Chapter 415: Hotpot, Beer, Guitar, Early Autumn

Yuhua Business Building, Fanfu Fanfu Suzi Culture Media.

Xu Qing stumbled, her eyes widening as she exclaimed, "What... you want to cosplay with me? For real?"

"Hehe, of course it's real. Although your figure isn't as good as mine, I can barely fit into those clothes of yours," Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan said with a teasing tone. "We could do duo cosplays, like Da President Qiao and Xiao President Qiao, Ashley and Tifa, the Raiden Shogun and Kujou Sara..."

Hearing her best friend's words, Xu Qing's dark, large eyes flickered, her heart stirring slightly.

Knowing Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan for so many years, she had only seen her engage in some role-playing back in middle school.

Every time she asked afterward, Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan would say it was too childish, boring, and refuse.

If Heartless Yan went cosplaying and taking photos with her, it would definitely be interesting, and their coordination would be impeccable.

Come to think of it, they had never taken a set of bestie boudoir photos together.

Especially since it was her favorite activity, cosplay, the resulting photos would surely look great.

However, this time really wouldn't work.

The reason she was being so proactive was to talk to Tang Song about that messy business with her mother.

By then, she might even have to pretend to be a maid and beg Tang Song to agree to help.

How could she let Heartless Yan see Young Lady Xu Qing in such a wretched state?!

Thinking of this, Xu Qing said softly, "Let's skip it this time; maybe next time. I've already agreed with Tang Song; adding someone temporarily isn't appropriate."

"Oh? Should I go ask Tang Song myself? Actually, a threesome could be quite interesting."

"Ah! What nonsense are you spouting!" Xu Qing's face instantly turned deathly red. "This is a pure photoshoot appointment between a cosplayer and a photographer! Didn't I have Qian Qian take many photos of me before?!"

Cheerful laughter came through the receiver from Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan.

"Sister Sister Sister Qingqing, you're grown up now; actually, getting a hotel room with a boy isn't a big deal. Tang Song is truly an outstanding young man; you might not encounter a second one like him in your entire life, so cherish him well."

"I'm not! I didn't! Don't talk nonsense!" Xu Qing hurriedly denied it three times in a row.

"Alright, chatting with you for a while has made me feel much better," Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan said, her voice turning somewhat low. "Don't worry too much about my situation; I'll handle it myself. Just focus on taking good photos, and don't let Tang Song think you're using your relationship with him as a bargaining chip."

With that, Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan hung up the phone directly.

Putting down her phone, Xu Qing touched her scalding cheeks.

Unknowingly, the smile on her face faded, and her pink, tender lips puckered high.

That scumbag Little Song already has Xiao Jing and Wen Wen Wen Ruan as girlfriends, yet he still dares to mess with me!

(〃＞ Min ＜)

"Damn it! Damn it!" "You scumbag!"

Muttering for quite a while, Xu Qing gradually quieted down.

Lying on her office desk in a daze for a moment, she opened WeChat and entered the cosplay group chat.

She left a message: "Is anyone free tomorrow during the day to go shopping for clothes? Pure Dimension Cultural Center."

Usually, she rented her cosplay outfits, only purchasing a few online for characters she loved deeply.

After all, high-quality, highly accurate costumes were quite expensive, and after buying them, one needed suitable storage space and organization equipment.

To date, she only had six or seven sets at home.

Originally, she had planned to rent a few sets from a cosplay experience center, but since Tang Song had suddenly transferred 50,000 Zhao Yuan, she couldn't just go through the motions; she had to arrange two sets of high-end gear for herself.

"Buzz buzz buzz—"

【Xiao Mei: "The clothes at Pure Dimension are so expensive; I can't afford them. So envious of Sister Sister Sister Qingqing; her crush sends her a bunch of luxury goods, so she buys big-brand cosplay outfits."】

【Shen Shen: "I'd actually like to go, but I don't have time during the day tomorrow."】

【Luo Luo: "@Sister Sister Sister Qingqing, I'll go with you! I've been wanting to buy a set recently."】

Having arranged a partner for shopping.

Xu Qing propped her face with both hands, her mind inexplicably filled with Tang Song's silhouette.

She was just flighty in personality, not a fool.

If she didn't truly like someone deep down, she wouldn't have let him kiss her cheek, touch her legs, or touch her butt, and she certainly wouldn't have agreed to take boudoir photos with him.

