novelraw Chapter 344: Fried Chicken Showdown – Wen Ruan & Xu Qing
Chapter 344: Fried Chicken Showdown – Wen Ruan & Xu Qing
August 3, 2023, Thursday, Cloudy, 25~35°C
Beicheng Garden Residential Complex
“Ding-ling-ling—”
The alarm rang for a good while before a pale, slender arm reached out, fumbling for the button. After some effort, the alarm was silenced, and faint snores resumed shortly after.
Moments later, the sharp ringing of the alarm returned, finally rousing Xu Qing from her slumber.
A fluffy head emerged from beneath the summer blanket, her hair a tousled, candy-floss mess, with a few rebellious strands sticking out. She sat up abruptly like a lazy kitten stretching, her loose cartoon pajamas slipping down to reveal a swath of fair skin. The faint outline of her B-cup figure was as smooth as a freshly peeled egg.
“It’s all Yanyan’s fault!” Xu Qing pouted and rubbed her face.
Last night, for some reason, her usually melancholy bestie had suddenly perked up. They’d cosplayed together, snacked, and binge-watched dramas late into the night.
It was the first time since Shen Yuyan left her corporate job to start her own business that she seemed so relaxed and happy.
Of course, Xu Qing was even happier!Her bestie had lent her 400,000 yuan to secure shares in Fanfu Suzi Media, transforming her from a lowly employee into a shareholder—a capital owner!
She was invincible!
If the company took off in the future, she could finally claim the title of “Bai Fu Mei Qingqing” (White Rich Beautiful Qingqing).
At that point, no cosplay outfit would be out of reach!
Top-tier bubble tea, no questions asked!
No more waiting for KFC’s Thursday deals—she’d eat fried chicken until she couldn’t move!
Xu Qing leapt out of bed, shuffled to the window in her slippers, and planted her hands on her hips, letting out a triumphant laugh.
“Oh wait, today is Thursday!” she realized. “A feast for lunch is a must to celebrate!”
Humming a tune, she changed into fresh clothes and picked up her phone.
Her expression froze.
Oh my god! Tang Song sent me a message?!
Was he going to apologize?
That guy kissed her on the cheek at work last time, then acted like nothing happened.
When she’d kindly sent him a cosplay photo, his curt reply had been: “Qingqing, stop distracting me from studying!”
She’d deliberately ignored him for days.
Now he was breaking the silence? Trying to win me back? Hmph!
Xu Qing opened the notification. Several messages popped up, sent early this morning:
【Tang Song: “I’m done studying for now. Feel free to send me more cosplay photos.”】
【Tang Song: “Also, I’d love to adopt such an adorable stray cat. How much do you think it’d cost?”】
【Tang Song: Video screenshot.jpg】
Staring at the humiliating screenshot of her kneeling in the cat-girl outfit, Xu Qing let out a piercing scream.
“Damn you, Shen Yuyan! You, you, you—!”
Memories of last night’s ridiculous conversation flooded her mind.
Thud!
Xu Qing smacked herself on the head, stars dancing before her eyes.
The illustrious Lady Xu Qing had utterly destroyed her reputation!
Overwhelmed by secondhand embarrassment, she buried her face in her pillow and groaned.
After a few moments, she jumped up, tousled her hair, and stormed out the door.
She burst into the master bedroom, shouting, “Shen Yuyan! Get out here!”
All she saw was an empty bed.
“Ran away? Damn it! I’m going to use up all your sunscreen, your serum, and—”
Before she could finish, the front door opened.
“What else are you planning?” Shen Yuyan walked in, dressed in sleek workout gear.
Hearing her voice, Xu Qing charged out of the bedroom like an excited husky, tackling her.
“Hey, hey, hey! Let’s talk this out! No need for violence!”
“Why did you send that video to Tang Song?!”
“It’s just a cosplay clip. You’ve done so many before—ow, that hurts!”
“That’s different! You tricked me into doing something so embarrassing! Do I not care about my dignity? Ahhh, I’m so mad!”
Knowing she was at fault and still tired from her workout, Shen Yuyan didn’t resist much and let Xu Qing vent her frustration.
After some time, the commotion in the living room finally died down.
Xu Qing grumbled a few more complaints before heading to the bathroom to freshen up.
Watching her retreating figure, Shen Yuyan tucked her stray hair behind her ear and sighed.
She was well aware of Xu Qing’s feelings for Tang Song.
If her bestie ended up with him, she could step aside. Their years of friendship mattered more than any romantic rivalry, and Xu Qing’s relationship with Tang Song could even benefit her in some ways.
However, Tang Song already had a girlfriend, “Little Jing,” which made Xu Qing reluctant to pursue him, let alone openly compete.
Sending that video last night was her way of creating opportunities for them.
Reality was cruel—valuable resources were always fiercely contested.
