As Xie Qichen’s voice faded, a wave of uproar immediately followed. Xie Wenkang and Xie Shao stared at Xie Qichen in shock, stunned by the sudden turn of events, their minds going blank.
Their self-developed Air Play 3.0 had not failed in the womb? How could they have actually succeeded?!
Xie Wenkang was dumbfounded. The man across from him met his gaze. Guessing what he wanted to say, he smirked slightly.
“The new product development, of course, didn’t fail.”
“It was simply a trap set for you.”
As everyone turned to look, Xie Wenkang held onto the chair, hearing this, his pupils trembled violently, struggling to maintain a calm expression.
“What are you talking about? I don’t understand…”
Xie Qichen stood up and walked to the front, glancing at Xie Wenzong and Xie Shao, then addressing everyone.
“Since Vice President Xie didn’t understand, before introducing the final sample, I’ll take this opportunity to explain clearly what he has been doing all along.”
The father and son pair looked astonished. They heard his voice, each word falling heavily.
Ladies and gentlemen, since the chairman’s vacation began, Xie Wenkang and Xie Shao have been stirring up trouble within the group to ensure the reform failed, inciting unrest, creating public opinion to provoke discord, and forming factions.
Moreover, since March, they have secretly colluded with the rival TOC Technology. While claiming to promote the group’s development, they actually sought their own interests, turning Aochuang into a puppet of TOC, aiming to seize control of the group.”
Xie Qichen’s words instantly stirred a storm among the audience.
Many shocked and indignant eyes turned toward Xie Wenkang and Xie Shao. Xie Wenkang, panicking, instinctively refuted, “Xie Qichen, what nonsense are you spouting!”
“Am I spouting nonsense?”
The man chuckled lightly, picking up the document that Xie Shao had just distributed. “I won’t bring other evidence yet. This cooperation proposal privately drafted by you and TOC, everyone can take a look—it’s the best evidence.”
Upon hearing this, everyone opened the document and saw that although TOC provided many technological supports to Aochuang, Aochuang had to offer greater benefits to TOC in return.
“Although Aochuang and TOC seem to have shifted from competition to cooperation, is this really an equal partnership? In the short term, this cooperation might help Aochuang develop, but in the long run, it effectively helps TOC eliminate Aochuang as a competitor, making Aochuang’s technological research dependent on and controlled by TOC, allowing TOC to completely dominate the domestic market.”
Xie Qichen’s words weighed heavily, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd.
“May I ask everyone here, wouldn’t such a cooperation harm your interests?”
The people present were all shrewd individuals. They knew well that there was no such thing as a free lunch. TOC’s sudden olive branch must have ulterior motives. Seeing the content of the cooperation proposal now, they immediately understood.
Li Jin, an extreme egoist, upon hearing that his interests would be harmed, immediately jumped up.
“You’re insane! This is a betrayal of the group’s interests!”
Others nearby spoke passionately, “I thought this cooperation was great, but turns out Aochuang is going to be TOC’s lapdog! Xie Wenkang, how could you think of such a thing!”
“This cooperation doesn’t consider Aochuang at all; we absolutely cannot agree!”
Xie Wenkang, being scolded by everyone, his face turning red and pale alternately, panicked and refuted:
“How am I not considering the group’s interests! I was thinking about solving the company’s current cash flow problems, helping Aochuang develop the new product first…”
Rong Qi interrupted him from the side:
“But in the long run, signing such a contract would be more harmful than beneficial to us!”
Xie Qichen listened to everyone arguing and smiled slightly.
“Everyone, in fact, Vice President Xie might not be unaware of the drawbacks of this cooperation. The reason he agreed might be because TOC offered him greater benefits behind the scenes? For example, after I step down, they could support Xie Shao to take over, and when Chairman Xie’s health deteriorates further, eventually replace Chairman Xie completely.”
Xie Wenkang and Xie Shao, completely exposed, turned pale and were immediately met with everyone’s abuse.
Then Xie Qichen took out evidence from the table—photos of Xie Shao frequently meeting with TOC people privately during this period: “If this is a legitimate cooperation, why can’t you discuss it openly? Why do you have to secretly prepare behind everyone’s back? You presented this cooperation proposal at today’s board meeting, planning that if I step down, the group would immediately fall into chaos, giving you the perfect opportunity to push everyone into choosing cooperation with TOC out of desperation.”
Looking at the photos, Xie Shao’s eyes behind his glasses were already stunned:
“You’ve been following me all along…”
“In fact, the chairman and I had already figured out what you were planning long ago.”
Xie Wenkang and his son originally thought they had designed a perfect trap, unaware that they themselves had been caught in an even bigger one.
This trap started as early as March.
