Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 110

As they stepped out of the Pei family residence, the night had already deepened. Pei Song pulled out his phone and sent a message, “I’m fine, heading home now.”

The phone buzzed almost immediately.

“Where are you?” A familiar voice, laced with concern, came through.

“Just left home,” Pei Song replied.

“Wait for me.”

Pei Song stood beneath the streetlamp, watching as his shadow stretched long across the ground. Shi Yancheng arrived soon after, lowering the car window to reveal his worried gaze.

Once Pei Song got in, neither of them spoke. Shi Yancheng simply reached out and gently held his hand, offering silent comfort.

“Max has been waiting by the door for you the whole time,” Shi Yancheng said after a while.

Pei Song smiled. “He’s becoming more and more perceptive.”

“Want to grab something to eat?”

“Let’s go home,” Pei Song said softly. “I want to see Max.”

As soon as they returned, Max came bouncing over at the sound of the door, rubbing affectionately against Pei Song’s leg.

“Missed me?” Pei Song crouched down, rubbing its ears.

Shi Yancheng pulled a small button device from a paper bag. “Want to give this a try?”

Max curiously sniffed at it.

“Come, let’s record first,” Shi Yancheng said. “Each button needs your voice.”

Pei Song glanced at the instructions. “What should I record?”

“The basics, like ‘I’m hungry,’ ‘I want to go out,’ ‘I want a hug,’” Shi Yancheng replied. “Try it.”

Pei Song picked up the first button, pressed the record key, and spoke softly, “Eat food.” His voice was gentle and light.

After recording, Shi Yancheng placed the button on the floor. “Max, come.” He gestured at the button.

Max tilted his head, then cautiously pressed it with his paw.

“Eat food,” Pei Song’s voice echoed from the button.

Max perked up, tail wagging happily.

It pressed the button again, clearly fascinated by this little toy that spoke with its owner’s voice.

“Smart boy,” Shi Yancheng praised, stroking its head. “Let’s record the next one.”

Pei Song picked up the second button. “Go out and play.”

Soon, all three buttons were recorded.

Shi Yancheng fixed them in a row on the floor.

“I’ll grab some treats so he can associate the buttons with rewards.” Pei Song stood and headed for the kitchen.

Just then, Max suddenly pressed the “I want a hug” button.

Pei Song’s voice came through: “Max wants a hug.”

“Looks like he’s already figured it out,” Shi Yancheng chuckled.

Pei Song came back and scooped Max into his arms. “So you just wanted a hug, huh?”

Max nestled into his neck, letting out a soft, contented whine.

“He really is getting smarter,” Shi Yancheng said. “Look at him using the buttons to talk to us, just like a little kid.”

Pei Song gently ran his fingers through Max’s soft fur, warmth blooming in his heart.

“Oh, right,” Shi Yancheng suddenly remembered, “After the New Year, Max has his quarterly check-up. I’ve already booked it.”

“Okay.” Pei Song looked down at the dog in his arms. “Don’t worry, I’ll be with you.”

As if understanding, Max licked his hand.

“Alright, time for bed,” Shi Yancheng said.

But Max jumped down and pressed the “Go out and play” button.

“You still want to go out this late?” Pei Song laughed. “Tomorrow.”

Unwilling to give up, Max pressed it again.

“He’s totally acting spoiled,” Shi Yancheng said, amused.

Just as Pei Song was about to respond, Max hit the “I want a hug” button.

“Okay, okay.” Pei Song crouched down. “One last hug.”

Right then, Max pressed the “I’m hungry” button.

“Didn’t you just eat?” Pei Song said with a helpless smile.

Max wagged his tail, eyes full of charm, and hit the “I want a hug” button several more times in a row.

“Alright, that’s enough,” Shi Yancheng said with a laugh. “If we keep this up, morning will come.”

Pei Song gathered the buttons. “We’ll play again tomorrow.”

Max yawned and lay down obediently on his bed.

Shi Yancheng tugged Pei Song toward the bedroom. “You need rest too.”

But Pei Song held his hand. “Stay with me for a while.”

Shi Yancheng glanced at his tired face and nodded. He sat on the sofa, picked up the book on the side table, and patted his lap. “Come here.”

Pei Song lay down, resting his head on Shi Yancheng’s lap. Shi Yancheng’s body warmth seeped through the fabric, making Pei Song relax completely. With one hand holding the book, Shi Yancheng gently ran his fingers through Pei Song’s hair. His long fingers slipped between the strands, bringing a soothing sensation.

“You’ve had a tough day,” Shi Yancheng murmured.

Pei Song kept his eyes closed, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. “It’s nothing.” He turned, burying his face against Shi Yancheng’s abdomen. “As long as I have you two, that’s enough.”

Shi Yancheng looked down at his peaceful face, the book forgotten in his hand.

The room was quiet save for the warm glow of the bedside lamp and Pei Song’s steady breathing. Shi Yancheng carefully covered him with a blanket, reluctant to move in fear of waking him.

On New Year’s Eve, Pei Song was woken early by Shi Yancheng.

“So early?” Pei Song mumbled sleepily, watching as Shi Yancheng loaded things into the car trunk.

“Gotta pack the New Year’s gifts first,” Shi Yancheng said, placing the final gift box inside.

Only then did Pei Song notice the trunk was full of beautifully wrapped packages. “You prepared all this?”

“It’s my first official visit to Auntie’s place,” Shi Yancheng said seriously.

“Haven’t you met my mom plenty of times before?” Pei Song chuckled.

“Not like this,” Shi Yancheng turned to him, his expression rare and earnest. “This time I’m going as your boyfriend.”

Looking at his nervous face, Pei Song couldn’t help but feel a bit of sweetness bloom in his heart. Max was already sitting obediently in the back seat, curious about the new place they were going.

As they drove out of the city, red lanterns hung along both sides of the street.

The morning sun cast a gentle, festive warmth over the roads. Once they reached the outskirts, the air felt fresher. Mother Pei’s small courtyard nestled quietly beside a grove of camphor trees.

“Mom!” Pei Song spotted her waiting at the gate.

“You’re here!” She smiled brightly, walking over. “And this must be Max?”

Max, sensitive as ever, sensed her kindness and slowly approached, wagging his tail gently.

“He’s very well-behaved,” Pei Song said.

Mother Pei crouched down and let Max sniff her hand. “Such a handsome boy.”

“Auntie, Happy New Year,” Shi Yancheng greeted, sounding slightly nervous.

Mother Pei looked at them, her eyes misting. “Good, good. Come in, quickly.”

“By the way,” Pei Song said, “we’ll help with the New Year’s Eve dinner today.”

“Xiao Shi can cook?” Mother Pei asked, surprised.

“I’m not very good at it,” Shi Yancheng admitted a little awkwardly.

“That’s alright. Today’s the perfect chance for Song Song to teach you.” Mother Pei tied on her apron. “I prepped all the ingredients yesterday, just waiting for you two.”

Pei Song took the apron from her and tied it neatly. “I’ll start with the soup, then make the sweet and sour ribs.”

“Good. The fish is already marinated. You can help me fry it later,” Mother Pei said as she began chopping scallions.