"Ding~~" The sound of glass bottles clinking echoed lightly.
"Gulp, gulp—" Zhao Yaqian finished the last half-bottle of Beibingyang soda and looked at Little Xue with a gentle expression, listening to her story.
Because the two were very close, as Little Xue spoke, Zhao Yaqian could completely imrse herself in the experience, as if she were reliving it herself.
"So, for , my college mories aren’t pleasant. I've been unconsciously avoiding my past self."
"Every ti I made money from a part-ti job, besides buying clothes and makeup, I would co here for skewers. But ever since I graduated, I got caught up in maintaining my public persona and never ca back."
"The apartnt at Yanjing Huating is one I share with a friend. Before, my job was just a front desk administrator at Rongxin Venture Capital."
As Lin Muxue spoke about her less-than-glorious past and the changes she went through in college, a flood of emotions surged in her heart. Her eyes were slightly unfocused.
"Honestly, I get it." Zhao Yaqian picked up a skewer of grilled gluten and handed it to Little Xue, her tone light. "And really, even if you’re vain and like to show off, I don’t see anything wrong with that. After all, you're spending money you earned yourself—you're not stealing or cheating anyone."
Leaning in slightly, she whispered, "To tell you the truth, I’m actually super vain too. When Brother Song gave my first luxury item, showing it off in front of my friends felt amazing."
Hearing this, Lin Muxue covered her mouth and chuckled, then suddenly beca serious. "Ah, Qianqian… I’ve been lying to you all this ti. But I never had any bad intentions towards you."
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"It’s fine, really." Zhao Yaqian shook her head firmly. "Everyone has their own secrets. Even I do. There are things I haven’t even told Brother Song."
She wasn’t upset at all about Little Xue’s deception—mainly because she could feel Little Xue’s sincerity.
For instance, even after Little Xue made a lot of money, she never let Zhao Yaqian treat her to als. If she received a gift, she’d quickly return the favor with sothing even more expensive.
Their friendship had grown through mutual giving and understanding, reaching the deep bond they now shared.
Before, Zhao Yaqian’s closest confidante was her cousin He Liting. Now, she had Little Xue as well.
These were two people she could trust with her heart.
Lin Muxue blinked and looked at her curiously. "What could you possibly be hiding from Tang Song?"
In her mind, this beautician friend of hers had a simple heart—she never kept anything bottled up.
"Hehe." Zhao Yaqian shook her head with a mischievous smile. "Don’t even try. I won’t spill, not to anyone. A secret isn’t a secret if it’s told."
"Alright." Lin Muxue smiled and paused for a mont, then said emotionally, "Thank you, Qianqian. And thank God I t you.
I love the person I’ve beco today, and I wouldn’t have made it here without you."
Without Zhao Yaqian, she most likely would have missed her chance with Tang Song.
She’d probably still be living at Yanjing Huating, walking to work every day, relying on short video content to make money, and tirelessly saving up to buy luxury items—just to maintain an illusion of success.
Maybe a random Classmate Mystery Box would have exposed her facade.
Or worse, she might have given up all dignity, becoming a risqué live-strear like Xu Ning, making quick cash and hoping to find a rich Top One benefactor.
That was the fate of many so-called "fake heiresses."
But that wasn’t the life she truly wanted.
The reason she had crafted the persona of a "financially savvy high-achiever" was because deep down, she desperately wanted to be that person.
She craved admiration, envy, and respect.
And now, she had beco exactly the woman she aspired to be.
A high-level executive at a financial firm, earning a salary in the high six figures, driving a Porsche 911, and even having influence over Lanfeng International’s five-star hotel.
Sotis, in the middle of the night, she’d pinch herself just to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.
"Riiing—"
The sudden ringtone interrupted their conversation.
Zhao Yaqian glanced at her phone. "It’s Tingzi."
After a brief conversation, she smiled and said, "How about we pack up the skewers and take them ho? We’ve got drinks at my place—let’s have a little party!"
"Sounds great! I’ll go pay!"
After finally getting all those pent-up thoughts off her chest, Lin Muxue felt much lighter. At last, she didn’t have to keep pretending.
Like with Xu Ning—there was no way she could keep her from eting Qianqian forever.
So truths were easier to admit than to be exposed by others.
"Boss, I sent the paynt! We’re heading out. Bye!"
"Bye-bye!"
"See you later, Sister Xue!"
With the roar of the engine, a matte gray Porsche 911 disappeared into the night.
Inside the car, music played softly, accompanied by Zhao Yaqian’s off-tune singing.
That night, in the spacious ho at Yanjing Huating.
The air conditioning humd, and the warm lighting made the atmosphere cozy.
Three girls, dressed in light and breezy outfits, drank, laughed, and chatted into the night.
By the ti it was close to midnight, they were all tipsy.
