Chapter 39: Pretending to be poor, rich second generation (8)

After a long hiatus, Pei Jing stepped out of his rental apartment.

It had been ages since he ventured outside; even groceries were delivered directly to his door. His days at the rental unit consisted of either sleeping or working, leading a rather aimless existence. If not for his girlfriend—no, ex-girlfriend breaking up with him, he likely would have remained holed up without budging.

It was time to wake up. As the young master of the Pei Group, with such substantial resources at his disposal, taking care of one woman and her male lover shouldn’t be difficult.

The bright sunlight outside momentarily disoriented Pei Jing, causing dizziness and blurred vision. He closed his eyes, suppressing tears triggered by the glare, then picked up his phone and dialed a number.

“Young Uncle,” once the call connected, Pei Jing cleared his throat and whispered softly, “I need your help with something. Can we meet?”

Pei Jing knew that his young uncle was both highly capable and very fond of him. With his young uncle’s support, dealing with Qu Ling wouldn’t be challenging. However, his young uncle always lived alone and managed numerous company affairs, often requiring appointments well in advance to meet with him. Nonetheless, given their close relationship, Pei Jing believed his young uncle would surely make time for him.

As expected, after Pei Jing requested a meeting, his young uncle promptly agreed.

“Go to the company first; I’ll join you this afternoon,” said Pei Qing.

“This afternoon?” Pei Jing anxiously asked, “Can’t I directly come to your home, Uncle?”

“Not convenient at the moment.” Pei Qing showed no inclination to change his mind. “Discuss whatever it is this afternoon. I’m still busy here, so I’ll hang up now.”

With the call ending, Pei Jing remained somewhat bewildered. Since when had visiting his young uncle’s home become inconvenient? Moreover… This was the first time his young uncle had hung up on him, and they barely exchanged any words!

Left with no choice, Pei Jing could only head to the company and wait.

Upon entering the company gates, Pei Jing felt the weight of everyone’s gazes upon him. Suppressing his agitation amidst those curious stares, he managed to retreat into his private office space. Once seated, he immediately began texting Qu Ling.

Pei Jing: [This is your last chance, Qu Ling, don’t force my hand!]

Pei Jing: [It’s not too late if you reconcile with me now. Otherwise, not just you but also that little third wheel will face dire consequences!]

Pei Jing: [I don’t want to treat you like this; just say ‘sorry’ to me, and I can still forgive you this time!]

After sending a flurry of messages, Qu Ling finally responded.

Qu Ling: [Hmm? I’d forgotten we were still friends.]

Pei Jing stared incredulously at the screen.

By the time Pei Jing tried to reply again, all that remained on the chat interface was a red exclamation mark. It seemed to mock him relentlessly, causing Pei Jing, who had been unfriended by Qu Ling, to once more lose control of his emotions.

“Dammit!” Pei Jing swept all the documents from his desk onto the floor. Still seething with anger, he got up and kicked over both the chair and table, muttering bitterly, “Fine, fine, you’re deliberately pushing me. Just wait and see!”

The loud commotion inside the office made employees outside glance at each other, some even whispering gossip amongst themselves.

“That’s Pei Jing? He looks completely transformed; I barely recognized him when he walked in.”

“What has he been up to lately? His complexion seems so pale.”

“He appears utterly gloomy. Be cautious not to upset him—he is related to Mr. Pei after all…”

When Pei Qing arrived at the company later that afternoon, he noticed a tense atmosphere throughout the workplace.

He summoned his secretary to inquire about the situation and felt further displeased upon learning it was caused by Pei Jing’s antics.

If not for needing to meet with this nephew, Pei Qing wouldn’t have wasted his time coming to the office today. Instead, he could have spent the entire day with his girlfriend, helping her forget her worthless lover.

However, as family, Pei Qing couldn’t simply ignore him.

Sighing, he opened the door to his nephew’s office.

Upon seeing the scene inside, his eyebrows immediately furrowed.

“Little Jing.” Pei Qing was taken aback by how much Pei Jing had deteriorated during their brief separation.

