Chapter 560 Evening Breeze, Champagne, One Step Away

Chapter 560 Evening Breeze, Champagne, One Step Away

Chapter 560 Evening Breeze, Champagne, One Step Away

It's around 5 p.m.

Zhuxi Community.

A slow rock song was playing on the smart speaker in the living room.

Gao Mengting was half leaning on the sofa, holding a hardcover novel in her hands, her expression focused yet relaxed.

Such quiet time is a long-lost luxury for her.

Since she founded Songmei Clothing, her life has been filled with work, leaving her with almost no chance to breathe.

Initially, she was afraid of disappointing Tang Song's trust and expectations, so she worked very hard, hoping that the company could make a profit as soon as possible and get back on track.
The next step is to expand the scale, improve the structure, create the core IP "He Yiyi", and promote brand operations...

Along the way, I never dare to stop.

Now, the branding has finally been implemented, the company's organizational structure has become more complete, and everything is moving in a good direction.

Her work pressure was reduced a lot.

Occasionally recalling her experiences over the past six months, she still feels dazed and even incredulous.

Songmei Clothing’s monthly sales now exceed 3000 million, and its estimated annual net profit is close to 4000 million.

What does this mean? If we follow the valuation logic of similar companies and take the industry PE ratio as 15 times, the company's valuation is about 6 million.

In addition, there is the well-known IP "He Yiyi" and the company's strong growth potential.

The neutral valuation should reach 8 million.

The 20% stake she holds is worth up to 1.6 million.

In other words, she has now become a billionaire.

Of course, she knew very well that valuation was just a book number and monetization was another matter.

But no one would be able to calm down easily after going from a loser who was heavily in debt and betrayed by his partners to where he is today.

In fact, when no one was paying attention, she had expressed emotion, gotten excited, and even secretly shed tears countless times.

The success in her career not only changed her financial situation, but also made her life more relaxed and elegant.

Recently, she started applying for a passport (preparing to go to Iceland to see the northern lights), bought a violin (preparing to learn new skills), and lent money to some friends who were in need.

Everything seems to be moving in an orderly manner towards a more complete "ideal self".

"Ding-dong-ding-dong-"

The crisp doorbell rang.

Gao Mengting put down the book in her hand and walked towards the door while saying "I'm coming".

An extremely familiar face appeared on the video doorbell.

Her breathing hitched slightly.

He held the door handle, opened the door, and asked calmly, "Why are you here?"

Zhao Jingmin was standing outside the door, and when she saw Gao Mengting, her eyes instantly turned red.

She bit her lip and whispered, "Mengting, can I...can I go in and talk?"

Gao Mengting's voice remained steady: "Just stand here and talk. I can hear you."

She still can't let go of this former roommate and partner.

In order to help them find jobs, she accepted Zhao Jingmin and Shen Huijuan without asking them to pay a penny, and took them on the road of live streaming to sell goods.

But in the end, they destroyed their most cherished "Meiting Clothing Store" with their own hands.

Of course, what broke her heart more than the failure of her career was the collapse of her friendship and beliefs.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and Zhao Jingmin choked up and said, "Mengting, I'm sorry... It was Shen Huijuan who deceived me at that time. She always said that you were greedy and selfish, and you took all the company's money..."

Gao Mengting raised her hand to interrupt, looking at Zhao Jingmin sharply: "We all know what happened in the past. Why did you come to me? Tell me the point. I don't have time to reminisce with you about the past."

Zhao Jingmin wiped her tears and gritted her teeth and said, "Shen Huijuan is a sinister and cunning bitch. Together with her boyfriend, she set a trap for me..."

Then, in her narration, Gao Mengting understood the discord between the two.

Zhao Jingmin is the kind of person who has a slow brain, simple thoughts and lacks the ability to think independently.

It is easy to be influenced by what others say.

Shin Hye-juan took advantage of this and persuaded her to betray herself.

After they became independent, the three of them, together with Shin Hye-juan's boyfriend, set up a new company.

They relied on some fan traffic they had accumulated before and barely maintained superficial prosperity in the early days.

However, without the operations, management and content planning led by Gao Mengting, the shortcomings were soon exposed.

Loose content, confusing product selection, confusing pricing strategy, unstable cooperation channels...

