Friday, November 10, 2023, cloudy, -1 to 6°C.

Overnight, a cold front swept in, wrapping the entire city of Yancheng in a crisp chill. The rightful source is novel{f}ire.net

At 6 a.m., Cheng Qiuqiu woke from sleep, her eyes blankly staring at the ceiling.

A flush slowly spread across her face.

Last night, he appeared in her dream again.

Maybe it was because she had been thinking about moving recently.

This time, she actually appeared inside Tang Song’s home.

Strangely, she had never been to his place before, but in the dream, everything felt familiar.

Especially that extremely soft, spacious bed.

She was held tightly in his arms.

The vivid, heart-racing sensation lingered in her nerve endings even after waking.

After a long moment, she slowly sat up from the bed.

She threw off the blanket, and a wave of cold instantly woke her fully.

She reached for her phone on the bedside table and unplugged the charger.

Opening Xiaohongshu, she entered that familiar account homepage.

Yesterday afternoon, Tang Song posted the latest celebration note for the debut of the HEYISTUDIO brand, with graphics she helped design.

After fermenting overnight, the data had completely exploded.

Likes broke past ten thousand, saves surpassed 5,800, and comments exceeded 1,600.

Tang Song’s personal account followers surged past 80,000 with this wave of popularity.

In fact, the name HEYISTUDIO had already stirred quite a buzz in the small circle of fashion enthusiasts.

Lingling’s designed city jacket created over two million in GMV during last night’s live broadcast.

Qiuqiu opened the comment section, a smile naturally curling at her lips.

Most comments expressed shock at this suddenly appearing new brand and awe at “April.”

After all, in the eyes of many longtime fans, this “April” account was like an “electronic pet” they had watched grow step by step.

Although it had now started brand building, most people were only casually participating at first.

Seeing such terrifying live sales numbers, they instantly turned into “career fans.”

Qiuqiu enthusiastically browsed through the comments one by one, her face glowing with pride.

She liked every positive comment, reported scattered insults, and couldn’t help but step into the fray to rebut negative doubts.

Like the most loyal “stan,” she fought in the comment section for a good while.

Only then, fully satisfied, did she open the pinned WeChat chat box. Her fingers hesitated on the screen before carefully typing:

“Good morning, I just checked yesterday’s note data. The feedback in the comments is really good. Congratulations on breaking 80,000 fans (#smile).”

After sending, she sat quietly, waiting.

“Buzz buzz buzz——”

Tang Song: “(^_^) Good morning, Qiuqiu. I just saw the data too. It’s probably the best post ever. The fans’ recognition is huge, and your graphics contributed a lot.”

Seeing his reply, Cheng Qiuqiu’s eyes immediately brightened.

She chatted with him for a bit.

Leaping out of bed, she spread out her yoga mat and started her daily morning yoga to soothing music.

7:30 a.m.

When Qiuqiu finished making breakfast and stepped out of the kitchen,

Gao Mengting was just coming out of the master bedroom, her hair messy and face still heavy with sleepiness.

“Morning, Qiuqiu.”

“Morning, senior.” Qiuqiu said softly. “I made breakfast;

eat it while it’s hot.”

“Hehe, I am hungry indeed.” Gao Mengting rubbed her stomach, smiling gently.

She had worked late again last night and hadn’t eaten much to keep in shape.

Cheng Qiuqiu pursed her lips and said nothing.

The two sat quietly at the small dining table in the living room, eating breakfast.

After a while, Qiuqiu finally mustered courage and softly asked, “Senior, you said last time you were planning to move. Did you start looking after Double Eleven?”

Gao Mengting paused mid-sip of soy milk, then nodded naturally. “Yes, this place is still a bit far from the company. Commuting wastes too much time every day.”

As vice president and shareholder of Songmei Apparel, though her first dividend hadn’t arrived yet, her high salary and bonuses had already granted her financial freedom for now.

The company reimbursed most daily expenses, but she wanted a more comfortable, higher-quality living environment.

Actually, if possible, she wanted to buy a home in Yancheng.

Preferably with a large terrace, a big bookshelf, and a whole wall of floor-to-ceiling windows.

She wanted to decorate it warmly, full of artistic atmosphere.

