赠人玫瑰，手有余香

"Zèng rén méiguī, shǒu yǒuyú xiāng"

As the soft chime of the café's door announced her arrival, Liana Xiu Ying stepped into the warm embrace of the ambient light cascading over plush pistachio couches and wooden tables. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with pastries filled the air, a balm for her knotted thoughts. The café was a hidden gem, its shelves lined with books and walls adorned with art that shifted with the seasons, creating a cozy atmosphere for deep conversations.

She scanned the room and found Bo at a corner table, his brow furrowed in concentration as he scrolled through his phone. The sight of him conjured bittersweet recollections of the recent events—misunderstandings piled upon misunderstandings over matters of the heart. Bo was a gentle soul, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, and Liana felt a sense of responsibility to help him untangle that mess.

"Hey, Bo!" she greeted, her voice warm with encouragement as she took a seat across from him.

He looked up, a blend of relief and curiosity flickering across his face. "Liana! Thanks for meeting me," he said, putting his phone down. "I could really use some good news."

She nodded, noticing the lines around his eyes. "Of course. I've done some digging about your situation with Hui. You won't believe what I found."

Bo leaned in, his interest piqued. "What is it?"

"I found a picture of a dinner you had with your wife and your boss," Liana Xiu Ying said, trying to gauge his reaction. "It seems there were some, uh, misleading actions that painted a bemused picture for the three of you.

Bo's brow furrowed deeper. "Misleading actions? What do you mean?"

Liana bit the inside of her cheek and started tapping her fingers against the top of the table. Alright, here we go. "Well, to be more specific, Hui may have the idea that you were cheating on her with your boss.

Bo chocked on the coffee he was sipping and widened his eyes. "Cheating on... with Eu-Meh?!" He shrieked in disbelief. "But, how? I never... I didn't... How could she have gotten that idea?

"I mean, in the picture you boss seemed quite, uh, intrepid." Liana replied, tucking a curly strand behind her ear and diverting her gaze to her fingers. "I thought you knew, but the way you described your conversations with Hui, it feels like there was a misunderstanding," Liana continued. "And it's clear you both loved each other deeply. You need to talk to her, Bo."

He blinked, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. "I didn't think I'd misread the situation so badly. I never thought about reaching out to Hui after everything that happened."

Liana sweatdropped. Is he serious?

"Sometimes, confronting those feelings can lead to closure, or at least clarity. You shouldn't brush it aside," Liana advised, her tone earnest.

A moment of silence drifted between them before Bo smiled, his tension easing slightly. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely!" Liana replied, her cheer contagious. "I would suggest meeting at your old apartment, that will surely settle the mood. Oh, and remember the biang biang noodles? That will win her over. Be romantic, you know?"

Bo chuckled softly, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. "I'll try to remember that. You've got some sort of magical insight, Liana."

She playfully rolled her eyes. "Maybe I'm just a friend who cares. But I do have some magic."

Their conversation continued, touched lightly with laughter, until a soft chime from the café's entrance drew Liana's attention. The sun was creeping behind the horizon, casting a golden hue across the room. It was a reminder of time's fleeting nature. As they wrapped up their discussion, Liana felt a spark of joy—she had made a difference in someone's life today.

Stepping outside into the evening, the crisp air invigorated her senses. With a soft smile lingering on her lips, she felt the excitement of new beginnings and the possibility of healing, not only for Bo but for herself as well.

Reuniting with her former college friends—Qiao Ling, Cheng Xiaoshi, and Lu Guang—had been uplifting, yet it had also uncovered deeper truths. Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi both revealed they possessed abilities similar to hers, diving into the past through photographs, opening up a world of shared experiences she thought was a solitary basis of her existence. It felt like stepping into a new life, but with it came echoes of old pains, a stark reminder that she was still grappling with the remnants of her childhood.

As she walked, the weight of a recent emergency also pressed against her heart—Lily, the girl she and her paramedic supervisor, Wen, had saved. The memory of that day haunted her, the girl's spirit clinging to her like an unseen chain, reminding her of the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The specter of loss tugged at her chest, sharp and heavy. How could she forget how brutal it felt when someone was laid on the precipice of life and death, and she stood helpless, again?

