Chapter 560: Breakup, School Anniversary

A dull "thud" sounded.

Liu Qingning’s body stumbled violently; one hand pressed heavily against the solid mahogany dining table, while the other clutched her head tightly.

The migraine that had just vanished for a month came surging back.

"Qingning!"

The expression on Su Yu’s face was instantly replaced by panic.

She stepped forward quickly, grabbing Liu Qingning’s swaying body, her voice filled with immense terror: "What’s wrong with you?!"

She could clearly feel Liu Qingning’s body trembling slightly, a fine layer of cold sweat beading on her forehead, her complexion frighteningly pale. She had rushed over in an impulsive fit because Tang Song was meeting Jin Meixiao next month.

If—if something actually happened to Liu Qingning because of her own provocation and instigation.

Then everything would be over!

"I’ll call an ambulance right now! Wait for me!"

Su Yu hurriedly took out her phone from her bag, but her arm was gripped tightly by a cold hand.

Liu Qingning looked at her, those eyes, slightly out of focus from the intense pain, burning with an unprecedented, stubborn flame.

She spoke with difficulty, every word squeezed out from between her teeth:

"I—I’m fine. It’s just a migraine, an old problem, it’ll pass soon. What—what exactly did you mean just now? Director Jin?

How—how is that possible?"

In the difficult worldview she had long since constructed—

She and Tang Song shared a deep, unparalleled bond spanning over a decade.

Later, a charming Wen Ruan suddenly appeared, and after struggling, she forced herself to try to accept it.

Then, she unexpectedly discovered Su Yu’s existence.

She viewed the other woman as the greatest ultimate rival in her long-distance race of love; although fearful and timid, she secretly gathered her courage,

preparing to face it bravely.

But now, Su Yu was telling her that the real "Great Demon King" was someone else entirely.

Who was Jin Meixiao?

She had known of her since her university days.

A 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year, a representative of young business leaders, a *Time* magazine cover star, with investment footprints spanning the globe, the omnipresent "Smile"—

Of course, the reason she was so terrified by Su Yu’s words was also because.

She had already known before that Tang Song and Jin Meixiao were acquainted.

Behind [Qingning Technology] and [Tang Zong Entertainment], there were shadows of [Smile Holdings].

After graduating from university, the first company Tang Song joined was Meigou Technology; the chairman of Meigou at the time was none other than Jin Meixiao.

And then there was that ambiguously behaved Qin Yingxue.

She had guessed before that there must be secrets hidden behind this that she didn’t yet know.

But she thought that at most, it involved some cutting-edge technological innovation or deeper capital cooperation.

She had never dared to imagine that Tang Song and Jin Meixiao would have another kind of relationship.

Su Yu reached out to massage her temples, her voice full of worry: "Let’s go to the hospital first. We can talk about this topic after you’ve recovered, okay?"

She could not bear the charge of "persecuting" Tang Song’s white moonlight, nor did she dare to take any more risks.

"No! I want to know now!" Liu Qingning’s voice suddenly rose, carrying a trace of hysterical persistence. "Tell me!

I must know!"

"This..." Su Yu looked at her eyes, which seemed almost ready to burn, gritted her teeth and said: "Tang Song and Jin Meixiao met in 2016. They co-founded Smile Holdings. The reason I acted impulsively and did those wrong things to you was, in the final analysis, because of Jin Meixiao. She has been threatening me, not letting me get close to Tang Song..."

Then, Su Yu began to whisper. From her perspective, Jin Meixiao was an absolutely ruthless Great Demon King.

Because of Tang Song’s intimate relationship with her, Jin Meixiao targeted her in every way, suppressing and "persecuting" her multiple times.

From forcibly pushing for the capital restructuring and IPO process of [Tang Zong Entertainment], causing her to lose partial control of the company; to arranging that dense global concert tour that nearly drove people mad, exhausting her energy; to signing a series of time-consuming and laborious commercial endorsements in Tang Song’s name that she didn’t want to take...

Liu Qingning listened blankly, her lips pressed tight, saying nothing.

She seemed to have even forgotten her migraine.

When Su Yu’s voice finally stopped, the private room fell into a dead silence.

Only then did she ask in a low voice, as if in a dream: "Do you have any proof?"

