Just as she was about to ask Fu Duoduo to investigate Zhan Jingchen's identity, he showed up himself before she could.
Not only had he revealed his identity as the third young master of the Zhan family, but he was also friends with Yao Dongzhuo. This…
Pei Kexin didn't know what to think.
She had mistaken Zhan Beijue's third young master for a delivery man. Not only had she "generously" offered to hire him for a month, but she had also… with him.
Pei Kexin had always been good at controlling her expressions, but at this moment, her face was likely not a pretty sight.
In contrast, Zhan Jingchen had been looking forward to this moment, his expression much more serene.
After speaking, Yao Dongzhuo sat down on his own. Seeing Pei Kexin staring at Zhan Jingchen without moving, he looked at her in confusion.
"Miss Pei, is there a problem? Do you two know each other?"
Zhan Jingchen didn't answer. Pei Kexin, realizing she had lost her composure, smiled and averted her gaze.
"How could I possibly know Young Master Zhan? Thanks to Mr. Yao, it's a pleasure to meet you."
She extended her hand to Zhan Jingchen, who shook it faintly.
"I've long admired President Pei's reputation. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The three sat in a triangular formation. A waiter served tea, and Yao Dongzhuo got straight to the point.
Since things had come to this, there was no need to hide it from Pei Kexin. He told her directly that Third Young Master Zhan planned to acquire the Pei Corporation, and he had also been eyeing this lucrative opportunity for a long time. Once the acquisition was successful, the two companies would collaborate to elevate the Pei Corporation to new heights, crush their competitors, and dominate the appliance market.
From the moment she learned that Zhan Jingchen was the third young master of the Zhan family, Pei Kexin had guessed the intention behind this dinner.
The Zhan family had been eyeing the Pei Corporation for a long time. With the Pei Corporation currently leaderless, it was the perfect time to strike.
However, what did it have to do with her?
Zhan Jingchen should have known her influence within the Pei family better than anyone.
"So, what do you mean by telling me all this, Mr. Yao?"
Yao Dongzhuo said a lot, but her reaction made him chuckle.
"Miss Pei is a smart person. Do you really not know what I mean?"
"Young Master Zhan's defeat is well-known in the industry. Although you share the surname Pei, people die for wealth and birds starve without food. Working for anyone is still working. A wise bird chooses a tree to nest in. I believe the Pei Corporation will only be better in the future. Of course, we hope to cooperate with Miss Pei."
"If Miss Pei can provide assistance in the valuation of the Pei Corporation's assets, I promise that the Pei Corporation will always have a place for Miss Pei."
"Moreover, your position and department personnel will remain unchanged, and your benefits will be increased. How about it?"
One could imagine with their toes how well the Pei Corporation would develop after being acquired by such an excellent enterprise as the Zhan Corporation.
Pei Kexin would practically become a senior executive under the Zhan Corporation without doing anything, essentially gaining it out of thin air.
It sounded like a very attractive career prospect that many people envied.
Unfortunately, she was not tempted.
No one knew better than she did how much the old master valued the Pei Corporation. If she couldn't protect the Pei Corporation, how could she betray it for personal gain?
"Mr. Yao, although I am not biologically related to the Pei family, you must know that I have benefited from the Pei family's kindness for many years. To seek personal glory by selling Pei Corporation's secrets… If I had known you saw me this way, we shouldn't have met today."
Yao Dongzhuo understood that since she bore the Pei surname, asking her to do such things was somewhat against humanitarian principles.
However, conscience also depended on the person.
Given the remaining members of the Pei family, there was likely no one worth her considering their feelings.
"Miss Pei, a wise man knows when to adapt. I understand what you mean, but the old master is gone, and the Pei Corporation's glory is fading. The rest of the Pei family may not understand your good intentions. Don't refuse so quickly. Go back and think about it. Is it worth it to stay loyal to those who don't consider you family?"
"If you are afraid of being criticized by others, there is even less need for that. In life, apart from money and power, everything else is just a fleeting reputation."
"Praise from others can't shield you from the wind and rain. But if you disregard them, you'll gain much more."
It seemed Yao Dongzhuo admired her greatly, and his words of comfort were very appealing. Cooperating with them promised a clear and bright future.
Unfortunately, Pei Kexin did not seek great wealth or status, only peace of mind.
"I'll treat you to this meal today. I owe you one, Mr. Yao. Let's chat about something happy while you have time to make up for it. Let's not talk about anything else."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Yao, Young Master Zhan. I have already resigned from the Pei Corporation and cannot help you. The future development of the Pei Corporation is also irrelevant to me. Thank you both for your appreciation, but I am ungrateful."
Her statement was within the understanding of both Yao Dongzhuo and Zhan Jingchen. After all, having benefited from the Pei family for so many years, their mindset couldn't change overnight.
In any case, acquisition was a major undertaking, and there was no rush. They could take their time.
"Miss Pei doesn't want to talk? Alright, we won't force you. Let's eat."
"Xiao Wu, have you ordered?"
Zhan Jingchen ordered two dishes and pushed the menu towards Pei Kexin. Pei Kexin ordered two more and started playing with her phone.
As soon as she sat down, Fu Duoduo had sent her a message, and she hadn't had time to reply.
"Where did you go? Are you coming back for dinner? I'm so annoyed today. Let's go out to eat, just the two of us!"
"Where are you? Why aren't you replying? At a crucial moment like this, you always fail me!"
It had been over ten minutes. Pei Kexin replied, "I can't make it back. I have plans. Sorry. What's wrong?"
Fu Duoduo replied instantly, "What plans do you have? I'm annoyed! At a time like this, you're accompanying others instead of me. Are we still good sisters?"
"...You might not believe this, but I'm with Yao Dongzhuo and Third Young Master Zhan. No need to investigate. I think I've been tricked. Third Young Master Zhan is indeed Jiang Jingchen."
"Ah?! Just the three of you? You, you and them sitting together, what can you talk about? Don't tell me they're teaming up to trick you?"
"We're talking about it now. I haven't clarified things yet, and you're pushing me to talk."
Fu Duoduo was understanding, "Then I won't disturb you. Your situation is more important."
"Keep in touch. I believe with your intelligence, you won't be tricked again. Get the facts straight and tell me when you get back!"
Pei Kexin said okay and put down her phone.
As soon as she put down her phone, Yao Dongzhuo turned the teapot towards Pei Kexin and stopped the lazy Susan for her.
Pei Kexin poured herself some tea, "Thank you, Mr. Yao."
Yao Dongzhuo looked at her hand, "Chatting with your boyfriend?"
"..."
"I heard Miss Pei is a workaholic and has never had a man around. I'm curious."
Pei Kexin couldn't help but look at the opposite side. She didn't have a man, did that count as having no man?
Across the table, Zhan Jingchen had been silent, leisurely sipping his tea from his cup.
Sensing her gaze, he smiled meaningfully.
Pei Kexin was greatly provoked by his smile, always feeling as if he were mocking her.
Losing the wife and soldiers – that perfectly described her own overthinking.
"Not a boyfriend, a girlfriend. Mr. Yao, your curiosity is truly boundless."
Yao Dongzhuo smiled, "So the rumors are true? Miss Pei has always been single?"
Pei Kexin didn't answer directly, "Mr. Yao, you don't happen to have a hobby of introducing people to each other, do you?"