CHAPTER 676: [BADGE - THE STRATEGIST], HEARTSTRINGS TREMBLE

"Whoosh—"

The torrent of memories gradually receded, and everything returned to calm.

Tang Song slowly opened his eyes.

He was still sitting in the back seat of the black Audi A8L, with the Precision Queen quietly watching him beside him.

Ahead, the same solemn and majestic black iron gate remained.

It seemed as if the long memory spanning two years had merely been a momentary daze.

But Tang Song's thoughts surged like turbulent waves, unable to settle for a long time.

He gently closed his eyes, and the most critical and magnificent memories from the past two years uncontrollably flooded his mind.

Ouyang Xianyue, Ouyang Chengping, Qiuqiu, Secretary Jin, Liu Qingning, Zhang Yan, Xu Qing, Shen Yuyan...

Those forgotten scenes now felt as vivid as yesterday.

Even more real than the reality before his eyes.

This memory awakening was completely different from the previous two times.

The first Feather of Memory, 2016.

It was the first year he obtained the Dream System.

At that time, he was more like a player holding a strategy guide, cautiously exploring the beginner village.

That year, he recruited the initial game characters like Jin Meixiao, Ouyang Xianyue, and Wu Kezhi, and single-handedly created the prototypes of Smile Investment and Jingwu Capital.

Mapped to the game, that was his "beginner period."

Apart from the cheats of "foresight" and "absolute rationality," there wasn't anything particularly special.

The second Feather of Memory, 2017-2018.

These were the two years when his ambitions first emerged.

Besides helping Ouyang Xianyue take control of Tang Yi Precision and beginning to harvest overseas capital,

The vast majority of his energy was devoted to that spectacular female celebrity cultivation game.

After all, even in the special "dream state," a trace of his own mischievous interests remained deep in his heart.

And personally polishing the dusty pearl Su Yu into a national goddess, molding her into his desired shape,

Undoubtedly provided the best satisfaction for this desire.

Although he had begun to show his edge during this stage, he still couldn't be considered truly mature.

But this time was different.

2019-2020 were the most critical two years in his entire dream journey, where he underwent the most thorough transformation.

He completed the "celebrity cultivation game" and seemed to have passed some kind of mental trial along with it.

Completely shedding the "player" mentality stemming from trivial desires.

He began to truly examine and strategize the entire world.

That's why he could engage in eloquent conversations with National Treasure Ouyang Chengping in a nearly equal manner, freely expressing his ideas.

That's why Tang Yi Precision achieved complete rise and the Tangjin Family Office carried out that ruthless capital slaughter targeting the globe.

Of course, during these two years, many influential unicorns were born within their system.

For example, Meigou Technology, which he personally participated in, became a cross-border e-commerce giant with GMV breaking through the hundred-billion-yuan mark, ranking first among shopping applications in over 60 countries and regions. ṙΆΝỒᛒΕs

Its market share in the European and American fast fashion sector jumped from 7% in January 2019 to nearly 30% by December 2020.

Not only did it create millions of valuable job opportunities for the country, but it also forced the entire traditional manufacturing industry to undergo an effective digital upgrade.

In a year when the domestic consumer market was somewhat sluggish, it became a powerful force driving foreign trade exports and stabilizing the economic foundation.

Another example is the biotech company Guyu Biotech, led by Smile Holdings' investments.

During these two years, with breakthroughs in several revolutionary ADC and cell therapy technologies, it grew into a pharmaceutical giant with market value exceeding hundred billion on the Hong Kong stock market, becoming the brightest new star in the domestic innovative drug field.

There were also Plaid and Databricks, discovered and heavily invested in overseas by Jingwu Capital...

One after another names now prominent in their respective fields were deeply branded with the "Tangjin" mark during that period.

Through this series of business miracles, he ultimately raised the favorability and loyalty of top elites like Jin Meixiao, Ouyang Xianyue, and Wu Kezhi to maximum levels.

Making them his loyal followers and admirers.

By this time, he had truly developed a strong mindset.

Of course, the one who suffered the most in this process was probably Su Yu.

He remembered clearly that during those two years, she had sent him gifts and invitations multiple times.

Commissioning Ouyang Xianyue, Mo Xiangwan, and others to convey her requests for meetings.

He could even imagine that she must have submitted countless "meeting applications" to Secretary Jin as well.

However, in Secretary Jin's eyes, Su Yu was like a "Daji"-style femme fatale.

A Tang Song without Su Yu's interference was calm, efficient, and unmatched.

Secretary Jin naturally wouldn't allow Su Yu to affect their great cause again.

And all of this was actually seen by him in his dream state.

He just didn't pay attention to it.

