Chapter 372

On the street where the sky was gradually darkening.

The sound of car horns and the roar of engines were intertwined.

One meter away from the two, several colleagues from Century Zhixue stopped on the spot, their eyes looking straight at the two who were hugging tightly.

They weren't stupid; naturally, they could see that the relationship between the two was very unusual.

She was the kind of independent and emotionally stable girl who had never been this excited even when the project had a major bug.

It was genuine excitement—the kind of excitement with tears in her eyes, crying and laughing at the same time.

But according to old colleagues who came from the Imperial Capital, Liu Qingning didn't have a boyfriend.

The only one who was closest was Cheng Qingfeng.

As a duo in the founding team, colleagues often teased the two leaders about such things.

Most people also thought that they would definitely be together in the future.

Yet they didn't expect that this "Liu Zong" already had such an outstanding boyfriend.

Several girls were so envious they turned sour.

It was just that this boy who suddenly appeared was too handsome—a kind of "hard handsome" without any technique.

Neither effeminate nor overly masculine.

Moreover, his clothing and temperament were extremely outstanding; it was clear he wasn't an ordinary person.

The scene before them really looked like a scene from an idol drama.

Yet they were all just supporting roles.

A colleague reminded in a low voice: "Let's hurry and slip away; don't be a lightbulb here."

"Yeah, I'm almost full from eating dog food; it's a good thing I didn't go to strike up a conversation just now, otherwise it would be really awkward now."

Muttering a few words, several colleagues looked at each other with tacit understanding and bypassed the two with their heads down.

Because today was Saturday, there were only occasional passersby on the sidewalk.

Tang Song felt the "White Moonlight" in his arms with all his might, breathing in the familiar shampoo scent on her hair, his heart filled with infinite joy and satisfaction.

Childhood sweethearts, "White Moonlight," meet at the peak, secret crush.

She had too many elements and memories that made him unable to let go.

When they weren't meeting, they would silently accumulate in the bottom of his heart; perhaps he would think of them occasionally, but there were no violent fluctuations.

When he left the Imperial Capital and said goodbye to his "White Moonlight," he also thought he had let go.

But when he retrieved his memories from 2016, experienced the transformation of the game becoming reality, and saw her again.

He realized that everything was just self-deception.

If one had the ability, who wouldn't want to make up for regrets?

He never denied that he was a promiscuous scumbag now.

But a man would always have one moment of being "love-brained," always have one moment of going all out.

For him, Liu Qingning was such a person with special significance.

Thinking of this, Tang Song looked down at the "White Moonlight" in his arms.

The strong contrast between the past and the present, profound memories surged in, churning endlessly, completely drowning him.

"Ah! What are you doing!" A crisp exclamation.

A pair of hands appeared on Liu Qingning's waist, and immediately after, her body lifted into the air.

Tang Song held her soft waist and laughed as he spun around twice on the spot.

Liu Qingning, who landed safely, had her large chest heaving violently.

She pretended to shout angrily: "You're going to kill me!"

After saying that, she stepped forward again, buried her face in his clothes, and rubbed hard.

Looking at the dampened shirt, she smiled and patted his chest: "Hmph, it's all your fault for running to Shencheng without a word, making me cry."

Tang Song looked down at her and said with a smile: "Then should I leave?"

"You try!" Liu Qingning pouted and grabbed his wrist.

Tang Song turned his hand upward and gripped her soft, warm, and delicate little hand tightly; a tingling sensation came from their palms.

This wasn't the first time they held hands, but the feeling was still intense.

The two maintained silence with tacit understanding.

Looking into each other's eyes, a shy blush gradually appeared on Liu Qingning's face.

After a moment.

She raised her head and looked seriously at Tang Song's face.

She reached out and touched his high-bridged nose, smooth jawline, rosy lips, delicate skin...

A big smile appeared on her face: "It's so good! I can tell you really worked hard on losing weight and working out; the change is too big, and you look very healthy at a glance. You've lost so much weight, your skin has become so good, and it seems even your hands have become beautiful."

She knew Tang Song too well; seeing his changes at this moment, she could guess how much effort he had put in.

Besides his appearance, in her view, Tang Song had many shining points that made her like him.

For example, persistence, diligence, seriousness...

If it weren't for the limitations of talent, with his drive for learning in his senior year of high school, he definitely could have gotten into the Imperial Capital.

These things had been reflected in her heart during their long time together.

Tang Song raised his eyebrows proudly: "That's for sure, I was very diligent. Am I handsome? More handsome than in high school, right? Is it a surprise?"

Hearing his words, Liu Qingning was stunned, a flash of panic crossed her eyes, and she hung her head down hard.

