Chapter 16

On Friday morning, Pei Jingyou encouraged both of his sons at the breakfast table. He seemed to be in a good mood, talking loudly and laughing heartily. He appeared much better than he did at the same time last year when he was exhausted by the 829 incident. Because he was so happy, he took a bit more medicine. His heart condition couldn’t handle too much excitement, so he needed to control his emotions.

“Mingshu, Aqing,” Pei Jingyou called gently to both of them, “When brothers work together, they can achieve great things. Today, no matter who wins, Daddy hopes the other will give their full support, okay?”

As he finished speaking, he looked at Pei Qing.

Pei Qing’s expression was indifferent as he lowered his head to drink his congee. Pei Jingyou smiled and then looked at Pei Mingshu. Pei Mingshu nodded and said, “Of course.”

Mo Yin sat next to Pei Qing, also bowing his head to drink his congee. He casually scratched his ear, letting his hand naturally fall down, lightly touching Pei Qing’s thigh. Pei Qing turned his head, and Mo Yin’s eyelashes drooped, making it seem like he was focused on eating his congee. Pei Qing turned his head towards Pei Jingyou and gave a soft “Hmm.” Pei Jingyou clapped his hands and laughed heartily, clearly in an excellent mood. Pei Mingshu looked at Mo Yin sitting diagonally across from him amidst his father’s laughter. Mo Yin was eating his congee, his lips slightly pink.

On such an important day, Pei Qing still drove Mo Yin to school himself, carrying Mo Yin to the car. He felt a gaze fixed on him from behind. He knew it was Pei Mingshu. If Pei Mingshu disapproved, it was Pei Mingshu’s business. Before getting into the car, Pei Qing glanced back, confirming that it was indeed Pei Mingshu standing on the steps with his hand in his pocket, looking towards them from a distance. Pei Qing turned his face without much expression and closed the car door for Mo Yin.

At the school gate, Pei Qing stopped the car. He unbuckled his seatbelt, but his sleeve was caught. Mo Yin leaned over and gently kissed him on the cheek. “Everything will go smoothly.”

Pei Qing turned his head, and Mo Yin’s eyes were bright and clear, like the autumn sky.

People were bustling outside the car, and the car windows prevented outsiders from seeing inside. Pei Qing didn’t mind. He lowered his head and kissed Mo Yin’s lips. “I’ll pick you up tonight.”

Mo Yin still didn’t let go of his sleeve. “What time does the competition start?”

“It starts at 10 o’clock.”

“That’s great. I’ll be finished with class by then,” Mo Yin smiled. “Can you livestream it for me?”

Pei Qing smiled too. “I’m afraid not.”

“Okay.”

Mo Yin looked regretful. His gaze softened as it wandered over Pei Qing’s face, and he smiled lightly. “Don’t worry, I have a feeling you’ll win.”

—

This collaboration plan was highly regarded, and Heda had also sent representatives. The conference room was filled to the brim. Pei Jingyou sat at the end, chatting and laughing with the Heda representatives. Any past grievances were nowhere to be seen. Behind him sat several major shareholders and executives from various companies. Pei Mingshu and Pei Qing sat on opposite sides, each with a group of people behind them, men and women huddled together, quietly discussing.

The two consultants sitting next to Pei Mingshu confirmed the details of his final statement in a low voice. Pei Mingshu listened quietly, occasionally nodding in approval.

Pei Mingshu lifted his eyes when he heard a faint sound. He saw that Pei Qing’s tense expression softened when he took out his phone, his fingers quickly tapping on the screen, probably replying to a message. It seemed like Pei Qing noticed his gaze, as he raised his eyes and met Pei Mingshu’s gaze, his eyes as cold as ever.

Pei Mingshu looked away and tilted his head back slightly, continuing to communicate with the consultants.

After a while, Ding Mohei whispered to Pei Jingyou that everyone had arrived. Pei Jingyou announced cheerfully that the competition was starting. After all, his two sons were the ones competing, so he had nothing to gain or lose. Therefore, his attitude and the atmosphere were relaxed.

“Who’s going first?” Pei Jingyou looked at both of his sons.

Pei Mingshu reached out towards Pei Qing.

