"Guangzhou Whispers," Su Yu's Emotional Fragment

"Goodbye, Uncle and Auntie. You should head back."

Tang Song opened the car door and got into the driver's seat.

Gao Mengting stood outside the window and said gently, "Don't forget to message me when you get to the hotel."

"Mm, bye bye. See you tomorrow." Tang Song smiled, blinked, and made an "OK" gesture.

The sound of the engine starting broke the stillness of the night as the Bentley Mulsanne slowly drove away.

Watching the red taillights disappear around the corner, Gao Mengting sighed deeply and lowered her head to kick at the fallen leaves by her feet, hiding the intense reluctance on her face.

"Our daughter really struck gold!" Gao Jinshan withdrew his gaze, his face full of smiles. "Tang Song is such a fine young man—good-looking, capable, generous, and sincere. There's nothing to fault him for!"

Then Zhao Suyun's excited yet reproachful voice rang out. "I'm telling you, Tingting, how could you not tell us about something this important beforehand? Your dad and I weren't prepared at all!"

Gao Mengting blushed slightly and muttered, "It's just beginning. Everything's still unstable, and I hadn't planned on bringing Tang Song home yet."

"What do you mean, just beginning? Such a good young man—you need to put more effort into this!" Zhao Suyun patted her daughter's hand.

Her tone was full of urging.

"I know, Mom—" Gao Mengting replied helplessly.

Gao Jinshan hesitated before asking quietly, "Tingting, that car Tang Song drives is a Bentley, right? It looked really expensive. Does it cost several million?"

He did not know much about cars, especially top-tier luxury ones like that. He only knew the brand and had no idea of the actual price.

"Several million? That expensive?!" Zhao Suyun cried out. "Tingting, Tang Song's family—"

Gao Mengting hurriedly interrupted, "All right, Dad, Mom, stop beating around the bush. I know what I'm doing with my own affairs."

"All right, then."

The three of them chatted as they headed upstairs, their footsteps echoing through the narrow space.

Gao Jinshan hummed a cheerful old tune, his steps especially light, as if he were practically floating.

He opened the door.

Gao Jinshan immediately squatted in front of the two cardboard boxes, his eyes shining as though he were looking at treasure.

Zhao Suyun could not help laughing as she scolded him, "Look at how impatient you are. We just saw him off, and you already can't sit still. Don't be clumsy and break anything."

"How could I? These were gifts from my future son-in-law. I've got to treasure them!" Gao Jinshan rubbed his hands together, took out a small knife, cut through the tape, and opened the boxes one by one.

Six gleaming bottles of Moutai and cartons of vivid red Soft Zhonghua cigarettes were neatly arranged inside.

Gao Jinshan stroked them fondly, feeling comfortable all over.

After a moment, he eagerly pulled out a carton of Soft Zhonghua, opened it, took out a cigarette, held it between his fingers, lit it, and took a deep drag.

Squinting as he exhaled a cloud of smoke, he said with a blissful expression, "Ah, this flavor really is different!"

Gao Mengting, who had just come out of the bathroom, saw this and could not help advising, "Dad, smoke less. It's bad for your health."

"Hey, you know what kind of body your dad has. I'm strong as an ox—what am I afraid of?" Gao Jinshan said around the cigarette as he opened a bottle of Feitian Moutai and examined it carefully. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. As expected of Moutai. This bottle feels so weighty in the hand, and the packaging is so refined!"

At that moment, he felt as if he had reached the pinnacle of his life.

Seeing her father like this, Gao Mengting sighed helplessly. "I'm going to bed. Once I'm done with the team-building event, I'll take you and Mom to the hospital for full checkups."

Her parents were getting older and older. Now that she had the means, she naturally wanted them to be healthier.

Back in her familiar small bedroom.

Gao Mengting walked to her desk, turned on the lamp, and pulled a thick light-blue notebook from the bookshelf above it.

She sat down, gently opened it, and leafed through it with a soft gaze.

It was her high school diary. She had not written in it every day; only when she returned home from school on weekends would she record the little things that had happened recently.

It held countless beautiful memories.

Then, she turned directly to the last page.

On it was the "Wish List" she had once made.

