novelraw Chapter 503: Dusk Falls, the Mid-Autumn Moon Rises
Chapter 503: Dusk Falls, the Mid-Autumn Moon Rises
In the warm and quiet office area,
Cheng Qiuqiu sat next to Yao Lingling, patiently explaining some of the company's processes: “These licensed design software programs can be handled directly through HR, but if you want to buy them yourself first, you’ll need to submit for reimbursement later. Payments are processed on the 25th of each month.”
“Then I’ll just buy them myself first—it’ll be faster that way. The reimbursement doesn’t sound complicated anyway.”
“Your department doesn’t have any other supervisors right now. As long as it’s approved by President Gao and Finance, it’s easy.”
At this, Yao Lingling looked up and asked curiously, “By the way, Qiuqiu, who are the top executives in our company?”
“There are mainly two right now—President Tang and President Gao.” Cheng Qiuqiu paused, “President Gao is the senior from my university that I share a place with. She’s also a shareholder and the Executive Vice President.”
“Huh?! No way!” Yao Lingling’s eyes lit up instantly. She lightly wrapped her arm around Qiuqiu’s shoulder and teased in a hushed, playful tone, “Doesn’t that mean we can just do whatever we want around here? Haha!”
Cheng Qiuqiu frowned slightly and looked at her seriously. “Lingling, we both got in through connections, so we should be even more mindful of our image. We can’t bring shame to President Tang or President Gao.”
“Okay okay, I was joking, don’t take it so seriously.” Yao Lingling quickly waved her hands, a bit embarrassed.
Qiuqiu’s personality—this was a first for her.While they chatted, Yao Lingling quickly activated all her go-to design software and tidied up her desktop until everything was neat and organized.
Looking at her freshly arranged workspace, a satisfied smile appeared on her face.
She immediately whipped out her phone and took a bunch of classy-looking photos to share in the group chat, instantly sparking a wave of envy and teasing from Zhang Jiahong and Li Shumin.
Strictly speaking in terms of office environment and location, Huashang Fashion’s campus really couldn’t compare to Yunxi Tower.
More importantly, here she had direct access to Senior Tang Song.
Ever since she found out that Tang Song was also the chairman of Huashang Fashion that day—
Zhang Jiahong and Li Shumin had been dreaming of joining her at Songmei Fashion, but unfortunately, there was only one spot, and their senior gave it to her.
Thinking of this, Yao Lingling bit her lip happily.
Even among junior classmates, there are levels of closeness.
This kind of special treatment from her secret crush gave her a deep sense of satisfaction and secret delight.
Soon after, Yao Lingling perked up and quickly shifted into a productive work mode,
Starting a discussion with Qiuqiu about He Yiyi’s brand tone and design style.
They were both in design.
Though one focused on visual design and the other on fashion design,
They served the same audience, and their design aesthetics needed to align.
Thanks to her excellent communication skills and having already watched some of He Yiyi’s live streams and short videos, Yao Lingling’s ideas became increasingly clear.
She jotted down key points quickly while exchanging opinions with Cheng Qiuqiu.
Their discussion lasted a while, and their teamwork was incredibly smooth.
Despite their very different personalities, they surprisingly found common ground in their professional work.
After a bit, Bi Hongzhu checked the time and suggested, “It’s almost lunchtime—why don’t you two ask President Tang to join you for a meal?”
Cheng Qiuqiu’s rosy lips moved slightly, but in the end, she shook her head. “I brought my lunch. You guys go ahead.”
She didn’t know what was wrong with her—whenever she had a free moment, her mind kept drifting back to him.
This morning, she had even impulsively bought a roujiamo and coffee, just to find an excuse to talk to him a bit more.
It was something she’d never done in her 22 years of life—foreign and unnerving.
To stop herself from acting out of line again, she figured it was better to hold back.
“What? You brought lunch? Alright then, we’ll eat together tonight. You helped me so much this morning—I have to treat you to at least one meal.”
“Mm.”
“Then I’m heading out first. I haven’t seen the president’s office yet—I gotta go take a peek.” Yao Lingling chuckled softly and left with a spring in her step.
