For the past week, Pei Kexin had barely spoken. Every morning, she arrived at the studio early and immediately dove into work.
When engrossed, she lost all track of time. If Zhan Jingchen hadn't called her for meals, she might have forgotten to eat or drink altogether.
But she couldn't starve herself.
Zhan Jingchen kept a close eye on the clock, quietly taking on the responsibility of ordering takeout.
Occasionally, she needed certain materials and would ask him to look them up. Zhan Jingchen had effectively become her assistant.
Although he hadn't set a firm deadline for the project, Pei Kexin was well aware of the expectations and had set strict standards for herself.
By the end of the week, the proposal was completed.
The proposal from the professional agency had been submitted the previous day. Zhan Jingchen couldn't discern any hidden tricks, but by comparing it with Pei Kexin's data, he could see that the gap between them was not significant.
It seemed Pei Kexin hadn't deliberately inflated Pei Corporation's valuation and had treated the matter with seriousness and fairness.
That evening, he sent both documents to Jiang Nan Fang.
After reviewing them, Jiang Nan Fang felt even more confident in her judgment.
Pei Kexin was a rare talent. She was eager to meet her soon.
Since the next day was Sunday, she decided to invite Pei Kexin over for a visit and to discuss work matters.
Jiang Nan Fang instructed Zhan Jingchen: "Don't tell her she's coming to our house yet. Just say an investor wants to meet her. Don't put any pressure on her; let her rest well."
Following his mother's wishes, Zhan Jingchen said nothing and took her directly to the villa the next day.
The further they drove, the more secluded the area became. As they arrived in front of a majestic and luxurious villa, Pei Kexin finally realized something was amiss.
"Didn't you say we were meeting an investor? Why are we at someone's house? Did he pick this place?"
Zhan Jingchen replied, "Do you think I picked the place?"
They drove around the villa for quite some time before reaching their destination.
The butler came to park the car, and as they walked inside, the housekeeper greeted Zhan Jingchen. Pei Kexin then realized it was his home.
"Who is the investor? Could it be President Zhan? This... this is your home? You actually... Why didn't you say so earlier!"
Zhan Bei Jue's status in the Nancheng business circle was akin to that of a deity; even the elders treated him with a degree of respect, let alone Pei Kexin.
She had never imagined she would have the chance to meet her idol. Today, she was wearing a slightly worn-out work uniform. She hadn't slept well recently, and to cover her pale complexion, she had applied rather heavy makeup.
Would President Zhan find her distasteful?
Seeing her flusteredly checking her makeup on her phone and nervously adjusting her clothes, Zhan Jingchen couldn't help but smile.
"You're here to meet an investor and discuss work, not your in-laws. Who's going to scrutinize your face? Why are you so anxious?"
"In-laws? Could it be that President Jiang is also here?"
"Of course. This is her home; where else would she be?"
Meeting two idols at once made Pei Kexin even more apprehensive.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier that we were meeting President Jiang and President Zhan? My... is my lipstick color too bright? Is my foundation creased? Are my eyelids swollen? Does my eyeshadow match my outfit today? What kind of person does President Jiang like? Will I..."
Zhan Jingchen couldn't resist pinching her beautiful face.
"Don't worry, you look lovely. Your looks are even more striking than your work capabilities. You never seemed this concerned about your appearance before; I wouldn't have expected this today... They aren't people who judge based on looks. Relax."
Zhan Jingchen casually pulled her along, and as they were in a tug-of-war, Jiang Nan Fang and Zhan Bei Jue came to greet them.
To avoid putting pressure on Pei Kexin, they had decided to make the meeting feel like a casual family gathering, dressing very casually.
They wore home clothes and slippers. Jiang Nan Fang wore no makeup at all, her face bare and adorned only with a faint smile.
So young, so gentle.
Seeing her in person, discovering she was so down-to-earth yet so graceful, Pei Kexin was so awestruck that she stammered.
"President Zhan, President Jiang, hello, I am Pei Kexin."
"Kexin, welcome, welcome. Jingyu and Jingchen have spoken so highly of you, praising your exceptional work abilities. I've always wanted to meet you but never had the chance, until today. You're so young, beautiful, and capable. Chairman Pei truly knows how to nurture talent."
As Jiang Nan Fang spoke, she reached out to take Pei Kexin's hand, as if they were old acquaintances. Looking at her, Pei Kexin felt an indescribable warmth.
The four of them went to the sofa area to sit, and Jiang Nan Fang personally poured tea for Pei Kexin.
Zhan Bei Jue was also very gentle. He didn't ask about work matters; instead, he inquired about Chairman Pei's illness before his passing and offered his condolences.
Pei Kexin looked at this warm and kind, almost divine couple, and felt her heart melting.
Zhan Jingchen was truly blessed to have such parents, so capable and considerate. He must have accumulated immense good karma over lifetimes!
Jiang Nan Fang offered to treat her to lunch and asked what dishes she liked. She even took Pei Kexin to the kitchen to look around, behaving like a guest rather than someone discussing business. Before long, Pei Kexin felt completely at ease.
The meal wasn't extravagant; it consisted of home-style dishes that were soon served.
The four of them sat down at the dining table, and Jiang Nan Fang served Pei Kexin, urging her to eat more.
As they were chatting lively, Jiang Nan Fang's phone rang.
She answered it affably and, after listening for a moment, smiled.
"French people? I don't speak French, so communication might be difficult. Besides, the item isn't ready yet. Perhaps we should cancel; I'm not really in the mood to do this lately. Can you find an excuse to refuse for me?"
Upon hearing this, Pei Kexin unconsciously looked at her.
Sensing her gaze, Jiang Nan Fang smiled faintly.
"What is it, Kexin? Do you have something to say?"
Pei Kexin hesitated slightly. "It's nothing much, but I heard you mention French people and the French language, and I wanted to ask if you were discussing something. I pursued a French degree in college. While I'm not perfectly fluent, I can manage basic daily communication."
Jiang Nan Fang was pleasantly surprised.
"Oh? You studied French in college? In that case, can you be my translator for free?"
"It would be my honor to translate for President Jiang."
Jiang Nan Fang immediately spoke to the person on the other end.
"Alright, no need to refuse. Schedule a time with them; I've found my French translator."
After hanging up, Jiang Nan Fang smiled at Pei Kexin.
"Didn't you major in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in college?"
Pei Kexin replied, "Yes, but I also pursued French concurrently. Back then, I was interested in French films and thought if I learned the language, I could visit France when I had the time."
"That's truly impressive," Jiang Nan Fang said with genuine admiration.
"You are so young, so capable, and so hardworking. I wish our little Wu had even half of your qualities."
Zhan Jingchen knew that eventually, the conversation would turn to him.
"Mom, you don't feel right unless you tease me a little every day."
Jiang Nan Fang pinched him. "Not at all! Little Wu has his own merits, like making friends. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met Kexin."
"Kexin, you remind me so much of myself when I was younger, both in personality and looks. I felt an instant connection. I really like you. From now on, you can come over anytime, whether you have something to discuss or not. Would you mind being my friend?"
Pei Kexin was more than happy to accept.