Ten Times

Luxury yacht cruise, beach volleyball, ripping off name tags, all-you-can-eat steamed seafood feast, underwater world, Golden Coast, Lonely Library...

On the return bus, although everyone was a little tired, the atmosphere was exceptionally lively, full of laughter and cheerful chatter.

Songmei Clothing had not been established for long. Most of the employees had only recently become full-time, and many had just joined, so there was inevitably some distance between them.

This team-building event also served as a way for the employees to break the ice.

Gao Mengting leaned against her seat, gazing at the setting sun outside the window with a faint smile on her face.

Tang Song handed her a bottle of water and asked with concern, "Tired? You got a little too into it today."

"Tired, but really happy. This is great!" Gao Mengting took the water and drank some, her gaze sweeping over the colleagues around them as a satisfied smile appeared on her face.

To her, Songmei Clothing was something she and Tang Song had built bit by bit. Now, bringing so many employees back to her hometown for team-building left her feeling immensely fulfilled.

It gave her the feeling of returning home in glory.

"It really was pretty fun." Tang Song nodded, the corner of his mouth slightly raised. His eyes, however, carried a hint of teasing as he leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "But do you want to go have a drink and take a walk together tonight?"

Gao Mengting's cheeks reddened slightly. She bit her lower lip and glared at him, then said with a hint of smugness, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. I'm meeting up with some high school classmates tonight, and I'll be staying at home for the night."

This time in Crow Mountain, aside from the company team-building event, her greatest wish was to visit her parents and see some old friends.

After the three-day itinerary ended, she would not immediately return to Yancheng. Instead, she planned to stay several more days and leave after the Mid-Autumn Festival—partly to spend time with her family, and partly to wait here for the next batch of employees.

She wanted to see whether there was a chance to ride the buzz at the Snowy Night Mist filming location with streamer He Yiyi.

Hearing Gao Mengting's words, Tang Song slightly raised his brows. "Oh? High school classmates? Men or women?"

"Mm—" Gao Mengting narrowed her eyes and deliberately kept him guessing, tapping her chin with a fingertip. "Well—you guess?"

Seeing Tang Song remain silent with a thoughtful look on his face, she finally burst out laughing and lowered her voice to explain, "Don't worry, she's a woman! She's my best friend who grew up with me. We've known each other for over a decade."

"Fine, I'll allow you to go."

Gao Mengting gave him a light slap and feigned dissatisfaction. "Why do I need your permission?"

"President Gao, you're here for team-building." Tang Song adjusted his posture with a serious expression, bright amusement flashing in his eyes. "As the company president, I have an obligation to monitor your itinerary and safety. If something happens, I'll bear a huge responsibility."

Gao Mengting gave a soft snort and turned away to continue looking out at the scenery, though the corners of her mouth could not help curling up.

The bus traveled north along Binhai Avenue before slowly pulling into the Shangri-La Hotel.

Zhang Ying from HR called out enthusiastically, "Everyone, please note that when you get back, rest if you need to rest and shower if you need to shower. Don't eat any random snacks—we've got barbecue tonight!"

Everyone cheered and filed into the hotel.

"Bye, Senior Schoolmate. Be careful on the way."

"Bye bye."

Gao Mengting said goodbye to the two of them and left directly in a taxi.

Tang Song watched the taxi disappear into traffic.

He turned to look at Qiu Qiu beside him, his gaze lingering briefly above her head.

Cultivating—81%—(Not Sprouted)

The cultivation progress was much slower than he had expected.

Perhaps because the team-building process had been rather enjoyable, coupled with the lively atmosphere, she seemed much more optimistic and cheerful overall.

Noticing Tang Song's gaze, Cheng Qiuqiu's eyes flashed with a trace of unease. She turned slightly and looked at the sea horizon blanketed by the sunset.

Tang Song smiled and asked, "QQ, Meng Ting said you're especially timid. Are you sure you'll be fine sleeping alone tonight?"

Cheng Qiuqiu shook her head. "I'll be fine."

Seeing her cool and aloof appearance, Tang Song could not resist teasing, "If you're scared, you can call me over to sleep with you."

