CHAPTER 675: I WILL PROTECT YOU

Chapter 675: I Will Protect You 1

January 20, 2019, Major Cold.

Rongcheng.

The black Audi drove along the quiet path beside Huanhua Creek.

Tang Song sat upright in the right back seat, his posture elegant and straight, his hands crossed lightly in front of him.

His gaze calmly appreciated the bleak yet dignified winter scenery outside the window.

Inside the cabin, the temperature was comfortable, and the air was filled with a faint woody fragrance.

"Tang Song..." a calm, magnetic voice came from beside him, "My grandfather has already had someone investigate all your information. I also followed your instructions and selectively disclosed your connections with those capital entities to him. I'm not sure what judgment he will ultimately make about you. So... I hope you can be cautious during the upcoming conversation."

"Hmm." Tang Song nodded slightly, not surprised.

He turned his head slightly to look at Ouyang Xianyue beside him.

At that time, she was just thirty-one years old, in the prime of a woman's most beautiful years.

She wore a coffee-colored double-breasted coat over a simple white high-neck knit sweater.

She still retained some of the scholarly aura of a top university graduate, while gradually radiating the graceful and luxurious brilliance unique to noblewomen from top-tier families.

Tang Song's gaze held no trace of youthful male desire or admiration, only the absolute calm of a chess player examining the board.

Their eyes met in the air for a moment.

Ouyang Xianyue let out a soft breath, actively breaking eye contact to look ahead at the increasingly close iron gate.

"We're almost there."

At this moment, she was far less composed and confident than Tang Song.

Over the past two years, under Tang Song's guidance, Tang Yi Precision had not only miraculously recovered from the brink of death but had also risen strongly with an almost savage posture.

It was now one of the leaders in the domestic precision manufacturing field and was striding boldly toward globalization.

This earth-shattering reversal had long attracted high-level attention within the Ouyang family.

And not long ago, Tang Song privately revealed a message to her.

The United States would impose comprehensive sanctions on the domestic technology industry this year.

And this required obtaining the unreserved full support of her family.

Ouyang Xianyue knew very well that without a reasonable explanation, she simply couldn't account for it to the shrewd elders in her family.

So, half a month ago, under Tang Song's "guidance," she chose to "confess."

She disclosed the existence of the mysterious "behind-the-scenes operator" Tang Song, as well as his background intricately connected to overseas capital like Smile Holdings and Jingwu Capital, to the family elders. 𝘙ãℕỒＢΕṧ

Finally, her grandfather, Ouyang Chengping, decided to personally meet this mysterious young man.

Ouyang Xianyue actually understood her grandfather's inner worries and vigilance very well.

He wanted to see with his own eyes whether this young man was a "genius" who could bring hope to Huaxia's technology, or a "proxy" pushed to the forefront by greedy overseas capital.

And the outcome of this meeting would also determine her family's attitude towards Tang Song.

The car finally stopped in front of an inconspicuous Chinese-style small building.

The door opened, and chilly air instantly rushed in.

Tang Song got out of the car and glanced at the somewhat nervous Ouyang Xianyue beside him.

A very faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he gently patted her back, "Don't worry, I'll handle everything. Let's go."

After speaking, he elegantly strode forward with his long legs, following the attendant who had been waiting there, heading straight into the small building.

Watching his incredibly tall and reliable back, Ouyang Xianyue's heart miraculously calmed down.

The study lacked lavish decorations, only having rows of floor-to-ceiling wooden bookshelves densely packed with various professional books and literature.

Tang Song finally met the legendary Academician Ouyang.

Nearly 80 years old, he wore a faded Zhongshan suit, had a thin figure, yet remained straight as a pine tree.

His eyes, looking through reading glasses, were especially bright, sharp enough to seem to penetrate one's heart.

He didn't sit in the main seat but sat with Tang Song on either side of an ancient chessboard.

The two began playing Go.

Ouyang Xianyue knelt quietly by the tea table not far away, boiling water and preparing tea for them.

The curling tea aroma, mixed with the study's serene ink fragrance, permeated the air.

On the chessboard, the black and white pieces were locked in a fierce, inextricable battle.

As they placed their pieces, they chatted about the latest quantum computing, artificial intelligence, the predicament of domestic industrial software, technical bottlenecks in new materials...

Possessing the temporarily purchased Go Mastery skill from the system, plus his current nearly "divine" state of mind.

"Snap—"

With the final black piece placed, the game was instantly decided.

Tang Song won the game by half a point.

Ouyang Chengping remained silent for a long time before slowly speaking, "Young man, excellent chess skill, excellent temperament."

"You flatter me."

