novelraw Chapter 389: The Origin of Qingning Technology’s Name
Chapter 389: The Origin of Qingning Technology’s Name
"Clang—"
The sound of a chair being knocked over rang out.
In the quiet atmosphere of the banquet, it was particularly jarring.
Noticing the gazes from Mo Xiangwan and the others, Xiang Kai trembled all over, snapping out of his daze. He quickly set the chair upright, his voice trembling as he stammered, "Sorry!"
Even after apologizing, his body remained unsteady, his face filled with disbelief.
If not for the sharp pain coming from his leg, he would have thought he was dreaming—a dream so surreal it was almost absurd.
Mo Xiangwan of Tang Zong Entertainment—the iron-willed businesswoman Mo Xiangwan.
Having parents in the entertainment industry, he was well aware of what her name represented.
He didn’t know much about Tang Song, but he had been keeping an eye on Liu Qingning.
He had never heard of her being acquainted with Mo Xiangwan, let alone having any connection to the entertainment industry.So what was happening before his eyes?
Why was this happening?
The same question lingered in many people’s minds.
Liu Shuang and Li Ziying could barely maintain their composure.
As graduate students at one of the top two universities in the country, they had seen their fair share of the world.
Take Liu Shuang, for example—she had even seen Ouyang Xianyue in person a few times.
Li Ziying, too, had attended several investment forums and conferences alongside Wei Ping.
But this—this was beyond anything they had ever encountered. It made no sense at all.
Feeling Mo Xiangwan release her grip, Liu Qingning took a deep breath and softly asked, "Thank you, President Mo... Have we met before?"
"Of course, though it was only from my side. Today is the first time we’re formally meeting, which finally fulfills a small wish of mine."
Mo Xiangwan held her smooth forearm, her smile bright and warm. "We'll have many chances to interact in the future. I believe we’ll become great friends, don’t you think?"
She meant every word.
She had always been curious about Liu Qingning and had long wanted to get to know her better.
But she had never had the opportunity—until now.
Tonight, Tang Song had accompanied her to Juxing Huicui’s banquet and even had an interaction with Pei Yanke.
That was essentially him laying his cards on the table regarding Liu Qingning.
This was the opportunity she had been waiting for—for years.
"Mm."
Liu Qingning nodded with difficulty, lowering her gaze and clasping her hands tightly in front of her.
Mo Xiangwan affectionately patted her head again. "Qingning, you’re so adorable."
Liu Qingning’s face turned slightly red as she let out a flustered breath.
In truth, she had a strong psychological resilience, always rational, mature, and emotionally stable.
If the person in front of her wasn’t Mo Xiangwan, if she wasn’t so close to Tang Song, she wouldn’t be feeling this nervous at all.
Right now, her mind was filled with what Tang Song had told her at Shenzhen Talent Park.
Words she once dismissed as playful nonsense... now seemed to hold a real possibility.
And that Qingning Technology he mentioned...
Could that be real too?
At the very least, given his and Mo Xiangwan’s familiarity, arranging for an idol group or singer to perform for her wouldn’t be a problem at all.
With that thought, she turned her gaze toward Tang Song.
He seemed completely unfazed, still carrying that calm, nonchalant demeanor.
Noticing her look, Tang Song playfully winked at her and echoed Mo Xiangwan’s words: "Qingning really is adorable."
As he spoke, he lightly placed his hand on Bai Yueguang’s waist and gave a gentle pat.
Of course, he knew what was going through Liu Qingning’s mind.
But he had no intention of hiding anything from her.
Lowering his voice, he explained, "Didn’t I tell you before that I hold shares in several companies? Tang Zong Entertainment is one of them. I met Xiangwan in 2017—back when we were in the second semester of our first year."
His voice was soft, only audible to the people nearby.
Liu Qingning bit her red lips, her mind thrown into chaos.
2017? Mo Xiangwan? Shares in Tang Zong Entertainment?
Back then, Tang Zong Entertainment had just been founded, and Su Yu was at one of the lowest points in her life.
