"You needn't hide anything from me. Shiying has already told me everything about you."

Li Kangda sat composedly, his gaze steady on the young man across from him.

Yesterday’s call with Li Shiying had revealed snippets about Cheng Hao—their meeting, their blossoming romance, how gentle he was, how devoted...

Of course, Li Kangda had no idea those were all lies spun by his daughter to escape an arranged marriage.

"What exactly do you mean, Uncle?" Cheng Hao frowned slightly, confusion flickering in his eyes.

*What’s his angle?*

*Does he know... that Shiying and I are faking this relationship?*

*If not, why so calm?*

"I mean... everything about you two." Li Kangda crossed his arms, a knowing chuckle escaping him. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce through every secret.

"Old ginger is indeed spicier," Cheng Hao sighed with a wry smile.

He’d thought his acting flawless, yet this dignified middle-aged man before him was no fool—just a cunning old fox who saw through everything.

"Truth is truth, lies are lies. But since things have come this far, I won’t pry further." Li Kangda’s stare never wavered.

"You’re absolutely right, Uncle." Cheng Hao nodded stiffly, utterly lost but too polite to press. He feigned understanding.

"Do you love her?" Li Kangda’s question came abruptly.

"What?" Cheng Hao’s brow furrowed deeper. *What is he getting at?*

"Be honest. Tell me how you truly feel about her. I only want to know if you love her."

Cheng Hao finally grasped his meaning. Since Li Kangda knew about the fake relationship with Shiying...

*Her* must mean his actual fiancée, Ye Zihan.

But why did this stranger care about his love life? He’d traveled all this way, yet asked nothing about his own daughter—instead probing Cheng Hao’s heart. *Is he out of his mind?*

Though reluctant, Cheng Hao answered politely: "Of course I love my girlfriend."

"Words are easy. How do I know it’s real?" Li Kangda remained still, eyes locked on Cheng Hao. "Tell me—what have you done for her?"

"Done for her?" Cheng Hao froze for a moment, bewildered, then replied: "This flower shop. I opened it for her. Even the name... it’s tied to her."

A soft smile touched his lips. Just speaking of Zihan lifted his mood.

Being questioned by a stranger about his private life felt odd, yet sharing these hidden efforts—these quiet proofs of love—was strangely comforting. Especially when it came to her.

Li Kangda’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the handsome young man.

In their world, money solved most problems. Rich heirs chased women with designer bags, sports cars, penthouses—but opening a shop? Especially one made just for her? Unheard of.

As Shiying’s father, he knew his daughter adored flowers. This shop must be his way of winning her heart.

*Purple Grace Blooms*—the shop’s name held no trace of "Shiying." Yet Cheng Hao claimed it honored her. There had to be meaning.

A scholar himself, Li Kangda knew "Zihan" meant "elegant grace" in classical Chinese.

*So... in his eyes, Shiying is both beautiful and refined. He named this place to cherish their love.*

Warmth spread through him. He nodded, smiling. This future son-in-law grew more admirable by the second.

Truthfully, Li Kangda hadn’t planned to force a marriage. He’d only wanted them to meet, to test Cheng Hao’s character. No father would give his daughter to a scoundrel. But now? This young man was a rare gem.

Shiying adored him—and Cheng Hao’s devotion was obvious. Who else would build a flower shop just for her?

*No wonder he’s charmed my daughter so completely.*

The real problem: Cheng Hao didn’t know Shiying was his fiancée. And Shiying had sent him here to test Cheng Hao precisely to keep that secret.

A marriage of true love would be perfect—but what if the truth sparked rebellion? Boys his age hated being controlled. He might resent Shiying.

*Better to let their bond deepen naturally. Reveal the truth only when the time is right.*

Li Kangda’s stern facade melted into pure delight, his smile now warm and grandfatherly.

"Excellent. I admire young men like you. Promise me—you’ll cherish her. Never let her shed a single tear of sorrow. Understand?"

Cheng Hao stared, utterly bewildered.

*Is this man unhinged?*

*What exactly did I do to earn your admiration?*

*And what business is it of yours how Zihan and I are?*

His words even made it sound like... *Zihan was his daughter?*