Chapter 2154 - 700: Growth Plan Task - Final Phase 4

The Bentley slowly came to a stop at the drop-off area of the VIP departure level.

Tang Song didn’t get out of the car immediately. Instead, he turned his head to look at the scheming campus beauty beside him, who had remained silent.

With a smile, he asked knowingly, "What’s the matter?"

"No... nothing." Shen Yuyan brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, trying to act calm. "I was thinking about President Tang’s work arrangements just now. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to complete them diligently."

"Good luck, Assistant Shen." Tang Song patted her somewhat damp stockings.

He pushed open the car door and got out.

He walked through the exclusive security channel and entered the VIP lounge.

Tang Song sat down in a quiet corner.

He admired the spectacular sight of the giant planes taking off and landing on the tarmac outside the window, then turned on his phone.

As he dealt with a backlog of emails, he waited for his flight.

"Buzz buzz buzz—"

A WhatsApp message popped up.

[Qiuqiu: Tang Song, have you arrived at the airport?]

Tang Song smiled faintly and replied, "I’m already here, don’t worry." Then he casually took a photo of the tarmac outside the lounge window and sent it.

He continued to deal with work.

After a moment.

"Buzz buzz buzz—"

[Qiuqiu: "Oh oh, are you thirsty?"]

Tang Song: "Not thirsty, there are drinks in the lounge."

After another moment.

[Qiuqiu: "Are you hungry?"]

Tang Song: "There’s food in the lounge. Plus, there are custom meals on the plane."

After another moment.

[Qiuqiu: "Oh."]

Looking at this series of somewhat random expressions of concern, Tang Song felt a touch in his heart.

After a moment of contemplation, he didn’t reply via WhatsApp but instead called Qiuqiu directly with a voice call.

The phone rang several times before it was finally answered.

In the background, he could faintly hear the airport broadcast.

Tang Song asked directly, "Are you at Shuangliu Airport?"

On the other end, there was a long silence.

After a long while, Qiuqiu’s slightly guilty voice came through: "Yes, I am..."

Tang Song sighed helplessly, but his voice was filled with affection for the little girl.

"Alright, I knew it would be like this. Why didn’t you just tell me directly?"

"I was afraid... of disturbing you..."

Tang Song stood up and began walking toward the exit, saying, "I’m coming to find you now. The plane takes off in half an hour. Let’s meet at the Starbucks entrance in the departure hall."

The electric door of the VIP lounge slowly opened, and the noisy sounds and announcements from outside instantly poured in.

He walked against the flow of people, his steps hurried.

His outstanding height, appearance, and aura made him stand out in the crowded throng, attracting many travelers’ attention and curious glances.

He ignored all this and went straight to the bustling public departure hall.

His gaze quickly scanned the bustling crowd.

Soon, a gentle green light appeared in his line of sight.

[Dream Flower Seed] was emitting a faint glow, seemingly having grown a bit since before.

Qiuqiu was still wearing that tight-fitting autumn-winter outfit, her beautiful orange-brown long hair casually tied up into a high ponytail.

She was holding a big tote bag and standing somewhat nervously at the Starbucks entrance.

From time to time, she’d rise on her tiptoes, looking towards the VIP passage.

When their eyes met, her cool eyes were filled with unease and trepidation.

"Qiuqiu!"

Tang Song called out, jogging over to stand in front of her.

"Why do you always run off on your own without saying anything?"

There was a trace of helplessness in Tang Song’s voice, but even more than that, there was an undeniable affection.

Last time, she braved the cold morning wind to bring him breakfast early in the morning; this time, she came to the airport alone to see him off.

It made him feel like even a scoundrel would be touched.

"I’m sorry, I..." Qiuqiu lowered her head as he spoke.

She nervously brought her tote bag in front of her and carefully took out a delicately packaged bag.

"This is for you."

"What is this...?" Tang Song asked in confusion, as he accepted and opened it.

A rich aroma of smokiness and spiciness enveloped him.

Inside was a whole, shiny red spicy sausage and a large bag of fragrant, oily spiced tofu.

On the bag was a post-it note with meticulously handwritten production dates and suggestions for the best pairings for eating it.

"Previously, when in the village, you said this was delicious." She lightly bit her lip, as if whispering a secret. "So I had some relatives pack some for you to have on the journey."

Tang Song was momentarily dazed. He looked at the "local specialties" in his hands, then up at the clumsy little girl.

His heart felt as if something had gently nudged it.

Then, he said nothing further.

He simply took a step forward, reached out, and pulled her into his embrace.

Qiuqiu stiffened for a moment, then slowly leaned in.

Her body was soft, slender, and curvaceous, exuding a hint of winter’s chill.

The scent at the tip of his nose was faint, mixed with the fragrance of her shampoo, gentle and captivating.

The crowd surged past them, and the announcements were constant.

But at this moment, it was as if the entire airport stood still.

Qiuqiu’s face turned rosy, feeling the security of being in his embrace.

The journey over the past two days had become an unforgettable memory for her.

The winter in the small village of Sichuan West was cold but clear.

He held her hand, strolling along the desolate and serene countryside paths in the winter sun.

They went together to visit the grave of his grandmother, burning paper and adding dirt.

Afterward, to distract her,

He took her to watch the puppies chasing each other on the field ridges.

They poked at the grunting pigs in the pen with a stick by the roadside.

At dusk, as the smoke rose, they shared the most authentic farmhouse meal—sausage, tofu, greens, and fried eggs...

She felt as if she’d been soaked in a hot spring.

Much later,

The two of them slowly separated.

It was almost time for his flight to board.

Qiuqiu accompanied him to the entrance of the VIP security channel.

She didn’t say anything further, just stood there, watching him.

Tang Song saw "reluctance" and "pleading" in her eyes.

He sighed softly and reached out to ruffle her smooth, orange-brown hair.

"Qiuqiu, is there anything else you’d like to say to me?"

Qiuqiu bit her lip, her cool face showing a bashful expression.

After a moment,

In a voice of uncertainty, she asked softly, "After returning to Yan City, can... can I still continue bringing you food?"

Tang Song paused, then bent down to press a kiss on her lips, "Of course you can, anytime."

"Mm." Qiuqiu, as if finally unburdened, agreed softly, her cheeks turning even redder as she lowered her head, "Be careful on the way, bye."

"Bye."

Tang Song turned and strode into the security channel.

Until he reached deep into the passage, about to turn a corner, he turned back as if sensing something.

Outside the crowd, amidst the clamor, Qiuqiu still stood stubbornly in place.

She rose on her tiptoes, crossing over the throng of people, trying hard to see in his direction.

Her face no longer held its usual coolness and reserve, only a clean and pure smile.

At that moment, she seemed to transform back into that little girl who, in a dream, finally awaited the arrival of "Dad."

Tang Song’s last impression of this city was framed by her smile.