Full charm points, inherit game assets

Chapter 636 Boyfriend, Girlfriend (Combined)

Night had already fallen.

In apartment 501, building 8 of Yunjingtai residential complex, the spacious and bright living room is warm and inviting.

The evening news was playing on TV, but Tang Jianying and Xu Feng were both somewhat distracted.

"Why don't you call again and ask when your son is coming back?"

"What's the rush?" Xu Feng rolled her eyes at him, annoyed. "Xiao Song runs such a big company in Yancheng, he must be busy day and night. Let's not add to his troubles. He said he'd be back today, and he definitely will."

Despite saying that, she couldn't help but send Tang Song an inquiry message.

"Buzzing—"

[Tang Song: Just finished work, I probably won't get home until 8 pm.]

Xu Feng quickly replied, "No rush, come over after you've eaten. Be careful on the road, and wear more clothes because it's cold."

After sending the message, the couple finally felt relieved.

Tang Jianying sighed, "I went back to my hometown a few days ago to clean the house, and Guo Jie's daughter Ranran told me that Xiao Song's 'Songmei Clothing' is incredibly popular, and it seems they've even started their own clothing brand. Ranran even asked me to ask if the company is still hiring."

Xu Feng snorted: "Hehe, who can't see what Ranran is thinking? She's eyeing our son. Speaking of which, our son is indeed in high demand right now. He's had quite a few matchmakers coming to our door lately. But Xiao Song is already 27, he's successful in his career, and he even has a house. It's time to start thinking about it."

Since they moved to this upscale neighborhood, the news of Tang Song making a fortune through e-commerce live streaming has already spread among their relatives and friends.

Aside from some people subtly trying to get rich or arrange jobs for him, the majority of people wanted to act as matchmakers for him.

Tang Jianying nodded, then suddenly asked, "Do you think there's still a chance for our son and Liu Qingning?"

"Sigh..." Xu Feng sighed and turned off the TV. "Last time he came back, I asked him indirectly, but he wouldn't say anything. It seems that things aren't looking too good."

Upon hearing this, Tang Jianying's face was filled with disappointment and regret.

They really liked Liu Qingning.

She was smart, beautiful, sensible, and outstanding. She was the "model child" since she was a child, and she was also the top scorer in the county's college entrance examination that year.

She has such a good relationship with her son, and she is impeccable in every way.

But because she was too outstanding, she was never able to be with Tang Song.

They knew that their son wanted to pursue a master's degree at a university in Beijing, and they also knew why.

Later, due to family matters, they were delayed, and the gap between them and Liu Qingning widened, which made them feel guilty.

Now that Tang Song has finally achieved success in his career, the old couple naturally brought up this idea again.

"I'll ask Xiao Song properly when he gets back and see what's going on," Xu Feng decided.

The voice just fell.

"Jingle Bell--"

The video doorbell on the wall suddenly lit up.

"Let me see who it is," Tang Jianying said as she walked to the entrance.

Immediately afterwards, I saw that familiar face on the screen.

"It's a lime!"

Upon hearing this name, Xu Feng practically jumped up from the sofa and rushed over.

Good evening, Auntie and Uncle.

On the screen, Liu Qingning stood gracefully at the entrance of the building, wrapped in a thick coat, with a sweet smile on her face.

"Oh, Qingning, you silly child, why didn't you tell me you were coming!"

As Xu Feng spoke, she quickly pressed the unlock button.

Less than two minutes later, the elevator arrived.

Liu Qingning appeared before the two of them, carrying a silver suitcase.

On a cold winter night, the outdoor temperature was close to zero degrees Celsius. Her lovely face was red from the cold, like a ripe apple.

Xu Feng quickly stepped forward, warmly took her cold hand, and pulled her into the house.

"Oh dear, come in and warm up!"

Tang Jianying looked at the suitcase at her feet with surprise: "Qingning, why are you carrying a suitcase? Is it...?"

Liu Qingning smiled and explained, "Yes, I just came back from Shenzhen and have only just arrived in Jing County."

"Huh? You're not home yet?!" Xu Feng was stunned.

Liu Qingning shook her head and said in a matter-of-fact tone, "No, my home is in the South Ring area. I just happened to be passing by here, so I thought I'd stop by and see you, Uncle and Aunt. Oh, by the way, I brought you some gifts."

