It was her. Zhang Yan.

Seeing that familiar yet strange figure rushing out from the unit doorway, kneeling at the entrance, Tang Song’s hand holding the cat tightened slightly.

Although he had seen photos of her in the Hanfu she sent him, at this moment, seeing her alive and breathing, with warmth and presence so real before his eyes, an indescribable sense of intimacy and familiarity instantly overwhelmed him.

It was as if she had never left, always that quiet friend by his side.

In his memory, she always wore the most standard student hairstyle, short hair not reaching her shoulders, doing everything with a kind of almost clumsy seriousness.

Her gaze was always timid, her cheeks flushed red whenever she spoke, the most typical quiet and introverted girl from their school days.

But now, she was more mature, her face long since free of all baby fat, revealing a clear and clean jawline.

She wore gentle clavicle-length hair, her figure more solid than before, no longer so thin that a breeze could knock her down.

Actually, this middle school deskmate of his had always been quite beautiful.

Her features were delicate and refined, carrying a gentle and soft temperament reminiscent of the water towns of Jiangnan.

Their eyes met in the moist air.

On this late autumn night in the southern country, he held her cat, and in such a direct, sudden, and unprepared way, reunited with her.

Tang Song was not as calm on the surface as he appeared;

inwardly, he was somewhat flustered.

He didn’t even know what to say first.

Just like Zhang Yan wrote in her letter: “I don’t know what form of address would be both formal and sincere;

nor do I know what opening line wouldn’t seem abrupt or presumptuous.”

He realized his feelings at this moment were exactly the same as when she wrote that letter.

“Tap tap tap—”

In this breath-catching silence, a hurried sound of footsteps came from the stairwell.

“Yan Yan! Slow down!”

“Did you find it?!”

Lulu and Li Chao rushed out one after the other, their faces still showing anxiety and tension.

Then they saw the man standing right opposite them under the light, completely out of place in the surrounding old environment, and the orange cat in his arms.

Lulu’s eyes widened the moment she recognized Tang Song.

Wait... this person... looks a little familiar...

Then she suddenly remembered—it was that “super senior brother” who brushed past them last Saturday at the high-speed train platform in Shencheng!

Although at the time it was just a fleeting glimpse and she didn’t see the exact face clearly, that unique and outstanding aura and tall posture were unmistakable!

Such an outstanding figure, it was impossible not to leave a deep impression.

Especially today, he wore a crisply tailored, high-quality casual suit, perfectly highlighting that innate calm and noble temperament.

Like the male lead who stepped right out of a finely made urban idol drama.

“Phew, thank goodness, thank goodness, Juzi!” Li Chao was the first to breathe out in relief and awkwardly stepped forward, “Thank you, bro, this cat belongs to my friend. Really appreciate it.”

He was quite nervous;

mainly because this man before him exuded a powerful aura.

That outfit obviously cost a fortune, and combined with that indescribable charisma, he—the ordinary corporate worker—felt half a head shorter in presence.

Even when facing the company boss, he had never been this nervous.

Tang Song’s lips moved slightly but said nothing, only bowing his head gently before looking back at the stunned Zhang Yan.

Lulu gradually sensed something was off and leaned close to Zhang Yan, blushing as she said, “Zhang Yan, Juzi is right here, didn’t go anywhere. Don’t worry.”

Seeing Zhang Yan staring fixedly at Tang Song, she thought she had gone lovestruck.

Actually, that was quite normal. She had seen many outstanding senior brothers, but someone excellent to this degree—what woman wouldn’t be dazzled?

She never expected that her usually quiet, introverted, even somewhat timid colleague would have such a side.

In Zhang Yan’s mind, a loud buzzing noise echoed.

She blinked hard, then her lips moved, and from her throat came a barely audible breath of disbelief.

There was absolutely no way she was mistaking him.

From middle school to the Imperial Capital, all these years of silently watching from afar, his familiar brow and eye contours had already been carved into her soul.

But now, he was far more outstanding than two years ago in the Imperial Capital, like that passionate and clear-eyed “youth” from middle school slowly growing up from a dream.

“Bang, bang, bang—”

Her heartbeat was so violent she could barely breathe.

She couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

Had she drunk too much and fallen asleep on the sofa?

But what kind of dream could be this real?

Dragon Ball?

Could it be that my wish really came true?

Did the “Dragon God” hear my heart’s voice and grant me a miracle?

She was completely unable to distinguish whether this was reality or a hallucination born from overwhelming loss.

