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The next day was overcast.
After two weeks of high temperatures, there was finally a sign of retreat.
Having played too wildly yesterday—something she hadn’t done in ages—Chu Ning overslept and woke up late in the morning.
“Bad, bad, I’m going to be late.” Barefoot, she rushed from the bedroom to the bathroom, her hair disheveled as she washed up.
Ying Jing brought out her shoes, neatly placing them by her feet, “Why are you in such a hurry? The floor is cold; lift your feet.”
Chu Ning obligingly complied. The next moment, Ying Jing slipped her feet into the slippers.
First the left foot, then the right.
“I have a meeting at 8:30; there’s no time.” Chu Ning spat out the mouthwash with a gurgle, grabbed a towel, and splashed water on her face.
After helping her put on her shoes, Ying Jing packed breakfast from the kitchen, multitasking as he spoke, “What meeting? You’re like Superman every day. Can’t you just be a normal nine-to-five office worker?”
Chu Ning applied makeup in front of the mirror, careful not to open her mouth too wide, mumbling unclearly, “Where would an ordinary office worker get the money to support you?”
Ying Jing grew increasingly uneasy listening to this. Although it was just a casual joke, he felt a bit unhappy inside.
But realizing it was just banter, he suppressed his displeasure.
“Eat your breakfast.”
“No, no, I don’t have time.” Chu Ning grabbed her bag, searching for her car keys, bustling around like the tough woman she was. When changing into high heels, she casually asked while holding the wall with one hand, “What time is your high-speed train?”
“The 11 o’clock one.” Ying Jing answered indifferently, adding, “My uncle’s birthday is today. I need to rush back to congratulate him. It’s unavoidable; I can’t miss it every year.”
Chu Ning glanced at him and smiled, “I’m not stopping you. Why so serious?”
Ying Jing chuckled twice but didn’t refute her.
He came over and handed her the breakfast, “Eat it on the way; you must eat.”
His expression was quite firm. Chu Ning complied, “Okay.”
Just as her hand touched the doorknob, she was pulled back.
“Are you leaving just like that?” Ying Jing hugged her waist, pulling her closer.
Chu Ning’s hand holding the breakfast was inconvenient, so she used one hand to hook around his neck and kissed him lightly on the lips.
Ying Jing didn’t let go, his eyes dark as he gazed at her.
Chu Ning kissed him again, stroking his face, “I really have to go. See you when school starts.”
Only then did Ying Jing reluctantly release her.
Before closing the door, Chu Ning turned sideways and said, “Send me a text when you reach the station.”
Ying Jing pursed his lips briefly, the expression fleeting, “Mm.”
________________________________________
Chu Ning organized a meeting with the company’s management personnel above the supervisor level. The approval comments on the new energy vehicle project had come through, and they had been busy discussing it all morning. The meeting finally dispersed at 10:30.
Chu Ning stayed behind with two key technical members to discuss matters. At this moment, she received a message from Ying Jing.
“I’m on the train.”
She glanced at it and replied with an “okay,” then continued. Twenty minutes later, after sorting out the key points, she finally caught her breath.
Sipping water, she reviewed the unread messages from the chaotic morning: securities company morning reports, China Mobile promotions, and some spam. Before exiting, her finger paused, and on a whim, she opened Baidu.
Beijing to Xingcheng, high-speed train.
A search popped up with a long list. Chu Ning scrolled down, staring at a specific time slot for several seconds.
To avoid errors, she refreshed the page.
What did he say earlier? The 11 o’clock high-speed train?
Yet the train schedule showed no trains to Xingcheng around 11 o’clock.
Chu Ning returned to the messages. Ying Jing’s was at the top: “I’m on the train.”
For a moment, she remained silent, flipping the screen face down and placing it expressionlessly on the desk.
________________________________________
At a café in the second ring business district.
On a weekday morning, the place was quiet.
It was 11:10 now. Ying Jing had waited for a while, half a glass of water down, and checked the time again. A chime of wind bells sounded at the entrance as a customer arrived. The waiter politely greeted, “Hello, sir.”
“Someone is waiting.” A deep male voice.
Ying Jing turned around. Tang Yao entered, wearing a polo shirt, looking sharp and suave.
His attire was relatively casual today, followed by Jiang Qi, who carried a briefcase. Jiang, the secretary, wore frameless glasses perched on his nose, exuding scholarly sophistication.
“Sorry, the flight was delayed, and I’m late.” Tang Yao took his seat gracefully. Though his words were polite, his tone lacked warmth.
Purely formalities.
“No problem, I just arrived too.” Ying Jing gestured, “What would you like to drink?”