The company began to go downhill.

The three of them were overwhelmed.

The most terrifying and fatal problem is the "inventory pressure" problem, their capital chain simply cannot turn around.

However, banks have strict loan review procedures, and their small and precarious company was simply unable to apply for one.

Shen Huijuan and her boyfriend found a private loan institution and proposed to Zhao Jingmin that they "share the risk" and tricked her into using her personal name as a guarantor for a loan of 40 yuan.

Promised to transfer part of the shares to her.

As a result, the company still couldn't survive.

Zhao Jingmin realized it later, and only after being reminded by a friend did she discover that the company's accounts were very vague and had major problems.

When she went to question her, Shin Hye-juan turned against her.

At this time, she heard from other roommates about Gao Mengting's current glorious situation.

I also learned that she helped classmates in need.

That's why I came to you for help with the last glimmer of hope.

"Mengting, I was too stupid before. I was deceived without knowing right from wrong. I really didn't mean to hurt you. When I was in school, you often treated me to meals, gave me scarves in winter, and bought me gifts on my birthday..."

She became more and more excited as she spoke, and finally choked up and burst into tears.

Gao Mengting listened quietly and let out a long breath.

Evil will be punished.

Seeing the two people who once pushed me into the abyss now falling into the quagmire.

The pain and frustration that had once accumulated in my heart finally had an outlet.

She looked at her former friend and said, "Zhao Jingmin, I have no obligation to take responsibility for your mistakes, not to mention that you used to do the same to me.

But I can give you a suggestion. You can sue Shen Huijuan, check the accounts, collect evidence, and accuse her of misappropriation of funds. This account should not be borne by you alone."

Zhao Jingmin opened her mouth and wanted to say something else.

Gao Mengting suddenly laughed.

"But thank you for coming here today to tell me this. It made me understand a lot more. No, no, I have to drink some wine tonight and celebrate!"

"Bang——" the door was closed.

Zhao Jingmin stood there, her face pale and her body cold.

Standing at the door, at a loss.

After a few minutes.

"Click——" the door was opened again.

Gao Mengting changed into a windbreaker and carried a Chanel bag in her hand.

Zhao Jingmin's heart was beating hard, as if a glimmer of hope had been ignited. She said with tears in her eyes, "Mengting——"

Gao Mengting interrupted briskly, "I just remembered that we have run out of wine at home, so I have to go to the supermarket to replenish it."

After saying that, he pressed the elevator button.

"Ding——" the elevator door slowly opened.

Gao Mengting reminded her, "Let's go. This is no longer your rental house. The door locks have been changed. And your previous access card should be thrown away."

After saying that, he turned and walked into the elevator.

Zhao Jingmin bit her lip and followed subconsciously.

The two went downstairs one after another.

In the parking space directly opposite, a black Mercedes-Benz flashed its lights and then unlocked its car.

Gao Mengting walked to the front of the car and looked back with a smile: "When you have a court session, remember to notify me."

Under the light, she stood in front of the Mercedes-Benz, her back straight and her movements graceful and confident.

Just like the roommate who was full of vigor and made himself rich.

Zhao Jingmin pursed her dry lips tightly.

Regret is gnawing at my bones and heart.

at this time.

"Rumble--"

There was a low and powerful roar of an engine in the distance.

The two of them looked up subconsciously.

At the corner of the community, a scarlet-red motorcycle roared out of the night.

With wildness and flamboyance, he slowly stopped in front of Gao Mengting.

In the driver's seat was a tall boy. In the back seat, a sexy and graceful girl put her hands on his shoulders and leaned back slightly, as if she was deliberately keeping a distance.

The girl jumped out of the car quickly and took off her helmet nervously, revealing her long orange-brown hair.

She lowered her head slightly and said softly, "Senior."

"Qiuqiu?" Gao Mengting raised her eyebrows, looked at the boy again, and a bright smile slowly appeared on her face.

Then the boy took off his helmet, revealing a handsome and three-dimensional face.

The caramel-colored turtleneck sweater fits the lines of his broad shoulders and narrow waist, outlining his extremely textured body proportions.

The breeze blew his jet-black hair, and his laziness revealed a strong literary and artistic temperament.

