novelraw Chapter 654: Filling the Pit Together
Chapter 654: Filling the Pit Together
Chapter 654: Filling the Pit TogetherFriday, November 24, 2023, Clear, -4~3°C.
Zhuxi Neighborhood.
Early morning, outside the window remained a silent expanse of black.
Tang Song slowly opened his eyes amidst warmth and fragrance.
Turning his head, he looked at Gao Mengting sleeping soundly beside him, a smile appearing on his face.
Accompanied by the text message notification of his bank card deposit, Tang Song quietly got out of bed.
He put on thick clothes and went downstairs.
Pushing open the building door.
A cold wind carrying frost and snow instantly rushed in.
Tang Song tightened his coat collar, exhaled a puff of white air, and stepped into the pre-dawn silence where everything lay dormant.The lawn and holly trees along the road were covered with a thin layer of white frost.
The morning felt extremely cold, and since he didn't have workout clothes here, he simply gave up his morning run and opted for a slow walk instead.
When the time felt right, Tang Song took out his phone, put on Bluetooth earphones, and dialed Liu Qingning's voice call.
The call was answered almost instantly, and soon the somewhat lazy voice of his white moonlight came through the receiver: "Morning, Little Song."
"Good morning, wifey."
"Ah!" Liu Qingning gasped softly, flustered and shy from his sudden address, "You... why are you calling me that so suddenly?"
"Don't you like it?"
They chatted back and forth like this.
About the weather in Yancheng and Shen City, about the upcoming industry layout for Xuanji Optical World.
Tang Song walked slowly through the deserted neighborhood, listening to the light, rapid footsteps coming from her treadmill.
They talked for over half an hour.
Only after Liu Qingning finished her morning workout did they hang up.
Tang Song had unconsciously walked out of the neighborhood gate and turned the street corner.
A familiar shop emitting steaming heat came into view.
Looking at the familiar roujiamo, Tang Song couldn't help but smile.
Taking out his phone, he took a photo and shared it with Cheng Qiuqiu.
Message: "(·w·) Are you awake? Should I bring you your favorite roujiamo with double spicy peppers?"
As a genuine Sichuan girl, Qiuqiu had exceptional spice tolerance.
When they used to eat hotpot together, her dipping sauce bowl would be almost entirely filled with bright red chili oil.
"Beep beep—"
[Qiuqiu: "(·w·) No need, we bought lots of ingredients yesterday. Today Lingling and I are making breakfast and lunch together. The new kitchenware is very complete and hasn't been used yet."]
Tang Song: "Alright then. Another day I'll visit personally to taste your cooking."
[Qiuqiu: Looking forward to it.jpg (a cat anticipation emoji)]
Looking at Qiuqiu's message, Tang Song smiled gently.
Unconsciously, the aloof and silent Qiuqiu had become much more cheerful and talkative.
Especially after moving out of Zhuxi Neighborhood and living with her junior, the changes were even more noticeable.
Recently she'd even started actively sharing interesting things with him at night.
It was worth mentioning that Qiuqiu hadn't had nightmares for a long time.
Since he was going to the company today, he could check how her [Dream Flower Seed] was growing.
He cared quite a bit about this "dark-hearted" flower-growing girl.
For the [Dream Flower Seed] to grow well, besides absorbing negative emotions, his preferential treatment and kindness would also make it thrive.
After some thought, he held the voice message button and said gently: "Take a photo and send it to me. It's been a long time since I've seen you—I miss you."
After sending the message, Qiuqiu unusually didn't reply instantly.
Waiting a while with still no response, Tang Song shook his head with a light laugh.
Entering the breakfast shop, he packed two breakfasts and turned back toward the neighborhood gate.
The eastern horizon began to glow with magnificent dawn colors.
"Ding dong—" A WeChat notification sounded.
[Qiuqiu: Mirror selfie.jpg]
In the photo, Qiuqiu wore a form-fitting purple yoga top with pure black high-waisted yoga pants. Her orange-brown long hair was neatly tied into a playful bun, revealing her smooth forehead and elegant swan neck.
She stood sideways to the mirror, her body curves outlined by the lighting, appearing toned, full, tall, and sexy.