"Ah!" Cheng Qiuqiu let out a soft cry, her fair face visibly flushing red. "I'm not scared."

Tang Song laughed twice and casually bumped her arm. "Alright, just kidding. Come on, QQ. Go back and tidy up your belongings. Get ready for tonight's BBQ."

Cheng Qiuqiu bit her lip as she watched his back, then quickly followed after him.

There were only the two of them in the quiet elevator.

Cheng Qiuqiu looked up and met Tang Song's clear black-and-white eyes.

As their gazes met, there seemed to be some indescribable meaning between them.

Cheng Qiuqiu's heart involuntarily sped up, and her hands clasped before her tightened slightly.

"Ding—" The elevator stopped on the nineteenth floor.

Cheng Qiuqiu lowered her head and quickened her pace, as though she were terribly afraid of being alone with Tang Song.

She hurriedly pulled her key card from her backpack, unlocked the door, and slipped straight into the room.

Bang—

As the door shut behind her, she let out a long breath.

She set her backpack aside and sat on the bed, staring blankly into space.

Yet his words, "sleep with you," still echoed in her mind.

She knew it was a joke between friends, but for some reason, she could not help caring about it so much.

"Ring ring ring—" Her mobile phone suddenly rang, disrupting her thoughts.

Xu An

She answered the call. "Hello, Xu An."

"Hello, Qiu Qiu. I just finished filming a scene. I'll have a few days off next, so are you free tonight? I'll come see you."

Cheng Qiuqiu was silent for a moment before saying, "There's a group event tonight. I can't miss it."

"Oh? Alright." Xu An changed the subject. "Then tomorrow night? I have a friend who knows our external liaison producer. He can help coordinate and communicate with them. You should have a chance to start a livestream at the filming location."

Hearing this, Cheng Qiuqiu's eyes lit up. "Thank you, Xu An. Alright, I'll tell my supervisor."

"OK, then it's settled." Xu An's voice became more cheerful. "Honestly, I really have missed you after not seeing you for so long. Looking forward to tomorrow."

Cheng Qiuqiu did not respond. She said softly, "Let's stop here for now. I need to tidy up my things."

"Mm, alright. Bye bye."

She hung up the phone, washed up quickly, changed into a different outfit, and happily told Gao Mengting about it.

During a production shoot, outsiders generally were not allowed in to film short videos or livestreams without submitting for approval.

A livestream e-commerce company like Songmei Clothing naturally had little chance of getting approval.

But if someone such as an external liaison producer or director helped out, it would be much easier.

They could completely enter under the name of promotion. Even if they only filmed a few clips of He Yiyi visiting the set, it could still generate some buzz.

For Songmei Clothing, which was currently developing its branding, this was undoubtedly a good opportunity.

Just then, a "knock knock knock" sounded at the door.

Tang Song's voice came from outside. "It's me."

Cheng Qiuqiu froze. She quickly got to her feet, paused, smoothed down her damp hair strands, and only then slowly opened the door. Tang Song's gaze instinctively swept toward the top of her head.

Cultivating—82%—(Not Sprouted)

Good lord! The progress had actually increased by 1%!

Cheng Qiuqiu said somewhat nervously, "President Tang, do you need something?"

Tang Song walked straight in, then turned to look at her. "Can't I chat with you if I don't need something? Looks like you don't see me as a friend."

"That's not it!" Cheng Qiuqiu hurriedly looked up and said anxiously, "I just... I was just asking. I didn't mean anything else."

She had few friends, but Tang Song was definitely one of the most important among them.

"There's still a while before the barbecue begins. Let's sit down and chat for a bit."

"Okay." Cheng Qiuqiu nodded and followed Tang Song to sit on the sofa in the Rest Area.

Looking at the cool, mature face across from him, Tang Song suddenly asked curiously, "I heard people who study art all have calluses on their hands. Is that true?"

"Mm, it is." Cheng Qiuqiu answered seriously, "Because paintbrushes are in contact with the fingers for long periods and cause friction, we all basically have calluses."

"Can I see yours?"

Cheng Qiuqiu paused, then obediently held out her right hand, deliberately showing him the tips of her fingers.

