♥ A spoiled, unruly piano teacher whose good qualities are well hidden
versus a steady, low-key, blunt but sincere, slightly roguish first-generation entrepreneur
♥ The compromises of adulthood + the sincerity of youth.
♥ The title and heroine's name come from Gansu's specialty, the Kushui rose. Its flowers are vivid and fragrant, and it loves sunlight, tolerates drought and cold, and is highly resilient. This is relevant to the setting. It's not bitter, but has the sweet-and-sour flavor of a story about healing.
Does an unexpected reunion after a long separation always mean repeating the past?
Lu Qinglin doesn't think so. He's already headed down his own road, while Xia Qiang is still just as she was in the past: just as affected, just as picky, just as fickle... He stopped liking her long ago and has no intention of pursuing her.
Xia Qiang isn't sure how much of their youthful affection is left...
But what gives him the right to keep blowing hot and cold, acting so moody and unpredictable that he makes her seem like the one who's terrible?!
"I'm a complete mess, a lump of mud, but admit it, Lu Qinglin! Isn't it helpless to fall for someone you hate? You don't want to let go, but you don't want to get close, either, and yet you can't forget them!"
"Give it a rest, Xia Qiang... I remember you so well because you have so many problems."
Note: 1. One-on-one romance, both leads' first relationship, happy ending. The main story takes place in the modern city, with a few flashbacks.
2. Both leads have flaws. Neither is very likable at the beginning, but they're both quite sincere at heart. The reasons will be revealed later. See the author's note in the first chapter for content warnings.
Theme: Old and new
