novelraw Chapter 770: Reading the Words as if Seeing the Face
Chapter 770: Reading the Words as if Seeing the Face
Quancheng.
Yunzhen Hotel, Quanfu Mansion.
After seeing off the accompanying personnel and government officials, the clamor faded away.
The gentle smile on Ouyang Xianyue's face gradually receded as she returned to the master bedroom of the suite.
She removed the somewhat bulky winter business attire she was wearing.
Revealing her full, ripe, and beautiful figure.
The lines of her shoulders and neck were rounded and graceful, her collarbones not deep but delicate.
Not slender, yet pliant.
Not bony, yet firm.
A little more would be plump, a little less would be thin; it was precisely the ripe beauty carved by both time and confidence.Dignified and magnificent, gorgeous yet not vulgar.
She stepped into the bathroom located at the inner side of the walk-in closet.
The huge circular jacuzzi tub was already filled with hot water.
A few fresh red rose petals floated on the water's surface, and a faint scent of agarwood permeated the air, tranquil and soothing.
She untied her pinned-up long hair and stepped into the water.
The warm water instantly enveloped her entire body, dispelling the chill and fatigue of the winter journey.
Ouyang Xianyue leaned against the edge of the tub, tilting her head back slightly.
Through the bathroom's one-way floor-to-ceiling window, she could see the myriad lights of this city beneath her feet on this winter solstice night.
Although not as bustling as Shen City, it possessed a unique, lively atmosphere.
This was the place where Tang Song grew up.
In truth, this was not the first time Ouyang Xianyue had paid attention to this city.
As early as 2017, during the initial period when the two had just met and a sense of rivalry still existed,
Out of caution and curiosity, she had secretly conducted a detailed investigation of Tang Song.
Trust is never built in a single day.
Especially for a woman like her, who held a high position and bore the fate of her family.
Even though she felt an immense fondness for him at the time, even a kind of inexplicable, fated attraction, reason still kept her vigilant.
And the results of the investigation were cleaner than she had imagined.
Even ordinary to an excessive degree.
Born into a standard, ordinary rural family in the north.
From childhood to adulthood, his grades were above average, his temperament mild. Apart from being a bit handsome, there weren't many particularly stunning aspects about him.
The greatest halo around him was perhaps that he had an exceptionally outstanding childhood sweetheart.
Liu Qingning.
One could even say that it was because of Liu Qingning's existence that the otherwise unremarkable young man would occasionally be caught in the spotlight.
And the turning point for everything occurred in the summer after the college entrance exam.
It was like a fork in the road of fate.
Liu Qingning was admitted to Imperial Capital University, he was admitted to Yancheng University of Science and Technology.
Just as the two lines were about to extend in parallel.
That ordinary young man seemed to have suddenly opened up his meridians.
He inexplicably became connected with Jin Meixiao, who had just returned to the country.
No one knew how these two people from vastly different social strata had met.
Online friends? A chance encounter? Or some more mysterious opportunity?
No evidence could be found.
But from that point on, Tang Song began to display extraordinary traits.
Maturity beyond his years, an almost monstrous intuition for business logic.
Thus, the later [Smile Investment] came into being.
That was the information she obtained in early 2017, and also the beginning of all her stories with him.
As their interactions deepened.
She, including Jin Meixiao, Su Yu, Wu Kezhi, and others, gradually discovered a fact.
Tang Song was fragmented.
He was contradictory, complex, and mysterious.
The coldness, precision, and flawless calculations he displayed at work, as if devoid of emotion or sorrow, looking down upon all living beings.
Yet in daily life, especially when facing Liu Qingning, he would become gentle, lively, even occasionally revealing a bit of the childishness of a big boy.
At first, Ouyang Xianyue suspected he had a split personality.
Did another personality reside within his body?
This speculation lasted a long time, but was ultimately dismissed by her.
Because his switching was too seamless.