"You really do." Tang Song directly reached out and took her right hand, his long, warm fingers gently rubbing the calluses on her hand.

Cheng Qiuqiu's body stiffened. She instinctively tried to pull back her arm, but it did not work.

"Don't be nervous. I'm just curious. I practice sketching too, but I don't hold a pencil often enough to get them." Tang Song placed her hand in his palm and smiled at her.

A tingling sensation spread from her hand and instantly swept through her entire body.

Cheng Qiuqiu's lips trembled. Her mind was spinning, and she could not say a word.

She could only let their hands rub and touch each other.

This was the first time she had truly held hands with a boy, and he was Tang Song—her senior schoolmate's boyfriend.

Cultivating—83%—(Not Sprouted)

The taxi slowly pulled over by the roadside.

Gao Mengting got out with her bag in hand. Her gaze swept over the bustling street before her, and a radiant smile instantly bloomed across her face.

This was a famous snack street in Crow Mountain. It had been here since she was seven or eight years old.

Both her middle school and high school had been not far from here, and this street was part of her fond memories from her student days.

The snack street was brightly lit at night, with crowds surging through it. Vendors' cries rang out one after another, mixed with the clatter of spatulas and the honking of electric scooters.

The air was full of the charred aroma of grilled skewers over charcoal, the savory scent of grilled squid, and the cloying sweetness of sugar-roasted chestnuts.

She slowly moved forward with the crowd.

Gao Mengting gently took in the surrounding shops and stalls, savoring the familiar warmth and bustle of her hometown.

She had not been here for more than a year, and quite a few new shops had opened.

Of course, there were even more old familiar sights from her memories, such as Fuxing Seafood Stall.

Although the name sounded grand, it was actually only a somewhat spacious little storefront facing the street.

Every holiday or weekend, the place was always packed.

When Gao Mengting was young, she often came here with classmates for meals, ordering several plates of grilled seafood and pairing them with iced drinks. It was pure bliss.

She pushed open the glass door.

A warm current mixed with the scent of seafood and charcoal assaulted the senses.

"Hey, isn't this Meng Ting?" The owner sitting behind the register grinned and called out in a Northeastern accent, "Long time no see! You've gotten prettier again! How is it? Been busy with work?"

Gao Mengting was amused by his enthusiasm and replied with a smile, "Uncle Zhang, you're still so good at flattering people! Work's alright. Not too busy."

After exchanging a few pleasantries,

Gao Mengting scanned the room and quickly spotted her good friend, Hou Feifei, seated by the window.

They had not seen each other for seven or eight months, but she had not changed much.

She wore a long-sleeved T-shirt, and her round face paired with round-framed glasses still made her look adorable and approachable.

"Tingting! Tingting! Over here!"

Noticing Gao Mengting enter, Hou Feifei immediately stood and waved hard.

Gao Mengting hurried over and gave her friend a firm hug. "Long time no see, Feifei. I missed you so much."

"I've finally been waiting for you! That wasn't easy!" Hou Feifei looked her over with surprise on her face. "Tingting, why do you seem so glowing now? Your temperament is so good!"

"Haha, flattering me this much—are you trying to make me treat you?"

"No, I'm telling the truth. Tsk tsk, as expected of someone who started her own business and became her own boss. You really have that kind of presence now."

After chatting for a few moments, Hou Feifei gestured. "Sit down already. I've ordered everything, so let's dig in!"

The small table was packed to the brim.

Garlic scallops, spicy stir-fried razor clams, grilled squid, lamb skewers, and a serving of spicy crayfish.

"Can you finish all this? You ordered so much."

"Hey, I've had a great appetite lately."

As they spoke, the two sat across from each other.

Hou Feifei placed a can of iced beer before her. "Eat and drink with me properly today. Good thing you came, or I'd be miserable to death."

Seeing her expression, Gao Mengting asked with concern, "What exactly happened? You were acting strange when we talked on the phone."

"Come on, have a drink with me first. Your sister here feels so wronged." Hou Feifei shook the beer can.

Gao Mengting helplessly clinked cans with her and took a sip. "Go on."

Hou Feifei pouted, her face full of resentment. "Chen Zhengyu has a girlfriend."

