QTIMP -Chapter 118 Character Persona – Money Loving (Part 28)

Shen Xuan saw his expression and quickly moved to reassure him. “Maybe she went to the restroom, or maybe she just went to grab some snacks or take a walk. Don’t overthink it. If she were to leave the company for too long or go too far, she would have at least said something to you. The fact that she didn’t means she hasn’t gone far. I’ll send someone to check right away.”

Pei Jingzhou didn’t say anything and continued handling his work. But those reporting to him clearly felt his displeasure. Normally he was cold, but now his words carried a sharpness that bordered on harsh.

Each person grew nervous, some stumbling over their words. Pei Jingzhou grew even more dissatisfied, and whenever something didn’t meet his expectations, he didn’t hesitate to point it out mercilessly.

“So this is the solution your department came up with? Did the people who made this even go to school? They must be illiterate. They can’t even read the background information properly, which is why they submitted such a low-level piece of work to me. The company pays you four or five thousand a month, just so you can hand me something like this to fool me.”

It’s worth noting that it was only the ’90s, and four or five thousand in monthly pay was really high. After all, hiring a salesperson for their clothing store would only cost about 60 a month.

Even so, this salary was the highest among nearby shops. So although Pei Jingzhou’s words were dark and cutting, the managers in front of him could only apologize.

Seeing things had calmed down, Shen Xuan quickly smoothed things over and let everyone leave, then turned back to look at him. “I’m saying, can you control yourself a bit? Just because you didn’t see her, you’re this upset. This isn’t like what you said before.”

He cleared his throat lightly and, pinching his voice, imitated what Pei Jingzhou had said before. “What are you thinking? It’s just a transaction between the two of us. Talking marriage? Aren’t you overthinking it?”

“Who’s overthinking? Talking marriage? Shen Xuan, do you have a fiancée?” Si Qiu pushed the door open, naturally chiming in after hearing the first sentence.

Shen Xuan’s face darkened for a moment, and he stammered out an explanation. “Haha… my family keeps pushing me to find a wife. I don’t even have a girlfriend yet, so I was just saying they’re overthinking.”

Pei Jingzhou immediately stood up from behind his desk. “Qiuqiu, where did you go?”

Si Qiu took a sip of water. “I saw you were in a meeting, so I just wandered around the company. I’m going to take a nap now. You focus on work, and we’ll go back to the courtyard together tonight.”

She turned and went straight into the lounge. Only then did Pei Jingzhou sit back down behind his desk. Shen Xuan rubbed his nose, about to leave for work, but Pei Jingzhou called him again.

Shen Xuan thought he was about to be scolded, so he quickly spoke up with an apology. He tapped his own mouth first, then said, “Boss, big brother, boss, I spoke carelessly. I’ll control myself next time.”

Pei Jingzhou waved his hand. “Just be mindful of that. What I want to ask is…”

Shen Xuan listened for a long time but didn’t hear anything else. Just as he was about to ask, Pei Jingzhou hesitated and then finally said, “If I were to propose to her, would she agree?”

Shen Xuan, of course, knew who “her” referred to. He thought for a moment, then replied shakily, “She probably would. You’re the definite successor of the Pei family, and you look good—marrying you is every girl’s dream. I can’t think of a reason why she’d refuse you.”

Hearing this, Pei Jingzhou felt somewhat relieved, but a faint unease still lingered. His gaze unconsciously drifted toward the lounge door.

When work ended, Si Qiu packed the books she had brought into her backpack, went to the restroom, and then followed Pei Jingzhou to the courtyard.

The courtyard had already been fully renovated, and the porch was overseen by staff sent by the old master. As soon as they returned, an elderly man in a long coat was standing at the garage entrance to greet them.

He bowed deeply. “Young Master.”

Pei Jingzhou’s expression softened slightly. “Uncle Lin, thank you for waiting here.”

“Young Master, it’s no trouble at all. This is my duty. And this must be Miss Si Qiu!” His gaze softened as he looked at Si Qiu.

Si Qiu quickly stepped forward to stand beside Pei Jingzhou. Pei Jingzhou introduced them, “Qiuqiu, this is Uncle Lin. He grew up with my grandfather and raised me when I was a child. Uncle Lin, this is my girlfriend, Si Qiu. We’re in love.” He smiled faintly as he said the last part.

This surprised Uncle Lin. He had raised the young master and knew him even better than the old master. Since the death of the young master’s mother, he had never seen him so relaxed. (Haha, I wanted to write “I’ve never seen him smile like this,” but even typing it out made me laugh.)

His eyes seemed to sparkle like they were full of stars, no longer carrying the endless loneliness and disdain of before.

So his gaze toward Si Qiu became even gentler. “I’ve already learned about Miss Si Qiu from your grandfather. When I heard you were coming, I even had people prepare the dishes and fruits you like. If there’s anything you need, feel free to let me know. You’re very welcome to visit.”

Si Qiu smiled and nodded politely. “Then Uncle Lin, I may trouble you from here on. With your arrangements, I’m sure we’ll have a pleasant evening.”

Seeing her so poised, polite, and friendly, Uncle Lin nodded inwardly.

The group left the garage and, passing the porch, entered the main hall. Old Master Pei was seated at the head, with Pei Tai below him, followed by Pei Jiutian.

The three of them seemed to be talking about something, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious. Yet, when the three newcomers entered, the two who had been chatting froze for a moment.

The old master, however, gestured for them to come forward. “Jingzhou, you haven’t been back for a few days. Qiuqiu, you just got back from your travels. Did you have a good time? Judging by your appearance, it seems you weren’t wronged and gained a lot.”

Unexpectedly, the old master did not question her for breaking her promise; he was unusually kind and serene.

Si Qiu, expecting them to press for an explanation or even demand money, smiled even more openly and genuinely. “Thank you, Old Master Pei, for your concern. I had a wonderful time. Indeed, I gained some things, and I owe that to you.”

This old man was sharp; she wasn’t sure if the last remark was an inadvertent question or a subtle compliment. She felt it leaned more toward the latter.

His current gentle demeanor also had its reason: only those with ability are valued. There’s no such thing as love without cause!

“All right, we’re all family here. No need for such formality. Come sit down, the meal will be ready soon.”

Pei Jiutian, seeing how kindly the old master treated an outsider, felt a bit displeased.

He sized Si Qiu up with his lascivious eyes. “Big brother has good taste. Although her family background is trash, at least she’s attractive. Judging by how pleased big brother looks, I bet she’s pretty competent in bed too.”