Chapter 14: The Flower Lane

The market streets buzzed with life, filled with vibrant colors and the fragrance of fresh flowers and spices. Zian looked around, overwhelmed by the lively atmosphere. His heart raced as he took in the joy and energy of the place—it was a world he had never imagined, so full of life and happiness.

Yu's constant chatter and boundless excitement made the experience even more vibrant. He kept tugging Zian along, pointing out interesting shops and people.

"Zian! Over here!" Yu's voice rang out, pulling Zian out of his thoughts. Zian turned to see Yu standing by a flower shop, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Look at this flower shop! Isn't it beautiful?"

Zian gave a small smile and nodded, reaching out to pick up a crimson flower. Yu's eyes widened in mock astonishment as he exclaimed, "Wow! With that flower in your hand, you look even more beautiful than before. Who knew that was possible?"

Zian quickly turned away, his ears turning a deep shade of red. Seeing his reaction, Yu couldn't resist teasing him further. "Beauty, are you shy? You know, I've never met anyone who blushes so easily when I tease them. It's adorable!"

Zian remained quiet, but his flustered expression only encouraged Yu to continue.

Yu's father, who had been quietly observing, finally intervened, grabbing Yu's ear. "I told you not to cause any trouble. Why can't you ever listen?"

Yu, unfazed, laughed and said, "But, Father, I'm not bothering the shop ladies this time—I'm only teasing my Beauty! What's wrong with that?"

Yu's father released his ear with a sigh and said, "There's no hope for you. Who in their right mind would marry someone like you?"

Yu smirked and replied, "If no one marries me, that's fine—I'll just live with Zian."

His father raised an eyebrow. "Live with Zian? How? Zian will get married someday. He won't stay single like you."

Yu immediately protested, "No! I won't let my Beauty get married. If I can't get married, then neither will he. Beauty is mine, right, Zian?"

Zian, who had been quietly enduring the teasing, turned even redder. His face was so flushed he couldn't even look up.

Amused by the scene, the flower shop lady chuckled and said, "You two make such a lovely pair."

Both Yu and Zian froze, their eyes wide in surprise. Yu quickly recovered, flashing a triumphant grin. "See? Even the shop lady thinks we look good together. Isn't that right, Beauty?"

Zian remained silent, too embarrassed to respond.

Yu's father shook his head and walked ahead, muttering under his breath. But Yu stayed back, picked up the crimson flower Zian had been holding earlier, and gently tucked it into Zian's hair.

"This flower suits you. Now, let's go," Yu said with a playful smile.

Zian glanced at Yu, his expression a mix of confusion and a faint smile. They walked together, Yu chattering away and occasionally teasing him, while Zian quietly tried to process the strange warmth spreading in his chest.