novelraw Chapter 241: Xu Qing: I'll Book the Room and Wait for You!
Chapter 241: Xu Qing: I'll Book the Room and Wait for You!
At the Beicheng Garden Community.
Click! Shen Yuyan opened a can of cold drink and gently placed it near Tang Song's hand.
“This year, over 2,200 short dramas have been registered for filming, and the market size is expected to reach 37 billion yuan by year-end…
“The rapid market growth has drawn significant capital inflows, with several listed companies actively entering the short drama business…”
With Shen Yuyan’s deliberate guidance, the conversation naturally turned to “short dramas.”
Tang Song listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a comment or two.
He had some basic understanding of these emerging short dramas, a new genre of storytelling. They were brief, tightly plotted, and featured diverse themes—perfectly tailored for fast-paced, snackable content consumption. The market potential was undeniably vast.
Xu Qing also joined the discussion enthusiastically. She had done her homework on the trending short dramas, especially as she was about to join a new company in the field. Her insights were detailed and well-organized, and she occasionally added a playful charm by pouting or helping Tang Song with his food, acting as the life of the party.
The atmosphere at the dining table was light and joyful, filled with laughter.
As the clock neared 9 PM, Tang Song took a sip of his chilled drink, looking at his two vibrant and lively alumnae with a smile. “Tonight’s dinner was excellent. I’m full and satisfied. Let’s now move on to the topic of investment.”He was very pleased with how the evening had gone.
Moreover, this investment matter was tied to his personal Growth Plan Task, and it was time to take the next step.
Shen Yuyan nodded, gently setting down her chopsticks.
After a brief pause, she looked Tang Song in the eyes and said, “First of all, Tang Song, I owe you an apology. U-Clean Domestic Services has attracted a new investor—an intelligent home solutions company from Beijing that offers complementary services to our platform. Most of the other shareholders favor their investment. So… I’m sorry, but I’m here to apologize for this matter.”
Under the table, she nudged her best friend’s foot, her bright, clear eyes filled with genuine regret.
Xu Qing quickly swallowed the piece of braised pork in her mouth and bowed deeply. “Sorry!” Her twin ponytails swung wildly, giving her a look of earnest sincerity.
Tang Song raised an eyebrow and, after a brief moment of thought, pieced together the underlying issue. “This is because the other partners have issues with me, isn’t it?”
It wasn’t hard to guess.
From what Xu Qing had shared about Shen Yuyan’s entrepreneurial journey, along with his review of the business plan and Slover Trust’s due diligence, Tang Song had a clear understanding of U-Clean Domestic Services’ internal structure and relationships.
For example, Wang Ning, the university class monitor, was a minor shareholder but had a significant say as the technical lead.
Then there was the seed investor, Hou Shaoyuan, a wealthy second-generation alumnus who clearly had a romantic interest in Shen Yuyan.
With a new alternative investor available, it wasn’t surprising that they’d exclude him.
Shen Yuyan bit her lip and earnestly replied, “In any case, this is my fault. I’m sorry to have let you down.”
As one of U-Clean’s two co-founders, she could have persuaded Zhang Tianqi to support her and bring in Tang Song’s investment.
However, to maintain team stability and pursue the promising future promised by Gongying Technology, she ultimately decided to forego this opportunity.
Tang Song shook his head with a calm smile and replied firmly, “It’s fine. Investments are meant to grow alongside the company’s development and profitability. If the founding team has issues with the investor, that represents a significant operational risk. Even if you had accepted my investment, I would have declined.”
The Growth Plan Task’s second phase, Capital Virtuoso, required him to complete three effective venture investments to improve himself.
Tang Song had initially considered U-Clean after seeing their roadshow at an investment conference and conducting thorough research. He saw the project as an opportunity to hone his personal skills.
As it was his first self-managed investment, he hoped to gain returns, build confidence, and reinforce his growth trajectory.
If U-Clean’s founding team didn’t welcome him, there was no need to force the issue.
Even for Xu Qing and Shen Yuyan’s sake, he wouldn’t lower his standards.
Hearing his words, Shen Yuyan felt both relieved and unexpectedly unsettled.