Her cheeks were almost touching her towering chest.

"What's wrong, Qingning?" Sensing her abnormality, Tang Song shook her hand and asked with concern: "Are you not feeling well?"

"I'm fine," Liu Qingning said unhappily.

Then she directly let go of his hand and hid behind him.

Tang Song turned around and looked at her suspiciously: "You definitely have something wrong, tell me."

Liu Qingning quickly reached out to support his chin and turned his head to the side: "I'm very ugly and fat now, don't look at me."

"Uh..." Tang Song instantly understood her little thoughts.

Liu Qingning's peak appearance should have been when she graduated from high school at 18; her skin seemed like it could have water squeezed out of it.

Coupled with her baby face and big eyes, she was a true "child-face," very, very cute.

She also maintained it very well throughout college.

However, since graduation, heavy work and irregular schedules caused her skin and figure to start going downhill.

In these 10 months in Shencheng, the 997 work mode, coupled with huge pressure, caused her state to plummet, and her hair was only simply groomed.

She did look "ugly."

Standing together with the now-excellent Tang Song, the strong-willed Liu Qingning naturally couldn't stand it.

She didn't want him to see her bad side.

But so what?

Tang Song reached out to cup her oval face, his fingers gently stroking her full apple muscles, his voice gentle: "You aren't ugly or fat at all; all the changes are unique, and all the flesh just happened to grow according to my aesthetic."

"Oh my!" Liu Qingning slapped his hand away, her face flushed: "You... you're talking so strangely today; who did you learn this from? No more glib talk in the future!"

From childhood to adulthood, knowing Tang Song for so many years, this was the first time she heard him say such mushy words.

She felt like she was getting goosebumps, but she didn't feel repulsed at all in her heart.

Tang Song chuckled without speaking, just looking at her with a smile.

Liu Qingning tidied her hair, walked quickly in front of him, and stood with her back to him: "How long have you been waiting downstairs?"

"Not long, I calculated your off-work time."

"Have you eaten?"

"No."

A gentle push came from her side, and Liu Qingning giggled: "Let's go, sister will take you to eat something delicious!"

Her birthday was October 13, almost two months older than Tang Song.

Occasionally, she liked to tease him using "sister-brother" terms.

"Alright, thank you, Sister Qingning." Tang Song blinked with a smile and reached out to rub her head hard a few times.

Her hair was instantly messed up.

"If you want to talk, talk, can you stop using your hands? Hmph! My hairstyle was already ugly, and you made it even worse."

Because there was a 20cm height difference, Liu Qingning had no power to resist.

"I still like your high ponytail and bangs hairstyle; I feel it suits your face better."

"Forget it, it's been 3 years since graduation; I'm a leader now, and if I wear that student hairstyle, people will look down on me."

Thunder rumbled in the sky, and rain fell "pitter-patter."

Liu Qingning held his hand and led him jogging into a restaurant, the "Michelin" of Kexing Science Park, La Keke.

The two ordered the signature stir-fried yellow beef, pounded chili preserved eggs, and Honghu lotus root pork bone soup.

Because she was determined to lose weight, she only drank a bowl of soup.

Most of the time, she was just there watching Tang Song eat with gusto, her bright eyes curved like two crescents.

Past 7 o'clock in the evening.

Liu Qingning's phone suddenly rang.

She picked it up, looked at it, and quickly answered: "Hello, Shuangshuang, sorry, I haven't been looking at my phone."

"Mm, I'm off work, but I have something on tonight, so I won't eat with you guys."

"It's not because of work; Tang Song came to Shencheng to see me, so... sorry, please say sorry to Xiang Kai for me."

"Hello, Shuangshuang, why aren't you speaking?"

"Alright, then I'm hanging up, bye."

Hanging up the phone, Liu Qingning frowned slightly.

After hearing that Tang Song came to Shencheng, Liu Shuang suddenly became very strange.

It was probably because Xiang Kai was by her side.

She also knew that her colleagues and classmates had a very average impression of Tang Song.

However, for her, the most important thing now was to accompany Tang Song; everything else had to stand aside.

Tang Song stopped his movements and asked curiously: "Is it Liu Shuang and Xiang Kai?"

"Mm, it's them." Liu Qingning pursed her lips and said in a low voice: "Xiang Kai currently works at an investment company, often running between Modu and Shencheng; I have very little contact with him, so I haven't mentioned him to you."

"Hehe, no need to explain, I believe you." Tang Song reached out and pinched her fleshy face.

For his childhood sweetheart "White Moonlight," he was naturally restless and couldn't help but want to be sneaky.

