Bai Mu Ning had never imagined that a bouquet of roses could be this expensive. 33 red roses with baby’s breath cost 520 yuan, and 99 red roses went for 999 yuan.
Why were all industries out to rob people while salaries kept shrinking? Couldn’t these shops consider the spending power of ordinary people?
The florist continued her explanation, which was very detailed and professional—what the flower language meant, which combinations suited which occasions. It was all very informative, but Bai Mu Ning wasn’t interested at all.
He couldn’t afford it, so it was a waste of time to listen to it.
The florist was a sharp one and quickly noticed Bai Mu Ning’s lack of funds. She didn’t call him out or mock him. Instead, she politely said, “Feel free to look around. Let me know if you need anything.”
Bai Mu Ning thanked her and actually did begin to browse casually.
Who said confessions had to involve red roses? Couldn’t other flowers work too?
For example, ping pong chrysanthemums. Bai Mu Ning quickly ruled that out—if he gave those, he’d definitely get kicked out. Pass.
The following parts of the text will be scrambled to prevent theft from aggregators and unauthorized epub making. Please support our translators by reading on secondlifetranslations (dot) com. If you are currently on the site and and you are seeing this, please clear your cache.
Ebyv ycswv pwdqzsolap?
Tl alflnvle vbyv kely fwpv yp qypv. Jynj kd bkp bsxlvsod, pwdqzsolap olald’v lhld psxlvbkdt rlsrzl ryke qsa.
Mbl nblyr sdlp olal wtzu, vbl ralvvu sdlp olald’v nblyr. Jyk Yw Lkdt vswnble vbl nypb kd bkp rsnjlv yde nswzed’v blzr cwv pktb—eyvkdt oyp alyzzu vss lmrldpkhl.
Ebkzl bl oyp pvkzz pvawttzkdt vs qktwal swv vbl xspv nspv-lqqlnvkhl srvksd, ydsvbla nwpvsxla ldvlale vbl pbsr. G twu kd bkp lyazu voldvklp oyzjle kd, bszekdt vbl 520 cswiwlv sq asplp yde vyzjkdt vs vbl qzsakpv ycswv tlvvkdt y alqwde.
“Jspp, R fwpv rknjle vbkp wr zlpp vbyd byzq yd bswa yts. Uyd R alvwad kv?”
Mbl qzsakpv pxkzle yp pbl alqwple. “Fsaau, sdnl qzsolap yal psze, vblu nyd’v cl alvwadle.”
Mbl uswdt xyd oswzed’v tkhl wr. “Ebu dsv? Rv’p pvkzz yzz oayrrle wr. Kwpv plzz kv vs psxlsdl lzpl. R esd’v nyal—usw’al tkhkdt xl y alqwde vseyu.”
Mbl qzsakpv nzlyazu bye lmrlakldnl okvb olkae pkvwyvksdp zkjl vbkp. Fbl pvyule nyzx yde pxkzle. “Elald’v usw tskdt vs nsdqlpp? Ebyv byrrldle? Zswa tkazqaklde eked’v zkjl vblx?”
Mentioning the breakup only made the guy angrier. “We broke up. How am I supposed to give her the flowers? She never even liked me. I was just a spare tire.”
The florist kept smiling. “Then maybe try giving them to someone else?”
Bai Mu Ning didn’t listen to the rest. He stepped outside and waited for the guy to come out of the flower shop.
He was certain the florist wouldn’t give him a refund, so he decided to lie in wait, planning to buy the flowers off the guy at the lowest possible price.
–
Sure enough, just a few minutes later, the guy walked out, looking defeated.
He was still grumbling to himself. “Why wouldn’t she give me my money back? These stupid flowers cost a fortune. If I’d known, I never would’ve bought them.”
Seeing him walk off, Bai Mu Ning quickly caught up. “Hello, I want to buy your flowers. But I can only offer 50.”
That was the most Bai Mu Ning could manage—he couldn’t go a cent higher.
