Four Seasons Hotel.

In the brightly lit suite office,

“The flight route application has been approved. The inaugural flight from Yangcheng Baiyun Airport to Yancheng International Airport is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, which is Wednesday, at 10 a.m. Bombardier has also completed the final comprehensive inspection before delivery...”

On the computer screen was Luna’s face, finely made up and radiant.

Since the last time she was “scolded” in Hong Kong, this executive assistant’s growth had been astonishing.

Not only had she flawlessly completed all the tedious procedures for the private jet handover, but she had also established a highly efficient operational coordination system in a very short time.

She even made the final personalized customizations to the cabin’s entertainment system, minibar, and cigar bar according to Tang Song’s preferences...

Of course, this was also thanks to her background in flight attendant training and her natural passion for high-end service, truly a perfect match professionally.

“Well done, Luna, you’ve worked hard.”

“No trouble at all, serving President Tang is my pleasure!” In the video, Lin Muxue suddenly straightened up and saluted seriously.

Tang Song chuckled softly, “How do you feel? Leaving Hong Kong soon, are you a bit reluctant?”

“Not at all.” Lin Muxue licked her red lips, then suddenly leaned forward slightly. The screen instantly turned snowy white, and her voice became warm and suggestive, “Wherever President Tang goes, I want to go there. By the way, I have already rearranged the master suite on the plane according to your instructions, just waiting for you to personally inspect it.”

Tang Song smiled with a twinkle in his eyes, “Great, looking forward to the first flight.”

They chatted a little more.

After hanging up,

Tang Song stood by the window for a moment, admiring the Pearl River night view, then returned to his large desk.

His most important task ahead was the Songmei Apparel Double Eleven sales event.

The third phase of the Growth Plan mission [②Performance Explosion] required the company to achieve a monthly sales volume exceeding 100 million yuan.

This November was his only chance in the near future.

That was also why he couldn’t stay long in Yangcheng.

This annual ecommerce extravaganza had kicked off at midnight on November 1st, and the whole company was in a state of high-intensity overtime.

Songmei Apparel’s brand-new haute couture line, [HEYISTUDIO], would make its debut at the preheating event on the evening of November 8th, this Wednesday.

This included not only the meticulously designed seasonal new styles from the Huashang apparel team but also the highly anticipated urban windbreaker series independently completed by Yao Lingling.

It was worth mentioning that the sample windbreaker was outstanding in every respect—cut, fabric, and craftsmanship all far exceeded expectations.

It received overwhelming praise during internal fittings.

Everyone agreed it had all the potential to become the annual bestseller.

Tang Song had also seen the finished product—it was truly impressive;

his junior colleague was really amazing.

For an ecommerce company, if its self-built brand could be widely accepted by the market,

it meant it would completely shed the role of a mere “channel vendor” or “middleman,”

truly possessing its own “soul” and “moat.”

This also implied higher gross margins, stronger user retention, and a broader brand premium space.

Its importance was self-evident.

“Ding-ling-ling—” Suddenly, a sharp ringtone sounded.

[Zhang Yan]

Tang Song glanced at the time—it was nearly 10 p.m.

She was calling at this hour...

His heart instantly tightened as he quickly answered, “Hello? Zhang Yan!”

There was a brief silence on the other end before Zhang Yan’s voice came through, “Tang Song, are you at the Four Seasons Hotel?”

Tang Song was startled. “Yes, what’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“No, no problem.” Zhang Yan’s voice was still very low, but Tang Song could clearly hear her rapid breathing.

“What’s going on? Tell me.”

Another pause.

Then Zhang Yan’s voice suddenly rose, “I want to see you now.”

Tang Song’s expression changed, almost instinctively standing up from his chair, eyes full of surprise.

It was the first time he heard Zhang Yan speak so loudly and so passionately, and to say “I want to see you” was utterly unbelievable.

“Of course, where are you? I’ll come find you.”

“No need, I’ll be right downstairs at the Four Seasons Hotel.”

“I’m coming down now!” Tang Song said as he strode out.

In the living room, Wen Ruan was applying a face mask, sitting cross-legged watching a variety show. Hearing the noise, she lazily lifted her eyes.

Tang Song’s steps paused, a hint of apology flashing across his face as he quietly said beside her, “Ruan Ruan, I’m going out for a bit, might be late coming back.”

Wen Ruan gave him an exasperated eye roll, waving her hand impatiently, “Go, go, go, hurry up. I don’t want to see you! Better not come back!”

Tang Song smiled wryly, gently ruffling her hair.

He turned quickly and walked to the foyer, changed his shoes, and left.

In the quiet corridor, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed.

The elevator floor numbers jumped down one by one:

90... 80... 70...