Su Yu paused, as if she had long expected her to ask this. She took out her phone, unlocked the screen, tapped on a photo she had prepared, and gently placed it in front of Liu Qingning.

Liu Qingning slowly lowered her head.

The background of the photo was an office that looked extremely private, with steady and luxurious decor.

Tang Song sat upright behind a wide desk, holding a fountain pen, his posture elegant and relaxed.

The famous Director Jin, wearing her signature professional attire, stood quietly by his side, her gaze soft and focused on him.

She stared blankly at Tang Song in the photo.

That must have been what he looked like in his sophomore year, his face still carrying the high spirits of a youth, the appearance she was most familiar with.

But his gaze—those eyes that always carried sunshine and smiles—were now exceptionally sharp and deep, even carrying a trace of unfamiliar indifference belonging to someone in a position of power.

As if he were the true master of that room.

Seeing Liu Qingning’s eyes, which had become hollow and unfocused from the massive shock, Su Yu’s heart tightened.

She worried that the other party might really be triggered into having an incident.

She put away her phone and leaned forward slightly. "To be honest, I am jealous of you. And not just me; I believe Jin Meixiao is equally jealous of you."

Liu Qingning slowly raised her head, her eyes filled with confusion.

A trace of extremely complex emotion flickered in Su Yu’s amber eyes.

"Because Tang Song is completely different with you; you are the most special one."

"In front of us, he is calculating and mysterious. He always wears a mask; you can never see his true self."

"But only in front of you does he shed all his disguises and halos, becoming vivid and pure."

"He discards all those awe-inspiring achievements and interacts with you as the most real, even slightly clumsy, 'Tang Song.' From high school to university, and then later in the Imperial Capital—"

"Qingning, what you possess is his most precious original intention, the one he least wants to be contaminated by anyone. I am jealous of you, jealous to the point of madness.

That is why, after being suppressed and provoked by Jin Meixiao time and time again, I did those wrong things—"

Su Yu’s voice grew lower and lower, tears welled up from her eyes, and sobbing sounds began.

The expression on her face held pain, fragility, embarrassment, and grievance.

This superstar diva displayed her most heart-wrenching side.

Liu Qingning lowered her head, and after a long silence, slowly said: "Miss Su Yu... what you’ve said—the amount of information is too large. I’m sorry, my mind is very chaotic right now. I want to be alone for a while."

"Do you really not need me to accompany you to the hospital?"

"No need, thank you."

Su Yu looked at her expression, wiped away her tears, and then nodded: "Alright, then I won’t disturb you. Coming here this time was also to get to know you in advance. After all, we will be meeting in Shanghai later, and I hope we can become close friends in the future."

After finishing, she picked up the bag she had placed aside, put on her sunglasses, and turned to walk out of the private room.

The heavy door closed gently behind her, instantly cutting off all the light in the room.

The moment she stepped out of the executive restaurant.

The sadness, fragility, and guilt on Su Yu’s face faded away like a receding tide.

The film queen’s performance had concluded.

"Sister Yu." Personal assistant Cheng Xiaoxi hurried up to meet her.

Su Yu nodded slightly. "Let’s go, to see Wen Ruan."

Imperial Capital, Financial Street, a building with brilliant lights.

Several security personnel with solemn expressions passed through the glass revolving door first, quickly standing on both sides of the entrance.

Their eyes scanned the surroundings vigilantly, clearing an invisible path.

Following closely behind was a group of men and women in suits, exuding powerful auras.

Surrounded by the crowd, Secretary Jin’s figure slowly appeared.

She was wearing a dark gray double-sided cashmere coat, with a simple high-neck knit sweater underneath, which set off her perfect shoulder and neck lines and fair skin even more outstandingly.

"Click—"

The rear door of the Maybach was opened gently.

Secretary Jin nodded slightly to the people behind her and sat into the car with an elegant posture.

The car started steadily, merging silently into the river of traffic on Changanjie.

The temperature inside the car was comfortable, and the air was quiet.

Shangguan Qiuya turned slightly, her voice steady and respectful:

"Director Jin, Tian Jing has arrived in the Imperial Capital this afternoon and has successfully taken over the relevant affairs of [Jingyi Asset Management].

At the same time, she submitted an application to me, hoping to meet with you. The reason for the application is regarding her job transfer.

