Chapter 617: The Mysterious Boyfriend

The bustling amusement center.

Yao Yao Lingling sat on a rest bench in the amusement center, her breathing still slightly rapid from the intense game she had just played.

Her eyes, however, were fixed unblinkingly on the figure standing in the corner of the milk tea shop.

He was looking down, his fingertips casually sliding across his phone screen, his slender frame standing out remarkably under the lights.

Whether it was the smooth lines of his jaw or the calm aura he exuded inadvertently, he was unrealistically handsome.

Yao Yao Lingling’s eyes were practically sparkling with little hearts.

My god, Senior is just too stylish!

Even just standing there playing on his phone, it looked like a star on a photoshoot set.

It wasn't just her; many young women and girls around, even little girls in school uniforms, were watching him too.

Yao Yao Lingling couldn't help but chuckle to herself in triumph.

Heh heh, that’s right, he’s my boyfriend!

Over these two hours this morning, Senior had perfectly played the role of a "boyfriend."

The gentle protection during the games, the pampering when holding hands, the hugs during moments of excitement—what was originally just an excuse to "experience dating" now felt like the genuine sweet and sour taste of love.

It was simply—too wonderful!

It was a pity she couldn't post it to her social media, or she would have absolutely blown up her feed today.

Still, she had played what she wanted to play; next up was a loving lunch, a movie, and the most anticipated part: soaking in the hot springs.

Just as she was lost in her fantasies.

Two figures suddenly blocked her view.

Yao Yao Lingling was just about to shift her body when two surprised voices reached her ears:

"Yao Lingling? Is it really you?"

"Sis, didn't Aunt say you were working overtime at the company and wouldn't be back this week?"

Yao Yao Lingling froze, looking up abruptly, her eyelid twitching.

Standing before her were actually her two cousins from her aunt's side,

Deng Jia and Deng Deng Yuxuan.

"..."

Damn it!

"Cousin Yang Jiajia, Xuanxuan." Yao Yao Lingling stood up quickly, feeling guilty as she said awkwardly, "You're here too? What a coincidence."

Her family and some relatives lived in the suburban county southwest of Yancheng, only two or three kilometers from this resort.

It was perfectly normal to come to the resort to play since it was snowing today,

But the problem was—she had snuck out to go on a date with Senior behind her family's back!

"What a coincidence!" The lively Deng Deng Yuxuan immediately pounced over, hugging her arm, full of excitement. "I was a bit disappointed when I heard you weren't coming back, but this is great. I heard from Aunt that the clothes you designed were worn by Su Yu and even hit the trending searches! That’s amazing!"

"Hehe, it's alright." Yao Yao Lingling smiled.

Because of her cheerful and generous personality, she had a pretty good relationship with her relatives' children, especially Deng Deng Yuxuan, who was still in high school and had been very clingy to her since childhood.

Deng Jia added, "Yao Lingling, help me get a windbreaker later, I can't grab one anywhere now."

"Sure, no problem. Just send me your size later, and I'll style an outfit for you and Xuanxuan."

Yao Yao Lingling quickly agreed to everything, just wanting the two cousins to leave as soon as possible.

Just then.

"Ring-a-ling—" Her phone rang.

Deng Jia took her phone out of her pocket, answered it, and said with a smile, "Hey, Mom, Xuanxuan and I have already arrived at the resort. We're staying in the amusement center for a bit. Oh, by the way, we ran into Yao Lingling, we're chatting right now."

Yao Yao Lingling’s heart skipped a beat; she had a bad feeling.

"Huh? I don't know. Yao Lingling said she wasn't going? —Then maybe there was a last-minute change. Let me ask."

She hung up the phone.

Deng Jia asked, "Yao Lingling, aren't you here to attend the family dinner at the eldest uncle's place?"

"I—" Yao Yao Lingling’s face turned awkward, and she quickly waved her hand. "No, I—I'm here at the resort with a friend. I've already spent the money, so I won't be going today."

Are you kidding?! She was here to date!

If she ran off to attend some family dinner, wouldn't everything be ruined?

Deng Deng Yuxuan immediately chimed in, "It won't interfere, Cousin Yao Lingling. The restaurant Uncle booked is the Chinese restaurant on the second floor of the resort's main building."

