Song Jingchen’s Collaboration Partner Is…

After rejecting Huo Yao’s invitation, Nan Pei felt a bit uneasy. He thought that when he had some free time, he must invite Huo Yao for a meal. After pondering for a while, Nan Pei sent Huo Yao a message: [Next time, it’s on me.]

On the other side, Huo Yao was feeling annoyed because of something Cheng Man had said. But the next second, when he saw the message pop up, he couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, a hint of surprise and delight flashing in his eyes. The gloominess from earlier vanished instantly. He curled his lips slightly, his gaze lingering on those five words, a subtle smile appearing in his eyes.

Nearby, after Cheng Man finished speaking, she noticed the president’s expression wasn’t looking good. She thought she might have said something wrong and began reflecting on it. Suddenly, she saw President Huo’s faint smile and was stunned. President Huo’s expression…

Why was he frowning one moment and smiling the next? Was it an illusion?

Nan Pei thought Huo Yao would respond with something like “we’ll see,” given how busy someone like him must be. But surprisingly, Huo Yao replied: [Really?]

Nan Pei quickly typed back: [Of course, it’s true!]

Huo Yao: [You won’t back out after we meet, right?]

Nan Pei paused, puzzled. Why would Huo Yao ask such a question? Still, he replied earnestly: [I definitely won’t.]

Huo Yao seemed satisfied, and after a while, he replied with a simple “Hmm,” accepting Nan Pei’s invitation. Looking at the chat history, Nan Pei smiled. He marveled at how easygoing President Huo was. It was rare to find such a good boss these days. Nan Pei even began looking forward to their meeting.

However, with the three novels he was currently involved in, all of the protagonists’ career arcs required Nan Pei’s support, and he was worried he wouldn’t have time to meet Huo Yao. Especially in the overbearing CEO novel—Song Jingchen’s career was on the rise, and Nan Pei often needed to participate in the plot.

Thinking about this, Nan Pei felt it might be difficult to meet Huo Yao in person anytime soon, which left him a bit disappointed. But this disappointment wasn’t just about visiting Huo Yao’s house. 

After the film crew incident and their chats, Nan Pei genuinely wanted to get to know this president better. He used to believe that CEOs in novel worlds were all like Song Jingchen, but Huo Yao had broken that perception—making him feel that being friends with a CEO might actually be… acceptable.

Moreover… for some reason, during their conversations, Nan Pei felt a faint sense of familiarity with Huo Yao. Even though they were just cold words on a screen, it felt as if he had known Huo Yao for a long time.

Just when Nan Pei thought he wouldn’t be able to meet Huo Yao anytime soon, something unexpected happened. 

The exclamation mark for the overbearing CEO novel’s task lit up, and the system prompted Nan Pei that he needed to help Song Jingchen secure an important collaboration project. 

This project involved the film industry and was meant to prepare Song Jingchen’s company to enter the entertainment circle. However, the specific company to collaborate with wasn’t mentioned in the plot, suggesting it was just an insignificant partner. As long as this project was secured, Song Jingchen’s career line could advance by over 20%.

So, early the next morning, Nan Pei dressed up and headed to Song Jingchen’s company. Song Jingchen was still brooding over the fact that Nan Pei had forgotten to save him yesterday, and since Nan Pei hadn’t comforted him afterward, he felt neglected. Moreover, Nan Pei hadn’t visited his company for a while. Although Song Jingchen used to be annoyed by those visits, he felt a strange sense of concern now that they’d stopped. Even he couldn’t understand why he cared.

At nine in the morning, Song Jingchen arrived at the company with a cold expression. There was a major collaboration project to discuss, and the other party was rumored to be tough to deal with. Whether they could secure the project was still uncertain, which only worsened his mood. He exuded a chilly aura.

As he entered the company, his secretary, Candy, saw his expression and froze. Taking a deep breath, she mustered the courage to approach him in her high heels and blocked his path:

“President Song, it’s better not to take this elevator,” she said cautiously, occasionally glancing at the elevator doors.

Song Jingchen frowned and asked coldly, “Is the company elevator broken? Didn’t it just get inspected last week? What’s property management doing…” Hearing this, Candy broke into a cold sweat. With President Song in such a foul mood—like he’d swallowed a bullet—if she mentioned Nan Pei’s visit, wouldn’t she be… doomed?

Irritated, Song Jingchen said, “Don’t block me if there’s nothing wrong.” He was about to step forward when Candy blurted out in a panic, “President Song! Nan Pei is here!”

Nearby employees, upon hearing this, exchanged complicated looks. It was clear the office would not be peaceful today.

Every time Nan Pei visited, it would end with Song Jingchen furious and Nan Pei in tears, needing the employees to console him like a heartbroken child. After all, he was the young master of the Nan Family—who dared offend him other than President Song? And with Nan Pei’s somewhat domineering personality, employees had to endure his emotional rants. If they accidentally zoned out, they’d get scolded on the spot.

So, whenever Nan Pei came by, everyone did their best to prevent the two from crossing paths.

“Nan Pei brought roses again today. Looks like he’s planning a big scene…” Candy warned urgently. “President Song, you should run.”