Xie Wenzong had always vaguely felt that Xie Wenkang’s heart wasn’t fully committed to the group. After all, growing up together, Xie Wenzong knew that his younger brother, though outwardly honest and simple, harbored many ambitions.
When Aochuang was first established, Xie Wenzong’s original intention was to build it together with Xie Wenkang, and he had even considered handing over the group to Xie Wenkang when he grew old.
However, after careful observation, he found that Xie Wenkang lacked capability, focused only on immediate benefits, and had no long-term plans. If the group were handed to him, Aochuang’s development might decline.
Therefore, over the years, he tried his best to treat Xie Wenkang’s family well in other ways, promoting Xie Wenkang to the second-in-command of the group and heavily relying on Xie Shao. However, this father and son duo remained unsatisfied, still eyeing the highest position in the group.
During an accidental argument between Xie Wenzong and Zhen Mei, he suddenly learned that although Xie Wenkang outwardly seemed to like Xie Qichen, he often told Zhen Mei that Xie Qichen would threaten her position in the Xie family, taking away all the family’s wealth. Taking advantage of Zhen Mei’s easily influenced nature, he deliberately stirred up trouble in the family.
Thus, during several instances when Zhen Mei wanted to confront Xie Qichen, Xie Wenzong stopped her. Eventually, Xie Wenzong showed her the previously written will, making her realize she had been manipulated. Additionally, he showed Zhen Mei the alibi Xie Qichen had on the day of Xie Siyuan’s incident, with various evidence proving Xie Qichen had nothing to do with Xie Siyuan’s case. Only then did Zhen Mei have nothing more to say.
Wanting to lure the snake out of its hole, Xie Wenzong proposed going on retreat, intending to observe what tricks Xie Wenkang would play in his absence.
However, this matter was significant, and initially, he did not tell Xie Qichen about his suspicions regarding Xie Wenkang, merely instructing him to pay attention to the group’s internal dynamics during this period.
Moreover, the timing of his vacation was too perfect, coinciding with the most difficult period of Xie Qichen’s proposed reform and new product development. Unable to resist the temptation, Xie Wenkang felt this was the perfect opportunity to use the group’s internal dissatisfaction with Xie Qichen to overthrow him. Indeed, he couldn’t contain himself any longer and revealed his hand.
Meanwhile, after his father went abroad, Xie Qichen himself had placed informants throughout the group.
He also noticed that Xie Wenkang was secretly contacting many shareholders and executives, outwardly supporting the reform while actually maintaining close ties with the conservative faction.
One day, after comparing their thoughts, father and son basically confirmed that Xie Wenkang’s intentions were impure.
Initially, however, Xie Qichen wasn’t entirely sure what underhanded moves Xie Wenkang would make.
It was Tan Mo who provided the answer.
On a certain day in early April, Tan Mo came to the group at noon to see Xie Qichen, wanting to have lunch with him.
Coincidentally, Xie Wenkang came to Xie Qichen’s office to discuss a business matter. Tan Mo had seen Xie Wenkang at the cruise wedding banquet before, and when this person appeared again, Tan Mo immediately recalled the man she had seen meeting the TOC director at the Japanese restaurant that day.
That man was young, not Xie Wenkang.
However, the facial features and contours of the two were very similar.
After Xie Wenkang left, Tan Mo felt uneasy in her heart and finally couldn’t help but tell Xie Qichen about what she saw at the Japanese restaurant. She asked whether Xie Wenkang had a son or if there were any young members in their family.
Later, Xie Qichen showed Tan Mo a photo of Xie Shao, and Tan Mo immediately recognized him.
Because Xie Shao and Xie Wenkang looked too much alike; placing the two together, one could definitely tell they were father and son.
Xie Shao didn’t attend their wedding banquet, but Tan Mo remembered Xie Wenkang’s face. Later, Xie Qichen found an excuse to call Xie Shao up, and after Tan Mo saw the real person, she was a hundred percent certain that it was Xie Shao who was secretly contacting TOC.
“In order not to alert you and to see what exactly you were planning with TOC, I pretended to know nothing, often complaining about the difficulties of the reform in front of you, aiming to make you more confident in your plan.”
The so-called public opinion storms within the company were actually tacitly approved by Xie Qichen.
On one hand, to observe Xie Wenkang’s actions, and on the other, to test people’s hearts.
“However, the new product development was indeed arduous, with the technical team investing a lot of time and effort.”
Xie Qichen looked at Xie Wenkang, “But you probably never expected that Aochuang would finally produce a new product.”
Xie Wenkang was stunned, “But clearly our battery life issue…”
“Actually, that was also part of the plan.”
Xie Qichen explained slowly, “The battery life issue was resolved in collaboration with Dune Technology. Their research had reached its final stages, and when funding was injected, the company could operate normally again. Remember the four engineers who resigned from Aochuang? They actually resigned on the surface but were temporarily reassigned by me to participate in the research at Dune Technology.”
