novelraw Chapter 472: Bicycle, Autumn Rain, Candied Hawthorn, Farewell
Chapter 472: Bicycle, Autumn Rain, Candied Hawthorn, Farewell
7:00 AM.
The rain outside had completely stopped.
The light from the sky outside seeped in, illuminating the entire bedroom.
Liu Qingning lay in bed, hugging the blanket tightly, her breathing quickened, and the blush on her face lingered as if it hadn’t faded.
Her chest and thighs seemed to still carry the warmth of Tang Song’s hands. That tingling, numbing sensation buzzed through her body like electricity, and her heartbeat just wouldn’t slow down.
She bit her lip, unable to stop the images from earlier from replaying in her mind.
Tang Song, that b*stard, not only touched her but made her open her eyes and look, and even made her recall every detail of their high school days.
This kind of shame was far more intense than what she’d felt in that large flat in Shenzhen Bay No.1.
Back then, she was more afraid of losing him, her emotions tangled like a mess of threads.
Their relationship was so close—beyond love, there was also deep friendship.This kind of intimacy in a calm state was something she just couldn’t handle.
“Ugh—” Liu Qingning let out a low groan, burying her face deep into the blanket, her fists clenched tightly.
At the same time, a wave of sourness and gloom stirred in her chest.
In her memory, Tang Song had always been a clueless, pure-hearted boy.
Back when they used to go shopping or watch movies together, even when the mood was perfect, he wouldn’t even dare to hold her hand. Most of the time, she was the one taking the initiative.
But in just one short year, he had turned into a flirtatious and playful “scumbag.”
No doubt, that mature woman Wen Ruan had definitely “trained” him.
Now, Tang Song had turned into Wen Ruan’s shape.
Liu Qingning took a deep breath and reached for her phone by the pillow. After unlocking it, she opened her photo album and scrolled to a picture in her favorites.
It was a photo she had taken of a physical print, and the atmosphere in the image was just perfect.
In the picture, a man and a woman stood side by side in front of tall floor-to-ceiling windows, both wearing black-rimmed glasses.
The guy was Tang Song, and the girl was none other than the number one face in the entertainment industry, the most beautiful face in Asia-Pacific, the Film Queen, TV Queen, and Music Queen—Su Yu.
Su Yu leaned gently against Tang Song, with a faint smile on her face—vivid and breathtaking.
Judging by Tang Song’s appearance, the photo was taken five years ago, which would’ve been the second semester of their sophomore year.
At that time, she had just started competing in AI competitions, her life packed with work, and her chats with Tang Song had gradually dwindled.
That same year, Qingning Technology was officially founded.
And this photo was one of the old images kept internally at Qingning Tech, taken during the company’s founding phase, which she had stumbled upon in the archives.
She knew Tang Song owned 3% of Qingning Tech’s shares and had been involved in its early founding.
At the time, Su Yu was already a top-tier celebrity, and Tang Zong Entertainment had also invested in Qingning Tech’s early stages.
To this day, both Tang Zong Entertainment and Juxing Huicui still hold 4% of Qingning Tech’s shares.
So she had no reason to doubt the authenticity of the photo.
However, that didn’t necessarily mean there was any emotional entanglement between Tang Song and Su Yu.
After all, her housekeeper Aunt Mei had said Su Yu had never been close to any man and had always stayed single.
Still, it was enough to show that Tang Song and Su Yu shared an extraordinary bond—at least, they were longtime close friends.
Otherwise, Su Yu wouldn’t have lent her the place at Shenzhen Bay No.1.
And as Tang Song’s best friend, she hadn’t known a thing about it.
She had truly missed a crucial part of his growth.
Love and friendship, Wen Ruan and Su Yu.
She felt like she’d been excluded from his world.
And for her, that was the hardest thing to accept.
Liu Qingning vaguely felt like she was “toiling year after year to embroider gold threads, only to make a wedding dress for someone else.”
The thought made her head throb again.
She gritted her teeth, forcing herself not to spiral into messy thoughts.
No matter how unwilling or painful it was, things had already come to this—she could only try to fix them, bit by bit.
Knock knock knock— A knock came at the door.
Liu Qingning quickly took a deep breath, pushing down the pain on her face, trying her best to look calm.
The door opened softly.
Tang Song walked in with a smile. “Qingning, come out and eat. Try the love-filled breakfast I made for you.”