Then a flicker of memory ignited—one that transported her back in time, unlocking another door. It was night, and chaos unfolded like the petals of a flower caught in a storm. She was barely six years old, nestled in the backseat of a car, the world around her bathed in darkness. Screeching tires filled her ears, an ominous symphony of chaos. Voices sprang up around her, panicked and frantic, as she gripped her stuffed toys—a soft puppy and a fluffy cat—her only sense of security.

Suddenly, the car jerked violently, throwing her against the seat. Glass shattered, and metal crunched, strange sounds that morphed her simple childhood into a living nightmare. Fear coiled around her heart as the world spiraled out of control.

"Mommy, Daddy!" she had cried, but her voice was a whisper lost in the ensuing storm.

The world around her became a tapestry of sensory overload: the blaring horns of other vehicles, the icy grip of night, mingled with a sickening smell of burnt rubber and gasoline, wrapping around her like a suffocating cloak. Time slowed, but her mind raced, clinging desperately to the fragments of her family, her safety.

The moment the crash hit, pain exploded in her tiny body, sharp and unfathomable. She felt the heat consuming her, her legs pinned in an uncomfortable twist. "Help!" she shrieked, a sound that vibrated from somewhere deep inside, mixed with a well of emotions—fear, confusion, helplessness—all cascading over her like a storm, yet felt foreign to her own.

But then came the blinding lights, and a heaviness settled in her stomach. The chaos receded, the world fading to dark shadows as she felt herself being lifted, turned upside down, and carried away into the realm of sirens and shouting.

Liana could smell the wet black mold of the pavement, and the stench of oil mixed with something far more visceral—a scent that was burned into her memory, the smell of roasting flesh and blood that made bile rise in her throat. The memory shifted, repeating like a broken record, pulling her under until everything dissolved into a hazy void.

Gasping, she pulled herself back to the present, shaking her head to clear the heat rushing through her. She hadn't noticed she was walking blindly, her fists clenched in anger as the memories twisted her thoughts. And it was in that haze that she collided with someone.

"Whoa!" The figure steadied himself, stepping back slightly.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Liana exclaimed, her head snapping up, panic coursing through her veins.

But as she focused on the figure before her, her breath hitched. It was him. Qian Jin—the lawyer who had played a significant role in unraveling her family's justice, the man who freed the one responsible for the car crash. His presence was a brush of ice against her warm memories. He was tall, with dark green hair and a dark gray suit that looked tailored to perfection. But it was his eyes—those sharp golden eyes—that sent a chill down her spine.

"Qian Jin," she breathed, clenching her fists tighter as rage surged through her. "What are you doing here?"

He raised an eyebrow, a smirk dancing on his lips, assessing her with idle curiosity as if he didn't know the storm he had unleashed. "And you are...?"

Liana's heart raced. "March 13th, 2005. The day you thought it was okay to mess with my family."

Recognition flickered across his face, something dark stirring in his golden gaze. "Ah, Liana Xiu Ying. The little girl who witnessed tragedy. Quite the startling transformation, I must say. You've grown up beautifully, just like your mother."

Her stomach churned at his words, the casual familiarity he wielded as a weapon. "And you remain the same psychotic pettifogger," she shot back, sarcasm dripping from her lips.

His expression faltered momentarily, irritation flaring, but he masked it quickly. "Well, it's a pleasure to run into you again," he replied smoothly, extending his hand to offer her a business card. "Call if you ever need assistance."

Liana stared at the card as if it were made of poison. "I won't remember this encounter fondly," she snapped, taking the card reluctantly.

With a polite bow, he turned to walk away, and she felt a mix of triumph and bitterness. "What are you doing in this part of the city?" she wondered, a frown forming as he faded into the twilight.

Suddenly jolted back to reality, her phone vibrated in her back jeans pocket—an insistent, demanding reminder of her present duties. Pulling it out, she glared at the screen that lit up with the name Wei Chen. A wave of anxiety washed over her.

Wei Chen 🚑

Your shift starts in 20 minutes! Just where the hell are you, Liana?

seen at 7:52 PM

A rush of panic surged through her. The message was sent at 7:15 PM. "Oh, god. I'm going to be in so much trouble," she murmured, her heart racing. Would he believe her if she told him she was busy with 'family matters'?

"Guess I need to keep a schedule separating my witch's duties from my paramedic ones," she muttered, shaking her head as she decided to grab a taxi to the hospital.

As she slipped into the vehicle, she thought about Wei Chen's likely reaction. He was always strict about punctuality, especially with only fifty hours left to receive her paramedic license.

