Chapter 481

"Uncle, Auntie, goodbye, you go back now."

Tang Song opened the car door and got into the driver's seat.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting stood outside the car window, her voice gentle: "When you get to the hotel, don't forget to send me a message."

"Mm, bye, see you tomorrow." Tang Song smiled, winked, and gave a thumbs-up.

The engine's hum broke the stillness of the night as the Bentley Mulsanne slowly pulled away.

Watching the red taillights vanish around the corner, Gao Gao Gao Mengting exhaled deeply, bent down, and kicked at the fallen leaves beneath her feet, hiding the deep longing on her face.

"Our daughter's picked up a real treasure!" Gao Jinshan retracted his gaze, beaming. "Tang Song—he's handsome, sharp in speech and action, and so generous and sincere. He's perfect!"

Immediately, Zhao Zhao Suyun's voice rose, excited yet reproachful: "Sun Sun Tingting, how could you not tell us ahead of time about something this big? Your dad and I had zero preparation!"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting blushed slightly, murmuring softly: "It's just started, everything's still unstable—I didn't want Tang Song coming to our place yet."

"What do you mean 'just started'? Such a great guy—you've got to pay attention!" Zhao Zhao Suyun patted her daughter's handback,

her tone brimming with urgency.

"Alright, Mom—" Gao Gao Gao Mengting sighed in resignation.

Gao Jinshan hesitated, then asked quietly: "Sun Sun Tingting, isn't that car Tang Song drives a Bentley? Looks so expensive—isn't it worth a few million?"

He knew little about cars, especially top-tier luxury models—just the brand name, nothing about actual prices.

"A few million? That expensive?!" Zhao Zhao Suyun gasped. "Sun Sun Tingting, Tang Song's family—"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting cut her off: "Enough, Dad, Mom—stop hinting. My affairs are my own."

"Fine."

The three walked upstairs, their footsteps echoing in the narrow space.

Gao Jinshan hummed a cheerful old tune, his steps unusually light, as if he were floating.

He opened the door.

Gao Jinshan rushed to crouch before the two cardboard boxes, his eyes gleaming as if facing a treasure.

Zhao Zhao Suyun couldn't help but scold: "Look at your impatience—you just saw them off and can't sit still. Don't go fumbling and break them!"

"How could I? These are gifts from my son-in-law—I must treasure them!" Gao Jinshan rubbed his palms, picked up a knife, sliced the tape, and opened the boxes one by one.

Six bottles of golden Moutai, rows of bright red Soft Soft Zhonghua cigarettes, neatly arranged.

Gao Jinshan caressed them lovingly, feeling utterly at ease.

After a moment, he eagerly pulled out a pack of Soft Soft Zhonghua, tore it open, took a cigarette between his fingers, lit it with a lighter, and drew a deep breath.

Xu Yanqing half-closed, he exhaled a plume of smoke, his face filled with bliss: "Ah, this taste is truly different!"

Gao Gao Gao Mengting, stepping out of the bathroom, saw this and couldn't help but urge: "Dad, smoke less—it's bad for your health."

"Pfft, you know how strong I am—built like an ox! What's there to worry about?" Gao Jinshan, cigarette dangling, opened a bottle of Feitian Moutai, examining it closely. "Mmm, no wonder it's Moutai—this bottle feels heavy in hand, the packaging is so refined!"

At this moment, he felt he had reached the peak of his life.

Seeing his father like this, Gao Gao Gao Mengting sighed helplessly. "I'm going to sleep now. Once the team-building trip's over, I'll take you and Mom for a full-body checkup."

Her parents were growing older; now that she had the means, she naturally wanted them healthier.

Back in her familiar small bedroom.

Gao Gao Gao Mengting went to her desk, turned on the lamp, and pulled a thick, light-blue notebook from the bookshelf.

She sat on the chair and gently flipped through its pages.

It was her high school diary—not written daily, but only on weekends after returning home from school, when she recorded the small moments of her week.

It held countless beautiful memories.

Then she flipped directly to the last page.

There, she had once listed her "Wish List."

Read at least fifty books per year;

Learn to play the violin;

Open a truly own clothing store, wearing new clothes every day;

Travel to Iceland to see the northern lights;

Find my own "Mr. Darcy."

