Gao Mengting: I'm Eating Spicy Strips!

"Come on, Feifei, get in the car." Gao Mengting's voice came over, and Hou Feifei jolted before quickly coming to her senses.

She swallowed hard and bent over to slip into the car.

Bang— The moment the door closed, it felt as though the entire world had been shut out.

The soft leather seats enveloped her body, while the faint scent of expensive fragrance lingered in the air.

"Mengting, which neighborhood do you live in?"

"Hua Xing Garden, less than two kilometers from here."

"Okay." Tang Song set the navigation and fastened his seat belt.

Accompanied by the deep, powerful rumble of the engine, the Bentley Mulsanne slowly pulled away.

Neon lights and crowds outside the window flashed past at high speed.

Hou Feifei's face flushed red. She took a nervous deep breath, savoring an experience unlike anything she had ever known.

Then, she glanced at Tang Song and her best friend beside her from the corner of her eye, still finding it hard to believe.

Hou Feifei and Gao Mengting had grown up together and were best friends, practically the closest friends possible.

To suddenly discover that the other party had become a rich woman and had found herself such a boyfriend was a shock beyond words.

"Hiss—ow, that hurts!" Hou Feifei cried out, hurriedly turning to her best friend and lowering her voice. "Why did you pinch me, Tingting?"

Gao Mengting waved her phone, her gaze unfriendly. "Why didn't you tell me after answering the call? You even had Tang Song come over?"

"Th-this..." Feeling guilty, Hou Feifei stammered for a moment before lifting her chin. "And you're blaming me? You got a boyfriend and didn't even tell me. Are we still best friends or not?"

At the words "boyfriend," Gao Mengting's cheeks reddened slightly. "Don't go spreading this around, okay?"

Hou Feifei looked utterly confused. "Why?"

Gao Mengting shot her a glare and said seriously, "There aren't that many whys. You just can't tell anyone."

"Fine, I'll listen to you, rich lady Tingting." Hou Feifei muttered, then turned to Tang Song in the driver's seat with a shy expression. "Um, excuse me, Tang Song. I-I was just joking before."

Trying to chat up her best friend's boyfriend on the street—if word got out, she would never be able to hold her head up again.

"It's fine, haha." Tang Song gave a light laugh and waved his hand. "I thought it was pretty interesting. By the way, Mengting, have you and Feifei known each other since childhood?"

"Mm, we grew up in the same neighborhood, and we even went to the same high school later on." A gentle smile appeared on Gao Mengting's face as she began telling Tang Song about her past.

Hou Feifei occasionally chimed in, and the atmosphere became relaxed and easygoing.

A few minutes later.

The Bentley Mulsanne slowly arrived at the north gate of Hua Xing Garden.

Gao Mengting rolled down the window and spoke to the elderly security guard. Amid his surprise, the car slowly drove in and parked in an empty spot below the building.

"Thank you, Tang Song. I'll head home first. You two talk. Bye bye."

"Bye bye." "Bye bye."

Hou Feifei waved at them both, shot Gao Mengting a meaningful look, got out of the car, and carefully shut the door. After another look at the imposing Bentley Mulsanne, she quickly headed toward her building.

The car fell silent all at once.

Tang Song unfastened his seat belt, turned around to look at Gao Mengting, and wore a faint smile.

Gao Mengting shifted awkwardly and said softly, "It's all that brat Feifei's fault. Sorry for troubling you."

"It's fine. I already missed you, and coming over to keep you company made me happy too."

"Oh." Gao Mengting pursed her lips in a smile and set her handbag on her lap. "I'm happy too. Thank you."

They held eye contact for a long while as the sounds of doors opening rang out one after another.

In the neighborhood at night, streetlights cast a soft glow, and everything was quiet and peaceful.

The damp evening breeze brushed through their hair.

Gao Mengting lightly smoothed her temples. "It's getting late, so... goodbye. I might be a little late going to see you all tomorrow."

