The Rose
In a vast garden, ten thousand roses bloom, each vying for attention. They all believe the same thing: only those chosen by human hands are truly beautiful. Every day, passersby wander through the thicket, plucking the most radiant blossoms.
In a quiet corner, a single rose sways in the wind, waiting in silent anticipation.
One evening, a shadow falls over it, and a hand reaches out. The rose's heart leaps—it believes it has finally been chosen.
But in the next instant, a cold voice sneers: "So, it's just an ugly one."
And just like that, it is cast down, thrown into the dirt.
Prologue: The Night of the Cake
"Nannan, Nannan." Six-year-old Chu Nannan was about to take a bite of the chocolate cake in her dream when her mother's urgent voice woke her. Opening her eyes, she saw the bedside lamp glowing. Her mother, whom she rarely saw, was sitting by the bed, her expression a little hard to read.
Still disappointed that she hadn't eaten her dream cake, Nannan noticed her mother holding a small chocolate cake. "Nannan, have this," her mother said. Nannan froze for a moment, because her mother rarely allowed her to have sweets at night.
Chocolate cake was Nannan's favorite treat. Afraid that her mother might change her mind, Nannan didn't ask any questions. She quickly took the cake from her mother's hand and ate it.
Her mother watched her eat tenderly. As Nannan finished, she hesitated, wondering if she should ask about brushing her teeth again. Before she could, her mother's gentle voice spoke: "Be a good girl, Nannan. I'm going to pick up your father. Wait for us."
A quick hug followed, and then her mother stood and left for the living room. Nannan sensed something was different today, and wanted to tell her not to go—but she stayed quiet, simply watching.
Her parents were rarely home. Her mother usually returned at midnight. Her father had been gone for years, and Nannan could barely remember his face.
The bedroom door was left slightly ajar. Nannan went to the doorway and peered through the gap. The butler, Uncle Qiang, and his wife, Aunt Mei, looked worried. Her mother whispered a few words to them, glanced once at Nannan's door, and then hurried out. Soon she heard the car start and drive away, followed by a heavy, complete silence.
Intro: The Engagement
The next morning, after washing and dressing, Mengying headed straight to the door of an elegant study.
Inside, a handsome young man was hunched over his laptop. She knocked lightly on the open door.
The man looked up and smiled. "Xiao Meng, did you sleep well? Please, come in." He stood up and gestured for her to enter.
"Mr. Sima, I've come to give you my answer," Mengying said, walking directly to him.
"Oh? You've made up your mind?" A flicker of surprise crossed Mr. Sima's face, then he added gently, "There's no need to rush your decision."
"There's no need to wait. I agree to your proposal, but I have a few conditions." Mengying lifted the sheet of paper in her hand and began to read:
"The Male Party must agree to the following terms proposed by the Female Party:
Identity Confidentiality: During her stay in Da Heng, the Female Party's true identity must remain undisclosed. The Male Party shall ensure the safety of the Female Party and her parents.Transfer Arrangements: The Female Party shall immediately transfer to a school in Da Heng. Her butler, Uncle Qiang, and nanny, Aunt Mei, must accompany her.Investigative Cooperation: The Female Party shall cooperate with the Male Party's investigative operations.Marital Constraint: No formal marriage shall take place until the Female Party graduates from university."
Mengying finished reading and lifted her eyes to Mr. Sima. Her voice was flat and steady."Mr. Sima, do you have any objections? Should I explain each point in detail?"
The young Mr. Sima replied with a smile. "Your terms are perfectly clear. I agree to all of them. I'm glad you've chosen to continue our engagement."
Yet to Mengying, that smile was completely unreadable.