novelraw Chapter 787: You Got This, Qingning
Chapter 787: You Got This, Qingning
In the tea room, fragrant tea steam curled, the notes of the ancient zither music faintly discernible.
As the address "Aunt Ouyang" fell, the air seemed to subtly freeze for two seconds.
Ouyang Xianyue's hand, which was about to pick up the teacup, paused almost imperceptibly in mid-air before she subtly withdrew it, smoothing her already neat sleeve cuff.
This subtle movement, along with the instant her eyelashes lowered then lifted again, was keenly captured by Liu Qingning.
Her heart gave a "thump".
Oh no, did I call her too old? Was that offensive?
In her view, Ouyang Xianyue was an accomplished and highly respected pioneer in the industry, a true senior.
Moreover, the other party's help for her father, the guidance in her words, and that innate, dignified grace made Liu Qingning feel even more that she deserved respect.
Whether from the perspective of social status or age and seniority.
Liu Qingning had subconsciously regarded the other party as an "elder" to be looked up to.Besides, she was currently in a "seeing through everything" casual state.
Rather than calling her "sister" which might seem like deliberately trying to curry favor, it felt more respectful and appropriate to adopt the etiquette of a junior.
However, she had clearly underestimated a beautiful and successful woman's sensitivity about age.
And even more underestimated the determination of the chairwoman of Tang Yi Precision before her to want to get closer to her.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Ouyang, that was presumptuous of me." Liu Qingning immediately corrected herself, a flash of regret crossing her face.
The unusual emotion on Ouyang Xianyue's face had already been completely concealed.
She seemed to smile casually, her tone relaxed, "Hehe, it's alright. It's also my fault for dressing too plainly today, and with all the worries on my mind recently, I probably do seem a bit stern."
"Ah... no, not at all!" Liu Qingning waved her hands in a fluster, even rising slightly in her urgency, explaining sincerely, "You look very young, really! The reason I called you that was purely out of inner respect and gratitude. I was worried that being too casual might offend you, so I..."
"Qingning." Ouyang Xianyue leaned forward slightly, interrupting her explanation, "I accept this respect. But the form of address is another matter.
Tang Song and I are friends who treat each other as peers.
In business, we are partners fighting side by side.
In private, we are also confidants who can talk about anything.
So, based on this relationship, we should be of the same generation.
And actually, my age isn't that great either, just a bit older than you."
"You're right, I didn't consider it carefully enough."
Liu Qingning complied gracefully, but her heart also rippled because the other party explicitly mentioned her close relationship with Tang Song.
She had long guessed the relationship between the other party and Tang Song, but hadn't thought deeply about it.
After all, in those past years, especially during the three years struggling in the Imperial Capital.
Compared to a giant in the financial field like Director Jin.
As fellow practitioners in the computer and technology industry, she and Tang Song talked more about Tang Yi Precision and Ms. Ouyang.
But in Liu Qingning's memory, when Tang Song mentioned these two names back then, his tone also carried respect.
She never thought their relationship might be far more intimate than she imagined.
Ouyang Xianyue picked up her teacup again, gently clinking it against the cup in front of Liu Qingning, producing a crisp "ding" sound.
"So, let's forget that aging form of address, okay?"
She blinked.
At this moment, the halo of dignified, graceful elder around her quietly faded, revealing a bit of the charm and playfulness unique to a mature woman.
"I don't like hearing it. Here, there are no elders or juniors, only friends.
Call me again."
Faced with this sudden intimacy and assertiveness, Liu Qingning was stunned for a moment.
Then, taking a deep breath, she gracefully changed her address, "Okay, Sister Xianyue."
"That's more like it."
Ouyang Xianyue nodded with satisfaction, picked up the purple clay teapot, and poured fresh tea for both of them, her movements as elegant as flowing clouds and water,
"Call me that in private from now on. Come on, the tea is getting cold, have some tea."
"Mm." Liu Qingning picked up her teacup with both hands, nodding obediently.
The atmosphere in the tea room indeed underwent a subtle chemical reaction with that "Sister Xianyue".
It was no longer purely an elder scrutinizing a junior, but added more of an equal, private conversational tone between women.
Ouyang Xianyue also picked up her teacup, naturally introducing a new topic, "Speaking of which, Tang Song will officially come to Shen City next month to take over Xuanji Optical World. As the chairwoman, I'll inevitably have to deal with him frequently from now on."
She paused, her gaze softening as she looked at Liu Qingning, "At that time, he'll probably be in Shen City often. Your opportunities to meet will also increase."
