novelraw Chapter 466: Three of Us Together?
Chapter 466: Three of Us Together?
Under the dazzling lights, two hands gently clasped.
Then came a brief silence.
A subtle, indescribable tension hung in the air, as if all the noise around them had been cut off.
Liu Qingning exhaled softly, forcing down the turbulence in her chest.
No matter how rational she tried to be, facing Tang Song’s girlfriend was more than enough to shake her composure.
Her gaze lingered on Wen Ruan’s face for a moment before she offered a faint smile.
“The dinner’s about to start. How about we mingle with the others first?”
Wen Ruan nodded, her tone calm and warm. “Sure. I was hoping to meet more people in the tech industry anyway.”
The two of them stepped forward side by side and merged into the crowd.
Qingning Technology might not be a tech giant like Alibaba, Baidu, or Tencent,but with Smile Holdings and several top-tier VC firms backing it, it had no shortage of funding or talent.
In the past two years, it had stirred up quite a wave both domestically and internationally.
It had become a unicorn in China’s AI sector—arguably the most closely watched AI firm outside the top conglomerates.
Especially with tomorrow’s launch of their next-gen LLM, all eyes in the industry were on them.
Though tonight’s guest list wasn’t massive, it included top execs from finance, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and heads of major media outlets.
As a board member of Xingyun International, Wen Ruan wasn’t just some random attendee. Coupled with her striking appearance and graceful demeanor,
it didn’t take long for word to spread about her identity once she joined a few conversation circles.
Soon, several people from the PE/VC Alliance Chat Group she’d been added to earlier came over to connect.
“Chairwoman Wen, I’m Zhu Wenshan from CICC Wealth. We’re both in the PE/VC Investors chat—I’m not sure if you remember me.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhu,” Wen Ruan replied with a polite smile.
“Chairwoman Wen, I’m Zhao Zhuoya from Phantom Media. We chatted in the group once.”
“Hello, I’m Chen Shi from China Business Weekly. Here’s my card.”
After the small talk and networking…
Liu Qingning leaned slightly toward her and spoke in a low voice,
“Wen Ruan, would you mind if we had a private chat? There are a few things about our cooperation I’d like your take on.”
Wen Ruan felt a ripple in her chest. She knew—this was the real reason she was here.
She nodded lightly and followed her.
The lounge area at the side of the banquet hall.
The two women sat down on a soft sofa. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling window, the dazzling nightscape of Shenzhen shimmered. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel※fire.net
The lights reflected off the glass, stretching their silhouettes long and graceful.
Liu Qingning looked at her and said quietly,
“You’re not quite what I imagined.”
“Oh?” Wen Ruan tilted her head slightly, curious. “I’d love to know—what did you think I’d be like?”
Qingning lowered her gaze for a moment, then looked back up.
“I mean your attitude. You don’t seem hostile toward me at all. In fact, during the dinner, you even stepped in to help—shielding me from some drinks.”
To be honest, if the roles were reversed…
If she were Tang Song’s girlfriend, facing a woman with such a long and deep bond with him—she doubted she could stay calm, let alone be friendly.
Wen Ruan chuckled and looked at her sweet, delicate face.
With a warm voice, she said, “Believe it or not, I actually like you. Your looks, your personality—I genuinely like them.”
“Uh…” Liu Qingning froze, her expression turning slightly awkward.
Wen Ruan’s eye twitched. “Don’t get me wrong—my orientation’s perfectly straight. I meant emotionally.
And to be fair, a lot of it comes from what you told me on WeChat.”
She sighed softly.
“I really envy you—those feelings in youth… the teasing, the friendship, the push-and-pull. That kind of connection is one of the most beautiful things in the world.”
“I told you those things… because I hoped you wouldn’t hate me,” Liu Qingning murmured.
“I can’t let him go. I don’t want to let him go.”
They’d known each other since childhood.
The chance reunion in middle school. The affection in high school. The shared hard work during college and after graduation.
She had already woven Tang Song into the blueprint of her life.
Wen Ruan chose her words carefully. “I understand what you two have.
If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here today.”
“Thank you,” Liu Qingning said sincerely.
Wen Ruan took a sip of her wine, her eyes soft but deep.
“Then… can you accept Tang Song’s current situation?”
Because she sure could.
That d*mn man had not just one or two women orbiting him.
Xie Shuyu, Xu Qing, Lin Muxue, Yao Lingling, Su Yu…
Just among the ones she personally knew, there were five or six.
She was merely the unlucky one pushed out front to take the fall.
Liu Qingning pressed her lips together. Her voice was low. “I don’t know.
At least not now. That’s why I haven’t gone to Yancheng to see him.”
She had never imagined herself marrying or having a family with another man.
She was terrified of seeing him build a life with someone else—
the little moments, the intimacy, the affection.
That would be too painful to bear.
Looking at Liu Qingning’s pitiful expression, Wen Ruan cursed Tang Song silently—“F*ing scumbag.”**
Then quickly changed the topic.
“I remember you’re Class of 2016 at Imperial Capital University, right? Graduated in 2020?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“I enrolled in 2011 at Beijing Normal University, graduated in 2015, worked in the capital for five years, and moved back to Yancheng in 2020…”
Wen Ruan went on to share her university and career path.