And clearly, she had dressed up carefully, even applying lipstick.
Tang Song exhaled white air, feeling a slight warmth in his heart.
No helping it—his partner was a standard lightweight who couldn't satisfy him at all.
Seeing such a vibrant photo of Qiuqiu early in the morning inevitably stirred some restless feelings.
After all, Qiuqiu was known as "Little Su Yu"—both her looks and figure were top-tier.
Then his gaze froze, landing on the familiar room environment in the photo background. He blinked hard.
This... wasn't this Shen Yuyan's room?
The bedside decorations, room layout, aroma diffuser in the corner... the more he looked, the more familiar it seemed.
Tang Song's eyebrows twitched, and he immediately typed back: "Qiuqiu is so beautiful. By the way, I never asked—which neighborhood did you and Lingling move to?"
[Qiuqiu: "Building 4, Unit 1, Apartment 1204, North City Garden Community, Yuhua District."]
[Qiuqiu: Location.map]
Holy shit! It really was!
He had just moved Shen Yuyan and Xu Qing from there to Lan Feng International Apartments, and now Lingling and Qiuqiu had moved in!
This was... quite a coincidence.
And he still had access cards for North City Garden—this actually made things convenient.
Come to think of it, Shen Yuyan and Xu Qing, Cheng Qiuqiu and Yao Lingling—all were good friends, close girlfriends.
This pairing combination... seemed quite nice.
As if thinking of something.
Tang Song couldn't help but feel unusual emotions stirring in his heart.
Returning upstairs.
Tang Song placed the still steaming breakfast on the dining table and pushed open the master bedroom door.
He saw Gao Mengting sitting at the vanity, carefully applying makeup.
She had already washed up, wearing a plain white T-shirt with her black long hair casually tied into a low ponytail with a simple hair tie.
Revealing her smooth, full forehead and elegant swan neck.
With minimal embellishment, she naturally exuded astonishing softness and beauty.
"You're back." Gao Mengting turned to glance at him, greeting him.
Clearly, his partner was in excellent spirits.
The reason was naturally yesterday's sudden big surprise—Su Yu wearing their shell jacket had made it to hot search.
"Mm."
Tang Song responded, walking forward and directly embracing her from behind, his lips landing on her neck.
Gao Mengting's sensitive body stiffened abruptly.
Blushing, she said: "What are you doing..."
"Nothing." Tang Song laughed, slipping his cold hands under the loose hem of her T-shirt.
"Tang Song! Your... your hands are so cold! Take them away!"
She looked at him with embarrassment and annoyance, trying to push away those mischievous hands causing trouble on her body.
However, Tang Song's hands remained motionless, slowly moving upward along her warm, delicate abdomen.
'Ah!'
The cold stimulation met warm skin, soft curves meeting firm knuckles.
Gao Mengting's body trembled violently as she melted into his arms.
The room filled with the sounds of men and women playing around, interspersed with his partner's occasional coquettish protests.
Sunlight through the curtain gaps enveloped them both.
An atmosphere of ambiguity and warmth spread through the room.
......
10:30 AM.
Songmei Apparel, conference room.
"...So my suggestion is that for Double Twelve promotions, instead of full-scale rollout like Double Eleven, we should focus more... further solidifying the [Heyi] brand identity..."
Tang Song sat at the head position, quietly listening to brand department colleagues present their plans.
Qiuqiu sat diagonally across, seriously taking meeting notes.
Occasionally she looked up, her gaze briefly meeting Tang Song's in the air before quickly looking down again.
The [Dream Flower Seed] above her head looked more robust than before, surrounded by a soft glow.
Meeting ended.
Everyone gradually stood up, chatting and laughing as they headed out.
But Cheng Qiuqiu remained seated, not moving.
After everyone left, Tang Song came to her side and asked with a smile: "What's up, Qiuqiu?"
"President Tang, I... I want to take three days off next week."
"Of course." Tang Song leaned casually against the conference table edge, "Can you tell me what for?"
Cheng Qiuqiu pressed her lips together, stood up, and said quietly: "I need to return to Rongcheng... home."
