novelraw Chapter 639: Birthday Gift
Chapter 639: Birthday Gift
Chapter 639: Birthday GiftIn the quiet living room.
Only the faint sound of cars passing outside the window and the three people’s rapidly rising and falling breaths, amplified endlessly.
Cold sweat was slowly forming on Xu Qing’s forehead.
She was not surprised at all about Tang Song and the other women;
she had long prepared herself mentally.
But she didn’t expect Xiao A Yao Lingling to be involved too!
Oh no, there was also the aloof Big D girl next to her;
the two of them were quite competitive.
Of course, the key issue was... the bragging she had just done seemed to echo in the air.
The person she bragged to turned out to be “one of us”?!
It was an absolute social death scene.
This was way too awkward! Xu Qing forced a stiff fake smile on her face and quietly confirmed, “Lingling... you... you know Tang Song?”
Still in a daze, Yao Lingling lifted her head and looked at senior Xu Qing across from her, “Yes, I know him. Senior Tang Song is also my current boss.”
Xu Qing instantly made a dumbfounded face, “What?! Weren’t you working at Shangya Apparel Design?”
0_0?
“Uh, I forgot to tell you, senior. I resigned some time ago and no longer work over at Yuhua Commercial Building.”
“Then where are you working now?”
“Songmei Apparel, still doing fashion design.”
“That’s... pretty good... ahaha—”
“Yes—haha—”
The atmosphere fell into dead silence once again.
The awkwardness was so thick it could barely dissolve.
Xu Qing bowed her head deeply, her hands unconsciously twisting together, her cheeks burning red.
Lately, she had been a bit careless, often arriving late and leaving early, and whenever free, she would go to the Yannan short drama base to act as a “producer” and direct, spending very little time at the company.
Naturally, she hadn’t noticed that Yao Lingling was no longer there.
She never expected to be exposed so blatantly.
O(□≤)O
Yao Lingling, who was usually cheerful and generous, also became awkward at this moment, her mind in a complete mess.
Just then, Cheng Qiuqiu suddenly looked up.
She asked, “Senior Qing, when did you and Tang... President Tang start dating?”
“Ah!” The hair on Xu Qing’s head twitched;
she rubbed her hands and avoided eye contact, “It’s been about half a year, I guess.”
(0∞0”1)！Is this a rival testing the waters?
Who would have thought that on such an ordinary morning, I, Miss Xu Qing, would be passively dragged into a palace intrigue!
The problem was, now she was alone, but there were two opponents.
It was a bit hard to handle alone.
She looked at the tall D girl Cheng Qiuqiu opposite her, who seemed even more statuesque than her own best friend,
then glanced at Yao Lingling, her dark eyes spinning wildly.
But changing perspective.
If Yao Lingling was also Tang Song’s wing, then she wouldn’t be the smallest one anymore!
Previously, there were Lin Muxue, Xiao Jing, Wen Ruan, a bunch of people all overshadowing her, but now with little A Lingling jumping out, it might not be a bad thing! 𝖗𝙖NỔΒЕŝ
Thinking this, Xu Qing puffed out her small chest a bit, and the tension on her face finally eased somewhat.
After getting the answer, Cheng Qiuqiu pursed her lips tightly and said no more.
Half a year...
Senior Gao Mengting, the wealthy and beautiful Tian Jing, plus Xu Qing herself—
In other words, Tang Song was stepping on at least three boats at the same time.
She lowered her head, a complex feeling surging in her heart.
There was also a faint, dark sense of relief, like a secret joy.
All along, she had seen herself as a despicable “third party,”
a bad woman who betrayed a senior who treated her well, secretly keeping warm relations with Tang Song,
that huge guilt weighed down on her breath.
Every time she messaged or spent time with Tang Song, it felt like a burden.
Even when her mother said harsh words on the phone, she didn’t dare to retort like before.
But now she realized things were completely different from what she had imagined.
Tang Song wasn’t just hers alone.
