Speaking of this topic, Fang Shiqing couldn't help but sigh inwardly. "The company has run into some trouble recently, which is why President Pei has been so busy."
"Trouble?"
Su Banxia was somewhat shocked, her sharp gaze fixed on Fang Shiqing. "Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?"
"I..."
Fang Shiqing was momentarily stunned. "I thought you knew."
Seeing her expression, Su Banxia immediately understood why Pei Shaoze had been leaving early and returning late lately, and why she rarely saw him so busy and tense. Clearly, the issue at the company was no small matter.
"What exactly happened?"
Su Banxia asked anxiously.
Fang Shiqing cleared her throat and spoke slowly. "A problem arose with a project. The project manager absconded with the funds, leaving many workers unpaid, so now they've come to the company to protest."
"I see."
Su Banxia furrowed her brows slightly. Such a blunder would inevitably have some impact on the company. Thinking this, she couldn't help but feel worried.
"Since President Pei didn't tell you, he must want you to rest and recover well, so don't worry too much. You know his abilities, don't you?"
Fang Shiqing gently tried to reassure her.
Su Banxia just smiled faintly at her words, her somber expression revealing the concern in her heart.
Realizing she might have said the wrong thing, Fang Shiqing felt a bit uneasy. "Banxia, don't worry, this will be handled."
As long as the wages were paid, the workers' anger could be quelled. As for the runaway project manager, she believed Pei Shaoze's methods would uncover his whereabouts.
"Ah, it's fine."
Su Banxia sighed softly, then turned to Fang Shiqing with a slight smile to ease her mind.
"Today at the company, I saw Su Sinian. She looked unwell, as if the contract negotiations with President Pei didn't go smoothly."
Fang Shiqing deftly changed the subject.
Hearing the name Su Sinian, a bitter smile crossed Su Banxia's lips. "I have nothing to do with the Su family anymore."
At this, Fang Shiqing paused in her movements. She knew Su Banxia well—saying there was no connection didn't mean she could truly let go.
"Actually, you don't need to worry about the Su family. With Old Master Pei backing them, they won't end up in too bad a position. Coming to President Pei for cooperation is just their greed talking."
Fang Shiqing scoffed.
She should have seen through the Su family's true nature long ago, shouldn't she?
"Shiqing, what about you?"
Su Banxia suddenly looked up at Fang Shiqing standing beside her, asking seriously, "How are things between you and Yan Xin lately?"
"Huh?"
Fang Shiqing was caught off guard by the abrupt shift in topic.
Seeing her dazed look, Su Banxia smiled gently. "If you really like him, seize the chance. Don't wait until he finds a new girlfriend and you're left regretting it."
"Banxia!"
Fang Shiqing's face flushed red.
"I'm serious. If you truly like him, don't let go."
Su Banxia spoke with the tone of someone who had been through it all.
Between her and Pei Shaoze, there was a deep chasm she couldn't cross, preventing her from finding her own happiness. But Fang Shiqing was different.
She and Yan Xin were a perfect match in every way.
"I don't even know how he feels yet."
Fang Shiqing sighed softly.
She feared that making a rash move might cost them their friendship.
"Then it's up to you to figure out how to slowly win his heart."
Su Banxia raised an eyebrow.
Having known Yan Xin for so long, they should have plenty to talk about. Taking the initiative gave Fang Shiqing an advantage.
But Zhang Shanshan...
Thinking of that person, Su Banxia's eyes dropped.
"What's wrong?"
Sensing the shift in her mood, Fang Shiqing asked curiously.
"I think you might have a rival, but it's okay—you're better than her in every way. You can definitely beat her!"
Su Banxia assured her confidently.
As long as Yan Xin wasn't blind, he should see who was better.
Catching the implication in Su Banxia's words, Fang Shiqing pursed her lips but ultimately swallowed what she was about to say.
The night was deep. After a brief exchange, Fang Shiqing got up to leave, reminding Su Banxia to rest well before she went.
Watching Fang Shiqing go, Su Banxia closed her eyes and lay quietly in bed. Before long, she heard the sound of the door opening.
Then, a familiar scent reached her nose.
Pei Shaoze tiptoed to her side, lay down, and pulled her close.
Listening to the steady, powerful beat of his heart, Su Banxia slept soundly that night.
The next morning, when she woke up, it was already bright. The person beside her had slipped away at some point.
Seeing the empty space next to her, Su Banxia felt a twinge of disappointment.
Getting out of bed, she quickly freshened up and decided to take a walk downstairs.
The early morning sun, accompanied by a gentle breeze, brought a chill. Su Banxia only strolled around for a bit before heading back upstairs.
But she didn't notice that behind her, a pair of eyes was fixed on her.
Ren Yuan never expected to run into Su Banxia at the hospital. He wanted to go up and greet her but feared it would seem too abrupt and put her off.
So he could only watch her from afar, catching the smile on her face, and felt a bitter ache in his heart.
In the end, it was all his own fault. If he had cherished her back then, would the outcome have been different?
"Banxia."
Ren Yuan clenched his fists unconsciously, his expression complicated.
Lowering his gaze, he turned calmly and headed to Gu Feifei's ward. Despite his doubts and aversion toward this woman, his current status forced him to still care for her attentively.
"Ren Yuan, you're here."
Gu Feifei put down her magazine as soon as she saw him.
"How are you feeling today?"
Ren Yuan sat by her bed and reached out to feel her forehead. Not detecting any fever, he relaxed.
Gu Feifei's face was pale, but a lovely smile curved her lips. "I wasn't feeling well, but seeing you here somehow makes me feel much better."
"I'm not medicine. How can I cure your illness?"
Ren Yuan smiled faintly.