Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 10

“Why?”

“I… I can’t afford the rent here anymore,” Pei Song said with difficulty. “Something happened at home, and I need to find a cheaper place to live.”

Shi Yancheng set down the documents in his hand, his gaze landing on Pei Song’s slightly weary face. “So you went to work at a restaurant? When there are much better options available?”

“What options?”

“Continue being a food blogger,” Shi Yancheng said. “Your cooking skills are more than enough to offer private dining services. You’d make a lot more than working in a restaurant.”

Pei Song smiled bitterly. “But right now, I don’t even have enough money for basic ingredients…”

“That’s easy to solve.” Shi Yancheng didn’t even look up. “From now on, you don’t have to pay rent. Just take care of my three meals a day.”

Pei Song was stunned. “This… How can that work? Rent is way more than just a few meals…”

“Why not?” Shi Yancheng raised an eyebrow. “I hate takeout, and I hate cooking for myself even more. You need a place to showcase your skills. It’s a win-win deal.”

“But…”

“If you’re worried about fairness,” Shi Yancheng interrupted, “I can let you use the kitchen here for private dining orders. With your skills, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.”

Pei Song opened his mouth but couldn’t find a reason to refuse. It was true, if he could restart his private dining services, his income would far exceed what he made at the restaurant…

“Stop overthinking it,” Shi Yancheng said as he stood up, his tone still indifferent. “I just don’t want to get used to a new roommate all over again. Besides, I’m already used to your cooking.”

His words were calm and matter-of-fact, but they made Pei Song’s nose sting. He knew that Shi Yancheng was helping him in the least humiliating way possible.

“…Alright, then.”

“It’s settled,” Shi Yancheng said, already heading toward his study. “Starting tomorrow, I’ll be expecting three meals a day.”

As Shi Yancheng’s back disappeared into the study, Pei Song suddenly called out, “Shi Yancheng.”

He stopped but didn’t turn around.

“Thank you,” Pei Song said, his voice slightly choked.

Shi Yancheng paused for a moment. “Remember to start posting on your Instagram again. Your followers have been waiting for a long time.”

With that, he disappeared behind the study door, the sound of typing soon filling the air.

That night, Pei Song couldn’t sleep. Lying in the soft bed of the apartment, he replayed everything that had happened.

From his family’s sudden crisis to his financial struggles and now to Shi Yancheng’s unexpected proposal. Every step only strengthened his determination to start over.

The next morning, Pei Song handed in his resignation at the restaurant. His boss regretted it and tried to keep him, but he had already made up his mind.

On his way home, he made a detour to the supermarket and bought a week’s worth of ingredients. When he returned, arms full of grocery bags, Shi Yancheng just happened to step out of his study.

“What do you want to eat today?” Pei Song asked, a trace of his old spirit returning.

Shi Yancheng glanced at the bags. “You decide.”

Pei Song nodded and headed toward the kitchen. This wasn’t just an ordinary meal, it was the start of something new. 

Soon, the familiar aroma of cooking filled the apartment. Sitting in his study, Shi Yancheng unconsciously curled his lips into a faint smile.

After dinner, Pei Song reopened his long-abandoned Instagram. For two hours, he carefully edited a video and wrote a caption.

“Long time no see! Today, I’m bringing you an innovative take on braised pork belly. With an improved technique and a special sauce, the flavor is richer and more layered…”

As he posted the video, the comment section immediately exploded.

“You finally updated!”

“Oh my god, I missed your food so much!”

“This looks absolutely mouthwatering!”

Seeing the familiar interactions, Pei Song felt his eyes sting. The reputation and audience he had built over the years hadn’t disappeared despite his hardships.

The road ahead was still tough, but at least now, he had the courage to move forward again. And it was all thanks to that cold, indifferent roommate who had helped him in the gentlest way possible. From that day on, Pei Song began planning his career anew.

Aside from preparing Shi Yancheng’s meals, he started accepting private dining requests.

One evening, a week later, after finishing dinner, Shi Yancheng spoke up while Pei Song was cleaning up. “M University is hosting a big food festival soon. You should check it out.”

Pei Song walked over and took the flyer Shi Yancheng handed him.

The bold words “Inviting Food Influencers to Participate” immediately caught his eye, along with mentions of “Top Chef Panel,” “Citywide Media Coverage,” and “Generous Startup Funds.”

He carefully read through the event details, calculating the costs and potential gains. With his current savings, he could afford to rent a booth.

The next morning, he submitted his application. To his surprise, the organizers approved him almost instantly after seeing his Instagram profile.

For the next few days, Pei Song threw himself into preparation. He spent three days testing and refining new recipes, ensuring each dish met his highest standards.

From ingredients to plating, from packaging to marketing, he personally oversaw every detail. It was exhausting, but knowing this could be a turning point for his career kept him going.

During this time, Shi Yancheng maintained a balanced level of concern. Never overstepping, but also never indifferent. This careful distance made Pei Song feel at ease.

Finally, the day of the food festival arrived. Pei Song got up before dawn to set up his booth. He designed an open cooking station, allowing customers to watch his cooking process up close.

Within the first hour, business was booming.

Many fans came specifically to support him, forming a long line in front of his stall.

“Isn’t this that super popular food blogger?”

“Oh my god, I can’t believe I get to watch him cook in person!”

“I heard his private dining service is nearly impossible to book!”

Just as Pei Song was swamped with orders, he suddenly heard a scoff from the neighboring booth. It came from the head chef of a local Michelin-starred restaurant, who clearly wasn’t fond of this “internet-famous chef.”

That afternoon, a post started circulating on social media, accusing Pei Song of lacking originality and having no understanding of international flavors.

The post even included a so-called “disastrous dish” photo as evidence.