After saying that, she looked at Tang Song's handsome face, seemingly waiting for him to say something.

"Mm, bye bye."

Gao Mengting lowered her head slightly, then turned and walked toward the entrance.

She took out her keys from her handbag and swiped them to unlock the access door.

Gao Mengting looked back once more at her partner in the night and waved again. "Let me know when you get to the hotel. Drive carefully on the way."

With that, she stepped inside.

Hua Xing Garden was an old neighborhood built in 2000, full of six-story residential buildings.

Gao Mengting slowly climbed the somewhat worn stairs, taking them one step at a time.

When she reached the third floor, she looked down through the stairwell window.

The Bentley was already gone.

A sense of loss slowly welled up from the depths of her heart.

Actually, part of her had hoped Tang Song would take the initiative and say something like, "Want me to come up for a while?" or "Let me say hello to your parents."

But clearly, he had no such intention.

Gao Mengting was not the type to fight for things. What she wanted was a love that came naturally, so she would not force him either.

She bit her lips, but a bright smile soon returned to her face.

After climbing another two floors, she arrived at the door to 501. Just as she raised her hand, the door suddenly opened.

A tall, burly figure appeared in the doorway. It was her father, Gao Jinshan.

Gao Mengting froze for a moment before breaking into a brilliant smile. "Dad!"

"Haha, I knew it was my daughter coming back the moment I heard those footsteps. Get in here!" Gao Jinshan's voice carried a thick northeastern accent, loud and warm enough to make the hallway hum.

As he spoke, her mother Zhao Suyun hurried over. "Oh my, my girl is finally back! Come in, come in. Mom made pork rib soup for you. Drink it while it's hot!"

Before Gao Mengting could react, her mother had already pulled her inside.

A familiar scent flooded her nose. She took a deep breath, feeling as though all her exhaustion had suddenly slipped away.

"Mom, why did you make soup again? Didn't I just have barbecue with Feifei?"

"How is barbecue a proper meal? You disappear for seven or eight months without coming home, and you've gotten thinner too." Zhao Suyun nagged as she filled a steaming bowl of pork rib soup and handed it to her.

Holding the warm bowl, Gao Mengting felt her eyes sting.

After leaving home following the New Year, her classmate betrayed her and her shop went out of business. During that period, she could barely eat.

Later, she started a business with Tang Song, and only now had things eased up a little.

Compared with the New Year, she really had lost nearly ten pounds.

In the cozy living room, conversation and laughter rose one after another.

After finishing the soup, Gao Mengting sniffed the strong barbecue smell on herself and returned to her small bedroom.

She opened the wardrobe, where many clothes were neatly arranged.

Since she had once worked in the clothing business, both she and her parents had a great deal of clothing.

After rummaging through them for a while, her eyes flickered. She deliberately chose an off-white turtleneck sweater, somewhat similar to Tang Song's.

After changing and walking back out of the bedroom, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.

"Coming!" her father Gao Jinshan called out, getting up to answer it.

The door opened, and a slightly plump man under fifty walked in.

He wore a somewhat loose floral shirt, held a cigarette between his fingers, and had a friendly smile on his face.

Gao Mengting stood up and greeted him with a smile. "Uncle Guoqing."

Zhang Guoqing grinned, revealing slightly yellow teeth. "I heard Old Gao laughing from inside my place just now. I guessed his daughter was back, and sure enough, I was right."

Gao Jinshan laughed loudly. "Of course I'm happy! My Mengting hasn't come home in eight months, and she finally decided to come see us this time. How could I not be thrilled?"

Zhang Guoqing nodded, his gaze settling on Gao Mengting. "Oh my, this girl is getting prettier and prettier. She's even better-looking than celebrities on TV."

Gao Mengting lowered her head and smiled. "Uncle Guoqing really knows how to flatter people."

