novelraw Chapter 819: Intertwined Threads
Chapter 819: Intertwined Threads
The living room was so quiet it felt almost suffocating.
After Secretary Jin's words fell, the air seemed to have been sucked out.
Ouyang Xianyue didn't speak immediately. Her back remained straight, her hands folded on her knees, her posture elegant and dignified.
Only, those folded hands were clenched very, very tightly, her neatly trimmed nails digging deep into her palms.
She lowered her eyelids, her thick eyelashes casting a shadow beneath her eyes,
hiding the humiliation in their depths.
"He must first be mine."
This sentence echoed in her ears like a curse.
She wasn't afraid of Jin Meixiao.
Throughout her life, from her girlhood to today, she had faced power struggles and political games far more brutal than a confrontation over a man.Moreover, whether in terms of background, power, or cunning and scheming, she felt she was not inferior to the other woman.
If it were any other setting, if she were ten years younger, facing such a provocation, she would have definitely retaliated long ago.
But the problem was... she was in the wrong.
Because she had indeed crossed the line.
All along, in front of everyone, she had maintained the dignified, tolerant, big-picture "Madonna" image.
Yet behind the scenes, she had secretly used not-so-aboveboard methods to seduce Tang Song, trying to infiltrate his life, even touch the foundations of his family.
Having someone precisely lift a corner of the respectable facade she had so carefully woven herself, leaving her unable to continue deceiving herself... that was the crux.
If she didn't care about face, it might be fine, but the problem was she cared about it the most.
This sense of shame from being in the wrong was fatal.
For a noble lady like her, who had "propriety" carved into her bones, no matter how many high-sounding reasons she could find, it couldn't change her inherent weakness and inferiority on the moral high ground at this moment.
The silence lasted a long time, long enough to hear the rustling of leaves in the wind outside the window.
"Time's almost up. President Tang is still waiting for me. I need to go upstairs."
Secretary Jin slowly stood up, the hem of her suit jacket tracing a sharp arc.
Her footsteps had just begun to sound.
"First be yours?"
Suddenly, from behind her, came a very low, yet somehow sarcastic question.
Ouyang Xianyue slowly raised her eyelids. The shame that had been in her phoenix eyes had already receded, replaced by ripples of dark, obscure emotion.
"Smile, you always like to use such absolute words to define the relationships between people."
Secretary Jin's steps halted. She turned to look at her, her gaze deep and sharp. "Is there something wrong with what I said?"
"You call me hypocritical, call me scheming, say I wear a mask. But what about you?"
Ouyang Xianyue also stood up. Her voluptuous, graceful figure tensed in this moment, revealing a solemn, confrontational aura belonging to a mature woman.
She looked directly at the other woman, a cold curve appearing at the corner of her mouth.
"Your so-called 'protection' and 'planning', aren't they also a deeper form of arrogance and control?"
Ouyang Xianyue took half a step forward, her aura fully unleashed:
"Your need for control is already all-pervasive, suffocating."
"You place informants around each of us, monitor our movements. You don't trust anyone but yourself."
"You meddle in Liu Qingning's life trajectory, you push Su Yu step by step, driving her to the edge of collapse, your so-called 'protection' behind the scenes... Jin Meixiao, you are the one trying to trap him firmly with an invisible giant net! Aren't you?"
"You think my feelings for him are about control?" Secretary Jin's voice remained steady, but the sharp light in her eyes intensified.
"What else could it be?" Ouyang Xianyue pressed aggressively, pouring out all the accumulated pressure. "You stand here now, declaring sovereignty with the attitude of a victor and a judge. So let me ask, how much of this is out of pure love for Tang Song? And how much... is out of your Ms. Smile's already pathological need for perfect control?"
Facing this heart-piercing question.
Secretary Jin looked at her quietly for a few seconds, then suddenly smiled.
Not a cold smile, but that trademark perfect smile.
"What are you laughing at? Isn't your need for control an even deeper form of 'hypocrisy' than mine?"
