Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 57

Pei Song scrambled for an excuse. “You’re my boss now, you can’t take advantage of me.”

“Take advantage?” Shi Yancheng’s voice dropped dangerously. “Is that the kind of person you think I am?”

“I…” Pei Song was at a loss for words, just as footsteps sounded from outside. He quickly put some distance between them, while Shi Yancheng casually stuffed the ointment into Pei Song’s hand.

“Remember to apply it.” With that, he turned and left as if nothing had happened.

Pei Song stood frozen, gripping the still-warm ointment, his heart pounding. He knew his words had been harsh, but he had no idea how else to handle the situation.

After finishing his meal, Pei Song went to settle the bill, only to find that Shi Yancheng had already paid.

Back in the private room, Su Mi couldn’t help but ask, “Cousin, did you bully Pei Song? He seems quieter than usual, and he doesn’t look too happy.”

“Stay out of adult matters, kid,” Shi Yancheng warned. “Ask again, and I’ll have Aunt confiscate your stash of money.”

Su Mi shrank back, instantly silenced. He had feared this cousin since childhood, whenever Shi Yancheng spoke in that tone, it never meant anything good.

Pei Song pushed open the door. “Let’s go.”

Shi Yancheng glanced at him but said nothing, then stood and walked out.

On their way out of the hotpot restaurant, they passed a dog cafe. Su Mi’s eyes lit up. “Let’s check it out!” He grabbed Pei Song and pulled him inside, with Shi Yancheng silently following behind.

The moment they entered, several fluffy puppies rushed over. A three-month-old corgi circled around Pei Song’s feet, its tail wagging like a tiny motor.

“It really likes you,” the staff member said with a smile.

Pei Song crouched down, and the little corgi immediately snuggled into his arms. Its soft fur tickled his palm, making him instinctively rub its ears.

“So well-behaved,” he said to Su Mi. “Look how cute it is.”

“Leon, you should pet it too,” Su Mi called out to Shi Yancheng. “Want to hold it?”

As Shi Yancheng approached, the corgi affectionately rubbed against his pant leg. Pei Song subtly moved aside.

Su Mi handed the corgi to him. After a brief hesitation, Shi Yancheng took it. The corgi immediately wiggled excitedly, nuzzling its head against his chin, wrinkling his meticulously neat shirt.

A golden retriever and a samoyed also trotted over, eager for attention.

“Oh my god!” Su Mi quickly pulled out his phone. “This is a rare sight!”

“This one’s called Tuan Tuan, he just arrived a week ago,” the staff member explained. “He’s super clingy and still looking for a home.”

“Want to take it home?” Su Mi nudged Pei Song.

Pei Song shook his head. “I work overtime every day, I wouldn’t have time to take care of it. Leaving a dog home alone all the time would be too lonely for him.”

“Then what about later, when you’re less busy?” Su Mi pressed.

“If I ever get a dog, I’d rather adopt one,” Pei Song said softly. “Back in D Country, I volunteered at an animal shelter. The dogs there…”

He recalled what he’d seen at the shelter. “Some of them have been waiting for years. They get so hopeful whenever someone comes, but they’re always left disappointed. They’re just as good and cute as any other dogs, just unlucky.”

Shi Yancheng held Tuan Tuan, quietly listening.

“I believe every dog deserves to be treated well,” Pei Song continued. “If I ever have a dog, I want to give it a warm home. Not just because it’s cute, but because it’s a life.”

Shi Yancheng watched him, his gaze focused and gentle.

As they were leaving, Tuan Tuan trailed after them, whimpering at the door. Pei Song crouched to pet its head. “Goodbye, I’ll visit you again.”

“It doesn’t want you to leave,” Su Mi teased. “Sure you don’t want to reconsider?”

Pei Song shook his head but couldn’t help looking back a few more times.

On the way home, Su Mi dozed off in the back seat. The car was silent, aside from the faint hum of the air conditioning.

Pei Song glanced at Shi Yancheng’s wrinkled shirt and muttered, “By the way, the clothes I borrowed from you last time are still with me. I’ll bring them tomorrow.”

Shi Yancheng glanced at the rearview mirror. “No rush.”

Pei Song turned to look out the window, feeling awkward. They didn’t speak for the rest of the ride. When they arrived outside the Pei family villa, Su Mi rubbed his eyes and sat up. “We’re here.”

He grabbed Pei Song’s arm. “I’m sleeping over at your place tonight! We still have so much to talk about!”

Shi Yancheng frowned. “Your house isn’t far. Why not just go home?”

“That’s boring,” Su Mi pouted, refusing to budge. “I rarely get to visit. I want to chat with Song Song.”

“You’re being too willful.” Shi Yancheng’s tone turned cold.

“We used to do this all the time in college,” Su Mi dismissed his cousin’s glare and dragged Pei Song toward the villa. “Besides, even the plants in Pei Song’s house must miss me!”

Shi Yancheng hesitated but ultimately said nothing, watching them disappear behind the door before driving away.

That night, Pei Song and Su Mi were lying on the bed playing games when a message popped up on Pei Song’s phone.

Shi Yancheng: Are you two sharing a bed?

Pei Song: None of your business.

Shi Yancheng stared at the screen, then looked up the slang term. So, it meant he was being nosy.

“Song Song, what’s going on between you and my cousin?” Su Mi put his phone down. “You guys have a weird vibe.”

“Nothing’s going on,” Pei Song denied, thinking to himself, No way can I tell you we slept together.

“Really?” Su Mi was skeptical. “Then why do you look so distracted whenever he’s around?”

“I don’t.” Pei Song kept playing his game, pretending not to hear.

“My cousin never cares about anyone, but when you got burned by oil today, he followed you straight to the bathroom. That’s concern, alright!”

“You’re overthinking.” Pei Song’s ears turned slightly red. “He just doesn’t want my injury affecting work.”

“Lies!” Su Mi sat up excitedly. “Since when does my cousin care so much about his employees? And he kept sneaking glances at you today, you think I didn’t notice?”

“Are you playing or not?” Pei Song changed the subject.

“I’m not playing anymore! I want gossip!” Su Mi grinned. “Did something happen between you two in Country D?”

Pei Song closed the game. “I’m tired, let’s sleep.”

“Come on!” Su Mi shook his arm. “Give me something! I’m your best friend!”

“Exactly because you’re my best friend,” Pei Song turned over, “There are some things you’re better off not knowing.”

“What do you mean?” Su Mi’s curiosity grew.

Pei Song pulled the blanket over his head. “Go to sleep!”

“Geez.” Su Mi pouted. “I know something’s up between you two!”