Volume One, Chapter 14: Half in Doubt, Is She Really Going to Resign?
Liang Song was astonished.
In fact, he could tell that Shen Shuhe had feelings for President Pei.
Otherwise, she would not have willingly stayed by Pei’s side for so long despite his repeated coldness and indifference.
Even with Miss Song around President Pei, Shen Shuhe still cooked every day, waiting for him to come home.
She even took over the operations of the Jiugang branch for his sake.
At that time, the Jiugang branch was in chaos. When President Pei suggested sending Shen Shuhe there, it was both a difficulty and a form of giving up.
He wanted to give up on both.
Yet unexpectedly, Shen Shuhe, though seemingly delicate, was far from weak-wristed. She managed to pull the Jiugang branch back on track.
That was why the Pei Group headquarters proposed merging Jiugang’s business, and only then did President Pei relent and allow Shen Shuhe to return.
But Miss Song was still in the company.
The two of them saw each other constantly, which created a complicated situation…
Liang Song, having been by Pei Jingmo’s side for some time, believed he understood him fairly well.
However, when it came to matters of the heart, Liang Song could never quite discern Pei’s true feelings.
What he was certain of was that President Pei treated Miss Song differently, while Shen Shuhe’s heart and eyes were filled entirely with Pei Jingmo.
Yet today, Liang Song felt his intuition had faltered.
Because Shen Shuhe, whose heart was full of Pei Jingmo, had voluntarily submitted her resignation.
He had witnessed firsthand how Shen Shuhe humbled herself to stay in the Pei Group for Pei’s sake.
It was only when the matriarch intervened that Pei Jingmo made an exception and let her remain.
But the outcome was clear: Pei Jingmo grew even more resentful of Shen Shuhe.
“Are you really resigning?”
Liang Song was shocked, even half in disbelief.
Shen Shuhe certainly detected the doubt in his tone, but there was no use in saying much now.
She merely smiled, gave a soft “yes,” nodded, and left.
Liang Song watched her enter the elevator, still trying to process the situation.
After a moment, he wondered: Was Shen Shuhe’s resignation President Pei’s idea?
If Pei didn’t know, should he inform him?
Liang Song had intended to find an opportunity to probe Pei Jingmo’s thoughts on the matter, but busy with work, he soon forgot this little incident.
…
In the afternoon, Manager Wang responded to Shen Shuhe, saying the resignation was under review and would take about a week.
The next day, her replacement would arrive.
Afterward, she would need to hand over her responsibilities to the newcomer.
Shen Shuhe agreed without issue and returned to her normal duties, preparing the handover materials in advance.
Time passed quickly. On the third day, Manager Wang brought a young man with a fresh face.
“Shuhe, this is Fang Wu. Though recently graduated, his resume is impressive. He’ll be taking over your work.”
Shen Shuhe extended her hand. “Hello, nice to meet you. Sorry for the trouble.”
Fang Wu adjusted his glasses, his features proper and earnest, replying in a precise manner, “No trouble at all.”
“Alright, you two can discuss the handover.” With that, Manager Wang left.
By chance, in the elevator, Liang Song encountered them and exchanged nods.
Meeting colleagues in the elevator was ordinary, but Liang Song noticed the floor Manager Wang pressed—the very floor of Shen Shuhe’s department.
Suddenly recalling the incident at HR two days ago, Liang Song casually asked, “Did Manager Wang come up to handle something?”
Taking the initiative to speak, Manager Wang did not neglect to respond promptly, “Yes. President Shen submitted her resignation, so I brought the new hire over for the handover.”
Hearing this, a flicker of surprise crossed Liang Song’s eyes.
He hadn’t expected Shen Shuhe’s words to be true…
Liang Song’s shock was noticed by Manager Wang, who assumed they shared the same sentiment and sighed, “Assistant Liang, don’t you think it’s a pity Shen is resigning? She’s truly rare talent, having been with Pei Group all these years.”
“If she hadn’t resigned and kept going, she would have climbed many more levels!”
“So unfortunate. But President Shen is determined to leave… truly a pity…”
Manager Wang finished speaking just as the elevator doors opened.
“Assistant Liang, I’ll take my leave now.”
Liang Song nodded casually.
Yet he still couldn’t figure out why Shen Shuhe suddenly wanted to resign.
Could it be that President Pei had arranged other work for her?
But that thought was immediately dismissed.
How could President Pei take the initiative to care about Shen Shuhe and assign her tasks?
It was more likely for Miss Song…
Should he mention this to President Pei?
Liang Song pondered as he handled documents and returned to the top-floor chairman’s office half an hour later.
After knocking and receiving permission, he entered.
“President Pei, here are the documents for your review.”
Behind the desk, Pei Jingmo didn’t lift his head.
“Hm, just put them there for now.”
“Understood.” Liang Song set them down and reported on several work progress updates.
Pei Jingmo rubbed the corner of his eye.
“Hm, give instructions. Tomorrow’s morning meeting, I want to see their solutions.”
“Got it.”
With business concluded, Liang Song stood awkwardly, rare moments of inner turmoil.
Noticing this, Pei Jingmo raised his eyes and furrowed his brows.
“Anything else?”
Liang Song thought it best to speak, to clarify Pei’s stance.
“It’s about President Shen…”
“Jingmo—”
Liang Song was interrupted as both turned to the door.
Song Qingyin stood there holding a cup of coffee.
Seeing Liang Song, she quickly apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t know you were discussing matters.”
“No problem, come in,” Pei Jingmo stopped her from retreating, raising his arm to beckon her inside.
She entered directly, placing the coffee beside him.
“Try it and tell me what you think.”
Observing their expressions, Liang Song pursed his lips, about to take the signed documents and leave when Pei Jingmo spoke.
“From now on, decide her matters yourself. No need to bring them up in front of me.”
Liang Song understood.
Regarding Shen Shuhe’s official affairs, he had the authority to make decisions on Pei Jingmo’s behalf.
As for personal matters, there was no need to mention them.
He replied, “Understood.”
As he stepped out, he sighed inwardly.
It seemed President Pei’s attitude toward Shen Shuhe remained cold and unyielding.
Not even willing to listen.
Since Shen Shuhe’s resignation was her own decision, there was no need to say more.
Thus, the matter ended there.
In the office, Song Qingyin held her face, eyes full of anticipation awaiting his response.
Pei Jingmo took a sip and gave a candid reply.
“Not bad.”
Hearing this, Song Qingyin smiled, her eyes narrowing happily.
“Looks like my skills are improving. By the way, Jingmo, I learned a new dessert recipe.”
“Do you have time tomorrow? I’ll make it for you and Xiaoyu.”
Pei Jingmo patted her waist, signaling her to lean on the desk.
He took her hand gently and said warmly, “You’re my secretary. If I have time tomorrow, don’t you know?”
Catching the teasing tone, Song Qingyin glanced at him and played along.
“How would I know if President Pei has private plans?”
“You’re such a chatterbox,” Pei Jingmo pinched her fingers playfully.
“Alright, no more jokes. You have no social engagements tomorrow, so after work, we’ll go pick up Xiaoyu.”
“Sounds good.”
Song Qingyin smiled and turned to tidy up his desk.
Pei Jingmo’s gaze followed her back the whole time.
The room was quiet except for the soft sounds of her organizing.
In this stillness, Pei Jingmo spoke softly.
“Qingyin, do you feel wronged?”