"Ms. Ouyang." Secretary Jin shook her head. "The fate and bond between him and me are beyond your imagination, and something you will never be able to understand or believe. In this world, perhaps everyone else might try to control him, use him. But I am the only one who absolutely would not."
"You're referring to your shared hardships during the startup and early days?" Ouyang Xianyue wasn't buying it, sneering coldly. "Yes, you two indeed went through a lot together in terms of career and companionship, and you truly grew because of him. But haven't I as well? Hasn't Su Yu as well? Each of us has had a profound past with him."
"But that cannot be your reason for treating him as private property, even trying to manipulate his family."
"No, I'm not referring to that." Secretary Jin cut her off, looking directly into her eyes, an unconcealed sense of superiority on her face. "But I won't tell you what it is. That's a secret between him and me. That depth, Ms. Ouyang, with your character accustomed to mundane scheming and benefit exchange, I'm afraid you will find it very difficult to understand in this lifetime, and will never truly touch it."
The link of dreams.
Romance and salvation that transcends the universe and time.
This kind of mysterious, scientifically inexplicable soul resonance was an unimaginable shock to Jin Meixiao, who always followed logic and believed in realism.
And precisely because of these things, she saw more facets of Tang Song, a more complete Tang Song.
Therefore, she understood him better than anyone.
Ouyang Xianyue's chest heaved violently once, clearly provoked by the other's "you simply don't understand" look.
"I have no interest in your so-called secret either. But I know my feelings for him, I have my own measure in my heart. They are real, they are inclusive."
"So, you think perhaps I don't love him that much? That I might even love him less than you do?" Secretary Jin raised an eyebrow.
"Perhaps?" Ouyang Xianyue retorted sarcastically. "Who knows if what you love is the person, or that perfect Tang Jin empire?"
"There is no perhaps." Secretary Jin withdrew her gaze, her voice turning cold again. "My feelings don't need to be explained to anyone."
After saying this, she raised her wrist to glance at the time.
"He should be done showering by now. I'm going up. I hope Ms. Ouyang will think carefully about what I just said. I know you're anxious—age, fertility, family—but Tang Song is different. He is not someone who can be influenced or controlled."
Footsteps sounded again, crisp and resolute.
Ouyang Xianyue watched that departing back, the light in her eyes fluctuating violently.
She suddenly spoke, her voice low and suppressed: "Smile, I don't dislike you. I even like you very much, and am willing to believe in your love for him. But your actions... who can confirm... whether what you love is the 'Tang Song' from back then who fought side by side with you and met all your expectations, or the 'him' before us now who is already somewhat different and whose future is even more unpredictable? And in the future, if he changes and no longer fits your perfect blueprint, will you yourself change your feelings?"
"Tap."
Secretary Jin's footstep on the stairs suddenly halted. Her hand gripped the smooth solid wood railing tightly, instantly clenching.
She didn't turn around, just stood in place for two seconds.
Then, she slowly turned around, looking down at Ouyang Xianyue from her higher position.
Light fell from the side, immersing half her face in a warm glow, while the other half was hidden in the shadow of the staircase, her eyes obscure and unreadable.
"Ms. Ouyang, you are truly clever, truly thick-skinned and black-hearted. Trying to fundamentally shake the uniqueness and legitimacy of my relationship with him by denying the emotional foundation between me and the real, complete him. Regarding his changes, I have no desire to have any in-depth discussion with you. But the story between him and me is far deeper than anything any of you can imagine or comprehend. In this world, if fate only allows one person to cross everything and accompany him to the final end, that person can only be me, and must be me."
After saying this, she no longer hesitated, turned, and ascended the steps.
The sound of high heels tapping on the wooden stairs.
Crisp, rhythmic.
Echoing in the empty living room, gradually fading into the distance, finally disappearing into the quiet upstairs.
