novelraw Chapter 496: Old Classmates in Modu
Chapter 496: Old Classmates in Modu
The soft morning light filtered through the white gauze curtains and seeped into the bedroom.
Tang Song’s eyelids twitched slightly as his consciousness slowly emerged from sleep.
His palm rested on a patch of warm, smooth skin, while his nose was filled with a cool and delicate fragrance.
Opening his eyes, the blurry vision gradually came into focus—a scene he couldn’t tear his gaze away from.
Zhao Yaqian was curled up in his arms, sleeping soundly.
Her fair cheeks held a soft flush, her thick lashes fluttered gently with each breath, and her lips were slightly swollen.
On the other side, Lin Muxue lay half on his chest, her chestnut brown hair cascading down like a waterfall. One long leg was casually draped over his knee, her figure outlined by the warm light in a temptingly graceful curve.
The morning glow traced across their smooth skin, revealing faint kiss marks, scratches, and slaps left over from last night’s intensity.
The entire room was enveloped in a lazy, intoxicating atmosphere, as if time itself had come to a standstill.
Tang Song tried to pull his hand out, only to provoke a dissatisfied whimper.He gently soothed them a bit, then sat up in bed and glanced at the time—6:50.
Rubbing his forehead, Tang Song let out a quiet breath.
After last night’s short yet intense “basketball match,” they had moved to the media room to play some games, and then immediately launched into round two.
Just thinking about it now still made his head spin.
In the end, he had to use one of his precious 【Stamina Recovery Potions】 to secure a win and save face.
Nowadays, both the beautician and the fake socialite had become very active and skillful players under his guidance.
Since forming a CP, the two no longer attacked each other—instead, their combined strength had already surpassed fitness influencer Wen Ruan, becoming quite a challenge for Tang Song. Check latest chapters at novel·fıre·net
Looks like he needed to keep strengthening his kidneys!
Tang Song rolled over and was just about to get out of bed.
The beautician let out a soft hum, opened her misty eyes, gave a sleepy giggle, and said in a syrupy voice, “Morning, Song-ge... what time is it?”
“Not even seven.” Tang Song bent down and kissed her cheek, breathing in the crisp fragrance on her body—it instantly went to his head.
From the bed came soft rustling, accompanied by the beautician’s subconscious hums.
A light morning workout concluded.
Tang Song got out of bed and walked into the bathroom.
Given last night’s exertion and significant stamina depletion, he wasn’t in the mood for any morning exercises.
He unlocked his phone and noticed a new unread message:
【Lingling: “o**o Today is September 26th, overcast, 17~26°C, crisp autumn weather, outfit suggestion as follows.....”】
【Lingling: “Senior, I forgot to tell you, I’ll be officially handling my resignation paperwork at the company this morning. Minmin finished hers last Friday. Let’s get together for a meal sometime when you’re free.”】
Seeing the message, Tang Song raised an eyebrow—he’d almost forgotten about the junior.
Today was the day of the Huashang Fashion shareholders' meeting,
Which also meant he would officially take over Huashang Fashion and open up Somay’s apparel manufacturing supply chain.
He YiYi’s fashion line would soon begin development.
In the early stages, the core would still be Huashang’s design team. Yao Lingling, as his designer, would be in charge of directing the design direction and aligning with their needs.
In addition, there was Li Shumin.
He had promised to help her find a job. Since he was heading to Huashang Fashion for the meeting today anyway, he might as well have her report in.
With her and Zhang Jiahong inside, they could also act as his “internal agents,” observing whether Huashang’s employees were taking their collaboration with Somay seriously.
For him, everything was about fulfilling the 【Growth Plan Missions】!
Thinking it over, Tang Song smiled and replied on WeChat:
“Lingling, how’s your fitness lately? Haven’t been slacking off, right? I haven’t seen you post any photos in a while.”
…
Xingchen Huayuan Residential Complex.
Ding-dong— The WeChat alert sounded, and the phone screen on the coffee table lit up.
“Was that a message from Senior Tang Song? Let me see!” Li Shumin, who had been sneakily observing, rushed over.
Yao Lingling quickly picked up the phone and raised it. “No peeking at our chat.”
