After buying sunscreen, Cheng Hao didn’t rush back to school. He stopped in front of a flower shop.
He paused not because the shop was special, but because he remembered a childhood promise to Ye Zihan.
Ye Zihan had once told him lilies were her favorite flower. Her biggest dream was to marry in a sea of lilies when grown.
Perhaps it was childhood innocence, or youthful naivety. Back then, Cheng Hao had vowed to fulfill her wish.
Time flew. Ten years passed in a blink, leaving Cheng Hao feeling nostalgic.
Without overthinking, he pushed open the shop door and walked straight in.
The place felt eerily quiet. No customers at all. The displayed flowers were scarce, some already yellowing and wilting.
Only a shopkeeper in her thirties stood inside.
“Sir, sorry—we’re not selling flowers these days,” she said apologetically as he entered.
Cheng Hao frowned. Why wouldn’t a big flower shop sell flowers?
“You’ve got prime location here,” he asked, puzzled. “How come no customers?”
“Yeah,” she sighed with a bitter smile. “I thought business would boom. But people barely give flowers now. I’m selling the shop soon. This loss can’t continue.”
Cheng Hao nodded slightly, understanding. Flower shops had crashed lately. Surviving ones were rare, especially in pricey Shanghai.
“Found a buyer yet?” he asked.
“Not yet.” She eyed him curiously. “You look like a student. Buying flowers for your girlfriend?”
“No,” Cheng Hao smiled, an idea forming. “I want to discuss buying this shop.”
“What?”
“I want to take over your shop. Interested?”
The shopkeeper frowned, suspicious. It was broad daylight—was he drunk?
She didn’t judge him for looking young. But this shop sat in Shanghai’s business district. Rent alone cost hundreds of thousands monthly. His offer felt like a joke.
“Don’t kid around—” she started awkwardly.
“I’m serious,” Cheng Hao cut in firmly.
“Ser… serious?” She still looked doubtful.
She paused, then asked, “Do you even know the monthly rent? Focus on studies, kid. Skip these fantasies.”
Cheng Hao smiled helplessly. He knew she meant no harm. His youthful face invited suspicion—it was understandable.
He pulled a stool over and sat opposite her. “How much lease time remains? Quote the price.”
“You really want my shop?” Seeing his calm demeanor, she finally believed him. Her expression turned grave.
After a long thought, she tested, “What price seems fair?”
“I know you’re eager to sell,” Cheng Hao said earnestly. “But I won’t cheat you. Transfer the remaining lease at original cost.”
“About… a year left. Monthly rent is 150,000.”
Cheng Hao nodded. He handed her his ID card. “Fine. Prepare the contract if agreed.”
???
The shopkeeper stared, stunned. He’d walked in, demanded to buy the shop, and now wanted contracts—all under three minutes. It felt unreal.
“I… last question,” she said tensely. “Are you absolutely not joking?”
“Do I look like I’m joking?” Cheng Hao shrugged, smiling lightly. “I won’t deceive you. Doubt me? Let’s check my bank balance together.”
Convinced at last, she sprang up. She poured him water, excited. “I’ll… prepare the contract now. Wait here.”
…
Signing went smoothly. Cheng Hao became the shop’s new owner.
Plenty of good-location shops existed. He didn’t need this one.
But whatever—he hadn’t bought it for profit. He wanted to surprise Ye Zihan.
He’d even named it: “Zihan’s Lily Haven.” Only lilies would be sold here.
Buying quickly saved renovation hassle. A simple cleanup, two staff hires, and restocking would suffice. Pure convenience.
Ding-ding-ding…
His phone rang. Cheng Hao checked it, frowning with worry. He answered anyway.
“Hey Mom, what’s up?”
“Son, remember Uncle Li’s daughter? She’s in Shanghai too! She’s at your school now. So… Mom wants you two to meet. Just get familiar early.”
Cheng Hao instantly knew her goal: meeting his fiancée.
He was a rich heir. But such lives weren’t glamorous like TV shows. No wild parties.
Instead, their paths were fixed—careers, love—no real choices. Cheng Hao was no exception.
Years ago, his family secretly engaged him to another wealthy family’s daughter. He’d only learned before school started.
Probably… his fiancée attending Donghai University was also arranged.
“If nothing else, I’m hanging up,” he said impatiently. He hated this scripted life. But what choice did he have?
Birth family wasn’t his to pick. Escaping this marriage was his only hope.
“Mom’s not forcing you. Just one meeting! I’ve seen her—sweet, gorgeous. You’ll love this match!”
“You go. I won’t. Busy—bye.”
Cheng Hao hung up fast. More talk, and Mom might storm to Shanghai to drag him to his “fiancée.”
“Zihan… if you don’t appear soon, I might really become a husband.”
He sighed helplessly. Time was running out.
