Chapter 2
Despite sleeping late, Jing Ciying’s internal clock woke him promptly at 6:30.
After washing up and having a quick breakfast of bread, he began his routine. He called the hotel to order Pei Songji’s breakfast, specifying the delivery time, then ground some coffee beans and brewed a cup before heading across the hall.
His watch showed exactly 7:00 as he arrived.
Jing Ciying knocked three times before using his key card to open Pei Songji’s door.
Pei Songji had just woken up. Jing Ciying selected his outfit for the day and then went to the bathroom to prepare his toiletries.
Jing Ciying’s timing was impeccable. As Pei Songji finished washing up, a knock came at the door. Jing Ciying opened it to the hotel staff delivering breakfast.
After the staff left, Pei Songji sat at the table, took a sip of coffee, and then, for some reason, glanced at Jing Ciying.
Jing Ciying was puzzled. Was the coffee too cold? Did he not like today’s beans?
He hoped Pei Songji would express his opinion, making it easier to adjust in the future.
But Pei Songji said nothing, his gaze lingering only for a moment before shifting away.
Jing Ciying remained composed but sighed inwardly. The boss’s mind was truly difficult to read.
After breakfast, they didn’t go directly to their partner’s company but headed to Chenhua Manor, the largest golf course in Dongcheng. This exclusive, members-only club spanned 3 million square meters, boasting an 18-hole international championship golf course.
Having worked alongside Pei Songji for so long, Jing Ciying understood that business wasn’t always straightforward. Often, it involved circling around the topic before getting to the point. He was accustomed to these pre-meeting activities.
Upon arriving at Chenhua, a group of people was already waiting, led by a man in his forties, dressed in a dark gray suit. He greeted Pei Songji with a warm smile.
“Mr. Pei.” The man was clearly over a decade older than Pei Songji but maintained a respectful demeanor.
Despite his humility, Jing Ciying, whose aesthetic sensibilities had been honed by years of handling Pei Songji’s exorbitantly priced wardrobe, recognized the high quality of the man’s suit and didn’t underestimate him. He nodded politely in return.
“Mr. Qin.” Pei Songji extended his hand.
Mr. Qin noticed Jing Ciying behind Pei Songji, his gaze pausing briefly before discreetly moving on. He then introduced the people with him.
After the introductions, he inquired about Jing Ciying, “And this is…?”
“My secretary,” Pei Songji replied succinctly.
Since Pei Songji didn’t elaborate, Mr. Qin didn’t pry, simply offering a polite “Hello” to Jing Ciying.
“Hello, Mr. Qin,” Jing Ciying responded.
“Let’s go.” As soon as Jing Ciying spoke, Pei Songji, seemingly impatient, started walking forward.
The group followed, chatting as they made their way inside.
Although Chenhua was a golf club, it offered comprehensive services: golf courses, tea rooms, meeting halls, dining, villas… a one-stop shop. Its business-oriented atmosphere made it a popular venue for deal-making.
Their meeting was no exception.
Since they were there, they naturally had to play some golf.
Jing Ciying accompanied Pei Songji to change into golf attire and then joined the others on the course.
Although Pei Songji had a small indoor golf course in his office, Jing Ciying had rarely seen him play.
He initially assumed it was for show, a way for the wealthy to project a sophisticated image.
However, Pei Songji played exceptionally well, even impressing Jing Ciying, a novice to the sport. He admired him silently, maintaining a professional demeanor on the surface.
After a morning of golf, they showered and changed into casual clothes before heading to the tea room.
The first day was typically informal, so the conversation was light, focusing on general business chatter.
Jing Ciying wasn’t particularly interested but maintained an attentive facade while his mind wandered.
He couldn’t let his mind stray too far, however, as he was the lowest-ranking person present and responsible for serving tea.
Soon, Mr. Qin finished his tea, and Jing Ciying rose to refill his cup.
“Thank you,” Mr. Qin said.
“You’re welcome,” Jing Ciying replied with a smile, then placed the teapot down and sat back.
Initially, he didn’t notice anything amiss until he felt a persistent gaze upon him.
He looked up, meeting Mr. Qin’s lingering stare.
Mr. Qin, caught in the act, showed no embarrassment and continued to look at him unabashedly.
Jing Ciying, no longer a naive student, understood the implication. Working with Pei Songji had exposed him to the realities of high society.
High society wasn’t always refined; on the contrary, it was often quite open and unrestrained. He wasn’t surprised by Mr. Qin’s behavior, but as Pei Songji’s secretary, despite the discomfort, he couldn’t lash out or throw tea in his face like a character in a web novel. He could only pretend not to notice and offer a polite smile.
Before his smile could fully form, a hand holding a teacup appeared before him.
Jing Ciying looked down to see Pei Songji placing his cup gently in front of him. “Pour the tea.”
This was his real boss, after all. Jing Ciying immediately picked up the teapot and poured.
“You…” Pei Songji began.
“Yes, sir?” Jing Ciying turned towards him, anticipating instructions.
