The intensive workload soon took a toll on his health. In 2014, Cai's hearing had deteriorated so badly that his doctor advised him to take a break. This got him thinking about other career options.

A year later, Cai chanced upon a florist owned by an old French couple during his travels to France.

"They took such good care of the flowers. It was the first time I learned that flowers could be so beautiful," he says.

Deciding to explore the possibility of opening a florist in Shanghai, Cai started working as a part-time designer at the 105 Blooms Flower Shop during his rest days.

To pick up more professional knowledge, Cai signed up for the preliminary training for the US Certified Floral Designer qualification examination in 2018. He received his certification a few months later.