As dusk fell and twilight deepened, the lights in the coffee shop were adjusted to be soft yet bright, the air filled with the warm aroma of roasted coffee beans and wooden tables and chairs.

The remaining sunset glow slanted through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The office buildings in Rongcheng's CBD were lighting up their neon signs one by one, like stars awakened by the night.

Their eyes met.

Xie Shuyu looked at Tang Song standing there and was slightly taken aback.

They probably hadn't seen each other for over half a month.

She keenly sensed that the Tang Song before her seemed to have changed again.

His aura was more composed, his gaze more determined, even carrying an indescribable sense of unfamiliarity.

Yet this change also made him appear more charming.

"Shuyu Sister." Tang Song stepped out of the booth and proactively went to greet her.

A gentle smile appeared on Xie Shuyu's dignified face as she apologized, "Sorry, Tang Song, for making you wait so long. I just went to the restroom and didn't bring my phone."

"No problem." Tang Song smiled, pointing to Meng Ran across from him, his tone relaxed and natural: "Meng Ran and I were having a pleasant chat."

Hearing Tang Song's polite remark.

The corner of Meng Ran's mouth twitched involuntarily, her mind screaming internally,

[Little brother, I'm not happy at all!]

In just those short ten minutes, this man had started talking about Hema Fresh's online-offline integrated operation model, moved on to the underlying logic of community group buying, jumped to supply chain restructuring in new retail, and even ended up discussing First Financial's media strategy transformation this year!

His thinking was rigorous, his eloquence outstanding, his knowledge broad.

Plus his powerful aura when they first met...

It made her feel like a trembling candidate being interviewed by a big shot,

Her heart was still thumping wildly now.

In her early thirties, working at an extremely competitive company like Alibaba, her pressure was actually quite immense.

From time to time, excellent peers around her would get "graduated" for various reasons.

When it came to resigning, job-hopping, and interviews, she really had a sort of PTSD-like physiological fear.

This was also why, even while holding a promising executive position at a major company, she still hesitated and considered Xie Shuyu's COO offer.

But to be fair, her best friend's boyfriend was truly impeccable.

Among all the men she had encountered, she really hadn't seen anyone who could match Tang Song in overall quality and personal charm.

Xie Shuyu looked at her best friend's slightly stiff expression and teased with a smile, "So what's your opinion of our future COO?"

Meng Ran's heart jumped violently, inexplicably starting to feel nervous.

Like a candidate waiting for the final interview evaluation from a big shot.

Tang Song's gaze lingered on Meng Ran for a moment before revealing a meaningful smile.

"President Meng is indeed impressive. Just chatting casually for a bit made an amateur like me listen with great interest, I almost couldn't resist taking out a notebook to take notes."

Meng Ran was stunned for a moment, then quickly said with a wry smile, "No, no, no, please stop joking with me. Xiaoyu, your boyfriend is the truly amazing one. I understand now why he managed to win you over."

Xie Shuyu pursed her lips and smiled, her gaze shifting between Tang Song and Meng Ran.

She knew Meng Ran's personality well - getting her to say such half-teasing, half-sincere words was already genuine recognition from the heart.

And this kind of recognition made an indescribable sense of pride and sweetness bubble up in her heart.

Just then.

Tang Song beside her suddenly raised his hand and naturally wrapped his arm around her waist.

Then, he kissed her fair, smooth cheek, "Shuyu Sister, did you miss me? Seeing that I traveled thousands of miles to Rongcheng, don't you have any sweet words to say?"

Xie Shuyu's body stiffened.

Trying hard to maintain composure, she gently nudged him with her shoulder and reminded in a lowered voice, "Be mindful of the occasion."

They were currently in Weiguang Coffee, with store managers and employees watching all around.

As the boss, she naturally needed to maintain proper restraint and seriousness.

But before her words faded, Tang Song lowered his head again and kissed her rosy, soft lips.

His movements were neither hurried nor slow, but carried an undeniable certainty.

The female CEO's dignified and beautiful face gradually flushed, her breathing becoming somewhat rapid.

