Chapter 22
Jing Ciying hadn’t expected to see Pei Songji here.
He looked much the same, just thinner, his expression colder, more distant.
Even surrounded by people, he seemed isolated.
He had always been aloof, but now he radiated an aura of “do not disturb.”
Jing Ciying certainly had no intention of disturbing him.
He had assumed their paths wouldn’t cross again after his resignation, yet here they were, a month later, at his new workplace.
He felt a flicker of guilt, then dismissed it. He was here to work, not to betray any secrets. Besides, he had only been a personal secretary, not privy to any confidential information.
He straightened his back, holding his head high.
He was about to offer a polite greeting when Pei Songji walked past him and entered the elevator, as if he hadn’t even seen him.
Jing Ciying: “…”
Still as arrogant as ever.
He shrugged it off. They were from different worlds. If not for work, their paths wouldn’t have crossed in the first place. Now, everything was back to normal.
He silently wished his new secretary good luck.
As he stepped outside, he realized it was raining heavily.
He was glad he had brought an umbrella.
How dare the weather forecast call this a light shower?
People scrambled for taxis, horns blared, the streets filled with a frantic energy.
He usually avoided taxis; they were too expensive.
He opened his umbrella and headed towards the subway station.
Despite the umbrella, his clothes were getting wet.
Although spring had arrived, the air was still chilly, and the dampness seeped into his bones.
He quickened his pace, but the subway station was still several blocks away.
Fortunately, the traffic lights were in his favor. As he reached the second intersection, a car stopped beside him, blocking his path.
He assumed someone was getting out and stepped back.
Then he realized the car looked familiar.
He looked up as the window rolled down, revealing a familiar face.
It was one of Pei Songji’s drivers, the most skilled one.
Having worked for Pei Songji for so long, he recognized him instantly. Although he had resigned, he still offered a polite greeting. “Mr. An, what are you doing here?”
He had just seen Pei Songji entering Huaisi, and now his car was here.
Mr. An must have driven him.
But why wasn’t he waiting in the parking garage? Why was he blocking his path?
Mr. An didn’t answer, just gestured for him to get in.
“Me?” Jing Ciying pointed at himself, surprised.
“Yes. It’s raining heavily. Get in.”
Jing Ciying realized he was offering him a ride.
“No, thank you. The subway station is just around the corner. You should go back and wait for Mr. Pei.”
“Mr. Pei asked me to give you a ride. Get in.”
Jing Ciying was even more surprised.
Pei Songji had ignored him earlier. Now he was offering him a ride?
Was he having a split personality episode?
He didn’t want to accept the offer. He wanted to avoid any further entanglement. But the traffic was heavy, and Mr. An’s car was blocking the intersection, horns blaring behind them. Mr. An seemed determined, so he reluctantly got in, urging him to move the car.
The warmth of the car enveloped him, but he remained tense, sitting stiffly, carefully folding his wet umbrella, avoiding any contact with the expensive leather seats.
He knew Pei Songji’s drivers well, and with Pei Songji absent, the atmosphere was relaxed.
He voiced his confusion. “Mr. An, why did Mr. Pei ask you to give me a ride?”
“I don’t know,” Mr. An said, shaking his head. “I dropped him off at Huaisi and went to the parking garage to wait. Then he called and told me it was raining and I should give you a ride home.”
“I see…”
Jing Ciying fell silent, puzzled. Even after all these years, he couldn’t understand Pei Songji. He had ignored him earlier, and now he was offering him a ride.
But it was a kind gesture, so he said, “Thank you, Mr. An. Please thank Mr. Pei for me.”
“Will do,” Mr. An replied.
Sensing the awkward silence, Mr. An changed the subject. “By the way, why did you resign so suddenly? We were all surprised. You just left without a word.”
Jing Ciying chuckled awkwardly. Everything had happened so fast, he hadn’t had time to say goodbye.
But he couldn’t tell them that. He offered his usual excuse. “I was ill. The doctor told me to rest.”
“Ill?” Mr. An looked at him through the rearview mirror. He hadn’t noticed before, but now he saw how thin and pale Jing Ciying looked, how exhausted. “You do look unwell. Rest is important. Take care of yourself.”
“Yes,” Jing Ciying agreed.
“You young people don’t take care of yourselves. When you’re my age, you’ll understand that health is the most important thing. Don’t trade your health for money. As long as you’re healthy and your family is well, that’s all that matters.”
“You’re right,” Jing Ciying said.
“I’d like to tell Mr. Pei the same thing, but…” Mr. An chuckled, not finishing the sentence.
Jing Ciying understood. No one dared to lecture Pei Songji.
But his curiosity was piqued. “What about Mr. Pei?”
“Well, he’s always been a workaholic, but lately, it’s gotten worse. He practically lives at the office. He was sick a few days ago and didn’t even rest. He’s like a madman. We drivers are always on standby, sleeping in our cars. We all want to tell him to slow down, but no one dares. We just don’t understand what’s going on.”
Jing Ciying knew that side of Pei Songji. He had worked tirelessly during the company’s difficult period.
But Pei Group was thriving now. There was no need for such self-destructive behavior.
But it wasn’t his concern anymore. He had resigned.
Mr. An, seeing his lack of response, changed the subject.
The car ride was short, and Jing Ciying arrived home quickly.
Despite the umbrella, his clothes were slightly damp, so he took a shower and changed into comfortable clothes, then prepared a simple meal of congee.
He had little appetite, eating only a few spoonfuls.
He didn’t force himself to eat more, turning on the TV and sitting on the balcony, watching the rain.
He had become increasingly lethargic lately. He sat there all afternoon, lost in thought, until he felt sleepy.
He glanced at the clock. 8:00 pm. Although early, he felt exhausted and decided to go to bed.
He had to set an alarm; it was his first day of work at Huaisi tomorrow.
As he opened his phone, he saw two missed calls from Pei Songji.
He was surprised. Why would Pei Songji call him?
He had seemed angry earlier, ignoring him at the elevator. Although he had later sent his driver to give him a ride, Jing Ciying had sensed a lingering resentment.
Had he calmed down now?
He didn’t understand, but Pei Songji had shown him kindness today, so he called him back.
The call was answered immediately, but there was silence on the other end.
He checked his phone, wondering if the call had gone through.
Finally, he spoke. “Mr. Pei?”
A low, indifferent “Yes” came from the other end.
He was used to Pei Songji’s curtness. “Is there something wrong?”
The question seemed to stump Pei Songji, who fell silent, as if considering his answer.
Finally, he spoke.
“Aren’t you going to thank me?”
