Overdo - Flowers of the Moon and the Spring Breeze

Flowers of the Moon and the Spring Breeze

The swing is abandoned, the moon grows dim, and the world is filled with silence. Upon the carved railings, the overnight wind has scattered the apricot petals to dust.

In the Zhaoyang Palace, spring robes are tailored, the golden threads still fresh and dry. Do not trust the morning chill; tomorrow, I shall dance for you before the flowers.

"Poof!" With a single breath, she blew out the candles. Her colleagues all laughed and clamored, "Make a wish, Huayue! Hurry, make a wish!" Huayue pressed her palms together and chanted silently: "Bless me to marry a rich man! Marry a rich man! Marry a rich man!"

Little Zhou, her closest friend, gave her a flick on the forehead. "Huayue, can you have a bit of ambition? You’re only twenty! Today you turned twenty! And you’re done after just wishing to marry a rich man? How spineless!" Her tone shifted, becoming stern and righteous. "At the very least, you have to marry someone both rich and powerful; only then can you call it a real wish."

Huayue let out a mournful cry. "That really hurt!"

Little Zhou gave her another heavy rap. "Remember, if you’re going to marry, marry someone rich and powerful!"

Retribution is swift indeed... Even if she, Fang Huayue, loved money as dearly as her own life, that could only be considered a petty vice at worst. Surely the heavens wouldn't strike her down so quickly?

"Crack!" A bolt of purple lightning flashed. The pitch-black sky was hideously torn open, and the wind drove the rain against the windows with a rhythmic drumming. The heavens were not in a kind mood. When everyone had pooled their money to host her birthday party at noon, it had been sunny and bright, full of spring splendor. Yet, the moment she took over her shift that afternoon, a gale-force rainstorm had descended as if the sky were collapsing. The torrential downpour had continued unabated until it was time for the evening shift to take over. She peered at the rain outside; it looked like she would be soaked into a drowned rat if she walked home.

Should she spend one yuan to take a tricycle back? Should she? Shouldn't she? Should she? Shouldn't she? A fierce internal struggle ensued... One yuan... One yuan could buy a steaming bowl of shredded pork noodles with pickled vegetables, or half a box of cookies, or a pound of mangoes... There were so many things one could do with a yuan. She decided she would just brave the rain and run home; it wasn't far, after all.

She grabbed a thick stack of newspapers from the nurses' station, held them over her head, and bolted into the rain. It was a true downpour—a deluge so intense it felt as if people were emptying basins of water over her from every direction. In an instant, she was drenched to the bone. Taking two steps in one, she leaped over a puddle, when suddenly she heard the sharp screech of brakes. A sleek, black car skidded to a halt less than a meter behind her. She squinted. A car that could approach so silently, without the sound of an engine, had to be a luxury brand. As expected, it was this year's new Chevy. Ah... a rich person! Her eyes gleamed with intensity. It was indeed a new-model Chevy; the owner was bound to be wealthy.

The rear window rolled down, and she saw a handsome face. "Miss, are you alright?" The voice was a mellow, grave bass. She felt as if she heard the rustle of angels' wings in the air; she felt as if she heard the sound of the roses in the garden behind her blooming; she heard her own heart thumping rapidly and erratically. The Chevy Prince! A prince sitting in a gleaming black Chevy... The rain fell in swirling veils, as romantic as a movie scene. She pushed back the dripping wet hair hanging over her face and gave a sweet smile: "I'm fine..."

Before she could fully display the two beautiful dimples on her cheeks, an arm suddenly reached out from behind her, pulling her back. Simultaneously, a large black umbrella shielded her from the romantic drizzle. She looked back, unable to stop herself from scowling. "Three-fifty, why is it you again?"

She knew today’s weather would be unpredictable. First, the heavens were unkind, subjecting her to this gale and rain on her twentieth birthday and soaking her like a drowned rat. Then, when this poor, bedraggled creature finally encountered a dashing prince in a Chevy, this "Three-fifty" had to pop up and spoil the moment. Seeing that handsome face, she grew agitated. "You brat, why are you here?"

He said idly, "This is a hospital. Naturally, I’m here to visit a patient." She turned her head, watching with her own eyes as that gleaming black Chevy drove out of the hospital gates. Her—prince! Wuu-wuu...

She glared resentfully at the brat in front of her. Bah! She was never in a good mood whenever she saw him; he was nothing but a plague. Every time he showed up, it was invariably when the hospital was at its busiest. Yet, all the nurses in her department liked him and enjoyed chatting with him whenever they had the chance. He also liked to join in the fun. Seeing them running around in a panic, he would always treat them to ice cream, rice noodles, or melon after the shift change... So, every time anyone saw him, they were all jubilant, wishing they could hand over their shifts immediately.

Seeing her staring at him as if trying to gouge two transparent holes in his body with her gaze, he couldn't help but laugh. "Why do you act like we're sworn enemies?" She gritted her teeth. Of course they were enemies; they had been at odds ever since the day he borrowed three yuan and fifty cents from her.

That had been a sweltering afternoon. She had walked from home to the hospital, drenched in sweat. The sun was scorching, as if it were steaming away the last drop of moisture in her body. She had been so parched that she couldn't help but run to the small shop next to the hospital and, in a fit of extravagance, bought a bottle of soda. She gulped down half of it in one breath, the cold chilling her to the bone. Sipping the remaining soda in small, satisfied mouthfuls, she had sighed to herself, thinking that three mao really was three mao... A three-mao soda was far more refreshing than five-fen herbal tea. Perhaps it was the heavens punishing her for that impulsive moment of luxury, as a voice suddenly came from behind her: "Excuse me, Miss, could you lend me three yuan and fifty cents?"

Truth be told, her first impression of "Three-fifty" hadn't been bad at all. How was that phrase, 'jade tree in the wind'? His build was tall and straight, and he stood with a graceful elegance—he was truly a jade tree in the wind. Especially when he gave a slight smile, his eyes, black and bright as the night, seemed to flash with starlight. That set of fine white teeth made his smile even more radiant and clear. "I'm so sorry, I bought a pack of cigarettes but didn't bring any money."

She had nearly fainted on the spot. How could a man this handsome and dashing not have any money on him? What a waste of God's creation. She must have been possessed—it was the only explanation—to have been led by some strange influence to actually lend him the three yuan and fifty cents. Every time she thought of that day, she felt indignant and heartbroken, convinced she must have been out of her mind. She had always been vigilant and frugal—or, to put it less kindly, stingy. Yes, she always prided herself on her stinginess.

