{Chapter: 19 I want one iris flowering plant!}
"Really?!" Yan Ruyue exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine excitement.
"I'm not questioning your medical expertise, I'm just so thrilled!" Yan Ruyue quickly added, flustered by the possibility that Lin Yuan might misinterpret her enthusiasm.
"Never mind. Actually, this Taxus Chinensis tree isn't sick," Lin Yuan said casually.
"Ah?" Yan Ruyue was momentarily stunned. "How can it not be sick?"
"It's just lacking proper nutrition," Lin Yuan replied, his tone neutral.
"But… How is that possible? I've been watering and fertilizing it the same way for years, ever since I was a child. It used to thrive just fine. How could it suddenly be lacking in nutrients?" Yan Ruyue asked, confusion lining her voice.
"You haven't changed, but that doesn't mean everything around you hasn't," Lin Yuan remarked, his voice carrying an edge of quiet wisdom.
"I haven't changed… but that doesn't mean it won't change…" Yan Ruyue repeated, trying to process the depth of his words.
"It's because it lacks sunlight," Lin Yuan stated simply, his gaze drifting toward a large tree that stood beside the yew.
Yan Ruyue's gaze followed his, and a light of realization flickered in her eyes.
"When you first planted the Chinese yew, that tree wasn't there. But as this new tree grew, it started to block out the sunlight from the yew. Over time, the lack of sunlight has begun to affect it," Lin Yuan explained, his voice matter-of-fact.
"So, how do we fix it?" Yan Ruyue asked, now fully understanding the cause of the issue. Still, she sought Lin Yuan's advice on how to proceed.
"It's simple. You need to cut down the large tree. But be careful with the roots—make sure you remove them completely. Once that's done, the Taxus Chinensis will recover on its own," Lin Yuan said with finality.
"Once the big tree is gone, the yew will flourish again. Sometimes, the prejudices and biases that people hold in their hearts are like a tree with deep roots. Only by removing the tree can we clear the way and let the sky shine through," Lin Yuan added thoughtfully, his words taking on a philosophical tone.
Yan Ruyue blinked, momentarily stunned by Lin Yuan's analogy. Under the bright sunlight, his features seemed even sharper, and his calm demeanor radiated a quiet confidence. His words left an impact on her, and for a brief moment, she found herself lost in thought.
"You haven't changed, but that doesn't mean it won't change."
"The prejudices in people's hearts are like a tree with deep roots."
The weight of his words resonated with her on a deeply personal level. Over the course of just two days, Yan Ruyue had watched Lin Yuan undergo a noticeable transformation. She realized, much like the tree, she too had carried deep-seated biases against him. Now, she felt a growing clarity stirring within herself.
[Ding! Yan Ruyue's favorability +5! Counterattack points +100!] A notification from the system echoed in Lin Yuan's mind, but he paid it no mind.
"Did you hear me clearly? Cut down the tree and remove its roots, and the Chinese yew will heal itself without any further treatment," Lin Yuan repeated, his voice firm and calm.
Yan Ruyue snapped back to reality. "Yes, I understand! I'll have the tree cut down and the roots removed today!"
Her voice softened with genuine gratitude. "Thank you so much! I planted this tree with my father when I was little. He would often bring me here to play in its shade. This tree means so much to me. Truly, thank you."
[Ding! Counterattack points +100!] The system chimed again, but Lin Yuan remained unaffected.
"It's no problem," Lin Yuan replied, shrugging casually, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Normally so cold and reserved, Yan Ruyue found herself more open and vulnerable today, sharing fond memories from her childhood with Lin Yuan. She couldn't help but feel a sense of unfamiliarity as she reflected on how, in the past, it was Lin Yuan who had been curious about her life, persistently asking about her personal affairs. But now, it was she who was revealing fragments of her history to him, while Lin Yuan maintained his usual detached demeanor.
She pushed aside the strange sensation that stirred within her and spoke again. "Regardless, you've still helped me immensely. I owe you a great favor. Please, let me know what I can do to repay you."
Lin Yuan's eyes glimmered with a knowing look. He smiled slightly and responded, his gaze momentarily shifting to her figure—her grace, her elegant silhouette framed by the office suit she wore, undeniably captivating.
Sensing the weight of his gaze, Yan Ruyue felt a flutter of nervous tension coil in her stomach. Could it be that Lin Yuan was expecting something… inappropriate? A wave of unease swept over her.
"The reward I want is…" Lin Yuan began, his voice dropping to a softer tone, as though savoring the anticipation.
"An iris flowering plant," Lin Yuan said casually, turning his gaze away, as though it were the simplest of requests. "Once the iris is revived, just give it to me in an elegant pot."
Yan Ruyue's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "An iris flowering plant? You want just that?"
She blinked in astonishment. Of all things, he asked for a simple flower in return for his help. An iris.
She was momentarily taken aback, her thoughts swirling.
*****
You can support me by joining my Patreon and get upto 60 chapters in advance.
patreon.com/Translator_God