Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 117

As he stood in thought, Pei Song overheard the conversation between his father and Assistant Zhao from inside the hospital room.

“The Lianfa project,” Father Pei’s voice was unmistakably weary despite his attempt to sound steady, “must be closely monitored. We can’t afford any mistakes. It wasn’t easy to secure this deal, if something goes wrong now, the company will suffer greatly.”

“Don’t worry,” Assistant Zhao assured him, “I’ve already revised the proposal, and I’ll personally oversee next week’s coordination meeting. For now, your health is the top priority. Leave the company matters to us.”

“No, no,” Father Pei insisted, trying to sit up, his voice tinged with anxiety. “I remember every detail of the terms they raised, you don’t know the specifics like I do. I have to handle this myself…”

“Chairman, please,” Assistant Zhao quickly intervened, “just lie down for now. Tell me what you want to note, and I’ll handle the rest later.”

Standing outside the door, Pei Song listened in silence, a dull ache spreading in his chest.

It was only now he realized how much his father had aged without him noticing.

The once thick black hair was now streaked with grey; the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes seemed carved deep into his skin. Even his voice carried a frailness Pei Song had never picked up on before.

When had his confident, energetic father become so worn and exhausted?

Pei Song clenched his fists, took a deep breath, and stepped into the room.

His father was still discussing project details with Assistant Zhao but fell silent when he saw Pei Song enter.

“Dad,” Pei Song said softly, sitting down by the bed, “set the company matters aside for now. Just look at yourself, you’ve lost even more weight after only a few days here.”

Father Pei shook his head. “I can’t. This is a critical time. The Lianfa project is central to the company’s strategic plan this year. There’s no room for mistakes.”

“But your health…”

“I’m fine,” Father Pei waved dismissively. “I’m old now, aches and illnesses are inevitable. Once this project is settled, I’ll take a good rest.”

Pei Song looked at his father’s pale face, his heart twisting painfully.

He reached out and held his father’s hand, the same hand that used to be strong and steady was now so thin and frail.

“Dad,” his voice trembled slightly, “your health is what matters most. No project, no matter how important, is worth risking that.”

At that moment, Assistant Zhao tactfully stood up. “Chairman, I’ll head back to the office to make arrangements. I’ll come see you again tomorrow.”

Once Assistant Zhao left, the room fell into silence.

Pei Song sat quietly, watching the IV drip fall drop by drop, a mix of emotions stirring within him.

Only now did he truly understand the weight his father carried wasn’t just about company responsibility, but an unwillingness to yield to old age, a stubborn pride to prove he could still hold up the sky.

The realization made his heart ache even more.

By the time Pei Song returned home that night, it was already 10 p.m.

As soon as the door creaked open, Max eagerly poked its head out, its tail wagging like a propeller.

Seeing Pei Song, Max grew even more excited, circling his legs and letting out joyful little whimpers.

Since Father Pei’s hospitalization, Max seemed to sense the change in mood at home, faithfully waiting by the door for Pei Song every evening.

Pei Song set down his bag and took off his coat.

Max immediately picked up his slippers and gently placed them by his feet, carrying out the task as carefully as if on an important mission.

“You’ve been a good boy today too,” Pei Song said softly as he changed into the slippers. “Been waiting long, huh?”

Max tilted its head, gazing at him with big, wet eyes filled with concern. It edged closer, sniffing him cautiously, as if checking his condition. Pei Song sat down on the sofa, and Max quickly followed, resting its chin gently on his knee.

“I’m okay,” Pei Song murmured, running his fingers through Max’s soft fur. “Just a little tired.”

As if understanding, Max laid its whole head on Pei Song’s knee, staring up at him without blinking.

“Max,” Pei Song suddenly said, “thank you.”

Max lifted its head and gently licked his fingers, as if to say, “It’s what I should do.”

Pei Song couldn’t help but bury his face into Max’s fluffy coat, taking a deep breath. The familiar scent on Max slowly eased the tension that had been building inside him.

The next day, after sending off Assistant Zhao, Pei Song caught up to him in the hospital corridor. “Assistant Zhao, what’s really going on with the Lianfa project?”

Assistant Zhao glanced around, lowering his voice. “It’s a key project for our entry into the Southeast Asian market. Lianfa has a well-established supply chain network there. If we can secure this partnership, it’ll greatly benefit Pei Group’s international strategy.”

“How’s the progress so far?” Pei Song asked.

“The contract details are mostly finalized,” Assistant Zhao sighed, “but the other side insists the Chairman personally attend the follow-up negotiations. They see it as a sign of Pei Group’s sincerity.”

Pei Song thought for a moment. “How about this, let me review the project materials. I may be with SNK now, but perhaps an outsider’s perspective will offer some fresh ideas.”

“This…” Assistant Zhao hesitated.

“I’ll sign a confidentiality agreement. Have Legal take a look, and once they approve, you can share the files. I’ll only offer suggestions, the actual negotiations are still your team’s responsibility.”

“There’s no need for that formality.” Assistant Zhao pulled out his tablet and brought up the documents.

After receiving the project materials, Pei Song studied them every night after coming home, sometimes late into the night.

He soon realized that Lianfa’s seemingly simple demands hid deeper risks.

They wanted Pei Group to invest heavily in building a storage and logistics network across Southeast Asia, something that posed serious financial risks for Pei Group.

But if they could reverse the proposal and have Lianfa integrate into Pei Group’s existing supply chain, the risks would be reduced while allowing both parties to complement each other’s strengths.

Though his suggestions weren’t as polished as those from Assistant Zhao’s professional team, they still offered a new angle to consider.

“Your time at SNK has really given you a fresh perspective on project analysis,” Assistant Zhao remarked. “We’ll carefully review these suggestions.”

Pei Song didn’t ask further about the progress, that was the team’s job.

He knew his abilities were limited, but at least he’d done something to ease his father’s burden, even if just a little.

Finally, the day of Father Pei’s discharge arrived. Shi Yancheng came to pick them up in person.

“Uncle,” he said as he helped Father Pei into the car, “you need to take better care of yourself from now on.”

Father Pei smiled and nodded. “Thank you both for worrying about me.”

When they arrived at the Pei residence, Shi Yancheng helped carry the luggage inside before preparing to leave.

“You go ahead,” Pei Song said. “I’ll stay here for a few days to help Dad settle in.”

Shi Yancheng nodded. “Take good care of Uncle.” Though reluctant to part, he said no more, choosing instead to be quietly considerate.