novelraw Chapter 644: The You from the Past
Chapter 644: The You from the Past
Chapter 644: The You from the PastListening to Bai Yueguang's casually devastating words and watching the instantly frozen expression on the school belle Shen Yuyan's face across from him, Tang Song couldn't help but feel amused inside.
This three-person dinner gathering had actually been proposed by Liu Qingning herself.
Her intentions were crystal clear to Tang Song.
Liu Qingning had always been particularly concerned about the other women around him.
He could clearly sense that during this hometown reunion, she seemed to have resolved some inner conflicts and had begun trying to accept their current complicated relationship.
Otherwise, she would never have worn that school uniform to satisfy his various excessive "kinky fantasies."
Now, her active "suppression" of Shen Yuyan was more about venting long-accumulated dissatisfaction and grievances.
After all, with Wen Ruan having that "official girlfriend" status, Liu Qingning couldn't really do much about her.
But Shen Yuyan, this young and sexy special assistant, unfortunately became the perfect target.
Just then, Shen Yuyan's gaze turned to him again, filled with shock and confusion.Tang Song gave her a reassuring nod. "That's right, Qingning is indeed the general manager of Qingmi AI and one of the main responsible persons at the software application level for the Xuanji Optical World project. You should add each other on WeChat—you'll probably need to communicate frequently for work matters."
Currently, Shen Yuyan mainly helped him handle external investments. Other work, including core projects like Xuanji Optical World, were all managed by Lin Muxue for information relay.
So Shen Yuyan wasn't clear about the specific responsible persons and details.
But now... with Luna far away in London and Bai Yueguang wanting to assert her presence, School Belle Shen would just have to endure it.
Shen Yuyan subconsciously licked her dry lips, her voice stiff as she said, "O-okay. I never expected... Qingning, you're actually this amazing. You really shocked me."
As she spoke, she picked up her phone, fingers slightly trembling as she scanned Liu Qingning's QR code and sent the friend request.
Liu Qingning's existence genuinely gave her an unprecedented, nearly devastating sense of shock.
As peers, aside from the freak that was Tang Song, she had never encountered someone so "outstanding."
It couldn't even be described with simple "excellence" anymore—this was absolutely heaven's chosen one.
You had to understand, this was Qingmi AI and Xuanji Optical World!
One was a software unicorn that had already changed countless people's lifestyles with over a hundred million users.
The other was a hardware quasi-unicorn that was about to define the future.
And the core responsible person for these two massive projects was actually this girl right before her eyes, who was the same age as her.
Shen Yuyan had always been confident, even arrogant about her abilities and skills.
But compared to the other party, her proud entrepreneurial experiences and so-called "special assistant" title...
Were practically like children playing house.
Looking at Liu Qingning across from her and recalling Tang Song's attitude toward her...
An uncontrollable thought emerged from Shen Yuyan's heart.
Could it be... you're not Liu Qingning's "main wife"?
Beside them, Liu Qingning lowered her head to scroll through her screen, seemingly casually browsing through Shen Yuyan's moments.
After a moment.
She suddenly looked up and asked, "By the way, Yuyan, which university did you graduate from?"
Shen Yuyan subconsciously straightened her posture and blurted out, "Yancheng University of Science and Technology."
"Oh, exactly!" Liu Qingning put down her phone, staring directly at her with a smiling expression. "No wonder you looked so familiar. If I remember correctly, you were quite famous at Yanke University during college, right? Seems like... you were even the campus belle? So outstanding." ＲάɴỐ𝐛Êş
Shen Yuyan bit her lip. "That was just classmates joking around, it doesn't count."
"Hehe, I think you truly deserve the title. So beautiful and outstanding—no wonder Tang Song recruited you as his special assistant." As Liu Qingning spoke, she turned her gaze toward Tang Song across from her, her clear eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Right?"
A flash of awkwardness crossed Tang Song's face before he calmly said, "Yuyan's abilities are indeed exceptional. She has HR work experience at P&
G and has successfully started her own business. She helps me handle many complex tasks in human resources and project management."
Only now did he realize that Bai Yueguang had probably recognized who she was from the moment she saw Shen Yuyan's work photo.
But this was normal.
During college, Shen Yuyan had indeed been too famous.
On various social platforms like Douyin and Tieba, if you searched for "Yancheng University of Science and Technology," nine times out of ten you'd find photos or discussions about her.
Given Bai Yueguang's feelings and attention toward him, how could she be completely unaware of the school he attended?