Thinking of this, Xu Qing suddenly felt prickly all over.

Last time in the car, he dared to touch her butt; if they got to a hotel room, what would happen then?!

Moreover, the Lanfeng International Hotel was his territory!

What if Little Song's beastly nature erupted, and he directly circled and crossed her? What should she do?

On the bed, on the floor, on the balcony, in the toilet...

"Ah!" Xu Qing let out a startled cry, gently rubbing her legs together as her face grew hotter and hotter.

After quite a while, she stealthily opened a document.

She began writing an adult comic script.

Come to think of it, she still owed that "April" two adult comic scripts; she should strive to finish them in the next few days!

Outside the frosted glass wall, colleagues passed by from time to time.

Sitting in her small office, Xu Qing's inspiration exploded, her fingers striking the keyboard with a "clatter-clatter" sound.

For some reason, being in the special environment of an office made typing feel exceptionally thrilling.

Chengjing Business Building, Linggan Brand Design Co., Ltd.

Deputy General Manager's Office.

"Why do you suddenly want to resign?" Li Li Jingzhong looked at the resignation application form in his hand, his expression serious. "Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu, our Linggan Design is considered a top-tier brand in Yancheng, and our recruitment of designers has always been very strict."

"During the campus recruitment back then, do you know why I gave you this opportunity? Because I saw potential in you, but you are still too immature and need someone to guide you."

Listening to his words, Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu clenched her hands slightly tighter, saying shamefully, "Thank you and the company for your cultivation and care all this time, but I truly am not suited for this position."

Li Li Jingzhong was the Deputy General Manager in charge of design; he was gentle and refined, always maintaining a good public image.

During the recruitment at Yancheng University previously, the person responsible for interviewing her had been Li Zong.

As he said, he had indeed given her a rare opportunity, and after she graduated, he immediately arranged the process for her to become a regular employee.

Setting aside his excessive enthusiasm and pursuit of her in private, she was actually quite grateful to Li Zong.

Li Li Jingzhong stood up, looking at the sexy and coldly beautiful female employee before him, a gentle smile appearing on his face.

"As far as I know, you aren't very close with your colleagues. They might think you are too introverted and cold, but actually, I think you are quite good. A designer needs to have a certain personality to create works with spirit."

Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu pressed her lips together, momentarily unsure how to respond.

Li Li Jingzhong guided her patiently, "I see that you are always alone, without many friends; actually, I am quite worried about your mental health. Stay and work hard; don't disappoint my expectations. Rest assured, I will give you more opportunities at work, and later I will talk to your departmental colleagues to have them change their attitude toward you."

"Li Zong... I..."

"Don't rush to refuse," Li Li Jingzhong said with a smile. "Go back and consider it some more, then give me your answer next week. If your mind is truly made up, I will process your layoff then. You little girl just graduated and don't have much money; getting severance pay would allow you to live a bit more steadily."

By the end, he even used some Sichuan dialect to bridge the distance between them.

Looking at the enthusiastic and kind Li Zong, Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu simply couldn't bring herself to say the words of refusal.

Biting her lip, she bowed slightly and said, "Thank you, Li Zong; I'll consider it some more."

"Alright, go get busy. Today is Friday; hurry up and finish your current tasks so you can have a pleasant weekend."

Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu took a deep breath, turned, and walked outward.

Watching her sexy and graceful retreating figure, Li Li Jingzhong narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint smile appearing on his face.

He was an extremely shrewd person; from the very beginning, he had spotted the flaws in Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's personality.

The reason he chose to let her into the company initially was precisely because of this point.

In fact, the isolation and exclusion Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu faced from her colleagues also had his involvement.

For instance, letting her become a regular employee immediately upon graduation, assigning her some high-quality projects, and emphasizing praise for her during meetings.

Creating a sense of loneliness, then offering warmth and support in the capacity of a leader, would definitely be effective for someone like Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu.

If a girl like this was properly PUA'd, she would absolutely be a perfect little lover.

Returning to her workstation.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu looked at the design draft on her computer screen and sighed.

She was not good with words; facing the leader's arguments, she didn't know what to say, nor could she bring herself to refuse him directly to his face.

Thinking for a moment, she opened Yao Yao Yao Lingling's chat window and placed her hands on the keyboard.

Hesitating for a while, she left a message: "Yao Yao Yao Lingling, are you free tonight? I'd like to treat you to dinner."

