Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Something felt off.

Pei Yan sensed something wasn’t quite right with Shen Ju.

Had he scared him that night?

But he hadn’t done anything.

Did Shen Ju notice something?

That didn’t seem right either.

Then what was it? He didn’t dare look at Pei Yan, his gaze drifting, occasionally spacing out, as if struggling with something.

He hadn’t even joined in when Han Chengfeng and the others were discussing attending Pei Yan’s company’s annual party together.

As if his attention had been captured by something else.

As for Han Chengfeng, Ke Cheng, Pei Haochuan, and Guan Mulin—the four of them planning to attend the annual party as if it were a team-building event—Pei Yan was already mentally prepared for it.

He couldn’t shake them off.

He hadn’t expected to take Shen Ju alone anyway.

Pei Yan’s gaze fixed on Shen Ju.

It was happening again.

Every time he looked at Shen Ju, Shen Ju pretended to be busy.

Shen Ju seemed somewhat... guilty?

But why would Shen Ju feel guilty?

“So, can we participate in the raffle that day too?”

“But that might not be good—reducing the employees’ chances of winning. It’s not very ethical.”

Han Chengfeng scratched his chin. “But I really want to join. One of the second prizes is closed beta access for that game! I really want it. What about you, Shen Ju? Do you want to try the raffle—”

“Hey, Shen Ju? Are you even listening?”

Han Chengfeng snapped his fingers in front of Shen Ju. “I said, what are you spacing out about?”

Shen Ju jolted back to attention. “Um? Nothing.”

“The raffle? I’m not joining. Not interested.”

“Pfft. Ke Cheng, what about you? I remember you wanted to play that new game too, right?”

Han Chengfeng pulled Ke Cheng into another rambling conversation.

Shen Ju lowered his gaze, could still feel Pei Yan’s eyes on him.

Ahhh.

What do I do? What do I do?

He couldn’t bring himself to face Brother Pei anymore.

Shen Ju cursed himself inwardly.

Because that night, after returning home, he had a dream.

—A dream where Pei Yan was sucking at him in the study.

He was again placed on the desk by Pei Yan, but after Pei Yan gripped his face, he used his mouth instead of his hand.

At first, his mouth found his cheek.

As if nibbling at a piece of pastry, savoring it leisurely.

Then...

From his cheek, he moved to the tip of his nose, his brow bone, his eyes, and then...

Shen Ju drew a quiet breath, absentmindedly picking at his fingers.

Truthfully, most of the details from that night’s dream were blurry. Even in the dream, the images weren’t very clear—hazy and vague—but the feelings seemed real.

When he woke up, it all came back.

So, all in all—

He’d had a sex dream!

And the person in the dream was actually Pei Yan!

That morning, when he woke up, Shen Ju felt like the sky had fallen.

He had no idea how to face Pei Yan...

How could he have such a dream?!

Shen Ju felt incredibly guilty toward Pei Yan.

So he’d been avoiding Pei Yan.

But the more he avoided him, the more acutely he felt Pei Yan’s gaze on him.

It made Shen Ju not know what to do with himself.

He labeled this reaction as guilt.

It’ll be fine, it’ll be fine.

As long as he didn’t say anything, no one would know.

Shen Ju comforted himself cautiously, thinking he should put some distance between himself and Brother Pei for a couple of days to regain his composure.

But he still had to attend the annual party.

Galaxy Technology’s annual party was large-scale, inviting many people. When Shen Ju arrived with Guan Mulin and the others, he initially thought there wouldn’t be many “outsiders” like them.

“How could there not be many?”

Han Chengfeng lowered his voice. “Do you know how rapidly Galaxy Technology has been developing over the past few years? It could even be called the industry leader. Events like the company’s annual meeting probably attract many people from the same field who want to attend.”

“What’s more, one of the owners of Galaxy Technology is a Pei family member.”

Ke Sheng also added, “Just that identity alone would make many people want to come.”

Pei Haochuan crossed his arms and tsked. “But those coming for my uncle probably will only last through this year.”

Pei Haochuan shrugged. “My grandfather wants my uncle to return to the Pei Corporation.”

“Look, see that person over there? That’s Xu Yun, Secretary Xu, my grandfather’s executive assistant. He’s here too.”

Ke Sheng asked curiously, “Does your uncle not want to go back?”

“Well...”

Pei Haochuan pursed his lips, hesitating to speak.

Although the Pei Corporation is still under his grandfather’s control, his father has long been working there. Pei Haochuan thinks that his uncle ventured out on his own partly to avoid conflict with his father.

After all, even though Pei Haochuan has a good relationship with Pei Yan, he knows there’s a big age difference between his father and Pei Yan, and they’re half-brothers from different mothers. Plus, Pei Yan’s mother... From what he remembers, his father and Pei Yan have never really been on harmonious terms, but it's not like they're openly antagonistic either—otherwise, Pei Haochuan wouldn’t be so close to Pei Yan. Still, everyone knows that the future heir of the Pei Corporation will likely be chosen between his father and Pei Yan.