All the longing, timidity, shame, and desire intertwined at this moment, weaving a massive net that trapped her firmly in place, unable to move.

Seeing Zhang Yan still dazed and stunned, Lulu and Li Chao both felt awkward.

Lulu cleared her throat and took the initiative to smooth things over: “Sorry, handsome, my friend just got too nervous about her cat. She still hasn’t recovered.”

Even she felt this explanation was too far-fetched.

After all, Zhang Yan was staring at the male god himself, not the cat!

Tang Song took a light breath and finally stepped forward slowly, coming within less than a meter of Zhang Yan.

He could clearly feel her trembling.

He pressed his lips, gently rubbed the orange cat’s head in his arms, his gaze and expression warm and sincere.

“Juzi seems to know me. I just called its name and it came running over.”

He spoke softly, as if sharing a wonderful discovery, his voice clear and magnetic.

Hearing this, Lulu and Li Chao both brightened up.

Zhang Yan’s eyelashes trembled sharply;

instinctively, she reached out to take Juzi, but the moment her fingertips touched his sleeve, it felt as if burned, and she quickly withdrew.

“Meow~” Juzi meowed in front of her, as if urging her.

Tang Song smiled gently and handed the heavy orange cat to her, “It really is smart and well-behaved, just like you said, Zhang Yan Tong.”

The four words “Zhang Yan Tong” pierced through Zhang Yan’s hazy dream like a needle.

Tears immediately welled up in her eyes, widened from shock.

She finally realized that everything before her was real.

Tang Song really was standing here, right in front of her.

At first, she was incredulous and in disbelief, then overwhelmed by a huge sense of shame.

Though she didn’t know if it was the magic of the “Dragon God,” he had seen that letter, knew the humble thoughts she confided on QQ...

And even appeared before her in such a strange way.

Lulu and Li Chao both looked at Zhang Yan in surprise.

They... really knew each other?

Lulu had known Zhang Yan for almost a year but had never heard her mention having such an extraordinary friend.

“No wonder...” Lulu marveled inwardly. Zhang Yan actually knew such an impressive male god, and their relationship seemed so close, yet she hadn’t noticed any clue before!

No wonder Zhang Yan never responded to coworkers who chased after her.

She was hiding it too well!

Juzi let out a discomforted protest because Zhang Yan’s arm was squeezing too tightly.

Zhang Yan hurriedly loosened her grip, but Juzi slipped from her arms with a “whoosh” and fell to the ground.

“Ah! Juzi!” she called softly, crouching down, hands reaching out to catch her cat.

Tang Song also crouched down at the same time, moving quicker, firmly holding the orange furball.

Zhang Yan’s hand accidentally covered the back of his hand.

The warm, firm touch came through, and her cheeks instantly flamed red as if about to explode, withdrawing her hand like she had been shocked.

She whispered, “Sorry.”

Tang Song shook his head but did not look away from her, his voice clear and gentle: “I really like Juzi. Let me hold it, okay?”

At this moment, Zhang Yan had completely lost all ability to think and could only respond incoherently, “O-okay, okay, oh.”

Lulu and Li Chao watched this tender scene, exchanged a glance, and wisely chose not to say anything.

Footsteps echoed in the stairwell.

The four of them began walking upstairs together.

Zhang Yan felt like she was walking on clouds, each step floating and dizzy.

Arriving on the sixth floor, the half-open door emitted the aroma of roasted meat.

Tang Song sniffed lightly, “Barbecue? Looks like I came just in time.”

Lulu said shyly, “There’s not much left, maybe I should go buy some more downstairs.”

Li Chao immediately volunteered, “I’ll go! I’ll go!”

“No need, I’ve already eaten dinner. Just want a bite,” Tang Song said, turning to Zhang Yan with a smile, “You don’t mind, right, Zhang Yan Tong?”

Zhang Yan shook her head stiffly, “N-no, I don’t mind.”

They stepped inside.

Suddenly, Zhang Yan’s expression changed sharply. Lowering her head at the doorway, she seemed to want to shrink into the wall.

“What’s wrong?” Tang Song stopped and looked at her gently.

“My... my place is messy. That’s…”

Her rented room was truly terrible.

There wasn’t even basic floor tiles, just the cheapest vinyl flooring.

The walls were simply painted white with various patches and stains.

All the furniture was over twenty years old.

The kitchen and bathroom were so shabby it was painful to look at, lacking even the most basic tiles.

She was afraid—afraid he might show even the slightest bit of unintended disdain in his eyes.

