Chapter 48 Extra Chapter 4: If There Were No Apocalypse
I. The Beginning of Another World
In late autumn, when Wen Yu was twenty-six years old, in Haicheng.
The last of the plane tree leaves had just fallen, the streets were swept clean, and the afternoon sun filtered through the bare branches, casting dappled light on the asphalt. The air was slightly cool, carrying the city's unique scent, a mixture of coffee aromas, vehicle exhaust, and the distant sea breeze.
Wen Yu sat in his private office on the 28th floor of a high-end office building in the city center, having just finished a multinational video conference.
He took off his gold-rimmed glasses, rubbed his temples, and his gaze fell on an exquisite photo frame next to the computer—it contained a picture of him and Lu Jin skiing in Hokkaido last year. Both of them were wearing professional ski suits, arms around each other, smiling at the camera, with the vast snowfield and azure sky as the background.
The smile in the photo is impeccable. Just like everything he's accomplished in the past two years: graduating from a top law school, joining a top-tier law firm, quickly rising to prominence, becoming one of the partners' most promising young lawyers; buying a luxury apartment overlooking the river; dating a boyfriend from a similar family background, outstanding looks, and also working in finance. Every step has been precise, in line with expectations, and even "perfect."
If it weren't for that incident I stumbled upon last month.
Wen Yu put his glasses back on, his eyes behind the lenses calm and expressionless. He unlocked his phone; the screen was still displaying an encrypted folder. Inside were the materials, photos, spending records, hotel booking information, and more that he had collected through private channels over the past four weeks…
It pointed to a fact he wished he had never confirmed: Lu Jin, his fiancé whom he planned to marry next spring, had maintained close relationships with at least three different individuals over the past six months, going beyond ordinary friendship. One of them was even a direct relative of one of his important clients at his law firm. The time, place, spending records, and even some blurry but recognizable photos—the chain of evidence was nauseatingly complete.
Ironically, on two occasions, Lu Jin used the excuses of "entertaining clients" and "business trips out of town"—while Wen Yu was working through the night on those two days because of a merger and acquisition deal.
Disgusted? A little. But more than that, there was a cold, clear-headed feeling, and an almost absurd sense of confirmation, like "I knew it." Actually, there had been clues all along: the occasional unfamiliar scent of perfume on Lu Jin, the flickering look in his eyes, the perfunctory attitude towards the details of the wedding date... but he didn't want to think about it deeply, or perhaps, he was too lazy to think about it deeply.
After all, in the eyes of everyone around them, they were a "match made in heaven," and breaking up meant having to reinterpret, face gossip, and deal with a complicated shared social circle and assets—too much trouble.
Until the evidence was laid bare before them.
Wen Yu closed the folder, his expression unchanged. He was long past the age of losing control of his emotions over such matters. He even calmly analyzed the situation: directly breaking up was the simplest option, but Lu Jin's family had business dealings with his law firm, and a public falling out might affect his work; gradually distancing himself through a cold approach would take too long, and Lu Jin might not cooperate; perhaps, he could find a suitable opportunity to make Lu Jin "voluntarily" make an irreparable mistake, and then end things gracefully and without leaving any future troubles.
As I was pondering this, the internal phone rang. It was my secretary: "Attorney Wen, it's your mother, Ms. Wang, on the phone. Shall I answer it?"
Wen Yu frowned almost imperceptibly. "Bring him in."
Wang Xiujuan's deliberately raised voice, filled with complaint and urgency, came through the phone: "Xiaoyu, why aren't you answering your mother's call again? Mom needs to talk to you urgently! Your brother..."
Here we go again. Wen Yu listened expressionlessly. It was nothing new; Wen Lei had incurred gambling debts again, and people were blocking his door, demanding money—this time, a large sum. His mother tearfully recounted how pitiful her younger brother was and how vicious the other party was, ending with her usual refrain: "You're the older brother, and now you're so successful. You can't just abandon him! I'm begging you, this is the last time, truly the last time!"
Similar conversations have been repeated countless times over the past few years. The amounts have increased each time, and the promise of a "last time" has never been kept. At first, he would be angry and reason with them, but later all that remained was exhaustion and cold calculation. He had long ago cut off his unlimited financial support to his mother and brother, maintaining only the bare minimum of support that conformed to social norms. But clearly, they were not satisfied.
"Mom," Wen Yu said calmly after the sobbing on the other end of the phone subsided, her voice devoid of any emotion, "I made it very clear last time that I will no longer pay a single penny for Wen Lei's gambling debts. He has hands and feet and should be responsible for himself. If you are worried about him being harassed, I can help you contact a reliable security company, or you can call the police."
"You! How can you be so cold-blooded! He's your own brother!" Wang Xiujuan's voice became shrill.
"Precisely because he is my brother, I cannot indulge him." Wen Yu's tone remained calm. "There is no room for discussion on this matter. I have work to do, so I'll hang up now. Take care of yourself."
Without waiting for a response, he hung up the phone decisively and promptly put all his mother's and brother's numbers into Do Not Disturb mode. The world was quiet again.
He leaned back in his large leather office chair, gazing at the bustling city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The setting sun cast a warm golden hue over the glass curtain wall. There was no apocalypse, no zombies, no extreme cold or heat. This was an orderly, vibrant, and bustling modern metropolis, and he stood at its seemingly glamorous pinnacle.
Yet why did he still feel an emptiness, a draft, deep within his heart? Like a beautifully decorated, fully functional house, yet one that had never truly been inhabited by anyone. Lu Jin wasn't that person, nor were his mother and brother. He possessed so much, yet it seemed as if he had nothing truly his own.
Perhaps it's time for a complete cleanup. Not just his relationship with Lu Jin, but also that clingy, so-called "family affection" that constantly tries to draw nourishment from him. He needs a clean, refreshing space and life that he can completely control.
A thought suddenly flashed through his mind: What if, what if the world wasn't like this? What if order collapsed, civilization faded, and only the most primitive survival and struggle remained... Would he then have a clearer understanding of what he wanted?
The idea was utterly absurd. Wen Yu shook his head, banishing it from his mind. He pressed the call button on the table: "Anna, please cancel my dinner reservation with Mr. Lu tonight. Also, please cancel all my social engagements for the next two weeks; I want to rest."
"Okay, Attorney Wen."
II. The Flower Shop and the Uninvited Guest
Su Ran, carrying a large cardboard box of gardening tools and several bags of newly arrived potting soil, pushed open the back door of the "Greenhouse" flower shop with some difficulty. The afternoon sun slanted into the small backyard, casting a long, thin shadow of him. He was wearing faded denim overalls over a simple white T-shirt, and his black hair was damp with sweat, sticking to his smooth forehead.
"Phew—finally arrived." He placed the box on the stone table under the old locust tree in the courtyard, wiped his sweat, and a relieved smile appeared on his face. This box of tools was a second-hand professional item that he had saved up for several months to buy online. For his small flower shop, located on the edge of an old community and relying mainly on the support of his neighbors, it was a "huge" investment.
The flower shop is small, with a storefront facing the street filled with various potted plants and fresh flowers, arranged in a warm and compact manner; the back connects to this small courtyard, which he has gradually transformed into a seedling area, a work area, and a storage area for miscellaneous items. Although simple, every inch has been carefully tended to by him, and the plants grow lush and green, like a forgotten green island in this noisy and old neighborhood.
