Perhaps due to recent stress, Cheng Hao didn't wake up until 1 PM.

Why the stress? Heh.

Of course, it was all because of that senior class beauty, Ye Xinran.

Cheng Hao had thought skipping military training would calm the gossip storm and make Ye Xinran lose interest in him.

But he never expected her to refuse to give up, escalating her harassment instead.

Last night... she even acted spoiled in front of everyone, posing like the rightful girlfriend while wiping his sweat...

Cheng Hao was thoroughly unable to clear his name now. He just hoped Ye Zihan wouldn't overthink things after hearing the news.

*Sigh*... maybe this was just life.

What you wanted stayed out of reach no matter how hard you tried.

What you didn't want kept appearing out of nowhere.

Perhaps that's what people meant by "what you can't have always stirs restlessly"...

Cheng Hao shook his head helplessly. Overthinking wouldn't help. Since he had nothing to do today, he might as well check on the flower shop.

With that thought, he quickly tidied up and headed out.

Of course, he wore a mask and hat first—just in case Ye Xinran's admirers recognized him and decided to beat him up.

...

Soon, Cheng Hao arrived at the flower shop.

Admittedly, Li Shiying's flower-arranging skills were top-notch—easily two or three levels above average.

This humble little shop had seemed destined to lose money. Cheng Hao had braced for losses, but surprisingly, it hadn't just broken even; business was decent every day.

Hiring Li Shiying had been a brilliant move. He should consider raising her salary, making her the guardian of Zihan Blooms.

Cheng Hao never hesitated to squeeze his employees.

As the boss, he'd done little beyond buying the shop.

Cleaning, customer service, arranging flowers, restocking, deliveries... he'd never lifted a finger. A true hands-off owner.

Honestly, if this shop wasn't for Ye Zihan, he probably wouldn't bother visiting at all.

"Cheng Hao? What brings you here?"

With few midday customers, Li Shiying spotted him the moment he entered.

Today, she ditched her usual casual style. She wore a pink off-shoulder chiffon dress, a cute bow at her waist, and layers of lace adorning the skirt.

Yet under her radiant glow, even the beautiful dress seemed dull.

"I skipped military training and had nothing else to do, so I thought I'd drop by," Cheng Hao smiled politely. "By the way, I've noticed you're always here lately. Don't you have training either?"

"Nah, I'm allergic to sunlight, so I'm excused," Li Shiying replied with a sly grin.

"Really? I've seen you bouncing around in the sun before. Didn't look allergic," Cheng Hao mused, stroking his chin.

"*Ahem*... well, I have a doctor's note," she coughed awkwardly.

"Oh, I get it," Cheng Hao nodded instantly.

Another student faking an allergy to skip training. He'd heard about this online but decided against it—thinking college without training might leave regrets.

After these carefree days, though, he realized... skipping training was probably the happiest thing in the world!

"Cheng Hao, there's something I need to tell you."

Li Shiying walked over quietly, pointing outside. "See that guy under the eaves? The big bald head?"

Following her finger, Cheng Hao spotted a shady, suspicious... shiny bald head!

Dressed like a bodyguard—black sunglasses, suit, shoes, tie—he looked like a Keanu Reeves clone, minus the flowing hair.

"Got it. Is he your dad's spy?" Cheng Hao caught on fast.

This was just a tiny flower shop. Decent business, sure, but no match for nearby malls—definitely not a robbery target.

He'd been standing there long enough for his head to turn sunburnt and egg-shiny. With only Li Shiying inside, it had to be her family's doing.

"Yeah. He's been watching the shop since I started. Scared off customers too, hurting business. I thought I'd warn you. If needed, I can skip work for a few days—let Xue Ting cover for me." Li Shiying apologized.

"I see," Cheng Hao nodded thoughtfully. "I don't mind. Take leave if he bothers you. Or I can have him removed. Can't let him loiter—it creeps me out too."

"It's fine. I know him well. As long as you're okay with it, I'll keep working."

"Any issues with the workload? Just you two rotating shifts, handling everything. I can hire more staff if needed."

Li Shiying beamed. "No need. It's busy but manageable. I actually love this life."

"Good. Just tell me if it gets tough."

"Mm-hmm."

"*Sigh*... what a shame," Cheng Hao lamented.

"Huh? What's wrong?" Li Shiying blinked her lively eyes.

"I was going to raise your salary since you seemed swamped. But if you're not busy..."

"N-no! I was joking! The shop's crazy busy—I'm exhausted! How can your conscience allow no raise?"

At "raise," her eyes lit up. She rubbed her back, faking exhaustion.

"Kid, you've got a lot to learn. In situations like this, you say: 'This is my duty. No matter how tough, I'll persevere and never fail my boss's trust.' Only then will he notice you and give that raise." Cheng Hao lectured like an old-timer.

"This is my duty. No matter how tough, I'll persevere and never fail my boss's trust!" Li Shiying stared at him expectantly.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm done. Can I get the raise now?!"

"Tsk tsk... lesson two: never trust bosses or leaders. They only feed you empty promises. In short... hot air!"

"..."

Li Shiying nearly flipped the table right then.

This guy had it easy—dumping all work on her while playing absentee owner.

Hmph! Just you wait!

Don't underestimate a poor girl; fortunes can turn overnight!

Once I save enough, I'll buy this shop and hire you. Five AM to nine PM shifts, no overtime pay—I'll work you to death!