Tang Jianying and Xu Feng exchanged a glance, both of them somewhat bewildered by her actions.

Liu Qingning laid her suitcase down, opened it, and took out several carefully prepared gift boxes.

"Uncle, this is some tea I brought for you. Auntie, this is some bird's nest and a set of anti-aging skincare products I brought back from Shenzhen. They're really effective, you should definitely try them."

"This...this...Lime, you said you...you just came, why did you bring anything!"

Xu Feng quickly waved her hand, caught off guard by the other party's sudden enthusiasm, and felt dizzy.

Although Liu Qingning used to visit often and behaved very well-behaved and sensible, she is completely different now.

He had just returned to Jing County and hadn't even gone home yet when he came to their house with a box of gifts.

Liu Qingning smiled and stuffed the gift into her hands: "Oh, please don't refuse it. It's just a small token of my appreciation as a junior. Besides, it'll save Tang Song from saying I'm stingy and inconsiderate."

Xu Feng's heart skipped a beat, as if she had realized something.

A warm smile immediately spread across her face. "Please sit down! You must be exhausted from coming all this way. Have you eaten? Jianying, go and pour Qingning a cup of hot water!"

"I ate on the plane."

Liu Qingning obediently sat down on the sofa, warming her hands with hot water while chatting naturally with the two of them.

The conversation started with her work in Shenzhen and then moved on to Xu Feng's health.

She held Xu Feng's hand, showering her with concern and affection, behaving as intimately as if she were her own daughter.

More than twenty minutes later.

"Ring ring—" The cell phone suddenly rang.

Liu Qingning glanced at her phone screen, stood up, and answered the call, "Hello, Dad."

"We've arrived in Jing County. We'll be heading home soon."

"I really have eaten."

hang up the phone.

Liu Qingning turned around, her face apologetic, and said, "Uncle, Auntie, I have to go home now."

Xu Feng glanced at the wall clock. "How about we stay a little longer? Xiao Song will be home around 8 p.m.

"No, my dad is urging me to come. When Tang Song comes back, I can have him come to see me. Anyway, we're not far apart, both in the county town."

Xu Feng hesitated for a moment, but finally asked the question that had been bothering her for so long: "Qing Ning, did you two agree to come back together?"

Liu Qingning's cheeks flushed red instantly, and she said shyly, "Um... Tomorrow is my birthday, and he was originally going to fly to Shenzhen to be with me. I was worried that it would be too much trouble and tiring for him to travel back and forth, so I arranged to celebrate with him in our hometown."

Hearing this, and looking at her expression...

Xu Feng and Tang Jianying's hearts skipped a beat.

Xu Feng took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly, "Qing Ning, so you... and Xiao Song, what about you two now..."

Liu Qingning looked surprised and confused. "Huh? Didn't Tang Song tell you? We...we've been together for months."

Tang Jianying and Xu Feng exchanged a glance, both seeing an indescribable joy in each other's eyes.

Happiness came so suddenly!
"Oh my!" Xu Feng slapped her thigh excitedly, her voice rising several decibels. "That brat! He actually kept such a big thing from us! When he gets back, I'm going to give him a good talking to!"

Liu Qingning covered her mouth and chuckled, "Then I'll go home first, you don't need to see me off."

Despite saying that, Xu Feng still personally escorted Liu Qingning to the entrance of the residential area.

That passion and affection almost melted her.

...

Get into a taxi.

Liu Qingning let out a long breath, clasped her hands tightly in front of her, and tried to calm her wildly beating heart.

Although she behaved calmly and appropriately

But actually, I felt nervous, uneasy, and a little shy.

She had this in mind when she chose to go back to her hometown to celebrate her birthday.

It's just not that fast or that urgent.

Ultimately, it was the suffocating pressure that Jin Meixiao and Su Yu brought her.

Therefore, it's not just about "conquering" Tang and Song's parents; they also have to confront their own parents.

Last Mid-Autumn Festival, my parents came to Shenzhen for a trip.

Because she was still hesitant about this complicated relationship at that time, and had not yet fully accepted the idea, she did not confess her relationship with Tang Song.

After all, the two families know each other, and once the truth comes out, many things could get out of control.

She only dared to say that the sea-view apartment in No. 1 Shencheng Bay was a temporary stay at a friend's place to entertain them.

She didn't even tell her parents about her job at Qingning Technology.