Read at least fifty books every year;

Learn to play the violin;

Open a clothing store that truly belonged to her, with new clothes to wear every day;

Go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights;

Find her own "Mr. Darcy."

Under the lamplight, a warm smile appeared on Gao Mengting's face.

She pulled out her favorite pen from the pen holder and placed a checkmark after the final item.

As half an idealist, she believed love should be like those beautiful passages in literary works—needing no excessive embellishment, yet still able to strike directly at the heart.

Tang Song's appearance in her life was a small miracle bestowed by fate.

Of course, she also knew that reality was not always so perfect.

For example, her former clothing store and the friendship she had cherished had later fallen apart over conflicts of interest.

Would something happen between her and Tang Song in the future? Would they still be able to preserve this feeling forever?

There was no answer to that question, but she chose to believe in the present, cherish this miracle, and embrace her partner wholeheartedly.

Who knew how much time passed.

"Ding dong—" A WeChat notification sounded.

Tang Song: "I'm at the hotel. Get some sleep early. Good night, sweet dreams."

Gao Mengting smiled and replied, "Good night." She set her phone aside, lay back down on the bed, and pulled up the covers.

The lights went out, and sweet dreams descended.

The hotel corridor was very quiet at night.

Clear footsteps approached from afar before finally stopping in front of a door.

Tang Song turned sideways and looked at the door before him, a strange glint flashing through his eyes.

Cultivation in Progress—88%—(Not Sprouted)

The tags given by the system were quite practical. They could only be observed when he was nearby or when the target was within his line of sight.

At that moment, the faintly glowing tag was less than a meter away from him.

In other words, Qiu Qiu was standing behind the door.

Tang Song looked toward the peephole, and a guess instantly formed in his mind.

Qiu Qiu probably had not gone to sleep yet, had heard the movement outside, and had specifically come to the door.

His partner had said that this aloof designer was actually very timid. Was she scared of being alone? Had she had a nightmare?

Tang Song pressed his lips together and raised a finger to knock on the door.

Knock, knock, knock— The sound was low and rhythmic.

There was no response.

Knock, knock, knock—

Tang Song knocked again, but there was still no movement.

Yet the tag twitched.

Cultivation in Progress—89%—(Not Sprouted)

Seeing this, Tang Song's eyes brightened slightly. He simply stood by the door and waited quietly.

Then the tag moved forward, backward, forward again, and backward again, drifting back and forth like that. Tang Song could almost sense Qiu Qiu's tension and confusion behind the door.

Cultivation in Progress—90%—(Not Sprouted)

Yet she still did not open the door or answer him.

After a while, the tag gradually moved away and disappeared from his sight.

Tang Song's expression shifted slightly. He could not figure out what Qiu Qiu was thinking.

After hesitating for a moment, he turned around and returned to his own room.

He took off his clothes, took a quick shower, and washed up.

Tang Song lay naked on the bed, picked up his phone, and checked the time. It was almost eleven o'clock.

He turned off the main light, leaving only the nightlight on.

Lying in bed, Tang Song thought of his shy and sensitive partner from earlier that day, a faint smile appearing on his face.

His first meeting with Gao Mengting was especially vivid in his memory.

The reason he had chosen her as his partner back then was not just because of her looks, but also because of the good impression she had left on him.

He still remembered how, after signing the "deed of sale" for the Wuling Hongguang, Gao Mengting had leaned against the car's A-pillar, biting her lower lip as tears fell in streams from her eyes.

He also remembered the words she had said so earnestly: "Mr. Tang, I hope you'll treat her well—the rear suspension is a semi-helical spring, and it can only haul light cargo. If I weren't short on money, I definitely would have bought her back."

This girl full of idealistic sentiment was truly charming and adorable.

He treasured this bond between them.

Scenes from the past flooded his mind, and Tang Song became a little emotional late at night, once again beginning to let his thoughts wander.

The Beautician, Big Sister, the Fake Socialite, Bai Fumei, Secretary Jin—one vivid figure after another flashed before his eyes.

After quite a while, he picked up his phone and opened QQ.

He switched to April's alt account. Aside from the Fan Group for Qingqing Can't Get Enough, there was also an unread message from Zhang Yan.

It had been sent at nine that morning.

There was only one message: an image generated from a note, containing a short prose piece several hundred words long.

