Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 24

“Speaking of your younger brother,” Grandma’s voice suddenly dropped, “that matter…”

“Mom,” Father immediately said, “don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.”

“You must take care of it!” Grandma’s voice rose again. “If they investigate those suppliers…” She stopped mid-sentence, realizing she had said too much.

Pei Song’s heart sank. He recalled the conversation he overheard outside the study a few days ago, irregular procurement records, inflated prices, falsified quantities…

“Who is in charge of the procurement department?” Shi Yancheng suddenly asked.

“My uncle,” Pei Song replied. “He’s been in that position for over ten years.”

Shi Yancheng’s gaze sharpened. “To stay in one department for that long, either he’s exceptionally capable or… someone is protecting him.”

Downstairs, Grandma continued, “Remember, your younger brother is your own flesh and blood! Back then, because you were in school, he couldn’t even afford to study. Now that he’s been working in the company all these years, even if he made some mistakes, you have to cover for him!”

“Mom, I know.” Father’s voice was tired. “I’ve always been handling it.”

“You must handle it properly! As the eldest son, it’s your duty to take care of your brother!”

Hearing this, Pei Song couldn’t hold back any longer and rushed downstairs.

“Grandma!” His voice trembled. “Uncle’s situation has nothing to do with not having money for school!”

The courtyard fell silent.

“I’ve heard from others,” Pei Song said, suppressing his anger. “Uncle’s grades in middle school were always poor. He dropped out because he didn’t want to study, not because Dad used up all the money!”

“You, you child…” Grandma’s face turned pale as her lie was exposed.

“And all these years,” Pei Song continued, “don’t you know exactly what Uncle has been doing in the procurement department?”

“Shut up!” Grandma snapped. “This is a conversation between elders. Who gave you the right to interrupt?”

Father frowned. “Song, go back to your room.”

“Dad!”

“Go back!” Father rarely raised his voice. “This is a matter for the elders. Stay out of it.”

Pei Song stood still, looking at his father’s exhausted yet determined expression. In the end, he turned and went upstairs.

Grandma’s voice continued downstairs. “Eldest son, remember your responsibility. You must settle this for your brother.”

“Mom,” Father sighed. “I know what to do.”

Upstairs, Pei Song locked himself in his room.

He had never imagined that the company’s troubles were caused by his uncle and that his father had been shouldering the burden all this time.

“Are you okay?” Shi Yancheng asked softly.

Pei Song shook his head. “I don’t understand… Why is Dad doing this?”

Shi Yancheng was silent for a moment. “Every family has its struggles.”

That night, Pei Song overheard his father on the phone in the study, his voice low. “Second Brother, you need to give me an explanation for this…”

A muffled voice on the other end seemed to be making excuses.

Father sighed. “Alright, alright, I’ll figure something out… Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Listening to this, Pei Song felt an ache in his heart. He wished his father could see the truth about Uncle, but in reality, his father was blinded by duty and guilt.

Back in his room, Pei Song started researching recent news about Pei Corporation on his computer.

Among scattered reports, he found that aside from financial issues, there were supplier complaints, although they had been quickly suppressed.

“Stop just reading the news,” Shi Yancheng interrupted. “Looking this way won’t get you far.”

“Then what should I do?” Pei Song asked, frustrated. “I can’t just watch the company get drained dry.”

Shi Yancheng’s expression turned serious. “If you want to help your father, you have to investigate from the inside. Do you know Pei Corporation’s financial system?”

“I have some knowledge. I used SAP during my internship at the company before.”

“Good,” Shi Yancheng said. “You need to find a way to get inside the company.”

“I’m currently interviewing with other companies…” Pei Song’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Wait, I can say that while waiting for offers, I want to intern at Pei Corporation!”

“The key is making your father believe your reason.”

The next day, Pei Song approached his father. Casually, he brought up the interviews he had attended.

“That company places a lot of emphasis on finance and supply chain experience,” he said as if offhandedly. “Dad, can I intern at Pei Corporation for a while? I have free time now.”

His father hesitated. “The company isn’t in great shape right now…”

“I know,” Pei Song quickly said. “But that’s exactly why I should gain practical experience. Besides, I’d just be an intern, I wouldn’t be a burden.”

After a moment of consideration, his father finally agreed but warned him, “Remember, don’t ask too many questions. Just treat it like an internship.”

Once inside the company, Pei Song started with basic tasks.

He arrived on time every day, diligently completing his assigned work, appearing to be just another intern. But in between handling documents, he paid close attention to small details.

For instance, certain suppliers had unusual payment terms, and a few suspicious company names kept appearing.

One day, while getting water in the break room, he overheard two procurement employees talking, “Those same suppliers won the bid again.”

“Shh, be careful what you say…”

Pei Song pretended to look for a cup while eavesdropping, but the two had already changed the subject. That night, he shared these scattered findings with Shi Yancheng.

“Have you noticed any patterns?” Shi Yancheng asked.

“Some suppliers seem suspicious. Their registered capital is low, yet they win every bid. And…”

“And what?”

“I checked their business records. These companies were all newly registered last year. But strangely, as soon as they were registered, they started supplying Pei Corporation. Normally, a new company wouldn’t pass the qualification review that quickly.”

Shi Yancheng’s expression darkened. “Then keep following your plan.”

Pei Song knew surface-level information wouldn’t be enough, he needed more concrete evidence.

One day, he noticed another irregularity.

“Sister Li, why are these reimbursement receipts split into multiple invoices?” he asked while helping organize paperwork.

“Oh, your uncle said it’s for easier accounting,” Sister Li replied absentmindedly. Then, realizing something, she suddenly grew alert. “Why are you asking?”

“Oh, just curious,” Pei Song quickly deflected. “By the way, why is this supplier’s code different from the others?”

“Probably just a system issue,” she said, clearly unwilling to say more.

Pei Song realized he was asking too much and quickly changed the subject.