“Making money is important, but there’s no way I’m sacrificing my brother’s dignity just to get this guy’s investment,” Xuan Xia firmly opposed. The other team members, who were well aware of how hard it had been for Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen to get together, also voiced their objections, agreeing that if the two insisted on going ahead, the shareholders could call for a vote, with the minority abiding by the majority decision.
Seeing how protective everyone was of them, Pei Chen felt a deep warmth in his heart. From Chengzhi Tech’s inception until now, the whole team had been united, pushing through every challenge together, no matter how tough or exhausting.
Since everyone felt this way, both Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen were willing to listen to them.
Pei Chen looked at the team members and said warmly, “Thank you all. I promise to lead Chengzhi Tech to greater heights.”
The team smiled. “Absolutely! Chengzhi Tech will only grow stronger and stronger!”
With everyone in agreement, they decided to formally decline the partnership with Hua’an during the negotiations on Friday.
Two mornings later, while Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen were discussing work in the office, an employee came in to inform them, “The people from Hua’an Investment are here.”
Pei Chen nodded. “Take them to the meeting room.”
“Got it.”
Liang Zhiyi glanced at Pei Chen and smiled. “Let’s go.”
The two of them left the office, and Xuan Xia, Liang Tongzhou, and the others joined them as they walked to the meeting room. There, they saw He Ming’s team, but today he was accompanied by a young woman dressed in professional attire, who appeared gentle and charming.
He Ming introduced her to everyone, “This is my assistant, Jin Shilan.”
Jin Shilan nodded politely to them, her gaze quickly falling on Liang Zhiyi with a hint of a smile in her eyes.
After shaking hands, everyone took their seats. Just as the Hua’an Investment representatives were about to start discussing the agenda for the meeting, Xuan Xia suddenly spoke up:
“Hold on, your company should wait a moment. We have something to say first so that we don’t waste everyone’s time,” Xuan Xia began.
He Ming looked at them, and Pei Chen calmly spoke up, “We really appreciate Hua’an Investment’s recognition of Chengzhi Tech, but after careful consideration, we’ve decided not to pursue this partnership.”
“Oh? And why is that?” He Ming asked.
Xuan Xia crossed her legs and spoke lazily, standing up for her brother, “I think you know the reason very well, Mr. He. You don’t need me to spell out your true intentions behind this investment, do you? With everyone here, I’m feeling quite embarrassed on your behalf.”
He Ming shrugged and smiled, “I’m not sure what you mean.”
Xuan Xia stared directly at He Ming, “Fine, if you don’t get it, let me be blunt. Don’t you know that money can’t buy genuine affection? Using such methods to disrupt someone else’s relationship—aren’t you ashamed? Let me be clear, even if you offer ten times the investment, we’re not accepting it.”
Liang Tongzhou chimed in, “He Ming, you and my sister were classmates at the very least, so let’s not make this any more awkward. A man should be magnanimous. If you can’t have something, let it go with dignity. What’s the point of clinging on?”
With that, the room fell into an awkward silence.
After a long pause, Jin Shilan gently nudged He Ming’s hand and smiled helplessly, “Stop pretending. Just tell them the truth already.”
He Ming smiled slightly, then took Jin Shilan’s hand and addressed the group, “Everyone, I’m sorry. Let me officially introduce Shilan—not only is she my assistant, but she’s also my girlfriend.”
Xuan Xia: ?
Liang Tongzhou: ??
Everyone else: ???
He Ming turned to Pei Chen and Liang Zhiyi with an apologetic smile, “I’m sorry, but I intentionally made you think I still had feelings for Zhiyi.”
After starting university, He Ming met Jin Shilan and gradually became attracted to her, which led him to let go of his feelings for Liang Zhiyi. Later, when he learned that Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen had founded their studio and that their new project on rehabilitation robots had great potential, he decided to invest.
In truth, He Ming had always been curious about Pei Chen—what kind of guy could win Liang Zhiyi’s deep affection? He wanted to see how Pei Chen would react if he appeared as a rival, to gauge just how strong his feelings for Liang Zhiyi were.
