Outside the special care ward, there was a profound silence. Chen Shuangshuang stood there on her tiptoes, quietly peering through the small square glass window on the door, watching the two people at the end of the corridor.

The overcast afternoon light was softened and muted by thick clouds.

Her sister’s tear-streaked face, the handsome young man bending down to kiss her, the fall, the embrace...

In that instant, Chen Shuangshuang felt as if her breath had stopped altogether.

It was too beautiful.

Beautiful like those top-quality Japanese pure love anime she had secretly watched countless times on Bilibili.

Recalling all that had happened today still felt somewhat surreal to her.

Her mother’s grave illness, her father’s retreat, her brother and sister’s cold indifference...

When she learned all of this, she had secretly cried for a long time and had even fantasized like a child who hadn’t grown up.

Could there be a hero shouting “Do you believe in light?” who would descend from the sky and save them?

But she never imagined that the one bringing light would actually be the sister she had always rejected and even looked down upon,

and the man beside her who looked just like a protagonist from a comic.

Chen Shuangshuang instinctively held her breath, her heart pounding as if it would leap out from her throat.

Though mature and intelligent for her age, she was still only a five-year-old girl.

For a scenario like this, she had the most instinctive curiosity and longing.

“Shuangshuang, what are you doing?”

Her mother Zhou Hui’s voice came from the direction of the hospital bed.

Chen Shuangshuang quickly turned around, blushing, stammering, “N-nothing.”

“Your sister... is she talking to Tang Song?” Zhou Hui’s tone held a hint of uncertainty. “How are they now?”

Chen Shuangshuang returned to her mother’s bedside, hesitated for a moment, then leaned closer and whispered, “Brother Tang Song is comforting sister, and... he kissed her just now, and now they’re hugging.”

Zhou Hui was momentarily stunned. A complex and hard-to-read emotion flashed in her eyes, dimmed by illness.

There was surprise and relief, but more than anything, deep worry.

Chen Shuangshuang did not notice her mother’s expression change and remained immersed in her own feelings. “Mom, who exactly is Brother Tang Song? How can he be so amazing?”

“I don’t know either.” Zhou Hui sighed softly and gently stroked her youngest daughter’s hair with her rough hand. “Shuangshuang, you should spend more time with your sister from now on, be closer to her. She actually likes you a lot and wants to be good to you.”

“Mm, I know.” Chen Shuangshuang nodded, her voice much softer.

Seeing her two biological daughters grow closer because of this matter, Zhou Hui felt immense comfort swelling in her heart.

When she divorced years ago, without a steady income and being registered in another city, while Zhang Yan was still studying in Jing County, custody was not awarded to her.

Of course, she truly couldn’t afford it at the time.

A single mother without a degree or job trying to raise a child in a strange city was unbelievably difficult.

This had always been her greatest pain and the debt she vowed to make up for no matter what.

That was why, over the years, she had sent Zhang Yan living and tuition expenses relentlessly, even beyond the legal support obligations.

But it was also this “favoritism” that sparked endless conflicts in the blended family.

From childhood until now, Chen Shuangshuang had suffered cold sarcasm from her brother and sister because of this, called an “outsider,” accused her mother of “betraying” the family.

Over time, this caused Shuangshuang to develop deep resistance toward the sister she had never met.

So she never spoke harshly about Chen Shuangshuang’s attitude toward Zhang Yan.

Chen Shuangshuang hesitated for a while and then pleaded softly, “Mom, actually Dad... also wants to treat you, but...”

“I know. I have never been angry at him for that. The divorce was my idea from the start.” Zhou Hui interrupted, her gaze sharpening. “I know he’s struggling, and this family is difficult. But Shuangshuang, he should never... never have teamed up with your brother and sister to set his sights on your sister Zhang Yan.”

After living together for so many years, how could she not know what that family was thinking?

They were simply taking advantage of Zhang Yan’s gentle nature and blood ties to pressure her into “taking over.”

That way, they could save face and reason.

But as a mother, she could never accept this.

Once the rift formed, it was very hard to mend.

This so-called “family” would probably only end in divorce in the end.