Zhao Yaqian kicked off her slippers, dancing barefoot to a routine she had just learned. Before she knew it, she had shed her outerwear, spinning around in just a sports bra, feeling completely free.
She then pulled Lin Muxue and He Liting into the soundproof bedroom.
With the music playing, drinks flowing, and their bodies swaying, they let loose completely.
Thanks to Tang Song, all three had achieved a level of financial freedom.
Lin Muxue had opened up completely to her beautician friend.
It was a carefree weekend night.
At around twenty-sothing years old, with no financial pressures or life burdens, they had the luxury of indulging in dreams and freedom.
At that mont, this was the pinnacle of life.
August 20, 2023, Sunday
Shenzhen Bay No.1, Tower T5
At 6 AM, Tang Song woke from his sleep.
Glancing at Liu Qingning, who was still fast asleep beside him, he carefully got out of bed and grabbed his phone as he walked into the living room.
Lighting up the screen, he saw bank transaction notifications—along with a flood of unread WeChat ssages.
All from Zhao Yaqian and Lin Muxue.
Curious, he clicked on them—and instantly, his face turned unreadable.
They were all candid photos and videos.
The three girls were dressed very lightly.
Especially in the later ones—down to just their lingerie, with clothes half-off.
The screen was filled with smooth, glowing skin.
Tang Song’s pulse quickened.
He tapped on a video of his beautician friend dancing.
Her youthful, energetic body, porcelain-white legs, and sensual movents exuded an irresistible allure.
By comparison, Lin Muxue and He Liting were just swaying randomly, like they were in a club.
Then he opened an audio ssage from his beautician friend.
Her drunken, sultry voice murmured:
"Brother, do you think I dance well? Am I prettier than them? When are you coming back? I miss you… I miss you so, so much."
At six in the morning, just waking up, Tang Song—already at his peak state—felt his body heat up instantly.
After a whole week in Shenzhen, abstaining, how could he resist this temptation? His blood boiled.
He quickly replied, "I’m coming back to Yan City tonight. Wait for ."
Then, trying to cool down, he started working out in the living room.
Burpees, push-ups, squats…
Sweat trickled down his sculpted muscles and dripped onto the floor.
After nearly an hour, his rapid heartbeat finally steadied.
Just as he regained composure, he noticed Liu Qingning standing at the hallway entrance.
Sunlight stread through the 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the entire living room.
Fresh from washing up, strands of her hair were still damp. She wore a snug gray dress that hugged every curve.
She stood there, smiling at him—like a serene and captivating painting.
The stark contrast created an intense impact.
The desire that Tang Song had barely suppressed surged back with full force.
Noticing his gaze, Liu Qingning’s bright, clear eyes blinked, reflecting a pool of light like a spring.
“No wonder you have such a great physique. I’ve been watching you for twenty minutes—impressive!”
Tang Song exhaled heavily and slowly got up from the floor, beckoning to her. “Qingning, co here.”
Catching the heat in his eyes, Liu Qingning’s lips curled into a playful smile as she squinted at him. “Hey, you little rascal, what are you up to?”
“I want to.” Tang Song licked his lips and took a step toward her.
A flush imdiately spread across Liu Qingning’s face. “Shaless.”
With that, she turned and darted into the bedroom, giggling.
Seeing him follow closely behind, Liu Qingning pointed to the bathroom with a grin. “Go take a shower. Then we’ll go downstairs to buy so ingredients, and I’ll cook for you.”
Tang Song didn’t reply. Instead, he reached behind him and shut the door, stepping toward her.
Sensing sothing was off, Liu Qingning’s smile faltered slightly as her face reddened. “Let’s get this straight—I have my limits. If you’re thinking of that, it’s not happening.”
Before she could say another word, a scorching embrace enveloped her.
His firm, sweat-slicked muscles, his tall, powerful fra, his heated breath—
Fresh from his workout, Tang Song radiated an overpowering presence, his scent laced with pure, raw masculinity, making Liu Qingning’s legs go weak.
Feeling the rise and fall of her back beneath his touch, Tang Song lifted her onto the bed.
“Ah!” Liu Qingning yelped, only to realize his sculpted abs were pressed tightly against her lower back.
She froze, not daring to move.
Her slightly pouting lips, like ripe cherries, shimred with an enticing glow.
Tang Song held her close, lowering his head to brush his lips over her jawline, cheeks, eyelids, and nose—tracing every curve of her delicate, round face with ticulous tenderness.
Having just washed up, her skin carried the crisp scent of lemon, fresh and intoxicating.
Then, a soft whimper escaped her lips as his deepened kiss slowly pried them open.
The hint of mint between her teeth mixed with her natural sweetness, overwhelming Tang Song’s senses.
His hand began to travel upward, exploring the contours of a place that shall not be nad.
After a long mont, Tang Song whispered huskily, “Qingning, help out.”
“H-how?” Liu Qingning’s voice trembled as she glanced down at his hand. “Let go first.”
