Chapter 326: Tiramisu cake, the Cinderella who made a wish

3:00 PM.

The city streets were shrouded in hazy water mist.

Raindrops hit the glass curtain wall with an almost uninterrupted rhythm, making a crisp sound.

The huge Weiguang Coffee Shop had only a sparse 7 or 8 guests, all white-collar workers working in the building.

Chenxing Building was only about a kilometer away from the Normal University campus, with office buildings standing in great numbers around, and quite a bit of commerce.

Usually, even on weekends, there were many people in the coffee shop.

However, it was very obvious that this sudden heavy rain disrupted their normal business rhythm.

Qian Lele sat on a small stool in the baking room, holding a computer science book in her hand.

A while ago, chatting with Tang Song about employment issues inspired her deeply.

The computer science major at Yancheng Normal University wasn't considered good, and the things the teachers taught were broad but not refined, the main purpose being to let them come into contact with more languages and technologies, finding a direction suitable for themselves.

Wanting to get an offer from a big enterprise upon graduation, one must be proficient in one.

Therefore, under Tang Song's suggestion, she started learning front-end development in depth.

The deeper she went, the more she discovered her shallowness, needing to learn too many things.

New syntax, closures, prototype chains, asynchronous, various frameworks, build tools…

But she had to use a large amount of time to work.

This gave her a strong sense of urgency and crisis, fearing being eliminated by social competition after graduation.

"Hello, Lele, studying hard again?" A voice sounded beside her.

Qian Lele hurriedly closed the book and stood up, somewhat embarrassed, "Brother Yang, my work here is all done, so…"

This Brother Yang was the shift manager of the Chenxing Building branch, Yang Hongwei, who could be considered the number two figure in the store.

He took good care of her usually, and the scheduling was arranged reasonably according to her courses.

She was currently a full-time employee at the coffee shop, receiving no less salary than others, but secretly reading and resting here, always feeling uneasy in her heart.

"It doesn't matter ha." Yang Hongwei waved his hand with a smile, "It's right to study more when free, our Xie Zong also often advocates for our employees to study hard, and even academic improvement can get bonuses."

"Thank you Brother Yang." Qian Lele bowed sincerely to thank him.

The two chatted for a few words about the weather and school topics.

The phone in Yang Hongwei's pocket began to vibrate continuously.

＿ttkдn＿Co

Picking it up and scanning it, he shook his head and smiled bitterly: "The other two shareholders of our company are making a scene in the group again, looking at their chat content, it's estimated this financing will be ruined."

The group he mentioned was the company's management group, which besides the leaders of the general company, also had store managers and shift managers of various branches.

Hearing this, Qian Lele's heart jumped, somewhat nervously, "Then… then is Xie Zong very angry, will the coffee shop be affected?"

Regarding the issue of shareholder conflict, they, these small employees, actually knew some, and there were all kinds of rumors in private.

Yang Hongwei picked up a piece of cake embryo corner material cut off casually.

While eating, he continued: "The coffee shop definitely won't be affected, at most the financing fails, and it will be maintained as is. Alright, these are not things we can worry about, just focus on doing our own job well."

"Hmm, I understand Brother Yang." Qian Lele lowered her head slightly, her heart still somewhat uneasy.

Toward this elegant, dignified, and decisive female president Xie Shu Yu, she was very admiring and grateful.

Hoping the other party could always be smooth and successful.

However, she was just a part-time university student, unable to help at all, only able to worry anxiously.

"Alright, I'm going to wait in the store." Yang Hongwei clapped his hands and said naturally: "Oh right, you are also getting off work after 5 o'clock, right? The rain is so heavy, I'll drive you, Nana, and Xiaoshuo back later."

After speaking, Yang Hongwei walked out of the baking room with a smile.

Looking at his back, Qian Lele said a "thank you" in a low voice.

Beside her, there were always more good people, and it could always let her feel the warmth of society.

This shift manager in his 40s also served as a barista at the coffee shop, with excellent craftsmanship and a kind personality.

And he was also one of the first batch of old employees who followed Xie Zong to start a business.