Su Ran loved this place. After graduating from university, he couldn't find a job related to his major. He worked odd jobs for several years before finally using the meager savings left by his grandmother, plus all his own savings, to take over this small shop in a cheap, out-of-the-way location. Although he didn't earn much money and could barely make ends meet, dealing with flowers, plants, and soil every day gave him an unprecedented sense of peace and contentment.
No need to worry about others' opinions or deal with complicated social situations; all you need to care about is whether the sunshine is good today, whether the rose bush has sprouted new buds, and whether the newly sown daisy seeds have broken through the soil.
He unpacked the cardboard box, took out the tools inside, and examined and wiped them one by one with great care. Professional pruning shears, grafting knives, a small sprayer... With these, he could try to cultivate more varieties and even take on some slightly more complex custom gardening jobs. Perhaps, things would slowly get better.
Just then, the clear sound of wind chimes came from the front shop—a customer had arrived.
Su Ran quickly put down her tools, dusted herself off, and strode into the shop.
It was a regular customer, Grandma Li, who lived in the next building. She came to buy two potted green plants to purify the air. Su Ran skillfully helped her choose two of the best-growing ones and carefully explained how to care for them. After seeing Grandma Li off, he was about to go back to the backyard to continue tidying up when the wind chimes rang again.
This time, however, it was a completely unfamiliar man who came in.
The man was tall, wearing a well-tailored dark gray long coat over a matching suit, without a tie, and the top button of his shirt was undone. He wasn't carrying a briefcase, and didn't look like a resident of the neighborhood, nor like someone who would buy flowers from a small community flower shop.
He was probably around twenty-five years old, with extremely handsome features, but that handsomeness carried a cold, sculpted quality. He had high brow bones, a straight nose, and thin, pursed lips. What was most striking were his eyes—deep-set, with a calm yet sharp gaze that seemed to penetrate appearances and reach the very core of a person. He exuded an aura of detachment and control that seemed completely out of place in this cozy, even somewhat messy, little flower shop, belonging to the elite class.
Su Ran felt a sudden tightness in his chest, a feeling akin to a small animal being unintentionally spotted by a large predator. But he immediately put on a professional smile and asked softly, "Hello, what kind of flowers would you like?"
Wen Yu's gaze swept across the shop. It was small, but exceptionally tidy. A complex fragrance of flowers and plants mingled with the scent of earth and moisture filled the air—not exactly pleasant, but undeniably authentic. Various potted plants and cut flowers were arranged with care, showing the owner's attention to detail. His gaze finally settled on Su Ran.
She was very young, probably in her early twenties. She looked… very clean-cut. Not the kind of exquisitely beautiful, but with fair skin, clear and gentle eyes, and a small, cute mole on the tip of her nose. She wore simple overalls and a white T-shirt, with a few specks of mud on her clothes. Her fingers were slender, her nails neatly trimmed, but with fine calluses at the knuckles. At that moment, she was looking at me with slightly wide eyes, a hint of barely perceptible nervousness in her gaze.
Like a child who has accidentally wandered into the adult world and hasn't fully grown up yet. Wen Yu thought to himself, but didn't show it on his face.
"Just browsing." His voice was flat, devoid of emotion. He really did just "randomly" walk in. After canceling dinner with Lu Jin, he was too lazy to go back to his deserted apartment, nor did he want to stay in the office, so he told his driver to leave early and wandered aimlessly along the riverbank, unknowingly turning into this old town area. This little flower shop, lit with warm yellow lights and radiating vitality in the twilight, inexplicably attracted him.
"Okay, take your time looking around. Feel free to call me anytime if you need any explanation." Su Ran nodded, stepped back behind the workbench, and pretended to organize the packaging papers, but couldn't help glancing at the man out of the corner of her eye.
The man examined the plants closely, but unlike typical customers, he didn't focus on price or the vibrancy of the flowers. He seemed to be observing the plants' condition, the soil moisture, and even the veins of the leaves. He stopped in front of a thriving Monstera deliciosa, reached out, and gently touched a glossy, thick leaf with his fingertips.
"This one is doing well," he suddenly said, his voice still flat.
Su Ran was taken aback by his sudden words and paused for a moment before quickly saying, "Ah, thank you. This potted plant is one of the oldest in the shop; it's been with me for three years."
"Three years?" Wen Yu looked up at him. "You've been in this position the whole time?"
"Yes, this place has the best diffused light and good ventilation. In the summer, we need to move it a little further back so it can't be exposed to direct sunlight." When talking about plants, Su Ran's tension dissipated a bit, and her tone became more natural.
Wen Yu nodded, said nothing more, and continued reading. He stopped in front of a shelf displaying succulents, where several plants were in poor condition, their leaves soft and dull in color.
Su Ran noticed his gaze and explained somewhat embarrassedly, "These potted plants were entrusted to a customer a few days ago. He said he was going away for a while, and when I brought them back, they weren't looking very healthy. I'm trying to save them."
"Too much water, the roots might have some problems. The soil is also wrong." Wen Yu said calmly. He squatted down and carefully examined the surface and bottom of the soil in one of the pots. "In this weather, with this soil mix, the water won't evaporate."
Su Ran's eyes widened in surprise. He was absolutely right. The succulents were using soil that the previous owner had brought with them; it looked like ordinary garden soil with very poor aeration. He was planning to repot them in the next few days. "You...you know how to grow flowers too?"
"I know a little bit." Wen Yu stood up and patted non-existent dust off his hands. His grandmother loved gardening, and he had lived with her for a few years when he was young. He was influenced by her from a young age, and coupled with his own strong observation and learning abilities, although he hadn't touched gardening for many years, he still had the basics.
"Then... do you think these potted plants can still be saved?" Su Ran couldn't help but ask, with a hint of seeking advice.
"Remove the bad roots, use breathable new soil, let it dry for a few days, then water it sparingly, and place it in a better ventilated area. There shouldn't be any major problems," Wen Yu said succinctly.
"Thank you!" Su Ran sincerely thanked him, feeling that this seemingly cold man was not so unapproachable after all. "Would you like to take a look at something else? We have some newly arrived lisianthus and tulips, they're very fresh."
Wen Yu followed his gaze to the buckets of fresh-cut flowers. They were vibrant and glistening under the lights. His eyes swept over the fiery red roses and delicate pink lilies, finally settling on a bucket of light blue hydrangeas.
The blue was special; it wasn't the common deep blue or bright blue, but a hazy blue with very low saturation and a grayish tone. The petals overlapped, forming a full and round flower ball, which looked particularly quiet and elegant among the surrounding bright flowers.
"What's this called?" he said, pointing to the bucket of hydrangeas.
"Ah, this is 'Endless Summer Bride,' a variety of hydrangea. The color changes depending on the soil's pH level; this blue hue is quite unique and has been very popular lately," Su Ran explained, carefully picking up a stem. "Should we wrap it up?"
Wen Yu looked at the blue flower ball trembling slightly in his hand, then at Su Ran's clear, questioning eyes. Buying flowers? He had never bought flowers for himself before. The decorative plants in the apartment were all maintained by the property management. But at this moment…
"Wrap one up," he said.
