novelraw Chapter 797: The Grand Web
Chapter 797: The Grand Web
3:00 PM.
Yancheng Normal University, Multimedia Technology and Application Laboratory.
Qian Lele sat in a corner seat, facing a computer equipped with the latest graphics card.
Her fingers flew across the keyboard. Beside her, the latest AI programming tool from Qingning Technology, LimeCode, was open.
This AI-native IDE claimed it could automatically generate code just by describing it in natural language.
It was currently still in the internal testing phase and hadn't been publicly released at all.
This enterprise version she had in her hands, with full functionality and already paid for, was given to her by Tang Song.
Lines of code flowed onto the screen like water, automatically generating and auto-completing at a speed that was astonishing.
With the help of this tool, she had already started the front-end refactoring of the nationwide universal mini-program for [Weiguang Coffee].
Now that Weiguang Coffee was expanding nationwide, the mini-program's usage frequency was getting higher and higher. President Xie had raised higher requirements for the mini-program's response speed, loading stability, and interactive experience.She had volunteered to take on this optimization task and, on Tang Song's recommendation, started using this new tool.
She never expected LimeCode's effectiveness to be this explosive.
Not only did it instantly complete the basic function building, it could even actively "think," filling in many edge-case logics she hadn't even considered.
The generated code structure was concise, the logic elegant, even carrying a kind of aesthetic beauty that felt unfamiliar to her.
"Huff..."
Qian Lele stopped her actions, looking at the constantly blinking cursor on the screen. There was no joy of an impending task completion in her eyes. Instead, a trace of deep confusion and a sense of crisis flashed through.
Too fast.
The speed of AI evolution was truly too fast.
If this trend continued, perhaps before she graduated next year as a senior, basic front-end JS programmer positions like this would probably be eliminated on a large scale by the industry.
Currently, she had deliberately slowed down her study of traditional front-end technologies like Node.js, plunging headfirst into the ocean of Python and deep learning instead.
She was determined to pivot towards AI application and large model fine-tuning.
But...
Qian Lele gently bit her lower lip, her gaze falling on the book "Principles of Deep Learning Algorithms" beside her hand, feeling somewhat apprehensive inside.
She didn't actually have that much confidence in herself.
She wasn't a top-tier genius academic prodigy, and Yancheng Normal University wasn't a prestigious 985 university.
To dive into a cutting-edge field like AI, was she really capable?
If she chose the wrong path, missed this golden learning period, where would she go?
At this moment, she really wanted to see Tang Song, to hear his opinion.
In Qian Lele's heart, Tang Song wasn't just a caring, protective older brother. He was also her learning model and guide.
Back during that time they lived together in the teacher's apartment, it was he who personally taught her how to plan her career path, how to use technology to make money. It was also he who told her, "For university students, the best part-time job is monetizing knowledge."
That feeling of being led, being protected, that sense of dependence, had long been deeply imprinted in her mind.
And... she really missed her brother.
Not just missing seeing him in person, but also missing that spacious, bright large flat in [Yanjing Tiancheng], missing that secondary bedroom specifically reserved for her, filled with sunlight and many beautiful clothes.
Although she had been accustomed to frugality and thrift since childhood, and adapted to communal life in the dormitory.
But she was, after all, a girl under twenty. How could she not have longing and fascination for that "home" filled with warmth, with beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows and a soft, fluffy big bed?
Especially since Tang Song was there.
Qian Lele picked up her phone, tapped on that familiar WeChat avatar.
Her finger hovered over the input box, hesitating for a long time, but in the end, she didn't dare to send a message.
She knew Tang Song had just returned from a business trip abroad. He must have a backlog of important work and was definitely very busy.
For her to bother him just because of this little confusion about the future... wouldn't that be too inconsiderate?
It's not an especially urgent matter anyway...
Immediately, she skillfully opened her phone's memo app.
Scattered on it were already several topics she wanted to discuss with Tang Song, questions she wanted to ask for advice.
She thought, she'd accumulate a few more, then ask them all together.
This way, she could chat with him a bit longer, yet not appear too clingy or too bothersome.
Maybe... she could even conveniently stay overnight at Yanjing Tiancheng.
Right at this moment.
"Ring ring—"
The phone ringtone abruptly rang out, interrupting her thoughts.
Caller ID: [Sister Wen].
Qian Lele quickly answered: "Hello, Sister Wen?"
"Lele! Are you at the university?" Sister Wen's excited voice came through the receiver.
