Three Together?

Under the brilliant lights, two hands gently clasped.

A brief silence followed.

An indescribable tension hung in the air, as if even the surrounding bustle had been shut out.

Liu Qingning let out a soft breath and suppressed the restlessness in her heart.

No matter how rational she was, she could not remain calm when facing Tang Song's girlfriend.

Liu Qingning's gaze lingered on Wen Ruan's face for a moment before she gave a faint smile. "The dinner starts in a few minutes. Let's go chat with the others first."

Wen Ruan nodded, her tone gentle. "Sure. I've been wanting to get to know more people in the tech industry too."

The two of them then joined the crowd side by side.

Although Qingning Technology was not an established tech giant like Alibaba, Baidu, or Tencent, it had the backing of Smiling Holdings and several top-tier investment institutions. With ample funding and talent, it had caused quite a stir both domestically and abroad over the past two years.

It had also become a unicorn in China's AI sector, one of the most closely watched tech companies outside the top industry giants.

In particular, the new generation Large Model (LLM) set to launch tomorrow was highly anticipated within the industry.

Though there were not many guests at today's event, they included senior executives from leading companies in finance, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and other industries, as well as heads of major domestic media outlets.

As a director of Stardust International Group, Wen Ruan was no insignificant figure among them. Coupled with her outstanding looks and temperament—

After interacting with several small circles, word of her identity naturally spread.

Soon, members from the three group chats she had previously been added to began approaching her one after another to make connections.

"Hello, Director Wen. I'm Zhu Wenshan from China International Capital Wealth. We're both in the PE/VC Investment Elite Gathering group chat. I wonder if you remember me."

"Hello, Mr. Zhu. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Director Wen, I'm Zhao Zhuoya from Huanfang Media. We've chatted in the group before."

"Hello, Director Wen. I'm Chen Shi from CBN. Here's my business card."

After a round of pleasantries and networking.

Liu Qingning turned slightly to the side and said in a low voice, "Wen Ruan, shall we talk somewhere privately? There are some details regarding our collaboration that I'd like to hear your thoughts on."

Hearing that, Wen Ruan's heart stirred. She knew it was time to get down to business.

She nodded lightly and followed after her.

In the Rest Area on one side of the banquet hall.

The two sat down on soft sofas, with Shencheng's brilliant nightscape visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows beside them.

The lights reflected against the glass, stretching their silhouettes long and slender.

Liu Qingning looked at her and said softly, "You're a little different from what I imagined."

"Oh?" Wen Ruan asked curiously. "What kind of person did you think I was before?"

Liu Qingning lowered her gaze for a moment, then looked up. "I mean your attitude. You don't seem hostile toward me at all. You even defended me at the banquet and helped me avoid drinking."

To be fair, if it were her—

As Tang Song's girlfriend, she absolutely would not have been able to stay calm when faced with a woman who had such a close relationship with him, much less be friendly.

Wen Ruan smiled. Looking at her fresh and lovely face, she said warmly, "Believe it or not, I actually quite like you. I like both your appearance and your personality."

"Uh..." Liu Qingning froze, her expression turning a little strange.

The corner of Wen Ruan's eye twitched. Embarrassed, she said, "Don't misunderstand. There's nothing wrong with my sexual orientation. I mean I like you in a subjective, emotional sense. Of course, that also has a lot to do with the story you told me on WeChat."

At that point, she could not help sighing. "I really envy you. The ambiguity between young men and women, friendship, playing hard to get—it really is the most wonderful feeling in the world."

"I told you those things because I hoped you wouldn't blame me." Liu Qingning's voice was low. "I can't let him go, and I don't want to let him go."

They had known each other since childhood—their chance encounter in middle school, her feelings for him in high school, and the effort they had put in together during university and after graduation.

She had long included Tang Song in her plans for the rest of her life.

Wen Ruan carefully chose her words. "I understand the feelings between you two. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come here today."

Liu Qingning said seriously, "Thank you."

Wen Ruan took a sip of red wine, her gaze gentle yet carrying a hint of deep meaning. "Then can you accept Tang Song's current situation?"

She knew full well that there was not just one or two women around that bastard.

Xie Shuyu, Xu Qing, Lin Mu Xue, Yao Lingling, Su Yu—she alone knew five or six of them. She was merely the unlucky one who had been pushed out to take the blame.

Liu Qingning pressed her lips together tightly and said in a low voice, "I don't know. At least, I can't accept it right now. That's also why I haven't gone to Yancheng to see him for so long."

Just as she had never imagined herself marrying another man and having children with him in the future—

She was afraid of seeing the little details of his life with another woman. Afraid of seeing them being affectionate together.

That was something she could not accept.

Looking at Liu Qingning's pitiful little expression, Wen Ruan silently cursed, Scumbag Tang Song, then changed the subject. "I remember you were in Imperial Capital University's class of 2016, right? You graduated in 2020."

"Mm, that's right."

