Chapter 334: Qiuqiu, Jin Mi Shu, White Moonlight, Xiao Jing

July 31, 2023, Monday, showers, 24~31°C.

6:30 AM.

The sound of the alarm clock rings.

"BGM: The distant longing echoes softly by the ear... carrying the love words you never spoke..."

Cheng Qiuqiu wakes up from her sleep.

She doesn't turn off the alarm, just stays dazed while listening to Su Yu's ethereal singing.

She sits up and gently stretches her body; her waterfall-like orange-brown long hair cascades down, with a few strands sticking to her fair cheeks, looking lazy and indifferent.

After a good while, her thoughts gradually clear.

Cheng Qiuqiu picks up the yoga mat from the corner, spreads it out on the empty space in the living room, and begins to practice yoga.

Her body's flexibility is excellent, and she performs various high-difficulty poses with ease.

After completing a few main posture exercises, she sits cross-legged and meditates for a few minutes.

Only then does she get up to start cooking.

Breakfast is very simple: egg pancakes, smashed cucumber, and oatmeal.

It doesn't take much effort to make, and it's done in just over ten minutes.

Checking the time, it's almost 7:30.

Cheng Qiuqiu walks to the door of the master bedroom, wanting to knock, but worries about disturbing her senior's rest.

Perhaps because she has too few friends to confide in, she really likes the feeling of eating and chatting with her senior.

In the week since "He Yiyi" went viral, her senior Gao Mengting basically hasn't rested; she is busy every day and has no time to chat with her.

Therefore, the frequency of her yoga practice has gradually increased.

For her, besides Su Yu, yoga is also a kind of alternative spiritual solace.

Through various postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practice, she helps herself relax, awakens her body, and improves her mental state.

She stands in front of the master bedroom door for 4 or 5 minutes just like that.

Cheng Qiuqiu is just about to turn and leave.

"Creeak—" The master bedroom door is opened.

Gao Mengting walks out, yawning, her hair a mess.

Seeing her junior standing right in front, Gao Mengting exclaims, pats her chest, and says, "You scared me. Morning, Qiuqiu."

Cheng Qiuqiu says somewhat embarrassedly, "Good morning, Senior. I made breakfast and just wanted to ask you to eat together."

"Wait for me, just a second."

Gao Mengting scratches her hair, goes to the bathroom, and simply washes her face, only then waking up.

Sitting across from the dining table, she looks at the hot breakfast.

Gao Mengting smiles and says, "Thank you, dear Qiuqiu, you've worked hard."

Cheng Qiuqiu lowers her head to drink some oatmeal and says earnestly, "It's nothing, Senior, it's all what I should do."

She is very clear about the value of Su Yu's concert tickets.

Just that one ticket alone, she couldn't pay it off even if she made breakfast for a year.

Not to mention that her senior also takes great care of her regarding rent and utilities.

Looking at the earnest, big-breasted junior, Gao Mengting can't help but tease, "I say, Qiuqiu, do you know that dressing so sexy early in the morning will stimulate your senior me?"

"Ah." Cheng Qiuqiu is stunned, her face turning a bit red, "Then... then I'll be careful in the future..."

"Pfft—" Gao Mengting smiles brightly, "Just joking, don't be so serious. It's mainly because you're walking around with a D-cup every day, making me feel very inferior, you know."

Cheng Qiuqiu says softly, "Actually, being too big is quite a hindrance; someone like you, Senior, is just right."

"Sigh, you really are a humble-bragger." Gao Mengting gets up slightly and rubs her head, "When you have a boyfriend you like in the future, you'll know the benefits of being big; you'll definitely be able to charm the other party completely."

This junior is the most special person among her friends.

She craves friends and confiding, but is also somewhat withdrawn and cold, prone to overthinking, and often takes jokes seriously.

It's obvious she has some psychological issues.

If she can, she quite hopes to help the other party, so she always cracks little jokes.

"Right!" Gao Mengting chews on the crisp, refreshing cucumber and smiles, "Regarding the design of the He Yiyi express packaging and posters, our company's budget has increased again, and the boss wants to make this a key focus going forward. Later, I'll have the legal department draft a contract so we can make it more formal."

Hearing this, Cheng Qiuqiu nods quickly, "Thank you, Senior. I was just afraid I wouldn't do it well and let you all down."

"Believe in your ability!" Gao Mengting makes a cheering gesture.

Songmei Apparel is no longer what it used to be; in the 8 days since meeting Bei Yuwei, the cumulative sales in the live broadcast room have exceeded 9 million.

Among them, over 3 million is the transaction volume from collaborating with a domestic first-tier brand for live streaming, which included slot fees and commissions.