Gao Mengting put down her cup, looking at Qiuqiu with a smile. “Is there a neighborhood near the company you like? We can go check it out together.”

Qiuqiu was silent for a long time, stirring the porridge in her bowl as if organizing her words.

After a while, she looked up, her eyes carrying a subtle trace of apology and a request.

“Senior… I want to… I want to rent with Yao Lingling.”

The smile on Gao Mengting’s face froze slightly as she looked at her strangely.

Qiuqiu hurriedly explained, “Senior, don’t misunderstand. I’m happy to rent with you. But you and President Tang… I’m just… it’s a bit inconvenient. You know, I have some issues there. Besides, Lingling and I both do design, we have a lot in common and are good friends.”

Her words stumbled somewhat, but the meaning was clear.

Gao Mengting quietly looked at the big-chested junior sister in front of her and immediately understood.

But she didn’t call her out or ask further.

She sighed inwardly, then smiled warmly again, reaching out to tousle Qiuqiu’s hair.

“Sure, Lingling is cheerful and generous, and you two get along well. Living together, you’ll definitely be happy. Just recently, Tang Song and I discussed adding rental subsidies for employees. You can rent in a nicer neighborhood then.”

“Okay.”

Qiuqiu nodded lightly, finished breakfast silently, tidied the kitchen, and began washing up.

She had just returned to her bedroom when—

“Ding—” The WeChat video call ringtone sounded.

Mom.

Cheng Qiuqiu’s relaxed brows tensed subconsciously.

She hung up immediately.

After a moment, a WeChat notification popped up.

Mom: “Why didn’t you answer my call?”

Mom: “I’ve cleared things here and plan to stay in Yancheng for a while.”

Qiuqiu’s expression darkened;

her chest rose and fell sharply.

She typed: “I’m doing fine here. You don’t need to worry.”

Mom: “You never let me see you, and you don’t come back. Are you living with that guy?”

Qiuqiu: “No, I’m renting with my senior sister, Junfeng knows her;

you can ask him.”

Mom: “Speaking of Junfeng, you really don’t think ahead. Not keeping good relations with him. Such an excellent guy, handsome and capable. Now a leader in a big group, incredibly powerful, with a salary of hundreds of thousands.”

Qiuqiu bit her lip and replied, “I’m going to work.”

After sending the message, she opened Gao Junfeng’s contact and dialed directly.

The phone rang a few times before connecting.

On the other end came Gao Junfeng’s calm voice: “Hello.”

Qiuqiu’s tone was icy: “Junfeng, did you tell my mom something?”

Her mom had a bad temper and was impatient. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be at odds like this. Qiuqiu dreaded her mother suddenly showing up in Yancheng.

“Hehe, you’re overthinking. It’s Aunt Meihua who keeps calling me, asking about you and telling me to take care of you.”

Qiuqiu took a deep breath and said nothing.

“Qiuqiu, just a friendly reminder.” Gao Junfeng’s voice paused, then carried a smile: “Tang Song has a girlfriend;

they confirmed their relationship a long time ago.”

Qiuqiu bit her lip, “I know what’s going on with me, and we’re not that kind of relationship.”

“Alright then.” Gao Junfeng interrupted. “We’ve been friends for so many years. Just reminding you not to get too deep. Also, that girl isn’t easy;

she’s a genuine top-tier rich and beautiful woman. Her father is the new director of Zhongcheng Group. Be careful.”

With that, he hung up.

“Beep… beep… beep…”

Listening to the busy tone, Cheng Qiuqiu stood there stunned, unable to process it.

Tang Song’s girlfriend wasn’t Senior Mengting?

Then who was this rich beauty?

Her heart instantly tangled into a mess.

The taxi drove through the crowded city main roads.

Gao Junfeng put away his phone, a smug smile curling at his lips.

He had now successfully passed on Tang Song’s “two-timing” through Qin Hua’s mouth to Tian Jing’s ears.

He didn’t know how Jing reacted yet, but the administrative supervisor Qin Hua’s response was extremely fierce.

Later, when sorting new employee files, he “accidentally” revealed Zhang Lei and Tang Song were middle school classmates to Qin Hua.

Almost effortlessly, Ding Furong entered the company and successfully pushed Zhang Lei out.

After all, Ding Furong was only Vice President Su Ping’s assistant, without much power, relying on Su Ping’s face.