Under the lamp, Gao Gao Gao Mengting smiled warmly.

She pulled out her favorite pen from the pen holder and checked off the final item.

As a half-idealist, she believed love should be like those beautiful passages in literature—unadorned, yet striking straight to the heart.

Tang Song's appearance was a tiny miracle gifted by fate to her.

Of course, she knew reality wasn't always so perfect.

Like her former clothing store, and the cherished friendships that later shattered over profit disputes.

Would something happen between her and Tang Song in the future? Could they always maintain this feeling?

There was no answer—but she chose to believe in the present, cherish this miracle, and embrace her partner wholeheartedly.

She didn't know how long had passed.

"Ding dong—" a WeChat notification chimed.

【Tang Song: "I've arrived at the hotel. Go to sleep early. Goodnight. Have sweet dreams."】

Gao Gao Gao Mengting smiled softly, replied "Goodnight," set her phone aside, and slipped back under the covers.

The light went out; sweet dreams descended.

The hotel corridor was silent at night.

Clear footsteps approached from afar, finally stopping before a door.

Tang Song turned his head, staring at the door, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

【Growing—88%—】 (Not Sprouted)

The system's tag was practical—only visible when nearby or within his line of sight.

Now, the faintly glowing tag was less than a meter away.

Meaning, Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu was standing right behind the door.

Tang Song's gaze shifted to the peephole; instant guesses formed in his mind.

Probably Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu hadn't slept yet, heard the noise outside, and came to the door on purpose.

His partner had said this cold designer was actually very timid—was she scared alone? Had a nightmare?

Tang Song pressed his lips together, then raised his finger and tapped the door.

"Dong dong dong—" the sound low and rhythmic.

No reply.

"Dong dong dong—"

Tang Song tapped again. Still no response.

But the tag flickered slightly.

【Growing—89%—·】 (Not Sprouted)

Seeing this, Tang Song's eyes brightened. He simply stood by the door, waiting quietly.

Then the tag moved forward, backward, forward again, backward again—repeatedly. Tang Song could almost sense Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's nervousness and hesitation behind the door.

【Growing—90%】 (Not Sprouted)

Yet she still didn't open the door or respond.

After a while, the tag slowly drifted away, vanishing from his sight.

Tang Song's expression darkened slightly, puzzled by Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu's behavior.

After a moment of hesitation, he turned and returned to his own room.

He stripped off his clothes, took a quick shower, brushed his teeth.

Bare-chested, Tang Song lay on the bed, checked his phone—it was nearly 11 p. m.

He turned off the main light, leaving only the nightlight on.

Lying there, he recalled his shy, sensitive partner, a faint smile on his face.

His first meeting with Gao Gao Gao Mengting remained vivid in his memory.

He'd chosen her as his partner not just for her looks, but for the strong impression she'd left him.

He still remembered the scene after signing the "indenture" for the Wuling Wuling Hongguang—Gao Gao Gao Mengting slumped against the A-pillar of the car, biting her lower lip, tears falling "pata pata."

He remembered her earnest words: "Mr. Tang, please treat her well—the rear suspension is a semi-spring, if I weren't strapped for cash, I'd buy it back myself."

This idealistic girl was truly charming, truly lovely.

He cherished this connection with her.

Memories flooded back; Tang Song felt a sudden "midnight emo," slipping into idle thoughts.

Images of beauticians, older sisters, fake socialites, white rich beauties, golden secretaries flashed before him.

After a while, he picked up his phone and opened QQ.

Switched to his "April" alias account. Besides the fan group 【Sister Sister Qingqing Can't Eat Enough】, there was an unread message from Zhang Yan.

The time stamp was 9 a. m. today.

Only one message—a screenshot of a sticky note, containing a few-hundred-word prose.

There was only one message: a shared image generated from a sticky note, containing a few hundred words of prose.

The early autumn in Yangcheng was like a light folk song, carrying the lingering warmth of late summer, mingled with a hint of coolness.

The Whisper of Yangcheng: Su Yu's Emotional Fragments

The early autumn of Yangcheng was like a lively folk ballad, carrying the lingering warmth of late summer, yet threaded with a few hints of coolness.