Li Shumin hugged her waist and pouted, “Aww c’mon, let me see! I’m dying of curiosity here!”
Since quitting Shangya, Li Shumin had been happy about the generous severance package, but watching everyone else busy with work had made her start to feel anxious.
Although Lingling had mentioned that Lin Muxue would help with her job, nothing was confirmed yet. She could only hint subtly at Lingling to bring it up to Senior Tang Song.
Yao Lingling had no choice but to unlock the phone.
Soon, a somewhat flirty WeChat message popped up.
Yao Lingling’s cheeks flushed as her eyes sparkled—clearly shy and delighted.
Li Shumin smacked her lips and said with a worried tone, “What if Senior forgets about me, huh? Lingling, should I give him a gift or something?”
“Pfft, what kind of person do you think he is?” Yao Lingling smacked her playfully. “C’mon, take a picture of me. Once I finish my resignation stuff, I’ll tell Sister Xiaoxue.”
“Yesss! Got it!” Li Shumin immediately perked up and took the phone, hopping back a bit.
She opened the camera, adjusted the focus and lighting, turned on beauty filters, and began directing Lingling’s poses.
“Come on! Chin up, chest out!”
“Ahem, wait—scratch that. Don’t stick your chest out, stick your big peach out!”
“You dumb Minmin! Can you speak properly? You’re the one with the big peach!”
“Okay okay, my bad. Just pop that butt out then, haha!”
Click—click—
After a round of giggles and joking around,
Yao Lingling picked the photo she liked best and sent it to Tang Song.
Bzzzz bzzz—
【Tang Song: Crazy Likes.GIF】
Seeing the cute reaction image from Tang Song, Yao Lingling smiled and swayed happily.
Li Shumin seized the moment and said, “Lingling, since Senior is in such a good mood, why not ask him about our jobs now? Maybe we can get in at Huashang Fashion like Jiahong did.”
Zhang Jiahong, who had just come out of the kitchen, hesitated for a moment before speaking up:
“Minmin should be okay. Assistant Designer or Design Assistant aren’t core roles—easy to slot in. But I’m a bit worried about Lingling. Our department’s designer spots are already full. Each person’s got their own product line, and there might even be layoffs...”
Having worked at Huashang Fashion for a while now, Zhang Jiahong had gradually integrated into the workplace and learned more about the company's situation.
Their 2023 performance had dropped significantly year over year. Most of their private-label product lines were running at a loss, and there were even rumors last week about cutting a few designers.
Hearing this, both Yao Lingling and Li Shumin fell quiet.
After a moment of silence, Yao Lingling shook her head. “It’s okay. I’ve got some decent achievements under my belt. Even if I leave, it won’t be hard for me to find another job.”
There were a lot of things she hadn’t told her two roommates—like Lin Muxue’s special status.
Given her performance at the fashion expo, there was no doubt she could help solve their job issues.
But she didn’t want to make things difficult for Tang Song. More than that, she wanted to prove herself through her own effort—so that her senior would grow more and more fond of her.
“But... big companies all want experience, and small ones are so unreliable.” Jiahong had just begun analyzing again when suddenly, the WeChat video call ringtone rang out.
Li Shumin gasped, “It’s Senior Tang Song! And it’s a video call!”
“I’m answering it!”
Li Shumin and Zhang Jiahong instantly huddled over. Yao Lingling tried to push them away, but when that didn’t work, she could only glare at them angrily.
She picked up the call.
On screen appeared a ridiculously handsome face.
All three girls felt their cheeks heat up.
So early in the day, and in this dry autumn weather, seeing this kind of senior was enough to make them want to nosebleed.
“Hey, good morning, Senior,” Yao Lingling adjusted the camera angle to make herself look better.
“Morning, Lingling.” Tang Song’s pleasant voice came through the speaker. “Had breakfast yet?”
“Not yet, but Jiahong’s already cooking. We’ll eat soon.”
After a bit of small talk, Tang Song said, “I called because I wanted to talk to you about your and Minmin’s job situation.”
Upon hearing that, Li Shumin’s eyes lit up as she leaned half her face into the frame. “Senior, I’m here! Ready for your instructions anytime!”
