The more lightly Pei Jiangmu spoke, the more distressed Meng Ruozhao felt. She immediately subconsciously added,
"What do you mean 'a little bruise'? His entire back was bruised, purple, and swollen! It looked really scary!"
"The doctor said that it was lucky that the bones weren't hurt. Otherwise, it would have been troublesome!"
There was a tone of fear and blame in her words, as if Pei Jiangmu was a disobedient child.
When Pei Jingdu heard Meng Ruozhao describe Pei Jiangmu's "entire back bruised, purple, and swollen", the teasing smile on his face immediately disappeared.
Although he usually liked to see his younger brother suffer setbacks the most and would constantly mock and tease him.
However, that was only because he knew that Pei Jiangmu had the ability to protect himself and would never suffer any real losses.
Hearing how badly he was hurt, his heart suddenly sank!
His first reaction was: A ruse of inflicting self-harm? Using such extreme methods?
However, seeing Meng Ruozhao's pained and scared expression, it did not seem like she was faking it.
Moreover, if it was a ruse of inflicting self-harm, Pei Jiangmu would never let himself be hurt so badly.
Given how much Meng Ruozhao cared about him, even if he just had a cut on his finger, she would hold him and care about him for a long time.
Even though she had forgotten about him now, human nature would not change.
Pei Jiangmu did not need to pay such a "painful" price.
Then it was an accident?
Moreover, it was an accident that happened under the circumstances of bodyguards secretly following them?
Pei Jingdu's expression immediately darkened. He did not even care to hide it as he looked sharply at Pei Jiangmu.
There was also a hint of imperceptible irritation and blame in his tone. He was even a little angry.
"Saving someone? How urgent was the situation at that time? You had to use your body to take the hit? Was there no other more reliable method? What were you thinking?"
He asked the question extremely straightforwardly and was even a little rude.
The subtext was:
Are the bodyguards following you all dead? Even if you want to act, you cannot really sacrifice yourself!
How did the Pei family teach you? The first rule when facing something is to ensure your own safety!
However, in the ears of Meng Ruozhao and Yi Mo, who did not know the situation, it completely changed its meaning.
Especially Meng Ruozhao. She immediately frowned as she felt that President Pei's words sounded extremely ear-piercing.
What did "what were you thinking" mean?
What did "no other method" mean?
This was simply like suspecting Pei Jiangmu's motive for saving someone. It was as if he was hinting that he was deliberately using his injury to gain their good impression.
She immediately felt a protective feeling in her heart. Before Pei Jiangmu could reply, she took the initiative to speak.
There was a clear tone of dissatisfaction and protection in her words.
"President Pei, what do you mean by your words?"
"The situation was sudden at that time. The chandelier falling was a matter of an instant! How would there be time to think of a 'more reliable method'?"
"Pei Jiangmu rushed over to protect us completely out of instinct."
"Only a person with a kind heart and who truly cared about the safety of others would make such a move. I do not think there is anything worthy of suspicion."
Her voice was not loud, but she was extremely firm. The expression as she looked at Pei Jingdu even carried a hint of wariness and estrangement.
The feeling of protection that she had for Pei Jiangmu was clearly shown.
Pei Jiangmu, who was feeling a little unhappy because of his big brother's question, immediately felt comfortable after Meng Ruozhao's unhesitating protection. He even felt a little fluttering.
He looked at Pei Jingdu as a trace of pride and provocation quickly flashed past his eyes. Look, Zhaozhao is still protecting me like this!
However, on the surface, he quickly switched back to that expression of forbearance, grievance, and a little stubbornness. He gently pulled on Meng Ruozhao's sleeve and said softly,
"Sister, it's okay... President Pei might just... not be familiar with the situation at that time."
"I do not need everyone to understand me. As long as... as long as you and Sister Yi Mo are safe, it is fine."
These words were so 'tea-scented' that he placed himself in the position of a victim and a selfless person.
Even Yi Mo felt that Pei Jingdu's words were a little excessive and could not help but open her mouth to help. Although her tone was still polite, there was still a tone of dissatisfaction.
"Yes, President Pei. The situation was really dangerous at that time. It was a matter of life and death."
"Little Brother Pei's reaction was already very fast. If it was not for him, Zhaozhao and I would definitely have suffered."
"You can ask if you are curious, but it is still better not to randomly assume the goodwill of others."
Pei Jingdu: "..."
He was almost angered to laugh!
He clearly cared about his younger brother's safety and was afraid that he would really cause an accident because he was stupid. As a result, he had instead become the target of public criticism?
How did he inexplicably become the one who was taught a lesson by these two women together?
Especially Meng Ruozhao, with that protective appearance... What kind of soup did this brat, Pei Jiangmu, pour into her?
It was like this in the past. Now that she had lost her memory, why was she still so good to him?
No wonder this brat was completely under her control. He would be willing to die for her.
So, was this the fun between young lovers?
However, he could not flare up at this moment. After all, the relationship between him and Pei Jiangmu still needed to be hidden.
He could only forcefully swallow his anger. He rubbed his nose and barely squeezed out an awkward but polite smile.
"Sorry, I said something wrong."
"Maybe... it is a professional disease. I am used to risk assessment. My words were thoughtless."
"Classmate Pei heroically saved someone. He is indeed worthy of admiration."
While saying sorry, he cursed Pei Jiangmu in his heart:
This brat has such good acting skills! Look at how capable you are!
To relieve the awkwardness, to change the topic, and to continue making things difficult for his younger brother.
While Pei Jingdu picked up his phone to send a message, he changed the topic. He seemed to casually ask,
"However... what was classmate Pei doing at the film set?"
"I remember that Miss Meng's studio is in charge of costume design. Could it be that little Pei is also a part-time model?"
"Or... are you going to act?"
He deliberately emphasized the word "act" as he swept his meaningful gaze across Pei Jiangmu.
Actually, he had already guessed it from the conversation between several people. Asking this now was deliberately done.
Pei Jiangmu's heart skipped a beat!
Oh no!
He had only focused on enjoying Zhaozhao's protection and on going against his big brother. He had forgotten about this!
The expression that he had been secretly happy about immediately froze for a moment.
As expected, very soon, the screen of the phone on the table silently lit up.
The message that Pei Jingdu sent was simple and direct:
"If you want me to keep the matter of your injury and acting a secret from the family, that is fine."
"Price: Develop a set of core security systems for the company's new project."
"Requirements: Top performance, zero loopholes, and deliver within three months."
"The most important point is: For free."
"If you agree, my good younger brother, give me a smile."
Pei Jiangmu looked at the message as the corner of his eye twitched. The knuckles that were pinching the phone turned slightly white.
He knew it! Pei Jingdu, this Zhou the Skinflint! A vampire! A bastard who took advantage of the situation!
A top-notch and zero-loopholed security system, and it was still for free?
This was simply blatant robbery. How much time and effort would this cost him?
He raised his head as he shot a cold gaze at Pei Jingdu, who was elegantly drinking tea and looking "fair" across him. He wished that he could immediately slice him up with his gaze.