"I am."
"Are you free tonight? My shop is pretty much ready, pots and stoves are all set! Come over tonight and help me taste the food, okay? Give me some feedback."
"Ah, tonight? I'm free. What time?" Qian Lele immediately agreed.
Sister Wen had it tough too.
As a former "comrade-in-arms" who set up stalls together at the Normal University night market, even though Sister Wen stopped setting up stalls later, the two had maintained a good relationship.
Back when she bought the roujiamo tricycle for her mom, Sister Wen had given a lot of practical advice.
At the beginning of last month, the small company Sister Wen worked at, to cut costs, laid off her, a small clerk with a monthly salary of 4000.
At her age, with no hard skills or background, finding a job was extremely difficult.
Plus, Yancheng's winters were too cold. Setting up a stall on the roadside was truly hard to endure and also unstable.
She was forced into a corner.
Sister Wen discussed it with a former colleague, Sister Meng, who was also laid off. The two pooled their savings and, in an old alley near the Normal University where rent was relatively cheap, took over a small storefront that was being transferred.
They didn't dare to do overly complex food service.
Combining Sister Wen's previous stall skills with a family-recipe braising broth from Sister Meng's family.
They decided to open a [Clay Pot Skewer Shop].
Focusing on that kind of steaming hot clay pot potato noodles, hot braised duck snacks, and the affordable skewers students loved most in this cold winter.
Economical and practical, focusing on value for money. In this consumption-downgrading winter, perhaps it was a way to survive.
"6, 7 o'clock is fine, whatever works for you!"
"Okay, Sister Wen, I'll go over at 6:30 then."
"Great! Oh, Lele." Sister Wen's tone paused, carrying a hint of hopeful laughter, "If it's convenient, could you call Tang Song over too? Make it more lively. Hehe, I always felt he was especially amazing at marketing and business. I could tell back when he helped you sell drinks at the night market. Now that I'm about to start operations here, I'm feeling unsure. I'd like him to take a look, give some advice."
Qian Lele was momentarily stunned.
Bring Brother along?
"I... I'm not sure if he's busy either." She bit her lip, her voice unconsciously softening a bit, carrying a hint of guilt. "Should I ask him?"
"Sure, sure, sure! You ask! Whether he comes or not, I'll save the best food for you! Bye!"
"Bye."
Hanging up the phone, Qian Lele held her phone, looking out the window at the gray winter sky, softly letting out a sigh.
Her heartbeat, however, uncontrollably sped up.
That desire to see him, once it found a reasonable excuse, grew like wild grass breaking through the soil, starting to run rampant.
Lan Feng International apartment, Unit 2202.
The huge LCD TV was playing a recently popular comedy variety show. Exaggerated sound effects occasionally broke the afternoon tranquility.
Shen Yuyan wore a set of loose loungewear, covered with a thin blanket, lazily half-reclining on the single-seater sofa.
Xu Qing, with no regard for her image, was sitting sideways on Tang Song's lap, clutching a bag of tomato-flavored potato chips, munching away with gusto. Crumbs occasionally fell onto Tang Song's pants.
"Bzzz—" The sound of a phone vibrating abruptly rang out from where their thighs were pressed together, carrying a tingling, numbing vibration.
Xu Qing subconsciously lifted her little bottom, turning her head to complain: "Hey, your phone is vibrating again, it's touching me. So many messages, can't you put it somewhere else?"
Tang Song ignored her. With both hands gripping her waist, as if lifting a large doll, he easily picked her up and placed her on his other leg.
The movement was smooth, he didn't even shift his gaze from the TV.
Then, only then, did he leisurely pull his phone from his pants pocket.
Xu Qing, chewing potato chips, couldn't help but sneakily glance sideways at the screen with her restless big eyes, wanting to see who was messaging again.
"Smack!"
A crisp sound.
"Ow! What are you doing!" Xu Qing directly jumped off, covering her butt and glaring at him. "I told you I'm on my period! My butt is covered in blood! Aren't you afraid of getting red all over your hand! Pervert!"
(Period blood)
"Snooping on someone else's phone is a very bad habit. And, judging by the feel, there shouldn't be that much blood."
"Hmph! Who wants to look at your stupid phone!"
Xu Qing, somewhat guilty, pouted, then scurried over to her best friend's side, plopping down on the arm of her sofa seeking protection.
Tang Song smiled, unlocking the screen.
[Lele: "Brother, are you busy?"]
Tang Song: "Not busy. Is something up, Lele?"