Tang Song recalled Zhang Yan’s words, his heart pounding violently.

Outside the IFC West Tower.

Zhang Yan hung up, forcefully shoved the still-warm phone into her pocket.

She hugged the heavy gift box again, standing outside the grand building’s exit.

The massive glass curtain wall reflected the dazzling night view of Zhujiang New Town like a mirror.

Luxury cars she couldn’t name silently slid past her, stopping before the car doors already opened by valets.

Men and women dressed in high-end couture and exquisite makeup stepped out, walking gracefully, chatting cheerfully, exuding an aura she could never understand—belonging to another world.

She felt like a small, unremarkable tree transplanted into a strange environment, completely out of place.

It was the first time she had so closely admired the city’s landmark.

This place gathered Yangcheng’s top enterprises;

it was the convergence of elites and power.

Before, she didn’t even qualify for interviews here.

Being among them made her feel as small as a speck of dust.

If it had been before, she would have been so ashamed she wouldn’t dare lift her head or look into the eyes of those passing by.

But now, her eyes were full of flickering flames, staring straight at the revolving glass door that kept opening and closing.

Youth was originally a nonstop sequence of missed opportunities and encounters,

and Tang Song had always lingered in her world.

But in all those years, she never once had the courage to truly stand in front of him and say, “Hello, classmate,” or “I am Zhang Yan.”

The miracle brought by Dragon Ball gave her a chance.

Not only did it fulfill her long-held dream, but it also fell from the sky to save her at her most desperate moment.

They had many incredible interactions: eating, repainting walls, reading manga, walking, kissing, hugging...

But ultimately, he was already so far from her, a person from a completely different world.

If she missed this chance again, if she hesitated again...

He would probably disappear completely from her world.

The youth that had accompanied her for over ten years would never be seen again.

This fear overshadowed Liu Qingning and gave her unprecedented courage.

Zhang Yan swallowed hard and looked toward the brightly lit first-floor lobby.

A familiar figure appeared in her line of sight.

He wasn’t wearing the expensive suit from the daytime but a simple white T-shirt and casual pants, looking clean and refreshing.

He walked straight through the crowd dressed in finery, heading directly toward her.

His pace was quick, even urgent and nervous.

All the surrounding vanity and clamor seemed to blur into the background the moment he appeared.

Zhang Yan took a deep breath, clutching the box, and stepped forward.

“Thump, thump, thump—”

Her rapid heartbeat echoed in her ears, nearly drowning out all other sounds.

Adrenaline surged wildly through her body.

...

“Tap, tap, tap—”

The sound of hard-soled shoes striking the polished marble floor grew more urgent.

Tang Song passed through the revolving glass doors.

Stepping into the humid night of Yangcheng, the evening breeze mixed with car exhaust and vegetation brushed against him.

His gaze swept the surroundings.

Instantly, it locked onto the figure standing under the dim lights slightly ahead and to the side.

She wore a simple white blouse and skirt suit, with a slightly oversized light gray blazer over it.

This professional-style outfit stripped away all her youthful naivety, making her seem much more mature in an instant.

She solemnly held a black hard-shell gift box in her arms, walking step by step toward him.

Bright lights fell on her like a soft halo.

Her shoulder-length hair was gently blown by the damp night breeze, revealing a smooth forehead and delicate brows and eyes.

Their gazes met.

Zhang Yan’s eyes flickered but did not panic or look away as before;

instead, she mustered courage to look directly into his eyes.

“Tang Song.”

Her voice was soft but like a stone dropped into a tranquil lake, stirring ripples in Tang Song’s heart.

“Zhang Yan—”

His footsteps stopped.

They stood face to face.

“These are the 34 volumes of Dragon Ball.” Zhang Yan stepped forward, placing the heavy gift box she held in front of him, “...For you.”

Tang Song reached out and took it.

The box was heavy, probably over ten kilograms.

“Thank you for the gift.”

He didn’t open it immediately but looked down into her eyes.

It was the first time they had looked at each other so long and so openly without evasion.

In each other’s pupils, they saw clear reflections of one another.

From Zhang Yan’s eyes, Tang Song seemed to understand something, causing a strange flutter in his chest.

He lifted the heavy box with one hand, then suddenly reached out his right hand, pulling her into his embrace.

Zhang Yan’s body trembled violently, hesitated briefly, then slowly wrapped her arms around his waist and back.

Her hands were cold, but her breath was rapid and burning.

At the dazzling hotel entrance, amidst the bustling crowd and noisy prosperity,

the two held each other for a long time before slowly letting go.

Tang Song looked down at her bright eyes glowing with excitement and softly asked, “Why did you suddenly come so late to bring me these books?”

