Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 111

The kitchen was filled with the warm, familiar scent of cooking.

Mother Pei and Pei Song worked in perfect harmony, one busy at the stove, the other skillfully slicing ingredients at the counter. Their movements were smooth and natural.

Standing to the side, Shi Yancheng looked a little awkward. “Is there anything I can help with?”

“Do you still remember the dishes I taught you to make back in Country D?” Pei Song raised an eyebrow at him.

Shi Yancheng shook his head.

Pei Song chuckled and pulled out two tomatoes and a few eggs. “How about tomato and scrambled eggs? This one’s easy to learn.”

Mother Pei watched her son stew the soup while instructing Shi Yancheng, amused by the scene.

“First, wash the tomatoes and cut them into pieces. Beat the eggs and add a bit of salt.”

Shi Yancheng carefully followed the instructions. Though his movements were a little clumsy, he soon had the ingredients ready.

“Heat the pan first and add some oil,” Pei Song guided. “When the oil’s hot enough, scramble the eggs.”

Shi Yancheng poured the beaten eggs into the pan with great caution. As the golden eggs began to take shape in the pan, he couldn’t help but feel a little excited.

“The eggs are about done. Take them out,” Pei Song instructed. “And remember to scrape the pan clean.”

“What’s next?”

“Add the tomatoes and cook them slowly over low heat,” Pei Song said as he adjusted the heat under the soup. “Once the tomatoes soften, you can put the eggs back in.”

Shi Yancheng followed the steps, the tomatoes sizzling gently in the pan, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.

“Did you add salt yet?” Mother Pei asked.

“Not yet…” Shi Yancheng was just about to reach for the salt.

“Wait,” Pei Song stopped him. “Taste the tomatoes first to check their sweetness.”

Only then did Shi Yancheng realize there were so many little details to pay attention to when cooking. Finally, the eggs were added back to the pan and stir-fried. The dish, bright, fragrant, and delicious was ready.

“Not bad at all.” Mother Pei took a bite and smiled. “For your first try, this is really good.”

Shi Yancheng gazed at his handiwork, his eyes filled with a sense of accomplishment.

Even if the dish wasn’t perfect in appearance, it was indeed something he had personally contributed to the New Year’s Eve dinner.

Behind him, Pei Song gave a soft, gentle smile before turning back to prepare the other dishes.

The kitchen was filled with a medley of delicious aromas, and the air itself seemed steeped in the spirit of the New Year.

After dinner, the three of them sat together in front of the television, staying up to watch the Spring Festival Gala.

Max dozed by Pei Song’s feet, occasionally lifting his head to glance at the lively scene.

“Mom, which act do you like best?” Pei Song handed his mother an orange.

“The skits were all good,” Mother Pei said with a smile, “But I liked that magic show the most just now. I still have no idea how he did those tricks.”

Shi Yancheng opened his mouth, about to explain the secret behind the magic, but Pei Song gently kicked him under the table. Catching the hint immediately, Shi Yancheng smiled and said instead, “Yeah, the magician’s sleight of hand was really impressive.”

As the clock’s hands slowly approached midnight, the gala entered its final countdown segment.

Mother Pei stood and walked to the cabinet, pulling out two red envelopes she had prepared in advance. “Here, your New Year’s red envelopes.” She smiled as she handed them each one.

Pei Song quickly accepted his with both hands. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Auntie, I get one too?” Shi Yancheng hesitated slightly.

“You’re one of my children too. Take it.” Mother Pei’s voice was gentle.

When Shi Yancheng heard her say “my children,” his eyes stung with unexpected warmth.

He glanced at Mother Pei and saw nothing but kindness in her gaze.

On the television, the countdown began, “10, 9, 8…”

“Happy New Year!” the three of them said in unison.

Even Max seemed to sense the festive mood, wagging his tail excitedly. He scurried back and forth between Pei Song and Shi Yancheng, brushing his tail against their legs as if saying, ‘I want a red envelope too!’

“Max has a present too, it’s in the kitchen.” Mother Pei chuckled.

“It’s getting late,” Shi Yancheng stood up. “I should head back so Song Song can stay here and keep you company.”

“Head back this late?” Mother Pei hurriedly said. “It’s so cold outside. Just stay here for the night.”

Shi Yancheng hesitated. “Wouldn’t that be a bother?”

“Not at all,” Mother Pei smiled. “I’ve already tidied up both your rooms.”

Pei Song and Shi Yancheng exchanged glances, feeling their hearts quicken a little.

“Xiao Shi will sleep in the innermost room,” Mother Pei continued. “It’s all clean, with fresh bedding.”

At the words “innermost room,” Pei Song felt a fleeting sense of disappointment. But on second thought, it was indeed the most appropriate arrangement in his mother’s house.

After washing up and lying in bed, Pei Song tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

He picked up his phone and messaged Shi Yancheng, “Still awake?”

“Yeah,” Shi Yancheng quickly replied. “It’s a little cold.”

“Is the heater broken? Or is the blanket not warm enough?” Pei Song immediately sat up.

Silence from the other side for a while. No reply.

Pei Song got up quietly and tiptoed to check on him. Just as he reached the door, before he could knock, the door swung open. Shi Yancheng pulled him inside with one motion, gently pressing him against the door.

Moonlight filtered through the curtains, outlining his handsome features. As their eyes met, a familiar yet strange excitement surged between them. Shi Yancheng slowly leaned in, his warm breath brushing Pei Song’s face.

The kiss that followed was lingering and tender. His tongue traced the shape of Pei Song’s lips as if carefully savoring the softness of a flower petal. 

Pei Song parted his lips slightly, letting his breath mingle with Shi Yancheng’s. Their breathing gradually intertwined, the sound of their hearts beating unusually clear in the still room.

Shi Yancheng’s fingers slid into his hair, deepening the kiss. His hand moved down to Pei Song’s back, pulling him gently into his embrace until his whole body softened.

Who knew how much time passed before Shi Yancheng’s hand, almost unconsciously, slipped under Pei Song’s pajama hem, touching warm skin.

“Wait,” Pei Song caught his hand, voice trembling. “We’re at my mom’s house…”

Shi Yancheng rested his forehead on Pei Song’s shoulder, taking a deep breath. “Sorry… I couldn’t help myself.”

Pei Song felt his ears burn at the huskiness of that voice. “Be good. Wait till we’re home.”

“Then at least keep me company for a while,” Shi Yancheng nuzzled into the crook of his neck.

They sat on the bed, chatting softly in the moonlight.

“Did you live here when you were a kid?” Shi Yancheng asked, holding his hand.

“Mm. This courtyard was a gift from my grandparents to my mom before she got married. She said whenever I want to come back, this place will always be here for me.”

“Your mom is wonderful.”

“She’s always respected my choices, ever since I was little.” Pei Song leaned against his shoulder.

Suddenly, Max barked from downstairs.

“He probably wants to go out,” Pei Song stood up. “I’ll go check.”

“I’ll come with you.”

Under the moonlight, the camphor tree in the courtyard swayed gently, its faint fragrance lingering in the air.

Max circled the yard a few times before finding the right spot.

As Max slipped back inside, Shi Yancheng took the chance to hug Pei Song from behind, his chin lightly brushing against his cheek. “Stay with me a little longer. Just a little longer.”

Pei Song turned, meeting Shi Yancheng’s slightly plaintive expression in the moonlight. He couldn’t help but tiptoe up and plant a gentle kiss on his lips. “Go rest early, we still have to wish Mom a Happy New Year tomorrow.”