“50? I spent 520 to buy them?”
“Who’d give someone secondhand roses to someone they like? Selling them to me saves you 50 at least.”
The guy wasn’t that easy to fool. “Aren’t you giving secondhand roses to someone? 500. Not a cent less.”
“I’m not giving them to someone I like, naturally, I’m saving where I can,” Bai Mu Ning said plainly, eyes falling on the bouquet. He kindly added, “If you hesitate any longer, the cold’s going to ruin the flowers. Then you’ll be out 520 altogether.”
His tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
The guy thought about it. He realized he did feel tired from carrying them around. He might as well sell them and cut his losses.
With the money in one hand and the flowers in the other, Bai Mu Ning cheerfully headed straight to Sanwen Hall.
He even took a taxi. It was too cold—he didn’t want the flowers to freeze to death.
–
It was a weekday, but Sanwen Hall was still packed with patients—men, women, young, and old alike.
The moment Bai Mu Ning walked in holding a bouquet of flowers, all eyes turned toward him. He instantly became the center of attention.
Everyone else came to the clinic with banners of appreciation; only he arrived carrying red roses, making him stand out like a sore thumb.
The red roses were in full bloom, each one at its most beautiful, just like Bai Mu Ning in this moment.
The receptionist on duty today was the same young woman from before. Her name was Zhuang Yumian. Bai Mu Ning had played games with her a few times; they were now teammates in an online game.
As soon as she saw Bai Mu Ning walk in, she greeted him and asked, “Oh my god, what’s going on with you today?”
Bai Mu Ning said, “Mian-jie, help me register a number under Dr. Wen. I’m here to see him.”
Zhuang Yumian was so surprised that she became speechless, but she still leaned in and whispered a warning, “Don’t tell me you’re planning to confess to Dr. Wen? I suggest you drop that idea fast.”
Bai Mu Ning wasn’t the shy type. Since he had already made up his mind to pursue Wen Jing boldly and passionately, he wasn’t about to hide it or do it in secret.
Other people could be allies. He needed someone to hype things up—a proper confession needed the right atmosphere.
But Zhuang Yumian’s expression was off. She genuinely looked worried for him.
“Why? Does Dr. Wen have a boyfriend?” Wen Jing’s orientation wasn’t a secret; everyone in Sanwen Hall knew about it.
As far as Bai Mu Ning knew, Wen Jing and his employer’s boyfriend had broken up. Wen Jing was just unilaterally pestering him.
Maybe they still had feelings for each other, but in the end, the employer chose forgiveness.
“He used to. Not anymore—actually, that one doesn’t even count,” Zhuang Yumian said. “But that’s not the point. The point is, Dr. Wen doesn’t accept confessions. His mouth is poisonous. I’m afraid you won’t be able to take it.”
“Let me tell you. Over the years, lots of people have tried confessing to him, and most of them left in tears. Just imagine the scene.”
“Is that so scary?” Bai Mu Ning asked with a puzzled look, mentally gauging his own ability to withstand rejection. Honestly, it didn’t seem that bad.
Zhuang Yumian glanced around, making sure no one else was nearby, then pulled Bai Mu Ning aside and whispered, “Do you know what Dr. Chen once said about Dr. Wen? He said: ‘He looks proper and refined, like a gentleman carved from jade when he’s quiet—but once he opens his mouth, he’s so poisonous you’d rather drink the medicine for Wu Dalang1Well-known character from the classic Chinese novel “Water Margin”. He’s married to Pan Jinlian, a beautiful but unfaithful woman. She had an affair with Ximen Qing and later poisoned Wu Dalang to be with her lover. Hence, Wu Dalang was one of the most iconic “cuckolded” figures in Chinese literature. yourself.’”
She added, “Think about how loaded that statement is, Xiao Ning. I’m telling you, that summary is spot-on.”
“Thanks for the warning, Mian-jie, but I’ll be fine.”