In terms of age, qualifications, and position, Pei Qing was slightly inferior and should naturally go first. Pei Qing didn’t refuse and turned to the consultant responsible for speaking, giving a few instructions. The consultant nodded slightly and stood up with his folder.

As the lights dimmed, everyone in the room turned their gaze to the consultant representing Pei Qing.

The consultant, with half-white hair and a refined middle-aged appearance, was wearing gold-rimmed glasses perched halfway down his nose. He was a mid-level employee of the company, handpicked by Pei Qing. The occasion was grand, and dozens of pairs of eyes were watching him. He adjusted his breathing secretly and began his presentation methodically.

Standing on the stage, with dim lighting, the consultant could only see a sea of heads in front of him. He didn’t even notice the sudden change in the expressions of the people on Pei Mingshu’s side a few minutes into his speech. The consultant sitting next to Pei Mingshu immediately leaned over. “Young Master?”

Pei Mingshu’s gaze, originally fixed on the stage, slowly swept towards the opposite side. The curtains in the conference room were tightly drawn, letting in little light, creating an unusually gloomy atmosphere.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still.

The team behind him had already started to stir, with whispers and murmurs coming from behind.

Pei Mingshu pulled himself out of the momentary stillness and raised his hand slightly. His team of advisors could only suppress their discussions, their gazes shifting between the stage and the opposite side with uncertainty.

The unusual situation on Pei Mingshu’s side lasted for about one or two minutes. Pei Qing on the opposite side also noticed, glanced briefly, but was not too concerned. His gaze coldly pierced through the dimness and then retracted, focusing again on listening to his own advisor’s speech.

Mo Yin’s ideas were indeed brilliant. After discussions, the team adjusted the plan, fixing some flaws that hadn’t been noticed before. Now the entire plan was very cohesive, and Pei Qing didn’t believe he would lose to Pei Mingshu by much.

After the consultant finished speaking, the lights brightened, and applause erupted.

Pei Jingyou was pleasantly surprised.

Although he had initially told Pei Mingshu that he would entrust the first collaborative project to him, it was based on his judgment of the current abilities of both sons. He thought Pei Mingshu was more capable of handling this important collaboration than Pei Qing. However, he didn’t expect Pei Qing to surpass his expectations.

Pei Jingyou applauded while continuously directing appreciative glances towards Pei Qing. The representatives from Heda beside him also praised softly, repeatedly saying, “Like father, like son.”

Pei Mingshu hadn’t spoken yet, and Pei Jingyou didn’t want to show too much overt joy. After nodding in the direction of Pei Qing a couple of times, he restrained his expression of joy. “The plan is well done.” He then turned to Pei Mingshu and gestured with his eyes that he could start now.

Pei Mingshu looked at Pei Qing, who seemed calm and composed. The advisors behind him, holding documents or laptops, all looked at Pei Mingshu with serious expressions, waiting for him to make a decision.

“Mingshu?” Pei Jingyou asked.

Pei Mingshu looked at Pei Jingyou, his expression calm.

“Pei Qing’s plan is perfect.”

Pei Jingyou smiled and nodded.

“I support his plan.”

Pei Mingshu said casually.

As soon as he finished speaking, almost everyone on Pei Mingshu’s side involuntarily sighed and lowered their heads slightly.

Pei Jingyou was stunned on the spot.

What did this mean?

Pei Qing also shifted his gaze back to the opposite side.

Pei Mingshu’s expression didn’t reveal much, looking no different from usual. He smiled at Pei Qing’s gaze and said, “Congratulations.” After speaking, he casually applauded. The people behind him could only reluctantly follow suit, clapping their hands, but their expressions and gazes were not as calm as Pei Mingshu’s, showing signs of hidden feelings.

Pei Jingyou came back to his senses. He didn’t know what sudden move Pei Mingshu had made in front of so many people. He hurriedly applauded, but his expression was restrained. “Well done, well done. Pei Qing took the lead later on, so…” He looked at Pei Mingshu and then at Pei Qing. Pei Qing furrowed his brows slightly, apparently not expecting this strange turn of events. Pei Jingyou’s heart tightened slightly, and he smiled broadly. “Let Mingshu cooperate well with Pei Qing to execute this plan. Mr. Zhang, what do you think?” He turned his head to Zhang Huachao, the representative from Heda. Zhang Huachao smiled and nodded, “I’m very satisfied with this plan.”

