The days that followed felt… different.
Quieter.
Heavier.
Lian Hua still opened the flower shop every morning, still arranged the flowers with the same care—but something inside her had changed.
She was more distant.
More thoughtful.
More careful.
Zhen Wei noticed it immediately.
He stood near the counter, watching her as she focused on a bouquet of white lilies.
"You've been avoiding me," he said calmly.
"I haven't," she replied without looking up.
"You have."
She sighed softly.
"I've just been busy."
"That's not it."
His voice wasn't sharp.
But it was certain.
Lian Hua finally looked at him.
"What do you want me to say?"
"The truth."
She hesitated.
Then said quietly,
"I'm trying to think."
"About what?"
"About us."
The words settled between them.
Zhen Wei stepped closer.
"What is there to think about?"
"Everything," she said softly.
"Your world… your family… what this means."
His expression darkened slightly.
"You're letting them affect you."
"No," she replied.
"I'm facing reality."
"You think walking away is reality?"
"I didn't say that."
"But you're thinking about it."
She didn't answer.
And that silence was enough.
Zhen Wei's voice dropped.
"I told you… I don't let go."
"I know," she whispered.
"That's what scares me."
For the first time—
He froze.
"Scares you?" he repeated.
"Yes," she said honestly.
"You're so certain. So intense. Like nothing can change your mind."
"Nothing can."
"That's exactly it."
She looked at him, her eyes softer now.
"But I'm not like you."
A quiet pause.
"I need time," she added.
Zhen Wei stared at her.
Time.
It was something he wasn't used to giving.
Especially not when it came to something he wanted.
Before he could respond—
The bell rang.
Chen Kai.
He stepped inside, glancing between them, immediately sensing the tension.
"Bad timing?" he asked lightly.
"No," Lian Hua said quickly.
"It's fine."
Zhen Wei didn't move.
His gaze remained on her.
"You want time?" he said quietly.
She nodded.
"Yes."
A long silence passed.
Then—
"Fine," he said.
The word was simple.
But it carried weight.
"I'll give you time."
Lian Hua looked at him, surprised.
"Really?"
"Yes."
He stepped back slightly.
"But don't take too long."
Her heart tightened.
Because even in his restraint—
There was still intensity.
Still certainty.
Still that unshakable feeling that he wouldn't give up.
Zhen Wei turned and walked toward the door.
But before leaving, he paused.
Without looking back, he said quietly,
"I'm not going anywhere."
Then he left.
The shop fell silent.
Chen Kai watched the door for a moment.
Then he looked at Lian Hua.
"Well," he said softly,
"That was intense."
She let out a small breath.
"You have no idea."
He stepped closer, his voice gentler now.
"You don't have to rush into anything."
She looked at him.
"I know."
"I'm not like him," Chen Kai added.
"I won't pressure you."
There was something comforting in his tone.
Something easy.
Something simple.
And for the first time in days—
Lian Hua felt like she could breathe.
But as she stood there, holding that feeling—
Another thought crept in.
Because even though Chen Kai was easier…
Even though he was gentle…
Even though he gave her space…
He wasn't Zhen Wei.
And that made everything even more complicated.