"I believe the young lady can take good care of him. As for me, I have work obligations and am truly very busy."
She could only use work as an excuse. The Su family—she really didn't want to set foot in it again.
Su Sinian was somewhat surprised by her resolve. Even after she'd offered such an excuse, Su Banxia didn't hesitate for a moment and still firmly refused.
After all, in the entire Su family, Su Banxia's only weakness was their father.
At the villa, Pei Shaoze had just brought a doctor from the hospital, only to find the room empty. He immediately cursed in anger.
He'd told her not to wander off, but she'd completely ignored his words!
With that, Pei Shaoze left the doctor behind and slammed the door as he stormed out, leaving the doctor stuck there, unsure whether to stay or go.
"Ah, this time the Su family's crisis has been resolved. I have to thank you for getting Tongze to help. Actually, I expected Shaoze to help, since he and I have discussed this contract several times—there's some goodwill between us after all."
Su Sinian pretended to be casual, using this to probe the relationship between Su Banxia and Pei Shaoze. She wasn't a child; no one would believe they were just a CEO and his secretary.
Besides, Pei Shaoze was outstanding in both looks and ability, the dream man in everyone's eyes. She naturally admired him a bit herself. And this woman in front of her was just someone her father had picked up—she certainly didn't deserve any connection with Pei Shaoze!
"You're saying that President Pei agreed to cooperate with the Su family because of you?"
Su Banxia was stunned. She'd always thought Pei Shaoze had agreed because of her, since he'd been refusing the partnership before. She knew his temperament somewhat—once he made a decision, he never changed it. How could a few words from the Su family sway him?
She'd foolishly believed it was her own doing, that Pei Shaoze had bent his principles for the sake of their bond. But it turned out it was because of Su Sinian.
Seeing Su Banxia's expression suddenly shift, Su Sinian felt a smug satisfaction, as if she'd orchestrated a brilliant scene.
"Didn't you know? President Pei has already mentioned me to Old Master Pei. Whether we marry or not is still uncertain."
Su Sinian feigned surprise, then put on a coy, shy look.
When Old Master Pei brought up the marriage to her father, Su Sinian could hardly believe it. Her family might not have a big company or grand background, but they were at least public figures—good enough to match the Pei family.
Su Banxia didn't believe it. If there was really something between them, how could she know nothing? Even the tightest lips would slip eventually.
Still, hearing they might get engaged, she couldn't help feeling a pang of loss. "Oh, then I wish the young lady happiness."
Her tone was cold, utterly devoid of enthusiasm.
Su Sinian smiled smugly, as if she were truly about to marry. "Mm, President Pei is a responsible man. If the engagement is set, Banxia, you must come."
She'd only met Pei Shaoze a few times, yet she could already claim he was responsible. Su Sinian was truly adept at this.
Pei Shaoze was, after all, the father of her child. This woman wanted to steal her child's father as a husband and then invite her to the wedding? What a dream.
"That won't be necessary. I'm just someone who doesn't belong in the spotlight—whether in the Su family or before President Pei."
Her words carried a hint of bitterness, but they were the truth. In the Su family, though she called Su Jin "Father" alongside Su Sinian, she still had to address Su Sinian as "young lady."
She gave a bitter smile and stood up. "I have things to do. I'll go now."
With that, she limped away. Only then did Su Sinian notice her injured foot.
"Banxia, what happened to your foot?"
She quickly stood to call out to her, but her face showed no real concern. Six years ago, she'd known Su Banxia inside and out. Six years later, Su Banxia hadn't changed at all—forcing herself to endure was her habit.
"It's nothing. No need for the young lady to worry."
She didn't look back, her voice flat.
"Banxia!"
Su Sinian called out, feigning worry. But Su Banxia didn't turn around—instead, Su Sinian saw the person she'd been thinking of.
"Shao... Shaoze..."
She gasped, a blush spreading across her face. The intimate nickname made Su Banxia smile bitterly. It seemed they were already close, or maybe Pei Shaoze liked everyone calling him Shaoze.
Just as Su Banxia was about to sulk and walk past Pei Shaoze, his cold words startled her.
"Who are you? Is my name something you can just say?"
He didn't spare Su Sinian any face, speaking coldly.
Su Sinian's face flushed with embarrassment. She'd discussed business with him before, and now he was pretending not to know her!
It was like a slap in the face.
"I'm Sinian... Su... Su Sinian..."
She explained, hoping to jog his memory.
But Pei Shaoze didn't even think about it. "Don't know you," he said flatly.
Even Su Banxia felt awkward for her.
She hadn't expected Pei Shaoze to find her here. "President Pei, you... why are you here?"
She almost wondered if he'd planted a camera on her, given how accurately he tracked her down every day!
Pei Shaoze didn't answer her. Instead, he scooped her up in his arms. "Did I give you permission? Who told you to leave the house on your own? Last night, who was it that couldn't sleep from the pain?"
He spoke loudly on purpose, his gaze flickering to Su Sinian. He caught the sharp glint in her eyes growing more pronounced—this woman was not simple!
Su Banxia tried to struggle free, but Pei Shaoze held her tight. Su Sinian was right there! She'd just claimed Pei Shaoze had mentioned her to Old Master Pei, and now he was acting like this in front of her—it was humiliating!
And she'd slept perfectly fine last night! Why did he have to say it so suggestively? "Couldn't sleep from the pain"? He was practically begging for misunderstandings!
"The doctor's already waiting for you at home. No running around until your injury heals!"
He shot her another glare, his tone stern.
Before Su Banxia could respond, he turned his gaze to Su Sinian. "As for you, Zhu Shi... whatever..."
He couldn't even remember her name, which was a thorough humiliation.
"President... President Pei, it's Su Sinian!"
Su Banxia whispered the reminder from his arms.
Pei Shaoze's expression shifted as he looked at the naive woman in his arms. He found her utterly foolish. "Whatever her name is, I'll remember this."
Su Sinian was furious and tried to explain, but Pei Shaoze had already carried Su Banxia away. She stood there, seething, grabbed a cup, and hurled it to the ground.