Tang Song:

Guangzhou's early autumn was like a light folk song, carrying the lingering warmth of late summer mixed with a few threads of coolness.

Today was September 23. The autumnal equinox had just passed, and day and night had finally achieved a brief balance. The city was still busy, while I slowly found my own rhythm amid that busyness.

Life lately had been like a casually opened novel, full of unexpected plot twists. For example, I adopted a stray cat. Yes, you heard that right. I, who had always been afraid of trouble, actually adopted a cat.

It was a little orange-and-white thing, and I named it "Orange."

The day I met it, it was raining. It was curled up beneath the roadside bushes, soaked from head to toe, its eyes timid, just like me when I first arrived in Guangzhou.

Orange was very timid. It always hid in a corner, only quietly poking its head out to look at me with those round eyes when I came home.

Life was like that—full of trivial little things, yet made interesting because of them.

May all be well with you.

Zhang Yan, September 23, 2023, Guangzhou Whispers.

After reading it over and over, Tang Song felt as though Zhang Yan's words had carried his thoughts to Guangzhou in early autumn.

He saw the little cat called Orange, wandered through an old bookstore in the old town, and tasted the multigrain porridge she had cooked.

His heart gradually calmed.

Lying in bed, he fell into a deep sleep before he knew it.

September 24, 2023, Sunday. Light rain turning cloudy, 15–23°C.

Lanfeng International Luxury Apartment.

Early in the morning, thunder rumbled faintly outside, and raindrops pattered against the glass.

Lin Mu Xue got up early, tied her hair into a neat bun, and changed into light workout clothes. She looked fresh and full of energy.

She made herself a cup of black coffee, fully waking herself up.

She smiled at herself in the mirror, turned on the camera, and began recording today's vlog.

Working out, washing up, skincare, a nutritious breakfast. "These daily nuts are from a brand I've been collaborating with recently. They taste great and are perfect for replenishing energy after a workout."

Before the camera, she was elegant and sexy, her movements smooth and highly professional.

After finishing the ad copy, she continued enjoying her breakfast.

After breakfast, Lin Mu Xue sat down at her workstation, opened her MacBook and iPad, and read financial English documents while writing and sketching in her notebook.

Her expression was focused. Sometimes she frowned in thought, and sometimes an enlightened smile appeared on her face. She looked every bit the workplace elite. Half an hour later.

She turned off the camera, stretched lazily, and began editing the video.

She now had nearly a million followers on Douyin and another thirty-five thousand on Little Red Book. She was undeniably a major internet celebrity. Just from sponsored posts and ads, she made more than forty thousand yuan a month, and that was only because she did not livestream.

The phone on the desk suddenly vibrated, interrupting her train of thought.

Lin Tiantian.

Seeing the caller ID, Lin Mu Xue's heart skipped a beat. She immediately answered, unable to hide the excitement in her voice. "Hello! Good morning, Assistant Lin!"

During their last call, Lin Tiantian had mentioned that she would come to Yancheng over the weekend to help organize the materials needed for her enrollment.

It seemed she had finally arrived!

"Good morning, Ms. Lin Mu Xue." A gentle, professional female voice came through the receiver. "I'm currently in Yancheng, and I'll meet with you today. I've sent the things you need to prepare in advance to your WeChat. After that, I'll arrange for professionals to help you—"

"Okay, thank you! Sorry for the trouble, Tiantian!"

"You're welcome. That will be all for now. I won't disturb you any longer. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Mu Xue let out a cheer, excitedly kicking her legs as a flush appeared on her face.

She did not have to wait long.

Lin Tiantian finally sent the materials over. They were all documents Lin Mu Xue had already prepared, such as her identity information and adult undergraduate diploma.

She paced back and forth through the Living Room excitedly.

She memorized a few words, then went to the bathroom.

The emotions in her heart refused to settle for a long time.

It was a pity Tang Song was not there. Otherwise, she would definitely have dragged him to find the Beautician and play an exciting three-person ball game together.

As if imagining a certain scene, Lin Mu Xue licked her lips and pulled the curtains shut.

She lay back down on the bed.

Tang Song was not there, but fortunately, she knew a little Water Magic.

