Staring at the system information that appeared before him, Tang Song was momentarily stunned.

Good grief! All five of the game characters he had unlocked were going to attend the birthday party?!

Then, suddenly, he remembered.

Wu Kezhi had indeed messaged him some time ago, wanting to have an in-depth discussion about Jingwu Capital’s upcoming plans and had arranged to arrive in Yancheng this weekend.

Zheng Qiudong had also mentioned that the initial integration of Dejurenhe’s merger with SCG had been completed, and there were many results he wanted to report to him.

Mo Xiangwan had long ago mentioned that Tang Entertainment had some event warm-ups that would take place in Yancheng.

But... he never expected that even Annie would sneak into Yancheng!

With that Tianyang Ma’s temper, it was already abnormal that she hadn’t come to find him immediately.

She was definitely planning some tricks behind the scenes.

“Phew,” Tang Song exhaled deeply, feeling a prickling sensation on his scalp.

Without the support of the “Tang Song’s Reflection” dungeon, he might really not be able to handle this.

Because in the eyes of these people, he was always mysterious and powerful, seemingly incapable of making mistakes.

It was one thing to deal with one or two of them alone, but facing all five at once—each with different thoughts and purposes—was another matter.

Moreover, as his unlocked permissions increased, many topics could no longer be evaded with vague or cryptic answers as before. He had to give clear responses and decisions.

Mo Xiangwan and Luo Bin were manageable since they were early characters, and the fields and businesses involved were areas he could fully handle now.

But the other three, especially Annie and Zheng Qiudong, would definitely notice if something was off.

One slip-up and his “persona would collapse” on the spot.

Luckily, before starting, he had obtained the item “Tang Song’s Reflection.”

Originally, he thought this would just be Xiao Jing’s ordinary birthday party—at most facing Xiao Jing’s parents and friends, showing off a bit of affection.

Unexpectedly, it had accidentally evolved into an unofficial internal gathering.

But this was a fortunate coincidence.

The item was triggered directly, and clearing the dungeon would grant a “Charm” buff as a reward.

Tang Song took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

He opened the chat window with Xiao Jing and replied, “Don’t worry, I definitely won’t be late. I’ve also prepared a birthday surprise for you to unwrap yourself.”

After sending the message, he casually opened Xiaohongshu.

The first thing that caught his eye was the striking follower count on his personal homepage—100,000.

He opened his homepage and checked the recent post data.

The most popular post was the celebratory note for the HEYISTUDIO brand’s debut.

It had nearly 20,000 likes now.

Thinking about it, it wasn’t surprising at all.

An “ordinary person” who had been persuaded to transform on Xiaohongshu suddenly announced plans to do “brand cultivation” after completing the transformation.

Everyone initially took it as a joke, enthusiastically participating—choosing logos, packaging—proudly becoming “cloud shareholders.”

Although the process was fun, most people didn’t expect this grassroots brand to truly succeed.

But the unstoppable Tang Song directly led this huge group of “cloud shareholders,” starting with the appearance of big internet celebrity He Yiyi, followed by the instant explosion of the jacket series overnight...

From “cultivation” to “witnessing a miracle”

This move genuinely shocked everyone following him.

Next, Tang Song opened Douyin, follower count: 531,000.

Recently, he had been updating quite diligently, and his follower growth was much faster than before.

The vlog recording the Hong Kong trip was the most popular video lately, with over 80,000 likes and over six million views.

Since the “Charm Manifestation” task could reward him with +1 Charm, Tang Song was taking it very seriously.

Now that the Xiaohongshu target of 100,000 followers was achieved and Douyin’s million-follower goal was within reach,

It was time to manage the accounts carefully and add some new, more personal charm elements.

He planned the upcoming video content and finally put down his phone.

Turning to the balcony of his study, he picked up a drawing board and pencil.

“Scratch, scratch, scratch—”

The soft sound of charcoal rubbing against paper arose.

Soon, a pure and adorable face gradually appeared on the paper.