Liu Qingning made an "mm" sound, her expression fluctuating subtly, but she quickly tried to regain composure.
"What's wrong, Qingning? You seem to have something on your mind."
"No, nothing." Liu Qingning instinctively denied, lowering her gaze.
Ouyang Xianyue took in her reaction but didn't press the point, saying gently, "Speaking of which, right before New Year's Day, I happened to go to Quancheng for an inspection and passed by Jing County on the way. You and Tang Song are both graduates of Jing County Yizhong High School, right?"
She deftly shifted the topic towards hometown and youth.
Mentioning "Yizhong" and "Jing County", the corners of Liu Qingning's mouth couldn't help but curl up.
The softest memories buried deep in her heart, along with that boy in school uniform, were gently brought to the table.
The atmosphere of the chat instantly became warmer and more intimate.
...
Meanwhile, in Yancheng.
30th floor of Yunxi Building, Songmei Apparel, Fashion Design Center.
Huge worktables were lined up in a row, the air filled with the aroma of coffee and the scent of fabric fibers.
"This is the effect after we fully integrated the system interface of Yimai Technology into our design workflow."
Yao Lingling stood confidently in front of the huge interactive electronic whiteboard, bright and poised.
Her every gesture indeed carried a bit of the aura of a design director.
With her movements.
The black and white line-drawing sketch on the screen, within a few seconds, directly generated four sets of finished garment renderings with different color schemes and fabric textures.
The refraction of light, the drape of silk, the graininess of wool, even the details of the metal accessories on the model were extremely realistic.
"This is a dimensional reduction in efficiency."
"It's not here to replace us, but to help us realize the inspiration in our heads at the fastest speed."
She was wearing a light-colored blouse, paired with slim-fit jeans that outlined her full lower body curves.
With her movements, she exuded a healthy, tension-filled beauty.
Over a dozen designers and assistants below focused their gazes, their expressions a mix of shock and urgency.
Everyone knew that Songmei Apparel was going to fully embrace AI.
Not just in fashion design, but also in daily administrative work, even copy generation for the marketing department.
Even their big boss had long been laying the groundwork behind the scenes, investing in multiple AI companies specifically to empower the company's business.
Now, with the development of AI multimodal technology, this was an irreversible mega-trend.
To avoid being eliminated, one must become the one who masters the tools.
...
The sharing session ended.
The crowd dispersed, and the design center returned to its busy cacophony.
Yao Lingling put away her tablet, had just returned to her workstation, and took a sip of coffee.
"Director Yao."
Two figures walked over.
One man, one woman, both with a capable demeanor, clearly the kind of elite who had been immersed in top-tier foreign companies for years.
They were senior designers who had just joined after New Year's Day, Zhang Zhe and Lin Yue.
They were industry elites poached through the top headhunting firm Dejurenhe, had worked for years at top international brands abroad, had impressive resumes, and were both in their prime.
"Teacher Zhang, Teacher Lin, is there something?"
Yao Lingling put down her cup, feeling a bit nervous inside.
No helping it, although she was the director, in terms of seniority and industry experience, compared to these two "regular army" members, she was still somewhat lacking.
Fortunately, she knew her shortcomings and had been actively cramming AI knowledge, trying to use the technological dividend to make up for the experience gap.
Zhang Zhe adjusted his glasses, a sincere, professional smile on his face, "Director Yao, your demonstration just now was brilliant. That AI workflow logic perfectly solved the pain points we previously encountered: 'difficult revisions, slow color matching'."
"Yeah." Lin Yue beside him chimed in appropriately, "However, we also noticed a small issue. The texture generated by the AI, while beautiful, might encounter risks of uncontrollable fabric costs or existing processes being unable to replicate it when subsequently connecting with the Huashang Apparel supply chain."
"So, Zhang Zhe and I just discussed it. We'd like to form an 'AI Design Team' with you. Using our experience in fabric procurement and pattern control, we can help you translate these AI-generated images into process sheets that factories can understand."
"In short, you're responsible for grasping the aesthetic ceiling and creative upper limit, and we're responsible for ensuring the landing floor and quality. Director Yao, what do you think?"
Zhang Zhe and Lin Yue exchanged a meaningful glance.
Yao Lingling took a deep breath, took the folder with one hand, a brilliant smile blooming on her face, "Of course it works! It works perfectly!"
"Then in the future, regarding the fine-tuning logic of AI prompts, we'll have to ask Director Yao to teach us more."
"No problem, let's learn from each other, complement each other's strengths!"
