novelraw Chapter 640: School Uniform
Chapter 640: School Uniform
Chapter 640: School UniformBy the time they left the old bookstore, the sky had already turned completely dark.
The night in Jing County came earlier and was quieter than in Yancheng.
Liu Qingning deliberately asked the shop owner for a plain kraft paper bag and carefully packed the art book inside.
She held it tightly in her arms as if cradling a priceless treasure.
The two of them walked aimlessly for a while.
Liu Qingning seemed to have finally recovered from her emotions and couldn’t help but look up at Tang Song beside her.
“Did you draw all of these yourself?”
“Yeah.” Tang Song smiled proudly. “Pretty, right? The main reason is that the female lead inside is beautiful.”
“Hmph, your mouth is so sharp. So when exactly did you learn to draw?”
“Maybe I was born with the talent, but it was suppressed by studying. Then, once I went to Tianxue, suddenly *snap*, my meridians opened up. That’s just what it means to be a genius. Just like how I used to envy you for not having to study so hard but still getting great grades.” “Pfft, so full of yourself.” Liu Qingning smiled and lightly punched him.
They chatted as they walked side by side down the familiar street, talking about the changes around Yizhong High School.
Eventually, they stopped in front of a somewhat run-down little shop.
Tang Song ordered two bowls of chicken soup rice noodles and then cheerfully ran next door to buy two freshly made Tujia crisp cakes.
The wooden table was a little greasy, and the plastic stools wobbled slightly.
They sat in the corner with the steaming bowls and cakes.
Occasionally their eyes met, and the atmosphere was warmer than ever before.
One of them ordered a steaming bowl of chicken soup rice noodles again.
Tang Song ran next door to the shop that hadn’t changed its sign in over ten years to buy two fresh Tujia crisp cakes.
During the evening rush, the shop bustled with people coming and going, their footsteps endless, and many occasionally glanced at the two sitting quietly in the corner.
After finishing this dinner full of nostalgic flavor, the two held hands and headed back.
Suddenly, from the roadside audio shop’s loudspeaker, an energetic music intro blared out.
Then came Su Yu’s highly recognizable, ethereal, and melodious voice.
Liu Qingning’s steps abruptly stopped. She took out her phone and checked the time. “Su Yu’s new album just launched. The global release is at seven sharp tonight.”
Tang Song’s heart stirred slightly. “Su Yu’s new song…”
Liu Qingning skillfully opened the music app to purchase the digital album, then pointed at the album cover on the screen and praised, “Su Yu is really beautiful. This seaside photo shoot feels so atmospheric.”
Tang Song glanced and nodded. “She is very beautiful.”
“What? You seem to really like Su Yu’s looks?” Liu Qingning tilted her head, her clear eyes carrying a subtle probe.
Tang Song twitched at the corner of his eye and quickly changed the subject. “It’s okay. By the way, do you want to use headphones? I have some.”
“No need.” Liu Qingning didn’t linger on the topic and took out AirPods from her bag, handing one to Tang Song.
They clicked play.
The clear voice flowed like a gentle evening breeze around their ears.
The melody carried a hint of youthfulness, mixed with the detachment and courage that come with growing up.
Liu Qingning listened quietly, her gaze gradually softening.
In truth, deep down, she was really a fan of Su Yu’s music, ever since the Echo days.
If it weren’t for Tang Song, she would gladly be friends with her and even feel honored.
Unconsciously, they had returned to the gate of Yizhong High School.
“Beep beep—” The electric bike unlocked.
Tang Song had just grabbed the handlebars when the ringtone suddenly came through the earphones.
Liu Qingning answered softly, “Hello? Teacher Li.”
On the other end, class advisor Li Gaisu’s voice sounded a bit troubled. “Qingning, it’s still about that thing from before…”
“Oh? What did the school say?”
“It’s… complicated!” Li Gaisu paused for a moment. “By the way, where are you now?”
“At the gate of Yizhong, just out wandering with Tang Song.”
“Ah? That’s perfect. I’m at the Zhende Hotel right next to the school. It’s also the reception place for out-of-town alumni. Why don’t you come over? We can talk face-to-face.” R̃Ä₦ο𝐛ƐŜ
Liu Qingning hesitated for a moment but agreed. “Alright, I’ll come over.”