However, that was a later matter. For now, she had to cure her illness first.

Once better, she would find a stable job.

Only then would she have the confidence and ability to bring Shuangshuang to live with her.

By then, her two daughters could often accompany and support each other.

Her daughter Zhang Yan, who had been lonely for too long, could also have a relative who truly cared for her.

Of course, there was also... the relationship between Zhang Yan and Tang Song.

After observing them for just a few hours, she had already figured out a lot.

Her daughter was deeply involved but insecure and introverted, while that young man was outstanding and exceptional.

Zhang Yan’s interactions with Tang Song were bound to be hesitant and hesitant.

This relationship was like a ticking bomb that might explode one day in the future.

Having suffered heartbreak and struggled through two failed marriages over half her life, Zhou Hui knew the power of this bomb all too well.

With Zhang Yan’s personality, she simply could not bear it.

Either it wouldn’t start, or... it would go all the way to the end.

She had to help her daughter!

In the corridor.

Tang Song held Zhang Yan, who had become weak from emotional turmoil, her breath carrying the faint scent of shampoo from her hair.

This moment brought a unique sense of satisfaction that made his heart race faster.

She was so light, her thin body like a feather, her delicate bones palpable even through her clothes.

She lay completely on him, her burning cheeks pressed against his chest.

Zhang Yan was motionless, her eyes wide and dazed, completely enveloped by the clean and warm aura emanating from him.

Her mind was filled with the face that had just drawn close and the kiss laden with moist breath.

A thought wildly and uncontrollably echoed in her mind.

Tang Song kissed me... Tang Song kissed me...

To her, Tang Song was the secret she had buried in her heart for over ten years and the Bai Yueguang who brought warmth and strength during countless lonely nights.

Originally, the dreamlike reunion of the past few days had already kept her emotions at a high pitch.

Now this sudden kiss instantly shattered all her defenses.

A scorching warm current exploded from her heart and surged through her limbs.

Her cheeks and ears felt as if they were ignited, burning unbearably hot.

Her brain spun in dizzy waves, feeling like she might faint any moment.

The embrace lasted a long time.

Long enough to soothe the panic she had carried for over ten years.

Finally, accompanied by footsteps and voices coming from somewhere unknown,

she woke from her reverie and gently struggled.

Tang Song slowly loosened his hold but still supported her arm loosely, afraid she might falter again.

“How do you feel? Zhang Yan.” He looked down at her with a smile in his voice. “Do you feel the strength I lent you?”

“I... you...” Zhang Yan’s light fell to the floor in confusion, avoiding his gaze, barely nodding.

Her mind had not yet recovered from the overwhelming shock moments ago.

Tang Song looked at her and then shifted the topic to Juzi’s upcoming care.

Mentioning the cat, Zhang Yan’s emotions calmed slightly.

After a while,

Tang Song spoke in a casual tone, “I heard from Lulu that your company, Shucheng Technology, has been having some problems lately? The employees are preparing to jump ship?”

Hearing the word “work,” Zhang Yan’s body tensed up subconsciously.

She stammered, “Y-yes...”

She paused, gathering great courage, and added, “I’ll pay you back bit by bit for my mom’s medical expenses.”

She had held this back in her heart for a long time. Even though saying it in front of him might sound childish, she wanted to say it.

Perhaps it was for that tiny bit of “pride” and “self-esteem” she still had inside.

Tang Song raised his eyebrows but didn’t answer immediately.

With his social skills and experience, he obviously understood what Zhang Yan was thinking.

He had already helped her too much. If he kept giving without reserve, Zhang Yan’s personality would likely make it unbearable or a heavy burden.

He had to find a gentler way for her to accept it.

Seeing his silence, Zhang Yan’s heart suddenly sank, afraid he might misunderstand.

“I don’t mean anything else. I just... I just don’t want to... this is my mother’s illness... I...”

She didn’t know what else to say, her face flushing red.

“I understand what you mean.” Tang Song gently patted her head, interrupting her rambling. “Then work to pay it off slowly. But for such a large sum, you definitely need a stable and promising job.”

Zhang Yan’s expression paused, and she whispered, “I’ll try my best.”