"I entered Imperial Capital Normal University in 2011. After graduating in 2015, I worked in the Imperial Capital for another five years before returning to Yancheng in 2020—"

Wen Ruan then roughly talked about her life since university and work.

They had both graduated from prestigious Imperial Capital schools and spent many years there, so they naturally had plenty to talk about.

Wen Ruan was, after all, a mature thirty-year-old woman. She was well-traveled, had met all kinds of people, understood many things, and knew how to speak with proper tact.

The atmosphere between them gradually softened, and every now and then, they lightly clinked glasses.

The lighting was soft, and the music was soothing.

The reception dinner did not last long. Since the launch event was tomorrow morning, no one drank too much.

The banquet hall gradually emptied, leaving only a few scattered groups of guests still conversing quietly.

After seeing off several important guests, Liu Qingning returned to the Rest Area.

She glanced at Wen Ruan, who was overlooking the nightscape, and suddenly asked, "Wen Ruan, what kind of person do you think Tang Song is?"

Wen Ruan turned around. After thinking for a moment, a blissful smile curved her lips. "To me, he's almost perfect. Handsome, smart, disciplined, gentle, reliable—"

She rattled off more than ten virtues in one breath, brilliance flashing in her eyes.

Liu Qingning's voice was slightly dry. "You love him very much?"

"Of course. There's no question about it!"

"What if he went bankrupt and lost everything?"

Wen Ruan looked straight into her eyes, her voice touched with emotion. "I know what you're worried about, but I can tell you clearly that I would still love him. In fact, when I fell for him, I had no idea he had so much money."

Liu Qingning bit her lip and asked seriously, "Then why can you accept that there are other people in his heart?"

She had invited Wen Ruan here this time because she wanted to see for herself what kind of person she was.

After their conversation and interaction just now—

She could already more or less confirm that Wen Ruan was outstanding in every aspect—character, integrity, talent, and appearance.

Because of the many years of emotional foundation she shared with Tang Song, she had forced down her own values and tried to understand him, get to know him, and accept him.

But Wen Ruan was different.

Love was selfish. Why could such an outstanding woman tolerate Tang Song's unfaithfulness?

That was what Liu Qingning found hardest to understand.

Hearing Liu Qingning's words, memories of the past surged back once more.

Wen Ruan took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "I'm about to turn thirty. Before choosing to be with him, I already knew that I could never enter the hall of marriage with him.

"Ever since I was little, I wanted to be a bride. I wanted to wear a wedding dress, hold flowers in my hands, receive my family's blessings, and have a happy family.

"I struggled for a long time. I tried to run away and compromise.

"But I realized that I truly can't leave him. I can't accept a future without him either."

Tears unknowingly slid from the corners of her eyes.

Wen Ruan wiped her tears away, her expression stubborn. "So even if I have to be his lover and fall out with my family, I have no regrets!"

"L-Lover?" The corner of Liu Qingning's eye twitched. She asked incredulously, "You mean..."

Wen Ruan said earnestly and firmly, "Yes. I never thought about having him all to myself. As long as it's him, I'm willing to accept it."

When she had first chosen to be with Tang Song, she had not known she would receive so much.

Back then, she had genuinely made up her mind to become his little lover.

Even if he gave her no material security whatsoever, she would still remain devoted to him.

She had even prepared herself for the possibility that his future wife might come to her door and catch her in the act.

She did not feel there was any flaw in her feelings for Tang Song.

Facing Liu Qingning, Wen Ruan had completely let go of her reservations and frankly voiced her true thoughts.

Liu Qingning's breathing gradually quickened. She lowered her head and stared blankly at the floor, shock and conflict flashing in her eyes.

Wen Ruan suddenly raised her glass. "We've talked so much tonight. I suppose we can be considered friends now. Qingning, let me toast you."

Liu Qingning looked up, her gaze slightly dazed, but she still instinctively clinked glasses lightly with Wen Ruan.

The crisp sound of the glasses touching was especially clear in the quiet Rest Area.

The slightly cool wine slid down her throat, and Liu Qingning's thoughts were in complete turmoil.

The lights in the banquet hall gradually dimmed.

As they parted, Liu Qingning took the initiative to open her arms and gently hugged Wen Ruan. "Thank you."

Wen Ruan was slightly startled, then returned the hug tenderly.

After they separated, Liu Qingning turned and strode out of the hotel.

The night breeze was slightly cool, scattering her hair strands as if trying to disperse the chaos in her heart.

Rather than returning directly to her home in Shenzhen Bay T5, Liu Qingning wandered alone without any particular destination.

She knew avoidance could not solve the problem.

Telling Wen Ruan the story of the two of them on WeChat, inviting her to meet, and opening her heart for an honest conversation—

She had also hoped to find a way to resolve the relationship between the three of them.

She had imagined many possibilities.

But she had never imagined that Wen Ruan could go this far for Tang Song.

Shencheng remained bustling at night, yet her heart seemed shrouded in a thin mist.

Only after a long while, when she came to senses, did she realize she was already inside the T5 elevator.

