Chapter 631

When they came out of the old bookstore, the sky had already turned completely dark.

The night in Jingxian was earlier and quieter than in Yancheng.

Liu Liu Qingning specifically asked the owner for a simple kraft paper bag to carefully pack the picture album.

She held it tightly in her arms, as if holding a rare treasure.

The two walked aimlessly for a while.

Liu Liu Qingning seemed to have finally recovered from her emotions and couldn't help but raise her eyes to look at Tang Song beside her.

"Did you draw all of these yourself?"

"Hmm." Tang Song smiled proudly, "Aren't they good-looking? Mainly because the heroine inside is beautiful."

"Hmph hmph, your mouth is really poor. Then when exactly did you learn to draw?"

"Maybe I had the talent all along, but it was suppressed by studying. After getting into university, suddenly 'click,' and my Ren and Du meridians were opened."

"No way, this is genius. Just like how I used to envy you for not having to study so hard, yet your grades were still so good."

"Pfft, you're full of yourself." Liu Liu Qingning pursed her lips and smiled, reaching out to tap him lightly.

The two chatted and walked side-by-side on the familiar street, discussing the changes around No. 1 High School.

Finally, they stopped in front of a small shop.

Each ordered a bowl of steaming chicken soup rice noodles.

Tang Song ran to the shop next door that hadn't changed its sign in over ten years and bought two freshly baked Tujia Diaoza cakes.

In the steam, the two sat in the corner eating rice noodles and cakes.

Occasionally their gazes met, and the atmosphere was unprecedentedly warm.

During the evening rush hour, people came and went in the shop, and the sound of footsteps coming in and out was endless; everyone couldn't help but cast their gazes toward them sitting in the corner from time to time.

After finishing this dinner full of nostalgic flavors, the two held hands and walked back.

From the loudspeaker of the audio shop on the side of the road, a dynamic musical prelude suddenly sounded.

Immediately after, it was Su Yu's highly recognizable, ethereal, and pleasant voice.

Liu Liu Qingning's footsteps paused suddenly, and she took out her phone to check the time: "Su Yu's new album is online, it's released globally at seven o'clock tonight." Tang Song's heart moved slightly, "Su Yu's new song—"

Liu Liu Qingning skillfully clicked on the music software to purchase the digital album, then pointed to the album cover on the phone screen and praised: "Su Yu is really beautiful, this album cover is shot with such a feeling."

Tang Song took a look and nodded: "It is very beautiful."

"Why? You seem to like Su Yu's appearance very much?" Liu Liu Qingning turned her head, her clear eyes carrying a trace of imperceptible probing.

The corners of Tang Song's eyes twitched, and he immediately changed the subject: "It's alright. By the way, do you want to use headphones? I have some here."

"No need." Liu Liu Qingning didn't dwell on this topic either, took out AirPods from her bag, shared one with Tang Song, and clicked play.

The clear voice was like an evening breeze, flowing quietly in the ears of the two.

The melody carried a bit of youthfulness, mixed with the detachment and courage after growing up.

Liu Liu Qingning listened quietly, her eyes gradually softening.

Actually, from the bottom of her heart, she was really Su Yu's fan, having liked her since the Echo era.

If it didn't involve Tang Song, she would be extremely happy to become friends with the other party, and even feel very honored.

Unknowingly, the two returned to the gate of No. 1 High School.

"Beep—" Electric scooter unlocked.

Tang Song had just gripped the handlebars when a mobile phone ringtone suddenly came from the headphones.

Liu Liu Qingning answered the phone and said softly: "Hello? Li Laoshi."

On the other end of the phone came the somewhat embarrassed voice of the head teacher, Li Gaisu: "Liu Qingning, it's still that matter from just now—"

"Oh, what did the school say?"

"Sigh—it's not easy to handle!" Li Gaisu was silent for a moment: "By the way, where are you now?"