He could feel that Liu Qingning, who they met this time, seemed to have opened her heart and didn't resist his intimate contact at all.

This should be related to her wanting to buy a house in Yancheng; it was probably also her plan to confess to him.

"Don't move your hands around." Liu Qingning slapped his claws away, blushing: "I'm not explaining this to you; I'm just afraid someone will let their imagination run wild."

"Alright, you're right." Tang Song smiled and shook his head.

When they first arrived in the Imperial Capital, Liu Qingning and he hadn't graduated yet, and work wasn't too busy.

At that time, she often took him to some dinners, just in case they needed internal referrals later; it was good networking to get familiar.

Every time he ate and chatted with her classmates and friends, although he was very calm on the surface, he was actually very uncomfortable in his heart, even a bit inferior.

After all, those were top students from Imperial Capital University, each one worthy of being called a dragon or phoenix among people.

They were all discussing which famous domestic or foreign university they chose for graduate school, as well as their expectations for future academic careers and career development.

Among them, Xiang Kai was considered a celebrity—a local from the Imperial Capital, a second-generation rich kid, and a second-generation star.

Driving a sports car, wearing a Rolex, handsome in appearance, confident and dashing.

He could feel at the time that Xiang Kai liked Liu Qingning and didn't mean to hide it much.

The other party never treated him as a competitor either.

In fact, besides Xiang Kai, quite a few alumni had ideas about Liu Qingning.

After all, in the computer department, being able to grow up like her and having such a good figure could truly be called one in a million.

This incident once caused a not-so-small blow to Tang Song; the gap between him and these people was indeed very large.

It was also under the accumulation of this inferiority that he finally chose to let go and return to Yancheng.

After dinner, the rain outside had stopped, and a humid and fresh breath diffused in the air.

The two wandered around Kexing Science Park for a while.

Liu Qingning suddenly asked: "By the way, which hotel are you staying at?"

Tang Song looked at her and said: "Qingning, you can be considered a local snake; since you rented a house here, you wouldn't let me fall to the point of booking a hotel, right?"

"This... I'm sharing a rental with Shuangshuang; I'm afraid it's not very convenient."

"I flew over 2,000 kilometers specifically to see you!"

"Alright, I'll squeeze in with her tonight, and you sleep in my room."

Tang Song paused his steps, his gaze sincere: "Actually, I don't mind squeezing in with you, and 1.5 meters can be considered a standard double bed; it can definitely fit two people."

"Hmph, teasing me again, aren't you? Hit you!" Liu Qingning blushed and slapped his arm, not light or heavy.

The two chatted and played as they left the Science Park and took a taxi directly back to the rented apartment in Phase III of Songping Village.

Tang Song had only seen it in videos before; now that he finally walked in, he was quite curious.

The living room should be about 20 square meters, and there was a large balcony.

The kitchen and bathroom were both very small.

Pushing open the secondary bedroom where Liu Qingning lived, a familiar fragrance rushed toward him, the same as the scent on her body.

A small room of about 6 square meters, neat and clean, with very, very few things.

Only a bed, air conditioner, small wardrobe, and simple storage rack.

Besides this, there were hooks everywhere, with all kinds of miscellaneous small items hanging on them.

On the storage rack, there were a few very simple cosmetics: lipstick, bare-face cream, foundation.

Being in Liu Qingning's room, Tang Song felt even more ashamed.

This "White Moonlight," running to Shencheng to make money, truly cast aside all material desires.

"You go out for a moment, I'll tidy up the room." Liu Qingning pushed him, her gaze dodging a bit.

Because she wasn't prepared, there was still the sports bra she changed out of this morning on the bedside.

If this were seen, it would be awkward.

Tang Song nodded and turned to walk out of the bedroom.

Standing on the balcony, blowing the humid night breeze while looking at the environment in the residential area.

Silently feeling every scene of his "White Moonlight's" life here.

Bright lights swept across the road.

The black Mercedes AMG GT slowly stopped outside the residential area gate.

Liu Shuang unbuckled her seatbelt and said softly: "Sorry, Xiang Kai, for making you run for nothing and specifically sending me home."

"It's okay, let's meet again next time; I'm super free recently, bye."

"Mm-mm, bye, be safe on the road."

Liu Shuang pushed open the car door and couldn't help but look back at Xiang Kai sitting in the driver's seat.

In the dim car, wearing high-end business attire, he looked exceptionally handsome and tall.

"Bang!" The car door closed.

Accompanied by the roar of the engine, the AMG GT disappeared into the night.

Liu Shuang sighed.

A standard tall, rich, and handsome elite, parents with wide connections, and he himself was so capable—which woman wouldn't be moved?