Even during the completion of the Precision Queen's character cultivation plan task, he had deliberately taken some actions to intensify the distrust between Secretary Jin and Ouyang Xianyue.

For example, in early 2020, when promoting a crucial overseas acquisition for Tang Yi Precision, he bypassed Smile Holdings controlled by Secretary Jin, and instead instructed and assisted Ouyang Xianyue to directly utilize her family's political and business resources behind the scenes, completing this acquisition cleanly and efficiently in an unconventional manner.

It could be said that the delicate state of mutual suspicion, mutual checks and balances, yet unavoidable cooperation around him among Secretary Jin, Ouyang Xianyue, Wu Kezhi, and others today,

Was completely created by his own hands.

After all, once time reached April 2023, his future-based "foresight" cheat would completely expire.

All memories about the future would stop on this day.

Even with continuous self-improvement, he would still be a flesh-and-blood ordinary person who makes mistakes, hesitates, and is influenced by emotions.

He needed an absolutely stable power structure that could operate autonomously, with power not completely monopolized by any single party.

To protect himself after "returning to humanity."

After all, who could guarantee that the system was absolutely reliable?

The dream-state him possessed absolute rationality, and everything he did was paving the way for his present self.

Just at this moment.

"!" The system interface unfolded before his eyes.

Lines of text leaped out.

[November 30, 2023, by Huanhua Creek in Rongcheng, through complete recollection of the most critical past memories from 2019-2020, you have gained clearer understanding of your past self and comprehended every strategy and decision you made]

[You are no longer merely a passively inheriting lucky individual;

you have begun to truly examine the vast chessboard you created and the game characters you cultivated from a chess player's perspective. You have insight into the past, thus seeing the path to the future more clearly]

[You have gradually achieved a certain degree of harmony and unity with the past]

[Your mental state has undergone important growth;

you have completed a hidden task]

[You have obtained "Gift Pack*1"]

Looking at the text on the interface, Tang Song felt a stirring in his heart.

When he previously obtained Feather of Memory, there were indeed annotations like "exploring the past is also a major way to improve oneself."

However, this was the first time he achieved mental growth purely through memory awakening.

Probably because, with his current high 87 comprehension, he was gradually able to truly understand and absorb the worldview and thought logic of Dream Tang Song.

Without hesitation, he focused his will, selected the Gift Pack*1 emitting soft light, and immediately opened it.

"Ding! You have obtained special item Badge - Strategist."

"Ding! You have obtained Agility+1."

"Ding! You have obtained Charm+1."

[Badge - Strategist]: When equipped, you will receive wisdom gifts from "Player Tang Song." As your comprehension increases, when you are in an "important occasion" or "critical scene" in reality similar to those in dreams, this badge will automatically activate. At that time, you will recall and master the relevant skills, professional knowledge, and game theory experience used by "Player Tang Song" when dealing with similar problems.

[Note 1: This badge is permanently effective]

Looking at the reward prompts on the system interface, genuine surprise and understanding appeared in Tang Song's eyes.

Charm+1 brought him another solid step forward on the path to the 90-point milestone.

The other item was also very meaningful.

Both were gifts from his "past" self to his present self.

No wonder it was called Gift Pack.

This was a permanently effective badge that could help him solve his biggest current hidden danger.

Although he had recovered massive amounts of past memories through Feather of Memory,

He still essentially lacked true inner substance.

The former Dream Tang Song existed in a constant "academic god" state, with exaggerated understanding and application of various professional knowledge, business game theory, and even human calculation.

While the real-world him was mostly just "acting" and "imitating."

The essence of this item was a "verification" and "unlocking" of his own growth.

Of course, the prerequisite was that comprehension must meet the standard.

Thinking of this, Qiuqiu's coldly beautiful face appeared in Tang Song's mind.

This adorable "comprehension extractor" was more important than he had imagined.

Selecting Badge - Strategist, immediately use.

"Ding! Badge has been equipped."

Immediately after, the system interface automatically jumped to the main screen.

On the chest of the 3D character model wearing Special Attire - Achieved Success, a touch of highly textured golden light appeared.

Looking closely, it was a badge woven from countless complex patterns, as precise as an all-encompassing chessboard,

Slowly flowing.

Then, Tang Song entered Personal Center, his gaze sweeping over the completely refreshed personal information panel.

[Player: Tang Song (88' Charm)]

[Role: Songmei Apparel - President]

[Height: 185CM, Weight: 80KG]

[Physique: 84.8 (83+1.8), Stamina: 85.8 (84+1.8), Agility: 84, Comprehension: 87]

...

Charm value, 88 points.

Only two points away from the 90-point milestone!

