The golden ginkgo leaf swayed gently before finally landing at Tang Song’s feet.
The warmth in Bai Yueguang’s voice still echoed in his ears, so vivid, so real—confirming that this was no illusion.
"Thump-thump—"
His heartbeat pounded violently in his chest, like a war drum striking against his eardrums.
For his youth, Liu Qingning was the clearest symbol, the truest representation.
Lying on the field together, basking in the sun, talking about a bright future.
Hiding under the eaves, watching the raindrops fall from the sky, chatting about the little joys in life.
Sitting in the classroom, their arms pressed together, exchanging problem-solving ideas.
She was the brightest color of that ti, the softest part of his heart, the Bai Yueguang he had chased countless tis in his dreams yet could never quite grasp.
And now, at this mont, she seed to have stepped straight out of his mories.
A clean, fair face, a soft, flowing ponytail, clear eyes as pure as water...
Everything overlapped perfectly with the girl from his past, as if ti had never left a trace on her.
Seeing Tang Song still standing there silently, just staring at her, Liu Qingning shyly raised a hand, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Under the night, her delicate wrist glead like porcelain.
Then, she took a small step toward him.
"Tap, tap—"
Now, there was less than half a ter between them.
The warm streetlight above wrapped them both in its glow.
Liu Qingning lifted her gaze to look at him.
Suddenly, she laughed, her long eyelashes fluttering like two tiny brushes, brushing against Tang Song’s restless heart.
The evening breeze blew from behind her, carrying the scent of her perfu, slipping into his lungs.
Tang Song lowered his eyes, taking in her delicate, slightly baby-fat face, his vision blurring with unshed tears.
He opened his mouth, but his throat was too dry to speak.
Liu Qingning reached out and pinched the bridge of his nose, her voice playful. "Hey, if you don’t say anything, I’m going to disappear."
Before she could finish speaking, she was suddenly pulled into a tight embrace.
The heat of his breath caressed her ear, making her heart race even faster.
Her body stiffened for a mont before gradually relaxing. She wrapped her arms around his strong waist, closing her eyes gently.
Feeling Bai Yueguang’s warmth against him, breathing in her familiar scent, Tang Song’s heart slowly cald down.
"Why did you suddenly co here? You just finished the launch event today—you should be resting."
"Exactly," Liu Qingning said softly, as if afraid to break this rare mont of peace. "So, I ca to Yan City for a little rest and vacation. Not welco?"
"Of course, you are. I've always wanted to show you my ho here."
Just as Tang Song finished speaking, he suddenly felt a sharp pain on his shoulder.
Liu Qingning had bitten him.
Releasing her teeth, she murmured, her voice tinged with emotion, "I don’t want to see it."
One of the reasons she had always hesitated to visit was the fear of seeing traces of Wen Ruan in his life—
Their clothes, their shoes, their skincare products…
All those small, everyday details would only serve as cruel reminders that he was no longer just her Tang Song.
This ti, she had rushed over knowing Wen Ruan would be in Shenzhen for two or three days.
Which ant she had ti—ti to be with Tang Song alone, to talk.
Hearing her words, Tang Song felt another wave of guilt rise inside him.
"I’m sorry."
"If saying sorry worked, what would we need the police for? You scumbag!" Liu Qingning huffed, then opened her cherry lips and bit his neck—hard.
"Hiss—" Tang Song let out a low gasp, his arms tightening around her.
The reason he was so conflicted about Bai Yueguang was precisely because of guilt.
Liu Qingning had given so much for him and had even been planning to buy a house in Yan City for their future.
If he had known all of this before April, then perhaps…
There wouldn’t have been a beauty therapist, a certain "Sister Tian," or that fake socialite…
"Enough," Liu Qingning pushed against his chest. "Let go of . People are passing by."
Tang Song loosened his arms, straightened up, and looked at her fresh, adorable face. Unable to resist, he leaned down and kissed her cheek.
Soft and delicate, with a subtle fragrance of skincare products.
Liu Qingning’s big, watery eyes widened in shock.
Under the dim yellow streetlight, a visible blush quickly spread across her face.
Her skin was sensitive—whenever the weather was cold or she was embarrassed, her cheeks would turn pink, making her look even more endearing.
"Who said you could kiss ?"