She knew Teacher Li was just an ordinary teacher and couldn’t make many decisions, but since they were close, it was also good to visit.
They hung up.
Tang Song asked, “What’s up? Teacher Li wants to see you?”
Liu Qingning’s smile returned, and her tone lightened. “Nothing much. It’s just that for this school anniversary, the guest seating arrangements changed last minute. Seems like there aren’t enough seats…”
She briefly explained the situation without much concern.
“Then just sit in the viewing area. No big deal.” Tang Song smiled. “By the way, I haven’t seen Teacher Li in a long time. Let’s go see her together.”
Unlike Liu Qingning, who was the teacher’s pride, Tang Song’s relationship with most teachers was just average, and he had barely contacted them since graduation.
Looking back now, those faces that once intimidated and oppressed him had become blurred but warm memories.
The bike’s headlight turned on, illuminating a small patch of road ahead.
The two slowly rode into the night.
The Zhende Hotel was only a few hundred meters from Yizhong. After a turn, they arrived quickly.
This time, Yizhong not only invited many outstanding alumni but also some leaders from university admissions offices across the country.
These people had to be arranged accommodations.
So theoretically, the school provided lodging for all guests.
However, someone like Liu Qingning, whose family was local, naturally wouldn’t stay at the hotel.
The banquet hall on the left side of the second floor had been temporarily turned into the reception area for the school anniversary.
A red carpet stretched straight ahead, surrounded by promotional banners.
Following the signs, they entered the banquet hall.
The lively atmosphere hit them immediately.
There were already many people inside, ranging across ages.
Groups of two or three gathered, chatting and laughing.
Tang Song also saw some familiar faces inside—former classmates and teachers.
“Qingning! Over here!” A middle-aged woman with glasses and short hair waved and came over excitedly.
“Teacher Li!” Liu Qingning smiled and hugged her mentor.
Tang Song followed behind, smiling and greeting, “Teacher Li, long time no see.”
Li Gaisu first scrutinized him carefully, then exclaimed happily, “Tang Song! I was wondering who was so handsome. So it’s you, kid! Not bad, you look really energetic now!”
She glanced at him and then at Liu Qingning, her face showing a relieved smile.
Back in high school, she knew about the vague little warm feelings between these two kids. Now it seemed they had truly become a couple.
More than seven years had passed in the blink of an eye, which was truly emotional.
The noise drew many glances over, and most eyes fell on Tang Song first.
No surprise—even in plain winter clothes, his outstanding aura and appearance made him stand out.
Then some familiar teachers came forward to greet, all aiming at Liu Qingning.
After all, Tang Song had never been as dazzling as this academic star during high school.
After some small talk, Li Gaisu pulled Liu Qingning and walked inside to a round table.
“Principal Zhang, Qingning and the others have arrived.”
Upon hearing this, Principal Zhang turned and looked over. Seeing Tang Song, he first froze, then stood up and smiled at Liu Qingning. “Ah, Student Qingning, welcome to our school’s anniversary celebration.”
Tang Song raised an eyebrow. This “Principal Zhang” Teacher Li mentioned was Zhang Qingguo, the academic director he remembered well from back then.
He must have been promoted to vice principal by now.
“Hello, Principal Zhang.” Liu Qingning nodded politely.
Zhang Qingguo then looked at Tang Song and said with surprise, “This is... Tang Song? Quite a change.”
“Hello, Principal Zhang.”
Zhang Qingguo nodded. “Tang Song looks much more mature than before, haha.”
He had a deep impression of Tang Song.
Back then, Liu Qingning was the school’s darling, the top student aiming for Tsinghua and Peking University.
But she had an early romance tendency, and Zhang Qingguo often scolded the “troublemaker” Tang Song.
Because of Tang Song, this 50th anniversary celebration was bound to have some trouble, so naturally, the principal was less fond of him.
After brief greetings, Zhang Qingguo quickly got to the point, subtly hinting at the special situation and the school’s difficulties.
Liu Qingning smiled, “It’s okay, Principal Zhang, I understand. I’m here to bless my alma mater, it doesn’t matter where I sit.”
Tang Song stood beside Liu Qingning, smiling at their conversation.
Back in high school, the brilliant Bai Yueguang always protected him and cared about his feelings.