That deep shame and inferiority almost completely overwhelmed her at this moment.

“It’s quite tidy,” Tang Song smiled and stroked Juzi in his arms, “A warm little nest, really nice.”

No unusual expression showed on his face.

His gaze held sincere delight and curiosity as he looked over the little room so often described in Zhang Yan’s messages.

He saw the tenacious green ivy on the windowsill, the old desktop computer on the desk, and Juzi’s small but tidy little corner...

Zhang Yan secretly raised her eyes to see his gentle smile;

at this moment, her shame and inferiority seemed to lessen considerably.

“Click—”

The door gently closed, blocking out the cold from the stairwell.

The electric grill on the coffee table still radiated residual warmth, with a few skewers of ingredients waiting to be grilled, and three cans of RIO cocktails nearby.

Tang Song carefully placed Juzi on the floor.

The little one immediately trotted quickly to Zhang Yan’s feet, rubbing its furry body affectionately against her ankle.

As if apologizing for its earlier “runaway.”

Lulu enthusiastically said, “There’s still some beef, green peppers, and shrimp left. I’ll grill! But... we’re out of alcohol. Zhang Yan, do you have any drinks?”

Zhang Yan stiffened when addressed, a shy expression flashing across her face, voice barely audible, “N-no, only a few packs of milk. I’ll go buy some downstairs!”

“It’s okay,” Tang Song said gently, breaking the awkwardness, “Milk’s good too. I drank alcohol during dinner;

now I want some milk.”

Zhang Yan lowered her head and hurried into the kitchen, rummaging through a cardboard box to pull out a bag of milk, then quickly came out and handed it to Tang Song without daring to look up.

Tang Song’s gaze rested on the walnut milk in her hands, his eyes briefly hazy.

Previously, Zhang Yan had mentioned on QQ that he gave her “walnut milk” in the second semester of ninth grade.

He never expected she had kept this habit to the present.

Some seemingly trivial things really are treasured by others for so long.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the flutter in his heart.

He carefully took the milk, tore open the top in front of her, and took a big gulp.

Zhang Yan pursed her lips, fingers nervously intertwined.

The four sat down again around the coffee table.

The aroma of barbecue filled the small space once more.

Tang Song ate with relish and chatted with them about their work.

Like an old friend long unseen, he was genuinely curious about their lives.

He spoke wittily and knowledgeably. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novelꜰire.net

Whether it was Li Chao complaining about toxic competition in the self-media industry or Lulu dreaming of AI marketing prospects, he easily picked up the topics and offered insightful, humorous opinions.

Gradually, Lulu and Li Chao’s initial awkward tension melted away.

The atmosphere became relaxed and lively.

Zhang Yan quietly sat to the side, sipping her cocktail in small sips, occasionally glancing at Tang Song nearby.

She was still dizzy, unable to fully comprehend.

Dragon Ball... Dragon God...

The ultimate fantasy ritual she cherished seemed to truly have summoned an unimaginable miracle into reality for her.

More than twenty minutes later.

The grill was completely emptied.

Lulu stood up, a sly smile on her face, “It’s late. Li Chao rides an electric bike, so he can just take me to the subway station. We’ll leave first, so we won’t disturb you old classmates catching up!”

Zhang Yan hurried to stand and wanted to see them off downstairs.

“Don’t bother! You’ve come so many times already. No need to be polite!”

Lulu and Li Chao waved vigorously at them as they headed out quickly.

The door clicked shut again.

This time, only the two of them remained in the small rented room.

Zhang Yan’s cheeks instantly flushed deep red, making breathing difficult.

She felt like she might faint from lack of oxygen at any moment.

Tang Song’s body tensed slightly, sensing a strange awkwardness.

He exhaled softly.

He walked to the small simple bookshelf by the desk.

His fingers gently traced over the spines of the 34 volumes of Dragon Ball, one by one.

His lips moved slightly, and a faint warm mist seemed to rise in his eyes.

He turned around, solemn and sincere: “This is the most meaningful gift I’ve ever received. Thank you, Zhang Yan.”

Zhang Yan froze, awkwardly lowering her head to look at Juzi at her feet.

Then Tang Song suddenly pulled out the first volume of Dragon Ball from the shelf, the familiar retro cover warming his heart.

He turned back with a smile as bright as in his youth, pure and clear light sparkling in his eyes.

“Zhang Yan, want to... read it together?”

This proposal struck Zhang Yan’s heart like an electric shock.

She hesitantly lifted her head, her heartbeat pounding so fast it felt like it might burst from her chest.