"Hey, don't be modest!" Zhang Guoqing waved his hand, a teasing tone in his voice. "I heard from your dad that you started a company in Yancheng and made a ton of money. Now you're even a Big Boss. Tsk, tsk, that's really something."

Gao Mengting glared at her father. "Dad, you're bragging again. It's not that exaggerated."

Her father was good in every way except that he liked to drink a little and boast while he was at it.

"Can't I be happy that my daughter is successful?" Gao Jinshan smiled, his face glowing. Then he pretended to be troubled. "Sigh, everything else is great, but she's so busy with her career that she doesn't even have a partner."

At their age, people were mostly set in their ways. The comparisons between them ultimately came down to their children's prospects and their health.

His daughter had always been his pride. She had excelled in school since childhood, started making money in college, and bought a car and opened a shop after graduation.

Later, when the shop failed, he and his wife had wanted her to return to Crow Mountain to develop her career. They had even considered spending money and calling in favors to get her a job at a state-owned enterprise.

Who would have thought that his daughter would prove herself again by partnering with someone to start a clothing company?

Though it was just beginning and might not have made much money yet, that did not stop him from boasting about it now and then.

Her mother Zhao Suyun added, "Exactly. She's already this old and hasn't even dated a boyfriend. Unlike your Qian Qian, who's about to get married. Old Zhang, just wait to hold your grandchild."

"That's exactly what I'm waiting for!" Zhang Guoqing laughed twice, pulled out a pack of Soft Zhonghua from his pocket, and offered one to him. "My son-in-law brought me a carton during the day. Said it was a company benefit. Old Gao, want one?"

"Oh, Zhonghua! Good stuff! That Zhi Bin is a thoughtful kid and knows how to handle people." Gao Jinshan accepted the cigarette and looked it over, his eyes lighting up.

Zhang Guoqing waved his hand, sounding casual but unable to hide his pride. "Besides the Zhonghua, he also left me two bottles of Mengzhilan Meng San to drink slowly. Later, we'll call Old Sun and the others over to my place for some pickled vegetables, braised meats, peanuts, and the like. We'll have a few drinks together."

"That sounds great." Gao Jinshan took out his lighter and inhaled from the cigarette, an envious look appearing on his face.

Zhang Guoqing's future son-in-law worked for a major local company and was even a small-time manager. He would bring Zhang Guoqing nice things every so often.

Gao Jinshan did not have many hobbies. He just liked smoking and drinking.

Hearing that the other party had received both Meng San and Soft Zhonghua, he could not help feeling a little envious.

Just then, Gao Mengting's phone suddenly rang.

The three of them immediately stopped talking and laughing.

Gao Mengting looked at the screen and froze slightly. Without bothering to hide anything, she anxiously answered the call.

"Hello? Tang Song, what's wrong?"

They had only separated ten or so minutes ago. No matter how fast Tang Song drove, he could not have reached the hotel yet. What she feared most was that something had happened on the road.

Very soon, the familiar voice came through the receiver. "Nothing. I just missed you."

Gao Mengting sighed in relief and quickly stepped aside, her voice gentle. "Drive carefully. Don't get distracted by talking on the phone."

"Don't worry, I won't." Tang Song smiled, then suddenly said, "Partner, since I came all the way to Crow Mountain, shouldn't I visit your home? Meet your uncle and aunt?"

Gao Mengting's heart instantly raced. Somewhat nervous, she asked, "Y-you want to come?"

Tang Song directly asked in return, "Do you want me to come?"

Gao Mengting fell silent for a moment, glanced toward her parents, and answered with a hot-cheeked "Mm."

"Okay, help me unlock the access door downstairs."

The moment he finished speaking.

Ring-ring-ring— The intercom at the entrance suddenly rang urgently.

Then, her call with Tang Song was disconnected.

Gao Mengting's eyes widened as she instantly realized something.

Her father Gao Jinshan, who happened to be standing by the door, casually picked up the intercom. "Hello? Who is it?"