It was hard not to be moved by Tang Song’s confidence, composure, and sincerity.
Having such a partner would have been a dream come true.
She pinched her thigh, pushing aside these distracting thoughts, and straightened her posture.
What was done was done; she now needed to focus on completing U-Clean’s angel round. Securing funding quickly would allow them to expand, scale up, and eventually exit at a higher valuation.
“Honestly, the housekeeping sector has limited potential. I initially chose it because Zhang Tianqi already had an existing business. If you’re interested in investing, I can introduce you to a highly promising project.” Discover more novels at N0velFire.ɴet
“Oh? Tell me more.” Tang Song sat up, curiosity lighting up his eyes.
Shen Yuyan pulled Xu Qing’s arm and said softly, “It’s the short drama company we just discussed. The company’s CEO and shareholders are my university classmates. Xu Qing is already set to join them after wrapping up her current job.”
Feeling the tug on her arm, Xu Qing nodded vigorously and pulled a business card from her pocket. “They’re alumni from our year, too. Really great people!”
Tang Song took the card.
"Ordinary Folk Cultural Media Co., Ltd. CEO: Guo Liyuan."
Shen Yuyan then gave a detailed overview of the company.
Located in Huan City International, the firm offered integrated marketing services and media representation.
At the start of the year, they had ventured into premium short dramas to expand their content portfolio and create additional advertising opportunities.
The company was actively seeking Series A funding.
It was clear that Shen Yuyan had done her homework. Her analysis was thorough and objective, without excessive personal bias.
As the clock ticked on, Tang Song’s eyes grew brighter.
When Shen Yuyan finished, she smiled and asked, “What do you think? Interested? If I had the money, I’d likely invest myself. The odds of making a profit are high.”
After a moment of silence, Tang Song nodded. “It’s certainly a promising field. I have a good feeling about the short drama market. Yuyan, let’s start a group chat so I can speak with Guo Liyuan. I’ll need to conduct due diligence, but if everything checks out, I’ll participate in Ordinary Folk’s Series A round.”
“Great! Wishing you a successful partnership,” Shen Yuyan said, raising her drink in a toast.
“Thank you.”
Their glasses clinked lightly.
Xu Qing, realizing she was being left out, pouted and protested, “Hey, hey, hey! I’m the key figure in this deal, aren’t I? How could you two forget about me?”
Tang Song burst into laughter and raised his drink toward her.
Xu Qing immediately brightened, raising her own mug happily.
Shen Yuyan gave her a playful knock on the head, shaking her head in exasperation.
After chatting briefly about Guo Liyuan, Tang Song glanced at the time and bid farewell.
Since this was his first visit to their home and his purpose had been fulfilled, it was time to leave.
“I’ll walk Tang Song out,” Xu Qing offered, standing up.
“Take care on the way,” Shen Yuyan replied.
“Goodbye!”
“Bye-bye!”
As the door closed behind them, Shen Yuyan let out a long sigh, suddenly feeling a hollow emptiness in her chest.
She couldn’t quite explain why, but it felt as though she’d lost something precious.
Slipping on her slippers, she trudged to the balcony and opened the window, letting the summer night breeze wash over her.
In the reflection of the glass, she caught sight of her blank expression and the empty room behind her.
She didn’t know why she felt this sudden melancholy—restless and uncertain.
Looking down, she saw two familiar figures.
Tang Song and Xu Qing walked side by side toward the east gate of the community, playfully tapping each other on the head. Their casual, natural closeness stood out.
For a moment, Shen Yuyan’s gaze grew distant.
Was she feeling unhappy because Xu Qing seemed to have found someone she liked?
That seemed the most likely explanation.
She and Xu Qing had known each other since junior high, bonding over anime and shared study sessions. They had attended the same high school and university, nearly inseparable for over a decade.
Still, Tang Song was undeniably outstanding—his looks, demeanor, and abilities made him a rare gem among their peers.
Certainly, far more reliable than Zhang Tianqi or Hou Shaoyuan.
She could only hope that this investment would bring him success.