Trying to make underhand moves at such a time easily left a “record,” which could be used against him later.

But with Qin Hua’s “consent,” everything went smoothly.

About ten minutes later, the taxi stopped outside Zhongcheng Group’s headquarters.

Gao Junfeng adjusted his suit and put on a humble and professional smile.

He lifted his head, straightened his chest, and walked through the revolving glass doors, taking the elevator up.

Just as he sat at his desk, a figure approached.

Ding Furong smiled widely, carefully placing a steaming Luckin Coffee and a croissant on his desk.

His tone was full of flattery: “Brother Feng, good morning, I brought you breakfast.”

Gao Junfeng took it, biting the croissant leisurely.

Without looking at him, he said coldly, “The company situation is tight lately. Try not to come find me too often, or the wrong people will gossip.”

“Yes, yes, Brother Feng is right.”

“Go back and wait quietly. Zhang Lei will be gone today. From now on, work hard and don’t embarrass me. As long as you don’t mess up, you’ll have promotion opportunities.”

Helping this college classmate enter Zhongcheng Group wasn’t free.

Ding Furong had privately transferred him two thousand yuan in “bribes.”

With that money, Gao Junfeng bought a decent suit and gave Qin Hua an expensive accessory.

Ding Furong immediately nodded and bowed, “Brother Feng, you’re awesome! I’ll head back now!”

Saying that, he quickly turned and left.

Back on the 6th floor in the office area,

He immediately saw Zhang Lei slowly drinking milk.

A trace of schadenfreude flashed in his eyes as he walked over and lightly patted Zhang Lei’s shoulder.

“Lei, haven’t you finished the KA client materials? I’m visiting clients this afternoon. Don’t hold up my business.”

Zhang Lei didn’t look up. “No.”

Noticing the firm attitude, Ding Furong’s face tightened, frowning deeply.

“All handover must be done before 10. This isn’t just my personal matter;

it affects the company’s performance and department’s image.”

Hearing this, Zhang Lei laughed out loud. “You’re funny. All client info is in the system. If you’re in a hurry, why not dig it up yourself?”

Now backed by Miss Tian, he was strong and fearless.

Besides, these materials weren’t a required handover, just Ding Furong trying to show off.

“What’s your attitude?!” Ding Furong didn’t expect this pushover to dare push back. “You’re leaving, but don’t slack off and hold back the team’s progress!”

His voice was just loud enough for nearby desks to hear, attracting many colleagues’ eyes.

As the two clashed, Department Manager Liu Huiyang came over.

Colleagues quickly glanced at their computer screens, pretending to work seriously.

Ding Furong flashed his eyes, said, “Hello, Manager,” then sighed and returned to his desk, playing the innocent “I tried to communicate” act.

Liu Huiyang bent down next to Zhang Lei, lowering his voice, “Zhang Lei, I know you’re angry, but don’t lose your temper. Just finish the handover first.”

Zhang Lei was about to say something when—

Clicking heels sounded hurriedly.

“Manager Liu, you’re here too! Perfect!”

Everyone turned toward the sound to see Li Xin, the HRBP of the Food and Beverage Division, approaching with a worried expression and urgent tone.

Zhang Lei’s heart jumped;

his pulse raced uncontrollably.

He realized Miss Tian Jing had taken action!

He never expected her to move so fast—it was just the start of work!

Liu Huiyang hesitated, puzzled. “Director Li, what’s the matter?”

“It’s mainly about your department’s Zhang Lei. Let’s talk in the small conference room.” Li Xin took a deep breath. “Zhang Lei, please come with me.”

A trace of mockery flashed in Ding Furong’s eyes.

He knew Zhang Lei was finished this time.

Judging by the situation, he probably wouldn’t have a peaceful last day.

No doubt, Brother Feng was truly powerful!

He felt secretly pleased—having this backing, he could make a name for himself in Zhongcheng Group.

Other colleagues cast Zhang Lei looks filled with sympathy, indifference, or curiosity.

Zhang Lei said nothing, quietly following Liu Huiyang into the conference room.

More than half an hour later,

Just as everyone almost forgot about it,

“Ding dong—”

A personnel change notice suddenly popped up in the corporate WeChat, sent personally by the HRBP.

