Liang Zhiyi noticed the worried expression on the man’s face and felt a wave of tenderness. “I didn’t want you to worry. I planned to take some medicine after the meeting anyway. It’s really not that painful.”
“Not that painful? Your face is so pale.”
“Well…”
Pei Chen gently cupped her face, looking at her. “Your dark circles are so heavy. Didn’t you sleep well last night? Is it too cold?”
“Yeah…”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and murmured softly, “Without you beside me, I couldn’t sleep because I was too cold.” Actually, she said this because she wanted him to take better care of himself and not stay up late working.
Pei Chen knew that she had always been afraid of the cold. In the winter, her hands and feet were often icy when she slept, and she frequently woke up in the middle of the night because of it. But when he was there, she would curl up in his arms and sleep much more soundly.
He gently stroked her head, pulling her closer, his voice hoarse with affection. “Sorry, Zhizhi. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t been able to spend much time with you.”
“It’s okay. I know you’re doing it all for the company. Maybe it’s just that the temperature dropped sharply these past few days, and with my period coming, I had a bit of menstrual pain.”
“How about you go home and rest today?”
“No need. Didn’t you already give me medicine? I’ll be fine in a little while.”
She took his hand, playfully teasing him, “President Pei, isn’t it a bit inappropriate to pause the meeting and call me out like this?”
“Seeing your face so pale just now, do you think I could focus on the meeting?” At that moment, he was genuinely afraid she would pass out from the pain in the conference room.
Liang Zhiyi reassured him that she was fine. In the end, he asked her to rest here and not return to the meeting. She couldn’t refuse, so she obediently went to lie down in the resting room.
Pei Chen tucked her in and patted her head. “I’ll come back after the meeting. If you need anything, just message me.”
“Okay, go ahead and work.”
After Pei Chen left, Liang Zhiyi snuggled under the covers. As the medicine took effect, the pain gradually subsided, and she slowly drifted off to sleep.
Two hours later, she woke up groggy and, upon opening her eyes, saw Pei Chen sitting nearby, working on his computer.
Pei Chen noticed her waking up and asked, “Awake?”
“Yeah…”
The man set aside his computer, lay down, and pulled her into his arms. She rubbed her eyes. “What time is it now? Did your meeting end?”
“It ended a long time ago. It’s lunchtime now,” he said, kissing her lips. “Still in pain? How are you feeling now?”
“I feel much better after a nap,” she smiled, her eyes curving up. “President Pei, does this count as me skipping work for half a day?”
He smiled back. “Not a problem for the boss’s wife.”
She smiled and leaned against his shoulder. After a moment of silence, she spoke, “Pei Chen, I hope you won’t put too much pressure on yourself. I know you’re working so hard to give me a better life in the future, but I don’t want to become a burden to you.”
She looked at him:
“Those things don’t matter to me. The only thing I care about is you.”
If sacrificing your health for the sake of your career, what’s the point?
Pei Chen met her gaze, his heart softening. He pulled her tightly into his embrace. “Zhizhi, I love you.”
She smiled, hugging him back. “I love you too.”
—
With Liang Zhiyi’s encouragement, Pei Chen slowed down the pace of his business expansion, allowing both himself and his employees to take better care of their health. After all, with so many people dying suddenly from overwork these days, such a tragedy had to be avoided.
As everyone made steady progress, thanks to the efforts of Pei Chen and the employees at Chengzhi Innovation, the second-generation Shanzhi rehabilitation robot was successfully developed three months later.
Compared to the first generation, this robot integrated as many as fifteen different training modes, enabling it to create customized rehabilitation plans for different patients. Additionally, the second-generation Shanzhi could simulate the strength of a physical therapist, providing patients with the necessary assistance in performing rehabilitation exercises without needing a therapist by their side. This innovation marked another technical breakthrough, ensuring both the speed and accuracy of rehabilitation movements.
After the second-generation robot was launched, it received several prestigious certifications both domestically and internationally. It gained wide recognition in fields such as neurological, pediatric, and geriatric rehabilitation. The robots were sold in more than a dozen provinces across the country and were even exported to Europe, the United States, and several leading international rehabilitation research institutions.
One year after graduation, Chengzhi Innovation had the good fortune to collaborate with a top foreign rehabilitation medical institution. Pei Chen’s vision and ambition extended far beyond the domestic market. He immediately seized this opportunity to assemble an international R&D team, engaging in deep cooperation with several global rehabilitation centers and establishing a joint laboratory.
Furthermore, the Chengzhi team didn’t limit themselves to the field of rehabilitation robots. As the R&D team expanded, they split into smaller groups and designed a series of related technological products.
These included triage robots, wearable devices, and smartwatches that could help patients with conditions like hypertension and diabetes monitor their health on a daily basis, significantly reducing hospital admissions and visits.
Chengzhi Innovation hit the market at the perfect time, coinciding with the boom in the integration of artificial intelligence and the medical field. The company soared in the tech industry, capturing widespread attention.
