Pei Kexin, seeing his strong desire to learn, found him charmingly attractive when paired with his handsome appearance, and brought him to the laboratory.
"Some things aren't seen with the naked eye; they require experiments. The lab has a coating thickness gauge. You can measure the coating thickness according to the drawing requirements and use relevant testing liquids. Whether the coating thickness is sufficient will be known after testing."
After speaking, she demonstrated the instrument's operation to him personally and also explained the standard thickness requirements for several common electroplating materials on the market.
Zhan Jingchen found her knowledge of her work to be exceptionally proficient; she could recite even the smallest details by heart.
Then, the two of them became inseparable.
Zhan Jingchen was like a student, and Pei Kexin was the teacher. He followed her closely, learning about the conductivity of various copper materials, the resistivity of fused cores, the hardness requirements for iron raw materials, the different types of plastic products, and the distinctions between them.
This extended to mold design, assembly, and the advantages of progressive dies over traditional molds.
Then, to the selling points of Pei's products, their sales advantages and disadvantages, and sales techniques.
As long as he asked, Pei Kexin answered.
She explained everything thoroughly and in detail, talking to him for an entire day.
After a day of interaction, Zhan Jingchen finally understood why she could be a vice president at such a young age.
Pei Kexin was not only beautiful and had a straightforward personality but was also incredibly professional.
Regarding anything related to products, from blueprint design, raw material procurement, mold design, assembly line production, inspection, sales, to after-sales customer service, she was proficient in every step.
Zhan Jingchen's understanding of the word "professional" had been vague before.
Although it was widely rumored that his parents were highly skilled in their professions and his siblings were capable in their respective fields, he had never witnessed it firsthand and always felt it was just talk.
Today, Pei Kexin gave him a vivid lesson.
He truly felt his own ignorance and the gap between himself and others, and he began to admire her.
At this moment, in Zhan Jingchen's heart, she was no longer his benefactor, nor the daughter of the Pei family about to be kicked out, nor some demoness.
She was a teacher worthy of great respect and someone worth having.
He unconsciously wanted to be close to her, protect her, and even felt honored to be near her.
In the blink of an eye, it was five in the afternoon, the end of the workday, and the two took a taxi back.
While waiting for a taxi at the entrance, Zhan Jingchen asked her what she wanted for dinner.
Pei Kexin thought for a moment, "Lamb chops. I've heard good things about the lamb chops here since I arrived, but I haven't had a chance to try them. Since I have some free time today, I'll treat you."
Zhan Jingchen showed her his phone, pointing to a restaurant with good reviews on an app.
"How about this one? It has a high rating. If you have no objections, I'll book it."
Pei Kexin didn't look. "You're the expert in this area. If you think it's good, then it's good."
Zhan Jingchen made the reservation.
The industrial zone was somewhat remote, and the ride-hailing car would take some time.
Pei Kexin watched him complete the order, stood still for a moment, then turned to him and asked, "Booked?"
"Mhm."
"How much did it cost?"
"Are you going to reimburse me?"
Pei Kexin took out her phone and opened Alipay.
"Yes, I will. Tell me, how much?"
Zhan Jingchen didn't refuse and showed her the payment interface.
As Pei Kexin transferred the money, she listened to him act like he was getting the better end of the deal.
"Actually, you don't have to pay. Sometimes, women should act like women and rely on men when they need to. Being too strong might hurt a man's pride."
After the money was transferred, Pei Kexin looked up at him. "So, did I hurt your pride?"
"...Not at all."
Zhan Jingchen smirked.
Pei Kexin withdrew her gaze.
"There might really be men like the ones you described in the world, but I'm unlucky and haven't met any."
"So, it's better to rely on ourselves."
Zhan Jingchen didn't quite believe it.
"You're so beautiful, and there must be men lining up for miles to pursue you every day. Why are you talking so pitifully... Hey, can I ask you a personal question?"
Pei Kexin immediately thought of that night, thought of their...
"I'm sorry. You can't."
"Tsk, you don't even know what I'm going to ask."
"A dog's mouth can't spit out ivory."
"You know me so well?"
"Don't flatter yourself. It's not that I know you, but I know the group you belong to. Are men good things?"
"...What if I'm the exception?"
Pei Kexin couldn't be bothered to bicker with him anymore. "What does that have to do with me?"
"..."
The two took a taxi to the restaurant Zhan Jingchen had booked.
The restaurant's signature dish was roast lamb chops.
They were super large, meant to be held with hands and gnawed on like a stick.
Although not elegant, it was also hearty.
Pei Kexin hadn't drunk any alcohol since arriving here. Tonight, with company, she asked the owner to bring two bottles of wine to enjoy while eating.
The owner recommended a local aged wine, which was high in alcohol content but sweet on the palate and didn't cause headaches even when drunk in excess.
The two wine lovers ordered and drank two glasses, finding it uninteresting.
Zhan Jingchen suggested to her, "How about we play a game?"
"What game?"
"From now on, whoever makes a sound first has to do something for the other person."
Pei Kexin found it childish and unconcerned.
"My self-control is so strong, I'm bound to win."
Zhan Jingchen explained the details to her, "You can't make any sound at all, including eating and drinking, not even a little bit."
Pei Kexin looked at him as if he were an idiot.
"If you dare, why shouldn't I? Just don't cheat if you lose."
The game began.
Pei Kexin chewed the meat very carefully and sipped her wine in small sips.
Zhan Jingchen watched her from across the table, not eating or drinking, completely still.
He hadn't expected it could be like this.
Pei Kexin gradually became uncomfortable under his gaze, her expression stiffening. She ate two more bites, then turned her body away to avoid seeing him.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she turned, Zhan Jingchen tickled her lower back.
She was only wearing a shirt, and being tickled made her feel itchy and numb, and she involuntarily let out a soft sound.
Zhan Jingchen, having succeeded, grabbed her shoulders and turned her back.
"You lost. You have to do something for me."
Pei Kexin glared at him angrily, "You cheated! Who plays like this? This round doesn't count."
Zhan Jingchen ignored her. "You didn't say we couldn't play like this before we started. Losing is losing. I didn't expect the esteemed Vice President Pei to be a sore loser."
Pei Kexin couldn't be bothered to argue with him over such a trivial matter and waved her hand.
"Don't ask for anything excessive. Go ahead, tell me what you want me to do."
Zhan Jingchen smirked again. "I don't want you to do anything in particular. I just want you to answer a question for me."
Pei Kexin picked up her wine glass and took another sip. "Are you that curious about my privacy?"
"Extremely curious."
"Do I have to tell the truth?"
"Of course."
She had drunk more than half a bottle of wine and was starting to feel a bit tipsy. Pei Kexin boldly put down her glass.
"A bet is a bet. Alright, go ahead, ask."
Zhan Jingchen, not at all surprised, gossiped, "How many boyfriends have you had?"