Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 109

On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth lunar month, Pei Song was absentmindedly eating his lunch.

Tonight he would have to return to the Pei family for the New Year gathering. He could already picture the expressions of those relatives in his mind.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?” Shi Yancheng stood by the dining table, his voice laced with concern.

Pei Song shook his head. “It’s fine. I can handle it myself.” He looked up at Shi Yancheng. “I can’t rely on you to shield me every time.”

After a year of working at SNK, he was no longer the person who could only endure in silence when trouble came his way.

In the business world, where deception and scheming were commonplace, without a measure of strength and assertiveness, one couldn’t survive.

Especially with the “Senior Living Haven” project, he had clashed and argued more than once, and had long realized that showing weakness only encouraged others to push their luck.

Those subtle tests and overt difficulties had taught him how to bare his fangs when necessary, even while maintaining his composure.

Shi Yancheng came to his side, gently ruffling his hair. “Call me anytime if something comes up.”

Pei Song grasped his hand. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

At six in the evening, Pei Song stood before the familiar front gate, taking a deep breath.

“You’re here! Why are you still standing outside?” Second Aunt poked her head out, sounding warmly welcoming. “Come in, come in. Everyone’s waiting for you.”

Pei Song nodded politely. “Hello, Second Aunt.”

The living room was already filled with people.

On the coffee table were various snacks and fruits, the atmosphere seemingly cheerful and harmonious.

Third Aunt was the first to approach him. “Song Song, you’re here! Come, sit down, we were just talking about you.” She pulled him to the sofa with a smile. “You must be so busy with work. Haven’t seen you in ages.”

“It’s been a little busy,” Pei Song replied with a small smile.

“Is that Michelin-starred restaurant you opened in Country D still running?” Third Aunt poured him tea, her tone laced with curiosity. “I remember there was a certain PhD student who took special care of you back then.”

Pei Song calmly picked up the teacup. “Yes, that’s right.”

“So how’s the business doing now?” Third Aunt kept probing. “Is it profitable? Well, for families like ours, opening a restaurant is more of a hobby, really.” She chuckled. “Even if you lose money, it doesn’t matter. After all, your father’s company has been improving lately.”

“You’re overthinking, Third Aunt,” he said evenly. “The restaurant’s doing quite well. We see steady profits every month.”

“Really?” Third Aunt clearly didn’t believe him. “A Michelin restaurant requires such a big investment, you’re lucky just to break even, I’d say.”

Pei Song offered no further explanation. “If you’re interested, Third Aunt, you’re welcome to try it sometime.”

“Country D is so far. Going just for a meal is too much trouble.” Third Aunt quickly waved her hand, then lowered her voice. “By the way, what about that girl your grandmother introduced last time? Are you still in contact? I heard her grandfather’s some high-ranking official.”

Pei Song lifted his gaze. “Third Aunt, I seem to remember the girl my cousin went on a blind date with last year was quite good too. Whatever happened to that?”

The question struck a nerve. Third Aunt’s face instantly turned pale, and her hand trembled as she held her teacup.

Last year, after much effort, she had arranged for her son to meet a girl from a distinguished family, only for the girl to look down on their family both openly and subtly, even mocking them behind their backs as frogs dreaming of swan meat.

The humiliation of that incident still haunted her. She hadn’t dared bring it up among relatives since.

“I…” Third Aunt stammered, at a loss for words.

Pei Song smiled faintly. “Sorry, I was being nosy.”

“Song Song,” Second Aunt leaned over, “You really should start thinking about marriage. Look at your cousin, he already had kids when he was your age.”

At the far end of the sofa, his cousin looked up with a half-smile. “I can’t compare with Song Song. He’s a big-shot executive now. His standards are far above ours.”

His tone was laced with sarcasm.

Pei Song turned to him, speaking gently. “Speaking of which, Cousin, how’s your company doing? Is that property project in the southern part of the city going smoothly? I happened to hear something the other day…” He trailed off, casting him a meaningful glance.

His cousin’s face instantly turned ugly.

Ever since he’d taken over his father’s company, he’d suffered continuous setbacks. If that southern city project really required compensation, the company would lose at least twenty million.

He had kept this hidden from the family, terrified his parents couldn’t bear the blow.

Second Aunt was shocked. “Xiao Hai, what’s wrong with that project?”

“Nothing,” his cousin forced himself to stay calm. “Just some temporary difficulties.”

