Chapter 96: Some Rather Adorable Little Dragons

Perhaps it was because Chen Zhe was the younger brother of her close family friend, or maybe his flattery had put her in a good mood, but Park Ji-yeon opened up at once. She chirped away, asking Chen Zhe all sorts of questions, as if she were genuinely interested in his affairs.

“By the way, Chen Zhe, why did you suddenly join the street performance that day? The video’s already circulating on YouTube.”

Though Park Ji-yeon was usually a bit brash, she was quite adept at reading the room. Once the conversation had run its course, she deftly shifted gears and asked the question she had long been curious about.

“Oh, that… I went to watch the show for fun, but since I couldn't see from the back, I squeezed my way forward.”

“Then, when the two trainees asked if anyone wanted to challenge them, my sister pushed me up, and I had no choice but to join in!”

Recalling the incident, Chen Zhe felt a wave of absurdity wash over him and scratched his head in frustration. Though it had helped him find the path he wanted to pursue, he still felt somewhat disgruntled about being shoved into it by his own sister.

“So that's how it happened? I thought you wanted to take on the challenge yourself, at first just playing the role of an amateur bystander.”

“Then, suddenly revealing your true skills, stunning everyone and defeating the two girls, leaving a deep impression on their hearts.”

Park Ji-yeon gestured extravagantly, as if she wanted to narrate her imagined version of Chen Zhe’s heroic act in full.

“What are you even talking about, Ji-yeon? Your imagination is wild—who would do something so ridiculous!”

Watching Park Ji-yeon's exaggerated gestures, Chen Zhe couldn't help but press his hand to his forehead, feeling rather weary and letting out a sigh.

“Really? That’s not what you were thinking? I thought all boys had these kinds of thoughts.”

Park Ji-yeon tilted her head, lips pursed, radiating a naive adorableness, clearly dissatisfied with Chen Zhe’s answer.

“No way! You’ve been watching too many dramas, Ji-yeon!” Chen Zhe looked at her incredulously, his tone resigned.

“Really? You truly don’t think like that?” Park Ji-yeon still didn’t seem convinced, crossing her arms and sizing up Chen Zhe as if trying to see right through him.

“Of course not! Truer than gold!” Chen Zhe quickly raised his hands, trying to prove his innocence to Park Ji-yeon, eager to show he wasn’t that kind of guy.

“Hmm~ then I’ll believe you this time!” Seeing Chen Zhe’s genuine expression, Park Ji-yeon nodded, half-convinced, as if reluctantly accepting his answer.

“Well, thank you for your trust, Ji-yeon!” Chen Zhe shook his head helplessly, feeling completely at a loss with this quirky dragon cub.

“Hmpf!” Park Ji-yeon crossed her arms with a haughty air, casting a sidelong glance at Chen Zhe, giving off a silly yet endearing vibe.

“Hahaha!” Seeing Park Ji-yeon’s antics, Chen Zhe finally couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing, all his earlier frustrations forgotten.

“Ji-yeon!” Just as Chen Zhe and Park Ji-yeon were enjoying their conversation and about to continue, a man’s voice suddenly called out from behind them.

“Manager oppa, I’m over here!” Hearing the man’s voice, Park Ji-yeon quickly turned toward its source.

She immediately spotted a middle-aged man standing beside a black van, anxiously scanning the area and calling her name repeatedly.

“Chen Zhe, I’m sorry, I have to go. I can’t let my manager find me alone with a guy.”

Seeing this, Park Ji-yeon quickly bid Chen Zhe farewell and jogged over to her manager at a surprisingly swift pace.

Chen Zhe watched as Park Ji-yeon exchanged a few words with her manager, who nodded and got into the van first.

Taking advantage of the manager’s turned back, Park Ji-yeon waved goodbye to Chen Zhe, but when he waved in return, she had already entered the van and missed his gesture.

“Ah Zhe, sorry I’m late!” After Park Ji-yeon left in the van, Chen Zhe was about to sit down again and wait for his own manager, whose arrival time was always uncertain.

But just as he was about to sit, Lin Xiuhao’s breathless voice reached his ears.

“Hey, Xiuhao, why are you so out of breath?”

Hearing the voice, Chen Zhe turned in confusion and saw his manager, Lin Xiuhao, bent over with hands on his knees, looking completely exhausted.

“I went somewhere farther for dinner tonight. When I got your call, I hurried back at once!”

After a few deep breaths, Lin Xiuhao finally recovered from the strain of his rushed return.

“Thank you for your trouble, Xiuhao!” Hearing this, Chen Zhe hurried over to help him up, patting his shoulder with genuine gratitude.

“It’s not just that—I was worried that if I came late, you’d wander off and get lost again!”

Lin Xiuhao took another deep breath before continuing, his concern evident. Having heard of Chen Zhe’s infamous misadventures at the TVN station, he simply didn't trust him to stay put alone.

He’d thought that with Jung Soo-jung and Choi Soo-young accompanying Chen Zhe tonight, he could relax and treat himself to a good meal. But he hadn’t expected Chen Zhe to skip their ride.

Given Chen Zhe’s reputation and his inability to sit quietly, Lin Xiuhao rushed back, worried he’d wander off and get lost.

“Xiuhao!” Chen Zhe stared at him in disbelief, utterly shocked that Lin Xiuhao would say something so brutally honest.

“But it’s true, Ah Zhe. Just admit you’re hopeless with directions!”

Now fully recovered, Lin Xiuhao patted Chen Zhe’s shoulder, a slight smile on his lips. Getting lost was normal, but Chen Zhe’s level was rare.

“No, I’m definitely not hopeless!” Stung by Lin Xiuhao’s repeated jabs, Chen Zhe groaned and clutched his head, insisting he wasn't as bad as everyone said.

Watching Chen Zhe’s antics, Lin Xiuhao sighed helplessly and took hold of one of Chen Zhe’s arms, leading him straight to the van.

Chen Zhe, being dragged along, offered no resistance, lost in his own self-doubt and muttering under his breath.