Chapter 393

Why the rush?

Why the rush?

Zheng Tan could guess the issue was with that pot of orchid, but he wasn't sure why.

Translation: "Zheng Tan could guess the problem was with that pot of orchid, but he wasn't sure exactly why." Need to keep meaning. We'll output: "Zheng Tan could guess the problem was with that pot of orchid, but he wasn't sure exactly why."

Just before it was supposed to bloom, something went wrong—was it a snag or some other accident?

Translation: "What went wrong just before it was about to bloom? Or was it some other accident?" We'll output: "What went wrong just before it was about to bloom? Or was it some other accident?"

Old Man Lan always looked after the flower carefully, and that day when Zheng Tan visited, he basically wouldn't let anyone or any animal near it—Zheng Tan was only allowed because he was the flower's discoverer, a special exception.

Translation: "Old Man Lan always protected the orchid well, and that day when Zheng Tan passed by, seeing the situation, Old Man Lan basically wouldn't allow anyone or any animal near; Zheng Tan was merely allowed as the orchid's discoverer, a special favor." Need to keep meaning. We'll output: "Old Man Lan always protected the orchid well, and that day when Zheng Tan passed by, seeing the situation, Old Man Lan basically wouldn't allow anyone or any animal near; Zheng Tan was merely allowed as the orchid's discoverer, a special favor."

If it isn't because of anyone or anything else, maybe the orchid itself is at fault.

Translation: "If it's not due to other people or things, could it be the orchid itself?" We'll output: "If it's not due to other people or things, could it be the orchid itself?"

Zheng Tan knew the orchid resembled an ordinary iron‑bone silk orchid, but its leaves were hard to distinguish; even Old Man Lan, who'd studied orchids for decades, didn't notice anything unusual at first—only after close inspection did he see the difference.

Translation: "Zheng Tan knew that although the orchid looked similar to an ordinary Iron Bone Plain-heart Orchid, just by looking at the leaves it was hard to tell; even someone like Old Man Lan, who had studied it for decades, didn't notice anything off at first glance, only after careful study did he notice the difference." We'll output: "Zheng Tan knew that although the orchid looked similar to an ordinary Iron Bone Plain-heart Orchid, just by looking at the leaves it was hard to tell; even someone like Old Man Lan, who had studied it for decades, didn't notice anything off at first glance, only after careful study did he notice the difference."

To figure out the reason, Zheng Tan crouched outside Old Man Lan's third‑floor door, keeping watch; when Madam Zhai was out, the Lan household's door was usually shut.

Translation: "To figure out the cause, Zheng Tan squatted outside Old Man Lan's door on the third floor, keeping watch; when Madam Zhailao wasn't home, Old Man Lan's door was basically kept closed." We'll output: "To figure out the cause, Zheng Tan squatted outside Old Man Lan's door on the third floor, keeping watch; when Madam Zhailao wasn't home, Old Man Lan's door was basically kept closed."

While Zheng Tan waited by the door, Er Mao went out to take out the trash and oddly glanced at him, not understanding why Zheng Tan was squatting there; Zheng Tan ignored him.

Translation: "During the time Zheng Tan waited squatting at the door, Er Mao went out to throw trash and oddly glanced at Zheng Tan; he didn't understand why Zheng Tan was squatting there, and Zheng Tan ignored him." We'll output: "During the time Zheng Tan waited squatting at the door, Er Mao went out to throw trash and oddly glanced at Zheng Tan; he didn't understand why Zheng Tan was squatting there, and Zheng Tan ignored him."

Finally, after ten o'clock, Madam Zhai came back from outside, opened the door, and Zheng Tan followed her in.

Finally, after ten o'clock, Madam Zhailao returned from outside; after opening the door, Zheng Tan followed her inside.

The old lady went to the kitchen to cook, and she wasn't worried that Zheng Tan would cause trouble inside; over the past few years he had never caused any disturbance here, so she felt at ease.

Translation: "Madam went to the kitchen to cook, and she wasn't worried that Zheng Tan would cause trouble in the house; over these years, Zheng Tan had never caused trouble here, and Madam felt at ease." We'll output: "Madam went to the kitchen to cook, and she wasn't worried that Zheng Tan would cause trouble in the house; over these years, Zheng Tan had never caused trouble here, and Madam felt at ease."