Bai Mu Ning wasn’t like the others. Maybe other people were just drawn to Wen Jing’s face, but what he liked was the person.
Only by getting Wen Jing to fall for someone else could Bai Mu Ning complete his mission. So no matter how Wen Jing rejected him, even if he got beaten up, he couldn’t give up.
Besides, Wen Jing wasn’t the violent type. At worst, his words might cut deep—but Bai Mu Ning could take it.
Bai Mu Ning firmly said, “If you work hard, you won’t regret anything. I don’t want to leave regrets in life, so I’m going to confess.”
Seeing that he couldn’t be talked out of it, Zhuang Yumian gave up persuading him. She registered him for Wen Jing’s consultation and gave him a thumbs up. “You’re really brave, Xiao Ning. Good luck.”
While waiting for his number, Bai Mu Ning grew bored and began glancing around.
Sanwen Hall had a traditional Chinese interior design. There was a lot of solid wood, and even the waiting benches were made of it—classic and elegant, like stepping into a clinic from ancient times.
The only thing that felt out of place was the enormous fish tank that had somehow ended up behind the reception counter.
Inside was a single, majestic golden arowana gliding gracefully through the water—it looked expensive just by existing.
Bai Mu Ning had studied aquaculture and knew a thing or two about ornamental fish. That one had to be worth at least a few hundred thousand.
Guess running a clinic was still a pretty profitable business these days.
After more than an hour, it was finally close to noon when Bai Mu Ning’s number was called. He stood up and headed toward Dr. Wen’s consultation room.
The door was slightly ajar, but Bai Mu Ning still knocked politely.
“Come in.”
Bai Mu Ning walked in. Wen Jing looked up at him and immediately frowned with a headache-like expression.
That cold look on his face practically said, What nonsense are you up to this time?
Bai Mu Ning automatically ignored the look on Wen Jing’s face. He walked over without caring about others and said. “Dr. Wen, thank you for treating my fever the other day. These flowers are for you.”
Wen Jing crossed his arms and didn’t take the bouquet. His phoenix eyes scrutinized Bai Mu Ning as he reminded, “These flowers are more suitable for girls.”
Bai Mu Ning was unconvinced, “Who says only girls can receive roses? Boys can too ah!”
“I’m giving them to you.” Bai Mu Ning offered the bouquet again.
Wen Jing’s tone turned a little colder. “Do you know the meaning behind roses?”
“I do.” Bai Mu Ning struck while the iron was hot, “Dr. Wen, I like you.”
Bai Mu Ning was thick-skinned; he didn’t blush or falter when lying. He said it so smoothly that it sounded natural.
Wen Jing merely looked at him without responding, as if the person being confessed to wasn’t even him—he seemed more like an indifferent bystander.
Seeing how cold Wen Jing remained, Bai Mu Ning pushed harder. “I came here today to confess. Dr. Wen, I super, really like you.”
“Will you be my boyfriend?”
Most people would at least be surprised or flustered hearing a confession. But Wen Jing didn’t change his expression at all.
He still didn’t accept the flowers, and he showed no reaction to the confession. Like a calm lake untouched by wind, he remained utterly still.
“What is it you like about me?” With elegant, pale fingers, he pulled out the card tucked into the bouquet—and very quickly, the corner of his mouth tugged upward and smiled.
What was he smiling at?
Bai Mu Ning was startled. He hadn’t noticed there was a card inside the bouquet—too busy being thrilled about scoring it cheap.
There better not be a name in there!
Wen Jing looked up, card pinched between two fingers, and smiled. “So I’m Zhao Linlin, and you’re He Ran?”
“Which little girl didn’t want this?” he asked sharply. “Is this a secondhand bouquet?”
Secondhand roses are too cruel ah!
Bai Mu Ning panicked a little, thinking I’m screwed. “Dr. Wen, let me explain. The roses might be secondhand, but my feelings for you are real.”