They were both from prestigious schools in the capital and had spent years living there. Naturally, they had plenty to talk about.
Wen Ruan, already thirty, was a mature, worldly woman.
She’d met all kinds of people and knew how to steer a conversation with grace and tact.
The atmosphere between them gradually softened. Occasionally, they even clinked glasses lightly.
The lighting was gentle. The music floated in the air.
The welcome dinner wasn’t meant to go late—especially with the big launch tomorrow morning.
No one was drinking heavily.
As the banquet hall cleared out, only a few clusters of guests remained, chatting in hushed tones.
After seeing off a few VIP guests, Liu Qingning returned to the lounge.
She glanced at Wen Ruan, who was gazing out at the night sky, and suddenly asked,
“Wen Ruan… what kind of person do you think Tang Song is?”
Wen Ruan turned back, thought for a moment, then smiled with warmth and affection.
“To me, he’s nearly perfect. Elegant, intelligent, self-disciplined, gentle, dependable…”
She rattled off a dozen traits in one breath, her eyes sparkling like stars.
Liu Qingning’s voice was a bit dry. “You love him that much?”
“Of course. No doubt about it.”
“What if he went bankrupt? Lost everything?”
Wen Ruan met her eyes, emotion rising.
“I know what you’re worried about. But let me be clear—I’d still love him.
Honestly, when I fell for him, I had no idea he was rich.”
Liu Qingning bit her lip and asked seriously,
“Then… why are you okay with him having other women in his heart?”
Inviting Wen Ruan tonight had one purpose—
to see, for herself, what kind of woman this was.
After their conversation, she was almost certain—
This woman’s elegance, character, beauty, and brilliance were second to none.
Her own tolerance came from over a decade of history with Tang Song.
She’d forced herself to expand her worldview in order to understand him, to try to accept him.
But Wen Ruan? She had no such baggage.
Love is selfish.
Why would a woman like her, so remarkable in every way, put up with Tang Song’s infidelity?
That… was what she couldn’t understand.
Wen Ruan was silent for a moment.
Then past memories came flooding back.
She took a deep breath, her voice quiet and heavy.
“I’m almost thirty. Before I chose to be with him, I already knew…
I would never get to walk into a wedding chapel with him.”
“I always dreamed of being a bride—wearing a gown, holding flowers, blessed by family, building a happy home…”
“I’ve struggled a lot. I tried to avoid him. Tried to let go.”
“But in the end, I realized… I can’t live without him. I can’t imagine a future without him.”
Tears slipped down her cheek before she even noticed.
She wiped them away stubbornly and said with firm conviction,
“So—even if I’m just the other woman, even if I fight with my family over it… I have no regrets!”
“Y-You mean…” Liu Qingning’s voice trembled, stunned. “You’re saying…”
Wen Ruan nodded, eyes unwavering.
“Yes. I never wanted to monopolize him.
As long as it’s him—I’m willing.”
Back when she first chose to be with Tang Song, Wen Ruan had no idea she’d gain so much.
At the time, she had made a real, deliberate decision—to be his “little lover.”
Even if he never gave her any material security, she was ready to stay faithful for life.
She’d even mentally prepared herself for the day his “wife” might show up at the door and catch them “in the act.”
She didn’t think there was anything wrong or shameful about her feelings for Tang Song.
So when facing Liu Qingning now, Wen Ruan had already come to terms with everything, and she spoke with calm honesty about how she felt.
Liu Qingning’s breathing quickened. Her head dropped, eyes locked dazedly on the floor, the expression in them flickering with shock and complicated emotions.
Suddenly, Wen Ruan lifted her wineglass.
“We’ve talked so much tonight—we’re practically friends now. Qingning, let me toast to you.”
Qingning looked up, eyes a little blank, but instinctively tapped her glass against Wen Ruan’s.
Clink.
The crisp sound echoed clearly in the quiet lounge.
Cool wine slid down her throat, but Liu Qingning’s mind was in chaos.
The lights in the banquet hall dimmed gradually.
As they were about to part ways, Liu Qingning stepped forward and gently hugged Wen Ruan.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Wen Ruan blinked in surprise for a moment, then returned the embrace with warmth.
After they separated, Liu Qingning turned and walked quickly out of the hotel.
The night breeze was cool, brushing her hair into a fluttering mess—
as if trying to blow away the confusion in her heart.
But instead of heading straight home to Tower T5 at Shenzhen Bay, she wandered alone without a destination.
She knew running away wouldn’t solve anything.
Sharing their story with Wen Ruan on WeChat, inviting her to meet in person, sitting down for an open-hearted talk—
it was her way of trying to find some kind of resolution to this three-person relationship.
She had imagined many outcomes.
But not once had she imagined that Wen Ruan could go that far for Tang Song.
Shenzhen’s night was still vibrant, but her heart felt like it was wrapped in fog.
She didn’t even realize how long she’d walked—
only that she suddenly came to her senses inside the T5 elevator.
Ding.
The doors opened slowly.