She brought out a small plate of fish balls; seeing Zheng Tan going from room to room looking for someone, she knew he was looking for Old Man Lan and smiled, saying, "He went to the library—lately, because that pot of orchid hasn't been blooming. Everyone's gotten anxious; ah, when it comes to flowers, they're just stubborn."

Translation: "She brought out a small plate of fish balls; seeing Zheng Tan going from room to room looking for someone, Madam Zhailao knew he was looking for Old Man Lan, and she smiled and said: 'He went to the library; lately, because that pot of orchid hasn't bloomed, people have become anxious—ah, whenever it comes to flowers, they're like this, stubbornly stubborn.'" We'll output: "She brought out a small plate of fish balls; seeing Zheng Tan going from room to room looking for someone, Madam Zhailao knew he was looking for Old Man Lan, and she smiled and said: 'He went to the library; lately, because that pot of orchid hasn't bloomed, people have become anxious—ah, whenever it comes to flowers, they're like this, stubbornly stubborn.'"

Still not blooming?

Translation: "Never blooming?" We'll output: "Never blooming?"

Old Man Lan said it would bloom in just a couple of days; that day Zheng Tan also looked, and the bud indeed looked ready to open, but for some unknown reason, when it should have opened there was no further development.

Translation: "Old Man Lan had said it would bloom in just a couple of days; that day Zheng Tan also looked, and the flower bud indeed seemed about to open, but for some reason, when it should have opened, there was no further response." We'll output: "Old Man Lan had said it would bloom in just a couple of days; that day Zheng Tan also looked, and the flower bud indeed seemed about to open, but for some reason, when it should have opened, there was no further response."

The old lady washed vegetables while chattering to Zheng Tan; listening to her, the meaning was that Old Man Lan himself didn't know why the orchid wouldn't bloom. He had looked through many materials, but they were useless; now, after finishing the books at Old Man Lan's home, he goes straight to the school library, and probably won't come back for lunch even if he doesn't find an answer. Once he sits down to study, he loses track of time. When the old lady finishes cooking, she has to bring the meal over; you can't eat in the library, but there is a designated rest area, and the staff's rest area too—the old lady knows the people there. She has greeted them.

The old lady was washing vegetables while chattering to Zheng Tan; listening to her, it meant that Old Man Lan himself didn't know why the orchid wouldn't bloom. He had looked through many materials, but they were useless; now, after finishing the books at Old Man Lan's home, he goes straight to the school library, and probably won't come back for lunch even if he doesn't find an answer. Once he sits down to study, he loses track of time. When the old lady finishes cooking, she has to bring the meal over; you can't eat in the library, but there is a designated rest area, and the staff's rest area too—Old Lady knows the people there. She has greeted them.

Old Man Lan's anxiety stems from two things: not knowing why the orchid won't bloom, and the upcoming flower exhibition in the city this October.

Translation: "To say why Old Man Lan is so anxious, one reason is not knowing why the orchid won't bloom; the second is the flower exhibition held in the city in October." We'll output: "To say why Old Man Lan is so anxious, one reason is not knowing why the orchid won't bloom; the second is the flower exhibition held in the city in October."

Over the past three years, Old Man Lan hasn't studied other orchids; after basic care, he's devoted most of his time to this strange orchid. Only by growing it did he realize how hard it is to tend; he had expected it would take five or six years, or even longer, to bloom, but he didn't expect it to flower this third year.

Translation: "Over these three years, Old Man Lan hasn't continued researching other orchids; after basic care, most of his time has been spent on this strange orchid. Only by tending it did Old Man Lan truly know how difficult this orchid is to care for; he originally thought it would take five or six years, or even longer, to see it bloom, but he didn't expect it to bloom this third year." We'll output: "Over these three years, Old Man Lan hasn't continued researching other orchids; after basic care, most of his time has been spent on this strange orchid. Only by tending it did Old Man Lan truly know how difficult this orchid is to care for; he originally thought it would take five or six years, or even longer, to see it bloom, but he didn't expect it to bloom this third year."