On such a wonderful autumn morning, with the sound of rain outside, how could she not indulge in a little romance?

Soon, a photo of Tang Song appeared on her phone screen, and she placed it beside her pillow.

Lin Mu Xue turned sideways and looked at him in the photograph.

Her hands began forming intricate magical seals, while low, indistinct incantations drifted through the quiet bedroom.

Her body rose and fell slightly, her fair skin gradually flushing red, and her long legs unconsciously curled up. Moisture began gathering in the air, as though answering her summons.

Lin Mu Xue's face gradually flushed red as blood, her eyes hazy as she immersed herself completely in the world of magic.

At that critical moment, a piercing mobile phone ringtone suddenly sounded.

Tang Song's figure vanished from the phone screen, replaced by the incoming call interface.

Qianqian

Lin Mu Xue gritted her teeth in the crucial stage of casting and answered the call.

Zhao Yaqian, the beautician, spoke anxiously from the other end. "Hello? Xiao Xue!"

"What's wrong, darling?" Sensing that something was off with Zhao Yaqian, Lin Mu Xue forcibly interrupted her casting.

"Something happened!" Zhao Yaqian took a deep breath. "She's here. That woman is here!"

"Huh? What do you mean? Who?" Lin Mu Xue, her mind clouded by desire, failed to react at first.

"Brother Song's official girlfriend. She's in Yancheng now, and she wants to see me at a private club at noon."

Lin Mu Xue's eyes widened abruptly as she shot upright. "What? She's here?"

"Mm, she just called. Xiao Xue, will you come with me? I'm a little—a little scared."

Lin Mu Xue's fair chest rose and fell as she bit her lip, her tone resolute. "No problem. Don't worry, Qianqian. With me here, nothing is a problem!"

Zhao Yaqian let out a long breath. "Thank you, Xiao Xue. Will you come over later?"

"Alright, wait a moment. I'll freshen up first."

"Mm-hm, no rush. There's enough time."

She hung up the phone.

Lin Mu Xue leaned against the blankets, breathing heavily as she gave herself a pep talk.

Xiao Xue was Tang Song's woman too! His personal assistant! A specially cultivated talent!

The beautician was a trust beneficiary!

Together, the two of them carried quite a bit of weight!

Even you, Emperor Su, could forget about bullying us.

As her thoughts surged with excitement, her emotions rose again.

Looking at Tang Song's figure on the phone screen, the desire to cast that had just been suppressed instantly rushed back with even greater intensity.

The chant of magic sounded once more.

Lin Mu Xue's emotions reached a peak at that moment.

So what if it's Su Yu? What grand scenes hasn't I, Xiao Xue, seen before?

Besides, perhaps when we meet again on the court, we might run into each other.

When that happens, I'll use a water-element forbidden spell and directly draw maps on you!

Haha~~

Yanjing Sky City.

"Knock, knock—" A crisp knock sounded.

"Come in."

The door was gently pushed open, and Lin Tiantian walked in on tiptoe, speaking respectfully. "Director Jin, everything on Lin Mu Xue's end has been arranged."

"Mm, got it." Secretary Jin did not even raise her head, remaining focused on the pages in hand. Her voice was indifferent, carrying a trace of laziness.

Since she was at home, she was dressed very casually.

A loose white T-shirt hung slackly over her body, paired with simple shorts. She wore soft slippers on her feet, her hair casually tied into a bun, with a few stray strands hanging lazily by her ears.

She sank into the sofa, her crossed legs snow-white and luminous, her bearing elegant and noble.

At the sight of Director Jin's peerless beauty, Lin Tiantian's gaze drifted slightly. But when her eyes moved downward and landed on the book cover in the other party's hand, she froze instantly.

"How to Make Men Addicted to You"

Below the title was a line of red lettering: "Secrets of the Bedroom."

Never in her wildest dreams had she expected that Director Jin would read this kind of book too!

Her image was kind of collapsing! Hey!

Lin Tiantian tried hard to control her expression, pretending she had seen nothing.

Just as Lin Tiantian's imagination was running wild, a pleasant doorbell suddenly sounded from the smart speaker in the master bedroom, interrupting her thoughts.

She quickly came to her senses, glanced at the display, and reported, "Director Jin, it's someone from property management."