Not just Shen Yuyan—she even knew the names and appearances of his closest roommates back then.
It was only later, with the busyness of the entrepreneurship competition, that she became somewhat negligent.
Now that their relationship was completely reconciled, she would naturally become vigilant again.
This actually gave Tang Song a bit of a headache.
After all, he had too many little secrets on his side. If all those "wings" were really exposed, Bai Yueguang would probably explode on the spot.
It seemed he still had to keep things hidden, making School Belle Shen bear the brunt upfront.
Coincidentally, the Growth Plan mission [③ Capital Hunter] was about to be completed, and he would definitely need to arrange new work for Shen Yuyan then.
The atmosphere during the remainder of the dinner became somewhat strange.
In the seemingly warm and intimate conversation, Shen Yuyan was once again significantly provoked by Liu Qingning.
Tang Song's childhood friend, high school's Bai Yueguang, top student in AI at Imperial Capital University, successful AI+education entrepreneur, entering Qingning Technology with Tang Song's support, leading core projects...
This glittering resume was simply impeccable.
Shen Yuyan felt like her heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys were all aching faintly.
She never expected that someone as outstanding as this "true destined girl" was hidden around Tang Song!
That resume, plus the invincible attribute bonus of being "Bai Yueguang," was practically a dimensional blow.
Poor Da Sha Qing was still smug about her "short drama screenwriting career," unaware that the other's "main wife" had already entered the highest levels of power core...
Those little tricks she originally thought of for getting closer, and the "combination skills" with her best friend Xu Qing to gain Tang Song's affection, even a reversal...
All seemed somewhat self-righteous now.
Just as she was feeling turbulent and deeply defeated...
Under the table, her leg encased in smooth pantyhose was suddenly lightly touched.
Immediately after, the other party began unhurriedly rubbing back and forth against her sensitive inner calf.
Shen Yuyan's breathing instantly became rapid, her body trembling violently.
She looked up just in time to meet Tang Song's gentle yet profound eyes.
An indescribable sensation assaulted her heart.
Shen Yuyan's throat moved, a faint blush gradually rising on her face.
Was this reminding me?
Or... comforting me?
He still cared about my feelings.
....
8 PM.
The black Rolls-Royce Phantom stopped at the entrance of Liu Qingning's apartment building.
Both got out of the car.
"Goodbye, rest early tonight. Tomorrow will be busy again." Tang Song gently straightened her wind-blown collar, his voice warm.
Liu Qingning softly "mm-hmm"ed, standing in the slightly cool evening breeze as she tucked away the hair at her temples.
Her gaze swept over Shen Yuyan's blurred figure in the passenger seat.
She rose on her tiptoes and planted a heavy kiss on Tang Song's lips.
When she pulled away, her breath was somewhat unsteady, but she still leaned close to his ear and whispered in a voice only they could hear, "Tonight... you should rest too, don't go running around. I'll be returning to Shen City soon."
After speaking, Liu Qingning gave him a deep look before turning and entering the building.
Her high ponytail swayed left and right in the night wind, perfectly mirroring her currently wavering heart.
Only after her figure completely disappeared did Tang Song return to the car.
Inside the cabin, the unique scent of Liu Qingning still lingered.
Shen Yuyan slightly turned her body and asked softly, "President Tang, where are we going next?"
Tang Song pondered for a moment before saying, "Let's go directly to Zhende Hotel."
Shen Yuyan was staying in Jing County tonight and would accompany him to meet with Mayor Li tomorrow, so staying at the school anniversary reception hotel was naturally most convenient.
Besides, he really didn't have any suitable place in Jing County to discuss work.
"Mm, okay." Shen Yuyan softly agreed, but her heartbeat uncontrollably began to accelerate.
The word "hotel" always carried infinite imagination for a single man and woman like them.
The Rolls-Royce started again and stopped at the hotel's drop-off area ten minutes later.
The two entered the brightly lit lobby one after another.
Shen Yuyan skillfully completed the check-in procedure and obtained the room card.
She brought Tang Song to the luxurious business suite on the 10th floor.
The room was quite spacious. Besides the comfortable sleeping area, there was also a cleverly partitioned small office space with an exquisite solid wood desk and chair.
Shen Yuyan took off her down coat, wearing only the silk blouse and pencil skirt underneath, revealing her graceful and alluring body curves.
It seemed he still had to keep things hidden, making School Belle Shen bear the brunt upfront.
