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“I can handle it. My tolerance is pretty high,” Lin Xian replied, pouring himself another glass.

“No wonder you’re so into hibernation technology, Lin Xian. Is it because of Professor Xu Yun?” Tang Xin asked, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

“Not exactly,” Lin Xian said as he refilled his cup. “I just feel bad for Professor Xu Yun’s daughter. I hope she lives to see the day when the hibernation chamber becomes available. Here’s to the success of your project. A lot of patients are counting on it.”

“I’ll give it my all,” Tang Xin promised, raising her glass to meet Lin Xian’s.

Lin Xian hadn’t expected Tang Xin to drink tonight since she was the only woman there and it wasn’t a business meeting. He thought she might not feel the need to drink, but she proved to be quite a drinker herself.

Zhou Duan Yun and Gao Yang, clearly tipsy, kept the drinking going. After finishing two bottles of baijiu, Zhou had the driver bring over two more, with no signs of stopping.

Having reached their limit, Lin Xian and Tang Xin left the others to their drinks and started chatting.

Tang Xin talked about her orchestra’s upcoming performance at the Donghai City Music Festival and invited Lin Xian to come. Although symphonies weren’t really his thing, Tang Xin was so enthusiastic, especially about the performances by many stars, that he agreed to attend.

It wasn’t until the restaurant staff informed them it was closing time that Gao Yang and Zhou Duan Yun called it a night. They had been drinking since 8 PM and continued into the early hours of the morning, clearly well-matched in their drinking stamina.

Downstairs, Zhou Duan Yun’s driver held the door of a Rolls-Royce Phantom open for him and Gao Yang. Since the car had four seats, Duan Yun offered Gao Yang a ride. Lin Xian planned to take a cab with Tang Xin.

“Lin Xian! When are you going to buy a car from me?” Gao Yang called out from the Rolls-Royce.

“When I find the time. Don’t worry, I keep my promises,” Lin Xian waved back.

“Let’s grab a cab,” Tang Xin suggested, pointing to a taxi by the curb.

Lin Xian’s vision was slightly blurry from the alcohol, making everything feel a bit delayed, like the world had slowed down. The street was quiet, and once Zhou Duan Yun’s Rolls-Royce drove off, there was little sound other than the restaurant staff cleaning up.

As Tang Xin reached for the taxi door—

Smack!

Lin Xian grabbed her hand.

“Huh?” Tang Xin turned, surprised by Lin Xian’s grip. His hand was warm, and she noticed his wristwatch showing 12:42 AM.

“Lin Xian?” Tang Xin blushed, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger.

“How about we chat a bit more?” Lin Xian suggested with a smile.

“Sure,” Tang Xin replied, looking down the road. “Should we find a quieter place?”

“Here is fine.”

“Here?” Tang Xin looked around, puzzled. “This doesn’t seem like a great spot for a chat. I know a quiet bar nearby. Want to try there?”

Lin Xian checked his watch again.

12:43 AM.

“Okay, let’s go.”

He let go of her hand and opened the taxi door for her. Then he got into the front passenger seat.

Maybe he was just being overly cautious?

Inside the cab, he looked at the driver—a perfectly ordinary middle-aged man.

“Where to?” The driver flicked his cigarette away and awaited their destination.

“Here,” Tang Xin showed the driver an address on her phone.

…

In the music bar, a singer softly played guitar and sang a folk song. Lin Xian and Tang Xin found a quiet corner, sipping their drinks while Tang Xin shared stories about her life, work, and humorous anecdotes.

Lin Xian mostly smiled and nodded, still thinking about the quiet road and the normal taxi.

All signs indicated he had been overly paranoid about the significance of 12:42 AM.

From his point of view, either he or Tang Xin could be targets. He was always alert. But both the reunion and tonight proved to be harmless.

He realized how impractical it would be to commit a crime precisely at 12:42 AM. The timing had to align perfectly, and the target needed to be just right—a fleeting 60 seconds where everything must go as planned seemed unlikely.

If either of them had been the target, a car should have sped up just as she reached for the taxi door. But nothing happened. The taxi driver was ordinary, the door opened smoothly, and even if he hadn’t intervened, Tang Xin would have safely entered the taxi.

Maybe he was just too cautious.

This constant vigilance was wearing him out.

After more conversation, they decided to leave.

Outside the bar, Tang Xin pointed across the street.

“I called a Didi. It’s way better than Uber. I just learned how to use it.”

Tang Xin insisted on dropping Lin Xian off first.

“Goodbye, Lin Xian.”

“See you,” Lin Xian waved as the Didi car vanished into the night.