One second, he might be coldly directing the annihilation of billions of dollars in funds.
The next second, upon receiving a call from Liu Qingning, he would laugh like a carefree college student.
But it was precisely because of this vivid humanity within him that they developed genuine feelings for him.
Because no one could love a machine from the bottom of their heart.
Not even Jin Meixiao, not even Su Yu.
If Tang Song had only that aloof, "omniscient and omnipotent" persona from beginning to end.
Then, they might revere him, use him, follow him.
But they would never fall in love with him.
"Tang Song... you really are..."
Ouyang Xianyue murmured softly, the corner of her mouth lifting in a doting yet complex smile.
Immediately, an impulse that was somewhat hard to suppress arose in her heart.
Like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl, wanting to hear that person's voice at this moment, disregarding the time difference, disregarding reason.
She extended her wet arm, took the phone placed on the marble countertop, and directly dialed.
"Ring ring~~" The call was quickly answered.
"Hello? Ouyang?"
Tang Song's pleasant voice came through the receiver, the background very quiet, with only the occasional sound of papers rustling.
"Tang Song, wishing you peace and health on the winter solstice." Ouyang Xianyue put the phone on speaker and placed it by the tub, her voice lazy and soft. "It's morning over in New York, right? Have you eaten dumplings?"
"Already eaten, how about you? Not resting yet?"
"Just finished a busy stretch." Ouyang Xianyue stroked the rose petals on the water's surface. "I'm currently in Quancheng. This supply chain integration for Tang Yi Precision and Xuanji Optical World is a major undertaking. I wasn't entirely at ease, so I came personally to oversee it. After all, this is your hometown."
"I heard Sister Shuyu mention this matter, you've worked hard." Tang Song's voice was gentle.
"Hehe." Ouyang Xianyue gently stretched her legs in the water, creating a soft splashing sound. "Your matters are my matters. Your hometown... to some extent, might also be considered my hometown. No need to be polite."
Tang Song instantly understood her implied meaning and chuckled softly: "Is that so? Then when there's a chance, I'll personally take you on a tour of Quancheng."
"You said it, I'll remember that." Ouyang Xianyue's eyes shimmered with a flowing light. "By the way, in a couple of days I need to make a trip down to Jing County. A friend recently gifted me two cakes of excellent Pu'er tea, and two bottles of special reserve vintage Maotai. I was thinking... since I'm at the doorstep, it would seem somewhat impolite not to go in and pay a visit to your father."
She paused, then added:
"Is that okay? Sir?"
There was a pause on the other end of the line.
Clearly, Tang Song was also somewhat surprised.
A few seconds later, his voice came through again: "Of course it's okay, it's just... my dad would probably be startled."
"Don't worry, I'll be mindful of the boundaries."
Having received permission, Ouyang Xianyue's mood greatly improved.
She slowly sat up from the bathtub, causing a noticeable surge of water.
Her full, fair body emerged from the water, emitting a pearl-like, warm luster under the warm-toned ceiling lights.
"Ah..." She let out a soft exclamation, her voice nasal.
"What's wrong?" Tang Song immediately inquired with concern.
"Nothing." Ouyang Xianyue's lips curved upward. "Just been soaking in the tub for a while, feeling a bit dizzy. Been too tired lately, my back and shoulders are terribly sore, even a slight movement is uncomfortable."
"Emm..." Tang Song's voice lowered a few notes, carrying a hint of laughter. "Then... when I get back, I'll give you a proper massage. You know my technique."
"Alright... then." Ouyang Xianyue's expression became somewhat unnatural. "Okay, I won't disturb your work anymore. The water's getting cold, I need to get up and get dressed."
"Mm, bye-bye."
"Beep—"
The call ended.
Ouyang Xianyue sat in a daze for a moment, dried her body, and changed into a deep brown silk nightgown.
The coolness of the silk against her skin made her even more alert, and even more expectant.
She stood before the huge mirror at the washbasin, and under the soft lighting, carefully examined her reflection.