Old Man Lan's excitement at seeing the flower buds is beyond others' comprehension; over the past three years, people have said Professor Lan went mad over a cheap orchid, laughing behind his back. Previously, at the annual national orchid exposition, Old Man Lan would display one or several pots of top‑quality orchids, each fetching high prices—hundreds of thousands of yuan had become ordinary. Many in the orchid‑growing circle know Old Man Lan's name, and precisely for this reason, everyone knows he has skipped the orchid show for three years over a cheap orchid.

Translation: "When Old Man Lan saw the flower buds, his excitement was something others couldn't understand; over these three years, people have said Professor Lan went crazy over a cheap orchid, laughing behind his back. In previous years, at the National Orchid Expo held annually, Old Man Lan would present one or several pots of orchids, all top-quality, and each pot he put up would fetch high prices—hundreds of thousands of yuan had become commonplace; in the orchid-growing community, many knew Old Man Lan's reputation, and precisely for this reason, everyone knew he had skipped the Orchid Expo for three years just for this cheap orchid." We'll output: "When Old Man Lan saw the flower buds, his excitement was something others couldn't understand; over these three years, people have said Professor Lan went crazy over a cheap orchid, laughing behind his back. In previous years, at the National Orchid Expo held annually, Old Man Lan would present one or several pots of orchids, all top-quality, and each pot he put up would fetch high prices—hundreds of thousands of yuan had become commonplace; in the orchid-growing community, many knew Old Man Lan's reputation, and precisely for this reason, everyone knew he had skipped the Orchid Expo for three years just for this cheap orchid."

Many people told Old Man Lan, "Since you have many fine orchids on hand, why not bring them out for everyone to enjoy? Even if you've admired them before, you can do so again—don't you know that each time you show your orchids, their price shoots up?"

Translation: "Many people told Old Man Lan, 'Since you have many fine orchids on hand, why not bring them out for everyone to admire? Even if you've admired them before, you can do it again—do you raise the price each time you show one of your orchids?'" We'll output: "Many people told Old Man Lan, 'Since you have many fine orchids on hand, why not bring them out for everyone to admire? Even if you've admired them before, you can do it again—do you raise the price each time you show one of your orchids?'"

Unfortunately, Old Man Lan is stubborn; his thoughts are all on the orchid Zheng Tan brought back, wanting to nurture it well and see what makes its flower different. As for the others, he doesn't want to take award‑winning orchids out for another exhibition—he has no habit of doing so, hasn't cultivated new varieties in recent years, and so simply skipped the orchid show.

Translation: "Unfortunately, Old Man Lan is stubborn; his thoughts are all on the orchid Zheng Tan brought back, wanting to raise this orchid well to see what's different about its flower; as for the others, he doesn't want to take award-winning orchids out for another exhibition—he has no habit of doing so, hasn't cultivated new varieties in recent years, and simply didn't participate in the Orchid Expo." We'll output: "Unfortunately, Old Man Lan is stubborn; his thoughts are all on the orchid Zheng Tan brought back, wanting to raise this orchid well to see what's different about its flower; as for the others, he doesn't want to take award-winning orchids out for another exhibition—he has no habit of doing so, hasn't cultivated new varieties in recent years, and simply didn't participate in the Orchid Expo."

Whether this pot of orchid is a top‑grade specimen or not, Old Man Lan doesn't really care; he just wants to clarify how this orchid differs from an ordinary iron‑bone silk orchid. Once he gets into this line of inquiry, he won't come out, and no amount of persuasion helps.

Translation: "Whether this pot of orchid is top-quality or not, Old Man Lan actually doesn't care much; he just wants to clarify the difference between this orchid and an ordinary Iron Bone Succulent. Once he gets into this alley, Old Man Lan won't come out—no amount of persuasion works." We'll output: "Whether this pot of orchid is top-quality or not, Old Man Lan actually doesn't care much; he just wants to clarify the difference between this orchid and an ordinary Iron Bone Succulent. Once he gets into this alley, Old Man Lan won't come out—no amount of persuasion works."