An oval face, high ponytail, straight bangs, clean school uniform...

After Xiao Jing’s birthday party ended, Bai Yueguang’s birthday would come quickly.

He wanted to prepare a special gift for her.

...

3:00 PM.

Lan Feng International Hotel, 29th floor, executive lounge.

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the massive glass curtain wall, casting bright and warm patches on the carpet.

In the private lounge at the corridor’s end, Wu Kezhi leaned against the armrest of a comfortable sofa, gazing at the city skyline dyed golden by autumn outside the window, lost in thought.

“Tap, tap, tap—”

Footsteps approached from afar.

“Brother Wu.”

“President Wu.”

Two figures walked over one after another.

Zheng Qiudong did not wear his usual suit but had instead changed into a high-quality cashmere casual outfit, toning down his usual sharpness in the business world.

He appeared exceptionally relaxed and refined.

Mo Xiangwan was dressed in an elegant and capable evening outfit.

A black high-waist slit pencil skirt, revealing long and slender legs with every step.

Her makeup was light yet exquisite, her deep, expressive eyes sparkling brilliantly.

“Qiudong, Xiangwan, please sit.” Wu Kezhi stood and nodded to them.

The three took their seats in the lounge one by one.

Zheng Qiudong skillfully poured each of them a cup of Pu’er tea and spoke first.

His tone carried a hint of teasing, “I wonder what our dear President Tang is doing right now? What expression will he have when he sees us ‘uninvited guests’ at the banquet later?”

Mo Xiangwan elegantly sipped her tea, a slight curve forming at the corner of her lips, “Perhaps... he’s accompanying a certain close female friend. He is quite a busy man these days.”

Zheng Qiudong couldn’t help but chuckle, “Indeed busy, with Hong Kong, Yangcheng, livestreaming, birthday parties.”

Hearing their conversation, Wu Kezhi’s brow furrowed slightly, “It’s best not to discuss President Tang’s private life too much. That’s not our place.”

Although he had always heard that Tang Song had changed a lot and become more humane,

As someone Tang Song personally nurtured as a trusted confidant, the deep-rooted reverence was ingrained in his bones.

In his view, every decision Tang Song made had profound meaning.

After all, he never made mistakes.

Zheng Qiudong and Mo Xiangwan exchanged a glance, shrugged, and tacitly dropped the topic.

Mo Xiangwan opened her bag, took out a finely made card, and placed it on the coffee table, pushing it toward them.

“This is the final itinerary for Tian Jing’s birthday party.”

Wu Kezhi casually picked it up, quickly scanning it and instantly understanding.

Due to the complexity of guest attributes, the birthday party was cleverly divided into two parts.

The front section was a ‘party’ for Xiao Jing and her group of young friends, designed to create a warm and romantic birthday atmosphere,

Even including close friend interactions, photography, and a light show as warm-up events.

While the “elders,” including important business partners, would be arranged first in the VIP room on the east side, personally hosted by Tian Chengye.

Only when the front section ended and the birthday ceremony officially began would the guests from both sides merge.

Wu Kezhi pondered for a moment and said slowly, “Personally, I think we should keep a low profile. Otherwise, Director Jin might have objections. You know how much she values President Tang’s security above everything else.”

“I agree with that.” Mo Xiangwan nodded earnestly. “Before coming here, I spoke with Ms. Ouyang by phone. The representatives from Tang Yi Precision and Luo Bin will arrive later to represent the company in celebrating Tian Jing’s birthday.”

Zheng Qiudong smiled lightly, “I don’t care. As long as I can meet Tian Jing tonight and chat with President Tang about Dejurenhe’s international strategy, that’s enough.”

Tang Song was the core and soul of the entire Tangjin system. As their business territory expanded,

Once his true identity and wealth were fully exposed to the public, it would inevitably attract countless prying eyes and hidden dangers.

Especially in the international capital market, every move from institutions like Jingwu Capital and Tangjin Family Office would inevitably stir the interests of certain vested groups.