Cheng Qiuqiu lowered her head and resumed her design work.
But she just couldn’t focus—her eyes kept drifting toward the corridor.
After five or six minutes, two familiar figures appeared at the far end of the hallway.
Tang Song and Yao Lingling were walking side by side, chatting and laughing in a friendly, relaxed way.
Cheng Qiuqiu’s mood sank lower and lower. Even though this was her choice, it still felt like she’d been left behind.
She stared at her screen, trying to focus, but her fingers just wouldn’t move.
At that moment, Tang Song’s voice came from beside her: “Qiuqiu.”
Cheng Qiuqiu jerked her head up and looked at him.
“Come on, let’s go eat.” His voice was gentle and natural.
Cheng Qiuqiu opened her mouth, wanting to make up an excuse, but when the words reached her lips, she couldn’t say them.
Her legs seemed to move on their own. She stood up and silently walked to his side.
......
A little after 1 p.m.,
The three of them returned to Yunxi Tower.
Yao Lingling walked in front, tossing back a few playful remarks from time to time.
Cheng Qiuqiu quietly followed behind, occasionally responding, but mostly just listening—or rather, spacing out while staring at Tang Song’s back.
At the door,
Yao Lingling stopped and turned around with a cheeky grin, “Bye-bye, President Tang, we’re heading back to work. You rest up, and if you need someone to bring tea or give you a foot massage, just call me anytime.”
Tang Song raised an eyebrow, “Sure. My legs actually feel a little sore right now. Come on in.”
“Hey hey hey, I’ll take that seriously! Gotta milk some perks from President Tang.”
They bantered back and forth a bit, the atmosphere light and easy.
Lingling linked arms with Qiuqiu, laughing as they turned to leave.
The two were about the same height—one had the classic manga figure, slim and long-limbed, with elegant curves,
The other had the “innate gym body,” a textbook pear shape—narrow waist, thick thighs, and a big butt.
Standing together, they were quite a sight.
Of course, what Tang Song was more hopeful for was that Lingling, with her high energy, could influence Qiuqiu and help her release her “darkness” soon.
That way, the Dream Seed could blossom and bear fruit.
As soon as he got back to the president’s office, his phone started ringing.
Tang Song pulled it out and glanced at the screen, raising his brows slightly.
That ultra-busy lady CEO of his, who’d been MIA lately, had finally decided to reach out.
Tang Song’s lips curled into a meaningful smile. He picked up the call and deliberately lowered his voice: “Hello?”
“Hi, Xiao Song.” A familiar voice came through the receiver, both affectionate and cautious.
“Who’s this?”
After a brief silence, Xie Shuyu’s voice came again, filled with guilt. “I’ve been busy with the renovations and hiring for the Deep City branch, just totally swamped. I only just saw the message you sent last night...”
“I know you’re busy, President Xie. I’ll try not to bother you in the future.”
Xie Shuyu’s voice instantly turned anxious. “I was in meetings till late last night and crashed as soon as I got back to the hotel. I’ll be back in Quancheng for Mid-Autumn, though it’ll be in the evening. But I’ll be staying for a few days. Also... I’d like to see you.”
“I’ve got a packed schedule over the break—might not have time. Let’s talk later.”
"Okay." Xie Shuyu paused, her voice unusually soft and pleading, "It was my fault. Will you forgive me?"
Hearing her take the initiative to apologize and ask for forgiveness, Tang Song’s heart instantly softened. “Alright, I’ll forgive you this time. But...”
“But what?”
“Send me a picture right now.” Tang Song chuckled, his tone lightening up again.
Xie Shuyu froze for a moment and replied softly, “Alright.”
He hung up and waited for a while.
Bzzz Bzzz Bzzz— the phone buzzed.
[Shuyu: photo.jpg]
He opened the photo—on the screen appeared the elegant and composed female CEO in professional attire, though she looked a bit tired.
They chatted a little more, and he asked about her health.
Leaning back in his chair, Tang Song gazed out at the city through the window and sighed helplessly.