For He Ming, investing in a project was about both the product and the people behind it. He wanted to use this situation to observe Pei Chen’s character and determine if this studio was truly worth investing in. That’s why his behavior at the dinner was intentionally staged.
After He Ming explained his reasons, Jin Shilan also smiled and added, “He Ming had told me about this plan beforehand. I apologize on his behalf and hope you won’t be upset.”
Xuan Xia and the others finally understood, exclaiming, “What the heck! That’s a crazy move! I really thought you were trying to steal someone’s girlfriend!”
He Ming chuckled, “Honestly, if I had those intentions, I wouldn’t have gone months in Lincheng without reaching out to Zhiyi.”
Liang Tongzhou scoffed and asked, “He Ming, what was your major in college?”
“I majored in finance. Why?”
“Because it seems like you studied acting instead, pulling off such an infuriating performance.”
Everyone burst into laughter.
He Ming apologized again to the group, then turned to Pei Chen. “I genuinely want to invest in Chengzhi Tech and help China secure a place in the rehabilitation robotics field. Now that I’ve explained everything, I hope Mr. Pei is still willing to collaborate with us?”
Pei Chen exchanged a glance with Liang Zhiyi before meeting He Ming’s gaze. He responded warmly, “If it’s solely about the project, we’re more than happy to work together. I believe that with your company’s support, Chengzhi Tech will grow even stronger.”
He Ming stood up, smiled kindly, and extended his hand. “Then, I look forward to a successful partnership.”
Pei Chen shook his hand, returning the smile. “To a successful partnership.”
…
After a smooth conclusion to the morning’s negotiations, Xuan Xia also apologized to He Ming for her harsh words earlier. He Ming assured her that he hadn’t taken any offense.
As others gradually left the meeting room, He Ming, with his girlfriend by his side, approached Pei Chen and Liang Zhiyi. He smiled at Pei Chen and said, “I’m sorry for the things I said before. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble for you and Zhiyi.”
“It’s fine. It didn’t affect us at all,” Pei Chen replied.
He Ming continued, “When I used to like Zhiyi, I couldn’t understand why she kept thinking about you even after going to An’nan High School. But now I get it. You’re truly exceptional, and I really admire you.”
“Thank you,” Pei Chen said.
Liang Zhiyi smiled and added, “And congratulations to you too, He Ming. I always said you’d eventually meet a girl you truly like, and now you’ve found her.”
He Ming smiled, taking Jin Shilan’s hand and nodding. “I’ll probably stay at the Lincheng branch for a while longer before heading back to Province W. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure the investment is handled well, and I’m sure we’ll have many opportunities to collaborate in the future.”
“Great,” Pei Chen replied.
After He Ming and his girlfriend left, Liang Zhiyi and Pei Chen walked back to their office. Suddenly, she turned to him and said, “Pei Chen, I feel like I’m falling more and more in love with you.”
“Hm?” He responded, surprised.
She looked up at him, her eyes shining like stars. “Even though He Ming said those things earlier, you handled everything with such grace. You didn’t respond with harsh words, and you addressed the situation rationally and objectively.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist, her smile radiant. “In short, I think my boyfriend is the best.”
Pei Chen smiled, gently patting her head. “Maybe it’s because you love me so much that I’m never afraid of losing you.”
If this had been back in high school, faced with someone like He Ming, with his powerful family background, Pei Chen might have hesitated, doubting whether he had the right to compete. But the girl’s unwavering love gave him confidence in himself.
“Of course, you have nothing to fear,” she said softly, looking at him with a smile full of affection. “Because Liang Zhiyi will always belong to Pei Chen.”
That will never change.
—
The partnership with Hua’an Investment officially moved forward, and with their investment, the studio’s growth soared.
One night, after an intimate moment, Pei Chen held the girl close and whispered huskily in her ear, “Zhizhi, why don’t you move in with me?”
The girl, still clinging softly to him, her mind foggy and overwhelmed, surrendered and nodded, “Mm…”
The next day, Pei Chen had to attend a business dinner in the evening, leaving Liang Zhiyi to pack her belongings at home.