Those hungry wolves never played by the rules.

This was also the main reason they approved and supported Tang Song’s backstage concealment, even disappearing for a whole year to “start over.”

Mo Xiangwan seemed to have anticipated this and reopened her handbag.

She took out several exquisite half-face masks and placed them on the table.

“Before the flash mob event starts, photos can be taken freely. To prevent accidents, I think you should wear them as well—just a little fun. Our President Tang’s girlfriend really enjoys this kind of game. It was one of the processes she proactively established.”

She had arranged for Shengtang Security staff to politely ask all guests to temporarily seal their phones and other recording devices before Echo girl group’s flash mob performance, citing “protection of VIP privacy.”

This was mainly to prevent ill-intentioned people from posting photos of the four of them with Tang Song online, causing unnecessary trouble.

Zheng Qiudong eagerly picked up a black Venetian half-face mask with golden patterns and tried it on.

Smiling, he said, “Since it’s my future ‘partner’s’ birthday party, I naturally have to respect her wishes. Indeed... it’s quite fun.”

Wu Kezhi glanced at the masks on the table, his brows twitching barely visibly.

He had never worn such a thing before and felt it was out of place.

However, although he rarely appeared before domestic media, he still needed to be cautious.

He took a deep breath, picked up a relatively conservative leather patchwork mask, and put it into his handbag.

Mo Xiangwan packed up the remaining masks and continued, “However, with Ms. Annie, we can’t guarantee anything. She hasn’t even answered my calls recently. She might cause trouble at the birthday party. President Wu, I think you should communicate with her first.”

“Hmm, I’ll try.” Wu Kezhi nodded cautiously, feeling troubled.

Annie Kate, although also part of Jingwu Capital, was always independent.

Moreover, this time at Tian Jing’s birthday, she was representing Director Jin privately, so as CEO, his authority might not work.

This young lady from the American Kate family was never someone to take lightly.

...

Yanjing Huating, large flat.

In the spacious walk-in closet, Tian Chengye changed into a tailor-made dark gray suit.

Standing before a huge dressing mirror, he absentmindedly tied his tie.

The middle-aged man in the mirror still had handsome and sharp features, with an upright posture, faintly showing the demeanor of his youth.

In fact, it was precisely because of his outstanding appearance and exceptional ability that he had risen from a small place, eventually marrying a wealthy wife and building a large business.

But now, a layer of lingering gloom and fatigue always shadowed his brows.

Chen Man stepped forward and naturally took the tie from his hands, skillfully and gently smoothing out the wrinkles.

Seeing the red veins in her husband’s eyes, her eyes were full of sympathy.

“Look at you;

in just a few days, you’ve lost weight all around.” Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of reproach. “You’re in your prime forties. Even if you fail, with your ability, you can start over. There’s no need to pressure yourself so much.” ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novelFirｅ.net

“The times... have changed, Manman.” Tian Chengye’s voice was bitter. “When we were young, it was a golden era. As long as you dared and were willing to venture, you could reap the dividends of the times. But now? Look at Zhongcheng Group. Such a huge enterprise is also on the decline.”

He paused, his gaze dimming, voice lowering:

“I’ve already sold the best asset of Jinxiu Commerce. If... if Hueneng Electronics completely fails, then our family... might really never recover.”

New energy was a national strategy and the biggest opportunity of the era.

As an ambitious businessman, he had heavily bet on Hueneng Electronics, hoping to ride that tailwind to elevate his career to a new level.

To complete the ultimate leap from “wealthy” to “noble.”

But one wrong step led to errors at every turn. He had overestimated himself and underestimated the tide of the times.

Now, he was standing on the edge of a cliff.

Chen Man’s heart tightened along with his.

After a moment of silence, she finally whispered, “Today is Jingjing’s birthday after all. Don’t make things difficult for Tang Song at the banquet. I can see that Jingjing really likes him.”

Mentioning their daughter, Tian Chengye’s face was full of inner conflict.