Ouyang Xianyue stood alone in the spacious, luxurious living room, her eyes shifting, her breathing gradually becoming more rapid.
Seven years.
This was the first time she had formally torn off all pretense of cordiality with Jin Meixiao.
Laying bare their deepest mutual distrust and rivalry under the light of day.
It was also the first time she had directly touched upon the core taboo of "Tang Song's changes."
With their cunning, level, and intelligence, how could they not have noticed Tang Song's subtle yet essential changes?
They all knew it in their hearts, yet maintained a tacit agreement never to mention it.
The reason stability could be maintained even after his disappearance, and even people like Wu Kezhi and Zheng Qiudong didn't dare act rashly,
was precisely because of their mutual checks and balances.
And the deepest fear in her heart was precisely that Jin Meixiao might one day hurt Tang Song.
Because he truly had changed. The more contact she had, the more she could see it.
As the "most trusted person" in Tang Song's words, and also his "guardian,"
Ouyang Xianyue had always felt she had the right, and more importantly, the responsibility, to step forward, protect him, and even, when necessary, check and balance any force that might spiral out of control, including those from Jin Meixiao.
This self-assigned "responsibility" and "guardian" identity was precisely the underlying logic for her seducing Tang Song, for personally stepping into this arena. It was also the core pillar she used to convince herself, to make all her actions self-consistent.
But if...
But if Jin Meixiao's feelings for Tang Song, their depth and unique nature, far exceeded her previous imagination, and were not based on an obsession with some "ideal template," but contained insight and acceptance of the "complete Tang Song"...
Then, Ouyang Xianyue's self-consistent logic would become somewhat untenable.
Thinking again of the intimacy Tang Song had just displayed with Jin Meixiao in front of her...
A strong sense of loss, mixed with sourness, unwillingness, and feeling excluded, surged into her heart, catching her completely off guard.
......
Third floor, guest bedroom walk-in closet.
Soft light spilled from the ceiling lamp, illuminating the entire row of custom wardrobes and the full-length mirror in the center.
"I'm sorry, President Tang. I really didn't know Director Jin would come personally. It was in the car that Director Jin suddenly said she wanted to come along, and she kept chatting with me the whole time, I... I really didn't find a chance to warn you."
Lin Muxue said this, but her gaze uncontrollably drifted towards the Tang Song before her.
At this moment, he was putting on his shirt.
As his arms stretched out, his muscles stretched into smooth, powerful lines.
Following his movement of bending over to pull up his pants, his tight, well-defined abs and v-line were faintly visible beneath his clothes.
Coupled with that steady, dignified, and highly aggressive aura, he was simply too charming.
It made her want to melt into a puddle on the spot.
"I said it's fine." Tang Song turned and smiled at her, his expression gentle. "So, how was the trip to London? Big gains?"
"Very big! I made a detailed summary report and also organized some ideas. I plan to formally report to you after the [Xuanji Optical World] ceremony, when I can find some time."
"Good." Tang Song looked at her with approval, reaching out very naturally to give her perky butt a light pat, an intimate gesture of encouragement. "You even know how to do systematic summaries now. That's great progress."
"Mmm..."
Lin Muxue trembled slightly from the sudden touch, subconsciously squeezing her silk-stocking-clad legs together.
It had been so long since she'd had Tang Song's "meat." She felt like she was going crazy with craving.
Seeing him up close now, and being touched by him like this, she really couldn't take it.
Lin Muxue gently bit her lower lip, stepped forward, and came to Tang Song's side.
She proactively reached out and began buttoning his shirt for him.
The distance closed.
The fresh scent of him just out of the shower, mixed with male body heat, instantly invaded her nostrils.
Immediately, her gaze involuntarily drifted to Tang Song's lips.
The lip shape was beautiful, the color healthy, the lip line clear and distinct.
Lin Muxue couldn't help but swallow.
She had experienced the power of these lips firsthand.
If she could really unlock more "advanced" play, like Wen Ruan had hinted at this morning...