“You probably know Lulu went for an interview today, right? At Xingyun International Group. She passed the second round.” Tang Song continued, “Xingyun is undergoing strategic expansion. The Yangcheng branch is deeply integrating with AI marketing, with a very bright future, and is recruiting heavily. It’s a great opportunity.”

“Mm, I heard from Lulu.” Zhang Yan pursed her lips, looked up at him seriously, “I’ll submit my resume and try hard. But my mom can’t be left alone now, so it might take some time.”

In truth, she knew she probably wouldn’t even pass the resume screening.

She switched from the education training industry and missed the golden period of new media development. Facing such a big company, she had no competitiveness.

But Tang Song’s kiss just now had truly planted a seed in her heart.

Maybe in the future, she could really “transform.”

“Do you want me to recommend you? I have a very good relationship with a senior executive at Xingyun International Group.” Tang Song timely offered an olive branch.

Zhang Yan hesitated, then immediately shook her head. “No, really no!”

She understood that with Tang Song’s ability and power, his recommendation was not just a recommendation.

It might even come with a very high salary.

But instinctively, she didn’t want to owe him more.

Although she never dared to compare herself to Liu Qingning, if she needed him to help even find a job,

then she really was pathetic.

That little bit of “self-esteem” left in her heart made her refuse most directly.

Seeing her expression, Tang Song leaned closer, his hot breath brushing her forehead.

Their eyes met in the air. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel·fire·net

“Ah—” Zhang Yan let out a low breath, her almond-shaped eyes trembling violently.

Seeing her panicked gaze, Tang Song suddenly said, “Zhang Yan, you are very special to me. Being able to help you makes me very happy and gives me a sense of fulfillment. Please think carefully about my offer, okay?”

This sentence, filled with a hint of confession, instantly struck the softest defenses of Zhang Yan’s heart.

Her heart raced wildly again, and she almost forgot to breathe.

Special... I’m special...

Seeing her about to faint, Tang Song reluctantly pulled back to a safe distance.

“This afternoon, Auntie still has several tests to do, which will be tough. You should rest well inside the ward. I’ll step out to handle some work.”

Zhang Yan blankly replied “Mm” and followed Tang Song.

They walked toward the ward.

Opening the door, Zhou Hui and Chen Shuangshuang’s eyes immediately turned toward them.

Tang Song smiled at them and said, “Auntie, Shuangshuang, I still have some urgent company matters to attend to, so I’ll leave first. If anything happens, call me anytime.”

Zhou Hui hastily propped herself up, “Tang Song, thank you so much today. Auntie doesn’t even know what to say...”

“Auntie, don’t mention it. Health is most important.”

After brief pleasantries, Tang Song glanced at Zhang Yan again and turned to leave.

Only when his figure completely disappeared at the corridor’s end did Zhang Yan slump like a deflated balloon and sit down beside her mother’s bed.

Her cheeks still flushed unnaturally red, her mind in chaotic confusion.

Zhou Hui looked at her daughter’s distracted state and sighed softly.

She gently asked, “A Yan, how did you and... Tang Song meet?”

Zhang Yan suddenly snapped back to reality, eyes fixed on her fingers, then after a long while answered in an almost inaudible voice, “...Middle school classmates.”

Hearing this incredible answer, Zhou Hui’s cloudy eyes shone unusually bright!

The biggest stone in her heart finally settled slightly.

A gentle smile spread across her face as she began reminiscing with her daughter about the past in Jing County,

Though they had grown emotionally closer due to this sudden illness,

the estrangement formed over more than ten years still existed.

Zhou Hui knew many things couldn’t be rushed and needed to first open her daughter’s emotional defenses.

......

Around two in the afternoon.

Xingyun International Group, Yangcheng branch.

“Knock knock knock—”

A knock came.

“Come in!” A slightly lazy yet authoritative female voice called from inside the office.

Tang Song pushed open the door and immediately saw the figure sitting in the wide office chair.

Outside the window was the bustling skyline of Zhujiang New Town.

Wen Ruan wore a dark gray silk shirt and matching trousers that wrapped her stunning curves.