Watching the two senior designers gather around her, quickly getting into work mode to discuss details, a warm current surged in Yao Lingling's heart.
She had originally thought these two "big shots" poached with high salaries would be hard to please.
They might even be superficially compliant but inwardly dismissive of her, a young director, due to seniority issues.
Unexpectedly, not only were they proactively seeking change, but they were also willing to be her executors for implementation.
What kind of heavenly colleagues were these?!
So awesome!
...
After arranging the work, Yao Lingling walked briskly towards the restroom.
Along the way, she would greet every colleague she met warmly and generously, occasionally stopping to crack a joke or two with familiar people.
With her footsteps, the atmosphere of the entire office became cheerful and bright.
Now, Songmei Apparel had more and more employees, nearly 200.
In the live-streaming e-commerce field, it was definitely a sizable top-tier enterprise.
Every employee was highly motivated, and with the continuously accumulating impressive performance, the whole company presented a scene of thriving prosperity.
Everyone had already started looking forward to the year-end bonus.
"Swoosh—"
Exiting the restroom.
Lingling originally planned to go directly back to the Fashion Design Center.
But when she reached the intersection, her toes, as if guided by a ghost, turned, deliberately taking a longer detour, meandering towards the area of the president's office.
Her gaze fell on the heavy mahogany door at the end of the corridor.
Her heart felt like it had grown grass, itching.
Senior was back.
Although she had seen him briefly at the morning meeting, they had only chatted about work for a few simple sentences.
Qiuqiu was having too much fun in Paris, and after returning, she was listless, still at home catching up on sleep and adjusting to the time difference.
President Gao had taken the team to Modu to sign the contract for the offline experience store.
The right time, the right place, and the right people.
She had originally planned to use the excuse of reporting the quarterly plan to, by the way, subtly "take advantage" of the boss.
But she heard from Administrative Zhang Ying in the group chat that an important guest was meeting with President Tang.
So she hadn't dared to go.
Didn't know if they had left yet.
Lingling hesitated, stopping a few meters away from the door, her phone in hand.
Hesitating whether to knock directly or send a WeChat first to test the waters.
That little thought of wanting to see him, yet afraid of disturbing him, felt like a cat's paw scratching at her heart.
Right at that moment.
"Creak—"
The heavy solid wood door unexpectedly opened from the inside.
Lingling instinctively took half a step back, shrinking her neck guiltily.
Immediately after, a tall figure walked out of the office.
A camel-colored cashmere coat was open, revealing a mocha-colored high-neck sweater paired with a slim-fitting pencil skirt, flesh-colored stockings on her legs, and stiletto heels on her feet.
The whole person was dignified and radiant, with exquisite makeup, exuding an aura of decisive, commanding presence that couldn't be ignored.
She was the kind of very attractive, mature career woman.
Their gazes met abruptly in the air.
The other party obviously hadn't expected someone to be standing at the door either, but quickly reacted, smiling politely and nodding.
Then, without looking sideways, she walked away elegantly in her high heels.
"Tap, tap, tap..."
"Um... hello."
Lingling hurriedly nodded reservedly as well, but her eyes couldn't help but secretly size up the other's figure.
What a classy sister...
Which deity was this? A company partner?
However, just as the two brushed past each other.
A familiar scent drifted into Lingling's sensitive nose.
That was... the scent from senior?
A simple handshake or business discussion would absolutely not leave such a strong personal scent.
Unless it was very intimate contact, like a hug, and a long one at that...
Having often "committed the act" herself, she had plenty of experience in this regard.
Lingling's heart gave a sudden thump.
She looked back at the other's graceful departing figure, then looked at the tightly closed office door.
Wow, not just work, but also "private work"!
After sorting out her complex emotions, she raised her hand and knocked on the door with her unique "thump-thump-thump" rhythm.
"Come in." A familiar voice came from inside.
Pushing the door open.
She saw Tang Song standing by the desk drinking water.
The collar of his crisp shirt was unbuttoned by two buttons, and his hair was noticeably more disheveled than during the morning meeting.
Exuding a casual and carefree air.
Handsome, and dangerous.
"Hello, President Tang—"
Lingling blinked, not showing any abnormality, but bending over obediently and cheerfully.
She even deliberately raised her hand, making a virtual "tipping hat in salute" motion, full of inside jokes.
"Pfft—"
Tang Song almost spat out his water, put down the cup, and waved his hand, "Lingling, come here."
Lingling walked forward with her hands behind her back, tilting her head to look at Tang Song, "President Tang seemed quite busy just now? Did I come at a bad time?"
