novelraw Chapter 560: Evening Breeze, Champagne, and a Step Away
Chapter 560: Evening Breeze, Champagne, and a Step Away
Around 5 p.m.
Zhuxi Community.
A slow rock song was playing from the smart speaker in the living room.
Gao Mengting was half-reclining on the sofa, holding a hardcover novel in her hands, her expression focused yet relaxed.
This kind of quiet time had become a rare luxury for her.
Ever since she founded Songmei Apparel, her life had been consumed by work, leaving barely a moment to breathe.
At first, it was out of fear of letting down Tang Song's trust and expectations. She worked desperately hard, hoping the company would turn a profit quickly and get on the right track.
Then came expansion, refining the organizational structure, building "He Yiyi" into a core IP, and pushing toward brand-based operations...
Along the way, she never dared to stop.
Now, with branding finally in place and the company structure more refined, everything was heading in the right direction.Her work pressure had eased a lot.
Looking back on the past half year, she still found it surreal, almost unbelievable.
Now, Songmei Apparel's monthly sales exceeded 30 million yuan, with an estimated annual net profit close to 40 million yuan.
What did that mean? Using industry-standard valuation with a PE ratio of 15, the company was worth about 600 million yuan.
Add in the somewhat well-known "He Yiyi" IP and the company’s strong growth potential—
A conservative estimate would put the value at 800 million.
And her 20% stake was worth 160 million.
In other words, she had already become a billionaire.
Of course, she knew valuation was just a number on paper. Turning it into real money was another matter entirely.
But going from someone buried in debt and betrayed by her partners to where she stood now—
Anyone would be overwhelmed.
In truth, when no one was around, she had lost count of how many times she’d cried silently out of gratitude and excitement.
Success in her career hadn’t just changed her financial status—it had brought more grace and control to her life.
Lately, she’d started the process for a passport (planning to go to Iceland to see the aurora), bought a violin (planning to learn a new skill), and lent money to friends in need.
Everything seemed to be steadily moving toward her ideal self.
“Ding-dong—”
A crisp doorbell rang.
Gao Mengting put down the book in her hand and said, “Coming,” as she walked toward the door.
On the video doorbell screen appeared a face she knew all too well.
Her breath caught slightly.
She gripped the doorknob, opened the door, and asked calmly, “What are you doing here?”
Zhao Jingmin stood at the doorway. The moment she saw Gao Mengting, her eyes reddened.
She bit her lip and said in a low voice, “Mengting, I... can I come in to talk?”
Gao Mengting’s voice stayed steady. “You can say it right here. I can hear you.”
She still couldn’t let go of what happened with this former roommate and partner.
Back then, to help Zhao Jingmin and Shen Huijuan find jobs, she took them in—without asking them to invest a penny—and led them into livestream e-commerce.
In the end, they destroyed her most treasured “Meiting Clothing Store” with their own hands.
But more than the business failure, what crushed her was the betrayal of friendship and trust.
Tears welled up in Zhao Jingmin’s eyes. Her voice choked: “Mengting, I’m sorry... Back then it was Shen Huijuan who tricked me. She kept saying you were greedy and selfish, and took all the company’s money...”
Gao Mengting raised her hand to cut her off, eyes sharp as she looked at Zhao Jingmin. “We both know what really happened back then. Why are you here now? Just get to the point. I don’t have time to walk down memory lane with you.”
Zhao Jingmin wiped her tears and gritted her teeth. “Shen Huijuan is a deceitful b*tch. She and her boyfriend set me up...
As she continued, Gao Mengting gradually understood the rift between them.
Zhao Jingmin wasn’t very sharp. Simple-minded, lacking independent thinking—
Easily swayed by others.
Shen Huijuan had taken full advantage of that and convinced her to betray Gao Mengting.
After going off on their own, the two of them, plus Shen Huijuan’s boyfriend, started a new company.
At first, they barely held things together using the followers and traffic they’d built up.
But without Gao Mengting’s leadership in operations, management, and content planning, their weaknesses soon became apparent.
Sloppy content, messy product selections, poor pricing strategies, unstable partnerships...
