Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 60

At 5 p.m., the SNK Asia-Pacific headquarters held a routine video conference.

Pei Song sat in the conference room, reporting on the progress of his site inspection.

“After two days of on-site evaluation, we have conducted a comprehensive assessment of Singapore’s ‘Senior Living Apartments’ project.” His voice was clear and professional. 

“In terms of hardware, the project utilizes a fully integrated smart home system, including motion sensors, remote monitoring, and intelligent home controls. Notably, their smart bed management system can monitor vital signs in real-time and issue automatic alerts.”

He switched to the next slide in his presentation and continued, “On the software side, the project is equipped with a 24-hour medical team and a three-tiered emergency response system. Additionally, the community includes a dedicated rehabilitation center and recreational facilities…”

On the other end of the screen, Shi Yancheng was staring intently at the man in the video.

Today, Pei Song was wearing a light blue shirt with a matching striped tie. He looked especially fresh and composed, exuding an air of restrained elegance.

His slender neck peeked out from beneath the collar, his adam’s apple subtly moving as he spoke, an unconscious yet captivating detail.

Below the neck, his tie covered everything perfectly, but it only reminded Shi Yancheng of how, that night, he had taken his time savoring every inch of him.

His hair was slightly longer now, with bangs occasionally falling over his eyes. Every so often, he would absentmindedly brush them away with his fingers…

“Mr. Shi, what do you think of this budget plan?” The Asia-Pacific CFO suddenly spoke up.

Shi Yancheng was clearly caught off guard. “What did you just say?”

The attendees were all surprised. Mr. Shi, known for his meticulous focus, was actually distracted during a critical project discussion, no less?

The CFO repeated the question. “Regarding the smart system budget, do you think we should opt for a one-time investment, or would phased implementation be more suitable?”

“This…” Shi Yancheng paused briefly before regaining his usual sharpness. “Based on our market research, users’ willingness to pay varies significantly between first-tier and emerging cities. I suggest a two-phase implementation.”

“Phase 1 in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen to test market response and user adoption; Phase 2 will adjust smart system configurations based on pilot data before expanding to other cities.”

“But according to our calculations, a one-time purchase could reduce hardware costs by 20%,” the CFO added. “Phased implementation might increase overall costs.”

“Cost is not the primary concern,” Shi Yancheng said steadily. “The key right now is validating the business model. If users are willing to pay for smart services, then the initial extra investment will be worthwhile.” He paused before turning to the screen. “Manager Pei, what’s your take?”

All eyes shifted to Pei Song in the video.

“I agree with Mr. Shi.” Pei Song forced himself to focus on the data, pretending not to notice that intense gaze. “Phased implementation will help us better understand market demand.”

He quickly moved to the next slide, keeping his voice even. “We’ve also benchmarked similar projects in Japan and South Korea and found that the penetration rate of smart services has been increasing annually. I recommend maintaining a technological lead by making appropriate early investments.”

After the meeting, Zhou Feng walked over. “You did well today.”

“It was a team effort,” Pei Song replied while organizing his documents. “I’ll go compile the research report now.”

He strode out of the conference room but stopped at the hallway corner. Taking out his phone, he stared at the unread message.

Shi Yancheng: Video call tonight.

Pei Song bit his lip. Pei Song: I have reports to organize.

Shi Yancheng: Ten minutes. It’s about the project.

At exactly 9 p.m., the video call connected. Shi Yancheng was still in his dark gray suit, but his tie was loosened. The soft lighting in his office cast shadows over his sharp features.

“Your report this afternoon was well done,” he said straight to the point. “But I have a few questions about the operational costs of the smart system.”

Pei Song opened the file. “Alright, go ahead.”

“The staffing plan for maintenance, your budget accounts for 15 personnel per community. How did you calculate this number?”

“I referenced Singapore’s model,” Pei Song pulled up the data. “Each community has an average of 300 households. The 15-member team works in three shifts, with one system engineer, two maintenance technicians, and two on-duty staff per shift. Their two-year operational data shows that this staffing level meets daily needs.”

“For system upgrades, how much of the budget is allocated?” Shi Yancheng pressed on.

“Eight percent of the total investment,” Pei Song flipped through the budget sheet. “Primarily for hardware upgrades and software optimizations…”

“Why aren’t you looking at me while you talk?” Shi Yancheng suddenly asked.

Pei Song froze, realizing he had been staring at the documents the entire time. “I was checking the data.”

“You can look at the data later,” Shi Yancheng’s voice dropped slightly. “Right now, I want you to look me in the eyes.”

Pei Song’s heartbeat skipped. Slowly, he lifted his gaze, meeting those deep brown eyes. “Mr. Shi, if this isn’t about work—”

“Say my name.”

“Shi Yancheng,” Pei Song took a deep breath. “If this isn’t about work, I still have reports to finish.”

“You’re avoiding me.”

“I’m not,” Pei Song instinctively denied. “I just…”

“Just what?”

“Just think that this…”

It’s not appropriate.

Pei Song chose his words carefully. “You’re the boss of our company now…”

“So?” Shi Yancheng’s voice dipped further. “Are you avoiding me because of my position, or because of what happened that night?”

Pei Song’s face turned bright red. “I told you not to bring that up again.”

“Why not?” Shi Yancheng pushed. “Are you afraid of remembering how you kissed my wrist first? Or how you—”

“Enough!” Pei Song cut him off, his voice carrying a hint of desperation. “Shi Yancheng, you can’t do this.”

“Then tell me, what should I do?” There was an undeniable frustration in Shi Yancheng’s tone. “Just stand by and watch you avoid me like the plague?”

Pei Song stared at the screen, at that handsome face, but had no words to respond. He was avoiding him, but even he wasn’t sure exactly what he was running from.

“I’m busy,” he finally said, his voice dry.

Shi Yancheng chuckled lowly. “Fine. Then let’s talk about work.” He paused. “But I hope you understand, avoiding me won’t solve anything.”

Pei Song’s fingers stiffened. Subconsciously, he rubbed the back of his hand where, that day in the washroom, Shi Yancheng had carefully applied medicine for him. 

The touch still lingered.