Chapter 479: Social Death Scene, Divine Boyfriend

Luxury yacht at sea, beach volleyball, name-tag tearing, seafood steam buffet, underwater world, Golden Coast, Lonely 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, inevitably creating some distance between them.

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

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, her eyes sweeping over her colleagues, her face glowing with satisfaction.

For her, Songmei Apparel was something she and Tang Song had built from scratch; 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 playing on his lips as he leaned closer, his voice low: "But tonight, how about we go for a drink and a walk together?"

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

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

After the three-day trip, she wouldn't immediately return to Yan City; 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 hoped to find an opportunity to bask in the warmth by visiting the filming location of "Snowy Night's Early Mist" with 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 soft laugh and whispered, "Relax—it's a girl! My childhood best friend. We've known each other for over ten years."

"Alright, you can 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 sparkling 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 but curl upward.

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

HR Zhang Ying spoke enthusiastically: "Everyone, remember to rest, take a shower, and avoid random snacks—tonight we've got a barbecue!"

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 traffic.

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

【Cultivation in Progress—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 significantly.

Noticing Tang Song's gaze, Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's eyes flickered with unease; she turned slightly, 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."

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

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

Tang Song chuckled twice, casually brushing her arm. "Alright, just kidding. Come on, QQ, go pack up—prep 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 looked up 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 key, she unlocked the door and dashed inside.

"Thud—"

As the door shut, she exhaled deeply.

She set 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, Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu, 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. "Honestly, I've missed you so much after all this time. 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 prohibited from entering to shoot short videos or livestreams—approval is required.

A livestream e-commerce company like Songmei Apparel would almost certainly be denied.

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 an excellent opportunity.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

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

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

【Cultivation in Progress—82%—】 (Not Sprouted)

Damn! Progress increased by 1%!

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

Tang Song walked right in, turning to face her. "Can't I just chat with you? 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."

"Alright." 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 over time."

"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, surging through 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, gently, endlessly.

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

【Cultivation in Progress—83%】 (Not Sprouted)

The taxi slowed to a stop by the roadside.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting stepped out, bag in hand, her gaze sweeping over 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 stickiness of candied chestnuts.

She moved slowly with the crowd.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting's gaze softened as she observed the shops and stalls, immersed in the familiar, comforting bustle of home.

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

But more than anything, the old familiar faces remained—like that Fuxing 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 icy drinks—she loved it to death.

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 owner 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's gaze swept 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 warm.

"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—want 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! I 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 drinking and eating with me—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, took a sip: "Go on."

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

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

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, close friends.

Chen Chen Zhengyu was their classmate—tall, handsome, smart, and wildly popular at school.

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

After graduation, both worked in Wushan.

Hou Hou Feifei went all out—constantly checking on him, treating him to meals, booking movie tickets—classic female puppy-love behavior.

Of course, Chen Chen Zhengyu had shown her some affection too; they'd remained in that ambiguous zone—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.

"Stop teasing me!" Hou Hou Feifei glared at her, gritting her teeth: "The problem 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 dragged him right in front of me to show off their love! I'm so pissed!"

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

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

Back in high school, she bullied other girls frequently—even Gao Gao Gao Mengting had clashed with her.

Chen Chen Zhengyu, by contrast, was the model student, attending a top-tier 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's a manager at her family's company, driving a Porsche, constantly inviting old classmates to dinners to show off.

Hou Hou Feifei was dragged along to two of these gatherings, but due to their past conflicts, they couldn't even talk. Plus, she hated Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian's haughty attitude—and recently had an outright argument with her.

So the idea that her long-time crush was now dating Lu Qian Qian Qian Qian made Hou Hou Feifei feel utterly sick.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting listened quietly, occasionally murmuring words of comfort.

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

"Don't rush—oil it first, then sprinkle 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 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 kept drifting toward the shy Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu beside him.

⊙￠o

【Growing: 88%—】 (Not Sprouted)

Through his deliberate intimacy—especially after grilling for her personally—the 【Dream Flower Seed】's growth rate surged to 88%.

But now it had stalled.

To make another leap, he'd probably need to go all out—like a "deep kiss" or "strong embrace."

Of course, Tang Song was a gentleman—he wouldn't be so inappropriate toward his friend and employee.

Besides, given Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's previous progress, the growth was already decent; with luck, the seed might sprout and connect tomorrow.

Just as he was lost in thought—

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

Tang Song picked it up, glanced, and smiled faintly.

【Wen Wen Ruan: "You ignored me all day—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 heartbeat quickened, his mouth went dry.

The big sister had just finished working out—her fitness gear soaked in sweat, clinging and translucent.

Her full chest, rounded hips, and defined abs—all clearly visible on camera.

At the end of the clip, Wen Wen Ruan pulled her pants down slightly—Tang Song nearly lost control.

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

Seeing this message, Tang Song's breath grew rapid—he replied quickly: "Sis, we can video call tonight—I'll guide you through 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, he'd definitely drag her into a room to discuss the use of a kettle.

Judging from her previous reactions, his partner had already met the conditions to unlock more positions—she wouldn't reject this level of contact.

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

If this were a normal romantic relationship, he should visit her parents in Wushan.

But Gao Gao Gao Mengting was considerate—she never brought it up, never 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 a single message.

As her boyfriend, he should check in.

Outside, the sky darkened further; the streets glowed with bright lights.

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 green with envy."

"Mm!" Hou Hou Feifei's cheeks flushed as she raised her glass: "Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Glasses clinked.

Hou Hou Feifei gulped down several sips of beer, then made another bold declaration.

But her mood sank again: "Honestly, I really loved Chen Chen Zhengyu—he was the best guy I ever met, the most perfect match for my taste."

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

That's why she'd willingly endured being strung along—always clinging to the fantasy that they might end up together.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting reached out and patted her shoulder. "There are plenty of men more outstanding and handsome than him—you've just never bothered to meet them."

Hearing her friend's words, Hou Hou Feifei lifted her head, curious: "Sun Sun Tingting, from the way you're talking, do you know a guy like that?"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting blinked, and instantly, the image of her partner flashed through her mind; a faint, elusive smile curled 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 at her intently, then suddenly exclaimed: "Is he your boyfriend?!"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting's body tensed, but she quickly regained composure, her expression calm as she denied: "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 only bring a flood of trouble—and possibly even cause conflict with Tang Song.

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

"Really, there isn't!" Gao Gao Gao Mengting took off her gloves and stood up. "I've had 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 about this felt more complicated than it seemed.

Just then, 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? My 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've heard Sun Sun Tingting mention you. You're Hou Feifei, right? Hi, I'm Tang Song."

Hou Hou Feifei's eyes sparkled. "Oh! Hi, Tang Song! Here's the thing—Sun Sun Tingting's had too much to drink and's vomiting in the restroom. 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 he looks like!

At the beach barbecue.

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

Cheng Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu looked up immediately. "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 in the corner.

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

Sensing someone approach, she looked up 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 made sure everything was arranged.

"I'll use it."

"Alright." Liu Liu Liu Jiayi didn't ask questions; she pulled out her keys and handed them over with crisp efficiency.

The two walked to the 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.

Just as he set the navigation, 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; his hand instinctively tightened on the steering wheel.

Jin Jin Dongshi came to Yan City?!

He immediately realized: Jin Jin Dongshi must have known he was currently in Wushan, and chose this moment deliberately.

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

He took a deep breath and murmured: "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 spoke playfully, mischievously: "Five times."

"Deal."

"Hmph. You agreed so easily. Clearly, people are different—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. Big sister really had a habit.

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