Her face was free of makeup, yet it highlighted the clean, lotus-emerging-from-water charm of ripe beauty.
She subconsciously touched her eyebrows.
Unconsciously, fine lines had already appeared there.
Although time had been exceptionally lenient with her, the most fair thing in this world was also time.
"It seems I need to hurry up."
She murmured to herself in the mirror.
After drying her hair, she returned to the bedroom.
Ouyang Xianyue held a glass of warm water, taking small sips while pondering the truly important matter that lay ahead.
The gifts were already prepared, the pretext was legitimate, and even Tang Song himself had agreed.
But this wasn't enough.
She silently calculated in her heart.
When the time comes, I'll need to dress a bit younger.
Can't dress too authoritatively, nor too luxuriously; it would make people think I'm difficult to get along with.
Need to be gentle, approachable, like a... good wife suited for the home.
Must make an impeccable impression at the first meeting.
Thinking this far, the 36-year-old Ms. Ouyang actually began to feel a rare sense of nervousness.
She even couldn't resist the urge to rummage through her wardrobe to see if there were suitable clothes.
Just at that moment.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
Extremely regular knocking sounds interrupted Ouyang Xianyue's thoughts.
She lifted her head, adjusted her facial expression, and resumed her dignified and composed demeanor.
"Come in."
Secretary Chen pushed the door open and entered.
"Ms. Ouyang, everyone has been seen off, and the details for tomorrow's itinerary have also been confirmed."
"Mm."
"Additionally..." Secretary Chen paused briefly, reporting in a low voice: "While seeing people off downstairs, President Xie Shuyu indirectly inquired from me about some matters regarding the [Tangjin Family Office] and President Tang's overseas affairs."
Ouyang Xianyue chuckled softly, not surprised.
"Don't hide anything, and don't deliberately guide her. Tell her all the information that can be made public, let her judge and decide for herself."
"She's a smart person. Moreover, she should have already spoken with Jiang Yourong and also called Tang Song. Being evasive would instead make me seem insufficiently sincere."
"Understood, I will handle the propriety appropriately."
Then, her expression turned serious.
"Latest news from Shen City. This afternoon, Ms. Anne Kate went to [Qingning Technology]. Accompanied by Qin Yingxue, she met with Miss Liu Qingning."
"Oh?" Ouyang Xianyue's eyebrows lifted slightly, her fingertips lightly tapping the side of the glass. "In such a hurry?"
Chen Jing said softly: "The result is as you predicted. Miss Liu Qingning rejected that trust fund."
"Mm." A flicker of pity passed through Ouyang Xianyue's eyes. "How did she react?"
"The reaction was significant. She didn't eat dinner, her work state became very frenzied, and half an hour ago she was still submitting code at high intensity."
The room fell into a brief silence.
Only the white mist sprayed by the humidifier flowed slowly in the air.
After a moment.
Ouyang Xianyue pursed her lips and spoke: "Schedule an itinerary for me. After New Year's Day, once matters here in Quancheng are completely settled, I want to personally meet with her. Coincidentally, by then her father's job transfer should also be concluded."
"Alright, I'll arrange it immediately."
"Also, how is the construction progress of the new headquarters building for [Xuanji Optical World]?"
"Hard finishes and equipment debugging are in the final stages, air purification is underway, expected to be ready for inspection by the end of the month."
"Good." Ouyang Xianyue's eyes flashed. "Set the official relocation and inauguration date for the 12th of next month. At that time, in my name, send an invitation to Liu Qingning, requesting her attendance."
"Understood." Secretary Chen's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately nodded.
President Tang's birthday is January 13th.
Choosing to inaugurate the new headquarters the day before his birthday, and specifically naming Liu Qingning in the invitation.
The intention was self-evident.
Ms. Ouyang was building a stage for Liu Qingning, allowing her to legitimately spend a complete, undisturbed birthday with Tang Song.