He knew Pei Jing wasn’t an ideal successor, but considering he was his sister’s child, Pei Qing had always indulged him greatly. However, indulgence did not mean he would allow the boy to wreak havoc on the company—it was utterly unacceptable!

Pei Qing’s expression darkened. “Is this disgraceful state what you wanted me to see when insisting we meet?”

At the sound of Pei Qing’s voice, Pei Jing swiftly got up from the floor, his eyes red and voice hoarse as he pleaded, “Young Uncle, you have to help me!”

Pei Qing closed the door and wheeled himself closer to Pei Jing. Intrigued by what could have led Pei Jing to such a state, he asked, “Help with what?”

“I want to acquire a company,” Pei Jing said. “It’s the one where I previously invested a hundred million yuan!”

Pei Qing had not forgotten the connection between Pei Jing and his girlfriend’s company. “You wish to acquire… Qu Family’s company?”

Pei Jing nodded, a flash of resentment crossing his gaze. “To be honest, young uncle, it was started by my ex-girlfriend. My initial investment was meant to support her, but who would’ve thought…”

The mention of “ex-girlfriend” caught Pei Qing off guard. When did Qu Ling start dating Pei Jing? What nonsense is his nephew talking about?!

“But then, my ex-girlfriend betrayed me!” As Pei Jing recalled the scene from last night, his heart felt like it was burning with pain. “Just because some cheap man seduced her, she didn’t hesitate to break up with me. A woman like that… I won’t let her get away with it!”

“Little Uncle, I know acquiring a company is easy for you. Please help me; I promise to stay focused on learning management at the firm from now on…”

Receiving no response, Pei Jing looked up and was startled by Pei Qing’s icy expression. Tentatively, he asked, “L-little Uncle? What’s wrong?”

Hmph, what’s wrong indeed?

What Pei Jing didn’t realize was that this so-called “scum man” who seduced his ex-girlfriend was none other than his beloved young uncle himself!

Suppressing his fury, Pei Qing sternly replied, “When did you have a girlfriend? How come I wasn’t aware of it?”

Thinking Pei Qing’s irritation stemmed from not being informed about his relationship as an elder, Pei Jing hastily explained, “I never revealed my identity to my ex-girlfriend. I planned to wait for the right moment before introducing her to you, Little Uncle. But then, out of nowhere, some lowlife scoundrel must have…”

“Enough!” Pei Qing could no longer bear hearing Pei Jing repeatedly curse “scum men.” He pressed his fingers against his throbbing temples, nearly tempted to toss his nephew out the window just to shut that foul mouth.

“Look at yourself now!” Pei Qing rebuked angrily. “Day after day, you idle away your time wandering around and causing chaos in the workplace. Over such a trivial matter, you incessantly curse others behind their backs. Do you know how this makes you appear? Like an incompetent whiner who can only complain in private!”

Pei Jing had never seen Pei Qing lose his temper before and felt intimidated, only daring to mutter softly, “How is it just a trivial matter…”

“She being swayed by someone else - have you considered whether it’s partly your own fault?” Pei Qing asked sternly, face unyielding. “That man must be superior to you for her to fall for him. As for you… not only did you hide your identity, but even now, your ex-girlfriend doesn’t know who you truly are. What exactly were you doing in front of her?”

Pei Jing was taken aback by Pei Qing’s questions, unable to believe his young uncle would speak like this. “Young Uncle… whose side are you on? I’m your nephew! I’ve been cheated on, yet you want me to reflect on my own mistakes?”

“I’m on the side of reason!” Pei Qing replied coldly. “Don’t think about causing any trouble; go back quietly and stay out of it!”

“I even invested one hundred million yuan in her project!” Pei Jing protested defiantly.

“That one hundred million was from me; what does it have to do with you?” Pei Qing had no patience for further conversation with Pei Jing; any more words and his blood pressure would skyrocket.

“You really won’t help me anymore…?” Pei Jing couldn’t fathom who else to turn to besides Pei Qing. The thought of giving up revenge against Qu Ling was simply unthinkable! That woman… How could he let her happily be with another worthless man?