Hearing Liu Qingning insist like this, Zhang Qingguo’s expression changed slightly, about to say something.
A teacher from the academic office hurried over. “Principal Zhang, Zhao Rui and the others have arrived downstairs and will be up shortly.”
“All right, all right!” Zhang Qingguo perked up immediately, stood up, and told Li Gaisu, “Teacher Li, please communicate more with Qingning. I have important guests to attend to.”
He then hurried away.
Li Gaisu looked at Tang Song and Liu Qingning and didn’t know what to say, only able to helplessly explain the special circumstances.
Although Yizhong was a key local high school, the principal’s administrative rank was equivalent only to a deputy section level.
The vice principal was at the division level.
This time, leaders from the city were coming, rumored to be department-level cadres.
The gap in rank was huge.
Not just the school, the whole Jing County was shaken.
For the school, this was top priority, even more important than the anniversary itself.
Liu Qingning nodded slightly and said nothing more.
Soon, a commotion came from the banquet hall’s entrance.
Zhang Qingguo, smiling broadly, personally accompanied several people inside.
In the middle stood two men.
One was about thirty, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, scholarly and refined.
Tang Song recognized him immediately—Zhao Rui, a senior alumnus two grades older. He had been a prominent figure in school and later got into Tsinghua University.
The other was unfamiliar—around forty years old, energetic, and imposing.
Li Gaisu noticed Liu Qingning’s gaze and carefully introduced, “You should all know Zhao Rui. He currently works in the investment banking division at China International Capital Corporation, very impressive. You should meet him later.
The man beside him is Li Yunfan, class of 2004 alumnus, general manager and major shareholder of Maixiangyuan, a well-known food processing company in Quancheng.
I heard Maixiangyuan is preparing for an IPO and cooperating with CICC.
Originally, Mr. Li didn’t plan to come, but after hearing about the city leaders’ visit, he decided to attend.”
Li Gaisu paused and said, “Qingning, Tang Song, this is the situation. The school will focus on arranging things around these people, so please understand. There’s nothing I can do.”
Hearing this, Liu Qingning smiled mischievously. “Teacher Li, if we end up doing better than senior Li Yunfan, do you think the school will rearrange the seating?”
Li Gaisu’s expression stiffened, and she awkwardly cleared her throat.
Liu Qingning stopped teasing her teacher and changed the subject to her recent work.
Actually, not being in the main guest area was good—otherwise, she’d have to greet every leader standing up repeatedly, which would be annoying.
With Li Yunfan and Zhao Rui’s arrival, the banquet hall’s atmosphere instantly soared to a new peak.
Vice Principal Zhang personally led them to the round table closest to the main seat.
“Mr. Li, long time no see! Your Maixiangyuan is truly the pride of Quancheng.”
“Zhao Rui is really young and talented, no wonder he’s a top alumnus of our Yizhong! He should come back often to share his experience with us juniors!”
Along the way, many alumni and teachers, whether they knew them or not, approached with wine glasses, enthusiastically greeting them.
Tang Song’s gaze never left Liu Qingning.
Back in Jing County, back at Yizhong, she seemed to have become that radiant Bai Yueguang again, stirring countless memories.
After a while, Zhang Qingguo finally finished dealing with the other matter and returned.
He directly asked, “How’s it going? Is it confirmed?”
Liu Qingning still smiled, “Yes, we won’t cause trouble for the school.”
Zhang Qingguo seemed to have expected this. “Alright, let’s leave it at that. Also, about your speech as a representative… Since the seating isn’t convenient, how about changing the format? You can leave a message, and the host will read it aloud. That way, no glitches happen during the program. We’ll arrange another alumnus to speak.”
Li Gaisu’s expression changed, and she urgently said, “Principal Zhang, wasn’t it all settled before?”
Zhang Qingguo’s tone grew a bit stern. “Teacher Li, the situation is special now. Everything must prioritize the big picture. Ensuring flawless reception of the city leaders is our top priority!”
Seeing Teacher Li about to say more, Liu Qingning cut in, “It’s fine. I’ll send the message to Teacher Li later.”
“Well... alright.” Li Gaisu could only sigh helplessly.
She clearly understood the real reason behind this.
At the start of the anniversary preparations, the school sent out many invitations, but few influential alumni actually committed to returning.