Hoping to offer a piece of candy after Liu Qingning had been hammered by a series of blows.
To allow her relationship with President Tang to formally break through.
In preparation for entering the family office next.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, you may go and rest."
"You should also rest early."
Chen Jing bowed slightly, exited the room, and gently closed the door.
As the door closed, the suite returned to silence once more.
Ouyang Xianyue sat alone in the empty room, looking at the nightscape of Quancheng outside the window, and softly sighed.
Then, she couldn't help but let out a self-mocking laugh.
Wasn't the reason she rushed to Quancheng at this precise time precisely to avoid this scene?
She had long guessed that Jin Meixiao would make a move, and also guessed how intense this collision would be given Liu Qingning's personality.
She didn't want to be the villain, nor did she want to appear on the scene when Liu Qingning was most disheveled and frustrated, leaving a negative impression.
So, she chose to avoid, chose to be "forced to be absent."
But ultimately, this was also a hurdle Liu Qingning had to pass.
One could even say, a tribulation.
For Tang Song, Liu Qingning was too special.
Su Yu or Jin Meixiao had once been very worried, worried that Tang Song would only love Liu Qingning in this lifetime.
So later, when they saw Tang Song starting to have Zhao Yaqian, Wen Ruan, and even more women in Yancheng,
Although they felt resentment in their hearts, felt jealous, on a strategic level, they were actually relieved.
Because this proved that Tang Song could be shared, that Liu Qingning's absolute defense had been breached.
But as the number of women increased, the situation became increasingly complex.
At such a time, the biggest hidden danger actually returned to Liu Qingning herself.
That was, how to make her peacefully accept this absurd reality without developing extreme thoughts.
If she were to break off completely due to an inability to accept it, or even if something "unexpected" were to happen...
Given Tang Song's feelings for her, the consequences would be a super black swan that no one wanted to see and no one could bear.
Now, Jin Meixiao, who had been planning for years, had already struck the first blow.
Piercing that "festering sore."
The psychological pressure Liu Qingning was bearing had reached a critical point.
Next would be a process of release and reshaping.
She would have to accept it eventually.
Accept that Tang Song did not belong to her alone.
Accept this vast, complex community full of interest exchanges.
And this period of time was when she was most fragile, most confused.
It was also the best time to enter the field to harvest trust and establish alliances.
The only problem was...
Jin Meixiao must have seen it too, after all, this was all within her plan.
So next would be the contest between them over the Bai Yueguang.
"Hah... really interesting."
Having figured all this out.
Ouyang Xianyue turned off the main lights, lay down on the bed, pulled the quilt up high to cover her shoulders.
However, sleepiness was slow to arrive.
Tossing and turning in the darkness.
Her body seemed to still retain the palpitations from when she called Tang Song.
For some reason.
Su Yu's previous near-mad words suddenly jumped into her mind:
["I want to sleep with him, this time no one can stop me. If he dares to refuse again, I'll drug him...."]
Su Yu's birthday party was about to begin.
Tang Song should soon be flying to Paris.
In that romantic, even somewhat decadent city, in that private space with only the two of them,
Some things should become unavoidable.
So what about afterwards?
After Liu Qingning's matter is settled, after Su Yu gets her wish.
Tang Song's biggest emotional concern removed.
How should she herself take that step?
A surge of scalding heat abruptly rose from within her body, rushing straight up her spine to the back of her head.
Ouyang Xianyue closed her eyes, trying to calm this inappropriate restlessness.
She couldn't be as willful as Su Yu.
She was Ouyang Xianyue, she needed to be elegant, reserved, to proceed gradually.
But the more she suppressed it, the more it surged.
The heat, like fire.
Raced wildly through her limbs and bones, scorching her until her mouth was dry and her tongue parched.
In the darkness.
Only her gradually disordered breathing and the faint sound of bedsheets being tightly gripped by fingers remained.
.......