He had intentionally tricked Xie Wenkang, making him believe that the new product development was completely hopeless.
Xie Qichen glared coldly at Xie Wenzong.
“Vice President Xie, you always claim to act for the group, but what were you doing when the group faced a crisis? You and your son, for your own interests, stirred up trouble behind our backs, colluding with competitors. Is this the conduct expected of you, as a member of the Xie family, as the chairman’s younger brother, and as the group’s second-in-command?”
Xie Wenkang’s face turned pale, knowing he had been utterly defeated, left speechless.
At this moment, everyone present also understood that all of this was actually Xie Qichen’s plan.
Finally, everyone turned their gaze to Xie Wenzong, who had remained silent all along.
Xie Wenzong’s solemn and dignified gaze quietly rested on Xie Wenkang. In the solemn silence of the meeting room, he finally spoke.
“Wenkang, as the saying goes, blood is thicker than water between family members. We are brothers, and I originally did not wish to deal with you this way.”
“…”
“But I never expected that in the face of interests, you only see yourself.”
Xie Wenkang tightly clenched his teeth, lowering his head, his eyes filled with rage.
“I know you’re not satisfied with the current situation, but one should hold a position according to their ability. The group’s development must consider the interests of all employees from top to bottom. Acquiring everything through such means will never last long.”
Xie Wenkang moved his lips slightly, then helplessly slumped against his chair.
Xie Wenzong sighed, looking at the others.
“During this period, I went on retreat, but I was actually paying attention to all of you behind the scenes. I saw some of you swaying with the wind, taking advantage of others’ misfortunes, and undermining each other from within, which truly broke my heart.”
Below, some people lowered their heads.
“Of course, I know that some who didn’t support the reform were also acting for the group’s benefit, and I am also moved by many of you who stood by the group during difficult times. It is your efforts that make Aochuang better and better.”
Xie Wenzong’s words moved many people’s hearts.
Then he looked at Xie Qichen, “Alright, let’s stop here. Qichen, now please introduce the finished product of Air Play 3.0 to everyone.”
So Xie Qichen first gave a general introduction to the new product, and then Yun Hao came up to provide a detailed explanation.
“This time, the third generation of Air Play, independently developed and designed by our Aochuang, mainly focuses on the innovation of shooting lenses and image transmission functions. Compared to Air Play 2 and TOC’s S6, its image sensor has been upgraded to a one-inch base with 20 million pixels. The videos it shoots can reach 5.4K/60fps, surpassing TOC’s S6 Plus with 4K/60fps. At the same time, our new product’s shooting color depth can reach 10-bit, supporting various time-lapse photography modes, including wide-angle, 180° panoramic, and spherical panoramic…”
For the next hour, Yun Hao gave a detailed presentation of the product to everyone present through pictures and experimental videos.
Through technological innovation, they achieved the desired effect, completely surpassing the plan secretly customized by Xie Shao and TOC.
Listening to the presentation, everyone nodded in agreement, their faces unconsciously showing satisfaction.
It was an enormous surprise to everyone, and a slap in the face to those who had previously claimed that Aochuang couldn’t design a new product.
Speaking at last, Yun Hao said, “Above are the featured functions of Air Play 3.0 that we mainly promote. I believe such a product is fully capable of competing with TOC in the market. As for whether our reform brings more benefits or drawbacks to the group, I think everyone here now understands the answer.”
Someone from the audience remarked with admiration, “You guys from the technology department have worked hard during this period. You deserve great credit.”
Yun Hao nodded, “This is not solely the credit of our technology department. I know everyone has been striving hard to maintain the group’s operations during this time. And I would especially like to mention our CEO Xie—”
Yun Hao looked toward Xie Qichen, “CEO Xie has worked really hard during this period. He has endured tremendous pressure. When the new product was not favored, he still traveled tirelessly across the country, doing his utmost to advance the design of the new product.
“He returned this morning from a business trip, bringing good news from Du Neng Research about the improved battery life. I could see how much he cares about the development of Aochuang. I believe he has the capability and courage to lead Aochuang through the current crisis.”
A nearby colleague nodded, “Looking at it now, CEO Xie really resembles the young version of Chairman Xie. A tiger father indeed does not have a dog son. I underestimated him at first.”
Many people who had previously been misled by Xie Wenkang finally recognized Xie Qichen’s abilities.
They had thought he was just a nobody who would soon be removed from his position, but they were unaware that his vision and strategy surpassed everyone’s expectations.
Xie Qichen stood up and discussed with everyone the solutions he had for resolving the group’s current crisis.
At the end, he expressed that once the new product was launched, all the problems would be completely resolved.