"Dad! It's my friend!" Gao Mengting called out, rushing over and pressing the unlock button.

Gao Jinshan blinked, put down the receiver, and asked in surprise, "Tingting, why are you so worked up? Which friend?"

"N-nothing. A friend from Yancheng. It's his first time coming to our home." Gao Mengting's eyes darted about nervously.

Tang Song had suddenly come to the door, and his identity was naturally that of her boyfriend. She did not know how to explain it, especially since she had not laid any groundwork beforehand.

"A friend from Yancheng?" Zhao Suyun was more perceptive. She abruptly stood up and asked with delight, "A boy?"

"Uh..." Gao Mengting said quietly, "Mm."

"Oh my! Why didn't you tell us earlier? We haven't prepared anything!" Zhao Suyun hurriedly began tidying up the things on the coffee table.

Gao Jinshan also sensed that something was unusual. "Tingting, is this boy your colleague from the company?"

"He's the partner I've told you about."

"The one who helped you out? Then we really have to thank him properly."

Zhang Guoqing, standing nearby, noticed the unusual atmosphere and chuckled. "So he's your business partner. Say, he wouldn't happen to be your boyfriend, would he?"

The moment he asked that.

Zhao Suyun and Gao Jinshan both stared directly at their daughter.

Gao Mengting's face instantly turned crimson. Her lips moved as she stammered, "I-I guess so. Anyway, it's just... just beginning..."

At that moment, heavy footsteps came through the door.

Then, knock, knock, knock— a rhythmic knocking sounded.

"He's here. I'll get the door." Gao Mengting gritted her teeth, gripped the handle, took a deep breath, and pushed open the Main Door.

The familiar figure of Tang Song came into view.

He wore a sunny smile, and two cardboard boxes sat at his feet.

Gao Jinshan and Zhao Suyun stood frozen, their eyes repeatedly examining Tang Song. Their faces were full of surprise and astonishment.

They had heard their daughter mention this partner before, but they had never expected him to look like this.

He stood tall and straight, was big and strong, had handsome features, and looked incredibly energetic!

"Mengting." Tang Song called softly, then nodded to the three elders in the living room.

Gao Mengting's heart raced so hard it seemed ready to burst from her chest. "Dad, Mom, this is Tang Song."

Then she pointed to her parents and introduced them. "This is my dad, my mom, and Uncle Zhang."

Tang Song smiled slightly, bent down to lift the two boxes from the floor, and spoke with graceful composure and polite warmth. "Hello, Uncle and Auntie. Sorry for suddenly visiting so late and disturbing you."

Zhang Guoqing stood to one side, staring fixedly at the two boxes in Tang Song's hands. His throat involuntarily bobbed.

Zhao Suyun was the first to recover. She quickly pulled her daughter away from the doorway and warmly greeted him, "Oh, come in, come in! Don't stand at the door in the wind!"

Gao Jinshan also came to his senses, his face breaking into a broad smile as he said heartily, "Little Tang, right? Sit down! If you're coming, just come. Why bring all this unnecessary stuff? We're not strangers!"

"I came in a hurry and didn't bring any special gifts. I just thought that since this was my first visit, I couldn't arrive empty-handed." Tang Song gave a light laugh, his tone relaxed yet sincere. "Mengting told me Uncle likes to drink a little, so I casually prepared some. The box underneath is cigarettes."

As he spoke, he set the items to one side, his movements natural and proper.

Zhang Guoqing took two steps forward and remarked in a somewhat dry voice, "Your 'casual' gifts are anything but ordinary!"

Only then did Gao Jinshan and Zhao Suyun look at the two cardboard boxes on the floor, and the expressions on their faces instantly froze.

Under the lights, the labels on the two cardboard boxes were especially eye-catching: Guizhou Moutai Liquor and Zhonghua.