Among her friends, Yao Yao Yao Lingling was the most cheerful and generous; perhaps she could ask her for advice on what to say and how to act.

After sending the message, Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu just sat there in front of the computer, waiting anxiously for the other party's reply.

This was the first time she had ever actively invited Yao Yao Yao Lingling out.

"Buzz buzz buzz—" Her phone vibrated.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu quickly tapped to check it.

【Yao Yao Yao Lingling: "Sorry, Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu, I've already made plans with someone else."】

Seeing this message, a trace of disappointment flashed in Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's eyes; she was just about to reply.

"Buzz buzz buzz—"

【Yao Yao Yao Lingling: "(`), but... you can come find us; let's all gather together."】

Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu quickly replied: "No need, Yao Yao Yao Lingling; I actually don't have anything important, so I won't disturb you all."

【Yao Yao Yao Lingling: "Hehe, it's no problem; actually, the person I made plans with is someone you know too. It's Senior Tang Song; we're having hotpot at my place tonight. Want to join?"】

Seeing the name "Tang Song," Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

She didn't have many friends; Yao Yao Yao Lingling and Tang Song were two of them. Eating and chatting with them would surely make her very happy, wouldn't it?

Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu gripped her phone slightly tighter, hesitating before replying, "Thanks, Yao Yao Yao Lingling. I'll head over a bit later."

【Yao Yao Yao Lingling: "Mm-hmm, no rush, Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu baby. See you tonight."】

Seeing Yao Yao Yao Lingling's reply, Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu instantly felt a wave of warmth in her heart.

She checked the time; it was already nearly 4:00 PM.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu immediately refocused her attention on the computer screen, her fingers rapidly zooming and panning on the trackpad.

As the time approached 6:00 PM, she saved the revised design draft and sent it to the client's email.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu quickly tidied her desk, slung her backpack over her shoulders, grabbed her helmet, and headed out.

Since she was going to Yao Yao Yao Lingling's home for dinner, she naturally needed to buy something to bring; she couldn't possibly go empty-handed.

She took the elevator straight down to the first floor and hurried to a corner of the parking lot.

Arriving beside her beloved Suzuki GSX250, Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu subconsciously checked her reflection in the rearview mirror.

Because she had been preoccupied lately, she was currently completely bare-faced, and her outfit was very casual, making her overall appearance look somewhat sloppy.

For some reason, Tang Song's figure popped into her mind.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu pressed her lips together, quickly straddled the motorcycle, put on her helmet, and drove out of the surface parking lot.

During the evening rush hour, there were especially many vehicles on the road, and no matter what, the speed just wouldn't pick up.

Under her helmet, Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's face showed an anxious expression.

After nearly twenty minutes, the motorcycle entered Zhuxi Community. Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu jogged upstairs, opened her door, and put away her helmet and bag.

Walking toward the bathroom, she took off her shoes, top, and pants.

"Whoosh—" The silver showerhead sprayed a fine stream of water.

Warm water cascaded from above, enveloping and soaking her.

After quickly showering and blow-drying her hair, Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu wrapped herself in a bath towel and ducked into her room.

She rummaged through her wardrobe for quite a while before finally changing into an outfit she was satisfied with.

Sitting at her desk, she applied simple makeup and smoothed her hair.

Looking at her refreshed self in the mirror, Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu finally let out a sigh of relief.

She put her bag back on, grabbed her helmet, and hurried downstairs.

In the sky, ink-black clouds spread out like ripples, gradually swallowing the remaining brightness bit by bit.

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"Vroom vroom vroom—"

The white Suzuki sportbike lit up its headlights, cutting through the darkness as it weaved through the busy streets.

Xingchen Xingchen Huayuan Community.

"Zhang Zhang Jiahong, did you put the lamb rolls in the freezer?" Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling asked while slicing potatoes, without even looking up.

"All set. By the way, Yao Yao Yao Lingling, can Senior Brother Tang Song eat cilantro?"

"I don't know; prepare some just in case Senior Brother likes it."

The center of the living room had been cleared to make space for a dining table.

On it sat a dual-flavor hot pot.

Soon, plate after plate of fresh ingredients was placed on the table.

Potato slices, enoki mushrooms, tofu skin, fish balls, beef tripe, garland chrysanthemum...

"Done!" Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling arranged a beautiful platter using a few lettuce leaves and beef slices, a joyful smile spreading across her face.