That would be something else!
Just thinking about it made her legs feel a bit weak, her heart itching as if tickled by a feather.
But... how could she bring it up?
Should she just say directly, "President Tang, can you help me..."?
She felt that the moment she opened her mouth, Tang Song would find her "cringey"!
Maybe she should ask Wen Ruan privately for some tips and strategies later?
Just as her mind was wandering.
"Knock knock knock—"
A knocking sound came from the door.
Lin Muxue was startled and quickly took a few steps back, putting distance between herself and Tang Song.
"President Tang, are you done showering?"
Secretary Jin's clear, steady voice came from outside the door.
"Done, I'm in the walk-in closet." Tang Song immediately responded.
After waiting a moment.
Secretary Jin walked into the walk-in closet with elegant steps.
Her face still wore that trademark smile. She looked elegant and upright, the white suit making her appear even more outstanding.
Under the soft lighting of the walk-in closet, it was as if she had her own soft-focus filter.
Lin Muxue bent slightly at the waist, respectfully called out "Director Jin," and then, very tactfully, retreated to just outside the doorway, hugging the wall.
There was no helping it. Although Empress Muxue proclaimed herself as having "lived a second life," in front of the big boss "Golden Misfortune," when it was time to be scared, she had to be scared; when it was time to retreat, she absolutely could not hesitate.
Survival came first.
Secretary Jin's gaze first swept quickly over the walk-in closet, then settled on Tang Song.
Their eyes met.
Tang Song smiled lightly and blinked.
Neither of them spoke. An unspoken understanding and tension flowed through the air.
She tilted her head slightly, stepped forward on her slender high heels, and slowly walked to him.
Her long, fair fingers picked up the tie draped over the chair back. She slightly raised her face, her gaze focused on his collar.
She began meticulously adjusting and tying it for him.
Her fingertips occasionally brushed past his neck or chest inadvertently. That touch was subtle, yet more tantalizing than any deliberate caress.
Then, she picked up the suit jacket and gently opened it.
Tang Song cooperatively turned around. Her hands smoothed down from his shoulders to his sleeves, smoothing out every wrinkle.
The whole process flowed smoothly, carrying a kind of attentiveness and focus that was almost ritualistic.
Under the soft light, this kind of close, private moment,
stripped away the polish of social occasions from the carefully crafted composure and sophistication she exuded, revealing a more authentic texture within.
Tang Song lowered his head to look at Secretary Jin, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. "How is it?"
Secretary Jin examined him for a moment, a satisfied curve lifting the corner of her mouth. "Shoulder line, waist, proportions, all perfect. It seems my eye, and the tailor's skill, have not let you down."
Looking at Secretary Jin, who was so close that his own reflection was visible in her eyes,
Tang Song reached out and placed his hands on her slender yet supple and strong waist. He exerted a little force, pulling her towards him, pressing her against his front.
The familiar, full sensation, along with that cool, sophisticated, subtle fragrance unique to her, instantly made his heart surge.
"I missed you very much during this time apart, Secretary Jin."
His voice was low, carrying an unconcealed surge of emotion.
However, as soon as the words left his mouth,
Secretary Jin deftly sidestepped, slipping out from his palm, creating a perfectly measured distance.
"Is that so?" Her tone was gentle, with a hint of a smile, impossible to tell if she believed it or not. It sounded more like an advanced form of flirtation. "President Tang's missing me has been received. However... during this time, news about you has never stopped."
The smile on Tang Song's face stiffened slightly, a vague sense of foreboding arising.
Secretary Jin smiled, leaning lazily against the dark walnut wardrobe door, arms crossed:
"Let's not even talk about that female celebrity's birthday party in Paris. Just talking about that [Crown Bank] in Zurich was quite a surprise. Truly worthy of President Tang. Your methods are indeed impressive, your planning far-reaching."
"And, it seems Annie has been tamed quite well by you, hasn't she? That level of cooperation and depth is even more impressive than I imagined."
