Chapter 26 She Would Not Be Polite to Him

After the meeting, Chu Xun spoke to Yao Shan privately. "You did very well. I believe you are fully capable of handling this position."

Yao Shan nodded; she believed in herself as well.

"However, there is one thing I feel I must tell you in advance," Chu Xun said, looking at her with a hint of awkwardness.

"Go ahead," Yao Shan replied. She could see his hesitation and felt that since he had already helped her so much, she could accept whatever he had to say.

"The competitor for this project is the Pei Group." Chu Xun furrowed his brows. In truth, he had hoped to spare Yao Shan from any contact with Pei Qizhou. But since he rarely involved himself in company affairs and his father had personally entrusted this project to her, he felt he had no grounds to object. Moreover, he suspected his father had his own reasons for doing so.

Upon hearing this, Yao Shan’s expression shifted, though she quickly regained her composure. She knew the Pei Group was Pei Qizhou’s family business, and their shared past remained a scar she was reluctant to touch. Yet, she understood that the workplace was like a battlefield—there was no avoiding it. She had to face this challenge.

"I understand," Yao Shan said, her voice resolute. "I will separate my professional work from my personal emotions to ensure the project proceeds smoothly."

Chu Xun nodded. He trusted her ability and determination, but he knew this would be a grueling battle. He decided to provide her with more support and assistance from behind the scenes. "If you need any help or encounter any difficulties, let me know at any time," he said earnestly.

Yao Shan looked at him with gratitude, knowing he was her strongest pillar of support in this new environment. She took a deep breath, preparing for the challenges ahead.

In the days that followed, Yao Shan threw herself into her work. She meticulously researched market trends, collaborated closely with her team, and constantly optimized the project plan. Her dedication and professionalism earned the respect and trust of her colleagues. Meanwhile, Chu Xun kept a close watch on the project’s progress, ensuring she worked in a favorable environment. He even spoke with his father privately, hoping to secure more resources and support for her when necessary.

One evening, while Yao Shan was working, she received a call from Chu Xun.

"Shanshan, your father..." His voice was hesitant, as if he were struggling to say something difficult.

"What about him?" Yao Shan asked nervously, a sense of foreboding washing over her.

"Pei Qizhou seems to have visited the hospital today. I don't know what he said to your mother, but she is very angry," Chu Xun continued.

No sooner had he finished speaking than her mother’s call came through.

Yao Shan frowned and pressed the answer button. Her mother’s voice was filled with palpable rage, and Yao Shan could sense the tense atmosphere on the other end. She tried to remain calm as she asked what had happened.

"Mom, what’s wrong?" she asked, keeping her voice as steady as possible.

"What’s wrong?" her mother shrieked like a shrew. "You have the nerve to ask me what’s wrong?" She scoffed. "Yao Shan, you are a married woman, yet you’re living in another man’s house! Have you no shame?"

Yao Shan rolled her eyes in frustration; it was clear that Pei Qizhou had told her mother everything. "I didn't want to go back there, and besides, I am staying at Chu Xun’s place on my own. What is wrong with that?" She and Chu Xun had nothing to hide; what did she have to fear?

Her mother seemed even more incensed at her response. "On your own? Do you take me for a fool? That boy, Chu Xun—do you really think he’d let you stay there alone? Don’t think I don’t know what’s going on between you two!"

Her mother’s accusations left Yao Shan feeling powerless; she knew her mother’s stubbornness and prejudices were not easily swayed. "Mom, Chu Xun is my friend. Our relationship is completely innocent. Misunderstanding us like this only hurts me," Yao Shan tried to explain, but her mother wasn't listening.

"A friend? Would a friend be at your place in the middle of the night? Don’t think I’m clueless; I was young once, too!"

The accusations grew sharper, and Yao Shan felt her patience wearing thin. "Mom, what you’re saying is unfair. I am an adult, and I have the right to decide how I live my life." She struggled to stay calm, but a hint of impatience crept into her tone.

"An adult? An adult should know their boundaries and distinguish right from wrong. If you keep going down this path, you will regret it sooner or later!"

Her mother’s tone was filled with a warning, but Yao Shan had no desire to continue the conversation. "Mom, I don’t want to discuss this right now. We can talk again when you’ve calmed down."

With that, Yao Shan hung up, knowing further dialogue was futile. She needed time for her mother to cool off, and she needed time to gather her own thoughts.

After putting the phone down, she took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. A moment later, she called Pei Qizhou. After a long wait, he finally picked up.

"Hello? Is there something you need?" His voice held a playful tone, as if he had guessed she would call.

"Pei Qizhou, I have only one demand for you," Yao Shan said, gritting her teeth. "Stay away from my family." She no longer even cared about asking him for the money for her father’s medical treatment; she just wanted him to leave them alone.

"What gives you the right to make demands of me?" Pei Qizhou’s tone turned cold, clearly displeased by her directness.

Yao Shan was not intimidated. "I have the right because I am their daughter, and I do not want you disrupting my family."

There was a moment of silence on the other end, as if he were contemplating something. Then, he said coldly, "Yao Shan, you are too naive. Do you think you can hide from me? This is far from over between us."

Yao Shan gripped her phone tightly. She knew his words were not empty threats, but she wouldn't give in easily. "Pei Qizhou, I won't let you influence my life anymore. If you continue this, I won't be polite."

She hung up, her heart racing. She knew she was bluffing—what power did she have to stand against him?

On the other end, a smirk tugged at the corner of Pei Qizhou’s mouth. She wouldn't be polite to him? Interesting. He would like to see what she could possibly do. In his experience, no one had ever dared to speak to him like that. He knew exactly what her weakness was. As for her, he could no longer find any chinks in her armor—but her father was a target that could make her crumble at any moment.