Liu Qingning stepped inside the wide, bright apartment.
Hearing the sound, the housekeeper Aunt Mei quickly emerged with concern on her face.
“Miss Qingning, would you like me to fix you something to eat?”
Qingning shook her head gently, her voice soft but tired.
“No, thank you, Aunt Mei. I’ve already eaten.”
Aunt Mei nodded, her voice even gentler.
“Then try to get some rest early. Call me if you need anything.”
“Alright. Thank you, Aunt Mei.” Liu Qingning gave her a faint smile and walked toward the master bedroom.
She sat on the bed, her gaze falling on the photo frame on her nightstand.
It was a picture of her and Tang Song from their high school days.
Looking at those young, innocent faces, the corners of her lips lifted into a helpless, bittersweet smile.
After a while—
She picked up her phone and made a call.
“Hello, Assistant Chen? Sorry to bother you this late. Could you book me two plane tickets for tomorrow—5 p.m., from Shenzhen to Yancheng. Return trip Sunday afternoon.”
“Yes, tomorrow. Confirmed.”
“Thanks so much.”
She hung up and curled up, hugging her knees, her long lashes trembling slightly.
“Ever since you went back to Yancheng, I’ve kept saying I’d go see how you’re doing… but I kept putting it off.”
“If I had gone sooner… maybe everything would’ve turned out differently.”
She murmured to herself, then buried her face between her knees.
Beicheng Garden Residential Complex.
The door creaked open as Shen Yuyan stepped inside, exhaling the lingering scent of alcohol.
She changed into slippers and walked into the living room—
only to stop in her tracks.
There, on the carpet beside the sofa, Xu Qing was lounging like a happy little gremlin—surrounded by snacks, fruit, and soda.
On the TV, Crayon Shin-chan: The Movie was playing.
Xu Qing giggled loudly as she munched away, carefree as a kid on summer break.
Shen Yuyan raised a brow.
“Wow, going all out tonight? Aren’t you worried about getting fat?”
Hearing her best friend’s voice, Xu Qing stuck out her chin in mock arrogance.
“Do you know who I’m about to be? The owner of an Aston Martin DB11. Call me Her Royal Majesty, Queen Xu!”
“Big Dumb Qing. Big Dumb Qing. Big Dumb Qing,” Shen Yuyan repeated with exaggerated mockery.
“Hey! You sneaky little snake, Shen!” Xu Qing immediately fired back, blushing furiously as she began bickering with her bestie.
Shen Yuyan tossed her bag aside and flopped onto the couch with a groan.
“Get me a glass of water.”
“Get it yourself!”
Shen Yuyan gave her a look and softened her voice.
“I drank way too much again. My head’s spinning.”
Xu Qing muttered under her breath but still got up to pour her a warm glass.
After watching Shen Yuyan down it in one gulp, Xu Qing squeezed her thigh with mock scolding.
“I’ve told you a million times—less drinking. You never listen!”
“This one was special,” Shen Yuyan explained, leaning back.
“I had to host the Purchasing Director of Xucheng Property—our biggest potential client so far.
If this works out, we’ll finally fulfill the terms of our agreement with Gongying Technology.”
Xu Qing immediately perked up.
“So? How did it go?”
“Very promising,” Shen Yuyan said with a satisfied sigh. “They seem very willing to work with us.”
“That’s amazing! If Youjie Housekeeping secures that second 3 million investment, we’ll be able to expand again—get things back on track!”
Shen Yuyan nodded, then suddenly added,
“Qingqing, have Tang Song come by Beicheng Garden tomorrow.”
Xu Qing blushed and shook her head.
“No way. I don’t want to get teased again.”
Ever since that time Tang Song spanked her, Shen Yuyan hadn’t let it go.
The shame still haunted her!
Shen Yuyan rolled her eyes.
“Please. This place is only 90 square meters. You two make so much noise, I couldn’t not hear it.”
“Oh yeah? Then you must’ve heard me calling your name too! Why didn’t you come save me, huh? Hmph!
Next time, I’ll have Tang Song drag you in with me!”
“What? So he can spank both of us? Want me to bring out the little whip too?”
“You perv! You’re impossible!” Xu Qing shrieked, red-faced and flailing as she pounced on her friend.
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They wrestled on the couch like high schoolers for a good while.
Then, Shen Yuyan suddenly wrapped her arms around her, hand pressed gently over Xu Qing’s chest.
She whispered softly,
“Qingqing… if you really can’t handle Tang Song… I could help you, you know.”
“Actually… maybe the three of us together… wouldn’t be so bad?”
“Wha—!” Xu Qing yelped, her whole body jolting like a cat getting its tail stepped on.
Her face flushed red, heating like a kettle.
“Y-You… you… YOU—!”
Shen Yuyan exhaled and flopped down, resting her head in Xu Qing’s lap.
“I think I drank a bit too much. Let me nap for a while.”
Xu Qing stared at her, stunned—brain short-circuiting.
Her mind was spinning, still stuck on what Shen Yuyan just said.
Three of us… together?!
She clutched at her hair,
and despite herself, strange images began playing out in her mind...
（°一°"）