Zhan Jingchen couldn't answer because he had just had the idea, and he lacked experience in many specific matters, needing his parents' help.
This was the purpose of his return this time.
Jiang Nanfang could tell from his expression that he was all talk, but she didn't discourage him.
"You're not ready yet, right? It's okay. Just having this idea shows us you've made quite a bit of progress recently. We support you and will give you any budget you need, but I have one condition."
From a young age, Zhan Jingchen knew his parents were open-minded, especially supportive of his siblings' love lives and careers. However, his mother seemed to micromanage him, making him feel restricted.
This was the first time he felt his mother was being so agreeable.
She agreed just like that?
"What condition?"
"The proposal must be done by Pei Kexin. I want her to join your team, whether you hire her or invite her as a partner. I just want her to be part of your team."
After thinking it over and over, Zhan Jingchen never expected her to propose such a condition.
Pei Kexin to do this proposal? And she must join his team?
"How do you know Pei Kexin? Are you close? Why do you value her so much?"
Jiang Nanfang countered, "Aren't you good friends? I don't know her well, but as her friend, you surely understand better than I do why she's so likable."
Zhan Jingchen had initially thought his mother was being so open-minded because she saw his potential.
Now, it seemed her attitude was entirely due to her trust in Pei Kexin. What did that make him?
"Who told you I'm her friend? If you like her so much, why don't you recruit her to your team! Why should she have control over my company?"
Jiang Nanfang raised an eyebrow and exchanged a look with Zhan Beijue. She thought, *Didn't you tell your second brother that she's your friend? Why the change in attitude now?*
No wonder he came back today; it seemed they had a falling out.
Ever since Jiang Jingyu praised Pei Kexin highly, Zhan Beijue had also investigated her personally. He discovered that she was quite capable for her young age, exhibiting a demeanor reminiscent of Jiang Nanfang in her youth.
Moreover, she was beautiful and had a difficult background.
Jiang Nanfang felt an immediate connection with her just from her photo.
Looking around, the daughters of her friends had also grown up, but none seemed to be to Zhan Jingchen's liking.
For years, he hadn't enjoyed playing with girls or dating, yet the moment he left home, he started associating with Pei Kexin.
Jiang Nanfang wondered if fate intended for Pei Kexin to join their family.
If the two of them could end up together, it would be perfect.
Not only would they not have to worry about Zhan Jingchen going astray, but his future career would also be secured.
Therefore, she absolutely did not want to see Zhan Jingchen and Pei Kexin having a disagreement.
"You're not friends? Then you followed her to the Pei family's house multiple times, staying overnight without coming out, and even chased her all the way to Harbin, then paraded around with her on the street?"
"Am I out of touch? Have your definitions of 'friend' changed? After all this, you two are still not considered friends?"
Zhan Jingchen's back broke out in a cold sweat. He finally understood why his parents hadn't called him once in all this time he'd been away.
So, they had been secretly observing him!
"Mom, are you stalking me?"
Jiang Nanfang retorted, "Not at all. I wouldn't stoop to stalking you. I'm just more interested in Pei Kexin, so I followed her and happened to see you. If you two really aren't friends, and you truly don't need her, then I'll recruit her to my team. Don't regret it then."
Halfway through her return journey, Fu Duoduo received a call from Pei Kexin, asking where she was and if it was a convenient time to talk.
Fu Duoduo said it was convenient, "What's up?"
"What did you say to Zhan Jingchen?"
Fu Duoduo couldn't help but giggle. When someone is in front of you, you pretend not to care, but when you're apart, you still can't help but inquire about them secretly.
"I didn't say anything. What's wrong?"
Pei Kexin didn't believe her. "If you didn't say anything, why did he suddenly return the money to me? You must have said something. Did you perhaps play the victim or ask him for money?"
Fu Duoduo quickly denied it. "Am I that kind of person? What do you take me for?"
Pei Kexin asked her, "Then why would he return the money to me for no reason?"
Fu Duoduo replied, "Is it possible that I did say something to him, but it was just the truth?"
"The truth? What do you mean?"
"You're unemployed and kicked out of your place, and now you don't even have a place to stay."
"..."
Wasn't that the same as directly begging him for charity? Pei Kexin felt utterly embarrassed.
"Fu Duoduo, a noble person refuses alms! We're not so poor that we need to beg for money by playing the victim. Don't do that again in the future!"
"Okay, okay, it's all my fault. I promise I won't speak carelessly again, alright?"
Who knew that right after making her vow, the next day Fu Duoduo continued with the various procedures to close her company. By ten in the morning, she received a WeChat message from Zhan Jingchen.
"Where are you?"
Last night, Zhan Jingchen said he might need her help in the future, and Fu Duoduo thought it was just polite. She hadn't expected Young Master Zhan to be so true to his word!
He was looking for her today!
And using such a familiar tone!
She almost fainted with excitement.
She immediately sent him her location. "Is something wrong?"
Zhan Jingchen replied, "Find a coffee shop nearby and wait for me. I'm on my way to you now."
What? He was actually coming to find her? This...
Fu Duoduo couldn't help but look in the mirror. Had Zhan Jingchen been captivated by her beauty and personality after their brief encounter yesterday? Was he planning to give up on Pei Kexin and pursue her?
They met at the coffee shop. As soon as the young and handsome Young Master Zhan sat down, he pushed a gift box towards her.
"For you."
The logo on the box was familiar; it was a renowned international brand. Judging by the shape, it was a necklace.
Zhan Jingchen was giving her a necklace?!
"For me? You said this is for me?"
Zhan Jingchen looked at her calmly. His young, handsome features were accentuated by the golden sunlight, making them even more defined.
"Yes, for you. Open it."
Fu Duoduo opened it, her heart pounding.
It was the classic design, a bestseller for many years.
Although she already owned one, it was a gift from Young Master Zhan, so she was still very happy!
"Are you... not afraid Kexin will mind? This is so sudden, I haven't thought it through..."
Zhan Jingchen stared at her flushed face for a few seconds, then leaned forward, resting his long arms on the table, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"What are you thinking? Hasn't Gu Wei given you gifts before? Do you need to consider Pei Kexin's feelings when exchanging gifts between friends? Why are you so afraid of her?"
Between friends?
"Miss Fu, don't overthink it. You're not my type. I'm only giving this to you because I need your help with something."