Chapter 25: Hitting Its Stride

Just then, Pei Qizhou’s call came through.

"Where are you?" His voice on the other end was chillingly cold. "Why aren't you home?"

Yao Shan took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm at a friend's place. There are some things I need to take care of." She did not mention Chu Xun’s name, nor did she intend to offer further explanation.

Pei Qizhou was silent for a moment, and the atmosphere on the line seemed to grow even heavier. "Yao Shan, you had better come back right now." His tone left no room for debate.

"I’m not coming back." Yao Shan refused without a second thought.

Why go back? To watch him and Xu Miao play the happy couple? She wasn't that pathetic.

"You're at Chu Xun’s place, aren't you?" The voice on the other end was thick with interrogation.

Yao Shan’s heart raced; she hadn't expected Pei Qizhou to guess her location so quickly. She gripped her phone tightly, forcing herself to remain calm. "That has nothing to do with you. I have the right to decide where I go." Her voice sounded composed, but her heart was in turmoil.

Pei Qizhou’s voice turned even colder and harder. "Yao Shan, don't test my patience. I’ll give you one hour. If you aren't back by then, bear the consequences." With that, he hung up, denying her any chance to retort.

Yao Shan set the phone down and took a deep breath, trying to soothe her nerves. She knew Pei Qizhou’s temper and knew he was a man of his word. But she had made up her mind; she would no longer be controlled by him. At this point, the only thing he could use to threaten her was her father. Yet, considering how her mother treated her, she didn't even want to concern herself with her father’s affairs anymore. Let him do as he pleased.

Yao Shan had no desire to dwell on it any longer. She turned off her phone and took a shower. Afterward, she changed into clean clothes and sat on the edge of the bed, her mind filled with complex emotions. She knew that her relationship with Pei Qizhou had reached an irreparable point; she had to face reality and begin a new life. She took a deep breath, trying to collect herself and plan her next steps.

She picked up her phone and turned it back on. The screen displayed several missed calls and messages, most of them from Pei Qizhou. She didn't bother to read them, simply setting the device aside. She needed time to sort through her thoughts and plan for the future.

Yao Shan stood up, walked to the window, pulled back the curtains, and gazed out at the night. She knew that tomorrow would mark a new beginning in her life.

"Please keep a secret watch on my father's situation. Don't let them find out," she messaged Chu Xun.

Chu Xun replied quickly, promising to keep a close eye on things and ensure her father was safe. A sense of relief washed over her; she knew Chu Xun was a friend she could trust.

The next morning, she rose early. Chu Xun was already waiting for her downstairs, and after a quick preparation, she headed out. Yao Shan drew a deep breath and stepped out of the apartment building, her heart filled with determination and anticipation. Seeing her emerge, Chu Xun smiled and opened the car door for her. No words were needed between them; their mutual trust and understanding were unspoken.

As the car pulled out of the complex, Yao Shan looked out the window at the world beyond. She knew that from this day forward, she would be facing entirely new challenges.

"Don't worry," Chu Xun said softly while driving. "Everything will be alright."

Upon arriving at the Chu Group headquarters, Yao Shan followed Chu Xun inside. She noticed the employees bustling about, each face showing focus and enthusiasm. A warmth spread through her; she knew this would be her fresh start, a place where she could prove her worth.

Chu Xun took her to the Human Resources department to process her onboarding. Her hands trembled slightly as she filled out the forms, but she quickly regained her composure and completed every detail with care. Chu Xun waited quietly nearby, knowing how significant this moment was for her.

Once the paperwork was finished, Chu Xun gave her a tour of the office, introducing her to the heads of various departments and her new colleagues. Yao Shan greeted everyone with a smile, feeling their warmth and acceptance. Finally, Chu Xun led her to her new office. Though small, it was cozy and professional, with a bouquet of flowers on the desk—a thoughtful touch from Chu Xun. A wave of gratitude washed over her; she knew this was his way of supporting her.

"From today on, this is your battlefield," Chu Xun said with a smile.

"I’m just a newcomer; a spot in the open office area would have been fine," Yao Shan said, feeling a bit embarrassed. She could see that this office had been specially prepared for her, and she was well aware she wasn't yet qualified for such treatment.

Chu Xun shook his head, his tone firm. "You deserve a better start. Trust me, you’ll adapt to this place in no time." His encouraging gaze brought a sense of warmth to her heart.

Yao Shan nodded, taking a deep breath. She knew Chu Xun genuinely wanted the best for her. She looked around the room, silently resolving to prove her abilities and live up to his expectations.

Chu Xun then briefed her on the upcoming projects and her team members. She listened intently, striving to memorize every name and responsibility. She knew that to establish a firm footing in this new environment, she had to integrate into the team and demonstrate her value as quickly as possible.

"Yao Shan, how are you coming along?" Chu Xun’s father walked in at that moment.

"I’ve familiarized myself with most of it," she replied with a smile.

"Then let's start the meeting," his father said directly. Their company had always valued efficiency; since she was ready, there was no reason to delay.

Yao Shan followed them into the conference room, which was already filled with senior management. She felt a flicker of nervousness, but also an irrepressible excitement. She knew this was her chance to shine and the stage upon which to prove her worth.

Once the meeting began, Chu Xun’s father introduced her and outlined the project she would be leading. Yao Shan stood up, nodded to everyone present, and began to explain her understanding and plan for the project. Her voice was clear and firm, every point meticulously thought out. The professional knowledge and market insight she displayed earned the respect of everyone in the room.

Sitting to the side, Chu Xun watched her performance, his heart swelling with pride. He knew that Yao Shan had taken her first successful step.