It was past eleven; they were having a family dinner at noon in the main building's restaurant.

They had arrived early to play some claw machines before heading straight to eat.

Deng Jia smiled and said, "What a coincidence, then let's go together. It won't stop you from playing; we can continue to be happy after eating."

"This—" Yao Yao Lingling was completely dumbfounded.

(1I

A°

No, this is too much of a coincidence, right?!

On second thought, she felt it was very reasonable.

As the most high-end five-star resort in the area, the Chinese restaurant and banquet hall at [Cloud Creek Valley] naturally accepted various high-end banquets from the public.

Her eldest uncle, Yao Yao Guanying, was a man who cared about face and loved to show off; to welcome his "son-in-law to be," he would naturally choose the best and most prestigious place around.

But the problem was that now that her aunt's side knew she was at the resort, the other relatives would definitely know too.

It wouldn't be appropriate if she didn't go.

But she couldn't bear to give up her time alone with Senior.

What should she do?

She couldn't possibly bring him along, could she?

Thinking of this, her gaze uncontrollably drifted back to the Senior who was still queuing at the milk tea shop.

If they were a real couple, she would definitely want the whole world to know, show off their love on social media, and bring him home to honor her ancestors.

But they weren't, and she couldn't explain their relationship to her relatives.

Noticing her gaze, Deng Jia and Deng Deng Yuxuan looked over as well.

Deng Jia immediately teased, "Yo, so our Yao Lingling is addicted to looking at her crush?"

Deng Deng Yuxuan lowered her voice and said to Yao Yao Lingling with a fan-girl expression, "Cousin Yao Lingling, I also think that little brother is really, really handsome! Several times more handsome than the celebrity idols I follow! When I came over just now, I secretly took a photo of him. My sister took one too, hehe."

Deng Jia’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she pushed her sister. "I just think his outfit is nice, and I was thinking of buying one for my boyfriend."

"Fine, fine, I get it. Don't worry, I won't tell on you to your boyfriend."

Listening to their conversation, even the panicked Yao Yao Lingling couldn't help but let her mouth curl up wildly.

Heh heh! He is my boyfriend for today!

If nothing else, Senior’s impeccable appearance and temperament really gave her face.

Just under their gaze.

Tang Song put away his phone, took a cup of lemonade from the clerk, and turned to walk out of the milk tea shop.

"Oh no, the crush is leaving." Deng Deng Yuxuan looked regretful, then her face flushed. "Wait, no, he seems to be looking at us."

"He's even walking towards us. He smiled, so handsome! Even more handsome than those retouched photos of male celebrities! His temperament is really good!"

Deng Jia beside her couldn't help but blush, secretly watching the boy walking towards them.

His pace was leisurely, his shoulders and back straight, his nose bridge high, and a gentle smile hung on his rosy lips.

His sword-like brows and star-like eyes carried a naturally clear and cold temperament.

It made the noisy amusement center around them seem to turn into his exclusive stage.

Following that, he extended his slender fingers to pull out a straw, tore open the packaging, and inserted it into the lid of the lemonade.

The movement was elegant and casual, yet carried a sense of beauty.

He got closer and closer, coming straight to them.

The two sisters subconsciously held their breath.

Tang Song first naturally handed the lemonade with the straw inserted to Yao Yao Lingling’s lips.

Then he asked with a smile, "Yao Lingling, ran into friends?"

Yao Yao Lingling subconsciously opened her mouth and took two big sips.

It was cold, cool, and refreshing; she felt this was the best lemonade she had ever drunk.

The expressions on Deng Jia and Deng Deng Yuxuan’s faces froze, and they looked at Yao Yao Lingling beside them in disbelief.

What is going on?

Yao Yao Lingling suppressed the corners of her mouth that were curling up wildly and introduced, "These are my aunt's two daughters, my cousin Deng Jia and my younger cousin Deng Deng Yuxuan."

Tang Song nodded politely, "Hello, I'm Tang Song."

"H-hello." "Hello."

The two responded awkwardly, their faces still somewhat dazed.

Interacting at close range, they could feel Tang Song’s aura and charm even more.

