17: In her most youthful and impetuous years, her self-esteem and pride were carefully nurtured and protected by him.

"Which one do you think is better?" Pei Yanxiu didn't answer directly, but asked her instead.

“When I first took over Tiancui, I felt that everything had to be done to the best of my ability, but now I might think that the underground tunnel option would be slightly better.” Shang Zhi thought for a moment and spoke cautiously.

"continue."

"Although the underpass plan may not be perfect, I'm starting to realize that thinking about things is one thing, doing them is another. This is different from the concrete issue last time, which was about construction quality and project safety."

"But this time, I feel that it's not worth paying such a high price just for a slightly better result."

"Besides, if the effect is not good, we can change it in other ways, such as making some distinctive decorations or lighting, or hiring some internet celebrities to promote and create momentum. I think these can still be made up for through other means."

"I'm done speaking." Shang Zhi clenched her hands, feeling like she was reporting to him, especially since it was something she wasn't good at, and she was a little nervous.

“I agree with you, Sisi.”

"When doing projects and engineering, you should focus on the big picture and let go of the small details. Once you grasp the key points, you can relax a bit. Budget and schedule are the key points. If the plan is not perfect or the effect is not good in some places, just let it go and don't worry about it."

"This time it's here, but next time there will be other places. If we always pursue the best results, the end result may be that the project cannot be implemented at all, or we have to pay a huge price to implement it. We are doing business, and we have to pay attention to the return on investment."

"Xixi, you handled this matter on your own, and you calmly analyzed the situation and made your own judgment. You did a really good job."

Pei Yanxiu walked to Shang Zhi's side and patted her head.

"Uncle Pei, thank you for staying with me." Shang Zhi wrapped her arms around his neck and gently kissed his cheek.

Their breaths mingled, and their shadows were outlined as two long streaks by the moonlight.

Shang Zhi knew in her heart that even though Pei Yanxiu was strict with her in the daily life and would punish her for her mistakes, he was the only one by her side who was genuinely helping her now.

If she were to ask others about these things, she would be in for a lot of trouble.

Even though he was harsh to the point of being inhumane, his meticulous guidance truly pulled her out of the abyss.

Four years have passed, and Shang Zhi feels that things she didn't understand before are now gradually becoming clear to her.

Four years ago, when the two got together, Pei Yanxiu had only recently taken over Wanjia. He was very busy, so busy that sometimes he would be late for the agreed time and she would have to wait, or he would have something come up and not be able to come. But at that time, she had not yet entered society and stubbornly believed that since they had made an agreement, they could not change it, could not break their promise, and could not have something come up at the last minute.

He said he had to do it; if he didn't, he was considered immoral and didn't love her.

In the eyes of a teenager, the world is black and white.

When I was young, I always felt that the world revolved according to some existing laws, and I didn't understand how much effort people had to put in to keep it turning.

After Pei Yanxiu stood her up on several dates, Shang Zhi became dissatisfied and decided to get revenge. She went directly to Wan Jia's office and scolded him in front of everyone. At that time, people from several floors of the company came to watch the show.

He waited for her to calmly vent her anger and clean up the mess, then privately apologized to her and forbade anyone in the company from speaking ill of her in private.

She was never criticized from beginning to end.

Shang Zhi belatedly realized that during her most youthful and impetuous years, her self-esteem and pride had been carefully protected and cherished by him.

He just didn't say anything, so she didn't realize it.

[Sister-in-law, the family is playing matchmaker, trying to get me to be with Lu Xingqi. What do you suggest?] A message popped up on Shang Zhi's phone; it was from Pei Wang.

Will you be coming with me?

I don't want to go, but if you go, I'll give you a break, okay?

"Did you know that Pei Wang is going on a blind date with Xing Qi?"

"Don't worry about this, Xixi." Pei Yanxiu paused in his reading when he heard Shang Zhi's question.

"Why?"

“Dad has his own reasons for introducing Awang to the Lu family, but Awang is unwilling. It would be better if you didn’t go. I’m worried that the conflict will be more intense if you go. In short, you shouldn’t get involved in this matter.”

"knew."

Shang Zhi said this, but she didn't take Pei Yanxiu's words to heart at all. Lu Xingqi needed her, and it was impossible for her to ignore her.

Lu Xingqi and Pei Wang's blind date was at an old-fashioned restaurant. When Shang Zhi and Lu Xingqi entered, Lu Xingqi's mother, Song Peishan, and Pei Wang's mother, Liang Shuyin, were already in the room.

"Aunt Song, Mom," Shang Zhi greeted them, while Lu Xingqi, the person in question, seemed a little embarrassed.

“Xixi is here too. Your dad and I were just talking yesterday about coming to see you all after we’re done with this busy period. Are you settling in well? If you feel uncomfortable, just let me know.”

"I'm used to it, everything is fine." Liang Shuyin really likes Shang Zhi. She has watched this girl grow up since she was a child, so she is at ease with everything. Although her son's investment of 300 million yuan in Ruikang was a bit aggressive, he is an adult and knows what he's doing, so she can't control him.

"Mom." Pei Wang's voice rang out from the doorway. After calling out "Mom," he pulled up a chair and sat down by himself.

"You child, don't you know how to greet people? You have no manners." Liang Shuyin reached out and slapped Pei Wang, but he still ignored her and continued drinking his tea.

"It's okay. Young people these days value individuality, unlike us back then," Song Peishan said, trying to ease the awkwardness for Pei Wang.

"Ah Wang, what would you like to eat?"

"Whatever Xixi eats, I'll eat too." Pei Wang got up and sat down next to Shang Zhi. Shang Zhi was shocked. She had thought he wouldn't do anything inappropriate in front of so many people, but he took her hand as if no one else was around.

“Ah Wang, behave yourself.” Liang Shuyin ignored Pei Wang’s warning.

"What do you mean by that? Are you here to go on a blind date with me or with Azhi?" Lu Xingqi almost couldn't hold back her laughter. She didn't want to come in the first place, but now Pei Wang was pulling this stunt, which was exactly what she wanted.

Let him do whatever he wants; I just need to play the role of an innocent victim.

"Of course it's with Azhi, Xixi. Even though you married my brother, you know my feelings for you will never change."

"Why don't you take me home too, and the two of us can take care of you, okay?"

Are you crazy?!

"Ah Wang, what are you doing!" As he spoke, Pei Wang moved closer and closer to Shang Zhi, pinning her against the wall, and the scene became chaotic.

“I helped you get rid of Jiang Dayuan, so you should help me this once, right?” Pei Wang leaned close to Shang Zhi’s ear and whispered in a voice that only the two of them could hear.

Shang Zhi froze. Seeing the situation was not right, Lu Xingqi immediately stepped forward to stop her, but was pushed away by Pei Wang and fell down.

My arm was also scraped.

Song Peishan and Liang Shuyin were both people who had seen a lot, but at this moment their minds went blank as if they couldn't understand what had happened. They stood there for several seconds before stepping forward.

Pei Wang was on top of Shang Zhi, and she struggled to break free but couldn't. Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, someone suddenly appeared out of nowhere, pushed Pei Wang away with one hand, and ended the farce.

But when Shang Zhi looked back, the person was no longer there.