A few days ago, Old Man Lan still promised the flower‑expo organizers that he would bring out several pots of orchids from his own collection to take part in the exhibition; besides the several award‑winning premium orchids he currently has on hand, this pot of orchid is also in his plan—he wants more people to see this orchid that seems like a natural mutant. But now, although there are buds that look ready to open soon, they simply won't bloom; although it's still September, if they remain closed through October and miss the expo, Old Man Lan would feel it a shame.

Translation: "A few days ago, Old Man Lan still promised the flower exhibition organizers that he would take out several pots of orchids from his possession to participate in the exhibition; besides the several award-winning premium orchids he currently has on hand, this orchid is also in his plan—he wants more people to see this pot of orchid suspected to be a natural mutant. But now, although there are flower buds that look like they'll bloom soon, they just won't open; although it's still September, if they remain unopened into October and still haven't bloomed by then, missing the exhibition would make Old Man Lan feel regretful." We'll output: "A few days ago, Old Man Lan still promised the flower exhibition organizers that he would take out several pots of orchids from his possession to participate in the exhibition; besides the several award-winning premium orchids he currently has on hand, this orchid is also in his plan—he wants more people to see this pot of orchid suspected to be a natural mutant. But now, although there are flower buds that look like they'll bloom soon, they just won't open; although it's still September, if they remain unopened into October and still haven't bloomed by then, missing the exhibition would make Old Man Lan feel regretful."

Hearing Madam Zhai's chatter, Zheng Tan wondered whether it simply hadn't yet reached the time to bloom.

Translation: "Hearing Madam Zhailao's nagging, Zheng Tan wondered whether it simply hadn't yet reached the time to bloom." We'll output: "Hearing Madam Zhailao's nagging, Zheng Tan wondered whether it simply hadn't yet reached the time to bloom."

Three years ago, when Zheng Tan found it, it was already October, or after the November holiday—could it really need to wait a bit longer?

Translation: "Three years ago, when Zheng Tan found it, it was already October, or after the November holiday—could it really be that this flower still needs to wait a while longer?" We'll output: "Three years ago, when Zheng Tan found it, it was already October, or after the November holiday—could it really be that this flower still needs to wait a while longer?"

Different orchids have different blooming periods; with more varieties, the bloom times vary greatly—even the Jianlan silk orchid differs in its flowering time.

Translation: "Different orchids have different blooming periods; with many varieties, the blooming times vary greatly—even for Jianlan plain-heart orchids, the flowering time differs." We'll output: "Different orchids have different blooming periods; with many varieties, the blooming times vary greatly—even for Jianlan plain-heart orchids, the flowering time differs."

Old Man Lan shuttles daily between home, the small garden, and the library; each day he takes photos and makes detailed records. Since he hasn't found the answer, he first records everything, planning to look for answers later. At the same time, he has invited some schoolmates who study orchids to help, but none have been able to, and they dare not try anything rash.

Translation: "Old Man Lan daily moves between home, the small flower garden, and the library; each day he takes photos and makes detailed records. Having found no answer, he first records everything, planning to seek answers later; meanwhile, Old Man Lan also invited some schoolmates who study orchids to help, but unfortunately they had no solution and dared not try anything lightly." We'll output: "Old Man Lan daily moves between home, the small flower garden, and the library; each day he takes photos and makes detailed records. Having found no answer, he first records everything, planning to seek answers later; meanwhile, Old Man Lan also invited some schoolmates who study orchids to help, but unfortunately they had no solution and dared not try anything lightly."

The only thing that lifts Old Man Lan's spirits a bit is that everyone who has seen the bud of that orchid praises it endlessly; experts' appraisal perspective is, after all, different from Zheng Tan's.

Translation: "The only thing that lifts Old Man Lan's spirits a bit is that everyone who has seen the flower buds of that orchid praises them endlessly; experts' appraisal perspective is ultimately different from Zheng Tan's." We'll output: "The only thing that lifts Old Man Lan's spirits a bit is that everyone who has seen the flower buds of that orchid praises them endlessly; experts' appraisal perspective is ultimately different from Zheng Tan's."

Thus, over the following period, whenever Zheng Tan passed the small garden, climbed over the wall to look inside, he would find several old men gathered around the pot of orchid, sometimes arguing for half a day over the few points they raised.

