"Elope?" Cheng Hao looked at Li Shiying in surprise, never expecting she'd share such a similar experience with him.

"Yeah... I'm not sure how to explain it. Basically, my family forced me to marry some rich heir I've never met. When I refused, they cut off my finances to pressure me into submission. I had no choice but to find a job."

Li Shiying's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, threatening to spill over any second. Yet she offered a faint smile, blinking them back. Her beautiful face then softened with a gentle smile.

"But it's fine. I can take care of myself now. Life might be a bit tougher, that's all. Anyway, no matter what, I won't marry a stranger."

Hearing this, Cheng Hao felt a pang of emotion. Girls from wealthy families like her were usually spoiled, never facing hardships. Most would just accept arranged marriages as fate. Not Li Shiying—she chose self-reliance. It made him feel like they were kindred spirits, both adrift in life.

"I believe you can do it," Cheng Hao said with an encouraging smile. "How about this: I'll pay you both more. Let's count you as full-time staff. What do you think?"

Li Shiying didn't show excitement. Instead, she shook her head. "B-boss, no need. I don't want your pity. I'd rather earn money with my own hands than take charity."

Cheng Hao couldn't help but laugh and sigh. He hadn't expected such strong self-esteem—she thought he was patronizing her. He shook his head calmly. "Don't overthink it. It's not about pity. I planned for part-timers to just watch the shop. But since you need more hours, help with extra tasks like restocking and cleaning. I'll pay you fairly for it."

Li Shiying realized her mistake. She paused, then asked softly, "Oh... I see. So, Boss, what exactly would you need me to do?"

"Nothing too hard, just tedious stuff. Stocking inventory, cleaning, sometimes delivering flowers personally. Can you handle that?" Cheng Hao replied honestly. He hated trouble, and though he owned this flower shop, it wasn't for profit—he was keeping a promise to Ye Zihan. So he'd be a hands-off boss, leaving everything to them.

"Of course! Thank you, Boss!"

"Long live the Boss!"

Both girls nodded eagerly, agreeing without hesitation.

"If you know classmates or friends, introduce them. You have classes sometimes, so extra shifts would help," Cheng Hao added with a light smile. "Also, just call me Cheng Hao. 'Boss' feels weird."

"Mhm, whatever you say, Boss," Li Shiying agreed.

"Forget names—even 'husband' would work for us," Wang Xueting joked.

Cheng Hao didn't mind. "Call me anything but 'Boss.' Any other questions?"

"I... I have one. Why did you open this flower shop, Cheng Hao?" Li Shiying blinked her bright eyes, puzzled. She couldn't fathom his reason. Profit? Unlikely—anyone from his background knew flower shops rarely made money. If not that, then what?

"I opened it for a girl. She once said lilies were her favorite, dreaming of marrying in a sea of them. So I started a shop selling only lilies, hoping she'd like it." Cheng Hao spoke plainly, no hesitation.

"So... so romantic. She must be deeply moved," Li Shiying murmured, a flicker of envy in her heart. She wished for someone to rely on, who'd do such things for her. But girls born into families like hers rarely got true love.

"It's just a shop, not that grand," Cheng Hao said awkwardly, scratching his head.

"Of course it is! Cheng Hao, you don't get girls. Small things seem trivial to you, but to us, they're incredibly romantic. If a guy did this for me, I'd marry him no matter what," Wang Xueting declared.

"Really?" Cheng Hao was surprised. "I don't understand girls' hearts. Thanks for telling me."

After briefly explaining work routines, they parted ways.

...

"Shiying, what do you think of our boss?" Wang Xueting asked.

"He's great. No arrogant rich-kid attitude—he's kind and polite. A really nice person," Li Shiying replied honestly.

"Huh~ I've never seen you praise anyone like this, especially a guy. Do you like him? You always said you hate rich heirs." Wang Xueting winked, gossip instincts flaring.

"I don't! Don't say that," Li Shiying's face flushed a soft red. She patted Wang Xueting's shoulder. "It depends on the person. Not all rich heirs are bad. Besides... he's romantic."

"You're blushing! Something's up," Wang Xueting teased, covering her mouth.

"Really not! I don't fall for people easily. Joke privately, but don't spread it," Li Shiying insisted seriously.

"Got it. But aren't you curious? If his girlfriend isn't the campus beauty, who is she? Could she be stealing him? That'd be huge news!" Wang Xueting stroked her chin gravely.

"Don't pry into others' love lives—it's bad form," Li Shiying sighed, rubbing her forehead. Why was her friend so gossipy?

"Just harmless gossip!" Wang Xueting pouted. "But Shiying, are you sure about this job? It's exhausting. If you quit, you'll be forced into that marriage. I'm warning you."

"Of course it's hard. But I must support myself. I'd rather live a tougher life than follow their script. At least I'll feel freer." Li Shiying had steeled herself to fight her family.

"I'm curious—have you met your fiancé? Without knowing him, how can you be sure you won't like him? Maybe you'd get along," Wang Xueting pressed.

"Love isn't simple. I've seen too many arranged marriages in wealthy families—they never end like TV dramas. Just two strangers living together. I won't let that be my life." Li Shiying gazed into the distance, took a deep breath, and declared firmly:

"I, Li Shiying, would rather starve to death, die on the streets, or jump off a building than accept this fiancé!"