Zhang Zhang Zhang Jiahong teased, "There's still one last step missing."

Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling blinked. "What do you mean?"

Li Li Li Shumin patted her back, giggling, "Didn't Senior Brother say it? Good wine and meat don't matter; what matters is having Big-Butt Yao Yao Yao Lingling in fitness pants sitting right next to him!"

"Hey! You're the one with the big butt!" Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling immediately lunged forward to pin her down and started tickling her.

"Ring-ring-ring—" A phone rang.

【Tang Song】

Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling quickly let go of Li Li Li Shumin, answered the call, and said, "Hello, Senior Brother, where are you?"

"Oh, okay, okay, bye."

Hanging up the phone, Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling tossed out a sentence, "I'm going to change clothes," and dashed straight into her room.

Zhang Zhang Zhang Jiahong and Li Li Li Shumin exchanged a glance and burst into laughter simultaneously.

A few minutes later.

Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling walked out wearing a T-shirt and fitness pants, looking fiercely defiant. "What are you laughing at? My butt is just big; it's useless for you to be jealous! Hmph!"

Just as she finished speaking.

A rhythmic knocking sound rang out.

Immediately after, Tang Song's magnetic voice came from the doorway: "Junior sister, hurry and open the door."

"Coming! Coming!" Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling cried out in delight and hurried to the door.

The door slowly opened.

A familiar figure appeared before her eyes.

Looking at that handsome face and recalling the "nude photo" Tang Song had sent that morning, Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling's legs instantly felt a bit weak.

She whispered, "Senior Brother."

"Hello, Yao Yao Yao Lingling." Tang Song raised his hand slightly, his gaze subtly shifting to her lower body.

It had to be said that while this junior sister was unremarkable in the front, she truly had something in the back!

After putting on tight pants, her charm had directly skyrocketed!

Noticing Tang Song's gaze, Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling's face instantly flushed red; she clasped her hands unnaturally in front of her and said, "Please come in, Senior Brother."

Tang Song nodded with a smile and stepped into the living room.

"Good evening, Zhang Zhang Jiahong, Damn Damn Minmin."

Li Li Li Shumin's eyes sparkled. "Senior Brother looks so handsome today!"

"Good evening, Senior Brother." Zhang Zhang Zhang Jiahong took a deep breath, bowed seriously at a 90-degree angle, and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother, for referring me to Huachang Apparel. I only found out this morning; I'm truly, truly grateful!"

"No need to be polite; you didn't call me 'Senior Brother' for nothing." Tang Song patted her shoulder. "Keep working hard and strive to become an outstanding fashion designer soon, just like Yao Yao Yao Lingling."

Hearing this, Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling immediately raised her hand in agreement, saying playfully, "Senior Brother is right!"

"Senior Brother, sit here. Sister Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu will arrive in a little while; we'll start eating once she gets here. What would you like to drink? Cola? Beer? Juice?"

"I didn't drive today, so beer it is."

"Yay! Then let's all drink together!"

"Let's try to get Senior Brother drunk tonight, then do whatever we want!"

"Then I guess I'll have to pretend to pass out!"

The living room instantly filled with joyful laughter.

Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling took a pack of Budweiser beer from the fridge, opened it, and handed a can to each person. "Come on, sisters, let's first toast to the great Senior Brother Tang Song, thanking him for arranging a job for Zhang Zhang Jiahong!"

"Click—" "Click—"

The beer tabs were pulled, and dense foam instantly bubbled out.

"Cheers!" "Cheers! To the great Senior Brother!"

Accompanied by the clinking of beer cans, the cool, slightly bitter liquid flowed into their mouths, and the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious and cheerful.

The four of them chatted while sitting around the brightly lit living room, clinking glasses and drinking.

Three women make a show, and this was especially true for three lively, cheerful girls in their early twenties.

Tang Song just listened to their "giggles and laughs," feeling as though he had returned to his school days.

Soon, more than half of the beer in his hand was gone.

Seeing that Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu still hadn't arrived, Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling grinned, took a guitar down from the living room shelf.

"There's no subway near where we live, and it's Friday night; Sister Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu must be stuck in traffic. Let Zhang Zhang Jiahong liven things up for us!"

With that, Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling tossed the guitar directly to Zhang Zhang Zhang Jiahong.

Zhang Zhang Zhang Jiahong wasn't shy; she picked up the guitar and began to play.