Today is September 23rd, just after the Autumn Equinox; day and night have finally reached a brief balance. The city remains bustling, and within this rush, I have slowly found my own rhythm.

Lately, my life has felt like a novel opened at random, filled with unexpected plot twists. For instance, I adopted a stray cat. Yes, you heard that right—the me, always afraid of trouble, actually adopted a cat.

It's a small orange-and-white kitten; I named it "Orange."

The day I met it, rain was falling. It was curled up beneath a roadside bush, soaked through, its eyes timid and wary—just like me when I first arrived in Yangcheng.

Orange is very shy. It always hides in the corner, only peeking out when I come home, watching me with those round, curious eyes.

Life is like this—full of trivial details, yet made interesting precisely because of them.

I hope all is well with you.

Zhang Yan, September 23, 2023, Whisper of Yangcheng.

After reading it several times, Tang Song's thoughts seemed carried by Zhang Yan's words to the early autumn of Yangcheng.

He saw the little cat named Orange, wandered through an old bookstore in the historic district, and tasted the grain porridge she had cooked.

His heart gradually grew calm.

He lay on the bed, and before he knew it, fell into a deep sleep.

September 24, 2023, Sunday, light rain turning to cloudy, 15~23°C.

Lanfeng International Luxury Apartment.

In the morning, thunder rumbled faintly outside, raindrops tapping "patter-patter" against the glass.

Lin Empress Mu Xue rose early, tied her hair into a neat bun, changed into light athletic wear, looking fresh and full of energy.

She brewed a cup of black coffee, fully awakening herself.

She smiled at her reflection, turned on the camera, and began recording today's vlog.

Fitness, hygiene, skincare, nutritious breakfast—"These daily nuts are a brand I'm currently collaborating with; they taste great and are perfect for replenishing energy after a workout."

On camera, she moved with elegant, sensual grace, her motions fluid and highly professional.

After finishing the GG script, she continued enjoying her breakfast.

After breakfast, Lin Empress Mu Xue sat at her workstation, opened her MacBook and iPad, reading financial English documents while scribbling notes.

Her expression was focused; occasionally she frowned in thought, occasionally smiled with sudden insight—clearly the image of a corporate elite. Half an hour later.

She turned off the camera, stretched out with a long yawn, and began editing the video.

Now, she has nearly a million followers on Douyin and 35,000 on Opening Opening Xiaohongshu—a true online celebrity. Even without live streaming, she earns over 40,000 Zhao Yuan monthly from commercial posts and GG endorsements.

Her phone on the desk suddenly vibrated, interrupting her thoughts.

【Lin Lin Lin Tiantian】

Seeing the caller ID, Lin Empress Mu Xue's heart leapt; she quickly answered, her voice brimming with unmistakable excitement: "Hello! Good morning, Lin Assistant!"

During their last call, Lin Lin Lin Tiantian mentioned she would come to Yancheng this weekend to help organize her enrollment documents.

It had finally arrived!

"Good morning, Ms. Lin Empress Mu Xue," came a gentle, professional female voice from the receiver. "I'm currently in Yancheng and will meet you today. The items you need to prepare in advance have already been sent to your WeChat. I'll then arrange professionals to assist you—"

"Great, thank you! You've worked hard, Lin Lin Tiantian!"

"You're welcome. I'll leave you to it then. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

After hanging up, Lin Empress Mu Xue let out a cheer, wiggling her legs excitedly, her cheeks flushed.

She waited only a moment.

Lin Lin Lin Tiantian finally sent over the files—all documents she had already prepared, like her ID information and adult bachelor's degree certificate.

She paced back and forth in the living room, thrilled.

Memorized a few words, then went to the bathroom.

Her emotions refused to settle.

Too bad Tang Song wasn't here—if he were, she'd drag him straight to a beautician and challenge him to a thrilling three-person ball game.

As if imagining a scene, Lin Empress Mu Xue licked her lips and pulled the curtains shut.

She lay back down on the bed.

Tang Song wasn't here, but fortunately, she still knew a few water magic spells.

On such a beautiful autumn morning, listening to the rain outside, how could she not indulge in a little romance?

Soon, Tang Song's photo appeared on her phone screen; she placed it beside her pillow.

