Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 5

Just as he was thinking, a familiar aroma drifted in from the kitchen.

For the past few days, the tempting scent of home-cooked meals had filled the apartment at every mealtime, unconsciously reducing Shi Yancheng’s reliance on takeout.

Pushing his chair back, he stepped out of the study. Pei Song was busy in the kitchen.

Today’s aroma was different from the last time. Less of the numbing spice, replaced by something fresh and delicate.

“What’s on the menu this time?” Shi Yancheng asked from the doorway. His tone was still cold, but his eyes betrayed a hint of anticipation.

Pei Song was startled but didn’t panic like the first time. “Ah, it’s Squirrel Fish.”

Seeing the puzzled look on Shi Yancheng’s face, he explained, “It’s a dish where the fish is cut into a crisscross pattern, coated in starch, fried until golden, and then drizzled with a sweet and sour sauce—”

“I know,” Shi Yancheng interrupted. “I had it once as a kid when I visited relatives with my grandmother.”

Pei Song was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected his cold and aloof roommate to be so familiar with Chinese cuisine. Stealing a glance at Shi Yancheng’s expression, he noticed that although his face remained emotionless, his gaze was completely drawn to the fish sizzling in the pan.

“Want to eat together?” Pei Song asked with a smile. “I doubt I can finish it all by myself.”

Shi Yancheng hesitated for a moment, seemingly weighing his options. In the end, he gave a slight nod. “Then I’ll trouble you.”

As Pei Song skillfully handled the fish, Shi Yancheng suddenly spoke up. “I heard you often participate in food-related events?”

Pei Song’s hands paused. “How do you know that?”

“Just a guess,” Shi Yancheng replied flatly. “Your cooking is this good, there must be plenty of people inviting you.”

“There are a few,” Pei Song admitted, turning his focus back to the dish. “Mostly gatherings with international students, and occasionally, local food festivals.”

Shi Yancheng nodded without pressing further. But he took note of something, whenever Pei Song talked about food, his tone became more natural, and his eyes lit up unconsciously.

That discovery sparked a bit of interest in him.

In Shi Yancheng’s mind, Pei Song had always been a reserved and cautious person, someone who maintained a deliberate distance from others. Yet, when he talked about something he was passionate about, he became a completely different person.

“Your Sichuan dishes are authentic,” Shi Yancheng suddenly remarked. “Especially that twice-cooked pork from last time. It was better than any I’ve had before.”

Pei Song looked up in surprise, not expecting such a compliment. After all, his roommate usually spoke in short, commanding sentences, rarely did he offer such detailed praise.

“Thanks,” Pei Song smiled. “If you like, I can cook Sichuan dishes more often.”

Shi Yancheng nodded, his gaze shifting to the plated Squirrel Fish. “This one looks good too.”

“Want to try it now?” Pei Song poured the steaming sweet and sour sauce over the crispy golden fish. “I tried to recreate the traditional version.”

Shi Yancheng didn’t answer, but his feet had already carried him to the dining table. Watching this usually aloof genius reveal a hint of excitement over a simple home-cooked meal, Pei Song couldn’t help but chuckle.

So, even the most intimidating elites could have their walls broken down by good food.

The two ate quietly. They didn’t talk much, but the air was filled with a comfortable sense of ease.

It was strange, he had been so worried about living with this cold and distant roommate. Yet now, he felt like they might just find a unique way to get along through food.

After finishing the last bite of fish, Shi Yancheng wiped his mouth gracefully. “It was good.”

A short review, but it was enough to make Pei Song happy. After cleaning up, Pei Song returned to his room and opened Instagram to update his food vlog. Meanwhile, in the study, Shi Yancheng reopened a report, his gaze lingering on the final line.

“Summary: Mr. Pei Song is well-connected among international students and has an excellent reputation. Skilled at using food to build relationships, but remains cautious and never gets too close. The ideal roommate.”

Shi Yancheng smirked slightly and closed the document.

Looks like this unexpected roommate was turning out to be much more interesting than he had imagined.

Pei Song hesitated at the entrance of the supermarket, debating whether to leave. Across the street, a figure in the café looked eerily familiar. Though the person wore a hat and sunglasses, their posture sent a chill down his spine.

“Maybe I’m just being paranoid…” Pei Song took a deep breath and decided to exit from another door.

On the way home, he kept glancing back, afraid someone was following him. This eerie feeling of being watched had lasted for days, making even a simple grocery run nerve-wracking.

The next afternoon, as he left the library, he spotted James waiting outside the campus gate. His heart clenched. Without hesitation, he turned and walked in the opposite direction.

“…Guess I’m taking the long way home,” Pei Song sighed, glancing at his phone.

He had promised Shi Yancheng a Sichuan hotpot tonight, but now, with this detour, he’d definitely be late.

Halfway home, his phone buzzed with a message.

Shi Yancheng, “Why aren’t you back yet?”

Pei Song bit his lip, hesitating before replying. “Sorry, I might be late…”

A response came almost immediately.

Shi Yancheng, “What happened?”

“Nothing, just… wandering around.” 

A few minutes passed before another message appeared.

Shi Yancheng, “Do you need me to come get you?”

Warmth spread through Pei Song’s chest, but he quickly replied, “No need, I can handle it myself.”

By the time Pei Song finally made it back to the apartment, it was already past 9 PM. As he stepped inside, he saw Shi Yancheng sitting on the couch, his laptop still open.

“…Sorry for making you wait,” Pei Song muttered.

Shi Yancheng looked up. “You were ‘just wandering’ this late?”

The way he emphasized “just wandering” made it clear he wasn’t buying Pei Song’s excuse. Pei Song opened his mouth, but no words came out. Dinner was, of course, long forgotten.

That night, Pei Song was startled awake by the sound of German being spoken in the living room. Shi Yancheng seemed to be in a video call, his voice filled with irritation.

“Nein, nein… The model’s parameters are completely wrong.”

Pei Song tried to go back to sleep but then heard the clatter of silverware falling. Hesitating, he got up and stepped out of his room.