The barbecue restaurant was bustling with noise and steaming heat.

In the air, the smoky aroma of cumin and chili mingled with the chatter of diners and the clinking of wine glasses, filling the space with a lively yet gritty sense of everyday life.

However, all of this seemed completely cut off from Zhang Lei.

He stood there dazed, his gaze repeatedly flicking toward the girl in a JK uniform whose smile bloomed like a flower,

His mind overwhelmed by her unimaginable identity.

He had worked at Zhongcheng Group for more than three years, starting from the lowest-level sales position, then becoming a key channel staff at the Quancheng branch,

And now, finally, he had clawed his way into a specialist role in the headquarters’ Modern Channel Business Department.

He had a deep understanding of this huge, rigidly hierarchical, and intricately connected giant.

Executive Director Tian Chengye was not only the group’s second-largest shareholder but also one of the core figures in the company’s internal power faction.

It was said that at least half of the current senior executives were personally promoted by him,

Making him the actual controller of the group’s most critical revenue segment.

Even though he had gradually been delegating power and brought in new directors like Qin Dechang to provide checks and balances,

His years of influence and connections within the group still carried great weight.

And Tang Song’s girlfriend was actually Tian Chengye’s daughter...

“Zhang Lei? Zhang Lei!”

Tang Song’s voice came from a distance, pulling him back from his chaotic thoughts.

“Oh, oh! I’m here!” Zhang Lei snapped back to reality and instinctively pinched his thigh.

“Ouch—”

The sharp pain confirmed that everything before his eyes was real, not a hallucination.

He stiffly sat back down across from Tang Song,

His mind flooding with goosebumps as he recalled his earlier complaints and Tang Song’s sudden call.

Tang Song had called Tian Jing over;

it must... must mean exactly what he thought!

He had dreamed countless times of climbing up in the company with the help of a “noble benefactor.”

And now, this top-tier benefactor he had never dared to imagine was sitting right in front of him,

Unprecedentedly close.

Just then, a middle-aged man in a dark suit hurried over.

“Good evening, boss! Why didn’t you tell me in advance you’d be coming!” His face beamed with a respectful yet familiar smile. “I just heard from the waiter and thought I misheard.”

Little Jing’s expression softened and she nodded calmly. “Good evening, Manager Wang. I came here temporarily to have a bite with a friend. This is my boyfriend, Tang Song.”

“Hello, Mr. Tang!” Manager Wang quickly bowed in greeting, then added, “Boss, please wait a moment. I’ll bring out two of our newly developed dishes for you and your friend to try.”

With that, he hurried off toward the kitchen.

As his figure disappeared, Little Jing immediately returned to her sweet and cute demeanor.

She leaned close to Tang Song, lowering her voice with a coquettish tone: “Song, don’t mind me. After all, I’m a major shareholder here, so in front of my staff, I have to keep a little bit of the boss’s attitude, or else they won’t listen to me anymore~”

She wore a pleasant perfume—not a heavy floral or fruity scent, but a clean, unique blend of cedar and white musk.

Like a forest basking in sunlight after the first snow of winter, pure with a subtle hint of aloofness.

“Yeah, I know.” Tang Song looked at this wealthy and beautiful friend, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

He hadn’t interacted with Little Jing much;

mostly just video calls and texts.

Though their relationship was already close, it seemed he still didn’t know much about her.

But that was normal.

Little Jing had received top-tier elite education since childhood, and the multi-faceted way she handled social situations and complex relationships was a reflection of her personal abilities.

Besides, her tone and demeanor just now were spot-on.

Of course, it would be even more fitting if she weren’t wearing that JK uniform.

His gaze involuntarily dropped downward.

Under the black pleated short skirt were smooth, slender legs wrapped in delicate white stockings.

Between the hem and the over-the-knee socks, the pure white “absolute territory” shimmered faintly, emitting a deadly allure in the dim yellow light of the barbecue restaurant.

Tang Song inhaled lightly and gently placed his hand on that icy absolute territory.

Smooth and delicate, with a hint of coolness, like the finest silk—he couldn’t let go.

Tang Song’s long fingers applied a slight pressure. “Wearing so little, aren’t you cold?”

