Chapter 1 Happy Valentine's Day

Rachel Mo woke up on time. It was exactly six o'clock. Outside, the sky was still gray and dull.

Ever since she opened her flower shop four years ago, she had never gotten up late. It was not because she didn't want to sleep; rather she was not willing to stay in bed. When she first opened her shop, Whisper of Flower, it occupied less than ten square meters. Four years later, she had more than ten employees working in her business. From the small stall she rented, she was able to expand it to the size of one hundred square meters. The streets and the alley ways of the city were filled with flowers that came from her shop. Thus, it was impossible for her to fall asleep with such amazing results from her hard work.

She had made a room on the second floor her bedroom. There was a small wooden bed, a desk and dresser, and a delicate chair on the side. The white wall was simple and was decorated with dried flowers that she handcrafted herself. When the sun shone its rays, the room was brightened and the shadow of flowers filled the room, as if she was in a dream world.

Her grandmother and brother were always asking her to sleep at home. They reprimanded her that it was not safe for a girl to live alone in her shop. But she knew that if she didn't stay there, then she would feel uneasy and worried that something bad might happen. Someone suggested that she hire a security guard, but most of the security guards were men. For her, it was awkward to let a clumsy man live in the Whisper of Flower. She felt uncomfortable just by thinking about it. Moreover, if she lived at home and came to work every morning, it would take her half an hour to arrive. She also didn't have a car and would have to take a taxi. In that case, she would not only waste a lot of money, but also had to get up earlier.

It was more practical for her to live in her shop.

At the same time, she was also worried about her grandma and brother. Her grandmother was already seventy-one years old. Her brother, on the other hand, was only twenty years old and in his sophomore year. Not a day went by without her thinking about how they were. She wondered, 'Did they eat well? Grandma is bored at home alone. Is she safe? How's my brother's studies? Are they healthy?' Fortunately for her, there was no problem with them. This was relieving for her as she was living away from them.

She drew back the green curtains, and the wind bell hanging on the window rang with a crisp sound. When she pushed the window open, a breath of fresh air came rushing in. She took in a few deep breaths, stretched out her arms, and smiled.

Today was Valentines' Day, so the roses she prepared had to be good. If she was able to earn a lot today, she would have enough money to buy a better guitar for her brother, Eric Mo, and give her employees their bonus pay.

She quickly freshened up and changed into her work clothes, ready for a busy day.

The display rack and the flowers would have to be rearranged in a different and more beautiful design. The small gifts would have to be placed in a convenient spot with posters decorating the wall in line with the Valentines' Day theme.

Well, there were a lot of things for her to do.

She was a very busy woman. Soon enough, small beads of sweat began to form on her delicate nose.

The morning sky gradually turned bright, as the crimson sun rose. The sunlight gently pierced the windows and illuminated the room. The red light shone in the room, its shadows looking like ethereal rose petals floating in the sky.

"Rachel, why did you get up so early? Didn't we say that we would tidy the shop together?"

A petite girl pushed the door open and looked at Rachel with dissatisfaction. While frowning, she grabbed the duster cloth from her boss's hand.

"I couldn't fall asleep." Rachel Mo pulled her messy long hair back and wiped the sweat on her forehead.

"Honestly, we get embarrassed to see you do this every single day."

"Oh, stop thinking that way! It's just my habit to get up this early. Think of this as my morning exercise!" Rachel Mo still wore a shining smile on her face.

"Then you must be doing a great job. However, from now on, please leave this opportunity to us." The girl wiped the counter and gave Rachel a serious look.

Rachel Mo looked at her employee with a gentle grin beaming on her face.

Soon enough, the shop assistants arrived at the shop, one after another.

"Why did you come in so early, Tess? Everything is already prepared."

A tall and thin girl looked around at the well-arranged shop and gaped in surprise.

"This is not my doing," replied Tess, pointing upstairs. "When I came here, Rachel already finished preparing."

"What? Why did Rachel get up so early again?" asked another girl with a round face in surprise.

"Yes." Tess nodded, a look of distress flashed on her face.

"Rachel, we will come early in the future!"

"Good morning, everyone. Happy Valentines' Day!" Rachel Mo greeted her employees as she descended the stairs.

"I need to come here earlier. At least before you get up, Rachel," said the tall girl.

"Forget it, Tina," the girl with round cheeks teased. "Even if you live here, you won't get up earlier than Rachel!"

"Nancy!" Tina Lu angrily frowned at her. She grabbed her bag and hit her with it. "Who says I can't get up? My mother always praises me for being the most diligent."

She chased Nancy all over the room. Nancy had nowhere to hide, so she ran upstairs and hid behind Rachel.

"Rachel, you should keep her here for one night and see how early she can get up. If she gets earlier than you, then I will stand in front of the entrance of our shop dressing like a monkey!"

"Remember what you just said. Don't go back on your word!" Tina stood in front of her boss. "All of you and Rachel will be my witness. I can't wait to see the monkey that Nancy will disguise as tomorrow."

"Okay, okay." "Leave me alone. Just follow the working hours," said Rachel, pulling Nancy behind her. "Hurry up and get ready. Today's a special occasion and we'll definitely gain a lot from our sales!"

"But, Rachel, should flower would we feature today?"

a girl suddenly asked.

"You are so stupid!" Nancy ran over to her and pretended to knock her head. "Today is Valentines' Day. What other flower will we feature other than the rose?"

The girl lowered her head in shame and muttered in a low voice, "It's my first time to celebrate Valentines' Day here."

They arranged the roses in two heart-shaped scaffoldings and placed them in the middle of the shop. It was a routine to write the meaning of the flowers in Whisper of Flower.

It said, "You know, I love you!"

They weren't open yet, but everything in Whisper of Flower was already prepared. The girls looked extraordinarily beautiful and complimented the beautiful scenery that was filled with bright roses.

"Happy Valentine's Day. Welcome to Whisper of Flower!"

Before a man entered the shop, he could hear the girls' sweet and chirping voices.

"Hello sir, what flowers would you like to buy? We can give you a twenty percent discount for all the flowers in our shop today."

"Roses."

"How many roses do you need?"

"Just one."

"Alright! One rose means 'You are the only one for me.'" Nancy smiled as she handed the rose and an exquisite card to the guest. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

"Thank you!"

The man paid the bill and happily walked out.

Customers came rushing in one after another. Some bought a rose, some bought three, some bought fifteen, and some bought twenty-seven.

"These men are so mean! If it were my boyfriend, he would have to send me nine hundred and ninety-nine roses!"

"But I've never seen a man send you flowers. I haven't even seen a single flower..."

"That's because I don't have a boyfriend. If I do..."

"If you do, then you should ask him to buy you nine hundred and ninety-nine roses from our shop and then you can sell them back to us."

"Well, not a bad idea..."

While the girls were gossiping, a blue convertible suddenly parked outside their shop. The car stopped at the entrance and a young man in a suit pushed the door open.

They could tell he was a rich man.

The girls' eyes lit up and they greeted him warmly.

"What? You want nine hundred and ninety-nine roses?"

When Tess, the receptionist heard this, she opened her mouth wide.