“After the Group’s HR department reviewed employee files, an evaluation error was found in Zhang Lei’s transfer and performance report from the Quancheng branch. After management’s comprehensive reassessment and discussion...

To maximize employee value, with division management approval, it has been decided to transfer Zhang Lei to the New Retail Strategic Project Team as a project specialist.

This is to notify.”

Gradually, suppressed gasps and whispers spread throughout the quiet office.

All eyes turned sharply toward the figure who had just returned to his desk.

Their gazes were full of shock, confusion, envy, and deep reverence.

For leadership—especially the process-conscious HR department—to publicly admit an “evaluation error”?

This was absolutely outrageous!

He definitely had backing, and at the group executive level.

Sitting there, Zhang Lei felt a surge of unprecedented vitality rush from his chest to his head, flushing his cheeks red.

The New Retail Strategic Project Team was a core group led by the Group COO, assembling top talents from various departments to handle the Group’s most important future transformation strategy!

Countless people had tried desperately to get in before;

there were only a few spots.

Ding Furong stared blankly at the notice, his mind a total blank.

Wasn’t he supposed to be fired?

How did he get promoted instead?

What about him then?

He had been arranged to replace Zhang Lei. Now, a bad premonition surged in his heart.

Gritting his teeth, Ding Furong opened Gao Junfeng’s chat and quickly typed a message.

...

On the 17th floor of Zhongcheng Tower, in a private office.

Qin Hua was intently staring at the computer screen, her fingers flying across the keyboard, adding comment after comment.

“Knock knock knock——”

A knock sounded.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Gao Junfeng walked in, his expression tense.

Lowering his voice, he said, “Supervisor Qin! There’s something... not sure if I should tell you.”

Qin Hua raised her head, slightly furrowing her brows. “What is it? Go ahead.”

Gao Junfeng took a deep breath. “There was a personnel change in the Food and Beverage Division. The Zhang Lei I told you about was suddenly transferred to the New Retail Strategic Project Team.”

The moment he heard it, he knew Tang Song had asked Tian Jing to intervene, and it was a big move.

Luckily, he didn’t act directly himself;

otherwise, he feared being implicated.

Qin Hua’s hand holding the mouse froze imperceptibly;

her eyes sharpened instantly.

The New Retail Strategic Project Team was currently the Group’s focus. She was even nominally on it to polish her resume.

Actually, if it had been Tian Jing asking, she wouldn’t have really let Zhang Lei resign.

She just wanted to delay things, because resignation handover needed HR approval, and she had already informed them.

Unexpectedly, Tian Jing had gone so far for her boyfriend, bypassing her entirely.

This was practically a direct warning.

Just then,

“Ring ring ring—”

The desk’s landline phone rang sharply.

Qin Hua glanced at the caller ID and immediately answered calmly, “Hello, Sister Yang.”

Yang Meiping’s gentle voice came through, “Hua Hua, are you free to talk now?”

Qin Hua waved at Gao Junfeng, “Yes, go ahead.”

Gao Junfeng wisely stepped to the door, standing with hands folded.

“Well,” Yang Meiping’s tone was unreadable, “The Ding Furong in the Food and Beverage Division was pushed in by your administrative office, right?”

Qin Hua pressed her lips, “Yes, I think he was recommended by an assistant. What’s up, Sister Yang? Did he cause trouble?”

“Not really.” A soft chuckle came from the phone. “Just casually asking your impression of him.”

Qin Hua’s eyes flickered;

after a brief hesitation, she slowly said, “I think he’s not bad. He fits that position well.”

“Hehe, that’s good. Nothing else, bye-bye.”

“Bye, Sister Yang.”

After hanging up, Qin Hua clenched the handset tightly.

She knew perfectly well what Yang Meiping’s call meant.

Her answer was basically siding openly with her close friend Tian Jing.

If it were before, she wouldn’t have done this.

But now it was different.

Uncle Tian was overwhelmed dealing with Hueneng Electronics and couldn’t manage Zhongcheng Group’s internal affairs, hoping she would “guide” Tian Jing to make the “right” choices.

Her father had just become the new director.

She suspected her close friend was bewitched by that man and wanted to save her.

