuliu was looking forward to worshipping his goddess everyday.
TO BE CONTINUED