"Okay!" Su Ran smiled, his eyes crinkling, brightening his entire being. He skillfully selected flower branches, trimmed them, and wrapped them with elegant kraft paper and dark green ribbon, his movements gentle and efficient. Soon, a simple yet sophisticated bouquet of blue hydrangeas was presented to Wen Yu.
"Here's a care card for you. Just change the water and trim the roots, and it will bloom for a long time." Su Ran handed over the bouquet along with a handwritten card.
Wen Yu accepted the bouquet. It wasn't heavy, and a delicate fragrance wafted from it. He took out his wallet to pay, his gaze sweeping over Su Ran's soft hair that drooped down as she operated the cash register, and that small section of her fair nape.
"Thank you for your patronage." Su Ran handed him the change and receipt with a sincere smile.
Wen Yu nodded, took the bouquet, turned around, and pushed open the shop door. The wind chimes tinkled again.
He walked out of the flower shop and stood on the street as dusk deepened. He glanced back at the glass door gleaming with warm light, and at the slender figure inside, head bowed, tending to the plants again. The blue hydrangea in her hand bloomed silently in the city's neon lights.
For no reason, but he suddenly felt that the air tonight didn't seem so oppressive.
III. The second time, with a dog
Over the next few days, Wen Yu methodically advanced his "cleanup plan." He had a calm and thorough conversation with Lu Jin, without arguments or tears, just an analysis based on facts and interests.
He presented some evidence, expressed his decision to end the relationship, and proposed a solution that would be dignified and minimize losses for both parties—including how to explain to relatives and friends, how to handle joint property, and how to get along in social situations in the future.
Lu Jin was initially shocked, angry, and tried to defend herself, but faced with Wen Yu's unwavering gaze and the irrefutable evidence, she was ultimately left only with embarrassment and compromise. They reached an agreement to publicly announce that they had peacefully broken up due to "incompatibility in personality and future plans."
Dealing with his mother and younger brother was simpler. Wen Yu, through his lawyer, formally issued a letter stating that he would no longer assume any of Wen Lei's debts, but reserved the right to pursue certain past "loans."
At the same time, he adjusted the alimony payments to his mother, changing it to a fixed amount transferred to a dedicated card on a fixed date each month, with a note specifying that it would be used solely for his mother's basic living and medical expenses.
He cut off all unnecessary contact, blocked the relevant numbers, and informed the property management and security to prohibit the two people from entering his apartment and office building.
The world is too quiet.
On a weekend afternoon, Wen Yu finished processing the last document and shut down her computer. The large apartment was empty and quiet, with only the faint hum of the central air conditioning emanating from it. The blue hydrangea, arranged in a simple glass vase, sat on a low table by the study window. Several days later, it was still blooming beautifully, adding a touch of serene brightness to the cool-toned room.
He suddenly remembered the little flower shop and the young shop owner with the clear, innocent eyes. As if possessed, he changed into more casual clothes, told the driver not to follow him again, and walked out the door himself.
On a late autumn weekend afternoon, the old town was more lively than usual. The shops along the streets were all open, pedestrians came and went, elderly people sat by the roadside playing chess, and children chased and played, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Wen Yu walked through the familiar streets and arrived once again in front of the "Warm House" flower shop.
The shop door was open, and the wind chimes tinkled softly in the breeze. But there seemed to be no one inside. No one was behind the worktable, and no one was among the displayed flowers and plants.
Wen Yu paused, about to leave, when a slight commotion came from the backyard, mixed with suppressed whimpers from dogs and anxious soothing voices from young people.
"Don't be afraid, Ping An, it'll be alright soon... Be good, don't move..."
Wen Yu raised an eyebrow, hesitated for a moment, and then walked around the workbench towards the backyard.
The backyard was more cluttered than he had imagined, but also more vibrant. Various plants grew wherever they could be found, and tools and materials were neatly stacked. And at this moment, under the locust tree in the yard, Su Ran was kneeling on the ground, tightly embracing a…dog?
It was a rather large Alaskan Malamute, estimated to be seven or eight months old, with its frame already developed. Its coat was a standard black, white, and gray, and its face was very well-defined. At that moment, it was fidgeting restlessly, with one of its hind legs being carefully held in Su Ran's hand. Scattered around the dog were gauze, medicine bottles, scissors, and other items.
The dog seemed to be in a lot of pain, whimpering in its throat. Its wet blue eyes looked at Su Ran for help, but it didn't struggle or try to bite. It just kept nuzzling its head into Su Ran's arms.
Su Ran stood with his back to the door, completely focused on treating the dog's leg injury. Sweat dampened his bangs, which clung to his cheeks. As he worked, he kept soothing the dog in a low voice, "It's alright, it's alright, Ping An is the bravest, it'll stop hurting soon... Who was so mean to hurt Ping An's leg... Be good, just bear with it a little longer..."
His voice was soft and gentle, filled with genuine concern and anxiety, quite different from his mild shyness in the shop that day; it carried a stronger sense of determination.
Wen Yu stood at the door, not uttering a sound to disturb it. He could see clearly that the dog had a long laceration on its hind leg, bloody and stained with mud, looking like it had been scratched or bitten by something sharp. Su Ran was cleaning the wound with saline solution, her movements somewhat clumsy but very careful.
Seemingly sensing someone, the Alaskan Malamute named Ping An suddenly raised its head, its azure eyes looking towards the doorway, and let out a low, wary "woof" sound.
Su Ran then turned around abruptly and saw Wen Yu. She was clearly startled, and her hand instinctively tightened.
"Ouch—" Ping An shuddered in pain.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Ping An!" Su Ran quickly let go, then stroked the dog's head to comfort it before looking at Wen Yu in a flustered manner. "Y-it's you... I'm sorry, the shop is a bit messy, I..."
"Is it injured?" Wen Yu walked into the courtyard, his tone calm.
"Yeah, I don't know where it got scratched, it ran back like this and bled a lot." Su Ran looked at Ping An's wound, her brows furrowed, her eyes full of worry. "I was just about to treat it and take it to the vet, but the nearest vet is a 20-minute taxi ride away, and I'm afraid it'll struggle on the way..."
"The wound needs stitches." Wen Yu squatted down, examined the wound carefully, and determined, "You can't treat it yourself. Do you have a pet carrier or a larger cage? Put it in there to reduce movement. I'll drive you there."
Su Ran was stunned, not expecting this aloof man she had only met once to offer his help. "No, no need to trouble you, I..."
"No trouble at all. My car is parked at the intersection ahead." Wen Yu stood up, his tone decisive and leaving no room for argument. "Go find a cage. Also, get a large towel to cover it to reduce stress."
His tone carried a power that compelled people to obey. Su Ran glanced at Ping An, who was trembling with pain, then at Wen Yu's calm face, and gritted her teeth: "Well... thank you! The cage is over there in the corner, I'll go get it!"
Soon, Su Ran found a slightly worn pet carrier, and with Wen Yu's help, the two carefully coaxed Ping An inside. Ping An seemed to know they were helping it; although scared, it cooperated fairly. Su Ran then grabbed one of her old coats and covered the carrier with it.
