Chapter 29: Come to My Company
"Shanshan." Chu Xun walked over to Yao Shan, holding a cup of coffee. "It's getting very late; you should get some rest."
Given Yao Shan’s current physical condition, she simply could not handle such exhaustion.
"I'm fine," Yao Shan said with a smile, shaking her head. "I'll rest once I finish this project proposal."
That was just how she was—she never had the habit of resting until her work was done.
"No," Chu Xun refused point-blank. "We’re going home right now."
As a doctor, he knew her health better than she did.
Chu Xun’s tone was firm and brooked no argument. Yao Shan smiled helplessly; knowing he had her best interests at heart, she nodded, packed up her files, and prepared to leave the office.
Chu Xun accompanied her out of the office building. The night breeze brushed against them, and the city lights shimmered in the darkness.
"Thank you, Chu Xun," Yao Shan said softly, feeling a touch of warmth in her heart.
"Silly, why are you being so formal with me?" Chu Xun replied gently, his eyes filled with concern.
"Yao Shan, will you promise me one thing?" Chu Xun asked, looking at her.
"What is it?" Yao Shan nodded, her tone gentle.
Chu Xun took a deep breath, his expression turning serious. "No matter how busy you are in the future, remember to take care of your health. Don't make me worry."
His voice was full of care and affection for her.
Yao Shan smiled slightly, a warm current flowing through her. "Don't worry, I will be careful."
"Did you fail to eat properly again today?" Chu Xun asked, looking at her.
He had been with her for almost the entire day; he knew full well whether or not she had eaten.
Yao Shan lowered her head, feeling a bit embarrassed, and admitted quietly, "I really didn't get around to it."
Chu Xun sighed helplessly and patted her shoulder gently. "Come on, let me take you to get something good to eat."
Yao Shan nodded with a smile, and they walked side by side toward the parking lot. In the night, the city's hustle and bustle gradually faded, replaced by a rare sense of tranquility.
Chu Xun’s car slowly pulled out of the company gates, heading toward home. Throughout the drive, they chatted about project details and future plans, the atmosphere light and pleasant.
Once home, Chu Xun went into the kitchen himself to prepare a lavish dinner for Yao Shan.
"You can do this?" Yao Shan looked surprised.
In her impression, Chu Xun was someone who had never lifted a finger in the kitchen.
"After spending so much time abroad alone, I naturally learned how to do everything," Chu Xun said with a smile. "Come and have a taste."
Yao Shan sat at the dining table, watching Chu Xun’s busy figure, and a sense of warmth surged in her heart.
She took a bite of the dish he had prepared; it was unexpectedly delicious. She couldn't help but exclaim, "This is really good! I never imagined you had such skills!"
Chu Xun smiled and sat across from her, his eyes filled with doting affection. "As long as you like it, I can make it for you every day." The two looked at each other and smiled; the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
After dinner, Yao Shan felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her.
"Go to sleep now. I'll be heading off," Chu Xun said softly.
He had come over simply to cook her a meal and had no other intentions.
Yao Shan nodded and watched him leave, her heart filled with gratitude. She returned to her bedroom and lay down, but her mind still lingered on the details of the project. Despite her physical exhaustion, her mind remained exceptionally clear. She knew the upcoming challenges would be even more severe, but she was already prepared.
Early the next morning, Yao Shan arrived at the company full of energy and called her team for a meeting. She laid out the upcoming work plan in detail, emphasizing the importance of every stage. The team members expressed their understanding and promised to give it their all.
Meanwhile, Pei Qizhou was also busily adjusting his strategy. He called a meeting with senior management to analyze the reasons for their failed bid and formulated a new response plan. He knew deeply that only through constant innovation and breakthroughs could he gain an advantage in the competition against the Chu Group.
A few days later, the Chu Group’s new project officially launched. Yao Shan led her team in an all-out effort, and all aspects of the work progressed smoothly. Pei Qizhou, meanwhile, watched from the shadows, looking for an opportunity to strike back.
One afternoon, Yao Shan suddenly received a call from Pei Qizhou. She was slightly stunned, answered the phone, and said in a calm tone, "Mr. Pei, what can I do for you?"
Pei Qizhou’s voice came through the line, carrying a hint of complex emotion. "Miss Yao, I hear the Chu Group’s new project is progressing smoothly. Congratulations."
Yao Shan replied indifferently, "Thank you. Our team is doing their best."
Pei Qizhou was silent for a moment before suddenly changing the subject. "Come out and meet me."
Yao Shan frowned slightly, feeling a bit suspicious but not showing it. "What is the purpose of this meeting, Mr. Pei?" she asked cautiously.
Pei Qizhou chuckled, seemingly surprised by her wariness. "No special purpose. I just wanted to talk to you. Perhaps we could learn something from each other."
His words carried a hint of sincerity, yet the underlying complexity was hard to mask.
Yao Shan remained silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons, before finally agreeing. "Alright. You choose the time and place."
They agreed to meet at a quiet café. On the day of the meeting, Yao Shan arrived on time to find Pei Qizhou already waiting.
The two sat opposite each other, the atmosphere somewhat awkward.
"Yao Shan, do you intend to never come home again?" Pei Qizhou asked, looking at her.
The two of them were, after all, still married.
Yao Shan was taken aback, clearly not expecting Pei Qizhou to bring up this topic so suddenly. She took a deep breath, trying her best to keep her tone calm. "Mr. Pei, are we meeting today for business or for personal matters?"
Pei Qizhou’s gaze was deep, as if he were trying to see through Yao Shan’s thoughts. "Separating business from personal life is important, of course, but there are some things we must face."
Yao Shan stirred her coffee gently and replied coolly, "Whatever was between us is in the past. Now, I am more focused on my work and my career."
Pei Qizhou scoffed. "Your career, is it?" He stared at her. "Come to my company. I can offer you a better career."
Yao Shan smiled faintly, a trace of determination in her eyes. "Thank you for the recognition, Mr. Pei, but I believe the Chu Group is better suited for my development." Her tone was firm, and she did not back down.
Pei Qizhou frowned, clearly dissatisfied with her answer, though he did not show it. "Yao Shan, are you really not going to reconsider? The resources and platform of the Pei Group are far beyond what the Chu Group can offer."
Yao Shan shook her head and replied calmly, "Please rest assured, Mr. Pei, whether for business or personal reasons, I will not choose you."
After saying this, Yao Shan stood up. "If there is nothing else, Mr. Pei, I will be leaving."
She had barely taken two steps when a sudden, intense pain struck her stomach, leaving her unable to stand.