“Take some time off and don’t come to the company for now.” Pei Qing knew their relationship with Qu Ling would inevitably be exposed sooner or later. He dreaded imagining how his nephew might react when that moment arrived; just thinking about it gave him a headache.

“Young Uncle…” Seeing Pei Qing unmoved, Pei Jing’s already dispirited demeanor completely wilted.

Ignoring Pei Jing, Pei Qing returned to his office and summoned his secretary. He instructed them to thoroughly investigate everything Pei Jing had been doing recently. He wanted to see if the wastrel described by his girlfriend—someone from a poor background, with a gravely ill grandmother cared for in rented accommodation—was indeed his beloved nephew!

Meanwhile, at Pei Qing’s private residence, Tong Ling checked the time and decided to call him.

The phone was answered almost instantly upon ringing.

Tong Ling fidgeted with her fingers and said, “I’m so bored at home; should I come to your company to pick you up?”

Taken aback, Pei Qing hastily replied, “No need, I’ll be back soon!”

“Pei Qing,” Tong Ling paused before continuing, “Are you hiding something from me?”

To emphasize the seriousness of the situation, Tong Ling repeated what she had once told Pei Jing: “I despise being deceived. If I discover that you’ve lied to me, we’ll break up immediately!”

After a moment of silence, Pei Qing slowly responded, “The lover you’re supporting is actually my nephew… He’s still here at my company, hasn’t left yet.”

“What did you say?” Tong Ling feigned surprise, “Pei Qing, don’t joke around with me!”

Pei Qing forced a smile, “I just found out myself moments ago.”

In his hand, Pei Qing held an investigative report detailing how Pei Jing had pretended to be impoverished to approach Qu Ling. The actions described matched exactly what his girlfriend had recounted to him. Reading this report made Pei Qing seethe with anger. Considering he himself was thoroughly deceived by Pei Jing, how would his girlfriend feel upon learning the truth?

“Isn’t his only remaining family his sick grandmother?” Tong Ling intentionally prodded Pei Qing’s sore spot. “He told me all his other relatives have passed away.”

Pei Qing highly valued family ties and genuinely cared for Pei Jing as his younger relative. It was disheartening to discover that Pei Jing’s deception, aimed at feigning poverty, had even led him to curse Pei Qing’s demise.

“How could he be your nephew…” Tong Ling recounted to Pei Qing how she had taken care of Pei Jing, indignantly saying, “Before our breakup, I specifically left my bank card with him. How could he treat me like this!”

As Pei Qing listened to his girlfriend’s account, his dissatisfaction with Pei Jing intensified further.

“What did he want at your company?” Tong Ling asked. “He hasn’t been working for ages; surely he didn’t suddenly show up there just to involve you against me?”

Impressed by his girlfriend’s astuteness, Pei Qing reassured her, “Don’t worry, I won’t let him harass you.”

“A-Qing, I’ve told you before, he is overly fixated on me,” Tong Ling reminded him. “If he discovers it was you who took me away, I can’t predict what he might do…”

Tong Ling’s concern echoed Pei Qing’s deepest worry. Based solely on Pei Jing’s demeanor, Pei Qing knew it went beyond mere fixation—Pei Jing seemed downright unhinged!

“He’s your nephew,” Tong Ling pointed out, “if he decides to harm me, what can you really do about it?”

”… I’ll keep an eye on him,” Pei Qing responded.

“Fear not just the thief who steals, but more so the one who covets.” Tong Ling wisely suggested, “Rather than letting him focus all his thoughts on me, it’s better to divert his attention elsewhere.”

“Have you got any specific plan in mind?” Pei Qing asked.

Tong Ling smiled, “It’s quite simple. To heal from past emotions, the best approach is often starting a new romance.”

Pei Qing naturally understood this principle, but…

“I doubt Pei Jing has any inclination for that right now.”

Pei Jing’s mind was consumed by thoughts of his traitorous ex-girlfriend; Pei Qing didn’t believe his nephew had any interest in pursuing another relationship.