(Limited special effects trigger)
When their eyes met, Gao Mengting's face suddenly turned red and her heartbeat began to accelerate.

Like the first fallen leaf in autumn, falling silently into the lake of heart.

She was a literary young woman herself, and when she saw Tang Song's appearance, she couldn't take her eyes off him for a moment.

Cheng Qiuqiu next to her gently squeezed the cross-body bag on her shoulder, lowered her eyes, and looked a little flustered, with a hint of guilt that she couldn't hide.

"Hello, Mengting, are you surprised to see me?" Tang Song put down his helmet and stood in front of her with a smile.

Although he appeared to be as calm as an old dog, he was actually a little panicked.

I dated Qiuqiu for a long time, but when I came back I was caught by my partner.

"A little bit." Gao Mengting said briskly, "By the way, how did you get together with Qiuqiu?"

"We met by chance at the car dealership. I happened to be buying a car as well, so I asked her to help me inspect it, and then we returned together."

"Is that so?" Gao Mengting did not continue to ask, but smiled and walked forward, raised her hand and pinched his cheek, with a hint of joking in her tone, "This suit really suits you, very handsome."

Tang Song smiled and gently pinched her apple cheek with his backhand.

"Are you going out?"

"Yeah, I'm in a good mood today, so I want to have a drink. Let's go to the supermarket to buy some snacks and wine." Gao Mengting raised her eyebrows, leaned forward, and smiled, "Do you want to join us?"

"Of course, let's go, we haven't had a drink together in a while."

"Qiuqiu, do you want to join us?"

Qiuqiu quickly shook her head, "No, senior sister, I'll go upstairs to prepare dinner first, and there will be hot dishes to eat when I come back later."

"Okay, thank you for your hard work. Let's go, Tang Song, get in the car."

"Bang bang——" the car door was closed.

The Mercedes-Benz E300L started slowly and disappeared from sight.

Zhao Jingmin looked at Qiuqiu standing there and asked hesitantly, "Qiuqiu, who is that boy?"

Qiuqiu used to work as a part-time artist at Meiting Clothing Store and was also their schoolmate, so naturally she knew her.

Cheng Qiuqiu whispered, "Senior sister's boyfriend is also her current partner."

After saying that, she didn't explain further, turned around, picked up the two helmets, and walked towards the apartment building.

Zhao Jingmin stood there, the corners of her lips trembling slightly.

My heart felt like it was being pressed down by something, but I couldn't relieve it.

……

It was dark outside the window, but the lights were on inside.

"Sizzle--" The boiling hot oil is poured on the dried chili peppers and peppercorns, and the aroma is fragrant.

"OK, the last dish of boiled pork slices is ready! How is it? Our Qiuqiu's cooking skills are pretty good, right?"

"It's delicious. I never knew Qiuqiu was such a great chef."

"No, no, it's just an ordinary home-cooked meal."

On the simple dining table in the living room.

There are 5 dishes neatly arranged.

Fried pork with peppers, boiled pork slices, wheat with mushrooms, braised beef in soy sauce, and mixed vegetables.

The hot dishes were all cooked by Qiuqiu herself, and the other two were ready-made cold dishes bought from a nearby delicatessen. They were simple yet full of homely flavour.

With a light "click", Gao Mengting opened the champagne neatly, and bubbles surged.

The amber liquor flowed from the bottle into three glasses, giving off a soft luster under the warm yellow light.

A light fruity aroma mixed with the aroma of yeast and baking quietly diffuses in the air.

"Come on, cheers! Cheers to us now and to this autumn." Gao Mengting raised her glass, her eyes sparkling.

"cheers!"

The glasses clinked gently, making a crisp and pleasant sound.

The slightly cool wine goes down your throat and the fragrance explodes on the tip of your tongue.

A refreshing night on Mid-Autumn Festival.

The window was half open, and the cool night breeze blew into the house, mixed with the aroma of hot dishes and wine, just right.

The three of them sat around the dining table, eating, drinking, chatting and laughing.

Even Qiu Qiu, who was usually silent, became cheerful and raised her glass several times.

The night outside the window settled quietly, and the second bottle of champagne was almost half gone.

Both girls were a little drunk, with red faces and unfocused eyes.

Qiuqiu's abstinence-like royal sister face now looked a little silly.