“Good, good, as long as you’re satisfied.”

Pei Jingyou stood up and applauded. Everyone present noticed the unusualness of the public competition today, but they could only stand up and applaud together. Even the people on Pei Qing’s side couldn’t help but whisper to each other, wondering what had happened on Pei Mingshu’s side.

Pei Qing didn’t applaud, but he stood up along with everyone else. His gaze shifted back to Pei Mingshu on the opposite side, who was also looking at him, his face carrying a faint smile, revealing no deeper meaning.

The people around had already crowded around to congratulate him. Pei Qing was blocked by the crowd, so he could only respond vaguely. He faintly saw Pei Mingshu leaving the conference room with his team. He withdrew his gaze and shook hands with the representatives from Heda.

After the competition ended, all parties took a break. Pei Jingyou first sent away the representatives from Heda with a smile on his face, then immediately called Pei Mingshu into his office.

“What exactly happened?”

Pei Jingyou tapped his fingers nervously on the desk, his gaze scrutinizing Pei Mingshu like a hawk. “Mingshu, you’re not someone who backs down at the last moment. You know I wanted to entrust this to you.”

“Pei Qing’s plan is very good, so let him do it. What’s wrong with that?” Pei Mingshu’s tone was calm.

“Qing did very well this time,” Pei Jingyou frowned, “but your behavior today is very unusual, Mingshu. What’s going on with you? Show me your plan.”

“There’s no need for that.”

Pei Jingyou looked at him suspiciously. “Is there something wrong on your end?”

“No,” Pei Mingshu’s gaze was steady, “Pei Qing’s skills are superior, and for the sake of the company’s interests, I believe there’s no problem in choosing his plan.”

While father and son were negotiating here, it was a jubilant atmosphere on Pei Qing’s side. Regardless of why Pei Mingshu withdrew from the fight, this was a huge victory and an encouragement for them. Before the start of today’s competition, they hardly believed they could win against Pei Mingshu’s team. After a brief celebration in the office, Pei Qing let everyone choose a restaurant to celebrate. He went into his own office first.

There was something mysterious about the situation. Someone like Pei Mingshu, making a move like abstaining from the competition, was truly bewildering. Pei Qing still couldn’t figure out if there were any other twists in this. However, the overwhelming joy was indeed genuine.

At this moment, perhaps only one person in the world could truly share and understand his feelings.

“Are you heading home?”

“I’m already on my way.”

Mo Yin’s voice was soft, like a drop of water creating ripples. “Did you win?”

“Yeah.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

Only their distant breaths intertwined, like countless moments of sharing secrets, without any need for words. There was something deeper than words, resonating in the silence.

Pei Qing heard Mo Yin chuckle.

Then, his voice came through the earpiece, clear and distinct.

“Pei Qing, in my heart, you are never inferior to anyone.”

His heart felt like it was being squeezed by invisible hands, a mixture of sourness, pain, and numbness, but also a kind of sweetness that had been long-awaited. “Wait for me at home,” Pei Qing said.

Handing over his credit card to his assistant and giving a few instructions, Pei Qing strode out of the office. There was applause and cheers behind him, but he paid no attention. With one hand in his pocket and the other swinging freely, he walked to the private elevator and pressed the button.

Excitement surged through him like never before, as if he had finally gained his freedom.

As the elevator doors opened, however, the smile on Pei Qing’s face slowly faded.

Inside the elevator was Pei Mingshu.

The two brothers locked eyes across the elevator doors. Pei Mingshu’s lips curved slightly, and he nodded gracefully, stepping to the left to make way. It was as if nothing unusual had happened. Pei Qing also regained his composure, nodding slightly as he entered the elevator.

The elevator descended to the fifth floor, and neither of them spoke until Pei Mingshu stepped out of the elevator. There was silence between the two brothers.

Pei Qing watched Pei Mingshu’s departing figure and felt that Pei Mingshu was acting very unusually today.

As the elevator doors closed, Pei Qing smiled wryly.