Jiang Qi preemptively answered for Tang Yao, “I’ll order.”
Once they were alone, Tang Yao, a straightforward businessman, always spoke his mind. Efficiency, tactics, and no time wasted.
He got straight to the point, “What have you decided?”
Ying Jing’s expression was calm, as if he already had an answer. Without any hesitation or wavering, he was about to speak.
“Think carefully before answering.” Tang Yao interrupted appropriately.
This man was astute, observing minutely. By guessing his thoughts first and then unexpectedly throwing in a gentle reminder, the initially steadfast idea subtly shrank back.
Ying Jing fell silent, swallowing his words.
Tang Yao suddenly smiled, sitting upright, hands clasped on the table, saying, “I watched your competition; the operation was stable, and the mindset was correct. Were you not nervous that day?”
This surprised Ying Jing, who looked up, “You were there that day?”
“Yes, but not in the stands. Your virtual simulation technology has grown beyond my expectations.” Tang Yao chatted casually, speaking slowly and warmly, reminiscing, “It reminds me of myself during my student days. Why didn’t I study hard enough?”
He lowered his head and chuckled, “All I did was tinker with tyrant machines.”
Tang Yao subtly steered the conversation towards common ground, easily resonating and bridging the gap.
Indeed, Ying Jing relaxed somewhat, continuing the conversation naturally, “The domestic environment now is much more relaxed. There are platforms, conditions, and accumulated experiences from predecessors, allowing us to avoid many detours.”
“Detours are never few.” Tang Yao calmly stated, “As long as you pursue, progress, and research, this path will never have an end.”
Ying Jing empathized deeply.
Tang Yao: “I have a good impression of you and am interested in your project. Aero-engine technology is also one of Mingyao Innovation’s key development directions for the next three years. I am prepared, have the capital, determination, and attitude. If I do something, I aim to be the best. Ying Jing, this is a two-way choice process. I need talent. Think carefully about what you need.”
The question was thrown out without giving the other party time to think.
Tang Yao was confident, self-assured, and answered himself, “Single-mindedness.”
Strong capital, worry-free guarantees, advanced technical support, and infrastructure aligned with international standards.
Research is a probability.
This inherent uncertainty means it is destined to be extraordinary and challenging.
The path Ying Jing was on—once the first step was taken, there was no turning back.
Admittedly, Tang Yao hit the nail on the head regarding his thoughts.
This was his childhood interest, his dream after more than ten years of studying hard, his goal.
With such excellent backing conditions... it would be fake not to be tempted.
Tang Yao paused momentarily, giving him a short time to think, then pressed further, “We can negotiate terms. If there’s anything unsatisfactory, feel free to mention it.”
Few people could receive such a promise from Mr. Tang.
Ying Jing’s fingers slightly curled, rubbing against the glass of water. His mind was in turmoil; his previous decision was completely shattered, leaving him undecided.
“Thank you, but the project isn’t mine alone. I need to discuss with my team members.” Tang Yao gave a faint smile, his gaze piercing, seeing through the true emotions behind this statement.
“Ying Jing, you’re a smart person. You should know that when doing big things, the biggest taboo is being swayed by emotions.” He smirked, seemingly mocking, “If someone could buy you off, would you unconditionally agree even if they asked you to sell your soul for life?”
The words were sharp, but the underlying meaning was profound.
Ying Jing’s brows slightly furrowed.
At this point, Tang Yao spoke frankly, naming names, “President Ning has a keen eye for talent and is very perceptive. But her strength isn’t enough to illuminate this path. If you’re grateful for her kindness, I acknowledge that. But if you want to make a name in this field, mere sentiment won’t cut it. To ruin a good hand, is it worth it?” Tang Yao’s eyes revealed arrogance, concluding definitively, “Stupidity only invites disdain.”
This wave of words, both offensive and defensive, soft yet firm, appealed to reason. This tactic, where he repeatedly extended olive branches, would have most people gratefully accepting.
But Tang Yao underestimated Ying Jing.
After a brief silence, the same words came again: “Thank you, but I need to discuss with my team.”
This was a subtle rejection.
Tang Yao had encountered a stubborn individual. His eyebrows lowered, losing the previous warmth, speaking low with a chill, “In the aviation industry, nine out of ten times it’s monopolized. Without strong connections, even if your technology reaches its peak, without channels, can you afford it?” The implied threat was nonchalant yet oppressive.
Ying Jing met his gaze, unfazed by the eight winds.
The courage in his eyes wasn’t weaker than Tang Yao’s.
