July 31, 2023, Monday, Drizzle, 24–31°C
6:30 a.m.
The alarm music began to play.
♪ “A soft echo in my ear, carrying the unsaid words of affection you’ve kept hidden...”
Cheng Qiuqiu woke up from her sleep.
She didn’t turn off the alarm but just sat there dazed, listening to Su Yu’s ethereal singing voice.
Sitting up, she gently stretched her body. Her cascading orange-brown hair fell loosely, with a few strands sticking to her fair cheeks, giving her an air of languid indifference.
After a while, her thoughts began to clear.
Cheng Qiuqiu picked up the yoga mat in the corner, laid it out in the living room, and started her yoga practice.
Her flexibility was excellent, performing high-difficulty poses with ease.
After completing several key poses, she sat cross-legged and ditated for a few minutes.
Only then did she get up and begin preparing breakfast.
Breakfast was simple: egg pancakes, smashed cucumbers, and oatal porridge.
It didn’t take much effort—done in just over ten minutes.
Looking at the ti, it was almost 7:30 a.m.
Cheng Qiuqiu walked to the door of the master bedroom, intending to knock but hesitated, afraid of disturbing her senior.
She particularly enjoyed eating and chatting with her senior because she had so few friends to confide in.
Ever since “He Yiyi” had gone viral this past week, her senior, Gao ngting, had been so busy every day that they hardly had any ti to talk.
As a result, Qiuqiu had been practicing yoga more frequently lately. For her, besides Su Yu’s songs, yoga was another form of emotional solace.
Through various poses, breathing exercises, and ditation, she could relax her body and mind, awaken her senses, and enhance her state of mind.
Standing in front of the master bedroom door for four or five minutes, Cheng Qiuqiu was just about to turn and leave when—
“Creak.”
The door to the master bedroom opened.
Gao ngting stepped out, yawning, her hair a ss.
Seeing her junior standing there, Gao ngting was startled and patted her chest.
“You scared ! Morning, Qiuqiu.”
A little embarrassed, Cheng Qiuqiu said softly, “Good morning, Senior. I made breakfast and was just about to call you to eat.”
“Wait for , just a mont.”
Gao ngting scratched her head, went to the bathroom, and quickly freshened up before sitting across from Qiuqiu at the dining table.
Looking at the hot breakfast, Gao ngting smiled warmly.
“Thank you, my dear Qiuqiu. You’ve worked hard.”
Taking a sip of her oatal porridge, Cheng Qiuqiu earnestly replied, “It’s no trouble, Senior. It’s what I should do.”
Qiuqiu was well aware of the value of the ticket to Su Yu’s concert.
Just that one ticket alone made her feel like she could make breakfast for a year and still owe her senior.
Not to ntion, Gao ngting had also helped with rent and utilities.
Looking at her serious, well-endowed junior, Gao ngting couldn’t resist teasing her.
“I must say, Qiuqiu, don’t you know that dressing this sexy early in the morning could overwhelm ?”
“Ah.” Cheng Qiuqiu froze for a mont, her face turning red. “I-I’ll be more careful in the future…”
“Pfft!” Gao ngting burst into laughter.
“Just kidding! Don’t take it so seriously. It’s just that you’re rocking a D-cup every day, making feel utterly inadequate.”
Cheng Qiuqiu murmured softly, “Actually, being too big is kind of inconvenient. Senior’s size is just perfect.”
“Sigh, you’re so Versailles*!” Gao ngting stood slightly to ruffle Qiuqiu’s hair.
“Once you have a guy you like, you’ll know that bigger is better—it’ll drive him crazy.”
This junior of hers was a particularly unique person in her circle.
She craved companionship and soone to confide in but was also a bit aloof and prone to overthinking, often taking jokes literally.
Clearly, she had so psychological issues.
If possible, Gao ngting wanted to help her, so she often joked around to lighten the mood.
“By the way!” Gao ngting chewed on so crisp cucumbers and said with a smile,
“Our company has increased the budget for He Yiyi’s packaging and poster design. The boss also wants to make it a key focus moving forward. I’ll have Legal draft a formal contract, so we can keep it all official.”
Hearing this, Cheng Qiuqiu nodded quickly.
“Thank you, Senior. I’m just afraid I won’t do a good job and let you all down.”
“We trust your abilities!” Gao ngting made a “cheering” gesture with her hand.
Somi Fashion had undergone a massive transformation. In just eight days after an unexpected collaboration with Bei Yuwei, their livestream sales exceeded 9 million yuan.