As far as I know, this matter was arranged by President Tang personally."

Secretary Jin leaned back on the wide, soft leather seat, her lip line straight. "Then set it for tomorrow. You arrange the specific time."

"Understood." Shangguan Qiuya recorded it while continuing to report: "In Shenzhen, Chairman Ouyang had her first formal meeting with Miss Wen Ruan this morning. The location was at the Tangyi Precision branch. The two had lunch together, and the talk lasted nearly three hours."

She stated the details she had prepared in advance one by one—from the length of the conversation and the changes in expressions upon leaving, to Wen Ruan’s subsequent itinerary.

Secretary Jin’s long, curled eyelashes trembled slightly, as if she were lost in thought, and she responded faintly: "Mm."

Shangguan Qiuya’s voice lowered a bit: "There is one more thing. Just a moment ago, Su Yu and the employees of Tang Zong Entertainment went to Qingning Technology and met with Liu Qingning formally.

After the meeting ended, Liu Qingning’s emotions seemed very unstable. She stayed in the private room alone for a long time, and she should have returned to her residence by now."

Hearing this.

Hearing this, Secretary Jin sat up slightly, her eyes clear, and a smile of unknown meaning appeared at the corners of her lips.

As if she had expected it.

After pondering for a moment, she said calmly: "Notify Qin Yingxue: if Liu Qingning wants to intervene in the personnel of Qingning Technology, let her have her way. Also, hint to her about the importance of Tangyi Precision to Tang Song."

"Understood."

"And one more thing—" Secretary Jin’s gaze looked at the night view rapidly receding outside the window, her tone still calm. "For the Xuanji Light Realm project,

let her participate as much as possible."

Shangguan Qiuya asked tentatively: "Received. Then regarding Tian Jing, our original plan was—"

"Since President Tang has other arrangements for her, then cancel all the previous plans."

Shangguan Qiuya responded and handed over a tablet. "This is the information you asked me to organize."

Secretary Jin took it casually, her fingertips sliding lightly on the screen, finally stopping on a photo.

The woman in the photo had a soft appearance and a gentle temperament.

Shangguan Qiuya added at the side at the appropriate time:

"The Double Eleven promotion of [Songmei Apparel] was very successful. The monthly sales are about to exceed 100 million, and the first step of branding can be considered stable. As the executive vice president of the company, Miss Gao Mengting played a crucial role in the whole process. Whether it is team management or strategic execution, her ability is very outstanding."

After Secretary Jin looked at it for a while, she suddenly raised her head and asked a question that Shangguan Qiuya had not expected:

"Do you think she looks a bit like me?"

Shangguan Qiuya glanced at the photo on the screen, was slightly stunned, and immediately said: "Her appearance is indeed somewhat like yours, but not as exquisite and grand as yours, and she is also far behind in terms of figure and temperament."

She paused and continued to flatter in a tone of stating facts:

"And I found that [Songmei Apparel], which President Tang co-founded with her, from the naming of 'Songmei' to the visual style of the brand [HEYISTUDIO], seems to have inextricable links with your aesthetic preferences."

Secretary Jin’s lip corners curved slightly shallower upon hearing this.

Looking at Gao Mengting on the screen, she flipped through the photos behind, a light of deep, unfathomable meaning rising in her eyes.

The car interior fell into extreme silence.

A long time later.

Secretary Jin finally looked away and put the tablet aside casually.

She looked out the window.

The brilliant night view of the Imperial Capital flowed across the car window, illuminating her beautiful face, making it flicker in the light.

November 17, 2023, Friday, sunny, 0~13°C.

Five-thirty in the morning.

Tang Song slowly opened his eyes, a faint fragrance lingering at the tip of his nose.

In the darkness, Gao Mengting’s steady and long breathing came from his side.

Last night, the two worked overtime until 10 PM, so he took the opportunity to invite her to Yanjing Tiancheng.

The partner who opened her heart to him only hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

During the night, the two played two more "ball games" intermittently in the room.

The partner was always excited, devoted, and enthusiastic, but unfortunately, she was too weak, lasting at most ten minutes.

Tang Song pinched her cheek, got out of bed lightly, and changed into the [Outfit - Infinite Vitality] sportswear.

He came to the living room.