"Oh? Going home next week?" Tang Song raised his eyebrows, feeling slightly moved.
His character interaction task with Ouyang Xianyue was also about going to Rongcheng at month's end.
Of course, the timing wasn't certain yet—he needed to wait for system notification.
But the timing happened to overlap quite nicely—quite a coincidence.
Seeing Tang Song silent, Qiuqiu showed anxiety and caution on her face, "I'll bring my laptop. If there's work, I can handle it online anytime."
Sensing her thoughts, Tang Song chuckled softly and stepped closer.
His slender hand decisively landed on her slim waist.
Feeling his familiar scent, Qiuqiu shrank back like a startled fawn.
The emerald flower sprout above her head trembled violently.
Tang Song said: "You should take proper rest. I'll give you paid annual leave—you decide the timing. You can stay in Rongcheng a few extra days."
Through dreams, he knew Qiuqiu's past and family situation.
Naturally he knew what going home meant to her.
Since he was going too, he could give this poor girl a big surprise.
They could also tour Rongcheng together, develop their relationship, comfort her emotions.
After all, all her emotional knots originated from that gray childhood.
Maybe it could even make that [Dream Flower Seed] grow quickly and bloom its third flower.
"No need for paid leave, normal time off is fine." Cheng Qiuqiu stubbornly shook her head.
Tang Song smiled, suddenly leaning forward to kiss her burning cheek.
"President Tang..."
Qiuqiu nervously glanced at the conference room's transparent glass door, her body instantly tensing.
"It's settled then. I'll notify HR later."
Tang Song patted her slender back and turned to leave.
Watching his retreating figure.
Cheng Qiuqiu stood dazedly in place, unconsciously touching the spot on her cheek where he'd kissed, her gaze distant.
Replaced by long-suppressed emotions.
Recently, since moving out of Zhuxi Neighborhood, she often dreamed of Tang Song—all sorts of shy, intimate contact in her dreams.
This sensation was entirely new to her.
She felt her physical issues were gradually improving.
CEO office.
Tang Song had just sat down and taken a drink of water.
"Ding dong—" A WeChat notification sounded.
Picking up his phone, he saw it was an email.
Sender: Zhao Fei.
Subject: [Update on Ms. Zhou Hui's CAR-T Cell Therapy Progress].
Seeing the email information, Tang Song's heart jumped. He quickly opened it.
His eyes rapidly scanned the content, then he breathed a sigh of relief, a genuine smile appearing on his face.
In over half a month, Zhang Yan's mother had completed the pre-treatment evaluation and preparation phase.
Just today, she officially began "CAR-T cell preparation."
They had already established direct contact with [Guyu Biotech]'s laboratory, activating the highest priority "green channel."
Moreover, the entire process—from blood collection to viral vector transfection to cell expansion culture—was personally supervised by their chief scientist team.
Expected to be airlifted to Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University next week.
Nearly ten days faster than the standard procedure.
Everything was progressing smoothly.
Once CAR-T cells were successfully reinfused, the next phase would be monitoring and recovery.
Zhang Yan could finally be freed from that enormous pressure.
For Tang Song, it held even greater significance.
Because in dream memories, he had seen another future for Zhang Yan.
And now, he had changed this middle school deskmate's fate.
Meaning she would embark on a brand new life.
Taking a deep breath to calm his pounding heart.
Tang Song opened his WeChat chat with Zhang Yan, thought for a moment, then began typing a message.
....
Yangcheng, Xingyun International Group branch office.
In the spacious, bright open office area.
Zhang Yan sat at her new workstation, posture straight, focused on revising a brand promotion copy.
Her notebook was densely filled with various thinking points and improvement suggestions.
In the half-month since joining Xingyun, most of her energy had been spent at the hospital.
Company leadership had barely assigned any substantial work, just occasional online review of basic drafts.
Now that her mother's treatment was finally on track with professional round-the-clock care.
Today was her first real entry into the work process.
Now she was like a sponge, eager to learn new knowledge.
Just as she had promised Tang Song.
She could only write drafts now, didn't understand many things, couldn't compare to others—but she would study seriously.
She always remembered the energy and courage Tang Song had given her.
