Kudzu Flower
On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Shen Xifan took her little niece to the bookstore to buy books. The young girl, just in fifth grade, acted surprisingly mature, scoffing at the teen romance novels. "Childish, boring—I don’t even read these. Why are so many people older than me crowded around them?"
Sure enough, the teen fiction section was packed with people squatting, standing, or sitting in various poses. After wandering through the sea of books, Shen Xifan sighed, "I’m at that awkward in-between age—there’s nothing suitable for me to read!"
But when it was time to pay, her niece looked puzzled. "Auntie, didn’t you say there were no books for you? Why did you buy so many?"
Caught off guard, Shen Xifan hurriedly gathered the books into her bag. "N-no, I’m about to go abroad soon, so these are all textbooks!"
Her niece eyed her skeptically and muttered under her breath, "They’re all Chinese herbal medicine books. Who are you trying to fool?"
Outside, the crowd was overwhelming. With so many books in hand, she struggled to carry them all when suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder. "Shen Xifan, need some help?"
She turned around and immediately stumbled over her words. "Oh, happy New Year, He Suye! It’s not heavy, no need to trouble yourself." After speaking, she avoided his gaze, her cheeks tinged pink.
He Shouzheng, standing beside He Suye, chimed in, "The sister looks like she’s having a hard time! How can you just stand by, Uncle?"
Only then did Shen Xifan notice the exquisitely fair little boy next to He Suye. Her eyes lit up as she marveled inwardly—the He family’s genes were truly exceptional. The boy looked like a golden child, and she was certain He Suye must have been just as adorable in his youth.
Instantly smitten, she didn’t shy away from her admiring gaze. He Shouzheng, unfazed, beamed at her. "Sister, you’re so pretty! You’re exactly my type—like Audrey Hepburn!"
She was positive He Suye had never been this smooth-tongued as a child. Yet here she was, a twenty-five-year-old woman, utterly delighted by a little boy’s flattery. How absurd.
Unable to hide her amusement, she laughed. "He Suye, he’s so adorable!"
He Suye patted He Shouzheng’s head, then glanced at the books in Shen Xifan’s hands. He pulled one out and helped support the rest, flipping through a few pages before asking, "This one looks good. Mind if I borrow it for a few days?"
She nodded eagerly. "Of course! Take your time with it!"
On the bus, Shen Xifan brooded, clutching the Chinese herbal medicine books with a frown.
Would He Suye figure out her intentions? She wanted to learn more about Chinese medicine so she wouldn’t keep embarrassing herself in front of him—though her blunders were admittedly justified. She wanted more topics to discuss with him, even though he always listened patiently to her ramblings. She wanted—wanted to get closer to him, to understand his world.
A realm she had never explored before, filled with beautiful names of herbs—Magnolia Flower, Lobelia, Coltsfoot. There were fascinating methods—not just water, but wine and vinegar could be used as medicinal guides, and some herbs could even be steamed, frosted, quenched, or fermented. The cures were miraculous—effective against everything from common colds to lung diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and blood-related ailments. Chinese medicine was a mystical field, a treasure of millennia-old culture passed down through generations of the Chinese people.
Meanwhile, He Shouzheng gazed thoughtfully at Shen Xifan’s retreating figure. "What’s the pretty sister’s name?"He Suye was taken aback, then bent down to pinch the child's chubby cheeks. "What? Did you forget to chat up the sister just now?"
He Shouzheng pouted indignantly, "Uncle, the way you say that makes it sound like you're jealous!" Then he grabbed at the book in He Suye's hands and asked curiously, "Huh? Grandpa has this book at home! Why did you borrow it?"
He Suye chuckled and took He Shouzheng's hand. "Kids shouldn't meddle in adult matters, little Polygonum Multiflorum!"
This year's luck was truly good—she wasn't scheduled for hotel duty during the holidays, leaving her free to leisurely prepare her study abroad materials at home.
Although hotel management was a stable profession, she didn't dislike it at all; in fact, she rather enjoyed it. She loved standing on the hotel lawn looking up at the sky, watching sunlight reflect off the crystal-clear windows, observing the diverse expressions of coming and going guests. Though the work was hard and there were often picky customers complaining, she felt deeply satisfied whenever she resolved an issue.
Shen Xifan applied to over twenty schools in one go, ranging from top-tier institutions like Las Vegas and Cornell to the University of California. During university, she had dreamed of attending Cornell, but its admission requirements included three years of hotel management experience, so she immediately threw herself into work.
Now, however, she prayed to be accepted by the University of Pennsylvania.