"No, you came at just the right time!" Tang Song said with a straight face.
Lingling was directly amused, her eyes curving into crescents, "To be honest, that dignified sister who just left... she wouldn't happen to be your girlfriend too, would she?"
She was just casually probing.
Unexpectedly, Tang Song directly nodded frankly, "Mm, yes. Her name is Xie Shuyu. I'll introduce you to her when there's a chance."
...
Lingling was choked by his frankness.
She opened her mouth, finally couldn't help rolling her eyes dramatically, muttering quietly, "Senior, you're such a playboy... practically the king of players. Are you collecting stamps? Not letting go of any type..."
Tang Song's old face flushed red at her words. He directly reached out and gave her full, firm buttocks a hard slap.
"Smack—" The sound was crisp and loud.
The feel was excellent, wonderfully bouncy.
"Ah!" Lingling exclaimed, her face instantly turning crimson, covering her behind and jumping back a step, "What are you doing! We're in the office!"
"Smack—"
Tang Song ignored her, pulling her back and giving her another one.
Lingling hurriedly begged for mercy, but her body went soft and didn't want to dodge. In the end, Tang Song directly hugged her and spanked her a few more times.
The two played around for a while, the atmosphere ambiguous and warm.
A few minutes later, Lingling obediently sat on the sofa in the lounge area.
She began excitedly sharing about the implementation of the AI design workflow, the details of team coordination with Yimai Technology, and her inspiration and ideas for the new spring collection.
Tang Song listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a few words.
A gentle smile remained on his face, but his hand naturally rested on his junior's waist and hip, gently caressing.
It's worth mentioning that after more than half a year of persistent fitness, Lingling's waist had become more slender and toned, with clearly defined abdominal muscles.
And in stark visual contrast were her increasingly full buttocks curves and round, firm thighs.
Combined with her originally top-tier pear-shaped figure base.
Both pure and seductive, very captivating.
After finishing the work talk, Lingling suddenly looked up and said, "Oh right, senior, you haven't updated on Xiaohongshu for a long time. Those cyber-strategists in the comments are practically starved, and the fan group keeps urging for updates too."
Tang Song's eyes flickered, smiling as he shook his head, "I'll probably stop updating about my personal life from now on, and update less about the company situation too."
"Ah? Why?" Lingling felt a little disappointed.
After all, only there was she the rightful "Number One Cyber Girlfriend."
"You'll know soon." Tang Song's tone became somewhat mysterious.
Unlike Songmei Apparel, which leaned towards being internet-famous.
Xuanji Optical World was a hardcore high-tech enterprise about to stand under the global spotlight.
The press conference on January 12th would attract focus from mainstream media both domestically and internationally.
Once he officially appeared as the CEO, that face would appear on major financial sections and tech headlines.
Outstanding looks, combined with such a heavyweight identity.
He would absolutely instantly become a figure at the center of the storm.
If he continued updating lifestyle social media like Xiaohongshu like an internet celebrity, it would be somewhat inappropriate and might even attract more coverage.
"Okay." Lingling obediently didn't ask further.
She suddenly leaned close to Tang Song's ear, whispering, "Then let's not talk about that. Senior, do you want to go see the new apartment Qiuqiu and I rented? You haven't been there yet..."
Tang Song pursed his lips in a light smile, "What, are you itching for it?"
"Ah! Senior, you're so bad! How can you say that about me?!"
"Not today, another day."
"Is it because you're going to accompany that sister from just now tonight?"
"Mm, yes."
"Fine then, playboy!" Lingling complained, but her body honestly leaned closer.
...
Shen City, Qingmingxuan Teahouse.
The water on the small red clay stove bubbled "gurgle, gurgle" with fine, dense bubbles.
White steam rose, creating a layer of hazy elegance between the two.
Their chat had unknowingly lasted over an hour.
The topics were wide-ranging but not empty.
From Shen City's humid, fast-paced climate to the dry yet substantial scenery of the north.
From the grand industrial layout of the tech park to the avant-garde art exhibition recently held in Shekou.
The atmosphere was harmonious and natural, like friends casually chatting.
"This Junshan Silver Needle tea, although one of the top ten famous teas, is subtly different in flavor each year due to climate and rainfall influences."
Ouyang Xianyue refilled her own cup, her tone leisurely.
"It's like doing technology; the underlying computational logic is the unchanging cornerstone, but the application scenarios, computing power structures, data ecosystems, and user behaviors faced each year are a whole new world."
"It's already 2024."
She lifted her gaze, looking at Liu Qingning through the thin veil of steam.
