As the semester wore on, the weight on Chen Ke's shoulders grew heavier. She lived in two worlds: one filled with boardrooms and business deals, the other with university friends, laughter, and stolen moments with Danni. It was a balancing act that often left CK feeling stretched thin. She cherished her life on campus, but the responsibilities at the company—where she was expected to train as her father's successor—loomed large over her every move.
Her phone never stopped buzzing.
One evening, CK and Danni were sharing snacks in Danni's room when her phone rang again. It was a senior manager requesting her input on a report. CK grimaced, picking up the call. "I'll just be a minute," she whispered to Danni apologetically.
Danni watched CK step outside with a pang of disappointment. This was becoming the norm. Whether it was a simple dinner or a weekend plan, CK's phone always managed to intrude. And though CK tried to give Danni as much time as she could, it was never enough for either of them.
After what felt like forever, CK returned, looking tired and apologetic. "Sorry," she murmured, sinking into the chair next to Danni.
"It's okay," Danni replied, though the sadness in her eyes was hard to miss. "I get it. You're busy."
CK leaned her head on Danni's shoulder, exhaustion making her voice soft. "I hate this. I just want to be here with you."
Danni smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from CK's face. "And you are. Just... don't work yourself to death, okay?"
CK nodded, grateful for Danni's understanding even though it stung. She knew that no matter how hard she tried, she was caught between two lives—one she was building for herself and one her family expected her to follow.
Later that week, CK found herself sitting in her father's office, the smell of leather and polished wood heavy in the air. They were in the middle of an executive meeting, discussing quarterly projections and potential expansions. CK listened intently, offering her thoughts where needed, but her mind kept drifting to Danni. She missed the way Danni's eyes lit up when they were together, the playful banter that made all her stress melt away.
After the meeting ended, her father lingered behind, motioning CK to stay.
"Ke'er," he began, using the affectionate term only reserved for private conversations. "I can tell you're distracted. You've done well balancing both university and the company, but it's not going to get easier. If you want to succeed here, you need to focus."
CK shifted in her chair, avoiding her father's gaze. "I know, Father. I'm trying my best."
Her father gave her a long, measured look. "Trying isn't enough, Ke'er. We need you here—fully. This business isn't just a job. It's your legacy. Remember that."
CK nodded, her throat tight. She understood the weight of his words, but that didn't make it any easier. The life her father wanted for her seemed so far from the one she imagined with Danni.
While CK was in the meeting with her father, Danni roamed the university campus aimlessly, her phone clutched in her hand, waiting for a message or call. The day felt longer without CK. She tried to distract herself by hanging out with her friends at the music club, but her thoughts kept wandering to CK.
Ye ShuQi nudged her, noticing her distraction. "You're missing your 'Ke Ke,' aren't you?"
Danni rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Maybe."
"You two are really something, huh?" Zhu Zhu teased, joining in. "I've never seen CK like this with anyone. She's always so serious."
Danni laughed lightly, but there was a trace of longing in her voice. "Yeah... I just wish she didn't have to work so much."
