Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 22

That evening, when he got home, his mother had prepared a lavish dinner.

“Xiao Shi,” his father raised his glass, “These past few months, we’ve really relied on you to take care of Song Song.”

“He takes care of me more,” Shi Yancheng said, uncharacteristically humble.

During dinner, Shi Yancheng skillfully steered the conversation towards lighter topics, sharing amusing anecdotes from his time in Country D. Laughter filled the room, something that hadn’t happened in a long time.

Pei Song watched this scene, feeling a lump rise in his throat. Ever since the company got into trouble, this was the first time he had seen his parents laugh so freely.

After dinner, Pei Song and Shi Yancheng took a walk in the courtyard to digest their meal.

“By the way,” Pei Song suddenly remembered something and turned to Shi Yancheng, “how long do you plan to stay in China?”

Shi Yancheng was responding to emails on his tablet. Hearing the question, his fingers paused slightly. “About three months.”

“That long?” Pei Song was surprised. “Won’t your lab have problems?”

“It’ll be fine.” Shi Yancheng closed his tablet. “I need to conduct some market research anyway, and I can work remotely.”

Pei Song nodded thoughtfully. The explanation sounded reasonable, but something about it didn’t sit right with him. Still, he didn’t dwell on it. Shi Yancheng had always had his own plans.

The next morning, Pei Song was jolted awake by the sound of an argument downstairs. He tiptoed down and heard his father’s agitated voice coming from the study.

“How is that possible? I’ve personally reviewed the procurement accounts!”

“Mr. Pei, the facts are clear.” A stranger’s voice responded. “The audit uncovered numerous irregular purchases, prices inflated, quantities falsified. These are hard evidence.”

Pei Song’s heart sank. He wanted to push open the door, but the moment his hand touched the doorknob, he hesitated.

“Song Song?”

His mother’s voice came from behind. He turned to see her pale face.

“Mom, what’s happening with the company now?”

She grasped his hand, pulling him toward the living room. “It’s nothing, just a small issue…” But as she spoke, her steps faltered, and she staggered.

“Mom!” Pei Song caught her just in time, realizing with alarm that her forehead was burning hot.

“I’m fine, just a little dizzy…” Her voice grew weaker before she suddenly lost consciousness in his arms.

“Mom! Mom!” Pei Song shouted, panic rising in his chest.

Hearing the commotion, Shi Yancheng appeared at the top of the stairs. He took one look at the situation and calmly said, “I’ll call an ambulance.”

In the hospital hallway, Pei Song sat restlessly.

The test results showed that his mother had fainted due to exhaustion and emotional stress. She needed to be hospitalized for observation.

“What exactly is going on?” Pei Song stopped his father outside the hospital room. “What happened to the company this time?”

His father rubbed his temples, looking drained. “It’s nothing serious. Don’t worry about it.”

“How can I not?” Pei Song lowered his voice. “Mom collapsed from stress!”

“That’s exactly why…” His father looked at him seriously. “You shouldn’t get involved. Your priority right now is to plan for your future and find a stable job.”

“Dad, I’m not a child anymore,” Pei Song said, frustration creeping into his tone. “Let me help you…”

His father sighed, his voice softer but firm. “Song Song, our family can no longer afford to let you live a carefree life as a second-generation heir. You just came back from Country D with an excellent education and experience. I want you to focus on building your own career.”

Though his father’s words were gentle, Pei Song could hear the deeper meaning behind them.

“I…”

“If you truly want to help, then start by planning your career.” His father patted his shoulder. “Your mother and I will handle this.”

The hallway fell into silence, bustling only with nurses passing by.

“Uncle Pei is right,” Shi Yancheng finally spoke. “Your abilities have already been recognized in Country D. It’s time to think seriously about your next steps.”

Pei Song’s father glanced at Shi Yancheng with appreciation. “Xiao Shi is right. Song Song, remember, you’re not just the son of the Pei family, you’re a young man with a promising future.”

With that, he gave Pei Song’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze before stepping into the hospital room.

Pei Song stood there in a daze until Shi Yancheng nudged his arm lightly. “Let’s go home.”

On the way back, Pei Song kept thinking about his father’s words. He knew his father meant well, but he couldn’t shake his worry about the company.

“Want some water?” Shi Yancheng handed him a bottle.

Pei Song shook his head, staring out at the rapidly passing city lights. “Do you think the company is in serious trouble?”

Shi Yancheng was silent for a moment before replying, “Judging by your father’s reaction, the situation is likely worse than it seems.”

“Then why won’t he tell me the truth?”

“Maybe…” Shi Yancheng hesitated briefly. “Because it’s serious, he wants to protect you from being dragged into it.”

Pei Song turned to look at him. “What do you mean?”

“Your father loves you,” Shi Yancheng said. “He doesn’t want you to be trapped by the family’s struggles. Given your abilities, you can thrive on a much bigger stage.”

“But that doesn’t mean I should be kept in the dark about my own family’s problems…”

“The way you handled things in Country D proves you’re fully capable of standing on your own.” Shi Yancheng met his gaze. “Instead of getting entangled in the family’s troubles now, it might be better to build your own foundation first. When the time is right, you’ll be able to help in a much bigger way.”

Pei Song froze, realizing for the first time that his father wasn’t pushing him away, he was trying to shield him.

“So,” Shi Yancheng continued, “you should listen to your father and focus on your future.”

Pei Song remained silent for a long time before finally nodding. “You’re right.”

Back home, Pei Song sat at his desk and opened his laptop. The blue light of the screen cast a glow over his tired face as he began working on his resume.

His work experience in Country D, his management role at a Michelin-starred restaurant, his food influencer career on Instagram… As he listed them, he suddenly realized, he had gained quite a lot over the years.

“Need help?” He turned to see Shi Yancheng standing in the doorway.

Pei Song forced a small smile. “I can handle it.”

Shi Yancheng nodded and quietly shut the door behind him. 

Late into the night, Pei Song was still in front of the computer, revising his resume over and over again.