Ouyang Chengping slowly stood up, walked to the wall covered with a huge world map, and looked at him with a profound gaze:

"Tang Song, your boldness truly surprises me. But have you considered that even if we achieve breakthroughs in certain technologies, the entire technology standards and financial system dominated by the West still remain a high wall we cannot shake for now. Can Tang Yi Precision break through it?"

Tang Song stood up and came to his side, "That's why we cannot focus only on technology. The next ten years will see dramatic changes in the global landscape. The chip sanctions are just the first step;

next will be finance, energy, food... This is a comprehensive strangulation. Therefore, our only way to break the deadlock is to rely on our vast market and manufacturing advantages to build a 'Pan-Asian Economic and Technological Internal Circulation' independent of the US dollar system. This internal circulation will be the most solid backing for our industrial upgrade."

His fingertip traced across Eurasia, "And the heart of this new system is high-end manufacturing. Tang Yi Precision's goal is to become the strongest atrium in this heart. As for Smile Holdings and Jingwu Capital, they are the levers I use to leverage initial resources for this new system."

He remained silent for a long time, then sighed, "This vision is magnificent, but realizing it will take too long and is filled with too much uncertainty, and I... fear I won't live to see it."

"Tang Yi Precision will become the undisputed technical standard-setter in the global consumer electronics field, completely shedding the 'contract manufacturer' label."

"Our self-developed industrial-grade chips will occupy over 30% of the entire Pan-Asian market."

"And in the field of artificial intelligence, our self-developed large AI model will inevitably become one of the core engines driving the next era's transformation."

"All of this, I guarantee, you will see with your own eyes."

Ouyang Xianyue looked dazedly at the figure standing beside her grandfather.

At that moment, she saw a nearly "divine" radiance on the young man who was only 21 years old.

To be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him at the forefront of this turbulent, magnificent era.

To witness and personally participate in all of this...

She felt honored.

And would firmly "protect his path" for him.

.....

On the way back.

Tang Song leaned against the soft seat, watching the passing street scenes outside the window, casually remarking, "I really like the scenery here, the climate is nice too, much more comfortable than the north in winter."

Ouyang Xianyue beside him turned her head, using a tentative tone, "Then... shall I help you build a residence here too? You can come stay often in the future."

A light shone in Ouyang Xianyue's eyes.

The car continued forward, gradually entering the city's crowded main roads.

At a red light intersection, the vehicle slowly stopped.

Ouyang Xianyue seemed to suddenly discover something, extending her fair finger to point at a somewhat old electric bike parked on the non-motorized vehicle lane not far away.

"Look, that young girl, doesn't she look a bit like Su Yu?"

Tang Song slightly turned, following her pointing direction with a glance.

On the back seat of the electric bike, a girl in a school uniform with a high ponytail sat silently, head bowed, lost in thought.

From the side profile, the high bridge of her nose and delicate jawline did bear quite a resemblance to that female celebrity.

But their temperaments were completely different;

this girl carried a suppressed, almost gloomy coldness.

Tang Song lowered his head to look at the watch on his wrist, his tone devoid of any fluctuation, cold as if discussing an unrelated business matter.

"Tell her to contact Smile to schedule an appointment."

"...Emm, alright, I understand."

The green light lit up, and the car slowly started.

Just as the two vehicles passed each other, Tang Song faintly heard the mother in front of the electric bike scolding with a strong Sichuan accent, impatiently:

"You stupid girl! Always giving me that stinky face every day! Not studying hard, fighting with classmates, the college entrance exam is almost here! If you don't get into a good university, you'll cry later..."

The black Audi A8L finally came to a smooth stop under the porte-cochere of a hotel in downtown Rongcheng.

Tang Song was the first to step out of the car.

Ouyang Xianyue followed closely behind.

Just as they steadied themselves, slightly hurried footsteps approached.

Secretary Jin, dressed in standard professional attire, appeared before them.

"President Tang, everything... went smoothly?"

"Hmm, no problem." Tang Song nodded gently.

Secretary Jin then turned her gaze to Ouyang Xianyue.

A flawless, formulaic smile appeared on her face: "Ms. Ouyang, thank you for your efforts. From now on, I will take over President Tang's schedule."

Ouyang Xianyue looked at this exquisitely beautiful Director Jin, returning an equally perfect smile, "You're too kind. After all, this is Tang Song's first formal visit to my grandfather. Logically, I should personally accompany him. Let's go, I'll take you inside."

Secretary Jin didn't say anything more, just nodded gently, then elegantly turned, strode forward with her long legs, leading the way into the hotel.

Her high heels rhythmically tapped on the polished floor.

The perfectly outlined, perky heart-shaped buttocks, accentuated by the dark pencil skirt, swayed with an extremely seductive curve.

A clear system prompt sounded in Tang Song's ear: [ "Secretary Jin" Favorability -1 ].

He couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly.