The consequence of her being possessed and lending him the three yuan and fifty cents was that today, while she was working, "Three-fifty" had suddenly appeared at the entrance of the nurses' office, naturally causing a stir. Just imagine: a whole group of ravenous wolves... ahem, scratch that, a group of fair-as-a-flower nurses suddenly encountering a handsome, elegant young man—even though she hated this brat, she was always objective enough to admit he didn't look too bad—naturally, those fair-as-a-flower nurses were all dazzled. In the end, it was Little Zhou who asked, "Sir, may I ask what you need?"

He smiled slightly, his expression as bright and radiant as the sun outside. "May I ask if there is a Miss Fang Huayue here?"

Little Zhou asked persistently, "What do you want with Fang Huayue?”

"I borrowed three yuan and fifty cents from her at noon today, so I’ve come to return it."

That was the sentence! It was that very sentence that plunged her into a plight from which there was no return! No return at all! Because of those words, everyone began calling her the "Porcelain Beauty" of Jiangshan General Hospital—a nickname she had earned because she was so incredibly tightfisted that her colleagues teased her as being made of porcelain. She didn't mind that much; it sounded much better than being called a "stingy iron rooster." Yet, here she was, the great Porcelain Beauty of Jiangshan General Hospital, having had her "iron-clad" reputation for stinginess shattered by a handsome guy. Her lifelong reputation—ruined, completely ruined. She had actually indulged in a man’s good looks and lent three yuan and fifty cents to a total stranger! What other possible reason could there be? What else could explain it? Obviously, she had been blinded by his handsome appearance! She had been so bewitched by this guy that she had abandoned her "Porcelain Beauty" nature and lent out a massive fortune of three yuan and fifty cents. Three—yuan—fifty!

Amidst the snickers of her colleagues, she snatched the three yuan and fifty cents from his hand and said coldly, "You can go now!"

But he was oblivious to her tone. "Thank you, Miss Fang. I was truly so embarrassed earlier. I’m really sorry about that. May I treat you to a fruit ice cream after your shift?"

She rolled her eyes. "This lady has no interest."

Little Zhou, who lived to stir up trouble, chimed in from the side, "Our Huayue has saved you from fire and water, and you think a fruit ice cream settles the debt? If you’re going to treat her, treat her to a Western meal!"

Hmph! Listen here, brat, don't think that just because you're handsome, you can hit on this young lady. Lending him that three-fifty in a moment of kindness was a mistake; I won't give him a chance to make it a habit. If she actually accepted his invitation, wouldn't the whole hospital laugh her to death? They’d laugh at her for being so swayed by a pretty face that she accepted the advances of a guy who didn't even carry three yuan and fifty cents on him. Forget a Western meal; she wouldn't even be interested in an Eastern one.

In the end, this brat stuck to her like glue, appearing in the nurses' station every few days. Being handsome did have at least one advantage: he wasn't annoying. No one could stay angry at that heroic, handsome face. Plus, he was very skilled at winning girls over with small favors and treats, buying this or that for them. Hmph, the result was that he bought their favor, and they all started siding with him. Every time he showed up, someone would yell at her with a meaningful smirk: "Huayue! Huayue! 'Three-Fifty' is here again!" The nickname "Three-Fifty," which the nurses in her department had given him, was a source of constant humiliation for her. Every time she heard it, it felt like a reminder that her reputation had been destroyed by this kid. Hmph!

Take today, for instance; he had popped up again. With such heavy rain, he had somehow come prepared with an umbrella, striking a pose as if he were the timely savior coming to shield her from the wind and rain. Who did he think he was? Xu Xian? Too bad she was no White Snake spirit losing her heart to a mortal. It would be better if she actually were a snake demon; then she could bite him hard and poison him, making him afraid of grass ropes for ten years, so he’d never dare appear before her again. She felt immensely relieved that her shift was over and she didn't have to listen to the incessant chattering of her colleagues. Still, she gave him a fierce glare as usual. "Do you have nothing better to do? Running to our hospital all day long—what do you do for a living? Are you that unemployed?"

He replied, "I'm in the Navy—I'm currently on leave. The ship is undergoing major repairs, so the whole crew is on vacation."

It was said that the military had great benefits—full pay even while on leave. She felt a twinge of jealousy, but she quickly pulled herself together and continued in her grumpy tone, "If you're on leave, why do you run to our hospital every day? Are you sick or something?"

He didn't get angry, though a trace of melancholy inadvertently crept into his smile. "I truly wish I were the one who was sick." He usually smiled as brightly as sunshine; only now did a dark cloud seem to pass over him. She asked instinctively, "Is it a relative? Is the illness very serious?" He nodded lightly. She suddenly felt that he was quite pitiful, and couldn't help but ask, "Which department are they in? Would you like me to introduce you to a doctor I know so they can be thoroughly examined?"

His voice lowered. "It's been confirmed as early-stage nasopharyngeal cancer."

Pity stirred in her heart. A loved one’s misfortune was more heartbreaking than one’s own; it was the person dearest to you, yet you could only watch helplessly. She knew that kind of helplessness. She only heard the rain outside the umbrella drumming against the ground, splashing up bubbles one by one. For a moment, there was silence under the umbrella.

She coughed softly and, in her clumsy way, tried to comfort him: "Don't be sad. Good people are always watched over by heaven."

He perked up quickly. "Thank you. The specialist also said that everything has gone smoothly after the surgery so far, and there is hope that it won't recur." Suddenly, he asked her: "With rain this heavy, why didn't you bring an umbrella?"

She said indignantly, "Heaven knows what kind of temper this weather is throwing!" Before the words even left her lips, a flash of white light suddenly blinded her. A thunderclap seemed to strike right in front of her, vibrating so hard that her eardrums buzzed.

He was quick with his hands: "Watch out!"

She stumbled as he pulled her away. Not far behind them, a massive tree branch crashed down with a roar, and the smell of burnt wood filled the air. The lightning had struck so close—she dared not imagine what would have happened if it had been any closer. Her heart was pounding, and it took her a long time to let out a breath; she felt absolutely terrified. She muttered to herself, "I really shouldn't talk nonsense; otherwise, I really will be struck by lightning." He chuckled, and she felt the airflow from his laugh tickling her ear. Only then did she realize she was still being held tightly in his arms. He smelled of pleasant aftershave and tobacco, a masculine scent she had never experienced so vividly. Her heart felt like a hundred rabbits running wild inside. Her face flushed red as she pulled away, and he, noticing it too, let go in embarrassment.