Wen Jing lifted his eyelids lazily and replied coldly, “Kid, go play somewhere else. Don’t disturb my work.”
He tossed the card into the trash without another glance at Bai Mu Ning.
Just as Bai Mu Ning was about to say more, Zhuang Yumian’s voice rang out urgently from outside. “Dr. Wen, there’s a little girl with a dislocated arm. She needs help.”
Wen Jing got up and walked out. Bai Mu Ning set the bouquet down and followed him.
The girl with the dislocated arm had come with her mother. She looked about four or five years old, crying hard and sobbing, “Mommy, it hurts!”
The young mother was flustered and crying too, overwhelmed with worry. “Doctor, please, help my daughter. She’s in so much pain.”
Wen Jing crouched down, his face soft with a gentle smile. He held the girl’s arm and gave it a slight twist—her cries stopped instantly. The little girl reached up and hugged her mom. “Mom, it doesn’t hurt anymore. This uncle is amazing.”
The mother hadn’t even processed it yet. She stared in disbelief. “It’s already fixed?”
Wen Jing still hadn’t stood up. He took a candy from his pocket and handed it to the little girl, who reached out to take it with her small hand.
The young mother suddenly noticed that her daughter had used the dislocated arm to take the candy.
“Thank you, doctor. How much do I owe you?”
Zhuang Yumian stepped in at just the right time and handed over a business card. “There’s no charge for a dislocation. If you have any other health concerns, feel free to come to Sanwen Hall.”
Wen Jing returned to his consultation room, and Bai Mu Ning followed close behind like a little tail.
Wen Jing raised an eyebrow. “You still need something?”
It was Bai Mu Ning’s first time witnessing the true skill of a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, and he was still a little dazed. Only now was he beginning to recover.
Wen Jing really was an incredible doctor. It was just a shame he had a one-track mind when it came to love.
“I do,” Bai Mu Ning said. “Dr. Wen, I just confessed to you. What do you think?”
“I can explain the thing with the roses—I really meant it.”
“Will you be my boyfriend?”
Wen Jing looked a little impatient. He lifted his eyes and said, “If it’s about the confession, then you can leave. I still have work to do.”
Of course, Bai Mu Ning wasn’t going to give up that easily. He leaned forward, bracing his hands on the desk. “I was the last appointment this morning. It’s your break now, I’m not interrupting your work.”
“I just want to know, why are you rejecting me?”
The employer had said Wen Jing liked cheerful, energetic boys. He was already lively enough, and he was even bold enough to go for a direct confession. So why was Wen Jing still cold and distant?
Was it because he wasn’t as good-looking as the employer’s boyfriend?
“What do you think?” Wen Jing didn’t answer Bai Mu Ning’s question directly. Instead, he threw it right back at him.
But how would Bai Mu Ning know the real reason? His best guess was that Wen Jing still couldn’t let go of the employer’s boyfriend.
What’s so great about being a male mistress? Isn’t a college boy like me a much better deal?
Bai Mu Ning was dissatisfied, “Weren’t you the one who told me to go fall in love? Now that I am, you won’t agree!”
He started acting shameless, “I don’t care. I like you, and you have to be my boyfriend.”
Wen Jing simply watched him quietly, saying nothing as Bai Mu Ning put on his little performance.
After a while, Bai Mu Ning realized it was getting kind of lame, so he gave up and changed the topic. “Dr. Wen, what kind of person do you like?”
Wen Jing replied carelessly, “I like people who can recite pi up to the 1000th digit.”
Bai Mu Ning: “…?”
Pi is infinite and non-repeating—what kind of normal person could memorize to 1,000 digits?
Diagnosis complete: This man was absolutely poisonous.
Author’s Note:
Wen Jing: My wife isn’t sincere about me. I have to reject him.
Second Life Translations' Comment Policy
1. Be kind and respectful. Comments with curses will be put under moderation.
2. No links to other websites or asking for links.
3. No spoilers!