Tang Song nodded but didn't sit down. Instead, he walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at Yizhong High School campus directly outside.
Most areas of the Yizhong campus at night were already dark, with only a few street lights on the main teaching building and sports field outlining a peaceful and solemn silhouette.
Tomorrow was the fiftieth anniversary school celebration, and with the original plans disrupted and the mayor of Quancheng personally attending, it was destined he couldn't keep a low profile.
Soon, Shen Yuyan brought over a cup of warm water.
Tang Song took it, gently blew on the steam, and took a sip.
In the seemingly warm and intimate conversation, Shen Yuyan was once again significantly provoked by Liu Qingning.
After a moment, she turned around, her voice soft: "President Tang, I'm ready on my end."
Tang Song "mm-hmm"ed and sat down on the chair beside her.
The distance between them was very close, close enough to smell each other's different scents.
Shen Yuyan looked at Tang Song's handsome profile under the light, took a deep breath, and began detailing all the specifics of today's coordination with the municipal government.
Her voice was soft yet professional, like a clear stream slowly flowing in the quiet room.
But her body's center of gravity unconsciously leaned bit by bit toward Tang Song's side.
Her nylon-clad, round and firm thigh lightly brushed against his suit pants leg as if by accident.
In the air, an ambiguous atmosphere quietly grew, and the temperature seemed to be rising steadily.
Tang Song appeared very composed, only occasionally meeting her gaze with profound eyes that revealed little emotion.
That resume, plus the invincible attribute bonus of being "Bai Yueguang," was practically a dimensional strike.
Shen Yuyan looked up, her bright eyes misting with moving moisture.
Poor Da Sha Qing was still smug about her "short drama screenwriting career," unaware that the other's "main wife" had already entered the highest levels of power core...
Tang Song looked at her charming face so close at hand and the long eyelashes trembling slightly from nervousness, the corners of his mouth slightly lifting.
Those little tricks she originally thought of for getting closer, and the "combination skills" with her best friend Xu Qing to gain Tang Song's affection, even a reversal...
Shen Yuyan's originally hopeful heart instantly sank.
But she didn't dare say more, only standing up similarly, forcing a proper smile on her face: "Okay, President Tang. Then I'll contact Jiayi tomorrow morning to pick you up at your home."
"En."
Just as she was feeling turbulent and deeply defeated...
Shen Yuyan watched Tang Song's figure, took a deep breath, and followed him out.
She originally thought something breakthrough might happen tonight, never expecting that Liu Qingning's appearance would completely disrupt all her rhythm.
She didn't dare play any active pursuit games anymore, afraid of making things worse through excessive cleverness.
Immediately after, the other party began unhurriedly rubbing back and forth against her sensitive inner calf.
Just then, Tang Song suddenly turned around, his long, slender hand unexpectedly landing on her waist.
Shen Yuyan's body stiffened, her spine straightening, her high chest tightening the silk blouse.
Tang Song looked at her eyes filled with panic and expectation and smiled.
She looked up just in time to meet Tang Song's gentle yet profound eyes.
Even through the thick fabric, he could clearly feel the astonishing elasticity and firm texture.
"Bye, no need to see me out, Shirley."
After speaking, he released his hand and turned to leave.
Leaving Shen Yuyan standing alone at the doorway.
A flush gradually rose on her face, waves of numb and itchy tremors welling up from deep within her body.
Unable to calm down for a long time.
Every time she thought he had no feelings for her, he would actively tease;
and when she mustered courage to take things further, he would retreat to a safe distance.
The Tang Song before her was exactly like the most skilled PUA expert who knew how to play with people's hearts.
Making her oscillate between hope and fear, utterly restless.
......
"Ding—" The elevator door slowly opened on the first-floor lobby.
Tang Song stepped out.
Instantly attracting numerous scorching gazes.
Even wearing ordinary winter clothes, his exceptionally outstanding appearance and temperament still stood out remarkably.
The corners of Tang Song's mouth carried a faint, pleased smile, still savoring the excellent touch of School Belle Shen just moments ago.
After the [Shen Yuyan's Whisper] dungeon, he absolutely understood School Belle Shen's personality inside out.
In certain aspects, she was like Lin Muxue—once she gained some power and superiority, she easily "floated."
Plus, she had particularly many little schemes.
Although he didn't dislike it, he still needed to discipline this proud female assistant.
He raised his wrist to check the time—exactly 9 o'clock.
Just as he was about to head toward the main entrance.