“Mm.” Liu Qingning responded, lifted the blanket, and slowly sat up at the edge of the bed, slipping into her slippers.
The recurring migraine slowed her movements noticeably.
Just as she was about to get up, Tang Song suddenly appeared in front of her, touched her forehead, and asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Not feeling well?”
Liu Qingning smiled. “It’s nothing, just that time of the month. My stomach’s a little sore.”
“I’ll massage it for you.” Tang Song didn’t hesitate. He sat down beside her, rubbed his hands together,
then wrapped one arm around her waist and gently placed the other hand on her lower abdomen, starting to massage softly and tenderly.
“Ahh~~” Liu Qingning couldn’t help letting out a soft moan of relief, her body trembled slightly, and a trace of shyness and joy flickered in her eyes.
Tang Song’s care and attention—this was the best medicine for her.
“The best way is actually to take a painkiller, like ibuprofen or something. But your stomach’s always been weak, so I worry. Let’s see how it goes later. If it’s not too bad, try not to take any meds.”
Liu Qingning gave a soft “mm,” then rested her head on his shoulder, basking in his tenderness.
The pain gradually eased.
“I made millet porridge. Drink more later, it’ll warm your stomach and help relieve the pain,” Tang Song said softly while continuing to massage her.
Most of his experience in helping with period pain came from Wen Ruan, and it was definitely effective.
But the Campus Belle was far from as “tough” as the big sister.
She had always been physically weak since childhood. Back in high school, whenever someone around her caught a cold, she was always the first to get it too—constantly taking leave to visit the school nurse.
But it was exactly because of this that Tang Song had so many chances to take care of her and spend time alone with her.
Their bond had grown closer and closer through those moments of care.
.....
After breakfast, Liu Qingning’s headache was completely gone. She looked at the gradually brightening sky outside and decided to drag Tang Song out for a walk.
Her flight was at 4 PM, and there was only half a day left to be with him—every minute and every second was precious.
They changed into light athletic wear and went downstairs hand in hand.
The air after the rain was exceptionally fresh, with a hint of chill.
The fallen leaves underfoot were wet from the rain and made a soft rustling sound when stepped on.
They wandered through the blocks surrounding Yanjing Tiancheng, chatting and laughing.
After a while,
Liu Qingning suddenly stopped, her eyes falling on a row of shared bikes nearby.
With a sweet, playful tone, she suggested, “Walking’s getting tiring—how about we ride bikes? Let’s ride from here to Qingxin Homestead and check out where you used to live.”
Ever since Tang Song moved to Yan City, she had never visited him—she’d only seen Qingxin Homestead and his rental place through video calls.
She was honestly super curious about it—and felt a bit regretful.
"From here to Qingxin Homestead, it’s about 10 kilometers by bike. Are you... okay with that?" Tang Song pointed at her lower abdomen.
Liu Qingning pulled out her phone to scan and unlock a bike, replying without looking up, “Are you underestimating me? We used to go much farther when we went out to play, and I don’t really feel any pain now.”
She didn’t actually suffer from menstrual cramps—it was all due to the migraine earlier.
Mentioning the past, Tang Song couldn’t help but chuckle, “Back then, wasn’t I the one biking with you on the back? And you insisted on hugging your backpack instead of wrapping your arms around my waist. I still kinda regret that—I never got to feel what it’s like to be ‘rammed into people with your ball-carrying move.’”
Liu Qingning’s face flushed slightly. She slapped him in mock anger, “Hmph! So even back then, your head was full of dirty thoughts! And I thought you were so pure!”
“Heh.” Tang Song chuckled and leaned close to her ear, wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and whispered teasingly, “That wasn’t the only ‘dirty thought’ I had back then. There were way worse ones. Want to hear them?”
“Screw you! I don’t want to hear it!” Liu Qingning pouted, her cheeks puffed up like buns. She kicked at the fallen leaves by her feet and urged, “Hey, dummy, hurry up and scan the code to unlock it, or I’ll leave without you!”
Tang Song kissed her with a smile, then pulled out his phone to scan and unlock the bike, swinging his leg over with smooth and dashing movements.
He looked back at Liu Qingning, his gaze full of affection, “Ready?”
“Three, two, one, go!”
On a weekend morning, the streets of Yan City were a bit crowded. The plane tree leaves swayed in the breeze, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of soil and greenery.
The two rode side by side down the street, their bike wheels splashing through puddles.