Gao Mengting leaned on Tang Song's shoulder and talked about a movie she had watched recently.

She was so excited that she suddenly raised her hand and knocked on the table, "Qiuqiu, the atmosphere is so good today, why don't you sing a song?"

As she spoke, she winked at Tang Song and said, "Our designer is a real talent. Not only is he good at drawing, he can also play guitar and bass. He's really awesome!"

Qiuqiu was stunned for a moment, blushed a little and said: "No, it's just amateur level."

She was really a little ashamed in front of Tang Song, a real "professional player".

Tang Song looked at his partner and said with a smile, "My musical skills are also very impressive. Do you want me to show you some of my skills?"

Qiuqiu on the opposite side's eyes lit up, with a look of deep anticipation and excitement on her face.

She likes listening to Tang Song singing and playing the piano.

"Boasting--" Gao Mengting smiled and patted him lightly with gentle eyes.

She still remembered that when her neighbor Liu Wen Ning played and sang, Tang Song didn't seem to know much about music.

At that time, in order to protect the partner's self-esteem, she deliberately pretended not to care.

But in fact, she has always admired boys with multiple talents since she was a child.

"I'm serious." Tang Song's eyebrows were curved, with a hint of provocation in his smile.

Gao Mengting tilted her head. "Then can you play the violin? I just bought one a while ago and plan to learn it by myself."

She deliberately mentioned a less common musical instrument instead of the guitar, actually to take Tang Song's feelings into consideration.

Hearing the word "violin", Tang Song's eyes flashed with interest, "Of course."

Come to think of it, he has never used this skill since he got it, and he felt itchy for a while.

"Okay! You said it, don't blame me if you make a fool of yourself later."

Gao Mengting stood up and walked into the bedroom with light steps.

Soon he brought out a brown and black violin.

She carefully placed the piano in front of him and said, "Now, sir, please perform."

Looking at his partner's amusing expression, Tang Song chuckled and stood up.

He took the violin calmly and asked in a gentle and doting tone, "What do you want to hear?"

Gao Mengting blinked and said, "'Por Una Cabeza' (One Step Away)", two of my favorite movies, 'Scent of a Woman' and 'Schindler's List', both have this song in them, right?"

Tang Song did not answer. He retracted his eyes, gently tilted his shoulder, placed the body of the piano close to his collarbone, and slowly lowered the bow with his slender fingers.

In an instant, skills and memories flooded into my mind like a torrent.

His temperament gradually changed.

Combined with his outfit at the moment, there is a strong artistic atmosphere, which is particularly moving.

Qiuqiu stared at him without blinking, her heart beating faster.

Gao Mengting raised her eyebrows and a look of surprise appeared on her face.

Just looking at the appearance, it really looks like the real thing, and it looks like it was made by a master.

The next second, the sound of piano rang out.

The notes are as deep as the night, yet filled with a gorgeous sadness, like dancers walking out of a movie screen, spinning and leaping under the lights.

His left hand glides flexibly on the fingerboard, and his right hand controls the strength of the bow. Every note is precise and emotional.

Gao Mengting's hands, which were originally on the table, clenched gently at some point, her mouth wide open, and she stood there in a daze.

Qiuqiu's eyes were as bright as stars. She sat on a small bench beside him, staring at him without blinking, even her breathing slowed down.

As the melody progressed, Tang Song became completely immersed in the performance.

He closed his eyes, his body swaying slightly, his posture gentle.

The bow danced like a sword, switching between staccato, vibrato and glissando smoothly without any pause.

The wind from the window blew in gently, ruffling his hair.

The aura of concentration and romance on his body made Gao Mengting's heart tremble slightly.

Maybe he was really drunk.

She closed her eyes and moved her body to the dance music of Tang Song. A dreamlike picture appeared in her mind.

She was wearing a long dress and he was wearing a well-ironed suit. They stood in the middle of the empty dance floor, looking at each other with their eyes closed, spinning and entwining their bodies.

Under the light and shadow, they sometimes approach and sometimes separate, their movements are subtle and full of tension.

The "Dance of the Soul" slowly unfolds.

Provocative, elegant, ambiguous and restrained.

The distance between them is just like this song "One Step Away".

