The morning at St. Sakura Academy was shrouded in a thin mist, and the private planes on the tarmac gleamed with a cold, hard metallic sheen.

Yu Jiuyuan, wearing a camel-colored cashmere coat with a scarf wrapped around her chin, revealing only her smiling eyes, was checking the luggage piled up to the side.

Yuan Xu's incubator was placed in the safest corner, labeled "Fragile," next to Xie Zhecheng's astronomical observation equipment, which was meticulously housed in a custom-made shockproof box.

"The generator is placed on the left side of the luggage compartment. I've calculated the weight distribution, so it won't affect the balance." Xie Zhecheng's voice came from behind. He was wearing a black windbreaker, with the zipper zipped up to the top, which made his jawline even more defined.

He walked to the equipment box, squatted down to check the locks, and his fingertips traced the box with an almost reverent caution.

Yu Jiuyuan squatted down beside him, helping to steady the suitcase: "Don't worry, the captain is my old man's personal pilot, his skills are even more reliable than those of the airline."

As she spoke, her breath condensed into white mist in the cold air, gently brushing against Xie Zhecheng's hand.

Xie Zhecheng paused slightly, and when he looked up, his eyes met hers.

Those eyes, which always seemed innocent and harmless, now reflected the airplane's shadow, shining so brightly they were almost blinding.

He suddenly remembered seeing her staring blankly at the instruction manual for the astronomical telescope in the equipment room yesterday. It was clear that she could understand those parameters in no time, but she deliberately put on a confused expression, waiting for him to explain it to her.

"I've compiled the precautions for observation into a document and sent it to your email."

He looked away, his tone returning to its usual indifference, "The starry sky in Changbai Mountain is different from that in the city. The visible stars can reach magnitude six. Don't just focus on taking pictures."

"Okay, thank you, Teacher Xie." Yu Jiuyuan smiled, her eyes crinkling, deliberately drawing out her words.

She knew Xie Zhecheng's weakness: his absolute desire for control in his professional field. Showing weakness appropriately could actually make him lower his guard.

Just like now, the slight redness on the tips of his ears speaks volumes about his emotional fluctuations more than any words.

Rong Shenghan walked over carrying two huge hiking backpacks, his face still bearing a gentle smile: "Inside are emergency medicines and compressed food, enough for four days."

He handed one of the bags to Yu Jiuyuan, saying, "I separated yours, so it's a third lighter and easier to carry."

Yu Jiuyuan took the bag, her fingertips touching the side pocket, which was bulging.

She knew they were hand warmers and a few packets of brown sugar ginger tea. Rong Shenghan was always like this, his seemingly unintentional thoughtfulness was so precise that no one could find fault with it.

She looked up and smiled: "The vice president is getting more and more considerate."

“Serving the president is my duty.” Rong Shenghan’s gaze fell on her face, and his smile deepened. “But speaking of which, I’ve never seen you in a ski suit before. It would definitely suit you very well.”

This slightly ambiguous teasing remark instantly created a subtle atmosphere.

Xie Zhecheng paused in his work of tidying up the equipment. Yuan Xu walked over carrying his sample collection box, breaking the silence: "I brought an ultraviolet disinfection lamp. We can use it when we stay at the guesthouse tonight to avoid contaminating the samples."

He looked at Yu Jiuyuan, his eyes full of anticipation, "How about we go check out the glacial meltwater during our observation break? There might be psychrophilic bacteria living there in extreme environments."

"As long as President Xie agrees to adjust the schedule." Yu Jiuyuan looked at Xie Zhecheng, her tone carrying a hint of seeking his opinion.

She knew that in Yuan Xu's world, biological samples always came first, and Xie Zhecheng's perfectionism made him intolerant of plans being disrupted. This seemingly unintentional suggestion was actually a test of their limits.

Xie Zhecheng frowned: "The observation time is fixed. If you miss the best time to observe the Orionid meteor shower, you'll have to wait until next year."

“I only need half an hour,” Yuan Xu replied immediately, her tone pleading. “It’s near the observation point, not far.”

He pushed up his glasses, his gaze shifting between Xie Zhecheng and Yu Jiuyuan before finally settling on Yu Jiuyuan. In his mind, this president, who could always reconcile conflicts, was more accommodating than the principled Xie Zhecheng.

Yu Jiuyuan was about to speak when she was interrupted by a piercing engine noise.

Lin Yanran drove her flashy red sports car to the edge of the helipad, the tires screeching as they rolled over the snow.

When he jumped out of the car, he was still wearing his black leather jacket and carrying a small hiking backpack, looking nothing like someone going on a snowfield adventure.

"Officer Lin is punctual." Yu Jiuyuan's smile remained unchanged as her gaze swept over his bag, which clearly couldn't hold more than a few pieces of clothing. "Where's your equipment?"

Lin Yanran chuckled and tossed her bag to the flight attendant beside her: "I've brought everything I need, you don't need to worry about it."

He walked to the airplane stairs, paused, as if suddenly remembering something, and took out a silver box from his pocket and tossed it to Yu Jiuyuan, "My dad asked me to give this to you, saying it's a thank-you gift for the last collaborative project."

The box landed in Yu Jiuyuan's hands; it felt heavy.

She opened it and found a simply designed fountain pen with the exquisite Lin Group logo engraved on the cap.

This was hardly a thank-you gift; it was clearly a signal from Lin's father that he wanted Lin to show goodwill.

"Please thank Chairman Lin for me." She closed the box, her tone calm. "But next time, just have the housekeeper deliver it; there's no need for you to make a special trip."

Lin Yanran's face instantly darkened.

He hated being treated like a pawn, especially in front of Yu Jiuyuan, whose nonchalant demeanor made him look at an ignorant child.

He turned and walked towards the plane, deliberately bumping into Rong Shenghan as he passed by.

Rong Shenghan staggered half a step, but still smiled and helped him up: "Young Master Lin, slow down, the gangway is a bit slippery."

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