Bicycle, Autumn Rain, Candied Hawthorns, Farewell

7:00 a.m.

The rain outside had completely stopped.

Daylight filtered in through the window, illuminating the entire bedroom.

Liu Qingning lay on the bed, clutching the blanket tightly to her chest. Her breathing was rapid, and the flush on her face seemed reluctant to fade.

It was as if the warmth of Tang Song's palms still lingered on her chest and legs. That tingling, numbing sensation ran wildly through her body like an electric current, and her heartbeat refused to slow.

She bit her lip, unable to stop the scenes from moments ago from surfacing in her mind.

That big bad Tang Song—not only had he wanted to touch her, he had made her keep her eyes open and watch, even making her recall every little thing from high school.

The sense of shame was far more intense than it had been in the Duplex Apartment at Shen City Bay No. 1.

Back then, she had been more afraid of losing him, her emotions tangled like a mess of threads.

Their relationship was so familiar that, besides love, friendship had taken up a huge part of it too.

This kind of intimacy while she was clear-headed left her completely unable to resist.

"Ming Yi—"

Liu Qingning let out a low moan, buried her face deep in the blanket, and clenched her fists tightly.

At the same time, a trace of bitterness and gloom welled up in her heart.

In her memories, that kid Tang Song had always been a dull, innocent boy.

When they used to go shopping or watch movies together, even when the mood was perfect, he had not dared to hold her hand. Most of the time, she had been the one to take the initiative.

Yet in just one short year, he had turned into a "scumbag" who was both lustful and knew how to please women.

There was no need to think about it. Wen Ruan, that mature woman, must have had a hand in "training" him.

Tang Song had already become Wen Ruan's shape.

Liu Qingning Took a deep breath, reached for the Mobile Phone beside her pillow, unlocked it, opened her photo album, and found a picture in her favorites.

It was a photo of a physical photograph that she had taken with her phone. The picture had a strong sense of atmosphere: a man and a woman stood side by side before a tall Floor-to-Ceiling Window, both wearing black-framed glasses.

The man was Tang Song, while the woman was Su Yu—the Top Beauty in Domestic Entertainment, the Most Beautiful Face in Asia-Pacific, a Best Actress in film, television, and music.

Su Yu leaned against Tang Song with a faint smile on her face, lively and stunningly beautiful.

Judging by Tang Song's appearance, the photo had been taken five years ago, during the second semester of his sophomore year.

At that time, she had Just beginning to throw herself into AI competition projects. Her life had been filled with busyness, and she had chatted with Tang Song less and less.

That was also the year Qingning Technology was officially established.

This photo had been among some old pictures from the company's founding period kept internally at Qingning Technology. She had stumbled across it in the archives room.

She knew Tang Song owned three percent of Qingning Technology's shares, and she knew he had participated in the company's founding stage.

At the time, Su Yu had already become an A-list star, and Tang Zong Entertainment had likewise participated in Qingning Technology's early investments.

Even now, Tang Zong Entertainment and Gathering Stars still held four percent of Qingning Technology's shares.

That was why she had never doubted the authenticity of this photo.

However, it did not prove that Tang Song and Su Yu had any emotional entanglement.

After all, Aunt Mei, her housekeeper, had once said that Su Yu had never had intimate contact with any man and had always remained single.

But it was enough to prove that Tang Song and Su Yu had an extraordinary relationship—at the very least, they had been close friends for years.

Otherwise, Su Yu would not have lent her the place at Shen City Bay No. 1.

And as Tang Song's best friend, she had known nothing about it.

She had truly missed a crucial period of being by his side as he grew.

Love and friendship. Wen Ruan and Su Yu.

She felt as though she had been excluded from his world.

To her, that was the hardest thing to accept.

Liu Qingning vaguely felt as if she had spent every year embroidering golden threads, only to sew a wedding dress for someone else.

At that thought, a stabbing pain surged through her head again.

Liu Qingning Gritted her teeth and told herself not to let her thoughts run wild.

No matter how unwilling or miserable she was, things had already reached this point. She could only find a way to resolve them bit by bit.

"Knock, knock, knock—" There was a knock at the door.

Liu Qingning hurriedly Took a deep breath, suppressed the pain on her face, and tried her best to make her expression appear calmer.

The bedroom door was gently Pushed open.

Tang Song walked in with a smile. "Qingning, come out and Eat a meal. Try the Love Breakfast I made for you."

"Mm." Liu Qingning answered, lifted the blanket, slowly sat at the edge of the bed, and put on her Slippers.