The company began to spiral downward.
The most devastating issue was inventory buildup. Their cash flow couldn’t keep up.
With banks unwilling to lend to such a shaky company, Shen Huijuan and her boyfriend turned to a private lender.
They persuaded Zhao Jingmin to co-sign a 400,000 yuan loan in her name, promising to transfer her some shares.
In the end, the company still collapsed.
Zhao Jingmin only realized the full extent of the problem after a friend pointed out the financial irregularities.
When she confronted them, Shen Huijuan turned on her.
Around that time, she heard from other roommates about how successful Gao Mengting had become—
And how she’d been helping classmates in need.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, she swallowed her pride and came knocking.
“Mengting, I was so stupid back then, totally blind to the truth. I really didn’t mean to hurt you. Back in school, you always bought me meals. In the winter, you gave me a scarf, and you even got me birthday gifts...”
She got more emotional as she spoke, eventually breaking down in sobs.
Gao Mengting listened quietly and took a long breath.
What goes around comes around.
Seeing the ones who had pushed her into the abyss now sinking into the mud—
The pain and resentment that had weighed on her heart finally found release.
She looked at her former friend. “Zhao Jingmin, I’m not responsible for your mistakes. Especially after the way you treated me.
But I will give you some advice. Sue Shen Huijuan. Audit the books. Gather evidence. Charge her with embezzlement. You shouldn’t be the only one carrying this burden.”
Zhao Jingmin opened her mouth, wanting to say more.
But Gao Mengting suddenly smiled.
“Still, thanks for coming by today and telling me all this. I feel way better now. No joke—I definitely need a drink tonight to celebrate!”
“Boom—” The door slammed shut without hesitation.
Zhao Jingmin stood frozen at the entrance, face pale, body cold.
She didn’t know what to do.
A few minutes passed.
“Click—” The door opened again.
Gao Mengting had changed into a trench coat and held a Chanel handbag.
Zhao Jingmin’s heart leapt—hope flared again. With tearful eyes, she cried, “Mengting—”
Gao Mengting cheerfully cut her off. “Just remembered—I’m out of wine at home. Gotta run to the supermarket.”
With that, she pressed the elevator button.
“Ding—” The elevator doors slowly opened.
Gao Mengting reminded her, “Go on now. This isn’t your rental anymore. I’ve changed the locks. You should throw away that old access card too.”
Then she turned and walked into the elevator.
Zhao Jingmin bit her lip and instinctively followed.
They went downstairs one after the other.
In the spot right across, a black Mercedes blinked its lights and unlocked.
Gao Mengting walked to the car, turned, and smiled radiantly. “When your court date comes, don’t forget to let me know.”
Under the lights, she stood tall by the Mercedes, moving with confidence and flair.
Just like the ambitious roommate who once led her to fortune.
Zhao Jingmin pressed her parched lips together.
Regret gnawed at her, burning from the inside out.
At that moment—
“Vroom—”
A low, powerful engine roared in the distance.
Both women looked up instinctively.
From around the corner, a fiery red motorcycle tore through the twilight and came to a smooth stop in front of Gao Mengting.
It carried a wild, unrestrained energy.
The rider was a tall guy; behind him sat a curvy, sultry girl with her hands on his shoulders, leaning back slightly as if trying to maintain some distance.
The girl dismounted neatly, removed her helmet with slight nervousness, and a cascade of orange-brown hair spilled down.
With her head slightly lowered, she spoke softly, “Senior.”
“Qiuqiu?” Gao Mengting raised her brows, then looked at the guy—her face lit up with a bright smile.
The guy removed his helmet, revealing a sharp, handsome face.
His caramel turtleneck hugged his broad shoulders and slim waist, highlighting his sculpted proportions.
A breeze tousled his black hair, giving him a lazy, artsy vibe.
(Limited effect triggered)
As their eyes met, a blush spread across Gao Mengting’s cheeks, and her heartbeat quickened.
Like the first autumn leaf falling quietly into a lake.
She had always been a lover of all things artistic, and seeing Tang Song like this, she couldn’t take her eyes off him for a moment.