A female voice filled with some hesitation and uncertainty suddenly reached his ears: "...Tang, Tang Song?"
The voice sounded somewhat familiar.
Her gaze swept over Shen Yuyan's blurred figure in the passenger seat.
In a corner of the lobby rest area, a girl about his age stood there.
She held a rather heavy large backpack, seemingly having just completed check-in procedures.
She had neat medium-short hair and wore scholarly black-framed glasses that partially obscured her features, but she could still be seen as a quite pretty young woman with good foundations.
Their eyes met.
The girl stared at him unblinkingly, her eyes filled with shock and uncertainty, plus a hint of reunion joy.
Tang Song's steps abruptly halted as a name surfaced from the depths of his memory.
He blurted out: "Deng Yazhi?"
Her high ponytail swayed left and right in the night wind, perfectly mirroring her currently wavering heart.
After confirmation, all uncertainty on Deng Yazhi's face instantly vanished, replaced by enormous surprise and excitement.
"Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!"
Deng Yazhi said "holy shit" three times in succession before barely venting the overwhelming shock in her heart.
She quickly ran up to Tang Song and, just like in high school, unceremoniously punched his arm.
"Tang Song! I thought I was seeing things! How did you... how did you become so..."
Her voice grew softer, until she didn't know what words to use for description.
The boy before her stood tall and straight, with handsome features, his whole person radiating a noble and serene aura that clashed with the lively surroundings.
Facing him so closely, she could increasingly feel that overwhelming, heart-accelerating charm.
Even as a television reporter accustomed to all kinds of people, she felt her brain somewhat short-circuiting now.
Looking at his old classmate, a brilliantly joyful smile appeared on Tang Song's face. "Long time no see. Never expected to meet you here."
In high school, he had been sunny and outgoing, naturally not lacking good classmates and friends.
Deng Yazhi was one of them.
Her personality was straightforward and righteous, and she valued relationships deeply.
Tang Song still remembered how at the farewell dinner on high school graduation day, this seemingly carefree girl cried hysterically, grabbing everyone's hands and saying "we must keep in touch."
Later, Tang Song went to university and gradually lost contact with most high school classmates.
The word "hotel" always carried infinite imagination for a lone man and woman like them.
But as time passed, their life trajectories gradually diverged, and contact became less frequent.
In the recent three years, it was almost reduced to just likes and comments on moments, or holiday greetings.
The day Tang Song obtained the system, he had been deeply moved by the high school graduation photo she shared on moments. (Chapter 1)
Deng Yazhi took several deep breaths, seemingly finally recovering from the shock. "I have to admit, you really amazed me, kid. No wonder you never post photos on moments."
"Hehe, I've always been very busy, you know, and I don't like posting on moments anyway."
"Really, clearly such a lively Little Song in high school, now so aloof, haha. By the way, I remember you returned from the Imperial Capital. Are you developing in Yancheng now?"
"En, you could say that." Tang Song smiled and nodded, then asked in return: "What about you? Why are you here?"
She brought Tang Song to the luxurious business suite on the 10th floor.
Tang Song sighed with emotion: "Really impressive. You've realized your dream."
She had always loved reporting and photography. In high school, she was a backbone of the school broadcast station, often carrying a digital camera everywhere taking pictures. Never expected she'd truly turn her hobby into work.
"So you came back for the school anniversary too?" Deng Yazhi then added: "Oh wait, I'm guessing mainly because Liu Qingning is here?"
Shen Yuyan took off her down coat, wearing only the silk blouse and pencil skirt underneath, revealing her graceful and alluring body curves.
Deng Yazhi pouted, muttering: "Just knew it. Didn't even say to see old classmates like me, sigh~~"
Her relationship with Liu Qingning was actually average, and they hadn't been in contact for many years.
Partly because the other was simply too outstanding, too distant from ordinary people like them.
Another reason was Liu Qingning's undisguised "possessiveness" toward Tang Song, which made her harbor some barely noticeable little hostility toward other girls who had good relationships with Tang Song.
This hostility wasn't clear, but only those within it could perceive it.
"By the way." Deng Yazhi sighed with emotion, "This school anniversary is no simple matter. I was specifically assigned to do special coverage. Heard not only will big leaders from the city come, but several super impressive distinguished alumni too, like Zhao Rui from CICC, and Li Yunfan, boss of Maixiangyuan... all big shots!"
Just as she prepared to continue sharing "inside information," her phone rang urgently.