Paris time, December 22nd, 7:15 PM.
France, Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG).
The massive Airbus A350 pierced through the thick cloud layer and landed smoothly.
At this moment in Paris, the sky had completely darkened.
Raindrops wove a net under the searchlights on the tarmac, exuding a uniquely French dampness and chill.
Because it was first class, and Su Yu's team had purchased the airport's highest VIP meet and greet service,
As soon as Qiuqiu stepped out of the jet bridge, a uniformed ground staff member was already waiting, holding a sign with her name.
No need to queue, no crowding, no need to get lost in the maze-like terminal.
She was guided through a dedicated VIP fast-track channel, completing the complex entry procedures in just ten minutes, and had her luggage retrieved with the assistance of dedicated personnel.
Just as she stepped out of the VIP exit of the arrivals hall.
A crisp, efficient voice in Chinese came from the side: "Qiuqiu! Over here!"
Cheng Qiuqiu followed the sound.
She saw a woman with neat short hair, wearing a black coat, waving at her.
It was Su Yu's personal life assistant, Cheng Xiaoxi.
As the person closest to a top female star, Cheng Xiaoxi was also quite famous in fan circles, playfully nicknamed by fans as "Sister Yu's Chief Palace Steward."
Seeing a familiar face in a foreign land instantly dispelled the last bit of anxiety in Qiuqiu's heart.
She quickly walked over, a relaxed smile appearing on her face: "Sister Xiaoxi!"
"You've had a long journey, over ten hours, must be exhausted?"
Cheng Xiaoxi smiled as she came forward, two tall female bodyguards beside her taking over her luggage.
"It's alright, first class the whole way, very comfortable."
"That's good. Let's go, the car is waiting outside. Sister Yu is still busy with work. She specifically instructed me to get you safely home as soon as possible."
"Mhm mhm, thank you for the trouble."
The group walked out of the terminal.
A black Mercedes V-Class business van was parked by the roadside, its electric sliding door slowly opening.
The interior was spacious and comfortable, the heater was on strong, and considerately prepared warm towels and still-warm mineral water were provided.
"Thud—" The door closed, isolating the damp cold outside.
The convoy slowly started, entering the A1 highway leading to downtown Paris.
Over half an hour later, the vehicle entered the city center.
The previously monotonous highway scenery was instantly replaced by bustling prosperity.
Approaching Christmas, the trees along the way were adorned with scattered, twinkling colored lights.
Qiuqiu, like a curious little girl, pressed against the car window, somewhat entranced as she gazed at the exotic nightscape outside.
"Ahead is the famous Champs-Élysées." Cheng Xiaoxi sat beside her, acting as a temporary tour guide. "Although there are many tourists now, the Christmas light show is indeed worth seeing. But where we're going is quieter."
The vehicle turned a corner, avoiding the most congested main road.
It drove into the quiet, elegant, and aristocratic 16th Arrondissement.
The streets here were lined with tall plane trees, the architecture mostly in the 19th-century Haussmann style.
"We're here." Cheng Xiaoxi softly reminded.
The car slowly stopped in front of a classically styled, strictly secured luxury apartment building.
The rain was still falling, but the butler who had been waiting there opened a huge black umbrella, shielding them from the wind and rain.
Qiuqiu looked up at the somewhat mysterious building before her.
Her heart began to beat violently.
This was Su Yu's home.
And she was about to step into this absolute "forbidden zone" for fans.
.......
"Ding—"
As the elevator door opened, it led directly to the entrance foyer.
When Cheng Xiaoxi pushed open the heavy double front door, Qiuqiu instinctively held her breath.
What met her eyes was not gilded, magnificent decoration.
Outside the window, there were no obstructions.
The world-famous Eiffel Tower stood before her eyes, seemingly within reach.
"Sister Su Yu bought this place precisely for this view." Cheng Xiaoxi smiled as she took out a pair of brand-new cashmere slippers for her. "It's more private here than a hotel, and not as noisy. Sister Yu will probably be back a bit later. Come, let me first show you to your room."