But was this really okay? Despite the lingering resentment about his past, despite telling herself not to fall too deep, despite somewhat deliberately avoiding He Suye—she still couldn't stop thinking about him, still found herself fascinated by Chinese herbal medicine research.
What a hopeless case. Her emotional life was a complete mess, impossible to sort out even with desperate effort. What should she do?
Her study abroad recommendation letter was written by Director Cheng. Somehow the news leaked, and soon the entire management knew.
Lin Yishen was the first to confront her, his face dark with anger. "How could you decide to study abroad without even telling me?"
At that moment, Shen Xifan was having a snack in the staff cafeteria when a bone fragment from sweet-and-sour pork ribs got stuck in her teeth. Wincing in pain, she replied, "Senior brother, it's not too late for you to know now, is it?"
Lin Yishen sat down across from her and sighed. "Little junior sister, you're always so impulsive, doing whatever comes to mind."
Rubbing her cheek but still picking at the ribs, Shen Xifan said, "Senior brother, I'm serious this time. Studying abroad is my dream—I'd die with regrets if I didn't fulfill it. I'm absolutely not fooling around. Trust me, you won't regret it!"
He smiled helplessly. "I'm not actually angry. It's just... you springing this on me so suddenly is really putting me in a difficult position..."
Finally looking up from her ribs, she asked, "...Uh... Senior brother, what's difficult for you?"
Lin Yishen stood up, ruffled her hair, and declared decisively, "Little junior sister, you're truly a troublemaker!"
As she finished the ribs and reached for the mung bean soup, Xu Xiangya's voice drifted over mournfully, "Well, well, Congee, abandoning us to chase your bright future!"
Grinning, Shen Xifan replied, "The mung bean soup is delicious. Manager Xu, your hard work is appreciated."
Xu Xiangya spoke with a mix of envy and regret, "What a pity to give up such a high position so casually. I feel sorry for you."
Shen Xifan shook her head. "Xiangya, let me ask you—when I was appointed as Rooms Division Manager a year ago, honestly speaking, were you convinced?"Xu Xiangya nodded straightforwardly, "Of course I'm not convinced. And it's not just me—many people are waiting to see you make a fool of yourself!"
"Exactly!" She narrowed her eyes. "I'm not convinced either, so—I want to learn more and improve further. Right now, China's hotel management model is aligning with international standards. Major chain hotels will inevitably offer more personalized and humanized services. The future of hotel management lies in the U.S. and Switzerland, not China."
After a long silence, Xu Xiangya spoke slowly, "What's going on between you and that Yan Heng?"
"Huh?" She nearly choked on a mouthful of mung beans. "Nothing's going on! It's just... that's all there is to it!"
"Don't lie. At the dance that night, anyone could see there was something between you two. When you didn't show up for duty during the New Year holidays, the hotel was buzzing with rumors. Some were downright outrageous, saying you were his kept mistress..."
She choked on her breath, coughing violently. "He's just my first love. Clear enough now?"
Xu Xiangya's eyes widened. "Wow, so your first love is now so wealthy—uh, I mean, that man is really too much!"
She put down her spoon and sighed. "I really don't want to talk about Yan Heng. All I care about is whether I can go abroad. In other words, my future is the main issue—everything else is secondary."
Xu Xiangya hesitated before finally saying, "Xifan, you need to be careful. Gossip is a fearsome thing, and working in a hotel is like walking on thin ice. The previous guest manager was fired because of inappropriate relations with a guest. You and I both know the hotel's rules. Not everyone in the world is kind-hearted, and there are plenty who’d seize any opportunity to stir up trouble. Even if you’re planning to go abroad, if something like this happens before you leave, your future career could be in jeopardy."
A warm feeling surged in her heart. "Thank you," she said sincerely.
Days passed quietly. March was no longer bitterly cold, with a hint of lingering spring in the air. The hotel entered its off-season. According to the original plan, the new wing of the Gu Nan Hua Ting was to be renovated in the style of Singapore's latest executive suites. She thought this might be her last major project.
On the day of completion, Director Cheng brought several industry peers for a tour, and the feedback was unanimously positive. During the banquet, Shen Xifan drank quite a bit and returned to her office feeling dizzy. Fortunately, she had already prepared to step down, and most of the routine work had been delegated to her subordinates.
Buzzed from the alcohol, she lay on the sofa and dozed off. Her sleep was restless, as if she kept hearing someone call her name. Listening carefully, she realized it was Yan Heng's voice.