However, things are different now, and it's time to make our stance clear.

Outside the car window, the familiar yet slightly unfamiliar night view of the county town slowly receded.

Those familiar buildings and shop signs are like an old photo album being flipped through quickly, bringing back memories of the past.

It made her gaze slightly unfocused.

"Ding-dong—" A WeChat notification sound rang out.

[Tang Song: "Why did you suddenly come to my house? My mom just called and gave me a long lecture."]

Liu Qingning quickly snapped out of her daze, pursed her lips tightly, and replied, "What? Are you unhappy?"

[Tang Song: "No, I saw the gift you gave my parents. Thank you, my dear girlfriend (#kiss)."]

Liu Qingning couldn't help but smile and replied with an emoji.

Then he typed again, "And you? Where are you now?"

[Tang and Song Dynasties: "We're almost at Jinan."]

Liu Qingning: "I went back to Jing County, but I didn't even go home. I went to visit my uncle and aunt. Shouldn't someone also do something for me?"

Tang Song: "Wait for my call."

Liu Qingning smiled and put her phone away.

Just then, the taxi driver's voice rang out: "Miss, we've arrived at the Mining Construction Community."

Liu Qingning pointed ahead and said, "Master, please take me downstairs and I'll give you directions."

"okay."

The car passed through the mottled north gate and drove into the somewhat dilapidated community.

Kuangjian Community is a collectively built housing complex by Quancheng Mining Construction Company, and is a typical old community from the 1990s.

The building is only four stories high, the interior is dilapidated, and there is no standardized property management.

Liu Qingning's father, Liu Xuemin, was an employee of this company, working as an accountant.

When I was in sixth grade, my father used his connections and spent money to transfer me from the town's coal mine to the county seat, and our family moved into this community.

And so she left that elementary school where Tang and Song dynasties were located.

At the time, she didn't have any special feelings for that guy; she just thought of him as a somewhat childish childhood playmate.

Years later, a chance encounter after junior high school graduation revealed a shy boy with rosy lips and white teeth riding a bicycle; and then, at the start of high school, they were classmates again in a dramatic turn of events…

That's what led to a unique story between them.

Soon, the taxi stopped outside Unit 3 of Building 7.

Liu Qingning paid the fare, and as soon as she got out of the car, she saw the familiar figure that had been waiting downstairs.

"Qingning, you're back." Liu Xuemin quickly stepped forward and took the suitcase out of the trunk.

"Dad, it's so cold outside, what are you doing standing here?"

"Ugh, it's too stuffy inside, I'm going out for a smoke."

"Smoke less; your lungs aren't good to begin with."

"Okay, okay," Liu Xuemin replied with a smile on his face.

As they talked, the two entered room 03 on the first floor.

A warm feeling, a blend of the aroma of food and the warmth of daily life, wafted over me, dispelling all the chill from my body.

The house is small, only about 60 square meters, and the decoration is in the style of more than ten years ago, with the simplicity unique to that era.

But it was tidied up very neatly, and full of the warmth of home.

Liu Qingning's mother, Zhang Yunlan, was carrying a plate of steaming dumplings out of the kitchen.

Upon seeing her, a smile instantly bloomed on her face. "Lime! Come here quickly, the dumplings are fresh out of the pot, your favorite zucchini and egg filling!"

"Mom, I already told you, I've already eaten. Why bother?"

"Having come all the way back from Shenzhen, how could I not have a meal at home!"

Liu Qingning took off her thick coat, took the chopsticks, and sat down at the small coffee table.

I picked up a plump, white dumpling, blew on it gently, and then took a small bite.

The fresh zucchini still has a hint of sweetness, mixed with the caramelized aroma of scrambled eggs and that familiar sesame oil scent, instantly bursting on the taste buds.

A smile involuntarily appeared on Liu Qingning's face.

Zhang Yunlan and Liu Xuemin sat opposite her, looking at her with joy, and began to inquire about her work and life at the new company.

They knew their daughter had left Century Wisdom Education and joined Qingning Technology, a company whose name seemed to have a connection with hers, but they didn't know much else.

However, they have always been at ease with their daughter, whom they have been incredibly proud of since she was a child.

Since she had already eaten dinner, Liu Qingning only ate four or five dumplings before stopping.

"Jingle Bell--"

A cell phone suddenly rang, breaking the warm atmosphere at the dinner table.

