CHAPTER 677: BASKING IN GLORY

The living room of the suite was utterly tranquil.

Sunlight streamed over the eaves outside the window, warming and illuminating the entire room.

The wispy steam from the tea was clearly visible within the beams of light, slowly rising.

On the chessboard, an intense close-quarters battle had already unfolded, interlocked and incredibly complex.

Yet Tang Song's movements and demeanor remained composed, as if taking a leisurely stroll.

"The electric vehicle industry chain in Southeast Asia, sovereign wealth funds from the Middle East, lithium resources in Latin America... these will all be key nodes for us to construct the 'Pan-Asian Economic and Technological Internal Circulation'."

"The center of the world is irreversibly shifting from the North Atlantic to the Western Pacific. In the next decade, whoever masters the trade routes connecting Eurasia and the technological standards will become the true chess master of the next era."

Upon hearing this, Ouyang Chengping nodded thoughtfully.

Ouyang Xianyue adjusted her chaotic thoughts and, seeing that both men seemed lost in contemplation, finally found an opportunity to softly remind them:

"Grandfather, Tang Song, the tea temperature is just right, perfect for drinking now."

"Thank you, Sister Xianyue." Tang Song smiled gracefully and gestured with his hand, "Old master, please try it first."

Ouyang Chengping set down the chess piece in his hand and picked up the Ru kiln teacup before him.

First, he brought the cup to his nose and took a gentle sniff.

A clear, pure tea fragrance entered his nostrils, clearing his often somewhat foggy mind.

His eyebrows raised slightly as he took a small sip of the tea.

There was no astringency at all;

instead, it was smooth and mellow with a subtle returning sweetness.

The tea slid down into his stomach, transforming into a warm, gentle flow that slowly descended along his esophagus.

It made his entire internal organs, which often felt weak and cold due to old age, feel as if they had been soothed by a warm iron.

Extremely comfortable.

Immediately after, he drank the remaining tea in the cup in one go.

Whether it was psychological or not, he felt his entire vitality and spirit had been significantly boosted.

Setting down the teacup, his cloudy eyes revealed pure surprise and admiration: "Excellent tea! Excellent teapot!"

He looked at Tang Song, shaking his head with a smile: "In my lifetime, I've drunk at least eight thousand, if not ten thousand, pots of tea. But this is the first time I've felt so thoroughly comfortable and refreshed. It seems you really have quite a few treasures hidden away, young man." ⱤåNŐᛒЁꞩ

"As long as you like it, you can use it for daily tea drinking from now on."

Tang Song smiled, raised his own teacup, gestured across to the old master, and drank it all in one go.

He savored it carefully for a moment.

Looking at Academician Ouyang, who appeared much more spirited across from him, he felt full of emotion inside.

Actually, given this elder's usual careful maintenance and willpower far surpassing ordinary people,

at just over eighty years old, he shouldn't be this frail.

But his life had been one of extreme "burning."

From the 1960s-70s, during the massive "Third Front Construction" campaign, taking root deep in the mountains and personally building the first special alloy production line from scratch;

to the 1980s-90s, at the peak of the reform and opening up wave, painstakingly chasing the technological gap with the Western world that seemed like an insurmountable chasm;

to entering the new century, facing increasingly fierce international competition, he still fought on the frontlines of scientific research even past sixty, providing crucial material support for the manned space program and the development of next-generation fighter jets...

For decades, unwavering.

He had burned all his life and energy without reservation for the great rejuvenation of this country and nation.

His life was a living legend.

Even someone like Tang Song today still deeply admired such a figure.

And felt genuine joy at receiving his recognition.

Ouyang Xianyue refilled both their teacups.

Then, she picked up a cup herself and took a gentle sip.

She paused slightly.

As an experienced tea connoisseur, she naturally knew that a top-tier purple clay teapot could lock in fragrance without suppressing the flavor, preserving the tea's original aroma to the maximum.

Its unique double-pore structure could also absorb impurities, soften the tea's taste, making it more mellow.

And the effects of this teapot gifted by Tang Song clearly far exceeded the category of "good."

Looking at the tall figure across from her, chatting and laughing with her grandfather, her eyes shone brilliantly.

