Chapter 478: Ten Times

A luxury yacht sets sail, beach volleyball, name-tag tearing, a seafood steam buffet, an underwater world, the Golden Coast, a solitary library.

On the return bus, though everyone was somewhat tired, the atmosphere was unusually lively, filled with laughter and chatter.

Songmei Apparel was founded not long ago; most employees had only just been confirmed in their positions, and many were new hires, so there was inevitably some distance between them.

This team-building activity also served as a breakthrough in breaking the ice among employees.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting leaned back against her seat, gazing out the window at the sunset, a faint smile on her face.

Tang Song handed her a bottle of water and asked with concern, "Tired? You had a lot of fun today."

"Tired, but so happy—it's wonderful!" Gao Gao Gao Mengting took a sip of the water, glanced around at her colleagues, and smiled with satisfaction.

For her, Songmei Apparel was something she and Tang Song had built up bit by bit; now, bringing so many employees back to her hometown for team-building filled her with genuine pride.

It felt like returning home in glory.

"It really is enjoyable," Tang Song nodded, a slight smile on his lips, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he leaned closer and whispered, "But tonight, would you like to go for a drink and a walk together again?"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting's cheeks flushed slightly; she bit her lower lip and shot him a glare, then added with a touch of smugness, "You'll be disappointed—I've already made plans to meet up with some high school classmates tonight, and I'll be staying over at home."

Besides the company team-building, her greatest wish in coming to Wushan was to visit her parents and see old friends.

After the three-day trip, she wouldn't return to Yancheng immediately; instead, she planned to stay a few more days, waiting until after the Mid-Autumn Festival to leave—partly to spend time with family, partly to wait for the next batch of employees.

She wanted to see if she could snag some buzz by hanging around the filming location of "Snowy Night's First Mist" with the livestreamer He He He Yiyi.

Hearing Gao Gao Gao Mengting's words, Tang Song raised an eyebrow. "Oh? High school classmates? Male or female?"

"Hmm—" Gao Gao Gao Mengting narrowed her eyes, deliberately teasing, tapping her chin with a fingertip. "Well… guess?"

Seeing Tang Song fall silent, lost in thought, she finally burst into a quiet laugh and lowered her voice to explain, "Relax—it's a girl! My childhood best friend. We've known each other for over a decade."

"Alright, you're allowed to go."

Gao Gao Gao Mengting gave him a light slap, pretending to be annoyed. "Why do I need your permission?"

"Gao Zong, you're here for team-building," Tang Song said seriously, adjusting his posture, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "As company president, it's my duty to monitor your schedule and safety. If anything happened, the responsibility would be mine."

Gao Gao Gao Mengting snorted twice, turning her face back to the window, though her lips couldn't help curling upward.

The bus followed the coastal road northward, slowly entering the Shangri-La Hotel.

Personnel Zhang Ying called out enthusiastically, "Everyone, remember to rest, take a shower, avoid random snacks, and don't forget—we've got a barbecue tonight!"

Everyone cheered and began filing into the hotel.

"See you, Xuejie, drive safely."

"Bye."

Gao Gao Gao Mengting bid them farewell and hailed a taxi.

She watched the taxi vanish into the traffic.

Tang Song turned to look at Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu beside him, his gaze lingering for a moment on her head.

【Cultivating—81%—】 (Not Sprouted)

The cultivation progress was much slower than expected.

Perhaps because the team-building had been so pleasant, and the lively atmosphere had lifted her spirits considerably.

Noticing Tang Song's gaze, Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's eyes flickered with unease; she subtly turned her body, staring at the sea surface bathed in sunset.

Tang Song smiled and asked, "QQ, I heard from Gao Gao Mengting that you're especially timid—will you be okay sleeping alone tonight?"

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu shook her head. "I'm fine."

Watching her cold, aloof demeanor, Tang Song couldn't resist teasing, "If you're scared, you can call me to come sleep with you."

"Ah!" Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu gasped; her fair face flushed visibly. "I'm not scared."

Tang Song chuckled twice, casually brushing her arm. "Alright, just kidding. Come on, QQ, let's go pack up and get ready for tonight's BBQ."

Watching his back, Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu bit her lip and hurried after him.

In the quiet elevator, only the two of them remained.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu lifted her head and met Tang Song's clear, dark eyes.

Their gazes met, carrying an inexplicable weight.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's heart accelerated involuntarily; her hands clenched tightly before her.

"Ding—" The elevator stopped at the 19th floor.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu lowered her head and quickened her steps, clearly terrified of being alone with Tang Song.

Fumbling in her backpack for her room card, unlocking the door, she dashed inside.