The suit he wore today wasn't chosen randomly.

It was custom-made according to the style of Special Attire - Achieved Success, but because the color was slightly different, it only had 90% effectiveness.

What Tang Song truly valued were the attached Calm Mind buff and the special effect Achieved Success.

After all, he was going to meet Ouyang Chengping, and he subconsciously wanted to appear more composed and charismatic.

But now it seemed not very important.

This mental state improvement and memory recollection weren't just simple attribute point increases.

The charm value increase stemmed from improvements in his personal mentality and qualities.

The anxiety about today's meeting in his heart had already disappeared.

Just then, Ouyang Xianyue's calm and magnetic voice sounded in his ear: "We've arrived."

Tang Song quickly snapped back to reality and softly responded, "Hmm."

Closed the system interface.

Slightly turned his head to look at the elegant and dignified Precision Queen beside him.

From the spring of 2019 when the fate-determining "chess game" decided Tang Yi Precision's destiny, to the winter of 2023 "Rongcheng reunion," nearly five years had passed in the blink of an eye.

Time seemed to have left no trace on her exquisitely flawless face,

Only making her unique mature and noble charm become increasingly rich and captivating.

As if sensing Tang Song's undisguised scrutinizing gaze, Ouyang Xianyue's lips moved slightly, ripples forming in her heart.

For some reason, she felt the Tang Song before her was somewhat different from a few minutes ago.

The car stopped in front of the familiar Chinese-style small building.

Secretary Chen and others were already waiting respectfully nearby, opening the car doors for them.

Tang Song got out of the car first, carrying the heavy wooden gift box, his gaze sweeping over the familiar courtyard.

Blue bricks and dark tiles, old trees with twisted branches, the air seemed to permeate with the scent of years.

Peaceful and profound.

Then, he glanced at Ouyang Xianyue, whose eyes held some sorrow.

Having lost her husband shortly after marriage, she was naturally more sensitive and fearful about family bonds and farewells than anyone else.

Now that the grandfather who had sheltered her from wind and rain like a giant tree her entire life was about to burn out like a dying lamp,

Her heart was far from as calm as her appearance.

It might even greatly affect her state and emotions.

This was the main reason the system issued this interaction task, having him come to "comfort" her.

As their eyes met, Ouyang Xianyue seemed to want to say something to cover up her loss of composure.

In the end, she only pursed her red lips and said softly, "Let's go in."

As soon as she finished speaking.

Tang Song suddenly reached out and gently patted her back, saying calmly, "Don't worry, I'm here. Let's go."

After speaking, he stepped forward.

Looking at his back, hearing his recent words,

Ouyang Xianyue's mind experienced intense dizziness.

At the door of the sunny suite on the first floor.

Ouyang Xianyue first knocked on the door and called out softly, "Grandfather."

Then gently pushed it open and led Tang Song inside.

In the room, there was no trace of hospital disinfectant smell;

instead, there was a faint medicinal aroma.

Medical monitoring instruments were placed in the corner but were cleverly concealed with screens and green plants.

Tang Song's gaze instantly fell on the bed.

After nearly five years, he finally saw Academician Ouyang again.

He was half-leaning on an adjustable medical bed, covered with a thin wool blanket.

He looked much older and weaker, with deeper wrinkles on his face and somewhat sagging skin.

On the small table by his bed, there was still a familiar Go set made of black and white jade stones.

This scene caused a "buzz" in his mind.

"Ding! Badge - Strategist has activated."

Immediately after, fine golden lines appeared before his eyes.

Some deeply buried knowledge and skills gradually surfaced.

All the insights, calculations, and strategies from that thrilling game of Go in 2019 that had only existed in memory;

the deep understanding of Go's principles and techniques;

even all the cutting-edge knowledge about quantum computing, new materials, and industrial software used during conversations with Ouyang Chengping back then...

Perhaps limited by his current comprehension, some knowledge wasn't that deep, but it was genuinely integrated into his memory.

In a flash of thought, Tang Song had already absorbed and digested these things.

His eyes burst forth with profound confidence.

This was more like a soul-level return.

Not imitation, nor acting, but a natural composure and control.

Ouyang Chengping on the bed slowly opened his cloudy eyes.

When he saw the two, especially Tang Song behind Ouyang Xianyue, a heartfelt smile appeared on his face.

"Tang Song!"

Although his voice was somewhat weak, it still had sufficient strength.

Tang Song quickly gathered his thoughts, stepped forward, and said humbly, "Academician Ouyang, long time no see."

"You kid, still know to come back to see this old man."

"I've always wanted to see you again, but thinking that my promise to you hadn't been fully realized yet, and afraid of disturbing your peace, I didn't dare come rashly to disturb."