The waves of migraine pain in her head made her movements especially sluggish.

Just as she was about to stand, Tang Song suddenly appeared In front of her. He touched her forehead and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Liu Qingning Smiled. "No. My period came, and my stomach hurts a little."

"I'll massage it for you." Without another word, Tang Song sat down beside her and rubbed his hands together.

One hand wrapped around her waist while the other gently pressed against her lower abdomen, beginning to massage and knead it tenderly.

"Mm~~" Liu Qingning could not help letting out a comfortable moan. Her body trembled slightly, and a flash of shyness and joy crossed her eyes.

Tang Song's concern and care were the best medicine for her.

"Actually, the best way is to take painkillers, Ibuprofen or something. But your stomach has always been bad, so I'm worried. We'll see how it goes later. If it isn't especially painful, try not to take medicine."

Liu Qingning gave a soft "Mm," rested her head against his shoulder, and enjoyed his tenderness.

The pain gradually faded.

"I made Millet Porridge. Drink more later—it'll warm your stomach and ease the pain too," Tang Song said softly as he continued massaging her.

His experience with relieving menstrual pain had all been built up from Wen Ruan, and the results were beyond question.

But White Moonlight was nowhere near as sturdy as Big Sister.

She had been frail since childhood. Back in high school, whenever someone around her caught a cold, she was always the first to be infected, often taking leave to go to the infirmary.

Yet it was precisely because of that that Tang Song had often been able to take care of her in high school and spend time alone with her.

Their relationship had gradually become inseparable through those repeated acts of care.

After breakfast, Liu Qingning's headache had completely disappeared. Looking at the sky outside gradually brightening, she wanted to pull Tang Song out for a walk.

Her flight was at 4:00 p.m. She only had half a day left with Tang Song, so every minute and second felt especially precious.

The two changed into light athletic outfits and went downstairs hand in hand.

The air after the rain was especially fresh, carrying a faint chill.

The fallen leaves beneath their feet had been soaked by rain, making soft rustling sounds when stepped on.

They strolled along the damp streets around Yanjing Sky City, chatting and laughing.

After walking for quite a while.

Liu Qingning suddenly stopped, her gaze falling on a row of Shared Bicycles beside them.

In a sweet, coquettish tone, she suggested, "I'm getting a little tired from walking. How about we ride? We can cycle from here to Qingxin Garden, then go see where you used to live."

Ever since Tang Song had moved to Yancheng, she had never visited him. She had only toured Qingxin Garden and the place he rented through video calls.

She had actually been very curious about the place, and deeply regretted never seeing it.

"It's nearly ten kilometers from here to Qingxin Garden by bicycle. Are you sure your body can handle it?" Tang Song pointed at her lower abdomen.

Liu Qingning Took out her phone and began scanning the code to unlock a bicycle. Without even Looking up, she replied, "You're underestimating me, aren't you? We used to travel much farther than this when we went out, and I barely hurt now."

She did not actually have problems with menstrual pain. Earlier, it had entirely been because of her migraine.

Mentioning the past, Tang Song could not help giving a light laugh. "Back then, I think I was the one riding with you on the back, right? You insisted on hugging your backpack instead of my waist. That was rather regrettable—I never got to experience you crashing into me with the ball."

Liu Qingning's face flushed slightly. Pretending to be angry, she smacked him. "Hmph! I never thought you were already full of bad thoughts back then! And here I thought you were so innocent!"

"Hehe." Tang Song pursed his lips in a soft laugh, leaned close to her ear, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and teased in a low voice, "My 'bad thoughts' back then were more than just that. There were even worse ones. Do you want to hear them?"

"Get lost! I don't want to hear!" Liu Qingning made an angry face, her cheeks puffed up like buns. She kicked the fallen leaves by her feet and urged, "Hey, idiot, hurry up and scan the code to unlock one, or I'm leaving without you!"

Tang Song smiled and kissed her, then Took out his phone, scanned the code, unlocked a bike, and swung onto it with a clean, dashing motion.

He Turned back to Looked at Liu Qingning, his eyes Full of affection. "Ready?"

"Three, two, one—go!"

Yancheng's streets were somewhat crowded on a weekend morning. The plane tree leaves beside the road swayed in the wind, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and vegetation.

The two rode side by side down the street, their wheels rolling through puddles and splashing tiny droplets.

They passed high-rise buildings, bus stops, corner cafés, and bustling stalls. Liu Qingning would occasionally turn her head to glance at Tang Song, only to find that he was always watching over her, and a soft love could not help rising in her heart.