Wen Yu's car, a low-key yet high-performance black SUV, was parked at the alley entrance. He helped Su Ran move the flight case into the spacious trunk. Su Ran, carrying the medicine box and towels, sat in the passenger seat, thanking him repeatedly.
"Fasten your seatbelts." Wen Yu started the car and smoothly merged into the traffic. He drove steadily, but at a considerable speed, clearly familiar with the road conditions.
The carriage was quiet, save for the rustling of Ping An in its carrier and occasional sobs. Su Ran nervously glanced back every now and then, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.
"Don't worry, the wound looks scary, but it didn't damage any major blood vessels or bones. With timely cleaning and suturing, the prognosis should be good," Wen Yu said suddenly, looking straight ahead.
Su Ran turned to look at him in surprise: "You...you know about this?"
"We used to have a dog at home, and I've treated similar injuries before," Wen Yu said briefly. Actually, it was his grandmother's hunting dog that was once severely scratched by a bush, and he learned emergency treatment from the family veterinarian.
"Oh..." Su Ran breathed a slight sigh of relief, but her brows were still furrowed. "Ping An is a very well-behaved person and never runs around outside. I don't know what happened to him today; he came back like this... There are a lot of cars and people around here..."
How big is it?
"It's about seven months old. I found it next to the garbage dump three months ago. It was thin and small and sickly, so I brought it home." Su Ran's eyes softened when she talked about Ping An. "It is very sensible. It never barks or causes damage. It likes to lie in the sun at the shop entrance or help me take care of the flowers and plants."
"The name is good," Wen Yu said.
Su Ran smiled a little shyly: "I hope it will be safe and sound from now on."
They arrived at the pet hospital quickly. Wen Yu parked the car and helped Su Ran unload the pet carrier. The pet hospital was quite crowded on the weekend, but Wen Yu seemed to have connections. He made a phone call, and soon an assistant doctor came and guided them directly into a treatment room through a side door.
After a professional veterinary examination, the conclusion was similar to Wen Yu's assessment: anesthesia, debridement, and suturing were necessary. Su Ran's hand trembled slightly as he signed the surgical consent form. Wen Yu stood beside him and silently handed him a pen.
While waiting for the surgery, the two sat on a bench outside the treatment room. Su Ran was restless, constantly staring at the "Operation in Progress" indicator light. Wen Yu, on the other hand, leaned back quietly, closing his eyes to rest.
"Um... thank you so much for today." Su Ran thanked her again solemnly, her voice a little dry from nervousness, "Otherwise, I really wouldn't know what to do... I'll pay you back for the medical expenses, and the gas money too..."
"No need." Wen Yu opened her eyes, glanced at him, and said, "It's nothing."
"That won't do…" Su Ran insisted.
"If you really feel bad about it," Wen Yu interrupted him, his gaze sweeping over Su Ran's mud- and blood-stained overalls and his canvas shoes, which were a little dirty from running so fast, "when it's all better, buy me a cup of tea. Use the flower tea from your shop."
Su Ran was taken aback, meeting Wen Yu's calm gaze. There was no charity, no pity, and no probing that made him uncomfortable; it was simply a simple, equal... exchange.
"…Okay." He nodded, a faint, genuine smile finally appearing on his face. "The flower tea in my shop is all homemade, and it tastes pretty good."
"Mmm," Wen Yu responded, closing his eyes again.
The surgery went smoothly. A little over an hour later, Ping An was wheeled out, her legs wrapped in thick gauze and wearing an Elizabethan collar. The anesthesia hadn't completely worn off, and she looked dazed and a little pitiful. The doctor explained the precautions, prescribed medication, and scheduled a time to remove the stitches.
On the way back, Ping An fell asleep in her carrier. The carriage became even quieter.
"You run a shop all by yourself and keep such a big dog, isn't it hard?" Wen Yu suddenly asked while waiting at a red light.
Su Ran was looking at Ping An in the back seat when he heard this. He turned around, thought for a moment, and said, "It's a bit tiring, but I'm very happy. It's my own shop, so I can do whatever I want with it. Ping An may eat a lot, but it keeps me company. It's waiting for me when I get home, and when the shop is busy, it lies at the door like a little security guard. And," he smiled, his eyes clear, "watching them—those flowers, and Ping An—grow up well and become energetic makes me feel especially at ease and energized."
His tone was calm, without complaint or boasting, simply stating what he considered his normal way of life. Wen Yu glanced at him in the rearview mirror. The young man had soft features in profile, his eyes gazing at the lights flowing outside the window, exuding a tranquil contentment beyond his years.
Down-to-earth, energetic. Wen Yu savored these two words. His life was filled with numbers, cases, interests, insincere social interactions, and those sticky demands. He hadn't felt "down-to-earth" in a long time, and as for "energetic"... it was mostly driven by a sense of responsibility and competitiveness.
After taking Su Ran and Ping An back to the flower shop and helping him move the airline crate into the temporary resting corner in the backyard (Su Ran insisted on not letting Ping An sleep in the cold cage, so she laid out a thick mat for it), Wen Yu prepared to say goodbye.
"Thank you so much for today!" Su Ran saw him to the shop entrance and bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle. "Once you're all better, I'll definitely treat you to tea! The best kind!"
Wen Yu almost laughed at his overly formal manner, but her face remained expressionless as she simply nodded: "Okay. My surname is Wen, Wen Yu. Wen as in warmth, Yu as in island."
"Mr. Wen!" Su Ran said quickly, "My name is Su Ran, Su as in Suzhou, and Ran as in natural."
"Su Ran." Wen Yu repeated the name, then nodded. "I'll remember. Take good care of it, and take good care of yourself too. I'm leaving."
"Take care, Mr. Wen!"
Watching the black SUV disappear around the street corner, Su Ran finally breathed a sigh of relief. He returned to the backyard, squatted down beside Ping An, and gently stroked its fluffy head. Ping An twitched its ears in its sleep and rubbed against his palm.
"Ping An, we've met some good people," Su Ran said softly, a warm smile on her face.
Meanwhile, Wen Yu drove through the city's dazzling nightscape. A faint scent, a mixture of flowers, earth, and disinfectant, seemed to linger in the passenger seat. He suddenly felt that this weekend evening, which he had originally planned to spend at home dealing with emails, wasn't so boring after all.
IV. Flower Tea, and the Approaching Footsteps
Ping An recovered quickly. Young people's healing ability is always amazing, and so is the dog. On the day the stitches were removed, Su Ran specially sent Wen Yu a text message—a message Wen Yu left for him after taking them to the hospital that day, saying that Ping An could contact him if anything happened.
The text message was brief, polite yet slightly cautious: "Hello Mr. Wen, this is Su Ran. Ping An had her stitches removed today, and the doctor said she's recovering very well. When would be a convenient time for you to have some tea? [smiley face]"
Wen Yu was in a meeting when he received the text message. He glanced at it but didn't reply immediately. After the meeting, he returned to his office, picked up his phone, and replied with two words: "Tomorrow afternoon."
At three o'clock the next afternoon, Wen Yu appeared on time at the entrance of the "Warm House" flower shop. He wasn't wearing a suit today, but a soft charcoal gray cashmere sweater, matching casual trousers, and a dark jacket over it. He looked less cold and aloof than a typical business elite, but his overall demeanor still seemed out of place in this old street.
