Qi Lingyu flipped through the data she held. "That is the oldest; it's already one hundred and twenty-three years old."

"How many here are over a hundred years old?" Zhong Yun inquired.

"Twenty-three plants," Qi Lingyu supplied the answer quickly.

"So few?" Zhong Yun frowned slightly. It was sparse, true, but better than nothing, so he immediately made the decision, "I'll take them all."

"You want them all?" Qi Lingyu thought her ears were playing tricks on her and couldn't help asking, "All twenty-three?"

"Is that not allowed?" Zhong Yun retorted.

"It is..." With a sale on the line, how could it not be allowed? This transaction alone would account for two months of her base salary in commission. Furthermore, not a single one of these plants had sold since they were transplanted here. Getting rid of such a large backlog would surely earn her high praise from the manager. Yet, she simply couldn't fathom why someone would buy so many Black Datura. They weren't pretty to look at, nor could they be eaten. Did this person simply have too much money burning a hole in their pocket? She had initially assumed he was just browsing out of curiosity, never expecting him to purchase twenty-three at once. Still, how could a common person like her ever understand the mindset of the truly wealthy? Thinking this way, she ceased to find it odd. Perhaps they simply bought them for the novelty because money was no object. And so, in Qi Lingyu's mind, Zhong Yun transformed instantly from a talented young man into a profligate rich kid. If Zhong Yun hadn't used his own silver card to pay, instead of Liu Yunqi's, he might have been labeled an ultimate freeloader.

After processing the payment, Qi Lingyu respectfully returned the bank card to Zhong Yun. She had glimpsed the balance inside—a long string of zeros that had blurred her vision momentarily.

"Mr. Zhong, would you like to take them now, or shall we arrange delivery to your residence?"

Zhong Yun gave her his home address. "Arrange for them to be sent to this location seven days from now."

"Understood." Qi Lingyu carefully noted the address, then asked, "Is there anything else you require?"

Zhong Yun turned toward Liu Yunqi and smiled, "Let's go look at the orchids?" Seeing her nod in agreement, he said to the female attendant, "Please lead us to the orchid section."

"Please follow me."

The orchids were in a different section, requiring a short walk. Qi Lingyu led the way, with Zhong Yun and Liu Yunqi following closely side-by-side.

"Why are you buying so many Black Datura?"

Liu Yunqi finally couldn't hold back her question. Black Datura was a rather obscure variety, and while she loved orchids, she didn't know much about camellias and had never heard of this particular flower before. However, based on the attendant's earlier description, the Black Datura offered no practical value and low ornamental appeal; besides being rare, it seemed utterly worthless.

"I plan to steep them for tea," Zhong Yun replied simply.

Liu Yunqi frowned, considering this for a moment. Among the famous flowers used for tea infusions, the Black Datura did not seem to feature.

Qi Lingyu, walking ahead, made a mental note. Although research suggested the Black Datura lacked medicinal properties, she trusted that this wealthy young man wouldn't act without reason.

As they talked, they arrived at the orchid section, and Liu Yunqi’s attention was immediately captured by the dazzling array of flowers.

Noticing her absorption, Zhong Yun tactfully stepped aside to admire the various orchids, each possessing its own distinct beauty.

Everything displayed here held some degree of value, yet the sheer quantity of orchids was astonishing. Zhong Yun and Liu Yunqi browsed the entire morning and still hadn't seen everything.

Seeing that it was nearing mealtime, Zhong Yun went to find Liu Yunqi and located her group near a corner.

The three returned to the main hall to find, to their surprise, that the elderly man holding the withered Glazed Rose was still there. A staff member was speaking with him, and the two appeared to be arguing about something.

As they approached, they overheard that the Glazed Rose plant was beyond saving, but the old man was persistent, urging them to check it one more time.

Zhong Yun passed by the old man and, as he stepped out the main door, couldn't help looking back one last time. The sorrowful entreaty on the elder's withered face tugged at one's heart.

The facility’s amenities were comprehensive; the restaurant was right next door. After Qi Lingyu led them there, she excused herself.

The two sat facing each other at a table by the window. Beyond the immense, clear floor-to-ceiling glass was a lush expanse of green lawn, dotted with flowering shrubs that revealed a corner of a white building. On the other side lay a vast, emerald-green lake. A line of willows was planted along the embankment, and under their shade, scattered pedestrians sat on benches provided for rest, enjoying the cool breeze drifting off the water.

Soft music played inside the restaurant, and the white floor was immaculately clean. Everything exuded a relaxed, leisurely atmosphere; it truly was an excellent place for travel and relaxation.

After ordering their meals, Zhong Yun poured out the water in both their cups and retrieved a thermos from his backpack. "Drink this instead; I steeped it myself." He then poured a stream of vivid, jade-green liquid into the cups.

"You really don't have to..." Liu Yunqi started to refuse, but she visibly stilled upon seeing the liquid in the cup. "What is this?"

"It’s a tea I steeped using some flowers," Zhong Yun said, pouring a cup for himself. He gently sipped it, savoring the fragrance lingering on his palate. "It's not much, and it took quite a bit of effort to prepare, but you should try some." He finished the rest of his tea in one go.

Liu Yunqi brought the cup close to her nose; a faint, delicate fragrance drifted in, instantly invigorating her spirit. "This... you steeped this yourself?"

Her expression held a subtle strangeness that Zhong Yun didn't notice as he nodded.

Liu Yunqi offered a slight smile, mimicking his action by taking a small sip. After savoring the taste for a moment, she drank the rest, lingering on the aftertaste. "It's a very unique tea."

Zhong Yun was about to respond when the waiter arrived with their dishes—all regional specialties, including unfamiliar fresh vegetables and rustic, freshly grilled skewers of meat. He had to admit, the restaurant's cooking was first-rate, vastly superior to the food served at the hotel near the school. As he enjoyed the delicious food while admiring the beautiful face of the girl opposite him, he felt an inexpressible surge of emotion. This experience, whether in his past life or this one, was entirely new. This, he thought, was life.

"Liu..." Zhong Yun paused, uncertain how to address her. "Miss Liu" felt too formal, but calling her "Yunqi" seemed too abrupt.

"Just call me Yunqi," Liu Yunqi kindly offered, smoothing over his awkwardness.

"Yunqi."

Zhong Yun was overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion. How many nights had this name echoed in his dreams? He never thought he would one day say it aloud directly to her.

Composing himself, he asked the question that had been troubling him. "Why did you agree to be in a group with me? I mean, you never partner up with boys one-on-one before."