Chapter 121: Mishaps at the Skating Rink-Starlight Shines on the Peninsula(A traveler in a green robe wanders through misty mountains veiled in rain.)

Inside the ice rink, Chen Zhe and Krystal, fully geared up, made their way onto the ice. One moved with fluid, effortless grace, while the other struggled to keep his legs steady.

"Wait, slow down, Krystal. Let me get used to this first!"

Even though Krystal was holding his hand to guide him, Chen Zhe couldn't help but break into a cold sweat. While he had full confidence in Krystal's skating ability, he was deeply skeptical of her ability to actually hold him up. After all, judging by both height and weight, Krystal was simply not equipped to anchor him.

"Oh, Zhe, if you're this scared, you'll never learn! Be bold. I'll hold onto you, don't worry!"

Not fully grasping the implication of his words, Krystal simply tilted her head, offering him an encouraging smile and telling him not to worry about falling.

"I didn't mean... never mind. Just keep holding me. Once I get a feel for it, I should be able to move on my own."

He started to explain, but catching himself, he decided to drop the subject and focus on the task of learning to skate. When it came to his sense of balance, Chen Zhe was brimming with confidence; he had always been sure of his coordination and ability to learn new things.

A short while later, with a loud thud, the confident Chen Zhe and Krystal found themselves sprawled on the ice.

Chen Zhe lay flat on his back in a sprawl, with Krystal draped right across him. Both looked dazed, struggling to process what had just happened.

The commotion drew the attention of other skaters nearby. A young couple glided over to help. With their assistance, Chen Zhe and Krystal managed to get back on their feet and make it to the edge of the rink. After receiving their thanks, the helpful couple skated off to continue their session.

"So, Krystal, do you see now why I was worried earlier?"

Leaning his hands against the rink's barrier, Chen Zhe turned to look at her with a deadpan expression, his tone flat.

"I'm sorry. I was too confident. I thought I could handle looking after you, Zhe."

Under his intense gaze, Krystal turned her head away, her voice softening as she offered a sheepish apology. Recalling the embarrassment of the moment, she wanted nothing more than to hide her face. After all, she had been so sure she could keep him steady.

But just minutes into their practice, she had picked up the pace, catching Chen Zhe off guard. He lost his balance and tipped backward. In her attempt to pull him back to stability, she had ended up dragging both of them down—though she had landed safely on Chen Zhe, who served as a human cushion.

"Hahaha, pabo, I'm just teasing you. How could I blame you? You're my honorary free coach, after all!"

Seeing Krystal turn away, looking pitiful and aggrieved, Chen Zhe shook his head with a helpless smile. He reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

"You're the pabo! And I'm older than you—I'm your noona. Don't treat me like a child younger than you!"

She reached up to press his hand down against her head. Beneath her mask, her cheeks flushed a faint pink. Though she spoke with a tone of feigned dissatisfaction, to Chen Zhe, she looked incredibly cute. Despite her protests, she didn't push his hand away, instead holding it firmly in place against her head.