Chapter 553

A little past 5:00 PM.

Zhuxi Residential Complex.

In the living room, the smart speaker was playing a slow rock song.

Gao Mengting was half-reclined on the sofa, holding a hardcover novel, her expression focused and relaxed.

Such quiet time was a long-lost luxury for her.

Ever since founding Songmei Apparel, her life had been filled with work, with almost no chance to catch her breath.

Initially, it was because she was afraid of failing Tang Song's trust and expectations, so she worked desperately, hoping the company could become profitable and get on the right track as soon as possible;

Then came expanding the scale, perfecting the structure, building the core IP "He Yiyi," and promoting brand operations—she had never dared to stop.

Now, the branding had finally landed, the company's organizational structure was tending toward perfection, and everything was developing in a good direction.

Her work pressure had eased a lot.

Occasionally recalling the experiences of the past six months, she still felt dazed, even unbelievable.

Songmei Apparel's current monthly sales had exceeded 30 million, and the estimated annual net profit was close to 40 million.

What did this mean? If calculated according to the valuation logic of similar companies, with an industry PE of 15 times, the company's valuation was about 600 million.

Plus the IP "He Yiyi," which had a certain degree of popularity, and the company's strong growth potential.

A neutral valuation should be able to reach 800 million.

And the 20% equity she held was worth as much as 160 million.

In other words, she had now become a multi-millionaire.

Of course, she knew very well—valuation was just a book figure, and cashing out was another matter.

But walking to this step today from a failure who was heavily in debt and betrayed by partners, no one could easily remain calm.

In fact, when no one was paying attention, she had already sighed and felt excited countless times, even secretly shedding tears.

Success in her career not only changed her economic situation but also made her life more composed and elegant.

Recently, she had started applying for a passport (preparing to go to Iceland to see the aurora), bought a violin (preparing to learn a new skill), and lent money to some friends who were in trouble.

Everything seemed to be approaching that more complete "ideal self" step by step.

"Ding-dong—ding-dong—"

The crisp sound of the doorbell rang.

Gao Mengting put down the book in her hand, said "Coming," and walked toward the door.

On the video doorbell, an incomparably familiar face appeared.

Her breathing stalled slightly.

She gripped the doorknob, opened the door, and asked in a calm tone, "Why are you here?"

Zhao Jingmin stood outside the door, and when she saw Gao Mengting, her eyes instantly turned red.

She bit her lip and said in a low voice, "Mengting, I—can I go in and talk?"

Gao Mengting's voice remained steady, "Just stand there and talk, I can hear you."

For this former roommate and partner, she still couldn't let go.

Initially, to help the other party find employment, she accepted Zhao Jingmin and Shen Huijuan, not letting them pay a single cent,

And led the two onto the path of live-streaming sales.

But in the end, they personally destroyed the "Meiting Clothing Store" she cherished most.

Of course, compared to the failure of her career, what broke her heart more was the collapse of friendship and belief.

Tears swirled in her eyes, Zhao Jingmin's voice choked, "Mengting, I'm sorry—at that time, Shen Huijuan lied to me; she kept saying you were greedy and selfish, and that you took all the company's money—"

Gao Mengting raised her hand to interrupt, looking at Zhao Jingmin with sharp eyes, "We both know what happened in the past. You came to find me, what exactly is the matter? Get to the point, I don't have time to accompany you to reminisce about the past."

Zhao Jingmin wiped her tears and gritted her teeth, "Shen Huijuan is just a sinister and cunning bitch; together with her boyfriend, she set a trap for me—"

Then, in her narrative, Gao Mengting understood what happened between the two.

Zhao Jingmin belonged to the type of person whose brain wasn't very flexible; her thinking was simple, and she lacked independent thinking ability.

It was very easy for her to be influenced by others' words.

Shen Huijuan used exactly this point to persuade her to betray her together.

After they became independent, plus Shen Huijuan's boyfriend, the three of them started a new company.

Relying on some fan traffic accumulated before, they barely maintained a superficial prosperity in the beginning.

But after leaving the operations, management, and content planning led by Gao Mengting, their shortcomings were quickly exposed.

Loose content, chaotic product selection, chaotic pricing strategies, unstable cooperation channels—the company began to go downhill.

It pressed the three of them until they couldn't breathe.