"The AI wave is no longer just a capital market expectation, but is truly beginning to enter the stage of industrial dominance. Qingning, standing at the front line of R&D, where do you think the key battlefield of the future will be?"
Liu Qingning put down the doucai teacup in her hand, "From a technological evolution perspective, the capability competition of large models themselves has entered a plateau phase. The key to the future lies in implementation and integration. On one hand, it's the deep integration of AI with vertical industries..."
This was precisely the direction Qingning Technology and Xuanji Optical World jointly focused on—transforming cutting-edge algorithms into tangible productivity and creativity engines. True industrial dominance isn't about how dazzling the technology is, but whether it can become ubiquitous, readily available, and reliable infrastructure, like water and electricity."
"Mm, well said."
Ouyang Xianyue nodded appreciatively, her gaze becoming deep and solemn.
"So, Qingning, based on this future vision, have you realized what Qingning Technology, and you within it, mean to Tang Song, to our entire vast system?"
Seeing the other party finally circle around to the main topic, Liu Qingning pursed her lips, the originally bright light in her eyes dimming again.
Of course she understood the deeper meaning in Ouyang Xianyue's words.
But at this moment, she was more clear-headed than ever.
She hadn't participated in the struggle history of that "successful version of Tang Song."
The one who had shared hardships and made promises with him was always the ordinary Little Song from her memory.
Even if this company was named "Qingning."
The vast industry and achievements represented by this ultimate romance ultimately belonged to Jin Meixiao, Ouyang Xianyue, Su Yu, and the other Tang Song they had created together.
She didn't feel she should seize this vast industry.
Even less willing to use Tang Song's residual favor to obtain equity and benefits that didn't belong to her.
That would make her feel like a greedy parasite, or a petty person picking the fruits.
It was precisely because she recognized this.
That she completely gave up those unrealistic fantasies and competitive thoughts from before.
Instead choosing a kind of self-protective, almost slacker attitude.
Also because, only by retreating to a safe position could she continue to love the him from her memory with peace of mind.
After a long while.
She lowered her gaze, saying softly, "Sister Xianyue, I'm just a technical manager. Talking about these things is a bit overreaching."
Ouyang Xianyue looked at her, not showing the slightest offense or displeasure.
Instead, she revealed an extremely inclusive smile.
"If the person sitting here today was Ms. Ouyang, the chairwoman of Tang Yi Precision, then I might advise you to weigh the pros and cons, even use methods of interest exchange to help you sort out the intricacies and push you forward."
"But today, I am your sister. I just want to tell you—don't be afraid. No matter what happens, no matter what choice you make, I will stand by your side."
Liu Qingning suddenly looked up, staring blankly at the other.
She never expected this lady of such esteemed status to express her feelings so directly.
And to show her such great favor.
For her, who had just undergone a huge emotional shock and was in a state of self-doubt.
To say her heart wasn't profoundly touched was impossible.
"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?"
Ouyang Xianyue blinked, under her long eyelashes, her gaze shifting.
At this moment, the charm of a mature woman and the wisdom to see through people's hearts perfectly blended, exuding a kind of pleasing elegance.
"No." Liu Qingning hurriedly shook her head, her eyes slightly red.
For a moment, she didn't know how to respond.
Could only clumsily lower her head to drink tea as cover.
At the end of the meeting.
Ouyang Xianyue didn't mention any specific business matters again, nor did she talk about anyone else.
She didn't even invite her to lunch together, to avoid causing her social pressure.
The two just chatted about some daily life anecdotes, skincare tips, even cooking.
Then, like friends, agreed they could meet more often in the future.
At parting.
Teahouse entrance.
Liu Qingning bowed sincerely, "Thank you, Sister Xianyue. I know you're very busy. Thank you for specially making time for me today and talking so much."
"Too formal." Ouyang Xianyue gently shook her head, smoothing her collar for her, "I came because I was worried about you, hoping to do something for you.
The upcoming 12th is the stage I prepared for you.
Director Jin, Su Yu, Wen Ruan, Wu Kezhi, Zheng Qiudong, Anne Kate... they will all come.
This is Tang Song's first time officially stepping into the spotlight, and also the eve of his 26th birthday.
You can be there, touch his other world.
Feel it, think about it, accompany him through a different birthday, and then make the choice that follows your heart."
Liu Qingning stared at her blankly, her lips moving.
Ouyang Xianyue stepped forward, gently pulling her into an embrace, patting her back.
"Remember, you just standing there is the standard answer."
"Cheer up, Qingning."