At this moment, his attention had just shifted away from Tang Entertainment and Su Yu.

Secretary Jin clearly still held some resentment towards him from the "cold war" period.

The reason she took the trouble to come to Rongcheng to "provide protection" was, of course, concern for his safety.

After all, the person he was meeting this time had a very special status, and Secretary Jin always maintained deep wariness towards Ouyang Xianyue and her inscrutable family behind her.

However, Tang Song did not intend to correct the friction between them or point it out.

He knew very well that for any large power alliance to maintain long-term vitality and stability, its interior must not be entirely harmonious.

Having competition, conflict, and checks and balances.

In fact, if necessary, he would personally create conflict.

They also had a meal together.

Only then did Ouyang Xianyue finally rise to take her leave.

After seeing her off, Tang Song walked up to Secretary Jin.

He reached out, very naturally straightened the collar of her silk blouse, "You look especially beautiful today, this outfit suits you very well, I like it a lot. Accompany me for some shopping tonight, and we can try Rongcheng's delicacies."

"Alright, President Tang. I will contact the security team immediately to plan the route."

[ "Secretary Jin" Favorability +2 ]

.....

Spring Festival 2019.

Bai Yueguang was extremely busy preparing for the "Internet+" entrepreneurship competition, only staying in her hometown for a short week.

On New Year's Eve, after the reunion dinner.

Tang Song came alone to Jing County town and walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Liu Qingning, who had also sneaked out from home, on the empty streets.

At some point, fine, fluttering snowflakes began to fall from the sky.

The dim yellow streetlights illuminated the falling snowflakes, like a silent, grand firework.

In this world that belonged only to the two of them, Liu Qingning suddenly stopped and turned around.

She looked at him, her eyes that always held light now filled with seriousness and expectation:

"Tang Song, we'll soon be seniors. What are your plans?"

Tang Song smiled, looking at her nose tip reddened by the cold, his face also filled with boundless imagination for the future:

"Go to the Imperial Capital. I think I should be able to get into graduate school at Imperial Capital University."

Hearing this answer, Bai Yueguang's face instantly bloomed with an incredibly bright smile.

Brighter than the fireworks in the sky.

She cheered "Ah!", spread her arms, and directly jumped onto his back.

Then, she stuffed her icy hands into the warm nape of his neck, saying in a tone full of certainty: "Then it's settled! I'll be waiting for you in the Imperial Capital!"

"Hmm, wait for me to come join you."

"Giddy up!"

Liu Qingning gently nudged his leg with her snow boot.

On the snow-covered ground, a long trail of uneven footprints was left behind.

Laughter echoed through that snowy, incredibly beautiful New Year's Eve night.

.....

The time that followed seemed to pass especially quickly.

Under Tang Song's orchestration, a blitzkrieg of acquisitions targeting precision manufacturing and optical companies with core technologies worldwide officially began.

He also became truly busy.

His time at school consequently grew shorter and shorter.

But even so, many familiar figures still appeared in his memory fragments.

For example, the occasionally glimpsed Zhang Yan;

at this time, she should still be striving to catch up with him.

For example, that campus celebrity Shen Yuyan, who was the absolute center of attention wherever she went.

And for example, that future coser girlfriend, the adorably silly Qingqing.

Tang Song actually had quite a few interactions with her: at Lu Ziming's birthday party, in the crowded school cafeteria, even in the same elective course lecture hall...

It's just that Xu Qing was very tsundere back then and didn't notice this insignificant him.

Second half of 2019, senior year.

After repeated consideration and simulation.

He chose to join Meigou Technology.

To confront the impending major transformation in technology and finance in a more direct manner.

She still took a few days off to help him rent an apartment in Tian Tong Garden.

That small secondary bedroom of only about ten square meters was tidied up perfectly by her, filled with the breath of life.

Bai Yueguang excitedly talked about the potential of AI to change the world, the brilliant prospects of Century Zhixue, and the immense value of Meigou Technology as a "unicorn."

She worked hard, using all her knowledge and passion, painted an incredibly beautiful blueprint of the future for him.

Life with Bai Yueguang in the Imperial Capital began like this.

After starting work, although both became increasingly busy, they still maintained the closest contact, sharing every bit of their lives with each other.

And to better cooperate with him, Secretary Jin personally served as Chairman of Meigou Technology.

On the surface.

Secretary Jin was the company Chairman, Tang Song was an ordinary programmer.

But privately, Secretary Jin would always change the styles and colors of her stockings according to his preferences.

Then wait for his instructions in that exclusive Chairman's office on the top floor.

This could also be considered a little understood rapport between them.

It was during these seemingly calm yet actually turbulent days.

She always carried a conspicuous red backpack, standing quietly to the right of the No. 11 door.

That also happened to be the spot where he habitually stood after boarding the train.

