Chapter 602: School Uniform

When they came out of the old bookstore, the sky had completely darkened.

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 look up at Tang Song beside her.

"Did you draw all of these yourself?"

"Mm." Tang Song smiled proudly. "Is it good-looking? Mainly because the heroine inside is pretty."

"Humph, 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 entering university, it suddenly went '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 like this, yet your grades were still so good."

"Cut, 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 streets, discussing the changes around First 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 for more than ten years and bought two freshly baked Tujia pancakes.

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

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 in and out was endless. Everyone kept casting glances at them sitting in the corner.

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

From the big loudspeaker of the audio-visual 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 violently, and she took out her phone to check the time. "Su Yu’s new album is online, released globally at seven o’clock tonight." Tang Song’s heart moved. "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 exclaimed: "Su Yu is really beautiful, this album cover is so evocative."

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

"What? You seem to like Su Yu’s looks very much?" Liu Liu Qingning turned her head, her clear eyes carrying a trace of undetectable probing.

The corner of Tang Song’s eye 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 her AirPods from her bag, handed one to 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 alienation and courage after growing up.

Liu Liu Qingning listened quietly, her eyes gradually softening.

Actually, from the bottom of her heart, she was really a fan of Su Yu, liking her since the Echo period.

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

Unknowingly, the two returned to the entrance of First High School.

"Beep—" Electric scooter unlocked.

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

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

On the other end of the phone came the somewhat embarrassed voice of the head teacher, Li 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 Li Gaisu was silent for a moment: "By the way, where are you now?"

"At the main gate of First High School, out for a stroll with Tang Song."

"Ah? That’s perfect. I’m 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 in person."

Liu Liu Qingning paused, but still agreed.

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

Hanging up the phone.

Tang Song asked: "What’s wrong? Teacher Li looking for you for something?"

Liu Liu Qingning’s face showed a smile again, her tone relaxed: "Nothing, it’s just that for this school anniversary, there was a temporary change in the guest seating,

it seems there aren’t enough..."

She briefly explained the matter, not taking it too seriously.

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

Unlike Liu Liu Qingning, the proud student, Tang Song’s relationship with most teachers was very average, and he had hardly been in contact with them since graduation.

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

The electric scooter’s headlights lit up, illuminating a small patch of the road ahead.

The two drove slowly into the night.

Zhende Hotel was only a few hundred meters away from First High School, and after turning a corner, they arrived quickly.

This time, First High School not only invited many outstanding alumni but also leaders of university admissions offices from within the country.

These people had to be arranged for accommodation.

So in theory, 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 school anniversary.

The red carpet extended straight, and the surroundings were covered with promotional banners.

Following the signs into the banquet hall.

A lively atmosphere rushed toward them.

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

Gathering in groups of three or five, talking and laughing.

Tang Song also saw a few familiar-looking people inside, some were alumni from back then, and some were teachers.

"Liu Qingning! Over here!" A middle-aged woman wearing glasses and short hair waved her hand and walked toward them in surprise.

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

Tang Song also followed behind, smiling and saying: "Teacher Li, long time no see."

Li Li Gaisu was stunned for a moment, looked him up and down carefully, and then said in 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.

Back in high school, she knew about the hazy little ambiguity between these two children. Now it seemed they had achieved a positive result. In the blink of an eye, more than seven years had passed, which was truly moving.

Following the movement here, many people’s gazes looked over.

And most people’s gazes would first land on Tang Song.

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

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

Of course, the target was Liu Liu Qingning.

After all, Tang Song was far less dazzling than this top student back in high school.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while.

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

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

Principal Zhang turned his head upon hearing this. Seeing Tang Song, he was stunned for a moment, then stood up and smiled at Liu Liu Qingning: "Oh my, student Liu Qingning, welcome to attend our school anniversary."

Tang Song’s eyebrows raised slightly. The one called "Principal Zhang" by Teacher Li was Zhang Zhang Qingguo, the dean of students who had left a deep impression on him back then.

This should be a promotion to vice principal.

"Hello, Principal Zhang." 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, Principal Zhang."

Zhang Zhang Qingguo nodded. "Student Tang Song looks much steadier than before, haha."

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

After all, Liu Liu Qingning was the school’s treasure back then, a top student who was going to rush for Tsinghua and Peking University.

Yet she had a tendency toward puppy love, and he hadn’t spared any effort in beating down this "thorn" Tang Song on weekdays.

This time for the 50th anniversary of the school, it turned out that because of Tang Song, there was going to be some trouble.

Naturally, he didn’t like him even more in his heart.

After exchanging pleasantries for a few sentences.

Zhang Zhang Qingguo quickly entered the main topic, hinting at the special nature of the situation and the school’s difficulties in his words.

Liu Liu Qingning smiled and said: "It’s okay, Principal Zhang, I understand. Coming to attend the school anniversary 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 brilliant white moonlight always protected him, always considering his feelings.

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

A teacher from the dean’s office ran over: "Principal Zhang, Zhao Rui and the others have arrived downstairs and will be up soon."

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

After saying that, he left in a hurry.

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

Even as a key middle school in the local area, the administrative level of the principal of First High School was only equivalent to the deputy section level.

The vice principal was only at the section level.

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

This level gap was too big, too big.

Not to mention the school, the entire Jingxian County was shaken.

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

Liu Liu Qingning nodded gently, not saying much.

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

Zhang Zhang Qingguo walked in with a full face of smiles, personally accompanying several people.

Standing in the middle were two men.

One was about thirty years old, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, looking 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 Li Gaisu noticed Liu Liu Qingning’s gaze and carefully introduced her: "You should both know Zhao Rui. He currently works in the investment banking department of CICC, very powerful. You can contact him later.

The one next to him is the 04-class alumnus Li 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 for listing and has cooperation with CICC.