She pretended to be angry, poking his chest with her finger.
Tang Song smirked and leaned down again.
"Smooch—"
The sound echoed crisply in the quiet night.
Liu Qingning’s face turned even redder, like a ripe apple.
She lightly punched his chest, her voice carrying a playful scolding. "Hey! Don’t push your luck! If you do that again, I’ll really get mad!"
Tang Song bent down once more.
"Smooch—smooch—"
Liu Qingning swayed left and right, but her petite fra couldn’t escape his reach.
Frustrated, she finally resorted to her ultimate move—tickling him.
"Take this! See how I deal with you!" Liu Qingning threatened as she rcilessly attacked his most ticklish spot on his waist.
"Ah! Stop! I surrender! I was wrong, okay?"
"I command you—don’t move!"
"rcy! Stop, it’s too much! I was wrong! I was wrong!"
Tang Song retreated step by step, his hands desperately trying to shield himself, laughing so hard he could barely breathe.
But Liu Qingning refused to let up, pressing forward relentlessly. "No way! You bullied just now, and you think I’ll let you off that easily? Not a chance!"
Tang Song had always been ticklish—his ribs, armpits, and neck were all weak spots.
Even back in school, when he played gas or chatted with other girls, or skipped class to go to an internet café, if he ever made Liu Qingning mad—
She would retaliate just like this, like an angry little kitten, scratching and tickling him relentlessly.
It was their little ga.
And maybe that was why their youth was so unforgettable—so full of emotions, ups and downs, fights and laughter.
Perhaps, it was the sa for Liu Qingning.
Tang Song tried to dodge, but she chased after him. Under the streetlight, they ran around, laughing, playing.
Ginkgo leaves swirled with their movents, occasionally landing on their shoulders and in their hair.
Passersby turned their heads to watch, expressions varying.
So girls, seeing the poor victimized Tang Song, couldn’t help but feel a strong urge to protect him.
anwhile, the guys could only look on with envy at him—and at the adorably petite girl by his side.
Finally, after a long chase—
Liu Qingning, breathless, slowed down, and they both stopped.
"Alright, alright! If you keep this up, I’m really gonna die!"
Liu Qingning looked up at him and glared, threatening, "Next ti you dare to kiss without permission, I’ll tie you up and tickle you until you pass out!"
Tang Song and Liu Qingning bickered a little more.
After placing Liu Qingning’s suitcase into the Bentley Continental’s trunk, he took her hand, and the two strolled down the street, searching for the perfect ginkgo leaf.
Though the atmosphere had cald, there was now an unspoken understanding between them.
Every glance they exchanged carried warmth.
It was a strange, yet pleasant feeling that lifted Tang Song’s spirits.
"What about this one?"
"No, not bright enough."
"This one?"
"The stem is broken."
As the night deepened, the streetlights grew dimr.
Suddenly, Liu Qingning stopped in her tracks, her eyes shining as she pointed upward. "That one looks perfect! But it’s too high. Can you reach it?"
Tang Song followed her gaze.
The leaf was beautifully shaped, its veins distinct—almost flawless.
"Wait here, I’ll get it for you!" Tang Song confidently flashed an OK sign, then took a few steps back, steadying himself.
Taking a deep breath, he locked onto the target and sprinted forward.
As he neared the tree trunk, he seized the perfect mont, leaped up, and extended his arm.
His fingers wrapped around the stem of the ginkgo leaf with precision.
The motion was swift and clean, and when he landed, there was almost no sound—an effortless display of agility.
After all, thanks to the system’s enhancents, he was practically a walking cheat code. Dunking a basketball would be no problem for him now.
Looking at the leaf in his hand, Tang Song smirked in satisfaction and turned to present it to Liu Qingning. "What do you think?"
Liu Qingning gently took the ginkgo leaf, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons as she bead up at him.
"Little Song, you’re amazing!"
Then, suddenly, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her soft, warm lips against his chin.
A featherlight touch.
Tingling.
Electric.
The sensation spread through Tang Song’s body in an instant, making his heartbeat skip.
Receiving Bai Yueguang’s praise, along with her taking the initiative to kiss him, gave him an unparalleled sense of fulfillnt.
Perhaps it was the longing from his youth finally being answered.
Perhaps it was his way of making up for lost ti.