Ping An spotted him first, running out of the backyard with a "da da da" sound. His legs were still a little unsteady, but he was full of energy, wagging his tail like a propeller. He sniffed around Wen Yu's legs, making cheerful whimpering sounds.
"Ping An, stop fooling around." Su Ran followed him out, and her eyes lit up when she saw Wen Yu. "Mr. Wen, you've arrived! Please come in."
He had taken the time to tidy himself up today, wearing a clean, off-white sweater. His hair was smooth, and he looked refreshing and warm. The shop had been carefully cleaned, and teaware was laid out on the worktable—not delicate porcelain, but a simple, rough earthenware pot and two matching cups. A small iron kettle sat on a small charcoal stove nearby, the water just about to boil, wisps of white steam rising from it. A small square table had been moved to the sunniest spot by the window, covered with an indigo-dyed tablecloth, and a small dish of homemade cookies sat on it.
"It's a small place, please don't mind." Su Ran said a little embarrassedly, inviting Wen Yu to sit down. Then he skillfully warmed the cups and served the tea. He was using a blended flower tea, which contained dried roses, chrysanthemums, goji berries, and a few leaves he didn't recognize. The colors were very beautiful.
As hot water is poured over it, a rich floral and fruity aroma instantly fills the room, carrying a sweet scent that washes away the earthy smell of flowers and herbs.
"This is a tea I made myself with golden-edged roses and chrysanthemum buds, plus a little dried tangerine peel and goji berries. It's calming and soothing, perfect for autumn." Su Ran placed a cup of clear, golden tea in front of Wen Yu, then sat down opposite him, looking at him expectantly.
Wen Yu picked up the cup, first taking a sniff; the aroma was delightful. Taking a small sip, she found the temperature just right, the taste mellow and smooth, with a refreshing sweetness. It lacked the artificial flavoring of commercially available flower teas, offering a very natural and pleasant taste.
"Very good," he commented.
Su Ran smiled immediately, her eyes crinkling as if she had received tremendous affirmation. "I'm glad you like it! We don't have much else in the shop, but we have plenty of flowers and tea. If you happen to be passing by in the future, feel free to come in for a cup anytime."
Wen Yu nodded, took another sip of tea, and slowly scanned the shop. Compared to the previous two times, he looked more carefully this time. Although the shop was small, every detail showed the owner's care.
The plants were generally in excellent condition, and the price tags were handwritten in neat handwriting. In the corner were several small flowerpots made from recycled glass bottles and tin cans, filled with dried flowers or greenery—a charming touch. On one corner of the workbench lay an open gardening book and notebook, densely covered with notes.
"How long has the shop been open?" Wen Yu asked.
"It's been almost two years," Su Ran replied. "It was quite difficult at first. Not many people knew about it, and I couldn't keep things healthy. Later, I gradually figured it out, and with the help of the neighbors, I managed to stay afloat. But I really like it here." As he spoke, his eyes softened as he looked at the plants filling the room. "Looking at them every day brings me a special sense of peace."
"It must be very hard work for one person to manage it."
"It's alright, you'll get used to it. During peak season, we'll hire a part-time student to help out. Usually, it's just me and Ping An." Su Ran said, patting Ping An's head as he lay at his feet. Ping An comfortably squinted his eyes.
"Haven't you thought about doing something else? Like, going to a bigger florist?" Wen Yu looked at Su Ran's skillful but calloused hands. With his skills and patience, he could earn much more at a high-end florist or club than here.
Su Ran shook his head, his smile faint but firm: "Big companies have too many rules and aren't free. I just want to stay in my little place, grow some flowers I like, and sell them to people who like them. It's not much money, but it's enough, and I feel at peace." He paused, then looked at Wen Yu, "Mr. Wen is someone who does great things, isn't he? You seem different from people here."
"Nothing's different," Wen Yu said calmly. "It's still working, dealing with troubles, and making a living." It's just that the "troubles" he deals with and the "livelihood" he makes are on different levels.
The two chatted casually. Su Ran did most of the talking, about his flowers, how he found Ping An, his failed planting experiences, and amusing anecdotes from the neighborhood. Wen Yu mostly listened, occasionally asking a question or offering a simple comment. The atmosphere wasn't lively, but it possessed a strange peace and tranquility. The afternoon sun streamed warmly through the glass window, bathing them in its glow, and the air was filled with the mingled scents of tea and flowers; time seemed to slow down.
After finishing his tea, Wen Yu prepared to leave. Su Ran quickly packed a small packet of mixed flower tea and insisted on giving it to him: "Take this back with you, it helps with sleep. And this," he took out a small ceramic pot from under his workbench, inside which was a small, elegant plant with silver-white leaves, "This is'Silver Leaf Chrysanthemum,' it's very easy to grow, doesn't require much care, and looks refreshing in the study or office."
Wen Yu looked at the vibrant little plant that had been carefully handed to him, and at the sincere gratitude and expectation in the young man's eyes. After a few seconds of silence, he accepted it. "Thank you."
"I should be thanking you!" Su Ran quickly waved her hand and saw him to the door. "Take care, Mr. Wen. Come again when you have time!"
Carrying the potted silver chrysanthemum and the small bag of flower tea back to the car, Wen Yu looked in the rearview mirror at the young man standing at the shop entrance waving at him with a clean smile, until the car turned and the figure disappeared.
He placed the potted silver chrysanthemum on the passenger seat. In the afternoon light, the small plant's leaves shimmered with tiny silver light, quiet yet full of vitality.
For a while afterward, Wen Yu didn't "come back when he had time." The end of the year is the busiest time for law firms, with mergers and acquisitions, year-end liquidations, various negotiations, and social engagements coming one after another. He continued his efficient, precise, and somewhat aloof elite lifestyle. Only occasionally, after working overtime late into the night, returning to his empty apartment, would he subconsciously glance at the thriving silver chrysanthemum by the window, or brew a cup of flower tea that Su Ran had given him. The delicate fragrance could instantly dispel some of the fatigue and that familiar sense of emptiness.
He completely lost contact with Lu Jin, and heard that Lu Jin quickly found a new love and was still active in various social circles. His mother and younger brother seemed to have calmed down as well, and stopped causing any trouble. Life seemed to have returned to normal, a normalcy he once thought he needed—clean, efficient, and completely under his control.
Until early January, Haicheng was hit by a blizzard that hadn't been seen in many years.
The snow began to fall at dusk, starting as fine flakes and then turning into a heavy, blanketing blanket. Wen Yu finished a business dinner, but his driver was stuck in traffic, so he decided to walk back to his nearby apartment. The wind and snow were fierce; even in a cashmere coat, the chill seeped into his bones. Cars moved with difficulty on the streets, and pedestrians were few and far between.
As he passed through the old town, he inexplicably turned into that familiar alley. The light from the "Nuanfang" flower shop shone like a faint but persistent warm yellow dot in the midst of the swirling snow and the early nightfall.
The shop door was closed, but the lights were still on. Through the icy glass window, you could see figures moving inside, and faint...dog barking? Not the usual gentle whimpering, but angry and warning barks, along with the shouts of a strange man.
Wen Yu frowned, strode forward, and pushed open the shop door.
The sound of the wind chimes was drowned out by the wind, snow, and noise inside the shop. The scene inside the shop made Wen Yu's eyes instantly turn cold.