And from the intimate actions just now, as well as Yao Lingling’s performance, it was clear that their relationship was definitely not ordinary.

Deng Deng Yuxuan swallowed her saliva and couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Cousin Yao Lingling—is this—your—?"

"Emm..." Yao Yao Lingling stammered, not knowing how to introduce him for a moment.

Senior? Boss? Friend? Boyfriend?

Tang Song chuckled and took the initiative to say, "I am Yao Lingling’s boyfriend."

Yao Yao Lingling’s body trembled violently, and she froze, her face instantly burning hot.

Boy—boyfriend?!

Senior—he actually admitted it voluntarily?!

Ahhhhh! My god!

An unprecedented joy exploded in her mind like fireworks, completely submerging her.

Deng Jia and Deng Deng Yuxuan were full of shock and disbelief.

Although Yao Lingling was quite pretty and had a good personality, standing next to a boy of Tang Song’s level, the gap was still obvious.

Sensing that the atmosphere was a bit strange.

Tang Song spoke again, "Sorry, I didn't know I would run into you, so I only bought one drink. What would you like to drink? I'll go buy it."

Deng Jia and Deng Deng Yuxuan quickly shook their heads, "No, no, we just drank some."

Immediately, Deng Deng Yuxuan grabbed Yao Yao Lingling’s arm, excited like a little sparrow: "Cousin Yao Lingling, you are really hiding it well! When did this happen?"

"Just... recently... hehe."

Yao Yao Lingling looked at Tang Song shyly, feeling like she was floating.

She couldn't help but steal a glance at Tang Song.

She saw him looking down and taking a sip of lemonade, the corners of his lips hooked slightly, and he even winked at her.

This moment of intimacy felt like an electric current running through her whole body, making Yao Yao Lingling’s legs go weak.

After some pleasantries, the four of them started playing in the amusement center together.

Not long after.

"Ring-a-ling—"

Yao Yao Lingling’s phone rang suddenly.

[Mother]

Her heart skipped a beat.

She said something to Tang Song and the others, then walked to a corner to answer the phone.

"Hello, Mom."

On the other end of the phone, her mother Zhang Zhang Xiufang’s voice carried a probing tone: "Yao Lingling, are you at the Cloud Creek Valley Resort?"

Yao Yao Lingling’s face stiffened.

It's over! What had to come finally came!

She bit the bullet and smiled: "Yeah, I'm out playing with friends. I didn't expect you all to be here too."

"I knew it!" Zhang Zhang Xiufang let out a long sigh of relief. "Then just come over and have a meal together. Your eldest uncle and the others all know you're here. It wouldn't be appropriate if you didn't go; everyone is waiting."

"But I came with friends, it wouldn't be very nice to leave them behind."

"Just come over for a meal, and when you're done, you can go back to playing." Zhang Zhang Xiufang lowered her voice and said excitedly, "Also, let Mom save some face."

Yao Yao Lingling’s mouth twitched. "Alright, I'll be there in a bit."

After hanging up, she felt her head buzzing.

She sighed and walked back.

Looking at Tang Song, she hesitated to speak.

"What's wrong? Is something the matter?" Tang Song asked with concern.

Yao Yao Lingling hesitated for a moment before explaining in a low voice: "I just found out that my eldest uncle's family is also hosting a dinner at the resort's restaurant today to welcome my cousin's boyfriend, and all the relatives are there. Since I'm here, it wouldn't be appropriate not to go."

"What a coincidence." Tang Song raised his eyebrows.

"Yeah, I didn't expect it either." Yao Yao Lingling shrugged.

"Brother Tang Song, why don't you come along too?" Deng Deng Yuxuan suddenly interjected, her eyes bright. "I heard the signature roast squab at that restaurant is delicious."

She also had a slight dislike for her eldest uncle and aunt’s show-off personality.

This time, it was clearly meant to show off her cousin’s so-called "golden turtle son-in-law."

But she felt that Cousin Yao Lingling’s boyfriend was even more outstanding!

His appearance, upbringing, and temperament were all full of impeccable charm.

If he went together, he would definitely be the most handsome guy in the room.

Yao Yao Lingling was startled on the spot and quickly waved her hands: "No, no, no! What are you talking about, Xuanxuan."

