"What, you want me to take over the Pei family’s business?" Pei Yicheng rubbed his ears, thinking he had misheard.
Pei Yining nodded seriously and said, "Brother, that’s really what Dad said. You know, he’s been ill, and now he’s finally recovering, but the doctor says he mustn’t overexert himself."
"No, I won’t do it."
Pei Yicheng refused without a second thought, saying, "Yining, tell him I don’t care for the Pei family’s business!"
He had his own project, Liunian, and his architectural designs, which he was certain would shine brightly. He believed he could surpass the Pei family’s business. He wanted to show Pei Guozhong that he could succeed in business and take care of his family.
"Brother, Dad can’t handle it physically." Pei Yining pleaded, pulling Pei Yicheng’s hand, and cajoled, "Dad already approved of you and Nianhua last year. I know you’re still angry with him, but you can’t just watch Dad overwork himself into poor health because of business matters, can you?"
"You might choose not to acknowledge Dad, but what about Nianhua? If you and Nianhua get married without Dad’s involvement, will the Xu Family agree? And what about the Su Family?" Pei Yining couldn’t persuade Pei Yicheng, so she could only find a breakthrough through Nianhua.
Pei Yicheng: "..."
&
The Pei Family.
When Pei Yicheng saw Pei Guozhong again, he was surprised. In less than a month, Pei Guozhong had visibly lost weight and looked several years older, even in his casual home attire.
"What, after a year you don’t recognize your own father?"
Pei Guozhong said awkwardly, feeling uncomfortable under Pei Yicheng’s gaze, which seemed to aged him unwittingly.
"Seeing that you’re in good health, the Pei family business doesn’t need me." Pei Yicheng sat down on the sofa, a place he hadn’t set foot in for a long time, despite its familiarity.
"You think I’m begging you?"
Pei Guozhong was instantly displeased when he heard that and said, "That little rinky-dink business of yours, you’d better shut it down soon before you suffer a loss."
"I apologize that you look down on my small-time business, but your family business isn’t something I can help with either." Pei Yicheng suddenly stood up and turned to leave.
Pei Yining quickly grabbed him and said, "Brother, can you and Dad stop arguing every time you meet? Think about Nianhua."
Pei Yining whispered in Pei Yicheng’s ear.
"Guozhong, you’re clearly just worried that Yicheng would get too tired, so why are you saying something different?" Wan Hongxing explained, "Yicheng, your dad isn’t dismissing your business; he’s worried taking over the Pei family business would overwhelm you."
"You’ve been holding this grudge for over ten years; don’t you think it’s time to let it go?" Pei Guozhong snorted coldly, finally taking a step back.
Pei Yicheng pressed his lips together and sat back down on the sofa.
"Dad, Brother, have some fruit." Pei Yining hurriedly washed some fruit and brought it over.
Pei Guozhong glanced at him. This was his son, and though his words belittled his small business endeavors, in his heart, he was still proud. He said, "When will you bring Nianhua over for a meal?"
"You used to despise her for her poor family background, and now that you know she’s a Su family daughter, you want to bring her home? Aren’t you afraid of people calling you too mercenary?" Pei Yicheng instinctively retorted.
"Who’s being mercenary?" Pei Guozhong disagreed the moment he heard that, snorting, "I told you to bring her home last year, and you refused, wanting to hide her!"
"Do you sincerely accept her then?" Pei Yicheng counter-questioned.
Pei Guozhong: "..."