…

5:00 PM.

"Buzz buzz buzz—" The phone in her pocket vibrated suddenly.

Qian Lele hurriedly took it out to check.

It was Ding Yao.

Answering the phone, "Hello, Yaoyao, what's wrong?"

Ding Yao's crisp voice soon came from the receiver: "Lele classmate! Off work?"

"Hmm hmm, getting off work immediately."

"I just checked the weather forecast, tomorrow there will still be heavy rain, and it won't be small, you coming over is also a trouble."

"Hmm, it doesn't matter, I'll take a taxi over."

Because she had to change into new clothes, and a beautifully packaged gift, she originally thought about taking a taxi.

And the distance wasn't far, the fare was ten-plus yuan, which was acceptable.

"Hehe, no need to waste money, I've arranged it for you, by then I'll let Zhang Haoyu drive to pick you up, directly pulling you to the X-STAT party hall, it's already been booked by me, there are all friends, all kinds of delicious and fun things!"

Ding Yao became more excited as she spoke, starting to introduce the layout of the birthday party and entertainment activities.

After she finished speaking, Qian Lele's voice was soft and firm: "Yaoyao, really no need, I'll go over myself."

"Uh…" Ding Yao's tone was helpless: "Alright, looks like I can't persuade you, then let's keep in touch, come over early tomorrow, I'll take you to meet some new friends."

"Thank you Yaoyao, I… I'm just worried I won't be compatible…"

"Alright, it's happily decided Lele classmate, waiting for you tomorrow!" Ding Yao paused, and then said softly: "Actually Zhang Haoyu is quite good, it's just because we are truly too familiar, I can't make a move.

His father is a high-level executive of Yancheng Provincial Bank, and his mother is the deputy director of the Provincial People's Hospital, considered colleagues with my dad."

After saying these, Ding Yao said goodbye and hung up the phone directly.

After a while, another WeChat message was received on the phone.

【Ding Yao: "Lele, I think you just lack confidence, actually you are very excellent, serious and hardworking, sincere and simple, striving hard, there are too many beautiful qualities on you, I believe you will become a real princess one day! Come on!"】

Putting away the phone, Qian Lele sighed.

She understood the meaning of this friend, actually just knowing she was living not easily, wanting to help her.

But her own family was a bottomless pit, she never had the plan to fall in love, just thinking about working hard to live better.

Thinking of falling in love, Qian Lele didn't know why she thought of Tang Song again.

Scenes from these days flashed before her eyes, and a sweet smile appeared on her face involuntarily.

When thinking of his warm large hand in the morning, her face gradually became red and hot.

"Lele, Brother Yang asked me to call you, time to prepare to get off work." Waitress Nana shouted at her, also interrupting her reverie.

Qian Lele hurriedly stood up, "Alright, I'm coming!"

Changing into her own clothes in the locker room, she walked out of the baking room with her bag.

Just happened to see a few employees surrounding the window beside the front desk whispering.

Qian Lele understood the cause after listening slightly.

Due to the heavy rain, the light food and desserts in the coffee shop today were definitely going to be sluggish.

Xie Zong had formulated very reasonable regulations in this regard.

Besides being gifted to high-quality members of the coffee shop who came to the store to taste, employees could also buy them at a very low discount.

Qian Lele's gaze swept over the bright window, and finally landed on a 5-inch Tiramisu mousse cake.

This was made by her own hands this morning, with real materials, healthy and delicious.

She suddenly thought, when Tang Song helped her retrieve the data deleted from the background. 【

She had once promised that if he had time, he should come to Shimmer Coffee, and she would treat him to a cake she made herself.

"Yo, Lele is out. Shall we go?" Yang Hongwei waved at her.

Qian Lele pursed her lips, stepped up to the display case, and said softly, "Brother Yang, I'd like to buy this tiramisu cake, is that okay?"

Yang Hongwei was stunned for a moment, then readily replied, "Of course, Nana, help Lele pack it up."

Having known her for so long, this was the first time he had seen Qian Lele spend money to buy dessert from the cafe.