Pei Songji leaned in and whispered, “The pillow in my room is too soft. Go and change it for a firmer one.”
Jing Ciying: ?
This was clearly a pretext to send him away. Although puzzled, he complied without question.
He stepped out and contacted the Songhu Hotel reception to request a firmer pillow.
After receiving confirmation, he didn’t return but found a spot near the tea room to sit. Pei Songji had clearly dismissed him for a private conversation. His absence was convenient, and Jing Ciying preferred to be alone, away from Mr. Qin’s unsettling gaze.
However, pleasant moments were fleeting. Evening arrived, and as many business matters were concluded over dinner, a meal was inevitable.
Pei Songji’s alcohol tolerance was average, so Jing Ciying often helped him by taking a few drinks to prevent him from getting too drunk and behaving inappropriately.
The private dining room was pre-arranged, featuring dishes prepared by world-renowned chefs. However, for those at the table, accustomed to gourmet cuisine, the focus was on the alcohol, which they began drinking immediately.
While drinking was ultimately unavoidable, starting so directly was unusual.
Jing Ciying was on high alert, ready to intercept drinks on his boss’s behalf.
However, before he could act, Mr. Qin addressed him, “By the way, what is Mr. Pei’s secretary’s name? We haven’t been formally introduced.”
Jing Ciying wouldn’t let Pei Songji introduce him, so he replied, “My surname is Jing, Jing Ciying.”
“A good name. Now that we’ve met, let’s have a drink together.”
Pei Songji had already had several drinks. Jing Ciying was pondering how to smoothly join in and take a few for him when Mr. Qin offered the perfect opportunity.
He reached for his glass, saying, “Then…”
Before his hand touched the glass, another hand reached out and stopped him.
Jing Ciying looked up, startled, at Pei Songji.
Pei Songji wasn’t looking at him but at Mr. Qin across the table. He said calmly, “He’s not feeling well. He took some antibiotics before dinner.”
Whether true or not, Mr. Qin couldn’t insist after that.
For the rest of the dinner, no one offered Jing Ciying a drink.
Naturally, Jing Ciying didn’t offer to take any for Pei Songji either.
Consequently, Pei Songji drank more than at any previous business dinner.
Back in the car, Jing Ciying’s first action was to give Pei Songji a hangover remedy.
After taking the medicine, some of the drunkenness faded from Pei Songji’s eyes. He rubbed his temples and turned to look at Jing Ciying.
Jing Ciying initially thought he had something to say but realized he was simply staring.
“Mr. Pei?” Jing Ciying asked, puzzled.
Pei Songji didn’t answer, remaining silent for a moment before turning away.
Jing Ciying: Definitely drunk.
But being drunk was good; he could go straight to sleep and wouldn’t cause any more trouble tonight.
Unexpectedly, Pei Songji spoke again, “I just remembered something from the past.”
Although Jing Ciying wasn’t curious, his secretarial instincts told him to be responsive when his boss wanted to talk.
“Something from the past?”
“Yes.”
Pei Songji fell silent again. Jing Ciying assumed it was a passing thought and that he wouldn’t elaborate. However, after a while, Pei Songji turned back, saying softly, “I just remembered the first time I met you.”
Jing Ciying paused, recalling the occasion. He first met Pei Songji at Pei Group. He had just graduated with a bachelor’s degree and, lacking more impressive credentials, applied with little expectation. Surprisingly, he passed.
He had applied for a research position, but somehow ended up as Pei Songji’s secretary.
Initially, he refused vehemently until HR revealed the salary Pei Songji was offering.
Jing Ciying considered it for a moment before asking a crucial question, “Is this a ‘proper’ secretary position? Will I be required to… sleep with anyone?”
The HR representative choked on their water.
After coughing, they finally answered, “Don’t worry, it’s perfectly proper.”
Jing Ciying pondered again.
Actually… being a secretary wasn’t so bad.
Back in the present, Jing Ciying still wondered why Pei Songji had chosen him as his secretary. The salary was incredibly attractive, so applicants must have been plentiful. He wasn’t qualified for the position and hadn’t even applied for it. Yet, he was chosen. The reason remained a mystery.
He hadn’t had the opportunity to ask.
Tonight seemed like a good chance. Pei Songji was quite drunk and might be more candid. Even better, he might not remember the conversation tomorrow.
With that thought, Jing Ciying hesitated before asking the question that had lingered in his mind, “Mr. Pei, why did you choose me to be your secretary?”
Pei Songji, who had been looking at him, reacted instantly, a flicker of something in his eyes. Before Jing Ciying could discern it, he turned away again.
His reaction was now hidden from view.
Jing Ciying suddenly regretted asking.
As he was thinking about how to salvage the situation, Pei Songji answered.
“Because…”
Jing Ciying, surprised to receive a response, leaned in to listen.
The next words he heard were, “You’re well-suited to be a secretary.”
Jing Ciying: “…”
You’re well-suited to be a secretary. Your whole family is well-suited to be a secretary.