Over 3 million ca from a collaboration with a major dostic brand, featuring special live-stream sessions with slotting fees and commissions.
The remaining 6 million was generated directly from Somi Fashion’s small store.
The reason they capped it at this amount was intentional inventory control.
The sudden surge in popularity ant many purchases were impulsive.
Even though the clothes were high-quality with great fits, the estimated return rate could reach up to 60%.
If they opened the floodgates, the sheer volu of returns to the warehouse would be terrifying, and their cash flow wouldn’t survive.
Jinxiu Comrce certainly wouldn’t bear such massive risk for them.
Once the current buzz cooled down, the remaining audience would be their true target demographic—and a sizable one at that.
For influencer live-comrce, what they lacked most was traffic.
Bei Yuwei’s appearance had been a once-in-a-lifeti opportunity, envied by countless competitors.
They were now receiving over a dozen complaint notices daily and had even been forced offline twice.
…
After breakfast, the two freshened up and did their makeup before heading downstairs together.
The damp, cool morning air was refreshing.
“Vroom, vroom.” A Wuling Hongguang van slowly started up.
Driving through the wet residential roads, it rged into the traffic, moving at a stop-and-go pace.
While driving, Gao ngting discussed the packaging design requirents with Cheng Qiuqiu.
“Ring, ring, ring.” A phone rang.
Cheng Qiuqiu opened her bag, pulled out her phone, glanced at it, and silenced it without answering.
“Spam call?”
“No, it’s my mom.”
“…Oh.” Gao ngting blinked and didn’t press further.
After a mont, the phone rang again.
This ti, Cheng Qiuqiu hesitated, then answered and held it to her ear without speaking.
“Hello, Qiuqiu, had breakfast yet? It’s Monday—are you on your way to work?” Her mother’s voice ca through the receiver.
“Mm.”
“Haven’t seen you post anything on WeChat Monts lately. Take so photos for when you get a chance.”
“Okay.”
“Ah, I saw online that Su Yu is about to release a new song. Isn’t that great?”
“I know.”
…
“How’s work going? Still working overti a lot?”
“Busy as ever.”
“Well… I’ll wait a bit longer. I’ve already transferred the shop over here, so I’m free anyti. Once you’re less busy, I’ll co to Yan City. Don’t want to be a bother to you.”
“Mm. If there’s nothing else, I’ll hang up now.”
Ending the call, Cheng Qiuqiu leaned back in her seat, staring blankly out the window.
Gao ngting glanced at her, concerned, and said softly,
“Being here alone, your mom must worry about you. She might even show up unexpectedly one day. If she wants to visit, you can book her a hotel if you don’t feel like sharing your space.”
Cheng Qiuqiu pursed her lips. “Thank you, Senior.”
…
The car pulled into Yunxi Tower.
Gao ngting grabbed her bag and took the elevator to the 30th floor.
As the elevator doors opened, a warm and gentle smile appeared on her face.
In the bustling office area, her colleagues were hard at work, energized and joyful.
The company’s shop had exploded in sales, and successfully launching “He Yiyi” brought stability and promising prospects to everyone’s jobs.
It was also a significant boost for their resus.
“Good morning, Director Gao!”
“Director Gao!”
“Morning!”
Passing through the office area, Gao ngting glanced at the CEO's office, wondering if Tang Song had arrived. He had ntioned on WeChat that he would co to the company today.
Over the past half month, Somi Fashion had undergone trendous changes. She was eager to share this joy with her partner and discuss the next steps for their plans.
“Creak.” Pushing open the door to her own office, Gao ngting entered gracefully. She took out her phone and hung her bag.
The mont she turned around, her expression froze. Her gaze landed on the corner of the office near the window, and a joyful smile broke across her face.
Tang Song was reclining on the soft beanbag chair, feet resting on a low stool, holding a book in his hand. His eyes were focused and gentle, his lips curved slightly upward in a faint smile.
Their eyes t. Tang Song casually set the book down and stood up from the chair.
“Good morning, ngting.”
Looking at his handso face and his calm, upright posture, Gao ngting felt her taut nerves finally relax for the first ti in days.
“Click, click, click.” The sound of leather shoes stepping across the wooden floor echoed.
Gao ngting opened her arms and hugged him tightly. “Good morning!”
The scent of lemony shampoo filled her nose.
Tang Song froze montarily, then naturally wrapped his arms around her soft, slender waist, savoring the curve of her body.
At this mont, he was no longer the inexperienced, shy rookie he once was, when a simple hug from Gao ngting could make his heart race and his body stiffen.
They embraced for a while.
“Huff—” Gao ngting exhaled softly against him.