As seasons changed from summer to winter, and days turned into years…
Three years after graduation, Chengzhi Innovation’s stock was officially listed on the stock exchange.
Along with the company’s valuation exceeding one billion yuan, Pei Chen’s personal wealth increased several times over, making him a young, highly regarded new star in the tech world, with his status in the business community rising rapidly.
After Chengzhi Innovation went public, their products expanded into areas such as medical devices, healthcare IT, and telemedicine. The company didn’t just focus on penetrating the high-end market but also worked to popularize their technologies in second-tier cities, staying true to their original mission of helping more patients.
As time passed, autumn slowly gave way to winter.
The team led by Pei Chen spent six months developing and designing a new smart home robot, the first-generation “Yun’an.”
This smart home robot was primarily designed to enhance daily life by providing functions like cleaning, home security, and companionship. Most importantly, it could connect seamlessly with all other Chengzhi Innovation products, such as the rehabilitation robots, to create an integrated intelligent rehabilitation lifestyle.
After the product launch, the next crucial step was promotion.
In mid-December, during a meeting, the team discussed the challenges in this area. Liang Tongzhou, lounging casually with his legs crossed, remarked lazily, “Our Yun’an first-generation robot is getting pretty good market feedback, and several media outlets have published reports about it. But I still feel our promotional efforts are lacking, and sales aren’t as high as they could be.”
Xuan Xia added that if their Yun’an robot could be more widely promoted in the market, by next year, the product could officially be exported to Europe. Because of this, everyone was extremely enthusiastic and focused on the upcoming promotion, not daring to take it lightly.
Chang Peng, the Marketing Manager, mentioned that they were currently pushing online promotions. Liang Zhiyi then asked, “What about our offline promotions?”
“For offline, our investment has been relatively limited. So far, we’ve only focused on a few provinces…”
After Chang Peng finished speaking, Xuan Xia commented, “I feel like our offline promotion is still a bit too simple, and the buzz isn’t strong enough. Can we think of ways to increase our impact?”
“Well…”
“Let’s brainstorm some good ideas.”
As the discussion continued, everyone eventually turned to Pei Chen. The man, who had been quietly reviewing the documents in his hands, finally looked up and spoke in a calm tone:
“I have an idea. We could host a large-scale offline product promotion event in Lincheng, inviting professionals from relevant fields and social media influencers to attend. We could livestream the event, allowing the robots to interact with the guests in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. This would be more engaging than just running ads.”
“Hey, that’s a great idea! Social media influencers are huge right now, and a video from one with over a thousand followers across the network could get significant views.”
“Exactly, and everyone loves watching live streams these days. It’s a great way to promote.”
The team expressed their agreement, and someone asked, “So, when should we schedule it?”
Pei Chen looked at Chang Peng. “How long would it take to organize a promotion event like this?”
“If we need to contact influencers, it would take at least two weeks. The end of the month coincides with Christmas, so we could leverage the holiday atmosphere for the promotion.”
Pei Chen nodded. “Draft a plan over the next couple of days. If anyone has good ideas, share them with Chang Peng.”
“Understood.”
After the meeting, Pei Chen walked out of the conference room, his tall figure cutting an impressive silhouette in his long coat. He strode with purpose, employees nodding in greeting as he passed by, while his assistant followed closely behind, briefing him on his upcoming schedule.
When they entered the spacious office, the sunlight streaming through the windows offered a clear and expansive view. Located on a high floor of a skyscraper in the city center, the office provided a stunning overlook of Lincheng’s bustling landscape, capturing the full vibrancy of the city.
Pei Chen sat back in his chair and asked his assistant to prepare a cup of coffee. Employees trickled in one after another, saying, “President Pei, we need your signature on this…”
Now, he was responsible for managing hundreds, if not thousands, of employees, skillfully overseeing various matters and maintaining control over the big picture.
When Liang Zhiyi walked into the office, she saw him sitting at his desk, his face bathed in the light. The sharp lines of his features were more defined, shedding the boyishness of youth and exuding a mature, dignified charm.
With a smile, she walked in, imitating the tone of the other employees, “President Pei, I need your signature too.”
He looked up at her playful demeanor, raising an eyebrow. “Oh? What do you need me to sign?”
She approached him, “Hmm… I need President Pei’s approval to go grocery shopping with me tonight.”
He chuckled, taking her hand. “Alright, but what’s my reward?”
His voice carried a suggestive tone. She pouted and mumbled, “Didn’t someone already collect their reward in advance last night?”
“Yesterday’s business is yesterday’s.”
She playfully scolded him, “Don’t push your luck.”
A few seconds later, she leaned down and kissed him softly on the lips. “How about that?”
A smile spread across his face, “Hmm, I suppose that’ll do.”
She huffed, pretending to be annoyed, “Enough of this, I have to get back to work too.”