"Thud—"

As the door shut, she exhaled deeply.

She placed her backpack aside and sat on the bed, staring blankly.

His words—"sleep with you"—still echoed in her mind.

Though she knew it was just a friend's joke, for some reason, she couldn't help but care deeply.

"Ding-ding-ding—" Her phone rang suddenly, shattering her thoughts.

【Xu An】

She answered. "Hello, Xu An."

"Hey QQ, I just finished shooting a scene and have a few days off. Are you free tonight? I'll come see you."

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu paused, then said, "I have a group activity tonight—I can't miss it."

"Oh? Alright," Xu An changed tack. "How about tomorrow night? I have a friend who knows our external production team—he can help coordinate with your company. There might be a chance to livestream from the filming site."

Hearing this, Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Xu An. I'll tell my supervisor."

"OK, it's a deal," Xu An's voice grew cheerful. "To be honest, I've missed you so much after all this time—I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu didn't respond, whispering, "I have to go pack now."

"Mm, alright, bye."

After hanging up, Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu quickly washed up, changed clothes, and happily told Gao Gao Gao Mengting the news.

During filming, outsiders are generally not allowed to shoot short videos or livestream without approval.

As a livestream e-commerce company like Songmei Apparel, approval would be nearly impossible.

But if someone from external production or the director helped, it would be much easier.

They could enter under the guise of promotion—even just filming a few clips of He He He Yiyi "visiting the set" could generate significant buzz.

For Songmei Apparel, currently building its brand, this was undoubtedly a great opportunity.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

Tang Song's voice followed from outside: "It's me."

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu startled, quickly stood up, hesitated, smoothed her damp hair, then slowly opened the door. Tang Song's gaze instinctively swept toward her head.

【Cultivating—82%—】 (Not Sprouted)

Damn! Progress increased by 1%!

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu, flustered, asked, "Zong, what do you need?"

Tang Song walked right in, turned to face her, and said, "Can't I just chat with you if I have nothing else to do? Seems you don't consider me a friend."

"No, that's not it!" Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu looked up anxiously. "I just—I just wanted to ask, nothing else."

She had few friends, but Tang Song was undoubtedly one of the most important.

"There's still time before the barbecue. Let's sit and talk a bit."

"Okay." Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu nodded and sat beside Tang Song on the lounge sofa.

Looking at the cold, elegant face across from him, Tang Song suddenly asked curiously, "I heard artists have calluses on their hands—is that true?"

"Yes," Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu replied seriously. "Constant contact and friction with brushes cause calluses."

"Can I see yours?"

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu froze, then obediently extended her right hand, deliberately showing him her fingertips.

"Really?" Tang Song reached out and took her hand, his long, smooth fingers gently tracing the calluses.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu stiffened, instinctively pulling back—but it didn't work.

"Don't be nervous—I'm just curious. I practice sketching too, but I don't hold the brush much, so I don't have any." Tang Song placed her hand in his palm, smiling at her.

A tingling warmth spread from her hand, instantly flooding her entire body.

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's lips trembled; her mind spun dizzily, unable to speak a word.

She could only let their hands rub and touch,

This was her first real hand-holding with a boy—and it was Tang Song, her Xuejie's boyfriend.

【Cultivating—83%—】 (Not Sprouted)

The taxi slowed to a stop by the roadside.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting stepped out, bag in hand, scanning the bustling street before her—her face instantly lit up with a bright smile.

This was a famous snack street in Wushan, existing since she was seven or eight.

Her junior and senior high schools were nearby; this street was part of her cherished student memories.

At night, the snack street glowed brightly, crowded with people, vendors shouting, the clatter of spatulas, and the honking of electric scooters.

The air was thick with the smoky aroma of grilled skewers, the savory scent of iron-grilled squid, and the sweet, sticky smell of candied chestnuts.

She moved slowly with the crowd.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting's gaze gently swept over the shops and stalls, savoring the familiar, comforting bustle of home.

It had been over a year since she last came—many new stores had opened.

But more than anything, the old familiar faces remained—like Fu Xing Seafood Grill.

Although the name sounds grand, it's actually just a slightly spacious street-side shop.

Every holiday or weekend, this place is always packed with people.

When she was a child, Gao Gao Gao Mengting often came here with classmates for meals, ordering a few plates of seafood barbecue and chilled drinks—she loved it dearly.

She pushed open the glass door.

A warm wave of mixed seafood aroma and charcoal smoke rushed toward her.

"Oh my, isn't this Gao Gao Mengting?" The boss behind the cash register grinned and called out in a Northeastern accent: "Long time no see! You've gotten even prettier—how's work? Busy?"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting was amused by his enthusiasm and laughed back: "Uncle Zhang, you still know how to flatter people! Work's fine, not busy."