She raised her head, her eyes glistening with tears, and exclaid with excitent and emotion,
“Tang Song! We’ve made it! Our company has truly succeeded!
“With the He Yiyi IP, we now have guaranteed exposure and sales, which ans our bargaining power, collaboration opportunities, and user retention will all improve significantly!
“Luckily, you improved the organizational structure in advance. Without a solid team to support us, we couldn’t have managed this sudden windfall!”
Her words flowed quickly and clearly as she shared her visions for the future.
No one could understand the intense emotions, tension, and exhilaration she had been carrying these past days. To maintain stability, Gao ngting had shown calmness to the outside world, working long hours and throwing herself entirely into the heavy workload.
Inside, however, she had been suppressing a flood of emotions for far too long.
Seeing Tang Song suddenly appear in her office, her emotions could no longer be held back.
She had once been trapped in the mire, and it was Tang Song who had pulled her out, helping her build Somi Fashion together. This update is available on novel~fire~net
Now that the company was soaring, she could finally feel at ease, knowing she hadn’t let down Tang Song’s trust and effort. She couldn’t wait to share this success with him.
Tang Song, smiling joyfully, silently appreciated the softness and warmth of her embrace.
After a long while, Gao ngting finally fell silent.
“You’ve worked hard,” Tang Song said softly.
“It wasn’t hard; it’s what I should do,” she replied, her face beaming as she t his gaze.
The atmosphere in the office suddenly grew a little ambiguous.
Breathing in his scent and feeling the firm grip of his hand on her waist, Gao ngting’s cheeks flushed red as she cald down.
“Hey, um, isn’t it ti to let go?”
“I heard that hugging reduces stress hormones and boosts happiness. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately. Can we hug a bit longer?” Tang Song said, leaning slightly closer as he gazed at her soft features.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly pressed a hand against his chest.
“Hey, partner, I have reason to suspect you’re being a rogue!”
Her tone was firm, but her body remained soft, making no effort to pull away.
This was the first ti she had hugged Tang Song for so long. His defined muscles and handso features left her feeling light-headed.
Safety, harmony, and happiness—when these elents combined, they might resemble love or even equal love. But deep down, she knew these were not the sa as love.
She had always wondered if her feelings for Tang Song were rely derived from the security and happiness he provided.
But at this mont, the strong physiological response within her reminded her that it wasn’t.
“Love, first and foremost, is an instinct. You’re either born knowing it, or you never will.”
Still, she couldn’t help but wonder: what was her partner feeling toward her at this mont? Was it love of the heart, or love of the body?
Outside, the sky grew dark, and rain began to patter against the glass curtain walls.
After a mont, Tang Song released Gao ngting.
He glanced at his watch and said,
“Get ready. Let’s have a eting later to discuss the next steps for the company.”
In his “Scholar” state, Tang Song had already made detailed plans. The next step was to help the company grow quickly, harnessing this surge of traffic to solidify He Yiyi as a genuine IP.
“Got it,” Gao ngting replied, straightening up. Then she suddenly added,
“Let’s take a photo together to celebrate this milestone success for the company.”
“OK.” Tang Song nodded with a smile.
They stood back-to-back in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. Gao ngting instinctively positioned herself on his right side.
She raised her phone in front of them, wrapping her left arm around Tang Song’s right arm, tilting her head slightly to the left.
“Cheese!”
“Click!”
Satisfied with the photo, Gao ngting grinned as she looked at it.
Then she scrolled through her photo album and pulled up another picture, showing it to Tang Song.
“Do you rember this?”
Tang Song looked at the phone screen, his eyes montarily unfocused.
It was a photo of him and Gao ngting taken on the day the company was founded.
Back then, he had been a shy young man, thrilled and nervous when his gorgeous partner had hugged his arm for the first ti.
He also recalled their bold declarations at the ti:
“To go public,” “to ring the bell at the stock exchange,” “the birthplace of dreams,” “a national fashion brand”…
At the ti, he had just inherited his first assets, filled with anticipation for the future.
Now, those expectations were gradually being realized, and he had reached the heights he once dread of.
He had gained business, money, and won.
And yet, what had to be faced would inevitably co to pass.
For instance, the White Moonlight waiting far away in Shenzhen, whom he had promised to et at the peak.
Would she feel joy or sorrow when she saw the person he had beco?
Tang Song’s feelings for Liu Qingning were a complex mix of friendship and love.
This unique affection, coupled with the growing distance between them, had always kept him from confessing his feelings.
Curiously, Liu Qingning had never shown any inclination either.