The remaining 6 million is what was truly sold from the Songmei Apparel shop.

The reason it stayed at this number is also because they are intentionally controlling inventory.

With sudden popularity, many people's consumption is impulsive.

? ￠O

Even if the clothing quality is good and the fit is good, the estimated return rate will reach about 60%.

If they sold openly, the number of returns to the warehouse later would be terrifying, and their cash flow wouldn't be able to support it.

Jinxiu Trading couldn't possibly help them bear such a huge risk either.

Once this wave of popularity subsides, the remaining batch will be the true target group.

And the quantity is extremely considerable.

For influencer live streaming, the most lacking thing is traffic.

Bei Yuwei's sudden arrival can be said to be a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity; who knows how many peers are jealous.

Currently, they receive over a dozen complaint notifications every day, and have even been forced to stop broadcasting twice.

…

After finishing breakfast, the two wash up and put on makeup one after the other, and head downstairs together.

The air with a moist chill rushes into their nasal cavities, making people feel refreshed.

"Buzz buzz buzz—" The Wuling Hongguang slowly starts up.

Along the damp ground of the residential area, it slowly merges into the traffic, moving and stopping.

Gao Mengting drives while chatting with Cheng Qiuqiu about the requirements for the packaging design.

"Ding-a-ling—" The phone ringtone suddenly sounds.

Cheng Qiuqiu opens her bag, takes out her phone to look, just silences it, and doesn't answer the call immediately.

"Harassment call?"

"No, it's my mom?"

"Uh..." Gao Mengting blinks, not saying anything more.

After a while.

"Ding-a-ling—" The phone ringtone sounds again.

Cheng Qiuqiu hesitates for a while, clicks to answer, puts the receiver to her ear, and doesn't speak.

"Hey Qiuqiu, have you eaten breakfast? It's Monday today, are you on your way to work?" Her mother's voice comes from the receiver.

"Mm."

"It's been a long time since I saw you post anything on Moments, take a few photos for Mom when you have time."

"Oh."

"Oh my, I see people on the internet saying Su Yu is going to release new songs again, that's so great."

"I know."

…

"How is work lately? Still working overtime often?"

"Busy as a top."

"Then... then I'll wait a bit longer, the shop here has been transferred, I'm free anytime. In a few days when you're not busy, I'll go to Yancheng, so I don't add to your trouble."

"Mm, if there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."

After hanging up the phone, Cheng Qiuqiu leans back in her chair, staring at the scenery outside the window, dazed.

Gao Mengting looks at her with concern and says softly, "You're here alone, she must be very worried, maybe one day she'll secretly run over. When you have time, you can let your mom come to Yancheng to look around; if you don't want to live with her, you can book a hotel."

Cheng Qiuqiu purses her lips, "Thank you, Senior."

……

The car stops at Yunxi Building.

Gao Mengting picks up her bag and takes the elevator straight to the 30th floor.

As the elevator door opens, a soft and warm smile appears on her face.

In the office area, colleagues are busy in full swing.

The company shop's sales have exploded, and everyone's face is filled with excitement and joy.

Most of them are employees who have just joined and haven't become permanent yet.

The company's sudden rise and successful incubation of the "He Yiyi" account make their work more stable and promising.

And it's also a highlight on their resumes.

"President Gao, morning!"

"President Gao!"

"Good morning."

…

Walking through the office area, Gao Mengting first glances at the president's office.

Guessing whether Tang Song has arrived.

Previously on WeChat, he said he was coming to the company today.

Half a month has passed in a flash, and Songmei Apparel has undergone such huge changes.

She really wants to share this joy with her partner and discuss the upcoming plans.

"Creeak—" She pushes open her office door.

Gao Mengting walks in with elegant steps, takes out her phone, and hangs up her bag.

Just as she turns around, the expression on her face freezes instantly.

Her gaze looks toward the corner by the window in the office, and a surprised smile appears on her face.

Tang Song is leaning on a soft lazy sofa, stepping on a low stool, holding a book in his hand.

His eyes are focused and gentle, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, carrying a faint smile.

Their eyes meet, Tang Song puts down the book and stands up from the sofa, "Good morning, Mengting."

Looking at his handsome face and calm, upright posture.

Gao Mengting's tense mind relaxes for the first time in these few days.

"Tap tap tap—" Leather shoes step across the solid wood floor.

Gao Mengting opens her arms and hugs him tightly, "Good morning!"

The scent of lemon-flavored shampoo rushes into her nasal cavity.

Tang Song is stunned for a moment, then naturally wraps his arms around her soft, slender waist, carefully feeling the curves of her body.