Tang Song was the most mysterious, exceptional, and influential man Shen Yuyan had ever met.
If Xu Qing couldn’t overcome her hesitation, Shen Yuyan might have to take matters into her own hands.
“Good luck, Qingqing!” she whispered to herself.
Yuhua Business Tower, Fanfu Suzi Media
“Good morning, Qingqing.”
“Morning!”
Xu Qing greeted her colleagues with a sweet smile as she walked to her desk.
She powered up her computer and began her day.
Having been with Fanfu Suzi for over a month, she’d fully adapted to the environment.
She spent half her day diligently completing tasks and the other half secretly writing scripts for short dramas.
As a seasoned, struggling online novelist, she discovered a knack for this type of work.
Short dramas had quick production cycles, wrapping up filming in about a week and editing within a month.
Each episode was only two minutes long, and an 80-episode series required just 40,000 words—about the same as a short web novel.
Her online novels, often criticized for exaggerated and illogical plots, actually fit the short drama format perfectly.
Dramatic twists! The more over-the-top, the better! Forget logic—just maximize the viewer’s thrills!
The protagonist? A wealthy heiress or billionaire magnate with casual “pocket money” in the billions. “The CEO madly in love with my ordinary self,” and so on.
Guo Liyuan, her former classmate and now boss, truly understood her strengths.
Currently, Xu Qing was working on a novel featuring two male leads who fit this exact mold.
“Hmph, Tang Song wants to adopt me?” she mused. “If he dares to suggest that to my face, I’ll demand a billion yuan!”
4:00 PM
Xu Qing yawned, grabbed a packet of instant coffee from her drawer, and was about to get hot water when her colleague, Li Shubin, placed a cup of Cotti coffee in front of her.
“I bought a two-for-one deal online. Can’t finish this—help me out.”
Xu Qing’s eyes lit up instantly. “Wow! Coconut Latte, my favorite! Thanks, Brother Bin!”
“Don’t mention it.”
Xu Qing first met Li Shubin on her first day at Fanfu Suzi Media. Like her, he worked as a legal specialist and was known for his warm and helpful nature. He often lent her a hand with work or shared snacks.
Happily sipping her coffee, Xu Qing polished off the coconut latte in no time.
"By the way," Li Shubin said with a bright grin, tapping her desk. "Don’t forget to check the bottom of the cup—there’s a scratch-off contest from the store. Maybe you’ve won something!”
“Huh?” Xu Qing blinked in surprise, lifting the coffee cup high to inspect it. Sure enough, there was a slip of paper stuck to the bottom.
Peeling it off, she read aloud, “Congratulations! You’ve won the ‘V Me 50 Prize!’”
Li Shubin extended his hand with a playful smile. “Alright, hurry up—V me 50!”
“What?! Brother Bin, you’re playing dirty! No money for you!”
A few male colleagues gathered around, teasing her with laughter.
While none of them knew about her recent stock incentive deal, Xu Qing’s lively and adorable personality, coupled with her good looks, had made her quite popular in the office—especially among the male coworkers.
Amid the banter, the room suddenly quieted.
Curious, Xu Qing lifted her head, and her eyes widened.
A striking figure had appeared in the corridor, dressed in a loose, solid-colored turtleneck and casual trousers. His upright posture, refined features, and calm demeanor drew every gaze.
The man’s serene eyes swept over the workstations as he walked past, and the group around Xu Qing quickly scattered, returning to their desks and pretending to work intently.
Of course, as an A-round investor, everyone in the company recognized him.
Watching Tang Song’s retreating back, Xu Qing’s heart skipped a beat.
He usually let her know in advance if he was visiting, so she could greet him. Why was he here unannounced today?
Well, then again, he was now essentially the boss. Coming here was like visiting his own company—no need for formalities.
But why didn’t he acknowledge me?
This morning, he was talking about “adopting” me!
Could it be… because he saw me playing around with the other guys and got upset?
Feeling unsettled, Xu Qing sat at her desk, biting her thin lips. Her thoughts spiraled with worry and self-doubt.
What the heck! I wasn’t doing anything wrong!
Fine, I’m ignoring you too!
She sat upright, pretending to work earnestly, though her eyes couldn’t resist drifting toward the office door.
By 5:00 PM, Xu Qing was still distracted.
“Qingqing,” Li Shubin whispered, “want to grab KFC tonight? Same deal as last week.”
“No thanks, Brother Bin. I’m not in the mood,” she replied listlessly, shaking her head.
“Uh… okay,” he said, a little stunned.
Xu Qing was usually up for dinner invites, especially KFC’s Thursday specials, which she never missed. Today’s refusal puzzled him.
Sitting at her desk, Xu Qing wiggled slightly in her chair, stealing another glance toward the office.
