Addison glanced at the time and realized it was already evening. Startled, she turned to Ryan. "I'm sorry, I just noticed how late it's gotten," she said, her voice tinged with guilt. "If I ever get too caught up in experiments again, you should just go ahead and eat without waiting for me," Addison added apologetically. Ryan checked his phone, realizing she was right—it was late. He'd been just as engrossed in the experiment as she was and hadn't noticed time slipping by. "Is it really that late?" He scratched his head, looking a bit sheepish. "I was so focused on the work just like you that I completely lost track of time." Addison chuckled. "That won't do. You can't follow my bad example. Skipping meals often is terrible for your health." "Then why don't you take better care of yourself?" Ryan looked at her seriously. "From now on, I'll follow your lead. If you eat properly, I'll eat properly. If you don't, then I won't eat either." Addison raised an eyebrow and teased, "Is that a threat?" Ryan removed his mask and gloves and said sincerely, "Dr. Daves, it's not a threat. "I just want you to eat well. This isn't sustainable. If you don't care about your health, then I'll put mine on the line with yours. "You wouldn't want me to suffer from hunger too ... right?" His eyes shimmered with a mix of vulnerability and determination like stars faintly glowing in the night. Addison felt a bit flustered and she looked away. "You ... " Ryan seemed slightly embarrassed, or perhaps it was something else entirely. After finishing his sentence, he quickly grabbed the test tubes and beakers he had just used for the experiment. In a fluster, he carried them to the sink, turned on the faucet, and began washing them. "You're—" Addison began to say, continuing her earlier thought. But before she could finish, Ryan interrupted her, speaking in a rush, "Once I'm done cleaning up, how about we grab some dinner together?" His voice was hurried and abrupt as if trying to mask his nervousness."I know a really great place nearby. I'll take you there," he added. Seeing his enthusiasm, Addison swallowed her earlier words. Eating alone at home did seem dull. So, she nodded. "Alright." Hearing her agreement, a small smile crept onto his face while he continued washing the apparatus. Suddenly, the sound of a phone ringing filled the room. Addison picked up her phone and saw Michael's name on the screen. She answered the call. "Dr. Nancy, were you working on a project? I've been trying to reach you." Michael's polite voice came through. "Yes, I was. Apologies, I don't like being disturbed during experiments, so I didn't answer earlier." Ryan, still standing nearby, subtly quickened his pace as he listened to Addison speak. "You don't need to apologize—it's my fault for not knowing your habits. I'll be more mindful in the future. "I hope my calls haven't disrupted you too much," Michael said sincerely. "It's alright," Addison replied gently. "You called so many times—was there something urgent?" Michael's repeated calls surely meant something important. By now, Ryan had finished washing up and was wiping down the lab counter. "Yes. I was hoping to discuss the Acygine collaboration. If you're free tonight, I'd like to meet you at the restaurant to go over it." Addison frowned slightly. "Tonight? Why the rush? I thought the contract still needed some final adjustments." "It's because ApexMed is at a critical juncture. Signing the contract tonight would be ideal," Michael explained, his tone pressing but courteous. Addison hesitated, glancing at Ryan. He had finished tidying up and was now standing quietly behind her, watching her intently. His puppy face tugged at her heart.Their gazes met. Addison spoke into the phone. "Does it have to be tonight?" If she told Ryan she couldn't go to dinner with him after all, he'd definitely be disappointed. However, she found it impossible to say no looking at his eager face. "I'm afraid it does," Michael said apologetically. "ApexMed has reasons to finalize this today. I'm truly sorry for the inconvenience." Addison sighed, conflicted. Ryan noticed her troubled expression. "Dr. Daves, is something wrong? You don't look happy." She shook her head. "It's nothing." "Let me think about it. I'll get back to you," she said into the phone. Having said all he could, Michael could only hope Dr. Nancy would agree. "Of course, please consider it," he replied. Addison ended the call. "Dr. Daves, are you ready? Shall we go to dinner now? I've cleaned up everything," Ryan asked cheerfully. "Actually, I have a meeting with the Fullers about a project. I'm afraid I can't go to dinner with you tonight," Addison said hesitantly. Just as she'd feared, the sparkle in Ryan's eyes dimmed instantly. "We're not having dinner anymore?" The disappointment only lasted a second and Ryan quickly composed himself, smiling brightly again. "That's okay! Dr. Daves, you should go take care of your work. "But make sure you eat properly, okay? Don't skip meals." Addison looked at him. His smile seemed forced as if he was trying hard to be understanding. She hesitated, then an idea struck her. "Why don't you come with me?" she suggested. Ryan's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Can I come with you?" Addison nodded. "Yes. This project involves you too, and you're my assistant. It's completely appropriate for you to join." A genuine smile spread across Ryan's face. "Okay!" "Let's go, then," Addison said, grabbing her bag and sending a message to Michael. Michael replied almost instantly. "Wonderful! I'll wait for you at Olive Oasis. Do you have any dietary restrictions?" Addison glanced at Ryan. "Do you have any food restrictions?" "No, none at all! I eat everything," Ryan said quickly, waving his hands. Addison nodded and typed her response. "No, feel free to order whatever you like." As they approached the door, Ryan sped up and stepped ahead of her. "I'll drive!" Before Addison could respond, he was already at the driver's side door, ready to take the wheel. She blinked, then nodded. "Alright." The car pulled up in front of Olive Oasis, a private restaurant owned by the Fullers. It was an exclusive venue used solely for business meetings, accessible only by invitation. A waiter greeted them at the entrance and led them through a maze of corridors to a private room where Michael was already waiting. He stood up as they entered. "You must be Dr. Nancy." Addison nodded. "Please, have a seat. The food will be ready soon," Michael said, gesturing to her chair. Ryan stepped forward and pulled out her chair for her. Michael's gaze shifted to Ryan. "And this is ... " "My assistant," Addison said coolly. "He'll be involved in the Acygine project from now on." Michael's expression turned warm. "I see. Please, have a seat as well." However, as he observed Ryan, something tugged at his memory. He couldn't quite recall where he had seen Ryan before.