Chapter 18: Beyond Comparison

“You’re not in good health; don’t push yourself like this anymore,” Pei Qizhou said with a somewhat cold tone.

Xu Miao’s smile faltered slightly. She hadn’t expected such a reaction from Pei Qizhou.

She had thought he would be pleased by her concern, but clearly, she was mistaken.

“I’m only worried you’re not eating properly,” she said, her voice tinged with a hint of grievance.

“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Pei Qizhou replied with a faint smile.

“Were you very busy today?” Xu Miao asked, feeling somewhat relieved seeing him smile.

“A bit. I have a very important deal to discuss,” Pei Qizhou answered.

This deal was indeed significant for him.

“Can I come with you?” Xu Miao blinked her big eyes, hoping to be more involved in Pei Qizhou’s work so they could have more common ground.

Pei Qizhou hesitated. He knew Xu Miao had always been interested in his work, but considering the special circumstances today, he preferred she not be involved.

“It might not be convenient today. Maybe next time,” he gently declined.

Xu Miao was a little disappointed but quickly composed herself. She knew Pei Qizhou was always serious about his work and didn’t like distractions.

“Alright, I won’t bother you then,” she said, standing up and handing him a box of snacks. “Remember to eat something. Don’t overwork yourself.”

Pei Qizhou took the snacks. “Escort Miss Xu out,” he said, looking at his assistant.

The assistant nodded and motioned for Xu Miao to follow him.

As Xu Miao passed by the conference room, she deliberately glanced inside.

A familiar figure caught her eye.

Yao Shan was bowed slightly, seemingly lost in thought.

Xu Miao’s gaze lingered on Yao Shan for a moment before she smiled softly and turned to leave with the assistant.

Yao Shan didn’t notice Xu Miao’s presence; her mind was still on the meeting’s content.

Pei Qizhou returned to the conference room to continue discussing project details with Yao Shan and the manager.

He explained his expectations and requirements for the project in detail, while inquiring about Yao Shan’s team’s plans and schedule.

Yao Shan listened attentively, occasionally offering her insights and suggestions.

Her professional and composed demeanor pleased Pei Qizhou. He began to realize that despite the complicated emotional entanglements between them, Yao Shan remained a trustworthy partner in their work.

***

When the meeting ended, Pei Qizhou praised Yao Shan’s work and promised to provide the necessary support.

As Yao Shan and the manager left the Pei Group, her mood was much lighter than when she arrived.

“Mr. Pei is much easier to talk to than I expected,” the manager said, visibly relieved.

Only she knew how nervous she had been when seeing Pei Qizhou.

Yao Shan didn’t reply. Her mind was still occupied with the meeting.

She understood that although Pei Qizhou had acknowledged her work, the personal relationship between them remained complicated.

She needed time to process everything and to adjust her mindset.

Back at her office, Yao Shan began organizing the meeting notes and Pei Qizhou’s demands.

She knew the workload ahead would be heavier, but she also realized this was her chance to prove herself.

She was determined to make the project a success—not just for the company, but for herself.

Meanwhile, Pei Qizhou sat in his office, deep in thought.

He recognized that despite the insurmountable gap between him and Yao Shan personally, he had to maintain professionalism at work.

He resolved to give Yao Shan more space and trust to fully utilize her abilities.

That day, he returned home.

Yao Shan had not yet arrived.

Waiting for him were Xu Miao and Pei Yi.

“You’re back,” Xu Miao greeted him cheerfully.

Pei Qizhou gave a simple grunt in response, offering no further reply.

Yao Shan’s absence left him somewhat unsettled.

“Did you enjoy the snacks?” Xu Miao asked, looking at him.

“Yeah, they tasted good,” Pei Qizhou replied, though his mind was clearly elsewhere.

Xu Miao seemed to notice his displeasure and cautiously inquired, “Is there something bothering you at work?”

Pei Qizhou shook his head. “Nothing, just some things I need to think over.”

“Qizhou, maybe I should go out to work too,” Xu Miao looked up at him.

“I saw Miss Yao today. She looked so beautiful while working,” she said, her tone dripping with subtle insinuation.

***

Pei Qizhou was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected Xu Miao to suddenly suggest such a thing.

He studied her eyes, trying to discern her true intentions, but her expression remained unusually calm.

“Why do you suddenly want to work?” he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Xu Miao smiled softly. “I just think maybe I should have my own career. That way, we might have more to talk about.”

Pei Qizhou fell silent for a moment before replying slowly, “You can’t work.”

Xu Miao, having been pampered since childhood with the temperament of a young lady, was entirely unlike Yao Shan in this regard.

Hearing his words, her smile faded, and a faint trace of disappointment flashed in her eyes.

She had hoped for his support but was met with rejection instead.

“Why not?” she challenged softly, unwilling to accept the denial.

Pei Qizhou sighed, fully aware of Xu Miao’s nature and how she had been sheltered all her life, never truly facing hardships.

He didn’t want to dampen her enthusiasm but also didn’t want her to enter the workforce unprepared.

“Work isn’t just what you imagine. It requires responsibility, facing all kinds of challenges and pressure. You haven’t experienced these before, and I worry you won’t adapt,” Pei Qizhou explained as gently as he could.

Xu Miao was silent for a moment, then looked him straight in the eyes. “I’m willing to learn, willing to adapt.”

“Think it over carefully,” Pei Qizhou said, then went to his study.

He didn’t want to interfere with Xu Miao’s affairs. If she was truly determined, she would consider it wisely herself.

Xu Miao watched his retreating figure, clenching her fists silently.

She no longer wanted Pei Qizhou and Yao Shan to have any contact, yet she hadn’t expected them to interact professionally.

It seemed it was time to devise a plan.

In her heart, Xu Miao understood she must take action to ensure she occupied a more important place in Pei Qizhou’s life.

She refused to let Yao Shan become an indispensable part of his life, especially at work.

She knew that if she could participate in Pei Qizhou’s work, even to some extent, she would better understand him and build a deeper connection between them.