Two shady-looking men, reeking of alcohol, were blocking the door to the backyard, trying to force their way in. Su Ran stood there with her arms outstretched, her face pale, her lips tightly pressed together, her eyes filled with feigned composure and barely concealed fear.
There was a noticeable red swelling on his forehead, as if he had been pushed or bumped. Ping An stood in front of Su Ran, and despite his hind leg injury not long after it healed, he still bravely bared his teeth and growled at the two strangers, his fur standing on end, trying to intimidate them.
"Kid, if you know what's good for you, hand over your valuables! It's freezing cold, what's wrong with us guys lending you some money?" A man wearing a woolen hat shouted, reeking of alcohol, and reached out to push Su Ran again.
"There's no cash in the store! The only valuable things we have are these flowers! If you don't leave, I'll call the police!" Su Ran's voice trembled, but she didn't back down an inch, clutching an old cell phone tightly in her hand.
"Call the police? Do you think they'll get there in this weather?" Another man in a tattered down jacket grinned maliciously, his gaze sweeping over Su Ran's face and the shop with ill intent. "No money? I think your looks are worth quite a bit..."
Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly felt a chill on the back of his neck, and an irresistible force yanked him backward! He staggered and almost fell, and before he could react, he was struck hard in the abdomen! The excruciating pain made him curl up like a shrimp and fall to the ground, howling in agony.
The other accomplice, wearing a wool hat, turned around in astonishment, only to see a tall, dark figure appear behind him at some unknown time. Backlit, his face was obscured, but a chilling aura emanated from him. He tried to resist, but his wrist was seized by a pair of iron clamps and twisted in the opposite direction!
A slight, crisp "crack" was followed by a pig-like scream.
"Get out." Wen Yu's voice was not loud, and even had little inflection, but amidst the wind, snow and wails filling the room, it was like a blade quenched with ice, carrying a deadly chill.
The two thugs were now mostly sober. When they saw Wen Yu's appearance and aura, they didn't dare to cause any more trouble. They scrambled out of the shop with their injured companion and disappeared into the snowstorm.
The wind whipped snowflakes in. Wen Yu slammed the door shut, keeping the wind and snow out. The shop fell silent instantly, save for Ping An's low, wary growl and the hissing sound of water about to boil on the stove.
Wen Yu turned around and looked at Su Ran.
The young man remained with his arms outstretched, staring blankly at him, his face pale, only showing redness and swelling on his forehead and lingering fear in his eyes. He looked so frail, standing amidst the flowers and plants, like a seedling that could be broken by the wind and snow at any moment.
Wen Yu walked up to him, reached out, and gently touched the wound on his forehead with her fingertips. "Does it hurt?"
The cool fingertips touched his skin, and Su Ran shuddered, as if just recovering from a huge shock. He blinked, his long eyelashes seemingly still damp. He looked at Wen Yu, who was so close to him, and those deep eyes no longer held their usual aloofness and indifference, but rather clear concern, and even… a trace of lingering hostility?
"N-nothing..." Su Ran's voice was hoarse. He lowered his arm, his body trembling slightly from lingering fear. "Mr. Wen...how are you..."
"Just passing by." Wen Yu said succinctly, withdrawing his hand and frowning slightly. "Do they often come here to cause trouble?"
"No, it wasn't...the first time." Su Ran lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously clutching the hem of his sweater. "Maybe it's because it's snowing, there aren't many people on the streets...and I was alone..." His voice trailed off, filled with regret and lingering fear. If Wen Yu hadn't shown up tonight...
"Is there CCTV footage in the store?" Wen Yu asked.
Su Ran shook her head: "I didn't pretend... I didn't think it was necessary."
Wen Yu didn't say anything, turned around and walked to the workbench, picked up Su Ran's phone, fiddled with it for a few seconds, and dialed a number: "Officer Li, it's me, Wen Yu. I need your help with something. At the 'Warm House' flower shop on Chang'an Road, two people who appeared to be drunk broke in and attempted to rob the shop, and they even got physical. They ran west; one was wearing a dark blue down jacket, and the other was wearing a gray woolen hat. Yes, the shop owner was injured. Okay, thank you."
He hung up the phone and handed it back to the stunned Su Ran: "The police will handle it. Remember, in the future, when something like this happens, protecting yourself is the most important thing. It's okay to give them your things. Also," he paused, his tone serious, "I'll have someone install a surveillance and alarm system for you tomorrow. When you run a shop alone, you can't skimp on security measures."
Holding her phone, Su Ran watched Wen Yu calmly handle and arrange everything. The tension in her heart suddenly eased, replaced by an indescribable feeling of grievance and lingering fear, and... an overwhelming sense of relief. Her eyes welled up with tears.
"Thank you... Mr. Wen..." he choked up, and tears finally rolled down his cheeks. He didn't wail, but wept silently, like a child who had finally found someone to rely on.
Seeing him cry, Wen Yu felt a sudden pang of tenderness in his heart. He sighed, took a step forward, hesitated for a moment, and then reached out and, very gently and clumsily, patted Su Ran's trembling shoulder.
"It's alright," he said softly, his voice gentle to the point that he himself didn't even realize. "I'm here."
Ping An also came over, rubbing his wet nose against Su Ran's hand and then against Wen Yu's trouser leg, letting out a comforting whimper.
The wind and snow continued to rage outside the window, but inside the small shop, the fire burned brightly, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, someone silently watched over the place, and a loyal dog kept them company. At that moment, it seemed as if all the cold and danger had been shut out in another world.
V. Getting Closer, to Different Temperatures
After that night, Wen Yu kept his word. The next afternoon, a professional security company came to install high-definition surveillance cameras and door/window sensor alarms for the "warm house" flower shop, connecting them directly to Su Ran's phone and the nearby police station. The efficiency astonished Su Ran. He wanted to pay, but Wen Yu cut him off with, "It's a friend's company, cost price."
Feeling guilty, Su Ran could only try to "repay" him with flowers, herbs, and tea. Wen Yu didn't seem to mind; every few days, he would "pass by" the flower shop, sometimes in the afternoon, sometimes in the evening. He didn't always buy anything; he might just sit for a while, have a cup of tea, check on Ping An, or watch Su Ran tend to the plants, occasionally exchanging a few words. He still didn't talk much, but Su Ran could sense that beneath this man's cold exterior lay an unknown tenderness and gentleness.
He would notice which plants were not doing well and give precise advice; he would lend a hand when Su Ran was carrying heavy objects; he would remember the date when the stitches were safely removed and remind Su Ran to take it for a follow-up check-up; and once, when Su Ran casually mentioned that a certain out-of-print gardening book was hard to find, a few days later, that book appeared on the workbench in excellent condition.
Su Ran's understanding of Wen Yu gradually increased. He knew Wen Yu was a very capable lawyer, extremely busy with work, and frequently traveling the world. He knew Wen Yu liked sweets but didn't particularly like chocolate. He knew that although Wen Yu appeared aloof, he was actually very perceptive and had amazing observational skills. He also knew that Wen Yu had a recently broken-up ex-boyfriend, and... seemed to have a distant relationship with his family.
