Chapter 552

The Ducati V4s slowed to a halt, the roar of its engine still echoing in the ears.

Qiuqiu, who had been clinging to Tang Song's back, felt as if she had just awakened from a dream.

She hurriedly let go of Tang Song's waist and nimbly hopped off the bike.

Her body was extremely supple, and with her background in dance, her movements were a delight to watch, as light as a cat.

Tang Song took off his helmet, looked at Qiuqiu standing there awkwardly, and laughed, "How was it? My skills aren't bad, right?"

"Ve-very professional." Qiuqiu's gaze drifted into the distance, the tips of her ears turning red. "Much better than mine."

"Do you want to try a test ride? Your skills aren't bad either."

As he spoke, Tang Song's gaze inadvertently swept over her tight-fitting pencil pants.

It had to be said, this designer friend of his really had a great figure.

Although not overly exaggerated, she had a curvy silhouette and long legs—a standard manga-style figure.

Tang Song's very first impression of her was that image of Qiuqiu riding a motorcycle.

Qiuqiu hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting away as she said, "Wait until you get the license plates sorted; there will be plenty of opportunities later anyway. Um, I'm going to the restroom first."

After saying this, Qiuqiu lowered her head, gripped her crossbody bag tightly, and practically ran away from the scene.

She followed the signs into the women's restroom, and as the stall lock clicked shut,

Qiuqiu's breathing became rapid.

His voice seemed to linger in her ears: "Hold on tight, sit steady."

Along with the warmth of his back, the lines of his muscles, and the lingering heat of his palms—everything intertwined into an indescribable flutter.

A good while passed.

She patted her chest and slowly sat down on the toilet.

Lowering her head, she looked at the faint marks on her clothes and bit her lip hard.

It was the second time, and the reaction was much more intense than the last.

For her, this feeling rarely occurred.

Recalling that flutter and warmth just now, spreading from her waist and abdomen all the way to her heart.

Qiuqiu pressed her legs tightly together.

She felt so ashamed she could barely lift her head, yet at the same time, an indescribable joy surged within her.

Because this proved that her condition was indeed improving.

Qiuqiu quickly finished up and walked out of the stall.

She went to the sink, cupped cold water in her hands, and splashed it on her face, trying to cool down her burning skin.

A few minutes later, when she dawdled her way back to the showroom,

Tang Song had already taken off his riding gear. Because of the helmet, his hair was slightly messy, which instead made him look even more languid and relaxed.

He looked exactly like the male lead in a high-end luxury brand's GG campaign.

Their eyes met, and Tang Song's lips curled upward. Qiuqiu hurriedly looked away and walked up to him.

"It'll take half a day to get the plates and transfer the title, and it's almost noon now. Shall we go eat? Is there anything you want to eat?"

Although it was Saturday, some vehicle management offices were still open, but they were crowded. Even with Hengda Dealership's internal channels, it would still take five or six hours to get it done.

Qiuqiu said in a low voice, "Whatever you want to eat, I—I'll just listen to you."

"Alright, let's go. I'll take you to eat something good." Tang Song chuckled and didn't say anything more.

Qiuqiu whispered an "Mm," and the two walked side by side toward the exit.

Tang Song took out his phone to check the route and suddenly laughed, "There's a direct bus, and it's arriving soon.

How about we take the bus?"

Qiuqiu was stunned for a moment, then nodded, "Okay."

The bus arrived very quickly.

At noon on a weekend, the bus was quite crowded, and there were no empty seats.

Qiuqiu swiped the ride code for both of them first, and they stood side by side in the middle of the bus.

She held onto a handrail with one hand and gripped her crossbody bag strap with the other, her gaze unconsciously drifting out the window.

The wind blew in through the window gap, lifting the orange-brown strands of hair by her ear and drifting them toward the tip of Tang Song's nose.

It carried a faint scent of orange blossoms and the sweet, clean smell of shampoo.

As if to change the subject, Qiuqiu took the initiative to talk to Tang Song about her ideas for the HEYISTUDIO packaging design, and once she started, she didn't stop for a long time.

Tang Song listened quietly, nodding with a smile from time to time.

As the bus drove into the city center, the crowd on board grew larger and larger.

Tang Song looked at the crowded flow of people around them, turned slightly, and stood behind Qiuqiu.

He rested his arms on the handrails on either side of her, invisibly carving out a small, independent space for her.