They passed by high-rise buildings, bus stops, street corner cafés, bustling market stalls...
Liu Qingning occasionally turned to glance at Tang Song, noticing he was always paying attention to her, and couldn’t help but feel a soft swell of affection in her heart.
From another perspective, wasn’t Tang Song her own White Moonlight, too?
On a bike, his school uniform billowing with wind, wrapped around the shy joy of her teenage years.
To this day, it remained unforgettable.
That’s why, on the night of their high school graduation, she’d impulsively kissed him in the dim KTV.
“Dummy Xiao Song!” Liu Qingning laughed and called out, kicking him with her left leg before speeding ahead.
Tang Song steadied himself and quickly warned, “Hey, don’t ride too fast! Be careful!”
“I won’t!” Liu Qingning stuck her tongue out at him as she glanced back, her ponytail drawing a graceful arc in the wind.
Even though she said that, she still slowed down a little.
Once Tang Song caught up, she suddenly stomped on the pedal again, widening the gap.
Her cheerful laughter echoed in the air.
In a parked taxi by the roadside, the middle-aged driver glanced at the joyful couple biking by, his expression momentarily dazed.
He had once been like that too, riding through the streets and alleys with the girl he loved, the wind brushing past their faces, laughter scattering through the city.
Back then, Yan City wasn’t nearly as developed. The streets were narrow, buildings low, but every corner was warm and full of life, and the heart was brimming with hope for the future.
Sadly, time flew by, and he still lost the girl in the white dress.
Those beautiful moments had long since been buried in the trivialities of life, only surfacing occasionally in memory.
He couldn’t help but shake his head and mutter to himself, “Youth really is wonderful.”
When the couple disappeared around the corner, he lowered the window, reached into the glove compartment for a Liqun cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag.
Smoke curled slowly into the cool air, blurring his vision.
Memories surged like an undercurrent, swallowing his thoughts.
The once-uncertain future—he was now living it.
The dreams, promises, and hopes once held had now faded into background noise of memory, never to be touched again.
Regret? Of course.
If given the chance, who wouldn’t want to hold onto their White Moonlight of youth?
......
The two locked up their bikes and walked into Qingxin Homestead.
Familiar surroundings entered their view.
Liu Qingning saw the scenes that had once appeared in the short videos Tang Song had sent her.
After chatting and strolling around the community,
Tang Song suddenly stopped in front of a bike shed, a strange look on his face.
Liu Qingning asked curiously, “What’s up?”
Tang Song rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. “I just remembered, I think I still have a Yadea e-bike parked here.”
“Oh?” Liu Qingning’s eyes lit up. She laughed, “I remember you saying it cost you twenty-one hundred.”
“Yeah, I’ll go check if it’s still there.” Tang Song nodded and stepped into the shed.
His eyes scanned the space and finally landed on a black-and-white electric scooter tucked into the corner, now covered in a layer of dust.
He had bought it after returning to Yan City as a means of transport—his first ride.
Unfortunately, when he moved, even after cleaning everything up, he still left it behind.
Honestly, back then he was feeling pretty inflated.
A system that came out of nowhere, a dream-fulfilling game, Secretary Jin, luxury cars, mansions...
Amidst all that, he had completely forgotten about this little Yadea.
Liu Qingning said, “After all this time without charging, the battery’s probably dead.”
“Yeah, I’ll come back later and take it away, get a new battery.” Tang Song patted her soft waist and back. “Let’s go. Where to next?”
“Let’s walk around a bit. I want to see where you used to live.”
“OK, let’s go.”
They walked out the community gate, strolling along the streets.
As they walked, Tang Song pointed out shops and corners, sharing little stories from his daily life.
The always-crowded old bun shop—run by a loud old man whose son got into Tsinghua University.
The bookstore at the corner, where the owner raised a chubby orange cat that always lay lazily on the book piles.
Having lived here for so long, even with a busy job, Tang Song had completely settled into the area.
His life left traces everywhere.
Listening to these trivial yet heartwarming tales, Liu Qingning couldn’t help but smile—this was exactly what she had wanted to know, what she had missed out on before.
And later, she would keep exploring his past—his high school years.
At some point,
Plop~ A cool drop landed on her forehead.
Liu Qingning looked up. Raindrops began falling from the sky.
It had started raining.
“Let’s go find some shelter.” Tang Song tugged her wrist.