However, she didn't dodge away again, only gently pursed her lips.

Across from them, Meng Ran was instantly fed a mouthful of "dog food," feeling quite sour.

She muttered quietly, "Alright, alright, you two just pretend I don't exist."

Xie Shuyu ignored her best friend, licked her moist lips, and tried hard to maintain a calm tone: "My work here is finished. Let's go, if we're any later, we'll hit the evening rush hour. Tang Song, where's your luggage?"

"Don't worry, let's go first. I'll have someone deliver it over later."

"Okay then, let's go, Ranran."

...

The three walked out of the coffee shop and got into Meng Ran's black Audi A6L.

Tang Song and Xie Shuyu naturally sat in the back seat.

The car smoothly drove out of Yintai Center's underground parking lot and merged into the crowded traffic.

Heading towards the direction of East Avenue.

Perhaps to conceal the nervousness arising from the upcoming "cohabitation,"

Or perhaps to mask the tension born from the impending "living together," Xie Shuyu quickly switched to "work mode."

Speaking calmly with Tang Song about Weiguang Coffee's expansion plans and recent difficulties encountered on the supply chain end.

Of course, she deliberately avoided issues related to Zhongshu Group.

After all, that involved too many complex connections and wasn't suitable to discuss here and now.

Tang Song listened quietly, only occasionally making an "mm" sound or nodding in agreement with a few words.

The car moved in stops and starts, the atmosphere quiet and warm.

At some point, Tang Song's hand landed on her thigh covered in nude stockings.

Xie Shuyu's narrative voice abruptly halted, her slender body instantly tensing up.

Through the stockings, that delicate touch and faint pressure made her breathing somewhat rapid and her whole body weak.

She quickly patted his hand, signaling with her eyes: "There's someone in front! Don't mess around!"

But Tang Song remained unmoved, still calmly stroking the female CEO's beautiful leg.

Xie Shuyu had standard "supermodel legs" - streamlined, firm and tight without excess fat.

He could clearly feel the delicate smoothness of her skin and the appealing elasticity of her muscles.

Very comfortable.

Seeing him like this.

Xie Shuyu also had no choice, could only cross her legs to cover Tang Song's small movements.

Feeling the female CEO's compliance, breathing in her unique scent.

Tang Song's fingertips tightened slightly.

Xie Shuyu let out a low "mm" sound, her long legs reflexively tightening, tingling electric currents running wildly through her body.

She quickly glanced at Meng Ran's back and said in a lowered voice, "Little Song, stop messing around."

Her tone sounded cold on the surface, but couldn't conceal the slight tremor at the end.

She still maintained the dignity and composure expected of a female CEO, back straight, gaze level ahead,

Yet, she didn't truly resist him.

Only gently pressed her legs together, trapping his hand in the warm crevice with her movement.

Restraint and indulgence were strangely intertwined at this moment.

Tang Song took a deep breath, a complex emotion surging in his heart.

Even after reaching this point, every time he faced Xie Shuyu, he still felt a sense of "climbing upward" conquest.

Perhaps because, during his most confused and lowest moments, he happened to meet this dazzling female CEO in her prime, radiant like a goddess.

She was the first person he fell for after leaving the Imperial Capital and letting go of past glory.

The palpitations and inferiority from that time still remained difficult to erase even now.

Now the two sat side by side in the car.

The more reserved and dignified she appeared, the more he wanted to tear through this layer of restraint.

The traffic gradually became denser, and the sky slowly darkened.

Rongcheng's night carried leisure and vitality.

The lights outside the car window stretched into dazzling, blurred patches of light, reflecting on their faces, shifting endlessly.

More than ten minutes later.

The Audi A6L smoothly drove into the underground parking lot of Times Haoting.

The three got out of the car.

Xie Shuyu, wearing pointed high heels, walked with slightly unsteady steps, her gait revealing a subtle, barely noticeable fluster.

Tang Song extremely naturally stepped forward.

Wrapping his arm around her slender waist in one motion, allowing her to lean some weight on him.

Xie Shuyu's face struggled to maintain calm and dignity.