Lin Empress Mu Xue turned onto her side, gazing at his image.

Her hands began forming intricate hand seals; low, murmured incantations drifted through the quiet bedroom.

Her body rose and fell slightly; her fair skin flushed red, her long legs instinctively curling inward. In the air, moisture gathered, as if responding to her call.

Lin Empress Mu Xue's face turned crimson, her eyes glazed, completely immersed in the world of magic.

At this critical moment, a shrill phone ring pierced the silence.

Tang Song's image vanished from the screen, replaced by the incoming call interface.

【Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian】

Lin Empress Mu Xue, mid-incantation, clenched her teeth and answered the call.

From the other end came the tense voice of the beautician, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian: "Hello? Xiao Xue!"

"What's wrong, darling?" Sensing Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's unease, Lin Empress Mu Xue forcibly interrupted her spell.

"Something's happened!" Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian took a deep breath. "She's here. That woman is here!"

"Huh? What do you mean? Who?" Lin Empress Mu Xue, still clouded by desire, didn't immediately grasp it.

"It's Song Ge's official girlfriend. She's in Yancheng now and wants to meet me at a private club at noon."

Lin Empress Mu Xue's eyes widened sharply; she sat up abruptly. "What? She's here?"

"Yeah, she just called. Xiao Xue, will you come with me? I'm a little—afraid."

Lin Empress Mu Xue's fair chest rose and fell; she bit her lip, voice firm: "No problem. Don't worry, Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian. I'm here—nothing to fear!"

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian exhaled deeply. "Thank you, Xiao Xue. Will you come over soon?"

"Yes, wait a moment—I'll get ready."

"Mm-hmm, no rush. There's plenty of time."

She hung up.

Lin Empress Mu Xue leaned back against the pillows, breathing heavily, building up her courage.

She, Xiao Xue, was also Tang Song's woman! His personal assistant! A specially trained talent!

The beautician was a trust beneficiary!

Together, the two of them carried serious weight!

Even if you were Su Supervisor Tian Di, you wouldn't dare bully us.

Thinking of this, her emotions surged again.

Looking at Tang Song's photo on her phone, the suppressed desire to cast the spell surged back with even greater force.

The magical incantation began again.

At this moment, Lin Empress Mu Xue's emotions reached their peak.

So what if Su Yu? What big scenes hasn't Xiao Xue seen?

Besides, who knows? Maybe when we get to the court later, we'll run into each other.

Then I'll unleash a water-elemental forbidden spell and draw a map right on you!

Hahaha~~

Yanjing Yanjing Yanjing Tiancheng.

"Dong dong—" A crisp knock sounded at the door.

"Enter."

The door opened gently; Lin Lin Lin Tiantian stepped in quietly, speaking respectfully: "Jin Dongshi, arrangements for Lin Empress Mu Xue have been completed."

"Mm, I see," replied Jin Mi Shu, not looking up from her book, her voice calm and slightly languid.

Since she was at home, she was dressed casually.

A loose white T-shirt hung loosely on her, paired with simple shorts, bare feet in soft slippers, her hair loosely tied into a bun, a few strands falling lazily beside her ears.

She sank into the sofa, legs crossed, her skin pale and luminous, elegant and noble.

Seeing Jin Dongshi's stunning beauty, Lin Lin Lin Tiantian's gaze momentarily wandered—until her eyes dropped to the book cover in her hands, and she froze.

How to Make a Man Addicted to You

Below the title, a red label read: "Secrets of the Boudoir."

She never imagined Jin Dongshi would read a book like this!

Her image was crumbling! Hey!

Lin Lin Lin Tiantian forced herself to keep a neutral expression, pretending she hadn't seen a thing.

Just as Lin Lin Lin Tiantian's imagination ran wild, the smart speaker in the master bedroom chimed with a pleasant doorbell, snapping her back.

She quickly regained focus, glanced at the screen, and reported: "Jin Dongshi, it's the property management staff."

Jin Mi Shu flipped a page idly, her tone indifferent: "Go see what it is."

"Yes," Lin Lin Lin Tiantian replied, turning and hurrying out of the master bedroom.

Two minutes passed.

A slightly hurried footstep echoed.