Liu Qingning, once the county’s top scorer and now an AI entrepreneur, was undoubtedly a highlight for the school, so she was valued highly.
But now, with news that city leaders might attend, the celebration’s status instantly rose.
Those alumni who hadn’t cared much about the event suddenly had free schedules and emerged one after another.
Besides successful businessmen like Li Yunfan, many powerful figures within the system showed up.
For the school leaders, these people were far more valuable than Liu Qingning.
They wanted to seize this rare opportunity to impress city leaders and secure more resources and support for the school.
As for Liu Qingning... she just had to suffer a little for now.
Watching Zhang Qingguo’s figure disappear into the lively center,
Li Gaisu pointed toward Zhao Rui and the others and softly said, “Qingning, do you want to go meet the other alumni?”
“No, Teacher Li.” Liu Qingning smiled. “It’s my birthday today. I haven’t had enough yet. I’ll visit the seniors during the anniversary.”
“All right then.”
“Let’s slip out first. See you the day after tomorrow, Teacher Li.”
After 9 p.m.
The white electric bike slowly entered Kuangjian Community.
The old residential buildings looked especially peaceful in the quiet night.
Tang Song parked the bike steadily under the apartment building.
Liu Qingning jumped off the back seat and yawned, her voice carrying a hint of tired laziness. “After playing all day, I’m so tired. I’m going to sleep early tonight.”
“Okay, good night.” Tang Song bent down and kissed her on the cheek.
Liu Qingning smiled and kissed him back lightly. “I had a really happy day today. Thank you, Xiao Song.”
Tang Song looked at her sparkling eyes in the night and suddenly leaned close to her ear, lowering his voice. “By the way, Qingning, do you still have your high school uniform?”
Liu Qingning froze and instantly blushed, stammering, “Wh-what dirty thoughts are you thinking again?!”
“No, I’m innocent.” Tang Song looked innocent. “I just want to reminisce about the past with you more deeply.”
“N-no!”
“Qingning, please fulfill this little wish of mine, okay?”
“No way! I threw those clothes away long ago.” Liu Qingning punched him and turned away, pouting, “You go back and sleep well. Stop thinking nonsense here!”
She walked a few steps, then suddenly stopped and turned around, her voice slightly commanding. “Oh, and remember to come find me tomorrow. No running around.”
After saying that, she hurried inside the apartment building.
Watching her somewhat flustered back, Tang Song shook his head regretfully.
The Bai Yueguang in the school uniform was always an obsession of his, a symbol of his youth.
He stood in the night breeze for a moment before turning and leaving.
The street was quiet, and the night stretched like a deep river, elongating his shadow.
Tang Song dialed Liu Jiayi’s number as he walked.
Soon, a black Rolls-Royce stopped before him.
This time, he didn’t sit in the back as usual but unusually opened the front passenger door and got in.
Liu Jiayi glanced at him silently and started the car smoothly.
Tang Song connected his phone to the car’s Bluetooth.
Moments later, Su Yu’s voice gently filled the quiet cabin.
BGM: If youth has an ending chapter, may you still be by my side. Even if the wind blows away the vows, your smile shields me...
The car slowly left Kuangjian Community, street lamps passing one by one outside the window.
Tang Song leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes softly.
...
November 19, 2023, Sunday, clear, 3~18°C.
9 a.m.
The winter sunshine bathed the old residential buildings of Kuangjian Community with a warm golden glow.
The room was filled with the unique warmth and triviality of morning life.
“Dad, Mom, hurry up and go. You’ve been dawdling for half an hour already!”
Liu Qingning stood at the entrance, adjusting her father Liu Xueming’s coat collar with one hand and pushing her mother Zhang Yunlan out the door with the other.
“Tang Song doesn’t know when he’ll come over. You don’t need to wait for him at home. Dad, I put enough money on your card. Buy a safe and comfortable car today!”
“Got it, got it, you kid…”
Under their daughter’s half-push, half-pull urging, the couple’s faces showed unmistakable joy as they finally left.
Early this morning, their daughter had tossed them a bank card and told them to go buy a car.
How could they not be happy with such filial devotion?
*Bang*—
The door closed, cutting off the hallway noise.
The house instantly became quiet.
Liu Qingning exhaled deeply.
