Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 67

Pei Song sat at his computer, fully focused on organizing the report from the Singapore field study. A week of on-site research had yielded rich insights, and he was brimming with ideas and suggestions he couldn’t wait to put down.

Just as he was deep in writing, Zhou Feng came over.

“I’ve read your report. The overall structure is solid,” Zhou Feng said, flipping open his notebook. “But there are a few areas that need improvement.”

“First, the section on project positioning should more clearly highlight its unique advantages. Second, the cost-benefit analysis needs to be more detailed, especially the benefits of phased implementation. And third, the operations plan should include some quantifiable benchmarks. Senior management will be paying close attention to those points.”

Pei Song carefully noted everything down. “Got it. I’ll revise those parts today.”

“Also,” Zhou Feng added, “Include benchmark data from Singapore, Japan, and South Korea. It’ll make the proposal more persuasive.”

In the days that followed, the Senior Living Haven project officially entered the launch phase.

Departments worked closely together, from site selection to design, from system development to operations planning, everything progressed in an orderly manner.

That evening, Shi Yancheng convened a meeting with the Asia-Pacific management team.

“Senior Living Haven has officially entered its execution stage,” he said, his steady voice carrying through the room as he scanned the attendees. “This isn’t just a real estate project, it’s a critical step in SNK’s strategy for the senior care industry. I hope all departments will give their full support and make this project a benchmark for the industry.”

He paused, then added, “The unique nature of this industry lies in the fact that we’re serving one of the most vulnerable groups in society. So let’s not focus too much on short-term profits. We need a long-term vision. SNK’s entry into this field means we’re in it for the next ten, twenty years. This is both a social responsibility and an investment in the future.”

After the meeting, Pei Song stayed behind to finish up the meeting minutes. Shi Yancheng walked over. “Still here this late?”

“Almost done,” Pei Song looked up, meeting the other man’s concerned gaze.

“Come on, let’s grab dinner,” Shi Yancheng said.

Pei Song hesitated. “It’s a bit late…”

“Which is exactly why we should have a proper meal,” Shi Yancheng had already picked up his coat. “I’ll see you in the parking lot.”

Pei Song followed him into a quiet Japanese restaurant with private dining rooms.

The wooden booth was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood, and the warm lighting made everything feel cozy and relaxed.

“The kaiseki here is excellent,” Shi Yancheng gestured for him to sit and poured him a cup of hot tea with practiced ease. “I asked the chef to prepare some seasonal dishes.”

Pei Song took the tea, savoring the fragrance. “Do you come here often?”

“Occasionally,” Shi Yancheng replied mildly. “It’s quiet, good for talking business.”

The first appetizer arrived quickly, hand-pressed sushi made with seasonal Pacific saury. The chef had brushed it delicately with a special sauce, and the fish gleamed enticingly under the lights.

Pei Song took a bite and widened his eyes in surprise. “This is amazing!”

Watching the pure delight on his face, Shi Yancheng couldn’t help but smile. “Take it slow. There’s plenty more.”

Course after course followed.

Refreshing wasabi with grated daikon, melt-in-your-mouth wagyu sashimi, succulent snow crab tempura…

Each dish showcased the best seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared.

“Want some sake?” Shi Yancheng asked. “They have a few really good ones here.”

Pei Song shook his head. “We’ve got a meeting tomorrow, I’d better not.”

“Fair enough,” Shi Yancheng said, nodding. He picked up a piece of tempura with his chopsticks and placed it on Pei Song’s plate. “Try this one. It’s best fresh out of the fryer.”

As Pei Song tasted the dish with quiet focus, Shi Yancheng suddenly said, “You were like this when we first met too.”

“Like what?”

“So passionate about food,” Shi Yancheng looked at him. “No matter how tired you were, you always made yourself a proper meal.”

Pei Song looked a little sheepish. “Back then I was just trying to offset rent…”

“Which is why I’m so glad,” Shi Yancheng’s voice softened, “That I met you back then.”

Pei Song felt the tips of his ears heat up. He quickly tried to change the subject. “By the way, now that the project’s started, I plan to inspect a few of the sites in person…”

“We can talk about work later,” Shi Yancheng interrupted him gently. “Just enjoy the meal.”

The final dish was a matcha pudding, light, smooth, and perfectly sweet. Pei Song was fully satisfied, feeling relaxed for the first time in days.

“Feeling full?” Shi Yancheng asked.

Pei Song nodded. “Yeah, it was really good. Thank you.”

“Don’t stress too much about the project,” Shi Yancheng said. “It’s just beginning. There will be obstacles, but as long as you’re headed in the right direction, things will fall into place. If anything comes up, just talk to me.”

Pei Song nodded again, warmth blooming in his chest like a bowl of hot soup. By the time they left the restaurant, night had fully fallen.

“I’ll take you home,” Shi Yancheng offered insistently. “It’s late.”

“I’d rather not,” Pei Song shook his head. “If the president keeps driving me home, what would people say?”

Shi Yancheng’s eyes darkened slightly. “You know… if you wanted, I could take you home in a different role.”

It took Pei Song a couple of seconds to catch the meaning and when he did, his heart skipped a beat. He turned away quickly, flustered. “I—I’m heading out first.”

Shi Yancheng stood there, watching him rush off, a small smile playing on his lips.

After nearly two months of screening and negotiations, the smart systems provider for the Senior Living Haven project was finally confirmed.

The chosen company, Zhilin Technologies, had extensive experience in the senior care sector and strong technical capabilities.

Pei Song sat in the conference room, watching as negotiations entered their final stage. Everything seemed to be going according to plan, yet something felt off.

Sure enough, just as the contract was about to be signed, the supplier threw out a new demand.

“Based on the latest cost estimates, the system construction fee needs to increase by 30%,” the Zhilin Technologies rep said, sliding over a revised quote.

Pei Song frowned. “That’s not what we originally agreed on.”

“The market’s been too volatile, raw material prices have gone up. We don’t have much choice,” the representative said with a helpless shrug. Not only the pricing, but the delivery timeline and maintenance terms were also suddenly being changed.

The originally promised three-month delivery had ballooned to six, and the maintenance fees had doubled.

“These terms were finalized after multiple rounds of negotiation,” Pei Song said coldly. “Isn’t it inappropriate to make last-minute changes?”

The rep remained calm. “Manager Pei, we truly have no other option. If your company finds this unacceptable, you’re free to look for another supplier.”

Though politely phrased, the underlying threat was clear. They knew full well that at this critical stage of the project, switching suppliers was almost impossible.

Tension filled the conference room.

“Give us two days to consider,” Pei Song said, then got up and walked out.