Looking at everyone, the man humbly said,
“I hope the board members present today can give me a bit more time, continue to assess my capabilities, and allow me to lead Aochuang smoothly through this crisis.”
“I believe the final outcome will not disappoint everyone.”
—
The day passed quickly.
In the evening, the sunset cast orange-yellow light, and the clear sky was painted with pinkish-blue hues of clouds, layering toward the distant horizon.
Around five o’clock, a Rolls-Royce slowly drove into the east gate of F University, moving along the bright and verdant campus road.
Eventually, the car parked beside the administrative building. The rear door opened, and a pair of black men’s leather shoes stepped out.
The man got out of the car, straightened his posture, and then took out his phone to send a message:
[“I’m here.”]
Five minutes later, a bright-eyed and white-toothed young woman walked out of the administrative building.
Tan Mo had just finished a meeting and was anxiously scanning the area when her eyes finally landed on Xie Qichen standing beside the Rolls-Royce. Without hesitation, she quickly ran toward him.
Upon reaching him, before Tan Mo could speak, the man raised his hand and tightly embraced her.
Tan Mo hugged him just as tightly, resting her head against his warm chest, her heart pounding and her nose tingling:
“Xie Qichen, I’ve waited for you all day…”
They stood silently in each other’s arms.
After a while, Xie Qichen loosened his hold, looked at the young woman in his arms, and fixed his warm gaze on her face, his lips curving into a smile, his voice husky:
“I’m here.”
Only three simple words, yet every time they came from Xie Qichen’s mouth, they brought a unique sense of calm.
Tan Mo blinked up at him. Although they had spoken that morning, she was still uncertain in her heart:
“How did things go? You weren’t removed from your position, were you?”
The man raised his hand, his fingertips gently pinching her cheek, smiling as he softly asked:
“What if I really was removed today, and lost everything? Would you still want to be Mrs. Xie?”
Tan Mo was momentarily stunned, then puffed her cheeks indignantly:
“What are you saying? That’s a stupid question. I don’t love you because of those things. No matter what happens to you, I won’t ever leave you.”
Xie Qichen smiled and ruffled her hair:
“I was just teasing you. Everything has been resolved smoothly.”
Tan Mo’s eyes brightened with joy:
“That’s great! Quickly, tell me specifically how the meeting went…”
Xie Qichen leaned down and placed a kiss on her red lips, then laughed as he wrapped an arm around her:
“Let’s get in the car, and I’ll tell you.”
They got into the car, and the Rolls-Royce quickly started moving forward.
In the back seat, Tan Mo leaned against Xie Qichen’s chest, listening to him recount the events of the day.
In short, the meeting’s outcome was that everyone unanimously cast a vote against the proposal to remove Xie Qichen. Many who had previously opposed him this time chose to place their trust in him. Even Li Jin and his group of stubborn conservatives, after seeing the successful development of the new product, realized they had underestimated Xie Qichen’s abilities and felt remorseful, so they no longer voiced any opposition.
Meanwhile, Xie Wenhao and Xie Shao’s schemes were completely shattered. Additionally, since Xie Wenhao was still Xie Wenzong’s younger brother but had done such things, many people condemned him.
Some had already proposed removing the two from their positions. If the board approved, the father and son might be expelled from the group. Even if they remained, their positions would likely be significantly downgraded. Greed leads to self-destruction, and wrongdoing inevitably brings its own punishment.
Moreover, because of Xie Qichen’s marriage to Tan Mo, her father had also expressed that Yuntong Group could provide financial support to help Aochuang recover its operations.
From now on, Xie Qichen wouldn’t need to be so busy. Once Aochuang successfully launched the new product, the financial crisis would be resolved.
In short, they had survived the most difficult period.
Aochuang had risen from the ashes like a phoenix reborn.
As Tan Mo listened to his account, she felt a surge of emotion:
“I told you that you could prove yourself. You’re the best in my heart, no matter what.”
The man smiled and patted her head:
“But sometimes, even I’m not entirely sure about myself.”
In fact, last week, when Xie Qichen flew to London to meet Xie Wenzong, they had discussed the current situation of the group. At that time, Xie Qichen was facing immense public pressure, and he had also felt a slight wavering in his resolve.
Xie Wenzong had said nothing at first, only asking him one question: “Qichen, setting aside other factors, how confident are you in your heart about developing the new product successfully?”
Xie Qichen had remained silent for a long time before replying, “About seventy percent.”
He couldn’t claim to have a hundred percent certainty because there were too many things beyond his control. Despite having weathered many storms in the business world and possessing exceptional abilities, he had still doubted—what if all his efforts to reform failed, how would he face Xie Wenzong, or explain to the group’s employees?