The distance between the two was only a few centimeters.

Enveloped by his intense presence, Qiuqiu's body stiffened.

A rosy glow spread from the roots of her ears, and her speech became less coherent.

At the same time, a great sense of security made her feel warm inside.

From Tang Song's angle, looking down, he could see the fine fuzz on the back of her neck, her butterfly bones rising and falling with her breath, and her waistline, which was pulled taut due to nervousness.

Slender and supple, she was as beautiful as an extremely restrained bow.

The bus started moving again, and the inertia brought a slight sway.

Bumping into him, bouncing away; bumping into him again, bouncing away. Qiuqiu's face grew redder and redder, and she whispered, "I—I'm sorry, the bus is quite shaky."

"It's okay." Tang Song lowered his head and smiled gently, "If you can't stand steady, just lean on me."

As he spoke, he freed one hand and rested it lightly on her lower abdomen, his movement natural and intimate.

Because she practiced yoga year-round, her waist was extremely soft; at this moment, under his palm, it felt like a piece of warm silk.

Delicate and fitting, it was intoxicating.

Tang Song couldn't help but apply a little pressure, letting her back lean against his chest.

However, because her hips were quite firm and lifted, they didn't fully press against each other.

Qiuqiu opened her mouth, but couldn't say a word, and could only lower her head, letting her heart beat rapidly against her chest cavity.

The bus stopped and started, like a subtle and rhythmic piece of music, subtly narrowing the distance between the two.

Seats opened up in front of them at some point.

But neither of them went to sit.

The warm autumn sun spilled into the bus, landing on their shoulders, bright and languid.

Through the reflection in the glass window, Qiuqiu faintly saw their intimate figures pressed together.

Like a real couple.

"Time to get off."

A low, gentle reminder sounded in her ear.

"Oh—okay."

Qiuqiu snapped back to reality and followed Tang Song off the bus.

The two walked along the pedestrian street for a while, and Tang Song suddenly stopped, "We're here. Remember this place?"

Qiuqiu looked up and saw the familiar storefront,

【Chuanjiang Beef Tripe Hot Pot】

When she was on a motorcycle trip with Tang Song, Li Junyi, and others, they had eaten here before parting ways for the night.

It was also an old shop she had occasionally snuck into alone since college to satisfy her cravings; the taste was very authentic.

Tang Song looked at her expression and said with a half-smile, "Last time I treated you to hot pot here, you said you wanted to treat me back. It's been almost how long now, and you still haven't paid off the debt."

"Ah! I'm sorry!" Qiuqiu let out a low cry and hurriedly said, "Th—then I'll treat you this time."

In fact, she had always seriously kept that "treat back" in mind, wanting to treat him back during the next ride.

It was just that later, when she discovered the relationship between Tang Song and Gao Mengting, a thought of distancing herself arose, and this promise had been shelved ever since.

Tang Song raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Alright, then I'll have to eat a big meal today."

"But eating too much can easily cause internal heat—" Qiuqiu blurted out, then realized it wasn't quite right halfway through, and hurriedly remedied it, "Um, I didn't mean to be stingy, you can order! You can order whatever you want to eat!"

"Pfft—"

Tang Song couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"What's wrong?" Qiuqiu looked at him blankly.

"Nothing, just feel like you're quite cute."

Qiuqiu's mouth opened, and she began to feel awkward.

Cute??

He's complimenting me as cute?

Ever since her psychological problems appeared, it had been a very, very long time since anyone had used that word to describe her.

"Let's go, fulfill your promise." Tang Song smiled and tapped her shoulder, then naturally took her hand and walked inside.

It wasn't the peak dining time yet, so there weren't many people in the hot pot restaurant.

The two chose a window seat and sat down.

Crispy beef tripe, freshly sliced beef, and smooth duck blood were swished up and down in the boiling red broth, the aroma overflowing and the steam rising.

Qiuqiu sat opposite him, her cheeks stained with a faint red from the rising heat of the pot.

She lowered her head and seriously picked up food and swished it, as if completing some ritualistic task.

"This is just right at seven seconds, the best state."

"Try this beef, it's especially tender."

She barely looked after herself, always taking the initiative to put the swished food into Tang Song's plate.

Fearing he would get internal heat, she ordered a cup of refreshing herbal tea.

Tang Song looked at her busy, head-lowered appearance, his eyes gentle.