From another perspective, was Tang Song not her White Moonlight too?

The school uniform of that boy riding through the wind on a bicycle had wrapped up the shyest joy of her adolescence.

Even now, she could not forget it.

That was why, on the night they graduated from high school, she had forcefully kissed him in a dim KTV.

"Idiot Little Song!" Liu Qingning shouted with a smile, kicked him with her left leg, then sped ahead.

Tang Song was startled and hurriedly reminded her, "Hey, don't ride so fast! Be careful not to fall!"

"I won't!" Liu Qingning Turned back and stuck out her tongue at him, her ponytail drawing a graceful arc through the wind.

Though she said that, she still slowed down.

Once Tang Song caught up, she suddenly stomped on the pedal again and pulled ahead once more.

Her pleasant laughter drifted through the air.

In a taxi parked by the roadside, the middle-aged driver watched the pair of young people cycling joyfully, his gaze turning slightly dazed. He had once been like that too, riding with the girl he loved through streets and alleys, wind brushing over their faces as their laughter filled the entire road.

Yancheng back then had been far less prosperous than it was now. The streets had been narrow and the buildings low, but every corner had radiated warmth and vitality, and his heart had been full of expectations for the future.

Unfortunately, time had passed in a rush, and he had still lost that girl who loved wearing white dresses.

Those beautiful moments had also been drowned in the trivialities of life, only surfacing in his mind once in a while.

He could not help Shook head and muttered to himself, "Being young is wonderful."

Once the pair disappeared around the street corner, he lowered the car window, pulled a Liqun cigarette from the storage compartment, lit it, and Took a deep breath.

Smoke slowly rose in the slightly cool air, blurring his vision.

Memories suddenly surged beneath the surface, swallowing his thoughts whole.

The future he had once been unable to see clearly was now the place he stood.

His old dreams, promises, and expectations had all become background noise in his memories, forever beyond reach.

Did he regret it? Of course he did.

If they could, who would not want to keep the White Moonlight of their youth?

The two locked their bicycles and entered Qingxin Garden.

The familiar surroundings came into view.

Liu Qingning saw the scenery that had Appeared in the short videos Tang Song had once sent her.

After chatting as they made a lap around the neighborhood.

Tang Song suddenly stopped in front of a bicycle shed, a strange expression appearing on his face.

Liu Qingning asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Tang Song said awkwardly, "I suddenly remembered that I seem to still have a Yade Electric Vehicle parked here."

"Oh?" Liu Qingning's eyes lit up as she smiled. "I remember you said you bought it for 2,100."

"Yeah. I'll go in and see whether it's still there." Tang Song Nodded and walked into the shed.

His gaze swept around before finally landing on the black-and-white electric bike in the corner, already covered in a layer of dust.

He had bought it as transportation after returning to Yancheng. It had also been his first vehicle.

Unfortunately, when he moved, he had cleaned the place spotless but still left it behind here.

He had to admit that he had indeed become rather inflated back then.

The system that had suddenly descended, the game that made dreams come true, Secretary Jin, luxury cars, luxury homes—under the impact of all those things, he had long since forgotten this little Yade.

Liu Qingning said, "It hasn't been charged for so long. The battery must be completely dead."

"Yeah, I'll haul it away later and replace the battery." Tang Song patted her soft waist and back. "Come on. Where do you want to go next?"

"Let's walk around nearby. I want to see where you used to live."

"OK, let's go."

After leaving the neighborhood's Main Door, the two walked forward along the streets.

As they walked, Tang Song pointed out the shops and corners along the road, telling Liu Qingning little amusing stories from his life.

There was the old-school bun shop that always had a line, whose owner was an elderly man with an especially booming voice and a son who had gotten into Tsinghua University.

There was the bookstore around the corner, where the owner kept a plump orange cat that always lay lazily atop piles of books, dozing.

After living here for so long, even though work had kept him busy, Tang Song had completely blended into his surroundings. Everywhere was marked by traces of his life.

Listening to those trivial yet warm stories, Liu Qingning's lips unconsciously curved upward. This was what she had wanted to understand, and what she had once missed.

Later, she would explore his past too—his university years.

At some point.

"Drip~" Her forehead suddenly felt cool.

Liu Qingning Looked up. Raindrops were falling from the sky.

It had begun to rain.

"Let's take shelter first." Tang Song tugged her wrist.

Liu Qingning obediently answered, "Mm," and Followed him quickly beneath the eaves of a roadside shop.