On the short ride, she opened Cheng Xiaoshi's text.

Cheng Xiaoshi

Hey, Liana! Guess what? I found a kitty near the studio this morning!

She's so cute. You should come over to see her!

seen at 7:58 PM

Liana Xiu Ying (Me)

Oh my... Cheng, she is so pretty! Did you guys adopt her? I want to meet her so badly!

sent at 7:59 PM

She quickly typed back, a genuine smile blooming on her face.

Then, moving on to Lu Guang's message, a surprise greeted her—only an emoji waving hello.

Lu Guang

👋🏻

seen at 8:01 PM

 "Uh, interesting," she thought, her brow furrowing slightly. She shrugged and replied with the same emoji, her finger hovering over the screen as she waited for his response.

Liana Xiu Ying (Me)

👋🏽

sent at 8:01 PM

When they arrived at the hospital, she paid the driver, dampening her joy for a moment as she braced herself for the onslaught that awaited her at the emergency department.

Halfway there, she ran into Wei Chen, his expression thunderous. "You're late! This isn't just a casual shift, Liana. You know you're this close to your paramedic license. I expect more from you!"

"I understand," she interjected, trying to catch her breath. "I was held back due to family matters."

He looked confused but raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said your parents were deces..—oi!"

With practiced ease, Liana cut him off, grabbing him by the wrist and gesturing to the clock. "We need to hurry, Wei Chen; there's no time for this."

With a click of his tongue, he muttered under his breath, "You never change."

With that, Liana felt the familiar pulse of the emergency room envelop her. Though the past hung heavily in her thoughts, the present demanded her attention, urging her forward into the chaos that would shape her future. And as she took her place, she resolved to confront both—the swirling storm of old memories and the challenges that lay ahead.

The low hum of a city night wrapped around Lu Guang as he sat in the dimly lit living room. The golden glow from the lamp cast long shadows across the walls, illuminating the cluttered shelves stacked with books and photographs. He barely registered the soft pages of the novel resting forgotten on his lap; his attention was wholly captured by the little orange tabby Persian cat beside him, its big chocolate-colored eyes observing him with curious intensity.

"Where did you come from, little one?" Lu Guang mused, brushing his fingers against the cat's velvety fur. The kitten let out a soft purr, curling into his side, filling the space with warmth. His heart tugged at the innocent creature before him—a stark contrast to the remnants of responsibility weighing heavily on his mind.

Just hours ago, his roommate Cheng Xiaoshi had burst through the door with the fluffy kitten, eyes alight with mischief. "Look what I found!" he had exclaimed, with that familiar exuberance only Cheng could muster.

Lu Guang had been quick to ground his friend with reality: they couldn't keep the cat. Cheng was unreliable, perpetually chaotic, and pets needed commitment—something he worried Cheng might not be ready for. Yet, here it was, night settled in, and he found himself entirely enamored, unable to hold his resolve against its soft, inquisitive demeanor.

Biting his lip, he recalled Liana Xiu Ying and her effortless approach to pet care. Her corgi, Kuai, was always impeccably groomed; she had a knack for understanding animals, and her affection for them was evident. Lu Guang's fingers danced hesitantly over the screen of his phone. What could he say without feeling like a nuisance? He had already sent her a message, but the silence weighed on him like the thickening walls of night.

As the minutes ticked by, he felt the weight of indecision pressing down. With a sigh, he typed,

Lu Guang (Me)

Draft: Hey, Liana. I hope you're not too busy. I have a little situation here...

He hesitated, his mind blanking on how to convey what felt like an almost monumental decision. Suddenly, the kitten pawed at his arm, its chocolate eyes shimmering with innocence. Inspiration struck.

Lu Guang (Me)

Hey, Liana. I hope you're not too busy.

I need help finding food and toys for a kitten.

I was wondering if you could, you know, share some ideas. Since you have Kuai and all.

sent at 8:21 PM

Liana Xiu Ying

Hi, Lu Guang! No, not too busy.

I'd love to help! What a cute kitten you've got there!

Cheng Xiaoshi sent me a picture.

seen at 8:30 PM

His heart quickened as a sense of warmth spread through him. Lu Guang could almost picture her smiling, her curly dark hair framing her face just right. He replied,

Lu Guang (Me)

Thanks! I'm a bit lost on where to start, honestly. Not really used to having pets.