This was a very large luxury residence.
The corridor was paved with thick, soft carpet; walking on it felt like treading on clouds.
Display cabinets on both sides casually exhibited various awards Su Yu had won, as well as classic props she had used in films.
Many unpublished personal photos hung on the walls:
There was a moment of her laughing heartily after falling while skiing, a side profile of her facing the wind bare-faced on a Mediterranean yacht, and also photos of her with Tang Song...
As if touching a Su Yu detached from the silver screen, more vivid, warmer.
Arriving at the living area further inside.
Cheng Xiaoxi stopped, pushed open an off-white door: "Qiuqiu, you'll stay in this room these two days."
This was a guest bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, decorated in a simple yet warm style.
"You can look around freely, no need to be reserved." Cheng Xiaoxi pointed to another carved double door just a few meters away, lowering her voice: "That over there is the master bedroom suite, Sister Yu's room."
With the help of the housekeeper, she simply unpacked her luggage.
Cheng Xiaoxi poured her a glass of warm water: "Alright, it's already early morning back home, you need to adjust to the time difference. Rest for a bit first."
"O-okay, thank you, Sister Xiaoxi."
"You're welcome, good night."
Watching the other leave.
Cheng Qiuqiu walked around the room once, took off her outer clothes, and lay somewhat dazedly on the soft bed.
The bedding seemed to retain a faint scent of lavender.
Thinking that Su Yu would be sleeping next door tonight.
Even Tang Song would be staying there.
An immense sense of happiness made her feel dizzy.
Coupled with the fatigue of the journey.
She soon fell into a deep sleep.
....
When she woke again, it was already past 10 PM Paris time.
Cheng Qiuqiu opened her eyes groggily.
The rain outside the window had stopped.
She looked at her phone and instantly became alert.
It's so late, Su Yu should be back by now, right?
Just a few meters away in the next room?
She got up, tidied her somewhat messy hair a bit, and carefully pushed open her bedroom door.
The corridor was quiet, only a few floor lights were on.
She looked at the tightly closed double doors of the master bedroom, hesitating whether to go knock.
Just at that moment.
"Qiuqiu."
A voice with a uniquely grainy texture sounded in the quiet space.
After walking a few steps.
She saw Su Yu sitting on the sofa.
She had removed all her makeup, her face completely bare.
She wore only a burgundy velvet spaghetti-strap nightgown, outlining her graceful, undulating curves.
Her entire being exuded a lazy, relaxed, yet breathtakingly beautiful sense of fragility.
The backdrop was the century-old iron tower, before her eyes was the woman of unparalleled elegance and beauty.
This scene was more beautiful, more heart-stirring than any movie frame.
"Awake?"
Su Yu turned her head, seeing the little fan standing dumbfounded at the corridor entrance, a warm and enchanting smile slowly blooming at the corner of her mouth.
She put down her glass, stood up, and walked barefoot on the carpet, gracefully approaching Qiuqiu.
Then, extremely naturally, she opened her arms and gave her a big hug.
"Welcome to Paris, my... little sister."
After saying this, she tilted her head slightly and placed a standard French cheek kiss on Cheng Qiuqiu's cheek.
The warm lips touched and parted, carrying the unique sea salt scent from her body, along with the mellow aroma of red wine.
Cheng Qiuqiu's face instantly flushed to the tips of her ears, her entire body going soft.
Her mind went completely blank.
Su Yu kissed me... and called me little sister...
"Come, have a drink with me? You're jet-lagged and can't sleep anyway."
"I... I don't drink much..." Qiuqiu was somewhat flustered.
"Cheers."
And so the two sat side by side by the floor-to-ceiling window.
At first, they chatted about Qiuqiu's journey, about Paris's cold and damp weather.
Her private demeanor was more vivid than on stage, beautiful in a way that made it hard to look away.