The more time he spent with her, the more he understood what kind of person Xie Shuyu was.
She truly was an exceptionally capable and focused woman, but exactly because of that, she wasn’t cut out for a traditional marriage.
When she’d said she didn’t want to get married, she had clearly thought it through.
Once this CEO dove into work, she turned into a well-oiled machine, completely oblivious to the passing of time.
Of course, there was no denying that her professional capabilities were terrifyingly strong.
In just over a month, the company’s organizational restructuring had been completed, and ten new stores of various types had opened in Yancheng.
Flagship stores in the capital, Shanghai, and Deep City had all been selected and were entering the final renovation stage.
With the National Day holiday just around the corner, it was the perfect time to take her out, help her relax a little—
And maybe try to break through the emotional bottleneck between them.
5:30 p.m.
As the boss, Tang Song left work half an hour early, kicking off his eight-day long holiday.
He strolled cheerfully toward the parking lot. A black Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly pulled out of the underground garage at Yunxi Tower and merged into the city’s heavy traffic.
Stop-and-go the whole way.
Almost thirty minutes later, he finally arrived outside the east gate of the Oasis Garden residential complex.
Getting out of the car, Tang Song retrieved the prepared gift from the trunk. After walking a few steps down the sidewalk, he spotted Wen Ruan waiting by the roadside.
She was wearing a dark brown cropped trench coat paired with a turtleneck base layer, and a matching midi skirt on the bottom.
The outfit hugged her tall and curvy frame perfectly, showcasing every bit of her stunning figure.
Broad shoulders, a slender waist, and full hips—every inch of her radiated mature feminine charm, both elegant and sexy.
The sunset spilled across the street, casting a warm orange glow around her silhouette.
Her soft, wavy, dark brown hair fell loosely over her shoulders, swaying gently in the wind—lazy and alluring.
“You’re finally here.” Wen Ruan smiled faintly, teasing in her tone, “I waited ten minutes, and three senior guys already tried to hit on me.”
Tang Song approached her, his eyes slowly scanning her from head to toe.
Even wrapped in autumn wear, this older sister still exuded sultry allure—but now with a bit more boldness and ease.
His face broke into a bright smile. After putting down the gift, he suddenly stepped forward and scooped her up by the waist!
“Ahh!” Wen Ruan cried out in surprise, her purse falling to the ground.
A moment later, her back and knees were firmly supported.
Her vision spun.
Tang Song, carrying her in a bridal lift, began spinning slowly in place outside the residential gate.
“Hey! Put me down! That’s dangerous!” Wen Ruan yelled in a panic, instinctively clutching his shoulders.
But Tang Song ignored her and laughed, carefree and delighted, “Nope!”
“This is the main gate! People are coming and going—so many neighbors around!”
Tang Song raised his brows slightly, “Let them look, you’re mine anyway.”
Wen Ruan pounded his shoulder, but couldn’t help laughing too. His youthful energy was infectious.
Their eyes met mid-spin.
Dusk settled in. Orange-red light filtered through buildings and trees, scattering fragmented, dappled shadows across them.
The crispness of early autumn filled the air—clean, refreshing, and soul-soothing.
A breeze blew by. Phoenix tree leaves swirled and danced down onto the two of them—beautiful and romantic.
Passersby couldn’t help but slow their steps, admiring the scene.
An older gentleman, familiar with Wen Ruan, peeked out of the security booth grinning, raising his thermos cheerfully.
The spinning slowly stopped.
“Did you dress up so pretty today just to welcome me?”
“Pfft, so full of yourself. I look pretty every day.” Wen Ruan gave him a sultry glare, “Now put me down—your sister is kind of a local celeb here in Oasis Garden, y’know? Don’t I get to keep some dignity?”
She wasn’t joking.
This place wasn’t far from her old village, and many former neighbors had bought homes nearby.
With her current status, reputation, and beauty, she was well-known around here.
Tang Song lowered his head slightly, looking at her with a playful smile, “Still so stubborn? Kiss me and I’ll let you down.”