She turned to Tang Song with a blushing face and whispered: "Senior—I'll just go over for a meal and be back quickly. I just can't accompany you for lunch."

After all, she and Tang Song were only "one-day boyfriend and girlfriend."

How could she go to such a formal family dinner?

Even if they were a real couple, showing up uninvited would seem very abrupt.

It wouldn't be polite, and it would also put Tang Song in a difficult position.

Tang Song looked at her, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes, and kissed her on the cheek. "It's okay, go ahead, have fun."

Then, he leaned into the little junior’s ear and said in a voice only the two of them could hear: "As long as we can soak in the hot springs together tonight, it's fine."

His voice was clear and magnetic, and his shimmering eyes were full of tenderness.

Yao Yao Lingling’s eyelids twitched.

She thought to herself again: Senior is not just a player, he is a genuine succubus.

Deng Jia beside her was calm on the surface, but her heart was already sour to the extreme.

They were cousins who grew up together and were as familiar as could be.

Suddenly discovering that this carefree cousin had brought a top-tier god-level man to "show off" felt really unreal.

Envy and jealousy were all intertwined in her heart.

Deng Deng Yuxuan sighed with some regret.

On the way, the three of them chatted away.

Most of it was Deng Deng Yuxuan asking questions.

Yao Yao Lingling pretended to be calm while coping, her heart rate never slowing down.

Her mind was full of the hot springs with Senior later.

The Cloud Creek Valley restaurant was located in the resort's main building, about a ten-minute walk from the amusement center.

Led by a waiter, the three entered the most luxurious "888" suite.

The private room not only had an independent lounge and bathroom but also a viewing balcony overlooking the entire resort.

It was clear that her eldest uncle had really spent a fortune this time.

Many relatives had already arrived.

Her father Yao Yao Guanjie, mother Zhang Zhang Xiufang, eldest uncle Yao Yao Guanying, eldest aunt Chen Yan, eldest aunt Yao Yao Xuemei, and younger aunt Yao Yao Xueli...

However, the protagonists, Yao Yao Rourou and her boyfriend, were not there.

"Yao Lingling is here!" Eldest aunt Yao Yao Xuemei was the first to stand up, affectionately grabbing her hand. "Oh my, you're getting prettier and prettier! I heard the clothes you designed are popular all over the internet; you're a big designer now!"

Zhang Zhang Xiufang immediately smiled from ear to ear; while she was humble in words, her brows and eyes were full of pride.

Yao Yao Lingling greeted them one by one with a smile and sat down next to her mom.

She asked casually, "Has Cousin Yao Rourou not arrived yet?"

Eldest uncle Yao Yao Guanying said slowly, "Yao Rourou and Gong Yunxiao both live in the city, so it's troublesome to come over, plus there's a traffic jam on the weekend, so they're a little late, but they should be here soon."

As everyone chatted.

Her mom Zhang Zhang Xiufang took out her phone and flipped through the trending news.

Talking about topics like "Su Yu," "He Yi," and "windbreaker," Yao Yao Lingling found it a bit funny, but she still cooperated with her mom’s "showing off."

For a time, she was forced to become the focus of the whole room.

Yao Yao Guanying and Chen Yan’s expressions became a bit subtle; after all, the protagonists today were the two of them.

Just then.

The private room door was pushed open again.

Yao Yao Lingling looked up and saw her cousin Yao Yao Rourou walk in, followed by a young man who was both strange and familiar.

It was Gong Gong Yunxiao, whom she had only seen in photos on social media.

His features were regular, he was wearing a cashmere sweater, and his brows carried a sense of heroism.

Although not stunning, he looked spirited and capable, with a calm temperament.

"Yao Rourou is here!"

"This must be Gong Yunxiao, what a talent!"

"Gong Yunxiao, Yao Rourou! You had a hard trip, sit here quickly!"

For a time, the relatives at the table stood up one after another to welcome them, enthusiastically ushering this "golden boy and jade girl" to the main table.

Eldest uncle Yao Yao Guanying was beaming as he introduced Gong Gong Yunxiao’s identity.

The scene became even more lively.

Yao Yao Lingling smacked her lips, but she could understand it.