The most terrifying and fatal thing was the "inventory pressure" problem; their capital chain simply couldn't turn.

And bank loan audits were strict; their shaky little company couldn't apply for one at all.

Shen Huijuan and her boyfriend found a private lending institution and proposed "sharing risks" to Zhao Jingmin, coaxing her to act as a guarantor in her own name and take out a loan of 400,000 yuan.

They promised to transfer a portion of the equity to her.

As a result, the company still didn't hold up.

Zhao Jingmin realized it too late, and only after a friend's reminder did she discover that the company's accounts were very vague and the problems were huge.

When she went to question them, Shen Huijuan turned her face and refused to acknowledge her.

And at this time, she heard from other roommates about Gao Mengting's glorious current status.

She also knew that she had helped classmates in trouble.

So she brought the last glimmer of hope and came to the door to ask for help with a thick face.

"Mengting, it was me who was too stupid before, being deceived by others without distinguishing right from wrong. I really didn't mean to hurt you; when we were in school before, you often treated me to meals, you even gave me a scarf in winter, and bought me gifts for my birthday..."

The more she spoke, the more excited she became, finally choking until she couldn't speak.

Gao Mengting listened quietly and let out a long breath.

Evil has its own rewards.

Seeing those two people who once pushed her into the abyss now also fall into the mud.

The pain and stifling feeling that once accumulated in her heart finally had an outlet.

She looked at this former friend, "Zhao Jingmin, I have no obligation to be responsible for your mistakes, let alone that you once treated me this way too.

But I can give you a suggestion: you can sue Shen Huijuan, check the accounts, collect evidence, and accuse her of misappropriating funds. This debt shouldn't be borne by you alone."

Zhao Jingmin opened her mouth, wanting to say something more.

Gao Mengting, however, suddenly laughed.

"However, thank you for coming over today to tell me this. It made my thoughts much clearer. No, no, I must drink some wine tonight and celebrate properly!"

"Thump—" The door was closed decisively.

Zhao Jingmin stayed in place, her face pale, her whole body cold.

Standing at the door at a loss.

A few minutes passed.

"Click—" The door was opened again.

Gao Mengting had changed into a trench coat and was carrying a Chanel bag in her hand.

Zhao Jingmin's heart jumped violently, as if a glimmer of hope was ignited again, and she said with teary eyes, "Mengting—" Gao Mengting interrupted in a light tone, "I just remembered, the wine at home is all gone, I have to go to the supermarket to replenish some."

After saying this, she pressed the elevator button on her own.

"Ding—" The elevator door opened slowly.

Gao Mengting reminded, "Let's go, this is no longer your rental house, the door locks have all been changed. And that access card of yours from before, it's time to throw it away."

After saying this, she turned and walked into the elevator.

Zhao Jingmin bit her lip and subconsciously followed.

The two went downstairs one after the other.

In the parking space directly opposite, the lights of a black Mercedes flashed, and then it unlocked.

Gao Mengting walked up to the car and looked back with a smile, "When you go to court, remember to notify me."

Under the lights, standing in front of the Mercedes, her back was straight, her movements elegant and confident.

Just like that former high-spirited roommate who led her to make a fortune.

Zhao Jingmin bit her dry lips tightly.

Regret gnawed at her heart.

Just then.

"Rumble—"

A low and powerful engine roar came from afar.

The two subconsciously looked up.

At the corner of the residential complex, a bright red motorcycle roared out of the night.

Carrying wildness and publicity, it slowly stopped in front of Gao Mengting.

The driver was a boy with a straight posture; in the back seat, a sexy girl had her hands on his shoulders, her body leaning back slightly, as if deliberately keeping a distance.

The girl hopped off the bike with crisp and neat movements, took off her helmet with a slightly cautious look, and a head of orange-brown long hair poured out.

She lowered her head slightly, her voice soft, "Senior sister."

"Qiuqiu?" Gao Mengting raised her eyebrows and looked at the boy again, a bright smile slowly rising on her face.

Immediately, the boy took off his helmet, revealing a handsome and three-dimensional face.

A caramel-colored turtleneck sweater fit his broad-shouldered, narrow-waisted lines, outlining a very textured body proportion.

The breeze blew his jet-black hair, revealing a thick literary temperament in his languor.