"At the gate of No. 1 High School, out for a stroll with Tang Song."

"Ah? That's perfect, I'm currently at the Zhende Hotel next to the school, which is also where out-of-town alumni are received. Why don't you come over? Let's talk face-to-face."

Liu Liu Qingning paused but still agreed.

She knew that Li Laoshi was just an ordinary teacher and couldn't make decisions on many things, and after all, she was a teacher with whom she had a very good relationship, so she should visit her when returning home.

Hanging up the phone.

Tang Song asked: "What's wrong? Li Laoshi looking for you for something?"

Liu Liu Qingning's face revealed a smile again, her tone relaxed: "Nothing, just this anniversary celebration, the guest seats have changed temporarily,"

"seems like there aren't enough—"

She briefly explained what happened and didn't take it too seriously.

"Then let's go to the viewing area, it doesn't matter." Tang Song laughed: "However, I haven't seen Li Laoshi for a long time either, let's go, let's go see her together."

Unlike Liu Liu Qingning, this proud student, Tang Song's relationship with most teachers was very average, and he had hardly been in contact after graduation.

Looking back now, those faces that once made him feel fearful and oppressive had all become blurred and warm memories.

The lights of the electric scooter turned on, illuminating a small piece of the road ahead.

The two drove slowly into the night.

Zhende Hotel was only a few hundred meters away from No. 1 High School; after turning a corner, they arrived soon.

This time, No. 1 High School not only invited many outstanding alumni but also leaders of admissions offices from domestic universities.

These people had to be arranged for accommodation.

So theoretically, the school provided accommodation for all guests.

However, for someone like Liu Liu Qingning whose home was in the county, she naturally wouldn't stay in a hotel.

The banquet hall on the left side of the second floor of the hotel was temporarily converted into a reception area for the anniversary celebration.

The red carpet extended straight, and promotional banners were hung all around.

Following the signs into the banquet hall.

A lively atmosphere rushed toward them.

There were already quite a few people inside, of all ages.

They were gathered in groups of three or five, talking and laughing.

Tang Song also saw a few people he found familiar inside, including alumni from that year and teachers.

"Liu Qingning! Over here!" A middle-aged woman wearing glasses and short hair waved, walking toward them with surprise.

"Li Laoshi!" Liu Liu Qingning smiled and greeted her, hugging her mentor.

Tang Song also followed behind, smiling: "Li Laoshi, long time no see."

Li Gaisu was stunned for a moment, looked him up and down carefully, and then said with surprise: "Tang Song! I was wondering who was so handsome, it turns out to be you kid! Not bad, you're really spirited now!"

She looked at him, then at Liu Liu Qingning, a gratified smile appearing on her face.

During high school, she knew about the little ambiguous feelings between these two children. Looking at it now, it could be considered a successful outcome—in the blink of an eye, more than seven years had passed, which was truly moving.

With the movement here, many people's gazes looked over.

And most people's gazes would first fall on Tang Song.

No way, even if he was just wearing ordinary winter clothes, his extremely outstanding temperament and appearance were still exceptionally eye-catching.

Immediately after, some familiar teachers took the initiative to come over and say hello.

Of course, the target was Liu Liu Qingning.

After all, Tang Song was far from as radiant as this top student during high school.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while.

Li Gaisu pulled Liu Liu Qingning and walked toward the inside, arriving at a round table.

"Zhang Xiao, Liu Qingning and the others are here."

Zhang Xiao heard this, only then turned his head to look over, saw Tang Song, was stunned first, then stood up and smiled at Liu Liu Qingning: "Oh my, student Liu Qingning, welcome to participate in our school's anniversary celebration."

Tang Song's eyebrows raised slightly; the one called "Zhang Xiao" by Li Laoshi was exactly Zhang Zhang Qingguo, the dean of students who had left a deep impression on him back then.

This should have been promoted to vice principal.

"Hello, Zhang Xiao." Liu Liu Qingning nodded politely.