Translation: "Thus, over the following period, whenever Zheng Tan passed by the small flower garden and jumped over the wall to look inside, he would find several old men gathered around the spot where that orchid was placed, sometimes arguing for half a day over the few points they raised." We'll output: "Thus, over the following period, whenever Zheng Tan passed by the small flower garden and jumped over the wall to look inside, he would find several old men gathered around the spot where that orchid was placed, sometimes arguing for half a day over the few points they raised."

They share Old Man Lan's view: they think this orchid is probably a natural mutant of the iron‑bone silk orchid, worth studying; but the problem of it not blooming now, each has his own reasoning and explanation.

Translation: "They shared Old Man Lan's view, feeling this orchid was likely a natural mutant variant of the Iron Bone Succulent, worth studying; but the problem of it never blooming, each had their own reasoning and explanations." We'll output: "They shared Old Man Lan's view, feeling this orchid was likely a natural mutant variant of the Iron Bone Succulent, worth studying; but the problem of it never blooming, each had their own reasoning and explanations."

Some orchids take much longer from bud to bloom—one or two months, even half a year—but although this orchid's buds have grown to this stage, to anyone they look ready to bloom soon, yet they remain stuck here.

Translation: "Some orchids take longer from bud to bloom—one or two months, even half a year—but although this orchid's buds have grown to this point, to anyone they look like they're about to bloom soon, yet they remain stuck here." We'll output: "Some orchids take longer from bud to bloom—one or two months, even half a year—but although this orchid's buds have grown to this point, to anyone they look like they're about to bloom soon, yet they remain stuck here."

"In short, no matter what the cause, as long as the buds remain healthy and normal, it's a good sign," said an old man.

Translation: "\"In short, regardless of the cause, as long as the buds remain healthy and normal, it's a good sign. \" said an old man." We'll output: "\"In short, regardless of the cause, as long as the buds remain healthy and normal, it's a good sign. \" said an old man."

They couldn't find a solution, but the orchid is still healthy—it's just that the buds won't open. That's better than showing signs of disease. In that case there's really nothing to do; it's rare that everyone is this eager.

Translation: "They couldn't find a solution, but the orchid is still healthy—just the buds aren't opening. That's better than showing symptoms of disease. In that case, there really is nothing to do; it's rare that everyone is this hopeful this time." We'll output: "They couldn't find a solution, but the orchid is still healthy—just the buds aren't opening. That's better than showing symptoms of disease. In that case, there really is nothing to do; it's rare that everyone is this hopeful this time."

Amid everyone's anticipation, September passed quietly and the freshmen's military training ended. The weather is no longer as hot as before; it now carries a hint of autumn. However, the weather in Chu Hua city is always unpredictable—yesterday one could wear a short‑sleeve vest, today a layered jacket, and many newcomers unsuited to the changes have caught colds.

Translation: "Amid everyone's anticipation, September passed quietly, and the freshmen's military training also ended. The weather was no longer as hot as before, already carrying a hint of autumn. However, Chu Hua Shi's weather is always unpredictable—yesterday one could wear a sleeveless vest, the next day a layered jacket, uncertain; many freshmen unsuited to it even caught colds." We'll output: "Amid everyone's anticipation, September passed quietly, and the freshmen's military training also ended. The weather was no longer as hot as before, already carrying a hint of autumn. However, Chu Hua Shi's weather is always unpredictable—yesterday one could wear a sleeveless vest, the next day a layered jacket, uncertain; many freshmen unsuited to it even caught colds."

The changing weather didn't stir any ripples in those old men's hearts; Old Man Lan no longer feels the urgent anxiety he had at the start, thinking perhaps this is fate. Seeing the flower‑expo date approach, the orchid's buds have remained at the state they were a month ago, and Old Man Lan thinks maybe this flower simply isn't meant for the expo.

Translation: "The changing weather didn't stir any ripples in those old men's hearts; Old Man Lan no longer felt as anxious and fiery as at the start, thinking perhaps this is fate—watching the flower exhibition date approach, this orchid's buds have remained unchanged from a month ago; Old Man Lan thought, likely this flower has no destiny with the exhibition." We'll output: "The changing weather didn't stir any ripples in those old men's hearts; Old Man Lan no longer felt as anxious and fiery as at the start, thinking perhaps this is fate—watching the flower exhibition date approach, this orchid's buds have remained unchanged from a month ago; Old Man Lan thought, likely this flower has no destiny with the exhibition."