Feeling the gentle touch of the “hands of a male god,” Little Jing shivered slightly, her fair cheeks instantly turning a tender pink.

“Y-yes, a little cold. Thank you, Song, for warming me up.”

She softly rubbed her legs, her big round eyes flashing a gleam of excitement mixed with a dreamy haze.

She was absolutely hand-loving.

Her initial interest in Tang Song was precisely because of his nearly perfect hands, which hit her fetish spot exactly.

Seeing Little Jing’s obedient and shy face, feeling the slick texture of her skin and her willing response,

Tang Song’s breathing quickened a bit, overwhelmed by the huge contrast.

Soon, Manager Wang personally arrived with servers, carrying a steaming platter of grilled meat.

There were top-grade steaks, French-style lamb chops, and various skewers and seafood.

Manager Wang enthusiastically introduced the dishes before respectfully withdrawing.

Little Jing picked up tongs, first grabbing the most tender French lamb chop, blowing on it gently,

Then carefully fed it to her boyfriend. “Song, try this. I had it before, it’s really delicious, ah~”

Seeing her obedient and considerate expression, Tang Song smiled and opened his mouth to take a bite.

The outer layer was crispy and fragrant, while the meat inside was tender and juicy. With one bite, the rich aroma of meat and spices exploded in his mouth.

Tang Song’s eyes brightened. “Thanks, Little Jing, it’s really delicious.”

“As long as you like it.” Little Jing’s eyes curved into two beautiful crescent moons instantly.

Across from them, Zhang Lei’s eyelids twitched uncontrollably, his heart filled with complex emotions.

He remembered clearly that more than a month ago outside Sinmo Bar at Lan Feng International, this young lady had been full of presence, cold and unapproachable, impossible to look at directly.

But today, she was completely transformed.

If it weren’t for such a deep impression, he would have doubted if he recognized her correctly.

Just then, Little Jing picked up another skewer and handed it to him.

Her voice was sweet and sincere: “Brother Lei, eat quickly too. You can also give feedback on our new dishes.”

Zhang Lei, flattered beyond words, accepted the skewer and stammered, “Th-thank you, Miss You.”

This slightly unfamiliar and respectful “Miss Tian” caused Tang Song, who was eating lamb chops, to pause briefly.

He instantly realized that Zhang Lei knew Little Jing.

That saved him the trouble of an introduction.

Little Jing blinked her bright eyes, then flashed an even sweeter and more charming smile.

“No need to be so formal, Brother Lei. You’re Song’s good friend, so you’re my good friend too. Just call me Little Jing!”

Zhang Lei instinctively glanced at Tang Song across from him, catching his eyes filled with a smiling warmth.

There was no arrogance or bragging, only the familiar closeness of old classmates.

A wave of burning emotion surged in his chest, almost bringing him to tears.

College graduate, family bankrupt, father ill, girlfriend broken up with, a miserable job, barely making progress only to be pushed aside again...

He had been through too much hardship these years, and no one had ever truly reached out to help him.

Instead, Tang Song, his friend since middle school, brought him incomparable warmth.

He clenched his fists tightly, looked at Little Jing opposite him, and said with a slightly dry voice, “Actually, I’m an employee at Zhongcheng Group. I’ve met you before.”

“Ah?” Little Jing blinked, showing a perfectly timed surprise. “Oh? Where?”

“A bit over a month ago, outside Sinmo Bar at Lan Feng International,” Zhang Lei tried to recall. “I was driving for my boss and happened to see you with Supervisor Qin and the others.”

“Oh, that day! I remember now!” Little Jing suddenly clapped her hands, a hint of regret in her tone. “I drank a bit too much that day and was busy chatting with Hua and the others, didn’t notice Brother Lei was there. Sorry about that.”

She smiled apologetically at Zhang Lei.

His face immediately flushed. The grievances and feelings of being belittled at work were greatly soothed at this moment.

He quickly waved his hand, “You’re too polite. I’m just a small role, never got a chance to talk to you.”

Looking at Little Jing, he couldn’t help but marvel: Tang Song’s girlfriend was really outstanding!