But the slightly reddened tips of her ears betrayed her current state of mind.

This long-lost intimacy made her heartbeat slightly disordered.

Especially the undisguised aggressiveness and masculine hormones emanating from Tang Song.

Made her heartbeat accelerate, breathing become chaotic.

But she also knew there was no escaping tonight anyway.

Sooner or later she would have to face it.

Because of this, besides nervousness, an anticipation she didn't dare look directly at actually arose in her heart.

Meng Ran took in their intimacy with a clear view, a "watching a good show" auntie smile appearing on her face.

Casually swiping open the elevator door, she led them upstairs.

The door opened.

A warmth mixed with scented fragrance and modern home furnishings greeted them.

It was a modern minimalist-style two-bedroom apartment, fully equipped with smart home systems, two bathrooms, and a balcony converted into an independent workspace.

While helping them take out slippers, Meng Ran generously introduced: "Xiaoyu is staying in the secondary bedroom, Tang Song you'll temporarily make do and stay there tonight too. Don't worry, it's quite far from the master bedroom where I'm staying, no sounds will carry over."

"Ranran!" Xie Shuyu couldn't help but glare at her, her voice carrying some embarrassment and annoyance.

Meng Ran gave her an innocent smile, picked up a bag of ingredients, "Alright, don't be shy. You two sit for a while, watch some TV, I'll show off my cooking skills for you!"

"I'm going to change clothes." Xie Shuyu said and headed towards the bedroom.

Watching her retreating figure, Tang Song smiled, standing in the spacious living room, looking out at Rongcheng's dazzling nightscape through the floor-to-ceiling window.

After a few minutes, the bedroom door gently opened.

The efficient female CEO had changed into a simple V-neck long knit sweater.

The fabric clung to her graceful upper body curves, perfectly revealing her delicate collarbones and a faint hint of snowy white cleavage,

Lazy, sexy, yet full of homely atmosphere.

Tang Song's eyes lit up, stepping forward to stand before her, not concealing the heat in his gaze.

Xie Shuyu felt uncomfortable all over under his stare, her gaze slightly evasive, "I'm going to the kitchen to help Ranran, an extra pair of hands will make it faster. Honestly, I'm a bit hungry now."

Seeing the female CEO's somewhat flustered adorable appearance, Tang Song couldn't help but chuckle lightly.

He followed her in.

"I'll help too, my knife skills are pretty good, I can help you chop vegetables."

Xie Shuyu glanced at him, her eyes slightly evasive, seeming to want to say something but stopping herself.

The ingredients were all high-quality semi-finished products Meng Ran brought from Hema Fresh, very simple to process.

The soup pot on the induction cooker bubbled "gurgle gurgle," the oven emitted the charred aroma of minced garlic and butter being roasted at high temperatures, along with the "thump thump" sound of the sharp kitchen knife in Tang Song's hand hitting the cutting board.

The spacious open kitchen was soon filled with tempting aromas and sounds full of life's vitality.

Soon, several dishes that looked delicious and well-presented were successively placed on the table.

Golden and tempting Typhoon Shelter Crab, sizzling roasted Angus beef short ribs, milky white and rich pepper pork tripe chicken... and a large plate of garlic roasted oysters.

"Time to eat!" Meng Ran took out several cans of chilled Tsingtao beer and Perrier water from the refrigerator, calling for the two to sit down.

Outside the window was Rongcheng's dazzling night view.

Indoors, the aroma of sumptuous food filled the air.

Meng Ran raised her beer can, eyes bright, "Come on, come on, no matter what, everyone worked hard today. It's Tang Song's first time in Rongcheng, let's have a toast first."

"Cheers." Tang Song cooperatively raised his beer.

"Ding~"

Three cups clinked together crisply.

Bubbles surged in the cups, reflecting the light.

The cool liquid slid down their throats, carrying a perfectly balanced malt aroma.

The atmosphere instantly became much more relaxed.

The more outgoing Meng Ran quickly opened up.

Began vividly complaining about Hema Fresh's year-end performance appraisal that could be called "inhuman," and various bizarre people and incidents encountered recently at work.

