Julian’s mother probably heard the commotion on my end and said considerately, "Clara, think it over. I won't bother you any longer." Then, she hung up the phone.

I smoothed out my clothes, which had become rumpled from rolling around on the bed, and walked toward the door. As I opened it, Nathan, who was just about to knock again, raised an eyebrow at me.

"Ms. Clara, I’m hungry."

Where was the cold, aloof heartthrob from our first meeting? Right now, he looked exactly like a Golden Retriever wagging its tail. I couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Nathan looked a bit puzzled, but he started laughing along with me anyway. When I finally caught my breath and rubbed my aching cheeks, I asked him, "What are you laughing at?"

Without missing a beat, he blurted out, "I don't know. I saw you laughing and couldn't help but join in."

Looking at him, I felt more and more that Nathan only looked cold on the outside, but was actually a "puppy" at heart.

Nathan seemed very familiar with Yu City. He led me through the streets and alleys with practiced ease, eventually ducking into a quaint, ancient-looking lane.

Seeing my confusion, he explained, "My mother is originally from Yu City, so I come here often. This place has authentic local specialties—Golden Jade Broth and Peach Blossom Rolls—and their tea comes from a century-old brand."

I wanted to laugh again. How could someone sound like a pre-programmed advertisement while being so dead serious? Under my amused gaze, the tips of Nathan’s ears turned slightly red. He made an excuse about ordering the food and hurried away.

Watching his retreating back—which looked almost like he was fleeing—I began to look around this elegant little shop hidden deep within the bustling city. A display shelf filled with various antiques acted as a screen for the first floor. Walking further in, the space opened up to a wall covered in layers upon layers of seasonal roses.

Before I knew it, Nathan was standing beside me again, introducing them softly.

"This cluster is called 'Pierre de Ronsard.' If you walk forward, that one is 'Pink Eden.' Besides those, there are 'Canary,' 'Blue for You,' 'Juice Balcony,' and so on. That’s why this shop is also called 'Shengchun'—the Triumph of Spring."

"...Shengchun," I repeated the words, looking at Nathan’s profile. "How do you know all this so clearly? Do you bring colleagues here often?"

Nathan seemed to strongly disagree with that statement. He blinked and said, "This is a shop I cherish deeply. If it weren't for someone I shared a special 'fate' with, I wouldn't bring them here."

I was stunned. Fate again.

I couldn't help but tease, "You believe in fate so much; are you a Taoist or a Buddhist? As teachers, we aren't supposed to be superstitious."

Nathan shot me a sideways glance, his tone turning cool. "If you don't believe in it, then why did you wear a qipao on the day of the National College Entrance Exam for your students, and even go to Baiyun Temple to offer the first incense of the year for them?"

My eyes narrowed at his words. Realizing he had let too much slip, he quickly added, "The food is almost ready. I'll take you to the second floor."

The window seat on the second floor offered a view of not only the blooming garden but also the nearby Immortal Guest Lake. Nathan poured me a cup of osmanthus tea just as the server arrived with the food cart.

Dish after dish appeared, all related to flowers: Chrysanthemum Fish, Rose Petal Soup, Jasmine Scrambled Eggs, Crispy Magnolia Flowers... Finally, there was a small potted peach tree. As "spring rain" was lightly misted over it, the budding peach blossoms bloomed instantly.

I was mesmerized by the shop owner's brilliant and delicate creativity. Nathan looked at me, a soft smile dancing in his eyes. He sounded quite proud of himself.

"Well? Can you forgive me for what I just said?"

If Nathan hadn't brought it up, I would have been completely distracted by the beautiful and delicious food. But since he did, my curiosity came rushing back.

"So, how do you know so much about me?"

That happened in the second year of my marriage to Julian, with the last graduating class I taught. That was three years ago—how could Nathan possibly know?

Nathan was silent for a long time. He looked at me and said softly:

"Clara, when you stand on the bridge looking at the scenery, the person on the balcony is looking at you."

Nathan was reciting a modern poem by Bian Zhilin, and as a Chinese teacher, I felt my face flush instantly. For a moment, I was too embarrassed to meet his gaze—those "peach blossom" eyes brimming with affection.

Nathan fixed his eyes on me, pressing his advantage.

"Clara, I know you’re divorced from Julian. I want you to know that everything you might have suspected is true. None of the 'coincidences' were accidents; they were opportunities I deliberately created—chances to meet you and get to know you."

He paused, resolving to lay all his cards on the table.

"This shop actually belongs to my mother. She told me that if I ever fell in love with someone, I should bring them here for a meal."

"So, if you feel offended or uncomfortable by my calculations, I’ll take you back to the hotel after dinner. I’ll never show up in front of you or bother you again."

I fell silent after hearing this. It was a long time before I looked at Nathan again and asked softly:

"And your mother?"

Nathan froze, and a wave of melancholic sadness washed over his eyes.

"Actually, the reason I went for the first incense of the year back then was to pray for her while she was terminally ill."

"I like to think that meeting you in the midst of all that was the final gift she sent me."

Suddenly, I didn't know what to say. I could only whisper, "I'm sorry, I didn't know..."

Nathan gave a somewhat helpless laugh. "What does that have to do with you?"

Then, he apologized sincerely. "I’m sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up. I’ve ended up giving you a burden instead."

We looked at each other, and for a moment, we both seemed amused by the situation. How many people start apologizing to each other during their very first dinner together?

In the end, it was Nathan who took the initiative. "Let's eat. It won't taste as good once it gets cold. You can even pack some to take back with you afterward."

I nodded. The meal had started with a few awkward notes, but it turned out to be incredibly pleasant.

Nathan was a physics teacher at our school—a typical "STEM guy" in some ways—but his mother had been a writer I always admired. Influenced by her since childhood, he could talk at length about the very books I loved.

After dinner, Nathan asked tentatively, "Can we keep seeing each other in the future?"

I smiled and replied, "Of course. The scenery here is beautiful, the food is delicious—I’d love to come back again."

Hearing this, Nathan breathed a sigh of relief, his face breaking into a genuine, heartfelt smile. I hadn't seen him look so radiant and sincere before, and for a moment, I found myself staring.

Until a familiar voice called out:

"Clara!"

Nathan and I turned toward the entrance at the same time. There stood Julian, looking travel-worn and breathless.

I frowned, while Nathan instinctively stepped in front of me to shield me. This small gesture provoked Julian, whose eyes reddened as he strode toward us.

Suppressing his emotions, he questioned Nathan. "Who are you? What right do you have to bring her here?"

Nathan remained expressionless, but his aura suddenly sharpened, causing the surrounding pressure to drop to a chilling level.

"What does it have to do with you? Aren't you overstepping your bounds as an ex-husband?"

The word "ex-husband" hit Julian with immense force. His expression darkened for a moment before he turned his gaze back to me.

"Clara, I came here to find you. Can we go somewhere else to talk? Please?"

I had thought Julian had completely come to terms with things lately, but clearly, that wasn't the case. Looking at his pale, sorrowful face, I felt a surge of irritation.

"How much longer are you going to keep pestering me? Stalking isn't exactly your style, is it, Dr. Julian?"

Julian stiffened instantly at my words. His lips trembled, his tone laced with bitterness.

"Clara, I truly just want you to give me another chance... a chance to love you."

Before I could answer, Nathan spoke coldly.

"Impossible."

Nathan looked Julian in the eye, emphasizing every word.

"Absolutely impossible. As long as I'm here, you will never have that chance."