Not only a top-tier rich beauty, but with such a good personality—just amazing!

If he had a girlfriend like her, he’d be willing to break his ribs to make soup for her!

Little Jing smiled lightly, picked up a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice on the table, and playfully raised it toward Zhang Lei.

Her sweet voice carried a serious yet slightly teasing tone: “I drove here today, so I’ll toast Brother Lei with juice instead of alcohol. From today on, we’re friends!”

Zhang Lei was momentarily stunned, his face reddening and his head dizzy.

He fumbled to pick up the bottle to pour wine but felt the gesture too clumsy, quickly put it down and switched to a glass with stiff and awkward movements.

Seeing this, Tang Song smiled and raised his glass as well.

“Clink~ clink~” The three glasses gently touched in the air.

Little Jing kept picking food for the two men, enthusiastically managing everything.

She remembered which meat cuts Tang Song liked and carefully handed some to Zhang Lei when they were out of reach.

Her efforts gradually relaxed the atmosphere.

The pressure Zhang Lei felt from the status gap also dissipated considerably.

After a while, she casually asked, “Brother Lei, which department do you work in?”

She was really sharp.

Though Tang Song hadn’t said outright, calling her over like this made his intention clear.

She held no resentment but was very happy.

Because it proved that in Tang Song’s heart, she was someone valuable who could help solve problems.

Isn’t that exactly what a “qualified wife” should do?

Zhang Lei quickly wiped his hands, straightened his back, and answered solemnly, “I’m in the Modern Channel Business Department of the Food and Beverage Division. Our department manager is Liu Huiyang.”

“Oh, Manager Liu, huh.” Little Jing nodded, a trace of understanding in her eyes.

She had a good memory and had some impression of the name from drinking at the bar before.

But that was about it;

after all, he was just an ordinary mid-level manager, and she wasn’t interested in the internal troubles of Zhongcheng Group.

Little Jing paused, then continued in a casual friend-like tone, “Your department seems to be doing some channel sinking lately. My dad mentioned a few times that they spent a lot but the results weren’t ideal.

Brother Lei, as a frontline salesperson, you must know the situation better than us.

If you have any good ideas or suggestions in the future, feel free to tell me. I’ll pass them on to my dad.

He’s the type who likes to hear the truth.”

Her words were flawless, clearly stating her stance while giving Zhang Lei ample face.

Zhang Lei’s heart pounded wildly, a warm current surged from his chest to his eyes, which grew slightly moist.

He was about to say a few words of thanks.

But Tang Song suddenly spoke, “Little Jing, Zhang Lei received a notice from HR a couple of days ago that he didn’t pass the probation and will be laid off.”

Little Jing’s smile faltered. “Huh? What happened?”

Zhang Lei glanced at Tang Song, took a big sip from his glass,

Then calmly explained the transfer from Quancheng branch to headquarters, being pushed out, and HR’s probation failure notice.

Little Jing’s impression of him was very good.

Plus, with such a powerful identity on his side, he was already confident.

“I see...” Little Jing pouted, a hint of displeasure in her tone. “Brother Lei, don’t worry. This is an internal Zhongcheng Group issue;

you won’t be treated unfairly.”

Zhang Lei’s eyes reddened. “Thank you, Little Jing! I really appreciate it!”

“No need to be so formal, Brother Lei. We’re friends, so this isn’t a bother to me.”

Tang Song patted her leg and whispered, “Little Jing, check who arranged Ding Furong’s entry.”

“Okay, okay!” Little Jing nodded, seeing Tang Song’s serious concern, she stood up and said, “I’ll make a call.”

With that, she took out her phone and walked briskly toward a quieter corner.

Watching her tall and beautiful figure disappear into the light and shadow,

Zhang Lei took a deep breath, picked up his beer bottle, poured himself a full glass, foam fizzing upward.

He poured another for Tang Song, the liquid clear and bright.

“Tang Song,” he raised his glass, voice filled with unprecedented gratitude and solemnity, “No need to say anything. It’s all in the drink. If there’s ever anywhere you need Zhang Lei’s help, just say the word!”

He tilted his neck back and gulped down the beer,

As if swallowing all the years of frustration and the excitement of this moment.

