Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 6

In the living room, Shi Yancheng frowned at the code projected onto the TV screen.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” Shi Yancheng noticed Pei Song and, surprisingly, apologized.

“It’s fine.” Pei Song noticed his voice was a bit hoarse. “Do you have a cold?”

Shi Yancheng shook his head but coughed lightly. “Final revisions before my thesis defense, I have to finish tonight.”

Pei Song walked into the kitchen and saw the ingredients he had bought earlier still on the counter. “I’ll make some ginger tea,” he said. “It’ll help soothe your throat.”

Shi Yancheng paused, as if about to say something, but his team members’ voices came through the computer, pulling him back into the discussion.

Half an hour later, a steaming bowl of ginger tea and a simple hot pot dish were placed in front of him. The aroma was so inviting that even the foreign students on the video call couldn’t help but ask, “Leon, what is that? It looks amazing.”

Shi Yancheng took a sip, instantly feeling relief in his throat. He glanced toward the kitchen, but Pei Song had already slipped quietly back to his room.

The next evening, just as Pei Song was about to head to bed, he received a message from Shi Yancheng, “Sorry for the late notice. The project team is coming over tomorrow to discuss the thesis. They might stay late.”

Pei Song recalled that when he moved in, Shi Yancheng had mentioned that his team occasionally met at their place.

Another message followed, “They saw what I had for a late-night snack yesterday… now they all want to try Chinese food.”

Even through the screen, Pei Song could sense Shi Yancheng’s dilemma. This usually cold and aloof roommate rarely showed such an apologetic tone.

“It’s no problem,” Pei Song replied. “I can prepare a few simple dishes tomorrow night.”

“That would be great.” Shi Yancheng paused, then added, “I’ll make sure they keep the noise down.”

That made Pei Song chuckle.

“How many people are coming?” he asked, already planning a menu in his head.

“Five.” Shi Yancheng responded quickly.

Pei Song nodded and opened his Notes app.

Twice-cooked pork – definitely a must-have for Shi Yancheng.

Squirrel-shaped sweet and sour fish – foreigners would probably like the flavor.

Mapo tofu – adjust the spice level to be milder.

Dry-fried green beans – a good side dish.

As he was writing, another message came through.

“If it’s too much trouble, I can just order takeout.”

“It’s fine. I wanted to try out a new sauce anyway,” Pei Song replied.

Shi Yancheng was silent for a moment before sending a simple, “Thank you.”

Just two words, but Pei Song could feel the sincerity behind them.

After class the next day, Pei Song headed straight to the supermarket to buy ingredients. Although James hadn’t shown up in a while, he still habitually checked his surroundings before heading out, ensuring everything was safe.

Back at the apartment, Shi Yancheng was setting up the projector and computer in his study. Hearing movement, he came out to help carry the groceries.

“They’ll arrive at 6:30,” Shi Yancheng said. “No rush.”

Pei Song nodded and got to work in the kitchen. Since he had already marinated the ingredients in advance, all he had to do now was follow the steps and cook.

At precisely 6:30, the doorbell rang. One by one, the project team members arrived, quickly filling the living room with chatter.

“Guten Abend! (Good evening!)” A blond, bespectacled guy greeted first. “You must be Spencer!”

Pei Song nodded politely and continued working in the kitchen.

Through the glass door, he could see Shi Yancheng explaining an algorithm model to his team. His expression was serious as he pointed out issues in the code, fully immersed in the discussion.

While Pei Song was chopping vegetables, the kitchen door suddenly opened.

“Need any help?” It was a cheerful-looking team member named Max.

“Thanks, but I’m good,” Pei Song replied politely, focusing on his work.

“Your knife skills are impressive,” Max tried to make conversation. “Which department are you in? I don’t think I’ve seen you in our department.”

“Business and management.”

“Oh? That’s pretty close to our department. Wanna grab lunch sometime? There’s this great Italian place near campus…”

“Max.” Shi Yancheng’s cold voice suddenly rang out from the doorway.

“Are the test results ready?”

Max stiffened. “N-not yet…”

“Then focus on work,” Shi Yancheng said calmly, “and stop distracting others.”

Though his tone was neutral, his brown eyes carried an undeniable authority. Max awkwardly backed out of the kitchen. Pei Song continued chopping, but out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Shi Yancheng still standing there.

“They might be discussing late into the night,” Shi Yancheng said, his tone much softer this time. “If it gets too loud, just let me know.”

“It’s fine,” Pei Song smiled. “Just focus on your work.”

Shi Yancheng gave a small nod and returned to the living room.

At 8 PM sharp, Pei Song carried out dish after dish, filling the dining table with vibrant colors and rich aromas.

Everyone was stunned.

“Wow, this looks so professional!” The blond guy with glasses exclaimed. “Like something from a Michelin restaurant!”

“No wonder Leon never eats out with us anymore,” a girl laughed. “With food like this at home, who’d want a burger?”

“Leon, you’re so lucky to have such an amazing roommate…”

Shi Yancheng, seated at the head of the table, visibly perked up when the twice-cooked pork was served.

“Oh, Leon,” the blond guy suddenly remembered. “Did you try that fusion dumpling at the restaurant yesterday?”

Without looking up, Shi Yancheng replied flatly, “Not interested.”

“It was really unique! Strawberry filling!” A brown-haired girl excitedly chimed in. “They said it’s fusion cuisine, mixing Chinese and Western flavors…”

“That’s not a dumpling,” Shi Yancheng said, his voice carrying a hint of disdain. “That’s a misunderstanding of Chinese food.”

He picked up a piece of twice-cooked pork and added, “This is what real Chinese cuisine tastes like.”

Pei Song couldn’t help but chuckle. He had never seen Shi Yancheng so defensive about food before.

“What is this? The taste is incredible!” The blond guy widened his eyes after taking a bite of the Mapo tofu.

“It’s tofu, but with a special sauce,” Pei Song explained simply.

He had toned down the spice, but the unique aroma of Sichuan chili bean paste still made the German students intrigued.

“Spencer, you’re amazing.” The brown-haired girl took a bite of the squirrel-shaped sweet and sour fish. “The presentation is stunning!”