The next morning, sunlight streamed through the glass windows of the flower shop, illuminating rows of colorful blossoms.
Lian Hua hummed softly as she arranged fresh roses into a vase.
The peaceful rhythm of her work always made her feel calm.
The bell above the door rang.
"Welcome," she said automatically.
But instead of Zhen Wei, a different man stepped inside.
He looked around the shop with clear admiration.
Tall, friendly-looking, and dressed casually, he had a warm smile that immediately made the room feel lighter.
"Wow," he said, glancing around. "This place smells amazing."
Lian Hua smiled politely.
"Thank you. Can I help you?"
He walked closer to the counter, studying the flowers.
"I'm looking for something special."
"For someone important?"
He laughed.
"Maybe."
Lian Hua picked up a few flowers thoughtfully.
"What kind of flowers do you like?"
"Honestly?" he said. "I don't know anything about flowers."
"That's okay. Most people don't."
She began selecting a few soft pink lilies and white roses.
"These are popular for expressing admiration."
"Admiration?" he repeated with a grin. "That sounds perfect."
She wrapped the bouquet carefully and handed it to him.
"That will be 120 yuan."
He paid without hesitation.
But instead of leaving, he lingered near the counter.
"I don't think I introduced myself," he said.
"My name is Chen Kai."
"Lian Hua," she replied.
He nodded.
"I'll remember that."
At that exact moment, the bell above the door rang again.
A familiar presence filled the room.
Zhen Wei.
The moment his eyes landed on Chen Kai standing near the counter, the air in the shop changed.
Chen Kai noticed him immediately.
"Another customer?" he asked casually.
But Zhen Wei wasn't looking at the flowers.
His gaze moved slowly from Chen Kai… to the bouquet in his hands… and finally to Lian Hua.
Something dark flashed briefly in his eyes.
"Am I interrupting?" Chen Kai asked with a friendly smile.
"No," Lian Hua said quickly.
But Zhen Wei remained silent.
His calm expression had returned… yet the tension in the room was unmistakable.
Chen Kai chuckled lightly.
"Well, I'll let you two talk. Thanks for the flowers."
As he walked toward the door, he turned back once more.
"I'll definitely come again, Lian Hua."
The bell chimed as he left.
The shop suddenly felt very quiet.
Lian Hua looked at Zhen Wei.
"You're early today."
His voice was calm when he finally spoke.
"Who was that?"
"Just a customer."
Zhen Wei's eyes moved toward the door Chen Kai had just walked through.
For some reason, the simple answer didn't seem to satisfy him at all.