Xie Shuyu quietly ate her food nearby, occasionally letting out light laughs at her best friend's exaggerated descriptions, reaching out to give her arm a light pat.

Her eyes also filled with relaxation and laughter.

Tang Song appeared relaxed, eating while quietly listening, a faint smile always hanging on his lips.

He didn't deliberately interrupt, but always managed to add a sentence or two at the right moment, allowing the conversation to progress naturally.

His innate casualness and composure unconsciously drew people in, making their moods relax along with his,

The last trace of restraint gradually dissipated in this homely atmosphere.

The three got along as harmoniously as old friends of many years.

After a few drinks, Meng Ran completely let loose.

Her eyes, made particularly bright by the alcohol, looked at Tang Song curiously, "Tang Song, I haven't asked yet, what do you mainly do? I heard from Xiaoyu that you're currently doing e-commerce live streaming. But chatting with you just now, I felt like you're also very knowledgeable about new retail - do you have similar business?"

Tang Song nodded, his tone neither hurried nor slow: "You could say that. I am indeed doing e-commerce, but I also have investment business on my side, so I'm involved to some extent in different fields."

"Wow—" Meng Ran couldn't help but say: "No wonder you're so professional. Xiaoyu, your investor is truly impressive."

Xie Shuyu pursed her lips in a light smile, taking the opportunity to say: "So, President Meng, want to consider accepting the offer, come be COO at our Weiguang Coffee?"

She knew her friend's concerns, and also knew that the main reason her friend actively organized this dinner today was largely to personally "interview" the mysterious major shareholder behind her, to assess his "quality."

Now, she had met him, talked with him.

Weiguang Coffee was just too busy right now.

She really urgently needed a COO who was both professional and absolutely trustworthy to help share the increasingly tedious management work.

Meng Ran lightly sighed, propping her smooth chin with her hand, her gaze falling on the dazzling nightscape outside the window.

She sighed thoughtfully: "To be honest, I worked really hard to climb to my current position. Once the Southwest region's business gets running smoothly and produces results, I'll have a chance to transfer back to Hangcheng and enter Alibaba's headquarters. That opportunity... I've been looking forward to it for a long time."

Tang Song, who had been quietly listening, suddenly smiled and interjected: "Come to Weiguang Coffee, you'll directly be a headquarters executive, with equity. And you'll also have opportunities to continue rising, to bigger platforms."

Meng Ran blinked, "Continue rising?"

"Mm." Tang Song looked at her with calm eyes, "I'm currently the major shareholder of Weiguang Coffee. In the future, you could rise to my side."

Meng Ran let out a "pfft" laugh, raised her glass, her tone carrying some teasing, "Then I'll toast you, my 'big boss'."

Hearing this, Xie Shuyu's face showed a surprised smile, "Ranran, you mean? You agree?"

"Yep." Meng Ran made an OK gesture at her, "For the sake of our investor, agreed!"

Actually, after truly interacting with Tang Song, she had already dispelled the last trace of concern in her heart.

Decided to accept Xie Shuyu's invitation.

But she didn't take Tang Song's earlier words about "continuing to rise" too seriously.

Although Hema Fresh's valuation had dropped some from last year's hundred billion dollars, it still had a scale of sixty to seventy billion dollars now, a platform-level giant.

Moreover, it was backed by a true behemoth like Alibaba.

No matter how capable or promising Tang Song was, he couldn't possibly reach that level.

And from their earlier chat, she also learned that Tang Song wasn't some hidden top-tier rich second generation - his hometown was just a county town under Quancheng.

Even the so-called "county brahmins" had dimensional differences compared to a true giant like Alibaba.

"Ding ding~~"

Their glasses lightly clinked in the air again.

Tang Song took a sip of beer, his gaze still calm.

He naturally saw through Meng Ran's thoughts, but had no intention of explaining.

.......

A dinner where both host and guests enjoyed themselves reached its conclusion in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

After cleaning up the kitchen together.

Meng Ran glanced at the time, a somewhat "corporate drone-style" helplessness appearing on her face.