The corner of Tang Song's eye twitched.
On this matter, he was indeed in the wrong, even could be said to be very "scummy."
Secretary Jin had always been his closest, most trusted person, his soulmate and ultimate partner.
But he had kept it from her, even used her best friend, Anne Kate, to manage this Crown Bank line in the dark.
To some extent, this was a kind of betrayal.
If it were the him from that dream, perhaps he could not care at all, even respond with a profound, enigmatic silence.
But the current him truly couldn't do that.
A genuine sense of shame welled up in his heart.
Tang Song put away all his playful smiles, looking into her eyes as he said, "This matter, I was indeed wrong. I'm sorry, Secretary Jin."
Hearing his direct and frank apology, Secretary Jin's long eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings.
She didn't speak again, just lowered her eyelids.
Tang Song approached her again, his hands landing on her slender, supple waist.
This time, she didn't avoid him.
He lowered his head, his lips gently tracing her exquisite eyebrows and eyes, her straight nose, lingering near her lips for a moment, then lightly touching her cheek and the edge of her collarbone.
The movements were gentle yet carried a long-suppressed craving.
Secretary Jin slightly raised her chin, quietly accepting this series of intimate touches.
Her gaze remained clear, yet bottomlessly deep.
Confident, noble, rational, proud, yet carrying a kind of understated sensuality.
Exuding a charm that made one want to sink into it.
Tang Song savored his exclusive Secretary Jin with extreme seriousness.
The desire in his heart was even stronger, even more fervent, than when he had conquered that voluptuous noble lady earlier.
In fact, this "2D paper wife" truly was a peerless treasure.
She was the miracle he had personally shaped in that dream, ultimately blooming at the pinnacle of the world across dimensions.
She was his most perfect fantasy, truly appearing by his side.
Unfortunately.
Due to the system's current restrictions, he couldn't continue further either. He could only suppress that intense heat that was about to erupt.
A sudden push came from his chest.
Secretary Jin wiped the saliva from her collarbone, smiling as she said, "Stop, President Tang. Besides getting saliva all over my face, what else can you do?"
This sentence wasn't very damaging, but it was extremely insulting.
Tang Song's hands on her waist unconsciously tightened their grip.
"Mmm..."
Secretary Jin let out a low hum, but she didn't get angry.
She took the opportunity to break free, looking at him, and suddenly said, "President Tang, if I'm not mistaken, you were deliberately stimulating Ouyang Xianyue's emotions downstairs just now, right?"
She put it very euphemistically. Essentially, it was PUA.
Tang Song pursed his lips, not denying it.
His actions just now did indeed have an element of deliberate cooperation, in line with the [String Moon Drifting] dungeon.
This noble lady was deep and cunning, with extremely strong self-control.
Without the continuous influence of [Desire's Echo], it would be very, very difficult to stir her emotions, make her lose balance between reason and desire, and reveal flaws.
She might even see through him instead.
Emotions were high-level games of strategy. Facing an opponent like Ouyang Xianyue, he had to control the rhythm.
Secretary Jin watched his reaction, her smile deepening. "That's rare. Her personality is indeed a big problem. I'll wait and see President Tang's moves."
After saying this, she didn't continue this sensitive topic.
She reached up and loosened the tie she had just tied for him, her tone returning to work mode:
"Alright, the meeting is about to start. We can't stay here too long either. President Tang, change out of this suit for now. You can wear it tomorrow."
"Thank you for the birthday gift, Secretary Jin." Tang Song said, somewhat reluctantly.
Secretary Jin, while helping him unbutton his shirt, said casually, "I just knew you would definitely spend your birthday with Liu Qingning this year. And with Wen Ruan and others lining up to celebrate your birthday. To avoid causing you trouble, I just moved it up."
Tang Song's expression became somewhat unnatural.
This year was the tenth birthday since he and Liu Qingning met.