Now, the sudden prospect of buying a house in Yan City felt like a chaotic storm in his heart.
What kind of mindset should he have when facing her?
…
anwhile, in Beijing, at the headquarters of Smile Holdings Group.
In the executive director’s office:
“Knock, knock, knock.” A soft, rhythmic knock sounded on the door.
“Co in.”
Personal assistant Shangguan Qiuyuan stepped in, standing quietly in front of the desk.
“Director Jin, the detailed report on Tian Jing, the compensation supervisor at Jinxiu Comrce, is ready.”
She handed over a tablet carefully and looked at the elegant figure behind the desk.
Secretary Jin shifted her gaze from her computer screen, picked up the tablet, and leaned back slightly. Her chest rose prominently as she did so.
Her eyes quickly scanned through the information:
Age: 22Education: Graduated from Rongcheng University of Finance and EconomicsFamily Background: Daughter of Tian Chengye, a shareholder and executive director of Zhongcheng Group, as well as a shareholder and supervisor at Jinxiu Comrce.
Attached were recent photos. Secretary Jin casually tapped one to enlarge it, her gaze flickering slightly.
Fair-skinned, petite, with narrow shoulders and a sweet, delicate appearance.
The profile described her as the perfect “White Rich Beauty.”
Another woman of a completely different type.
After a mont, Secretary Jin asked,
“Has the rumor about her office relationships been confird?”
“According to Jinxiu Comrce’s HR director, Shi Qiuli, Tian Jing has an ambiguous relationship with the CTO. Several colleagues claim to have witnessed it firsthand. I’ve also verified it multiple tis; it’s true.”
“Let Fan Wenzen know to include Tian Jing in the upcoming employee training session in Beijing.”
“Understood.”
Secretary Jin casually set the tablet down, gently removing the glasses perched on her nose as she stood up.
Her chestnut-brown hair flowed freely down her back, the roots voluminous and lifted, framing her stunningly delicate face with even greater elegance.
“Where’s Wen Ruan? She should be in Beijing by now, right?”
“Yes,” her personal assistant nodded, continuing,
“She arrived in Beijing last Saturday and is currently staying at The Westin at Liangma Bridge. This afternoon, she’ll be heading to Xingyun International Group to attend the shareholders’ eting and vote for the new board director.
“Additionally, the president of Tang Zong Entertainnt, Mo Xiangwan, has just checked into The Westin. She’s likely there to assist Wen Ruan in settling into her new role.”
“Has Lawyer Luo Bin returned from Shenzhen?”
“The equity transfer for Qingning Technology has been completed. Lawyer Luo is scheduled to return to Beijing on Thursday.”
Qingning Technology… 3% equity…
Secretary Jin’s clear, bright eyes lifted slightly, her chestnut irises glinting with a crystalline clarity under the light.
“Have Lawyer Luo et on Friday morning. Also, what’s the current status of Century Smart Learning?”
“It’s progressing smoothly. APP users are steadily increasing, and the company has entered its profitability stage.
“Their self-developed AI large model, built on Qingning Technology’s open platform, is currently in developnt and performing well.
“In addition to that, they’ve begun developing terminal products.
“As for the team mber you asked to monitor—Liu Qingning—she has requested a 1.5 million yuan interest-free loan from the company using her equity as collateral.
“However, the company’s investors are still negotiating to acquire her shares.
“It’s not just her, actually. According to information I’ve obtained from Changyun Investnt, they’re very optimistic about Century Smart Learning’s future.
“Now that the software is stable and they’re transitioning toward hardware developnt, there’s talk of pushing so non-core technical partners out of the team, and Liu Qingning is one of them.”
Secretary Jin pressed her plump, full lips together slightly, her tone calm as she instructed,
“Arrange for a company to approach Century Smart Learning and commission a batch of educational devices from them. This will accelerate their transition to hardware developnt.”
“Understood!” Shangguan Qiuyuan quickly responded, “Does Liu Qingning need any special arrangents?”
“No, let everything proceed naturally.”
“Got it.”
As the assistant left the office, Secretary Jin turned slightly to the side, her dazzling earrings swaying gently, catching the interplay of light and shadow like two rivers of starlight.
Looking at the southern skies, she murmured to herself,
“Century Smart Learning is just your starting point. So ups and downs in love and career will ultimately aid your growth.
“Don’t bla . After all, you still have Qingning Technology, and you still have Tang Song’s feelings.
“You’ll gain so much. I hope these things can make up for the pure love you’ve lost.
“And if, in the future, you really feel uneasy… then just bla Su Yu.”
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