Chapter 16: Taking Personal Charge

After Yao Shan left, Pei Qizhou’s expression darkened.

“Come to the conference room,” he said, dialing his assistant.

Pei Qizhou’s assistant quickly entered the room, a trace of nervousness in his eyes—clearly surprised by the sudden summons from the CEO.

“Who is in charge of the cooperation with Galaxy Group?” Pei Qizhou’s voice was low and powerful, his gaze fixed intently on the assistant, awaiting an answer.

“Manager Zhang is responsible,” the assistant replied, his voice trembling slightly.

“Call him in,” Pei Qizhou ordered succinctly, his face betraying no emotion.

The assistant nodded and swiftly left to carry out the CEO’s instructions.

Pei Qizhou leaned back in his chair, fingers lightly tapping the desk.

Manager Zhang arrived at the office looking tense, unaware of what was going on.

He had been out on another matter earlier and missed the meeting with the Galaxy Group’s representative.

Could something have gone wrong?

Standing cautiously before Pei Qizhou’s desk, Zhang’s heart raced and a fine sweat broke out on his forehead.

Pei Qizhou’s gaze was like a sharp blade, piercing straight through him. The atmosphere was so tense it felt tangible.

“Manager Zhang, how much do you know about the Galaxy Group project?” Pei Qizhou’s voice was calm but carried a gravity that left Zhang no room for neglect.

“President, I... I’m handling several projects. I have been following up on the Galaxy Group’s project, but I may need to review the details,” Zhang stammered, sensing Pei Qizhou’s dissatisfaction.

Pei Qizhou did not reply immediately. He stood, walked to the window, turning his back to Zhang as he looked out over the bustling street.

After a moment, he turned with an unwavering decisiveness in his voice.

“From now on, I will personally take charge of the cooperation with Galaxy Group.”

That was Pei Qizhou’s true intention.

Surprise flashed across Zhang’s face—he had not expected the CEO to intervene personally in this project.

Pei Qizhou continued, “I need to ensure the project proceeds smoothly. You will assist me and make sure all necessary resources and information are provided promptly.”

“President Pei, the Galaxy Group project is a small one for our company. It shouldn’t require your personal involvement,” Zhang said awkwardly.

He was unaware that Pei Qizhou’s involvement was for the sake of Yao Shan.

Pei Qizhou’s brows slightly furrowed, his gaze sharpening. “Manager Zhang, perhaps you have misunderstood me. The Galaxy Group project is very important to me, and I need to supervise it personally.” His tone was authoritative, leaving no room for objection.

“Yes, President, I understand,” Zhang quickly nodded.

Though uncertain of Pei Qizhou’s true motive, Zhang dared not defy the CEO’s will.

Pei Qizhou’s eyes returned to the window, his thoughts drifting far away.

Zhang stood silently by, filled with questions but knowing this was not the time to ask.

He waited quietly until Pei Qizhou spoke again.

“Prepare a detailed report on the Galaxy Group project, including current progress, existing problems, and potential risks.”

Pei Qizhou’s voice was calm but steady, his eyes revealing firm resolve.

“Yes, President. I will complete it as soon as possible,” Zhang responded.

Pei Qizhou nodded, signaling that Zhang could leave.

When Yao Shan returned to the company, she was noticeably downcast.

Her manager immediately sensed something was wrong and called her into the office.

“What’s the matter?” the manager asked with concern. “Is it something about Pei Group?”

She knew Yao Shan had been to Pei Group earlier that day and had grown gloomy upon returning.

“It’s nothing,” Yao Shan shook her head.

Her unhappiness was mainly because of Pei Qizhou, not the project with Pei Group.

She didn’t want to worry her manager.

“That Manager Zhang from their company is a bit demanding, but he’s not bad. Just handle him patiently,” the manager said, unaware that Yao Shan had actually met with Pei Qizhou himself, not Zhang.

“Manager Zhang?” Yao Shan’s face showed surprise.

She had never met anyone named Zhang.

“Yes, didn’t you coordinate with Manager Zhang today?” The manager looked puzzled.

“No,” Yao Shan shook her head again. “I met with President Pei.”

What luck! The project was supposedly handled by someone else, so how did she end up meeting Pei Qizhou?

The manager frowned in surprise. “President Pei personally got involved? That’s unusual.”

After a moment of thought, she looked up at Yao Shan. “Are you sure it was President Pei himself?”

Yao Shan nodded firmly—there was no mistake.

“Maybe Manager Zhang had something urgent today,” the manager said lightly. “It’s probably still his responsibility going forward. Don’t worry too much.”

She assumed Yao Shan was nervous simply because President Pei held such a high position.

But ultimately, Manager Zhang was still in charge of the project.

“That’s good,” Yao Shan felt relieved.

That meant she wouldn’t have to keep dealing directly with Pei Qizhou.

Back at her desk, Yao Shan tried to focus on her work, but Pei Qizhou’s sharp gaze and firm tone kept recurring in her mind.

She knew that although her manager assured her that Manager Zhang would handle the project going forward, Pei Qizhou’s involvement complicated everything.

She opened her computer and began organizing her notes from today’s meeting, while also pondering how to handle any upcoming challenges.

Yao Shan understood she needed to remain professional and not let her personal feelings interfere with her work. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself.

Meanwhile, in his office, Pei Qizhou carefully reviewed the Galaxy Group project report that Manager Zhang had delivered.

His brows were tightly knit—he was clearly displeased with some issues mentioned in the report.

He picked up the phone and called his assistant again.

“Notify all department heads involved: at 9 a.m. tomorrow, I want an emergency meeting to discuss the Galaxy Group project.”

Pei Qizhou’s tone brooked no argument. He was preparing to take direct command to ensure the project proceeded according to his demands.

The assistant promptly noted the instructions and began arranging the meeting.

Pei Qizhou hung up the phone, his gaze returning to the window as he mapped out every step ahead in his mind.