Gao Mengting froze, then clapped with a smile. "Alright, alright. Your path as a simp has finally come to an end. Congratulations!"

She and Hou Feifei lived in the same residential complex and had known each other since childhood.

They had even been in the same class in high school, making them very close friends.

Chen Zhengyu had been their classmate. He was tall, handsome, and a good student, making him very popular at school.

Hou Feifei had had a crush on him since high school, giving him snacks, chatting with him, and writing little notes.

After graduation, they had both worked in Crow Mountain.

Hou Feifei became even more enthusiastic, frequently checking in on him and occasionally treating him to meals or buying movie tickets. She had been a textbook female simp.

Of course, Chen Zhengyu had also given Hou Feifei a certain good impression. The two had always been in an ambiguous stage—more than friends but less than lovers.

Hou Feifei had practically been reeled in like a fish these past two years.

"Hey, stop making fun of me!" Hou Feifei glared at her and gritted her teeth. "The key is that his girlfriend is Lu Qian. Chen Zhengyu knew perfectly well that Lu Qian and I didn't get along, but he still got together with her. She even dragged him over to flaunt their relationship in front of me. It's fucking ridiculous!"

Gao Mengting was stunned. "The two of them got together? Chen Zhengyu, he—"

Lu Qian had also been their classmate, but her grades had been terrible. She was a typical "bad student."

Back in high school, she had often bullied other girls. Even Gao Mengting had clashed with her before.

Chen Zhengyu, meanwhile, had been the model good student and attended a prestigious university.

She had never imagined those two would end up together.

"Chen Zhengyu is an asshole!" Hou Feifei said angrily. "I can see it clearly now. He was treating me as a backup!"

Then, while wolfing down seafood, she began complaining to Gao Mengting.

After graduating from high school, Lu Qian had gone straight to Australia to study abroad and polish her credentials, only returning to Crow Mountain last year.

Now she held a management position at her family's company, drove a Porsche, and often invited old classmates to meals and gatherings to show off.

Hou Feifei had unexpectedly been dragged along by others twice, but because of their past conflict, she could not talk to Lu Qian at all. She also hated Lu Qian's arrogant manner, and they had even quarreled some time ago.

So the fact that the Male God she had pursued for years was actually together with Lu Qian made Hou Feifei feel utterly disgusted.

Gao Mengting listened quietly, occasionally offering a few soft words of comfort.

A bonfire blazed on the beach, its orange-yellow flames dancing and casting a warm, bright glow over the surroundings.

"Don't rush. Brush on some oil before adding the seasoning, or it'll burn easily."

"Come try my grilled pork belly. It'll definitely blow everyone else's out of the water!"

Songmei Clothing's employees sat around the barbecue grills in small groups, chatting and laughing. The air was filled with the mingled aromas of charcoal, cumin, and seafood.

Tang Song sat in a camping chair, holding a skewer of beef.

His gaze drifted from time to time toward the shy Qiu Qiu beside him.

Cultivation Progress 88% · (Not Germinated)

With his deliberate intimate contact, especially after personally making her quite a bit of barbecue, the Dream Flower Seed's cultivation progress had shot up to 88%.

However, after reaching this point, it had become difficult to raise any further.

If he wanted another huge leap forward, he might have to use something more drastic, like a "forceful kiss" or a "hug."

Of course, Tang Song was a decent man. He certainly would not go that far with his friend and employee.

Besides, judging from Qiu Qiu's previous progress, it was already moving fairly quickly. If he was lucky, it might germinate tomorrow and establish a connection. Just as his thoughts began wandering—

"Bzzz—" The mobile phone in his pocket suddenly vibrated.

Tang Song picked it up and glanced at it, a faint smile appearing on his face.

Wen Ruan: "You ignored me all day. Did you have so much fun playing with all the beauties from your company?"

Tang Song picked up his phone, snapped a photo of the scene ahead, and sent it over. "There are indeed lots of beauties, but none of them are as sexy and pretty as you, Big Sister. I miss you."

Wen Ruan: "At least you know how to behave." (sticker)

Wen Ruan: Selfie video.video

Tang Song muted his phone and opened the video.