Liana Xiu Ying

You're in luck! I know just the place. We could make a trip out of it! I could bring Kuai along too.

It'll be fun!

Lu Guang (Me)

A-Are you sure? I mean, I wouldn't want to bother you...

Liana Xiu Ying

Trust me, it'll be a great distraction! Plus, it'll help you get some ideas and keep the little girl entertained.

Lu Guang (Me)

Alright. When do you want to go?

Liana Xiu Ying

Is tomorrow at 7 AM a good time?

I'll meet you at the photo studio.

Lu Guang (Me)

Sure. Uhm...

Sorry, you typed 7 AM?

Liana Xiu Ying

Too early? 🙈

Geez, it's just–I am pretty close to finishing my practices at the hospital.

So, I'm doing extra shifts this week.

That's why I told Cheng Xiaoshi I wasn't sure I would be able to make it to the basketball match.

seen at 8:45 PM

...

Lu Guang?

Lu Guang (Me)

I'm here... Don't worry, Liana.

I'm just–not used to getting up early, to be honest.

But I'll make an exception. I'm the one asking for help, after all. 🙂

This little fellow deserves it.

Liana Xiu Ying

Aww, she is such cutie! 😍

Please, don't tell Kuai I said that.

She can get, uh, kinda jealous.

Lu Guang (Me)

You got it.

My lips are sealed.

Liana Xiu Ying

Thanks!

Well then... I should get going, my supervisor is calling me.

We just got an emergency call.

Lu Guang (Me)

S-sure. I won't be taking any more of your time.

Wouldn't want you getting in trouble.

Liana Xiu Ying

Sorry.

So, tomorrow?

7 AM at the photo studio?

Lu Guang (Me)

Absolutely!

We'll be waiting for you.

Liana Xiu Ying

Perfect! It's a date then. 😉

As soon as those words flashed across the screen, a jolt of confusion struck him. "A date?" he whispered to himself, repeating the phrase in bewilderment. Did she mean it that way? Could this be more than just a simple outing for supplies? He pushed a hand through his hair, feeling his cheeks warm.

The kitten mewed softly as if sensing his unease, and he managed a smile, brushing a thumb across its soft forehead. "We've got a date," he murmured, shifting his thoughts back to Liana, the warmth of her hug from a couple of days ago still lingering in his mind—the connection sparking a curious thrill, one he hadn't expected.

Meanwhile, Liana was lost in a whirlwind of chaos and urgency as she and her partner, Wei Chen, arrived at the scene of a domestic violence emergency. The air was tense, electric with fear and uncertainty. The flickering lights of police vehicles illuminated the area as she disembarked from the ambulance, the night's silence permeated with hushed voices and distant sirens.

"Stay close," Wei said, his voice steady as they approached the home where terrified cries were heard from within.

Liana nodded. The sight before them was harrowing; a woman clutched a child tightly against her, both visibly shaken. Bruises marred their skin, evidence of a struggle.

"Ma'am, we're here to help. Can you tell us what happened?" Liana asked gently, kneeling beside the woman.

"He... he got angry. I didn't mean to... I just wanted him to stop," the woman stammered, her eyes glistening with tears.

"Let's focus on you and your son right now," Wei interjected, assessing the situation with a practiced eye. "We need to check for any injuries."

As they worked, Liana's heart ached for the pair. The little boy was disoriented, his wide eyes darting around in confusion. "It's going to be alright," she whispered, carefully examining him for any signs of a concussion. "You're safe now."

The boy nodded, though uncertainty lingered in his gaze, and Liana's heart twisted. She could see the small cuts and bruises, the fear operating in tandem with a child's resilience. "You're a brave little guy," she continued, pressing a gentle hand to his shoulder, grounding him in the moment.

"We'll need to take you both to the hospital for treatment," Wei announced, working to keep the atmosphere calm and controlled. "You have some bruises, and your mom may have some broken ribs."

"What are ribs?" the boy asked quietly, the innocence of his voice making Liana's heart sink further.

"They help you breathe and protect your organs, kind of like a shield," she explained while motioning to her own ribs as an example, hoping simplicity would ease his worries.

Once they had transported the mother and child to the hospital, Liana finally caught her breath during a much-needed break in the cafeteria. The soft hum of conversation surrounded her, contrasting sharply with the earlier chaos.

"Do you want some tea?" Wei asked, pouring two cups as they settled down to briefly unwind.

