(Karry Wang) Flowers Bloom Across the City

When she was born, every flower in the little town bloomed at once, bright and beautiful, fragrant and lush. They named her Mancheng, meaning “a town full of flowers.” By the time she came of age, the town was awash in blood, its beauty bewitching and streaked with gore. She became a killer. When she came to the capital, she remembered her parents' dying words: “Mancheng, find someone to marry, and settle down somewhere outside the city for the rest of your life. The capital is a filthy place. Don't let it stain you.” She thought it over and decided to grant their wish, spending the rest of her life in some remote place. But though she was willing, fate was not. She still went against her parents' wishes and came to the capital. She entered the imperial palace, where she met him... He asked her why she wanted to leave. She said she wanted to return to the little town where it had all begun. She wanted to see the town in full bloom once more. She wanted... When she came of age, her parents had asked what she wanted. She said she wanted them to watch the town's flowers bloom with her one last time. But before the flowers had finished blooming, her parents were gone forever. The blossoms across the town seemed to mourn them... That was the first time she had ever seen the town in full bloom, and before the flowers could finish, it was over. The second time, she was with him. Suddenly, she asked, “When all the flowers in town have fallen, will you leave me too?” He said he wouldn't. Then she asked, “Why do you like me?” He gave her a half-smile and answered nonchalantly, “Because you're breathtaking enough to fill a whole town, and somehow, I fell for you alone.”