When Zhong Xinrou came into her room, Zhiyi spoke slowly, “Mom, recently Pei Chen and I rented an apartment near the studio. Mainly because it’s a bit far from home, and commuting every day is inconvenient. So, we’re planning to move in.”
“Rented together?” her mother asked.
Zhiyi nervously touched her nose, “Yeah, together… two rooms…”
Wait, why did that sound like she was trying too hard to explain?
Zhong Xinrou smiled knowingly at her daughter’s blushing face. “You don’t need to worry. You’re both adults now, and I understand certain things. I won’t interfere.”
“Uh…”
Zhiyi felt embarrassed. “Mom, how did you know?”
“Do you think I didn’t notice you often staying over at Fei’er’s or Zhi Mian’s place lately? A mother knows her daughter well, and I’ve seen right through your little secrets.”
“Just make sure you’re careful if you’re not planning to have kids too soon,” Zhong Xinrou added, gently reminding her as a doctor who has seen many young women go through abortions. She wanted her daughter to take care of herself.
Zhiyi nodded, then smiled and ran over to give her mom a quick kiss.
Later that evening, after finishing packing, Zhiyi received a message from Pei Chen saying that his business dinner was over. Since Pei Chen had been drinking and couldn’t drive, she decided to take a private car to the apartment complex herself, where he said he would wait for her.
When she arrived, she saw Pei Chen standing tall by the entrance. He was dressed in a suit, his figure slender and poised, with half of his face shrouded in shadow. The lines of his jaw were sharp against the night, his profile clean and elegant, like the cool glow of the moon.
It was rare for her to see him in a suit, and it only amplified his mature charm.
This man never missed a chance to captivate her…
“Pei Chen—”
She set down her luggage and couldn’t help but run towards him. As soon as Pei Chen saw her, he raised his hand and pulled her into his arms, the coldness in his eyes immediately softening with warmth.
She smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling. “How long have you been waiting?”
“Not long, I just got here.”
“I agreed to move in, didn’t I? Did you really have to be this eager to see me?”
Pei Chen’s lips curved up into a smile. “Yes, I did.”
She laughed, her eyes turning into crescent moons, and he gently ruffled her hair. “Come on, let’s go upstairs.”
He picked up her suitcase and took her hand, leading her upstairs. Once inside the apartment, she dragged her luggage to the empty room across from the master bedroom, looked around, and nodded with satisfaction. “This will be my room from now on.”
Pei Chen froze for a moment. “You’re not going to sleep in the same room as me?”
She pressed her lips together, blinking her eyes playfully. “I agreed to move in, but I didn’t agree to share a room with you. We each have our own room—this is what you call co-renting.”
“…”
Pei Chen’s expression darkened as he pulled her into his arms. “You’re sleeping right across the hall. Do you think I’ll be able to sleep at night?”
“That sounds like your problem, not mine.”
Seeing the mischievous look on her face, Pei Chen leaned down and bit her earlobe gently. “Being cheeky again?”
Her heart skipped a beat, and her legs went weak. She watched as he bent down, one arm sliding around her slender waist, his masculine presence overwhelming her as he lifted her up and carried her toward the bedroom.
Feeling the intensity of his desire, she wrapped her legs around his narrow waist, her face flushed as she scolded him, “Pei Chen, you already had your way with me this morning. Can’t you control yourself a little…”
He laid her down on the soft bed, leaning in close. She placed her hands on his chest, biting her lip softly. “Pei Chen…”
His gaze was intense as he looked down at her. “Do you like me?”
The warm glow of the lamp made her heart race.
She caught the faint scent of alcohol on him, making her feel slightly intoxicated herself, her mind swirling.
“Mm, I like you…”
Propping himself up with one hand, he slowly reached up to loosen his tie, his hot breath brushing against her cheek. His slightly intoxicated eyes locked onto hers as he whispered seductively, his voice husky:
“Then do you want to… hmm?”