Chapter 26: A Gift

Pei Susu’s consciousness flickered with the image of Fu Zhichen’s detached, ethereal face and eyes brimming with sincere affection.

“A certain clingy puppy,” she murmured, spinning around to gaze at the spire atop the Fu Corporation building, a tender smile softening her expression. It was like a fleeting spring light revealed as glaciers melt, enchanting everyone to the point of distraction.

Her assistant’s eyes lingered on her with gentle admiration, cheeks flushed uncontrollably. “Susu, you look so beautiful when you smile.”

Zhou Haoyue folded her hands and stared at Pei Susu leisurely. “Oh? Is it a little puppy or a puppy dog? You looked completely different just now.”

She propped her chin thoughtfully. “Let me think.” Suddenly, she leaned in close to Pei Susu. “Like a girl lost in love, the way she looks when she thinks of her boyfriend.”

Everyone gasped, their eyes swirling with excitement as they fixated on Pei Susu. “Who could move our ice-cold beauty of a manager’s heart?”

“So curious! Susu, since the project is settled, why not see if your boyfriend is free? Invite him out for dinner with us!”

Pei Susu eyed the lively group of gossipy subordinates and, annoyed, tapped each of them with her folder. “We’re at work; no talking about anything unrelated to business.”

But if Fu Zhichen knew these people wanted to drag him out to a barbecue at a street stall, who knows what he’d think.

Zhou Haoyue mimicked her stern expression, speaking with mock seriousness. “Did you hear the general manager? If you want to know more, come after hours.”

Everyone grew even more animated, circling Pei Susu. “Yes, sir!”

The assistant glanced at her watch. “Just fifteen minutes till the end of the workday. Is everyone ready with their questions?!”

A chorus of voices answered, “Ready!”

“All right, Susu, just tell us—we promise to keep your secret.”

Pei Susu looked at her gradually relaxed team; warmth crept into her once-cold eyes. “It’s not convenient right now. Give me some time, and I’ll bring him out to meet everyone.”

She sighed inwardly; it had been so long since she’d heard from the team who had once followed her at Xingye. She wondered if they were doing well. Their business skills were among the best in the industry; surely, they’d found good jobs.

After she agreed, everyone dispersed, returning to their original positions.

“President Pei’s word is her bond—don’t lie to us!”

“Come on, Susu wouldn’t lie for money. How dare you doubt her?”

“I really look forward to meeting Susu’s boyfriend. I’m curious what kind of man could make our cold beauty at Fu Corporation show her gentle side.”

Chatting as they walked, the group unconsciously slowed their steps.

Pei Susu looked back at the crowd lagging behind and warned, “If you keep gossiping back there and can’t catch up, Vice President Zhou and I will go enjoy dinner ourselves.”

They hurried forward, chasing after her and Zhou Haoyue. “Don’t, President Pei, Vice President Zhou!”

Pei Susu stepped out of the Mo Corporation’s doors, heading along the street toward the restaurant. In her blurred vision, she glimpsed an elderly man with white hair and a cane, someone strikingly familiar.

Under the blazing sun, Elder Liang pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his sweat, then slowly made his way toward the Mo Group.

Pei Susu’s eyes stung, and she took a card from her purse, handing it to Zhou Haoyue. She said to the group, “Sorry, everyone, I can’t join you for dinner.”

“Haoyue, use my card to pay for everyone.” With that, she strode quickly toward Elder Liang.

Zhou Haoyue noticed the shift in Pei Susu’s expression and took the card, using her stern face to calm the slightly restless crowd. “Stop staring—come on, let’s go enjoy ourselves.”

Elder Liang was dressed in a suit, his arm clutching a heavy briefcase. His old ailments made him walk haltingly, pausing now and then. Suddenly, a pair of fair, slender hands supported his arm.

“Grandpa Liang, it’s so hot at noon—why are you out alone? Isn’t Liang Wenru with you? Where’s the family’s staff?”

Pei Susu gently wiped the sweat from Elder Liang’s aged face. Despite the blazing sun, her body seemed to lose heat bit by bit.

What was Liang Wenru doing? Elder Liang was over eighty, yet he was made to walk alone, with not even a car sent to pick him up.

Elder Liang hadn’t seen Pei Susu in months. His wrinkled eyes shimmered with moisture as his gaunt hand caressed her delicate face, scrutinizing her carefully.

“Susu, I’ve wronged you. The Liang family owes you an apology. Have you been well these days?”

His fingers traced her cheek as he sighed. “You’ve lost so much weight.”

Pei Susu hurriedly helped him to a shaded bench, crouching to tie his loose shoelaces. “Grandpa Liang, I don’t bear any grudge against you—or against Liang Wenru.”

“You’ve always treated me kindly. Please don’t feel guilty about my divorce from Liang Wenru.”

Elder Liang held her hand and gazed into the distance. “In the whole Liang family, relatives and heirs are waiting for this old man to pass on, so they can divide the family’s wealth.”

“But you’re the only one who cares for me, who visits me, who does everything personally. You’re a filial and thoughtful child. Wenru’s misfortune is not being able to be with you for the long haul.”

He opened his briefcase and handed her a property transfer agreement.

“In the months since you left, the Liang house has felt empty. Xingye has fallen, and those who once flattered me have all gone to find new patrons.”

“When you get old, you can’t help but reflect. I haven’t spoken with you in so long—today, I’m being wordy.”

Since she entered the Liang family, Elder Liang had treated her like his own granddaughter. Pei Susu was moved, and after a quick glance at the document, she guessed his intention and hurried to return it.

“Grandpa Liang, a property in the city center business district worth fifty million—it’s too valuable. I can’t accept it.”

Elder Liang insisted, pushing the document into her hands. “I won’t hide it from you, Susu. Xingye’s market value keeps dropping, back to where it was five years ago. I came out today to clean up Wenru’s mess.”

“You’ve poured countless efforts into Xingye, Wenru, and me. Wenru, in turn, greedily took the fruits of your five years of labor. I have nothing else to give but this property I bought when I was young and had a good eye.”

Pei Susu glimpsed other documents peeking from the briefcase, her heart trembling. “Grandpa Liang, do you want to cooperate with Mo Corporation? I had a decent conversation with their people not long ago. I’ll accompany you to negotiate—maybe I can help.”

Had Xingye fallen so far that Elder Liang now needed to leverage personal connections to save it?

Suddenly, Elder Liang pushed her away angrily and strode off toward Mo Corporation.

“This matter, you are not allowed to interfere! And as for the document I gave you, you must sign it, or you’ll never call me grandpa again!”