novelraw Chapter 577: Dreaming of the Day We Might Meet Again by Chance
Chapter 577: Dreaming of the Day We Might Meet Again by Chance
October 28, 2023, Saturday, overcast turning to light rain.
At six in the morning, before dawn, the outside world was a faint gray-blue.
Tang Song slowly opened his eyes in the familiar atmosphere, the scent of gardenias lingering at his nose—fresh yet gentle.
He turned his head slightly;
in the dim light, a familiar sleeping face appeared in his sight.
Liu Qingning lay on her side, her hair messily spread between the pillow and his shoulder.
Her breathing was soft and even, like the tides along the coastline of Shencheng Bay.
A lingering blush remained on her cheeks, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly, as if she were dreaming something beautiful.
Scenes from last night surged through Tang Song’s mind, stirring his heart fiercely.
Tight embraces, whispering close...
Their bodies felt like flames, burning hot, edging closer in tentative union. They had known each other for nearly twenty years, and been close friends for more than ten.
Yet never this intimate before.
Unlike him, Liu Qingning had always maintained a certain distance between feelings and physical contact.
Every close encounter could be read in her expressions—
a mix of eagerness and cautious restraint.
Because of this, the passion she radiated felt especially genuine.
Tang Song could sense that the reason Liu Qingning didn’t want to leave so quickly was not only because she hadn’t overcome her emotional barriers, but also because she hoped for a clean, pure love—one that grew bit by bit closer.
That simplicity of the idealized love was what stirred his heart the most.
Tang Song inhaled softly, kissed her flushed cheek,
then carefully withdrew his arm, got up, and straightened her blanket.
October in Shencheng was beginning to turn chilly.
On the carpet, his phone screen lit up.
Just then, a clear system notification sounded in his ear:
“Ding! Congratulations, player! The halo effect has activated, triggering an extra critical hit reward.”
“Ding! You have obtained the special item [Advanced Physique Optimization Serum].”
Tang Song smiled with delight.
After holding back so long, he finally got lucky again! And it was a rare advanced serum!
Even in the game, such an item was extremely scarce.
He tiptoed into the walk-in closet.
Opening the system warehouse, he checked the reward details.
[Advanced Physique Optimization Serum]: After use, your body enters a “golden adaptation period.” From skeletal structure to muscle network, nervous system to metabolism, hormone secretion balances, body control improves, enabling precise fine motor skills, and increases the frequency of “flow state” triggers... (Constitution +3, Endurance +3, Agility +3).
[Note: During the serum activation period, it is recommended to perform at least 60 minutes of moderate or higher intensity training daily to maximize absorption effects.]
Tang Song mentally shouted “Awesome!”
As expected of an advanced serum—an all-around upgrade, with three major base attributes each rising by three.
It was practically sculpting the “perfect male physique.”
His looks were already hard to improve, but with this serum’s blessing, maybe he could take it a step further.
Who needs six-pack abs or a slim waist? Bring it on!
He selected [Advanced Physique Optimization Serum] and used it immediately.
A burst of liquid suddenly appeared in his mouth, refreshing and sweet.
“Gulp—”
The liquid slid down his throat, his nerve endings twitching, heart racing.
After about a dozen seconds, his body gradually calmed.
At the same time, Tang Song felt an indescribable clarity and energy—
the serum was taking effect!
Quickly changing into [Outfit - Unlimited Vitality], he entered the living room, energized.
He warmed up on the treadmill for ten minutes, then stood on a yoga mat and started a high-intensity fat-burning workout.
Sweat dripped from his temples, muscles ignited by heat.
His body flushed and burned with warmth.
Tang Song felt extremely comfortable.
After some time, a teasing voice came from behind: “Hey, aren’t you worried that working out this hard will harm your body?”
Tang Song stopped slowly and turned to see Liu Qingning, now dressed in workout clothes, looking a bit worried.
“Up so early?”
Liu Qingning approached him. “My biological clock is very healthy now.”
“I know, but… didn’t you stay up late last night? And you were…” Tang Song blinked.
“No talking!” Liu Qingning blushed and lightly tapped his chest.
Her palm immediately got wet from his sweat, making her recall her own loss of composure last night, causing her to kick him lightly with her foot.