After exchanging a few pleasantries,

Gao Gao Gao Mengting scanned the room and quickly spotted her good friend, Hou Hou Feifei, sitting by the window.

They hadn't seen each other in Qiba months, yet she hadn't changed much.

Wearing a long-sleeved T-shirt, her round face framed by round glasses still looked cute and approachable.

"Sun Sun Tingting! Sun Sun Tingting! Over here!"

Noticing Gao Gao Gao Mengting enter, Hou Hou Feifei immediately stood up and waved vigorously.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting walked over quickly and gave her friend a firm hug. "Long time no see, Hou Feifei—I missed you so much."

"Finally, you're here! Took forever!" Hou Hou Feifei studied her, surprised. "Sun Sun Tingting, you look radiant—your aura is so good!"

"Haha, buttering me up like this? Trying to get me to treat you?"

"No, I'm serious! Wow, being your own boss really suits you—you've got that vibe now."

After chatting a bit, Hou Hou Feifei gestured: "Sit down already—I've already ordered, let's dig in!"

The small table was piled high.

Garlic scallops, spicy stir-fried clams, iron-plate squid, lamb skewers, and a plate of spicy crayfish.

"Can you even finish all this?"

"Pfft, my appetite's been great lately."

As they spoke, the two sat facing each other.

Hou Hou Feifei placed a chilled beer in front of her. "Tonight, you're treating me to a feast—thank goodness you came, or I'd have burst from Biequ."

Gao Gao Gao Mengting studied her expression and asked gently: "What happened? I could tell something was off when you called."

"Come on, first let's drink one—my heart's been aching." Hou Hou Feifei shook her beer can.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting sighed and clinked her can against it, took a sip, and said: "Go on."

Hou Hou Feifei pouted, her face full of resentment: "Chen Chen Zhengyu has a girlfriend."

Gao Gao Gao Mengting blinked, then laughed and clapped. "Great! Your puppy-love journey finally ended—congratulations!"

She and Hou Hou Feifei grew up in the same neighborhood and had known each other since childhood.

They were even in the same high school class and were very close friends.

Chen Chen Zhengyu was their classmate—tall, handsome, and a top student, extremely popular at school.

Hou Hou Feifei had secretly liked him since high school, bringing him snacks, chatting with him, writing little notes.

After graduation, both worked in Wushan.

Hou Hou Feifei became even more eager, constantly checking on him, occasionally treating him to meals or booking movie tickets—she was a textbook female puppy-lover.

Of course, Chen Chen Zhengyu had also shown her some affection; they'd remained in an ambiguous stage—friends with benefits, but not quite dating.

Over the past two years, Hou Hou Feifei had nearly been strung along until she was a hooked fish.

"Oh, stop teasing me!" Hou Hou Feifei glared at her, gritting her teeth. "The real issue is—he's dating Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian. Chen Chen Zhengyu knows I hate Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian, yet he still got together with her—and worse, Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian even dragged him in front of me to show off their affection. I'm so pissed!"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting froze, frowning: "They're together? Chen Chen Zhengyu—he—"

Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian was also their classmate, but with terrible grades—a classic "bad student."

In high school, she'd bullied other girls frequently; even Gao Gao Gao Mengting had clashed with her before.

Chen Chen Zhengyu, by contrast, was the model student, attending a prestigious university.

She never imagined these two would end up together.

"Chen Chen Zhengyu's a jerk!" Hou Hou Feifei fumed. "I finally see it—he was just using me as a backup!"

Then, while devouring seafood, she began venting to Gao Gao Gao Mengting.

After graduating high school, Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian went straight to Australia to study abroad and only returned to Wushan last year.

Now she holds a leadership position in her family's company, drives a Porsche, and frequently invites old classmates to dinners to show off.

Hou Hou Feifei was dragged along to two such gatherings, but due to their past conflicts, they couldn't connect at all—and she hated Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian's haughty attitude. She'd even argued with her recently.

So the idea that her long-time crush had chosen Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian made Hou Hou Feifei feel utterly sick.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting listened quietly, offering soft words of comfort now and then.

A bonfire blazed on the beach, its orange-yellow flames dancing, casting a warm, bright glow around them.

"Don't rush—brush on some oil first, then sprinkle the seasoning, or it'll burn."

"Try my grilled pork belly—it'll crush the whole place!"

Employees of Songmei Apparel sat in small groups around the barbecue grill, laughing and joking; the air was thick with the scent of charcoal, cumin, and seafood.

Tang Song sat on a camping chair, holding a skewer of beef.