Keeping Ding Furong for now was also to see if Tang Song would stir trouble, possibly worsening the conflict between him and Tian Jing.

At Tian Jing’s birthday party, she planned to “accidentally” reveal these things in front of their friends.

“Supervisor Qin?” Gao Junfeng’s voice pulled her from thought.

Qin Hua snapped back, regaining her usual gentle yet composed calm.

“Alright, Junfeng, I know about this. Go do your work. I’ve got it covered.”

“Okay, got it.” Gao Junfeng hesitated a moment, then showed a practiced handsome smile. “Um… it’s Friday. Supervisor Qin, are you free tonight? There’s a new authentic French restaurant near Qiaoxi with a great atmosphere…”

“Knock knock knock—”

A steady, firm knock interrupted Gao Junfeng’s unfinished invitation.

The door opened, and a tall figure entered.

Dressed in a sharp suit, wearing silver-framed glasses, hair neatly parted 3:7, looking mature and composed.

“Good evening, Director Tian!” Gao Junfeng immediately stiffened, nervously eyeing his “rival”—Chief Financial Officer Tian Guowen.

Tian Guowen raised his brows, a half-smile on his lips. “Oh? Assistant Gao is here too.”

“I’m here to report to Supervisor Qin.”

Tian Guowen ignored him and walked straight to Qin Hua’s desk, placing a file in front of her.

“The materials you requested. Delivered personally. Impressed?”

Qin Hua smiled faintly. “Very much. Thank you for your graciousness, Director Tian.”

Tian Guowen leaned on the edge of her desk, arms crossed. “Are you free tonight? Let’s have dinner and discuss the administrative budget and resource allocation for the New Retail Strategic Project Team.”

Gao Junfeng’s eye twitched sharply.

A mix of jealousy and helplessness washed over him.

Qin Hua paused and smiled apologetically. “Sorry, Director Tian, I already have plans tonight.”

She glanced subtly at the handsome “Assistant Gao” beside her.

Hearing this, Gao Junfeng’s heart leapt with joy!

His lips uncontrollably curled into a small smile.

Sure enough! Qin Hua had feelings for him!

Tian Guowen’s gaze swept over Gao Junfeng, his brow barely twitching. “Oh? Alright then.”

Qin Hua seemed oblivious and softly reminded, “By the way, Director You, Tian Jing’s birthday party is this Sunday. Don’t forget.”

Tian Guowen’s eyes flickered, smiling, “My sister’s birthday? How could I forget?”

They chatted a little more before Tian Guowen left with slight regret.

Qin Hua exhaled softly, her gaze shifting slightly. “Assistant Gao, anything else?”

“When should we go tonight? Depends on your time.” Gao Junfeng looked at his captivating wealthy female boss expectantly.

Qin Hua paused, then shook her head, laughing softly, “Unfortunately, I’m not free tonight.”

Gao Junfeng’s expression froze instantly. “Oh, oh… I’ll head back then. You’re busy.”

Watching him leave, Qin Hua smiled faintly, noncommittal.

To her, Tian Guowen was now her biggest competitor.

Once Tian Jing’s matter was “settled” and she gained Uncle Tian’s favor, combined with Qin Hua’s father’s director position, the future CEO spot would definitely be a contest between her and Tian Guowen.

Naturally, she couldn’t get too close to him.

And the key was Tian Jing’s upcoming birthday party.

Not only would Uncle Tian and some important business friends attend, but several outstanding young talents were invited.

For example, Lin Jingming, a new elite in the tech circle and founder of Suchong Power.

He was confirmed to appear in next year’s Fortune magazine list of “Top 40 Under 40 Business Elites in Huaxia.”

Besides, Qin Hua’s father revealed privately there was an even more heavyweight guest.

The second-generation heir of a top Singapore family office named Meng Chuan.

She had looked him up online.

His family office had deep cooperation with the renowned Jingwu Capital and planned to heavily invest in the mainland’s new energy market.

Meng Chuan himself was a Columbia University finance graduate, famous throughout the Asia-Pacific financial circle, and the core leader of this expansion plan.

He was recently involved in rescuing the struggling Hueneng Electronics and had been specially invited by Uncle Tian.

With such top-tier “jewels” in family background, ability, and charm,

She wanted to see just how big the face of the two-timing Tang Song really was.