Tang Song laughed softly, brushed her bangs aside, his fingers gliding over her cute face and slowly downward.
Liu Qingning instinctively tried to evade but was pulled into his embrace.
The mixed scent of male sweat and hormones hit her face.
She bit her lower lip, her body trembling slightly, voice softening, “I’m serious… you exercised too intensely just now. It’s not good for your health.”
Changing the subject, she said, “I saw you working out for over twenty minutes just now. That’s too much, really bad for you.”
“It’s okay. Your boyfriend’s body is better than you think.”
“I’m just worried about you!”
Tang Song lowered his head and kissed her, then suddenly lay face down on the yoga mat, pointing at his back with a relaxed tone: “Come on, get on and feel your man’s strength!”
Liu Qingning was stunned but soon understood.
She burst out laughing, her eyes curved into crescent moons, and carefully sat on his back.
Her soft hips pressed against his heated spine, warmth steaming up, surprisingly comfortable.
Tang Song’s shoulder blades stretched powerfully, moving up and down like a tiger leaping.
Liu Qingning rested her hands on his shoulders, feeling the explosive power flowing under the muscles.
A nearly primal instinct quietly rose, stirring an indescribable emotion deep in her heart.
After a long moment, she gently climbed off his back, concerned, “Alright, alright, stop now. Drink some water and rest. Don’t push yourself.”
Tang Song slowed, chuckled lightly, and stood up.
The next second, much to Liu Qingning’s surprise, he suddenly pinned her down on the sofa.
His arms supported her on both sides, eyes burning hot.
“What are you doing…” Liu Qingning, pinned beneath him, averted her gaze, her voice softening.
“Drink… water.” Tang Song winked and covered her lips with his.
Outside, dawn brightened.
Amber morning light poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, falling on their entwined silhouettes.
The whole world was bathed in a gentle glow.
......
9:30 a.m.
A black Maybach S-Class slowly stopped in front of Shencheng Bay Gate 1.
The driver, dressed in a tailored suit, briskly stepped out, placed the suitcase into the trunk, and quickly opened the rear door.
Tang Song looked down at her. “Aren’t you getting in? Let me see you off.”
Liu Qingning shook her head, a faint smile at her lips. “We’re adults. Who needs seeing off? I took leave yesterday, and I still have work to finish.”
Tang Song looked at her deeply but didn’t insist. He gently squeezed her fingers before letting go.
“Take care of yourself. If you miss me, come to Yancheng anytime. I’ll visit when I have time.”
Liu Qingning smiled, stepping back with her hands behind her, like when they played hide-and-seek in the past.
“Alright, don’t make it sound like a life-or-death farewell. It’s just Yancheng and Shencheng, a few hours by plane. Go now, don’t be late. Message me when you get on the plane and check in when you arrive in Hong Kong.”
Tang Song bent down and got in the car, glancing back at her before closing the door.
Liu Qingning stood outside the window, waving vigorously, her eyes forming two adorable crescent moons.
“Bye-bye.”
“Bye-bye.”
The car slowly drove away until a turn swallowed his figure completely into the streets of Shencheng.
Liu Qingning still stood there, unable to move until her vision blurred and her eyes reddened.
Stubbornly, she lifted her head, gently wiped away the wetness at her eyes, and turned back to the empty spacious apartment.
His slippers were casually placed by the carpet’s edge;
on the island counter, a half-drunk cup of black coffee;
in the sofa corner, the book he had been reading lay quietly...
Tears finally overflowed uncontrollably, dropping onto the tiles with soft plops.
After a long time, she walked over, wiping her tears while carefully tidying these traces.
Standing in front of the north-facing floor-to-ceiling window, her gaze swept across Binhai Avenue, the Jinggang-Ao Expressway, and Shenyun Road...
As if silently calculating where he was at this moment.
“Ring ring—” The phone ringing broke the quiet atmosphere.
Liu Qingning glanced down at the screen.
[CEO - Ye Hanwen]
She quickly composed herself and answered, “Hello, President Ye.”
Ye Hanwen, president of Qingning Technology, was a renowned figure in artificial intelligence and a scientist.