It's a pity that Qingning is so persistent, set on that Tang Song.

Thinking of Tang Song, she couldn't help but think of the boy she saw at Shenchengwan No. 1 this afternoon.

A strange feeling surged in her heart.

Before, Liu Qingning suddenly said Tang Song arrived in Shencheng, which really gave her a fright.

But after thinking about it carefully later, it seemed unlikely.

The temperament and figure of the two people were really too different.

Shaking her head, Liu Shuang walked toward the residential area.

"Ding—" The elevator stopped slowly on the 5th floor, and Liu Shuang took the key out of her bag.

She opened the door.

Bright lights penetrated into the hallway.

"Qingning, are you back?" Seeing the lights on in the living room, Liu Shuang subconsciously shouted.

"Mm-mm, just tidying up the room!"

Liu Shuang hung her bag behind the door and turned to speak, but the expression on her face instantly froze.

She stared blankly at the figure walking out from the balcony, standing under the bright lights.

Compared to the hurried glance this afternoon, this time it was exceptionally clear.

It's him! Tang Song?

With a "buzz" in her head, Liu Shuang's breathing immediately became rapid.

"Long time no see, Liu Shuang." Tang Song waved and greeted with a smile.

The upward lip line made his handsome facial features even fresher and more three-dimensional.

The tall and straight figure, the perfect ratio of broad shoulders and narrow waist, plus his confident and free temperament, made people unable to look away.

Liu Shuang said with difficulty: "Tang... Tang Song, it's you."

Just at this moment, the bedroom door was opened, and Liu Qingning smiled: "Shuangshuang, Tang Song is going to stay here for two days; he's sleeping in my room, and we'll squeeze in tonight, you don't mind, right?"

"No problem." Liu Shuang nodded, her gaze still unable to help but look up and down at Tang Song, feeling a bit hot-faced.

Objectively speaking, in terms of appearance, the current Tang Song was even more outstanding than Xiang Kai.

Before, she always heard Qingning say how handsome Tang Song was in high school and thought she was bragging.

She didn't expect that after losing weight, he would look like he had been reborn.

The three chatted in the living room for a while.

Liu Shuang slipped into her bedroom and began to tidy up the bed.

But a layer of confusion always lingered in her mind.

Shenchengwan No. 1 Building T8 is a pure apartment building, without any office buildings or commerce; what was he doing there?

"Here, my water cup; we ate Hunan cuisine tonight, salty and spicy, drink more water."

"You just cover yourself with this summer quilt; I brought it from the Imperial Capital and haven't really used it..."

"Although it's quite hot at night, it's better not to keep the air conditioner on all the time."

"You go wash up first; this is my towel, toothpaste, facial cleanser, and the toothbrush is new. After you finish washing, shall we apply a facial mask together?"

In the not-so-large house, Liu Qingning was like a diligent little bee, walking back and forth, occasionally giving instructions in a crisp and cute voice.

The familiar voice, plus the familiar her, made Tang Song feel deep happiness and joy in this strange city.

Back in high school, every time they went out to play, Liu Qingning always thought very comprehensively and took the initiative to help him manage everything.

She was mature and rational, and very organized in doing things.

9:40 PM.

Liu Qingning yawned and sat up from the sofa: "Alright, you rushed over by plane today, you must be exhausted, rest early, I'm going to change into pajamas."

Just about to walk toward the master bedroom, she felt her wrist being pulled.

Looking at her puzzled eyes, Tang Song blinked and smiled: "How about you sleep in the secondary bedroom tonight? I just came to Shencheng and have no sense of security; I'll be afraid sleeping alone at night."

"Hmph!" Liu Qingning patted his head angrily, her cheeks flushed: "Good for you, little Song, haven't seen you for more than half a year, and you dare to have these flowery thoughts now? Hurry up and go to sleep, don't think about these messy things."

She suddenly felt that the Tang Song she met this time had not only changed in appearance but also had quite a change in personality.

At least in the past, he definitely couldn't say such things.

After all, they were still just friends and hadn't developed to the stage of being a couple.

"Just for tonight, it's not like we haven't slept together before."

Liu Qingning was stunned: "When?"

"At the People's Park in Jingxian."

"That wasn't a picnic on the lawn? These are two different things!"

After Liu Qingning finished speaking, she touched her hot, red cheeks and walked quickly into the master bedroom.

Liu Shuang, who was lying on the bed, sat up and asked curiously: "Qingning, was Tang Song this handsome when he was thin before?"

Liu Qingning giggled: "Of course, he has always been handsome."

"Alright, I won't argue with you. But I have to admit one thing: the current Tang Song is impeccable, at least in terms of appearance; he is completely worthy of you."