Except for last year, when she went to Shen City and they weren't together,
they had spent every other one together.
And on January 13th, 2023, Liu Qingning had also ordered a cake for him, video-called for a long time, and personally made a promise: "Next year, I will definitely spend it with you properly."
Secretary Jin's hand slowly slid over his abdominal muscles. Her fingertips seemed to press down lightly, almost imperceptibly, causing a slight physiological tremor in him.
She looked up, the corner of her mouth curving. "President Tang, am I not very understanding?"
Her voice wasn't soft or seductive, but carried a kind of advanced, restrained allure.
"...Yes." Tang Song's throat felt dry, and he almost instinctively responded in a low voice.
Secretary Jin chuckled lightly, her red lips pressing against his burning chest, as if listening to his heartbeat, or as if using her tongue to trace her own territory.
"I'll give this birthday to her. But for the next holiday, shouldn't you spend it with me?"
As she spoke, her body leaned forward slightly.
Her perfect S-curve pressed against him, squeezing, rubbing, pushing Tang Song's reason to the edge of the abyss.
Although the system had restrictions preventing Tang Song from crossing the line, Secretary Jin had no such reservations.
Tang Song's breathing became heavier, his brain seeming to fill with blood, his thoughts somewhat sluggish.
Secretary Jin, always so rational and noble, suddenly taking the initiative to be intimate, to show vulnerability, made his blood boil.
At this critical juncture, facing a Secretary Jin who was so "compromising and pleading,"
he simply had no time to think deeply, and couldn't refuse.
"Okay." The word escaped his lips.
"Then, it's settled."
"It's settled."
She hooked the corner of her mouth, gave his lips a firm peck, then pushed him away, elegantly smoothing her clothes.
In the next second, she had already returned to that familiar Ms. Smile.
Noble and aloof, composed and unflappable, possessing the poise and control to dominate any occasion.
"I'll go downstairs first to prepare for the meeting. The projects for [Tang Entertainment] and [Xingyun International Group] should also be pushed forward."
After saying this, she turned and left.
The perky heart-shaped buttocks wrapped in white suit pants swayed slightly with the rhythm of her high heels, swaying with a fatal rhythm and temptation.
It was a kind of charm and sensuality belonging to a top-tier professional woman.
Tang Song stood where he was, watching her retreating back, his Adam's apple moving lightly, his breathing slightly disordered.
Secretary Jin seemed to inadvertently turn her head to the side, leaving him with a meaningful look.
Tang Song came back to his senses, his brain starting to function again.
Wait... the next holiday after my birthday is...
Spring Festival?!
Tang Song's mouth fell open. An image surfaced in his mind:
New Year's Eve.
His parents making dumplings at the table.
Firecrackers sounding outside.
Him leading Secretary Jin into the house.
"Dad, Mom, let me introduce you. This is my other girlfriend, Jin Meixiao. You can call her Smile."
.....
3 PM.
Qingning Tech Tower, 42nd floor, General Manager's office.
Winter sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows, spreading a golden glow over the spacious, modern office space.
Liu Qingning sat behind her desk, focused on the triple-screen monitor before her.
The screen displayed complex algorithm models and data flow diagrams.
She wore a beige undershirt and light-colored jeans.
A low ponytail was loosely tied at the back of her head, a few stray hairs hanging by her cheeks, adding a touch of work-focused intellectuality to her cute face.
In the Mark cup by her hand, clear lemon water reflected the light.
The air carried a faint, fresh scent of lemon, mixed with the smell of ink from newly printed documents.
On the screen, WeChat messages popped up from time to time.
They were from her close friend Liu Shuang, whose emotions were very agitated.
[Liu Shuang: {photo1.jpg} {photo2.jpg}.....]
[Liu Shuang: "Qingning!!! Quick, look! Our company's internal group chat is blowing up! I saw those little vixens from the admin department who usually have their eyes on the top of their heads—they're practically drooling!"]