[Lele: "It's like this. Sister Wen's clay pot skewer shop is about to open. She wants to invite us to go over tonight at 6:30 to taste the food, and also for you to give some business advice. If you don't have time, it's totally fine. I'll just tell her you're busy. It all depends on your schedule."]
Looking at these lines full of anticipation, Tang Song's eyes unconsciously softened a few degrees.
This sensible Cinderella rarely troubled him, always being so cautious.
Since she spoke up, she must have mustered up a lot of courage.
And he had promised before that once she completed the special training for Jiang Pangpang, he'd give her a gift.
It had been a week since he returned from abroad. He still had to go to Shen City next. He should go see her.
Thinking of that frugal, optimistic, and innocent little sister, a smile appeared on Tang Song's face.
He typed a reply: "Sure. Send me the address. I'll pick you up tonight."
[Lele: "Sister Wen's shop is in the old alley near the Normal University. It's not easy to drive a car in there. How about you come directly to the South Gate, Brother? We can meet there and walk over together."]
Tang Song: "Okay, no problem."
[Lele: "Mhm, mhm. See you tonight then, Brother. You go ahead and be busy, I won't disturb you anymore."]
Tang Song replied with a head-patting emoji and put away his phone.
Turning his head, he met the bright eyes of Shen Yuyan on the single-seater sofa, who had been subtly paying attention to this side all along.
Even though she was resting, her gaze never left him.
That woman's intuition made her keenly aware of the change in Tang Song's mood.
"I won't have dinner with you tonight." Tang Song looked at her, his tone softening a few degrees. "I have an appointment, need to go out."
A faint shadow flickered in Shen Yuyan's eyes.
Though she tried hard to conceal it, the disappointment was clearly visible.
After all, it was the first time, and they had just had that deep, soul-and-body communion.
Today, she definitely hoped Tang Song could stay with her the whole time, even stay overnight.
But she quickly adjusted her emotions, putting back on that appropriate, understanding, and gentle smile: "Okay, go ahead and take care of your business. Don't worry about us. I'll have Yanqing order a big meal tonight, perfect for recuperating."
"Bleh bleh bleh—!"
Xu Qing on the side stuck out her tongue, still carelessly making a face: "Hurry up and leave! Hurry up and leave! All you do here is bully people! I want to have a two-person world with Yanyan!"
Tang Song smiled, taking the opportunity to get up from the sofa and walk over to Xu Qing.
Taking her by surprise, he suddenly reached out and pinched her slightly chubby cheek, leaning close to her ear, whispering in a voice only the two of them could hear:
"Take good care of your hemorrhoids. Next time we meet, I'll personally examine the affected area, see if it needs some... unclogging."
Hearing these wild words, Xu Qing was so scared she instantly covered her little butt, her face red to the tips of her ears.
"I... I don't want that! You... big pervert! Rogue!"
She cursed while backing away, like a frightened rabbit, directly darting into the bedroom.
"Bang!" The door closed, and was even locked from inside.
In the living room, only Tang Song and Shen Yuyan were left now.
The air quieted down.
Campus Belle Shen chuckled softly, suddenly lowering her voice, looking at him with eyes as seductive as silk: "You can check if I have hemorrhoids."
She slightly tilted her head up, her eyes pitiful, gently biting her full, moist lower lip, presenting a demeanor of being at his mercy.
Tang Song couldn't resist. He lowered his head and kissed her moist lips.
Gently sucking, one hand slid up her smooth, fair thigh along her loose loungewear pants.
Shen Yuyan let out a soft whimper, responding tenderly. Her arms unconsciously wrapped around his neck, pressing her body closer.
After a good while, until Shen Yuyan's breath was slightly ragged, the two slowly separated.
She tidied the hair at her temples, calmed her breathing a bit, and said seriously:
"I've already completed the resignation handover at [Rongliu Capital]. My flight is booked for next Tuesday. I'll go directly to Shen City to handle the onboarding then. If you have any other arrangements or instructions for me there, just tell me directly. I'll be on standby there at any time."
After saying this, she blinked. That fresh, elegant campus belle face revealed a kind of understanding and submission, belonging only to the two of them, that of a subordinate and lover.
Tang Song didn't pick up the work topic. Instead, he asked: "By the way, after you get to Shen City, you'll need to find a place to live, right?"
"Mhm." Shen Yuyan nodded. "After all, I'll be working there frequently. Staying in a hotel isn't suitable, and it's inconvenient. I plan to rent a place."