He had made outstanding achievements in AI large models, multimodal systems, intelligent search, and was a core force behind the development and commercialization of Lime 3.0.
She had heard his name since university and always held great respect for him.
“Hello? Qingning, am I disturbing you?”
“No, please go ahead.”
“I wanted to meet you in person yesterday, but you took leave. Now things are urgent, so I have to talk to you over the weekend.” He paused, then spoke seriously: “Qingmi AI has entered normal iteration. There’s a critical project coming up that requires you to personally lead Qingmi AI’s team interface.”
“What project?”
“You know Xuanji Optical World, right?”
Liu Qingning thought for a moment and replied, “Tang Yi Precision’s holding subsidiary, focused on AR glasses, quite famous in the industry.”
She knew this well because Liu Shuang was an AI engineer at Tang Yi Precision and had participated in some software support.
“That’s right. Their first-generation product is about to launch. Tang Yi intends to start a new round of financing and hopes to bring in more in-depth cooperation across fields...”
Ye Hanwen’s words continued.
Liu Qingning instinctively turned on her phone’s recording and listened intently.
Her mind quickly engaged fully.
Smart glasses, as the next generation of smart terminals integrating AI, AR, and IoT technologies, were brewing to become the next tech trend and a core node in the interaction revolution.
This was also a key direction for Qingning Technology’s large model applications.
With Tang Yi Precision’s breakthroughs in MicroLED, chips, and computing power, Xuanji Optical World had initially formed a mature product shape.
This cooperation would be deeply AI-enabled, jointly creating a groundbreaking terminal product.
The more she listened, the more excited she became.
This was not only a key technical verification but possibly a career breakthrough moment for her.
She stayed in Shencheng and at Qingning Technology partly to safeguard Tang Song’s interests and understand his past,
but deeper inside was an indescribable obsession and stubbornness.
She had been the best since childhood, confident to the point of arrogance.
That’s why she made choices alone without telling Tang Song,
and vowed to meet him at the summit, climbing relentlessly at her own pace.
Only now did she realize he had already reached the summit while she was still climbing.
That was why she stayed here alone, working tirelessly, integrating into Qingning Technology, rapidly building communication channels with company executives, and grasping more core resources.
Because she always longed to someday fulfill that promise and mend her greatest regret.
At least... not be worse than Su Yu.
And “Xuanji Optical World” might be that turning point.
However, Ye Hanwen’s next sentence made her heart race suddenly.
“Also participating in this cooperation is Tang Entertainment. They will jointly build content ecosystem barriers and scenario landing capabilities, and this integration work will also require your coordination.”
Liu Qingning bit her lip.
Is it finally coming?
Su Yu.
......
Yancheng, Qiaoxi District, Micro Light Café.
The glass door was gently pushed open, and a tall, full-figured silhouette entered.
A camel-colored suit matched with wide-leg pants of the same tone, the silhouette sharp yet full, graceful without bulk.
Walking on the interplay of light and shadow on the floor, she carried a relaxed yet alluring aura.
“Hello, welcome. How may I help you?”
The server’s tone was gentle, but Micro Light couldn’t help but glance more than once.
Wen Ruan’s lips curled slightly as she bent down to check the handwritten menu on the counter, fingertips lightly tapping the wooden edge. “One Micro Light cold brew, half sugar, please.”
At this time, the café was not crowded, with only two or three tables occupied by nearby company staff discussing business, and a couple whispering softly in a corner.
Wen Ruan walked slowly to a seat by the window.
Her trench coat’s folds naturally draped behind her, her shapely legs crossed, her posture lazy yet deeply charming.
She lifted the just-served cold brew and took a light sip.
The aroma of nuts and chocolate instantly spread in her mouth, the maple syrup sweetness lingered on her tongue, rich but not cloying, with a faint cool aftertaste.
Wen Ruan comfortably blinked. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel·fire·net
Her gaze slowly swept the café, taking interest in this brand-new Micro Light café.
After all, the marketing plan was her work, and she had once been very familiar with the entire café’s structure and atmosphere.
Unlike previous business cafés, this new premium store in Qiaoxi District was only about sixty square meters but warm and bright enough.
A few minutes later,
the door opened again.