“This is Jingjing’s first relationship. She’s too idealistic and impulsive in love. As parents, we have the responsibility to offer her more and different possibilities before she makes her final choice.”

“Sigh.” Chen Man sighed, feeling reluctant.

Tonight, besides some of their relatives and friends, her husband had specially invited Lin Jingming and Meng Chuan.

Both were recognized as elites.

One, in his early thirties, founded Suchong Power, valued at 500 million USD, a rising star in the tech world.

The other was even more impressive, one of the heirs of Stellar Investments, responsible for investments in the Asia-Pacific region.

Stellar Investments was a top single-family office.

Relying on a huge business group founded by the previous generation, it held significant influence in capital markets throughout Asia-Pacific.

With these two attending, they would naturally attract all eyes and attention.

Compared to them, their daughter’s boyfriend would inevitably become a supporting actor, even a point of comparison.

In some sense, it was quite cruel.

After all, this was Tang Song’s first formal appearance as Jingjing’s boyfriend meeting them.

Perhaps sensing his wife’s thoughts, Tian Chengye slowed his tone: “Rest assured, no matter what, if she ultimately chooses Tang Song, I will never force her. I just want her to see that there are many equally excellent young men in this world.”

Since discovering their daughter’s relationship with Tang Song at the Yan Province Bank private event last time, he immediately ordered a thorough investigation into Tang Song’s background.

An ordinary origin, but able to enter Meigou Technology based on his own technical ability and participate in core projects—this proved he was smart and hardworking;

Winning Smile Capital’s favor through project connections and becoming CTO of Jinxiu Commerce—this showed he was lucky and knew how to seize opportunities;

Starting his own livestream e-commerce business with some success—this proved ambition and execution;

Appearance aside, it rivaled Tian Chengye’s youth.

From any angle, this was a very outstanding young man.

This was the main reason he did not interfere and allowed his daughter to date him.

Previously, he would have been very willing for his daughter to take her time in the relationship and enrich her life experience,

If Tang Song knew how to seize opportunities and successfully married his daughter in a few years,

He wouldn’t mind using all his connections and resources to support his son-in-law’s rise.

But now... he was already deeply stuck in the mire and unable to protect himself.

He had no extra energy or capital to “cultivate” another potential star.

He needed a strong “ally” who could immediately bring a turning point.

He knew if his daughter could truly be with Meng Chuan or Lin Jingming, their family business would receive the most direct and effective help.

Only then could this overwhelming crisis be truly resolved.

As a businessman, this was an extremely rational choice.

But as a father, his heart was filled with unspeakable conflict and torment.

“Ring, ring, ring—” A sharp phone ringtone broke the oppressive atmosphere in the walk-in closet.

Tian Chengye picked up his phone, and the fatigue on his face instantly vanished, replaced by alertness.

He cleared his throat and answered steadily and firmly, “Hello, Secretary Zhang, how are you?”

“Oh? Okay.”

“No problem, no problem. Meng’s official matters are important. No need to rush. We have everything arranged here and await Mr. Meng’s arrival anytime.”

After some polite exchanges, he hung up.

“What happened?” Chen Man asked with concern.

“Meng Chuan’s meeting was delayed and shows no sign of ending yet, so he’ll arrive later.” Tian Chengye said while adjusting his cufflinks, the gloom in his eyes fading and replaced by a shrewd business light.

He turned to his wife, “Let’s go, Manman. We’ll head to the hotel first. Our out-of-town guests should be arriving soon. We’ll go greet them.”

Though Meng Chuan would be late, this apologetic call from his secretary only strengthened Tian Chengye’s confidence in their sincerity and importance.

Besides introducing him to his daughter, it was also a chance for deeper, more private communication with Meng Chuan.

After all, the other party was attracted by China’s vast new energy market and held abundant funds, actively seeking potential investment targets.

If Hueneng Electronics could gain favor from Stellar Investments, even just a small strategic investment...

It would alleviate his problems and leave open a chance for a comeback.