In the past, she would always take scraps of cake sponge or croissants and bread that were about to expire.

After paying 40 yuan, an exquisite gift bag appeared in Qian Lele's hand.

Looking at the tiramisu cake inside, sprinkled with cocoa powder, a big smile appeared on Qian Lele's face.

She looked forward to seeing what kind of expression Tang Song would have when he saw this little surprise.

The white Sylphy stopped outside the gate of the teacher's apartment building.

The rear car door was gently pushed open.

Qian Lele opened her umbrella and stepped out.

"Bye-bye, be careful on the road."

"Bye-bye, see you tomorrow."

After watching the car slowly drive away, Qian Lele carefully held the cake in front of her, shielding it as she walked toward the apartment.

The sky had turned completely dark, and the streetlights refracted hazy spots of light in the rain and mist.

Wearing sandals, she stepped on the road surface covered in rainwater, her footsteps cheerful and light.

The rapid raindrops fell on her umbrella, as if playing a beautiful musical movement.

Watching the elevator go up floor by floor, she looked at the exquisite tiramisu cake in her hand, her heart growing more and more joyful, and she even began to hum a song softly.

She walked quickly out of the elevator, took out her keys, opened the door, and changed into her slippers.

Qian Lele slowed her pace, came to the door of the master bedroom, and called out softly, "Brother Song, I'm back. You haven't eaten yet, right?"

"Not yet." A magnetic voice came from inside.

Through the gap in the door, Qian Lele saw Tang Song, who was focused on his computer.

"That's perfect, I'll make dinner."

"Thanks, Lele."

Qian Lele walked into the kitchen with a beaming smile, first taking the cake out of the gift bag and putting it in the refrigerator.

Then she put on an apron and started cooking.

More than half an hour later, steaming hot food appeared on the dining table.

Millet porridge, steamed buns, stir-fried tomatoes with eggs, and garlic oil-wheat greens.

Dinner passed as usual, amidst their casual conversation.

After cleaning up the kitchen, Tang Song saw Qian Lele walk out.

Tang Song suddenly asked, "Do you want to watch some TV together?"

Qian Lele was stunned, then nodded vigorously and said, "Okay."

Next, the balcony window was opened a crack, and gusts of cool wind blew in.

Tang Song leaned back on the living room sofa, turned on the TV, and randomly found a popular comedy variety show.

Soon, the scent of laundry soap mixed with the fragrance of a young girl wafted over.

Qian Lele sat down obediently beside him, her body sitting straight, her gaze fixed directly on the TV.

Tang Song smiled and began to take the initiative to chat with her about front-end knowledge and her career planning.

Now in his "Academic God" state, his thinking was exceptionally sharp, and he quickly made Qian Lele relax.

The two of them chatted casually while watching the variety show.

Laughter came from the living room from time to time.

The atmosphere became increasingly warm.

Time ticked away, and before they knew it, it was 9 o'clock.

The variety show ended.

Qian Lele pursed her lips, just about to get up to fetch the surprise cake she had prepared.

Tang Song suddenly spoke up, "By the way, Lele, there's something I need to tell you."

"Oh, oh, Brother Song, go ahead." Qian Lele hurriedly lowered her hips, which were about to rise, and listened attentively.

Tang Song looked into her bright eyes and said gently, "I've been at the teacher's apartment for half a month now. It's really been hard on you during this time, helping me make breakfast and dinner, and doing the laundry."

Their eyes met as she listened to Tang Song's words.

Qian Lele's eyes trembled; being clever, she instantly guessed what he was about to say next.

She also remembered what Teacher Jiang had said before leaving—that Tang Song was only staying here for half a month.

In other words, Tang Song was going to return to his original rhythm of life, and the chances of them meeting in the future would likely be very slim.

But this was only natural; this was Teacher Jiang's house.

Both she and Tang Song were just staying here temporarily; they couldn't keep staying like this forever.

Biting her lip hard, her voice trembling slightly, she said, "It's okay. After all, I have to eat too, so I just made it while I was at it. Besides, the bread and desserts were brought back from the cafe."

