"Hello class, I've decided that rather than have an interactive seminar today, I will deliver a lecture pertaining to one of the major aspects of horticulture. I'll be examining the science of flowers. In particular, what are the Health and well-being benefits of flowers and ornamental plants." Li Na inhaled deeply and began a day later as she walked into the seminar room, her gaze automatically going to the front row, only to note the presence of Li Jun.
He sat sprawled in his chair with his long legs kicked out in front of him and crossed at the ankles while he tapped his pen at the notepad on his desk. His eyes were on her, though. And they narrowed as they darted through her body.
Li Na flushed at the way he looked at her with hooded eyes, turning away her eyes from him she continued "Several times people do not consider flower or ornamental plant to be important. But mind you as a plant scientist your role is to promote the physical and psychological aspects of plants to both individuals and society at large.
"Floriculture is largely thought of as a greenhouse industry, though many flowers are cultivated outdoors in nurseries or crop fields."
"The aspect in which flowers improve the mental and physical health cannot be overemphasized. Take the indoor houseplants, they are an integral part of Feng Shui. According to this ancient science of Chinese geomancy, the drooping leaves, beautiful color patterns, and shiny foliage bring calming vibes to your living space."
" Likewise there are different ways in which flowers have to benefit us. There are literally many benefits. And here's the pinpoint. It's all completely subjective. One flower may have an advantage to one person, while it may irritate another depending on the environment and mental state. So, What makes floriculture exceptional? What makes it stand the test of time until here we are, years, decades, and centuries later, discussing it as a whole curriculum?"
Suddenly a male voice answered, "It is the emotions depicting it as more than science"
Li Na turned to see that it was Li Jun that answered, Her narrowed eyes darted to him as Li Jun looked over at her with a heart-melting smile, and she gazed up into his eyes through her eyelashes. She parted her lips, exposing her teeth, and gave Li Jun the fiercest glare she could muster.
Li Na continued, "Mr. Li Jun we are in a science class where we talk about Hypothesis, not the literature class. We do not need emotions for us to be able to tell the benefits of flowers."
Li Jun interrupted her. "That's really not true, Professor. Imagine the psychological aspect, every flower is linked to immediate happiness and excitement. The reactions are often- surprise, joy, and gratitude. Just imagine if I should give you tulips, what will you feel, professor?"
Li Na scowled at him, "Mr. Li Jun I don't think my feelings are what we are discussing today. "
Li Na saw Li Jun wince, but she ignored his reaction and plowed ahead. "It's commonly known that flowers reduce stress and anxiety. Another study, published in the "Journal of Health Psychology," compared the effects of outdoor gardening to indoor reading. The study reveals both gardening and reading decrease cortisol levels. However, stress levels decrease significantly more with gardening. So if you are stressed out and angry with anybody just take a stroll into the garden to calm your nerves down. Yes, what is it? Mr. Jun" Li Na reluctantly nodded at Li Jun's hand which was shot up, and, growing very tense as she waited for him to speak.
"What about if we are to use flowers to express our passion about someone or something, is that not pointing to emotions. Flowers also never fail to create intimate connections. It means, gifting or receiving flowers enhances positivity among people."
"What are trying to say? We are talking about the physical benefits, not the emotional benefit, Mr. Li Jun"
" But emotions come from what we see and feel in the physical, Professor. If we should talk about Love, the Orange Blossom flower is a mark of the sweetness that it hides behind it as the fruit continues to develop. Therefore, the meaning of the orange blossom can be seen as the hidden qualities found inside as it means innocence, eternal love, and symbolizes marriage and Fruitfulness. So professor If I should give you such flowers won't you be thrilled?"
Immediately, several pairs of eyes swung inquisitively to Li Na. She flushed a deep red but answered, somewhat flustered. "I don't think professing your love through flowers shows that you are serious about such emotions. What you see as love can be lust as several chemicals are channeled to your brain. You sending flowers cannot be a thrill if the person is allergic to them. Don't you think so?" Li Na frowned at him.
"Not really. That is where understanding and communication come in, professor. When I communicate with you, I will be able to know what are your quirks and allergies. Through that, I can ask for your forgiveness if I should make any mistake and know which flowers you are not allergic to, then by knowing that I can make you less stressed, angry, or agitated by giving you flowers that are carefully chosen. And just as the Chinese proverb says a flower cannot blossom without sunshine nor garden without love. Love is an emotion of body soul and mind that transcend decade of culture which is also similar to floriculture"
Now at this point, all the students even Zhang Tanya were wondering what in the flowery hell had just happened to their Floriculture seminar, for neither of them knew anything about Love and forgiveness or Proverbs that prove that flowers blossom with sunshine in relation to plant science. They continued to look at their professor and Li Jun as they silently promise to spend more time in the library to study from now on.
"Your words have nothing to do with the lesson today! So sit down and listen to the lecture!" Li Na inhaled and exhaled quickly as she tried in vain to keep her emotions in check.
Li Jun dropped his voice and stared only at her, ignoring the way the class was silent as they watched the show between The Professor and him.
"Haven't you ever been lonely, Professor Li Na? Haven't you ever ached for love, even if it's only short-lived? Sometimes it's all you can get. And so you take it and you're grateful for it while recognizing it for what it is because you have no other choice. Instead of being so self-righteous in your assessment of floriculture being just physical and lightly psychological. You should try and embrace intimacy and allow yourself to soak in the warmth of love just like a garden ." Li Jun snapped his mouth shut as he realized he had revealed far more than he had ever intended.
A very loud cracking sound echoed across the seminar room. Each graduate student gazed in complete and utter shock as they realized that Professor Li Na had snapped the Presentation Laser Pointer in two. Broken plastic scattered on the podium like disorganized dots on a graph, and her eyes ignited into an unquenchable fire.
Li Na calming herself stared back at him coolly and waited for him to continue. She smiled sweetly at his tirade, and he knew that he was in for it.
"Your passionate information has been very illuminating, Mr. Li Jun. And the best part of telling us your information is that you have shown us how your emotions control your behavior. When you are feeling angry you get moved by it not caring about the consequence or your victim.
Turning away from Li Jun, Li Na faced the class as she continued. "You'll all have different opinions about floriculture because you've all come from different parts of the world, been raised by different standards, influenced by different people, taught from different backgrounds. No two people are the same, so no two opinions can always be the same, which is exactly why I give my students projects and practical advice to work on. I fully believe there is no wrong answer to your opinion about floriculture as long as you have sufficient reason to back that opinion up." Li Na glanced at her wristwatch. "Which reminds me, I will be transferring some of my students which I am supervising to Professor Feng because I will be taking my leave in a few weeks' time." Spreading her arms wide, she nodded at the class with a frown marring her face. "And with that, the class is dismissed till Thursday." A collective sigh spread over the class as they scrambled to collect their things and leave, thrilled to escape the seminar room which was filled with unknown tension.
" I want to see you in my office, Mr. Lu Li Jun, Now!" Professor Li Na angrily shoved her notes and books into her bag as she ignored the graduate students that were running away from the class and exited the seminar room, slamming the door behind her.