Flowers in the Palm

[The print edition deal has been successfully canceled] [Some very important warnings that may not suit everyone: The male lead once injured his leg and walks with a slight limp. He usually uses a cane, though he can walk without one. I just think he looks cooler with it. Also, the female lead and the pure-hearted second male lead have feelings for each other, but the male lead breaks them up.] [Set in 1981] Blurb: They first met in a teahouse on a street corner. The sun was shining brightly. Fang Qingzhi had just secured a sum of money. In a plain white dress, she chatted easily with an older schoolmate beside her, dimples faintly visible at the corners of her lips. The schoolmate, thin and wearing a shirt with a frayed collar, rummaged through his pockets and bought milk tea and toast at the teahouse. They sheltered from the blazing sun beneath the eaves, sharing the same afternoon snack. Across the sunlit street, Chen Xiuze sat in a black car, head bowed as he slowly polished his metal cane. He wore a white shirt. They met for the second time at a mansion halfway up the hill. Rain poured, and thunder rumbled. Fang Qingzhi had nowhere else to turn. Soaked through, her dress clinging to her, she shivered and left a trail of muddy water across the redwood floor. A faint incense burned in the room, redolent of sandalwood and musk. Chen Xiuze held his metal cane. Standing in the shadows, he smiled gently at Fang Qingzhi. “Miss Fang,” Chen Xiuze said, “I don’t like forcing anyone to do anything.” “Reader note” I’m not sure what else to say... Please, please read the major warnings at the top. I’m begging you. If you don’t, that’s fine, I’ll repeat them: [Some very important warnings that may not suit everyone: The male lead once injured his leg and walks with a slight limp. He usually uses a cane, though he can walk without one. I just think he looks cooler with it. Also, the female lead and the pure-hearted second male lead have feelings for each other, but the male lead breaks them up.] [The male lead is faithful and keeps himself chaste.] [Please do not mention any real-world celebrities or real people.] Theme: love is built on peaceful communication