Lanting Teppanyaki Buffet.

This three-story, high-end standalone restaurant had a club-style setting, a beautiful environment, and an open kitchen concept. They sat in a private room. Hu Mingli took out her phone and started taking pictures to post on her Moments. Tang Song accepted the tablet handed by the waiter and selected three deluxe buffet sets at 399 yuan each.

Foie gras, lobsters, grilled durian, abalone, Wagyu beef, premium fruits, and drinks—all unlimited. Eat as much as you want. Guo Peng opened his mouth, initially wanting to say that the 299-yuan set would have been enough, but seeing Tang Song's BMW 330i, he wisely kept silent.

The three discussed for a while and ordered everything they wanted to eat. While waiting for the food, Guo Peng couldn't help but lament, "Director Chen is shameless, stealing your credit and pushing you out."

Tang Song replied, "I can guess his plan. He probably wants to take this opportunity to become CTO. Du Shaokai's uncle is Director Li, who oversees the channel business and wants to pull more votes."

"If a CTO gets parachuted in, Director Chen will definitely be devastated."

Hu Mingli winked, "It's quite possible. The investors won't leave us without any representation. I'm just hoping for a decent CTO to come in and crush old Chen!"

"Now that you mention it, I'm excited to see Director Chen's expression in that scenario."

Soon, the freshly prepared dishes were brought in one by one. The rich aroma was tantalizing. The smooth and delicate foie gras melted in their mouths while the juicy and fragrant grilled Wagyu beef... The cozy private room was filled with the mingling scents of food and cheerful laughter.

After eating their fill, Guo Peng rubbed his round belly and asked, "Little Song, what are you planning to do after leaving?"

"Starting my own business," Tang Song said, wiping his hands with a smile. "I already have a direction and found a reliable partner. We're in the preparation stage now." Find the newest release on novel-fire.net

"Being your own boss at least means you won't have to deal with anyone's crap. If your family can support it and you have good ideas, it's a good choice," Guo Peng said thoughtfully. "Just be cautious at the start; don't invest too much. The current economic environment isn't great."

Having met many people over the years and knowing several friends who ended up deeply in debt due to failed startups, Guo Peng couldn't help but offer some advice.

"Thanks for the wisdom, Brother Peng."

Hu Mingli put down her phone and smiled, "I never realized before, but Tang Song is the best guy in the company. Honestly, I regret not making a move on you earlier."

Guo Peng teased, "Too late. Regretting now is useless. How about considering me as a potential investment?"

Hu Mingli blinked, "Brother Peng, your stock is already declining, far from being a potential investment. I'm afraid my investment would go to waste."

"Hehe, Mingli, aren't you 27 this year? Your family must be getting anxious."

"Oh, Brother Peng, are you looking to hurt each other now?"

Tang Song listened to their banter, occasionally joining in with a smile.

…

At 8:30 PM, the three of them exited the restaurant. Guo Peng shook his phone, smiling, "The car I called is almost here. There's no need for you to give me a ride. You two are on the same route anyway, so there's no point wasting half an hour for me."

"Alright, Brother Peng, take care. Let us know when you get home."

"Will do." Guo Peng gave Tang Song a firm pat on the shoulder and said, "Make sure to call me for drinks. Even though you've left, we're still in the same city, not far."

Tang Song nodded, "Thanks for your help these past few months, Brother Peng. Let's stay in touch."

"Definitely. Oh, there's my car. Goodbye, Little Song. Bye, Mingli." Guo Peng waved and jogged to a waiting electric car with its hazard lights on.

"Let's go." Hu Mingli stretched and descended the steps. The temperature had remained low since it had rained a few days earlier. Hu Mingli tightened her short jacket.

Turning around, about to say something playful, she froze in place. With his hands in his pockets, Tang Song walked toward her against the April night wind. The orange streetlight illuminated half his body, casting shadows over his handsome, defined features. His apricot-colored knit cardigan swayed gently.

He had an indescribable aura, like the quiet and serene night.

[Outfit Effect - Cool Night Breeze] activated.

Hu Mingli stared blankly at her old colleague, her mind buzzing. Ridiculous! How could it make such a big difference just losing weight and caring for his skin? She admitted Tang Song's looks were good, but his skin was poor, and his features weren't particularly striking or refined—he was far from being a true heartthrob.

But at this moment, Tang Song, with his unique charm, left her dumbfounded.

"What's wrong, Mingli?" Tang Song waved his right hand in front of her face.

Hu Mingli scrutinized him and sighed, "Tang Song, you look really handsome walking in the wind in that outfit. If I didn't know my own worth, I'd want to try chasing you."

Her earlier comments at the table had been mostly teasing, but now she genuinely felt that way. However, she knew her limits—her looks and figure were not as good as Zhao Yue's, and a high-caliber guy like Tang Song wouldn't be interested in her.

Blushing at her compliment, Tang Song shyly said, "I have to agree with that."

Hu Mingli couldn't help but laugh, then suddenly thought, "Come here, stand in front of the car, and I'll take a picture of you."

"Mingli, you won't use my photo for something bad, will you?"

"Get lost! Am I that desperate?" Hu Mingli pushed him and rolled her eyes. "It's for a good reason. I'll explain later."

Tang Song laughed and stood in front of his BMW. "Click—"

"Too dark, move a bit to the right. Good, right there!"

"Click—"

"Okay, this one's good. Look up, let's take one more."

After several adjustments, Hu Mingli finally felt satisfied.

Back in the car, Tang Song curiously asked, "Mingli, what will you do with my photos?"

Hu Mingli blinked and said, "Tang Song, I remember you're single, right?"

"How can you slander me like that? I'm not a lifelong bachelor. I've had relationships before. It's not as bad as you think!" Tang Song corrected righteously.

He wasn't lying; after graduating high school, he got very close to his old flame that summer. Although they never explicitly said anything, the youthful crush was real. Once, he fell asleep holding her in a karaoke room for over an hour, and she didn't get mad. That blush-inducing first love experience was still vivid in his mind.

Hu Mingli laughed, "Alright, alright. What I meant was you're currently single. How about I introduce you to someone?"

"Uh…" Tang Song twitched his mouth, a bit speechless.

"You're working out a lot lately, right? My friend is also a fitness enthusiast, very professional, and could help you."

Tang Song was momentarily silent, carefully choosing his words, "Thanks for the offer, Mingli, but I'm focused on my career. Maybe later."

Setting up friends can be awkward if it doesn't work out. Besides, he wasn't lacking in great girls around him.

"No worries. You can look at her picture first and then decide," Hu Mingli said mysteriously. Honestly, if you didn't look so handsome today, I wouldn't have dared introduce you. My friend is a bit of a looker herself and very picky."

Tang Song hesitated, "How about we wait until I'm more stable? I just left my job and haven't started my business yet. It's not the best time."

Hu Mingli didn't respond; instead, she focused on her phone.