For some reason, she felt a bit awkward. "I should get going."

Without hesitation, he handed her the umbrella he was holding. "Then take this umbrella. You’ll definitely get sick if you walk home in this."

She was grumpy again. "Hey! It’s my birthday today! Can you not curse me?"

His eyes suddenly lit up. "It’s your birthday? How about I treat you to a bowl of longevity noodles?"

She blurted out, "Of course not!"

He rubbed his nose. "In that case, I just saved five yuan."

Hmph, brat, she knew he was just being insincere. Why should she help him save money? He spent all day doing those little favors to win over her colleagues, and he was always generous with his money to buy hearts—why should she help him save? A thought crossed her mind, and she smiled sweetly. "I want to eat meat-shred noodles with an added fried egg."

The meat-shred noodles with the fried egg were indeed delicious. She took a deep breath—fragrant! It was so fragrant! Triumphantly, she told him: "I've eaten at every noodle shop within a five-mile radius of here. This is the only one where the meat shreds are the most plentiful, the most fragrant, and the noodles themselves are the most substantial!"

It really was substantial. With a bowl of fried-egg-topped meat-shred noodles in her stomach, she felt full, and her mood seemed to improve as well. Even the heavens were in a better mood; the rain had thinned to a fine mist, falling like fog and smoke. The cobblestones of the narrow street were slick and wet, and someone nearby was selling orchid flowers, the faint, lingering fragrance drifting throughout the entire street. He stopped to buy a bunch and handed them to her. She was overjoyed, holding them with a radiant smile. "So fragrant!" She couldn't help but ask him, "How much was it for a bunch?”

He said, "It's cheap, only ten cents." She said happily, "That's so extravagant, don't do it next time." A smile couldn't help but tug at the corners of his mouth, and she couldn't resist glaring at him again. "Ten cents can buy a lot of things, you know." He said softly, "If ten cents can buy your happiness, then it's worth it." She couldn't suppress the smile at the corners of her eyes and brows. The streetlights on both sides flickered to life; his hair was dusted with fine beads of rain that looked like shimmering, broken stardust, and his eyes seemed to flicker with that same starlight.

She said, "My mother went through unimaginable hardships to raise me and my sister. I know every cent is earned with blood and sweat, to the point where I wish I could break every penny in half before spending it. I know the value of every single coin. Now that my sister is married and I’ve graduated from nursing school and can earn my own keep, I have a wish. I hope that one day I can save enough money to buy a house—a house with a small courtyard—so that my mother can sit in the yard to soak up the sun and plant flowers, instead of being squeezed into this damp, cramped apartment where we only get three hours of sunlight on the balcony each day."

She didn't know what had come over her. These words, hidden deep in her heart and never shared with anyone, were suddenly spilling out to him. But he was so gentle, like the perfect listener, leading her to open up before she even realized it. She talked so much—she shared funny stories from the hospital, described how adorable her colleagues were, and talked about the tiny, trivial details of her home life. She spoke with animation, and he listened with genuine delight. Finally, she suddenly found it funny. "Oh my, Three-Fifty, I still don't even know what your real name is."

He also found it amusing, yet he extended his hand with complete solemnity. "Miss Fang, a pleasure to meet you. I am Zhuo Zheng. 'Zhuo' as in outstanding, 'Zheng' as in normal." She laughed as she shook his hand. "A Mr. Outstanding-and-Normal, a pleasure." After a pause, she asked, "Your surname is Zhuo? That’s a very unique surname." A shadow suddenly passed over his face. "Actually, my surname isn't Zhuo." He looked at her candidly. "I grew up in an orphanage, and my foster mother's surname was Zhuo. Not long ago... not long ago, I finally met my biological parents; my birth mother's surname is Ren. I think perhaps I should be named Ren. My father... he will never be able to publicly acknowledge my identity."

A soft, sharp pang of pain pierced her heart. He had confessed the most painful part of his background to her, and compassion welled up within her. They were both children without fathers, though her father had passed away early, while his was a mystery. She blurted out, "Do you hate your father?" He said slowly, "Hate? Of course I have, especially for the suffering he caused my mother. But when I truly stood face-to-face with him, my heart quickly softened. In truth, he is a pitiable man. He is just a lonely soul, and he has lost far more than he ever possessed." He gazed wistfully at the fragrant orchids in her arms. "Every time I see him wandering alone among those orchids, I feel that the bitterness in his heart is even deeper."

She felt that the way he looked—with that faint melancholy and an indescribable compassion—made a corner of her heart ache. She deliberately changed the subject. "Do you keep many orchids at home? Does your family sell flowers?"

He was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Yes, my family sells flowers." When he laughed like that, it was as if the dark clouds had been swept away, and he became radiant and bright once again.

They continued walking down the street. Under the hazy yellow streetlights, the fine drizzle looked like bright, translucent strands of glass, thousands of threads glistening in the air. The faint, lingering fragrance of the orchids filled her arms, and a cool breeze blew by, carrying a touch of dampness that didn't feel cold at all. He whispered unconsciously, "The apricot blossom rain wets the clothes, the willow wind blows on the face without a chill."

She looked around. "There are no apricot blossoms here, nor are there any willows."

He roared with laughter. "Then it’s 'The orchid rain wets the clothes, the electric-pole wind blows on the face without a chill.'"

She glanced at the utility poles lining the street and couldn't help but chuckle.

He suddenly said, "On which day is your day off? I'll take you to a place where there are apricot blossoms and willow trees."

She said, "There are apricot blossoms and willows in the park."

He stood beneath a streetlight, his entire being glowing brightly amidst the rain. "It's not the same. In the park, there are only a few trees, but there, the entire embankment is covered in apricot blossoms and willows. The apricot blossoms are like clouds and mist, the willows are as green as jade; when you look up, you can only see red blossoms and green willow threads masking the sky. It's like a fairyland."

His description stirred her heart, and she couldn't help but say, "How could Wuchi possibly have such a beautiful place?"

He smiled slightly. "Wuchi has its own hidden paradise, too."

Only then did she realize that he was not only good at using small favors to win people over, but he was also quick-witted—no wonder he could keep that group of nurses wrapped around his finger.