Gong Gong Yunxiao was a master's graduate from a prestigious university and had entered a key department like the Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

A third-level chief staff member; although the rank was only equivalent to a deputy section chief, everyone knew that in such a place, the position was more important than the rank.

The department he was in was directly involved in the approval of macro policies and major projects for the entire province.

Previously in the family group, her eldest uncle had mentioned it meaningfully several times.

Gong Gong Yunxiao was highly valued by his leaders and had good development prospects; he would definitely be promoted to a researcher before the age of thirty-five.

But for the relatives present who were ordinary wage earners, small business owners, or even laid-off workers, Gong Gong Yunxiao’s status as a "third-level chief staff member" was enough to make them look up to him and envy him.

This represented stability, decency, and immeasurable future development space.

The relatives were all thinking about how they could benefit from him in the future.

Even her mom, who had always been at odds with her eldest aunt, stood up with a smile at this moment and took the initiative to greet him.

Soon, the dishes were served one by one.

Exquisite cold dishes, steaming soups, and whole braised sea cucumber and abalone were all available.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Gong Gong Yunxiao and Yao Yao Rourou became the true protagonists, surrounded by everyone like stars, and the whole table was lively.

Under the hints of the elders, the younger generation stood up one after another, holding their glasses, taking turns to toast this "future star" Gong Gong Yunxiao, and introducing themselves.

By the way, they were also trying to make an impression.

Soon, it was Yao Yao Lingling’s turn.

She raised her glass generously, smiling brightly: "Brother Gong Yunxiao, I'm Yao Yao Lingling, and I'm doing fashion design in Yancheng. Please take care of me in the future!"

Her straightforward tone and generous posture made Gong Gong Yunxiao take an extra look, and he nodded with a smile.

Yao Yao Lingling had just sat down.

Her cousin Yao Yao Rourou asked with some curiosity: "Yao Lingling, I heard that the clothes you designed have recently exploded in popularity? The whole internet is reposting them? I've been busy with work lately and really haven't paid attention."

Yao Yao Lingling smiled, her tone relaxed: "Hi, just lucky, a blind cat bumping into a dead mouse."

Her mom Zhang Zhang Xiufang, who was sitting next to her, couldn't hold back and immediately chimed in: "Yao Lingling changed jobs to a new company a while ago and designed a windbreaker that sold like crazy on Double 11, becoming a hit all over the internet. Later, it was even worn by the big star Su Yu for street photos, and it's still on the trending searches!"

"That amazing?" Yao Yao Rourou was a bit surprised.

She remembered that her cousin Yao Lingling only worked in a small company and had just graduated for a little over a year; she didn't expect her to be able to achieve such results.

Gong Gong Yunxiao also praised her at the right time.

Eldest aunt Yao Yao Xuemei couldn't help but ask: "Then Yao Lingling, how much do you earn a month now? Tell your aunt, let us open our eyes too."

In an instant, everyone’s eyes focused on Yao Yao Lingling, full of curiosity and inquiry.

Noticing her mom’s extremely eager eyes.

Yao Yao Lingling touched her nose and said with a grin: "The base salary is ten thousand, but there are commissions and performance bonuses. If you count it all up—the annual salary should be around three or four hundred thousand."

Actually, she was still understating it.

If this popularity could be maintained, her commission would be terrifying, and she might even get stock option incentives from the company.

But even so, it still shocked all the relatives present.

In a place like Yancheng, an annual salary of three or four hundred thousand was the income level of some senior executives in large companies.

Noticing the shocked eyes of the relatives, Zhang Zhang Xiufang felt refreshed instantly.

She and her husband Yao Yao Guanjie had lost a lot of money because they failed in the clothing business before.

For so many years, they had been teased by these people openly and secretly.

Now, they were considered the ones who were doing relatively poorly in the family.

Now, her daughter had finally won this breath for her.

The face she had lost for so many years was finally regained properly.

Eldest aunt Chen Yan’s face couldn't hold it anymore; she smacked her lips and pulled out a somewhat forced smile.

She said in the tone of someone who had been through it: "Well, it's not bad. But, I heard from people that this kind of company that does live streaming and sales looks lively, but it's actually not stable and has no security."