Liu Qingning obediently responded with a soft “mm,” following him quickly to the eaves of a nearby shop.
She knew her current condition—being in her period, she absolutely couldn’t get wet. With her weak constitution, she’d definitely get sick.
The rain grew heavier, carrying a chill, gradually turning the street into a misty blur.
Leaning against the wall, Liu Qingning’s gaze drifted across the street, and she suddenly pointed at a nearby shop, her voice full of playful willfulness: “I want candied hawthorn.”
Tang Song looked where she pointed, then smiled and ruffled her hair. “Wait here.”
With that, he pulled his hoodie over his head and dashed into the rain.
On the street, pedestrians hurried by, cars splashed through puddles, sending water flying.
Tang Song’s figure blurred into the misty rain.
Under the eaves, Liu Qingning’s gaze clung tightly to his back.
After a moment, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from afar.
Tang Song’s figure reappeared in front of her, holding up a bright red skewer of candied hawthorn, a brilliant smile on his face.
“Here, your candied hawthorn.”
His bangs and clothes were soaked from the rain, clinging to him and making him look a bit disheveled.
Liu Qingning took the candied hawthorn, her fingertips brushing against his cold hand—it felt like seeing that high school boy all over again.
“Dummy Xiao Song…” she murmured softly, raising her hand to wipe the rain from his face, her nose tingling with emotion.
Crunch— the sugar coating cracked instantly under her bite.
The sweetness melted on her tongue, carrying a bit of sourness—just like how she felt right now.
“So good,” Liu Qingning’s eyes curved into crescent moons, bright as if filled with stars, her lips sticky with sugar glaze and red hawthorn pulp.
“I want a taste too.”
Liu Qingning quickly lifted it up. “Here you go.”
Tang Song lowered his head and gently kissed her full, delicate lips, soft and tender, carrying the coolness of rain and the flavor of candied hawthorn.
Liu Qingning closed her eyes, her hand gripping the skewer tighter, her fingers trembling slightly.
The rain was still falling, but the whole world fell silent in that moment.
Just then, a crisp system notification rang in Tang Song’s ears,
Ding! Aura charge reached 100%, Aura Baptism triggered.
Immediately after, a soft glow cascaded down from above his head, like morning light piercing through fog—dreamlike and beautiful.
Ding! You have received a Peace-type special item [Qingnang Gourd].
【Qingnang Gourd】: Long-term wear can subtly improve constitution, nourish the body, relieve fatigue, and boost immunity. (This physical item can be gifted)
【Note: The Qingnang holds my feelings, carrying my longing.】
Tang Song blinked, then quickly realized what had happened.
It was the second special effect of 【Heartthrob Aura (LV4)】, which had reached full charge and triggered Aura Baptism.
There was no doubt about Liu Qingning’s feelings for him.
Her joy and response had finally activated the reward. Discover more novels at novel•fire.net
Seeing the name of the item, looking at the blushing face of his White Moonlight in front of him, and thinking of Liu Qingning’s constitution—
Tang Song silently apologized to Mom and Dad in his heart.
He pulled Liu Qingning into his arms, savoring her softness and affection.
A long moment passed.
Liu Qingning’s breathing grew rapid and uneven.
After holding on a little longer, she finally pushed Tang Song away gently, gasping for air, her cheeks flushed, her heart pounding like it would leap out of her chest.
She lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper, “Stop! People are watching… You… You kissed me for too long.”
She didn’t have much kissing experience, and her few with Tang Song had all been brief.
This passionate, overwhelming kiss was completely beyond her ability to handle—she felt like her soul was trembling, her whole body melting, almost unable to breathe.
“You didn’t like it? I thought you were really enjoying it. You were pretty into it.” Tang Song chuckled, tilting his head and biting into the candied hawthorn.
“You damn bstard! You clearly kissed me out of nowhere!”
Liu Qingning’s voice carried a hint of embarrassment and anger, but more than anything, it revealed her flustered panic.
“Then you kiss me back.”
“No way.” Liu Qingning glared at him, her cheeks red like ripe apples.
The rain gradually stopped. Pedestrians reappeared on the streets, their footsteps and conversations blending into the soundscape.
Their bickering grew quieter.
......
After lunch, they returned to Yanjing Tiancheng.
Liu Qingning quietly began packing her luggage.
Tang Song tried to help, but she pushed him out.
The reason: she had private items he wasn’t allowed to see.
