Each department was preparing a performance, and the School of Economics and Management was no exception. One of their students, the president of the drama club, had spearheaded a play, casting Yan Zhen in one of the roles.

Yan Zhen hadn't been eager to participate. Acting wasn't her forte, and the thought of memorizing lines and rehearsing felt tedious. However, the club president's persistent persuasion, coupled with an offer to tailor the script for her, eventually won her over. She agreed to play a central, albeit somewhat decorative, role: the princess abducted by the evil dragon.

Today was a full rehearsal, unfortunately coinciding with her advisor's request to revise her thesis. She'd been running back and forth since morning, without even a moment to grab a bite to eat.

Inside the auditorium, activity buzzed; a scene was already unfolding on stage. Yan Zhen slipped backstage, changed into her costume, and headed out, her long skirt trailing behind her.

Rounding a corner, her hurried pace led to a collision. "Oh!" she exclaimed softly, stumbling backward. A hand reached out, steadying her.

She looked up. "Thank you. I was rushing. I'm so sorry."

The tall young man, dressed in a similar costume, was the play's leading man, the prince.

He looked at Yan Zhen, realized he was still holding her arm, and quickly withdrew his hand, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "Hello, Senior."

The drama club president had poured her heart and soul into this production, meticulously choosing each actor. This male lead, a sophomore, was rumored to have been hand-picked for his princely aura.

An awkward silence settled between them. Yan Zhen broke it. "Shall we go? Our scene should be coming up soon."

"Yes."

The bespectacled club president, spotting Yan Zhen, rushed over, eyes shining. "My destined princess! Even without many lines, just by standing there, you're the soul of this play!"

"...."

***

As dusk deepened, Chen Huaixu glanced at his watch and prepared to leave the office.

Mo Cheng knocked and entered. "Boss, Secretary Li from Mingshi just called. He'd like to invite you to dinner tonight."

"Another time," Chen Huaixu replied without looking up. "Apologize to Mr. Li for me. Tell him I'll treat him next time he's free."

Mo Cheng, taken aback by the refusal, stammered, "But...you don't have any other business engagements tonight, do you?"

Having worked with Chen Huaixu, Mo Cheng was well aware of his boss's relentless work ethic. He rarely prioritized personal time and usually accepted these business dinners as long as there were no scheduling conflicts. Sometimes, Mo Cheng wondered if he'd become a machine.

This unexpected refusal was unprecedented.

"I have a date tonight." Chen Huaixu retrieved his car keys, walked towards the door, and glanced back at the still-stunned Mo Cheng. "I'm leaving. Aren't you going home? They don't encourage pointless overtime."

"Right away!" Mo Cheng responded, his mind reeling.

A date?! Had he heard correctly?