Beside her, Cheng Qiuqiu fiddled with her crossbody bag nervously, lowering her gaze, her expression uneasy—with a hint of guilt she couldn’t hide.
“Hello, Mengting. Surprised to see me?” Tang Song placed the helmet down and smiled as he stood in front of her.
Though he looked calm on the outside, inside he was a little panicked.
He’d been out with Qiuqiu all afternoon—only to run straight into his business partner as soon as he got back.
“Yeah, just a bit,” Gao Mengting replied lightly. “So how did you two end up together?”
“Ran into each other at the dealership. I was buying a bike, and she helped me check it out. Then we just headed back together.”
“I see.” Gao Mengting didn’t press further. Instead, she stepped forward and pinched his cheek, teasing, “That outfit really suits you. Looking sharp.”
Tang Song chuckled and gently pinched her cheek in return.
“You heading out?”
“Mm-hmm, I’m in a good mood today. Felt like having a little drink, so I’m heading to the supermarket to get some snacks and booze.” Gao Mengting raised her eyebrows, leaning forward slightly, eyes glinting with a smile. “Wanna come?”
“Of course. Let’s go. It’s been forever since we had a drink together.”
“Qiuqiu, wanna join us?”
Qiuqiu quickly shook her head. “No, thanks, Senior. I’ll head up and start making dinner. By the time you’re back, the food will be hot and ready.”
“Alright then, thanks for the hard work. Let’s go, Tang Song—get in.”
“Clunk—” The car door shut.
The Mercedes E300L started up slowly and rolled out of sight.
Zhao Jingmin looked at Qiuqiu, who was still standing there, and hesitated before asking, “Qiuqiu, who’s that guy?”
Qiuqiu had done freelance design work for Meiting Clothing Store before, and as a junior schoolmate, Zhao Jingmin naturally recognized her.
Cheng Qiuqiu replied softly, “Senior’s boyfriend. Also her business partner now.”
With that, she didn’t explain further. She turned and picked up the two helmets, then walked toward the apartment building.
Zhao Jingmin stood frozen, her lips trembling slightly.
Her chest felt like something heavy was pressing down on it, but there was no way to release the pressure.
…
Outside, it was pitch-black, but inside the apartment, the lights were warm and bright.
“Sizzle—”
Piping hot oil was poured over dried chili and Sichuan peppercorns, releasing a mouthwatering aroma.
“Okay! Last dish done—boiled sliced beef! How is it? Our Qiuqiu’s cooking isn’t bad, right?”
“It’s amazing. Who would’ve thought Qiuqiu’s a master chef.”
“No, no, it’s just regular home-style cooking.”
On the simple dining table in the living room, five dishes were neatly laid out.
Stir-fried pork with chili, boiled sliced beef, stir-fried lettuce with mushrooms, soy-braised beef, and a big mixed salad.
The hot dishes were all cooked by Qiuqiu herself. The other two cold dishes were bought ready-made from a nearby deli. Simple, but full of that cozy homemade vibe.
“Pop—” A light sound as Gao Mengting neatly popped open a bottle of champagne, froth bubbling up.
The amber liquid flowed smoothly into three glasses, catching a soft glow under the warm yellow light.
A faint fruity aroma mingled with the crisp scent of bubbles, subtly spreading through the room.
“Come on, cheers! To who we are now—and to this autumn.” Gao Mengting raised her glass, eyes sparkling.
“Cheers!”
The glasses clinked with a light, melodic chime.
The chilled drink flowed down their throats, bursting with fragrance on the tongue.
The Mid-Autumn night was crisp and cool.
The window was half-open, letting in a light breeze that mixed perfectly with the aromas of hot food and champagne.
The three sat around the dining table, eating, drinking, chatting, and laughing.
Even the usually quiet Qiuqiu was unusually cheerful, raising her glass several times.
Outside, the night deepened quietly. The second bottle of champagne was already half gone.
Both girls were a little tipsy now—faces flushed, eyes slightly glazed.
Qiuqiu’s usually icy, mature face now looked a little adorably dazed.