With her temperament and sharpness, she had long noticed those "special qualities" about Tang Song that couldn't be explained by ordinary reasoning.

Not to mention how, at eighteen, he had "tamed" a proud woman like Jin Meixiao and founded Smile Investment.

Just the god-like, always one-step-ahead accurate foresight he displayed in his subsequent series of business layouts...

Already exceeded what could be explained by genius alone.

And there was also the Xianyue's Blessing he had once given her...

Regarding these matters, she had never probed deeply, nor did she wish to.

Deep in her heart, she had developed an almost blind trust in this young man.

Watching her grandfather drinking tea, his spirits clearly improved, an inexplicable hope and fantasy suddenly arose in Ouyang Xianyue's heart.

Perhaps when he introduced this Gleam Spring Teapot earlier, saying it was "beneficial to health," it wasn't just a polite blessing.

And before entering here, he said those exact same words from five years ago: "Don't worry, I'll handle everything."

As a top graduate from the precision instruments department, and now leading a vast technology empire founded on rigor and science,

Ouyang Xianyue was an absolute atheist.

But at this moment, facing her grandfather who was nearing the end of his oil,

she still hoped Tang Song could, as he had in the past,

bring a miracle.

The chess game continued intermittently for a long time.

Nearing noon, the old man's energy was clearly flagging, his hand trembling slightly as he placed pieces.

Finally, during the endgame stage, Tang Song seemingly made an inadvertent mistake and voluntarily conceded defeat.

Ending this game that was never about winning or losing.

"The old master's chess skills remain as formidable as ever, your style unchanged." He stood up with a smile, "This time I lost. I'll study the chess manuals more carefully when I return, and come again someday to seek your guidance."

"You..."

Ouyang Chengping clearly saw through his little scheme but simply shook his head contentedly and laughed heartily.

Lunch was simple, served in the small dining area outside the suite.

A few light dishes carefully prepared by top nutritionists, along with a warm bowl of medicinal soup.

During the meal, Academician Ouyang Chengping didn't speak much, just quietly watched Tang Song and his granddaughter.

Occasionally revealing a contented smile.

For him, being able to see the two young people he admired most sitting together so harmoniously in his remaining years was already the greatest comfort.

Of course, if the two could eventually end up together, that would leave him with no regrets.

But he also understood that matters of the heart couldn't be forced.

The age gap between them was too large, and his granddaughter had been married before, making it actually unsuitable.

After the meal, Tang Song proactively stood up to take his leave.

Ouyang Chengping grabbed his arm;

the old, thin hand was surprisingly strong at this moment, "Come visit again when you have time. This old bones of mine might not last until..."

"That won't happen." Tang Song immediately interrupted him, his voice sincere and firm, "A National Treasure like you still needs to watch us younger generation contribute to our Huaxia. I believe that in five more years, you will personally witness China's unprecedented golden age. We will completely break through Western blockades and achieve true surpassing in every field!"

Ouyang Chengping looked at his vibrant face, silent for a long time.

Finally, he heavily patted Tang Song's shoulder, his cloudy eyes seeming to burn, "Then I'll hold on for a few more years!"

At parting.

Ouyang Chengping's attendant brought out a carefully mounted scroll and solemnly presented it to Tang Song.

On it were four bold, flowing characters in cursive script,

Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves.

The signature was Ouyang Chengping's name with his seal.

The black Audi A8L slowly drove away from the solemn sanatorium.

Inside the quiet cabin.

Tang Song leaned back in his seat, holding the scroll in his hands, gaze lowered, silent.

Beside him, Ouyang Xianyue watched him with a slight smile, her gaze gentle.

Returning to the Listening to Bamboo Pavilion courtyard where Tang Song was staying.

The two didn't enter the house, but stood side by side under the tall red maple tree in the courtyard.

They began chatting.

Tang Song, having just received his third complete set of memories, felt countless emotions inside.

He chatted with Ouyang Xianyue about the 2019 technology blockade, the 2020 capital frenzy, Tang Yi Precision's technological breakthroughs...

Finally, they talked about that fateful first meeting in 2017.

"You might not believe this." Ouyang Xianyue's voice was soft, like wind brushing through maple leaves, "The first time I saw you, I felt like I knew you, like an old friend I'd known for a long time."