Upon seeing the name flashing on the screen, Liu Qingning quickly put down her chopsticks.

He wiped his mouth and answered the phone.

"Hello? Teacher Wang."

"Qingning, are you not busy right now? Did I bother you?" Professor Wang Chang's gentle and familiar voice came from the other end of the phone.

"No, Teacher Wang, I took the day off today. I just went back to my hometown in Jing County."

"Hehe, tomorrow is your birthday, you should go home and celebrate properly." Wang Chang paused, took a deep breath as if to calm himself down, and then said solemnly, "Qingning, there's something I have to tell you. This afternoon, I officially submitted my application for leave without pay to the school."

Liu Qingning's heart skipped a beat. "Professor Wang! You...you're leaving Imperial University?"

After all, they had been teacher and student for many years, and Wang Chang had helped her a lot, so she respected her teacher very much.

“It’s not leaving.” Wang Chang’s voice was full of laughter and anticipation. “I received an offer that I couldn’t refuse. Tangyi Precision sent me a formal invitation to join the ‘Xuanji Light Realm’ project as the vice president of the soon-to-be-established AI Research Institute, mainly responsible for university cooperation and the incubation of cutting-edge projects.”

She paused, her tone filled with pride for her prized student: "Qingning, I heard that the research institute gave this invitation because of our mentor-student relationship. Thank you, teacher."

Liu Qingning was taken aback for a moment, then quickly said, "Teacher Wang, you're too kind. I didn't really do anything."

"Okay, I just wanted to let you know that I look forward to our future collaboration."

The two chatted for a couple more minutes before hanging up.

Liu Qingning's gaze became thoughtful.

Tangyi Precision... my relationship...

Could it be... Su Yu?

Just then, Zhang Yunlan asked with concern, "Qingning, is that Professor Wang on the phone? Is she leaving Imperial University?"

"No, Teacher Wang is going to work for a company, and we will have in-depth cooperation in the future."

"Wow, this is great news!"

Liu Qingning nodded absentmindedly, her mind still racing.

Standing to the side, Liu Xuemin remarked with emotion, "Your Professor Wang is such a good person. He's been so kind to you, helping you a lot since college. When you went to Shenzhen before, he was worried about us, so he talked to us several times, telling us that we must support your career."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingning suddenly raised her head and looked sharply at her mother: "By the way, Mom, before I went to Shenzhen, did you say anything to Tang Song?"

Zhang Yunlan avoided eye contact and said, "No, what could I possibly say to Tang Song?"

“You definitely said it,” Liu Qingning’s tone left no room for argument, “that he should support me going to Shenzhen with the company and not hold me back, right?”

She is such a smart person.

Last year in the capital, when Tang Song heard that the Century Wisdom Academy was going to move to Shenzhen, he showed nothing but reluctance and worry.

Then one day, he suddenly began to fully support him, and then he left the capital and returned to Yancheng.

From that time on, her family stopped talking to her about her and Tang Song.

She guessed the reason at the time, but she was thinking about building up her business as soon as possible, then cashing out and buying a house in Yancheng, so she didn't expose it.

Seeing that she couldn't hide it any longer, Zhang Yunlan's expression changed: "That's right! Your company signed a big deal back then, and it looked like you were about to make a lot of money. I was afraid you would miss a great opportunity."

"Did Teacher Wang ask you to persuade me?"

"Oh? No, your Professor Wang just analyzed the pros and cons for us."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qingning's eyes trembled slightly, as if she understood something.

Since Su Yu was able to intervene in the angel round of [Century Wisdom], he could naturally also influence Professor Wang Chang.

And Teacher Wang, in turn, influenced her parents. It was a chain reaction…

Su Yu, you really are... cunning!

Therefore, we cannot necessarily believe everything she said before; we need to verify it step by step.

Seeing her daughter lower her head and remain silent, Zhang Yunlan tentatively said, "Qingning, look at you now...aren't you doing quite well?" Liu Qingning raised her head and calmly said, "There's something I haven't told you yet. I'm with Tang Song now, and he's my boyfriend."

"Huh? When did this happen?!" Zhang Yunlan and Liu Xuemin asked at the same time, but there wasn't much surprise in their eyes.

Their views on the Tang and Song dynasties were complex.

Knowing him well, I also know that he is sincere towards his daughter.

