Chapter 3
The second day followed a similar pattern to the first, but the discussions gradually shifted from casual chatter to the specifics of the collaboration.
Jing Ciying understood that today was the real start, so he excused himself when they went to the tea room in the afternoon.
Being away from Pei Songji was always a relief, and it was only then that Jing Ciying realized his hands were trembling. He was prone to hypoglycemia, but on business trips, he was always busy from morning till night, often neglecting his meals.
If he hadn’t had this moment of respite, he wouldn’t have even noticed his discomfort. The human body seemed to have a peculiar masking mechanism; when unaware, everything functioned normally. But the moment he became conscious of the discomfort, the shield seemed to dissolve, and all the unpleasant sensations surfaced at once.
Following the tremors, dizziness and heart palpitations set in, his forehead slick with cold sweat.
Jing Ciying reached into his pockets. He usually carried sugar for such situations.
But since Pei Songji’s trip began, he hadn’t had a moment to himself, his mind consumed with Pei Songji’s needs, leaving no time for his own.
His pockets were empty, not a single piece of candy.
Fortunately, a waiter was nearby. Jing Ciying forced himself to ask for a glass of sugar water.
Seeing his pale face, the waiter quickly brought the water and some sugar cubes. After consuming them and resting for a while, Jing Ciying felt slightly better.
Therefore, Pei Songji didn’t notice anything amiss when he emerged.
The necessary drinking had been done the previous night, so tonight they continued discussions in the tea room, late into the night.
Jing Ciying had to wait outside until Pei Songji finished.
While there was no explicit rule against eating before the boss, Jing Ciying didn’t know when Pei Songji would finish. He couldn’t leave, and eating in front of the tea room would be disrespectful. So, he endured the hunger alongside Pei Songji.
They finally emerged near midnight, still looking remarkably energetic and amicable.
The negotiations seemed to have gone well, but Jing Ciying wasn’t concerned about the contract. He just wanted to get Pei Songji settled and then return to his room to eat.
However, no one cared about Jing Ciying’s urgency. They exchanged farewells at the door, prolonging the ordeal.
Pei Songji was health-conscious and avoided heavy late-night meals.
But tonight, having not eaten since the afternoon, Jing Ciying still asked, “Mr. Pei, would you like something to eat?”
He expected Pei Songji to be hungry, but he simply replied, “Anything light is fine. I had quite a few tea snacks this afternoon.”
“Alright.” Jing Ciying contacted the hotel, requesting a light dinner and specifying the delivery time.
His timing was, as always, perfect. The meal arrived as they returned to the hotel.
Pei Songji, accustomed to Jing Ciying’s efficiency, loosened his tie and headed to the dining table.
Jing Ciying went to the bathroom to prepare the bath and toiletries.
Once everything was ready, he turned to leave, but Pei Songji stopped him, inviting him to join him for dinner.
Jing Ciying realized the food hadn’t been touched. So… he had been waiting for him?
Jing Ciying was deeply moved.
He couldn’t understand Pei Songji’s sudden kindness. He didn’t enjoy dining with him. Firstly, Pei Songji preferred light, simple flavors, while Jing Ciying liked richer tastes. Secondly, Pei Songji’s lack of enthusiasm for food was utterly unappetizing. Having grown up with gourmet cuisine, he seemed indifferent to everything.
Jing Ciying loved food, believing that not savoring a meal was disrespectful. But when the disrespectful one was his boss, he could only remain silent.
Despite his reluctance, he feigned delight and sat down to eat with Pei Songji.
As expected, Pei Songji ate only a few bites before putting down his chopsticks, urging Jing Ciying to continue while he went to wash up.
Jing Ciying ate a few more bites out of courtesy and then stopped, calling the hotel staff to clear the table.
He gave Pei Songji’s clothes to the staff for laundry, prepared his outfit for the next day, and quietly exited.
Back in his own room, he collapsed onto the bed, grabbed his phone, and ordered takeout.
After ordering, he lay there, utterly drained, not wanting to move a muscle. He hadn’t eaten much in Pei Songji’s room and was now ravenous.
He felt weak and cold.
He raised his hand, and as expected, it was trembling.
He had a few sugar cubes left, which he popped into his mouth, feeling slightly better.