Outside the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, the moon was still hanging high in the sky, and Yancheng was still in deep sleep.

Just as he started his warm-up exercises, "Ding ding ding~" the ringtone of a WeChat video call rang.

[Qingning]

Tang Song smiled and immediately pressed the answer button.

Liu Qingning’s familiar face instantly filled the entire screen.

Her smooth long hair was rarely tied into a refreshing bun, revealing a smooth and full forehead, making her look exceptionally cute.

"Morning, Qingning, why so early today?"

Because winter was approaching, the sky brightened late, and Liu Qingning’s wake-up time had been pushed back quite a bit recently.

"Couldn’t sleep, so I got up." Liu Qingning moved her phone, and her entire upper body appeared on the screen.

She was only wearing a tight black camisole sports vest, which perfectly outlined the contours of her full and plump chest.

Tang Song’s gaze was involuntarily drawn in.

It was truly because the contrast between this white moonlight’s pure and cute face and her domineering large E-cup was too strong.

"How is your health recently? The south has also cooled down, you haven’t gotten sick, have you?"

"No, I’m quite well." Liu Qingning’s voice was a bit dry; she didn’t seem to notice his gaze and walked straight toward the walk-in closet.

"That’s good. Your body is relatively weak, so you should pay more attention in your daily life."

"Mm, I’m going to change clothes before exercising."

Liu Qingning said, placing her phone casually on a cabinet in the walk-in closet, the camera happening to face her upper body.

Immediately after, she bent down and began to take off her pajama pants.

Because of the angle, Tang Song couldn’t see her lower body, only the breathtaking curves squeezed out under the black camisole vest when she bent over, as well as the black underwear faintly visible on her waist.

This was even more tempting than seeing it directly.

Tang Song’s breathing began to quicken, his eyes fixed on the white moonlight on the screen without blinking.

Then, Liu Qingning turned around, back to the camera, and began to take off her black camisole vest.

The screen in front of Tang Song was instantly covered by a large area of fair, smooth skin.

Liu Qingning picked up a set of beige sportswear from the hanger next to her and began to put it on unhurriedly.

Her full, plump chest, in an unrestricted state, drew a dazzling arc with her movements.

Because of the "slender branches bearing heavy fruit," even from behind, many contours could be seen.

Tang Song’s breathing was completely chaotic, and he no longer had the heart to continue exercising.

"Qingning, this sportswear is too thin. It’s cold outside, you’ll catch a cold. Why don’t you change into something thicker? I’ll help you pick, okay?"

"No."

Liu Qingning didn’t pay attention to him anymore, turned around, and tidied her outfit in front of the mirror.

Then, she picked up her phone and went to the treadmill in the corner of the living room.

She set up the camera and began a steady, slow jog.

Tang Song suppressed the restlessness in his heart and continued to exercise along with her.

Time passed bit by bit in this silent and tacit companionship.

Half an hour later.

Liu Qingning’s movements slowly stopped.

She walked to the camera, bent over slightly, hands on her knees, panting heavily.

Sweat, like morning dew, seeped from her smooth forehead and full nose tip.

It slid down her clear jawline and disappeared into the soaked sports vest, her whole person exuding an alluring watery glow that made Tang Song’s blood boil.

He spoke directly: "Tomorrow is your birthday. I’m going to Shenzhen to accompany you. We haven’t seen each other for a long time, I miss you so much."

Liu Qingning slowly stood up straight, looked at him on the screen, and suddenly said: "No need, Tang Song."

"Hm?" Tang Song was slightly stunned, surprised: "What do you mean? What’s wrong with you?"

Liu Qingning didn’t speak.

She just looked at him quietly.

Then, crystal-clear teardrops rolled down without warning from those stubborn eyes that always carried light.

She didn’t cry out loud, just wept silently, like pear blossoms in the rain.

The expression on Tang Song’s face froze, his heart feeling as if it had been fiercely gripped by a hand.

He tried to soften his tone as much as possible: "Qingning, don’t cry, tell me what happened?"

Liu Qingning bit her cherry lips, her voice clear and enunciated word by word: "Let’s break up, Tang Song."

Looking into her eyes.

Tang Song instantly realized that the white moonlight was playing for real.