The elevator door slowly opened.

Liu Qingning opened the main door and walked into the spacious, bright duplex apartment.

Hearing the movement, the housekeeper Aunt Mei hurried out, concern on her face. "Miss Qingning, would you like me to prepare something for you to eat?"

Liu Qingning shook her head, her tone gentle yet carrying a trace of exhaustion. "No need, Aunt Mei. I've already eaten."

Aunt Mei nodded and said softly, "Then please rest early. Call me anytime if you need anything."

"Okay, thank you, Aunt Mei." Liu Qingning forced a smile and headed toward the master bedroom.

Sitting on the bed, her gaze fell on the photo frame atop the bedside table. The picture showed a photo of her and Tang Song from high school.

Looking at the youthful face in the photo, the corners of her mouth began curving upwards unconsciously.

After a while.

Liu Qingning took out her mobile phone and dialed a number. "Hello, Assistant Chen. Sorry to bother you so late. Please book two plane tickets for me—tomorrow at five in the afternoon, from Shencheng to Yancheng, with the return flight on Sunday afternoon."

"Mm, I'm sure it's for tomorrow."

"Okay, thank you."

After she hung up the phone, Liu Qingning hugged her knees with both arms, her long eyelashes fluttering.

"Ever since you returned to Yancheng, I've kept saying I'd come see whether you were doing well, but I always broke my promise. If I had gone to see you sooner, maybe everything would have been different."

She murmured a few words to herself, then buried her face between her legs.

Beicheng Garden Residential Area.

The door was gently opened, and Shen Yuyan walked in, exhaling a breath carrying the scent of alcohol.

After changing into slippers and walking into the living room, her gaze paused slightly.

Beside the living room sofa, Xu Qing was sitting on the carpet, surrounded by all kinds of snacks, fruit, and drinks.

A Crayon Shin-chan movie was playing on the television.

Xu Qing ate and drank while laughing loudly, as carefree as a child without a worry in the world.

Shen Yuyan said irritably, "Have you completely let yourself go? Aren't you afraid of getting fat?"

Hearing her best friend's voice, Xu Qing put on an arrogant expression and said coolly, "Do you know I'm about to become the owner of an Aston Martin DB11? Call me Your Majesty!"

"Silly Qing, Silly Qing, Silly Qing." Shen Yuyan deliberately repeated it, her tone full of teasing.

"Hey, hey, hey! You Scheming Yan!" Xu Qing instantly snapped, turning red from face to neck as she started bickering with her best friend.

Shen Yuyan tossed her bag aside and flopped lazily onto the sofa. "Pour a glass of water for me."

"Who wants to bother with you? Go get it yourself!"

Shen Yuyan looked at her, her tone softening somewhat. "I drank a lot again today. My head's spinning."

Xu Qing muttered something under her breath, but obediently got up and poured her a glass of warm water.

After watching Shen Yuyan gulp down a large cup, Xu Qing pinched her thigh, reproach in her voice. "How many times have I told you to drink less? You just won't listen."

"This time was different. We were entertaining the head of the Purchasing Department at Xucheng Property. They're the biggest client we've ever dealt with. If the partnership goes through smoothly, we'll be able to fulfill our Betting Agreement with Gongying Technology."

Xu Qing immediately perked up. "So how are things now?"

Shen Yuyan said with a sigh, "Very promising. They have a strong desire to cooperate."

"That's great! Once Youjie Home Services gets its second three-million investment, we can keep expanding! Everything will return to the right track."

Shen Yuyan nodded, then suddenly said, "Qing Qing, have Tang Song come to North City Garden tomorrow."

Xu Qing shook her head shyly. "No way. Otherwise, you'll be eavesdropping again."

Ever since Tang Song had spanked her last time, her best friend had kept making fun of her over it.

It had completely destroyed Miss Xu Qing's dignity!

"I wasn't eavesdropping. The place is only ninety-something square meters. You two were making so much noise—how could I not hear it?"

"Then you definitely heard me calling for you. Why didn't you come save me? Hmph! Next time, I'll have Tang Song drag you in too!"

"What? Drag me in to spank you together? Want me to use a little whip?"

"Ah! You bad girl! You're awful!" Xu Qing instantly turned bright red and pounced on her with bared teeth and claws.

(>Blood<)

The two of them fooling around on the couch for quite a while.

Shen Yuyan suddenly hugged her Best Friend, covered her chest, and murmured softly, "Qing Qing, if you really can't handle Tang Song, I can help you. Actually, wouldn't it be nice if the three of us were together?"

"Ah!" Xu Qing cried out, her face instantly becoming red and burning hot like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "Y-you... you..."

Shen Yuyan sighed and lay down directly on her lap. "I think I'm a little drunk. I'll sleep for a while first.

"

Looking at the Best Friend on her lap and recalling what she had just said, Xu Qing felt like her mind was about to explode.

(°_°) The three of us together?!

Xu Qing scratched her hair, strange images involuntarily surfacing in her mind.