At this time, he is naturally not the virgin rookie he once was, who would feel his heart racing and body stiffening from just a hug with Gao Mengting.

They hug for a moment.

"Hoo—" A breath of hot air is exhaled onto him.

Gao Mengting raises her head, her eyes filled with crystalline tears.

She says loudly in an excited and thrilled tone: "Tang Song! We succeeded! Our company has succeeded in the true sense!

With He Yiyi as an IP, our exposure and sales are guaranteed, and our bargaining power, cooperation opportunities, and user stickiness will all be greatly improved!

Luckily you perfected the organizational structure in advance; if it weren't for the support of a complete team, we would have had a hard time catching this wealth from the sky!"

She is still talking non-stop, her tone rapid and clear.

Telling of her visions for the future.

No one can understand the feelings, tension, and excitement in her heart these days.

To stabilize the company, Gao Mengting always appeared very calm externally, working overtime every day, devoting herself entirely to the heavy work.

In her heart, she was actually stifled for a long time, suppressed for a long time.

Seeing Tang Song suddenly appear in her office, she can no longer hold back her emotions.

She was once in a quagmire, and it was Tang Song who pulled her out and created Songmei Apparel together.

Now that the company is taking off, she is finally at ease, not having failed Tang Song's trust and efforts.

She can't wait to share the joy of success with him.

Tang Song has a similarly joyful smile on his face, silently feeling the softness and warmth on her body.

After a good while, Gao Mengting's words finally stop.

Tang Song says warmly: "You've worked hard."

"Not hard, it's all what I should do." Gao Mengting has a big smile on her face, looking into Tang Song's eyes.

The atmosphere in the office suddenly becomes somewhat ambiguous.

Breathing in his scent, their bodies in large-area contact, feeling his hand holding her waist.

Gao Mengting, having calmed down, instantly turns bright red, "Hey, that, can you let go now?"

"It is said that hugging can lower stress hormone levels and increase happiness; I've been under a lot of pressure lately, can we hug for a while longer?"

Tang Song looks at her soft, beautiful face, his head leaning slightly forward.

Gao Mengting's heart skips a beat, and she quickly uses her hand to prop up his chest, "Hey, partner, I have reason to suspect you're being a hooligan."

Although her tone is firm, her body is exceptionally soft, and she isn't struggling to break free.

This is the first time she has hugged Tang Song for so long.

The clear muscle contours and handsome, upright facial features make her feel dizzy.

Security, harmony, and happiness—once these things are added together, they might look like love, and are almost equal to love, but they are ultimately not love.

She used to always be confused about whether her feelings for Tang Song were because of the security and happiness he brought.

But at this very moment, the intense physiological reaction reminded her that it really wasn't.

"Love is first an instinct; either you are born with it, or you never will be."

Just don't know, what does the partner at this very moment feel about her?

Is it "love" of the soul, or "love" of the flesh?

The sky outside the window gradually turns gloomy, and "pitter-patter" rain falls on the glass curtain wall.

After a moment, Tang Song takes the initiative to let go of Gao Mengting.

He raises his wrist to check the time and says: "Prepare yourself, let's have a meeting in a while to talk about the company's next steps."

In the "Scholar" state, he has already made a detailed plan; the next step is to let the company grow as quickly as possible, digest this wave of huge traffic, and make He Yiyi a true IP.

"Okay." Gao Mengting stands up straight, then suddenly says: "Let's take another photo together to commemorate the company's phased success."

"OK." Tang Song smiles and nods.

The two stand with their backs to the floor-to-ceiling window, Gao Mengting consciously standing on his right.

She raises her phone, holding it horizontally in front of them.

She reaches out her left hand to wrap around Tang Song's right arm, her head tilting slightly to the left.

"Cheese!"

"Click—"

Clicking to look at the photo, Gao Mengting smiles with satisfaction.

Then she finds another photo from the album and hands it to Tang Song, "Do you remember it?"

Tang Song looks down at the phone screen, his gaze slightly dazed.

That was a photo taken of him and Gao Mengting on the day the company was just created.

At that time, he was still a shy little boy, and his beautiful partner hugged his arm for the first time, his heart excited and anxious.

He also remembers the bold words they said at the time.

"Successful listing," "ringing the big bell at the exchange," "the place where dreams begin," "national fashion clothing brand"...

At that time, he had just inherited his first assets and was full of expectations for his future self.

Now those expectations have gradually been realized, and he has also reached the height he dreamed of.

Possessing (Business, Money, Women).

And what needs to be faced, sooner or later, must be faced.

For example, that White Moonlight far away in Shencheng, with whom he agreed to meet at the peak.

Don't know if she sees him now, will she be happy, or sad?