The newly established Tangjin Family Office began to exert its strength.

London, Singapore, Tokyo...

One office after another was placed like chess pieces in the heart of major global financial centers.

They accurately cleared their positions before the tech stock bubble burst and profited by shorting through stock index futures;

Then went on a buying spree for core assets at the peak of market panic;

Heavily invested in commodities in 2019, enjoying the bull market frenzy brought by the 2020 global monetary easing...

Meanwhile.

Ouyang Xianyue demonstrated the strong capability of a top entrepreneur.

She personally led the team and, within a year and a half, regardless of cost, thoroughly digested, absorbed, and reorganized all the acquired technology systems from different countries.

A brand new Tang Yi Precision 2.0 version, with complete independent intellectual property rights, covering the entire industrial chain from core materials and precision optics to smart manufacturing,

Was officially announced as born.

Simultaneously, in North China, the Pearl River Delta, and the Yangtze River Delta, dozens of supporting supply chain factories controlled or invested in by Tang Yi Precision sprang up.

Revolving tightly around the core of Tang Yi Precision, forming an efficient and stable industrial closed loop.

The character development plan task for Queen of Precision - Ouyang Xianyue approached its end.

On the day of success and achievement, there was no celebration banquet, no press conference.

Tang Song flew to Shen City alone.

In the Chairman's office of Tang Yi Precision, he gently pushed a box made of entire piece of golden nanmu wood towards Ouyang Xianyue.

Inside the box was a physical prop reward Tang Song had just obtained from the system — the Xianyue's Blessing necklace.

The jade was warm, smooth, fine, and flawless.

Under the light, it emitted a soft, holy halo, as if truly scooping up a handful of moonlight from the sky.

Ouyang Xianyue looked at him, her eyes showing genuine emotion.

Tang Song didn't speak, gently picked up the necklace from the box.

Walked behind her, and personally put it on for her.

The cool chain and the warm jade pendant gently rested against her warm neck skin.

Ouyang Xianyue slowly closed her eyes.

.....

November 1, 2020, Halloween.

Bai Yueguang, busy all day, nonetheless insisted on pulling him out of the rental house and excitedly took him to Sanlitun, saying she wanted to participate in the Halloween celebration activities there.

In that square filled with eccentric costumes, ghost and monster cosplay, and the laughter of young people.

Then, she really put on a convincing act, chanting spells and gesturing animatedly in front of him.

Taking advantage of his inattention, she quietly slipped a carefully prepared gift box into his backpack.

And repeatedly reminded him to wait until he got home before opening it.

Inside lay quietly a then latest model Huawei Mate40.

It was the first day of sales. Due to chip and other reasons, this phone held special significance at the time, selling out instantly upon release, with long queues at offline stores. Scalpers even resold it for over ten thousand yuan.

She specifically asked a classmate working at Huawei to go through great difficulty to get one for him in advance.

Christmas Eve 2020, New York.

Tang Song stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Secretary Jin in front of the iconic Charging Bull statue on Wall Street.

Fine snowflakes fell silently from Manhattan's gray sky.

Around them were financial elites in thick coats, hurrying along.

"Click—"

Qin Yingxue with the DSLR camera pressed the shutter, freezing this moment forever.

This photo was to celebrate the official establishment of the Tangjin Family Office's New York headquarters.

Secretary Jin took the camera to check the newly taken photo.

On the screen, their figures, set against the backdrop of the snowstorm and Wall Street, appeared calm and powerful.

A smile mixed with pride and satisfaction appeared on her face.

Their story had stepped onto the world's gaming table.

From this day on, the Tangjin Family Office officially appeared in the public eye.

It was like a huge rock thrown into the deep sea, stirring up towering waves in the global top capital circles.

The night was already deep.

The main lights in the office were off;

only the dazzling night view of Manhattan outside the window, like a river of diamond stars, shone through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the interior with shifting light and shadow.

Tang Song and Secretary Jin stood side-by-side in this flickering light.

The whole world seemed to grow quiet.

"We succeeded."

Secretary Jin spoke softly, her eyes rippling with a dreamlike light.

Over four years, from an inconspicuous start in Yancheng to today, standing at the pinnacle of world finance.

All of it felt like a beautiful dream one dared not wake from.

Tang Song didn't speak, just quietly looked down at the city of desire that never slept beneath his feet.

After a long time.

He suddenly turned his head to look at her beside him, "Secretary Jin."

"Here."

"If one day I start to change—become fat, slovenly, no longer 'brilliant,' not the me I am now—what would you think of me?"

His voice remained calm, betraying no fluctuation.

Jin Meixiao tilted her head slightly, looking at his profile, somewhat blurred in the light and shadow.

A moment later, a perfect smile appeared on her beautiful face.

"I will protect you."