Upon reaching the second floor, Su Banxia walked along the corridor. The entire villa had six rooms in total, and she pursed her lips. The room contained a bed that looked somewhat aged, with a very understated wall decor style that appeared almost simple, like a renovation from over twenty years ago. Many photos hung on the walls, some of children and some of adults. Su Banxia couldn't help but study them closely.
She could tell these photos were likely of Pei Shaoze as a child. The child in the pictures resembled Su Hao greatly—similar in the eyes and expression. If not for the yellowed appearance of the photos, she would almost think they were of Su Hao. Noticing a woman in the photos who looked to be in her twenties, with delicate features and a refined appearance, she was clearly a beauty. Her brows and eyes bore some resemblance to Pei Shaoze. This must be Pei Shaoze's mother. When she noticed the man standing beside them, Su Banxia paused. This man seemed somewhat older, appearing about twenty years older than the woman, but fortunately, he had handsome features, which wasn't too bad. Was this... Old Master Pei?
Su Banxia hesitated. Calculating by age, this seemed barely plausible. Old Master Pei should be in his sixties now! Though she couldn't quite understand this age-gap pairing in their family, she didn't dwell on it—after all, love sometimes doesn't distinguish by age. Looking around, she spotted a stack of photo albums on the headboard. Curious, she picked one up and began flipping through it.
Most of the photos were of Pei Shaoze as a child with his mother, with very few of Old Master Pei. It was clear that young Pei Shaoze seemed quite happy. Flipping to the end, she saw a family photo of four people, which appeared to be from a few years ago. Su Banxia studied the people in the photo carefully: Old Master Pei, Pei Shaoze, and another woman and a boy. But this woman was clearly not Pei Shaoze's mother, and the boy's features looked somewhat familiar. Curious, she was about to look more closely.
"Bang!"
The door suddenly burst open. Startled, she jumped up, dropping the album to the floor. Turning around, she saw Pei Shaoze entering. Su Banxia felt like she'd been caught red-handed and said guiltily, "You were gone so long, I had nothing to do, so I..."
"So you just rummage through other people's things?"
Pei Shaoze's expression was grim. He walked over to her, crouched down, and picked up the album from the floor. Su Banxia didn't know what to say. She murmured a quiet apology and dared not speak further. Putting the album away, Pei Shaoze looked at her. "Let's go."
She had expected him to be angry, but surprisingly, he said nothing. Hesitating, she followed him out of the bedroom. Trailing behind him, she said softly, "Your mother is really beautiful."
Pei Shaoze paused mid-step, then continued walking without a word. Su Banxia wasn't sure if he was upset, so she didn't press further. As they descended the stairs, she asked, "President Pei, are you angry?"
He had been fine when they left earlier; it must have been because he saw her looking at his album. Thinking this, she said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to look. I just..."
Well, snooping through someone else's things was indeed rude.
Pei Shaoze suddenly stopped. Su Banxia, not paying attention, bumped into him. Fortunately, they were already at the bottom of the stairs, so nothing serious happened.
"Ouch!" She winced, holding her forehead. "President Pei, why did you stop so suddenly?"
Pei Shaoze turned to face her. His dark eyes dimmed as he said, "My mother passed away many years ago."
A simple statement. Su Banxia was taken aback and lowered her head. "I'm sorry."
Seeing her like this, Pei Shaoze sighed and said no more. He extended his broad hand toward her. "Let's go."
Su Banxia placed her hand in his. His palm was warm and reassuring. She paused briefly before following him out of the villa. They walked in silence. Su Banxia had already taken in most of the scenery on the way here, so she wasn't as curious now. After a stretch, Pei Shaoze suddenly spoke. "When you see the old man later, just call him Uncle. Don't call me President Pei—just use my name."
Su Banxia was puzzled. "Why?"
"Just do as I say."
Pei Shaoze said this without any intention of explaining further. Su Banxia hesitated, then nodded obediently. It was the least she could do to repay him for the car repairs, so she asked no questions.
In the hall, guests had been arriving one after another, and it seemed almost everyone was present. Old Master Pei had also arrived, seated in the main hall, surrounded by well-wishers. A server wheeled in a large peach-shaped birthday cake. For the festive atmosphere, several children in little dresses and suits were bouncing around the old man in the hall. Perhaps when people grow old, they all long for a house full of children and grandchildren. Seeing the kids around him, the old man beamed with joy.
The birthday banquet began, and the old man was expected to give a speech. Though advanced in years, he had once been a figure in the business world. He spoke with great authority for a few sentences, then turned to Pei Shaoze. "Shaoze, say a few words. It's rare for you to be back—come up here."
Pei Shaoze wasn't one for public appearances, but since it was the old man's birthday, he couldn't refuse. He went up, offered some birthday wishes, and was about to step down when a middle-aged man standing beside the old man—appearing to be in his fifties—called out to him.
"Shaoze, you're not young anymore, almost thirty, right? I heard you brought a young lady back. Aren't you going to introduce her to me?"
Pei Shaoze looked at the man, frowning slightly. "Second Uncle seems quite interested in my personal life."
The man speaking to Pei Shaoze was Old Master Pei's younger brother, Second Master Pei, about a dozen years younger than the old man. A figure in official circles with no sons and one daughter, he held Pei Shaoze in high regard. But due to Pei Shaoze's strong-willed nature, he was somewhat displeased. Their conversation felt more like a confrontation between enemies.
Seeing Pei Shaoze's curt tone, Second Uncle Pei's expression soured. "You child, you're the heir of the Pei family and no longer young. Can I not care about you?"
Pei Shaoze said nothing, instead glancing at Su Banxia standing among the crowd. This look startled her, and she feared he might drag her in as a shield—something she absolutely didn't want. Not only were the guests elites from official and business circles, any one of whom could effortlessly dig up the existence of her two children, but the Pei family itself would investigate her if they learned of Su Banxia's presence. Then she'd have no way to hide the kids. Fortunately, Pei Shaoze only glanced at her before turning to Old Master Pei. "If you want to meet her, I'll arrange a time."
Old Master Pei said nothing, simply nodding in agreement. Everyone understood the principle that a tall tree catches the wind. Pei Shaoze's reluctance to introduce the Pei family's future daughter-in-law in such a setting was naturally out of protection.