“Just dangle a carrot in front of him,” Tong Ling advised. “For example, if he finds someone to get engaged to, you could transfer your shares in my company to him, or assist him against me, provided he first finds a woman he truly loves and forgets about me, the ‘villainess.’ From the perspective of a caring elder, these conditions are entirely reasonable.”

Pei Qing was undoubtedly convinced, yet still harbored some concerns. “Given his current state, would any woman be willing to be with him?”

“I know someone who would be very willing to do this,” Tong Ling said as she sent Pei Qing a file containing information about her. “She’s a pure and devoted woman; just give them a chance to meet, and then calmly wait for their relationship to develop.”

Pei Qing was momentarily speechless.

For some reason, he felt that his girlfriend had planned too meticulously.

But what did it matter? As long as it could rid him of Pei Jing, it sufficed.

After concluding their discussion, they hung up the phone.

The m577 system seemed somewhat accustomed to the host’s manipulative moves. Interestingly, even the report Pei Qing requested from his secretary was provided directly by the host himself! From the moment Pei Jing left the rental apartment to find Pei Qing, everything had been meticulously scripted…

As Pei Jing exited the company, one question still lingered in his mind—whom should he seek to become engaged with in order to resolve his current predicament?

Currently, Pei Jing had no money at all. His young uncle had cut off all financial support, and until he found a new girlfriend, his uncle would not assist him further. The only remaining asset he possessed was a bank card left by his ex-girlfriend, but he vowed never to touch it. Using the “compensation” she gave him would make him truly feel like selling himself out, wouldn’t it?

While walking aimlessly, Pei Jing inadvertently found himself again at the building where he used to live with Qu Ling.

Gazing up at the darkened room upstairs, thoughts of the woman who would never return filled his mind. Pei Jing couldn’t help but clutch his head and painfully crouch by the roadside, wishing desperately for time to rewind back to last night—to somehow persuade her to stay.

“Um…”

A woman’s voice suddenly spoke beside him, “Are you okay?”

Pei Jing took several deep breaths before lifting his red-eyed gaze.

The woman in front of him wore a simple white dress with slightly blonde hair, her face devoid of makeup. There was nothing particularly striking about her appearance.

“Sir?” The woman, pushing a suitcase, looked at Pei Jing with concern. “Are you feeling unwell? Would you like me to take you to the hospital?”

Initially, Pei Jing didn’t want to engage with this stranger. However, upon second thought, what he needed most right now was someone willing to get engaged to him. This woman’s genuine care towards a complete stranger suggested she might be pure-hearted, kind, and potentially easy to deceive.

She seemed entirely opposite from Qu Ling!

Pei Jing summoned some patience and offered the woman a gentle smile, “I’m fine, thank you for your concern.”

“If you’re feeling unwell anywhere, please don’t hesitate to speak up.”

As if old acquaintances, they quickly exchanged introductions after their brief conversation.

“I’m Rongrong Mu,” the woman smiled warmly with an innocent and genuine expression on her face. “I’ve rented a place nearby and just moved in today. From now on, we’ll be neighbors!”

Pei Jing silently acknowledged the coincidence and promptly introduced himself as well, “My name is Pei Jing…”

“Since I’ve moved into a new home, I’m planning a housewarming party,” Rongrong Mu enthusiastically said. “If you’re free tomorrow, Mr. Pei, do come by for some fun!”

Pei Jing didn’t decline, and after exchanging contact information, they bid each other farewell.

Once Pei Jing left, Rongrong Mu swiftly ran back to her rental unit, her heart pounding nervously.

She opened her photo album and meticulously compared the person she had encountered with the stored images. After confirming she hadn’t mistaken his identity, she sent a message to her friend:

Rongrong Mu: [Ahhhh, I really met the young master of the Pei Group! How did you know he would live here? It still feels unbelievable. Is he truly the young master of the Pei Group?]

Recalling Pei Jing’s appearance, Mu Rongrong felt there was quite a discrepancy between him and the photos she had seen. Could heartbreak really leave someone so dispirited?

Friend: [The young master caused a scene at his company due to a breakup and was subsequently kicked out by the Pei Group’s president. I have a friend working there; this insider information is reliable.]