She sang and played while wandering around the room.

The "ding-ding-dong-dong" sound of the strings, accompanied by a somewhat playful female voice, made the atmosphere in the living room even more joyful.

Leaning back in his chair, Tang Song wore a brilliant smile, clapping along to the rhythm from time to time.

Humans are social animals; after a busy day, drinking, chatting, and singing with these lively and cheerful junior sisters was indeed a relaxing and enjoyable thing.

Seeing the handsome smile on Tang Song's face and his attentive gaze.

Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling felt a surge of excitement, stood up, took the guitar from Zhang Zhang Zhang Jiahong's hands, and moved her chair to sit beside Tang Song.

Smiling brightly, she said, "I'll sing one for Senior Brother too!"

The fragrance of a young girl mixed with the scent of shampoo drifted into his nostrils; Tang Song, full of interest, said, "Great."

Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling hugged the guitar tightly, plucked the strings, and slowly played a few chords. Her movements were slightly unfamiliar, stumbling and not very smooth.

"This..." Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling's face turned crimson; she scratched her head embarrassedly. "That was rash, haha. I haven't played the guitar in two or three years, but I play the piano very well. I'll show Senior Brother sometime if I get the chance."

Having just had a little alcohol, and seeing the appreciative look Tang Song gave Zhang Zhang Zhang Jiahong, she couldn't help but want to show off in front of him.

As a result, she had forgotten that her skill level was somewhat presentable.

Looking at Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling's silly expression, Tang Song burst out laughing with a "puchi."

Immediately after, Zhang Zhang Zhang Jiahong and Li Li Li Shumin also joined in with loud laughter.

"You guys... Aiyah! Stop laughing!" Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling felt she had lost all face, especially in front of Tang Song; she truly wished she could find a hole to crawl into.

Tang Song directly took the guitar from her arms, looked at her, and said with confidence and casualness, "What song do you want to hear? I'll sing it."

"Ah..." Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling's eyes instantly sparkled, and with a face full of wonder, she said, "Senior, you can play the guitar too?"

She knew Tang Song sang very well and drew excellent sketches, but she had never heard him mention playing any musical instrument.

"Of course, do you want to hear?" Tang Song raised his eyebrows.

"I want to hear! I want to hear!" Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling excitedly reached out and shook Tang Song's arm. "Just that snippet of 'I'm Very Good' I played earlier; I really like this song."

Tang Song made an OK gesture, a gentle and handsome smile on his face, leaned back in his chair, and lazily and casually embraced the guitar.

Borrowing a hint of intoxication from the alcohol and feeling the cool air of early autumn, he plucked the strings with his long, lustrous fingers.

Crisp and pleasant musical notes leaped out like lively elves, instantly filling the living room.

Tang Song lowered his head slightly; his high nose bridge, superior eyebrows and eyes, and clear lip line appeared exceptionally charming under the light.

The three junior female students' eyes instantly went straight, their mouths hanging wide open.

They were all art students; besides painting, more or less all of them had been exposed to some vocal music knowledge.

Moreover, many among their classmates were engaged in the music industry, so they could naturally discern the level of Tang Song's guitar playing.

It was absolutely at a professional level, even more outstanding than the teachers at the school.

Just at this moment.

The sound of "dong, dong, dong" knocking on the door rang out.

Yao Yao Yao Yao Lingling quickly came to her senses and whispered in a low cry, "It's Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu."

"I'll go open the door." Zhang Zhang Zhang Jiahong hurriedly stood up and quickly ran toward the doorway.

Soon, the main door opened.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu walked in wearing a black short base layer and tight jeans.

In her left hand, she carried a bag of fruit, and in her right hand, she held a helmet.

It was evident she had come in a great rush; her hair was somewhat disheveled, and crystal-clear sweat stains remained on her forehead.

As their gazes met, Tang Song nodded to Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu who was walking in, and a clear, magnetic voice rang out.

"BGM: Still remember those hobbies that belonged to you, the cuisines and drinks you liked to eat, the habitual movements accompanied by smiles..."

On this night of early autumn, the windows were open, and a cool evening breeze blew against their faces.

The boy quietly playing the guitar blended with the warm and lively atmosphere of friends gathering at this very moment, composing a soul-stirring scene.

Looking at the scene before her eyes, Cheng Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's gaze gradually became dazed, and her heartbeat unconsciously skipped half a beat.

(End of Chapter)