“President Xie!” “Good morning, President Xie!”
Several employees stood and greeted her.
“Tap, tap, tap—”
The rhythmic sound of high heels approached.
Wen Ruan put down her coffee cup and looked up, seeing that familiar figure.
Dark knit base layer, pencil skirt, nude stockings, high heels.
Tall and slender, with a sharp aura and bright eyes.
The footsteps stopped before her.
Xie Shuyu pulled out a chair and sat down elegantly. “Long time no see, Wen Ruan.”
“Indeed, it’s been almost a month.”
Wen Ruan’s red lips curved, her gaze resting on Xie Shuyu’s delicate but somewhat tired makeup, calmly appraising.
She already knew Xie Shuyu was a typical workaholic—more busy, more excited, no boundary between work and life.
When they cooperated before, this “female devil” had pressed her hard, but now that the stance had changed, this obsession seemed quite endearing.
Busy is good!
Both were “older sisters,” and Wen Ruan really worried this female CEO might steal her “food.”
Xie Shuyu hesitated and said, “Tang Song is on a business trip in Shencheng, right?”
“Yes.” Wen Ruan looked at her wrist and smiled. “He should be heading to Hong Kong now, taking the high-speed train, arriving at 10:59.”
Xie Shuyu paused, her expression slightly unnatural. “Mm.”
She was never a good lover—rarely contacted often, couldn’t constantly worry. At most, she would report her schedule daily and send a few greetings.
Of course, what really embarrassed her was—
she was now discussing the same “boyfriend” with another familiar woman.
After a brief silence, Wen Ruan broke the quiet softly: “The new cold brew is really good. Very tasty. The nationwide expansion plan for Micro Light Café is almost done, right?”
Xie Shuyu’s aura brightened instantly. “Yes, publicity is key, especially this time covering the whole country. We’ll have to trouble Nebula International to handle it.”
This was the main reason she had arranged to meet Wen Ruan.
Previously, the cooperation was with Lightshadow Media, which could mobilize some resources, but nowhere near as efficient as Wen Ruan handling it personally.
Besides, Wen Ruan was Tang Song’s girlfriend, and Tang Song held shares in Micro Light Café.
At this moment, family ties were the most effective weapon.
As they spoke, Xie Shuyu swiftly switched into work mode, talking nonstop about the entire plan.
She even had the server bring paper and pen to sketch ideas.
More than half an hour later,
the conversation paused.
Wen Ruan suddenly asked, “President Xie, any plans for lunch?”
Xie Shuyu shook her head. “No.”
“How about coming to my place for a meal? We can chat slowly.”
Xie Shuyu smiled faintly and looked into Wen Ruan’s eyes, thoughtful.
They were both adults and friends, so she understood Wen Ruan’s meaning.
It was to build a good relationship, to form a “good bond.”
After a moment of silence, she softly said, “Alright, then I’ll trouble you... but don’t call me President Xie in private anymore. Just call me by my name.”
“Okay, President Xie.” Wen Ruan responded seriously.
Hearing that title made Xie Shuyu smile.
The atmosphere instantly relaxed considerably.
Wen Ruan smiled on the surface but sighed inwardly.
She had no choice but to take the initiative.
Soon she would enter the Tangjin Family Office, facing Director Jin and Su Yu’s “palace intrigue.”
If she didn’t find some comrades to “resist the thunder” together, she would really be anxious.
So far, she only had Lingling under her.
Although Boss Xie was a bit thin, her ability and character were undeniable.
At that moment,
“Ring ring—” the phone rang.
[Executive Assistant - Wang Dandan]
Wen Ruan nodded to Xie Shuyu and answered, “Hello, Dandan.”
“Good morning, Director Wen.” Wang Dandan’s voice was as clear as always. “I just received notice from the board secretary. Next Monday, the group will hold an emergency board meeting.”
“Oh?” Wen Ruan raised an eyebrow. “About what?”
“It concerns an important investment. Xuanji Optical World, a holding company under Tang Yi Precision, will start Series A financing, and our group has a chance to participate.”
“Tang Yi Precision? Xuanji Optical World?” Wen Ruan raised her eyebrows. “Which other companies?”
