Extreme Pampering-Chapter 19 - Youre Not Planning to Cling to Pei Yu Are

Chapter 19: Chapter 19 You’re Not Planning to Cling to Pei Yu, Are You?

Chapter 19: Chapter 19 You’re Not Planning to Cling to Pei Yu, Are You?

Pei Yu had just returned to the country, and the long journey had added a few traces of fatigue to his eyes and brows. Still, he did not decline this social engagement, albeit with a detached attitude, seemingly reluctant to speak.

His skin was pale, exuding an aristocratic air bred of high nurture. A frown or light cough from him and others dared not speak more, simply ushering him to his seat.

The sponsor of the art exhibition also bore the surname Pei, respectfully called “Old Pei” by others. Officially, he was Pei Yu’s uncle, though their blood relation was distant. He dared not capitalize on this connection—how many of Pei’s direct relatives had ended up with a good fate?

Yet, Pei Yu still gave him some respect, “Uncle, no need for formalities, my apologies for arriving late.”

“Not at all,” replied Old Pei, visibly flattered, aware that his nephew’s mood seemed quite good today, his face lighting up with joy. He smoothly assumed the role of the senior, “Not late at all. It’s just begun. Thank you for coming, nephew.”

Once seated, the rich aroma of top-quality Da Hong Pao tea from Mount Wuyi enveloped the air, fragrant and subtly hinting at orchid. Disregarding seniority, Old Pei personally served the tea, while the others strategically seated themselves nearby, pondering a topic of discussion.

“I heard that Chairman Pei is planning a resort in Perth, Australia?”

The man who spoke was the president of a construction company, well-informed and seizing the opportunity to gather intelligence. He had had his eye on that piece of land in Perth, but unfortunately, he was too slow, and it had already been stamped with Pei’s emblem. Now, he could only settle for the next best thing, hoping to secure the construction contract for that land.

The tea was fragrant; Pei Yu took a sip and gently tapped the teacup with his fingertips, emotionlessly stating, “Let’s not talk business.”

As soon as he set the tone, the atmosphere changed. Old Pei chirped merrily, “That’s my thoughtful nephew, knowing my old ears can’t handle talk of work. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my nephew. Are you keeping well?”

It was well known that Pei Yu was unwell, but the exact nature of his ailment was unclear to many. All that was known was that three years ago, he had suddenly decentralized Pei’s major powers and went abroad to seek treatment.

“I am managing.”

With business off the table, the only topics left were personal. But what personal matters could they discuss about him?

A person pondered before speaking up, “The event today is lively, with quite a few actors and models present. I saw many familiar faces.”

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No sooner had he spoken than several astute individuals followed suit, steering the conversation towards women.

Holding great power at a young age as the youngest son in the Pei Family, but managing to outmaneuver several older siblings to become the final authority, everyone knew he was ruthless and cunning. However, regarding women, there had never been any rumors of his romantic involvements.

If it were about keeping a mistress, he wouldn’t need to hide that, as nobody had even caught a hint of such a thing, which probably meant there truly was nothing.

By his age, he should have some interests, right? Everyone kept in mind the idea of uncovering what he liked, initiating the conversation on this topic.

Pei Yu was not interested in the tea; it wasn’t in his nature to embrace sophistication merely for show. After taking a sip, he put down his cup, but his lack of interest didn’t mean he lacked understanding.

Regarding the overtly probing inquiries of these people, he remained silent, his long lashes half-closed as if his mind was elsewhere.

As he showed no sign of displeasure, the conversation continued.

“Nowadays, female actors don’t have the charm of our younger days, but indeed, they all are quite beautiful. That one named Xu something, my son likes her a lot, says she’s pure! I wonder if she came this time.”

“I for one find those with alluring looks more captivating. The one who just toasted me was quite something.”

Men always tended to be frivolous when discussing such topics, but today’s circumstances were special. It was crucial to be careful not to seem too vulgar and annoying.

Everyone detailed every type of woman they knew, but that person showed no interest throughout, not once lifting his gaze.

Was he feigning indifference, or was he genuinely uninterested in women?

Someone could not contain their impatience and boldly asked, “Chairman Pei, what kind of woman do you find most appealing?”

That was a direct probe.

The tea house was unusually empty, having been silently cleared out as soon as the distinguished guest arrived, with the common crowd retreating to compartments or the card room.

Pei Yu propped his cheek, his gaze fleetingly passed over a half-screen where a figure was dimly visible, too blurred to tell whether it was the one he was thinking of.

Regarding everyone’s probes, he merely dropped a lazy comment.

“Those who know my heart, speak of my desires.”

Everyone was baffled.

What was his “heart,” and what were his “desires”?

The rich aroma of tea wafted throughout the room; Shen Zhiyi could not hear the movements in the tea house, nor could she see that person’s figure clearly. Only the scent of the tea lingered, as if threading through her throat into her heart, causing a dense itchiness to emerge because she could neither see nor touch.

She did not realize how focused her gaze was; Xun Zhouxing spoke to her several times and received no response. Following her gaze, he saw only a few screens blocking the view.

“What are you looking at?”

Originally, many people in the tea house had squeezed into the card room, their voices buzzing with discussion. Xun Zhouxing naturally knew who had just arrived. Nowadays, there were not many who could command such a scene. This member of Pei’s was so esteemed that even his father had to curry favor; he did not even dare to approach for a casual greeting.

Was Shen Zhiyi looking at that person?

“Do you know him?”

Xun Zhouxing lowered his voice and led Shen Zhiyi slightly to the side; this time, they could see the scene beyond the screen. The person sitting in the middle stretched his legs in a relaxed posture, accustomed to the flattery from the people around him.

“He is the head of Pei’s, a person I dare not address casually even myself.”

Xun Zhouxing did not feel it was a loss of face. Too far apart in status; a figure his own father could not match, what was he in comparison?

Instead, he felt it was a sort of flaunt, happy to discuss these things with Shen Zhiyi and joked, “You can only reject me; if it were him—”

He caught himself halfway through, laughing at his foolish words.

There was no comparison; he and Pei Yu were worlds apart, and wasn’t Shen Zhiyi the same?

Xun Zhouxing brought the topic back, “Zhiyi, just agree to me; I don’t believe you can find someone better than me. You’ve seen it, I’ve been pursuing you for over three years, genuinely fond of you.”

From a distance, Pei Yu in Shen Zhiyi’s eyes appeared sicker than when he had arrived, and she wondered if he was still angry with her.

Her mind had long drifted away; she was deaf to Xun Zhouxing’s words, not even granting him a glance.

Xun Zhouxing was speaking when he suddenly stopped, noticing her unusually keen interest in that man, a thought crossing his mind.

He felt it was preposterous, unbelievable, “Shen Zhiyi, you aren’t thinking of courting Pei Yu, are you?”

She did not care for him but chose the most impossible option?