Taking a deep breath, Tang Song’s gaze was low: "What exactly is wrong? What happened? Tell me!"

"Clack—"

The video call was directly hung up by Liu Qingning.

Tang Song’s eyebrows twitched violently, and he immediately called back, only to be rejected.

He dialed again, and was rejected again.

A strong sense of unease gripped his heart. Tang Song quickly found Liu Qingning’s phone number and dialed it directly.

"Beep, beep, beep—"

The phone rang for a very, very long time. Just when he thought it would be hung up again, it was finally answered.

Tang Song said directly: "I’m leaving for Shenzhen to find you right now."

On the other end of the phone, a light laugh with a heavy nasal tone suddenly came.

Immediately after, Liu Qingning said in a joking tone: "Hehe, look how anxious you are. I just—had a dream last night that you were bullying me, so I wanted to tease you this morning."

Tang Song didn’t laugh: "This joke isn’t funny at all."

"Alright, alright, I know, Little Song, it won’t happen again." Liu Qingning’s voice became soft and glutinous again, as if she were acting like a spoiled child. "I have a surprise to tell you. I bought the ticket a few days ago. The flight is this afternoon, from Shenzhen directly to Quancheng. I want to spend this birthday with you in my hometown."

"You’re going back to Quancheng?"

"Mm, I suddenly missed home. And one more thing—" Her voice carried a bit of anticipation and nostalgia. "After my birthday, it will be our First High School’s 50th anniversary.

Teacher Li even called me a few days ago and told me I must go back to attend; it’s hard to refuse.

Let’s go back to our alma mater together, shall we? To relive the memories of the past, okay? You silly Little Song!"

Hearing this familiar term of endearment, unique to their high school days, Tang Song’s heart fluttered slightly.

He was silent for a moment, and his voice softened accordingly: "Alright, it has indeed been many years since we went back to our alma mater together."

"Mm-hmm! Then it’s settled. I won’t talk anymore, I have to go pack my things, bye-bye."

"Bye-bye."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Song’s heart still couldn’t fully let go.

He knew her too well.

The white moonlight was always mature and rational.

Even when joking during their most intimate moments, she would never use words like "break up" to test him.

Behind this, something he didn’t know must have happened.

Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, he frowned and thought for a long time.

Tang Song sighed.

However, this matter could only be clarified in person after they met.

Then, as if thinking of something, he opened QQ and flipped his fingertips on the screen.

His gaze finally landed on a group chat that had been set to "Do Not Disturb."

[Jingxian First High School Alumni Group]

This was added when he last returned to his hometown and went to First High School to trigger [Feather of Memory]. (Chapter 362)

He had hardly opened it since.

Clicking in, the messages were so numerous they were endless at a glance.

He scrolled up casually and soon saw the discussion about the school anniversary.

This year was the 50th anniversary of Jingxian First High School, and the scale was more than a grade higher than in previous years.

The invitation list included not only outstanding alumni from previous years and retired teachers, but also leaders from education authorities and several well-known social figures.

In some pre-event publicity, Tang Song saw many familiar names.

They were all "influential figures" who shone brightly in their high school days.

Among them, naturally, was the 2016 science top scorer—Liu Qingning.

However, in the school’s records, Liu Qingning’s note was still "Co-founder of Century Wisdom."

After all, she hadn’t been at Qingning Technology for long.

And Tang Song, who was not outstanding in high school, was naturally not on the "specially invited" list.

He stared at those familiar campus photos and the faces that were gradually blurring but being awakened, and an indescribable emotion surged in his heart.

For First High School, he also held extremely complex feelings.

That was the place in his youth where he had tried his hardest, been most passionate, and had the most regrets.

Fortunately, fortunately he finally possessed the ability to make up for his regrets.

He slowly closed his eyes, and the whole world quieted down.

Before his eyes, the girl wearing a blue and white school uniform, with a refreshing high ponytail and straight bangs, seemed to appear again.

She would tilt her head, gently tapping his forehead with a pen, complaining and chanting "Silly Little Song."

Then, she would patiently, time and time again, explain complex physics problems to him.

Across so many years of blurred time, he seemed to still be able to smell the clean scent on her, a mixture of faint shampoo fragrance and chalk dust under the sun.

That was the taste of his entire youth.

That was the scent of his entire youth.