After a long internal debate, she opened WeChat and sent a message to Tang Song:
“I’ve been reborn! Reborn to the day before my bestie smeared my name with false rumors. In my past life, I was betrayed and my embarrassing video went viral because I didn’t fight back. But this time, I’ll take a stand! V me 50, treat me to KFC, and listen to my revenge plan, okay?”
After sending it, she anxiously waited for a reply that didn’t come immediately, leaving her to stew in uncertainty once more.
General Manager’s Office
“The Yannan Short Drama Base is impressive,” Guo Liyuan explained. “It’s a joint project between Handing Group and Yan Provincial Cultural Tourism Investment Group…”
“For us, finding filming locations has always been the hardest part. This base, the first of its kind in Yan City, could solve that problem.”
“It has over 100 modern-style micro-drama sets in its first phase, covering all the needs of urban short dramas. It aligns perfectly with our scope of work…”
She shared her insights before looking up at Tang Song. Original content can be found at novᴇlfire.net
As always, she couldn’t help but marvel at his good looks.
With his straight nose, thin lips, and jade-like complexion, having such a boss was a feast for the eyes. Conversations with him were anything but dull.
Tang Song nodded thoughtfully. “Understood.”
He valued this project immensely. It was not only tied to his growth plan task but also complemented Fanfu Suzi’s operations.
The company had previously been invited to tour the facility. Today, he sought Guo Liyuan’s expertise to evaluate whether the base, as a pure filming location, met their high standards.
“Buzz, buzz, buzz—” His phone vibrated in his pocket.
Glancing at the screen, a faint smile curled his lips.
Well, it seemed the "cat-maid" was genuinely mad at her bestie, enough to start writing fictional revenge plots.
Truthfully, ever since he started his fitness journey, he hadn’t indulged in burgers or fries. But the idea of a cheat meal was tempting, especially now that Wen Ruan’s Metabolism Optimization Buff allowed him to eat without worrying about his figure—as long as he didn’t binge.
After exchanging a few more words with Guo Liyuan, Tang Song bid farewell and left the office.
Walking down the corridor, he turned a corner and spotted Xu Qing at her desk, slumped over in a huffy pose, muttering to herself.
Tang Song chuckled softly.
Seeing her earlier, laughing with her male colleagues, had sparked a mischievous urge to tease her. Judging by her current state, it seemed to have worked.
As he approached, the office buzz quieted once more.
Sensing his presence, Xu Qing lifted her head, eyes lighting up before quickly turning away, pretending to focus on her keyboard.
“Tap, tap, tap…” Tang Song stopped beside her desk, and her colleagues sat straighter.
The more perceptive ones greeted him. “Chairman Tang.”
Xu Qing froze mid-typing, sneaking a sidelong glance.
Tang Song patted her shoulder and smiled. “Let’s go. I’ll treat you to KFC and hear your revenge plan.”
Xu Qing’s eyes brightened, but she wiggled her chair and whispered, “But it’s not even clock-out time yet.”
“Alright, then let’s save it for another day.” Tang Song turned, feigning departure.
Panicking, Xu Qing shot to her feet. “Wait! I mean… I’ve finished my work, so if I clear it with Manager Guo, we could go now.”
“Let’s go.”
Xu Qing quickly grabbed her bag and phone, eagerly following him out.
Watching their retreating figures, the surrounding colleagues exchanged looks.
Fanfu Suzi Media was mostly staffed by people under 30, and this development had certainly caught their attention.
As Xu Qing settled into the passenger seat of Tang Song's Mercedes, she stole a glance at him behind the wheel. He exuded effortless confidence, his sharp features and relaxed demeanor seemingly sculpted for admiration.
She fidgeted with her hair nervously before muttering, “Um… earlier, when you arrived, I was just chatting with some colleagues about Crazy Thursday deals.”
“Mm.” Tang Song responded with a soft hum, his tone calm.
Xu Qing pouted slightly, then added, “And about last night’s video… Yanyan and I were just fooling around. I never thought she’d send it to you. So annoying!”
Tang Song turned his head slightly, a playful smile curving his lips. “I actually found it quite amusing. How about we play something like that next time? I do like cats, after all.”
“Ah!” Xu Qing’s cheeks instantly turned a fiery red. She stammered, “No way! Absolutely not!”
That kind of embarrassing game was okay for personal amusement, but playing it with Tang Song? Her mind reeled at the thought, heat flooding her body.
“Why not?” Tang Song leaned in slightly, closing the space between them.
“I just won’t! I’m not going to be anyone’s maid!” Xu Qing protested, clutching her bag tightly as though it were her shield.
Seeing her flustered reaction, Tang Song chuckled softly and leaned further toward her.
“Ah!” Xu Qing yelped, shrinking back into her seat, expecting him to pull another bold stunt like kissing her.