His voice was light, tinged with a hint of disdain, enunciating each word, “If I can’t afford it, I’ll destroy it.”
Tang Yao’s fingers, slightly curved on the table, paused imperceptibly as he discreetly sized up the other party.
This young man could bend and stretch, had wisdom, humanity, talent, and valued relationships. Perhaps not entirely rational, but objectively speaking, given his current experience and age, he surpassed many.
The younger generation is formidable.
At this moment, a certain stance within Tang Yao quietly shifted.
He composed himself, showing no overt reaction, stood up, and extended his hand, “Mingyao Innovation always values talent. I hope you reconsider. Mingyao’s doors will always be open to you.”
Ying Jing’s gaze probed, glancing at him.
Tang Yao saw through his thoughts and insisted, “I only deal with the best.”
With those five words, Ying Jing understood everything. He nodded, then stepped out of his seat and turned to leave.
He didn’t shake Tang Yao’s hand.
Secretary Jiang approached, slowly pondering, “Mr. Tang, shall I handle this?”
“No need.” Tang Yao massaged his temples, the fatigue from just getting off the plane growing heavier: “Let him be. He will agree.”
Today’s temperature dropped; the heatwave of the dog days receded, but the air remained muggy.
Ying Jing sat on the subway, glanced at the time, calculated, took out his phone, and sent a timely text to Chu Ning:
“I’ve arrived at Xingcheng, just got off the train. [Kiss Kiss]”
After sending, he quickly shoved the phone back into his pocket as if afraid to look at it.
Why?
He felt guilty!
To make a lie convincing, meticulous attention to detail was crucial. Ying Jing felt another pang of guilt, realizing he was deceiving his girlfriend. Regret and self-reproach swirled within him.
But, he had no choice.
Before the aviation technology competition, Tang Yao had approached him twice to discuss cooperation. Objectively speaking, Mingyao Innovation’s strength was formidable, and the conditions offered were top-notch. However, their insistence was also obstinate: complete control, full investment, complete autonomy—no acceptance of any other capital injection, especially in the company’s key future development projects.
Thus, it meant abandoning Chu Ning.
Chu Ning, oh Chu Ning, was Ying Jing’s heart’s bane.
Moreover, it wasn’t unprecedented. That time at the dinner party, she caught him with Tang Yao. Her eyes were filled with disappointment, even shedding two tears. Ying Jing felt sorrowful and subconsciously labeled himself, “Hello everyone, I’m Scumbag Jing.”
Now, it was even more so.
Chu Ning was his first priority; he absolutely wouldn’t let her be unhappy.
Additionally, they had been in a cold war during that period, leaving many things unsaid. Over time, it became unnecessary to bring them up.
Ying Jing adopted a “better safe than sorry” attitude and told this white lie.
Hopefully, this matter would quietly fade away unnoticed. Ying Jing calmly thought.
________________________________________
This hectic, short, fulfilling, yet magical summer break had only about twenty days left.
Although Ying Jing was in Xingcheng, he had considered going to Beijing early. But Chu Ning was busy; last week she went to Hefei, the week before to Xining. Each business trip lasted five or six days, making her akin to a frequent flyer.
Forget alleviating his longing by going to Beijing; even calling her required timing.
During the day, she ran between construction sites and project inspections; at night, various dinners and social events. By the time she finally had some leisure, it was usually after midnight when all was quiet.
Hearing her voice waver, she must have drunk a lot.
Ying Jing pitied her but was powerless.
Fortunately, Chu Ning had a decent alcohol tolerance. After a good night’s sleep, she was back to her tough self the next day.
And her memory was impeccable. Concerned about her boyfriend’s feelings, she always called him in the morning, coaxing and comforting him, just like what ordinary couples would do.
Sometimes, the call came as early as six o’clock, and Ying Jing was still in bed, groggy.
Chu Ning loved teasing him at this time, deliberately softening her voice, calling him affectionately as “Little Jing Comrade,” asking, “Do you miss me?”
Her Wu dialect was soft and coquettish.
People said that at this age, holding hands could lead to arousal.
Pfft.
Listening to her voice, Ying Jing felt his whole body go limp. Helplessly, he lifted the blanket to take a peek.
Only it was stiff.
And so, the summer passed in this ambiguous yet not overly intense state.
September, the lingering tail of summer, the autumn tiger, the new semester had arrived.
Ying Jing notified everyone in the group to arrive at school a day early for a meeting.
Upon reunion, the chatter was lively and noisy.
“Wow, Zhang Huaiyu, did you work in the fields? You’re as black as our African compatriots!” Zhou Yuan exclaimed loudly around her.
