Chapter 103: Effort
Wen Yan stared at the blurred figure of Lin Seran on the screen, his fingertips tightening unconsciously. The edge of the keyboard bit into his palm, causing a dull ache.
He knew, of course, that Lin Seran’s target was him. From the first time Lin Seran had intentionally made things difficult for him on set to the later attempt to disfigure him with acid, every move had been driven by a near-manic obsession—and the root of that obsession always circled back to Pei Zhouye.
“Don’t panic.” Pei Zhouye’s hand covered the back of his own. The warmth of the man’s palm seeped through his thin skin, slightly easing his frayed nerves. “I’ve already had Shen Yao contact airport security to seize his boarding pass. Additionally, I’ve made arrangements on the Swiss side. If he dares to land, someone will be there to ‘greet’ him.”
Wen Yan turned to look at him. Pei Zhouye’s profile looked exceptionally cold under the blue light of the screen, his jawline clenched tight and his eyes filled with undisguised ruthlessness. He suddenly remembered many years ago, when Pei Zhouye had appeared just like this—bringing a chill with him—to shield him after he had been cornered in an alleyway by Gu Yulan’s people. So many years had passed; Pei Zhouye’s methods of protection had changed, but his original intention to safeguard him had never wavered.
“Is it… too extreme?” Wen Yan asked softly. He didn’t pity Lin Seran; he just didn’t want Pei Zhouye to get his hands dirty because of someone like him. Lin Seran’s father was a benefactor of the Pei family, and this relationship was like a thorn that had always been wedged between the two of them.
Pei Zhouye let out a scoff, his fingertips lightly stroking the back of Wen Yan’s hand. “Extreme? When he wanted to hurt you, did he ever think about being extreme?” He paused, his voice dropping an octave. “Wen Yan, I won’t let you suffer another scratch. I wouldn’t let it happen before, and I certainly won’t now.”
As they were speaking, Shen Yao called again, his tone carrying a hint of relief. “Brother, we got him! Lin Seran was stopped just as he was about to go through security. He’s already been sent to a nearby psychiatric hospital for an evaluation.”
“Keep a close eye on him,” Pei Zhouye said, his voice devoid of any warmth. “Don’t give him another chance to escape.”
After hanging up, the office fell into a brief silence. The night outside had grown darker, and the colorful lights of the cruise ships on the river flickered. The light swayed, yet it couldn’t penetrate the tense atmosphere between the two.
Wen Yan was the first to break the silence, closing his laptop. “Alright, it’s over. Let’s get back to the itinerary. We were just talking about…”
“Forget the itinerary for a moment.” Pei Zhouye interrupted him, reaching out to tilt his chin up, forcing Wen Yan to look at him. “Wen Yan, look at me.”
Wen Yan was forced to meet his gaze. Pei Zhouye’s dark eyes were churning with complex emotions—worry, irritation, and a hint of a panic that Wen Yan couldn’t quite fathom. “What is it?”
“Promise me that once you’re in Switzerland, no matter what happens, you’ll call me immediately.” Pei Zhouye’s thumb lightly brushed Wen Yan’s lower lip, his pressure carrying a non-negotiable seriousness. “Don’t carry it all on your own, and don’t think you have to solve everything yourself. I don’t care how independent you are now; with me, you can always rely on me.”
Wen Yan’s heart gave a sudden tug. He knew Pei Zhouye was truly afraid. Lin Seran’s repeated harassment had caused this man, who feared nothing in the business world, to develop an Achilles’ heel. He reached out and wrapped his arms around Pei Zhouye’s waist, burying his face in his chest. “I understand. I’ll report to you every day; I won’t make you worry.”
Pei Zhouye’s body stiffened for a moment before he returned the embrace forcefully. He rested his chin on the top of Wen Yan’s head, his breathing slightly uneven. “Don’t lie to me.”
“I won’t,” Wen Yan said, his voice muffled. “I still have to come back and watch the sunrise at the seaside with you. How could I lie to you?”
At the mention of the seaside, Pei Zhouye’s tense body relaxed slightly. He remembered the way Wen Yan’s eyes had sparkled like a child expecting candy the first time he mentioned wanting to go to the sea. At that time, he had secretly vowed to lay the best things in the world at Wen Yan’s feet. Now, it seemed he still hadn’t done well enough.
At the very least, he hadn’t been able to keep Wen Yan safe and sound, away from all these messy troubles.
“We’ll go as soon as you return from Switzerland,” Pei Zhouye promised, his voice raspy against Wen Yan’s ear. “No postponements this time. No matter what’s happening at the company, nothing is more important than you.”