If Liu Qingning's career hadn't been so important, they wouldn't have become the villains.

Later, they heard that Tang Song was running a live-streaming company in Yancheng and was doing very well. He was driving a Mercedes-Benz and had even bought his parents a house in Yun Jingtai outright. They had already prepared themselves for this.

“It’s been several months,” Liu Qingning said seriously. “He’ll be going back to Jing County soon and will come to visit us.”

"Ah! I'll go cut some fruit then." Zhang Yunlan said, and hurriedly walked towards the refrigerator. "Xuemin, go make a pot of tea."

The couple immediately got to work.

I've just finished preparing everything.

"Knock knock knock—" A knocking sound suddenly rang out on the door.

Liu Xuemin got up and opened the door, his expression tightening. "Secretary Wang? What brings you here?"

Standing at the entrance was Wang Zhigang, a Party official from the Jingxian branch of Quancheng Mining Construction Company.

He was accompanied by a tall, handsome young man.

Wang Zhigang walked in with a smile: "Xuemin, I heard your Qingning is back? Is she home yet?"

"We've arrived, Secretary Wang, please come in!"

Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan were flattered and quickly welcomed them in.

"Secretary Wang." Liu Qingning stood up from the sofa, and when she saw the young man who followed her in, she paused, "Zhou Hao?"

"Long time no see, Qingning." Zhou Hao's eyes lit up the moment he saw Liu Qingning, and he smiled, "You're still as beautiful as you were in high school."

"Qingning, you two know each other?" Liu Xuemin asked, somewhat surprised.

Liu Qingning nodded: "Yes, he was a high school classmate of mine."

Zhou Hao was a prominent figure in high school, ranking among the top students, although he was a liberal arts student.

The two met frequently at various school events, assemblies, and award ceremonies, and thus became acquainted.

We haven't been in touch for many years.

Secretary Wang chuckled from the side, "Zhou Hao is my nephew. He's also a distinguished alumnus of No. 1 High School, and he came back specifically to attend the school's anniversary celebration. Tonight, he happened to come to my house to visit me, and when he heard that Qing Ning was back, he insisted on coming along. By the way, No. 1 High School also invited me to their anniversary celebration, haha."

Jingxian No.1 High School is the best high school in the area. It has been established for more than 50 years and has produced countless outstanding students.

Wang Zhigang himself graduated from No. 1 High School, and now he is the head of a local state-owned enterprise branch, so it is only natural that he received an invitation.

"Oh my, what a coincidence! Come, come, Secretary Wang, Zhou Hao, have some tea."

Liu Xuemin quickly invited the two to sit down, poured tea, and pushed the fruit over there.

Although he had worked for the mining construction company for more than 20 years, he remained just an ordinary accountant because he had no connections.

A powerful figure like Wang Zhigang, who usually barely speaks a few words to his colleagues, has now personally come to visit.

He naturally had to treat them with the utmost hospitality.

"Thank you, Uncle Liu." Zhou Hao thanked her politely, but his gaze remained almost fixed on Liu Qingning, making no attempt to hide his amazement and admiration.

Compared to the beautiful but somewhat naive top student she was in high school, Liu Qingning is undoubtedly much more mature now.

Having shed her girlish naiveté, her innate intelligence and independence have settled into a unique and confident aura.

In addition, the stark contrast between her innocent and lovely face and her sexy figure...

This contradictory combination of purity and desire is all the more fatally alluring.

Liu Qingning was extremely popular in high school; almost every boy in the school had feelings for her.

However, back then, it seemed that Tang Song was always by her side, and she only maintained polite, ordinary classmate relationships with other boys.

Noticing the other person's overly direct gaze, Liu Qingning's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and she subtly shifted her body to the inside of the sofa.

Zhou Hao smiled nonchalantly, as if it were merely an appreciation for a long-awaited reunion.

The group chatted warmly in the living room, discussing the 50th anniversary celebration of the school and the leaders and distinguished alumni who would be attending.

Liu Xuemin sat up straight nervously, trying his best to smile and agree with him.

Zhang Yunlan busied herself with preparing food, cutting fruit and brewing tea, afraid that she might neglect any aspect of the hospitality.

More than ten minutes later.

The conversation naturally turned to the current situation of Liu Qingning's classmates.

Liu Xuemin then asked, "Where does Zhou Hao work now?"