In his mind, the Qiuqiu from his dreams appeared involuntarily.

That girl who was always cautious and timid, hiding in a corner waiting for a word of affirmation, waiting for a hug. He smiled, and began to help her pick up and swish food as well.

Qiuqiu was a bit embarrassed at first, but soon began to eat heartily.

The two chatted casually while eating.

From popular notes on Xiaohongshu to the release of Su Yu's new movie:

And from the recent style adjustments of HEYISTUDIO to the future brand positioning.

From design to life, from hot pot to work, the topic flowed naturally.

Don't know when it started, but Qiuqiu's expression completely relaxed.

Her smiles became frequent, and her eyes were bright.

Above her head, the 【Dream Flower Seed】 sprinkled glowing light, enveloping her.

"By the way, Qiuqiu, do you have anything to do this afternoon after eating?"

"No, I've finished all the work on hand."

"That's good. The weather is nice today, let's walk around the neighborhood after eating."

"Oh—okay."

After a few seconds, as if Qiuqiu suddenly remembered something, she lowered her head and took out her phone.

The screen lit up, and a WeChat message lay quietly there.

【Gao Junfeng: "Don't trouble yourself with the car purchase, you go do your own thing!"】

Qiuqiu's eyelashes trembled, she pursed her lips, and hesitated for a moment.

She looked up at Tang Song opposite her again.

Lowering her eyes, she tapped her fingertip lightly on the screen and replied with a brief "Okay."

Then, she put away her phone and didn't look at the chat interface again.

She knew that doing this was very excessive and even a bit heartless.

But she didn't want Tang Song to misunderstand, even in the slightest.

In the crowded traffic.

An Audi A6L drove slowly, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, stopping and starting.

"Ding-dong," the screen on the phone holder lit up, and a new message popped up.

【Qiuqiu: "Okay."】

Seeing this extremely perfunctory message, Gao Junfeng's face instantly turned gloomy.

"Fuck! Damn it!"

"Love-struck fool! Bah!"

They had clearly made an appointment, and they had been friends for so many years; he had also given the other party quite a bit of help in life and studies.

He had thought that even if they weren't a couple, they should be the closest opposite-sex friends.

As a result, now, seeing him angry, she didn't even give a decent explanation.

Leaving him aside for Tang Song, whom she had only just met?

Completely ignoring him.

A total love-struck fool.

Thinking of Tang Song's "mocking" gaze and smile.

Gao Junfeng gripped the steering wheel angrily, his rage churning in his chest.

Just then, the car in front suddenly slowed down.

Gao Junfeng was distracted, and when he looked up, the taillights of the car in front were already inches away!

"Holy shit—!"

He slammed on the brakes, the car shook violently, and it stopped just in the nick of time.

Panting heavily with lingering fear, he then angrily slapped the steering wheel.

"Beep—" Gao Junfeng cursed, "Fuck, can you fucking drive?!"

"Beep—beep—"

The harsh honking sounded continuously.

The next second.

The door of the black SUV in front was slammed open.

Three burly men stepped out, bald, tattooed, wearing gold chains, and carrying thermos cups.

Their eyes were fierce.

"Holy shit!" Gao Junfeng's face turned pale, and he hurriedly stopped honking.

He scrambled to reverse the car.

"Thump, thump, thump!" The glass window was knocked on hard.

Gao Junfeng looked at the few people pressing in, scared into a shiver, and immediately rolled the window down a third of the way.

He squeezed out a stiff, apologetic expression.

The leader, a burly man wearing a gold chain, pointed the thermos cup in his hand at his face, "You idiot!

Honk again and let me see!"

Cold sweat broke out on Gao Junfeng's forehead, and he hurriedly took a pack of Huazi from the center console and handed it over, "Sorry, sorry, big brother, my hand cramped just now—"

Seeing his cowardly look, the three looked at each other, said nothing, and turned back into the car.

Only then did Gao Junfeng let out a long breath, his whole body slumped in the driver's seat, cold sweat layer upon layer on his back.

Tang Song, Cheng Qiuqiu, and this group of reckless thugs.

This day was just too fucking stifling!

The Audi A6L turned the wheel and drove out of the main road.

Gao Junfeng found a random restaurant, ordered a set meal, and sat down.

"Ring-a-ling—" The phone rang suddenly.

It was his college classmate, Ding Furong.