"Let’s go, idiot Little Song! Let’s visit your alma mater!" Liu Qingning snapped her fingers, clasped her hands behind her back, and strode forward with playful energy.
Her steps were light and lively, making the whole night feel more vibrant.
The streetlights stretched her shadow long, rging it with the towering ginkgo trees, forming a picturesque scene.
Tang Song chuckled and jogged up behind her, suddenly wrapping his arms around her from behind.
"Ah—what are you doing?!"
As Liu Qingning gasped in surprise, he captured her lips in a kiss.
Ti seed to freeze.
All sounds faded away, leaving only the rhythm of their heartbeats in the quiet night.
Liu Qingning stiffened for a mont before slowly relaxing, closing her eyes.
Tasting Bai Yueguang’s shy yet tender lips, breathing in her familiar scent—Tang Song felt an unprecedented sense of peace.
—
Beicheng Garden Residential Complex
"This waterlon is so sweet! Yanyan, why are you spacing out? Eat so!"
"Oh." Shen Yuyan snapped out of her daze and absentmindedly picked up a slice, chewing slowly.
The fresh, juicy sweetness filled her mouth, but she barely tasted it.
Glancing at her best friend, who was engrossed in a variety show, Shen Yuyan suddenly asked, "Tang Song left an hour ago. Why isn’t he back yet?"
Xu Qing shook her head. "No idea. You saw it yourself—he didn’t even reply to my ssages. He’s probably busy. You know how it is, soone with his status has a ton of things to deal with."
Shen Yuyan pursed her lips and said quietly, "Isn’t it possible that he’s with another woman?"
Earlier, when Tang Song had taken that call, she hadn’t heard the conversation.
But she had watched his expressions carefully.
From his tone and deanor, she could tell a lot.
It was definitely a woman.
And not just any woman—soone Tang Song deeply cared about.
She had only kept quiet because she didn’t want to upset her best friend.
"Ah—" Xu Qing’s face twisted into a ferocious expression. "We agreed—if he dares to ditch , I’ll… I’ll punish you instead!"
She wanted to say sothing ruthless, but couldn’t think of anything truly nacing.
Shen Yuyan sighed, already regretting having any expectations for this cowardly best friend.
All bark, no bite—always chickening out when it mattered.
Exasperated, she said, "Why don’t you just call him?"
She had prepared for this night for so long, hoping for a deep conversation with him, maybe even getting a little closer.
"Wouldn’t that be… too much?" Xu Qing hesitated. "What if he gets annoyed?"
Shen Yuyan’s lips twitched.
She really shouldn’t have expected anything from this wimp.
Rolling her eyes, she said sarcastically, "With your attitude, you might as well just be his little maid."
Xu Qing blushed under her best friend’s disdainful gaze.
The two of them were close enough that Xu Qing had already spilled every detail about her first ti with Tang Song—
Even the positions. The sensations.
And thanks to her novelist background, her descriptions had been exceptionally vivid.
Xu Qing’s big, dark eyes darted around mischievously. Teasing, she said, "I’ll call him, sure. But if he does end up spanking soone, it should be you! You’ve got more cushion than I do!"
With that, she reached out and smacked Shen Yuyan’s perky butt.
As expected of the campus belle—her figure was impeccable, curvy in all the right places.
Shen Yuyan bit her lip, then suddenly nodded. "Alright, I’m fine with that."
"(⊙_⊙) …"
Xu Qing blinked in surprise.
"You’re being way too nice about this. What’s the catch?"
Shen Yuyan smiled. "We’ve been best friends for over ten years. Watching you suffer would make feel bad. I just want to share the burden."
Xu Qing narrowed her eyes suspiciously, about to say sothing when—
"Ding-dong—"
A WeChat notification interrupted her.
She quickly grabbed her phone.
【Tang Song: (#hug) Sorry, Qingqing. Sothing urgent ca up tonight, I won’t be able to co over.】
Shen Yuyan’s heart suddenly felt empty.
The smile vanished from her face.
"Ah! He actually ditched ! Damn you, Tang Song!" Xu Qing pouted in frustration. "Ting, from now on, we’re banning him from coming over. This is unforgivable!"
They had planned to have dinner, watch TV, and cuddle before sleeping—
And tonight was even the best night of the week, Friday!