Buying shares at that time was like winning the grand prize lottery.
Even the smallest percentage of stock would have ensured financial freedom by now.
Why didn’t I know any of this?
Why has he never told me?
She knew she had been busy with college, admittedly neglecting Tang Song a little, but this was just too much.
What exactly had happened to him over these past seven years?
Liu Shuang and Li Ziying, who had just barely recovered from their shock, almost collapsed back into their seats.
Xiang Kai sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes flickering with unease.
If Tang Song was simply friends with Mo Xiangwan, that was still manageable.
Everyone had friends, after all.
But if he was also a shareholder in Tang Zong Entertainment, that was an entirely different level.
Bei Yuwei couldn't stop the corners of her mouth from lifting, her eyes sparkling as she subconsciously glanced toward director Lü Baiyu.
She suddenly felt a rush of exhilaration.
At that moment, Lü Baiyu had lost all his earlier composure. His face was pale, and he stood frozen among the crowd.
Just moments ago, he had unknowingly offended Tang Song—without explicitly saying anything, he had already crossed a dangerous line.
Though he was a renowned director, he still depended on capital at the end of the day.
With just one word from Mo Xiangwan, he could be completely marginalized in the industry.
Bei Yuwei's gaze returned to Tang Song, excitement practically consuming her whole being.
She had bet everything on this—and she had won.
As long as she leaked intimate photos of her and Tang Song to Mo Xiangwan or Su Yu, she could publicly claim to be Tang Song’s woman.
With him as her backer, no executive, director, or brand would dare touch her.
"President Tang," Mo Xiangwan turned toward him and softly said, "There’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you. Since we’re meeting today, would you have time?"
Tang Song nodded. "Of course."
Mo Xiangwan smiled, giving Liu Qingning’s arm a gentle pat. "Qingning, I heard you love music. The next performance is starting soon—Pei Yanke will be performing. I arranged front-row seats for you and your friends. Want to go watch?"
Liu Qingning glanced at Tang Song and whispered, "Okay. Thank you, President Mo."
"No need to be so formal with me." Mo Xiangwan gestured to the nearby staff.
Soon, Liu Qingning and her friends were led to the front row.
Xiang Kai stood rooted in place, gritting his teeth before quietly stepping back.
Right now, his only concern was how to minimize his presence.
He, his parents, and many of his relatives worked in the entertainment industry.
And there were certain people they simply couldn’t afford to offend.
As Liu Qingning settled into her front-row seat, she glanced back—just in time to see Tang Song leaving the main hall with Mo Xiangwan toward a private lounge.
Sweeping her gaze over the audience, she noticed something unusual.
The business executives and industry elites around her all had warm, eager expressions as they looked at her group.
Thinking back to everything that had just transpired, she still found it hard to believe.
"Qingning!"
Liu Shuang, unable to suppress her excitement and shock, whispered, "Tang Song... what the hell is going on with him?"
Throughout college, every conversation she had with him revolved around urging him to study, discussing the latest advancements in the computer industry, and analyzing future trends.
Because of her family’s financial situation, she also took on programming-related freelance work through classmates and teachers during winter and summer breaks.
She had always been confident—confident because she knew he liked her, confident because she knew he would come to Beijing.
But later, he gave up on graduate school and joined Meigou Tech, while she embarked on an entrepreneurial journey with Professor Wang Chang and the others.
Seed round, Angel round, Series A.
One good news after another, increasing orders, rising valuations, a growing paycheck...
With every positive reinforcement, her confidence had turned into arrogance.
In her mind, Tang Song should have been just like he was in senior year—studying hard every day, preparing for graduate school, and working diligently.
She had been so immersed in the realization of her own value, prioritizing her career and making money, that she planned his future without consulting him.
Yet, she never realized that the boy who once vowed to meet her at the summit had also been changing and moving forward.
Perhaps those three years he spent in Beijing were his way of trying to accompany her in his own way, to reconnect and readjust to her.
