Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 29

Pei Song sat on a bench in the hospital corridor. His mother had just been transferred from the emergency room to a regular ward.

Holding his phone, he hesitated for a long time before finally pushing open the door to the hospital room.

“Mom…” Pei Song sat down by the bed, seeing his mother leaning against the headboard, her face still pale.

“Just ask what you want to ask,” his mother said gently.

“Why did Dad do this?” Pei Song couldn’t hold back. “It was obviously Uncle’s fault. Why did Dad take the blame for him? Just because Grandma said a few words, he agreed to everything?”

His mother was silent for a moment. “Your father has always been this way. As the eldest son, he’s used to taking responsibility for everything in the family.”

“But it’s so unfair!” Pei Song said, frustrated. “This doesn’t help Uncle at all. It only makes him more irresponsible! And it’s not fair to you either…”

“Song Song, some things aren’t just about right or wrong.” His mother sighed. “Your father may seem indecisive, but all these years, he’s been protecting this family in his own way.”

Pei Song lowered his head, thinking about how his father had changed over the years.

From a confident young man to someone with graying hair, from success to constant worry, perhaps his father carried burdens he couldn’t even put into words.

A deep sense of helplessness washed over him. He still didn’t agree with his father’s actions. As he left the hospital room, Pei Song felt restless and found himself wandering to the balcony. At some point, Shi Yancheng had appeared behind him, handing over a warm cup of coffee.

“Talk to me,” Shi Yancheng said, leaning against the railing.

“I’m confused.” Pei Song gripped the coffee cup. “I used to think everything was simple. Right is right, wrong is wrong. But now, seeing my father compromise like this for the family, I don’t know how to feel.”

Shi Yancheng was silent for a while, gazing into the distance. “Everyone has their own fate to face. Your parents’ generation has their own survival rules. You don’t have to agree with them, but don’t dismiss them so easily.”

“It hurts to see them like this…” Pei Song’s voice trembled.

“Right now, the most important thing is to focus on your own path.” Shi Yancheng turned to him. “Prove to them that you can carve out a different future.”

Wednesday, 3 PM, Pei Song arrived at SNK once again.

Pushing open the interview room door, he was caught off guard by a familiar face, stopping in his tracks. The gentle eyes, the refined smile, it was as if time had rewound.

Zhou Feng looked up from his documents, seemingly surprised for a moment, but quickly returned to his usual composure. “Long time no see, Pei Song.”

Pei Song forced a nod and stiffly walked to his seat.

The awkward memory of being rejected during graduation season flashed through his mind. His grip on his resume tightened.

Even after all these years, that youthful embarrassment still had the power to shake him. Throughout the interview, Pei Song forced himself to maintain a professional demeanor.

But every time he met Zhou Feng’s gaze, that same awkwardness washed over him like an incoming tide.

He found his speech becoming unnatural, even stumbling over his most confident expertise, restaurant management.

“I’ve reviewed your experience in Germany. You did well,” Zhou Feng said, flipping through his resume. “Experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant is certainly valuable.”

Pei Song lowered his gaze, trying to steady himself. “Thank you.”

“I heard about your family situation.” After discussing work experience, Zhou Feng suddenly brought it up. “I’m sorry. But with your abilities, I’m sure you’ll find a fresh start.”

Pei Song felt his expression stiffen. “Thanks for your concern, but I’d rather focus on the job itself.”

Zhou Feng seemed to have more to say but, seeing Pei Song’s distant attitude, simply nodded. “Alright, let’s continue discussing the work plan.”

The second-round interview with the German VP went even worse. Pei Song could feel that his performance was far below his usual level. Even when the VP asked him about his experiences in Germany in fluent German, he couldn’t answer as smoothly as he normally would.

His mind kept flashing to the idea of working alongside Zhou Feng every day, making it impossible to concentrate.

Walking out of the interview room, he let out a long breath only to run straight into Liu Yan.

“Well, if it isn’t our internet-famous chef?” Liu Yan smirked mockingly. “What, trying to use connections now?”

Pei Song frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on,” Liu Yan stepped closer and lowered his voice. “Zhou Feng was a campus legend. Everyone knows what happened back then.” He gave a knowing smile. “So, are you planning to use the same old tricks again?”

“Liu Yan.” Pei Song cut him off. “If you’re just here to show off your connection to Zhou Feng, don’t bother. Right now, I only care about the job itself.”

“Heh, acting all high and mighty.” Liu Yan sneered. “Just like the last time we ran into each other on the street, pretending to be above it all. But I get it, your family’s situation isn’t great. You need a respectable job to save face.”

His gaze swept over Pei Song. “I heard your restaurant in Germany was doing well? Too bad. One family crisis, and you had to come running back.”

Pei Song ignored him and walked straight to the elevator. But Liu Yan’s words still left a sour taste in his mouth. As if running into him on the street wasn’t bad enough, now they might have to see each other every day.

Stepping out of the SNK building, he immediately dialed Shi Yancheng.

“Leon, I don’t want to work at SNK anymore.”

There was a brief silence on the other end. “What happened?”

“It just doesn’t feel right. The environment isn’t what I expected.”

“Not right?” Shi Yancheng’s voice turned icy. “How long did you prepare for this opportunity? And now you’re giving up over personal feelings?”

Pei Song froze. “How did you…”

“I’ve known you long enough,” Shi Yancheng said sharply. “If it was about your ability, you wouldn’t hesitate like this. Something or someone is messing with your emotions and clouding your judgment.”

“Acting on emotion solves nothing. You know exactly what SNK is and what this opportunity means for your future. And you’re really willing to throw it all away just because of some discomfort? I never expected you to be this immature.”

His words hit like a wake-up call.

What was he afraid of? Was the past, those unpleasant memories, really worth sacrificing his future?

“…I’m sorry,” Pei Song whispered. “I was being childish.”

“Think carefully about what you truly want.” Shi Yancheng’s tone softened slightly. “Don’t let meaningless emotions cloud your judgment. In the end, only your abilities matter, everything else comes second.”