Instead, he reached over and fastened her seatbelt. Their faces were just inches apart, and Tang Song’s fresh scent brushed against her skin, sending an inexplicable tingle down her spine.
For a moment, Xu Qing found herself entranced by his deep, ink-black eyes, the slight upward curve of his lips, and his confident aura. His long, slender fingers clasped the steering wheel with a casual elegance that seemed to embody his calm yet commanding nature.
In that fleeting instant, Tang Song seemed like the gentle, dashing male protagonist straight out of her novels.
Snapping back to reality, Xu Qing straightened herself and regained composure, slipping into her most poised and confident "Coser Lawyer Xu Yanqing" persona.
“Where are we eating?” she asked coolly, tilting her chin slightly as if commanding attention.
“Let’s go to the KFC at People’s Square,” she added, her tone lofty. If we’re going, we’re going to the biggest KFC in Yan City!
Tang Song met her gaze, amused by her sudden shift in demeanor. Then, with no warning, he leaned in and planted a quick kiss on her cheek.
“Pop.”
The unexpected gesture froze Xu Qing in place, her heart pounding wildly.
“You… you… what was that for?!” she stammered, her hands flying to her flaming cheeks.
“Nothing. Let’s head out,” Tang Song replied nonchalantly, smiling as he started the car.
The bustling streets of Yan City during rush hour were packed with traffic. Heading toward the city center, it took over ten minutes to reach People’s Square, with another few minutes spent searching for parking.
The moment they stepped into the KFC, the familiar aroma of fried chicken greeted them. Xu Qing’s spirits lifted as she eagerly made a beeline for the counter.
With Tang Song footing the bill, she didn’t hold back. Forget burgers—she loaded up on her favorite snacks: creamy mashed potatoes, Original Recipe Chicken, fries, egg tarts, and spicy chicken wings.
Seated at a window-side table, the two were soon surrounded by a feast of KFC classics.
Xu Qing wasted no time, grabbing a piece of Original Recipe Chicken and taking a hearty bite. The salty, savory flavors exploded on her taste buds, and her face lit up with delight.
“This is so good!” she exclaimed. Alright, I’ll forgive you for the kiss—for now.
Watching her cheerful demeanor return, Tang Song chuckled and picked up a piece of chicken for himself.
As the clock ticked past 6:00 PM, the restaurant began filling up with more patrons. They chatted casually about work at Fanfu Suzi Media and the ongoing projects with Youjie Domestic Services.
“Dingdong—”
Tang Song’s phone buzzed on the table.
【Wen Ruan: "What are you up to?"】
Tang Song snapped a picture of the food and sent it with the reply: “Eating fried chicken at People’s Square.”
【Wen Ruan: "Oh, KFC? You know, I’ve been craving fried chicken too. The kind that’s juicy and tender—Original Recipe Chicken is just perfect. Every bite bursts with flavor."】
Reading the flirtatious undertone of her message, Tang Song’s mind stirred. The thought of Wen Ruan, with her warm and alluring presence, ignited a spark of excitement.
He quickly typed back: “When you’re back, I’ll treat you to as much as you want.”
It had been nearly 20 days since they last met. He couldn’t wait to see her again, especially with his new stamina from training. He planned to “teach her a lesson,” but her business trip to Beijing had delayed his intentions.
Meanwhile, Xu Qing sipped her cola and patted her stomach in satisfaction. “I’m stuffed! You handle the rest!”
“That’s too much for me. I’ll finish the mashed potatoes, but the rest you’ll need to pack up for later,” Tang Song replied.
“Alright,” Xu Qing relented, licking her lips at the thought of a second round for her midnight snack. No wonder I keep gaining weight, she mused.
Just then, Tang Song’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his brow lifting slightly.
【Wen Ruan】
Answering the call, his voice softened. “Hey, Ruan Ruan.”
Hearing his gentle tone, Xu Qing’s heart skipped a beat. She perked up her ears.
Is this the “Wen Ruan” that Yanyan mentioned? The one he’s close to in Beijing?
“Yeah, I’m at the KFC in People’s Square.”
“Oh… you’re here too?” Tang Song’s expression shifted as he turned to look through the restaurant’s large glass windows. His gaze froze, and he stood abruptly, his face an interesting mix of surprise and amusement.
Noticing his reaction, Xu Qing followed his line of sight.
Outside the window stood a strikingly beautiful woman.
She wore a black strapless dress paired with sheer stockings, her tall, curvaceous figure radiating mature sensuality. With a radiant smile, she waved enthusiastically at them, her left hand holding a purse and her right hand raised in greeting.
Gasp!!
Xu Qing’s eyes nearly popped out of her head.
Oh no, it’s over!
Even if I had a D-cup, it wouldn’t matter now!
This… this… this woman is out of my league! She’s leagues ahead of me and Yanyan combined!