“Shouldn’t your father—”

“No need.” His cousin suddenly stood, face grim. “I can handle it.” With that, he stormed onto the balcony, clearly upset.

Pei Song sipped his tea, gaze steady.

Sometimes a subtle hint was far more powerful than outright confrontation. Making others anxious could be more effective than speaking plainly.

Just then, Grandma Pei walked over with her cane.

“Grandma.” Pei Song rose to greet her.

Grandma Pei didn’t even look at him, speaking straight to Father Pei. “Eldest son, your boy is getting more capable by the day. He doesn’t even care about family matters anymore.”

“Mom,” Father Pei said awkwardly, “Song Song’s busy with work.”

He quickly supported Grandma Pei toward the dining room. “Come, everyone, let’s eat. The food’s all ready.”

At the table, the relatives chatted and laughed, seeming cheerful. But Pei Song could feel the undercurrent of probing glances and silent testing.

“Song Song, which company are you working at now?” The second uncle asked.

“SNK,” Pei Song answered simply.

“That German enterprise?” Second Uncle’s eyes lit up. “I hear the pay is good.”

Pei Song nodded. “It’s decent.”

“So, your monthly salary…” Second Uncle began but was cut off by Father Pei. “Eat, eat, the dishes are getting cold.”

Halfway through the meal, Third Aunt suddenly spoke. “Song Song, I recently met a wonderful girl, the daughter of a good friend of mine…”

“Third Aunt,” Pei Song set down his chopsticks, “I already have someone I like.”

The table fell silent in an instant.

“Who is it?” Third Aunt pressed. “What does their family do? What’s their background?”

“He’s an old friend of mine,” Pei Song said calmly. “Very outstanding, and he understands me well.”

“He?!” Second Aunt perked up. “Wait, do we know him?”

“Well…” Pei Song was about to speak when his cousin suddenly interrupted, “Is it a man or a woman?” 

(TL Note: The Chinese for “He” and “Her” have the same sound and pronunciation, it’s also used to say “It,” verbally. So unless it’s written, people won’t know if the person they are talking about is a female or male.)

The air froze.

Pei Song answered steadily, “A man.”

Bang! Grandma Pei slammed the table. “So that’s why you’ve been refusing blind dates, you’ve strayed from the right path!”

“Mom, times have changed…” Father Pei tried to intervene.

“Don’t defend him!” Grandma Pei pointed at him. “This is all your fault for spoiling him! First your brother gets sent away, and now your son is disgracing the Pei family!”

His cousin sneered. “I knew it. Always acting so aloof, but this is the truth, huh?”

“Shut your mouth!” Father Pei slammed his chopsticks down, glaring at his nephew.

But Pei Song reached out, stopping his father. “Dad, it’s fine.”

He turned to Grandma Pei. “Grandma, my love life is none of anyone else’s business. He’s an excellent person, and we are serious about each other.”

“How dare you!” Grandma Pei trembled with fury. “You dare talk back to me?”

“I’m not talking back,” Pei Song remained calm. “I’m simply stating my position.”

“You…!” Grandma Pei pointed at him, gasping for breath. “You want to drive me to my grave, is that it?”

“He’s doing this on purpose,” his cousin chimed in. “Ever since Uncle got into trouble, he’s never even visited you once.”

Pei Song suddenly stood, his chair scraping sharply against the floor.

Second Uncle quickly pressed a hand to his shoulder. “Calm down. Let’s talk this out.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.” Pei Song shook his hand off. “My life is mine to live. I don’t need anyone’s approval.”

“You!” Grandma Pei rose shakily, clutching her cane. “Get out! Get out of this house!”

“Mom!” Father Pei also stood.

“Eldest son, don’t protect him!” Grandma Pei pointed a trembling finger at Pei Song. “A disobedient, unfilial child like him has no place in the Pei family!”

Pei Song let out a cold laugh. “Grandma, you call me unfilial. But when my uncle was taking bribes and embezzling, was that your idea of filial piety?”

“How dare you slander your uncle!” Grandma Pei roared.

“Slander?” Pei Song replied coolly. “The court’s verdict is right there, that’s the truth. You think me having a boyfriend is disgraceful, but your son going to prison is something to be proud of?”

“You…!” Grandma Pei gasped, swaying unsteadily.

“Mom!” Second Aunt rushed to steady her.

Pei Song turned to leave.

“Song Song!” Father Pei called after him.

“Sorry, Dad.” Pei Song glanced back. “I’m leaving now.”