(Limited special effect triggered)

Their eyes met, and a rosy glow suddenly appeared on Gao Mengting's face, her heartbeat beginning to accelerate.

Like the first fallen leaf of autumn, it fell silently into the lake of her heart.

She was a literary young woman herself, and seeing Tang Song in this state, she couldn't take her eyes off him for a moment.

Beside her, Cheng Qiuqiu gently pinched the crossbody bag on her shoulder, lowered her eyes, her expression a bit flustered, and also had a trace of guilt that couldn't be hidden.

"Hello, Mengting, are you surprised to see me?" Tang Song put down his helmet and stood in front of her with a smile.

Although he looked as steady as an old dog on the surface, he was actually still a bit panicked inside.

He had been on a date with Qiuqiu for half a day, and when he came back, he was caught red-handed by his partner.

"A little bit, yeah." Gao Mengting said in a light tone, "By the way, why are you with Qiuqiu?"

"Ran into each other at the dealership; I happened to be buying a car, so I asked her to help me inspect it, and then we came back together."

"I see." Gao Mengting didn't continue to ask, just smiled and stepped forward, raising her hand to pinch his cheek,

Her tone carried a hint of teasing, "This outfit really suits you, very handsome."

Tang Song smiled and backhanded a gentle pinch on her apple muscle.

"Are you going out?"

"Yeah, I'm in a good mood today, want to drink some wine, going to the supermarket to buy some side dishes and wine." Gao Mengting raised her eyebrows, leaned forward, her eyes smiling, "Want to come along?"

"Of course, let's go, it's been a long time since we drank together."

"Qiuqiu, want to come along?"

Qiuqiu hurriedly shook her head, "No, senior sister, I'll go up first to prepare dinner, and there will be hot food to eat when you come back later." "Alright, then I'll trouble you. Let's go, Tang Song, get in the car."

"Thump—" The car door was closed.

The Mercedes E300L started slowly and disappeared from sight.

Zhao Jingmin looked at Qiuqiu standing there and asked hesitantly, "Qiuqiu, who is that boy?"

Cheng Qiuqiu had previously worked part-time as an artist for Meiting Clothing Store and was also their junior, so she naturally knew her.

Cheng Qiuqiu said in a low voice, "Senior sister's boyfriend, and also her current partner."

After saying this, she didn't explain much, turned and hugged the two helmets, and walked toward the unit building.

Zhao Jingmin stood in place, her lips trembling.

Her heart felt like it was being pressed hard by something, yet she couldn't resolve it.

Outside the window, the night was pitch black, but inside, the lights were bright.

"Sizzle—"

Boiling hot oil was poured over dried chili and peppercorns, the aroma mouth-watering.

"OK, the last dish, boiled meat slices, is ready! How is it? Our Qiuqiu's craftsmanship isn't bad, right?"

"Really delicious, couldn't tell, Qiuqiu is also a master chef."

"No—no, it's just ordinary home-cooked food."

On the simple dining table in the living room.

Five dishes were neatly arranged.

Stir-fried pork with chili, boiled meat slices, shiitake mushrooms with oil wheat, soy sauce beef, and mixed vegetables.

The hot dishes were all stir-fried by Qiuqiu herself, while the other two were ready-made cold dishes bought from a nearby deli, simple but full of the atmosphere of life.

"Click—" With a soft sound, the champagne was neatly opened by Gao Mengting, the foam surging.

The amber liquid flowed into three glass cups along the bottle mouth, glowing with a soft luster under the warm yellow light.

The faint fruity aroma mixed with yeast and toasted aroma quietly dispersed in the air.

"Come on, cheers! To our present, and to this autumn." Gao Mengting raised her glass, her eyes bright.

"Cheers!"

The glass cups touched lightly, making a crisp and pleasant sound.

The cool liquid entered her throat, and the fragrance exploded on the tip of her tongue.

A refreshing autumn night.

The window was half-open, the night breeze was cool, blowing into the room, mixed with the aroma of hot food and wine, just right.

The three sat around the dining table, eating, drinking, chatting, and laughing.

Even Qiuqiu, who was usually silent, became cheerful and took the initiative to toast several times.

The night outside the window quietly settled, and half of the second bottle of champagne was gone.

Both girls were a bit tipsy, their cheeks rosy and their eyes scattered.