She... didn’t seem so “heinous” after all.
Another moment of silence.
Xu Qing looked up and happened to meet Yao Lingling’s eyes.
The four of them looked at each other and smiled awkwardly.
Xu Qing could only grit her teeth and start an awkward small talk mode, “Songmei Apparel is pretty good. Are you two both employees of the company?”
“Yeah, Qiuqiu is visual design, I’m in fashion design. Since the company wants to develop its own brand, senior recruited me over.”
“Oh right, I remember Songmei Apparel’s recent outdoor jackets are quite popular, I’ve seen them many times.”
“Yeah!” As if finally finding a familiar topic, Yao Lingling relaxed and sat up straighter, “That outdoor jacket was designed by me.”
Seemingly finally finding a topic, Xu Qing also relaxed and sat up straighter.
The two immediately tacitly launched into a lively but completely meaningless discussion about the “outdoor jacket.”
Cheng Qiuqiu sat quietly without a word, appearing especially cold.
The light in the living room grew brighter, and the awkward chat finally reached a dead end.
Yao Lingling took the initiative to speak and brought the topic back on track, “Senior, about the house... when would it be convenient for us to sign the contract?”
Xu Qing’s eyes darted, she stood up, “Lingling, come with me. I’ve prepared a contract for you to look over first.”
“Oh, okay!”
Yao Lingling quickly got up and followed Xu Qing to the secondary bedroom.
The door closed gently, cutting off Cheng Qiuqiu’s line of sight.
Xu Qing took a deep breath and spoke straightforwardly, “Lingling, I’ve thought it over. We don’t need to sign the contract. We’re all on the same side, so it’s not that complicated. I’m moving tomorrow;
after I finish, I’ll just hand the keys to you.”
“Ah? No contract? Okay, then I’ll transfer the rent and deposit to you tomorrow first.” Yao Lingling nodded quickly. After all, she was Tang Song’s official girlfriend and wouldn’t suspect being deceived.
Xu Qing, with a “big sister” pretended generosity, said, “Forget the money. The remaining three and a half months’ rent is a gift from senior to you.”
“Ah?! That won’t do!” Yao Lingling quickly waved her hands.
She had indeed wanted to get a little discount by getting close, but this was too much.
Three and a half months’ rent was over ten thousand yuan!
“No problem, it’s nothing to me.” Xu Qing shifted tone and whispered, “Just... about what I said before, Tang Song... cough, secretly liking me, please don’t tell anyone. He’s sensitive and cares about face, hehe, you know.”
Yao Lingling instantly understood;
senior was giving her a “hush money.”
“But... senior...”
“Enough, that’s decided.” Xu Qing tentatively asked, “Lingling, your relationship with Tang Song... is pretty good, right?”
Yao Lingling’s face instantly flushed red;
she hurriedly explained, “Senior, don’t misunderstand. We’ve known each other for a long time. We’re friends and only later did I join the company.”
Seeing her shy, innocent, and completely non-threatening appearance, Xu Qing immediately understood.
Her whole body shivered again.
So it hadn’t reached that stage yet!
So she was just a small fry.
However, Lingling was nice, optimistic and cheerful, and most importantly, had a small chest.
In the novel “Wrong Room, Then Found the Overbearing CEO,” Yao Lingling was renamed Zhang Lingling and became the heroine’s little sidekick.
Maybe it could work in real life too!
Then, she subtly glanced at Lingling’s perky, round butt, her dark eyes spinning again.
Recently, Little Songzi had been trained by the pervert Xiao Jing and was almost becoming a spanking fanatic.
Lingling’s butt had a natural talent.
It would be best if everyone went to spank her in the future, so she herself could be spared. Hehe.
Xu Qing cleared her throat lightly, forcibly suppressing the chaotic thoughts, and earnestly patted Yao Lingling’s shoulder.
Imitating Xu Yanqing’s character from the novel, she said some words of camaraderie and admiration.
