The evening sky over Shanghai glowed with soft orange light as Lian Hua finished arranging the last bouquet of the day. The flower shop was quiet now, the earlier whispers of customers fading into the gentle hum of the city outside.
She wiped her hands lightly on her apron and was about to close the shop when the bell above the door chimed again.
She didn't need to look up to know who it was.
Zhen Wei stepped inside, his dark coat draped neatly over his shoulders. The fading sunlight framed him in the doorway, giving him an almost unreal presence.
"You're closing," he observed.
"Yes," Lian Hua said. "Most people buy flowers in the morning."
He glanced around the shop briefly before his eyes settled on her again.
"Then it seems I arrived at the perfect time."
She tilted her head slightly. "Perfect for what?"
"For taking you to dinner."
The words came so calmly that for a moment she thought she had heard him wrong.
"Dinner?" she repeated.
"Yes."
"You're… inviting me?"
Zhen Wei's expression softened just slightly.
"I believe that's how invitations work."
Lian Hua laughed softly despite herself. "You're very direct."
"I prefer efficiency."
She leaned against the counter, folding her arms lightly.
"And what makes you think I'll say yes?"
For a moment, he didn't answer.
Instead, he slowly walked closer, stopping on the other side of the counter.
"Because," he said quietly, "you're curious."
Her heartbeat quickened.
"And if I say no?" she asked.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Then I'll come back tomorrow and ask again."
She blinked, surprised by his honesty.
"You're persistent."
"I'm determined."
The shop fell silent again, filled only with the soft scent of lotus and jasmine.
Finally, Lian Hua sighed softly and reached for her coat.
"One dinner," she said.
Zhen Wei's eyes brightened just slightly.
"One dinner," he agreed.
A few minutes later, they stepped outside together.
A sleek black car waited at the curb, the driver standing beside it.
Lian Hua stopped walking.
"You came prepared," she said.
Zhen Wei opened the car door for her.
"I always do."
As she stepped inside, she couldn't help the strange feeling growing in her chest.
This man had entered her quiet life like a storm.
And somehow… she had just agreed to step further into his world.