Over the past week, Pei Kexin barely spoke. She arrived at the studio early each day and began working as soon as she sat down.
When engrossed in her work, she lost track of time. If Zhan Jingchen didn't call her for meals, she wouldn't even remember to eat.
She couldn't possibly go hungry.
Zhan Jingchen kept an eye on the clock and quietly took on the responsibility of ordering takeout.
Occasionally, she needed some materials, and she'd ask him to look them up. Zhan Jingchen had seamlessly transitioned into her assistant.
Although he hadn't set a strict deadline for her, Pei Kexin was aware of it and had set rigorous standards for herself.
By the end of the week, the proposal was complete.
The proposal from the professional agency had been submitted the previous day. Zhan Jingchen couldn't discern any tricks, but by comparing it with Pei Kexin's data, he could see that the gap was not significant.
It seemed Pei Kexin hadn't intentionally inflated Pei Corporation's value and had approached the matter with seriousness and fairness.
That evening, he sent both documents to Jiang Nan Fang.
After reviewing them, Jiang Nan Fang's confidence in her judgment was further solidified.
Pei Kexin was a rare talent, and she was eager to meet her.
Since tomorrow was Sunday, she decided to invite her over for a visit and discuss work.
Jiang Nan Fang instructed Zhan Jingchen, "Don't tell her it's at home yet. Just say an investor wants to meet her. Don't put pressure on her; let her rest well."
Zhan Jingchen followed his mother's wishes and said nothing. The next day, he directly took her to the villa.
As they drove further into the secluded area, and then stopped in front of a solemn and magnificent villa, Pei Kexin finally realized something was amiss.
"Didn't you say we were meeting an investor? Why are we at someone's house? Did he pick this place?"
Zhan Jingchen replied, "Do you think I picked it?"
They drove around the villa for a long time before reaching their destination.
The butler came to park the car, and as they walked inside, the housekeeper greeted Zhan Jingchen. Pei Kexin then realized it was his home.
"Who is the investor? Could it be Mr. Zhan? This, this is your home? You actually... Why didn't you say so earlier!"
Zhan Bei Jue's status in the Nancheng business circle was akin to a deity; even the elders respected him, let alone Pei Kexin.
She had never imagined she would have the chance to meet her idol. Today, she was wearing a worn-out work uniform. She hadn't slept well recently, and to cover her pale complexion, she had applied quite a bit of makeup.
Would Mr. Zhan find her off-putting?
Seeing her flusteredly checking her makeup on her phone and nervously adjusting her clothes, Zhan Jingchen couldn't help but find it amusing.
"You're here to meet an investor for work, not your in-laws. Who's going to look at your face? Why are you so worried?"
"In-laws? Could it be that President Jiang is also here?"
"Nonsense, this is her home. Where else would she be?"
Meeting two idols at once made Pei Kexin even more anxious.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier that we were meeting President Jiang and Mr. Zhan? My... is my lipstick color too bright? Is my foundation creasing? Are my eyelids swollen? Does my eyeshadow match today's outfit? What kind of style does President Jiang like? Will I..."
Zhan Jingchen couldn't help but pinch her beautiful face.
"Don't worry, you look gorgeous. Your looks are even better than your work ability. I've never seen you care so much about your appearance before. To think you'd be like this today... They aren't people who judge based on looks, so relax."
Zhan Jingchen casually pulled her along as they walked inside. Just as they were pulling each other, Jiang Nan Fang and Zhan Bei Jue came out to greet them.
To avoid putting pressure on Pei Kexin, they had decided to make the meeting feel like a casual family gathering, dressing very casually.
They wore home clothes and slippers. Jiang Nan Fang wore no makeup at all, her face bare and adorned with a faint smile.
So young and gentle.
Seeing her in person, realizing she was such an approachable goddess, Pei Kexin stammered in admiration.
"Mr. Zhan, President Jiang, hello, I am Pei Kexin."
"Kexin, welcome, welcome. Jing Yu and Jing Chen have spoken of you often. Your work ability is exceptional, and I've always wanted to meet you. I finally have the chance today. To be so young, beautiful, and capable, Chairman Pei is truly skilled at nurturing talent."
As Jiang Nan Fang spoke, she reached out to take Pei Kexin's hand, as if they were old acquaintances. Looking at her, Pei Kexin felt an indescribable warmth.
The four of them went to the sofa area to sit down. Jiang Nan Fang personally poured tea for Pei Kexin.
Zhan Bei Jue was also very gentle. Instead of asking about work, he inquired about Chairman Pei's illness before his passing and offered his condolences.
Pei Kexin looked at this gentle and kind divine couple, feeling her heart melt with warmth.
Zhan Jingchen was truly blessed to have such parents, so capable and considerate. How many lifetimes of good fortune had he accumulated!
Jiang Nan Fang said she wanted to treat her to lunch and asked her what dishes she liked. She even took her to the kitchen to look around. It didn't feel like a work meeting at all; she was treated like a guest, and soon Pei Kexin felt completely at ease.
The meal wasn't elaborate, consisting of home-style dishes, and was soon served.
The four sat at the dining table. Jiang Nan Fang helped Pei Kexin to food, urging her to eat more.
As they were chatting merrily, Jiang Nan Fang's phone rang.
She answered it casually. After listening for a moment, she smiled.
"French people? I don't speak French, so communication might be difficult. Moreover, the items aren't ready yet. Perhaps we should postpone it. I'm not in the mood to do this recently. Can you find an excuse to refuse for me?"
Upon hearing this, Pei Kexin unconsciously looked at her.
Meeting her gaze, Jiang Nan Fang smiled faintly.
"What is it, Kexin? Do you have something to say?"
Pei Kexin hesitated slightly. "It's nothing, really. I just heard you mention French people and French. I wanted to ask if you were discussing something? I majored in French in college. While I'm not fluent, I can manage some daily conversations."
Jiang Nan Fang was pleasantly surprised.
"Oh? You studied French in college? Does that mean you can be my translator for free?"
"It would be my honor to translate for President Jiang."
Jiang Nan Fang immediately spoke to the person on the other end.
"Alright, no need to refuse. Schedule a time with them. I've found a French translator!"
After hanging up, Jiang Nan Fang smiled at Pei Kexin.
"Didn't you major in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in college?"
Pei Kexin replied, "Yes, but I also studied French concurrently. At the time, I was interested in French films and thought I'd learn the language so I could travel to France when I had the time."
"That's truly impressive," Jiang Nan Fang said, genuinely admiring her.
"You're so young, so capable, and so hardworking. If our little Wu had even half of your qualities, it would be wonderful."
Zhan Jingchen knew it was only a matter of time before she started teasing him.
"Mommy, you're not comfortable unless you tease me a couple of times a day."
Jiang Nan Fang pinched him. "No, little Wu has his own strengths, like making friends. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met Kexin."
"Kexin, you're so much like me when I was young, both in personality and looks. I felt an instant connection, and I like you so much. You can come over anytime, whether you have something or not. Would you mind being friends with me?"
Pei Kexin didn't mind at all.