Chapter 23
Jing Ciying had anticipated various reasons for Pei Songji’s call, but this wasn’t one of them.
Pei Songji’s time was valuable; he wouldn’t waste it on such trivial matters.
He had already conveyed his thanks through Mr. An. Had he forgotten?
Since Pei Songji had called personally, he must not have received the message.
Mr. An must have forgotten.
It wasn’t a big deal, so he simply said, “Thank you, Mr. Pei.”
“You’re welcome.”
If the call was just about the thank you, then Pei Songji’s purpose had been served. Jing Ciying waited for him to hang up.
But Pei Songji remained silent.
The silence stretched, punctuated only by the faint sound of breathing.
Jing Ciying was getting sleepy.
He was about to end the call when Pei Songji spoke.
“You’re working at Huaisi now?”
It was phrased as a question, but there was no doubt in his voice.
Jing Ciying knew he couldn’t hide it after their encounter at the elevator.
He didn’t intend to hide it anyway. “Yes,” he admitted readily.
His straightforwardness seemed to take Pei Songji aback. He fell silent.
Then, a self-deprecating chuckle. “So, you were so adamant about resigning because you already had another option lined up?”
Jing Ciying didn’t understand the connection. Perhaps bosses were naturally suspicious.
But he wasn’t Pei Songji’s employee anymore, so he didn’t bother explaining. “Yes,” he said simply.
Although he knew it was futile, Pei Songji couldn’t resist one last attempt.
“How much is he paying you?”
Jing Ciying almost laughed. Pei Songji clearly thought he was motivated solely by money.
In the past, he would have admitted it. He did love money. But this time, it wasn’t about the money.
“It’s not about the money, Mr. Pei,” he said, surprising himself with the unexpected defiance.
“Oh?” Pei Songji seemed surprised. “Then what is it about?”
“Because…”
There were too many reasons. It would take too long to explain. He chose the simplest, most direct answer. “I don’t want to be a secretary anymore.”
Pei Songji hadn’t expected that answer, but it made sense.
He vaguely remembered that Jing Ciying hadn’t applied for the secretary position, but he couldn’t recall what he had applied for.
He had never considered that Jing Ciying might dislike the job. He had always been efficient, meticulous, never complaining, excelling at every task. And the salary was generous. It was just a job, a means to an end.
But… he hadn’t wanted to do it.
Pei Songji had never considered this possibility. He was momentarily speechless. Then he remembered what he wanted to say.
“Then what do you want to do? I can offer you a different position…”
Jing Ciying interrupted him. “No need, Mr. Pei. I’ve already accepted the offer at Huaisi. I start tomorrow.”
He smiled, then remembered he was on the phone, there was no one to see his smile. It faded.
“Thank you for sending your driver to pick me up today, Mr. Pei. And thank you for the opportunity to work for you. This job… it helped me a lot.”
He paused, then added sincerely, “I hope you find a suitable replacement soon.”
Pei Songji knew he was sincere. His words were genuine, honest, typical Jing Ciying.
But his sincerity only intensified Pei Songji’s panic.
His heart sank, a heavy ache spreading through his chest.
He hadn’t felt this way when he received the resignation letter.
He had assumed it was a temporary setback, that Jing Ciying would eventually return.
But now, he realized Jing Ciying was truly leaving, severing their connection, moving on.
He had deliberately ignored Jing Ciying earlier, wanting to show his displeasure.
But Jing Ciying didn’t care anymore.
He was the one who had called, desperately seeking to hear his voice.
He was the one clinging to the past, refusing to let go.
And the only way he knew how to keep Jing Ciying in his life was through money and work.
But those things no longer held any appeal for Jing Ciying.
The thread that had connected them was finally breaking.
“You’re welcome,” he managed to say, his voice strained.
He wanted to say more, but his throat felt constricted.
Jing Ciying, sensing the end of the conversation, said, “It’s getting late, Mr. Pei. I should go to bed. You should rest too.”
“Yes,” Pei Songji replied automatically.
He wanted to say goodnight, but Jing Ciying had already hung up.
He heard a faint snapping sound in his ears.
Something had broken.
Jing Ciying woke up early the next morning.
He even ate breakfast, trying to look presentable for his first day at Huaisi.
Ji Shuhuai had offered him a technical position. His new colleagues were friendly, and the work aligned with his skills and interests. He quickly adapted to his new environment.
Meanwhile, Pei Songji was also adjusting to life without Jing Ciying.
He hadn’t hired a new personal secretary, and many things felt unfamiliar, inconvenient.
His first instinct was still to call for Jing Ciying.
But now, when he called out “Secretary Jing,” there was no response.
He often found himself lost in thought, then he would force himself to focus on work.
Keeping busy helped. He filled his days with work, leaving no time for distractions.
His longing for Jing Ciying seemed to diminish.
So…
Perhaps he could live without him after all.
The world would keep turning.
He had to accept that people came and went.
He had always known this, so why was it so difficult to accept Jing Ciying’s departure?
This emotional rollercoaster continued for months, and he rarely thought of Jing Ciying anymore.
He thought he had finally moved on.
Until he saw him again.
Mr. Wan, a prominent businessman, was celebrating his 80th birthday, inviting all the influential figures in Lincheng.
Pei Songji was naturally on the guest list.
He usually avoided such events, but he couldn’t refuse Mr. Wan, a long-time business partner. He attended the lavish birthday banquet, held at the Wan family’s grand estate, nestled on the slopes of Mount Ming, overlooking the city.