Zhang Zhang Qingguo then looked at Tang Song, surprised: "This is Tang Song? The change is a bit big."

"Hello, Zhang Xiao."

Zhang Zhang Qingguo nodded: "Student Tang Song looks much steadier than before now, hehe."

He could be said to have a deep impression of Tang Song.

After all, Liu Liu Qingning was the school's treasure at that time, a top student who was going to rush for Tsinghua and Peking University.

Yet she had a tendency toward puppy love, and he had often disciplined this "thorn" Tang Song on weekdays.

This time for the school's 50th anniversary, as a result, because of Tang Song, something had to happen again.

Naturally, he was even less welcoming to him.

After exchanging a few simple pleasantries.

Zhang Zhang Qingguo quickly cut to the main point, hinting at the special nature of the situation and the difficulties on the school's side in an understated way.

Liu Liu Qingning smiled: "It's okay, Zhang Xiao, I understand. Coming to participate in the anniversary celebration is to offer blessings to the alma mater, it's the same wherever I sit."

Tang Song stood beside Liu Liu Qingning, listening to their conversation, and couldn't help but smile.

It was like this in high school; the radiant white moonlight always protected him, considering his feelings at all times.

Hearing Liu Liu Qingning still insisting, Zhang Zhang Qingguo's face changed slightly, and he was about to say something.

A teacher from the dean's office ran over: "Zhang Xiao, Zhao Rui and the others have arrived downstairs, they'll be up immediately."

"Good good good!" Zhang Zhang Qingguo's spirit was lifted, and he immediately stood up and said to Li Gaisu: "Li Laoshi, you communicate with student Liu Qingning again, I have important distinguished guests here, I'll go receive them first."

After speaking, he left in a hurry.

Li Gaisu looked at Tang Song and Liu Liu Qingning, not knowing what to say, and could only helplessly explain the special nature of this situation.

Even as a key middle school in the local area, the administrative level of the principal of No. 1 High School was only equivalent to the deputy section level.

The vice principal was only at the section level.

And this time, the leader coming from the city, it was said, might be a department-level cadre.

This level gap was too big, too big.

Let alone the school, the entire Jingxian was shaken.

For the school, this was the top priority, even more important than the anniversary celebration itself.

Liu Liu Qingning nodded lightly, not saying much.

Not long after, a commotion came from the entrance of the banquet hall.

Zhang Zhang Qingguo, full of smiles, personally accompanied several people and walked in.

Standing in the middle were two men.

One was about thirty years old, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, gentle and refined.

Tang Song scanned and recognized him; he was a senior two years their senior, Zhao Rui. Back then, he was also an influential figure in the school,

later admitted to Tsinghua University.

The other one was very unfamiliar. About forty years old, high-spirited, full of aura.

Li Gaisu noticed Liu Liu Qingning's gaze and carefully introduced her: "You should both know Zhao Rui. He is currently working in the Investment Banking Department of CICC, very powerful, you can go contact him later."

"The one next to him is the 04-class alumnus Li Yunfan, the general manager and major shareholder of the well-known food processing enterprise 【Maixiangyuan】 in Quancheng."

"I heard that 【Maixiangyuan】 is currently preparing to go public and has cooperation with CICC."

"This Li Zong originally didn't plan to come, but it seems he heard that the city leaders were coming, so he decided to come temporarily."

Li Gaisu paused and said: "Liu Qingning, Tang Song, look, this is the situation now. The school will definitely prioritize these people, so I also hope you can understand, I really have no way."

Hearing this, Liu Liu Qingning smiled playfully: "Li Laoshi, you say, if we are now doing better than that senior Li Yunfan, can the school rearrange the seats?"

Li Gaisu's expression stiffened, and she let out an awkward "er."

Liu Liu Qingning didn't tease her teacher anymore, nor did she continue this topic, but cared about her recent work.

