Chapter Sixty: My Choice Is

“Last night, someone got drunk and ended up laying his head on little Crystal’s lap, refusing to get up until the prodigy oppa and the others had to use force to drag him away.” Watching Chen Zhe, who still looked completely bewildered, Chen Yuqi’s lips curved into a captivating smile. Her mind was working quickly, already concocting ways to embellish the story.

The smile on Chen Yuqi’s face appeared to Chen Zhe like a demon baring her fangs. Coupled with her intentionally gentle tone, it startled him so much that his mouth fell open, unable to say a single word.

“Don’t open your mouth so wide—it’s true! If you don’t believe me, look, we even recorded a video.” Seeing Chen Zhe still looking skeptical and incredulous, Choi Sooyoung, playing the villain, decided to deal the final blow. She pulled out her phone and presented the decisive evidence to crush him completely.

Chen Zhe’s first reaction on hearing there was video evidence was disbelief. His face showed open suspicion and just as he was about to protest, Sooyoung had already opened a video on her phone and handed it to him.

In the video, a drunk Chen Zhe could be seen fast asleep with his head resting on Jung Soo-jung’s lap. Soo-jung cradled his head with one hand and supported his shoulder with the other, her movements gentle and caring.

After watching the video, Chen Zhe was utterly defeated. Facts spoke louder than words, and with such ironclad evidence before him, all he could do was respond with silence.

“How about this—let your sister make the decision for you: invite little Crystal out for a meal and give her a proper apology.” Once Chen Zhe fell silent, Chen Yuqi knew her opportunity had come. Her smile softened into one of doting affection, ready to steer her brother exactly where she wanted.

“I agree, Zhe. You should really ask little Crystal out for a meal and apologize properly. Your behavior was truly out of line.” Being just as mischievous as Chen Yuqi, Sooyoung instantly caught on to what her friend intended and joined in, continuing to encourage Chen Zhe.

“But…” Though Chen Zhe knew his actions had been inappropriate, he hesitated at the thought of inviting Jung Soo-jung out to apologize, especially since he didn’t have her contact information. (He hadn’t checked his phone since waking up and didn’t know Jung Soo-jung had already saved her number there.)

“No more buts! Listen to your sisters and go invite little Crystal out for a meal to apologize!” Seeing that he was still hesitating, Sooyoung cut him off without mercy.

“But still…” After a moment’s thought, Chen Zhe had to admit Sooyoung’s point was fair. However, the main issue was that he didn’t have Jung Soo-jung’s contact info, so all their talk was moot.

“No more excuses! Or do you want your two sisters to arrange everything for you, step by step, and even teach you how to apologize?” Chen Yuqi interrupted him again, her expression darkening, mouth pressed into a thin line, clearly displeased with her brother’s attitude.

“Wait, can you just let me finish before you start lecturing me?” Having been interrupted twice and scolded both times, Chen Zhe’s temper flared. His voice rose, startling both Sooyoung and Yuqi into silence.

“I don’t have Soo-jung’s contact information. How exactly am I supposed to invite her? Isn’t it up to you two to help me?” Seeing the two nodding for him to continue, Chen Zhe nodded in satisfaction, voicing what he saw as the biggest problem, hoping for his sisters’ assistance.

“So that’s what you’re worried about?” Seeing his furrowed brow, Yuqi and Sooyoung had thought he was about to bring up something serious. Once they realized it was just about contact info, they both sighed in relief, their playful smiles returning.

“What else could it be?” Still exasperated by his two cunning sisters, Chen Zhe felt they were completely out of sync with his way of thinking. He let out a sigh and threw the question back at them.

“Did you not check your phone after getting up today?” Yuqi raised an eyebrow, giving her brother a look reserved for those lacking common sense, her playful smile broadening.

“Why would I? I usually check my phone in the morning, but today was a rush, so I haven’t looked yet.” Chen Zhe was completely at a loss as to why she was asking.

“Oh, then you definitely don’t know that little Crystal has already saved her contact information in your phone.” Glancing at her phone to check the time, Sooyoung realized it was getting late and decided to stop toying with Chen Zhe, briefly explaining about the exchange of contact info the previous night.

“Really?” Hearing this, Chen Zhe’s face lit up with disbelief. He immediately pulled out his phone, eager to check for Jung Soo-jung’s number.

“Wait, don’t be in such a rush. We were so caught up in the whole lap pillow incident that I almost forgot the real reason we called you here.” Just as Chen Zhe was about to check his phone, a hand reached out from across the table, snatching his phone away and placing it on the table. Looking up, Chen Zhe saw that Sooyoung’s expression had turned serious.

“Is this about the agency?” At the mention of business, Chen Zhe stopped reaching for his phone and sat up straight, his demeanor becoming earnest.

“That’s right. Have you decided whether you want to join LOEN or SM Entertainment?” Now that the subject had turned serious, Yuqi set aside her teasing as well. After all, this was an important decision for her brother’s future. The earlier banter was only meant to lighten the mood—she and Sooyoung had spent much of the previous night discussing this matter.

“I’ve looked over both sets of terms, and Yuqi and I have some suggestions. But before we share ours, I’d rather hear your thoughts first.” Fingers interlaced beneath her chin, Sooyoung struck the pose of a commander, eyes fixed intently on Chen Zhe as if trying to read his true intentions.

“My thoughts? I’ve considered it at length. After comparing both sides’ offers, my choice is…”