Tang Song blinked, "I felt that way too, perhaps... we knew each other in a past life?"

Hearing his words.

Ouyang Xianyue let out a soft "pfft" laugh.

She tightened her coat, standing casually under that maple tree.

The late November red maple leaves displayed a vibrant orange-red color.

Afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on her exquisite face.

Making her appear increasingly noble and elegant.

She turned to look at him, her eyes carrying a mix of mature woman's cunning and gentleness.

"Then what do you think our relationship might have been... in our past life?"

Their eyes met.

Tang Song's heart stirred slightly, seeming to detect something in her seemingly joking gaze.

He took two steps forward, standing less than half a meter from Ouyang Xianyue.

He could clearly breathe in the unique rich fragrance blending tea scent and her natural body aroma, and could see the fine down on her face.

After a moment.

The corner of Ouyang Xianyue's eye twitched, and she said with forced casualness, "Why so quiet?"

A gentle smile appeared on Tang Song's face, "I need to look a bit more, just in case... you were also someone very important to me in my past life?"

As he spoke, he suddenly reached out, his fingertips deftly catching a maple leaf drifting down from the branch.

Casually, he tucked it into her pinned-up black hair.

His slender fingers slid down along her temple, lightly brushing past her shoulder line and back.

"Thump—"

Ouyang Xianyue's heart began racing uncontrollably.

She removed the maple leaf from her hair, using the motion to tuck a stray lock of hair over her left shoulder.

One hand resting on her other arm, her gaze slightly lowered, using this posture to conceal her possible discomposure.

Soon, Ouyang Xianyue looked up again, "Alright, enough joking with you."

In that instant, she seemed to have regained her noblewoman's demeanor,

Elegant, reserved, mature and dignified.

She pressed her rosy lips together, looking at Tang Song.

Regarding the Tangjin Family Office, the positioning of Tang Entertainment and Su Yu going forward, even Liu Qingning's future...

She still had many things she wanted to discuss openly and honestly with this man before her.

Essentially, she had always considered herself Tang Song's "guardian."

The reason she had instigated internal conflict was merely to prevent potential backlash from overseas capital represented by Jin Meixiao in the future.

After all, the current Tang Song was undeniably a "scumbag" when it came to emotions.

No woman could possibly be completely indifferent.

Especially a proud woman like Jin Meixiao.

Now, after their brief time together, she had come to understand the tremendous transformation that had occurred in Tang Song.

And he had met her grandfather.

So, she wanted to have a deep conversation with him.

Just at that moment.

Tang Song's hand reached out again, and this time, his target was actually her collar.

Ouyang Xianyue's eyelids twitched violently, instinctively taking half a step back.

Her voice carried a trace of panic and embarrassed annoyance: "You—"

"Don't worry, I just want to look at your necklace."

Tang Song's fingers irresistibly parted the delicate collar of her dress, his cool fingertips brushing across her smooth, warm collarbone skin,

Precisely hooking out the Xianyue's Blessing jade pendant she had always worn close to her skin.

Accompanied by a rich, warm fragrance.

Ouyang Xianyue held her breath, a faint blush appearing on her exquisite face for the first time.

This time the sensation was stronger than when he massaged her shoulders last time, and more dangerous.

This pendant had never left her side since he gifted it to her three years ago.

Most of the time, she wore it against her skin, and it had long become part of her body.

Now watching him play with the Xianyue's Blessing between his fingertips

Gave her the absurd illusion that he was caressing her most intimate skin.

Tang Song, however, didn't seem to notice her unusual reaction at this moment.

He just lowered his head, intently gazing at the curved crescent moon meticulously carved from a single piece of mutton-fat white jade.

After three years of Ouyang Xianyue's constant care and wearing, it had long shed its initial coolness.

The jade appeared increasingly warm, smooth, and delicate, beautiful beyond description.

This Xianyue's Blessing was a physical item reward he obtained in late 2020 after completing all the role development plan tasks for Queen of Precision - Ouyang Xianyue.

Item type was: Protection/Bond.

Not only did it provide luck attribute bonuses, but long-term wearing of this pendant could calm emotions, focus the mind, and quiet the spirit.

