Chapter 24 Joining the Chu Corporation-Após fingir a própria morte por câncer, o marido canalha e o filho ingrato choram como cães(O imortal busca a imortalidade)

A sense of warmth welled up in Yao Shan’s heart; Chu Xun’s thoughtfulness brought her a sliver of comfort. She nodded, accepting his kindness, and secretly resolved to pull herself together as quickly as possible so as not to let down his care and support.

Although Chu Xun’s apartment was not large, it was cozy and comfortable, which helped Yao Shan feel at ease. She stepped into the bathroom, washing away the exhaustion of the day, and changed into the clean clothes Chu Xun had prepared for her. When she emerged, she found that he had already set out hot milk and some snacks for her.

"Eat something and get some rest early," Chu Xun said, his voice gentle yet firm.

Yao Shan sat on the sofa, slowly savoring the snacks and feeling his concern. She knew that even though she had lost the project and her heart felt heavy, with a friend like Chu Xun by her side, she was not fighting alone.

Late in the night, Chu Xun took his leave, and Yao Shan was left alone in the apartment. She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Though many unresolved doubts and anxieties still lingered, she knew that tomorrow would be a new day. She would face every challenge bravely, fueled by Chu Xun’s encouragement and her own resilience.

The next morning, Chu Xun arrived downstairs early. When Yao Shan woke, sunlight was already streaming through the gaps in the curtains onto the warm sheets. She stretched, feeling much more refreshed than she had the day before. After washing up, she put on the clean clothes Chu Xun had prepared and tidied herself up.

Chu Xun was waiting downstairs. When he saw her approach, he greeted her with a smile: "Good morning. How did you sleep?"

Yao Shan returned his smile: "Much better. Thank you." Chu Xun nodded, signaling for her to get into the car.

As they drove toward his family’s company, Chu Xun filled her in on the company’s situation and the projects she might be involved in. Yao Shan listened attentively; she knew this was a fresh start, and she was determined to give it her all.

Upon arriving at the company, Chu Xun took Yao Shan directly to his father’s office. His father, a man of distinguished bearing, sat behind a large desk. He looked up at the two as they entered, his gaze filled with both scrutiny and anticipation. Chu Xun introduced Yao Shan to his father and briefly explained the situation. Yao Shan stood nervously to the side, aware that this meeting might determine her future.

After listening to the introduction, the expression in Chu Xun’s father’s eyes softened. He gestured for Yao Shan to sit and began to inquire about her past work experience and her expectations for this new role.

Yao Shan did her best to remain calm, answering each question in detail. Although this was not her first time meeting him, she had never felt this nervous before. Chu Xun’s father listened intently, nodding occasionally, his eyes reflecting approval. After an in-depth conversation, he seemed satisfied with her professional capability and attitude. He informed her that the company did indeed have an opening that suited her and that he believed she was up to the task.

"What we value at this company is ability and potential," Chu Xun’s father said. "I trust Chu Xun’s judgment, and I believe you will bring new vitality to the team."

Hearing these words, the weight that had been pressing down on Yao Shan’s heart finally lifted, and she felt a sense of confidence and strength she had never known before.

"Thank you. I will work hard and will not let you down," Yao Shan replied firmly.

"Shan Shan, we aren't strangers; you don’t need to be so formal with your uncle," Chu Xun’s father said with a smile. He realized it had been a long time since he last saw her, and she felt completely different from the girl he remembered. The Shan Shan in his memory had truly grown up.

He stood up, walked over to Yao Shan, and patted her on the shoulder as a gesture of encouragement. "You and Chu Xun are friends, and I trust that anyone he recommends is reliable. We welcome you to the company; I hope you integrate into the team quickly and make the most of your expertise."

Yao Shan felt a surge of strength within her. She knew this was her chance to stand up again, and she would not disappoint anyone—not Chu Xun, nor his father.

Watching the interaction between his father and Yao Shan, Chu Xun felt gratified. He knew Yao Shan was a capable woman; given the opportunity, she would surely prove her worth. He nodded to his father in gratitude and then turned to Yao Shan: "See? I told you it would be fine. Now, you just focus on your work, and leave the rest to me."

"Do you have time? Let’s have a meal together," his father proposed. He realized it had been ages since he had dined with Yao Shan—at least five years, it seemed.

"All right," Yao Shan agreed. After finishing his remaining tasks, his father made a reservation at a restaurant.

The restaurant was warm and elegant, and the three sat around a round table under soft lighting. Chu Xun’s father had chosen a place he knew well, famous for its exquisite dishes, each one mouth-watering.

"The fish here is excellent; you must try it," his father recommended enthusiastically. Yao Shan nodded with a smile, her heart filled with gratitude. She knew that Chu Xun and his father were expressing their support and trust in her through this gesture.

At the table, the conversation shifted from work to life. Chu Xun and his father chatted about family matters.

"Shan Shan, I remember you married Pei Qizhou. Why are you out looking for work?" his father asked, looking at her. He was aware of his son’s past feelings for her and knew why Chu Xun had gone abroad. He knew a little about her life, and he was well aware of the strength of the Pei Group. He simply couldn't understand why, as Pei Qizhou’s wife, she would choose to work.

Yao Shan felt a slight jolt at the question, but she quickly steadied herself and answered calmly, "Work makes me feel happier." She did not want to discuss her marriage with Chu Xun’s father.

He nodded, seemingly understanding her perspective. He did not press further, shifting instead to lighter topics to keep the atmosphere relaxed. Chu Xun joined in, sharing some amusing anecdotes from his time abroad, which helped Yao Shan feel even more at ease.

After the meal, his father insisted on paying, saying it was a welcome for Yao Shan joining the company. As the three stepped out of the restaurant, his father offered her more encouragement, expressing his hope that she would excel in her new position. Chu Xun stood by, smiling as he watched his father and Yao Shan, a sense of relief washing over him.

Back at his apartment, Yao Shan began to collect her thoughts, preparing herself to face the new challenges that lay ahead.