A flush instantly rose to Gao Jinshan's face, and his eyes widened. "Th-This is way too extravagant! Just now, Old Zhang was showing off about the cigarettes and liquor his son-in-law gave him, and then my daughter's boyfriend turned around and taught him a hard lesson."

A case of six bottles of Moutai generally sold for thirteen or fourteen thousand on the market; a case of fifty cartons of Soft Zhonghua was worth over thirty thousand.

Together, the two gifts cost at least nearly fifty thousand.

In all his years, Old Gao had never received such an expensive gift. He had never even seen one.

Especially not in front of Old Zhang. He had gained more than enough face tonight.

Zhao Suyun waved her hands excitedly. "Oh my, Tang Song, we can't accept something this valuable!"

"Uncle, Auntie, it's only a small token of my appreciation, since this is my first visit. Besides, Meng Ting and I have been starting a business together for so long. She's helped me tremendously, both at work and in life. I've always wanted to find an opportunity to thank her." Tang Song's tone was calm and composed, yet filled with sincerity.

"Th-This..."

Gao Mengting interjected, blushing, "All right, Mom, Dad. If he's giving it to you, just accept it."

Gao Jinshan and Zhao Suyun exchanged Eye Contact, both seeing the excitement and thrill in the other's eyes.

Their daughter had given them an enormous surprise tonight. Without saying a word, she had brought someone home—and with such pomp and circumstance, too.

Gao Jinshan slapped his thigh and laughed heartily. "All right, all right. Since the young man brought them over so sincerely, we can't refuse. Thank you, Little Tang. You've spent too much!"

"Come in and sit! Old Gao, hurry up and get some fruit."

Right afterward, the couple no longer had the attention to spare for Zhang Guoqing and began bustling about.

Tang Song Followed Gao Mengting to sit on the Living Room sofa.

Before long, the coffee table in front of them was covered with fruit, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and hot tea.

Zhang Guoqing looked at Tang Song sitting there, then at the Moutai and Zhonghua on the floor. His expression was a sight to behold.

After a moment, he smacked his lips and forced out, "Then you folks go ahead and chat. I'm heading home to watch TV."

"Sure!" Gao Jinshan chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. "Old Zhang, I'll come over to your place for drinks tomorrow! We'll call a few more old buddies and have a proper feast!"

The Corner of the mouth of Zhang Guoqing Twitched. "Uh, sure."

The Main Door closed again.

Gao Jinshan brought over a stool and sat opposite the two of them, chatting with them about starting a business.

Zhao Suyun bustled around, constantly urging Tang Song to eat and drink tea. She also secretly observed his every move, growing more satisfied the longer she watched, until the wrinkles on her face deepened with smiles.

The atmosphere in the Living Room grew increasingly lively and cheerful.

Gao Jinshan's Face full of a healthy glow, and the more they talked, the more animated he became. He began enthusiastically recounting his experiences doing small-time business in his youth. Since Crow Mountain was close to the Northeast, its climate was relatively mild, and many of its residents had migrated from the three northeastern provinces.

Gao Jinshan was no exception. He spoke with a bold, forthright air that made him feel especially approachable.

Tang Song listened attentively, offering questions and insights at just the right moments, making Gao Jinshan feel a strong sense of kinship with him.

After they had chatted for quite a while.

Tang Song suddenly felt someone tug on his arm. Turning his head, he saw Gao Mengting Looking at him as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

"What is it?"

Gao Mengting pursed her Lips and said softly, "Come with me for a moment."

With that, she took hold of Tang Song's arm and stood up. "Mom, Dad, we're going to stay in my room for a bit."

"Oh, okay, go on." Zhao Suyun and Gao Jinshan hurriedly replied.

The bedroom door closed softly.

Tang Song curiously examined his surroundings.

The room was not particularly large, only around thirteen or fourteen Square meters. The decor was old, but it had been Arranged neatly and orderly.

A single bed stood by the window. The small bedside cabinet was piled with miscellaneous items: an alarm clock, magazines with curled pages, a ceramic mug, and several scattered photographs.