The outside world often says his grandfather favors his younger son.

If Pei Yan were to actually join the Pei Corporation, all sorts of rumors and speculation would surely start circulating again.

Even if his father and uncle don’t intend to compete, they’d probably be forced into opposition.

Pei Haochuan always felt this was something his grandfather wanted to see.

Picking the best among the best—his grandfather has always adhered to a "wolf culture."

That includes him too.

Even though Pei Tai talks about harmony, he also wants them to "compete" and "fight." The winner gets the right.

The winner is the one he most desires as his successor.

It’s... really annoying.

So even though Pei Haochuan isn’t particularly fond of make-up classes, he isn’t that resistant to it, nor does he mind staying at Pei Yan’s place. He genuinely wants to escape the atmosphere at home.

Seeing Pei Haochuan fall silent, the others sensibly didn't ask more.

They all have some idea about the situation in the Pei family. Even though Pei Haochuan and Pei Yan get along well now, that’s only because Pei Yan hasn’t joined the Pei Corporation yet. Once he does, the atmosphere will become delicate.

After all, in families and environments like theirs, some things aren’t optional—you can’t always avoid doing what you’d rather not.

Shen Ju listened, subconsciously pursing his lips.

He instinctively scanned around, looking for Pei Yan.

Of course, Pei Yan couldn’t come to Galaxy Technology’s annual meeting with them. They’d only briefly seen each other when they arrived before Pei Yan went off to attend to other matters.

Shen Ju remembered Pei Yan wearing a steel-gray suit, his hair combed back, making him look even more mature.

Before he could spot Pei Yan, his eyes met someone else’s—Secretary Xu Yun, whom Pei Haochuan had pointed out earlier.

Shen Ju was surprised.

Because Xu Yun was also looking at him.

When their eyes met, Xu Yun nodded slightly at him.

Shen Ju instinctively nodded back.

Secretary Xu appeared to be in his forties, stern-faced and unsmiling. Shen Ju wondered why he was looking at him—did he know him?

But after their brief eye contact, Xu Yun averted his gaze.

Shen Ju didn’t think much of it and continued searching for Pei Yan.

The next moment, he found him, and his face immediately brightened.

But before he could raise his hand to wave, he noticed a woman standing beside Pei Yan, talking with him.

Shen Ju’s partially raised hand hesitated mid-air, then slowly lowered.

Well.

He hadn’t actually thought of what to say to Pei Yan anyway.

Better not to disturb him.

Just as Shen Ju looked away, Pei Yan looked over in his direction.

The woman beside him smiled and asked, "What are you looking at?"

Pei Yan lifted an eyebrow. "Maybe a little hamster."

"A hamster?"

"Mm, a little hamster that likes to burrow."

The woman seemed puzzled but dropped the subject. "What a shame. I was hoping to discuss collaboration with you in the new year, but I hear you’re leaving?"

"You can talk to Gao Chuanbai."

Pei Yan didn’t deny the rumors of his departure. "He’ll definitely still be with the company."

"Of course he will—after all, he founded this company. It’s his brainchild. But are you really willing to walk away from your own brainchild?"

Pei Yan swirled the red wine in his glass, looking down as if lost in thought. After a moment, he replied, "Sometimes you have to let go to gain something. And this move was inevitable."

The annual meeting began. Shen Ju, Guan Mulin, and the others weren’t seated at the same table as Pei Yan; in fact, they were quite far apart.

That made sense—Pei Yan’s status meant he couldn’t exactly sit with a group of students.

............

The result was that since arriving, Shen Ju had only caught one glimpse of Pei Yan and hadn’t exchanged more than a few words with him.

Hmm, come to think of it, their interactions had been limited over the past few days.

Though part of that was because he’d been purposely keeping his distance...

He was doing it out of consideration for Pei Yan. After having such a dream, he felt it was inappropriate, so he needed to keep some distance to adjust his attitude.

But now he realized that he hadn't quite adjusted his mindset yet.

And for some reason, he felt even more dejected...

He couldn't even focus wholeheartedly on the show he had been wanting to watch.

On the other hand, Ke Cheng and Han Chengfeng were completely engrossed, even saying they could put together an act and go on stage themselves, since one of them could do street dance and the other could play the saxophone.

Guan Mulin and Pei Haochuan were also watching the show, but neither was saying much.

One stood with arms at his sides, the other with arms crossed, with enough space between them to fit five fists.

Shen Ju couldn't help but tilt his head thoughtfully.

If he remembered correctly, Guan Mulin and Pei Haochuan used to be inseparable, they could talk about anything. But now it seemed Han Chengfeng and Ke Cheng were the ones chatting a lot.

Had Han Chengfeng worked his way into the group and split up the former trio?

Wait, that wasn't right—there were five of them now.

But then again, when did they start moving as a group?

No, that wasn't it either.

Including Brother Pei, there should be six.

But Brother Pei wasn't here right now.

Shen Ju suddenly felt a bit alone and out of place.

It was so baffling.

But he actually felt so down.

So Shen Ju stood up and said he was going to the bathroom.