But obviously, because of the brutal “social death” just now, her words lacked some confidence.
It was just past 11 a.m.
“Goodbye, senior Xu Qing.”
“Goodbye.”
The elevator doors slowly closed, cutting off Xu Qing’s pretended calm smile.
Yao Lingling and Cheng Qiuqiu silently went downstairs and out of the unit door.
A wave of dry cold air mixed with sunlight from early winter rushed in.
It cooled their slightly heated heads and calmed them a bit.
“Qiuqiu.” Yao Lingling broke the silence first, “How about we take a walk around the community? After all, we’ll be living here from now on.”
Cheng Qiuqiu nodded lightly.
The two walked side by side on the stone path in the community.
Sunlight filtered through the bare branches, casting sparse and clear shadows on the ground.
The holly bushes beside the path were still green, only covered with a thin layer of white frost on the leaves.
The whole community was quiet and desolate, filled with the lazy and calm atmosphere unique to early winter.
After walking more than half the circle,
Yao Lingling suddenly stopped and turned to ask, “Qiuqiu, I’ve always wondered, what’s the relationship between Senior Tang Song and President Gao?”
Cheng Qiuqiu’s steps stopped as well;
her tone was complicated, “They’re a couple.”
“This—” Yao Lingling’s throat tightened a bit.
Actually, she had guessed for a long time.
She wasn’t stupid. Whether it was the deputy president Gao Mengting in the company, flawless in ability and aura, or the always unconsciously alluring Wen Ruan.
She could somewhat sense their unusual relationships with Tang Song.
She just never dared to confirm it.
Nor had she ever asked Tang Song if he had a girlfriend or liked anyone.
Frankly, it was pure ostrich mentality.
She preferred to bury her head in the sand and pretend not to see.
But now, with Xu Qing’s appearance, everything was cruelly pierced.
Of course, more importantly, senior... he really was a “playboy.”
Yao Lingling was naturally optimistic and righteous.
She had always detested scumbags and playboys.
But... when this “scumbag” was Senior Tang Song, deep inside, she just couldn’t feel any disgust.
At the same time, a bold thought uncontrollably popped up.
Since senior was a playboy, maybe she didn’t need to worry so much.
The reason she hadn’t fulfilled the bet she made before was largely because she was afraid her demands would be too much and senior would refuse or dislike it.
Then, she really wouldn’t have face to see him again.
But... if senior was originally a scumbag playboy, that shouldn’t be a problem, right?
Thinking this, Yao Lingling’s heart began to race uncontrollably, and her cheeks flushed.
Just as she was lost in thought, a hesitant voice came to her ear, “Lingling... actually... Tang Song is a good person. Maybe he has his reasons for doing this. Please don’t spread these things around, okay?”
Yao Lingling blinked, a bit caught off guard.
Wasn’t... this supposed to be her line?
Looking at the usually cold-as-ice Qiuqiu, the clear support and request in her eyes,
Yao Lingling seemed to understand something, “O-okay.”
......
Afternoon, Jing County.
Inside the department store, warm air steamed up, mixed with the sweet aroma from the bakery.
Liu Qingning was in an exceptionally good mood.
She threw her heavy down jacket to Tang Song, wearing only a colorful sweater and tight jeans.
The bright colors and snug fit accentuated her fiery and lively figure, making her stand out among the tightly bundled passersby like a vivid, glowing splash of color.
Tang Song wore a simple casual cotton jacket, carrying her LV handbag in his left hand and her light green coat in his right.
He patiently followed by her side, a loving smile lingering on his lips.
Liu Qingning seemed to have returned to her carefree teenage years,
sometimes pulling him to dash into her favorite high school ice cream shop to buy a double-scoop strawberry cone;
sometimes excitedly throwing herself in front of a claw machine, hands on hips, seriously directing Tang Song to help her grab a seemingly dopey “Psyduck.”
When they walked out of the mall back into the early winter’s chill, her hands already held a newly won plush toy.