But that day, they talked so much, it felt as if they had used up a lifetime of conversations. She talked about her childhood, the hard times after her father passed away, and how she helped her mother with chores at such a young age. Later, as she grew older, she helped out at a neighbor's snack stall while studying to earn her tuition, eventually managing to finish nursing school.

He also talked about being bullied in school when he was little, called a wild child with no father or mother, and how he got into a fierce fight over it. He laughed lightheartedly. "I was truly brave when I was little. Later, I studied, earned scholarships, and finally graduated. When I eventually met my mother, I didn't tell her a single thing about those days. Every time she sees me, she feels so much sorrow, always feeling like she failed me. I couldn't let her feel any more pain. In truth, it's all in the past."

Yes, it was all in the past. Both he and she had suffered much in their childhood, both materially and mentally. Yet, they were both optimists; with that single, understated sentence, it felt as if everything that had passed was already behind them, and now, the clouds had parted to reveal the bright moon. She said joyfully, "The rain has stopped."

The rain had truly stopped. The streetlights illuminated the power lines on either side, which were hung with tiny droplets of rain, dripping down rhythmically. The lights cast shadows of her and him; the bright orange glow draped everything in a faint, warm hue. It was spring, after all, and the night breeze carried a warm, moist scent. New banana leaves sprouted from within the courtyard walls of the houses by the alley; the light reflected on such tender greenery, making it look as though it might drip water at any moment. She stopped in her tracks. "I'm home."

He felt a sudden pang of melancholy. "So soon."

Yes, so soon. Behind her was the familiar stairwell, and she hid her face in the shadows of the building. "Goodbye." He also said a soft "Goodbye." She had already walked into the stairwell when he suddenly took a few steps forward. "Which day is your day off, exactly? I'll take you to see the apricot blossoms." She said, "I don't even know when my day off is—the hospital has been in a special state these past two days." He said quickly, "Then I'll wait for you tomorrow; I'm going to visit the patient every day anyway."

Her heart suddenly overflowed with joy, and the stairs, which usually felt narrow and suffocating, suddenly seemed to brighten up. With every step she took upward, her pace felt light and airy. It was a rather pleasant feeling, having a former enemy suddenly become a friend.

He did, indeed, wait for her to finish her shift every day. Whenever it was time for the shift change, he would appear right on schedule with a smile, carrying various snacks—sometimes jellied noodles, sometimes small cakes, or sweet pastries. This evening, he treated her to shrimp dumplings, and she couldn't help but ask, "What is your monthly salary?" He looked as if he had been scalded, and she hurriedly handed him some tea. He shot her a look, then answered honestly, "My monthly stipend is 376 yuan. Why do you ask?" No wonder—his salary was actually quite generous. She said, "I see you treating people to things every day, spending seven or eight yuan each time; you're so free-handed with your money.”

He had never been managed by anyone. When his foster mother adopted him, he was already over ten years old. He had been sensible from a young age, so his foster mother had always treated him like a little adult, keeping a polite distance. Later, when he reunited with his biological parents, his entire world seemed to flip upside down. His biological mother felt an unspeakable guilt toward him, and because she was as frail as a dodder vine, he was the one planning everything for her. As for his biological father... he felt even more indebted to him, resulting in a kind of indulgence that bordered on spoiling. Today, hearing her speak in such a tone—half-scolding, half-angry—his heart gave a sudden thump. It felt as if someone had brushed it gently with a feather; it was both comfortable and uncomfortable, an indescribable itch he couldn't soothe.

He said softly, "Thank you."

She replied, "What are you thanking me for?" As usual, she gave him a glare. "You don't even know how to plan your own finances. If you have no savings, what will you do in the future? I only reminded you because I treat you as a friend."

He gave a short laugh. The shrimp dumpling wrapper was translucent, revealing the pink shrimp and vibrant green vegetables inside. He dipped it in vinegar and ate it, but in his mouth, he only tasted the sweet fragrance of the shrimp. She considered him a friend... He would strive to improve himself further, reaching even greater heights.

The next day was chaotic; there were many patients, and because they had transferred several colleagues to the Special Ward over the past two days, staff was stretched thin. A surgery didn't end until four in the afternoon, and her stomach was already rumbling with hunger. After handing over her shift, she went to the break room and saw a small cake, and her eyes nearly lit up with hearts. Little Zhou was quick to speak: "Three-Fifty bought that. He waited here for you all afternoon. He said he suddenly received orders to return to his unit tonight, and it’s a pity he didn't get to see you."

"Oh, we just don't have the fate, but as long as there's cake to eat, whether I see his handsome face or not doesn't really matter. Although a handsome guy is a feast for the eyes, and talking to him is quite engaging, the 'Chevy Prince' is still more desirable." While struggling to eat the cake, she sighed infinitely over the prince from that accidental encounter. If Three-Fifty hadn't jumped out to stir up trouble, she might have had a romantic beginning with the prince.

Little Zhou shrieked, "Since when did you think you were so compatible with him?"

She clapped the cake crumbs off her hands. "Just these past few days. Once you get in contact, you realize he’s actually quite interesting. It’s just a pity he isn't the Chevy Prince." The moment the Chevy Prince was mentioned, Little Zhou’s eyes also filled with hearts. With great interest, she told her: "This morning, as I walked past the garden in front of the Special Ward, I saw two or three young men standing in the corridor talking from afar. All of them looked incredibly distinguished. Oh my, they must be either wealthy or powerful—the so-called scions of influential families—even more outstanding than movie stars."

She finished off another small cake and, with the professional tone of a veteran fangirl, advised Little Zhou: "If you want to meet them, it's simple. Carry a medicine tray over and 'accidentally' drop it with a crash. He will surely help you pick it up; isn't that how it goes in the movies?"

Little Zhou couldn't help but flick her on the head again: "You silly girl! That’s the Special Ward. It’s so heavily guarded that not even a fly can get in. How could you find a way to carry a medicine tray to approach the prince? Unless you turn into a butterfly and fly in." She sighed, her face full of longing. "If only I were transferred to the Special Ward."

She struggled to choke out two words through the dry cake: "Dream on!"

Dreaming! It truly was a dream!

Huayue pinched her thigh hard, sucking in a cold breath from the pain. It wasn't a dream—it really wasn't a dream. The department head had just announced her transfer to the Special Ward. Oh my god! The Special Ward! Inside her heart, it felt like a hundred rabbits—no, five hundred rabbits—were jumping around wildly.