Life's "Frieza" had been defeated, everything was getting better, and she would work hard to earn more money.
Though it might sound "funny," she still wanted to save money to repay the over 1 million treatment fee she owed Tang Song, even if just partially.
Otherwise, she always felt she owed him so very much.
"Beep beep—"
A WeChat message popped up on her computer screen.
Zhang Yan instinctively froze, fingers pausing on the keyboard.
[Tang Song: "I've seen Auntie's report—everything looks good. After next week's reinfusion, she can focus on recovery. Take care of yourself in Yancheng. I believe our Zhang Yan will eventually transform into a true Super Saiyan. Keep it up!"]
After a long time.
She wiped the corner of her eye and gently typed: "I'll work hard and not let you down."
Zhang Yan bit her lip, tears slowly overflowing.
Falling on the keyboard, creating small damp spots.
Since childhood, due to family circumstances, she had been love-deprived.
She always felt like rootless duckweed, drifting lonely in the vast world without any safe harbor.
Now, this anchor was no longer distant—it was truly by her side.
Filling her with security and belonging.
It was precisely these feelings that gave her courage to confess to Tang Song and even delusionally "compete" with Liu Qingning.
She just hoped this hard-found haven wouldn't... abandon her.
Bowing her head, she wiped away the tears at the corner of her eyes.
She checked the computer's date—today was Friday.
Pressing her lips together, she gently tapped the keyboard.
Transforming those surging emotions into familiar passages that belonged only to them:
[Yangcheng cooled down today. The wind is strong, rustling the banyan leaves outside the window, just like autumn in our Jing County.
It's been over half a month at the new company. Everything's good. Colleagues are friendly. Work is challenging, but I'm studying hard every day.
...
These days, I often remember that weekend we read comics and painted walls together.
They replay in my mind like movie slow motion.
Yangcheng's nightscape is beautiful, but nowhere near as lovely as the streets we walked together that night.
Heaven and earth have their limits, only longing is endless.
Though we've been apart less than a month, Tang Song, I think I'm starting to miss you again.]
Hesitating a moment, she clicked send.
Zhang Yan's cheeks burned like fire as she bowed her head, clenching her fists tightly.
This was her first time directly saying "I miss you."
And actually sending a "he-can-see-this" essay on WeChat.
Her inner feelings were beyond words.
"Beep beep—"
[Tang Song: "After Auntie's reinfusion, do you want to visit Yancheng? I'll take you to see the school."]
Zhang Yan's eyes instantly lit up, her heart pounding wildly.
Yancheng...
She had spent four university years there.
Those four years were also when she hid where he couldn't see, silently observing him.
Taking a deep breath.
She quickly replied: "Sure, I haven't been back in over two years."
After chatting with Tang Song a while longer, Zhang Yan put down her phone satisfied and returned to work.
Time passed gradually.
Evening approached, the horizon outside tinted magnificent orange-red by sunset.
A familiar voice sounded by her workstation: "Manager Zhang, Director Wen has arrived at the company. She just finished a meeting and wants you to come to the reception room now to see her."
Zhang Yan looked up and saw Wen Ruan's assistant Wang Dandan smiling at her.
Director Wen was here?
"Okay." Zhang Yan quickly responded, promptly saving her document, standing up, and heading out.
Smoothing her hair, with a nervous heart, she pushed open the reception room's heavy glass door.
Dressed in exquisitely tailored black suit, white silk shirt stretched into an exaggerated curve by her full, proud bust.
Thick wavy hair casually draped over shoulders, face showing slight fatigue but unable to conceal her mature, charming unique presence.
"You're here, Zhang Yan." Wen Ruan stood up, waving her over with a warm smile, "Come sit quickly."
Zhang Yan carefully approached her side.
Wen Ruan grabbed her arm, "How come after just a week apart, you've become distant with your sister?"
"N-no, I haven't." Zhang Yan blushed slightly.
Mainly she felt the gap between her and Wen Ruan was too large, plus she was company leadership.
Worried being too familiar would annoy her.
"Alright, just call me Sister Wen Ruan or big sister privately." Wen Ruan's voice was magnetic and gentle, "How are you? Settling into work okay?"