Zhang Yan pursed her lips and met his gaze, speaking clearly, “I want to work at Xingyun International Group.”

Tang Song nodded firmly, his voice filled with undisguised joy, “Good, you can start anytime.”

“I...” Zhang Yan’s voice lowered again, seeming uncertain, “I can only write articles now, and there’s so much I don’t understand, much less than others. But I will study seriously. I just want to try!”

At the last sentence, she regained her courage.

“Hmm, I believe you.”

“I will resign from Shucheng Technology as soon as possible.”

“If you have any trouble quitting, contact me anytime.” Tang Song paused, then added, “I’ll send you the WeChat of my friend at Xingyun International Group later. She’ll be in Yangcheng for a while;

you can contact her if anything comes up.”

“Okay.” Zhang Yan clasped her hands in front of her, standing there still looking steadily at Tang Song, as if she had more to say.

The air grew quiet.

“What’s wrong?”

Zhang Yan’s lips moved slightly. “I... I still have a lot to say to you. Are you free now?”

“Wait a moment.”

Tang Song said and turned, striding back to the hotel entrance, carefully handing the “valuable” gift box to the arriving staff and whispering a few instructions.

Then he ran back to her side.

Smiling, he said, “You’ve been in Yangcheng so long but haven’t really strolled along the Pearl River. Come walk with me, Zhang Yan.”

Without giving her a chance to refuse, he took her hand directly.

Zhang Yan, held by him, felt like a puppet controlled by strings, passively yet willingly following his steps.

Their shadows lengthened and overlapped under the lights.

They passed through the flashy river of neon and car lights and turned into a relatively quiet riverside path.

The evening breeze carried the distinctive moisture of the Pearl River.

The river reflected the city’s dazzling lights like a shattered moving oil painting.

Tang Song’s long fingers tightened slightly, weaving through hers, their palms pressed together.

Zhang Yan’s hand suddenly trembled, a strong, tingling electric current running from her palm throughout her body.

Goosebumps appeared on her neck.

She turned her head to look at Tang Song’s handsome profile in the night, heart pounding like a drum.

Their gazes met again.

Tang Song’s hand pressed a little, his warm fingertips gently stroking the delicate back of her hand.

Zhang Yan’s cheeks flushed uncontrollably. Rooted shyness made her instinctively want to pull away but she held back.

The tingling sensation grew stronger, making her steps somewhat unsteady.

The two walked slowly along the Pearl River.

There were many couples cuddling nearby as well.

After a while, Chapters first released on novｅlfire.net

Zhang Yan’s lips moved softly, head bowed, as if talking to herself or confiding in him.

“I remember when we first entered junior high, the teacher made us sit as deskmates, and my palms were sweaty... but your name was so easy to remember... Tang Song...”

She began to recount bits and pieces of her junior high memories about him.

His serious frown when explaining problems, his light steps humming a tune, the curve at the corners of his eyes when he smiled...

The youthful Tang Song seemed flawless in her memory,

cheerful and generous, studious, with neater notes than others.

He often brought snacks to school, always saying he bought extra and couldn’t finish them, but it was just an excuse because he was afraid she’d feel embarrassed accepting them.

He was always willing to talk to her, played five-in-a-row with her, shared new extracurricular books she couldn’t afford...

He always rode a half-worn bike to school because their villages were adjacent. Sometimes when he saw her on the road, he’d wave from afar, inviting her to hop on.

That bumpy bike seat, carrying the faint soap scent of youth,

was her most profound and warmest memory of her entire youth.

Her voice was soft and slow,

like a gentle stream washing out those fragmented warm memories little by little,

flowing into this tender southern night.

Tang Song listened quietly, his thoughts drifting.

Those junior high memories he wanted to forget

were now being restored and colored bit by bit by Zhang Yan’s unique perspective.

He never imagined that those seemingly ordinary times, some careless gestures, a casual joke, an unintentional share,

would be so important and profound to the quiet, introverted deskmate beside him.

“Tang Song.”

“I’m here...” He turned his head, looking at Zhang Yan.

“Exquisite dice, red beans, bound love—do you know?” She looked into his eyes, using all her strength to say, “I like you. Really like you, very much.”

Tang Song looked at her, at those slightly trembling eyes full of nervousness and excitement.

His heartbeat accelerated.

Just as he was about to say something,

Zhang Yan suddenly stood on tiptoe and closed her eyes.

Cool and soft lips lightly, like a feather, brushed against his cheek.

The air seemed to freeze at that moment, only the river breeze still gently blowing.

In Zhang Yan’s vision,

the entire world was bathed in dazzling golden light.