Zhang Huaiyu was annoyed, kicking him in the butt, “Go away! I’m a healthy dark beauty! What do you know!”
Qi Yu brought back a large bag of specialties from his hometown—smoked fish, smoked meat, soybean paste—all vacuum-sealed, retaining their flavor despite the heat.
He was a good guy, and everyone got a share.
Ying Jing opened a pack of fermented black beans to taste. As soon as the packaging was torn, that smell!
A neighboring roommate across the wall howled, “Who farted and didn’t close the door?!”
Everyone burst into laughter. Zhang Huaiyu grabbed a handful and stuffed it into Zhou Yuan’s mouth, “Close the door quick!”
Wan Pengpeng happened to walk in, frowning, “...What’s that smell?”
Zhou Yuan, having eaten Zhang Huaiyu’s recommendation, diverted his attention, “Young Master Wan! Where’s your Lamborghini? I want to ride it!”
Everyone shook off goosebumps, shouting in unison, “You’re disgusting!”
Another school season, the tail of summer lingered reluctantly. Despite the high temperatures, the night breeze quietly brought the scent of early autumn.
In the evening, Ying Jing held his phone, staring eagerly at that name.
On the WeChat chat page, all twelve messages were his own ramblings:
“I’ve arrived at school.”
“The dormitory is cleaned.”
“I’ve showered too, fragrant and fresh~~”
...
“Tomorrow is our team’s first meeting of the new semester. Are you coming?”
Chu Ning was on a business trip in Xiamen, conducting market research. For her to personally lead the team, it was evidently significant. Ying Jing had been glued to his phone all night, wanting to call her but fearing to disturb her dinner. She hadn’t replied to his messages, worrying him sick.
Had she gotten drunk?
Was there someone to help shield her from drinking?
How would she get back to the hotel? Who would help her?
The more he thought, the more anxious he became. Ying Jing even started checking the nearest flight from Beijing to Xiamen.
A reply came on WeChat.
One word: “Coming.”
Ying Jing instantly felt reassured, quickly typing, “Are you done? Returning to Beijing tomorrow? Shall I call you now?”
His fingers paused, thinking, and added three words at the end: ...Is that okay?
Silence.
The phone went back to sleep.
Sigh...
Ying Jing lay flat on his back, staring at the ceiling, the screen covering his chest, lost in thought.
________________________________________
The meeting time was set for 7 PM the next day.
Completely accommodating Chu Ning’s schedule, her flight arrived in Beijing at 5 PM. With the evening rush hour, traffic was congested like constipation, but they managed to arrive just in time.
Meeting after such a long separation, and it was for business.
Two fine youths building socialism!
“Sorry, I’m late.” Chu Ning was covered in dust from travel but still radiant with beauty.
Her dress was Donna Karan’s latest summer collection, sleeveless top paired with a pearl pendant around her neck, exuding a mature charm. She seemed impervious to the sun; the more the sun shone, the whiter her skin appeared.
From the moment she entered, Ying Jing’s eyes never left her.
But Chu Ning merely glanced at him, unruffled, her emotions inscrutable.
Let’s start the meeting.
Ying Jing didn’t get distracted for long, quickly focusing. He systematically presented this semester’s ideas, plans, and issues summarized during the holiday. Then discussions ensued, with everyone voicing their opinions.
Chu Ning could tell that Ying Jing and Qi Yu were the main forces; Wan Pengpeng handled the computer side, and the sole girl, Zhang Huaiyu, naturally played a detailed organizing role.
The division of labor was reasonable, and the personnel allocation was streamlined yet effective.
The group discussed technical aspects and moved on to this semester’s plans, where differences arose.
It wasn’t disagreement among team members but rather from Chu Ning.
Ying Jing said, “I’ve devised two plans. Let’s redo the second plan and compare which is better.”
At this point, Chu Ning interrupted, “Is there a problem with the current technology?”
Ying Jing looked at her, “No. But I think adopting the second plan might yield better results.”
“Might? Better?” Chu Ning highlighted the keywords, pointing out, “That means the current results are already okay—so why redo it?”
“Pursuing perfection.”
“But accelerating the integration of research and production, getting the product out, is essential to proceed with subsequent sales work.” Chu Ning said, “Only when the tech product is ready can I find channels and devise strategies based on it.”
Her perspective was fast monetization, input-output balance.
Already substantial initial investments had been made, and introducing a Plan B was tantamount to starting over, causing delays.
However, Ying Jing was extremely persistent in official matters, firmly denying, “Not acceptable.”
Chu Ning frowned, “I agree with continuing research, but can we postpone it to the next step?”