"Quite well, colleagues are very nice."
They sat together on the sofa.
Wen Ruan inquired about her recent situation, chatting about some light gossip and interesting anecdotes.
Playfully saying: "Zhang Yan, let me ask you something."
"Please go ahead." Zhang Yan quickly sat upright, hands properly on knees like an elementary student listening to teacher's instructions, completely serious.
Wen Ruan looked at her adorable appearance, covering her mouth with a light laugh, "Do you want to... earn more money?"
"Ah?" Zhang Yan's mouth opened slightly, not immediately understanding her meaning.
"Don't be nervous," Wen Ruan continued, "Here's the situation. Xingyun International Group is about to begin new rounds of domestic/ international mergers and strategic cooperation. Our [Content Ecology Cooperation Department] will become increasingly important.
Coincidentally, we're about to start deep collaboration with a tech company. I want you personally involved.
Of course, since this project may require frequent business trips, the company will provide generous project allowances and performance bonuses."
Hearing this, Zhang Yan said nervously: "I... I'm afraid my abilities are insufficient, that I won't handle it well..."
"I'm not asking you to carry the burden alone immediately." Wen Ruan's tone was full of reassuring strength, "I'll give you enough time to learn and adapt. After you fully integrate, we'll select elite members from our department to form a project team you'll lead. How about it? Dare to accept this challenge?"
Zhang Yan's heart instantly leaped to her throat, instinctively wanting to retreat.
After all, she'd always been just a content editor hiding behind computer screens.
Never truly led such significant projects requiring frequent external communication.
But thinking of Tang Song, her promise to him, that heavy "debt" she longed to repay...
Zhang Yan's eyes, always carrying some timidity, finally grew determined.
Taking a deep breath, meeting Wen Ruan's gaze, she nodded firmly: "Thank you for your trust, Director Wen. I'll work hard! If... if I really can't handle it, you can remove me anytime. I want to try!"
"Snap—"
Wen Ruan made a crisp finger snap, face blooming with an extremely bright smile as if finally getting her desired answer.
She couldn't help extending her arms, giving Zhang Yan a soft, intimate hug, hand affectionately ruffling her smooth collarbone-length hair.
"Keep it up, like Tang Song, I believe in you too."
She wasn't yet accustomed to such sudden, enthusiastic, genuine closeness.
They chatted a few more sentences.
Wen Ruan checked her wristwatch, pulling her up, "It's almost quitting time. Come to think of it, I've never visited your place. Mind if I come over for dinner? Also, I want to see your Juzi—I really like cats."
"What? Inconvenient?"
"N-no! It's just... home is quite messy."
"No problem." Wen Ruan raised her eyebrows at her, "Secret confession—when I live alone, my place is super messy too. Underwear everywhere, haha."
Zhang Yan finally nodded blushingly, "Then... okay."
Mainly she felt her rental was too shabby, mismatched with someone like Wen Ruan, making her somewhat insecure.
But Wen Ruan's behavior truly made her feel reassured, carefully considering her feelings.
Zhang Yan shouldered her backpack, following Wen Ruan out of the office.
Waiting for the elevator, she couldn't resist asking quietly: "Sister Wen Ruan, what's the name of that tech company you mentioned? I'll research it in advance."
Wen Ruan turned to look at her, smiling: "Not sure if you've heard of it—[Xuanji Optical World], headquarters in Shen City."
Hearing this name, Zhang Yan first froze, then her pupils suddenly contracted.
[Liu Qingning]
She seemed connected to this company, appearing in many news reports.
Wen Ruan didn't notice her distraction, just quietly introducing the company's background and importance.
Secretly breathing a sigh of relief.
Recently, her pressure had been enormous.
Caught between Jin Meixiao and Ouyang Xianyue's power struggle, she felt like walking on thin ice daily.
To avoid being crushed to death, Wen Ruan ultimately decided to bring in reinforcements.
And Tang Song's introverted, simple "reverse white moonlight" was undoubtedly the best choice.
No helping it—such was her unfortunate fate.
When you dig your own pit, you have to find someone to help fill it.