Tomorrow was the fiftieth anniversary school celebration, and with the original plans disrupted and the mayor of Quancheng personally attending, it was destined he couldn't keep a low profile.
She quickly answered the call, lowering her voice, "Hello, Director Liu... Yes yes, I just arrived at the hotel... Okay okay, I'll come up right away, just organizing equipment now..."
After hanging up, she gave Tang Song an apologetic smile, her face full of the helplessness of a corporate slave: "Originally wanted to properly chat with you, but no choice—boss urging for drafts. I need to hurry upstairs for 'overtime'."
As she spoke, she turned around in a flurry preparing to leave.
But just before leaving, she suddenly remembered something and abruptly stopped.
"Wait! Don't move!"
Saying this, she flusteredly opened her large backpack and pulled out a professional DSLR camera.
Under Tang Song's somewhat stunned gaze, she raised the camera, adjusted the angle toward him.
With a "click," she pressed the shutter.
Then, she flusteredly put the camera away and quickly walked up to him.
Just like in high school, she forcefully punched his arm.
"Alright, we'll chat more at tomorrow's school anniversary! Leaving! Keep in touch ah!"
Her words still hung in the air, but she had already energetically disappeared behind the closing elevator doors.
Watching her disappearing figure, Tang Song stood still for a while before turning to leave, an inexplicable feeling rising in his heart.
....
Around 10 PM.
Yun Jing Tai residential area.
After video chatting with Bai Yueguang to say goodnight and simple washing up, Tang Song lay in bed.
Just preparing to sleep.
"Ding dong—" A WeChat notification sounded.
Tang Song picked up his phone to look, his expression subtle.
[Deng Yazhi: image.jpg]
In the air, an ambiguous atmosphere quietly grew, and the temperature seemed to be rising steadily.
On the left was him in high school, wearing blue-and-white school uniform, with a sunny smile, clear eyes, still carrying some youthful innocence and naivety.
On the right was him just taken in the lobby, wearing casual outerwear, standing tall and straight, with profound eyes, exuding a noble and elegant temperament.
Two photos of the same person, yet seemingly separated by an insurmountable river of time and space.
Tang Song stared blankly at this image, mixed emotions inside.
Just as he prepared to reply with something, Deng Yazhi sent another video file.
Tang Song instinctively clicked play.
The video footage was somewhat shaky, with rough quality—shot with an early 5-megapixel phone camera, full of that era's graininess.
The camera showed the noisy classroom before high school graduation.
Classmates wearing the same school uniforms were laughing and playing around.
Fans creaked overhead, the blackboard still had "X days until college entrance exams" countdown writing remaining, the walls posted inspirational slogans and classmates' graffiti...
That uniquely chaotic yet hopeful atmosphere of senior year graduation season.
The camera turned, focusing on eighteen-year-old Tang Song sitting at his desk reading.
Off-screen came Deng Yazhi's cheerful voice: "Interviewing classmate Tang Song—since we're soon heading to all corners of the country, what expectations do you have for your future self?"
Shen Yuyan's originally hopeful heart instantly sank.
Video Tang Song instinctively leaned back, raising a hand to block, his face showing that youth-specific embarrassment and helplessness when teased by friends: "Stop messing around, Duck, move that away."
"Quick, quick, say it! I'm recording a segment for each of you. Several years later, I'll send these videos back to see if everyone achieved their dreams!"
Video Tang Song, unable to resist her persistence plus classmates' egging on, finally looked up.
His eyes dodged for a moment before slowly facing the camera directly.
He thought seriously.
Tang Song casually picked up the coat draped over the chair back and walked toward the door.
"Hope to meet everyone at the summit. Those who chase light are destined to shine magnificently."
"(Tsk tsk)~~" Deng Yazhi's teasing voice came through. "Can't you say something specific? This isn't for inspirational short phrases—try again!"
Good-natured laughter sounded around.
Tang Song just grinned, noticing Bai Yueguang's amused gaze, that burning passion unique to youth igniting on his face.
He said loudly: "Then I hope future me... can achieve great things, earn big money, make a fortune! Haha, then repay my hometown, make our Yizhong proud of me!"
Laughter echoed through the classroom.
The video ended abruptly here.
But suddenly a clear system notification sounded in his ears:
"Ding! You triggered branch mission [The You of the Past]. Please check [Mission Center] for details."
Just then, Tang Song suddenly turned around, his slender hand unexpectedly landing on her waist.
[Mission reward: Charm +1, Title Package*1]