Over the past month, Old Man Lan has invited many friends from the orchid circle to help, but they remain at a loss. Nevertheless, this very fact means that everyone in the orchid‑growing circle knows that the leading orchid professor, Professor Lan, is cultivating a highly atypical iron‑bone silk orchid: its leaves look like ordinary iron‑bone silk, but its bud is jade‑like, suggesting it's not an ordinary variety—just that the bud has stayed unchanged for a month and still hasn't bloomed.

Translation: "Over the past month, Old Man Lan has invited many friends from the circle to help, yet still at a loss. However, precisely because of this, everyone in the orchid-growing circle knows that the leading figure Professor Lan cultivates a very unusual Iron Bone Succulent—this flower's leaves look like ordinary Iron Bone Succulent, but its buds are jade-like, suggesting it's not mundane; merely keeping the buds unchanged for a month, they still haven't opened to this day." We'll output: "Over the past month, Old Man Lan has invited many friends from the circle to help, yet still at a loss. However, precisely because of this, everyone in the orchid-growing circle knows that the leading figure Professor Lan cultivates a very unusual Iron Bone Succulent—this flower's leaves look like ordinary Iron Bone Succulent, but its buds are jade-like, suggesting it's not mundane; merely keeping the buds unchanged for a month, they still haven't opened to this day."

Nowadays no one mocks Old Man Lan for devoting three years of effort to tending this orchid rumored to be very cheap; instead, everyone eagerly awaits its bloom to witness it.

Translation: "Nowadays, no one laughs at Old Man Lan for devoting three years' energy to specially tending this orchid rumored to be very cheap; instead, they anticipate when it will bloom, so everyone can witness it." We'll output: "Nowadays, no one laughs at Old Man Lan for devoting three years' energy to specially tending this orchid rumored to be very cheap; instead, they anticipate when it will bloom, so everyone can witness it."

That day, as Zheng Tan went out and downstairs, he noticed the door to Old Man Lan's third‑floor apartment was ajar, with the old lady inside cleaning; he pushed the door open and entered.

Translation: "That day, when Zheng Tan went out and downstairs, he noticed the door to Old Man Lan's third-floor residence was ajar, with Madam inside cleaning; Zheng Tan squeezed the door open and entered." We'll output: "That day, when Zheng Tan went out and downstairs, he noticed the door to Old Man Lan's third-floor residence was ajar, with Madam inside cleaning; Zheng Tan squeezed the door open and entered."

Seeing Zheng Tan, Madam Zhai found a new target for her chatter and began to nag him. It was all about the orchid—the only thing that could make Old Man Lan stubborn and cause the old lady to nag.

Translation: "Upon seeing Zheng Tan, Madam Zhailao found another target for her nagging, and she began nagging Zheng Tan. It was nothing but about the orchid—only this could make Old Man Lan stubborn, and only this could make Madam mutter." We'll output: "Upon seeing Zheng Tan, Madam Zhailao found another target for her nagging, and she began nagging Zheng Tan. It was nothing but about the orchid—only this could make Old Man Lan stubborn, and only this could make Madam mutter."

"That pot of orchid has bloomed; they're all squatting in the small garden, too busy to eat," said the old lady. Although it's helpless that Old Man Lan forgets to eat whenever he thinks about the orchid, this time it's not just him who forgot to eat.

Translation: "\"That pot of orchid has bloomed; they're all squatting in the small flower garden, forgetting to eat. \" Madam said. It's helpless that Old Man Lan forgets to eat whenever he deals with the orchid, but this time it's not just him who forgot to eat." We'll output: "\"That pot of orchid has bloomed; they're all squatting in the small flower garden, forgetting to eat. \" Madam said. It's helpless that Old Man Lan forgets to eat whenever he deals with the orchid, but this time it's not just him who forgot to eat."

When Zheng Tan reached the small garden and pushed his way in, he found the spot where the pot of orchid was placed: seven old men with gray or white hair were already squatting there, all seven crouched before the orchid as if stunned.

