Jing Meng looked at the parts scattered across the floor, crouched down to pick up a piece, and looked up at Pei Shiyi. "The internal components have been completely stripped. Anyone in the industry could guess the logic behind it just by looking. This thing is worthless now. If you want one, I'll make you a new one."
Pei Shiyi watched her as she spoke with high spirits, radiating confidence in her field of expertise. She was indescribably captivating.
"Alright, make it later," Pei Shiyi replied tonelessly, though a trace of a smile touched the corners of his mouth.
He turned his head and stared calmly at Pei Gong without saying a word.
Pei Gong felt as though the bones had been sucked out of his knees. He suddenly seemed shorter, hunched over with his head bowed, his voice already thick with a sob.
"Sixth Grandfather, listen to my explanation. I was forced into this. I... I didn't know anything, I swear! I was also deceived. Someone sold me those materials just to frame me. Sixth Grandfather, you must believe me!"
"Frame you?" Pei Shiyi raised his eyelids slightly. "Someone gave you such high-end design drawings just to frame you? You certainly have a beautiful imagination."
Pei Gong had completely run out of ideas, his entire body shaking like a leaf.
Pei Shiyi didn't care to look at his pathetic state. He pointed a long finger toward Jing Meng and spoke coldly. "Address her. Apologize."
Pei Gong froze, his face flushing a deep red. Feeling utterly humiliated, he squeezed out a greeting. "Sixth... Sixth Grandmother..."
"I'm sorry!"
"Pfft—" Jing Meng nearly choked on her own saliva, a look of subtle embarrassment crossing her face.
The fiancé who had been gloating and acting all high and mighty just moments ago had suddenly become her grandson. This feeling was
Simply too freaking satisfying!
Seeing Bai Xi's expression, which looked like she had just swallowed something foul, Jing Meng gleefully sang the song "Good Luck" in her heart.
Pei Shiyi turned back to Jing Meng, hesitating for a moment. "You..."
Jing Meng immediately leaned toward his ear, appearing as if she were about to kiss his cheek, and softly whispered her name. "Jing Meng."
Her warm breath fanned against Pei Shiyi's face, and a faint, phantom scent of the girl drifted past his nose. He paused. "Mengmeng, is the press conference over? I'll take you back."
Mengmeng?
Jing Meng's foot metaphorically slipped. The big boss's ability to adapt was a bit too powerful!
She quickly nodded obediently and returned a smile.
"Sixth Grandmother? Since when did this baby get a new mom?"
A crisp, milky voice suddenly rang out from the entrance of the banquet hall. A dozen bodyguards in black led the way as a soft, chubby little child walked in with a stern expression. Dressed in a black swallowtail suit and polished leather shoes, he was a living, breathing miniature version of Pei Shiyi.
"The Little Young Master of the Pei Family!" Bai Xi's eyes lit up. Ignoring her previous embarrassment, she walked over with a smile. "In that case, my sister has become the Little Young Master's stepmother. From now on, our families will be even closer."
A cold light flashed in her slightly narrowed eyes.
Once, a woman had also tried to become Pei Cheng's stepmother. At a later banquet, she had been teased so badly by this four-year-old child that she ran away crying, losing all face in socialite circles.
Pei Cheng climbed up Pei Shiyi's leg and into his arms. He pointed a chubby little finger at Bai Xi and shouted angrily, "Are you Xiao Gong's girlfriend? Is this how you speak to your elders? Know your place!"
Jing Meng was instantly amused. This soft, white Little Bun had learned his father's mannerisms perfectly. He even called him "Xiao Gong"?
"What?!"
Bai Xi's brows furrowed, and she was about to snap when Pei Gong tugged at her hand, hinting urgently. "This is Sixth Grandfather's son, and also my Little Uncle. You should call him Little Uncle."
Bai Xi's face turned a shade of mottled blue and red. With everyone present staring at her, she could only bite the bullet and mutter reluctantly, "L-Little Uncle."
Pei Cheng nodded with a look of worldly wisdom. "Mhm."
Jing Meng was practically howling with laughter inside. Looking at this precocious Little Bun, she couldn't help but feel a sense of affection. Seeing that the Little Bun was looking at her, she gave him a playful wink.
However, the Little Bun let out a soft huff, tilted his little chin up, and turned his head away with an arrogant air, hugging Pei Shiyi's neck in silence.
Jing Meng's expression fell. Her favorite Little Bun had misunderstood her!
Pei Shiyi held Pei Cheng, watching his interaction with Jing Meng for a long while before turning to give low-voiced instructions to his bodyguards.
He then looked at Pei Gong and Bai Xi with an icy gaze. "When the police arrive later, explain yourselves to them."
His voice was cold, as if tempered in ice. His gaze rested on Pei Gong, making the man tremble uncontrollably.
"Quite capable, aren't you? I wonder if Big Brother knows he has such a talented grandson."
Pei Gong's face went pale instantly.
Pei Gong knew that if Pei Shiyi used his resources to investigate the Jing family's affairs, everything he and Bai Xi had done behind the scenes would be unearthed. If Pei Shiyi truly intended to protect Jing Meng, he and Bai Xi would be finished for good.
No matter what, he couldn't let him investigate!
Thinking of this, he scrambled to defend himself. "Sixth Grandfather, there must be some misunderstanding. Jing Meng, she..."
The moment Pei Gong mentioned Jing Meng's name, Jing Meng knowing she had escaped the crisis felt the tension in her chest vanish. Her body went limp, and she collapsed to the ground, losing consciousness.
When she opened her eyes again, it was already near dusk. Jing Meng watched the curtains on the windowsill flutter in the wind, bringing in waves of the scent of green grass.
She sat up and rubbed her eyes, discovering that she was actually sleeping in an unfamiliar room. Remembering what had happened before she fainted, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Knock, knock, knock—
A low knocking sound came from the door. Before Jing Meng could answer...
Creeeak— The heavy, European-style wooden door opened with a long groan. Jing Meng found herself staring wide-eyed at the person who entered.
Pei Shiyi quickly reined in his emotions. "The doctor said you're mainly suffering from the aftereffects of anesthesia, combined with exhaustion and anemia. You'll be fine after a couple of days of rest."
Jing Meng quickly thanked him. "I've troubled you several times now. I'm truly sorry."
"But don't worry, I never like to owe anyone. Regarding the robot I mentioned earlier, as soon as I get back, I'll start preparing to make a new model for you!"
Pei Shiyi gave a casual nod. "No rush."
He frowned slightly. "I'm more curious about what history you have with Pei Gong."
Jing Meng's deep-seated hatred for Pei Gong was completely undisguised. Her aggressive behavior at the press conference made Pei Shiyi feel that, if given the chance, she would certainly send the two of them to their deaths.
Jing Meng froze. She pursed her lips and remained silent. Just as Pei Shiyi thought she wouldn't answer, she spoke in a low, quiet voice. "I suppose... it's a matter of life and death..."
Her voice was muffled, the last words nearly inaudible. Pei Shiyi frowned and was about to ask more when a series of shouts suddenly came from outside the door:
"Young Master, come to the rooftop quickly! The Little Young Master is going to jump!"
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