Secretary Jin casually turned a page, her tone indifferent. "Go see what it is."

"Alright." Lin Tiantian responded and quickly turned around to leave the master bedroom.

Two minutes later.

Somewhat hurried footsteps sounded.

Lin Tiantian jogged back into the master bedroom, unable to conceal the joy on her face. "Director Jin, the property manager said it's a gift President Tang ordered for you!"

"Oh?" Secretary Jin was slightly stunned, then swiftly rose from the sofa. Her eyes instantly brightened, and a barely perceptible anticipation entered her voice. "Where is the gift?"

"Since it's a gift for you, I didn't dare touch it. I had the staff leave it by the entryway." Lin Tiantian looked exceptionally obedient.

Last time, because of President Tang's 520 gift, she had suffered a huge loss and had only just managed to return to Director Jin's side.

Naturally, she had to be even more careful.

What if she damaged some petals or leaves again?

Secretary Jin paid no attention to her little thoughts and walked outside with light steps.

Passing through the living room and hallway, she saw a bouquet of blooming roses by the entryway.

Secretary Jin gradually slowed her pace, her gaze falling upon the bouquet as a deep delight flashed through her eyes.

Ninety-nine roses, each carefully trimmed and arranged in a pleasing scatter. Their petals were full and fresh, exuding a faint fragrance.

Her fingers gently brushed over the soft petals, trembling slightly as though she were touching a precious treasure.

Then, her gaze fell upon the exquisite card in the middle of the bouquet.

Her movements paused slightly as she reached out, picked up the card, and gently unfolded it.

Roses are only romantic when I give them to you; because of you, I am complete.

I love you. You are irreplaceable.

Secretary Jin's gaze lingered on the card for a long while, her fingertips gently stroking the words as though she could feel Tang Song's warmth through the paper.

A smile unconsciously curved at the corner of her mouth, and her eyes became slightly unfocused.

Lin Tiantian stood to the side, secretly observing Director Jin's expression, her heart filled with emotion.

After quite a while.

Secretary Jin carefully put away the card, then gently lifted the bouquet of roses and lowered her head to inhale their fragrance.

Turning around, she said calmly, "Help me find several vases and arrange these flowers separately."

Lin Tiantian quickly nodded. "Alright, Director Jin. I'll get right on it."

"Wait a moment." Secretary Jin suddenly called out to her.

Lin Tiantian stopped in her tracks. "Director Jin, do you have another instruction?"

"Take a photo for me." Secretary Jin opened the card and placed it among the roses.

"Alright, understood!"

Lin Tiantian swiftly took out her mobile phone and opened the camera.

"Click—" The image was captured.

Secretary Jin held ninety-nine roses in her arms, a mesmerizing smile on her face.

"Send the photo to me," Secretary Jin instructed softly. Then she walked briskly toward the bedroom, her back revealing a rare trace of delight.

Looking at the photo on her mobile phone, Lin Tiantian seemed to understand the other party's intention.

Love truly was a magical thing. It could actually turn Director Jin into this!

Crow Mountain, Shanhaiguan Scenic Area.

The ancient city walls of gray bricks and tiles stretched in winding curves, like a giant dragon that had slept for a thousand years.

Tang Song stood beneath the gate tower of "First Pass Under Heaven," gazing up at the four vigorous characters as an indescribable shock surged in his heart.

Just then.

!

On September 24, 2023, your actions indirectly triggered a fierce dispute between the character "Su Yu" and the character "Secretary Jin." "Su Yu" fell into intense emotional turmoil and self-doubt.

You have completed the hidden mission "Emotionally Uncontrolled Su Yu."

You have obtained the special item "Su Yu's Emotional Fragment."

Su Yu's Emotional Fragment: After use, it will trigger an interactive mission related to the character, helping the player stabilize the character's emotions and improve their good impression. Upon completing the mission, you will receive skills or related rewards connected to the character.

Note: This interactive mission will affect game characters in reality. Please treat it with caution.

Tang Song's brows jumped sharply, and the corner of his mouth twitched.

I only sent a bouquet of roses. How did it cause such a huge commotion?

A fierce dispute? Self-doubt? That can't be necessary, right?

What exactly had Secretary Jin done to Su Yu?