Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 26

The SNK management trainee program was exactly what he had hoped for, it combined restaurant brand operations with investment and mergers, as if it had been tailor-made for him.

“They’re looking for a reserve candidate for the Director of Restaurant Brand Development,” Shi Yancheng said. “They want someone with overseas study experience, financial knowledge, and preferably restaurant management experience.”

Isn’t that describing me? Pei Song thought. But he hesitated. “A position this good must have intense competition.”

“Why not give it a try?” Shi Yancheng suggested. “I think you’re a great fit.”

Pei Song flipped to the job requirements page and studied it carefully. “It requires at least three years of high-end restaurant management experience… My restaurant in Country D has only been open for a little over a year.”

“But it earned a Michelin star,” Shi Yancheng pointed out. “That’s more valuable than three years of regular experience.”

“It also requires familiarity with the European market…”

“You studied in Country D for two years and ran a restaurant there for another year. Don’t you know the local market well enough?”

Pei Song was momentarily speechless.

“Let me see your resume,” Shi Yancheng said.

Pei Song pulled up the file. Shi Yancheng skimmed through it, then began revising it.

“You need to rephrase this. Focus on achievements. Instead of just writing ‘responsible for restaurant operations,’ say ‘developed the restaurant from scratch to an annual revenue of XXX.’”

Pei Song nodded and quickly made edits.

“And here,” Shi Yancheng continued, “your experience as a food blogger on Instagram should be highlighted. 150,000 followers is an impressive number. You should mention, ‘Original food videos reach over a million users monthly, collaborated with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, and curated food events with a 40% conversion rate.’”

Pei Song stared at him in surprise. “You even remember those stats?”

Shi Yancheng shrugged. “I checked the analytics when helping you negotiate sponsorships. Showcasing this commercial value will give HR a clearer picture of your social media marketing skills.”

The two of them continued fine-tuning the resume. Shi Yancheng’s suggestions were sharp and precise, making every revision more compelling.

“You seem to know a lot about corporate hiring?” Pei Song asked curiously.

Shi Yancheng paused for a moment. “After spending enough time in Country D, you pick up on things.”

Time passed without them noticing. Outside the window, the sky gradually darkened.

Pei Song’s eyes began to feel sore, and his head grew heavy.

“Take a break,” Shi Yancheng said.

“No, I’m almost done…” Pei Song’s voice was laced with exhaustion.

Before long, Shi Yancheng realized that the person beside him had dozed off, slumped in his chair. Pei Song’s head drooped bit by bit until it finally rested lightly on Shi Yancheng’s shoulder.

Shi Yancheng stiffened but didn’t move.

He carefully adjusted his position so Pei Song could rest more comfortably, then silently continued revising the resume.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when Pei Song stirred from the cold. Drowsily opening his eyes, he found himself leaning against Shi Yancheng’s shoulder. A familiar jacket draped over him, it was the one Shi Yancheng often wore.

“You’re awake?” came Shi Yancheng’s voice from above.

Pei Song jolted upright, his face heating up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s fine.” Shi Yancheng handed him the laptop. “The resume is finished. Take a look.”

Pei Song rubbed his face and checked the screen. The revisions made everything look highly polished, each experience was highlighted, and the logic was clear.

“This should be good enough,” Shi Yancheng said. “I’ll have a headhunter submit it for you tomorrow.”

“You know SNK’s headhunters?”

“I met a few back in Country D,” Shi Yancheng said nonchalantly.

Pei Song nodded but suddenly noticed the plane ticket on the table.

A wave of sadness hit him, by the time he received an offer, Shi Yancheng might already be back in Country D.

“What’s wrong?” Shi Yancheng caught the shift in his expression.

“Nothing.” Pei Song forced a smile and handed the jacket back. “Thanks.”

Shi Yancheng took it, his fingertips brushing against Pei Song’s hand. The brief touch made Pei Song’s heart jolt, and he quickly pulled back.

“I-I’ll go get you some water,” he blurted, standing up hastily.

In the kitchen, Pei Song stared blankly at the running water. He didn’t understand why he felt so disappointed. Shi Yancheng had always planned to return to Country D, why was this a surprise?

But the thought of never seeing him again left an emptiness in his heart. His hands trembled slightly, splashing cold water onto his skin, snapping him back to reality.

“Isn’t the water too cold?” Shi Yancheng’s voice suddenly came from behind.

Startled, Pei Song nearly dropped the cup. Shi Yancheng reacted quickly, steadying it. Their faces were suddenly very close, so close Pei Song could feel Shi Yancheng’s breath against his ear.

“I-I can do it myself,” Pei Song stammered.

Shi Yancheng didn’t immediately let go. “You’ve been too exhausted lately.”

The genuine concern made Pei Song’s eyes sting. Yeah, dealing with his uncle’s situation, job hunting, everything had been draining him. The only thing that had kept him grounded was having Shi Yancheng by his side.

But soon, he would be gone.

“I’m fine,” Pei Song forced out. “You should get some rest.”

Shi Yancheng finally let go but didn’t leave right away. “Don’t push yourself too hard.”

Only after hearing his footsteps fade did Pei Song exhale deeply. He felt so out of sorts, why was he relying so much on someone he had only known for less than a year?

Back in his room, Pei Song reopened his laptop. The SNK job listing still glowed on the screen. He reread every detail, trying to refocus. But the thought of that plane ticket wouldn’t leave his mind.

The desk lamp cast a long shadow across the room just like the inexplicable emotions lingering in his heart.

His phone vibrated, it was a message from his mother, reminding him not to forget about his grandmother’s 70th birthday.

Pei Song suddenly realized how caught up he had been in job hunting that he had nearly forgotten about such an important occasion.

Checking the calendar, he saw that it was next week.

Even though his family was struggling financially, as the eldest son and daughter-in-law, his parents would surely make sure it was properly celebrated.

On the day of Grandma Pei’s 70th birthday, relatives and friends gathered in full attendance.

Pei Song had been helping with preparations since morning. As he watched the venue take shape, he finally felt some relief.

Lately, things had been looking up for his family. The company’s problems weren’t entirely solved, but at least the rumors had died down.

“Song Song.” His mother stood by the door, still looking pale. “Should we prepare a few more desserts? I’m worried there won’t be enough.”

“Mom, go rest,” Pei Song quickly said, taking the tray from her hands. “I’ll handle it.”

Shi Yancheng walked over as well. “Auntie, let us take care of it.”

Midway through the banquet, a commotion erupted at the entrance.

“Why aren’t we allowed in? Today’s an important occasion, we have every right to celebrate with the old lady!” A heavily made-up woman dragged a ten-year-old boy with her, forcing her way in.