Episode 1: The New Arrival
The grand gates of Florist Shanghai High School stood imposingly under the crisp autumn morning sky, welcoming the elite students of Shanghai's most prestigious mixed-gender institution. Luxury vehicles lined the entrance, their polished exteriors gleaming in the sunlight. Among them, a sleek black Lamborghini Aventador pulled up with effortless grace, drawing admiring glances from passersby.
Wang Eric Lam stepped out, his presence commanding immediate attention. At eighteen, he was the epitome of perfection: tall and athletic, with sharp, handsome features, flawless skin, and dark hair styled impeccably. His school uniform—tailored to perfection—accentuated his broad shoulders and confident stride. As the openly gay star of the school, captain of the basketball team, and young CEO of Eric Perfumes Co., Eric carried an aura of dominance tempered by an underlying warmth that endeared him to those closest to him.
Guanyu, his loyal bodyguard and driver, nodded respectfully from the driver's seat before driving off to park. Eric adjusted his bag over one shoulder and walked toward the school building, exchanging brief greetings with classmates who vied for his attention.
Inside the Grade 12 classroom, the atmosphere buzzed with the usual energy of final-year students. Gu Muyu, Eric's closest friend, lounged in his seat with his signature curly hair and easy smile. Beside him sat Yu Churan, equally handsome and composed, scrolling through his phone. The trio formed an unbreakable bond, their shared affluent backgrounds and genuine camaraderie setting them apart.
The classroom door opened, and the homeroom teacher entered, followed by a slender figure who kept his gaze lowered. "Class," the teacher announced, "we have a new transfer student joining us today. Please welcome Gao Liam Shen."
All eyes turned to the newcomer. Liam was strikingly pretty, with delicate features, soft dark hair that fell slightly over his forehead, and large, expressive eyes framed by long lashes. His uniform hung loosely on his fragile frame, and he clutched his bag tightly, a faint blush coloring his cheeks under the scrutiny.
"You may introduce yourself," the teacher encouraged.
Liam lifted his head briefly, his voice soft and hesitant. "Hello, everyone. I'm Gao Liam Shen. I just transferred here. Please take care of me."
A murmur rippled through the room—curiosity mixed with admiration for his ethereal beauty. The teacher scanned the seating chart. "Liam, there's an empty seat next to Wang Eric. You'll sit there."
Eric, who had been leaning back casually, straightened slightly as Liam approached. Their eyes met for the first time—a fleeting moment that sent an unexpected spark through Eric's chest. Liam's gaze, wide and vulnerable, held a quiet intensity before he quickly looked away, settling into the seat beside him.
Eric observed him discreetly. There was something captivating about the new student's shyness, a fragility that stirred an unfamiliar protective instinct within him.
As the lesson began, Liam unpacked his notebook with careful movements. Unseen by others, his heart raced. From the instant he had entered the room and caught sight of Eric—the school's legendary figure—he felt an overwhelming pull. Eric's confident demeanor, his piercing gaze, and the subtle scent of an exquisite perfume lingering around him had ignited a secret flame in Liam's heart.
Throughout the class, Liam stole occasional glances at Eric, committing every detail to memory: the way Eric's long fingers tapped his pen thoughtfully, the subtle curve of his lips when concentrating. In his mind, Liam already imagined filling pages of his private diary with Eric's name, dreaming of moments he dared not voice.
When the bell rang for the first break, Muyu leaned over with a friendly grin. "Hey, new guy. Welcome to the chaos. I'm Gu Muyu, and this is Yu Churan. The king here is Eric."
Eric turned toward Liam, extending a hand with a warm yet commanding smile. "Wang Eric Lam. If you need anything, just ask."
Liam hesitated before placing his smaller hand in Eric's firm grasp. The contact sent a shiver through him, and he managed a shy nod. "Thank you... I will."
As Eric released his hand, a quiet determination settled in his mind. This new student had caught his attention in a way no one else ever had. And Eric Lam always pursued what captured his interest—with unwavering resolve.
Little did either know, this chance seating arrangement marked the beginning of a profound connection that would transform their lives at Florist Shanghai High.
To be continue...