Actually, not being in the main guest area was also a good thing; otherwise, there would definitely be socializing, and every time a leader arrived, she would have to stand up and say hello, which was also quite annoying.

With the arrival of Li Yunfan and Zhao Rui, the atmosphere of the banquet hall was instantly pushed to a new climax.

Vice Zhang Xiao Zhang Qingguo personally led the two to the round table closest to the main seat.

"Li Zong, long admired! Your Maixiangyuan is the pride of our Quancheng."

"Zhao Rui is truly young and promising, worthy of being a top student who walked out of our No. 1 High School! You must return to your alma mater more often in the future and pass on your experience to these juniors!"

Along the way, alumni and teachers who knew or didn't know him constantly took the initiative to step forward, holding wine glasses and greeting enthusiastically.

Tang Song's gaze, however, was always on Liu Liu Qingning.

Returning to Jingxian, returning to No. 1 High School, she seemed to have become that radiant white moonlight again, evoking countless memories for him.

After a long while.

Zhang Zhang Qingguo finally finished dealing with the matters over there and walked over again.

Asked directly: "How is it? Is it confirmed?"

Liu Liu Qingning still smiled: "Hmm, won't add trouble to our school."

Zhang Zhang Qingguo seemed to have expected it: "Then fine, let's settle it like this. Also, regarding your speech as a representative—because the location is inconvenient, why don't we change the form, leave a message, and let the host read it out later, to avoid any mishaps in the process. As for the speech, we will arrange other alumni temporarily."

Li Gaisu's expression changed, and she said urgently: "Zhang Xiao, wasn't this already decided before?"

Zhang Zhang Qingguo's tone became slightly more severe: "Li Laoshi, the situation is special now, everything must be for the overall situation. Ensuring that the reception work for the city leaders is foolproof is the most important 'overall situation' for us now!"

Seeing that Li Laoshi still wanted to speak, Liu Liu Qingning said directly: "It's okay, then let's do that, I'll send the message to Li Laoshi later." "This—alright." Li Gaisu could only sigh helplessly.

She naturally knew the real reason behind this.

When preparing for the anniversary celebration initially, the school sent out many invitation letters, but the alumni with weight who truly promised to rush back were actually not many.

Liu Liu Qingning, the county college entrance exam top scorer of that year and now an AI entrepreneur, was undoubtedly the one who could "add gold" to the school, which was why she was so valued.

But now, with the news that "city leaders might arrive" spreading, the scale of the anniversary celebration was instantly raised.

Those "outstanding alumni" who didn't care about the anniversary celebration originally "happened" to have schedules and emerged one after another.

Besides successful businessmen like Li Yunfan, there were even more powerful figures who had already made a name for themselves in the system.

For the school leaders, the value of these people was far more practical than Liu Liu Qingning.

Grasping this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform well in front of city leaders and strive for more resources and support for the school was the most important "overall situation" in their eyes.

As for Liu Liu Qingning—she could only be wronged temporarily.

Watching Zhang Zhang Qingguo's figure merge into that lively center again.

Li Gaisu pointed to the direction of Zhao Rui and the others and said softly: "Liu Qingning, do you want to go over and get to know other alumni?"

"No need, Li Laoshi." Liu Liu Qingning laughed: "Today is my birthday, I haven't had enough fun yet, I'll visit the seniors when the anniversary celebration happens."

"Alright."

"Then we'll slip away first, see you the day after tomorrow, Li Laoshi."

After 9:00 PM.

The white electric scooter drove slowly into the Kuangjian community.

The old residential building appeared exceptionally peaceful in the quiet night.

Tang Song parked the scooter steadily under the unit building.

Liu Liu Qingning jumped off the back seat and yawned, her voice carrying a lazy drowsiness after being tired: "Played for a day, so tired, I want to sleep early today."