He finally seemed to understand why Pei Mingshu always appeared so calm and superior in front of him.

The winner did indeed have the right to be a little more aloof.

Returning home at a fast pace, Pei Qing handed the keys to the butler and asked, “Where’s Mo Yin?”

“He’s in the garden.”

In the garden, the lilies were gradually wilting, casting a shadow over the white blooms. In the midst of the heavy shadow, a slender figure in a wheelchair was gently sniffing a bunch of half-opened lilies. He seemed to hear footsteps and slowly lifted his head. The afternoon sunlight fell on his face, enveloping him in a warm halo. When he saw the newcomer, he smiled.

Pei Qing went over and lifted him up.

The lilies in Mo Yin’s hands fell to the ground, and he wrapped his arms around Pei Qing’s neck, resting his cheek against Pei Qing’s. Their warmth, breath, and even the pulsing of their veins were tightly intertwined.

“There’s someone here,” Mo Yin gently reminded Pei Qing.

Pei Qing loosened his arms slightly and their cheeks separated a bit. They locked eyes, both with smiling eyes. Mo Yin asked, “Are you so happy because you won?”

Pei Qing looked at him quietly, his eyes deep. “Our plan won.”

“I knew it already,” Mo Yin’s face was full of smiles. “Didn’t I say this morning? You would win.”

With many eyes in the garden, Pei Qing disliked the probing gazes. He put Mo Yin down and said, “Let’s go inside.”

Pei Qing pushed Mo Yin back into the room before picking him up again. Mo Yin smiled and kissed Pei Qing’s cheek, saying, “Congratulations.”

Pei Qing returned the kiss lightly.

After locking eyes for a moment, they embraced and kissed passionately.

Pei Qing held Mo Yin until they reached the sofa by the window, where he knelt down on one knee and pulled the curtains shut. The room instantly dimmed, with half of the sofa bathed in bright sunlight and the other half shrouded in shadows. In the darkness, Pei Qing kissed Mo Yin passionately, matching his intensity with his own ardor.

They kissed for a long time before stopping to speak.

“So,” Mo Yin said, “that’s strange indeed.” The curtains were tightly drawn in the room, and Mo Yin leaned against Pei Qing’s chest, speaking softly. “Why did he give up like that?”

“I don’t know.”

“Maybe he realized the difficulty and felt that his plan couldn’t compare to yours, so he simply gave up.”

“No,” Pei Qing said, “he’s not the type to give up easily.” He glanced down at Mo Yin. “Something must have happened that he couldn’t control.”

—

“There’s a mole, there must be a mole.”

“Young Master, this can’t be a coincidence. It’s impossible for our plan to clash so strongly with theirs.”

“Daring to suspect internal staff, do you think your words are rational?”

“Are you suggesting that there could really be identical chains of creativity in the world? Let me tell you, this is definitely a leak.” The consultant placed his phone directly on the table. “I’m willing to undergo investigation.” He glared angrily at Pei Mingshu, who had been silent all this while. “Young Master, what do you say?”

The consultants and secretaries were all deflecting responsibility, arguing fiercely.

They were not fighting amongst themselves but putting on a show to prove each other’s innocence. They all knew that although the Young Master seemed gentle on the surface, he was not to be trifled with. If anyone even had a shred of suspicion cast on them, they could be directly kicked out of the company.

Pei Mingshu kept his eyes lowered, appearing disinterested. After the noise subsided, he spoke lightly, “You are all people I trust. Trust is paramount. I don’t suspect any of you.”

The expressions of the others remained serious.

Suddenly, someone spoke up, “Since the ghost isn’t among us, where else could it be?”

The person next to him immediately added, “The Young Master has been working from home recently. Could it be…”

Pei Mingshu lifted his gaze.

The two who spoke immediately lowered their heads, silenced. Others followed suit, avoiding Pei Mingshu’s gaze.

The office fell silent for a long time. Pei Mingshu said, “One act is enough in front of me. There’s no need for another.”

The others broke out in cold sweat, ceasing to speak.

Pei Mingshu turned his face and looked out at the brilliant sunlight outside.

He remembered last year when he brought Mo Yin back to the Pei residence. It was also a beautiful autumn day like this.