His feelings for Liu Qingning are friendship mixed with love, complex and deep.

It is also because of this special sentiment, coupled with the increasing distance between the two, that he has never dared to confess.

And strangely, Liu Qingning has never expressed anything either.

Now suddenly wanting to buy a house in Yancheng, for his heart, it is truly a chaotic mess.

With what kind of mentality should he face her?

……

Imperial Capital, Smile Holdings Group Headquarters Building.

Executive Director's Office.

"Knock knock knock—" A soft and rhythmic knocking sound rings out.

"Come in."

Private assistant Shangguan Qiuya walks in and stands quietly in front of the desk, "Director Jin, the detailed information about Tian Jing, the compensation supervisor of Jinxiu Trading, has been organized."

After speaking, she carefully hands over a tablet computer, looking at the elegant and beautiful figure behind the desk.

Jin Mi Shu moves her gaze away from the computer screen, reaches out to take the tablet, and leans back, her full chest rising high.

Her gaze quickly scans through the information.

22 years old, graduated from Rongcheng University of Finance and Economics, father is a shareholder and executive director of Zhongcheng Group, Tian Chengye, and also a shareholder and supervisor of Jinxiu Trading...

Below are some recent photos.

Jin Mi Shu clicks on one casually, glances at it simply, her gaze flickering slightly.

Fair skin, small face, narrow shoulders, looks sweet.

According to the data description, she is a very standard wealthy beauty.

Another woman of a different type.

After a moment, she looks up and asks: "Regarding the rumors about her in the company, have they been confirmed?"

"According to Shi Qiuli, the HR director of Jinxiu Trading, the relationship between Tian Jing and the CTO is ambiguous, which many colleagues have seen with their own eyes. I have verified this matter many times subsequently, and it is true."

"Tell Fan Wenzeng to let Tian Jing attend this batch of employee training in the Imperial Capital."

"Okay, understood."

Jin Mi Shu puts down the tablet casually, gently takes off the glasses on the bridge of her nose, and stands up from her seat.

A head of brown long hair cascades down her back, the roots standing upright and fluffy, setting off her soft and peerless face to be even more exquisite.

"What about Wen Ruan? Has she arrived in the Imperial Capital?"

"Mm." The private assistant nods and continues: "Arrived in the Imperial Capital last Saturday, currently staying at the Westin Hotel in Liangmaqiao.

This afternoon, she will go to the Nebula International Group to attend the shareholders' meeting and elect a new director.

In addition, Mo Xiang Wan, the president of Tang Zong Entertainment, has just checked into the Westin Hotel and should be coordinating with her to complete her onboarding."

"Has lawyer Luo Bin returned from Shencheng?"

"The change in equity of Qingning Technology has ended, and lawyer Luo will return to the Imperial Capital on Thursday."

Qingning Technology... 3% equity...

Jin Mi Shu raises her fresh and spirited eyes, the brown pupils appearing clear and bright under the light.

"On Friday morning, have lawyer Luo Bin come to see me. Also, how is Century Intelligence doing now?"

"Development is very smooth, APP users are steadily increasing, and the company has entered a profitable period.

Their self-developed AI large model based on Qingning Technology's open platform is already under development, and the effect is very good.

Besides that, they have already started the development of hardware products.

Liu Qingning, a member of the technical partner team you asked me to pay attention to, proposed pledging equity to borrow 1.5 million interest-free from the company.

However, the company's investors want to acquire the equity in her hands, and it is still under negotiation.

Actually, not just her; according to news I got from within Changyun Investment, they are very optimistic about the future of Century Intelligence.

Especially now that the software is stable and they are gradually shifting to hardware development, they have the idea of kicking some non-core technical partners out, and Liu Qingning is just one of them."

Jin Mi Shu purses her rich and full lips, her tone calm: "You arrange for a company to contact Century Intelligence and customize a batch of learning machines for them to accelerate their hardware development transformation."

"Okay, understood!" Shangguan Qiuya reacts immediately, "Then does Liu Qingning need special arrangements?"

"No need, let everything take its natural course."

"Understood."

As the assistant walks out of the office door.

Jin Mi Shu turns slightly, the dazzling earrings on both sides swaying gently, light and shadow interlacing, like two dreamy star rivers.

Looking at the sky in the south, she says to herself: "Century Intelligence is just your starting point; experiencing some twists and turns in love and career will also help your growth.

Don't blame me; after all, you still have Qingning Technology, and you still have Tang Song's feelings.

You will get a lot, I hope this can make up for the pure love you lost.

If you really feel uncomfortable in the future, then go hate Su Yu." ===== CHAPTER 335 =====