"Hmm, good night." Tang Song leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

Liu Liu Qingning smiled, kissed him back on the cheek, and said softly: "I had a very happy day today, thank you, little Song."

Tang Song looked at her sparkling eyes in the night and suddenly leaned close to her ear, lowering his voice: "By the way, Liu Qingning, is your high school uniform still kept?"

Liu Liu Qingning was stunned, instantly blushing, stuttering a bit: "You—you—what kind of lewd things are you thinking about again?!"

"No, I'm not." Tang Song said innocently, "I just want to—relive the old times more deeply with you."

"No—don't!"

"Liu Qingning, satisfy this little wish of mine, okay?"

"No! The clothes were thrown away long ago." Liu Liu Qingning hit him, turned around, and muttered with her back to him: "You hurry back,"

"sleep well, stop having wild thoughts here!"

She walked a few steps, then suddenly stopped, turned around, her voice slightly carrying a command: "By the way, remember to come find me tomorrow, don't run around."

After speaking, she walked quickly into the unit door.

Watching her slightly flustered back, Tang Song shook his head with some regret.

The white moonlight wearing a school uniform had always been an obsession of his, and also a symbol of his youth.

He stood in the night wind for a while before turning to leave.

The street was quiet, and the night was like a deep river, pulling his shadow very long.

Tang Song dialed Liu Liu Jiayi's phone while walking.

Soon, the black Rolls-Royce stopped in front of him.

This time, he didn't sit in the back seat as usual, but rarely opened the front passenger door and sat in.

Liu Liu Jiayi glanced at him, didn't say much, and started slowly.

Tang Song opened his phone and connected to the car Bluetooth.

A moment later, Su Yu's singing flowed slowly in the quiet carriage.

"BGM: If youth has a final chapter, I hope you are still by my side. Even if the wind blows away the vows, there are still smiles to block for me—"

The car drove slowly away from the Kuangjian community, and the street lamps outside the window passed by one by one.

Tang Song leaned on the seat and closed his eyes gently.

November 19, 2023, Sunday, sunny, 3~18°C.

9:00 AM.

The winter sun plated the old residential building of the Kuangjian community with a layer of warm gold.

The room was filled with the trivial and warm atmosphere of life unique to the early morning.

"Dad, Mom, hurry up and go. It's been half an hour, you guys are too slow!"

Liu Liu Qingning stood at the entrance of the porch, one hand helping her father Liu Xuemin tidy the collar of his coat, the other pushing her mother Zhang Yunlan out the door.

"Tang Song doesn't know when he'll be here yet, you don't have to wait for him at home specifically. Dad, the money in the card I gave you is enough,"

"you must pick a car that is both safe and comfortable today!"

"Got it, got it, you child—"

Under the daughter's half-pushing and half-urging, the couple finally went out with joy that couldn't be concealed.

Early this morning, their daughter threw a bank card at them and told them to go out and buy a car.

How could this filial piety not make them happy.

"Bang—" The door closed, cutting off the sound in the hallway.

The room instantly became quiet.

Liu Liu Qingning let out a long breath.

She walked into her bedroom with brisk steps.

In the room, the old-fashioned cast-iron radiator was emitting warm heat.

On it, a set of blue and white Jingxian No. 1 High School uniforms was neatly laid out.

This uniform was something she had finally found after rummaging through boxes and cabinets last night.

Pressed in the closet for seven years, it had long since been stained with a faint scent of mothballs.

After her parents were asleep, she sneaked into the bathroom like a thief and carefully washed it by hand again.

Fortunately, the house had heating, otherwise, it definitely wouldn't have dried this morning.

She reached out, her fingertips brushing lightly over the familiar, slightly rough fabric, and touched the "No. 1 High School" school badge on her chest that had long since faded.

Looking at this school uniform that carried the memories of her youth, her cheeks couldn't help but blush.

Biting her full lower lip, she muttered in a low voice: "Hmph—it's cheaper for you, stupid little Song!"