Translation: "When Zheng Tan arrived at the small flower garden and entered, he found the spot where that pot of orchid was placed; there, seven old men with gray or white hair were already squatting, all seven squatting before the orchid, as if dazed." We'll output: "When Zheng Tan arrived at the small flower garden and entered, he found the spot where that pot of orchid was placed; there, seven old men with gray or white hair were already squatting, all seven squatting before the orchid, as if dazed."

Is this a reenactment of the Seven Dwarfs? Zheng Tan muttered to himself.

Translation: "Is this them acting out the Seven Dwarfs? Zheng Tan muttered to himself." We'll output: "Is this them acting out the Seven Dwarfs? Zheng Tan muttered to himself."

Besides those seven old men, a cat was also squatting nearby.

Translation: "Besides these seven old men, a cat was also squatting nearby." We'll output: "Besides these seven old men, a cat was also squatting nearby."

The police officer didn't know when he had arrived; because there were seven old men present and the outer wire gate was left open, the flower‑loving officer slipped in while they weren't looking, while the seven old men were only focused on the flower and didn't notice the dangerous individual squatting nearby.

Translation: "Jingzhang didn't know when he arrived; since there were seven old men here and the outer wire gate wasn't closed, the flower-chewing Jingzhang slipped in when the seven old men weren't paying attention, while the seven old men only had eyes for the flowers, completely failing to notice the dangerous individual squatting nearby." We'll output: "Jingzhang didn't know when he arrived; since there were seven old men here and the outer wire gate wasn't closed, the flower-chewing Jingzhang slipped in when the seven old men weren't paying attention, while the seven old men only had eyes for the flowers, completely failing to notice the dangerous individual squatting nearby."

Even more strangely, the officer, who usually has an inexplicable obsession with chewing on flowers, simply sat quietly nearby watching, without taking a bite.

Translation: "Even more strangely, Jingzhang, who usually has an inexplicable obsession with chewing flowers, merely squatted nearby obediently, looking, and didn't take a bite." We'll output: "Even more strangely, Jingzhang, who usually has an inexplicable obsession with chewing flowers, merely squatted nearby obediently, looking, and didn't take a bite."

The seven old men and the cat remained squatting there, and Zheng Tan couldn't tell how long they'd been there; watching them made his legs ache, fear

Translation: "The seven old men and the cat just squatted there like that, unknown how long; watching them made Zheng Tan's legs ache in sympathy, fearing that when these elderly men stood up after squatting so long, they might collapse." We'll output: "The seven old men and the cat just squatted there like that, unknown how long; watching them made Zheng Tan's legs ache in sympathy, fearing that when these elderly men stood up after squatting so long, they might collapse."

While thinking, Zheng Tan walked over.

Translation: "While thinking that, Zheng Tan walked over." We'll output: "While thinking that, Zheng Tan walked over."

Just by smelling it, Zheng Tan realized this flower was the same as the one he had seen in the mountains back then.

Translation: "Just by smelling the scent, Zheng Tan knew this was the same flower he had seen in the mountains years ago." We'll output: "Just by smelling the scent, Zheng Tan knew this was the same flower he had seen in the mountains years ago."

All five buds have now bloomed, matching the flower in Zheng Tan's memory, exuding a jade-like quality; if he didn't know it was real, he might think it was carved from jade.

Translation: "Five flower buds, now all opened, just like the flower in Zheng Tan's memory, exuding a jade-like feel; if one didn't know it was a real flower, one might think it was carved from jade." We'll output: "Five flower buds, now all opened, just like the flower in Zheng Tan's memory, exuding a jade-like feel; if one didn't know it was a real flower, one might think it was carved from jade."

Back then, Zheng Tan could stare at flowers until he was dazed; now these seven old men and the police chief are probably also dazed by the flowers.

Translation: "Back then, Zheng Tan could stare at flowers until he was dazed; now these seven old men and Jingzhang probably also stared at the flowers until they were dazed." We'll output: "Back then, Zheng Tan could stare at flowers until he was dazed; now these seven old men and Jingzhang probably also stared at the flowers until they were dazed."