The hotel was located within the scenic area, not exactly remote, but the nearest restaurant was a distance away. By the time the takeout arrived, Jing Ciying barely had the energy to open the door.
He finally managed to get up, retrieve the food, and started eating.
Just as he took a bite, his phone lit up.
Seriously?
He swallowed the fish ball and resignedly checked his phone.
A new WeChat message.
[Pei Skinflint: Secretary Jing, come here.]
Jing Ciying: “…”
Jing Ciying stood outside Pei Songji’s door, taking several deep breaths to compose himself.
He forced a smile onto his face.
Once he regained his composure, he knocked and then used his key card to enter.
Only a night light was on, casting the room in a dim glow, but it was enough to see clearly. Pei Songji, already showered and in his pajamas, was leaning against the headboard.
“Mr. Pei, you called for me?”
Jing Ciying was surprised by his own calm tone. Perhaps he was simply too tired and hungry to be angry.
“Yes.” Pei Songji seemed aware of the late hour, his voice apologetic. “I’m having trouble sleeping.”
Jing Ciying considered this for a moment and offered a solution, “Should I get you some melatonin?”
This seemed perfect. Pei Songji hadn’t drunk alcohol tonight and could safely take the medication. One pill would ensure a good night’s sleep. As for side effects, who cared? Jing Ciying was so frustrated he was surprised he hadn’t offered him something stronger.
But Pei Songji shook his head. “No need. Just keep me company for a while.”
Jing Ciying: “…”
Maybe he should get him that stronger something after all.
Seeing Jing Ciying’s silence, Pei Songji looked up.
Jing Ciying dragged his thoughts back, a brief internal debate between spicy hot pot and his paycheck. He forced a smile. “Alright, what would you like to talk about?”
“Anything.” Pei Songji leaned back, relaxing. “By the way, I remember… you went to Lindai University?”
“Yes,” Jing Ciying replied, clenching his trembling hands. His chest felt tight, his heart palpitating.
“What did you study?”
“Spicy… Computer Science.”
Jing Ciying was struggling to control his physical symptoms. For a moment, he almost blurted out what he craved most: the barely touched spicy hot pot in his room.
Fortunately, Pei Songji seemed lost in his own thoughts, oblivious to his near-slip.
For some reason, after Jing Ciying’s answer, the room fell silent.
Finally, Pei Songji broke the silence, “I also went to Lindai.”
“Really?”
At this point, Pei Songji’s alma mater mattered less than a single vegetable leaf in his hot pot, but Jing Ciying dutifully continued, “What was your major?”
“Finance.”
Pei Songji looked at him again, as if searching for something in his expression.
But Jing Ciying was focused on combating his worsening physical symptoms and didn’t notice Pei Songji’s scrutinizing gaze.
“Do you like finance?” Pei Songji asked suddenly.
“Finance?”
Things were getting bad. His mind was foggy, struggling to comprehend. Hunger gnawed at him, his limbs weak. He felt like melting snow.
He couldn’t discern any hidden meaning in the simple question, so he answered honestly, “No.”
Silence again.
Despite his discomfort, Jing Ciying felt uneasy. He looked up to find Pei Songji staring at him thoughtfully.
But he was too preoccupied with his own body’s rebellion to analyze Pei Songji’s expression. Sweat beaded on his forehead, his heart pounding.
He knew what was coming and fumbled for his pockets.
Empty.
He remembered eating the last of his sugar while waiting for his takeout.
They had nothing to talk about, and Jing Ciying desperately wished Pei Songji would release him to his hot pot.
But he forgot, bosses had no conscience.
Pei Songji continued.
“How many people are in your family?”
Jing Ciying was too weak to be annoyed. He didn’t understand the relevance of the question but answered, “Four.”
“Who are they?”
“Me, my older sister…”
He couldn’t hold on any longer. “Mr. Pei, I need to… go back to my room.”
“What’s wrong?” Pei Songji asked.
Jing Ciying had no strength to answer, turning to the wall for support.
Pei Songji finally realized something was wrong and rushed forward. “What’s the matter?”
“Sugar…”
“Sugar?”
Before Pei Songji could understand, Jing Ciying collapsed.
Into his arms.