However, Xie Wenzong had told him, “Back then, I wanted to develop the best domestic drones, and I only had forty percent confidence. But I did it. Today, I’ve brought Aochuang to where it is now. So go ahead and do it boldly—
“When you feel it’s the hardest and most exhausting, that might be the moment you are about to reach the mountaintop.”
Therefore, after flying back to China from London, Xie Qichen immediately flew again to the city where Du Neng Technology was located, devoting himself to the final stages of development.
He burned his boats, braved the dangers, moved forward fearlessly, regardless of the outcome.
Fortunately, in the end, the light broke through, and they welcomed the sunrise, finally reaching their destination.
Tan Mo smiled at him:
“Xie Qichen, in any case, you’ve done it now.”
Xie Qichen gazed at the young woman:
“Sorry, I haven’t had time to accompany you during this period. I knew you were also suffering when you cried this morning saying you missed me, but you didn’t tell me because you were afraid of worrying me.”
Tan Mo rubbed her slightly tingling nose and looked up at him with a gentle smile:
“I really missed you, but I know you were working hard for many people, so it’s okay for me to endure a little. So, you won’t have to travel frequently anymore, right?”
“That’s right. From now on, let me make up for all the time I’ve owed you, okay?”
Tan Mo nodded with a smile:
“We still have plenty of time ahead of us.”
Xie Qichen’s affectionate eyes reflected her face, his lips curving into a smile:
“Yes.”
There was still a long way to go, and every day they could hold hands tightly and love each other deeply.
—
By the end of May, Licheng finally welcomed summer.
This summer came quickly, with recent temperatures reaching nearly thirty degrees Celsius. Vegetation and flowers thrived under the bright sunlight, growing lush and green.
Aochuang was making final preparations for the product launch event. Meanwhile, F University, after planning from last autumn to early summer this year, finally ushered in its grand 60th anniversary celebration.
On the morning of the anniversary celebration, Tan Mo, as a member of the planning team, had been busy at the school’s cultural and sports center since early in the morning.
This morning, the computer science department held an honorary alumni speech event at the school’s cultural and sports center, and Tan Mo had been assigned to coordinate and plan the on-site arrangements.
She had been so busy with the anniversary events that she hadn’t gone home for several days, staying in the school dormitory instead. This morning, she woke up at seven and hurried here.
Today, the young girl wore a light green dress, her hair tied in a ponytail. Her eyes sparkled like grapes, and when she smiled, her eyes curved into little crescent moons, exuding a fresh and sweet charm. As she bustled around the venue, many male students who didn’t know her couldn’t help but admire her.
Some curiously asked around for her contact information, only to receive the heartbreaking news: she already had a boyfriend.
Everyone sighed, “Of course such beauty is already taken.”
Tan Mo was busy when, nearing nine o’clock, she went backstage and saw the teachers and planning team making their final preparations.
Today, the school had invited five distinguished alumni from the computer science department to give speeches. They were confirming whether everyone had arrived. After a while, a student ran in excitedly and said, “Teacher, Senior Xie Qichen has just arrived!”
As an outstanding alumnus of F University, having completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees there, Xie Qichen had naturally been invited by the school to give a speech recently.
He disliked being so high-profile and had originally been unwilling to come. However, the school authorities insisted, saying that as the CEO of Aochuang, and with an Aochuang drone performance scheduled for tonight, he had to grace the occasion and set an example for his juniors.
Unable to refuse such hospitality, the man had to attend.
The excited voice had just spread when Tan Mo felt her phone vibrate in her pocket.
Taking it out, she saw a message from him:
[“I’m at the cultural and sports center. Where are you?”]
Normally, the most nerve-wracking moment would be the upcoming speech, but the man seemed to take it lightly.
His first action upon arriving at the venue was to look for his wife.
A sweet feeling surged in Tan Mo’s heart, and she smiled helplessly. She silently typed a few words on her phone:
[“We’re all waiting for you. You’ll see me when you come in.”]
Not long after, someone specially guided Xie Qichen backstage. Tan Mo felt a surge of anticipation as she saw the most dazzling and eye-catching man appear in her field of vision.
Xie Qichen’s tall and upright figure, his straight and long legs, exuded a calm and elegant aura, like a moon immersed in the sea. Even in a simple white shirt and black trousers, he radiated a unique excellence that set him apart from ordinary people. As always, the moment he appeared, he became the center of everyone’s attention.
Even though she had seen him countless times before, Tan Mo still couldn’t help but be captivated by him, with everything else fading into the background.
Then, recalling that such an outstanding man belonged to her alone, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of sweetness in her heart.
The moment Xie Qichen arrived, as if drawn together by magnets, his gaze immediately landed on her. Seeing the young girl, his heart finally felt at peace.
