Chapter 118: Finally, the Date Can Begin

Although he did not fully understand why Krystal made that request, Chen Zhe trusted that she had her own reasons. Without hesitation, he gave a slight nod, signaling that he knew how to proceed.

Without overthinking it, Chen Zhe relayed the message to Jessica on the other end of the line, weaving in Krystal’s words along with his own interpretation.

"I’m very happy that you’d want to invite me, Noona. However, let’s skip this outing; you two should go and have fun on your own. I’ll join you both next time."

Jessica was caught completely off guard by Chen Zhe’s prompt response. She was momentarily stunned before regaining her composure, first expressing how happy she was that he had invited her. She then insisted that she would not disrupt their plans this time, promising to join them on a future outing.

"That’s such a pity! I really thought you could come along with us this time, Noona!"

Chen Zhe kept his gaze on Krystal. Watching her lips move as she silently provided him with cues, he received her signal and translated her next point accordingly.

"Well, next time, I’ll take you both out for a proper trip. I really can’t make it this time; I have a schedule to attend to."

Hearing this, Jessica, sitting on the sofa, felt even more satisfied and pleased. She shifted slightly, propping her feet up on the coffee table to find a more comfortable position. The smile on her lips was unmistakable, and the joy in her voice was evident to Chen Zhe.

"I see. Then I’ll look forward to the trip you’ll take us on next time. But since you have a schedule, you should go wash up soon. I won’t keep you any longer."

Feeling that the conversation had reached its natural end, Chen Zhe steered the topic toward Jessica’s schedule for the day, subtly reminding her that she had work to do and needed to get ready.

"Oh, no! I’m running out of time! Zhe, let’s stop here for now. I need to go get ready—my manager is almost here to pick me up."

Spurred by Chen Zhe’s reminder, Jessica glanced at the time and was startled. Unbeknownst to her, less than half an hour remained before her scheduled departure. Knowing this was no time for idle chatter, she spoke a few hurried words to Chen Zhe and hung up, rushing toward the bathroom.

"Whew! Finally managed to handle Jessica Noona. My heart was racing so fast, I thought it might jump out of my chest!"

After the call ended, Chen Zhe let out a long breath, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. Once he had composed himself, he turned back to Krystal, who was sitting beside him.

"Seriously? Isn't that reaction a bit exaggerated? Does my sister really put that much pressure on you?"

Krystal muttered with slight dissatisfaction at his dramatic reaction. After all, he was talking about her own sister, even though she herself felt that her sister could be quite intimidating at times. Still, in front of Chen Zhe, she felt the need to defend her sister’s reputation—at least a little bit, she thought to herself.

"Sorry, sorry, it’s all my fault. I shouldn’t have said that Jessica Noona is intimidating!"

Seeing Krystal’s pouty, chipmunk-like cheeks, Chen Zhe laughed and shook his head. He pressed his palms together in an apologetic gesture, flashing a playful wink when she looked his way.

"Hmph, I’ll forgive you this time. But remember, you are absolutely not allowed to talk about my sister like that again!"

Amused by his antics, Krystal’s pouting expression vanished. She reached out and poked his forehead firmly, trying to suppress a smile while giving him a stern, serious warning.

"Yes, ma'am. Don't worry, there won't be a next time. I will take your warning to heart!"

Reaching out to take her hand, Chen Zhe looked into her eyes with genuine sincerity, his tone turning serious.

"Alright, I know you’ll take it to heart!"

Feeling his intense, sincere gaze, a blush crept onto Krystal’s cheeks beneath her mask. Shyly, she turned her head away to avoid his eyes, though she did not pull her hand away from his.

***

In a private room at a cozy café, Chen Zhe’s two "scheming" sisters were enjoying their coffee with leisure, discussing his schedule for the day—after all, the two of them had planned it all.

"Hehe, Yuqi, I heard that brat Zhe actually managed to get Krystal to go out with him!"

Stirring her coffee and watching the white milk foam swirl into the brown liquid, Choi Soo-young spoke with the satisfaction of a parent seeing their child finally make a move.

"Yeah, that brat made the plans with Krystal last week. He’s done so much homework and preparation just for today’s outing!"

Unlike Soo-young, Chen Yuqi didn’t stir her drink. She simply lifted her cup and took a small sip, unable to hide the smile playing on her lips. Although she and Soo-young had mapped out the plan for Chen Zhe to invite Krystal, the success was entirely his own.