“After his parents passed away, he lived with his uncle. His uncle was the deputy commander of your Second Uncle’s security detail. Last month on South Island, your Second Uncle ran into some trouble; that uncle was the one who took a bullet for him,” Old General Pei said. “According to the Pei family code, we are obliged to look after the families left behind by our men. The thing is, this boy isn’t like his uncle—he’s a very honest, straightforward sort. Your Second Uncle wanted to keep him close and train him, but the kid doesn’t even know how to fire a gun; it would be too dangerous for him to tag along with your Second Uncle. So, I think you should take him on.”
“How could I possibly poach someone from Second Uncle?” Pei Jiangchen declined tactfully, looking entirely uninterested.
“Poach someone?” Old General Pei chuckled. “Your Second Uncle isn’t exactly short on errand boys. But look at you—you’re all grown up now; it’s time you started grooming a right-hand man.”
Pei Jiangchen stood leaning against the edge of the desk, toying with a pen, still looking somewhat reluctant.
Old General Pei’s kindly smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. “A-Chen, this is a crucial mission for you—one that only you can carry out personally. A capable and loyal right-hand man will be with you for a lifetime; he will be your indispensable right arm. You may change business partners, friends, or women in the future, and you might even grow distant from your own children, but your right-hand man will be your most trusted confidant—the one person who stays by your side forever.”
Pei Jiangchen stopped fidgeting with the pen.
Song Yang, the Pei family’s current chief steward, was the very same kind of confidant—someone who had grown up alongside Old General Pei.
Though titled ‘steward,’ his role was a hybrid of chief secretary and personal aide; he managed every aspect of his master’s private affairs, kept the master’s vast and complex life running smoothly, and held a position of immense status within the entire family. “That kid—what was his name again? Is he really that good?”
“Wen Shuyu,” Old Man Pei said. “I’ve already vetted him for you; he’s a reliable young man. His background is spotless, he’s intelligent and capable, and he has a steady, grounded temperament. Of course, the two of you will need to find a rhythm together. He might not necessarily be the perfect match for you. But if it isn’t him, it will be someone else; you need to start cultivating your own most loyal ‘dog.’”
Pei Jiangchen recalled a legend: in ancient times, among peoples with a tradition of hunting, a boy’s rite of passage into manhood involved venturing into the mountains to slay a ferocious beast and wearing its fangs around his neck.
In Suman, children from prominent military and political families were required to learn how to use weapons for self-defense once they reached a certain age, and they would begin to vie with one another over the quality of their entourages.
When you possessed a truly capable and loyal right-hand man—someone you could entrust to lead your followers—only then were you considered a true adult.
Stepping out of the study, Pei Jiangchen saw the young man standing by the corridor.
Wen Shuyu did not possess striking good looks; at nineteen, he seemed to have grown in height but not in bulk. His soft bangs and downcast eyes gave him a gentle, rabbit-like air. He stood there in slightly worn clothes, looking a bit awkward and unsure of himself—nothing like the smooth, confident, and savvy people Pei Jiangchen was accustomed to having around him.
And yet, he wasn’t off-putting.
Pei Jiangchen frowned slightly and walked outside without a word.
Wen Shuyu was momentarily stunned, but upon realizing what was happening, he hurriedly caught up, grabbing an umbrella just in time.
As Pei Jiangchen stepped out, the umbrella opened above his head, shielding him from the falling rain.
Hmm, he’s reasonably quick on his feet.
Pei Jiangchen slowed his pace, walking along the stone-paved garden path toward his own small villa.
“Grandfather said you’re at the Capital Naval and Land Academy too—a year ahead of me?”
“Yes.” Wen Shuyu’s voice was low but clear. “I’m studying business; the campus is right next to the military academy you’ll be attending.”
“Human Resource Management?” Pei Jiangchen glanced at him sideways. “It’s practically tailor-made for me.”
Wen Shuyu followed close by Pei Jiangchen’s side, his gaze fixed on the ground just ahead of Pei Jiangchen’s feet as he watched the path for him.
“When I was filling out my application, my uncle said this major made it easy to find a job.”
Pei Jiangchen chuckled softly. “True enough.”