Maybe, unknowingly, she had let him down. Maybe, she had even hurt him.
Looking at it now, it made sense that his feelings for her had changed.
If their roles were reversed, and she were in Tang Song’s position, maybe she would have changed too.
Private Lounge Outside the Concert Hall
Tang Song and Mo Xiangwan sat across from each other, his gaze curiously studying the "Manager" from his game.
This was only the second time they had met in real life, and he still found her intriguing.
A blouse, a pencil skirt, a striped suit jacket—her look was both polished and professional, her eyes sharp and focused.
After all, this was an SR-ranked character he had personally cultivated. Naturally, he found her pleasing no matter how he looked at her.
Her appearance and capabilities were both outstanding.
Just like the in-game evaluation of her—resilient, calm under pressure, highly skilled, an excellent leader, and possessing high emotional and intellectual intelligence with a keen sense of strategy and loyalty.
At the start, Tang Zong Entertainment had merely been a side project from his "Star Idol Simulator" game, a cash cow in its early development.
But for it to grow into the entertainment giant it was today—that was all thanks to Mo Xiangwan’s relentless dedication.
Noticing his lingering gaze, Mo Xiangwan slightly shifted her legs and smiled, "Is President Tang evaluating my outfit today?"
"You look stunning," Tang Song replied sincerely.
"Thank you!"
Her smile widened. "This is the first time I’ve heard President Tang compliment my appearance. What an honor! And by the way, you look incredibly handsome today. If Su Yu were here, she’d be completely mesmerized."
Tang Song chuckled. "Su Yu… How has she been lately? I heard her new song—it’s great. I really like it."
As he spoke, a particular video from Wen Ruan flashed through his mind—
A graceful dance beneath the moonlight, a beauty blooming like a white lotus.
Even without filters, Su Yu was undeniably the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Especially considering all the enhancements he had used on her in the game’s "Celebrity Development" mode, she was already maxed out.
At her level of beauty, she was a work of art—the kind you could never tire of admiring.
Mo Xiangwan sighed, "Su Yu is doing well. I’ll pass on your compliments—she’ll probably be so happy she won’t be able to sleep."
Taking a deep breath, her tone softened as she continued, "President Tang, actually, the reason I wanted to meet you today was to explain something about Qingning."
"Oh? What is it?"
Tang Song raised an eyebrow.
Mo Xiangwan hesitated for a moment before choosing her words carefully.
"Last October, Su Yu reached out to Sijue Education and asked them to contact Century Zhixue to co-develop a learning device. She also had them persuade Century Zhixue’s investors to agree to relocate to Shenzhen.
Century Zhixue provided the AI model, Sijue handled the software system, and Tangyi Precision was responsible for hardware development. Once the product launched, Century Zhixue would receive continuous profit shares.
With Tangyi Precision backing the deal, they couldn’t refuse. That’s why Century Zhixue moved south.
And to be clear, this had nothing to do with Ms. Ouyang—she had no knowledge of it beforehand."
The moment Mo Xiangwan finished, Tang Song instantly understood everything.
Liu Qingning had once told him how strange it was that their company had suddenly received a massive order from Sijue Education—almost like a windfall from the sky.
Now, he knew why—it was because of Su Yu.
Seeing his silence, Mo Xiangwan quickly added, "She meant no harm. She was just emotionally overwhelmed at the time and made a mistake trying to get your attention."
She didn’t mention Jin Meixiao’s provocation, but in reality, if it weren’t for that, Su Yu would never have dared to do something like this.
This whole ordeal had been weighing on her like a mountain, even haunting her in her sleep.
Tang Song sighed lightly, shaking his head. "I understand… It’s fine. Honestly… I was the one who let her down. I get why she did it—it must’ve been hard for her."
"Thank you, President Tang!"
Mo Xiangwan exhaled in relief, but at the same time, she looked at him in disbelief.
He had changed—a lot.
In the past, he was always cold and detached. But now, he was showing genuine kindness and warmth.