Tang Song paused and said, "I should be leaving tomorrow. You can cook less in the future. Making a friend like you during these half a month of studying here can be considered an unexpected gain."

"Me too, I'm very happy to be good friends with Brother Song." Her voice was muffled, her throat feeling exceptionally dry.

Qian Lele lowered her head and sniffled, trying hard to suppress the tears that wanted to jump out.

It wasn't really a big deal; they were both still in Yancheng, so they would always be able to meet in the future.

Plus, there was WeChat, so they could chat often.

If she encountered problems, she could still shamelessly ask him for advice.

But for some reason, her heart felt empty, with an indescribable sense of discomfort.

Seeing Qian Lele's reaction, Tang Song smiled and patted her head, "What's wrong, Lele? Are you reluctant to see me go?"

"Ah!" Qian Lele subconsciously wanted to shake her head, but after a moment of silence, she said with some difficulty, "Thank you for your care during this time, Brother Song. Not only did you help me clear out the inventory of bracelets, but you also guided me in selling fruit tea drinks. Thank you."

"Actually, I'm quite reluctant to leave you too." Tang Song turned to the side and said earnestly, "Even if I'm not living here anymore, I hope we can keep in touch. Lele is welcome to find me to chat. If you encounter any trouble, you can come to me at any time."

Hearing Tang Song's words, Qian Lele's lowered eyes became moist, "I will, Brother Song."

Immediately after, a warm and fresh scent enveloped her.

Qian Lele let out a "woo" sound, staring blankly at Tang Song, who had suddenly hugged her.

"Alright, don't make it so sad. Actually, we don't live far apart; we can meet whenever we want."

"I... I... I..." Qian Lele stammered, unable to speak, her face turning redder and redder.

Tang Song smiled and released his arms.

Under the influence of the mask effect, he could truly say his heart was as calm as still water.

This hug was also very pure.

Of course, he had to admit that this pure-hearted female college student was indeed very beautiful.

"That..." Qian Lele stood up in a panic, turning her back to him, "I brought back a cake from the cafe, Brother Song, please wait a moment."

After saying this, Qian Lele trotted into the kitchen.

She wiped her moist eyes and washed her burning face with cold water.

Yet, inside her heart, it felt like a little deer was jumping around, unable to settle down at all.

However, the sadness of parting was mostly dissipated.

Just as Tang Song said, he also considered her a good friend, they didn't live far apart, and they could meet or chat whenever they wanted.

I should be happy instead.

It's not like I could really live with him for a lifetime, right?

Qian Lele was stunned, then immediately threw these messy thoughts away.

Composing herself, she took out the beautifully packaged cake and returned to the living room.

"Brother Song, this is a tiramisu mousse cake I made myself. Try it and see if it's to your taste."

Qian Lele placed the cake in front of Tang Song and gently opened the box.

"It's beautiful, thank you, Lele." Tang Song smiled and reached under the coffee table to take out a white paper bag.

Jiang Yourong must really like eating cake; there were many candles, tableware, birthday hats, and other accessories piled up under the coffee table.

Tang Song tore open the paper bag, pulled out a pink candle, and inserted it into the middle of the cake.

Then he picked up a match and lit it.

After finishing all this, Tang Song looked up at Qian Lele and said gently, "Although it's not a birthday cake, you can still make a wish.

You can say the wish you most want to come true right now, then blow out the candle; perhaps it really will come true?

Of course, this wish can't be too whimsical, otherwise, it won't be effective."

At the moment of parting, he wanted to give this college student friend a gift.

In her, Tang Song saw many virtues.

Pure and kind, simple and sincere, thrifty and frugal, self-improving...

She was a girl full of kindness toward the world, and she deserved to be treated gently by the world.

"A wish, huh..." Qian Lele muttered to herself.

She had many, many wishes; every time her birthday came around, she would close her eyes and make wishes for a long time.

Of course, these wishes were all too impractical; they were more of a hope for the future.

After a moment, an embarrassed smile appeared on Qian Lele's face.