Although it was only the outermost layer of work, on her very first day on duty, she actually saw the Chevy Prince. He was coming toward her from the corridor. It was him, it really was him... She recognized that handsome face instantly. He seemed to recognize her too, and gave her a slight nod and a smile. Oh my god... let her faint for a moment first... Could he still remember her? The prince who never forgot a face.

Sure enough, that mellow, low-pitched voice rang out again: "Miss, were you alright that day?"

She smiled so hard her eyes nearly squinted into slits. "I'm fine, I'm fine." She finally succeeded in showing him that pair of cute dimples. He reached out his hand with perfect etiquette: "I haven't introduced myself yet. My surname is Mu, Mu Shiyang. I am a secretary at the First Office of the Twin Bridges Official Residence." How happy, so happy... She knew the Chevy Prince’s name, she knew his position, and she could even shake his hand... She replied with a beaming smile: "My surname is Fang, Fang Huayue, a nurse in the Hematology Department of Jiangshan General Hospital, just transferred to the Special Ward."

The Chevy Prince’s smile was truly mesmerizing. His next sentence nearly made her faint from happiness. He actually asked with extreme courtesy: "I wonder what time Miss Fang gets off work? Would I have the honor of inviting Miss Fang for a cup of coffee?"

Honor! What an honor!

Today was truly too fortunate. First, being transferred to the Special Ward, then a chance encounter with the Chevy Prince, and finally, he was actually inviting her for coffee. Ever since she turned twenty, happiness had come in wave after wave; it was truly blissful—so blissful it felt like she was going to drown in it.

The only flaw was that the Chevy Prince wasn't attending the appointment alone. He had actually brought two companions. With two 2,000-watt lightbulbs watching, what was he thinking? Mu Shiyang introduced them: one was named Huo Mingyou, the other Li Hannian. Both of them possessed extraordinary temperaments, not inferior to the Chevy Prince at all. For the sake of the three princes, she wouldn't hold it against him.

However, these three princes were a bit strange. All three were watching her with great interest, their gazes carrying a hint of curiosity and scrutiny. Fortunately, they were very alert people; as soon as they realized she had noticed, they immediately reined it in. Mu Shiyang very politely recommended the restaurant's signature dessert, cherry pudding, to her.

It was indeed delicious—fragrant, sweet, refreshing, and smooth. She ate with relish. Then, Huo Mingyou recommended the raspberry ice cream, and Li Hannian suggested she try the Portuguese egg tart. She began to feel the urge to roll her eyes. What did they take her for, a pig? Mu Shiyang, who was sharp-witted, immediately smiled and explained: "I'm sorry, we all feel that you look like you're enjoying your food very much, and eating with you makes us feel like we have a good appetite, too.”

What did these wealthy young masters take her for? A professional dining companion? Still, she had to say something: "Actually, a healthy appetite is what matters most. Food is the heaven of the people; humans derive almost all their energy from what they eat. Look at the three of you grown men—you don't even have as much appetite as I do."

Huo Mingyou answered with a smile: "We already had afternoon tea with our boss, so we aren't hungry yet."

If you aren't hungry, why invite her to such an expensive Western restaurant? Wait, what did he just say? Had afternoon tea with their boss... She almost forgot: the three young masters before her were all scions of distinguished, powerful families. She sighed, "I imagine that if one were to sit with such important figures, even the most delicious food would taste like wax."

However, the benefit of working in the Special Ward was that not only could you see dashing young elites, but you could also see beautiful women—real beauties!

She was truly a beauty, barely seventeen or eighteen, with bright eyes, pearly teeth, and a captivating grace. Although she wore the simplest, shortest cheongsam, it looked exceptionally stunning on her. Watching her stand in the courtyard, glancing left and right, made one feel as though her very gaze was sparkling with light. She couldn't help but ask, "Miss, is there anything I can help you with?"

Beauties are just like that; they smile before they even speak, instantly making one feel at ease. "Ah, thank you, I’ve already found my friend." She turned her head as Mu Shiyang approached from the end of the corridor. The beautiful girl gave a radiant smile and affectionately linked her arm with his. Mu Shiyang said, "I didn't think you would come today." The girl replied, "Mother was worried, so she insisted I come." When the two looked at each other, their gazes were so intense they seemed glued together.

Standing together, they were truly a perfect match, like jade carvings from a celestial palace. This was what people meant by a "match made in heaven." She sighed inwardly. It’s over, she thought. The Chevy Prince was already spoken for, and her fangirl dreams had once again ended in a premature death.

Lowering her head to organize the cotton swabs in her tray, she didn't notice Mu Shiyang had spotted her. "Miss Fang." She looked up, flashing her signature cute dimples. Even if the Chevy Prince was off-limits, she would go down with grace in front of such a beauty. Mu Shiyang introduced them: "This is Miss Murong. And this is Miss Fang Huayue."

The surname made her gasp, but the young lady only beamed. "Ah, Sister Fang, hello." She hadn't expected this young lady to be so devoid of arrogance, calling her "sister" right away. But why were those dark, gleaming eyes looking her up and down, smiling like a little cat that had just stolen some fish? She maintained her composure and nodded. "Miss Murong." The young lady said with a grin, "My family calls me Pan'er; Sister Fang can call me Pan'er too."

This young lady was being incredibly familiar. Why did she feel like there was a hint of a conspiracy behind this friendliness?

In any case, these wealthy elites were all a bit bizarre. Although the rules in the Special Ward were strict and the procedures tedious, the work itself was actually quite relaxed. Each shift was only four hours long. On this day, as soon as she finished handing over her shift, she encountered a familiar figure in the corridor.

She blurted out, "Zhuo Zheng!"

He turned around, looking startled. Upon seeing it was her, he seemed even more surprised: "Why are you here?"

She was equally confused: "Why are you here?"

He hesitated for a moment before saying, "I’m here accompanying my superior."

She asked, "Are you leaving right away? I’ve been transferred to the Special Ward."

He tapped his forehead and said, "Wait, you said you were transferred to the Special Ward? When did that happen?"

He acted so strange, as if he were incredibly reluctant to see her there. Hmph, she didn't want to see this brat either. He was like a ghost that refused to be exorcised—even after transferring to the Special Ward, she still couldn't escape him. She glared at him again: "I transferred ages ago—the very day you went back to your unit."

