“I guess I couldn’t avoid hearing about it even if I wanted to,” Ji Shuiyao glanced at her colleagues, her smile wry but good-natured.

The Dean, both eager and impatient, chimed in, “Since you’re aware, isn’t it time you gave a response?”

“A response to what?” Ji Shuiyao played coy, feigning ignorance although she had already come to a decision internally.

“What else but the confession!” the Dean prodded in exasperation.

Calmly, Ji Shuiyao replied, “This is all so sudden. I’ll need some time to consider.”

“What is there to consider? If you delay any longer, someone else might snatch him away,” the Dean warned, tapping his cane on the ground for emphasis. “This ‘Wei Xiaobao’ is the talk of the scientific community. International research institutes are eager to recruit him.”

“If he leaves, it will be a significant blow to our Yan Country’s scientific prowess. You have such an opportunity now; why aren’t you jumping at it? What are you waiting for?”

“Do you really want to bear the burden of being a failure to the Yan Country’s scientific community?!”

Ji Shuiyao had never considered it in those terms, but the Dean’s words made her rethink the gravity of the situation.

Determined, she asked, “Teacher, I’ve made up my mind, but how do I get in touch with him?”

“I’ve already handled that for you,” the Dean said with a reassuring smile as he handed Ji Shuiyao a small note. “This is the email address ‘Wei Xiaobao’ registered with on the Global Discovery website.”

“Thank you,” Ji Shuiyao accepted the note, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Under teasing gazes from her colleagues, Ji Shuiyao left the lab and headed to the lounge. There, she opened her computer and composed an email to ‘Wei Xiaobao,’ expressing her desire to meet him.

All that was left to do was wait.

Despite attempting to read a book, Ji Shuiyao found herself unable to concentrate. Every few minutes, she checked her email, only to find her inbox empty.

After hours of incessantly refreshing her inbox, she finally received a response.

‘Wei Xiaobao’ agreed to meet, proposing a café in Qingling as the venue.

Overjoyed, Ji Shuiyao was too excited to sleep that night.

Meanwhile, Wang Haoran, after replying to Ji Shuiyao, contacted the Global Discovery website.

He requested that they post a statement clarifying that the prior confession by ‘Lin Xiaobao’ was a result of account hacking and did not involve him. Believing Lin Chen’s antics to be beneath him, Wang Haoran wanted to circumvent any false associations.

Owing to ‘Wei Xiaobao’s’ influence in the scientific field, the Global Discovery website readily agreed.

…

The following morning.

In a quaint café.

Ji Shuiyao, sitting in a booth, anxiously awaited her meeting.

With the assistance of her female colleagues and a professional makeup artist, she wore a graceful black chiffon dress, her styled hair matching her elegantly-applied makeup. She exuded a blend of intellectualism and beauty.

Her allure drew the attention of numerous men in the café, some of whom bumped into things, entranced by her presence. The commotion underscored Ji Shuiyao’s striking appeal.

Her current look was outside her usual style, compiled specially for this occasion.

A single rose in a glass was their mutual token of identification.

As the time for her rendezvous drew near, nervousness gripped her.

The Dean’s comments resonated with a sense of urgency, poised her for this new chapter with ‘Wei Xiaobao.’ Having idolized him, she anticipated their meeting with trepidation but hoped he would be young and handsome enough to consider future family genetics.

“Miss Ji.”

A voice roused her from contemplation. A familiar voice.

Ji Shuiyao turned, startled to find Wang Haoran standing beside her.

“Why is it you?” she asked, surprised.

“Miss Ji looks so different today, I almost didn’t recognize you,” Wang Haoran remarked with a smile.

Ji Shuiyao apologized, “I’m waiting for someone today. Could you give me some privacy?”

She feared ‘Wei Xiaobao’ might misconstrue her talking with another man and leave in disappointment.

“You want me… to give you some space?” Wang Haoran echoed, seemingly amused.

Ji Shuiyao reiterated, “Yes, please, I have something important…”

“Did Miss Ji plan to meet someone?” Wang Haoran asked playfully, not in any hurry to leave.

“No, that’s not it,” Ji Shuiyao fibbed, unwilling to disclose her plans.

“So, you’re just here to enjoy a coffee alone?”

“Yes,” she insisted.

“I seem to recall Miss Ji once mentioning that women dress up due to a ‘mating’ inclination. Considering your attire today, you must be meeting someone, likely a man, right?” Wang Haoran teased.

His words made Ji Shuiyao flush with embarrassment and irritation.

“Well… I’m a grown woman, mature and 21, capable of finding a partner. There’s nothing wrong with that,” she retorted defensively.

“Of course not, it’s completely natural,” Wang Haoran replied, amused by her flustered admission.

Resigned, Ji Shuiyao made one last plea, “Can you please give me some space now?”

“If I leave, who will you meet then?” Wang Haoran responded, taking out a rose from his pocket and placing it in the glass on the table.

“You… you…” Ji Shuiyao was too stunned to complete her sentence.

Wang Haoran settled across from her and calmly ordered a coffee.

After regaining her composure, Ji Shuiyao voiced her disbelief, “How could it be you?!”