Guan Mulin and Han Chengfeng both looked over at the same time.

Shen Ju: "None of you follow me!"

He wasn't going to cut in on anyone's friendship.

Hmph.

Shen Ju walked with quick steps to the bathroom, washed his hands, and after coming out, he got a bit turned around, forgetting which way to turn. He took a wrong turn and had to double back.

Just as he was doubling back and reached the corner, he heard Pei Yan's voice.

Pei Yan seemed to be talking to someone.

Shen Ju paused his steps and peered around the corner of the hallway.

He saw that the person across from Pei Yan was Mr. Xu.

From the sound of it, Mr. Xu was about to leave, and Pei Yan had come out to walk him out.

But...

The atmosphere between the two seemed rather tense.

"...I've conveyed President Pei's message. He hopes you can return before the New Year and get ready to join the Pei Corporation."

Pei Yan: "What's there to prepare for to join the Pei Corporation? Hasn't Dad already arranged everything?"

"That's true."

Mr. Xu continued: "However, President Pei still hopes you can join the Pei Corporation at your best."

"What is the 'best form'?"

Mr. Xu paused before speaking again: "Some people are spreading that you're unwilling to join the Pei Corporation because of certain reasons, and that one of those reasons has greatly displeased President Pei..."

Pei Yan seemed to give a derisive snort but didn't respond.

Mr. Xu didn't continue either, leaving it at that. He nodded to Pei Yan and turned to leave.

After Mr. Xu left, Pei Yan remained standing in place, his expression shifting unreadably.

After what felt like a long moment, he said coldly, "Had your fill?"

Shen Ju's heart jumped, and he edged out hesitantly.

"Sorry, Brother Pei, though I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Shen Ju approached him and said softly, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Pei Yan seemed surprised to see it was him.

He waved Shen Ju over to his side: "Did I startle you?"

Shen Ju shook his head.

Pei Yan seemed relieved: "That's good. Otherwise, if you wanted to have even less to do with me, it wouldn’t be good."

"What?"

Shen Ju was stunned: "I didn’t—"

"Didn't you?"

Pei Yan lowered his gaze: "But I felt like these past few days you haven’t really wanted to acknowledge me."

"Or did you finally realize that I’m not normal—"

"No!"

Shen Ju immediately blurted out: "I don’t think you’re not normal! Don’t say that about yourself!"

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but step forward and even grabbed Pei Yan’s sleeve.

"Brother Pei, I really don’t, I just, I just—"

"Just what?"

Pei Yan’s voice still sounded somewhat skeptical, as if he thought Shen Ju might be humoring him to spare his feelings.

Shen Ju grew flustered:

"I just had a dream, and I feel awkward about it—"

Shen Ju's gaze drifted away.

"A dream?"

Pei Yan murmured, "What kind of dream?"

"Was it about me?"

"But why be embarrassed if you dreamed about me?"

"Unless... I did something in that dream?"

"Did I do something to you—"

Shen Ju yelped, "Ah!" and quickly reached out to cover Pei Yan's mouth.

"Enough! Brother Pei! Stop talking!"

Shen Ju felt like he was going to spontaneously combust.

Didn't we agree that if he didn't say anything, no one would know? How could he just blurt it out!

And worse, he said it right to the person involved!

This is so embarrassing.

I can't face anyone now!

Shen Ju glanced around, wanting to flee.

Pei Yan had been about to smirk and tease him further, but upon seeing Shen Ju's reaction, he dropped his gaze again. "Oh, I see. I thought you were avoiding me."

"No..."

"But I’m still in a bad mood right now."

Both sentences were muffled against Shen Ju’s hand.

Only then did Shen Ju realize that his palm was warm with Pei Yan’s breath and words. He snatched his hand back and hid it behind his back.

Before he could escape, he was once again drawn in by what Pei Yan said.

Shen Ju couldn’t help but follow up: "Why are you in a bad mood? Is it because of earlier..."

Pei Yan gave a soft "Mm."

"I told you before, my mother took her own life on Chinese New Year’s Day."

"I moved out and didn’t want to join the Pei Corporation because I wanted to distance myself from that painful memory. But Pei Tai—I mean, my father—now wants me to return and insists that I join the Pei Corporation."

Pei Yan let out a self-mocking laugh. "The fact I could start my own business before... that was probably just an opportunity he allowed me. Now that the time has come, he needs me back, so I have to go back."

"He wants me to return now and has spread the news that I’ll be joining the Pei Corporation just because people are saying... that I refused to join due to my mother’s death. He dislikes hearing those rumors."

"Of course, that’s only one of the reasons."

Shen Ju recalled what Han Chengfeng and Ke Cheng had said. It made him uneasy.

He felt bad for Pei Yan.

These past few days, he'd been kind of distant with Pei Yan, which led Pei Yan to misunderstand and think he was avoiding him. And now, Pei Yan couldn’t even do what he loved—he was being forced to return, all to squash those rumors...

This is so unfair.

Shen Ju thought for a moment, then opened his arms toward Pei Yan. "So, Brother Pei, want a hug?"