Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 21

Early the next morning, Pei Song was awakened by voices downstairs.

When he walked into the living room, he saw his parents anxiously looking through some documents.

The moment they saw him, they quickly put the papers away and forced a smile.

“Dad, Mom…” Pei Song carefully observed them.

In just a few months, they seemed to have aged significantly. His father’s white hair had noticeably increased, and his mother’s face bore new wrinkles.

She took his hand and tried to sound cheerful. “What do you want to eat? I’ll make it for you.”

“I’ll cook,” Pei Song said, holding her slightly trembling hands. “You two should rest.”

At that moment, Shi Yancheng came downstairs. Seeing the scene, he paused briefly before naturally heading toward the kitchen. “Need any help?”

Pei Song’s parents were surprised as the elegant young man put on an apron and skillfully started preparing ingredients.

“You taught him?” his mother asked quietly.

Pei Song nodded, feeling a bit emotional. Shi Yancheng had secretly learned all these things from him over the past weeks.

During breakfast, the family deliberately avoided talking about business matters, trying to keep the conversation light. But the forced cheerfulness only made the atmosphere heavier.

“I want to take Shi Yancheng to the food street,” Pei Song said to change the topic.

“Good idea,” his father immediately agreed. “Let him try some of our local specialties.”

As they walked through the old street, Pei Song acted like a tour guide.

“This tofu pudding shop has been using the same family recipe for three generations…”

“That stall over there makes my favorite sweet noodles from my school days…”

Shi Yancheng listened attentively, occasionally asking about details, even pulling out his phone to note down the locations and specialties of each place.

“What are you doing?” Pei Song asked curiously.

“Keeping them for later,” Shi Yancheng replied meaningfully, still looking at his phone.

“Oh right, I promised to take you to eat dan dan noodles,” Pei Song suddenly remembered. “I know a really authentic place.”

After weaving through the alleys, they arrived at a small, unassuming noodle shop. The shop wasn’t big, but there was a long line at the entrance.

“This is the one,” Pei Song said, pointing at the sign. “I used to come here a lot in high school.”

Shi Yancheng glanced at the name. “Lao Yang’s Dan Dan Noodles?”

“Yeah, everything here is handmade,” Pei Song explained. “The noodles are freshly rolled, and the sauce is prepared daily.”

After waiting in line, Pei Song expertly placed their order. “Two bowls of dan dan noodles, one mild, one extra spicy.”

When the noodles arrived, they were steaming hot, topped with vibrant red chili oil, crushed peanuts, and scallions.

Shi Yancheng picked up his chopsticks, his expression serious as if he were participating in an important ceremony.

“How is it?” Pei Song asked expectantly.

Shi Yancheng took a careful bite, and his eyes lit up. “Even better than I imagined.”

“Right?” Pei Song grinned proudly. “Their chili oil is a secret recipe, made with over twenty different spices…”

Before he could finish, Shi Yancheng had already lowered his head, fully focused on eating.

Pei Song chuckled. “Slow down. Be careful, it’s hot.”

“In Country D,” Shi Yancheng suddenly looked up, “I really wanted to try all the foods you always talked about.”

Pei Song froze, unsure how to respond.

The noodle shop was bustling with people coming and going.

After finishing his meal first, Pei Song got up. “I’m going to get some milk tea next door.”

“I’ll be quick,” he said with a smile.

Shi Yancheng nodded, still focused on his food. Just as Pei Song reached the milk tea shop, he ran into someone he didn’t want to see.

“Well, if it isn’t Pei Song.” A mocking voice rang out. “I heard you’re back from Country D?”

Pei Song turned and saw Liu Yan, a former university classmate.

“Yeah, just got back,” Pei Song replied politely.

“Found a job yet?” Chen Ming asked. “I remember you studied finance in Country D. The competition in the industry is pretty intense here.”

Pei Song shook his head. “Still considering my options.”

“Still considering, huh?” Liu Yan smirked. “Our company is hiring, but…”

He deliberately paused. “The position might not be high enough for you, given… your family’s situation.”

“We heard about what happened,” Liu Yan sighed with fake sympathy. “Someone spread rumors about a broken cash flow and debts of tens of billions…”

Pei Song forced a smile. “Those are just rumors.”

“Oh, by the way,” Liu Yan’s eyes suddenly gleamed. “Remember Senior Zhou Feng?”

Hearing that name, Pei Song’s fingers clenched involuntarily.

“Senior Zhou is an executive at our company now,” Liu Yan continued smugly. “I’m pretty close to him. We often have dinner together. Want me to help reconnect you two?”

Pei Song’s face turned pale.

Liu Yan, pleased with his reaction, chuckled. “Zhou is still single. If you still—”

“Excuse me.” A cold voice cut in.

Shi Yancheng had appeared beside Pei Song without anyone noticing.

Liu Yan frowned. “Who are you?”

Shi Yancheng’s gaze was icy. “I was Pei Song’s roommate in Country D. Speaking of finance, his thesis was highly praised by a panel of professors. His research on integrating machine learning with traditional pricing models has already been published in multiple international journals.”

A faint smirk appeared on his lips. “But I suppose that might be too complex for someone who only knows how to climb the corporate ladder by kissing up to their bosses.”

Liu Yan’s face darkened instantly.

“As for work,” Shi Yancheng continued, his voice growing colder, “you probably don’t know this, but Pei Song’s restaurant in Country D has passed the Michelin evaluation. That’s not something just anyone can achieve.”

Liu Yan’s expression flickered with surprise.

“Mr. Liu,” Shi Yancheng glanced at him indifferently. “Instead of worrying about others’ careers, perhaps you should reflect on your own. After all, some people have been in the industry for years and still amount to nothing more than gossip mongers, only capable of boasting about their connections to make themselves seem important.”

His words hit the mark perfectly. Liu Yan stood frozen, unable to respond.

“Let’s go.” Shi Yancheng turned to Pei Song, his voice suddenly much gentler. “I’m done eating.”

On the way home, Pei Song kept his head down, silent.

After a long pause, he finally murmured, “Sorry you had to hear all that.”

Shi Yancheng glanced at him. “Some people aren’t worth apologizing for.”

As they passed a small food stall, a warm voice called out. “Pei Song! You’re back?”

It was Uncle Wang, the owner of the tofu pudding shop.

“Uncle Wang!” Pei Song greeted him with a smile.

“I heard you became a food blogger abroad! That’s impressive!” Uncle Wang beamed. “Come on, have some tofu pudding, it’s on me.”

As they walked, more familiar faces greeted Pei Song warmly. Shi Yancheng was surprised to see how well-liked Pei Song was in the neighborhood.

“I used to come here a lot, so I got to know everyone,” Pei Song explained. “These uncles and aunties watched me grow up.”

Shi Yancheng nodded. Watching Pei Song chat with the locals, his eyes softened.