She couldn’t even imagine how Su Yu would react if she heard his response.
Tang Song added, "My feelings for Su Yu are real. She is, and will always be, very important to me."
The words made his face feel a little hot—was he a scumbag?
Mo Xiangwan’s expression shifted, slightly excited. She leaned forward and took out an Hermès cardholder, handing it to him.
"President Tang, this is a property Su Yu purchased at Shenzhen Bay No.1, Tower T5. She had it completely redecorated as compensation for Qingning. Additionally, she’s willing to personally call Qingning and offer a formal apology."
Tang Song blinked.
Shenzhen Bay No.1?
Any property there cost tens of millions, yet she was just giving it away.
His women were richer than he was.
After a brief moment of thought, Tang Song shook his head. "No need. This was my fault—I didn’t give Su Yu enough attention."
Strictly speaking, Su Yu was the one who suffered the most.
She had been emotionally manipulated into a hopeless romantic.
Making Su Yu apologize and gift a house to Liu Qingning—that was something he just couldn’t do.
Mo Xiangwan hesitated before suggesting, "Then how about this? Let Qingning live there for now. She’ll be working at Qingning Tower across the street, so it’s safer and more convenient for her. The house also has a professional vocal studio Su Yu left behind."
Tang Song considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
This way, it would help them build some goodwill—after all, they would be seeing each other a lot in the future.
And it might also ease Su Yu’s guilt.
"Are You Okay, Xiang Kai?"
Liu Shuang lowered her voice and said, "None of us really know Tang Song’s situation, so try not to take it too hard."
She understood what Xiang Kai was feeling.
Originally, he had come tonight to make his presence known, maybe even to challenge Tang Song a little.
But instead, he had hit a brick wall, headfirst, and lost miserably.
As a friend, she felt she had to comfort him.
Xiang Kai shook his head. "I get it. It’s fine. It’s already in the past."
Though he had always been proud, he wasn’t delusional.
"Alright, I’ll check in with you later." Liu Shuang patted his shoulder and turned back toward her seat.
Xiang Kai’s gaze lingered on Liu Qingning for a moment.
Then, after a brief hesitation, he stood up and walked toward her.
If he couldn’t afford to make an enemy of Tang Song, he might as well try to build a connection.
"Qingning, I never expected Tang Song to be this impressive. He really knows how to keep a low profile, huh? Hahaha."
Lifting his champagne glass, Xiang Kai took a large sip, smiling as he said, "I’m happy for you. Congratulations." ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel•fire.net
Liu Qingning picked up her own glass and took a small sip. "Thank you."
She never denied her relationship with Tang Song in front of others, nor did she feel the need to explain anything to Xiang Kai.
Just then, Li Ziying hurried back from the restroom, her voice filled with excitement.
"Senior Qin is here! I just saw several Juxing Huicui executives welcoming her!"
She had attended one of Qin Yingxue’s lectures at university before and was deeply impressed by her.
She recognized her instantly.
"Let me see!" Liu Shuang stood on tiptoes, peering toward the entrance.
Liu Qingning also rose from her seat, looking over. Her eyes lit up.
A sleek updo, a sophisticated outfit, and a cool, unattainable aura surrounded Qin Yingxue.
In the dazzling concert hall, she stood out effortlessly.
"That really is Senior Qin! She looks exactly like her photos! Her presence is just as strong as President Mo’s!"
"Of course, she’s strong. Senior Qin used to be Director Jin’s assistant, and now she’s a board member of Qingning Technology."
As fellow alumni, they felt an innate sense of closeness.
Li Ziying licked her lips and turned to Xiang Kai.
"Xiang Kai, I noticed a lot of people from your company going over. Can you introduce me?"
She had plans to work at Qingning Technology, so she couldn’t pass up this rare opportunity.
If Qin Yingxue could remember her, there might be a chance to impress her again at the company later on.
Xiang Kai glanced at the lively crowd ahead. "It should be fine."
"Then let’s go!"