"That works out perfectly. I have a place near the new headquarters of Xuanji Optical World. Huarun City Runxi Phase 1, a 175-square-meter four-bedroom, fully furnished, ready to move in. You can go live there directly. Contact the property management in Shen City to get the access card. I'll send you the password on WeChat later."
His words fell, and the room quieted for a moment.
Shen Yuyan pursed her lips. Her breathing clearly became more rapid.
As someone about to go work in Shen City, she had of course done her homework in advance and specifically looked into areas around the new headquarters.
Huarun City Runxi, core of the MixC shopping district, high price per square meter, a 175-square-meter large flat...
For her, this was undoubtedly a top-tier luxury residence.
Of course, the value of the property itself wasn't the most crucial point.
The most important thing was that Tang Song was actually letting her live in his property.
This in itself was a symbol of an extremely close, highly trusting relationship.
Taking a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart.
Shen Yuyan lifted her head, her face blossoming with a bright, flower-like smile, her voice filled with undisguised delight and attachment:
"Thank you, darling! Then I won't stand on ceremony with you! This really solves a big problem for me. These past couple of days, I was actually saying I'd rent a place with Professor Jiang nearby. She's also been looking at places in that area of Shen City..."
"Oh, right." Tang Song suddenly remembered.
He did hear Jiang Yourong mention looking for a place in Shen City during the phone call a few days ago.
Catching the fleeting change in Tang Song's expression when he mentioned this name.
Shen Yuyan's eyes flickered. Hesitating for a moment, she softly suggested: "A 175-square-meter four-bedroom is still a bit too big. Living alone feels a bit empty, even a bit scary at night. How about... I ask Professor Jiang to move in together? After all, she's also your core technical assistant, and we have some work overlap. This way, we can look out for each other, and it'll be more convenient for future work too."
By the end, she was secretly observing Tang Song's reaction, her eyes hiding a trace of subtle probing and ingratiation.
She was a smart woman.
Previously, because of Tang Song's investment in Yimai Technology, she had connected with Jiang Yourong and had maintained that relationship.
She had even used her position convenience from her time at Rongliu Capital to approve research funding for Jiang Yourong, establishing a good personal rapport.
Later, upon learning that this Professor Jiang had actually become a core technical staff member in the [Xuanji Optical World] president's office, she increased her efforts to win her over.
This "renting together" was originally something she proactively brought up to tie herself to Jiang Yourong.
More importantly, with a woman's intuition, she could feel that the relationship between Tang Song and this intellectual, slightly plump Professor Jiang was definitely not that simple.
In that fiercely competitive arena of Shen City, wanting to secure more of Tang Song's favor and time wasn't an easy task.
Tang Song looked deeply at Campus Belle Shen.
Her little schemes were laid bare before his eyes.
And Shen Yuyan made no attempt to hide them at all.
She was too smart, especially after the two of them crossed that final line.
She knew that in front of him, being honest about her desires and methods was actually a higher-level, mutually understood form of loyalty.
"You handle it." Tang Song nodded, his tone casual. "Since I'm giving you the place to live, the right of use is in your hands. If you're willing, let her live with you. There are enough rooms anyway, do as you please."
"Thank you, darling! You're the best."
Shen Yuyan smiled sweetly, her peach-blossom eyes curving into two crescents.
Sitting on the sofa, she naturally leaned her body forward.
Pressing that delicate, fresh face against Tang Song's abdomen, she affectionately nuzzled.
Feeling the warmth of his body against her cheek, Shen Yuyan slowly closed her eyes.
Her breath was hot.
All the past hesitation, anxiety, and self-doubt had been washed away in that storm of physical and spiritual union.
Now, lying before her was the staircase leading to higher, broader horizons—[Xuanji Optical World] Chief Ecosystem Officer.
But this was only the beginning.
As a former observer standing on the edge of the "Tang Song and Jin system," she was more perceptive than anyone.
She could feel that in that distant, unreachable realm above the clouds.
The absolute core of this web was the man she was currently leaning against.
And she herself was merely an insignificant node on this web, swaying in the wind.
Looking back now, those overt and covert struggles with Luna at Rongliu Capital were nothing more than childish, impulsive rivalries.
But now, since she had already obtained the "admission ticket," even moved into his "golden house"...
She longed to enter this grand web.
Not naively fantasizing about becoming the protagonist, but at least to become an irreplaceable node.
Ambition was always the best aphrodisiac.