He paused again, asking: "Are you off shift? I have something to discuss with you." She let out a laugh: "You look so serious; whenever you get serious, I find it funny." In the end, he laughed too and led her into a break room. It was strange; the moment they were left alone, she felt a little awkward. Perhaps it was because he was watching her so intently. She cleared her throat: "Why are you staring at me?" He answered quite frankly: "Because I think you’re very pretty." Even with her thick skin, she couldn't help but blush. Fine, she thought, he wins; he actually has the power to make me blush. He asked, "When I was away, did anyone give you any trouble?"

No one had given her trouble, but what was with that look on his face? Was that supposed to be a lingering, affectionate gaze?

The atmosphere was truly strange. Why was he leaning so close? Close enough to make her heart pound and her breath quicken. She jumped up from her chair and accidentally bumped into his chin. She clutched her forehead: "That hurts!" Truly bad luck—and even worse, the inner door suddenly opened and someone walked in.

It was that Miss Murong. The moment she saw Zhuo Zheng, she opened her arms and hugged him, looking absolutely delighted. "You’re back! If you hadn't come back, I would have had to call you." Her attachment was clear to see. Zhuo Zheng reached back, wrapped his arms around her waist, and looked at her with pure indulgence: "With so many people running around you, why do you need me back?"

Miss Murong pouted: "What can they do? It's not like you don't know."

What was going on with this Miss Murong? Just a few days ago, she was being all cozy with Mu Shiyang, and today she was cuddling with Zhuo Zheng. As for Mu Shiyang, she didn't care anymore, nor could she do anything about it. She had always valued friendship over romance; Mu Shiyang was "romance," so she could discard him, but Zhuo Zheng was a "friend." She couldn't just stand by and watch him be taken for a ride.

Miss Murong pulled on Zhuo Zheng: "Father has asked about you several times already; he wants you to come in."

Zhuo Zheng looked at her, wanting to say something but stopping short. Miss Murong gave him a gentle push: "Go on, I’ll look after Sister Fang; no one is going to eat her."

Zhuo Zheng said, "Alright then." He turned, speaking to her softly: "I’ll go see the boss first, and I’ll explain everything to you later."

Explain? What could he possibly need to explain? For some reason, she felt a bit sour inside. It must be because she hated that this young lady had not only snatched away the Chevy Prince but didn't even know how to cherish him, playing the field with two men at once. She truly had an angelic face, but the heart of a devil.

The angelic face was full of smiles: "Sister Fang, may I invite you for a cup of tea?"

"I'm in a hurry to go to the market to buy groceries."

The angel looked full of longing: "I imagine buying groceries must be incredibly interesting."

Yes, how could this young lady, who had never lifted a finger, ever understand the joy of haggling over every penny? As she spoke about it, she became animated: "Let me tell you, buying groceries is a profound art. You have to judge the quality of the produce, and the haggling is the most critical part. First, you have to stay calm, then you have to push for a lower price, and finally, you have to be methodical..." She hadn't even finished explaining her "bargaining strategy" when a nurse knocked on the door: "Miss, you have a phone call.”

The angel went off to answer the phone, clearly reluctant. "Sister Fang, you go ahead and buy your groceries then. When you have the chance, you must teach me your secrets for bargaining, okay?"

This young lady was quite interesting. After she walked out of the break room and crossed the atrium, she suddenly heard a calm, resonant voice: "Miss Fang, please stay for a moment."

It was an elderly man, looking somewhat familiar. His gaze, sharp as lightning, swept over her, causing her to involuntarily shiver. The old man was extremely polite. "My surname is Lei. I wonder if it would be possible for Miss Fang to step aside? There are some things I would like to discuss with you."

Clearly, he was someone of significant importance. She, Fang Huayue, had never done anything to be ashamed of, so what was there to fear? Thus, she followed him with poise through the winding corridors until they reached a place she had never been before. It looked like a massive suite where the windows were draped in magnificent floor-to-ceiling velvet curtains. The carpet was so plush that her feet sank an inch deep with every step, making her movements completely silent. Flowers and fruits were everywhere; behind the sofa stood an eighteen-panel purple sandalwood screen with intricate carvings. The hazy yellow light slanted across the delicate openwork of the screen. She had only ever seen such luxurious settings in movie sets; it was hard to believe this was still inside a hospital.

The man named Lei sat on the sofa and said calmly, "Please sit, Miss Fang."

She finally remembered who he was. She finally realized why he looked familiar: he was none other than Lei Shaogong. No wonder he possessed such an imposing presence. But judging by his demeanor, he hadn't come with good intentions; nothing good would come of this. Sure enough, as soon as he spoke, he said, "Miss Fang, I am very sorry, but I am afraid we must ask you to leave Zhuo Zheng."

Leave Zhuo Zheng? She found it amusing. What kind of talk was that? It was the most cliché line from a romance movie, and she could already guess what would come next. Sure enough, Lei Shaogong continued, "Zhuo Zheng has a bright future ahead of him. Miss Fang, I do not believe your relationship with him is appropriate." It was so disappointing; couldn't he come up with something fresher? Why did he want her to leave Zhuo Zheng? They were only friends. Besides, how did Zhuo Zheng manage to disturb such a big shot to come and act as a lobbyist?

Aha! She understood now. It seemed that the relationship between Zhuo Zheng and Miss Murong was already common knowledge. Judging by the earlier scene, Mr. Murong was also quite satisfied with this future son-in-law. That was why they had dispatched this high-ranking figure to play the role of the "villainous parent" trying to break up a pair of lovebirds—even though she and Zhuo Zheng weren't technically "lovebirds" yet. However, she simply couldn't stand them bullying others with their power. Miss Murong herself was playing the field, yet she still had the audacity to send someone to command her to "leave Zhuo Zheng." Bah! In her dreams!

She replied indifferently, "Mr. Lei, I don't think I can fulfill your request. You should go ask Zhuo Zheng himself and see if he is willing to leave me." Hmph, even if they were only friends, she couldn't just stand by and watch him fall prey to a femme fatale without doing anything. She might as well throw the words out there; at least let them know that Miss Murong's "boat" wasn't necessarily easy to sail.

The man named Lei remained completely composed. "Miss Fang, I believe you must understand that we are not here to request your cooperation."

She leaned forward slightly, studying this politician who commanded respect without anger. She said calmly and steadily, "Minister Lei, I do not intend to accept any of your threats either."