Sitting on the sofa in the bedroom lounge, Tang Song opened the system interface.
He entered the inventory.
A brand-new item appeared there, glowing with a faint greenish hue.
He selected the item and clicked “claim.”
Immediately, a small, delicate dark jade gourd appeared in his hand.
The gourd had a gently pinched waist, its upper and lower halves plump and symmetrical, with smooth lines—like a drop of solidified morning dew.
Warm to the touch, the entire piece was rounded and seamless, seemingly crafted by nature.
Just like the previous 【Peaceful Wheat Ear】, its size was perfect—it could be worn as a necklace pendant or used as a hanging charm.
Tang Song gave it a gentle shake, and a soft rustling came from inside, as if stardust flowed within.
It was an exquisitely crafted jade ornament—just as valuable as a fine piece of art, surely worth a high price.
He played with it in his hand for a while, then stood and went to the walk-in closet, rummaging through the inner cabinet.
From inside, he pulled out a long rectangular gift box.
Inside was a platinum necklace—the twisted rope chain was sturdy yet elegant.
Tang Song threaded the chain through the small hole at the top of the gourd, his movements gentle and focused.
The platinum chain paired perfectly with the dark jade gourd, radiating a low-key yet luxurious charm.
He held the necklace up under the light, examining it carefully. The gourd glowed with a soft luster, as if it contained a hidden vitality.
Satisfied, he nodded and carried the necklace back to the bedroom.
Noticing his return, Liu Qingning zipped up her suitcase and said softly, “I’m all packed. My flight’s at 4 PM—we should get going soon.”
“Qingning, close your eyes. Don’t open them until I say so.”
Liu Qingning paused for a second, realizing what was happening, then feigned a pout. “You’re not trying to do something bad again, are you?”
“Hurry up. Be good.”
Liu Qingning gave a playful “hmph,” pretending to be reluctant as she closed her eyes, though a faint smile curled on her lips.
The next moment, a cool sensation touched her neck.
Tang Song gently lifted her long hair, his fingertips brushing against her skin, bringing a soft, ticklish feeling.
“All right, you can open your eyes now.”
Liu Qingning slowly opened her eyes. A small mirror appeared in front of her.
In the reflection, a platinum necklace now adorned her neck. The twisted rope chain glimmered under the light, and a delicate gourd pendant hung at her chest.
The dark jade gourd contrasted beautifully with her fair skin, making her look even more captivating.
Liu Qingning stared dazedly at her reflection, her fingers instinctively reaching up to touch the gourd. It felt warm and smooth, as if she could feel its life force.
“It’s called the 【Qingnang Gourd】. They say it brings good luck and nourishes the body,” Tang Song explained softly, his voice gentle. “I hope it stays with you—no matter where you go.”
As he spoke, he touched the little gourd and tucked it into the snowy valley of her chest.
“You bstard!” Liu Qingning smacked him shyly, but her face couldn’t hide its delight.
The silver Mercedes S-Class slowly drove out from Yanjing Tiancheng’s underground parking lot, its wheels rolling across the damp pavement, splashing tiny droplets of water.
Inside the car, it was quiet and warm, with only soft music flowing in the air.
Liu Qingning sat in the front passenger seat, swinging her even-toned legs, softly humming a song.
“The most beautiful thing isn’t the rainy day, it’s the eaves we once sheltered under together… memories swinging like a child on a swing…”
She didn’t seem to have much sadness about leaving—instead, she looked cheerful and lighthearted.
The car slowly came to a stop in the airport parking lot.
The two got out, pulling the suitcase together into the airport hall.
Tang Song helped Liu Qingning check in and walked with her all the way to the security checkpoint.
Liu Qingning turned to him, her voice suddenly softer than ever before, “I’m off now, dummy Xiao Song. Take good care of yourself in Yan City—don’t overwork.”
“Mm. You too. Take care of yourself in Shenzhen. Work isn’t the most important thing,” Tang Song said gently, his eyes full of reluctance.
Liu Qingning nodded, lifted her suitcase, and headed toward the security area.
After a few steps, she suddenly stopped and turned back to him.
She looked at him stubbornly, her gaze fixed, and tears slowly welled up in her eyes—
like dewdrops in autumn, ready to fall at any moment.
Before Tang Song could say anything, Liu Qingning rose on her toes and kissed his lips—brief but intense.
Her figure gradually faded into the crowd, until it disappeared on the other side of the security gate.