She felt as if she had truly transformed into a “Super Saiyan.”

And finally, she returned the “power” he lent her in the most direct and courageous way.

She sensed his aura as if she had finally touched the boy she had chased for over ten years.

Her lips slowly left his cheek, making a barely audible sound.

Zhang Yan exhaled softly, as if losing all her courage and strength.

She stumbled and almost knelt, her face instantly flushed crimson, eyes flustered and avoiding his gaze, no longer daring to look at Tang Song.

“It’s... it’s almost 11 o’clock, I... I have to go back...”

She turned sharply like a frightened rabbit, head bowed, almost fleeing toward the roadside.

“Tap, tap, tap—”

Steady footsteps sounded behind her.

“I’ll see you home.” Tang Song’s voice was intimate and gentle, carrying an unrefusable tone.

Zhang Yan’s body stiffened, stammering, “No, no need, it’s late, I can go by myself...”

Before she finished, a warm hand reached out again, tightly grasping hers.

Tang Song disregarded everything and held her hand, flagging down a taxi by the roadside.

Inside the dimly lit cab, their silhouettes were cloaked.

Zhang Yan lowered her head, turned sideways, wishing she could curl up and hide in the seat’s crevice.

The Zhang Yan who had just transformed into “Super Saiyan” seemed to have fallen back down.

Tang Song leaned against the seat back, watching her with a smile.

The ride was unusually quiet.

The car slowly stopped at the Lanxin Garden Community gate.

Tang Song accompanied her all the way to the building entrance.

They stood under the familiar dim streetlight, silent.

But the atmosphere was no longer awkward;

instead, it carried a subtle warmth.

“I’ll go to the company tomorrow to submit my resignation first,” Zhang Yan finally mustered courage to break the silence. “Then to the hospital;

the test results should be out soon. They’ll assess the surgery in the next few days, so... I might have to wait a few days before returning to work.”

She spoke with her head down, as if reporting her schedule.

“Okay, don’t rush. Take care of your current matters first.” Tang Song’s voice was gentle as he couldn’t help but reach out to rub her head.

Zhang Yan’s hair was very soft, a standard collarbone-length with a slight natural curve, feeling extremely pleasant to the touch.

It was so comfortable that he didn’t want to let go.

Zhang Yan stiffened slightly, biting her lip but not pulling away.

“Let me know when you leave Yangcheng...” she said softly, with a hint of subtle dependence in her tone.

“Okay, don’t worry.” Tang Song’s hand slid down naturally and lightly patted her shoulder. “Before you leave, I’ll definitely visit you and Aunt.”

“Thank you, Tang Song, these days...”

“No need to thank me.”

Another silence followed, only the sound of the evening breeze rustling the tall banyan trees in the old community.

“I... I’m going up now.” Zhang Yan finally couldn’t hold back, shyly lowering her head, voice faint as a mosquito’s hum.

“Zhang Yan.”

Tang Song suddenly called her.

“Hm? Wh-what’s wrong?” She seemed awakened and slowly raised her head.

The warm streetlight cast a gentle glow in his deep eyes.

He was truly handsome.

Zhang Yan instinctively hid her hands behind her back, nervously twisting her fingertips.

“I like you.”

His voice was soft but directly pierced all her defenses, crashing hard on her heart.

Those beautiful apricot eyes became dull and hazy, instantly losing focus.

Then his face grew larger and larger in her pupils,

filling her entire world.

Zhang Yan’s long eyelashes trembled, and she instinctively stepped back.

But a strong, powerful hand appeared on her waist, firmly holding her in place.

His warm breath brushed her face, tickling.

His clean scent enveloped her.

Zhang Yan closed her eyes tightly, eyelashes trembling, waiting for the moist touch on her cheek.

Her mind was filled with Tang Song’s recent words.

He likes me... he likes me...

It was more unreal than any dream.

Yet the next second, warm sucking sensations appeared on her lips.

“Mm—”

A sudden low moan escaped her throat, completely swallowed by his lips and teeth.

Zhang Yan opened her eyes in disbelief, full of shock and wonder.

Tang Song gently kissed her lips, breathing in her unique scent of shower gel.

He could clearly feel her body’s stiffness and uncontrollable slight trembling, also the softness and innocence of her lips.

This kiss felt exactly like the sunny, carefree summer afternoon in his memories—

pure, clean, with a hint of heart-stopping, clumsy sweetness.

It stirred in him a strong desire to protect and possess her.

Zhang Yan’s mind went blank, her body burning hot and soft.

Her fingers unconsciously clutched his shirt corner tightly, legs weak, her whole being leaning on his firm chest.

The world began to spin.

Countless brilliant fireworks exploded before her eyes.