The two had barely taken a few steps when Qin Yingxue emerged from the crowd, walking directly onto the main stage.
Standing there, she calmly scanned the entire venue, as if looking for someone.
Then, her gaze stopped in one direction.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
Both Li Ziying and Xiang Kai felt their hearts skip a beat.
Then, they saw Qin Yingxue walking straight toward them.
The distance between them shrank rapidly, and her steady footsteps echoed clearly.
"Senior Qin." Li Ziying mustered the courage to greet her first.
Qin Yingxue glanced at her, nodded slightly, and walked past them.
Both Li Ziying and Xiang Kai turned around in shock—
And saw Liu Qingning and Liu Shuang, both standing there, looking tense.
This scene...
Looked very familiar.
Just as that thought crossed their minds, Qin Yingxue stopped right in front of Liu Qingning.
She extended a hand.
"Hello, Junior Qingning. Let’s get to know each other. I’m Qin Yingxue. I’m not sure if you’ve heard of me."
A buzzing sound filled the ears of everyone around them.
What... what is happening!?
Li Ziying turned rigidly, took a deep breath, and walked back toward them.
Facing the tall, coolly elegant Qin Yingxue, Liu Qingning hesitated slightly before taking her hand.
"Of course, I’ve heard of you. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Senior Qin."
Liu Shuang dropped right back into her seat, staring blankly at the two of them.
First, it was President Mo. Now, it’s Senior Qin.
What the hell is going on? This is beyond crazy!
Qin Yingxue let go of Liu Qingning’s hand, her voice gentle.
"How about we sit down and chat? To be honest, I came here tonight just to find you."
"Find me...? Alright."
Liu Qingning’s chest rose and fell as she took a deep breath, then sat down.
Behind them, Li Ziying and Xiang Kai stood frozen, their hearts pounding—
They had a bad feeling.
Something big was about to happen.
"Ding—"
The crisp clink of glasses echoed.
Qin Yingxue took a sip of her wine, her bright eyes never leaving Liu Qingning.
As if she were trying to see right through her.
Liu Qingning shifted slightly and softly asked, "Senior Qin, how do you know about me? Why are you looking for me?"
Qin Yingxue’s smile widened.
"Of course, it’s something important."
Her voice was bright and confident.
"I want to invite you to join Qingning Technology. Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Qingmi Tech, needs a director. Would you be interested?"
"Qingmi Tech...? Director?"
Liu Qingning’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Li Ziying and Liu Shuang gasped audibly, their breathing rapid, their faces flushed with excitement.
As professionals in AI development, they knew exactly what Qingmi Tech was.
It was the development team behind the industry-changing Qingmi AI, an internally incubated product of Qingning Technology.
The team was stacked with elite talent—
Including gold medalists from the International Olympiad in Informatics, former Google and OpenAI engineers, and renowned AI scientists.
The Qingmi search engine had already launched globally, with an industry valuation exceeding $6 billion—
Half the worth of Tang Zong Entertainment.
Qin Yingxue’s gaze was sharp.
"So? Interested? Of course, if you’d rather join the main company instead, that’s entirely up to you."
Liu Qingning’s body trembled, unable to comprehend.
"Senior Qin, why... why me?"
She had some accomplishments in AI, but at most, she could only qualify as an engineer.
Being offered a director position?
That was way beyond her level.
Qin Yingxue smiled.
"President Tang already sent your profile to our CHO, Liang Mingzhe. Originally, he was supposed to contact you, but since I was available, I decided to come in person."
"Hiss—"
Li Ziying, Liu Shuang, and Xiang Kai all sucked in sharp breaths.
Tang Song... again!?
Liu Qingning’s hands clenched tightly, suddenly at a loss for words.
Qin Yingxue leaned in slightly, lowering her voice so only Liu Qingning could hear.
"Qingning, have you ever wondered... if the name ‘Qingning Technology’ was inspired by you?"
"Buzz—"
A deafening ringing filled Liu Qingning’s mind.
The bustling banquet hall blurred around her.