Gao Mengting leaned against Tang Song’s shoulder, talking about a movie she’d recently watched. Thɪs chapter is updated by N0veI.Fiɾe.net
Caught up in the moment, she suddenly tapped the table. “Qiuqiu, since the vibe is so good tonight, how about you play and sing us a song?”
Then she winked at Tang Song. “Our designer here is super talented—not just great at art. She can play guitar, bass, you name it. She’s awesome!”
Qiuqiu paused, her cheeks reddening. “No, not really. I’m just a hobbyist.”
Compared to Tang Song, who was a legit “pro,” she genuinely felt a little self-conscious.
Tang Song looked at his partner and smiled. “Well, I’m quite the musician myself. Want me to show off a little?”
Qiuqiu’s eyes lit up with excitement and joy.
She loved hearing Tang Song sing and play.
“Pfft—bragger.” Gao Mengting laughed, giving him a light tap, her gaze soft.
She remembered when their neighbor Liu Wenning had been playing music, and Tang Song had seemed clueless.
Back then, to protect his pride, she pretended not to notice.
But in truth, she had always admired guys who were multitalented.
“I’m serious,” Tang Song said with a teasing glint in his eye.
Gao Mengting tilted her head. “Can you play the violin? I just bought one recently, planning to teach myself.”
She purposely picked a less common instrument instead of saying “guitar”—a small act of care for Tang Song’s feelings.
At the word “violin,” Tang Song’s eyes gleamed with interest. “Of course.”
Honestly, ever since he acquired the skill, he’d never had a chance to try it out—his fingers were itching.
“Alright then! You said it—don’t blame me if you embarrass yourself later.”
Gao Mengting got up and floated into the bedroom.
Soon, she came out cradling a dark brown violin.
She carefully placed it in front of him. “Here you go, sir—please grace us with a performance.”
Amused by her playful tone, Tang Song chuckled softly and stood up.
He took the violin with calm ease and asked gently, with a pampering tone, “What do you want to hear?”
Gao Mengting blinked. “Por Una Cabeza—I love that piece. It’s in two of my favorite movies, Scent of a Woman and Schindler’s List. Can you play it?”
Tang Song didn’t reply. He lowered his gaze, turned his shoulder slightly, tucked the violin against his collarbone, and gently placed his long fingers on the bow.
In that instant, technique and memory surged into his mind like a flood.
His whole aura began to shift.
Combined with his outfit, he now exuded a strong artistic flair—completely captivating.
Qiuqiu stared at him without blinking, her heartbeat quickening.
Gao Mengting raised her eyebrows, a look of surprised awe on her face.
Just by appearance alone, he looked like the real deal—every bit a virtuoso.
The next second, the music began.
Notes flowed out, deep as the night and tinged with elegant sorrow—like a dancer stepping out of a movie frame, spinning and leaping under the light.
His left hand moved deftly along the fingerboard, his right guiding the bow with precise, emotive control.
Gao Mengting’s hand, once resting on the table, was now gently brushing along to the rhythm—her mouth slightly open in a daze.
Qiuqiu’s eyes sparkled like stars. She sat on a small stool, holding her breath so as not to disturb him.
As the melody deepened, Tang Song completely immersed himself in the performance.
He closed his eyes, swaying slightly, graceful and composed.
His bow moved like a sword—staccato, vibrato, glissando all seamlessly flowing together.
A breeze drifted through the window, lifting his hair.
The air around him filled with an aura of focus and romance, making Gao Mengting’s heart tremble.
Maybe she really was drunk.
She closed her eyes and began to sway gently with the music. A dreamy image formed in her mind—
She was wearing a floor-length gown. He was in a sharp suit. The two of them stood in the center of an empty dance floor, eyes closed, entwined in a slow, elegant dance.
Under the shifting light, they drifted close, then apart, their movements subtle yet full of tension.
A “Dance of Souls” slowly unfolded.
Flirtation, elegance, ambiguity, and restraint.
The distance between them was exactly like the song Por Una Cabeza.
So close, yet still far. So far, yet almost near.
Though their relationship was close and their partnership seamless, she always felt as if there were a thin veil hanging between them.