Such close contact, coupled with the slight dissipation of alcohol in her veins,
Soon allowed the initially reserved Cheng Qiuqiu to enter a slightly tipsy, relaxed state.
The look in her eyes when she gazed at Su Yu was no longer just the admiration and fervor of a fan towards an idol, but held more attachment, even infatuation.
As if the person before her was a kindred spirit she had known for years, the one who understood her best.
Facing Su Yu, Qiuqiu had no defenses whatsoever.
Hugging her knees, her eyes hazy, she recounted, in detail and from her perspective, stories about Tang Song.
Those trivial daily routines, work matters, those bits and pieces of Tang Song in Yancheng, in Rongcheng.
She propped her chin with one hand, gently swirling her glass with the other.
Occasionally, she would smile knowingly, or ask for more details, gentle light flickering in her eyes.
She didn't seem to feel jealous because of Tang Song's stories with other women.
Even though these stories didn't include her, even though these details seemed somewhat trivial and mundane.
Like a thirsty traveler, greedily absorbing sweet dew she had never possessed.
A hazy mist appeared in Su Yu's eyes, a blush spread across her cheeks; she seemed truly a bit drunk.
The Tang Song from Qiuqiu's mouth was also the Tang Song from Wen Ruan's mouth.
Even more so, the Tang Song that Liu Qingning had monopolized for an entire youth.
Vivid, lively, capable of making mistakes, capable of shyness, full of the warmth of everyday life.
It was a somewhat distant Tang Song.
Actually, given her personality and madness, she had of course privately observed Tang Song, the other Tang Song.
Afterwards, it was the she-devil Jin Meixiao's comprehensive intervention and suppression.
Moreover.
Emotionally, he had always been stingy towards her.
During the only two reunions after his complete transformation.
Although sufficiently moving, sufficiently passionate and stirring.
He was maintaining a certain persona.
He hadn't completely opened up his heart, completely relaxed in front of her.
Tang Song, I really can't hold back anymore.
I don't want to see you high and mighty, nor do I want to see you flawless.
I want to see you, lose control for me, go crazy for me.
I want you, in front of me, to lose your composure, to tremble, to be incoherent.
The liquid slid down her throat, burning her chest fiercely.
"Buzz buzz buzz—"
The phone on the carpet vibrated.
[Mo Xiangwan]
Su Yu casually picked up the phone and answered.
"Hello, Sister Xiangwan."
Mo Xiangwan's somewhat grave voice came through the receiver: "Xiao Yu, not asleep yet? There's some news I think I should tell you immediately."
"What is it?"
"About Liu Qingning."
Su Yu was slightly taken aback, her body that had been lazily leaning against the sofa instantly straightened. "Go on."
"I understand."
Su Yu's fingers holding the phone tightened slightly.
She lowered her head, her hair obscuring her expression.
She certainly understood Mo Xiangwan's unspoken meaning.
Even if... this was her meticulously prepared birthday party in Paris.
She had no confidence.
She didn't think she was more important to Tang Song than Liu Qingning.
And she couldn't afford to lose.
After hanging up.
Su Yu took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the desolation and unease in her eyes.
She turned her head, looking at the already somewhat drunkenly bleary-eyed Qiuqiu.
"Oh... okay... Sister Yu... you should sleep early too..." Qiuqiu responded groggily, getting up and walking towards her room.
Barefoot, she walked on the carpet, slowly entering the study.
She sat down at the desk, picked up a lyric notebook.
Opened a fresh page.
Picked up a black Montblanc pen.
Uncapped it.
The nib hovered over the pristine white paper, lingering without falling.
You're in pain, aren't you?
That powerless feeling of striving with all your might yet still being out of reach.
I understand.
Really, I understand it all.
I might even be more despairing than you.
She put pen to paper.
The nib touched the lyric notebook, making a "rustling" sound.
[Qingning, reading the words as if seeing the face...]