When they stepped out of the mall back into the chilly early winter air,
Tang Song smiled and asked, “Miss, had enough fun? Where to next?”
“Hmm...” Liu Qingning tilted her head to think, “The noon braised pork and lion’s head meatballs have mostly digested. Let’s go stroll around First High School. The weather’s nice now. On the day after tomorrow’s anniversary, it’ll be packed with people and leaders;
no time for a good walk.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
Soon,
a slightly old white Yadea electric scooter slowly left the crowded parking lot.
Liu Qingning sat sideways on the back seat, her arms tightly wrapped around Tang Song’s waist, her cheek gently pressed against his broad, warm back.
When the scooter crossed a speed bump and jolted slightly, she instinctively held on tighter.
The poplar trees lining the street had long since lost their leaves, leaving only straight branches swaying gently in the afternoon breeze.
As the road became more familiar, her heartbeat unknowingly quickened.
Liu Qingning slightly lifted her head, looking at Tang Song’s back, breathing in his long-missed scent.
Time seemed to rewind in a magical way.
She transformed back into the seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl in the blue and white school uniform, sitting on the bumpy yet comforting seat that belonged only to her.
Laughing as the wind blew, playing and teasing him.
Happiness surged from deep inside like warm spring water.
She squinted her eyes, unable to stop the corners of her mouth from lifting.
Since the fiftieth anniversary celebration was the day after tomorrow, the entire campus had already been refreshed and was especially quiet without students attending classes.
Only some student volunteers in red vests busily made final preparations.
At the entrance of the main road, a huge bright red “50th Anniversary Celebration” arch stood tall, printed with the school badge, motto, and a golden “1973-2023” timeline.
On both sides, colorful flags and celebration banners hung everywhere.
Tang Song held Liu Qingning’s hand and slowly strolled along the sunlit campus path.
They passed the always-long-queue convenience store, the familiar red brick teaching building, the small pavilion where they once hid from the rain together...
Every corner carried the freshest memories of their youth.
The evening wind began to grow colder.
Liu Qingning stuffed her cold hands into her sleeves, tilted her head, and looked at Tang Song’s gentle profile dyed golden by the sunset.
Playfully, she spoke of those little memories that belonged only to the two of them.
The sunset’s afterglow gradually enveloped the entire campus in a soft golden-red halo.
They arrived again in front of the convenience store.
Liu Qingning suddenly stopped, looked up, and like a spoiled little girl said, “I want to eat Little Raccoon crispy noodles and fruit leather.”
Tang Song looked at her adorable look and laughed, rubbing her head, “Wait, I’ll go buy them.”
After saying that, he turned and walked toward the convenience store.
Watching his back, Liu Qingning’s eyes softened immeasurably.
“Ding ling ling—” The phone suddenly rang.
[Li Gaisu]
She immediately answered, “Hello? Teacher Li.”
On the other end, the homeroom teacher Li Gaisu’s gentle voice came, “Qingning, happy birthday.”
“Thank you, Teacher Li.”
“By the way, there’s something to discuss with you.”
“What is it? Please go ahead, Teacher Li.”
“Well,” Li Gaisu’s tone was a little hesitant, “Today the school received an urgent notice from the county. City leaders are highly emphasizing this anniversary celebration, and some key city officials might attend. So... the guest seating at the ceremony needs some temporary adjustments.”
Liu Qingning’s heart moved slightly;
she seemed to guess something.
“Teacher Li, just say it directly, it’s okay.”
Li Gaisu sighed, “Mainly about Tang Song. Originally, I asked a contact to arrange him a seat in the guest area behind you. But now the seating is really tight, with one hole per radish, so some alumni’s seats have to be moved from the guest area to the front viewing area.”
Liu Qingning asked directly, “So Tang Song will be in the viewing area, right?”
“Yes, that’s what the school just notified.”
Liu Qingning showed no surprise or anger, “I understand, Teacher Li. Then please change my seat to the viewing area as well. I want to sit with him.”