[Liu Shuang: "Oh my god, how is Tang Song so handsome now? So much more handsome than when I saw him before!"]
[Liu Shuang: "Sis, as your inside source, I must seriously remind you: You absolutely must keep a tight watch on your own Tang Song! His charm value right now... is really a bit too off the charts, it's just too dangerous!"]
Liu Qingning clicked open one of the larger photos.
The photo background was [Xuanji Optical World]'s new, futuristic super headquarters building located in Shencheng Bay.
In the center of the picture, Tang Song wore a dark suit, his posture upright, the outline of his broad shoulders and narrow waist particularly striking in the photo.
Light fell on his handsome, three-dimensional profile, outlining his clear jawline and deep eyes.
Within a three-meter radius around him, it was crowded with men and women in formal wear, all exuding capable, elite professionalism. They were all [Xuanji Optical World] executives, mostly over 30, making the young him stand out even more.
He really was very handsome.
Liu Qingning looked quietly for a few seconds, her fingertips gently rubbing over the familiar outline on the screen.
She just shrugged helplessly, casually replying with a [shrug.jpg"
Liu Qingning wasn't surprised by this. In fact, she had already chatted with Tang Song on WeChat this morning.
Tomorrow was the formal inauguration ceremony, so he would definitely go to inspect the venue and confirm the procedures today.
And with his appearance, that industry-shocking identity of "new global CEO" was naturally made public within the company.
Before, his photos and identity had only circulated within a very small core circle.
But starting today, this would become an open secret.
With Tang Song's current looks and aura, plus the halo of being the "helmsman of a unicorn"...
She could completely imagine what a sensational scene that would be.
If it were before, she would definitely have felt sour, jealous, afraid he would be taken away.
But now...
Who cares?
She truly, genuinely didn't care much anymore.
After all, Jin Meixiao and Su Yu had already stepped forward. Having faced that kind of despair-inducing "ceiling-level romantic rival,"
Liu Qingning had really already become indifferent to it.
Actually, Tang Song had invited her to go to [Xuanji Optical World] with him today.
But after thinking about it, she had politely declined.
It wasn't that she didn't miss him—the longing of separation was always there—but because... she really didn't have the passion for it right now.
Director Jin's words from last night still lingered in her ears, merging with her own thoughts and feelings, leaving her somewhat at a loss.
She needed time to digest, needed to hide herself in code and algorithms, to sort out her thoughts again.
Outside the window, the afternoon sun in Shen City was still bright. Traffic flowed below.
She took a sip of lemon water. The cool, slightly sour liquid slid down her throat, but couldn't suppress the inexplicable thread of restlessness that rose in her heart.
"Buzz buzz buzz—"
The phone placed on the desk vibrated.
The screen lit up.
[Su Yu]
Liu Qingning looked at that name, her round eyes widening slightly, her heartbeat inexplicably skipping a beat.
She took a deep breath, her fingertip carrying a hint of hesitation as she swiped the answer button.
"Hello? Su Yu."
From the other end of the phone came Su Yu's highly distinctive voice: "Qingning, it's me. Is it convenient to talk now?"
"Mm, it's convenient." Liu Qingning tried hard to make her voice sound steady.
"That's good." Su Yu seemed to chuckle lightly, the laughter carrying a hard-to-grasp meaning. "I'm at your Qingning Tech Tower right now, on the 22nd floor in that tea lounge. I'd like to invite you down for some afternoon tea, and have a chat while we're at it. Do you have time?"
"Yes!"
Hanging up the phone.
Liu Qingning quickly walked out from behind her desk, even knocking over a file on the corner of the desk in her haste.
But she didn't have time to tidy it up.
She walked to the mirror in the lounge, quickly tidied her slightly messy stray hairs, moistened her somewhat dry lips.
Paris, singing, the letter about "parallel timelines," [Moonlight Trust]...
...
Countless images and emotions instantly surged into her mind.
She had so much she wanted to talk about with Su Yu.