She happily walked into her bedroom.
The old-fashioned cast-iron radiator radiated warm heat.
On it, neatly folded, was a blue-and-white Jing County Yizhong High School uniform.
She had finally found this uniform after rummaging through boxes last night.
It had been stuffed in the wardrobe for seven years and already carried a faint smell of mothballs.
After her parents fell asleep, she sneaked into the bathroom like a thief and carefully washed it again by hand.
Luckily the heating was on at home, or it wouldn’t have dried this morning.
She reached out and gently brushed her fingers over the familiar, slightly rough fabric, then touched the chest where the once-washed-faded “Yizhong” school badge was sewn.
Looking at the uniform that carried her youthful memories, her cheeks involuntarily flushed.
She bit her plump lower lip and muttered softly, “Hmph... I’m giving you a break, stupid Xiao Song!”
After saying that, she took out the garment steamer from the corner, plugged it in, and started carefully ironing.
Just after finishing, she took off her outer coat.
*Knock, knock knock—*
A moderate knocking suddenly sounded.
Liu Qingning’s heart skipped a beat. She walked out of the bedroom and looked through the peephole.
*Click*, the door was pulled open a crack from inside. She whispered, “Why didn’t you call me first?”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“Close the door quickly, it’s cold outside.”
Tang Song smiled and casually shut the door, then casually asked, “Where are Uncle and Aunt? Why don’t I see them?”
“Uh...” Liu Qingning tidied the hair on her forehead playfully. “My dad’s Changan Yuexiang is falling apart. It breaks down every few days. They went to look at cars early this morning.”
Tang Song raised his eyebrows and slowly said, “So… it’s just you at home now?”
Liu Qingning instinctively stepped back, crossed her arms, trying to look scared, but her sparkling eyes betrayed a hidden smile. “Wh-what do you want to do?”
Tang Song grinned, “I want to.”
“Get lost!” Liu Qingning hit him and blushed, “Wait here. I’ll go put on the clothes first. It’s a little cold.”
Before finishing, she turned and “ran” into the bedroom, slamming the door.
Tang Song shook his head and chuckled, leaning against the sofa armrest, patiently waiting.
At that moment,
*Buzz buzz*—his phone vibrated suddenly in his pocket.
[Shen Yuyan]
Tang Song answered softly, “Hello, Yuyan.”
“Morning, Boss.” Shen Yuyan’s usual professional and gentle voice came through the receiver. “Hope I’m not disturbing you?”
“No, go ahead.”
“Half an hour ago, the Quancheng Municipal Committee Office called. Mayor Li Jiping’s secretary personally confirmed your itinerary for tomorrow’s Jing County Yizhong High School anniversary. Mayor Li himself plans to attend and hopes to have an informal meeting with you.”
Tang Song raised an eyebrow. “The mayor of Quancheng?”
“Yes!” Shen Yuyan paused, then added cleverly and subtly, “I checked recent developments. Quancheng is coordinating with Yancheng on building industrial clusters for new energy vehicle parts and semiconductor materials. Relevant industry funds and park projects are municipal key priorities. Mayor Li’s attitude likely means he wants to hear your suggestions on hometown future development.”
A flash of sharpness appeared in Tang Song’s eyes. He smiled lightly. “Understood. That’s fine.”
Shen Yuyan hesitated and nervously said, “President Tang, this might involve some government communication and could be a bit troublesome. Shall I visit Quancheng first to meet Mayor Li? When he comes to Jing County, I can bring him to see you, keeping everything under our control.”
Her words showed professionalism and subtly expressed her desire to participate.
Just then, a shy voice came from the bedroom, “Come in.”
Tang Song’s heart skipped a beat. He glanced at the phone and said, “I’ll think about it and reply later.”
He hung up and pushed open the bedroom door.
In the next second, he froze in place.
In the soft morning light streaming on the floor, Liu Qingning stood there wearing the blue-and-white summer school uniform of Yizhong.
The fitted polo shirt was stretched by her full, ample chest into an eye-catching, tight curve.
Her round, pure, baby-faced face, always carrying a hint of baby fat, was slightly flushed with shyness.
She stood quietly with her hands behind her back, like a good student waiting for the teacher’s praise for getting the answer right.
The youthful hormones instantly overwhelmed Tang Song.