Chapter 240

The sound of running water filled the kitchen as Luna White washed dishes with her head slightly lowered. Andrew Smith stood beside her, drying the plates and utensils. Neither spoke, the air between them thick with unspoken tension.

"That nickname is too mushy—can we change it?" Luna suddenly broke the silence, her hands still moving steadily.

Andrew took the bowl she handed him, carefully drying it with a towel. "Then call me 'Second Brother.' I am older than you."

"Second Brother!" Luna chirped, her voice bright with youthful charm.

The corner of Andrew’s mouth lifted involuntarily. "Hmm."

"By the way, Ethan already booked the tickets. We’re leaving the day after tomorrow." Luna flicked water droplets from her hands. "Happy New Year in advance."

"I’ll see you off," Andrew said, placing the last dish in the cabinet.

"No need!" Luna turned to leave. "You’re about to go on leave—it’d be awkward to request time off now. With Ethan around, you think I’d get lost?"

Andrew followed her, his gaze landing on the luggage bag resting on the counter. Luna had already opened it with curiosity. "I told you not to buy so much stuff," she said, though her eyes sparkled with delight.

Inside, neatly packed, were wood ear mushrooms, red ginseng, candies, and on top—a camel-colored wool coat. Luna rummaged through, then frowned. "Why is there only one?"

"Of course there’s only one," Andrew’s voice came from behind, laced with unmistakable bitterness. "I’m not as wealthy as some people, buying piles of gifts to win your favor."

Luna spun around, meeting his sullen expression before realization dawned—he’d been jealous this whole time!

Andrew grew uncomfortable under her gaze and turned toward the kitchen.

"Are you mad?" she asked softly.

"No." He averted his face. "I’m going to boil water."

Luna suddenly wrapped her arms around him from behind. Through the thin fabric of his sweater, she could feel the firmness of his waist and the warmth of his skin.

"Are all men this petty?" she teased deliberately.

Andrew tried to pull away, but she only held on tighter. "It’s not pettiness," he sighed. "I just... don’t want you to suffer with me. My family’s well-off, but my own salary is limited—"

Before he could finish, Luna rose onto her toes and kissed him.

The suddenness of it stunned Andrew for a second before he took control, cupping the back of her head to deepen the kiss. Only when Luna pushed him away, flushed, did he finally relent, pressing one last light peck to her lips.

"Second Brother," Luna leaned against his chest, "I’m not immune to material things, but what I want, I’ll earn myself. Those people’s flattery? It’s just because of my medical skills. If you get jealous over every one of them, how are we supposed to live?"

Andrew tightened his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. "I was being unreasonable," he muttered. "It won’t happen again. I’ll work harder—to become someone you can’t leave."

"This coat is for you. Try it on." He released her. "I’ll handle the luggage arrangements and have someone escort you back."

Luna kissed him happily. "You’re the best!" She dashed off to try on the coat.

The tailored design cinched at the waist, accentuating her slender figure. She twirled. "How do I look?"

Andrew stood in the kitchen doorway, pride and adoration in his eyes. "Beautiful."

In that moment, all traces of jealousy melted into something far sweeter.