She knew her current condition. While on her period, she absolutely could not get caught in the rain. Otherwise, with her frail constitution, she would definitely come down with a serious illness.

The rain grew denser, carrying a trace of chill as it gradually dyed the street in a hazy gray mist.

Leaning against the wall, Liu Qingning's gaze casually swept over the street. She suddenly pointed at a small shop not far away, her tone willful and coquettish. "I want candied hawthorns."

Tang Song followed her finger, smiled, and rubbed her hair. "Wait for me."

With that, he pulled the hood of his hoodie over his head and charged into the curtain of rain.

On the street, pedestrians hurried along while the traffic raced through the rain, splashing sheets of water.

Tang Song's figure looked hazy and indistinct amid the rain and mist.

Liu Qingning stood beneath the eaves, her gaze tightly following his retreating figure.

A moment later, hurried footsteps came from the distance.

Tang Song reappeared before her, holding up a string of bright red candied hawthorns, a brilliant smile on his face.

"Here, your candied hawthorns."

His bangs and clothes had been soaked by the rain, clinging to his body and making him look rather bedraggled.

Liu Qingning took the candied hawthorns. When her fingertips touched his icy-cold hand, it was as though she saw that boy from high school again.

"Idiot Little Song," she muttered, raising a hand to wipe the rain from his face. Her nose stung with emotion.

Crunch— The rice candy coating instantly cracked beneath her teeth.

Sweetness melted across her tongue, carrying a trace of sourness, just like her mood at that moment.

"They're really good." Liu Qingning's eyes curved into crescents, bright as though filled with stars. Sugar coating and red hawthorn flesh clung to her lips.

"I'll have a taste too."

Liu Qingning hurriedly held them up. "Here."

Tang Song lowered his head and gently took her full, delicate lips between his, tender and meticulous, carrying the coolness of rain and the flavor of candied hawthorns.

Liu Qingning closed her eyes, unconsciously tightening her grip on the candied hawthorns, her fingertips trembling slightly.

The rain continued to fall, yet the entire world seemed to fall silent at that moment.

Just then, a crisp System Prompt Sound rang beside Tang Song's ear.

"Ding! Halo charge has reached 100%. Halo Baptism has been triggered."

Then, a thin halo of light poured down from above his head, like dawn piercing through mist, dreamy and beautiful.

"Ding! You have obtained the peace-type special item, Green Pouch Gourd."

Green Pouch Gourd: Wearing it long-term can subtly improve one's constitution, nourish the body, relieve fatigue, and strengthen immunity. (This physical item can be gifted.)

Note: The green pouch holds affection, carrying my longing.

Tang Song froze slightly, then instantly understood.

Male God Halo (LV4)'s "Halo Effect 2" had charged to 100%, triggering Halo Baptism.

There was no doubt about Liu Qingning's feelings for him.

Her joy and response had finally brought about this reward.

Noticing the item's name, looking at the flushed White Moonlight before him, and thinking of Liu Qingning's constitution—

Tang Song silently apologized to his parents.

He pulled Liu Qingning into his arms, savoring her softness and passion.

After quite a while.

Liu Qingning's breathing became rapid and uneven.

After enduring for a little longer, Liu Qingning finally gently pushed Tang Song away and took several deep breaths. Her cheeks were crimson, her heartbeat so fast it seemed ready to leap out of her chest.

She lowered her head, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum. "Stop! So many people are watching. Y-you kissed me for too long."

She had little experience with kissing, and the few times she had kissed Tang Song had all been brief.

This kind of fervent, overwhelming kiss left her completely unable to adapt. It felt as though her soul were trembling, as though her entire body had melted, and she had nearly run out of breath.

"You didn't like it? I thought you enjoyed it just now. You were very cooperative." Tang Song smiled and turned his head to bite into a candied hawthorn.

"You big bastard! You were the one who suddenly forced a kiss on me!"

Liu Qingning's voice carried a hint of embarrassed anger, but even more undisguised panic.

"Then force a kiss on me too."

"No." Liu Qingning shot him a glare, her cheeks like ripe apples.

The rain gradually stopped, and more pedestrians returned to the streets. Footsteps and conversation intertwined.

The sound of their bickering grew quieter and quieter.

After lunch, they returned to Yanjing Sky City.

Liu Qingning silently began packing her luggage.

Tang Song wanted to help, but she pushed him out.

Her reason was that she had private items he wasn't allowed to see.

Sitting on the sofa in the bedroom's Rest Area, Tang Song opened the System Interface.