But to Candy’s surprise, Song Jingchen didn’t turn away like usual. Instead, after hearing her words, he paused—then involuntarily glanced toward the elevator, blurting out, “He’s here?” His tone carried a hint of… delight?

Candy thought she was imagining things. That had to be surprise, not delight… right?

“Yes,” she replied, slightly unsure. “He’s waiting by the elevator to the president’s office. Maybe you should go out the back?”

Song Jingchen stood still, gazing toward the elevator. Sure enough, he saw a tall, slender figure waiting. At that moment, Nan Pei turned and looked his way.

Panicking, Candy said, “President Song, he saw you! Run…” She reached out to pull him back—but Song Jingchen didn’t budge.

Candy was stunned. Then she turned to glance back—and nearly dropped her tablet.

There was a faint smile on Song Jingchen’s lips.

Candy’s eyes widened. She rubbed them hard, convinced she was dreaming.

Song Jingchen adjusted his collar, composed his expression, and strode confidently toward Nan Pei.

The surrounding employees whispered among themselves:

“Is President Song going to personally kick him out?”

“It’s about to get wild.”

“I’m going to hide outside for a bit…”

But the dramatic scene they expected never happened.

When Nan Pei saw Song Jingchen, he smiled shyly and handed him a bouquet of roses. “Jingchen Gege, you look handsome today too.”

Song Jingchen looked at him without comment, his gaze settling on the bouquet. A second later, his fingers twitched, and he pursed his lips. “What are you doing here?”

“I heard you have a project to discuss,” Nan Pei said slowly, looking him in the eye. “And the Nan Family is involved. Maybe if I go with you, I can help.”

Song Jingchen sneered. “Help me? Other than being the Nan Family’s young master, what else can you offer?”

Nan Pei lowered his eyes, voice quiet. “Jingchen Gege, I just want to share some of your burden.”

At that moment, Song Jingchen finally confirmed it—Nan Pei still loved him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come so early with flowers, trying to help with a business project… even if he doubted Nan Pei could actually help.

Song Jingchen stared at him for a long while, then smirked. “Alright.”

Nan Pei looked at him in surprise. “Really?” His tone was more shocked than pleased. According to the system’s plot, Song Jingchen was supposed to reject him. Nan Pei had expected to follow him around relentlessly before the project succeeded.

“I want to see what you’ve learned about investment recently,” Song Jingchen said, raising an eyebrow, his tone mocking—clearly waiting to see him fail.

“I’ll do my best to help,” Nan Pei replied with fake cheer. “Don’t worry, Jingchen Gege.”

Silence fell between them.

Candy, standing nearby, was still in disbelief. Was she dreaming? President Song actually agreed to Nan Pei’s request??

Song Jingchen glanced at the flowers in Nan Pei’s hand, scoffing. “Why is it always this tacky stuff?”

Nan Pei quickly offered them to him. “Because it represents my love for Jingchen Gege.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Nan Pei internally gagged. If I throw up that tom yum soup from yesterday, I blame the script.

Song Jingchen’s hand twitched slightly, then clenched into a fist, veins visible on the back of his hand. His Adam’s apple bobbed, his jawline tense. His gaze lingered on the flowers, his expression conflicted. For a brief moment, he had the subconscious urge to accept them.

Seeing no reaction, Nan Pei took the bouquet back, a little disappointed. “It’s okay, Jingchen Gege. If you don’t like them, I’ll bring something else next time.”

Just then, the elevator arrived on the first floor, and the doors slowly opened. Song Jingchen hesitated, frustration flickering in his eyes. Then he muttered, “I don’t like it,” and walked into the elevator.

Of course, he didn’t like the roses—but he had hesitated. Nan Pei looked a little too pitiful.

Unaware of Song Jingchen’s inner conflict, Nan Pei followed him inside. The atmosphere was awkward and cold.

In the confined space, Nan Pei glanced at Song Jingchen’s unreadable expression, trying to break the ice. “Jingchen Gege, what are we doing next?”

“Go get the project materials. We’re meeting the partner at Xingyao Entertainment…” Song Jingchen frowned, then gave Nan Pei a look of disdain. “You don’t know anything. Why are you tagging along?”

“Xingyao Entertainment?” Nan Pei paused. That name sounded familiar.

Song Jingchen continued, “I heard Huo Yao’s a tough one. Rarely impressed by anyone. When you meet him, don’t act like a spoiled young master. Keep your mouth shut.”

“Okay, Jingchen Gege. I’ll definitely—” Nan Pei nodded instinctively, then suddenly froze. “What? Huo Yao?!”

“Hm,” Song Jingchen grunted, glancing at him with a frown. “What, you know him?”

“I’ve never met him,” Nan Pei replied quickly, trying to suppress his reaction. “I’ve just… heard of him.”

“He’s the most low-key billionaire in Lujin City,” Song Jingchen said with a hint of sarcasm. “Even I haven’t met him. Like you’d casually bump into someone like that.”

But Nan Pei wasn’t listening anymore. His lips curled up slightly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

He had only one thought in mind.

He’s about to meet Huo Yao in person.