As he arrived, a valet greeted him and led him inside.
He saw Ji Shuhuai by the lotus pond.
Because of Jing Ciying, he harbored a lingering resentment towards Ji Shuhuai. Although their companies were still collaborating, he had delegated all matters related to Huaisi to his subordinates, avoiding any direct contact with Ji Shuhuai.
This was their first encounter in months.
Ji Shuhuai hadn’t seen him, and Pei Songji had no intention of approaching him.
He was about to leave when he saw a familiar figure approach Ji Shuhuai.
He stopped.
His first instinct was to hide, to avoid being seen, but he couldn’t bring himself to move too far away. He stood under a nearby osmanthus tree, watching them.
Jing Ciying looked much better, his face relaxed, a smile playing on his lips.
He had never looked so carefree while working for him.
He was saying something to Ji Shuhuai, both of them smiling, then they turned and walked inside together.
Although he knew Jing Ciying wasn’t interested in men, a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. Were they together?
They looked… good together.
The thought startled him.
Why would he even think that?
But he knew the answer.
Jing Ciying had made the right choice. He was happier with Ji Shuhuai.
He had never doubted himself before, believing he had treated Jing Ciying well, offering him the highest salary in the industry. Wasn’t that enough?
But today, he realized how wrong he had been.
He had wanted more than a professional relationship, but his actions had reinforced the boundaries between boss and employee.
He regretted wasting the past few months.
His carefully cultivated indifference had been a facade.
The moment he saw Jing Ciying, he knew his efforts had been futile.
He still loved him.
“Mr. Pei?” the valet said, noticing his hesitation.
He composed himself and followed the valet inside.
They reached the main hall, where Mr. Wan was holding court, surrounded by guests. Ji Shuhuai and Jing Ciying were standing nearby.
He gave his gift to one of the Wan family members and approached Mr. Wan, his gaze fixed on Jing Ciying, who had his back turned.
“Songji,” Mr. Wan greeted him warmly.
The greeting caught Jing Ciying’s attention. He turned and saw Pei Songji.
Pei Songji looked at him, their eyes meeting.
Jing Ciying reacted first, nodding politely and offering a small smile.
Pei Songji smiled back, wanting to prolong the moment, but Jing Ciying turned away.
Then Ji Shuhuai looked over, and Pei Songji’s smile faded. He nodded curtly, then turned back to Mr. Wan, his attention divided, constantly glancing at Jing Ciying, who avoided his gaze.
Although a birthday celebration, business was still the main focus.
Conversations drifted towards deals and collaborations.
People approached Pei Songji, and it wasn’t until the event was almost over that he finally had a chance to approach Jing Ciying.
He couldn’t find him, finally spotting him by the lotus pond, where he had seen him earlier.
He seemed drawn to the pond, his expression serene, a gentle smile on his lips.
The scene was so captivating that Pei Songji hesitated to approach him.
Jing Ciying, as if sensing his presence, turned and saw him.
He looked surprised, then quickly composed himself. “Mr. Pei.”
Pei Songji approached him. “Long time no see.”
“Long time no see,” Jing Ciying replied, his gaze returning to the lotus pond, the dense leaves occasionally revealing glimpses of koi fish.
“How have you been?” Being so close, Pei Songji couldn’t stare openly, so he stole glances.
Jing Ciying, absorbed in the view, didn’t notice his scrutiny. “Not bad. I like my new job. I’m leading a team now. It’s very fulfilling.”
A pang of sadness struck Pei Songji, but he forced a smile. “That’s… good.”
“Yes. How about you, Mr. Pei?” Jing Ciying asked politely.
He wasn’t doing well, but he couldn’t admit it.
“Not bad,” he lied.
They fell silent, watching the koi fish.
Jing Ciying didn’t seem to mind his presence.
Then Pei Songji asked, “Are you and Ji Shuhuai… together?”
Jing Ciying’s smile vanished. He turned sharply, his expression unreadable.
He didn’t understand the question. Did Pei Songji think he had gotten the job at Huaisi through… favors? The thought angered him, and he turned to leave.
But his wrist was grabbed.
He looked back to see Pei Songji holding his wrist.
Pei Songji released his grip instantly, but Jing Ciying still recoiled, his discomfort evident.
Pei Songji realized he had overstepped, but he couldn’t retract his question now.
“You didn’t answer my question.”
Jing Ciying, realizing Pei Songji hadn’t changed at all, retorted, “You’re not my boss anymore. I don’t have to answer your questions. And even if you were, you have no right to pry into my personal life.”
Pei Songji’s voice softened. Jing Ciying’s avoidance seemed like confirmation.
“So it’s true?”
“I’m telling you, it’s none of your business.”
Pei Songji knew he should stop, but he couldn’t help himself. “I thought you liked women. Why are you with him?”
“It’s none of your business.”
“How can it be none of my business?”
“Oh? Then enlighten me, Mr. Pei. How is my love life any of your concern?” Jing Ciying’s patience was wearing thin.
“Because I like you,” Pei Songji blurted out.
“What?”
The words hung in the air, surprising even Pei Songji himself. He hadn’t intended to confess, not like this.
He looked down, avoiding Jing Ciying’s gaze, his heart pounding.
But the words were out there now. There was no taking them back.
He repeated himself, his voice stronger this time.
“I like you.”