"Hey, you're an outsider in this." Her mom Zhang Zhang Xiufang immediately retorted, her voice raised by eight degrees. "Yao Lingling’s company is in the Cloud Creek Building, the best office building in Yancheng, and they pay full social security and housing funds, plus there are meal subsidies and rent subsidies, so she basically doesn't have to pay for rent herself."

Seeing that the two sisters-in-law were about to "start a war" again, eldest aunt Yao Yao Xuemei quickly smiled to smooth things over: "Oh, let me say, our old Yao family is really lucky this year! Yao Lingling is doing fashion design and got a high salary at a young age; Yao Rourou entered a provincial unit, and the work is decent and stable. One knows how to 'make money,' and one has 'status'."

"Indeed, they are both good." Younger aunt Yao Yao Xueli, who hadn't spoken much, chimed in at this time, her eyes falling on Gong Gong Yunxiao, who always had a faint smile. "However, in the end, Gong Yunxiao is the most promising. At a young age, he is in such an important department in the province. In the future, our Yao Lingling and Yao Rourou will definitely have to rely on Gong Yunxiao for guidance and pointing out the way!"

These words made eldest uncle Yao Yao Guanying’s family beam with joy, their faces full of satisfaction.

Gong Gong Yunxiao’s hand holding the glass trembled slightly, and his tone carried a hint of imperceptible caution: "Younger aunt, you are too flattering. I'm just an ordinary staff member."

Yao Yao Xueli didn't hear the subtext and immediately continued to flatter: "Oh, Gong Yunxiao, you are just too humble! In today’s society, what is most important? It's connections and platforms! Yao Rourou is in her unit—"

Her words continued, full of enthusiasm.

"Cough."

Gong Gong Yunxiao suddenly coughed lightly, interrupting her.

His eyes became a bit more serious. "Younger aunt, you must not say that. Our unit has strict discipline, and the most taboo thing is to engage in these 'human favors.' If our leaders heard it, I would be criticized."

Once these words came out, the lively atmosphere in the private room froze instantly.

The smile on Yao Yao Xueli’s face also stiffened.

Yao Yao Rourou immediately reacted and smiled to smooth things over, picking up a piece of pork rib and putting it into her younger aunt’s bowl. "Oh, younger aunt, look at you, you're just too honest, saying everything out loud. Gong Yunxiao is just joking with you! Come, come, eat."

Yao Yao Xueli then came back to her senses and quickly picked up her glass to punish herself with a drink.

Her face carried a somewhat awkward smile. "Look at my mouth, I just don't know how to speak. Gong Yunxiao, Yao Rourou, don't take it to heart!"

Watching this scene, the smile on Yao Yao Lingling’s face became a bit unnatural.

She knew that her younger aunt’s hard work in flattering also had her own difficulties.

Yao Yao Xueli had previously worked in a state-owned enterprise, but because she had no background or connections, and her personal ability was not outstanding, she had always been a marginal figure.

Two years ago, she was "optimized" to a new company established by a state-owned enterprise and a private enterprise, and now she was just an ordinary department supervisor.

She had no power in her hands and no money in her pocket.

She was only 38 years old this year, and naturally, she was not reconciled in her heart.

She wanted to use this relative relationship to get familiar with Gong Gong Yunxiao, this "potential stock."

If she could get on this line in the future, maybe she could get rid of her current predicament and welcome the second spring of her life.

Gong Gong Yunxiao drank a glass of wine, and the smile on his face was still humble and decent. "Younger aunt, you must not say that. You are an elder, caring about us and having expectations for us, all of which is for our own good."

Despite this, the atmosphere in the private room inevitably became a bit subtle.

After all, everyone was not a fool.

Although Gong Gong Yunxiao’s words just now were impeccable, the caution and alienation belonging to people in the system had already clearly drawn an invisible line between the relatives.

The subsequent conversation was still lively, but it always seemed to be separated by something, lacking the previous ease and enthusiasm.

Gong Gong Yunxiao did not become silent because of the small episode just now.

On the contrary, he still participated in everyone’s chat with a smile, witty and polite.

It was just that his attitude had changed subtly.

And the most uncomfortable one was younger aunt Yao Yao Xueli.