As soon as the man arrived, several teachers from the department hurriedly came forward with smiles, greeting him warmly.
Many students from the planning team nearby, seeing such a handsome Xie Qichen, couldn’t help but curiously or admiringly crowd around.
Everyone knew that Xie Qichen was exceptionally excellent. He had been a prominent figure on campus during his time at school. When they learned this morning that he would be coming, everyone was excitedly discussing him.
As the man conversed with the teachers, a faint smile on his face, Tan Mo stood silently beside them, watching with a smile and feeling a quiet pride in her heart.
After a brief chat, the event was about to start, and the teachers invited Xie Qichen to take a seat in the front guest area.
Xie Qichen nodded and walked outward. Tan Mo raised her eyes to meet his gaze, her face lighting up with a bright smile. However, as the man passed by her, he took his phone from his pocket and placed it in her hand, his voice low and soft:
“Keep my phone for me. I’ll get it back from you later.”
Everyone who saw this scene: ???!!
The teachers were shocked: “Hey hey hey, Qichen, Tan Mo, you two know each other…”
The man glanced at them and spoke casually and without hesitation:
“She’s my girlfriend.”
The students who heard this statement:
“Whoa!!”
“Girlfriend?!”
The atmosphere at the scene instantly became lively.
The girl, holding the phone, blushed deeply as she looked up into the man’s calm gaze.
What nonsense about letting her hold his phone!
This guy just wanted to show off! Their! Love! Affection!
Tan Mo recalled the night a few days ago, when the two of them were lying in bed and once again discussing how to introduce their relationship to others during the school anniversary. The man had bitten her ear and, unusually acting like a pitiful big puppy, softly asked her:
“Should I introduce myself as your husband or your boyfriend?”
Tan Mo knew that this guy couldn’t wait to announce their relationship to the outside world, but she was still shy and gently coaxed him:
“Let’s say boyfriend for the school anniversary? We can say husband on graduation day…”
He couldn’t help but laugh: “So you want everyone to think we got married in a flash in May?”
In the end, the man still followed the young girl’s suggestion.
However, Tan Mo hadn’t expected that today she had deliberately stood in the corner, wanting to maintain a bit of distance in front of others, but this guy still didn’t let her off the hook.
Tan Mo felt shy, but her heart was sweet.
This guy didn’t want to give a speech and wanted to keep a low profile, but when it came to showing off their love, he loved being so high-profile…
A classmate smiled and teased Xie Qichen, “I always thought Senior Tan Mo was so outstanding, and she didn’t date anyone during her four years at university. It turns out she was captured by such an amazing senior!”
Xie Qichen met Tan Mo’s gaze with a smile.
“It’s true that Mo Mo is quite hard to pursue. It took me a long time to win her over,” Xie Qichen said.
“Awwww…”
Everyone laughed heartily, while Tan Mo, standing nearby, blushed furiously, her cheeks nearly as red as tomatoes.
Considering the girl’s shyness, Xie Qichen decided not to tease her further and smiled before walking outside.
After a while, the speech officially began, and Tan Mo returned to her class area.
When Xie Qichen stepped onto the stage as the final guest, the audience erupted into enthusiastic applause. Chang Yue and the other roommates, seeing Xie Qichen, were momentarily stunned:
“Mo Mo, so your boyfriend’s name is actually Xie Qichen! Ah! I knew he looked familiar—I’ve seen his photo before!”
Although Xie Qichen had graduated from F University many years ago, many students from later batches still talked about his achievements back then. To this day, no one at the university had surpassed his academic excellence or the accomplishments he achieved after graduation.
Now, knowing that Xie Qichen was actually Tan Mo’s boyfriend, everyone was shocked!
Some classmates who had noticed Tan Mo’s earlier official relationship post on social media recognized the connection and excitedly turned to ask her. Although shy, Tan Mo openly admitted it.
On stage, the host introduced Xie Qichen’s achievements and specifically mentioned that the drone show tonight was designed by Aochuang.
After signing the drone collaboration, Xie Qichen had proposed that the drone performance would celebrate the university’s 60th anniversary. Therefore, the school would not need to pay for it. He would personally sponsor the drone show as a gift for his alma mater.
Hearing this, the students couldn’t help but envy:
“Tan Mo, your boyfriend is just too outstanding…”
Looking at the elegant and refined man on stage, Tan Mo couldn’t help but smile.
Yes, her Mr. Xie was indeed amazing.
Approaching eleven, all the honorary alumni speeches ended, and everyone was free to leave and engage in their own activities.
When everyone noticed Xie Qichen approaching the group to find Tan Mo, another round of enthusiastic teasing began.
Finally, Tan Mo lightly arched her eyebrows, her heart fluttering, as she was led away by the man’s hand.