"No, no, I'm too full. I still have several proposal PPTs waiting for me to revise over there, so I won't disturb you lovebirds' alone time. Do whatever you want, pretend I don't exist."

She said while walking towards the balcony workspace.

Before leaving, she threw her best friend a meaningful look.

Only Tang Song and Xie Shuyu remained in the living room.

The atmosphere consequently became somewhat ambiguous.

"Let's... go out for a walk?" Xie Shuyu's voice carried some nervousness.

"Where to?"

"Taikoo Li is nearby, the night view is pretty good. I've been busy these days and haven't had time to go stroll, plus I want to buy some clothes."

"Let's go."

Tang Song stood up and reached his hand out to her.

Xie Shuyu was silent for a moment, ultimately placing her hand in his broad, warm palm.

Putting on their cashmere coats, changing into high heels.

The two took the elevator downstairs.

Rongcheng's winter night air was clear and cold.

The streets of Taikoo Li were crowded with people, fashion and laziness coexisting.

Exuding this city's unique charming atmosphere.

Tang Song held the female CEO's hand, walking side by side on the street.

Attracting countless gazes.

Perhaps due to the alcohol, Xie Shuyu gradually loosened up.

Setting aside the female CEO's reserve, returning to a comfortable interaction mode like friends.

No longer discussing work, but enthusiastically introducing Rongcheng's cultural customs instead.

"This Acne Studios sweater suits you quite well, want to try it on?"

"I remember you seem to like woody scents, this new Le Labo fragrance..."

The two shopped at store after store with great design sense.

Tang Song played the perfect boyfriend, helping her pick clothes, try perfumes.

Arriving at the entrance of a men's boutique store, Xie Shuyu suddenly asked: "Little Song, is there anything you want? I'll get it for you."

The corner of Tang Song's mouth lifted, he stopped walking, leaned close to her ear.

Using a voice only the two could hear, said: "I want you."

Xie Shuyu's body stiffened, the fair roots of her ears visibly beginning to redden.

......

Leaving the bustling, noisy Taikoo Li, the two unconsciously walked into a quiet old street.

The wind blew past, the female CEO subconsciously tightened her camel-colored coat.

The rich scent mixing cold perfume with feminine body fragrance spread around her.

Sexy and yet captivating.

Tang Song suddenly grabbed her hand, and with her caught-off-guard low exclamation, pulled her behind a plane tree.

"What are you doing!" Xie Shuyu's face was full of unnatural panic.

Tang Song didn't answer, only raised a finger, making a "shh" gesture.

Then, his hand unyieldingly reached into her warm coat and grasped her slender waist.

Looking at the female CEO's dignified face, feeling her delicate skin,

He lowered his head and kissed her heavily.

Tasting her sweetness.

"Mmm—"

Xie Shuyu's eyes instantly widened.

People were still passing by on the roadside, some noticing the commotion here.

But all of Xie Shuyu's restraint and reason melted into a pool of spring water under his aggressive actions.

......

A moment later, the two separated.

Xie Shuyu's clothes were somewhat disheveled, her face carrying a flushed redness like after drunkenness.

"No next time."

She tossed out these words, lowering her head, stuffing her hands into her coat pockets, turning and quickly walking away.

Tang Song smiled, chasing after her.

His mind couldn't help but savor the feeling just now.

Although the female CEO was very thin, she actually had quite good proportions.

Standard C-cup.

Of course, the most crucial thing was the sense of satisfaction and achievement from wantonly breaking through her dignified restraint.

Passing through the old street, a small square came into view.

Then, a slightly hoarse guitar singing voice came from not far away.

"BGM: In a place far from here, there's a beach, a lonely person is on the sea, holding the sail..."

It was Song Dongye's "Lilian."

The singing voice spread through the speakers, clean and warm.

Through the gaps, they could see a handsome guy in a hoodie sitting on a bench singing while holding a wooden guitar.

In front of him were a phone and microphone, clearly live streaming.

Many young men and women stood around listening.

In Rongcheng, this inclusive, artsy city,

Such street live streaming was also part of nightlife.

Hearing the familiar singing voice and melody.