That call felt like a farewell—final, never to meet again.
She was jolted awake by the phone ringing. The cheerful tune of "Two Tigers" played, and she immediately knew—it was Li Jie.
Only he deserved such a cute, slightly childish ringtone.
Today, Li Jie was unusually hesitant, stammering for a long time before saying, "Shen Xifan, it's my birthday today. I was wondering if you'd honor me with your presence?"
She laughed. "Oh? Of course I'll go. What, afraid I'd refuse?"
Li Jie sighed in relief. "Well, I’ve decided to introduce my girlfriend to everyone. After all, you were my last blind date—I was worried you might pull some soap opera drama at the party!"
She burst into laughter. "Li Jie, you’re really something. What, mixing old flames with new loves in one pot?"Li Jie immediately quipped with a slick tongue, "Yeah, yeah, if my wife doesn't mind, I could reluctantly consider letting you be the second wife!"
"Pah!" Shen Xifan spat at him. "In your dreams!"
Birthdays truly are grand occasions—each person gets only one a year. She wandered around the mall and happened to see Zhou Dafu's jade on sale. She thought, giving a pair of jade pendants would serve as both a birthday gift and a meeting present—couples would surely love them.
All the way there, she kept thinking, even after knowing He Suye for so long, she had no idea when his birthday was.
Li Jie had reserved a private room at the city's most distinctive Sichuan restaurant. Though the gathering wasn't large, it was certainly grand. The moment Shen Xifan entered, her eyes landed on a petite, pretty girl who was holding Li Jie's arm, chatting cheerfully with Qiu Tian.
Li Jie spotted Shen Xifan immediately and waved excitedly, "Over here, over here!"
The girl turned around. "Li Jie, is this Miss Shen? She's quite pretty and has great presence!"
Having worked in hospitality for so long, Shen Xifan quickly discerned the girl's background—a Sichuan lass, sharp-tongued and straightforward, but easy to get along with.
She smiled. "Hello, I'm Shen Xifan, Li Jie's last blind date."
Everyone burst into laughter. The girl's eyes lit up. "I'm Li Jie's blind date terminator—Su Shan, 'Shan' as in cedar, not the 'Su San' from 'Su San Leaves Hongtong County.'"
More uproarious laughter ensued. After taking her seat, Shen Xifan glanced around—huh? Where was He Suye?
Qiu Tian snickered quietly. "Jianjianjiao is in the lab. Said the boss was yelling at the grad students, so he's observing the battle royale. He'll be here soon."
She rolled her eyes. "Why do you call He Suye 'Jianjianjiao'?"
"'Little He's talent just begins to show, while beauties already vie for his glow!' Look—speak of the devil, here he comes, radiant as spring breeze, ethereal and untainted—truly enviable!"
It seemed like ages since she'd last seen He Suye. He'd lost weight, making his high nose bridge and firm jawline even more pronounced, but his spirits were high, giving him an even more dignified air.
She felt a pang of frustration. Why did He Suye seem more handsome the more she looked at him? She'd clearly warned herself to keep her distance, to not fall too deep. So why did all her resolve vanish the moment she saw him? She mentally scolded herself.
He Suye, oblivious, said, "Hey, kiddo, long time no see. I've been swamped lately—so tired!"
Li Jie chimed in sourly, "Oh, so I'm just insignificant, huh? Senior Brother, at least greet me first—I'm the one treating you today!"
The dinner was lively. She learned that Li Jie and Su Shan were planning to get married. During the meal, they took turns toasting, going back and forth with bowls as their measure. Su Shan took a particular liking to Shen Xifan and drank the most with her.
When it came to He Suye's turn, Qiu Tian blocked the way. "He Suye can't drink—if he does, none of us will make it back!"
Li Jie caught on and explained to Su Shan, "Senior Brother has no alcohol tolerance. If he gets drunk, we'll have no one to volunteer. He can just toast with tea to show his sincerity!"
Qiu Tian still wouldn't relent. He poured a bowl full of Wuliangye and shoved it into Shen Xifan's hands, grinning slyly. "The toast must still happen—but someone else can drink for him!"
The whole table erupted in cheers—except for Fang Kexin, who watched them coldly with a faint, mocking smile. Shen Xifan instantly caught the emotion in her eyes and inwardly groaned. She'd have to tough it out and drink this bowl.He Suye reached to grab the bowl, but Shen Xifan held him back. Taking a deep breath, she declared passionately, "He Suye, the revolution can't do without you, so please stay sober the whole time. Whether I can go home depends entirely on you!" Seizing the moment while everyone was laughing, she lifted the bowl and downed the drink in one gulp, then flipped it over—not a drop left.
