The next morning, sunlight poured through the windows of the flower shop, illuminating the petals of crimson lotuses and white lilies.
Lian Hua moved gracefully among the flowers, arranging bouquets for the morning rush.
The bell above the door chimed.
Zhen Wei.
"Good morning," he said, his dark eyes scanning the shop like a shadow among the blossoms.
"Good morning," Lian Hua replied softly.
He didn't come closer immediately. Instead, he lingered near the window, watching the street outside as if anticipating something.
"You're tense today," she observed.
"I don't like being caught off guard," he said calmly.
She frowned slightly.
"You're talking about me?"
"No," he replied smoothly, though his gaze flicked briefly toward the counter.
At that exact moment, the bell rang again.
Chen Kai stepped inside, carrying a small bouquet.
"Good morning, Lian Hua," he said with a smile. "I brought these for you. Just a little something."
Lian Hua's cheeks warmed.
"Oh… thank you," she said politely, taking the flowers.
Chen Kai's eyes flicked toward Zhen Wei, and a playful smile appeared on his face.
"Another admirer?" he asked casually.
Zhen Wei's expression didn't change, but the air around him seemed to tighten.
"You should leave," he said quietly, his gaze fixed on Chen Kai.
Chen Kai chuckled.
"Relax," he said. "I'm just here to see Lian Hua."
"You're not here for the flowers," Zhen Wei said smoothly, stepping closer.
Chen Kai's grin faltered slightly.
"I… I just like seeing her," he said, trying to remain casual.
Zhen Wei's dark eyes studied him, unblinking.
"Then you can leave now," he said, his voice calm but deadly serious.
Chen Kai swallowed and nodded.
"Alright… I'll come back another time."
The bell chimed as he left.
Lian Hua turned to Zhen Wei.
"You… you were serious."
"I am always serious when it comes to you," he said softly.
She felt her heart beat faster.
"Zhen Wei…" she whispered.
He stepped closer, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face.
"Some things in life," he said quietly, "are not meant to be shared."
Lian Hua looked into his eyes and saw the intensity, the obsession, the undeniable desire to protect her.
And for the first time, she realized…
Zhen Wei wasn't just a part of her world.
He was becoming the center of it.