Friend: [If it weren’t for your constant fantasies about finding a male lead, I wouldn’t have bothered gathering such details for you. Your swift encounter with him truly seems fated.]

Mu Rongrong typed enthusiastically, her face beaming: [I guess I’m just lucky, huh?!]

Friend: [However… dealing with wealthy young masters can be challenging. If things get too difficult, remember to know when to let go.]

Mu Rongrong: [I won’t give up that easily! With someone who has been hurt like him, all it takes is consistent care and attention, and eventually, he’ll warm up to me!]

Filled with hopeful aspirations for the future, Mu Rongrong launched a full-scale charm offensive towards Pei Jing.

Through tender concern and attentive care, it wasn’t long before they officially became boyfriend and girlfriend.

Yet…

When Pei Jing was about to return to his cramped rental unit once again, Mu Rongrong intercepted him. “Pei Jing… we’re already boyfriend and girlfriend. Do you really have to go back to that place every night?”

Mu Rongrong found her boyfriend’s behavior quite peculiar! He insisted on returning home each evening without allowing her to visit, as if hiding some secret within that room, which made her feel uneasy.

Moreover, despite her constant care, Pei Jing’s condition showed no improvement. Whenever she tried to touch him, he would quickly evade, acting far from what one would expect of a normal man!

“I’m accustomed to staying there,” Pei Jing uncomfortably avoided Mu Rongrong’s gaze. His nighttime transformations must never be witnessed by others. “It’s not just about the bed.”

“This isn’t about the bed!” Mu Rongrong didn’t want Pei Jing to continue evading any longer. “You won’t even let me touch you. Do I mean nothing more than just a label to you?”

“We’ve only been dating for a short while; it’s not yet at that stage…” Pei Jing searched for an excuse.

“I’m not talking about that!” Mu Rongrong’s face flushed red. “I mean simple acts like holding hands or hugging, common between normal couples. Is even this not allowed?”

The moment she heard “can’t,” suppressed memories deep within Pei Jing’s mind resurfaced. He gritted his teeth, his gaze turning fierce as he snapped, “You think I can’t? Who are you to say that?”

Shocked by Pei Jing’s abrupt change in demeanor, Mu Rongrong took two steps back, stammering, “Y-you… What’s wrong with you, Pei Jing…”

“Can’t, can’t, can’t…” Pei Jing’s face paled, and he let out a bitter laugh. “Who do you think you are to question my abilities? I’m perfectly fine, absolutely great! I know my body better than anyone; there’s no need for your judgment!”

Pei Jing felt like a trapped beast pacing relentlessly in its cage, simultaneously venting anger through muttered curses while sinking deeper into self-doubt.

Unable to bear staying any longer, he abruptly turned and rushed out the door.

He needed to return to the room where he belonged. Its familiarity brought him comfort, ensuring nothing would disturb him there.

As Mu Rongrong watched her boyfriend walk away, his bizarre and almost frenzied behavior left her feeling both frightened and overwhelmed with uncontrollable concern.

“Pei Jing, is there something you can’t tell me?” Mu Rongrong asked, visibly upset. “I’m here to face it with you!”

Filled with both resentment and concern, Mu Rongrong couldn’t resist any longer and hurriedly followed Pei Jing’s footsteps outside.

She wanted to discover what secret was hidden within that rented room her boyfriend visited every night!

Tonight, Pei Jing, deeply shaken, didn’t even notice someone trailing behind as he returned to his room.

He had hoped, after these days of gradually returning to normalcy, that he could forget those memories entirely. However, each night when he came back to this room, lying on this bed, Pei Jing realized nothing about him had changed.

The mark left by that woman on him was too profound; so deep that unless he completely discarded his own body, he knew he would never recover!

Breathing heavily, Pei Jing stared at the ceiling, imagining the alluring face of that woman and recalling her cruel gaze, which seemed to control everything. At this familiar time and place, his body stirred involuntarily.

Outside the door, Mu Rongrong stood frozen, her hand resting on the doorknob. A sense of foreboding urged her to flee, yet another impulse compelled her to peek into the man’s inner world.

In the end, she made her decision.

With a creak, the door swung open.