Tang Song looked at his old middle school buddy quietly, not raising his glass immediately but just watching him until he set it down.

Then he raised his own glass, clinked it with the empty one, and drank it all down as well.

...

Elsewhere,

Little Jing found Qin Hua’s contact and dialed directly.

Actually, she could reach many top leaders, but Qin Hua was her close friend, making some conversations easier,

And she was a supervisor in the President’s Office, well-informed and familiar with Zhongcheng’s internal operations.

“Beep beep beep—” The phone rang for a while before being answered.

Qin Hua’s low voice came through, “Hello? Little Jing, why the sudden call?”

“Still busy at this hour?”

“I’m telling you, lady, I’m not as relaxed as you! Manager Li is messing with organizational restructuring again, dragging us into meetings every day. I’m about to go bald. Just say it, what’s up? I’m busy here.”

Little Jing got straight to the point. “In the Modern Channel Business Department under Liu Huiyang, there’s an employee named Zhang Lei. He received a layoff notice recently. Please check his details thoroughly—what went wrong and who’s behind it.”

Qin Hua was stunned for a moment. “A specialist in the Modern Channel Department? You even know such a grassroots employee?”

“That’s none of your business,” Little Jing’s tone brooked no argument. “He definitely can’t leave Zhongcheng. Also, check if he has promotion opportunities now. I’ll find someone to handle the specifics.”

“Wait!” Qin Hua’s voice instantly rose. “Isn’t this another job your precious boyfriend set you up with? You two just started dating, and he’s already using you! First Lu Ziyue, now this Zhang Lei. Can’t you be more clear-headed? Or just tell your dad to come be CEO at Zhongcheng!”

Little Jing raised her eyebrows and laughed lightly. “Heh, this isn’t using. We’re a couple. If I don’t help him, who will? Besides, Zhongcheng is stagnating. What development is there? He wouldn’t want it.”

“You—You really have a love-struck brain!”

Little Jing cut her off. “My birthday’s this weekend. Qingli and the others will come. Remember to arrange work early so you won’t have to work overtime that day. Come with me half a day early;

there’s a lot to prepare.”

“Got it!” An angry voice came from the other end, then the call was hung up.

Listening to the dial tone, Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by NoveI(F)ire.net

Little Jing’s eyes flickered, then she found another contact and dialed again.

This time, she switched to a sweet and gentle voice. “Sister Yang, is now a good time to talk?”

“Oh, it’s like this. I have a friend working in the Food and Beverage Division named Zhang Lei. He recently got a notice from your HR department that he didn’t pass probation.”

“...It’s nothing. I’m just checking because he’s a good friend, want to care a bit.”

“Okay, got it. I’ll call you later.”

“Bye.”

After hanging up, a cold and dark smile briefly flickered at Little Jing’s lips but quickly vanished.

She soon resumed her sweet expression and walked lightly back to the booth.

“I’m back, thanks for waiting!”

Little Jing obediently sat beside Tang Song, catching Zhang Lei’s eager and nervous gaze.

She smiled knowingly and took the initiative to speak: “I just called Sister Yang Meiping in HR. She said she’ll contact you tomorrow.”

“Ah! Director Yang! Thank you, thank you, Little Jing!” Zhang Lei’s face flushed with excitement.

He knew Yang Meiping well—the company’s HR Director, head of the HR department.

Her weight far exceeded that of his uncle or Manager Liu Huiyang.

She was a “big shot” that grassroots employees like him looked up to.

With Director Yang personally stepping in, everything would be solved!

Thinking this, a bright flame lit up in his eyes like never before.

“No need to be so polite, Brother Lei,” Little Jing said politely, then immediately turned and shook Tang Song’s arm, “Song, the first-floor restroom is crowded and a bit dirty. Come with me to the third-floor private room, okay?”

“Sure, let’s go.” Tang Song pinched her cheek and smiled, standing up.

They greeted Zhang Lei and headed for the stairs.

Along the way, the waiters respectfully greeted Little Jing.

The third floor was mostly luxuriously decorated private rooms, much quieter.