Some of this information was mentioned by Wen Yu occasionally, while some was observed by Su Ran himself. He never inquired actively; if Wen Yu spoke, he listened; if he didn't speak, he didn't ask. He felt that for someone like Mr. Wen to be willing to stop at his little flower shop, have a cup of tea, and exchange a few words was already a great trust and... fate? He cherished this peaceful interaction, like cherishing every rare plant he had painstakingly nurtured.
As for Wen Yu, his visits to the flower shop gradually exceeded the "occasional" frequency he had set for himself. He found himself getting into the habit of detouring to that old street and pushing open the glass door with the wind chimes when he was tired or irritable. The fragrance of flowers and plants in the shop, Su Ran's gentle voice, Ping An's warm welcome, and the perfectly warm cup of flower tea were like a silent comfort, quickly washing away the coldness and weariness that surrounded him.
His gaze towards Su Ran subtly shifted. At first, it might have been curiosity, an appreciation for that rare tranquility in a turbulent world. Later, it deepened with pity, a desire to protect this young man who worked so hard on his own, his eyes clear and bright. And then… he began to crave the strange peace and contentment he felt when he was by Su Ran's side. It was a feeling he had never experienced in any high-class setting, among any elites.
He realized that Su Ran was more than just "an interesting florist" to him. A deeper, more indefinable emotion was quietly growing within him. This surprised him somewhat, but he didn't resist it. He had always known what he wanted and was adept at scheming to get it. But this time, the object was Su Ran, and he didn't want to use any calculations or tricks.
Before the Spring Festival, Wen Yu took on a cross-border merger and acquisition case, which required him to travel to Europe for three weeks. Before leaving, he went to the flower shop one last time to tell Su Ran that he would be going abroad for a while.
"It's been so long..." Su Ran was repotting a Phalaenopsis orchid when she heard this. She paused, looked up, and a fleeting look of disappointment crossed her eyes, but it was quickly covered by a smile. "Then please be careful on your journey. It must be very cold there now, right? Bring more clothes."
"Hmm." Wen Yu looked at his mud-splattered fingers and smooth forehead, and suddenly asked, "How are you spending the Spring Festival?"
"I'll just spend it with Ping An." Su Ran smiled, not caring much. "The shop will be open until the 29th of the lunar year. I'll take a few days off, tidy up the yard, and make some good food for Ping An."
"Not going home?"
Su Ran shook his head, his smile fading slightly: "My parents separated a long time ago and each have their own families. I was raised by my maternal grandmother, and after she passed away, I was all alone." He spoke calmly, but Wen Yu could hear the loneliness beneath that calmness.
Just like him. Wen Yu thought to himself. However, his loneliness stemmed from active isolation and betrayal, while Su Ran's seemed to be more of a helpless, passive acceptance.
"I'll probably be back the day before New Year's Eve," Wen Yu suddenly said. "If you don't mind, can I come over on New Year's Eve? It's always more fun with two people than one."
Su Ran's eyes widened suddenly, staring at him in disbelief, seemingly unable to process what was happening. Wen Yu... was going to spend the New Year with him?
"Of course I don't mind!" Su Ran's face flushed slightly, but her eyes shone brightly, like stars had fallen into them. "It's just... my place is very small, and there's not much good food here..."
"It's okay." Wen Yu interrupted him, a barely perceptible curve appearing at the corner of her lips. "I can still afford to provide Ping An with dog food."
Su Ran was amused by his rare joke and nodded vigorously: "Then it's a deal! I'll wait for you to come back!"
The three-week business trip was busy and packed with activities. Wen Yu's efficiency was as high as ever; negotiations, meetings, and document processing were all handled in an orderly manner. But on foreign nights, standing alone in front of the hotel's floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the unfamiliar lights outside, he would occasionally drift off into thought, remembering the little shop in Haicheng filled with the fragrance of flowers, remembering Su Ran's gentle profile as she bent down to trim the flower branches, and remembering the feeling of Ping An's fluffy head nuzzling against his palm.
He thought he had probably been defeated. Defeated by a young man who grew flowers, and willingly so.
The day before Lunar New Year's Eve, Wen Yu returned to China as scheduled. The huge time difference and the exhaustion from working non-stop made him look a little pale. But instead of going back to his apartment, he had his driver take him directly to the old town.
The car stopped at the alley entrance, and he got out with his suitcase. The old street was exceptionally quiet after the snowfall, with most shops closed for the Lunar New Year. Only the lights of the "Nuanfang" flower shop shone warmly, like a small lighthouse in the twilight.
He pushed open the shop door, and the wind chimes tinkled.
Su Ran was standing with his back to the door, tiptoeing as he pasted Spring Festival couplets on the lintel. Hearing the sound, he turned around, saw Wen Yu, and his face instantly lit up with an undisguised, radiant smile.
"Mr. Wen! You're back!"
He was still holding half a piece of tape in his hand when he jumped off the stool and strode over. Today he was wearing a red sweater, which made his skin look even whiter and his eyes even brighter. He was radiating the joy of the holiday and the delight of seeing him.
"Yeah, just got off the plane." Wen Yu looked at his smile, and the fatigue of the past few days seemed to vanish. He noticed a little red paper scrap on Su Ran's cheek.
"Was the journey smooth? Are you tired? Sit down and rest, I'll make some tea!" Su Ran hurriedly greeted them, then called out to the backyard, "Ping An! Look who's back!"
Ping An came running out with a "tap tap tap" sound. When it saw Wen Yu, it excitedly jumped on him, its tail wagging so fast it was almost a blur. Wen Yu, unusually, didn't dodge. Instead, he squatted down and ruffled its fluffy head. "Looks like you've gotten fatter."
"It misses you so much, it goes to the door to look for you several times a day," Su Ran said with a smile as she brewed tea, her tone carrying an intimacy she herself didn't realize.
Wen Yu's heart softened. He stood up and walked behind Su Ran. Su Ran was focused on putting tea leaves into the teapot, her slender nape glowing softly under the light, the red scrap of paper standing out starkly against her fair cheek.
Wen Yu reached out and gently wiped away the scrap of paper with the pad of his thumb.
The cool fingertips touched the warm skin, and Su Ran's body stiffened abruptly, as if he had been frozen in time. He slowly turned his head, tilted his head back, and looked at Wen Yu, who was so close. They were too close; he could see his own reflection in Wen Yu's deep eyes, the faint dark circles under his eyes, his high, straight nose, and... his slightly pursed, beautifully shaped lips.
Wen Yu looked at him too. The young man's clear eyes reflected the light and his shadow. His long eyelashes trembled slightly with surprise, and his cheeks flushed crimson at a visible speed, spreading all the way to his ears. That red was more vivid and lively than the sweater he was wearing.
Time seemed to stand still at that moment. The air was filled with the aroma of tea and flowers, and the sound of our increasingly rapid heartbeats.
Ping An tilted its head, looking at its two motionless owners, completely bewildered.
In the end, Wen Yu took a half step back first, his expression returning to its usual calm, though something was subtly surging deep within his eyes. "It got stuck to something," he explained, his voice lower and hoarse than usual.
"…Oh." Su Ran lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously tugging at the hem of his sweater, his face burning with heat. He felt the small patch of skin that Wen Yu had touched was scorching hot.
