The morning arrived quietly over Jade Street, the sky painted with soft shades of gold and pale blue. Lian Hua unlocked the door of her flower shop, the familiar bell chiming gently as she stepped inside.
But something immediately caught her attention.
A small wooden box sat on the doorstep.
She frowned slightly, bending down to pick it up. The box was simple but elegant, carved with delicate patterns of lotus petals. When she opened it, her breath caught.
Inside were several rare blue lotuses, their petals shimmering faintly in the morning light.
"These…" she whispered softly.
Blue lotuses were almost impossible to find in Shanghai. Even the largest flower markets rarely had them.
There was also a small note inside.
"For the woman who deserves rare things."
Lian Hua didn't need a signature to know who sent it.
"Zhen Wei…" she murmured.
As if summoned by his name, the bell above the door rang.
She looked up.
He stood there again.
Zhen Wei leaned casually against the doorway, his dark coat perfectly pressed, his gaze steady and calm as always. Yet there was something different in his eyes this morning—something warmer, almost satisfied.
"You found them," he said quietly.
Lian Hua placed the box on the counter, still stunned. "These flowers are extremely rare."
"Yes."
"Why would you give them to me?"
He stepped inside slowly, his footsteps quiet against the wooden floor.
"Because," he said calmly, "you understand flowers better than anyone I've met."
His gaze moved from the blue lotuses to her face.
"And because," he added softly, "I enjoy seeing you surprised."
Lian Hua felt her cheeks warm slightly.
"You shouldn't spend so much money on flowers for me," she said.
Zhen Wei tilted his head slightly, studying her.
"It isn't about the money," he replied.
"Then what is it about?"
For a moment, he didn't answer.
The shop felt strangely quiet, filled only with the soft fragrance of lotus and jasmine.
Finally, he spoke.
"Attention."
Lian Hua blinked.
"I pay attention to things I value," he said calmly.
His words were simple, but the weight behind them made her heart beat faster.
Before she could respond, he glanced toward the street.
"I have a meeting," he said.
"You're leaving already?" she asked without thinking.
The faintest smile touched his lips.
"I'll return."
Then he turned and walked out, disappearing into the busy street like a shadow among sunlight.
Lian Hua stood there for a long moment, staring at the rare blue lotuses.
Her fingers gently touched the petals.
And a quiet thought surfaced in her mind.
This man isn't just interested in me.
He's slowly entering my life… piece by piece.