Volume One, Chapter 18: What Suits Oneself—Leaving the Pei Family

Song Qingyin looked at Pei Jingmo and nodded earnestly.

“I can’t always stay by your side. You’re so outstanding, I can’t afford to be complacent.”

“I want to earn the right to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.”

Pei Jingmo held her hand and squeezed it in disagreement. “Miss Song, who said you don’t have the资格?”

As the eldest daughter of the Song family in Haicheng, although the family’s influence had waned over the years, its foundation remained solid.

Being the only daughter, Song Qingyin had been proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting since childhood.

Not to mention, she had also established her own fashion brand.

“Miss Song, are you perhaps looking down on me, your humble secretary at Pei Corporation?” Pei Jingmo joked.

Song Qingyin glanced at him. “Exactly. That’s why I’m determined to make my own brand bigger and stronger, surpassing your Pei Corporation.”

“Then, President Pei, how about coming to be my assistant?”

“It would be my honor,” Pei Jingmo smiled.

“Enough joking,” Song Qingyin lightly tapped him and lowered her voice. “I know grandma has always had reservations about me. She doesn’t approve of us being together.”

“That’s why I have to work even harder to improve myself. I want grandma to truly see me and accept me.”

“Jingmo, you’ll support me, won’t you?”

“Of course,” Pei Jingmo replied without hesitation. “With such determination, how could I not?”

“Do whatever you want to do; I’ve got your back. But don’t overexert yourself. If anything comes up, remember to tell me.”

Seeing his agreement, Song Qingyin beamed. “Good—I definitely won’t be polite with you!”

With that, she spread her arms and fell into his embrace.

Pei Jingmo held her, and the two of them stayed on the sofa in that posture, chatting for a long time before heading to their room.

...

Elsewhere, Shen Shuhe dragged her weary body home.

Having just been out in the wind, she had a headache and collapsed onto the sofa as soon as she opened the door.

Wen Yu, hearing the noise, came out of the bathroom.

Seeing her condition, he nervously asked, “What’s wrong? Is it serious?”

But Wen Yu immediately sensed something was off—if it were truly serious, she wouldn’t have come back so quickly.

Shen Shuhe didn’t want to mention anything about the Pei family or related matters.

She simply said, “I’ll wrap up my work at Pei Corporation tomorrow and then report to you.”

Seeing she didn’t want to talk further, Wen Yu didn’t press.

It probably wasn’t a big problem.

After Shen Shuhe mentioned work, Wen Yu immediately sat beside her. “That’s fine.”

“I’ve already spoken with the boss. He’s seen your previous modeling photos and is very satisfied with you. He’s just waiting for you!”

After setting a time, they each returned to their rooms to sleep.

At night, Shen Shuhe lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Because of what Xiaoyu said tonight, she couldn’t help but worry about his character and behavior.

She hoped Pei Jingmo would have a serious talk with him.

Shen Shuhe sighed as she stared at the ceiling, slowly closing her eyes.

The next day, Shen Shuhe arrived at Pei Corporation.

---

She was handing over her work to Fang Wu for the last time.

By around ten o’clock, they were almost done.

Shen Shuhe took off her work badge. “Thank you for all your hard work from now on.”

Fang Wu smiled. “It’s my duty.”

“But...”

“What is it?” Shen Shuhe looked at him.

Fang Wu expressed his doubts. “Why are you resigning? Pei Corporation’s work has a bright future, and I heard you were President Pei’s secretary before.”

With such a background, the prospects were limitless.

For someone who recently graduated and had worked at other companies, Fang Wu believed one should seize every opportunity to stay at Pei Corporation and quickly showcase their abilities.

But Shen Shuhe seemed indifferent to the position or benefits at Pei Corporation and insisted on resigning.

Aside from switching jobs, Fang Wu couldn’t think of other reasons.

But was there a better company than Pei Corporation in Nanlin?

Fang Wu couldn’t come up with one.

Seeing his puzzled look, Shen Shuhe just smiled. “Whether it’s bright or not is another matter. The most important thing is that it suits oneself.”

“Do you think this job doesn’t suit you?”

Then why have you stayed so long?

Shen Shuhe looked up and gazed through the huge floor-to-ceiling window at the sky outside.

The weather in Nanlin had been cold and gloomy in recent days, but today was a rare sunny day.

Sunlight streamed through the glass and shone on the busy figures working hard.

Everyone was striving and fighting.

A smile lingered in Shen Shuhe’s eyes, shining brightly.

She didn’t answer, just patted Fang Wu’s shoulder and encouraged him.

Then she turned and left.

Fang Wu furrowed his brows, watching her back.

He felt like she had said nothing but also everything just now.

Not suitable...?

Yet her mood seemed even better than today’s weather.

Shen Shuhe stood in the elevator, arms crossed.

Recalling Fang Wu’s question, she smiled calmly.

She didn’t want to deny everything she had done before. Although the outcome was not good, she had a clear conscience.

Now was just about cutting losses in time.

She accepted all the experiences, good and bad.

And she believed life would be better from now on.

The woman looked at her shadow on the elevator wall, nodded slightly, lifted her chin, and strode out with confidence.

After a few steps, she saw Hua Bo and his group.

Cai Sihui rushed over first and embraced her. “President Shen, why didn’t you tell us you were resigning?”

They only found out yesterday after hearing from Fang Wu.

“Why are you resigning? We’re back at Pei Corporation now; shouldn’t you be happy?” Cai Sihui had thought about it all night but couldn’t figure it out.

The others felt the same.

Hua Bo said, “President Shen, if there’s something you’re not telling us, you can share it with us!”

Shen Shuhe looked at their serious faces and smiled wryly. “I’m resigning, not going to war. Why do you all look like this?”

She patted Cai Sihui’s shoulder.

Then she looked at everyone. “Thank you all for coming to see me off. It’s been a pleasure and an honor working with you over the years.”

“My decision to resign was made after careful consideration. Nothing happened, so don’t worry.”

Hearing this, Hua Bo relaxed.

“President Shen, can’t you stay?”

Having worked together for years, Hua Bo sincerely admired Shen Shuhe.

Shen Shuhe shook her head.

Seeing her firm attitude, Hua Bo sighed.

Cai Sihui pouted, almost in tears.

Shen Shuhe quickly comforted her. “Don’t be like that. I’m still in Nanlin.”

“We can meet often when we have time. Feel free to call me.”

Hua Bo glanced at everyone and nodded first. “Alright!”

The others also agreed.

Finally, each person hugged Shen Shuhe and watched her leave.

“Bo, why did President Shen resign?” Cai Sihui sniffled.

Hua Bo shook his head but was certain about one thing.

Shen Shuhe was a rational person who knew what she wanted.

Since she chose to resign, it must be for something she had to do.

While the group was still sinking in sadness, two figures passed by behind them.

Liang Song saw Hua Bo and recognized him as someone from Shen Shuhe’s department.

He glanced at the group, then his gaze shifted past them, just catching sight of a familiar figure walking out of the Pei Corporation building.

He guessed today was Shen Shuhe’s last day.

“What’s up, Liang Song? What are you looking at?”

Liang Song withdrew his gaze when spoken to. “Nothing.”

Pei Jingmo was unwilling to hear about Shen Shuhe’s situation, so Liang Song wouldn’t bring it up to Song Qingyin either.

Yet Song Qingyin happened to see it.

She asked, “Was that Miss Shen just now? Isn’t this working hours?”

“And... why is there a crowd gathered in the lobby? Did something happen?”

Saying this, Song Qingyin walked over...

Liang Song wanted to stop her but didn’t have time, watching Song Qingyin approach Hua Bo’s group.