“You little brat!” Wen Ruan bit her moist lips, wrapped her arms around his neck, tilted her head up, and kissed him.
Very quickly, her lips were met with a deep kiss.
Her watery eyes slowly closed as she melted into his love and possessiveness.
Ding— the elevator stopped at the 17th floor.
Wen Ruan opened the door and led Tang Song inside.
Right after, a warm and lively greeting rang out.
“Finally! Tang Song, come in, these are your slippers.”
“Little Tang’s here! Come on in and have a seat!”
Tang Song smiled and bent slightly at the waist, “Uncle, Auntie, good evening. Sorry for intruding.”
“Aiyo, what are you saying? Coming here is like coming home!” Qian Guixiang grabbed Tang Song’s arm, eyes full of joy.
Though nothing had been officially said, she clearly already considered Tang Song part of the family.
After some polite small talk,
Wen Ruan led Tang Song to wash his hands, then took off his jacket and hung it in her bedroom closet.
Soon, the four of them sat down at the dining table.
The table was full of home-cooked dishes made by Wen Ruan’s mother.
Steamed pork belly, dry-fried green beans, braised pork, sweet and sour ribs...
There was meat, there were veggies, hot and cold dishes—a full spread.
At the table,
Wen Ruan was graceful and attentive, constantly serving Tang Song food and soup. From time to time, she’d introduce his job and hobbies to her parents—she’d clearly done her homework.
Her every move exuded the charm of a well-raised young lady.
With her smoothing the way, there wasn’t the slightest awkwardness between the families—the mood was warm and cheerful.
Tang Song had a great appetite and polished off three big bowls of rice in one go.
Qian Guixiang was grinning from ear to ear.
Tang Song laughed and complimented, “Auntie, your cooking is amazing. If Ruan Ruan could cook half as well as you, I’d be in heaven.”
“Haha, I’ll make sure to push Ruan Ruan to learn a few of your favorite dishes next time. She’s just always worried about the oil and smoke affecting her skin, but honestly, she picks things up really fast.”
Just as Tang Song was about to say something else, he suddenly felt a light nudge from a soft foot under the table.
He turned to the side and saw big sis Wen beckoning him.
Tang Song obediently leaned in.
Wen Ruan brought her lips close to his ear, her expression calm as ever, and whispered so only the two of them could hear, “But… I’m good at cooking noodles, right?”
Right after, her hand lightly slid across his thigh.
Tang Song’s eye twitched slightly. He glanced at the elders across the table, then at the elegant, composed big sister sitting beside him,
His whole body froze.
Was this really the place for such a conversation?
Without hesitation, Tang Song’s large hand slipped under the tablecloth and rested boldly on her thigh.
Wen Ruan bit her lip and continued eating as if nothing had happened.
After dinner, the two of them used moon-gazing as an excuse and headed downstairs.
They strolled slowly along the paved path inside the residential complex.
The streetlights cast a soft glow, illuminating Wen Ruan’s tall figure. Her trench coat swayed gently with each step, giving her an air of effortless grace.
They chatted casually about random things along the way.
At one point, Tang Song cracked a teasing joke that seemed to annoy Wen Ruan, and she darted off into a small grove in the northeast corner of the complex.
With the trees shading the area, everything dimmed into a soft, hazy darkness.
By the time Tang Song caught up—
Wen Ruan had already undone the buttons of her trench coat, smiling playfully at him.
Her posture was relaxed and captivating, legs crossed as they brushed lightly against each other. She seemed nonchalant under his gaze, yet there was a clear hint of teasing.
She was mesmerizing.
Feeling the warmth and subtle fragrance from her, Tang Song’s heartbeat began to race.
“Ruan Ruan, what are you doing?”
Wen Ruan stepped closer and lightly tapped his chest, her voice laced with mock reproach, “What’s with you suddenly acting all proper? You weren’t exactly shy under the dinner table, you know.”
Before she finished, she leaned in and bit his neck gently.
Facing her now so close, Tang Song took a deep breath as his hands began to roam freely.