His heartbeat instantly sped up, and his mouth went dry.

Big Sister had indeed just finished working out. Her workout clothes were soaked through with sweat, revealing and concealing what lay beneath.

Her ample breasts, full hips, and smooth Ab Crack appeared one after another in the camera frame.

At the end of the video, Wen Ruan directly tugged her pants down a little, making Tang Song burn with desire.

Wen Ruan: "I just finished working out, and I'm feeling itchy inside. Too bad someone's useless. Looks like I'll have to use some magic props." (#covering-mouth-smile)

Seeing that message, Tang Song's breathing immediately grew rapid. He quickly replied, "Big Sister, we can video call tonight. I'll tell you how to cast the spell."

Wen Ruan: "No way. That would be so embarrassing."

The two exchanged a few flirtatious messages.

Big Sister's teasing left Tang Song's heart surging, to the point that even his abdominal muscles had gone stiff.

Unfortunately, he was currently far away in Crow Mountain.

If Gao Mengting were still here, Tang Song would definitely drag her into a room to discuss the proper use of a kettle.

Judging by her performance last time, his partner already met the conditions for unlocking more positions. At the very least, she would not reject contact of that level.

Thinking of Gao Mengting, Tang Song's gaze flickered.

This time, since he had come to Crow Mountain, if they were a normal boyfriend and girlfriend, he should have gone to meet her parents.

However, Gao Mengting was very sensible. She had neither brought it up herself nor ever asked him to make any promises.

Thought for a moment, Tang Song found Gao Mengting's Contact Information and called her directly.

He did not know whether she had made it home yet. She had not sent him any messages at all.

As her boyfriend, he should at least check on her.

The sky outside gradually darkened, while the streets shone with bright lights.

Fuxing Seafood Stall.

A few empty beer cans had appeared on the table.

Gao Mengting pinched Hou Feifei's cheek. "You're so pretty. Later, find a guy better than Chen Zhengyu, make him regret it to death, and make Lu Qian die of jealousy."

"Mhm!" Hou Feifei raised her glass with flushed cheeks. "Come on, cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The clink of glasses rang out.

Hou Feifei gulped down a few mouthfuls of beer and made a few more bold declarations.

But her mood gradually sank again. "To be honest, I really like Chen Zhengyu. Out of all the guys I know, he's the best, and he's also the one most in line with my taste."

In her eyes, Chen Zhengyu truly had no flaws—handsome, a graduate of a top university, a middle manager at a foreign company, and highly paid.

That was why she had always been willing to let him string her along, constantly clinging to the fantasy that she could be with him.

Gao Mengting reached out and patted her shoulder. "There are plenty of men better and more handsome than him. You just haven't met them."

Listening to her Best Friend, Hou Feifei Looked up curiously. "Tingting, from the sound of it, you know someone like that?"

Gao Mengting blinked. Her partner's figure instantly appeared in her mind, and a Barely perceptible smile curled at the Corner of the mouth. "Of course."

Hou Feifei's eyes lit up, and she excitedly leaned closer. "Then introduce him to me already! We're Good Best Friends. Good things should stay in the family. If you have resources this good, you have to think of me first!"

"Uh—" Gao Mengting's Corner of the eye Twitched. She Shook head awkwardly. "Well, let's talk about it if there's a chance."

"Wait! Something's off with you!" Hou Feifei stared straight at her, then suddenly realized, "Could he be your Boyfriend!"

Gao Mengting's body jolted, but she quickly regained her composure and calmly denied it. "What nonsense are you thinking? There's no such thing."

Hou Feifei lived in the same residential complex as her, and their families were close. If Hou Feifei found out, her parents would find out too.

Then there would definitely be all kinds of trouble. It might even create some conflict with Tang Song.

But Hou Feifei would not let it go, her eyes bright as she pressed her. "Really not? Look me in the eyes and say it. You can't fool me!"

"Really not!" Gao Mengting took off her gloves and stood up. "I drank too much beer. I'm going to the Restroom. You eat first."

With that, she Turned around and headed for the Restroom.

Looking at her somewhat flustered back, Hou Feifei frowned slightly, feeling that things were not that simple.