After speaking, she took out a garment steamer from the corner, plugged it in, and began to iron it carefully.

Just finished dealing with it, taking off the coat on her body.

"Knock, knock knock—"

A knock that was neither light nor heavy suddenly sounded.

Liu Liu Qingning's heart jumped, she walked out of the bedroom and looked through the peephole.

With a "click," the door was pulled open a crack from the inside, and she said softly: "Why didn't you call me in advance?"

"Isn't this to give you a surprise."

"Hurry and close the door, it's cold outside."

Tang Song smiled and closed the door casually, asking casually: "Where are Uncle and Aunt? Why don't I see them."

"Er—" Liu Liu Qingning tidied the bangs on her forehead, her tone a bit playful, "My dad's Changan Alsvin is about to fall apart, it breaks down every three days, so he went to look at cars early this morning."

Tang Song raised his eyebrows, slowly: "So—there's only you at home now?"

Liu Liu Qingning subconsciously took a step back, hugging her arms to her chest, trying hard to look scared, but in those sparkling eyes, there was a smile that couldn't be hidden, "You—what do you want to do?"

Tang Song laughed: "I want to."

"Go away!" Liu Liu Qingning hit him, blushing: "You wait here, I—I'll go in and put on clothes first, it's a bit cold."

Before the words fell, she turned around and ran into the bedroom with a "ding ding ding," closing the door with a bang.

Tang Song shook his head and laughed, leaning against the sofa armrest, waiting patiently.

Just at this time.

"Buzz buzz buzz—" The phone in his pocket suddenly vibrated.

【Shen Shen Yu Yan】

Answering the phone, Tang Song said in a low voice: "Hello, Shen Yu Yan."

"Morning, Boss." Shen Shen Yu Yan's consistently professional and gentle voice came from the receiver, "Didn't disturb you, did I?"

"No, go ahead."

"It's like this, half an hour ago, the Quancheng Municipal Government Office called. Mayor Li Jiping's secretary called personally to confirm your specific itinerary for attending the No. 1 High School anniversary celebration tomorrow. Mayor Li himself also plans to go to the school. And, he hopes to have the opportunity to have an informal meeting with you."

Tang Song's eyebrows raised: "The Mayor of Quancheng?"

"Yes!" Shen Shen Yu Yan paused and added in an extremely smart tone that stopped at the right point: "I checked the recent situation,"

"Quancheng is currently docking with Yancheng on the construction of an industrial cluster for new energy vehicle parts and semiconductor materials. Relevant industrial funds and park projects have been listed as municipal key projects. Mayor Li's attitude this time might be to hear your suggestions on the future construction of your hometown."

A flash of sharpness appeared in Tang Song's eyes, and he smiled lightly: "Hmm, understood, okay."

Shen Shen Yu Yan hesitated for a moment, somewhat nervously: "President Tang, this might involve communication with government departments, which will be more troublesome. Do you want me to go to Quancheng and contact Mayor Li first? When he goes to Jingxian, I'll bring him to find you, which can also ensure that the rhythm is under our control."

Her words both reflected professionalism and implicitly expressed her desire to participate.

Just at this time.

A somewhat shy voice came from the bedroom: "Come in."

Tang Song's heart jumped, and he said to the phone: "I'll consider this matter and reply to you later."

Hanging up the phone, he pushed open the bedroom door.

The next second, he was stunned in place.

In the bedroom, the morning light shone softly on the floor.

Liu Liu Qingning stood in that warm halo, wearing a blue and white summer school uniform.

The tight-fitting Polo shirt was supported by her full and plump chest, creating a breathtakingly tight curve.

That pure and cute egg-shaped face, which always carried a bit of baby fat, was slightly flushed due to shyness.

She just stood there quietly, her hands behind her back.

Like a good student who was waiting for the teacher's praise and had answered the question correctly.

The hormones of youth instantly drowned Tang Song.