"Uh, yes. Thanks," she replied, her mind still partially caught in the previous scene.

After a moment of comfortable silence, Wei smiled, nudging her playfully. "Want to do something fun tomorrow? My family is going to the aquarium, and I was wondering if you'd like to join us."

Liana hesitated, her mind immediately flickering back to Lu Guang. "I can't..." she said. "I have an appointment."

"Appointment? Sounds serious. What kind of appointment?" Wei's curiosity was piqued, and Liana felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she realized how she must have sounded.

"Just something with a friend," she replied carefully, treading lightly.

"A friend, huh?" Wei chuckled, leaning back in his seat, teasing glimmer in his eyes. "You're finally branching out. I'm proud of you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" she chuckled back, arms crossing defensively.

"It's just that you're always with me and Kuai. If you're seeing someone else, I'm happy for you," he said, an easy grin on his face.

Liana rolled her eyes, even as warmth crept into her chest at his playful support. "It's not like that..."

"Right, I'm sure," Wei laughed, his tone light, but Liana could hear the genuine warmth behind it. She smiled, grateful for his presence in her life.

Morning arrived briskly, sunlight filtering through the curtains as Liana shook off sleep, slipping into a faint yellow dress adorned with white dots. It felt appropriate for the warmth of the day ahead. She styled her hair into a curled bob—soft curls falling down her back, leaving a few strands to frame her face, and knelt down beside Kuai, who had been unusually quiet. The corgi turned her curious chocolate eyes toward Liana, seeming to sense her excitement.

"Okay, Kuai," Liana cooed, using a playful voice. "We're going to meet a new friend today, and I'm sure you'll love her."

Kuai responded with an energetic bark, tail wagging at the prospect, and Liana giggled, feeling the warmth of happiness spread through her. With one last look in the mirror, she sent a quick text to Lu Guang.

Liana Xiu Ying (Me)

Good morning!

I'm on my way.

sent at 6:00 AM

Back in the photo studio, Lu Guang awoke slowly to the golden glow of morning light filtering into his bedroom. The world felt quiet, a soft hum of early-rising birds filling the air. Groggily, he stretched his arms overhead, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and made his way to the bathroom to take a quick shower and get ready for his date with Liana Xiu Ying. He dressed in his signature loose-fitting dark gray T-shirt paired with a white dress shirt and dark slacks.

He made his way to the living room downstairs, and as he entered, he was met with the snoring figure of the kitten sprawled across the sofa. A fond smile slipped onto his face, his heart swelling at the comforting sight. The kitten stirred, yawning widely and stretching its paws as Lu Guang approached. He snuggled his face against her soft fur, inhaling her gentle warmth. It was smooth—not as smooth as Kuai's fur—but pleasantly so, and it made him smile.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated on the coffee table, jarring him from his moment of bliss. He grabbed it eagerly, heart racing when he saw it was a message from Liana.

Liana Xiu Ying

Good morning!

I'm on my way.

seen at 6:30 AM

Heart skipping a beat, he shrugged off the giddiness flooding through him. "C'mon, pretty girl," he murmured to the kitten, "Our friends are waiting for us."

He scooped the kitten up into his arms, feeling the warmth radiate against him as he headed toward the door, thoughts of what the day might bring swirling in his mind.

author's note;

okay, I don't know what is happening. I have this detailed outline for each chapter with the dialogues and scenes I want to write and explore, but once I put on my headphones and start writing it seems like the characters have a story they want to tell on their own and my mind takes a different path to the one I had originally intended. Not that I don't like the final outcome, but it is a bit exhausting writing two or three separate versions of a chapter.

anyways! we got to read more about Liana's past. These puzzle pieces will slowly fall in place once we get into the second season arc. It may seem far now, but we'll get to it.

Qiao Ling hasn't made an appearance since chapter two or three, but I promise I'll make up for it next chapter (where we'll read a lot of bonding scenes with Lu Guang and Liana Xiu Ying).

I hope you guys are enjoying the story... I noticed views increased a lot since last chapter, but there aren't many votes. I would love to know if you like the story, so if you're a ghost reader, please leave a comment or vote. Us writers dedicate time and effort into our stories, and it'd be delightful to see others enjoy what we write.

please, feel free to vote or comment your thoughts/questions! I'd appreciate it.

have a great week! :)

ps: Wattpad thinks it's funny to erase a complete chapter after posting it :(