Wen Yan nodded and said nothing more. He knew Pei Zhouye’s promises always held weight—just like when he promised to accompany him to summer camp or supported him going to the seminar. He had fulfilled every single one.
The next morning, Wen Yan was woken by his alarm. He sat up rubbing his eyes to find that Pei Zhouye was already out of bed. A slight sound came from the kitchen. He shuffled over in his slippers to see Pei Zhouye wearing an apron, frying eggs. The sunlight through the blinds fell on him, outlining a soft silhouette that was a world away from his usual cold, hard persona.
“Awake?” Pei Zhouye looked back at him with a faint smile. “Go wash up; breakfast is almost ready.”
Wen Yan nodded and turned into the bathroom. By the time he came out, breakfast was laid out—golden fried eggs, crispy toasted bread, and a glass of warm milk, exactly the way he liked it.
“You’re going to confirm the seminar details with Professor Zhang today, right?” Pei Zhouye asked while spreading jam on the toast.
“Mm, and I need to show him the revised report.” Wen Yan took a bite of toast, the crispy texture spreading through his mouth. “By the way, don’t you have to go to the company today?”
“Not this morning; I’m going to the institute with you.” Pei Zhouye handed him the piece of toast. “I’ll handle the remaining business in the afternoon.”
Wen Yan felt a wave of warmth, but couldn’t help saying, “Actually, you don’t have to go out of your way to accompany me. I can handle it myself.”
“I know you can.” Pei Zhouye looked at him, his gaze serious. “But I want to go with you.”
A simple sentence, yet it made Wen Yan’s heart skip a beat. He lowered his head, feigning focus on his breakfast, while his ears turned a quiet shade of red.
After breakfast, they packed their things and drove to the research institute. As the car drove through the familiar streets, Wen Yan watched the plane trees receding outside the window, suddenly remembering the first time he had come to the institute.
At that time, he was just a newly enrolled graduate student, so nervous his palms were sweating. It was Professor Zhang who had comforted him with a smile, telling him not to be afraid. Looking back now, time really flew. In the blink of an eye, he was already able to hold his own and even had the chance to attend an international seminar in Switzerland.
“What are you thinking about?” Pei Zhouye noticed his distraction and asked softly.
“Nothing,” Wen Yan shook his head. “I just feel that time has passed so quickly.”
Pei Zhouye smiled and reached out to ruffle his hair. “Time is fast, and so are the days we spend together. Once you’re back from Switzerland, we’ll go to the sea and relax for a few days.”
Wen Yan nodded, his heart full of anticipation.
At the institute, Professor Zhang was already waiting in his office. Seeing them enter, he stood up with a smile. “You’re here? Sit, sit.”
Wen Yan handed over the organized report. “Professor Zhang, this is the revised report. Please see if there’s anything else that needs adjusting.”
Professor Zhang took the report and began flipping through it seriously. Pei Zhouye sat to the side, watching them quietly without speaking. The office was very still, with only the sound of paper turning.
After a while, Professor Zhang set the report down and nodded with satisfaction. “Very good. It’s much more complete than last time. The logic is clear and the data is very detailed. Presenting this at the seminar will definitely leave a good impression on the other scholars.”
Wen Yan breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a sense of achievement. “Thank you, Professor Zhang. Without your guidance, I definitely wouldn’t have done so well.”
“Why be polite with me?” Professor Zhang waved a hand. “You worked hard yourself; I only gave a few suggestions. By the way, are the accommodation and transportation in Switzerland arranged?”
“They are. Pei Zhouye already booked the hotel for me; it’s very close to the seminar venue,” Wen Yan said.
Professor Zhang looked at Pei Zhouye and said with a smile, “President Pei is indeed thoughtful. Wen Yan is always a bit careless in daily life; with you taking care of him, I can feel much more at ease.”
Pei Zhouye nodded, his tone respectful. “It’s only right. Taking care of Wen Yan is my responsibility.”
After chatting about the seminar details for a bit longer, Professor Zhang remembered something and pulled a USB drive from his drawer, handing it to Wen Yan. “In here are videos of speeches I gave at international seminars in the past, along with some things to note. Watch them when you get back; they’ll definitely be helpful to you.”
Wen Yan took the USB drive, deeply moved. “Thank you, Professor Zhang. You’ve done so much for me; I really don’t know how to thank you.”
