Liang thought to herself, I want the flowers right in front of me… Then, flustered, she blurted out, "I want flowers that can be planted in our garden." The shopkeeper blinked. "Sorry, what?" She quickly clarified, "I mean flowers that can be planted at my house."
He nodded and led her toward the flower beds. Liang followed him eagerly like a loyal puppy.
"Which flowers do you like?" he asked with a gentle smile.
Liang thought to herself, Wow, I'm such a loser in love, I'm really saying this out loud. Then she answered confidently, "The flowers I like are tulips, carnations, orchids, and bird of paradise."
As he listed the names, Liang's chest puffed up with pride.
"Did you say bird of paradise?" she asked curiously. "Do birds actually build their paradise?"
He couldn't hold back his laughter and burst out chuckling.
"Did I say something wrong?" Liang asked, slightly worried.
"No, no," he said through his laughter, "Here, I'll show you." He pointed to the flower.
"It's amazing," Liang said, eyes wide. "Pack all these, I'll buy them now."
He laughed warmly. "Alright, I'll pack them up for you."
---
Meanwhile, I had just reached home and stared at my phone, debating whether to message him or not. Suddenly, an idea struck me. I typed nervously, I'll treat him one day.
I messaged him: "Dr. Lu, are you busy? I'm planning to treat you tomorrow at 5 PM. Are you free?"
After sending, I tossed my phone on the bed, heart pounding. When it hit the mattress, a notification popped up. I panicked, grabbing my phone like it was an exam result announcement.
He replied, "I'm free. I'll come at 5 PM. You decide the restaurant."
I was so happy I started dancing and quickly messaged back, "Okay!"
---
At the flower shop, Liang paid the bill and asked, "Do you remember me?"
He looked confused. "Can you remind me?"
"That day you bumped into me. Do you remember now?"
He paused for a moment and nodded, "Yeah, I remember."
Liang smiled triumphantly — mission accomplished.
She then asked, "How should I plant these? Like other plants or is there a special method?"
"You have to plant them according to the soil and depth," he explained.
"I don't know much about plants," Liang admitted. "Can you help me plant them?"
He blushed and looked flustered. "I'll come tomorrow."
She smiled, "Then I'll pick you up."
As she left, he watched her with a warm smile.