Tang Song chuckled. “The Mid-Autumn and National Day holidays are coming up. I want to get your stuff settled before then, so you don’t overthink.”
Yao Lingling quickly said, “Sorry to trouble you, Senior. Thank you so much.”
“No need to be polite.” Tang Song paused, then asked, “Minmin, would you like to join Huashang Fashion? Same department and role Jiahong’s in now.”
“Yes!” Li Shumin nodded vigorously, then realized she sounded too eager and said more softly, “I’ll follow your lead, Senior. Wherever you say, I’ll go.”
“Great. Just head to HR around 9 this morning and let Jiahong take you. No need for an interview.”
Li Shumin’s eyes went wide. “Huh? No interview?”
“Nope. Last time we went around it because we thought Jiahong might refuse. But if you’re okay with it, just bring your documents and go sign in. I’ll give them a heads-up.”
“Thank you, dear Senior! Thank you, dear Senior! You’re seriously awesome!”
She stood in front of the screen and bowed repeatedly in gratitude.
After a round of cheerful banter,
Tang Song turned back to Yao Lingling. “Lingling, I know you really want to work with them, but right now...”
Before he could finish, Yao Lingling quickly waved him off. “Senior, don’t worry about me. I can find a job on my own. I’ve already talked with a few fashion companies on Boss Zhipin—I’ll get an offer soon!”
“Oh?” Tang Song raised his eyebrows. “So, you’re saying you’re turning me down?”
“Huh? Turning you down?” Yao Lingling was stunned, then hurriedly explained, “No, no! That’s not what I meant! I just don’t want to trouble you.”
Tang Song smiled. “Well, I actually have an offer ready for you too. Interested?”
Yao Lingling blinked blankly. “What do you mean, Senior?”
Tang Song cleared his throat, sat up straighter, and said seriously, “Miss Yao Lingling, hello. I’m Tang Song, CEO of Somay Fashion. Our company is focused on livestream e-commerce. Business has stabilized, and now we plan to create our own women’s fashion brand...”
As he went on with a confident tone, the three girls’ eyes grew wider and wider.
When they first met Tang Song on Xiaohongshu, he had described himself as a programmer. Later, he mentioned something about livestream business, and they’d assumed he was handling tech stuff—
Who knew he was selling clothes.
And apparently doing quite well. Well enough to launch his own brand.
After he finished, Tang Song looked at her and asked, “Now I’d like to invite you to be the first core designer of our new brand. Your main job will be coordinating with our manufacturer, Huashang Fashion. What do you think, Lingling? Want to give it a shot?”
“Yes!” Yao Lingling shouted, her cheeks flushed with excitement. “I’d love to! When can I start?”
Looking at the face she’d been dreaming about day and night, Yao Lingling felt her heart about to leap out of her chest.
Working in the same company as Tang Song, doing the fashion design she loved, and helping him grow his business...
This job was basically custom-tailored for her!
So freaking awesome! Not even in her wildest dreams!
“Lingling, be more reserved,” Zhang Jiahong nudged her with a laugh. “Anyone watching this might think you just accepted his marriage proposal.”
Tang Song couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Yao Lingling blushed and playfully pushed at her roommates, unable to wipe the smile off her face.
After a good while,
Tang Song cleared his throat and added, “Lingling, aren’t you handling your resignation this morning? After that, swing by Huashang Fashion too. I’ll be there. I’ll introduce you to the designers and treat you to lunch.”
Yao Lingling nodded immediately. “Okay, Senior, see you this afternoon!”
“Alright, I’m off to eat too. Bye.”
“Bye.” “Bye, Senior.”
Once the video call ended, the living room erupted in joyful laughter and chatter.
The uneasiness in Yao Lingling’s heart completely vanished as she began fantasizing about the wonderful work life she’d soon have with Tang Song.
She had already completed all the resignation formalities the day before. Today, she just needed to sign off and return her office supplies and access cards.
After breakfast, she agreed on a time and place to meet up with the girls.
Yao Lingling, brimming with excitement, packed up and headed straight for Shangya Fashion on her little scooter.
9 a.m.
The sound of leather shoes and high heels echoed through the empty hallway.