Tang Song’s grip only tightened. “Don’t you love my eight-pack abs? I just finished working out, and my muscles are a bit tense. Help relax, will you?”
“Ah!” Out of nowhere, Liu Qingning mustered a sudden burst of strength, breaking free from his grasp. “You little perv! You actually—actually asked to—! No way in hell!”
Tang Song sighed, speaking softly, “Spending ti with you like this every day is torture.”
Liu Qingning turned her back to him, clearly flustered. “You… you can deal with it yourself.”
She might not have firsthand experience, but she had read enough to understand certain things.
“No way.” Tang Song shook his head firmly before switching tactics. “My dear girlfriend, I’m flying back to Yan City this afternoon. Before I leave, won’t you grant this little wish?”
The mont he called her “girlfriend,” Liu Qingning’s eyes welled with emotion.
She hesitated for a long ti before biting her lower lip and whispering, “I’ll ask you a question first. Answer honestly.”
“And then?”
“Then… I’ll help you. Just a little.”
Tang Song’s eyes lit up. “Go ahead!” Fresh chapters posted on Nov3lFɪre.ɴet
Liu Qingning turned around, her hands clenched in front of her waist. Looking him straight in the eyes, she asked, “Who is your actual girlfriend?”
“You.”
Liu Qingning pouted and lightly smacked his arm. “You know what I an. Answer seriously.”
Seeing the depth in her gaze, Tang Song took a deep breath and slowly said, “Her na is… Wen Ruan.”
He had anticipated this mont before coming here.
With Liu Qingning’s personality, she wouldn’t feign ignorance or ignore things like Qianqian did. She would seek out the truth herself—including the truth about his real girlfriend.
Though he didn’t want to lie to his White Moonlight, so level of evasion was necessary.
Wen Ruan was the perfect na to use—well-educated, mature, rational, and emotionally stable.
She also had enough in common with Liu Qingning to ensure they could get along.
And, most importantly, she was incredibly understanding—practically indulging him to a fault.
After all, even without a title or commitnt, she was willing to be the other woman.
If he asked, Wen Ruan would absolutely play along and make sure he wasn’t put in a difficult position.
“Wen Ruan…” Liu Qingning murmured the na, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes.
So, it wasn’t Su Yu.
She had suspected it before, but she never had concrete proof.
Looking at it from another angle, Tang Song had been an early investor in Tang Zong Entertainnt, and he was close with Su Yu and Mo Xiangwan.
Everything he had done could very well have been out of friendship.
With that thought, Liu Qingning let out a sigh of relief.
Deep down, she still wanted to keep Tang Song to herself—to pull him back to her side.
If it had been Su Yu, she wouldn’t have stood a chance.
Liu Qingning smiled playfully, leaning in closer as she blinked her bright, clear eyes. “Dare to let see your chat history with her? Of course, if you’ve been bad-mouthing , you can refuse.”
“Uh…” Tang Song’s lips twitched. “You think I’d talk bad about you?”
“Then show ~ Just the past two days of ssages.” Liu Qingning shook his arm lightly, full of curiosity.
She really wanted to know how he spoke to her when he was with soone else.
Was it deception? Concealnt? Or complete honesty?
Hearing his White Moonlight’s coquettish tone and watching her not-so-small assets sway with each shake, Tang Song nodded. “Fine.”
He unlocked his phone, opened Wen Ruan’s chat, scrolled up a bit, and handed it over. “Only the past two days.”
“Mm.” Liu Qingning quickly took the phone and started reading, her expression shifting rapidly.
Zhuangzhuang: “I’m exhausted these past two days. Been working with my team to audit Xingyun International’s Shanghai branch—found quite a few issues.”
Zhuangzhuang: (#provocative) “My cycle ended today, so I’m in the safe zone. I’ve been watching so videos and learning new moves. Want to try them out? Let’s see how long you can last.”
Tang Song: “Getting bold, aren’t you? Just wait till I get back—I’ll teach you a lesson.”
Zhuangzhuang: “No, no, no~ I’m not getting bold—I’m itching (#shy). Unless you ditch your White Moonlight and fly to Shanghai to help out?”
Zhuangzhuang: (photo.jpg)
Zhuangzhuang: “By the way, I’m in a eting right now. My assistants are all around . Feels thrilling, doesn’t it?”
Tang Song: “Zhuangzhuang, you’re too much.”
Zhuangzhuang: “But do you like it?”
Tang Song: “I do.”
Zhuangzhuang: (#tempted) “I’ll be back in Yan City on Monday. Show what you’ve got, and anything goes~”
Liu Qingning’s eyelid twitches as she reads the colorful exchange, feeling an inexplicable burst of irritation.
My god! Is this a girlfriend or just a…
She glared at Tang Song. “No wonder you’re so smooth-talking now. She’s totally corrupted you.”
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