At the entrance of the Cultural and Sports Center, the two encountered Xie Qichen’s classmates who had also come for the anniversary celebration, including Lu Zian, Xun Huo, Song Ranxia, and others.
Laughing and chatting, they made plans to go out for dinner together.
Walking along the tree-lined path on campus, Tan Mo looked at the cheerful classmates ahead and smiled as she murmured to the man beside her:
“It feels like time has passed so quickly. I remember visiting you at F University during high school and being so eager for college life. Never did I expect that time would fly by so fast—I’m about to graduate already.”
The man beside her wrapped his arm around her, lowered his gaze to meet hers, and raised an eyebrow:
“Time really does fly. Back then, I treated you like a little sister, and now you’re my wife.”
Tan Mo blushed and smiled, “Indeed, someone’s intentions weren’t pure.”
“My intentions weren’t pure?”
His low chuckle brushed against her ear, “Who was it that claimed to fall for me at first sight?”
Tan Mo’s dimples deepened as she playfully muttered, “I don’t remember that at all…”
Xie Qichen’s lips curled into a smile, his eyes brimming with affection for her.
After lunch, Tan Mo and Xie Qichen separated from the group to spend time alone.
Since returning to the country, Xie Qichen hadn’t had a proper chance to walk around campus with Tan Mo. They strolled together and later visited their former professors.
The professors were quite surprised to learn that the two were a couple. However, knowing how accomplished they both were, they looked very well-matched together.
After an afternoon together, the grandest event of the anniversary evening arrived—the spectacular drone light show.
At the scene, thousands of drones soared into the sky, like countless stars twinkling in the night, creating a powerful visual impact.
Each image formed by the drones documented the decades of glory and transformation at F University, carrying the deep blessings and hopes of countless students for their alma mater.
When the performance concluded successfully, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
Then, the official stage performances began. Not fond of drawing attention, Tan Mo and Xie Qichen sat at a side location.
Watching the stage, Tan Mo suddenly sighed:
“In just a month, I’ll graduate. After that, I’ll enter society and won’t be called a student anymore.”
Xie Qichen smiled. “Will you miss it?”
“Of course I will. I think university was the happiest time of my life. While I was here, I felt like I didn’t have to grow up or face all the troubles that come with being out in the real world.”
Leaning against Xie Qichen’s shoulder, she playfully murmured, “I’ve always been a good student since childhood—just quietly studying and working hard at school, never going through any rebellious phase. Sometimes I even think, wouldn’t it be nice to experience just one day as a bad student?”
His deep, dark eyes fell on the girl with black hair and red lips in his arms as he softly asked:
“What if we try that tonight?”
“What do you mean?”
He took her hand and stood up, his lips curving into a faint smile as his deep voice brushed against her ear:
“Come with me.”
It was late May in Licheng, and the night carried a slight warmth of summer.
At this moment, on a quiet, deserted road in a secluded part of campus, everything was still except for the occasional chirping of cicadas.
Tiny insects swarmed toward the orange-yellow glow of the streetlights as a gentle breeze blew through.
The dim light cast scattered halos on the ground. An Aston Martin was parked by the roadside, slightly swaying. The tinted, privacy-preserving windows revealed nothing of what was happening inside.
“Xie Qichen… mmm…”
In the back seat, the girl, pinned tightly against his chest, was unable to escape as if floating in the clouds. She tightly gripped his well-defined arms and couldn’t help but whimper.
Then, her tearful eyes met the man’s red-rimmed gaze as he held her head firmly. A torrent of kisses rained down on her.
A long, hidden kiss in the darkness gradually came to an end.
Inside the car, everything finally quieted down.
Xie Qichen pulled back his kiss, meeting the girl’s slowly opening eyes. He teased her softly with a low chuckle: “Why are you so sensitive?”
Tan Mo’s face was red to the point of nearly bursting. With a teary pout, she scolded him:
“Xie Qichen, you’re being too much…”
She never expected that while everyone was watching the anniversary gala, he would boldly bring her somewhere like this…
Thankfully, there was no one passing by, and the car windows were tinted. Even if there were surveillance cameras, they probably wouldn’t capture anything. Still, Tan Mo had been extremely nervous just now. However, in this new environment, there was an added thrill, which had driven Xie Qichen nearly wild in the end…
Xie Qichen kissed Tan Mo’s blazing red nose gently, his tone full of satisfaction:
“Didn’t you say you wanted to experience being a bad student?”
Nonsense…
Tan Mo puffed her cheeks indignantly: “What bad student behaves like that? It’s clearly you who wanted to experience it.”
He bit her earlobe gently: “Baby, you haven’t come home in days. Last week you had your period, do you know how hard it’s been for me?”