He entered the inventory.

A brand-new item had Appeared there, Exuded a faint cyan glow.

He selected the item and claimed it immediately.

Then, an exquisite, petite dark-cyan jade gourd appeared in his hand.

Its waist narrowed slightly, while its upper and lower halves were full and symmetrical. Its lines were soft, like a drop of congealed morning dew.

It felt warm to the touch, smooth and rounded all over, as if formed by nature itself.

Like the earlier Peaceful Wheat, it was just the right size. It could serve as a pendant for a necklace or as all sorts of hanging ornaments.

Tang Song gently shook it, and a faint rustling sound came from within, as though stardust were flowing inside.

It was an exceptionally exquisite jade ornament. Even if sold as a work of art, it would undoubtedly fetch a very high price.

After turning it over in his hand for a while, Tang Song got up and went to the Walk-in Closet, searching through the cabinet at the back.

He took out a long gift box.

Inside was a platinum necklace, its finely twisted chain sturdy without sacrificing elegance.

Tang Song threaded the necklace through the small hole at the top of the gourd, his movements gentle and focused.

The platinum chain complemented the dark-cyan jade gourd perfectly, and a restrained yet luxurious beauty assaulted the senses.

He held the necklace up beneath the light and examined it carefully. The gourd gave off a warm, lustrous glow, as though it contained some kind of vitality.

Nodded in satisfaction, Tang Song carried the necklace back into the bedroom.

Noticed Tang Song's Appeared, Liu Qingning zipped up her suitcase and said softly, "I'm done packing. My flight is at four this afternoon, so it's about time to leave."

"Qing Ning, close your eyes. Don't open them until I tell you to."

Liu Qingning paused, realizing something, but she still feigned a coy complaint. "Don't tell me you're planning to do something naughty again?"

"Hurry up, be good."

Liu Qingning gave a soft "Hmph," pretending to be reluctant as she closed her eyes, though the Corner of her mouth was Slightly raised.

Then, a faint coolness touched her neck.

Tang Song gently lifted her long hair. His fingertips accidentally brushed her skin, bringing a faintly ticklish sensation.

"All right, you can open your eyes now."

Liu Qingning slowly opened her eyes, and a small mirror Appeared before her.

In the mirror, a platinum necklace now hung around her neck. Its finely twisted chain glimmered beneath the lights, and an exquisite little gourd pendant rested against her chest.

The dark-cyan jade gourd complemented her fair skin, making her look especially captivating.

Liu Qingning stared blankly at her reflection. Her fingertips involuntarily touched the gourd at her chest. It felt warm and smooth, as though she could sense its vitality.

"It's called the Green Pouch Gourd. They say it can bring good luck and nourish the body." Tang Song explained softly, his tone gentle. "I hope it can always stay with you, no matter where you go."

As he spoke, he touched the little gourd and tucked it into the snowy-white cleavage.

"You bad guy!" Liu Qingning shyly slapped him, though unconcealed delight showed on her face.

The silver Mercedes-Benz S-Class slowly drove out of Yanjing Sky City's Underground Parking Lot. Its wheels rolled over the wet ground, splashing tiny droplets of water.

The cabin was quiet and cozy, with only soft music flowing through the air.

Liu Qingning sat in the passenger seat, kicking her shapely Legs as she softly hummed a song.

"The most beautiful thing isn't a rainy day, but the eaves where we once sheltered from the rain together, while scenes from memory sway on a swing."

She did not seem particularly saddened by the coming parting. Instead, she seemed cheerful and delighted.

The car slowly came to a stop in the airport parking lot.

The two got out, wheeled their luggage into the airport terminal.

Tang Song helped Liu Qingning check in and accompanied her to the security checkpoint.

Liu Qingning Turned around and Looked at him, her voice suddenly gentler than ever before. "I'm leaving, idiot Little Song.

"Take good care of yourself in Yancheng. Don't tire yourself out too much."

"Mm, you too. Take good care of yourself in Shencheng. Work isn't the most important thing," Tang Song said softly.

His eyes were filled with reluctance.

Liu Qingning Nodded, picked up her luggage, and headed toward the security area.

After taking a few steps, she suddenly stopped and returned to his side.

She Looked at him stubbornly as tears slowly gathered in her eyes.

Like autumn dew, they could fall at any moment.

Before Tang Song could speak, Liu Qingning had already risen On tiptoe and kissed his Lips, brief yet passionate.

Her figure gradually blurred among the crowd before finally disappearing beyond the security checkpoint.