Is the whole VN timed, as in 'this character appears on day X' or 'this plot event happens on day Y', or we can play endlessly so long as we dont progress the story? (Which seems to be tied to recipes as I understand it?)

I'm wondering this as well, like if character intros or story bits are tied to certain days, like if you sit and train forever and miss being introduced to someone if it will make you miss a story bit on day X