Chapter 14: Shelter from Wind and Rain
Seeing the panic in Su Banxia’s eyes, Pei Shaoze only intensified his pressure. “Since I’m already at the entrance of your building, won’t you invite me up for a visit?”
Watching her flustered state was quite amusing.
Hearing this, Su Banxia’s heart nearly leaped out of her throat. Thinking of the twins at home, she forced a dry laugh. “President, it’s so late now. I’m single—inviting you up wouldn’t look good at all!”
As sharp as he was, he instantly sensed something unusual about Su Banxia, but he said nothing. Before leaving, he only remarked, “Remember to come to work with your ‘true face’ tomorrow!”
Watching the car disappear into the dust, Su Banxia let out a sigh of relief. But recalling his parting words, her face fell into a grimace.
Back home, she thought for a long time but couldn’t come up with a solution.
The next day, Su Banxia went to wash up with dark circles under her eyes. The moment she reached the bathroom, she was startled by her reflection in the mirror—her face had broken out in red rashes.
She touched her face, dazed for a moment, then suddenly felt overjoyed. Heaven was truly helping her.
She went to work with that face.
As soon as Pei Shaoze entered the company and saw her, his brow unconsciously tightened.
He hadn’t actually been interested in her real appearance; he just disliked being deceived by those around him, which was why he’d made that request. He hadn’t expected her to still be disguising herself.
What exactly was she hiding?
Noticing his displeasure, Su Banxia spoke nervously, “Good morning, President.”
He gave her a cold glance, tossed out a curt order to make breakfast quickly, and walked into his office.
Seeing that he wasn’t pursuing the matter, Su Banxia’s anxious heart settled. She hurriedly prepared breakfast and, carrying the tray past her desk, found it completely empty.
Could it be that she’d been fired because of her face?
At that thought, she stormed into the office, only to find her belongings had been moved inside.
What was going on?
Seeing her stunned expression, Pei Shaoze curled a faint smile. He set down his documents, stood up, and took the tray from her hands. Eating as he spoke, he said, “From today on, besides work, you’ll also be responsible for my daily needs—meals and living arrangements.”
Su Banxia’s mouth fell open in shock. She hadn’t expected this outcome at all. She’d been hoping to keep her distance, but now they’d be face-to-face every day.
Before she could voice her refusal, Pei Shaoze had already finished breakfast, returned to his seat, and was deeply focused on his documents.
In the days that followed, Su Banxia was like a wound-up top, spinning nonstop, leaving early and returning late.
One day, for some unknown reason, the company’s system crashed. Aside from the technical staff working on repairs, all other employees were given the day off.
Back home, seeing her usually expressionless son smiling faintly at the computer, Su Banxia silently cursed.
“Haohao, did you hack our company’s system?”
The little man didn’t deny it, just nodded, looking aggrieved. “You’re so busy, but Guoguo misses you, and I miss you too.”
Seeing her son like this, Su Banxia’s nose stung. But realizing the seriousness of the issue, she stiffened her face. “Haohao, you can’t do this again. What you did is illegal. If you break the law, the police will come and take you away!”
What she feared more was that if Pei Shaoze traced it back to Su Hao, she’d never be able to hide the truth.
Su Hao said proudly, “Mommy, don’t worry. My ID is encrypted. No one will find me.”
Seeing her son’s confident look, Su Banxia didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Just as she was about to talk to him further, the doorbell rang.
She got up and peered through the peephole.
What she saw startled her—standing at the door was Pei Shaoze.
Clutching her pounding heart, Su Banxia rushed to Su Hao’s side. “Haohao, go to the bedroom with your sister right now. Don’t make a sound. Don’t come out unless I call you.”
Curious about his mother’s panic, Su Hao still obeyed her instructions and hid in the room.