Tan Mo blushed: “Mmm…”
That was true. Originally, they had been in a long-distance relationship most of last month. This month, after resolving the group’s affairs at the beginning, they finally had some quality time together. Coincidentally, the girl had her period again.
Compared to their usual frequency, it wasn’t just Xie Qichen who felt the strain—even the girl, who had gradually been corrupted by him, had been struggling too.
So even though she was scared just now, she had half-heartedly gone along with his mischief.
After a few moments of affectionate whispers, Tan Mo mentioned that the final performance of the evening would include a fireworks display and that she wanted to watch it. Xie Qichen readily agreed.
He first helped the girl tidy herself up before stepping out of the car. Tan Mo adjusted her clothes, thinking to herself how wearing a skirt today had been convenient for him—his hands had been too quick, making everything far too easy…
A few minutes later, she stepped out of the car, closed the door, and saw Xie Qichen walking toward her. She shyly lowered her head:
“The car…”
“Hmm? What’s wrong?”
He leaned down to look at her. She gently bit her lip: “The back seat is messy…”
He smiled. “I’m punishing you to clean it when we get back.”
She blinked in surprise, flustered: “I won’t do it…”
Her waist was pulled into his embrace as Xie Qichen’s deep laughter fell around her: “Silly, I’m just teasing you.”
She let out a soft “humph” and was led forward by him. “Let’s go.”
Under the warm glow of the streetlights, the two walked hand in hand along the campus path, chatting as they strolled.
Eventually, they reached a school playground. Tan Mo turned to Xie Qichen with a smile: “Let’s watch the fireworks here? It’s less crowded, and we can still see them clearly.”
“Okay.”
This playground was far from the teaching buildings and dormitories, and not many people came here at night. Now, as Tan Mo and Xie Qichen walked hand in hand into the playground, only a few students were scattered around.
Couples were a common sight on campus, and no one paid them any attention.
They crossed the athletic track and entered the wide grassy area in the middle, finally sitting down.
The surroundings were quiet, with bleachers and basketball courts around. Tan Mo looked up and saw the starry night sky.
Smiling, she thought of something and turned to the man beside her:
“Xie Qichen, thank you.”
Xie Qichen leaned back on his hands on the grass, his eyebrows carrying a hint of lazy charm. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at her:
“Thank me for what?”
Tan Mo grinned and leaned closer to him: “Thank you for coming back half a year before my graduation, letting me catch the tail end of my university days and experience my first and only campus romance.”
Xie Qichen smiled softly:
“If I hadn’t gone abroad, I probably could have been with you earlier.”
“It’s okay. It’s still good this way.”
She held his hand, “As long as it’s you, waiting a little longer doesn’t matter.”
He met her gaze: “Yeah, it’s okay.”
What’s a few years of separation? As long as Xie Qichen remained Xie Qichen and Tan Mo remained Tan Mo, upon meeting again, love would surely rekindle in their intertwined lives.
After a while, the sky in the distance lit up with dazzling fireworks, signaling the start of the fireworks show.
Xie Qichen leaned back and lay on the grass, gently pulling the girl down with him. Tan Mo also lay down, nestled in his arms.
On the playground, everyone else had left.
It felt as if the entire world belonged only to them.
Looking at the fireworks in the sky, Tan Mo smiled softly and whispered:
“Xie Qichen, do you think this fireworks display is more beautiful, or the one we saw on the cruise ship?”
From above, the man’s gentle voice fell:
“They’re both beautiful.”
“Really?”
“As long as you’re with me.”
No matter what, they were beautiful.
Filled with love, Tan Mo turned toward him, lying on his chest, softly calling him:
“Xie Qichen…”
“Brother…”
Then the man leisurely spoke: “Say something else. Not the one I want to hear the most.”
Tan Mo couldn’t help but smile. Finally, her red lips leaned close to his ear:
“Husband.”
Xie Qichen lowered his gaze to meet hers. He saw the girl smiling radiantly at him: “Husband, I love you so much.”
Then she felt a kiss land on her lips.
A few seconds later, she slowly opened her eyes, meeting Xie Qichen’s deep, loving gaze.
Above them, the starry sky cascaded like a waterfall. Around them, the cicadas chirped. Tan Mo felt the gentle evening breeze brush past, carrying Xie Qichen’s tender and firm voice to her ears:
“I love you too.”
“Forever.”
“Tan Mo, I told you back then that our arranged marriage would last only two years. But there was something else I didn’t tell you at the time.”
“I wanted to say that as long as you’re willing, this engagement can continue indefinitely—five years, ten years, twenty, fifty, even a lifetime.”
In this life, I only want to love you.
From the past to the present, from now into the future, even as days and nights change and time passes, my love for you will never cease.
— Xie Qichen
(End of the main text)
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