Huayu: This top star doesn't play by the rules.

In July, Hengdian was even hotter than in June. After finishing filming one of his scenes, Chen Chao couldn't help but run to the rest area to cool off with the fan and rehydrate.

Just as he took the iced towel from the stagehand, his phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket. He casually covered his forehead with the towel and then took out his phone.

The message on his phone was from his counselor, reminding him that final exams would begin next Wednesday, and that he had to be present for all subjects in person; otherwise, he would fail the exam.

After replying with "Received," Chen Chao couldn't help but frown. He had been so focused on filming "Princess Agents" that he had almost forgotten about his final exams.

But right now his schedule is packed with filming, basically shooting from morning till night every day. If he wants to take three days off to go back to Shenzhen University for the exam, he'll need to have a serious talk with Director Wu first.

Of course, Chen Chao could also try to communicate with the instructors and departments to see if he could apply for a deferred exam or a make-up exam, but since it was a bit troublesome to do, he felt it would be better to just ask for leave and go back to take the exam.

"What's wrong? You look so worried." Just then, a warm and gentle voice sounded beside him.

Subconsciously looking up, Chen Chao saw Zhao Liying holding an iced Americano and wearing Chu Qiao's black outfit.

"My assistant just bought this. It's sugar-free, but it's refreshing enough." Zhao Liying said with a smile as she casually handed the iced Americano to Chen Chao.

"Thank you, Sister Liying." Chen Chao took the iced Americano and took a sip. The cold and bitter liquid slid down his throat, instantly making him more awake and dispelling some of the heat.

"Actually, it's nothing major. The school just notified me that final exams start next Wednesday, and I need to go back to Shenzhen. I'm figuring out how to ask Director Wu for leave."

"Final exams? I definitely need to go back." Nodding, Zhao Liying's tone was quite matter-of-fact. "My studies can't be neglected. Don't worry, just talk to Director Wu, he'll definitely approve my leave."

"After all, you've helped the crew catch up on a lot of the schedule lately. He would agree to give you a week's leave, let alone three days.

Hearing Zhao Liying's words, Chen Chao smiled and breathed a slight sigh of relief. Just as Sister Zhao said, during his time on set, he had basically nailed all his scenes in one take.

He single-handedly accelerated the filming schedule by almost half a month, so director Wu Jingyuan treated him very well. Taking a few days off was no big deal; if necessary, he could catch up on the schedule later.

As expected, when Chen Chao explained the situation to Director Wu, the notoriously strict director did not hesitate and immediately approved the leave.

"Is three days enough? How about I approve five days for you?" Looking at Chen Chao in front of him, Wu Jingyuan's face was full of smiles. "Go back and study hard for the exam. Don't fail. Otherwise, if word gets out that I, Wu Jingyuan, the second male lead, actually failed a course in college, I can't afford to lose face like that."

"Okay, then Director Wu, could you please grant me five days off?" After thinking for a moment, Chen Chao nodded with a smile. If it was a five-day holiday, he wouldn't have to rush.

"Okay, I'll have the coordinator reschedule your scenes later, and we'll put them together after you get back." Wu Jingyuan patted him on the shoulder. "Be careful on the road. Don't rush back after the exam. It's okay to rest for an extra day."

After leaving the director's dressing room, Chen Chao had just reached the actors' rest area when he saw Zhao Liying and Ji Ran standing together, talking about something.

"Have you taken leave?" Noticing Chen Chao approaching, Zhao Liying stopped talking to Ji Ran and waved to him with a smile.

"Okay, it's all arranged. Director Wu has given me five days off."

"That's good." Nodding, Zhao Liying suddenly pointed to Ji Ran standing next to her, "I told Ji Ran to come back to Shenzhen with you."

"After all, you'll be busy catching trains and taking exams all by yourself, so having him help you with some travel-related matters, such as booking train tickets and hotels, and buying things, will save you some trouble."

Chen Chao was taken aback by Sister Zhao's arrangement and quickly waved his hand, "No need, no need, Sister Liying, it's too much trouble. I can handle it by myself."

"What's the trouble? Ji Ran doesn't have anything going on lately." With her hands on her hips, Zhao Liying suddenly adopted a bossy demeanor. "You're a celebrity with a decent reputation now. It's inconvenient for you to travel back and forth alone. What if you get recognized by fans and surrounded? With Ji Ran by your side, he can help shield you."

Ji Ran, who was standing to the side, also looked up, adjusted his glasses, and revealed a gentle smile. "Teacher Chen Chao, it's alright. I don't have anything to do lately, so I'll just treat this trip with you as a vacation."

Seeing that the two of them had said so, Chen Chao couldn't refuse any longer. "Thank you so much, Sister Liying, Brother Jiran."

"Don't be so polite with your older sister." Zhao Liying patted Chen Chao's shoulder and said with a smile, "Ji Ran, I'm leaving A-Chao in your care. Make sure you take good care of him."

"Don't worry, Sister Liying, I will." Nodding gently, Ji Ran pulled out a tablet from somewhere and quickly started operating it. "Teacher Chen Chao, could you please give me your identification information? I need to book my plane ticket for next Tuesday..."

Watching Ji Ran arrange everything so clearly and logically, Chen Chao couldn't help but sigh again, thinking how much easier it was to have a reliable assistant.

"Thank you for your help, Brother Ji Ran." Chen Chao said with a smile, then whispered his ID number.

"No trouble at all, it's nothing," Ji Ran replied with a smile, then went back to working on the tablet. "By the way, did you bring your study materials? If not, send me the electronic version and I'll print it out for you right now."

"I brought them, they're all in my suitcase."

"That's good." Ji Ran nodded. "I've already booked the tickets for next Tuesday at 12:20. We should arrive at the airport around 11:50."

"How much is the plane ticket? I'll transfer it to you." Upon hearing Ji Ran's words, Chen Chao seemed to have thought of something and quickly asked.

"No need for that, Sister Liying has already made arrangements." Ji Ran's words effectively shut down any further words Chen Chao wanted to say.

Seeing Ji Ran already helping him plan his schedule, Chen Chao's idea of ​​poaching her resurfaced, after all, Sister Zhao's assistant was truly amazing.

Not only is he meticulous and reliable, but he also has strong execution skills and high emotional intelligence. If I could recruit him as my agent and assistant, I would never have to worry about these trivial matters again.