A strange glint flashed across his eyes. "Little girl, you have quite a lot of nerve. Name your price."

Ah! Of course! How could they omit the most essential scene—the signing of a check? It was a staple in novels and movies. Watching him pull out a checkbook, she had the urge to burst into loud laughter. It was truly hilarious; she never imagined she would have such an opportunity. She took the flimsy piece of paper and carefully examined the amount: half a million. They were certainly generous. She said, enunciating each word, "Half a million is not a large sum to you, and it isn't to me either! To buy the peace of my conscience, it's too cheap; to buy my love, it's also too cheap! So, save your breath!" She blew gently on the check, and it fluttered sideways, landing on the carpet.

Seeing that Lei Shaogong remained unmoved, though there was a flicker of genuine surprise in his eyes that he couldn't quite hide, she couldn't help but feel smug. Since watching Autumn Song, she had memorized these lines by heart, never expecting they would actually come in handy one day. He spoke slowly, "Miss Fang, according to our investigation, you are very fond of money."

The subtext was that she was a gold-digger. Fine, she was a gold-digger. But as a person with her style, she had to be a gold-digger in a unique way. She looked at him frankly. "Yes, I truly love money as if it were my own life. However, I would never sell my self-esteem, my feelings, or my character for the sake of money."

Lei Shaogong laughed. "Do not think you can play a long game to catch a big fish. You should know that if Zhuo Zheng insists, he could lose everything he has now. In that case, you will still end up with nothing."

Naturally, failing to be Mr. Murong's son-in-law could only be described as a "catastrophic loss." She smiled slyly. "Minister Lei, if you want to know if Zhuo Zheng will insist, go ask him. If he insists on marrying Miss Murong, that is his choice. If he happens to give up being Mr. Murong's son-in-law for my sake, that is also his choice. I don't think you can control his decisions."

Why did Minister Lei's expression suddenly look so strange? He asked abruptly, "He wants to marry Miss Murong?"

"Yes, aren't you the ones who dragged me here to threaten and bribe me for that very reason?"

She couldn't tell if the look on his face was one of "laughing or crying," but it was certainly weird. Whatever, she had finished saying everything she wanted to say. After thinking for a moment, she added a heavy blow: "As for your young lady, try teaching her how to love others first. Don't throw your weight around and play the field. Even if Zhuo Zheng only earns 376 yuan a month, he is a dignified man, just like that young and successful Mr. Mu Shiyang. What she is doing is an insult to them both."

The look on his face became even more intriguing. "How do you know what Zhuo Zheng's monthly salary is?"

She held her head high. "He told me."

His face was hidden in the shadows of the curtain; it was hard to tell his expression, but it still seemed strange. He said, "376 yuan—that's really quite a lot."

"Yes, for a standard salary, it's not bad. But I see he spends money recklessly every day, without a single plan, so he probably can't save a penny by the end of the year. He’s naturally good material to be a 'prince consort,' though—anyway, the Murong family has money. If he marries the young lady, he won't have to worry about supporting a family."

She suddenly heard a faint, suppressed chuckle, which seemed to come from behind the screen. She couldn't help but turn her head. Could there be someone behind the screen? Lei Shaogong coughed and said, "Miss Fang, I have to admit..." Before he could finish his sentence, the door was suddenly pushed open with great force. It was Zhuo Zheng, looking completely exasperated. "Father..."

She stared in stunned silence. Why did he look like that? He looked exactly like a lion that had been pushed too far. Wait, what did he just call him? She subconsciously turned her head to look at Lei Shaogong, who sat on the sofa. He rose slowly and said calmly, "What's the matter, Little Zhuo?”

Her mind was in such a chaotic state, yet Zhuo Zheng seemed to have calmed down incredibly quickly. "I'm sorry, Uncle Lei." Despite his words, a hint of underlying anger remained in his voice. "Please do not interfere with my relationship with her. No one can stop me from loving her."

She was dizzy! Absolutely dizzy! He said he loved her; he actually said he loved her... She needed a moment to faint, and then she would immediately climb back up. She was so moved. This was the first time she had heard such a direct confession, and her vanity was instantly and thoroughly satisfied. Yes, satisfied. She never expected him to have such ambition—to not care a whit about being a "prince consort." She couldn't have imagined that this guy, who spent his days laughing and joking, would be so responsible and manly when it truly mattered. Before she could even find the words to praise him, he was already dragging her by the hand, saying politely, "Uncle Lei, Miss Fang and I have other matters to attend to. Please excuse us."

Wow! So cool! He was "kidnapping" her! It really was worth it that she had turned the tide for him. She hadn't expected him to be so overbearing when he put on a stern face. Although that word was supposedly derogatory, his overbearing demeanor was truly a feast for the eyes! He seemed to radiate a biting coldness, even more charismatic than the Chevy Prince, making one unable to help but look up to him with admiration.

They walked a long distance before he suddenly stopped and asked, "What did they do to you?"

She beamed at him. "What else could they do? The same old routine—threats and bribes." She stood on her tiptoes and patted his shoulder. "Don't you worry, I’ve already blocked them perfectly. They can't do anything to us."

That last sentence caused an extraordinary light to flash in his eyes. He laughed, and that smile was as radiant as the sun again. "That's right, they can't do anything to us."

Her cheeks began to burn as she remembered what he had just said—he said he loved her... He took her hand and led her outside. "I'm taking you to see the apricot blossoms."

She couldn't quite find her bearings; the events of the past short while were too complicated, and she needed time to think. "I have to go buy groceries; it's almost dark."

He suddenly grew angry, dragging her along as he walked. "You are coming to see the apricot blossoms with me today, whether you like it or not."

She was about to argue when she suddenly saw Miss Murong and Mu Shiyang standing arm-in-arm in the atrium. Miss Murong even made a face at them.

Oh my, so he had been provoked—no wonder he was acting so out of character. But quick pain is better than slow suffering; it was a good thing he saw this scene early so he could find his way back. Perhaps he only said he loved her because he was provoked. Although this dealt a heavy blow to her self-esteem, she decided to prioritize his self-esteem for now. After all, men cared a lot about their pride. She followed him obediently, comforting him as they walked. "Actually, Young Master Mu comes from a famous family; he and Miss Murong are a perfect match. They are the most suitable pair."

He couldn't help but sigh. "Yeah, only Mu Shiyang can put up with her temper."