Biting her lip, Shen Yuyan tried to shake off her frustration, though the nagging sense of unease only grew stronger.
“Here’s good enough. My car’s just up ahead,” Tang Song said, stopping.
“I’m sorry, Tang Song.” Xu Qing clasped her hands in front of her, looking up at him with an apologetic expression. “Asking you to invest and then backing out… no matter the reason, it was wrong of me to waste your time.”
Tang Song suddenly stopped walking and, with a neutral expression, said, “What if I don’t accept your apology, Qingqing?”
Xu Qing froze, stammering, “I… I… what do I need to do for you to forgive me?”
She snuck a glance at Tang Song’s face, wondering if he was going to make her send him some flirty cosplay photos as penance.
Tang Song chuckled, stepping closer until they were nearly face-to-face. Her sweet scent, a mix of skincare and makeup, was intoxicating.
“How about this? When we take pictures next time, you wear a few more cosplay outfits. Let me practice my photography skills—like the characters you used to cosplay during school.”
Xu Qing’s cheeks flushed bright red. Shaking her head vigorously, she squeaked, “Changing outfits? That means booking a room! No way… absolutely not…”
You sneaky Tang Song! You already have Little Jing obsessing over you, and now you’re dragging me into a hotel? Absolutely not!
(⊙o⊙)…
Hearing the words “booking a room,” Tang Song’s eyes lit up—it wasn’t a bad idea at all.
“Qingqing, think carefully. I might soon become a shareholder of Ordinary Folk Media. You wouldn’t want to lose your new job so quickly, would you?”
Tang Song’s amused gaze dared her to take the bait, his eyes practically saying, “Show me your acting skills!”
Spending time with Xu Qing always brought out his mischievous side.
She was fun, entertaining, and so easily teased. It was no wonder so many of their university classmates had dubbed her their “White Moonlight.”
Xu Qing pouted, her face a mix of grievance and resolve. Her gaze softened as she tilted her head, looking up at him.
His face was so close.
His high nose bridge, thin lips, and sharply defined jawline filled her vision.
The evening breeze tousled their hair, setting it afloat in the soft, amber streetlight.
The moment felt like something out of a romance novel—beautiful and surreal.
Caught up in the scene, Xu Qing unconsciously slipped into the role of a heroine. Looking at the handsome male lead before her, she said in a gentle, shy voice, “Fine… I’ll agree.”
Tang Song blinked, feeling slightly let down by Xu Qing’s unusually compliant response. “Good. Once you’ve started at your new job, let’s set a time.”
“Okay, I’ll listen to you,” she replied softly, her gaze unusually tender.
Tang Song studied her face, sensing something was off. Was she possessed or something?
After a brief hesitation, he reached out and gave her a light pat on her perky bottom. “Qingqing, are you okay?”
The sudden touch jolted Xu Qing out of her trance. Covering her burning face with her hands, she sputtered angrily, “You can’t do that! That’s harassment! Don’t forget, I’m a certified legal professional. Watch out, or I’ll…”
You sneaky Tang Song! You dared to spank me! Ahhhh!
Before she could finish her protest, Tang Song waved two tickets in front of her.
Xu Qing’s rant trailed off, her wide, dark eyes instinctively locking onto the tickets.
The words “With Yu Concert” and “VIP Invitation” jumped out at her.
She gasped. “Are these tickets to Su Yu’s concert in Yan City? June 20th?”
“Yep. I remember you’re a fan of Su Yu. Here are two tickets. Do you want them?”
“Yes! Yes! Give them to me! Tang Song, give them all to me!” Xu Qing nodded furiously, reaching out to grab the tickets.
Tang Song laughed, handing them over without further teasing. “Thank you for dinner tonight, Qingqing. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight! Drive safe! I’ll book a room and contact you later!” Xu Qing bowed deeply, her sincerity clear.
As Tang Song’s figure disappeared into the night, Xu Qing kissed the concert tickets with excitement. She jumped and spun, unable to contain her joy.
Hmph! Tang Song, you’re forgiven this time—for Su Yu’s sake!
Yuyan, your best friend has done well! I can take you to see Su Yu’s concert!