Ouyang Chengping's gaze became dazed for a moment, slowly sat up from the bed, and sighed: "I have to admit, you far exceeded my expectations from back then. You've done very well."

"Receiving your recognition is my honor." Tang Song handed over the wooden box in his hand. "Knowing you love tea, I specifically found a good teapot for you, hoping it suits your taste."

Ouyang Chengping glanced at the simple yet exquisite wooden box, smiled, and reached out to open it.

A classic-shaped Shi Piao teapot lay quietly on the bright yellow silk cushion.

With smooth lines, the teapot body showed a warm and deep purple-red color, clearly a top-grade masterpiece from a famous artist.

Tang Song timely introduced: "This teapot is called Gleam Spring Teapot. It's said that the tea brewed with it is exceptionally sweet and clear, and beneficial to health."

Ouyang Chengping held the warm jade-like purple clay teapot in his hands, repeatedly caressing it, unable to put it down.

"Very good, you've been thoughtful."

After some small talk, the old man seemed to finally have some strength, struggling to sit up straight.

Extended his thin fingers and pointed to the small table nearby.

"Five years ago, you beat me by half a point, and I've remembered it until today. Come, while these old bones can still move, play another game with me."

"I couldn't ask for more, just as I wanted to consult you again."

Ouyang Xianyue immediately understood, stepped forward to move the small table to the bedside, and brought two cushions.

Tang Song calmly took a seat on one side of the board.

Looking at Ouyang Xianyue beside him, he said gently: "Sister Xianyue, please brew tea with this Gleam Spring Teapot I brought, let the old master appreciate it."

Hearing this, Ouyang Chengping smiled and added: "Go ahead Xianyue, use this teapot Tang Song gave me."

"Okay." Ouyang Xianyue nodded lightly, holding the exquisite wooden box, turned and walked toward the tea table by the window.

On the board, the two sat facing each other.

After determining who would go first, Tang Song took black and made the first move.

"Tap—"

A black piece landed crisply on the board.

His sitting posture was straight as a pine tree, eyes calm and unrippled, movements steady yet filled with pleasing rhythm,

Just like five years ago.

But Ouyang Chengping opposite him was far more sluggish than five years ago, with clearly declined chess skills.

Tang Song's attacks weren't fierce, instead giving way everywhere, intentionally guiding the game toward more stable, more complex endgame stages,

Letting this old man play longer and more leisurely.

On the board, black and white pieces fell silently.

Both had long stopped caring about winning or losing this game, only using this small-scale game to discuss broader topics.

From domestic substitution of lithography machines to the computing power war behind AI large models;

from the global market landscape of new energy vehicles to the future vast cosmos of commercial aerospace...

Today's Tang Yi Precision had long exceeded completion of the "five-year agreement" Tang Song promised back then.

Their self-developed 7mm FinFET process had been completely verified, with yield rate stabilized above 90%, undergoing small-scale mass production.

Through self-developed SoIC advanced packaging technology, integrating "chiplets" of different processes and functions with high density, achieving "overtaking on a curve" in specific application fields like AI servers.

Their self-developed AI inference chips based on RISC-V architecture had been fully deployed in edge computing terminals of the Xuanji Optical World project, becoming the core computing foundation for the next-generation human-computer interaction portal.

...

From core materials to precision optics, to intelligent manufacturing across the entire industry chain,

Tang Yi Precision had grown from a struggling follower and imitator to a truly core-technology-possessing world-class giant.

By the tea table on the other side.

Ouyang Xianyue quietly listened to their conversation while focusing on the tea ceremony before her.

First meticulously cleaned the teapot body with warm water, then rinsed the entire body with initially boiling mountain spring water, then poured boiling water into the pot, quickly pouring it out,

Adding tea leaves, high pouring, pouring out the tea...

Elegant tea fragrance quickly permeated the quiet study.

She carried two cups of clear yellow tea soup, came to the Go table, gently placed them down.

Not making a single sound.

Then, her gaze involuntarily fell on Tang Song's handsome and solemn profile.

Compared to the sharp-edged, even somewhat cold and indifferent him from five years ago,

The current Tang Song was undoubtedly more mature, and also more gentle.

His being seemed to have accumulated an all-embracing composure and bearing,

Like a piece of jade meticulously polished by time.

She subconsciously extended her slender fingers, lightly brushed over her chest,

Where hung the Xianyue's Blessing he personally put on her three years ago.

The mutton-fat white jade pendant carrying her body temperature seemed to resonate with her current heartbeat,

Ouyang Xianyue lowered her head, her eyes filled with a daze and excitement even she herself hadn't noticed.