She couldn’t see through it, couldn’t touch it—but it was undeniably there.
The final notes faded. The living room fell into complete silence.
A few seconds later, Qiuqiu suddenly burst into applause—loud and genuine.
Tang Song gently set down the violin, slowly pulling himself out of performance mode.
Looking at his partner, who still had her eyes closed, he smiled, a hint of pride and anticipation in his tone. “So? Satisfied?”
Gao Mengting slowly opened her eyes, still looking a little dazed.
In a soft voice, she said, “You’re amazing... You really surprised me.”
A brilliant smile lit up Tang Song’s face, his eyes sparkling.
Looking at his expression, Gao Mengting tilted her head and smiled. “A full meal, all that champagne... It’s so warm in here. Want to take a walk?”
“Sounds perfect.” Tang Song nodded.
Gao Mengting slipped on her trench coat from the rack, her movements graceful and fluid.
Qiuqiu quickly lowered her head, lips pressed tight, quietly tidying up the table.
The evening breeze rustled through the trees, stirring the yellowing leaves with a soft swish.
The two of them stepped out, walking through the quiet paths of the residential complex.
Dappled light flickered underfoot, and when they stepped on fallen leaves, a soft crunch echoed.
They didn’t speak, just walked side by side—yet it wasn’t awkward at all.
Occasionally, their eyes met. They’d share a smile, then wordlessly look away.
The streetlights were dim and gentle, casting long shadows of the two of them.
Before they knew it, they had walked out of Zhuxi Community and onto the main road.
This part of the city wasn’t particularly busy—just the occasional car gliding by, headlights sweeping over their feet.
Gao Mengting walked along the curb, hands tucked into her coat pockets. Sometimes she’d hop lightly to dodge a stone or a bump in the pavement, carefree like a spontaneous, spirited girl.
Tang Song followed behind her, letting the autumn breeze brush across his face, quietly watching her silhouette.
The streets were calm. The night was tender. The wind threading through her hair felt like flickering film in an old movie reel.
They walked like that for a long time.
Suddenly, Gao Mengting stopped. She took off her coat and draped it over her arm, turning to look at him.
Her cheeks were a little flushed, still tipsy. But her eyes were clear and bright.
The evening wind lifted her hair. The whole scene looked like a dreamy frame—so beautiful it felt unreal.
Tang Song stepped forward and stood in front of her, lowering his voice. “Put it back on. It’s cold tonight.”
“I’m not cold.” She smiled and shook her head, then pointed to an empty wooden bench by the roadside. “I’m tired of walking. Let’s sit for a bit.”
Her voice was soft, laced with a hint of lazy warmth.
Tang Song didn’t insist. He nodded and sat down, pulling her into his arms.
Gao Mengting leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder, their bodies close.
In a low voice, she began talking about Zhao Jingmin showing up that evening—about their college years, her past friendship with Zhao Jingmin and Shen Huijuan.
From freshman year military training to graduation, renting warehouse space, running markets, moving inventory... all those times huddled in that tiny store, scheduling livestreams.
Her voice was gentle, as if she were reminiscing—or maybe trying to clear out the dust in her heart.
Tang Song turned to look at her but didn’t interrupt.
Their conversation gradually shifted from old memories to recent books they’d read.
They talked about Norwegian Wood, and the character Naoko.
Gao Mengting suddenly shifted, wrapping her arms around his neck and gazing at him without blinking.
Her face was flushed with alcohol, but her eyes were steady and clear.
Soft and warm, she melted into his arms, her breath tinged with wine and her own delicate scent brushing his chin.
“Is it hard now?” she suddenly asked.
“...My foot?”
“Idiot.”
With that, Gao Mengting burst out laughing, her head buried in his shoulder, her whole body trembling with laughter.
That line was a classic joke between Naoko and Watanabe from Norwegian Wood—
One of her favorite scenes: ambiguous, awkward, yet totally heart-fluttering.
She was delighted that her partner had immediately caught on.
“You’ve had champagne tonight. You definitely can’t ride your bike.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“So... how about you crash at my place tonight?”
In the end, she couldn’t help but take that final step.