Liu Qingning smiled and didn't say anything, starting to change into pajamas on her own.

Soon, her large chest broke free from its restraints.

Liu Qingning squinted her eyes comfortably.

This thing being too big is a burden; wearing underwear makes her shoulders ache.

Looking at her roommate's good figure, Liu Shuang sighed helplessly.

Instead, she asked: "Hey, tell me the story of your high school; I'm really super curious."

Liu Qingning smiled, sat on the edge of the bed, and chatted with her about her high school life with great interest.

Closed-off boarding, morning wind, shy teenagers, mountains of books and seas of exams.

Talking about high school, one could never avoid that name carved in her heart.

Wasn't Tang Song also her youth?

Don't know how much time passed.

"Knock knock knock—" A knock on the door suddenly rang out.

Immediately after, Tang Song's clear and magnetic voice came from outside the door: "Qingning."

Liu Qingning stepped forward quickly and opened the door: "What's wrong, Tang Song?"

Just after asking, her nose moved, and her gaze looked straight at the takeout bag in Tang Song's hand.

"This is..."

"You only drank a bowl of soup at night; you must be hungry now, right? I ordered the fried chicken and milk tea you like; eat a little."

A gentle smile appeared on Tang Song's face, his eyes sparkling like a big bad wolf luring a little white rabbit.

"Gurgle—" A clear sound came from her stomach.

Liu Qingning's mouth twitched; who could understand the gold content of the takeout in Tang Song's hand at this moment!?

She was already hungry to the point of panic; if she didn't see it, it would be fine, but now that it was placed in front of her, she couldn't refuse at all.

One bite, just one bite! Just one small piece of fried chicken! Just one small sip of milk tea! Firmly execute the weight loss to the end!

"Um, Shuangshuang, do you want to eat some together?"

Liu Shuang looked at the two standing at the door and shook her head: "No, I'm very full tonight."

"Then you go to sleep, I'll eat a little." After speaking, Liu Qingning closed the door behind her.

Soon, her somewhat intoxicated voice came from the dining room: "So fragrant!"

A few minutes passed.

Liu Qingning stood up with great perseverance: "Alright, I really can't eat anymore, you sleep early too, goodnight!"

"Qingning, wait a moment." Tang Song said gently: "You can't sleep immediately after eating a late-night snack; the gastrointestinal burden will increase, and you'll gain weight, especially with this kind of fried food."

Touching her soft belly, Liu Qingning felt a wave of regret: "It's all your fault for tempting me late at night."

"I'm just worried about you." Tang Song blinked and pointed toward the secondary bedroom: "The air conditioner is on in the room, it's very cool, go keep me company and chat."

"Fine, it's just that I'll probably get up late tomorrow."

Liu Qingning had no defense against Tang Song and obediently followed him into the room.

Because the room was very small and there were no chairs, she sat cross-legged on the bed.

Just at this moment, with a "click," the door was directly locked from the inside.

Liu Qingning's heart jumped, and she shrank back: "Why lock it?"

Tang Song didn't answer her, sat down in front of her, and looked at her without blinking.

Full oval face, round big eyes, plump and small cherry lips.

Exactly the same as the her in his memory.

This was his "White Moonlight," the "White Moonlight" he promised to meet at the peak, the "White Moonlight" who paid silently.

I dare not imagine what a huge regret it would be if I really missed her like in the dream.

It would probably be tears streaming down his face in countless midnight dreams, unable to sleep peacefully.

"Stop looking, I'm very ugly now! My skin is full of acne and pimples!" Liu Qingning's dense eyelashes trembled.

She picked up a pillow from the side to block her chest and buried her head in the pillow.

Tang Song leaned forward, his fingers resting on her waist and back, looking straight into her bright, watery eyes.

Liu Qingning's body instantly stiffened, and she reached out to press against his forehead.

She said fiercely: "Talk properly, don't use your hands."

"You aren't ugly at all; no matter when you are, to me, you are like a unique beam of light." Tang Song took a deep breath and said softly: "Returning to school a few days ago, I had a long dream, dreaming of you and me in 2016. Qingning, I really miss you."

Hearing his words, Liu Qingning's face instantly became hot and red again.

She pursed her full lips and said softly: "I miss you very much in Shencheng too."

The bedroom was quiet for a long while.

Tang Song looked down and said: "How about sleeping in the secondary bedroom tonight? I just want to stay with you; I won't do anything excessive."

"This isn't good..."

"It's not easy for us to meet; I don't want to be separated from you now."

Liu Qingning didn't speak, just moved her body and shifted toward the inside of the bed.

She buried her head in the pillow again.