A corkboard was nailed to the wall, covered in photos, sticky notes, movie ticket stubs, and other little keepsakes. A line was written across it: "When I forget who I am, please remember that I once loved this world."

Tang Song's gaze fell on the photographs, many of which had been taken when Gao Mengting was in middle school and high school.

She had worn shoulder-length short hair, and her full Cheekbones made her face look adorably plump. Her brows and eyes carried a youthful freshness and vitality, and she always had the habit of tilting her head as she smiled.

Noticing Tang Song's gaze, Gao Mengting stepped In front of her him with a slight blush. "Stop looking. They're just old things."

Tang Song Looked at his partner In front of her, a broad smile appearing on his face. "You were very cute back then. I really like you."

Gao Mengting Smiled shyly. After a moment of silence, she asked softly, "Why did you suddenly want to come to my house?"

"Actually, when I dropped you off, I already wanted to go upstairs and meet Uncle and Auntie. But I came in such a hurry and hadn't prepared anything. I couldn't exactly go up empty-handed, could I?"

Hearing that, an indescribable joy and warmth rose in Gao Mengting's heart.

So when he had been downstairs, he hadn't been pretending not to understand her feelings.

"Thank you."

Tang Song looked at his partner, who was overflowing with atmosphere, and suddenly said, "Saying thank you is too dry. Give me something more substantial."

"What do you mean?" Gao Mengting blinked at him in confusion.

Tang Song let out a Light laugh, pulled her directly into his arms, and forcefully pried apart her Lips.

Gao Mengting did not resist at all. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and greedily enjoyed his intimate touch.

Breathing in her pleasant fragrance, Tang Song's hand slowly moved downward, brushing past her slender waist before gripping the buttocks wrapped in her jeans.

Gao Mengting let out a low moan, her body trembling.

Feeling the graceful, beautiful curves of his partner's body, Tang Song's heart gradually heated up, and his movements became increasingly excessive.

Riiip— The zipper of her jeans was pulled open.

"Don't move around!" Gao Mengting suddenly Looked up, her Face full of blush. "This is my home!"

Tang Song made a shushing sound and tugged her clothes downward.

"Ah!" A soft cry Sounded. Gao Mengting hurriedly bit her finger, her body trembling, yet she did not dare move at all.

An intense sense of satisfaction swept through Tang Song.

Before long, Gao Mengting went limp and leaned against him.

Tang Song simply laid her on the bed and pressed himself over her.

Looking at her shy, delicate face, he unabashedly savored her lovely, well-proportioned body.

After a while, Gao Mengting's body suddenly stiffened. Her eyes flew wide open, and harsh panting came from her mouth, as though she were about to faint.

Seeing her intense reaction, Tang Song gave her a squeeze and blinked. "Partner, what's wrong? Don't tell me you—"

"You! You! Don't say it!" Gao Mengting bit his Lips.

Tang Song chuckled and stopped teasing her.

This gentle, graceful, sensitive, artistic partner of his was the most sensitive Girl he had ever been with.

He only needed to make the slightest move, and it was already the limit of what she could bear.

Still, that contrast was rather interesting.

In the quiet, heated room.

A Mobile Phone Ringtone suddenly Sounded.

Gao Mengting turned over and glanced at the Mobile Phone screen beside the bed. "It's Qiu Qiu!"

"Do you want to answer it?"

Gao Mengting Pushed him away, picked up the Mobile Phone, and Answered the call. "Hello? Qiu Qiu."

"Oh, President Tang is with me."

"We're fine. Don't worry, he'll be back soon."

Just then, Gao Mengting's eyes abruptly widened, and she made a "Sss-ha—" sound.

She hurriedly grabbed Tang Song's hand on her chest and bit her Lips hard. "It's nothing, it's nothing. I'm eating spicy strips. Ah! So spicy, I'm hanging up first."