She leaned elegantly against the desk, legs crossed, posture relaxed.

She carried the unique confidence and elegance of a professional woman, with a natural charm and alluring aura.

Very charming.

Seeing Tang Song, Wen Ruan lightly kicked the desk and slid back in her chair, looking at him with a mischievous smile. “Oh, isn’t this our suddenly vanished big boss? Back again?”

Originally, they were supposed to discuss due diligence details for Smart Chain Future, but Tang Song vanished during the break.

When asked where he went, he gave vague answers.

Clearly, something was up.

Tang Song smiled, walked behind Wen Ruan, and naturally placed his hands on her tense shoulders, massaging with moderate pressure.

“You’ve worked hard, dear Ruan.”

“Mm~” Wen Ruan immediately let out a satisfied moan, her tense back relaxing as she lazily leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes to enjoy the unexpected service.

“Why suddenly so attentive?” She didn’t open her eyes but curled a teasing smile at the corner of her mouth. “Don’t tell me you need something from me?”

“Hehe, you’re my girlfriend. Isn’t it natural to give you a massage?” Tang Song’s voice was low and gentle.

As he spoke, his hands slid down her slender neck, subtly slipping under her shirt collar.

“Ah!” Wen Ruan gave a low exclamation but didn’t stop him, instead slightly arching her chest.

Tang Song’s hands were impeccable.

Well-defined joints, long and strong, with a warmth that made people addicted.

Even if she wasn’t into hands, she loved it endlessly.

After a while,

Tang Song withdrew his hands with satisfaction, scooped his big sister up from the chair, then sat down himself, placing her steadily on his lap.

His fingertips lightly traced her smooth, delicate skin and kissed her cheek.

Softly he said, “Ruan, let me tell you a story.”

“Oh?” Wen Ruan’s sparkling peach blossom eyes blinked. “What story?”

“This story starts from 2007...”

Wen Ruan was momentarily stunned. That opening sounded so familiar.

Oh, right!

A few months ago, when Liu Qingning first added her as a friend, she said she would tell her the childhood sweethearts story of her and Tang Song, and the opening was exactly the same!

Wow, no wonder she was the real Bai Yueguang. The mental connection and tacit understanding were incredible.

“There was a little girl in Dongzhang Village, Jing County...”

But soon, as Tang Song’s story slowly unfolded, her thoughts were completely drawn in.

Her expressive face changed constantly with emotion.

.......

Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, special care ward waiting area.

“So now we’re just waiting for the specific treatment plan, then we start the... targeted therapy?”

Lulu still had the shock on her face.

Zhang Yan nodded gently, “Yes, Director He said they still need to do gene matching and a comprehensive assessment of physical condition. It will take about a week.”

“Director Tang is so righteous! Truly a godsend friend!” Lulu sighed emotionally. “I heard the special care ward here is so exclusive that ordinary people can’t even get in the door! Now with so many top experts consulting together, Auntie will definitely be fine this time!”

After finishing her interview at Xingyun International Group, she had rushed over anxiously.

But since Tang Song was already there, she didn’t want to disturb and first returned to the company to finish her work, then hurried here without stopping.

After hearing Zhang Yan describe Tang Song’s swift and decisive actions,

her long-suspended heart finally settled completely.

“Zhang Yan!” Lulu leaned in, unable to resist her gossip nature burning fiercely in her eyes. “Tell me honestly, what’s your relationship with Tang Song? Don’t tell me... you’re really dating?”

“Ah!” Zhang Yan’s face instantly flushed red, and she shook her head vigorously. “N-no, just... just friends.”

“I know you’re friends, but... are you in the ambiguous stage? Otherwise, he wouldn’t help you so much;

he must have feelings for you!”

“N-no...” Zhang Yan stammered, recalling the kiss and hug in the corridor.

She was naturally bad at lying and didn’t know how to explain.

Seeing her like this, Lulu immediately understood about seventy to eighty percent.

After joking a bit, she excitedly lowered her voice, “I ran into Tang Song when I went for the Xingyun International Group interview! You have no idea how coincidental it was! I just finished the second round and stepped out of the conference room, and there he was! All the big leaders from our group’s headquarters were with him! That guy, with just a casual sentence, my interview was instantly secured!”