…

The next day, Gao Yang’s rumor mill was in full swing:

“Hey hey hey, about last night…”

“Nothing happened,” Lin Xian cut him off, adjusting a model of the Rhine Cat in his office.

“Can’t you think of anything clean?”

“Hey! Zhou Duan Yun and I saw everything!”

Gao Yang persisted, “We had just left, and you two were holding hands! We saw it clearly in the rearview mirror! Don’t deny it!”

“I was just making sure she crossed the street safely.”

“Yeah right! Do you think she’s a toddler or an elderly woman? You were holding her hand to cross the street?”

“Enough, goodbye.”

Beep beep.

Lin Xian hung up.

Ring ring ring ring!

The phone immediately rang again.

Gao Yang was relentless.

Lin Xian glanced at the caller ID, surprised to see a different name—Chu An Qing.

What did this princess want now?

He answered, hearing her sweet voice: “Lin Xian, are you at your office? I’m nearby and want to drop something off!”

“I’m here, on the 20th floor. I’ll have the receptionist meet you.”

“No need, I can find my way!”

A few minutes later, the princess from Donghai University arrived, bringing the scent of academia with her.

“What brings you here?” Lin Xian asked, handing her a glass of water.

“I have a ticket for you!”

Chu An Qing beamed, pulling out a delicate ticket.

Lin Xian took it and saw a VIP ticket to the Donghai City Music Festival.

He had just discussed this with Tang Xin, and now Chu An Qing was handing him a ticket? What a coincidence!

“Are you performing?”

“Yes!” Chu An Qing nodded excitedly. “I have a ballet performance. I wanted to thank you for dancing with me at my dad’s New Year’s party. This festival is incredible!”

“Not just me, but several acts from Donghai University! Famous singers and orchestras too! You’ll love it!”

Lin Xian smiled. Did the waltz at the party give her the wrong impression about him? He wasn’t much into musical performances; most of his musical knowledge was from movies, and he wasn’t particularly skilled at dancing.

“Thanks for the ticket. I’ll try to make it.”

“Great! See you later, Lin Xian!”

She left as quickly as she arrived, waving goodbye.

Lin Xian examined the VIP ticket. Given Chu Shan He’s influence, it wasn’t surprising she could secure such a ticket. Her ballet performance was probably helped by connections too.

“But maybe not,” Lin Xian thought. He shouldn’t judge too quickly.

Her excellent dancing at the New Year’s party showed she had real talent. If given the perfect stage, she could truly shine.

…

Later, at a fancy French restaurant, Tang Xin placed her handbag on the seat next to her, facing Zhou Duan Yun across the table.

“I didn’t expect you to invite me to dinner.”

“Just classmates catching up,” Zhou Duan Yun replied, signaling the waiter to begin serving the appetizers.

“You mentioned something about Lin Xian?” Tang Xin probed.

“Why the rush? The appetizers aren’t even here yet,” Zhou Duan Yun teased.

“Don’t tease me,” Tang Xin said, unfolding her napkin. “Just tell me what you wanted to discuss.”

“Do you like Lin Xian?” Zhou Duan Yun asked directly, looking her in the eye. “Sorry to be blunt, but it seems like you do. I hope you don’t mind.”

“There’s nothing to hide,” Tang Xin responded softly. “I’m not a teenager. Liking someone is normal at my age. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I do like Lin Xian,” she admitted, pushing her hair back. “I just didn’t expect you to take such an interest. We haven’t known each other long, only met a few times. I thought you’d be busy.”

“We’re old classmates,” Zhou Duan Yun said, lifting his glass. “I’m not just gossiping. I want to help you.”

“Help me?” Tang Xin was taken aback. “Thanks for the offer, but I think relationships are something personal. No need for outside help.”

“You don’t understand the dynamics of the Donghai business circle,” Zhou Duan Yun sighed. “You have no idea how many women are interested in Lin Xian. You don’t know your competition.”

Zhou Duan Yun shook his head, “Let me be honest…”

He set down his glass and looked seriously at Tang Xin.

“You don’t stand a chance.”

…

The two sat in silence for a moment.

The waiter quietly brought the first appetizer and left.

Tang Xin sniffed, crossing her arms and leaning back.

“Zhou Duan Yun, that’s quite rude. Did you invite me just to insult me?”

“Not at all. You misunderstand,” Zhou Duan Yun said, clasping his hands on the table. “I care because we’re classmates. I’m on your side.”

“Then what do you mean?”

“I want to help you,” Zhou Duan Yun smiled. “I have a plan that will guarantee you win Lin Xian’s heart… Interested in hearing it?”