The atmosphere between the two became subtly different in the following time. They continued chatting and drinking tea, with Su Ran enthusiastically showing Wen Yu the ingredients he had prepared for the New Year's Eve dinner—not many, but very thoughtful, including fish, meat, and a few side dishes he had specially learned to make. Wen Yu listened quietly, occasionally adding a detail or two about New Year's customs that Su Ran had missed or that he himself hadn't noticed.
As night fell, sporadic firecrackers began to sound in the distance. Su Ran closed the shop and busied herself in the small kitchen in the backyard. Wen Yu wanted to help, but Su Ran firmly pushed him away, so he could only stay with Ping An in the small living room to watch TV—in reality, neither of them really paid attention.
The small square table was laden with steaming dishes. Though not as elaborate as those in a grand hotel, each dish exuded the warmth and care of home. Su Ran opened a bottle of her homemade plum wine and poured a small glass for each of them.
"Mr. Wen, Happy New Year!" Su Ran raised her glass, her eyes sparkling.
"Happy New Year, Su Ran." Wen Yu raised his glass and gently clinked it with his. The plum wine was sweet and sour, refreshing and warm as it went down his throat.
The two chatted as they ate, their conversation covering a wide range of topics. Su Ran spoke of spending Chinese New Year with his grandmother when he was a child, his eyes filled with nostalgia. Wen Yu, unusually, briefly mentioned his deceased grandfather and his grandmother who loved gardening, his tone calm, but Su Ran could sense the warmth beneath that calmness.
The Spring Festival Gala was on TV, bustling and noisy, while firecrackers outside grew louder and louder. Ping An, having eaten his fill, dozed off at their feet. The small space was filled with the aroma of food, the gentle buzz of wine, and an indescribable, comforting warmth.
"Actually," Wen Yu put down his chopsticks, looked at Su Ran's cheeks, which were slightly flushed from the smell of alcohol, and suddenly spoke, his voice standing out clearly in the noisy background, "If it weren't for… some unexpected events, I originally planned to get married next spring."
Su Ran paused in her act of picking up food, looking at him in surprise. Wen Yu had never mentioned his ex-boyfriend before.
"However, we found out some things later and broke up." Wen Yu's tone was very calm, as if he were talking about someone else's business. "He... wasn't suitable to spend a lifetime with."
Su Ran didn't know how to respond, so she just gave a soft "hmm," feeling inexplicably tense inside.
"I used to think," Wen Yu continued, his gaze fixed on Su Ran's face, deep and focused, "that life is like running a company or handling a case. You need to have a clear goal, a well-defined plan, eliminate distractions, and maximize your profits. Relationships are the same; as long as you're well-matched, evenly matched, and each gets what they need, that's fine."
He paused, then gave a self-deprecating smirk: "Sounds boring, doesn't it?"
Su Ran shook her head and said softly, "I'm just... a little tired."
Wen Yu smiled, a faint smile, but the genuine joy reached his eyes. "Yes, it's exhausting. And no matter how much I gain, my heart is still empty." He looked out at the dazzling night sky, then turned back to look at Su Ran, "until I walked into a small flower shop and met a young man who grew flowers, and a dog named Ping An."
Su Ran's heart skipped a beat.
"There, I drank a cup of tea at the perfect temperature, saw a silver chrysanthemum that never seemed to die no matter how I cared for it, and heard a lot of 'useless' knowledge about how to make a flower bloom better." Wen Yu's voice was deep and calm, every word striking Su Ran's heart. "I began to think that perhaps life doesn't have to be so 'useful' or so 'precise.' Perhaps 'down-to-earth' and 'energetic' are more important than any contract or number."
He leaned slightly closer, closing the distance between them. Su Ran could smell his refreshing and pleasant scent, mixed with a faint aroma of wine.
"Su Ran," Wen Yu called his name, his gaze like a deep pool, as if trying to draw him in, "I'm probably much older than you, and my life experiences and way of thinking are very different from yours. My world is sometimes very complicated, even a bit… cold. But when I'm with you, I feel very warm and peaceful. It's like I've found a place where I can completely relax and be myself."
He reached out and gently grasped Su Ran's hand, which was resting on the table and slightly curled up due to nervousness. Su Ran's hand was cold, and her fingertips trembled slightly.
"I know this is a bit sudden, and it might… cause you some trouble." Wen Yu's voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable seriousness. "But I want to ask you, would you be willing… to let me come over for a cup of tea often? Not just for tea. It's about being a part of your life, and letting you into my world. We can take it slow, at a pace that feels comfortable to you."
He gazed into Su Ran's eyes and asked clearly, word by word, "Are you willing to give me a chance? A chance... for us both to become more 'grounded' and more 'energetic'?"
Outside the window, the New Year's bells rang just then, and dazzling fireworks burst across the night sky, illuminating half the heavens. Cheers and countdowns came from the television.
In this small space filled with the aroma of food and flowers, time seemed to stand still. Su Ran stared blankly at Wen Yu, at his deep eyes that were filled with her, filled with an unprecedented tenderness and seriousness, and felt the dry, warm touch of his hand on the back of her hand.
My heart pounded like a drum, deafeningly loud. My cheeks burned, and my mind went blank. But somewhere deep inside, it felt as if this sudden confession and the magnificent fireworks outside the window had simultaneously ignited, bright and warm.
There was no apocalyptic life-or-death bond, no fortified isolation. It was simply the most ordinary human warmth, the sound of firecrackers bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, when a man he once thought was unattainable took his hand and asked him if he would like to enter his life.
Tears welled up unexpectedly. But they weren't tears of sadness; they were tears of immense, overwhelming happiness and excitement that nearly drowned him.
He nodded forcefully and heavily, tears streaming down his cheeks, but the corners of his mouth turned up in a smile more dazzling than the fireworks outside the window.
"I do!" he choked out, but his voice was clear and firm as he gripped Wen Yu's hand tightly. "Mr. Wen, I do!"
In Wen Yu's eyes, a light of relief and a deeper tenderness instantly shone. He reached out and gently wiped away Su Ran's tears with his fingertips, then slowly and tenderly kissed those slightly trembling lips that uttered the most beautiful words in the world.
The moment their lips touched, Su Ran closed her eyes. Her senses were amplified infinitely—the cool softness of Wen Yu's lips, the refreshing and pleasant scent on her nose, the gradually fading noise in her ears, and the boundless sweetness and peace that exploded in her heart.
Ping An was awakened by the sound of firecrackers. It looked up and saw its owners embracing and kissing, its blue eyes reflecting the dazzling lights outside the window. It seemed to understand something, let out a contented whimper, and then rested its head back on its paws, its tail swaying gently.
Outside the window, the old year has passed and the new year has begun. Thousands of lights shine, and fireworks light up the sky.
Inside the window, a kiss ended, foreheads touching. Breaths mingled, hearts in perfect harmony.
Even without the apocalypse, they would still meet. On an ordinary afternoon, on a quiet street, in a flower shop bathed in warm light. Then, amidst the mundane routines, the fragrant aroma of tea, unwavering companionship, and clumsy acts of care, they would slowly draw closer, warming each other's hearts, and ultimately walk hand in hand towards their own ordinary yet heartwarming future.
Life is long, and the future is promising. And their story, in another world without disaster, has just begun its gentle opening chapter.