The consequences came faster this time.
There was no warning.
No buildup.
Just impact.
Zhen Wei walked into his office the next morning—
And immediately felt it.
The atmosphere had changed.
His assistant approached carefully.
"Sir… there's been a development."
Zhen Wei didn't stop walking.
"Speak."
"…the board has called for an emergency review."
That made him pause.
"…on what grounds?"
"They're questioning your recent decisions."
Silence.
Because he understood.
This wasn't about business.
This was about control.
"Who initiated it?" he asked.
A hesitation.
"…your father."
Of course.
Zhen Wei's expression didn't change.
"Schedule it."
"Yes, sir."
Back at the flower shop—
Lian Hua noticed something was wrong immediately.
"You're distracted," Chen Kai said.
She nodded slightly.
"I feel like something's about to happen."
He didn't dismiss it.
Because lately—
That feeling had been right.
Her phone buzzed.
She picked it up.
A message.
From Zhen Wei.
"Don't worry about anything today."
Her chest tightened.
Because that—
That wasn't reassuring.
That meant something was already happening.
"What is it?" Chen Kai asked.
She looked up.
"…his world is reacting."
He sighed slightly.
"I was afraid of that."
Across the city—
The boardroom was silent.
Large.
Formal.
Every seat filled.
Every gaze focused.
Zhen Wei stood at the head of the table.
Calm.
Composed.
Unshaken.
"You've been making unilateral decisions," one of the board members said.
"Yes."
"Without consultation."
"Yes."
Murmurs spread slightly.
"You've also allowed personal matters to interfere with company stability."
A pause.
Zhen Wei's gaze didn't shift.
"No."
The answer was direct.
Cold.
His father spoke next.
"You're losing perspective."
Zhen Wei met his eyes.
"I'm gaining clarity."
Silence.
Because now—
This wasn't just tension.
It was confrontation.
"You're risking everything we've built," his father said.
"I'm deciding what I'm willing to risk."
"And for what?" his father asked.
A pause.
"For someone who will eventually become your weakness?"
The words echoed.
Sharp.
But this time—
Zhen Wei didn't hesitate.
"She's not a weakness."
Silence.
"Then what is she?" his father pressed.
A beat.
Then—
Zhen Wei answered.
"She's my choice."
The room went completely still.
Because that—
That changed everything.
Back at the shop—
Lian Hua sat quietly.
Her hands resting on the counter.
Still.
Because deep down—
She could feel it.
Something had shifted.
Something big.
Chen Kai watched her.
"You're thinking about him again."
"…yeah."
A pause.
"I think he's fighting for me right now."
Silence.
Chen Kai didn't respond immediately.
Then—
"…then you better be ready for what that costs."
Her chest tightened.
Because that was the part she couldn't ignore.
Later that evening—
Zhen Wei stepped out of the building.
The meeting was over.
But nothing was resolved.
Not really.
Because now—
Lines had been crossed.
Positions had been declared.
And there was no going back.