Just then, a buzzing vibration Sounded.

Hou Feifei glanced over. It was her Best Friend Gao Mengting's Mobile Phone, which she had left on the table in her rush to leave.

Tang Song.

It was a man's name.

Unable to suppress her curiosity, Hou Feifei reached out and Answered the call.

"Hello? My dear partner, are you done eating with your friend?" A low, magnetic male voice came through the receiver, his tone full of concern and intimacy.

Hou Feifei's slightly muddled mind instantly cleared. She cautiously said, "Hello, hi. I'm Tingting's Best Friend. Are you... Tingting's Boyfriend?"

"Uh... Mm, yes. I heard Meng Ting mention you before. Feifei, right? Hello, I'm Tang Song."

Hou Feifei's eyes flickered as she said, "Oh, hello, Tang Song! It's like this—Tingting drank a little too much and is throwing up in the Restroom. I can't take care of her alone. Would it be convenient for you to come over? You can also take her home."

"Oh? She drank too much? Alright, where are you? I'll be right there!"

"Just navigate to Fuxing Seafood Stall. It's over in the development zone."

After hanging up, Hou Feifei Took a deep breath, her eyes flashing with uncontrollable excitement.

Well, well, Tingting! You actually hid this from even me!

A boyfriend? A guy better than Chen Zhengyu? I want to see what you really look like!

At the beach barbecue.

Tang Song put down his phone and said, "Qiu Qiu, something came up on Meng Ting's end. I'll go over first. You guys keep having fun."

Cheng Qiuqiu quickly Looked up. "Do you need my help?"

"No, it's fine. I'm leaving. Bye bye."

Tang Song waved and walked straight toward Liu Jiayi, who was standing in a corner.

She was quietly watching the lively barbecue scene but had not joined in.

Sensing someone Approached, she lifted her eyes and looked over. "President Tang."

"Jiayi, I remember you have a car here, right?"

"Mm, it's parked in Shangri-La's parking lot." Liu Jiayi Nodded.

As Tang Song's driver and the head of his security team, she naturally made sure everything was properly arranged.

"I'll use it."

"Alright." Liu Jiayi did not ask any questions. She Took out the car keys and handed them over, her movements crisp and efficient.

The two arrived at a nearby parking lot.

Tang Song pressed the remote key. Accompanied by a crisp unlocking sound, the elegant Bentley Mulsanne's lights Flashed.

He Opened the car door and sat in the driver's seat. As he started the engine, a deep, rich roar instantly filled the space.

Just as he finished setting up the navigation, the Ringtone suddenly Sounded.

Wen Ruan.

After Answering the call, Tang Song said gently, "Hello, Ruan Ruan, what is it?"

"Hello, Tang Song." Wen Ruan paused before continuing, "There's something I Thought for a moment about, and I think I should still tell you."

Tang Song raised his brows. "What is it?"

"Director Jin has come to Yancheng."

That short sentence made Tang Song's heart jolt. He instinctively tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

Secretary Jin actually came to Yancheng?!

He then realized that Secretary Jin must have known he was currently in Crow Mountain, which was why she had chosen this time to come to Yancheng.

Although a powerful urge surged within him to rush back immediately, he forcibly suppressed his emotions.

Took a deep breath, he said in a low voice, "Thank you, Big Sister. I understand."

Wen Ruan deliberately drew out her tone, her voice carrying a hint of probing. "Then do you want to know where she's staying?"

Tang Song froze for a moment and asked, "Where is she staying?"

Wen Ruan said somewhat mischievously, "Five times."

"Deal."

"Hmph, you agreed so readily. Sure enough, people are different. In the end, I can't compare to someone else."

Tang Song said helplessly, "Alright, baby, I was wrong."

"Then—ten times?"

"Uh—Big Sister, you—"

"Ahh~~ My life is so miserable—"

"Deal!" Tang Song's Corner of the eye Twitched. Big Sister really was addicted to this.

Wen Ruan gave a Light laugh before leisurely saying, "I heard Shangguan Qiuya say that she went to Yanjing Sky City to report work to Director Jin. I didn't ask anything else. I think you should know more than I do."