Xie Shuyu's footsteps paused slightly, her face showing some nostalgic color.

As a standard post-90s generation, she had also chased celebrities, been to concerts, loved rock and folk music.

Right after graduation, she often went to KTV with friends to let loose and scream wildly.

Feeling her future was limitless.

But now in her early thirties, career and responsibilities had long occupied most of her thoughts.

Chasing stars, folk music, passion...

Seemed very distant from her.

She had long passed the age where she would listen to folk music on the streets and reminisce about youth.

Noticing her unusual behavior, Tang Song slightly turned his head, "What's wrong?"

Xie Shuyu quickly composed her daze, gently shaking her head, "Nothing."

"Hehe, come on, let's go listen." Tang Song tightened his grip on her hand, pulling her with long strides towards the crowd.

Xie Shuyu looked at his broad, irresistible back, her gaze involuntarily moved.

The singing continued.

They just stood quietly among the crowd listening to the song.

Evening breeze, moonlight, neon lights, singing, surging crowd...

Xie Shuyu was also infected by this romantic atmosphere, a trace of unconscious smile lingering at the corner of her mouth.

The song ended.

A round of applause and cheers rose from the crowd.

The live streaming guy smiled at the phone screen: "Thank you *Rongcheng Su Yu+ for sending the lollipop... everyone, if you want to hear any songs, you can tip to request songs."

Tang Song looked at Xie Shuyu's eyes that appeared sparkling under the lights, suddenly leaned close to her ear and asked: "What song do you want to hear?"

Warm breath sprayed on her earlobe and neck, raising a layer of fine goosebumps.

Xie Shuyu bit her lip.

Thinking Tang Song would request a song for her.

After thinking for a moment, she said softly: "'The Ordinary Road'."

When this song was born, she had just graduated, drifting alone in Modu.

Working hard in the office during the day, dragging exhausted bodies squeezing onto the subway at night, striving desperately for a uncertain future.

This song had accompanied her through countless late-night last trains.

"As you wish, my female CEO."

"Smack—"

Tang Song planted a heavy kiss on her face, suddenly released her hand, then, under her astonished gaze, walked directly to the very center of the crowd.

Coming before the guy, "Bro, sorry, can I borrow your guitar? Want to sing a song for my girlfriend."

Seeing the suddenly appearing handsome guy.

The surrounding young girls and some guys immediately erupted in enthusiastic exclamations,

Some quickly pulled out their phones, aiming at him, starting to record.

The young guy was stunned for a moment, then generously handed over the guitar: "Use it freely! Want me to accompany you?"

"No need, thanks." Tang Song shook his head, his slender fingers gripping the neck.

Casually tuned it.

An intellectual, artsy aura naturally emanated from him, outstandingly free and easy.

His jet-black hair swept across his brows and eyes, his handsome face seemingly carrying a halo of light.

In the live stream, the originally sparse bullet comments exploded like crazy, scrolling frantically.

But Tang Song paid no attention, only adjusted the phone angle lower, making his face disappear from the camera.

He raised his eyes, looking at the still stunned female CEO.

Gave her an exceptionally handsome, gentle smile.

Immediately, his slender fingers slid across the strings.

An impromptu adapted fingerstyle guitar intro slowly flowed forth under Rongcheng's night sky,

Full of dazzling technique and abundant emotion.

"BGM: Wandering, on the road, will you go, Via Via..."

His voice was extremely clean, carrying a touch of depth and magnetism,

Different from the original singer, yet having a uniquely composed flavor, extremely pleasant to hear.

The lyrics echoed in his vocal tones.

Clear like the night wind, yet warm like the alcohol's influence.

The crowd gradually quieted down.

Xie Shuyu seemed rooted to the spot.

Just staring blankly at that handsome guy singing for her among the crowd.

Moonlight and neon intertwined.

Light and shadow flickered on him.

The flowing singing voice.

Penetrated the bustling Chunxi Road.

Also easily pierced through her heart.

Lit up some long-forgotten corner of her youth.

Rongcheng's night.

Became unprecedentedly gentle because of him.