His gaze occasionally drifted toward the shy Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu beside him.

【Cultivation 88%—】 (Not Sprouted)

Through his deliberate intimacy—especially after personally grilling her several dishes—the 【Dream Flower Seed】's cultivation progress surged to 88%.

But since hitting this point, it's stalled.

To make another leap forward, he might need to go all-in—like a "strong kiss" or an "embrace."

Of course, Tang Song was a gentleman; he'd never be so inappropriate toward his friend and employee.

Besides, given Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's previous progress, it was already moving steadily—if luck held, the seed might sprout and establish a connection tomorrow.

Just as he was lost in thought,

"Vibrating—" His phone suddenly buzzed in his pocket.

Tang Song picked it up, glanced at the screen, and smiled faintly.

【Wen Wen Ruan: "You ignored me all day—were you having too much fun with your company's beauties?"】

Tang Song took his phone, snapped a photo of the scene ahead, and sent it: "There are plenty of beauties, but none as sexy and beautiful as you. I miss you."

【Wen Wen Ruan: You're being sensible (emoji)】

【Wen Wen Ruan: Selfie video. video】

Tang Song muted his phone and opened the video.

Instantly, his heart raced and his throat went dry.

The big sister had just finished working out—her fitness gear soaked through with sweat, clinging and revealing.

Her full chest, rounded hips, and defined abs all appeared on screen.

At the end of the clip, Wen Wen Ruan pulled her pants down slightly—Tang Song couldn't take it.

【Wen Wen Ruan: "Just finished working out—feeling restless. Too bad you're useless—I guess I'll have to use some magic tools (#wink)"】

Seeing this message, Tang Song's breathing quickened. He replied swiftly: "Sister, we can video call tonight—I'll guide you on how to cast the spell."

【Wen Wen Ruan: "No way—that'd be too embarrassing."】

They flirted for a few more messages.

Tang Song was stirred up by the big sister—he was so aroused his abs had gone stiff.

Too bad he was far away in Wushan.

If Gao Gao Gao Mengting were here, Tang Song would definitely drag her into a room to discuss the proper use of a kettle.

Judging by her previous reactions, his partner had already met the conditions to unlock more positions—she clearly didn't mind this level of contact.

Thinking of Gao Gao Gao Mengting, Tang Song's gaze flickered.

If this were a normal romantic relationship, he should have visited her parents during this trip to Wushan.

But Gao Gao Gao Mengting was considerate—she never brought it up, nor demanded any promises from him.

After thinking it over, Tang Song found her contact and dialed directly.

He didn't know if she'd gotten home yet—she hadn't sent him any messages.

As her boyfriend, he should check in.

Outside, the sky grew darker, the streets lit up brightly.

Fuxing Seafood Grill.

Several empty beer cans now littered the table.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting pinched Hou Hou Feifei's cheek. "You're so lovely—find a guy better than Chen Chen Zhengyu,

Make him regret it, make Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian jealous of you."

"Mm!" Hou Hou Feifei blushed, raising her cup. "Cheers!"

The clink of cups echoed.

Hou Hou Feifei gulped down several swallows of beer and declared a few bold statements.

But her mood gradually sank again. "Honestly, I really loved Chen Chen Zhengyu—he was the most outstanding guy I'd ever met, and the most perfect match for my taste."

In her eyes, Chen Chen Zhengyu was flawless—handsome, a graduate of a top-tier university, a mid-level manager at a foreign company, with a generous salary.

That's why she'd willingly endured being strung along—always clinging to the fantasy of being with him.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting patted her shoulder. "There are plenty of guys more outstanding and handsome than him—you just haven't met them yet."

Listening to her best friend's words, Hou Hou Feifei lifted her head, curiously asking: "Sun Sun Tingting, from the way you're talking, do you know a guy like this?"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting blinked, instantly picturing her partner's face in her mind, a faint smile tugging at her lips: "Of course."

Hou Hou Feifei's eyes lit up; she leaned closer, excited: "Then introduce him to me right away! We're best friends—why let the good water flow to someone else's field? If you've got a resource like this, you've got to prioritize me!"

"Uh—" Gao Gao Gao Mengting's eye twitched; she awkwardly shook her head. "Let's talk about that another time."

"Wait! You're acting weird!" Hou Hou Feifei stared straight at her, then suddenly realized: "Is he your boyfriend?"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting's body tensed, but she quickly regained her composure, calmly denying: "What are you imagining? There's nothing like that."

Hou Hou Feifei lived in the same residential complex as Gao Gao Gao Mengting, and they were close. If she found out, it would be the same as telling her parents.