Zheng Tan thinks this flower is also lovely, but compared to the ones he saw in the mountains back then, there's still a slight difference; the fact that he didn't just stare blankly now is the best proof, though it could also be that he's become immune to it.

Translation: "Zheng Tan felt this flower was also fine, but compared to those he saw in the mountains back then, there was still a slight difference; Zheng Tan not being completely dazed now is the best proof, though perhaps he has developed immunity to it." We'll output: "Zheng Tan felt this flower was also fine, but compared to those he saw in the mountains back then, there was still a slight difference; Zheng Tan not being completely dazed now is the best proof, though perhaps he has developed immunity to it."

Just staring like that isn't helpful; Zheng Tan crouched nearby, glanced at the seven people and the cat staring at the flowers, let out a loud yawn, and even let out a long "ah—" sound.

Translation: "Just staying dazed like that isn't right; Zheng Tan squatted beside them, glanced at the seven people and cat staring at the flower, let out a loud yawn, and even emitted a long 'ah——' sound." We'll output: "Just staying dazed like that isn't right; Zheng Tan squatted beside them, glanced at the seven people and cat staring at the flower, let out a loud yawn, and even emitted a long 'ah——' sound."

Finally someone snapped out of it; the police chief also snapped out of it.

Translation: "Finally someone came to their senses; Jingzhang also came to his senses." We'll output: "Finally someone came to their senses; Jingzhang also came to his senses."

"Hey, quick, it's the police chief!" an old man shouted.

Translation: "\"Hey, quick, it's Jingzhang!! \" an old man shouted." We'll output: "\"Hey, quick, it's Jingzhang!! \" an old man shouted."

Several old men also stopped looking at the flowers, guarding against the police chief as if he were a thief, only relaxing after they had chased him away.

Translation: "Several old men also stopped looking at the flowers, guarding against Jingzhang like thieves, only relaxing after they'd driven Jingzhang away." We'll output: "Several old men also stopped looking at the flowers, guarding against Jingzhang like thieves, only relaxing after they'd driven Jingzhang away."

The police chief is a flower enthusiast, something everyone knows.

Translation: "Jingzhang is a flower maniac, known to all." We'll output: "Jingzhang is a flower maniac, known to all."

The old men slowly stood up, patting their legs; fortunately they didn't fall, just their legs ached from squatting too long.

Translation: "The old men slowly rose, pounding their legs; fortunately they didn't collapse, just sore from squatting too long." We'll output: "The old men slowly rose, pounding their legs; fortunately they didn't collapse, just sore from squatting too long."

Checking the time, everyone realized they had been staring for that long without noticing.

Translation: "Checking the time, everyone realized they had unknowingly spent that long." We'll output: "Checking the time, everyone realized they had unknowingly spent that long."

Old Man Lan also started shooing people away; he treasures this pot of flowers.

Translation: "Old Man Lan also started shooing people away; he treasured this pot of flower." We'll output: "Old Man Lan also started shooing people away; he treasured this pot of flower."

It wasn't in vain after three years! Not in vain after three years!

Translation: "Not in vain after three years, not in vain after three years!" We'll output: "Not in vain after three years, not in vain after three years!"

Old Man Lan was so excited his eyes turned red.

Translation: "Old Man Lan was so excited his eye rims turned red." We'll output: "Old Man Lan was so excited his eye rims turned red."

"Old Lan, are you selling this flower or not? Name your price, I'll buy it." said an old man.

"Hey, Old Lan, just keep this flower for yourself to enjoy a bit longer—don't rush to sell it." Another old man said.

"Yeah, yeah, a nice flower is best kept for oneself a little longer." The others also chimed in.

They said that, but deep down they were all wondering when they could sneak off to talk with Old Lan.

It's precious, a genuine flower makes people treasure it.

As they left, the several old men kept taking three steps back for every step forward, their eyes glued to the pot of orchids.

"Hey, Old Lan, this flower must be a natural mutation; I've never seen one like yours—have you given it a name?" asked someone whom Old Lan was shooing out.

Old Lan's motion of shooing people paused, he let out an 'hmm', and when no one else was looking, he glanced toward Zheng Tan.

Zheng Tan: "......"

This old man is really weird, what's it to me if you name the orchid? (To be continued...)