Zhou Hao himself has not yet spoken.

Wang Zhigang chuckled and said, "Xiao Hao is a homebody. Right after graduating from Zhejiang University, he went directly into the general manager's office of Quancheng Heavy Industry through the management trainee program, and is now a senior business supervisor in the department."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xuemin's heart skipped a beat. "Wow, that's amazing. He's so young and already a business manager in the general manager's office."

Zhang Yunlan quickly followed up with a few sincere compliments.

Quancheng Heavy Industry is a leading state-owned enterprise in the area, not only a pillar industry but also the largest taxpayer.

Their mining company relies heavily on this giant for most of its business.

The General Manager's Office is the central nervous system of the entire group; to be able to sit in a managerial position here is truly a sign of exceptional talent.

It's no wonder that Zhou Hao was invited to the school anniversary celebration as an "outstanding alumnus".

Liu Qingning simply sat there with a smile, nodding politely without much reaction.

Zhou Hao turned to her, naturally steer the conversation towards her, his tone carrying just the right amount of concern: "Qingning, I heard you've started your own business, and you're working on cutting-edge artificial intelligence?"

"Ah."

“That’s great. Artificial intelligence is the biggest trend right now.” Zhou Hao nodded. “Our group is also actively carrying out intelligent transformation recently, and I happen to be following up on this. What specific area does your company focus on? Maybe we can collaborate in the future.”

Wang Zhigang chimed in with a smile, "Yes, yes, they are all outstanding young people and alumni, so it's good for them to exchange ideas more often."

Watching the two people opposite her singing in unison, Liu Qingning smiled and said, "I did work at a startup before, but I switched to Qingning Technology a few months ago."

"Qingning Technology?" Zhou Hao was taken aback at first, then immediately realized what he meant, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Wang Zhigang said in surprise, "I've heard of this company too. It's a unicorn in the domestic AI field, especially Qingmi AI. Many young people in our company are using it."

As the top leader in office, he naturally pays attention to major domestic news.

For a company of Qingning Technology's caliber, it's natural that they are not completely ignorant.

Liu Xuemin said with some pride, "Yes, that's the company."

"I have to say, this name really has a connection with you, Qing Ning," Zhou Hao said with a smile. "That's great. Startups are too risky and offer little security. Being able to join a giant company like this, backed by Tangyi Precision and Smile Holdings, offers better career prospects."

Wang Zhigang nodded in agreement and asked casually, "For a top-tier internet company like this, located in a first-tier city, the salaries must be quite high, right? I've heard that they can offer outstanding recent PhD graduates an annual salary of over a million. Someone at your level must be making at least tens of thousands a month, right?"

As soon as the question was asked, not only Zhou Hao, but also Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan subconsciously looked over.

They had asked before, but their daughter only vaguely said that they could only confirm after the trial period.

It's been almost three months now, and they're planning to ask again in the next couple of days.

Faced with the curious gazes of the crowd, Liu Qingning suddenly broke into a bright and slightly playful smile.

"It's alright. I currently receive an annual salary, which is about six million before tax, plus some stock options."

"..."

"..."

"..."

The living room fell into a deathly silence.

Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan were so shocked that their mouths dropped open, and they looked at each other, thinking they had misheard.

Zhou Hao's smile froze instantly, as if it had been shattered on the spot.

Wang Zhigang's hand, which was holding the teacup, suddenly stopped in mid-air.

His expression shifted rapidly, from shock to doubt, then to a barely perceptible scrutiny, before he finally spoke:

"This... Qingning, you're not kidding us, are you?"

"No, not at all." Liu Qingning smiled and winked. "As you know, the AI ​​industry is very competitive. In order to retain core talents, the company does offer more generous compensation and incentives."

She paused, then added with a half-smile, "Of course, the most important reason is actually that my boyfriend has some influence at Qingning Technology. He's the one who helped me get into the company and also managed to get me a decent salary and position from the board of directors."

These seemingly casual words contain an almost unbelievable amount of information.

Like a silent bomb, it stirred up a tidal wave in the minds of the four people in the living room.

Annual salary of six million? Boyfriend? Influence?
Because their daughter joined Qingning Technology, Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan specifically looked up information about the company.

I knew it was a real, world-class unicorn company.

And the daughter's boyfriend is undoubtedly Tang Song.

But... how could Tang Song possibly have any influence at Qingning Technology? And why would he help his daughter get into the company?