She tried several times to steer the topic back to a more "private" and "human" direction, wanting to get closer to Gong Gong Yunxiao again.

But every time, she would be lightly blocked by the other party in an extremely natural way.

She held her glass, the smile on her face looking particularly awkward.

She couldn't find a suitable time to toast several times, so she could only stop in mid-air for a moment and then put it down.

After three rounds of drinks and five flavors of dishes.

The atmosphere of the banquet gradually came to an end amidst the clinking of glasses.

"Ring-a-ling—" Her phone rang abruptly.

Yao Yao Lingling picked up her phone, walked quickly to the corner of the private room, turned her back to the crowd, and said a few words.

Then a shy smile bloomed on her face that she couldn't suppress.

Hanging up the phone, she returned to the dining table.

Her face carried a bit of embarrassment: "Eldest uncle, eldest aunt, dad, mom, I'm full. I came to the resort this time because I made an appointment with a friend to play together, and they are waiting for me downstairs now, so I have to go first."

"Yo, what kind of friend is so important? Is it a boy or a girl?" Eldest aunt immediately teased with a smile, gossip shining in her eyes.

Deng Deng Yuxuan beside her finally couldn't hold it anymore.

Completely ignoring Yao Yao Lingling’s repeated instructions of "don't tell anyone,"

She said loudly: "Of course it's a boy! And a super handsome one, he's Cousin Yao Lingling’s boyfriend! He has a very special temperament, just like a big star!"

Although she was young, she could understand the atmosphere at the dinner table.

This cousin-in-law Gong Gong Yunxiao sounded like a big deal, but his cold attitude towards her younger aunt made her feel very uncomfortable.

In contrast, she preferred that handsome and gentle "Brother Tang Song."

Yao Yao Lingling’s face turned red, and she glared at her cousin who had no filter, both shy and annoyed.

The other relatives showed surprised expressions, and their eyes focused on Yao Yao Lingling.

"What?!" Her mom Zhang Zhang Xiufang was the first to react, almost jumping out of her chair, grabbing her daughter’s arm. "What's going on? Yao Lingling! Why have I never heard you mention it?! When did you get a boyfriend?!"

"Just—just got together recently, trying it out, not sure yet—" Yao Yao Lingling babbled, picking up her backpack. "Oh, anyway, don't worry about it, I've already graduated, I know what I'm doing."

She didn't dare to look at the different expressions of the crowd and ran out of the private room.

As soon as she left, Gong Gong Yunxiao, who had been sitting quietly, also stood up suddenly.

He pulled Yao Yao Rourou and said to everyone in a gentle tone: "I'm really sorry, I have an important online meeting to attend in the afternoon, so I'm afraid I have to go back first."

"Ah? So urgent?" Eldest aunt Chen Yan’s face was full of reluctant smiles. "Gong Yunxiao, sit for a while longer, have a cup of tea before leaving."

"Yes, Gong Yunxiao, no matter how busy you are with work, take care of your health." Eldest uncle Yao Yao Guanying also quickly tried to keep him.

Gong Gong Yunxiao nodded slightly, his attitude humble but unquestionable. "The meeting is indeed quite important; it's about the pre-review of the key provincial project next month, and the time is quite tight. Next time, I will definitely arrange the time in advance and come to visit again."

He had already brought out the "key provincial project," who would dare to keep him?

"Then we'll see you off." Yao Yao Guanying and Chen Yan quickly stood up.

Zhang Zhang Xiufang also followed: "I'll go down too."

She was still thinking about her daughter’s inexplicable boyfriend and was very worried.

She wanted to go down and see what kind of person he was.

As a result, everyone in the private room followed downstairs.

A large group of people arrived at the lobby on the first floor of the hotel.

They were still chatting politely.

Zhang Zhang Xiufang’s eyes scanned the crowd rapidly.

Soon, she saw her daughter’s figure, as well as the boy standing beside her who was excessively handsome.

He was wearing a simple black turtleneck, paired with a camel-gray double-breasted coat with excellent texture.

His features were handsome, his nose bridge high, his shoulders broad and waist narrow.

Under the bright crystal lights of the hotel lobby, he exuded an elegance and nobility that could not be ignored.