That would definitely bring a flood of trouble—and maybe even cause some conflict with Tang Song.

But Hou Hou Feifei wouldn't let up; she fixed Gao Gao Gao Mengting with a piercing gaze: "Really? Look me in the eye and say it—you can't lie to me!"

"Truly nothing!" Gao Gao Gao Mengting took off her gloves and stood up. "I drank too much beer—I'm going to the restroom. You eat first."

She turned and walked toward the restroom.

Watching her slightly flustered back, Hou Hou Feifei frowned slightly; something felt off.

At that moment, a buzzing vibration sounded—Hou Hou Feifei glanced over. It was Gao Gao Gao Mengting's phone, left on the table in her haste.

【Tang Song】

A man's name.

Hou Hou Feifei couldn't suppress her curiosity; she reached out and answered the call.

"Hello? Dear partner, finished dinner with your friends?" A deep, magnetic male voice came through the speaker, laced with concern and intimacy.

Hou Hou Feifei's dazed mind snapped awake; she ventured cautiously: "Hello, I'm Sun Sun Tingting's best friend. Who are you? Sun Sun Tingting's boyfriend?"

"Uh—yeah, I am. Gao Gao Mengting mentioned you before—Hou Feifei, right? Hi, I'm Tang Song."

Hou Hou Feifei's eyes sparkled. "Oh! Nice to meet you, Tang Song! Here's the thing—Sun Sun Tingting drank too much and's now vomiting in the bathroom. I can't handle her alone. Could you come over? And maybe take her home?"

"Oh? Drunk? Got it. Where are you? I'm on my way!"

"Just navigate to Fuxing Seafood Grill—it's in the development zone."

After hanging up, Hou Hou Feifei took a deep breath, her eyes gleaming with barely contained excitement.

You sneaky Sun Sun Tingting! You hid this from me too!

A boyfriend? Better than Chen Chen Zhengyu? I've got to see what this guy looks like!

The beach barbecue scene.

Tang Song put down his phone and turned. "Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu, Gao Gao Mengting has something come up—I'll go check on her. You guys keep having fun."

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu immediately looked up. "Do you need help?"

"No, it's fine. I'm off. Bye."

Tang Song waved and walked straight toward Liu Liu Liu Jiayi, who stood quietly in the corner.

She was watching the lively barbecue scene but hadn't joined in.

Sensing someone approach, she lifted her gaze and murmured: "Boss Tang."

"Liu Liu Jiayi, I remember you have a car here, right?"

"Yes, parked at the Shangri-La parking lot," Liu Liu Liu Jiayi nodded.

As Tang Song's driver and head of security, she naturally arranged everything in advance.

"I'll use it."

Liu Liu Liu Jiayi didn't ask questions; she pulled out her keys and handed them over, swift and decisive.

The two walked to a nearby parking lot.

Tang Song pressed the remote key; with a crisp unlocking chime, the elegant Bentley Mulsanne's lights flickered on.

He opened the door, slid into the driver's seat, and started the engine. The deep, resonant roar instantly filled the cabin.

He'd just set the navigation when his phone rang again.

【Wen Wen Ruan】

Tang Song answered, his voice gentle: "Hello, Ruannuan, what's up?"

"Hello, Tang Song," Wen Wen Ruan paused, then continued: "There's something I've been thinking about—I should tell you."

Tang Song raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Jin Jin Dongshi has arrived in Yan City."

Those few words sent a jolt through Tang Song; he instinctively gripped the steering wheel tighter.

Jin Mi Shu came to Yan City?!

Then he realized—Jin Mi Shu must have known he was currently in Wushan, which was why she chose this moment to arrive in Yan City.

Though a powerful urge surged within him to rush back immediately, he forcibly suppressed his emotions.

He took a deep breath and whispered: "Thank you, sister. I understand."

Wen Wen Ruan deliberately stretched her tone, testing: "Do you want to know where she's staying?"

Tang Song paused. "Where?"

Wen Wen Ruan said playfully, mischievously: "Five times."

"Deal."

"Hmph. You agreed so easily. Clearly, people aren't all the same—I'll never measure up to her."

Tang Song sighed helplessly. "Alright, baby, I'm sorry."

"Then—ten times?"

"Uh—sister, you—"

"Aaaahhh—my life is so hard—"

"Deal!" Tang Song's eye twitched. This older sister really had a habit.

Wen Wen Ruan chuckled softly, then spoke languidly: "I heard from Lady Sister Sister Shangguan Qiu Ya that she went to Yan City's Yanjing Yanjing Tiancheng to report to Jin Jin Dongshi. I didn't ask for details—I think you know better than I do."

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