Come on, What Kind of CEO Chases His Roommate Back to the Country? - Chapter 8

Three days later, James received a call from London.

The person on the other end spoke politely but firmly, “Mr. James, this is HR from XXX Investment Bank. We’ve noticed some issues with the resume you recently submitted…”

James’ face turned pale. This was his dream job, something he had spent six months preparing for.

“We’ve received information that you engaged in inappropriate behavior while studying in Country D,” the caller continued. “If this is true, it would be incompatible with our company’s values…”

James panicked and hurriedly explained, “No, this must be a misunderstanding…”

Just as he was about to continue, a message from his father popped up on his phone. “Son, our company’s projects in Country D are suddenly facing problems. All our partners are pulling out. Did you offend someone recently?”

James’ heart sank. He knew exactly what this meant. Someone was working behind the scenes to not only cut off his job prospects but also sabotage his family’s business.

That night, Pei Song received a message from James, “Sorry, I won’t bother you anymore. I wish you all the best.”

Looking at the message, Pei Song felt relieved but also a little confused. Why did James suddenly change his attitude?

James never appeared again, and Pei Song could finally go grocery shopping without worrying about being followed.

That night, he cooked a full Sichuan-style meal. As Shi Yancheng slowly savored each dish, Pei Song felt warmth return to his life.

“This one,” Shi Yancheng pointed at a dish, a rare praise in his voice. “It’s more authentic than last time.”

Pei Song smiled. “I found a store that sells real Sichuan chili bean paste.”

Shi Yancheng nodded and continued eating, his expression still cold, but his gaze noticeably softer.

From that day on, their relationship improved. Shi Yancheng still didn’t talk much, but Pei Song had learned to read his subtle expressions. And Shi Yancheng gradually got used to the scent of home-cooked meals filling the house, used to seeing Pei Song busy in the kitchen, and used to the quiet comfort of sharing dinner together.

This unspoken understanding created a comfortable balance between their vastly different personalities.

Late that night, Shi Yancheng finally finished his thesis and stepped out of the study. In the kitchen, Pei Song was planning the next day’s menu. Watching him focus on his task, Shi Yancheng recalled his classmates’ comments.

Yes, Pei Song’s delicate features looked like they came straight out of a manga, but what mattered more to Shi Yancheng was the resilience in his character.

“What do you want to eat tomorrow?” Pei Song looked up and asked.

“Anything,” Shi Yancheng replied in his usual indifferent tone. “Whatever you make is fine.”

But Pei Song heard something else in those words. Trust, and that warmth filled his heart.

The next evening, as Pei Song prepared dinner, his phone started vibrating wildly. Wiping his hands, he checked WeChat and saw their university alumni group chat flooding with messages.

“Have you heard? The Pei Group is in trouble!”

“Oh my god, such a huge scandal?”

“I just saw the news! Misappropriating client funds?”

He quickly opened a news website, and shocking headlines filled the screen.

“Pei Group Accused of Misappropriating Client Funds, Estimated Amount Exceeds 1 Billion”

“Well-Known Investment Firm Maliciously Short-Selling Pei Group, Stock Prices Plummet”

“Pei Group’s Assets Frozen, Multiple Projects Halted”

In the kitchen, the braised pork continued to simmer, its rich aroma filling the air, but Pei Song had lost all interest in cooking. Mechanically, he turned off the stove and slumped into a chair, his mind blank.

“What’s wrong?” Shi Yancheng appeared at the kitchen door, his gaze landing on Pei Song’s pale face.

Pei Song forced a smile. “Nothing…” Before he could finish, his phone vibrated again, a video call from his father. Taking a deep breath, Pei Song answered.

His father’s face appeared on the screen. The once confident and spirited man now looked ten years older. His eyes were bloodshot, his hair messy, and his tie hung loosely around his neck.

“Son…” His father’s voice was hoarse. “The company might not make it.”

Pei Song gripped his phone tightly. “What happened? Is what they’re saying on the news true?”

His father let out a bitter laugh. “It’s worse than what the news says. Someone is deliberately targeting us. Not only short-selling our stocks but also spreading rumors that we misused client funds. Now all our assets are frozen, and we can’t even pay salaries…”

“But those are just rumors, right?” Pei Song asked anxiously. “We can clarify things, right?”

His father fell silent for a long time before finally speaking in a strained voice.

“Some things… weren’t handled properly. But it’s nowhere near as bad as they claim! The problem is, market confidence has collapsed. Our creditors are panicking…”

Suddenly, loud banging came from the other end of the call, someone was pounding on the door.

“I have to go handle this,” his father said hurriedly before hanging up.

Pei Song stared blankly at the black screen, and his phone vibrated again. This time, a voice message from his mother.

“Song Song…” Her voice was weak. “Don’t worry about us. Just take care of yourself. Mommy’s fine, it’s just…” At the end of the message, her voice choked up.

Pei Song knew his mother, she was always graceful and composed. For her to sound this fragile meant things were far worse than he imagined.

Shi Yancheng leaned against the doorframe, silently watching. He noticed Pei Song’s hands trembling, though he was trying to act calm.

“Do you need help?” Shi Yancheng asked coolly.

Pei Song shook his head, forcing a smile. “Thanks, but… this is my family’s problem.”

Before he could finish, his phone buzzed again. This time, from a distant cousin who was usually close to the family.

But instead of concern, the message was filled with mockery.

“I told you, business isn’t about being too ambitious. Look at you now, lost everything. How is your dad supposed to show his face in the industry again?”

More messages poured in. Relatives who once fawned over them were now kicking them while they were down. Some were gloating, some were demanding debts be repaid, and some were even spreading more damaging rumors.

Pei Song read each message, his heart twisting in pain. How he wished this was all just a nightmare, that he could wake up and find everything back to normal.

But reality was cruel. He could only watch helplessly from a foreign country as his family collapsed, unable to do anything.

“I’m going out for a bit,” Pei Song said, his voice shaking slightly. “I won’t be making dinner tonight.”