The flower shop had grown quiet again after Chen Kai left.
The massive bouquet of roses still sat in the corner, filling the room with a strong fragrance that almost felt overwhelming.
Lian Hua stood behind the counter, staring at the single rose Zhen Wei had placed there.
Zhen Wei remained near the window, his tall figure calm but tense.
Finally, she spoke.
"You can't keep doing that."
His eyes moved to her.
"Doing what?"
"Driving people away."
"I'm not driving people away," he said calmly. "I'm protecting what matters."
She sighed softly.
"Zhen Wei… I'm not something that belongs to you."
For the first time, he looked slightly surprised.
"I didn't mean it that way."
"But you said I was yours."
He walked slowly toward the counter.
"I said that because I don't want anyone else taking your attention."
"That's still the same thing."
A quiet tension filled the shop.
Zhen Wei rested his hands lightly on the counter across from her.
"Lian Hua," he said quietly, "do you know why I keep coming here?"
"Because you like flowers?" she replied lightly.
He shook his head.
"No."
His dark eyes locked onto hers.
"I come because of you."
Her heart skipped.
"You make this place feel different," he continued softly.
"Different how?"
"Alive."
The word hung in the air.
She felt her cheeks warm.
"You're saying very dangerous things again," she murmured.
"Dangerous?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because… I might start believing them."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Zhen Wei reached out and gently lifted the crimson lotus she had been arranging.
"This flower reminds me of you," he said.
"You say that a lot."
"Because it's true."
He placed the lotus back down carefully.
"Beautiful," he continued softly.
"But stronger than people think."
Lian Hua felt something stir in her chest.
"You really believe that?"
"I know it."
The way he said it made her heart beat faster.
Then he leaned slightly closer.
"Lian Hua," he said quietly.
"Yes?"
"If you tell me to leave… I will."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"But if you don't," he continued, "I'm not going anywhere."
The shop fell silent.
The answer was now in her hands.
And somehow… she wasn't sure she wanted him to leave at all.