Qiuqiu's ascetic-style imperial sister face now looked a bit silly and honest.

Gao Mengting leaned on Tang Song's shoulder, talking about a movie she had seen recently.

Getting excited, she suddenly raised her hand and tapped the table, "Qiuqiu, the atmosphere is so good today, why don't you play and sing a song."

As she spoke, she winked at Tang Song: "Our designer is a great talent, not only good at drawing, but also good at guitar and bass, really awesome!"

Qiuqiu was stunned, blushing a bit, "No, it's just amateur level."

In front of Tang Song, a true "professional player," she was really a bit ashamed.

Tang Song looked at his partner and smiled, "My music level is also very impressive, want me to show you?"

Qiuqiu opposite him brightened, her face showing deep anticipation and excitement.

She loved listening to Tang Song sing and play the guitar.

"Bragging—" Gao Mengting smiled and patted him lightly, her eyes gentle.

She still remembered that when their neighbor Liu Wenning was playing and singing before, Tang Song didn't seem to know much about music.

At that time, to take care of this partner's self-esteem, she deliberately pretended not to care.

But in fact, she had always appreciated that kind of multi-talented boy since she was a child.

"I'm serious." Tang Song's eyebrows curved, his smile carrying a bit of a small challenge.

Gao Mengting tilted her head, "Then can you play the violin? I just bought one recently, planning to learn it myself."

She deliberately mentioned a relatively rare instrument instead of guitar, actually also to take care of Tang Song's feelings.

Hearing the three words "violin," a flash of excitement crossed Tang Song's eyes, "Of course."

Come to think of it, since getting this skill, he had never played it, and for a moment, his hands were a bit itchy.

"Alright! You said it, don't blame me if you make a fool of yourself later."

Gao Mengting stood up and walked into the bedroom with light steps.

Not long after, she brought out a brown-black violin.

She carefully placed the instrument in front of him, "There, sir, please perform."

Looking at his partner's playful appearance, Tang Song chuckled and stood up.

He took the violin with calm movements and asked in a gentle and doting tone, "What do you want to hear?"

Gao Mengting blinked and said, "《Por Una Cabeza (Scent of a Woman)》, I really like the two movies 《Scent of a Woman》 and 《Schindler's List》, both have this piece, can you play it?"

Tang Song didn't answer, gathered his eyes, tilted his shoulder slightly, the instrument body close to his collarbone, his slender fingers holding the bow, and slowly lowered it.

In an instant, technique and memory flooded into his mind like a torrent.

The temperament on his body gradually changed.

Combined with his outfit at this time, there was a thick artistic atmosphere, exceptionally moving.

Qiuqiu watched him without blinking, her heartbeat accelerating.

Gao Mengting raised her eyebrows, a look of surprise appearing on her face.

Just talking about this appearance, it really looked like the real thing, very much like a master's style.

The next second, the sound of the violin rang out.

The notes were as deep as the night, and carried a gorgeous sadness, as if a dancer walking out of the movie screen,

Spinning and jumping under the lights.

His left hand slid flexibly on the fingerboard, his right hand controlled the strength of the bow, every note was precise and full of emotion.

Gao Mengting's hand, which was originally resting on the table, gently tapped at some point, her mouth wide open, stunned in place. Qiuqiu's eyes were as bright as stars, sitting on a small stool beside her, staring at him without blinking, even her breathing became light.

As the melody progressed, Tang Song was completely immersed in the state of performance.

He closed his eyes, his body swaying slightly, his posture gentle and elegant.

The bow danced like a sword, staccato, vibrato, and glissando switching smoothly, without any stagnation.

The wind outside the window blew in gently, brushing his hair.

The focused and romantic atmosphere on his body made Gao Mengting's heart tremble slightly,

Perhaps she was really drunk.

She closed her eyes, moving her body along with Tang Song's dance music, a dreamy picture appearing in her mind—she was wearing a floor-length gown, he was in a crisp suit, the two stood in the center of an empty dance floor, eyes closed, facing each other,

Spinning and entwining.

Under the light and shadow, they approached and separated, their movements subtle and full of tension.

The "Dance of the Soul" slowly unfolded.

Teasing, elegance, ambiguity, and restraint.

The distance between them was just like this piece 《Por Una Cabeza》.

Seemingly far yet near, seemingly near yet far.