She turned and left the office, her playful demeanor making Pei Chen’s smile widen as he watched her go.
—
Once the idea for the promotional event was confirmed, the marketing team quickly drafted a plan, and the preparations for the event officially began.
Before they knew it, Christmas was just around the corner.
The night before the promotional event, after finishing work, Liang Zhiyi returned to the apartment from the office. After taking a bath and changing into her clothes, she put on a fluffy rabbit-themed bathrobe, sat on the living room floor, and began decorating the Christmas tree she had bought. She hung star-shaped lights and Christmas ornaments on the tree.
At heart, she was still like a little girl, enjoying these simple activities to pass the time. Once everything was set up, she turned off the living room lights, and the Christmas tree lit up with a warm, golden glow, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Delighted with her handiwork, she admired the tree for a while before skipping off to the study. There, she saw Pei Chen sitting at his desk, typing away on his keyboard. The bright light above cast a soft glow over him, giving his focused expression a calm and gentle allure.
She walked over and looked at the computer screen, her voice soft and sweet, “Pei Chen, what code are you working on now?”
He closed his laptop and looked up at her, then gently took her hand and pulled her into his lap, his voice full of affection. “Just finalizing some details for the promotional event.”
He caught a whiff of her fresh floral scent. “Just finished your bath?”
“Yeah.”
His gaze fell on the smooth skin visible at her neckline, and his eyes darkened. He grabbed her waist, pressing her against the desk, his lips seeking out hers as he gently traced them, drawing her into a deep kiss.
After a long moment, his kiss finally stopped, his warm breath brushing against her neck. Her legs were already weak, and she heard his husky voice:
“Let’s go to the bedroom, okay?”
She bit her lip lightly and nodded. The next moment, she felt herself being lifted into his arms, face to face, as he gazed at her with dark, intense eyes.
Despite his busy work schedule, Pei Chen maintained his physical fitness regularly. Even after being together for so long, his passion and stamina in moments like this never waned. Liang Zhiyi’s figure was stunning, and she was a rare beauty in this regard, each time making him feel as if he was experiencing something new, driving him to the edge of desire.
As they walked out of the study and passed through the living room, she pointed to the Christmas tree, “What do you think? I did a good job decorating it, right? I even placed a lot of gift boxes around it. Doesn’t it feel really festive?”
He chuckled, “Wrapping yourself up and giving me as a Christmas present would make it feel even more festive for me.”
When they reached the bedroom, he gently placed her on the bed. She looked up at him, meeting his gaze hovering above her, and smiled, her eyes alluring and full of warmth.
“Actually… I’ve already wrapped myself up.”
He looked puzzled for a moment, then watched as she slowly untied the belt of her bathrobe, revealing what was underneath.
She was dressed in a Christmas-themed red and white camisole dress, with a plush red bow tied around her swan-like neck, adorned with a small bell. The ruffled neckline exposed the soft curves of her décolletage. The dress was very short, with a fluffy white tail at the back, and white knee-high socks accentuated her long, slender legs.
She raised her hand to half-cover herself, adding a layer of mystery, as if inviting him to uncover her completely.
“Pei Chen… do you want this gift?”
Her skin was as fair as snow, and under his gaze, a soft pink hue spread across it. Her almond-shaped eyes were moist, blinking up at him, her voice sweet and innocent to the extreme.
But despite her pure appearance, she had intentionally dressed like this.
Who could resist Liang Zhiyi’s seduction?
Pei Chen had never seen her like this before. His Adam’s apple bobbed as his emotions surged within him. He grasped her wrist and pressed it to the side, his gaze darkening with intensity, voice rough:
“This gift, inside and out, is all mine, isn’t it?”
“Mm…”
“And don’t even think about taking it back.”
Suddenly, she felt a twinge of fear. “Pei Chen, there’s the promotional event tomorrow. We can’t stay up too late…”
He stared deeply into her eyes:
“You wear something like this, and you still think you’ll get to sleep early tonight?”
Her face flushed a deep red.
“Tomorrow’s problems can wait until tomorrow. Right now, I just want to—”
He leaned down to her ear, biting back the words as he whispered three simple, yet intense words.
Upon hearing them, Liang Zhiyi’s face turned as red as a tomato. The next moment, she was overwhelmed by his fiery kisses that descended upon her like a storm.
The room filled with the sound of soft, rising breaths, the bell around her neck jingling incessantly, and the atmosphere was drenched in the glow of intimacy.
—
The next morning, soft sunlight seeped through the gaps in the curtains, illuminating the bedroom where dust motes floated lazily in the air.
Clothes were scattered all around the bed.
White socks, a plush bow, and the torn straps of a camisole dress lay strewn across the floor, all clear signs of how intense the night had been.
The alarm rang, waking Liang Zhiyi. She heard Pei Chen beside her reach out to silence it before pulling her back into his arms.
As she opened her eyes, she was met with his tender, affectionate gaze.
“Good morning, Zhizhi.”