She said softly, "Then I wish for everything to go smoothly for me tomorrow and to have a happy birthday party."

After saying this, she leaned forward and blew out the candle with a "whoosh."

"What birthday party?" Tang Song blinked in surprise, "Your birthday?"

"No, no!" Qian Lele hurriedly explained with a red face, "Tomorrow is my good friend Ding Yao's birthday. She rented a party venue to hold a birthday party and invited me to go along.

But those friends of hers are all very rich, and the gifts they give and the clothes they wear are all very, very expensive.

I just feel that if I go, I might lose face or feel awkward, so I've been very anxious.

But she is my good friend, so it wouldn't be appropriate not to go."

This was the first major hurdle of her summer vacation, and also a worry that had troubled her for a long time.

"I think this wish of yours will definitely come true." Tang Song nodded gently, his gaze carefully scanning Qian Lele through his lenses.

He instantly memorized her height and measurements in his mind.

This was a very simple wish.

It could be seen that Qian Lele was a very pragmatic girl.

Qian Lele seemed to have suddenly thought of something, gathered her courage, and said in a low voice, "By the way, Brother Song, I bought a black dress, thinking of wearing it when I go tomorrow. How about I change into it and try it on first? Could you help me see if it looks good?"

She had bought it a week ago, but she had been too shy to wear it for Tang Song to see.

Tang Song gladly said, "Okay, go ahead."

"Wait for me a moment, it'll be quick." Qian Lele said, then trotted quickly toward the bedroom.

After waiting less than 5 minutes, the sound of "tap, tap" footsteps rang out.

Tang Song turned his head and saw Qian Lele walking over, having changed into a small black fishtail dress.

The soft, form-fitting fabric outlined her curvaceous figure.

Noticing Tang Song's gaze, Qian Lele asked shyly and expectantly, "Do you think it looks good?"

"Very beautiful. I didn't expect you to have such a great figure, Lele." Tang Song smiled and winked at her.

Qian Lele's previous outfits were all student-style and very loose.

Wearing this form-fitting long dress now instantly revealed the great figure she had been hiding.

Excellent body proportions, a perky chest, a slender waist, all radiating charming youthful vitality.

Hearing Tang Song's praise, Qian Lele didn't know where to put her hands.

Her eyes dodged, and her face was flushed red.

Many people had praised her for having a good figure and being pretty in the past, but hearing it from Tang Song made her feel all tingly and numb.

After stammering a few words, Qian Lele stiffly changed the subject and invited Tang Song to start cutting the cake.

The rain outside the window had stopped at some point.

A cool breeze carrying moisture passed through the room, and the temperature in the living room was just right.

The two of them held their plates and ate the cake in big mouthfuls.

10 o'clock at night.

Qian Lele carefully took off the black dress, folded it, and placed it at the head of her bed.

She changed into a loose short-sleeved T-shirt, turned off the lights, and lay down on the bed.

After a long while, she sighed deeply in the darkness, sat up again, hugged her legs, and leaned against the wall, starting to stare blankly.

She, who had always had a regular schedule, had actually developed insomnia.

There was both the reluctance and loss regarding Tang Song's departure.

And also the anxiety and nervousness regarding Ding Yao's birthday party.

In the darkness, the phone screen on the nightstand lit up.

Qian Lele picked it up and took a look, a smile instantly appearing on her face.

【Tang Song: "Goodnight, Lele. The wish you made has been received. I believe tomorrow will be a happy and unforgettable birthday party."】

Staring at this message for a while, Qian Lele replied softly with a voice message, "Thank you, Brother Song, goodnight."

After sending the message, Qian Lele lay back down on the bed, closed her eyes gently, and started counting sheep.

I don't know how much time passed, but her breathing gradually became steady.

In her sleep, she would occasionally raise the corners of her mouth, and occasionally frown.

During this summer vacation of her sophomore year, 20-year-old Qian Lele felt the troubles coming from "love" and "friendship" respectively.

Just like the tiramisu mousse cake she ate tonight.

Sweetness mixed with a slight bitterness.