Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 62

Pei Song pressed his lips together. “Boss Zhou, I think we should talk about the project, the budget for the smart system…”

His obvious attempt to change the subject made Zhou Feng chuckle, but he didn’t press further.

The sea breeze tousled the fringe over Pei Song’s forehead. He instinctively brushed his hair back, and his gaze drifted toward his phone screen.

Shi Yancheng’s message was still lit up: I’ll pick you up at the airport tomorrow.

Just eight words, yet they made his heart race.

This feeling of being thought about, of someone caring, was both sweet and unsettling.

He knew he should have drawn the line with this kind of overly intimate concern. But every time he faced Shi Yancheng, his rational thoughts just seemed to slip away.

“Pei Song?” Zhou Feng’s voice pulled him back to reality.

“Sorry,” Pei Song blinked, regaining focus. “What were you saying, Boss Zhou?”

Zhou Feng shook his head. “Nothing important. I was just thinking… life is funny sometimes. When you think you’ve missed something, maybe it’s just life clearing the way for something better.”

Pei Song paused, unsure how to respond to such a layered remark.

He took a sip of his drink, using the wine glass as a cover to quietly text back Shi Yancheng: No need to come pick me up. I can just take a cab home.

The reply came almost instantly: That wasn’t a suggestion.

Pei Song stared at the domineering message, both exasperated and amused. Zhou Feng noticed the subtle smile at the corner of his lips, and a sour feeling rose in his chest.

The boy who used to panic and fumble at a single word from him now no longer had that same eager shine in his eyes.

Back from Singapore, Pei Song rolled his suitcase out of the airport where Zhou Feng was already waiting.

“Let me give you a ride home,” Zhou Feng offered. “We’re headed the same way anyway.”

“No need, President Zhou.” Pei Song shook his head gently. “A friend’s picking me up.”

Zhou Feng eyed his slightly flustered expression with a complicated look.

After a moment’s hesitation, he lightly patted Pei Song’s arm. “Take care on the road, then.”

Pei Song waited until Zhou Feng’s silhouette disappeared before heading off in the other direction.

From a distance, he spotted the familiar Bentley parked by the curb.

Shi Yancheng was leaning against the car door in a sharp suit, composed and calm, clearly having come straight from the office.

As soon as he saw Pei Song, he straightened and walked over in long strides.

He took the suitcase from Pei Song naturally, opened the trunk, and stowed the luggage away.

Pei Song slid into the passenger seat. The car was filled with the faint scent of leather and a subtle trace of cologne, strangely comforting.

Shi Yancheng didn’t say a word as he started the engine.

The two of them drove away from the airport in silence, neither breaking the fragile tension that lingered in the air.

After a while, Shi Yancheng was the first to speak. “What do you want to eat?”

Pei Song kept his eyes on the blur of scenery outside the window. “No need. I’d rather just go home early.”

“I figured you’d say that.” Shi Yancheng chuckled softly, reaching into the backseat and pulling out a thermal bag. “So I brought your favorite.”

Pei Song opened it with a conflicted expression. The rich aroma hit instantly, it was his beloved braised short ribs.

“How was the trip?” Shi Yancheng asked casually.

“Went smoothly,” Pei Song replied. “Gathered a lot of firsthand info. It’ll be really helpful for the project.”

Throughout the drive, Pei Song’s hand kept drifting toward the bag on his lap.

Every time his fingers brushed against the two gift boxes inside, it felt like touching a hot stove, he’d pull away just as quickly.

He’d already bought them, yet now that it came time to give them, he didn’t know how to say the words.

He snuck a glance at the man driving, his fingers nervously rubbing at the bag, then finally slumped back in his seat in defeat.

The car pulled up in front of the Pei family villa, but neither got out immediately.

Then Shi Yancheng spoke, “What did you bring me?”

“Who said I brought you anything?” Pei Song asked, startled.

“I saw you fidgeting with your bag the whole ride.” Shi Yancheng turned to look at him, amusement flickering in his eyes.

Pei Song huffed. “Can you please focus on the road when you’re driving?”

Shi Yancheng sighed lightly. “But you’re sitting next to me. I can’t help it.”

Pei Song’s heart pounded. He reached into the bag and fumbled for a while before finally pulling out two beautifully wrapped boxes. Practically tossing them at Shi Yancheng, he muttered, “Here! Don’t push your luck!”

With that, he hastily unbuckled his seatbelt and swung the car door open to leave.

“Pei Song,” Shi Yancheng called out.

“What now?”

“Thank you,” Shi Yancheng said, looking at him with soft eyes.

Pei Song gave a noncommittal “Mm,” then quickly walked into the villa.

Shi Yancheng watched his retreating figure disappear behind the gates before looking down and opening the gifts.

He couldn’t stop the smile spreading on his lips, even if someone had tried. His fingers lightly brushed the intricate patterns on the cufflinks.

Pei Song opened the front door of the villa and was immediately greeted by his grandmother’s warm smile.

“Song Song, you’re back! Was the trip tiring?” she asked kindly. “I had the kitchen make some rib soup just for you.”

“Grandma, I’ve already eaten,” he said, dragging his suitcase upstairs. “I ate with a colleague at the airport.”

“You still need to eat more,” Grandma tugged at his arm. “Look how skinny you’ve gotten.”

Then she added, “Oh right, tomorrow’s the weekend. Don’t go out, stay home and rest.”

Pei Song froze mid-step, sensing something ominous.

“The Zhang family’s daughter will be coming over to visit,” Grandma said, beaming. “Her grandfather’s a high-ranking official, studied overseas, and now runs her own company. She’s got a great background.”

“Grandma…” Pei Song frowned.

“Mom,” his father chimed in, “Song Song just got back from a work trip. Let him rest a bit.”

“Rest? Young people have plenty of energy!” Grandma dismissed. “Besides, it’s just a meeting, not like it’s hard work.”

“I’m not going,” Pei Song said flatly, tone firm.

Grandma’s face darkened immediately. “What did you say?”

“I said I’m not going,” he repeated. “I’m not interested in blind dates.”

“You!” Grandma’s voice rose sharply. “If you don’t show up, I’ll go wait outside your office building! Let’s see how you explain that to your coworkers!”

Pei Song ignored her, grabbed his suitcase, and stormed upstairs, slamming the door behind him. He tossed the suitcase aside and flopped onto the sofa in frustration.

His mind drifted back to the moment in the car and he nearly wanted to slap himself.

Why did he have to lose control and give the gifts?

His phone buzzed. A message from Shi Yancheng: The tea smells lovely. And the cufflinks go perfectly with my suit.

Pei Song stared at the screen for a long time before replying: Just take them. Don’t overthink it.

The reply came almost instantly: I want to overthink it.

Pei Song sighed, sat up, and glanced at the thermal bag on the table.

Opening it, he found the food still warm and fragrant.

He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite. The braised ribs were just right, rich in flavor, yet not greasy.