Clearly their relationship was intimate, cooperating seamlessly, yet she always felt that something like a thin mist lay between them.

Unclear, untouchable, yet truly existing.

The notes slowly ended, and the living room fell into absolute silence.

A few seconds later, Qiuqiu suddenly clapped, very hard.

Tang Song put down the violin, his emotions gradually detaching from the performance state.

Looking at his partner who still had her eyes closed, his lips curled with a smile, his tone carrying a trace of anticipation and pride: "

How is it? Satisfied?"

Gao Mengting slowly opened her eyes, a trace of daze still in her eyes.

oCO

She whispered, "Very impressive—really scared by you."

A brilliant smile appeared on Tang Song's face, clear light flashing in his eyes.

Gao Mengting looked at his expression, smiled and tilted her head, "Ate a full meal, and drank so much wine, so hot. Want to go down and walk around?"

"Just what I wanted." Tang Song nodded.

Gao Mengting picked up the trench coat on the hanger and put it on, her movements elegant and smooth. Qiuqiu quickly lowered her head, her lips pursed, quietly cleaning up the dining table.

The evening breeze passed through the shade, blowing the yellowing leaves, making a "rustling" sound.

The two walked out the door, passing through the quiet path in the residential complex.

Under their feet were mottled light and shadow, occasionally stepping on fallen leaves, making a soft sound.

They didn't speak, just walked forward side by side, yet didn't feel awkward.

Occasionally their eyes met, they smiled at each other, and then tacitly turned away.

The street lights were dim and soft, pulling their shadows very, very long.

Unknowingly, they walked out of Zhuxi Residential Complex and came to the road outside.

This neighborhood wasn't very lively, only sparse traffic shuttled, occasionally car lights swept slowly from under their feet.

Gao Mengting put her hands in the pockets of her trench coat, stepping on the curb forward, occasionally jumping to avoid a small stone or bump, like a casual and free-spirited girl.

Tang Song followed behind her, quietly watching her back.

The night was gentle.

Just like the shaking film in an old movie.

They walked like this for a long time.

Suddenly, Gao Mengting stopped, took off the trench coat on her body, draped it over her arm, and looked back at him.

Her cheeks were slightly red, the drunkenness hadn't faded, but her eyes were bright and clear.

The evening breeze blew, her hair lifted slightly, as if a dazed picture, beautiful and unreal.

Tang Song stepped forward, stood in front of her, lowered his head and whispered, "Put it on, it's still very cold at night?"

"I'm not cold." She shook her head with a smile, pointed to a vacant wooden chair by the road, "Walked until tired, sit for a while."

Her tone was soft, carrying a bit of languor and gentleness after the wine.

Tang Song didn't persuade her again, nodded, sat on the chair, and pulled her into his arms.

Gao Mengting leaned on him, her head resting on his shoulder, her body very close,

She whispered about Zhao Jingmin coming to the door this evening, and also chatted about the friendship with Zhao Jingmin and Shen Huijuan during college.

From freshman military training to graduation, renting warehouses together, running markets, moving goods—every day huddled in that small shop dividing the live-streaming schedule.

Her voice was soft, as if reminiscing, and also as if clearing the sediment in her heart.

Tang Song turned his head to look at her, not interrupting.

The topic slowly turned from old people and old things to recent reading.

They talked about 《Norwegian Wood》, chatted about Naoko.

Gao Mengting suddenly moved her body, wrapped her arms around his neck, and looked at him without blinking.

Her face carried drunkenness, but her eyes were sober,

Her whole person leaned softly in his arms, carrying a faint scent of wine and her unique body fragrance, her warm breath sweeping across his jaw.

"Is it hard now?" She asked suddenly.

"The soles of your feet?"

"Fool!"

After saying this, Gao Mengting couldn't help but laugh "ha ha" herself.

Lowering her head and lying on his shoulder, her whole person was trembling slightly.

This dialogue was a classic meme between Naoko and Watanabe in 《Norwegian Wood》.

It was one of her favorite parts, ambiguous, clumsy, yet heart-fluttering.

She was very happy that her partner could quickly get her meaning.

"You drank wine tonight, definitely can't ride a bike."

"Mm, I know."

"How about—you make do tonight, stay at my place?"

She finally took the last step uncontrollably.