The crowd cheered with "Nice!" and "Well done!" Shen Xifan's head soon began to spin. Bowl after bowl, she slowly grew dazed. By the time the gathering ended, she found herself leaning on He Suye's arm just to stay upright.
In the end, He Suye was the only one left completely sober. After settling everyone else, he turned to help the drunken Shen Xifan. As they stepped out of the hotel, her eyes were still slightly open, but by the time they got into the taxi, she had already dozed off lightly.
He Suye looked at her, reeking of alcohol, and felt a pang of heartache. Silly girl, why drink so much? And she'd even downed most of his share—such a show-off. Yet, he also felt a sweet satisfaction. Without thinking, he pulled her closer, letting her lean against him, hoping she'd sleep more comfortably this way.
When they arrived at the neighborhood entrance and got out of the taxi, He Suye managed to shake her awake. She squinted for a moment, completely disoriented.
She was truly drunk, her sense of direction gone as she clung tightly to He Suye's clothes, stumbling in zigzags and babbling nonsense. "I'm not drunk, I can still drink!" "Bring some peanuts to go with the wine!" "He Suye, how could Li Jie get married so early? I'm so jealous of him!"
He Suye watched nervously as the little drunkard, refusing to walk properly, teetered along the edge of a flower bed, oblivious to the risk of falling. Suddenly, she asked him, "He Suye, when's your birthday?"
He stopped and turned to her in confusion. Under the moonlight, her face was flushed as she stood on the flower bed, staring down at him dazedly, her eyes bright. She giggled, "You won't tell me? You actually won't tell me? How dare you not tell me!"
Then a rich scent of alcohol filled his nose as her cool, soft, crimson lips brushed the corner of his mouth, fleeting like a summer breeze. He froze instantly, instinctively catching Shen Xifan as she tumbled down.
Holding the completely wasted Shen Xifan, He Suye didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He sat on the edge of the flower bed with her sleeping peacefully in his arms. He studied her delicate features, her silky hair slipping through his fingers like fine satin.
Finally, his racing heart calmed, and he let out a long sigh. Helplessly, he pinched her nose and grumbled, "You little rascal, you're driving me crazy. What were you thinking just now? What am I supposed to do?"
This year's birthday gift seemed a bit too much to handle.
He took Shen Xifan's hand and kissed it gently, thinking, Well, she won't remember anyway. Might as well take what I can get.
Little did he know, someone had been watching everything from the shadows, a cigarette burning in their hand. As they drove away, only the dying ember of the discarded cigarette remained, extinguished by the wind.
Shen Xifan didn't wake until ten in the morning, her stomach growling. She took a deep breath and immediately rushed to open the window. "Good heavens! Where did all this alcohol smell come from?"Shen's mother pushed the door open, carrying a bowl of porridge. "Why did you drink so much yesterday? Luckily, someone kind-hearted brought you home, otherwise we might have had to identify you at the police station!"
She blinked. "Mom, who brought me back?"
"A tall, handsome young man with a little dimple on the right side when he smiled. He said you drank too much and that kudzu flowers and sour jujube soup could help sober you up. Coincidentally, we still had some kudzu flowers left from the last time your dad needed to sober up! Go wash up and drink this!"
Shen Xifan held the bowl of soup while flipping through a book on Chinese herbal medicine, reading carefully: "Kudzu flowers, the unopened flower buds of the kudzu vine, have a sweet and neutral nature. They are effective in detoxifying alcohol, revitalizing the spleen, and harmonizing the stomach. Primarily used for excessive drinking, headaches, dizziness, thirst, and vomiting. When combined with sour jujube for sobering, the usual dosage is 3 to 15 grams."
So that's how it is. Theory must be connected with practice.
She flipped back to the first page and suddenly noticed a sticky note on the table. Picking it up, she saw it was He Suye's handwriting: "Rest well after drinking too much. Send me a message when you wake up. Also, my birthday is February 17th, though it’s already passed this year."
She smiled. So He Suye's birthday was in February—no wonder he appeared gentle and amiable on the surface but had a hint of aloofness deep down. Extremely intelligent and excelling in his studies, undoubtedly a common trait of his zodiac sign.
But how did He Suye know she wanted to know his birthday? Could this doctor read minds?
Sitting blankly at the table, she tried hard to recall last night's events but drew a complete blank. Laughing at herself for overthinking, she picked up her phone and seriously began typing a message to He Suye.
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