She animatedly described the dramatic scene at Xingyun headquarters, her words full of admiration and gratitude for Tang Song.

Of course, she hoped this would cheer up her good friend a little.

Her mother’s cancer was already pressure enough for the shy and sensitive Zhang Yan.

Hearing Lulu’s words, Zhang Yan was stunned. “Tang Song... is a leader at Xingyun International Group headquarters?”

“No.” Lulu shook her head and mysteriously added, “After I got the offer, I specifically asked the HR lady who contacted me for some indirect inquiries. She said Tang Song isn’t an executive at Xingyun but has a very, very close cooperative relationship with our group! Plus, our group’s director Wen Tong is a good friend of Tang Song!”

As Lulu spoke, her eyes sparkled. “You didn’t see Director Wen, oh my god, that figure, that aura, that looks—totally like the real female elite you only see in dramas! A real big shot!”

Zhang Yan listened silently, pressing her lips tighter.

Her mind uncontrollably drifted into chaotic thoughts.

Could the Xingyun International Group friend Tang Song mentioned be Director Wen?

It made sense. Someone as excellent as him surely had powerful friends.

Lulu excitedly pulled out her phone.

Holding the screen close to Zhang Yan, “Look, this is my offer! Honestly, big companies are awesome! Base salary is ten thousand, full five social insurances and housing fund, fully paid! Full payment! Plus all kinds of benefits and bonuses! Soon, I’ll be able to get a mortgage for a house back home, with low interest using the housing fund!”

“Congratulations, Lulu.” Zhang Yan looked at her friend’s genuinely bright smile and felt happy for her.

Lulu excitedly hugged Zhang Yan’s arm, “Zhang Yan, you should hurry to Xingyun International too! With Tang Song’s connection, it’s a thousand times better than that lousy Shucheng Technology! If you come, we could be colleagues!”

Hearing this, Zhang Yan bit her lip, “I... I’ll think about it...”

Suddenly remembering something, she softly asked, “Can you find Director Wen’s information online?”

“Of course!” Lulu immediately perked up. “I already checked. She’s officially listed on the website as a member of Xingyun International Group’s board. A real big leader!”

While speaking, Lulu skillfully scrolled through her phone.

Soon, she opened a news article.

“Here, look, this is a recent financial interview.”

Zhang Yan took the phone.

On the screen was a refined, high-quality business portrait.

The woman in the photo was confident, elegant, and full of charm.

Her eyes seemed to pierce through the screen, carrying an innate, powerful aura.

A wave of indescribable inferiority surged again in Zhang Yan’s heart.

So the people around him were all such dazzling existences.

This Director Wen was really outstanding.

She silently swiped the screen, unconsciously browsing the interview about corporate strategy and market layout.

Then, at the end of the article, a related link marked in blue caught her attention.

[Xingyun International Group announces deep strategic cooperation with Qingning Technology, jointly participating in the cutting-edge AR project “Xuanji Optical World”...]

Qingning Technology...

Seeing the words “Qingning,” Zhang Yan’s heart skipped a beat.

Compelled by some unseen force, she clicked it.

The page immediately redirected to an in-depth report on the “Xuanji Optical World” project.

Lulu excitedly said beside her, “Wow, this is news from just a few days ago, so impressive! Our company is even cooperating with Qingning Technology! That’s one of the coolest AI companies! Amazing!”

Though she had just received the offer, Lulu already fully considered herself part of Xingyun International.

“Really impressive.” Zhang Yan echoed, continuing to read the news.

Suddenly!

A name so familiar, deeply etched into her bones, crashed into her pupils without warning.

[... Qingmi AI, a business unit under Qingning Technology, led by Liu Qingning, who is also the project’s software application liaison.]

Zhang Yan felt the world suddenly lose all sound, her breathing becoming rapid and numb.

The chattering praise from Lulu turned into distant buzzing.

The soft, warm light in the special care ward waiting area seemed to lose its warmth.

Liu. Qing. Ning.