What is all this?!

It's not that they don't believe their daughter, it's just that this is too unbelievable.

Zhou Hao struggled to speak, "Qingning, are you really not joking? And who is this boyfriend you're talking about...?"

At this moment.

"Ring ring—" The cell phone suddenly rang.

Liu Qingning glanced at the screen, smiled, and answered the phone, "Hello? Tang Song."

"...Yes, I'm at home. You're already inside the complex? Do you know how to get there? Do you want me to come pick you up?"

"Okay, okay, I'll wait for you."

After hanging up the phone, Liu Qingning smiled at Zhou Hao and said, "Who else could it be? It's Tang Song, you should know him. It's quite a coincidence, he's arriving soon too."

After saying that, she stood up and looked through the living room glass at the slightly dilapidated street outside the neighborhood.

Because it's on the first floor, and there are lights outside, the view outside is crystal clear.

The four people in the living room also subconsciously turned their gaze to the window.

After a while.

Two blindingly bright lights swept across, illuminating the open space in front of the building as bright as day.

Immediately afterwards, a dark, solemn car, completely out of place with its surroundings, slowly drove up and came to a steady stop outside the building entrance.

The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy on the front of the car shines brightly under the lights.

Everyone stared in surprise, for they all naturally recognized the famous Rolls-Royce.

The driver's side door opened, and a female driver in a sharp black suit stepped out briskly.

He quickly walked around to the back row, bowed slightly, and opened the carriage-style double doors in the back.

The next second, a handsome figure walked down.

Then, he looked up and glanced towards the window, his dark hair sweeping across his handsome features, and a gentle smile appeared on his face.

Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan stared wide-eyed in disbelief, their mouths agape involuntarily.

This...this is...the Tang and Song dynasties?!

Zhou Hao stared blankly at the figure that was both similar to and completely unfamiliar with the one in his memory, feeling utterly numb.

As Liu Qingning's former "rumored boyfriend," Tang Song was extremely well-known in his class at No. 1 High School.

When he returned from the school anniversary celebration, although he did not deliberately inquire, he learned about Tang Song's "current situation" through casual conversations with alumni.

I attended an ordinary university and my career seems to have been mediocre since graduation, with no particularly outstanding achievements.

But the powerful man stepping out of the Rolls-Royce in front of me is completely different from the rumors!
While the group was in a daze.

The female driver had already taken several beautifully packaged gift boxes from the trunk and respectfully handed them to Tang Song.

After taking it, he nodded to Liu Qingning in the window and disappeared into the doorway of the apartment building.

Liu Qingning quickly walked to the door, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

Almost simultaneously, steady footsteps approached from afar, and Tang Song's figure appeared at the door.

Under the lamplight, he appeared even more handsome and dashing, exuding a refreshing aura as if he had stepped out from the cold air outside.

Liu Qingning gave him a playful wink, then turned to the side and called out in a clear, melodious voice, "Dad, Mom, Tang Song is here."

"Uncle, Auntie," Tang Song's voice was gentle and magnetic, with a perfectly measured warm smile on his face, "I hope I haven't disturbed you by coming so late?"

Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan then seemed to wake from a dream, their eyes filled with indescribable shock.

"Oh! No, no, not at all!" Zhang Yunlan was the first to react, quickly stepping forward, almost flustered with enthusiasm. "Come in! Come in and sit down!"

Liu Xuemin stood frozen in place, looking at the young man in front of him who was completely different from the one in his memory.

He opened his mouth, but in the end he could only stammer, "Xiao Song, sit down and have some hot tea."

Then he hurriedly went to grab the cup.

Tang Song placed the gift on the cabinet in the entryway, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Hao and Wang Zhigang in the living room.

There was no surprise, no inquiry, just a polite nod to the two of them.

As the head of a branch office who had been immersed in the system for many years, Wang Zhigang instinctively stood up from the sofa almost the instant Tang Song's gaze swept over him.

A formulaic smile appeared on his face.

His brain was racing, quickly piecing together information about the young man in front of him—the Rolls-Royce, the female driver, his extraordinary demeanor, and Liu Qingning's words about "annual salary of six million"—trying to assess the man's true worth.

Zhou Hao opened his mouth, instinctively wanting to say hello.

However, Tang Song's gaze only swept over him briefly, not giving him that time.