Tang Song and Lin Muxue stepped out of the high-rise apartment at Yanjing Tiancheng, took the elevator straight to B1, and climbed into the waiting Rolls-Royce Phantom.
It was, after all, an official occasion—and after a night of pampering,
Lin Muxue was fully in her glamorous assistant mode, looking fresh and radiant.
She was in top form, dressed in a perfectly tailored business suit, wearing heels, her expression confident and composed. She looked sharp and elegant.
Of course, there was another reason: today was the shareholders’ meeting—an opportunity to show off and slap some faces, including those of He Jingping and his son.
For Lin Muxue, this was practically her area of expertise. She’d never had a chance to “show off and slap faces” at an event like this before, so she was totally hyped.
The car slowly rolled out of the parking garage and merged into the busy traffic.
Tang Song leaned back in the rear seat, gazing out at the swiftly passing scenery. His fingers tapped rhythmically on his knee as a thoughtful glint appeared in his eyes.
Next, he would first head to Rongliu Capital to meet with his investment team and lawyers,
Then they’d head together to Huashang Fashion for the shareholders’ meeting.
They would update the shareholder registry, raise interim proposals, restructure the board, and finalize the new product line collaboration.
For him, this wasn’t just a test of his abilities—it was a key step in his long-term plans.
His ongoing “battle” with He Jingping was about to see a milestone victory.
Thinking of this, his gaze sharpened and a slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Ding-dong—
The WeChat notification broke the quiet inside the car.
Tang Song pulled out his phone and lit up the screen. A new friend request had popped up.
The nickname was 【Yuki】, and the profile picture was a real ID photo—very familiar-looking.
The request message was simple and to the point:
“Hi Tang Song, I’m Sun Jiayue.”
“Sun Jiayue?” Tang Song murmured, a flicker of recognition crossing his face.
She was a high school classmate, and also a friend of Liu Qingning’s dormmate.
In his memories of 2016, her figure had appeared multiple times.
Back then, thanks to Liu Qingning, their interactions were fairly frequent.
But after Sun Jiayue got into Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, and he himself entered the "dream state" and split from his white moonlight,
They had lost contact for years—weren’t even WeChat friends anymore.
He heard that she later joined a financial firm in Shanghai with excellent grades, and currently worked in the fundraising department.
But beyond that, he knew next to nothing about her life in recent years.
Even Liu Qingning hadn’t spoken to her in quite a while—their relationship was no longer as close as before.
He accepted the friend request.
【Sun Jiayue: “Hello, Tang Song, long time no see. I was chatting with Qingning today and she gave me your WeChat. Said you’ll be in Shanghai during the National Day holiday? Let me know when you’re here—we can catch up and grab a meal.”】
【Tang Song: “Sure, no problem.”】
After that, the two exchanged a few words about recent life.
【Sun Jiayue: “Alright, that’s all for now. I just got to the office—gotta get busy. Bye-bye.”】
Putting down his phone, Tang Song’s eyes gleamed faintly, as if he’d caught on to White Moonlight’s little scheme.
When Liu Qingning had visited him in Yancheng last time, she mentioned that Sun Jiayue had become “a bit too pragmatic” ever since getting into the finance world.
After learning that he had cashed out nearly 40 million from Century Zhizi, her attitude had suddenly turned extremely warm,
She’d even hinted, in a roundabout way, at her opinion on his relationship with Liu Qingning.
Now, for Qingning to specifically ask Sun Jiayue to add him on WeChat and share his travel plans—
She was probably trying to teach her a little lesson?
Tang Song shook his head with a soft chuckle and slipped the phone back into his pocket.
For him, this trip to Shanghai was packed with responsibilities.
A date with Annie, checking in on Su Yu, investing in YiMai Tech…
Every item required careful planning.
As for this old classmate, Sun Jiayue—just a bit of nostalgic reminiscing.
That said, he really did need a new assistant—one who understood business and investment.
Xiaoxue was great for making a splash in public, but didn’t quite fit certain professional settings.
For some reason, the image of Shen Yuyan popped into Tang Song’s mind.
This campus belle had both the skill and savvy, with experience building a startup from scratch and raising capital. She had a solid relationship with him, too.
More importantly—she was beautiful.