Gao Junfeng hesitated for a moment, answered the phone, and said indifferently, "Hello."

"Hey, Brother Feng!" Ding Furong's apologetic voice came from the receiver, "Are you busy now? Is it convenient to talk?"

Gao Junfeng took a sip of cola and replied indifferently, "Go ahead, what is it?"

"It's still the matter I mentioned to you last time." Ding Furong laughed a bit awkwardly, "Sigh, jobs are really hard to find these days; I've been unemployed for more than three months. You're doing so well at Zhongcheng now, can you help a brother arrange a job? Anything is fine, I'm not picky."

Hearing this, Gao Junfeng's eyes flickered, and his heart stirred slightly.

Ding Furong, he knew him too well—

His undergraduate classmate, business management major, average ability, but a sweet talker.

He had no long-term plans when studying, changed jobs countless times after working for a few years, and his resume was full of empty rotations.

But at this time, perhaps he was just a "useful" candidate.

He had already made up his mind to get rid of Zhang Lei in the sales department; it was easy to arouse suspicion if he moved a newly hired employee alone.

If it was a "personnel change," then it would be much more logical.

Moreover, his current status was Assistant to the Vice President; no one would question him if he made slight personnel adjustments.

It was just that he had to be methodical and do it quietly.

Better safe than sorry; Tang Song knew Tian Jing and Tian Chengye after all, so it was better to be careful.

After a plan flashed through his mind.

Gao Junfeng's lips curled upward, and his tone softened, "Alright, we're old classmates, and we have a good relationship, so I'll help you with this favor."

"Oh, great! Brother Feng, you're really loyal!" Ding Furong's tone was excited.

Gao Junfeng smiled, his tone becoming meaningful, "However, you also know that Zhongcheng Group isn't easy right now; here at headquarters, every position is filled. For this matter, I need to pull strings and owe some favors."

Ding Furong, who had been struggling in society for many years, immediately understood what he meant.

He immediately said loudly, "Understood, understood! Brother Feng, just say it, how much money do you need? I'll try my best to scrape it together." "Alright, wait for my news."

After hanging up the phone, Gao Junfeng smiled triumphantly.

Zhang Lei was the first step.

Tang Song, you can't run either; let's play slowly.

While eating the set meal and boredly scrolling through his phone, his mood finally calmed down a bit.

But soon, a new message popped up in a group chat, causing his expression to freeze suddenly.

That was a private group chat pulled together by several young employees of the Group President's Office; usually, everyone would order food and share gossip in it, and the atmosphere had always been very active.

【Shan Tingting: "Have you heard? Our President Tian seems to be pursuing Supervisor Qin recently."】

【Wu Tao: "Really or fake? Haven't these two always been at odds?"】

【Shan Tingting: "@Wu Tao, are you really stupid or pretending to be stupid? Our Supervisor Qin's father will soon be a group director."】

Gao Junfeng stared at the screen, the chopsticks in his hand stopped.

His heart felt as if it had been slammed into ice water, sinking bit by bit, and his breathing became stifled.

The "President Tian" mentioned by Shan Tingting undoubtedly referred to Tian Guowen.

Tian Chengye's nephew, Tian Jing's cousin.

A top-tier talent who graduated from Cambridge, only in his early thirties, he had already worked his way from a frontline financial supervisor to Group Vice President, and was one of the most powerful successors to Zhongcheng in the future.

Not only was his background powerful, his resume beautiful, but his ability was also not to be underestimated.

And Supervisor Qin was Qin Hua.

This was his target, and also the most critical resource for his future promotion.

As a result, now he was told that this "female boss" had likely already been targeted by Tian Guowen?

He felt cold all over.

Although gossip of this level might not be reliable, the more he thought about it, the higher the probability seemed.

Tian Guowen and Qin Hua, one was the true core management of Zhongcheng, the other was a director's daughter and one of the future power holders.

A strong alliance, a perfect match.

Plus, there was no direct superior-subordinate relationship between the two in terms of position, and they could even cooperate and link up; it was simply perfect.

If they really got together—then he, Gao Junfeng, wouldn't even have the qualifications to stand on the sidelines.

Fengzi clenched his fists, trembling with anger, his whole person about to crack.

And his greatest enemy had also upgraded from Tang Song to Tian Guowen; after all, compared to Qin Hua, Cheng Qiuqiu was simply not worth mentioning.