Chapter 107: Budding Emotions

After Jessica left, both Chen Zhe and Krystal finally breathed a sigh of relief. For them, Jessica’s presence had indeed placed them under considerable pressure.

"A-Zhe, is my sister really that scary? Why does it seem like you’re a mouse seeing a cat whenever you’re around her? You don’t even dare to breathe properly."

As she switched her phone back to handset mode, Krystal heard Chen Zhe’s audible sigh of relief. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, her tone laced with a hint of playful reproach.

"Are you really in a position to say that? Aren't you exactly the same, Sica-noona's dear little sister?"

Since they had both been relieved, Chen Zhe wasn't about to take the blame solely on himself. He retorted without a moment's hesitation.

"Yah, Chen Zhe, are you looking for a death wish?"

Being called out like that made Krystal feel a bit flustered. She instinctively wanted to shout, but remembering that her sister hadn't traveled far, she quickly lowered her voice.

"Sorry, sorry. It’s just that your sigh was so loud, I heard it quite clearly. Let’s count this one as my fault, okay, Krystal?"

Knowing Krystal’s anger was feigned, Chen Zhe kept his tone light and playful, trying to coax her into a better mood.

"By the way, Krystal, which day next week are you free? Do you have any spare time?"

Realizing that continuing this line of conversation might lead to trouble, Chen Zhe pivoted to the reason he had called.

"Next week? Let me see... I don't have any schedules at all next week. Why the sudden question, A-Zhe? Is something up?"

After checking her schedule and confirming her availability, Krystal informed him. However, as she spoke, she began to guess his underlying motive. As the thought took root, her cheeks flushed a soft shade of crimson, and she suddenly felt quite shy.

"Then, might I have the honor of inviting my dearest Krystal to go out and have some fun with me next week?"

Knowing Krystal was free for the entire week, Chen Zhe knew he was a third of the way there. The remaining two-thirds would be successfully securing the invitation and preparing the surprise.

"Hmm~, and where exactly do you want to take me? Is it just the two of us, or are we bringing my sister and the others?"

Krystal didn't answer directly, instead testing him to see if it was a solo outing or a group affair. Though she sounded composed, she felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey. She decided internally: if it were just the two of them, she would feign hesitation for a moment before accepting to maintain her composure, but if he suggested bringing the others, she would refuse.

"Of course it’s just my best friend and me. Bringing the others would just add pressure and trouble for both of us. Besides, with them around, we wouldn't be able to have any fun."

He had intended to invite her alone all along, hoping to give her a surprise as an apology for the incident with the lap pillow. If Jessica and his own sister—who loved to stir up trouble—were included, he could already foresee how awkward the situation would become. Unless he had lost his mind, he would never invite them.

"True. If Yuqi and my sister tagged along, we really wouldn't be able to enjoy ourselves!"

Krystal recalled her sister and Yuqi—who was rumored to be Chen Zhe’s nemesis—and couldn't help but agree with him.

"Exactly. So it’ll just be the two of us. After all, as best friends, we’ve never actually been out together!"

Chen Zhe, busy wooing Krystal, had once again completely forgotten about his other friend.

"That’s true. So, where are you taking me? Have you planned the route?"

Once she confirmed it was just the two of them, Krystal was ready to accept, but a sudden concern dawned on her. Chen Zhe wasn't Korean and likely knew nothing about the local attractions. As a Korean-American, even her own vacations were usually spent in the United States or abroad. She figured her knowledge of Korean tourist spots was only marginally better than his. Worried that they might end up wandering aimlessly and wasting time, she pressed him for his itinerary.

"Well, I haven't finalized the specific locations yet, but don't worry, Krystal. I have a travel guide for Korea already; I just need to pick the best spots."

Hearing her, Chen Zhe realized he had been a bit impulsive in his excitement. Scratching his head, he sought a way to sound more prepared—referencing the travel guide he had put together before arriving in Korea. He had even kept it with him since meeting Choi Sooyoung...