Scenes from middle school flooded her mind like a tide.

That deskmate who excitedly explained the plot during breaks;

that boy who lent her his beloved, brand-new manga without hesitation.

Tang Song didn’t wait for her reply. He moved two small wooden stools side by side, then smiled and waved at her.

“Come on, it’s been so long since I last read manga. I really miss reading manga with you in middle school.”

Zhang Yan’s lips moved, and as if guided by some unseen force, she took one step, then another.

She carefully sat down beside him.

Very close. So close.

Close enough to clearly smell the fresh, pleasant scent on him, making her blush, her heart race, and feel dizzy.

Juzi came over at the right moment and affectionately rubbed against her feet.

Zhang Yan seemed to find a savior, quickly hugging Juzi, using its soft, warm body to hide her flustered and helpless state.

Tang Song opened the manga between them, starting from the first page, reading with great interest.

He quietly chatted with Zhang Yan about the story as he read.

After so many years, many details were blurred, but now that they had picked it up again, there was a unique new feeling.

Zhang Yan’s cheeks and ears remained burning hot.

She dared not look at his profile, her gaze mostly fixed on the open manga.

Unconsciously, the sky outside grew darker.

Halfway through a volume, Tang Song stopped.

Checking the time, he said, “It’s late. I should go.”

Zhang Yan’s breath caught sharply, her chest feeling blocked, heavy.

She stammered, “I-I’ll see you off.”

Tang Song gently closed the manga, carefully putting it back on the simple shelf.

He turned to her, eyes resting on her face, “By the way, the letter? Paper really is more meaningful than an electronic version.”

Zhang Yan froze where she stood.

After a moment, she trembled, “It’s... in the right drawer.”

Tang Song gently pulled open the drawer. Inside lay a delicate light blue envelope, quietly resting with a postage stamp on it.

His breath suddenly quickened. Carefully, he picked up the letter, inspecting it.

Long after, he solemnly placed the letter into his pocket. “I will treasure it.”

After speaking, he nodded at Zhang Yan and stepped toward the door.

Zhang Yan followed a few steps, then suddenly remembered just before leaving.

Softly she said, “Also... the Dragon Ball set.”

Tang Song turned back to look at her, his smile warm and heroic, “Leave it with you for now. I haven’t finished reading the first volume yet. I’ll come over tomorrow.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yan’s eyes widened in disbelief, “Tom-tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” He nodded naturally, “I’ll come find you tomorrow. We’ll finish the manga together.”

“Oh, oh.”

Zhang Yan, still dizzy, followed Tang Song out the gate and down the stairs.

Along the dim concrete road in the community, they walked silently.

She kept her head down, occasionally sneaking quick glances at Tang Song but, feeling shy and guilty, could only see his shoulders each time.

But that was enough for her.

Every scene from tonight was truly like an unreal, too-beautiful dream.

Even now, she didn’t dare fully believe it was real.

Exiting the community gate, the night wind carried the sound of traffic past their ears.

Zhang Yan pointed in one direction and instinctively said, “The subway station is that way.”

She had gotten used to taking the subway for commuting.

Tang Song paused briefly but didn’t contradict her, just smiling as he walked in the direction she pointed.

Soon, they reached the intersection outside the community.

The red light was on, and they stood quietly waiting.

Zhang Yan instinctively stepped back half a pace, standing in his shadow at his diagonal rear, awkward and shy like a child caught doing something wrong.

Cars sped past before their eyes, headlights flashing across them, then quickly disappearing into boundless darkness.

“Green light.” Tang Song reminded her, his voice unusually clear in the night.

Zhang Yan responded with a soft “Mm,” just about to step forward.

Suddenly, a warm, slender hand reached out and gently took hold of her left hand.

Boom—

A rush of blood surged up from her slender neck all the way to her ear, burning fiercely.

Zhang Yan’s mind went blank.

The only thing she could feel was the continuous warmth and pulse flowing from their joined palms.

He held her hand and took a step forward.

All sounds, all images, all thoughts were slowed down frame by frame at this moment.

She couldn’t hear the traffic noise or feel her own breath.

Her soul seemed to be drawn out, floating midair, watching Tang Song’s hand.

The brilliant night shimmered softly in her peripheral vision.

The outlines of tall buildings softened, passersby melted into shifting color blocks, the glow of traffic lights flickered in the moist air, neon and street lamps flowing like a colorful galaxy.

Near and far;

clear and blurred.

The night of Yangcheng was completely out of focus.