Qing Miao is a garlic sprout spirit who transformed into a human after being abandoned in Ming Town. Raised in isolation, he spent years wandering in search of He Chuxu, the boy who found him as a seedling, planted him under the eaves, and promised he would grow up quickly. Qing Miao’s entire emotional world revolves around this figure, whom he remembers as his savior and the source of his happiness. When he finally enrolls at J University in Jiang City, he discovers through his roommates that He Chuxu is a senior known for his striking appearance and academic excellence. Upon seeing a photo of He Chuxu, Qing Miao recognizes him immediately and rushes to find him at the campus cafeteria, hoping to reconnect after years of separation.
The reunion is initially devastating. When Qing Miao asks if He Chuxu remembers him, the senior responds with confusion, admitting he has no recollection of their past. Qing Miao is crushed, feeling a profound sense of loss as the person he cherished seems like a stranger. However, his roommates provide him with social media posts about He Chuxu, revealing that the senior is a vegetarian who cannot eat meat. This revelation terrifies Qing Miao, as he realizes that if he were to disclose his true identity as a garlic sprout, he might be perceived as food rather than a person. Consequently, he decides to hide his nature and attempts to rebuild a connection with He Chuxu through friendship, hoping that spending more time together might restore the senior's memories.
As Qing Miao spends more time with He Chuxu, a strange phenomenon begins to occur. Every night, Qing Miao dreams that he has transformed back into a plant, specifically a succulent, and finds himself inside He Chuxu’s dormitory or home. In these dreams, he experiences the world from a plant’s perspective, observing He Chuxu in intimate, everyday moments. One night, he even finds himself in a potted Portulacaria afra on He Chuxu’s balcony, where he feels a strange, overwhelming sensation when He Chuxu touches the leaves. Qing Miao realizes this is a side effect of his spirit form, linking him to He Chuxu’s environment, and becomes determined to understand the trigger behind these transformations.
Despite the awkwardness of He Chuxu not remembering him, Qing Miao persists in his efforts to be close. He initiates meals, walks, and casual interactions, gradually breaking through He Chuxu’s reserved exterior. He Chuxu, initially puzzled by the freshman’s persistent friendliness, finds himself drawn to Qing Miao’s sincerity and vibrant energy. The dynamic shifts as He Chuxu begins to protect Qing Miao from unwanted attention and engages in playful banter. Meanwhile, Qing Miao discovers online that He Chuxu was previously harassed by an obsessive admirer, which fuels his desire to protect the senior and deepen their bond. The story follows their evolving relationship as Qing Miao navigates the dangers of his secret identity while trying to reclaim the memories that define his existence.