“Silly child, why be polite with me?” Professor Zhang patted his shoulder. “Your success is the best thanks to me. Alright, it’s getting late. Go on and get busy. If there are any problems, call me anytime.”
When the two came out of the institute, Wen Yan looked at the USB drive and said to Pei Zhouye, “Professor Zhang is truly too good; he’s always looking out for me.”
“He is indeed a good man,” Pei Zhouye said with a smile. “We should visit him often in the future to repay him.”
Wen Yan nodded and leaned into Pei Zhouye’s embrace. As they sat in the car watching the sunlight grow stronger, their hearts were full of anticipation. They knew the day they would leave for Switzerland was drawing closer, and their future was drawing closer as well.
Back at the apartment, Wen Yan plugged the USB drive into his computer and began watching the speech videos seriously. Pei Zhouye sat beside him, handling company emails, occasionally pouring Wen Yan a glass of water or handing him a piece of fruit.
The Professor Zhang in the videos was high-spirited, talking eloquently on stage while the scholars in the audience listened intently. Watching the videos, Wen Yan’s anticipation for the seminar grew. He took out his notebook and recorded the points the professor mentioned—such as paying attention to speech speed, maintaining eye contact with the audience, and remaining calm when answering questions.
Seeing his serious expression, Pei Zhouye didn’t disturb him, simply staying by his side. He knew how much Wen Yan valued this seminar and how important it was for his future, so he would do everything in his power to support Wen Yan in what he wanted to do.
Unknowingly, evening arrived, and Wen Yan finally finished all the videos. He stretched and leaned back in his chair, looking at the dense notes in his book with a sense of achievement. “Pei Zhouye, I finished. Professor Zhang speaks so well; I’ve learned so much.”
Pei Zhouye walked over and looked at his notebook, smiling. “It seems you’ve gained quite a lot. Hungry? I’ll go cook; I’ll make your favorite braised pork belly today.”
Wen Yan’s eyes lit up. “Great! I happen to be a bit hungry.”
Pei Zhouye ruffled his hair with a laugh and turned into the kitchen. Wen Yan leaned back, watching Pei Zhouye’s busy figure. He knew that with Pei Zhouye by his side, whether it was the seminar or the research project in Switzerland, he had the courage to face any difficulty.
Dinner was ready soon—four dishes and a soup, including Wen Yan’s favorite braised pork belly. The meat was glossy and radiated an enticing aroma. Wen Yan took a piece; it was tender, savory without being greasy. “Delicious! Even better than last time!”
Seeing him so happy, the corners of Pei Zhouye’s mouth couldn’t help but lift. “Eat more if you like it.”
They chatted as they ate. Wen Yan mentioned he would go to the lab tomorrow to say goodbye to his classmates and hand over his experimental data to his juniors (Shidi/Shimei) so they could continue the follow-up. Pei Zhouye said he would go to the company tomorrow to handle the final batch of documents and would accompany Wen Yan to the airport the day after.
After dinner, Wen Yan took the initiative to wash the dishes while Pei Zhouye watched him from the doorway. Wen Yan’s sleeves were rolled up, revealing his slender wrists as water dripped from his fingertips.
“Need help?” Pei Zhouye walked over and gently embraced him from behind.
Wen Yan’s body stiffened for a second before relaxing. “No need, I’ll be done soon.” He tilted his head, his nose brushing against Pei Zhouye’s chin. “Pei Zhouye, do you think I’ll miss home once I’m in Switzerland?”
Pei Zhouye leaned down and kissed his forehead. “You will. But I’ll call you every day so you can hear my voice, just as if I were by your side.” He paused, then added, “If you really miss home that much, I’ll fly over to spend a few days with you.”
Wen Yan shook his head with a smile. “No need, I can persevere. I’m going to Switzerland to study, not to miss home.”
Pei Zhouye said nothing more, simply holding him tighter. He knew Wen Yan was strong, but he also knew that Wen Yan was actually quite dependent on him; he just didn’t want to say it aloud.
After the dishes were done, they sat in the living room watching a movie. Wen Yan leaned in Pei Zhouye’s arms with a professional book in hand, though he wasn’t really reading. On the screen was a film about dreams, showing a protagonist overcoming many difficulties to eventually achieve success.
“Pei Zhouye,” Wen Yan suddenly spoke. “Do you think I’ll succeed in Switzerland this time?”
Pei Zhouye looked down at him, his gaze serious. “Of course you will. You’re so hardworking and talented; you’ll definitely succeed. Even if you encounter any difficulties, don’t forget—I’m always behind you, supporting you.”
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