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

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

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

Li Li Gaisu’s expression stiffened, and she let out an awkward "uh."

Liu Liu Qingning didn’t tease her teacher anymore, nor did she continue this topic, but instead 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 greet them, which was quite annoying.

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

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

"President Li, 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 First High School! You must return to your alma mater more often in the future to pass on your experience to these juniors!"

Along the way, alumni and teachers who knew or didn’t know them kept coming forward, holding wine glasses and greeting them enthusiastically.

Tang Song’s gaze was always on Liu Liu Qingning.

Returning to Jingxian, returning to First High School, she seemed to have become that brilliant 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.

He asked directly: "How is it? Is it confirmed?"

Liu Liu Qingning still smiled: "Mm, let’s not add trouble to our school."

Zhang Zhang Qingguo seemed to have expected it: "Alright, let’s settle it like this. Also, regarding your speech as a representative—because the position is not convenient, why not change the form and leave a message, and let the host read it out later, to avoid any glitches in the process. As for the speech, we will temporarily arrange other alumni."

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

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

Seeing Teacher Li still wanting to speak, Liu Liu Qingning said directly: "It’s okay, then let’s do that. I’ll send the message to Teacher Li later." "Alright." Li Li Gaisu could only sigh helplessly.

She naturally knew the real reason behind this.

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

Liu Liu Qingning, the county’s top scorer in the college entrance examination back then and now an AI entrepreneur, was undoubtedly the one who could "gild" the school, which was why she was so valued.

But now, as the news that "city leaders might arrive" spread, the scale of the school anniversary was instantly raised.

Those "outstanding alumni" who didn’t care about the school anniversary originally "happened" to have time and emerged one after another.

Besides successful businessmen like Li 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 real 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 for the time being.

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

Li Li Gaisu pointed in 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, Teacher Li." Liu Liu Qingning smiled: "Today is my birthday, and I haven’t had enough fun yet. I’ll visit the seniors when the school anniversary comes."

"Alright."

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

After 9 PM.

The white electric scooter drove slowly into the Kuangjian community.

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

Tang Song parked the scooter steadily downstairs.

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

"Mm, good night." Tang Song leaned over and kissed her on the face.

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

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

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

"Nothing." Tang Song looked innocent. "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 tapped him, turned around, and complained with her back to him: "You hurry back,

sleep well, don’t let your imagination run wild here!"

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

After speaking, she walked quickly into the unit door.

Looking at her slightly panicked back, Tang Song shook his head with regret.

The white moonlight in a school uniform was always an obsession of his, and 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, stretching 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 row as usual, but rarely opened the passenger door and sat in.

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

Tang Song turned on his phone and connected to the car’s Bluetooth.

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

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

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

Tang Song leaned against the seat and closed his eyes lightly.

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 life atmosphere unique to the early morning.

"Dad, Mom, you guys hurry up. 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 Liu Xuemin tidy his coat collar, and the other pushing her mother Zhang Zhang Yunlan out the door.

"Tang Song doesn’t know when he’ll be here yet, you don’t need 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 their daughter’s urging, the couple finally went out with unconcealable joy on their faces.

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

How could this filial piety not make them happy.

"Clack—" The door closed, cutting off the noise in the hallway.

The house instantly quieted down.

Liu Liu Qingning let out a long breath.

She walked into her bedroom with brisk steps.

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

On it, a blue and white Jingxian First High School uniform was neatly laid out.

This uniform was something she had searched high and low for last night before finally finding it.

It had been pressed in the wardrobe for seven years and had long since been stained with a faint scent of mothballs.

After her parents fell asleep, she slipped 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 gently brushing over the familiar, slightly rough fabric, and touched the "First High School" badge on her chest that had long since faded.

Looking at this uniform that carried her youth memories, her cheeks couldn’t help but flush.

Biting her full lower lip, she muttered in a low voice: "Humph—it’s cheap for you, silly Little Song!"

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

Just after finishing, she took off her coat.

"Knock, knock-knock—"

A knock, neither light nor heavy, suddenly sounded.

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

"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 Auntie? Why don’t I see them."

"Uh..." Liu Liu Qingning tidied the stray hair on her forehead, her tone a bit playful. "Dad’s Changan Changan Yuexiang is almost falling apart, breaking down every few days, so he went to look for a car early this morning."

Tang Song raised his eyebrows, slowly saying: "So—you’re the only one home now?"

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

Tang Song smiled: "I want to."

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

Before the words fell, she turned and ran into the bedroom, slamming the door shut.

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

Just at this time.

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

[Shen Shen Yuyan]

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

"Morning, Boss." Shen Shen Yuyan’s consistently professional and gentle voice came from the receiver. "I’m not disturbing you, am I?"

"No, go ahead."

"It’s like this. Half an hour ago, the Quancheng Municipal Government Office called. Mayor Li Li Jiping’s secretary called personally to confirm your specific itinerary for attending the Jingxian First High School anniversary 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 Yuyan paused and added in an extremely intelligent tone that stopped at the right point: "I checked the recent situation.

Quancheng is currently docking with Yancheng for 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 for the future construction of your hometown."

A flash of sharpness flickered in Tang Song’s eyes, and he smiled lightly: "Mm, understood, that’s fine."

Shen Shen Yuyan 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 can bring him to find you, which can also ensure 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 of light, wearing a blue and white summer school uniform.

The tight-fitting Polo shirt was supported by her full, plump chest, forming a breathtakingly tight arc.

That pure, cute, oval face, which always carried a bit of baby fat, was slightly flushed with shyness.

She stood there quietly, hands behind her back.

Like a good student waiting for the teacher’s praise after getting the question right.

The hormones of youth instantly drowned Tang Song. ===== CHAPTER 632 =====