Looking at the familiar environment, Tang Song’s gaze momentarily drifted.

More than half a year ago, on the night he got the system, he had a team-building event right here—he even remembered the specific room.

Back then, he had just been “PUA’d” by Director Chen Yunteng, his hard work stolen.

Single, gaining weight, no car or house, far from his Bai Yueguang, in the darkest period of his life.

Then came clearing the game and realizing his dream.

Tang Song looked at this once company goddess beside him, a wave of emotion rising.

Everything felt like it happened yesterday, yet it also seemed so long ago.

“We’re here, this is the place.”

Little Jing whispered and opened the door of the innermost private room, leading Tang Song inside.

With a “click,” she locked the door from the inside.

Turning around, she shyly walked up to him, nervously clasping her hands in front.

Tang Song nodded, instantly understanding.

“Brother Tang Song... I’m sorry... I didn’t know Zhongcheng Group would treat your friend like this. This company was managed by my dad before, so I bear some responsibility. I didn’t care about your situation earlier, which allowed Brother Lei to be bullied.”

She slowly lifted her head, lips slightly reddened, like a little girl afraid of being scolded for making a mistake.

“Please punish me...”

Then she turned and walked to the redwood dining table, hands on the edge, bending over with a tense and arching curve.

Her long legs, clad in over-the-knee white stockings, outlined a tempting scenery under the warm yellow spotlight of the private room.

Watching Little Jing’s textbook posture, Tang Song’s eye twitched involuntarily, his breath growing hot.

The inexplicable emotion he had just felt vanished instantly.

Damn, Little Jing really knows how to play!

He stepped forward, slowly raised his long hand, then slapped down hard.

“Smack!”

The crisp sound echoed clearly in the private room.

“Ahh—!” Little Jing’s body shuddered violently. “Brother Tang Song, I was wrong!”

Her voice trembled with shy sobbing.

“Smack!”

Tang Song looked at his fully cooperative, pale and clean girlfriend, his breath growing more rapid.

Damn Little Jing! No wonder Lingling always wanted to hit her recently. You little pervert are corrupting me!

She had to be punished severely!

“Private massage!”

“Sorry! Please forgive me!”

Outside the private room, muffled voices occasionally floated in, mingling with the restaurant’s background music.

Through the window, the bustling street glowed with neon lights.

This semi-public setting made their intimate actions doubly thrilling in an indescribable way.

Little Jing lay there, her cheek pressed tightly against the cold redwood table.

Drool gleamed uncontrollably at the corner of her mouth, her beautiful big eyes somewhat dazed.

...

After a long while,

Little Jing weakly slipped into the private room’s attached restroom.

Sitting on the toilet, she looked down at her messy, reddened chest, still in a dreamy state.

She tidied herself up well,

Then slowly adjusted her slightly disheveled hair and clothes at the sink.

Dating a boyfriend she hadn’t seen for a long time, just seeing his perfect long hands made her heart itch, unable to calm down, only wanting to play with him.

Now satisfied, the reflection in the mirror showed calmness and intelligence in her eyes again.

She began to think.

She could feel that since Qin Dechang joined the board, her close friend Qin Hua’s attitude toward her had shifted subtly.

Of course, they were still close friends.

But previously, she had always taken the lead in their interactions.

Qin Hua might have an issue because of her boyfriend, but she definitely wouldn’t be as blunt as today or refuse to handle things properly first.

Moreover, she keenly sensed that Qin Hua might have already known about Zhang Lei and Tang Song’s relationship.

Otherwise, why would Qin Hua suddenly point the finger at Tang Rong without mentioning anything else?

That complaint seemed unintentional but was actually a deliberate distancing.

Little Jing understood her best friend deeply, seeing right through her.

But soon, everything would return to normal.

She had carefully built such a grand stage for Tang Song to shine, even involving big shots like Shangguan Qiuyas and Zheng Qiudong indirectly.

At her birthday party, it would definitely be a spectacular show.

Once Qin Hua witnessed the whole performance, she would know what to do.

The Little Jing in the mirror curled her lips into a lazy, dangerous smile.

So... Lord Tang Song, are you ready?

The next game will be led by Little Jing~