For a moment, they could only stand there awkwardly.

There's still some confusion about what exactly is going on.

However, he still couldn't believe what Liu Qingning had said.

Gradually regaining his senses, Liu Xuemin took the initiative to speak: "Xiao Song, let me introduce you. This is Secretary Wang from our unit. This is Secretary Wang's nephew, Zhou Hao, who is also your high school classmate. He happens to be attending this year's school anniversary celebration, so he came over for a visit today."

"Secretary Wang, Zhou Hao, good evening," Tang Song replied politely.

Zhou Hao pursed his lips, just about to say something.

Wang Zhigang, standing beside him, suddenly chuckled and said, "Oh, Xuemin, look... Qingning's boyfriend is already here, and it's not appropriate for us two outsiders to still be here. We'll leave first and talk later. We won't bother you anymore."

As he spoke, he winked at Zhou Hao, who was still standing there in a daze.

He's here today to "play matchmaker," hoping to bring his nephew and Liu Qingning together.

Now her real boyfriend has come to her door, and judging from the entourage, his background is hard to pinpoint.

Before we fully understand the situation, we absolutely cannot stay here any longer, lest we say the wrong thing and cause some unmanageable trouble.

Zhou Hao swallowed hard, glanced at Tang Song and Liu Qingning, and then said goodbye.

Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan quickly got up to see them off.

...

After seeing off the two "uninvited guests,"

Tang Song looked at the somewhat reserved Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan and said with a smile, "Uncle, Aunt, please don't be so polite. It's been a long time since you've come. How have you been lately?"

"Everything is fine, everything is fine."

Liu Qingning said to her parents, "Okay, Mom and Dad, don't be so nervous. It's like you're interrogating a criminal."

Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan then realized what was happening and gave each other somewhat embarrassed smiles.

The group exchanged a few more pleasantries in the living room, but the atmosphere remained tense due to the immense shock.

Zhang Yunlan finally couldn't hold back and tentatively asked, "Qingning, what you just said to Secretary Wang and the others... was it true or false?"

They are still reeling from the shock of "annual salary of six million" and haven't quite recovered yet.

Tang Song was taken aback upon hearing this and looked curiously at Bai Yueguang beside him.

Liu Qingning winked at him playfully and explained, "I've been working here for three months now and I've been promoted to a permanent position. I just mentioned my current annual salary to my parents, and... it shocked them."

Upon hearing this, Tang Song immediately understood, and shook his head with a chuckle, "I thought you had already told your aunt and uncle."

“After all, it wasn’t confirmed before.” Liu Qingning said something only the two of them understood.

She had previously told Tang Song that she would tell him once she was sure of her true feelings and had overcome the hurdle in her heart.

“Xiao Song…” Zhang Yunlan finally mustered up her courage and asked directly, “Qing Ning told me that you helped arrange her current job?”

Tang Song glanced at Bai Yueguang, whose eyes were cunning, and seemed to understand something.

He understood perfectly and replied, "I guess so. I happen to have some shares in [Qingning Technology], and Qingning herself is very capable in the field of AI, so I recommended her."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Qingning said in a half-bragging tone, "I haven't told you guys yet, but the big apartment you stayed in when you went to Shenzhen last time was also owned by Tang Song. He let me stay there."

Upon hearing these two pieces of news, Liu Xuemin and Zhang Yunlan stared blankly at Tang Song, who was both familiar and unfamiliar to them.

A shareholder of Qingning Technology?! The property in Shenzhen Bay No. 1?!
Looking at her parents' utterly stunned expressions, Liu Qingning felt a complex and wonderful feeling welling up inside her.

She knows her parents all too well.

They love her and are proud of her, but deep down, they are just ordinary Chinese parents who are also subject to societal expectations and the pressures of reality.

Especially before, he said some unpleasant things to Tang Song in private.

Tang and Song inevitably harbored resentment.

So, she wanted to take this opportunity to help her boyfriend make a splendid "triumphant return home".

This is a way to refresh his parents' previous understanding of him, and it can also be seen as a small "revenge" for the grievances he suffered back then.

Of course, in addition to that, it's also about getting the parents' firm approval of the relationship.

She wants to gain the approval and close connection of both families to add the most significant weight to her position in this precarious relationship.

After all, she didn't have many advantages when facing Su Yu and Jin Meixiao.

(End of this chapter)