Zhan Jingchen couldn't answer, as he had only just conceived the idea and lacked experience in many aspects, requiring his parents' help.
This was the purpose of his return this time.
Jiang Nan Fang could tell from his expression that he was merely talking theory, but she didn't discourage him.
"Not ready yet, are you? It's okay. Just having this idea shows you've made significant progress recently, and we support you. Whatever budget you need, we'll provide, but I have one condition."
Zhan Jingchen had always known his parents were open-minded, especially supportive of his siblings' love lives and careers. However, when it came to him, his mother seemed to micromanage a bit too much, making him feel restricted.
This was the first time in his life he felt his mother was being so accommodating.
He agreed just like that?
"What condition?"
"The proposal must be done by Pei Kexin. I want her to join your team, whether you hire her or invite her as a partner. I just want her to be part of your team."
Zhan Jingchen had thought of many possibilities, but never expected her to propose such a condition.
Pei Kexin to do this proposal? And she must join his team?
"How do you know Pei Kexin? Are you close? Why do you value her so much?"
Jiang Nan Fang retorted, "Aren't you good friends? I'm not close to her, but as her friend, you surely understand better than I do why she's likable."
Zhan Jingchen had initially thought his mother was impressed by his potential talent, hence her open-mindedness.
Now, seeing it was entirely based on trust in Pei Kexin, what did that make him?
"Who told you I'm her friend? If you like her so much, why don't you recruit her into your own team! Why should she have a say in my company?"
Jiang Nan Fang raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Zhan Beijue, thinking: Didn't you tell your second brother that she's your friend? Why the change in attitude now?
No wonder he returned today; it seemed they had a falling out.
After Jiang Jingyu had praised Pei Kexin extensively, Zhan Beijue had also personally looked into her. He discovered that despite her young age, she possessed considerable ability, reminiscent of Jiang Nan Fang in her youth.
Moreover, she was beautiful and had a difficult background.
Jiang Nan Fang felt an immediate affinity for her just from looking at her photo.
Looking around, the daughters of her friends had all grown up, but none seemed to suit Zhan Jingchen's taste.
For so many years, he hadn't enjoyed playing with girls or dating, yet as soon as he left home, he ended up with Pei Kexin.
Jiang Nan Fang wondered if fate intended for Pei Kexin to join their family.
If the two of them were to get together, it would be perfect.
Not only would they not have to worry about Zhan Jingchen going astray, but his future career would also be secured.
Therefore, she absolutely did not want to see Zhan Jingchen and Pei Kexin having a disagreement.
"You're not friends? Then why did you follow her to the Pei family's house multiple times, stay overnight without coming out, and even chase her all the way to Harbin, only to wander around with her on the street behind her back?"
"Am I out of touch, not understanding what you young people define as friendship? After all this, you still don't consider yourselves friends?"
Zhan Jingchen instantly broke out in a cold sweat, finally understanding why his parents hadn't called him once during his long absence.
They had been secretly observing him!
"Mom, are you stalking me?"
Jiang Nan Fang: "Not at all, I wouldn't deign to stalk you. I'm just more interested in Pei Kexin, so I was following her and happened to see you. If you two are really not friends, and you truly don't need her, then I'll recruit her into my own team. Don't regret it then."
Fu Duoduo was halfway on her way back when she received a call from Pei Kexin, asking where she was and if it was convenient to talk.
Fu Duoduo said it was convenient, "What's up?"
"What did you say to Zhan Jingchen?"
Fu Duoduo couldn't help but chuckle. When someone is present, they pretend to be indifferent, but once they part, they can't help but inquire about them secretly.
"We didn't say much, why?"
Pei Kexin didn't believe her. "If you didn't say much, why did he suddenly return the money to me? You must have said something. Don't tell me you played the victim or asked him for money?"
Fu Duoduo quickly denied it, "Am I that kind of person? What do you take me for?"
Pei Kexin asked her, "Then why would he return the money to me for no reason?"
Fu Duoduo: "Is it possible that I told him some things, but just told the truth?"
"Told the truth? What do you mean?"
"You're unemployed and kicked out, and now you don't even have a place to stay."
"..."
What was the difference between that and directly begging him? Pei Kexin felt utterly embarrassed.
"Fu Duoduo, you... the noble don't accept charity! We're not so poor that we need to beg for money by playing the victim. Don't do this again!"
"Okay, okay, it's all my fault. I promise I won't say anything out of line again, alright?"
Unexpectedly, the very next day, after making her vow, Fu Duoduo continued with the procedures for her company. By ten in the morning, she received a WeChat message from Zhan Jingchen.
"Where are you?"
Last night, Zhan Jingchen said he might need her help in the future, and Fu Duoduo thought it was just a polite remark. She didn't expect Young Master Zhan to be so true to his word!
He was looking for her today!
And using such a familiar tone!
She was almost ecstatic.
She immediately sent him her location, "Is something wrong?"
Zhan Jingchen said, "Find a nearby coffee shop and wait for me. I'm coming to find you now."
What? He was actually coming to find her? This...
Fu Duoduo couldn't help but look in the mirror. Could it be that after their brief encounter yesterday, Zhan Jingchen was captivated by her beauty and personality, decided to give up on Pei Kexin, and was coming to pursue her?
When they met at the coffee shop, the young and handsome Young Master Zhan pushed a gift box towards her as soon as he sat down.
"For you."
The logo on the box was familiar; it was an international renowned brand. Judging by the shape, it was a necklace.
Zhan Jingchen was giving her a necklace?!
"For me? You said this is for me?"
Zhan Jingchen looked at her calmly. His young, handsome features were accentuated by the golden sunlight, making them even more defined.
"Yes, for you. Open it."
Fu Duoduo, suppressing her pounding heart, opened it.
It was the classic design, a bestseller for many years.
Even though she already owned one, this was a gift from Young Master Zhan, so she was still very happy!
"Are you... not afraid Kexin will mind? This is so sudden, I haven't even thought about it..."
Zhan Jingchen stared at her flushed face for a few seconds, leaned forward, resting his long arms on the table, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"What are you thinking? Hasn't Gu Wei ever given you gifts? Do you need to consider Pei Kexin's feelings for friends to exchange gifts? Why are you so afraid of her?"
Between friends?
"Miss Fu, don't overthink it. You're not my type. I'm giving you this because I need your help."