Now, he had completely disappeared and only texted her back this late.
There was no doubt about it—he had gone to be with another woman!
How could she, Xu Qing, just let this slide?
Just as she was about to type out an angry reply, her phone vibrated again.
【Tang Song: "WeChat Transfer ¥100,000.00. Please accept."】
【Tang Song: "Sorry again, this was really unexpected. I’ll be busy all weekend too, so I won’t be able to keep you company. Go shopping with Yanyan and treat yourselves."】
!!!
Xu Qing’s face almost pressed against the screen.
Her big, round eyes widened as she counted.
"One… ten… hundred… thousand… hundred thousand!"
"A hundred thousand!"
"Ahhh! We hit the jackpot! Yanyan, we’re rich!"
A piercing scream rang out in the quiet living room.
Xu Qing’s eyes sparkled as she opened the chat box and quickly typed:
"Got it, Master! Don’t overwork yourself, rember to rest. If you need anything, just call . Goodnight, mwah mwah~"
After sending the ssage, she clicked Accept Paynt.
Then, like an overexcited husky, she pounced on Shen Yuyan, rubbing, nuzzling, and playfully headbutting her.
Shen Yuyan quickly swatted away her mischievous hands, exasperated. "Can you calm down? Look at you—have so dignity. Didn’t he already give you a DB11? Why are you acting like this over ten grand?"
"This is different, okay?! This is actual cash—I can buy so many things with it!" Xu Qing pouted, hands on her hips. "You have to go shopping with tomorrow. My tablet is lagging so bad, I need a new one! And clothes—let’s hit up so luxury stores. I feel like my current wardrobe doesn’t match my car! Hahaha!"
"Not interested, I don’t have the ti."
Shen Yuyan shook her head, got up, and walked to the kitchen. She pulled a cocktail from the fridge, then returned to the couch and took a slow sip.
Bitter.
Xu Qing whined, shaking her by the shoulders. "Co on! We’ll spend it together! You don’t even have to shop, just keep company! It’s boring to go alone."
"This money is from Tang Song for you. Why should I spend it?"
Xu Qing pouted. "Oh, so now we’re keeping track? Weren’t you always saying that when you made it big, when you beca financially free, we’d spend money together? Well, now that I’ve got money, of course I wanna share it with you! What’s the point if I don’t?"
She used to be a classic "waiting-for-my-bestie-to-make-it-big" girl—just coasting along, waiting for Yanyan to succeed and pull her up.
Now that her own life was getting better, of course, she wanted to take her best friend along for the ride.
Shen Yuyan pressed her lips together, her gaze softening slightly.
"Please, Yanyan?" Xu Qing nudged her, voice sweet. "It’s been months since we went shopping together."
Shen Yuyan turned to her suddenly. "Qingqing, have you ever thought about your future with Tang Song?"
Xu Qing froze, her eyes darting nervously. "I… I’m not in a rush. I haven’t really thought that far ahead."
Her relationship with Tang Song had escalated to that level due to various reasons.
Mainly, she kept unconsciously blending reality with the fantasy of a novel—projecting herself into a story.
Right now, she was just enjoying the romance, watching her fictional dreams play out in real life.
She hadn’t really thought about where it was all heading.
"You do realize he’s not only with you, right?" Shen Yuyan exhaled softly. "Wen Ruan, Lin Muxue, Xiaojing… In the end, who do you think he’ll marry? Will it be you?"
"I don’t know…" Xu Qing bit her lip and shrank back a little, then huffed, "Marriage isn’t that big of a deal. Right now, I’m having fun—eating, drinking, taking joyrides in my sports car. Isn’t that enough?"
She knew she had the least competitive edge among those won.
Wen Ruan was the Executive Director and President of Light & Shadow dia—with, well… huge assets.
Lin Muxue was his assistant, highly competent and always by his side.
And Xiaojing? A classic white rich beauty heiress.
Xu Qing could only bully them rcilessly in her novels. In reality? She’d keep her mouth shut and not make a sound.
Shen Yuyan’s voice softened. "I’m 25 now. One day, I’ll find soone, get married, and start a family. When that happens, we’ll have to go our separate ways. I might even move to another city, and we’d only see each other a few tis a year."
"(>~
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