The afternoon sun shone warmly through the windows of the flower shop.
Lian Hua was arranging a basket of fresh peonies when the bell above the door chimed.
She didn't need to guess this time.
"Welcome back," she said with a small smile.
Chen Kai stepped inside, looking pleased.
"So you remembered me."
"You did say you would come again."
He glanced around the shop again, admiring the colorful flowers.
"I think I like this place more every time I visit."
"That's good for business," she replied.
He walked closer to the counter, leaning slightly.
"But honestly… I think the owner is the best part."
Lian Hua laughed softly.
"You're very direct."
"Life is short. Being direct saves time."
He picked up a small white lotus from the counter.
"Which flower would you recommend for someone you like?"
"That depends," she said. "How much do you like them?"
Chen Kai thought for a moment.
"Enough to keep coming back."
She reached for a bundle of soft pink roses.
"These represent admiration."
"Only admiration?" he asked.
"Well… that's usually where people start."
He smiled.
"Then I'll take them."
As she wrapped the bouquet, the bell above the door rang again.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop instantly.
Zhen Wei had arrived.
His dark eyes immediately landed on Chen Kai standing close to the counter.
Chen Kai noticed him too.
"Well," he said casually, "looks like I keep meeting you here."
Zhen Wei's expression remained calm.
But there was a cold sharpness in his gaze.
"You seem to visit often."
Chen Kai shrugged.
"I like flowers."
Zhen Wei stepped closer.
"Do you?"
Chen Kai smiled.
"Yes."
Then he added calmly,
"I also like the person who sells them."
The atmosphere in the shop instantly became tense.
Lian Hua froze slightly behind the counter.
Zhen Wei's gaze moved slowly to her… then back to Chen Kai.
"I see," he said quietly.
Chen Kai paid for the flowers and picked up the bouquet.
But before leaving, he turned back to Lian Hua.
"See you again soon."
The bell rang as he walked out.
Silence filled the shop.
Lian Hua slowly looked up at Zhen Wei.
His expression was calm.
Too calm.
"You're staring," she said softly.
"Yes."
"Why?"
Zhen Wei stepped closer to the counter.
"Because," he said quietly, "I don't like him."
She raised an eyebrow.
"That's very honest."
"And accurate."
She sighed slightly.
"You can't control who visits my shop."
His eyes locked onto hers.
"No," he said.
"But I can control other things."
Her heart beat faster.
Something about the way he said that made her realize one thing very clearly.
The rivalry between these two men had only just begun.