She took the opportunity to press on with her comfort. "The world is full of beautiful scenery; even though Miss Murong is beautiful, true value lies in seeking a kindred spirit. Mutual affection and spiritual connection are the most important things."

He turned his head to look at her. Why did his gaze make her feel so flushed? Regardless, she was also acting a bit strangely today, constantly feeling her heart race and her face burn. It wasn't until she got into the car that she remembered, "How do you have a car?"

He said, "It's a car my father had someone send for me."

She suddenly remembered, "Ah! I forgot that Minister Lei is your father." She truly hadn't expected him to be the illegitimate son of such a high-ranking politician; no wonder he said his identity could never see the light of day. This was trouble now; she had no intention of getting involved with such a powerful person.

He paused, then burst into hearty laughter. "Who said Minister Lei is my father?" She replied righteously, "You did! Just now, when you rushed in, you called him 'Father.'" He groaned. Could she have misheard? She didn't think so... He babbled incoherently, "Just now, I thought my father was the one talking to you... No... my father was probably there too." His expression was strange, but she was left confused as well. The afternoon sun was warm, shining on the street where traffic flowed like a river. His hand was still gripping hers tightly, gently patting the back of her hand as if to comfort her. "It's all in the past. From now on, with me here, you don't need to be afraid of anything." In truth, she hadn't felt afraid, but his hand was so warm that she didn't want to pull away. He turned back and smiled at her, almost making her lose her focus. She must have been truly frightened by that big shot today, causing her to let her imagination run wild.

Wuchi really did have its own hidden paradise.

She held her breath. The spring water had risen to the edge of the embankment, and soft, velvety grass wove along the emerald bank. The entire embankment was covered in apricot blossoms and weeping willows. There were dozens, perhaps hundreds, of apricot trees blooming like clouds and mist; the flowers hung in clusters like brocade and velvet. Thousands of willow threads brushed against them, and the low-hanging branches swept the water, causing ripples on the turquoise surface. In the slanting sunlight, everything was dreamlike and picturesque. Lost in this beauty, she looked at the familiar outline of the mountain range not far away and murmured, "Is this in Qiyu Mountain Park?" He smiled. "It's not far from Qiyu Mountain Park." She looked around; on all sides were weeping willows and apricot blossoms—flowers red as brocade, willows green as jade, shading the sky. Looking out at the endless expanse of flowers and trees, she tried to orient herself. "This must still be inside Qiyu Mountain Park, but I've never been to this part before."

He whispered "Shh" and said quietly, "You really are smart. We snuck in through a small gate, without buying tickets—don't let anyone catch us." She had clearly seen him greet the guard at the gate, and she rolled her eyes at him. Liar! He must know the guard, which was why he could waltz into the park from the side gate so brazenly. He reached out, snapped off a willow twig, stripped the leaves, and pinched it to make a willow whistle, blowing it gently. She volunteered to make one too. He patiently taught her hand-in-hand, "Pull out the stem inside—there, good." The willow whistle was slightly astringent and bitter; when she put it in her mouth and blew hard, the sound was exceptionally bright and pleasant. She happily blew along with him, the whistle clear and melodious, like two happy little birds chirping incessantly amidst the willow shade and the dappled shadows of the apricot blossoms.

Just as they were enjoying themselves, she heard a faint sound like light thunder. She stopped, and he stopped too. He said, "It's the sound of horse hooves." She couldn't help but glare at him again. "Nonsense, this isn't a zoo; how could there be horses..." Before her words had even finished, she saw a rider approaching through the flowers and willows. The horse wasn't running fast, but it brushed against the apricot blossoms on both sides of the path, causing petals to fall like rain. The rider wore a black riding outfit that accentuated her graceful figure, and the rouge-colored silk scarf around her neck fluttered in the wind. As she approached and reined in the horse, Huayue looked up and saw that the rider was an incredibly beautiful woman. The place was already beautiful like a fairyland, but this woman was so beautiful she didn't seem of this world; it was impossible to tell her age. The woman looked her over carefully, then suddenly flashed a radiant smile at Zhuo Zheng, dismounted, and affectionately hugged him. "It's been a long time; I didn't expect you to bring a guest."

A sour thread of jealousy emerged in her heart against her will—heaven knows what she was jealous of. But facing such a beauty, any woman would be jealous. Heaven had truly favored her, gifting her with such peerless features; any man would surely have his heart stirred by her. But why did she always feel this woman looked so familiar?

Zhuo Zheng said, "Mom, this is Fang Huayue."

This sentence was like a thunderbolt from the blue. She stared agape at the stunning woman in front of her, who had already extended her hand. "Miss Fang, hello. Zheng'er has always been mischievous; I hope you aren't offended."

It was actually his—mother!

She was silent the whole way back, and he watched her with a hint of anxiety. Finally, he said, "I'm sorry, I was too impatient. Actually, I just wanted to protect you... that's why I took you to see my mother, hoping they would understand how much I value you."

She glared at him fiercely. "You're pathetic. I wasn't even afraid; what were you afraid of?"

He looked both exasperated and amused. "Of course you weren't afraid; you even dared to stand up to Minister Lei—" His voice suddenly dropped. "You don't know, I was really worried about you. I knew they wouldn't approve of our relationship."

A sweet sensation welled up in her heart; this feeling was truly wonderful. She couldn't help but say, "I'll confess something to you: if the amount Minister Lei had filled in on that check wasn't 500,000, but 5,000,000, I might have actually been tempted."

He paused, then gritted his teeth. "Fang Huayue!"

She tapped his face lightly. "Don't be angry; you aren't handsome when you're angry. Just think about it—5,000,000! We couldn't earn that in a lifetime." He looked so cute when he was angry that she couldn't resist teasing him more. "Your price is 5,000,000; even the biggest movie stars couldn't hope to match that."

He was truly annoyed by her, but then, thinking it over, his face lit up with a smile. "Then I'll confess something to you as well."

Her eyes darted as she looked at him. "Could it be that you actually loved Miss Murong, but she didn't want you anymore?"

He smiled as gently as the spring night outside the car window. "How could I fall in love with Pan'er? She is my own younger sister."

She made an "Oh" sound. "She's your younger sister." Suddenly, it clicked. "She's your younger sister?! Then... you... your father is..." She gasped. "Where exactly did you take me earlier?"

He answered slowly, "The Duanshan Official Residence."

Dammit! He really was... How could he be the son of Murong Qingyi... Could she hide in the Sahara Desert and never come back?