Lin Lin Lin Tiantian ran back into the master bedroom, her face glowing with unmistakable delight: "Jin Dongshi, the property manager says it's a gift ordered by President Tang for you!"

"Oh?" Jin Mishi slightly raised an eyebrow, then swiftly rose from the sofa, her gaze instantly bright and sharp, tone carrying a faint, barely perceptible anticipation: "Where's the gift?"

"Since it's a gift for you, I didn't dare touch it—I had the staff place it at the entrance." Lin Lin Lin Tiantian's expression was exceptionally obedient.

Last time, because of Tang Zong's May 20 gift, she suffered a major setback; only after great effort had she returned to Jin Dong's side,

so naturally she needed to be even more cautious.

What if she accidentally damaged some petals or leaves again?

Jin Mishi ignored her subtle thoughts, stepping lightly toward the exit.

Passing through the living room and corridor, a bouquet of blooming roses came into view alongside the entrance.

Jin Mishi's steps gradually slowed, her gaze settling on the bouquet, a deep joy flickering in her eyes.

Ninety-nine roses, each meticulously trimmed, arranged in graceful layers, petals plump and vibrant, emitting a faint, sweet fragrance.

Her fingers gently brushed the soft petals, trembling slightly, as if touching a precious treasure.

Then, her eyes fell upon the delicate card nestled in the center of the bouquet.

Her movement paused slightly; she reached out, picked up the card, and unfolded it gently.

【Roses are romantic when given to you; I am whole because of you】

【I love you—irreplaceable】

Jin Mishi's gaze lingered on the card, her fingertips lightly tracing the words, as if she could feel Tang Song's warmth through the paper.

Unconsciously, a smile curved her lips, her eyes slightly dreamy.

Lin Lin Lin Tiantian stood to the side, secretly observing Jin Dong's expression, her heart filled with countless thoughts.

After a long while,

Jin Mishi carefully tucked the card away, then gently lifted the bouquet of roses, lowering her head to inhale their fragrance.

Turning around, she said calmly: "Find me a few vases and arrange this bouquet in them separately."

Lin Lin Lin Tiantian nodded quickly: "Yes, Jin Dong, I'll take care of it right away."

"Wait." Jin Mishi suddenly called out to her.

Lin Lin Lin Tiantian halted. "Jin Dong, is there anything else?"

"Take a photo for me." Jin Mishi opened the card and placed it in the center of the roses.

"Got it!"

Lin Lin Lin Tiantian swiftly pulled out her phone and opened the camera.

"Click—" The image froze.

Jin Mishi held the ninety-nine roses, her face lit with a heart-stopping smile.

"Send me the photo," Jin Mishi whispered softly, then stepped lightly toward the bedroom, her back revealing a rare, buoyant joy.

Lin Lin Lin Tiantian stared at the photo on her phone, as if finally understanding the intent behind it.

Love truly is a magical thing—it could turn Jin Dong into this!

Wushan, Shanhai Pass Scenic Area.

The ancient city wall, built of blue bricks and gray tiles, stretched out like a slumbering dragon of a thousand years.

Tang Song stood beneath the gate tower inscribed with "The First Pass Under Heaven," gazing up at the powerful, vigorous characters, a profound, indescribable awe rising within him.

At that moment,

"!" The system's light screen suddenly unfolded.

【September 24, 2023, your actions indirectly triggered a fierce conflict between the character "Su Yu" and the character "Jin Mishi." "Su Yu" has entered a state of intense emotional turmoil and self-doubt.】

【You have completed the hidden quest: "Su Yu's Emotional Breakdown."】

【You have obtained the special item: "Su Yu's Emotional Fragment."】

【Su Yu's Emotional Fragment】: Upon use, triggers an interactive quest related to the character, helping stabilize the character's emotions and increase affinity. Upon quest completion, you will receive skills or related rewards tied to the character.

【Note: This interactive quest will affect the real-world character. Please proceed with caution.】

Tang Song's brow twitched sharply, his lips involuntarily twitching.

I just sent a bouquet of roses—how did this turn into such a big deal?

Fierce conflict? Self-doubt? Is that really necessary?

What exactly did Jin Mishi do to Su Yu?