Ying Jing adhered to his inner conviction, cautious and serious. On professional issues, there was no room for negotiation.
Still two words: “Not acceptable.”
Chu Ning was speechless, scanning the others with her eyes.
Anyone could sense the awkward atmosphere; who dared to voice an opinion?
Yet—
“I agree with Little Jing!” Zhang Huaiyu’s arm shot up, her stance clear.
That settled it—two against one.
Chu Ning remembered; this girl had confessed to Ying Jing long ago at a KTV.
Previously, it didn’t matter. Now...
Hmph.
A surge of unnamed anger rose in Chu Ning’s heart. She looked at Ying Jing, then at Zhang Huaiyu. Coincidentally, at this moment, the two exchanged glances and spontaneously shared a smile.
“Fine. Continue your meeting.” Chu Ning stood up, expressionless, her tone cold, “I have company matters to attend to. Decide yourselves; I’ll leave first.”
“Hey! President Ning.”
“—Ning Jie.”
Zhou Yuan and Qi Yu called out one after another, but it was too late; she had already turned the doorknob and walked out.
Ying Jing belatedly realized: Oh no, oh no, oh no.
He hastily stood up and announced, “That’s enough discussion for now. Meeting adjourned. Any issues, discuss in the group chat!”
He hurriedly chased after her.
Qi Yu and Zhou Yuan exchanged glances, bewildered.
________________________________________
The September nights were still warm.
Ying Jing chased down to the ground floor. Chu Ning’s figure was elegant, her high heels accentuating her fair, well-proportioned legs. She was heading towards the car.
“Wait for me.”
“Hey! Chu Ning.” Ying Jing caught up, grabbing her hand, “Isn’t this just business talk? It’s normal to have different opinions.”
“Let go.” Chu Ning wriggled free.
He grabbed her again.
She pulled away, and he pulled her back.
Finally, Chu Ning exerted force, looking fierce, glaring at him, “I see now; you’re someone who doesn’t listen to advice.”
“How am I not listening to advice?”
“What I just said, did you seriously consider it?” Chu Ning emphasized, “From my perspective, my standpoint.”
Ying Jing pursed his lips, silent for a while.
“And you have helpers, huh? Very cooperative, enthusiastic. That little hand shooting up—I thought some bean sprout had sprouted from the ground.” Chu Ning sneered, her eyes disdainful.
“Oops.” Unable to hold back, Ying Jing laughed.
“You’re still laughing?!” Chu Ning’s brows furrowed deeper. She had been slightly tilting her head up. Ying Jing, tall and with a straight back, naturally had a slight advantage as he looked down at her.
“If I had known, I wouldn’t have attended this meeting. I’m exhausted from business trips and rushed here after getting off the plane.”
“Hmph, I see your teammates have great camaraderie. United against the enemy, eh?”
“I won’t attend any meetings you host in the future.”
Chu Ning tilted her head upwards, her resentment palpable, her mouth opening and closing incessantly.
Suddenly, Ying Jing scooped her up.
Chu Ning screamed in fright, “What are you doing?!”
After spinning halfway, dizzy, she was placed by Ying Jing onto the steps.
Three steps up, he set her down.
Facing each other, eyes locked, their heights were now equal.
Ying Jing’s eyes curved, a faint smile hidden, cheekily saying, “Seeing you tilt your head up all the time must be tiring. Stand here; this height is suitable. Go ahead and scold me however you want. I’m listening.”
Chu Ning was stunned for a few seconds, then realized and half her anger dissipated.
She stifled a laugh, pretending to be angry, turning her head away, muttering softly, “...Shameless.”
Ying Jing quite enjoyed it, moving closer with a sly grin, “Yes, shameless, but I only want you.”
Chu Ning’s heart trembled.
Ying Jing softened his tone, abruptly hugging her tightly. Lowering his head, he nuzzled her chest sincerely, murmuring, “...After such a long time apart, can we not argue the moment we meet?”
Her heart, like a sponge soaked in water, expanded with emotion and longing. Chu Ning couldn’t bear it anymore, gruffly responding, “...Alright.”
Then she turned Ying Jing’s face towards her, entwined her tongue with his, and passionately kissed him without restraint.
Behind them, on the fourth-floor window.
Three dark heads jostled to peek down—Zhou Yuan, Qi Yu, Wan Pengpeng—unable to contain themselves, they shouted loudly, “Oh!!!”
The sound was so loud that Ying Jing reflexively wanted to let go.
But Chu Ning hooked her arms around his neck, coaxing, “—Let them watch.”
Then she sealed his lips, kissing deeper and deeper.
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