Unlike Xiao Jing, Wen Ruan wasn’t overly bold.
She just let him indulge a little—finishing what was left unsaid at dinner.
A few minutes passed.
Wen Ruan gave him another playful nip, then gracefully did up her coat buttons and walked out of the grove, her steps light and rhythmic.
The sound of her footsteps echoed gently in the quiet night, like a dance.
The breeze lifted loose strands of her hair.
Moonlight and lamplight shimmered on her locks, casting a soft, dreamlike glow.
Tang Song was suddenly reminded of that night a few months ago at Yanjing Tiancheng. A similar setting—
That time, she had been crying and shouting, “Why can’t you even lie to me properly?”
But now, this older sister surely felt much happier, right?
After just a few steps, Wen Ruan noticed Tang Song standing still and staring at her in a daze.
She burst out laughing and twirled back toward him, “Do I look pretty?”
“You do. Very,” Tang Song replied in a low, tender voice.
Wen Ruan immediately beamed with a satisfied, joyful smile and threw him a charming wink.
The night framed her figure.
At thirty, her eyes still sparkled like a teenager’s.
Tang Song reached out and gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Then he hugged her tightly, breathing in the fragrance of her hair, his heart filling with warmth.
Wen Ruan’s gaze softened, and her body gradually relaxed into his arms.
The autumn breeze rustled the plane tree leaves above them.
The scent of osmanthus in the air mingled quietly with the sound of their breath.
...
Back upstairs, Wen Ruan pulled Tang Song over to the sofa to sit and chat with her parents.
Qian Guixiang brought out a treasured photo album, flipping through pictures that captured Wen Ruan’s childhood—
Running around the yard in pigtails, school photos from middle school, and confident snapshots from high school performances...
Laughter filled the room, the atmosphere warm and relaxed.
It wasn’t until nearly 9:30 p.m. that Wen Ruan managed to “kidnap” Tang Song into her room,
Saying she wanted him to watch a movie with her while they played Honor of Kings.
The time slipped past 10 p.m.
They each took turns in the bathroom to wash up.
When Tang Song came back into the bedroom, Wen Ruan had her back to him, tying up her ponytail.
Sensing movement, she turned and gave him a playful glance while finishing up her hair.
Under the warm lights, her white top stretched just enough to outline her curves, and its hem barely covered the edge of her shorts.
Her long, pale legs shimmered with a pearly glow, and the exposed curve of her neck added a touch of youthful energy.
Noticing his gaze, Wen Ruan walked over with a confident, graceful stride, a mischievous smile on her lips.
“So? Do I look like your little white moonlight? E-cup, high ponytail—your type?”
She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, deliberately putting on a naive expression and looked up at him.
Tang Song’s throat moved slightly, his voice honest, “I like it.”
Big sister really knew how to keep things interesting. He knew full well she wasn’t wearing anything underneath.
How was he supposed to hold back now?
He had no intention of getting carried away at her parents’ place—but clearly, she was the one testing boundaries now. Follow current novels on novelFɪre.net
Wen Ruan pressed her legs together and leaned in close, her voice low and sultry. Though the words she murmured were bold, they came out with a playful, teasing charm.
Tang Song took a deep breath. “Ruan Ruan... isn’t this a bit inappropriate here?”
“What, you can’t handle it? I thought you liked confident women,” she said with a smile, standing tall and proud. “I don’t go for guys who beat around the bush.”
The way she carried herself—elegance with just a touch of danger—was utterly irresistible.
Tang Song felt his mind go blank, overcome with one powerful instinct.
“Hey! Ow!” Wen Ruan yelped, suddenly losing control.
“Stop! What are you doing?!”
“Where’d you learn to be this bad, huh?”
The bed squeaked in protest under the movement.
Soon, the two of them rolled right off and onto the carpet beside it.
Outside, the leaves of the plane tree rustled loudly. Autumn’s chill filled the air.
The full Mid-Autumn moon hung in the sky, its light pouring through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over their entangled shadows—
Intertwining and parting again under the warm glow of the bedside lamp.