It seems far but is near, and it seems near but is far.

They obviously had a close relationship and cooperated seamlessly, but she always felt that there was a layer of mist between them.

It cannot be seen or touched, but it exists.

...

The notes slowly ended, and the living room fell into absolute silence.

A few seconds later, Qiuqiu suddenly clapped her hands very hard.

Tang Song put down the violin and gradually lost interest in the performance.

Looking at the partner in front of him who still had his eyes closed, he smiled with a hint of expectation and pride in his tone: "How is it? Are you satisfied?"

Gao Mengting slowly opened her eyes, with a hint of trance in her eyes.

She whispered, "Very impressive... I was really scared by you."

Tang Song had a bright smile on his face and his eyes were shining with clear light.

Gao Mengting looked at his expression and tilted her head with a smile, "After a big meal and drinking so much wine, it's so hot. Do you want to go downstairs for a walk?"

"That's exactly what I want." Tang Song nodded.

Gao Mengting picked up the windbreaker from the hanger and put it on with graceful and smooth movements.

Qiuqiu quickly lowered her head, pursed her lips, and quietly cleared the table.

...

The evening breeze blew through the shade of the trees, blowing the yellow leaves and making a rustling sound.

The two walked out the door and passed through the quiet path in the community.

There are mottled light and shadows under your feet, and occasionally when you step on fallen leaves, they make a slight sound.

They didn't say anything, just walked forward side by side, but they didn't feel awkward.

Occasionally their eyes met, they smiled at each other, and then turned away tacitly.

The street lights were dim and soft, stretching the shadows of the two people very long.

Before I knew it, I had walked out of Zhuxi Community and arrived at the street outside.

This neighborhood is not very busy, with only sparse traffic and occasional car lights slowly passing by under your feet.

Gao Mengting put her hands in the pockets of her windbreaker and walked forward on the curb, occasionally jumping to avoid a small stone or bump, like a casual and free-spirited girl.

Tang Song followed behind her, looking at her back quietly.

The night is gentle.

It looks just like the shaking film in an old movie.

We walked like this for a long time.

Suddenly, Gao Mengting stopped, took off her windbreaker, put it on her arm, and looked back at him.

Her cheeks were slightly red, she was still drunk, but her eyes were bright and clear.

The evening breeze blows by, and the hair flutters gently, like a hazy picture, so beautiful that it seems unreal.

Tang Song took a step forward, stood in front of her, lowered his head and whispered, "Put it on, it's still very cold at night?"

"I'm not cold." She smiled and shook her head, pointing to an empty wooden chair on the side of the road. "I'm tired from walking. Sit down for a while."

The tone was soft, with a hint of laziness and tenderness that came from being slightly tipsy.

Tang Song didn't persuade her anymore. He nodded, sat down on the chair, and held her in his arms.

Gao Mengting leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder, her body very close to him.

She whispered about Zhao Jingmin's visit this evening, and also talked about her friendship with Zhao Jingmin and Shen Huijuan during their college years.

From military training in the freshman year to graduation, we rented warehouses, ran markets, and moved goods together... We stayed in that small shop every day to schedule the live broadcast room.

Her voice was gentle, as if she was reminiscing, or clearing away the sediment in her heart.

Tang Song looked at her sideways without interrupting.

The topic gradually shifted from old people and old things to recent reading.

They talked about "Norwegian Wood" and touched upon Naoko.

Gao Mengting suddenly moved her body, put her arms around his neck, and looked at him without blinking.

Her face was drunk, but her eyes were clear.

She leaned softly in his arms, with a faint scent of alcohol and her unique body fragrance, and her warm breath swept across his jaw.

"Is it hard now?" she asked suddenly.

“…sole of foot?”

"fool!"

After saying this, Gao Mengting couldn't help but burst out laughing.

She lowered her head onto his shoulder, her whole body trembling slightly.

This conversation is a classic episode between Naoko and Watanabe in "Norwegian Wood".

That was one of her favorite scenes, ambiguous, clumsy, yet heart-pounding.

She was very happy that her partners understood her meaning quickly.

"You've been drinking tonight, so you definitely can't ride a bike."

"Ok, I know."

"How about...you stay at my place tonight?"

She finally took the last step uncontrollably.

(End of this chapter)