Tang Song was not originally on the “outstanding alumni” invitation list;
only because of her suggestion was he specially included.
Now that there’s a change, it’s reasonable he’s the first to be optimized out.
“How can that be? Qingning, you were the top scorer of our class of 2016 and one of the key guests for this celebration. You also have to give a speech as a representative.”
“It’s okay, Teacher Li,” Liu Qingning’s voice remained gentle but carried an unyielding firmness, “For me, as long as I can send blessings to my alma mater, it doesn’t matter where I sit.”
“Well... I’ll talk to Principal Zhang again and see if I can coordinate it.”
“Okay, thank you, Teacher Li.”
Just after hanging up, cheerful footsteps approached.
Tang Song came over smiling, carrying a red plastic bag.
Liu Qingning quickly restrained all her emotions and showed a bright smile again.
For her, the most important purpose of returning to Jing County was to relive old times with Tang Song.
The school anniversary was just an excuse.
Where they sat didn’t matter;
what mattered was being together with him.
Tang Song took out a pack of “Little Raccoon crispy noodles” from the bag and handed it to her.
Then he tore open a bright red “fruit leather” and brought it to her lips,
“Ah—open your mouth.”
“Really delicious, you try some too.”
The two shared the cheap but tasty snacks, slowly walking out of the school gate that carried countless memories.
At the gate, Liu Qingning stopped and looked back deeply.
Under the night sky, the outline of her alma mater was quiet and dignified in the light.
Tang Song took her hand and pointed to a small shop with dim yellow light diagonally ahead, smiling and asked, “Remember that old bookstore?”
“Of course, you always loved running there to buy comics.” Liu Qingning smiled softly, her eyes seeming to cross time.
Around First High School, every corner seemed paved with scattered, sparkling memories.
The two exchanged a glance and tacitly walked toward that direction.
Crossing the road, they pushed open the glass door with hanging wind chimes that jingled softly.
The unique smell of old paper rushed in.
Everything in the store seemed unchanged.
Only there were more books on the shelves, and they were older.
The owner was wearing reading glasses and organizing the accounts behind the counter. Seeing them come in, he looked up and smiled kindly.
Tang Song nodded to him and then pulled Liu Qingning along, confidently weaving through rows of bookshelves straight to a corner.
“Look, this set of ‘Harry Potter’ is still the original edition.”
“Here’s ‘Slam Dunk.’”
They stood side by side in the narrow aisle, fingers brushing over familiar yet strange old books, whispering softly.
Suddenly,
Liu Qingning’s gaze was caught by a brand-new book spine on the lower shelf.
Among rows of yellowed, old spines, it looked so out of place.
She slowly squatted down and gently touched it with her finger.
It was a thick, A4-sized hardcover art book with a beautiful deep blue cover.
Liu Qingning pulled out the book.
The cover was very clean, only printed with her name in extremely beautiful Song typeface—[Liu Qingning].
Her heart suddenly skipped a beat.
She instinctively turned her head;
he smiled and winked at her.
Liu Qingning took a deep breath and gently flipped open the first page.
It wasn’t a printed image, but a delicate pencil sketch.
In the picture was a five or six-year-old girl with pigtails standing straight up, wearing a floral dress, chubby cheeks, and big bright eyes.
Her breath suddenly caught.
Trembling fingers flipped to the second page.
It was her in elementary school, wearing an oversized uniform, carrying a heavy backpack, standing with one foot, trying hard to climb onto the back of a bicycle.
Page after page.
On the junior high street, she faced the wind holding a homework book;
On the dark high school playground, she smiled, looked back, and turned around;
On the university campus, her stubborn gaze;
Liu Qingning’s eyes gradually blurred.
The last page of the art book was last night.
She wore a down jacket, standing in the warm glow of the night market, taking small bites of a baked flatbread sandwich with pork.
The wind chime at the door jingled softly.
“Happy birthday, Liu Qingning.”