At this moment, he was affectionately holding Yao Lingling’s hand, smiling, and looking down, not knowing what he was saying to her.

That scene was exactly like the most romantic scene in an idol drama.

"My god, this—" Zhang Zhang Xiufang muttered to herself subconsciously.

Before she could recover.

Younger aunt Yao Yao Xueli beside her let out a low cry, her face full of disbelief, as if she had seen something dirty.

"What's wrong? Yao Xueli?"

Yao Yao Xueli didn't bother to answer at all and rushed over directly.

Stopping in front of the two, her voice trembled with extreme excitement: "Tang—Chairman Tang! H-hello!"

Sensing Tang Song’s slightly puzzled gaze.

Yao Yao Xueli resisted the excitement, her face flushed red as she said: "Chairman Tang, I am the supervisor of the logistics department of the Yannan Short Drama Film and Television Base, Yao Yao Xueli."

Tang Song raised his eyebrows. "Hello."

Yao Yao Lingling, standing beside him, looked at her younger aunt and didn't react for a moment.

Her younger aunt did work at this film base, and she had specifically mentioned it when she and Tang Song were "touching fake breasts" near the base. (Chapter 449)

It's just that, judging by her younger aunt’s meaning—Tang Song seemed to have a relationship with this base?

Tang Song reacted quickly and asked curiously: "What is your relationship with Yao Lingling?"

With his sharpness and intelligence, he naturally sensed the abnormal atmosphere around him instantly.

Yao Yao Xueli’s heart trembled violently. "Yao Lingling—is my own niece!"

Following Yao Yao Xueli’s strange reaction, other relatives also looked over, their eyes focused on Tang Song.

There was no way around it; he was too outstanding, like a crane in a flock of chickens.

Gong Gong Yunxiao in the crowd changed his face instantly after seeing his appearance clearly.

He looked at Yao Yao Lingling beside him again.

His brain made a loud "buzzing" sound.

How—how could he be Yao Lingling’s boyfriend?!

How is this possible?

Gong Gong Yunxiao could no longer care about pleasantries and reserve. Under the shocked and inexplicable eyes of the crowd, he walked quickly to Tang Song.

He bent down, his voice full of just the right amount of excitement and respect: "Mr. Tang, hello, I am Gong Gong Yunxiao from the Industrial Coordination Division of the Yancheng Development and Reform Commission. A few days ago at the Xiyuan Hotel, when Director Li met with you, I had the honor to participate in the reception work of the meeting group. I don't know if you still have an impression?"

He said these words almost in one breath.

Because he was too excited, a layer of fine sweat even seeped out on his forehead.

"Hello, Mr. Gong, of course I have an impression." Tang Song nodded slightly, his voice gentle and distant.

Gong Gong Yunxiao let out a long sigh of relief, his voice a degree lower than just now. "It is my honor to be remembered by Mr. Tang."

His almost humble attitude formed a strong contrast with his image at the dinner table just now, and also brought them great shock.

Looking at this magical scene, including Yao Yao Guanying, Chen Yan, and Yao Yao Rourou, everyone’s expressions froze.

Zhang Zhang Xiufang’s heart heaved violently, her hands subconsciously covering her chest, fearing that her heart would beat too fast.

Her eyes switched back and forth between Tang Song, her daughter, and Gong Gong Yunxiao.

She just felt that this scene was too magical.

Yao Yao Lingling turned to look at her "boyfriend," her head buzzing.

The Senior who was just gentle and considerate, accompanying her to catch dolls and buy lemonade, seemed to be covered with a strange and noble halo at this moment.

She had never seen this kind of aura on him.

Mysterious and unpredictable, yet full of indescribable charm.

Her heart beat so fast that it almost shook her A-cup into a B-cup.

Yao Yao Lingling turned her head to look at her "boyfriend," her head buzzing with thoughts.

The Zhang Zong who had just been gentle and considerate, who would accompany her to catch dolls and buy lemon tea, seemed to be draped in a layer of unfamiliar and noble aura at this moment.

She had never seen this kind of presence on him before.

Mysterious and unfathomable, yet filled with an indescribable charm.

Her heartbeat was so fast that it felt like it was going to shake her A-cup into a B-cup.