“Please wait.” Wang Dandan flipped through documents, then replied: “Rongliu Capital, Deju Renhe, Tang Entertainment, and Qingning Technology.”
Wen Ruan took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling heavily.
Good grief.
She knew it wasn’t that simple.
Was this to expose more truths to Liu Qingning?
Or to form an alliance to pressure Director Jin?
What a joke... Could she skip this?
(==)/1
......
Shencheng North Station.
Inside the business waiting room, the atmosphere was quiet and orderly, with occasional whispers and the sound of suitcase wheels sliding on the floor.
Tang Song sat in a leather seat in the corner, engrossed in a copy of National Geographic.
A uniformed staff member approached, bowed slightly, and spoke politely: “Mr. Tang, the train is about to arrive. You may enter the station early.”
“Okay, thank you.”
Tang Song nodded, lifted his suitcase, and was guided through a special passage, passing the business class ticket gate.
“Mr. Tang, your carriage is the third one ahead. Please this way.”
“Watch your step.”
He proceeded orderly to the platform area.
“Rumble rumble—”
A low thunder rolled through the sky.
Tang Song noticed that, unbeknownst to him, fine raindrops were falling.
A breeze carried a touch of dampness and chill.
He looked up at the sky, took out a Bluetooth headset, and put it on.
Double-tapping the touch area on the headset,
“BGM: Just because I glanced at you in the crowd, I never forgot your face...”
Faye Wong’s distinctive ethereal voice slowly played as “Legend” wrapped around his ears.
He lowered his head and lit up his phone screen, beginning to reply to unread messages one by one.
Passengers gradually entered the station.
Light rain fell softly.
The arrival announcement sounded in the distance.
Raindrops slipped through the steel structure’s eaves, making shallow puddles on the ground.
“Hey, Zhang Yan,” Lulu whispered, clutching her backpack. “What else can we do besides this? Do you have any plans?”
“I—I haven’t decided yet.”
“Sigh, forget it. When we get to Yangcheng, let’s have some Xiabu hot pot. Spicy, maybe it will wake us up.”
Zhang Yan hesitated but nodded. “Okay.”
What she really wanted was to go home first, pick up Juzi, and cook a hot meal.
But sensing Lulu’s expectation, she didn’t refuse.
The two slowly walked along the platform edge, eventually stopping near the rear carriage.
Leaning against a pillar, they spoke in low voices.
The mist and rain wove a hazy glow in the air.
At some point, a group of Cantonese-speaking girls came nearby,
chatting excitedly, their voices unable to hide amazement,
“Hey, is that a celebrity?”
“That side profile is really pretty!”
“So elegant, better than a superstar...”
Their gazes all turned sharply toward a direction across the platform. One even held a phone with a telephoto lens, secretly taking photos.
Lulu was drawn by the commotion, curiously looking up.
The next second, she almost held her breath.
Through the misty rain, a tall figure stood upright across the platform.
He wore a caramel-colored sweater and dark gray suit pants, posture straight, shoulder lines clear.
His jet-black messy hair was lightly stirred by the wind, his silhouette blurred by rain.
As if separated from the noisy surroundings by a thin veil, lazy yet intellectual,
like a high-end art film’s promotional poster.
“Look!” Lulu suddenly elbowed Zhang Yan, lowering her voice but barely containing excitement, “There’s a super master guy across! You gotta look! You can’t even dream of this—it’s just... amazing!”
Zhang Yan smiled but didn’t turn around to look.
Instead, she secretly checked two copies of Dragon Ball in her backpack, seemingly struggling to decide which to read.
“Ah, stop being shy, look! I’m not lying!” Lulu grabbed her arm.
Zhang Yan hesitated, then slowly turned.
“BGM: Dreaming that one day we might meet again by chance, since then I began to lonely miss you...”
Tang Song put away his phone and slowly raised his head.
“Rumble rumble—”
A silver-gray high-speed train entered the platform.
The wind swept the fine rain across the whole platform.
Zhang Yan instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes from the wet wind.
Her gaze crossed the tracks, through the station sign and rain mist, seeing only a dark figure’s outline gradually blur in the wind.
Then disappear behind the rushing train windows.