Slowly improving mental resilience and stress resistance.

Simultaneously, when the character Queen of Precision - Ouyang Xianyue wore this item close to herself, it would produce a special bond effect.

Making her feel deep trust and spiritual closeness.

Making her more easily influenced by his emotions.

Tang Song released his hand.

The pendant naturally fell down, landing on the prominent curve supported by her chest, trembling slightly.

Like a crescent moon sinking into a quiet valley.

Seemingly to break this overly ambiguous and dangerous atmosphere.

Ouyang Xianyue's throat moved as she spoke: "I really like this pendant. I feel work becomes easier when wearing it, so I always keep it on."

"Mmm." Tang Song's gaze lingered on the curves of her figure for a moment before slowly rising to meet her eyes, "It's very beautiful, and suits you well."

"...Thank you."

Tang Song looked at the mature, exquisite noblewoman before him.

Took a step forward, extended his arms.

And embraced her soft body in his arms.

Ouyang Xianyue froze in place, her voluptuous yet slender body tensing like a fully drawn bow.

Her face filled with astonishment and embarrassment.

Immediately after, Tang Song's warm, magnetic voice sounded by her ear:

"Ouyang, remember to have the old master use that Gleam Spring Teapot I brought for drinking water and tea every day."

"Don't worry too much. He is someone who carried the weight of this nation on his shoulders;

his willpower is stronger than all of ours. I believe he will gradually recover."

"You should also take care of your own health, don't burden yourself with excessive worries."

Ouyang Xianyue's body gradually softened.

Her dazed gaze looked past Tang Song's shoulder.

Under the afternoon sun, the wind blew, and fiery red maple leaves spiraled down.

Just at that moment.

A crisp system notification sounded in Tang Song's ear.

"Ding! Congratulations, player, character interaction task Visit and Comfort has been completed."

"Ding! You obtained Character Interaction Package*1."

Tang Song felt the noblewoman's warm, fragrant embrace.

Opened the system warehouse.

Selected Character Interaction Package, used immediately.

[You obtained attribute rewards: Constitution+2, Stamina+1]

[You obtained special item: Ouyang Xianyue's Soul Praise]

Immediately, Tang Song felt a gentle yet powerful warm current instantly flow through his entire body.

His constitution and stamina had once again received significant improvement.

Then, his gaze fell on the second reward.

In the warehouse, an item glowing with red light appeared there.

[Ouyang Xianyue's Soul Praise]: After use, you will receive the sincere blessings and praises of game character Ouyang Xianyue, and can randomly obtain one skill she possesses.

[Note: Standing behind him... bathing in glory...]

He had previously obtained Su Yu's Soul Praise twice.

He never expected to get Ouyang Xianyue's this time.

His arms involuntarily tightened, and Ouyang Xianyue subconsciously let out a low "hmph" with a nasal tone.

Then, as if waking from a dream, she gently broke free from his embrace.

"Thank you for your concern, I'll pay attention to my health." She stuffed her hands into her coat pockets, quickly recomposing all her emotions, restoring that unruffled, dignified demeanor, "By the way, I have an important online meeting this afternoon, so I'll take my leave now. Goodbye."

"Goodbye." Tang Song nodded slightly.

Ouyang Xianyue turned lightly and walked outward.

Her back remained tall and noble, only her footsteps slightly disordered.

After walking out of the entire courtyard and getting into the Audi,

After sitting in the Audi A8L that had been waiting for some time, she finally began to collect herself.

Suddenly remembering that regarding the power struggles within the Tangjin Family Office, about Tang Entertainment and Su Yu, about Liu Qingning...

All these important business matters she had originally planned to discuss openly and thoroughly with Tang Song, she had actually forgotten to mention every single one!

[Heavens! What was I doing?!]

She almost instinctively wanted to tell the driver to stop.

But the words reached her lips, only for her to suddenly press her rosy lips tightly together.

Her gaze involuntarily fell on the Xianyue's Blessing at her chest.

Her fingertips gently caressed it.

Perhaps things could be resolved differently.

.....

On the other side.

After watching Ouyang Xianyue's back disappear at the end of the courtyard, Tang Song withdrew his gaze.

His eyes returned to the system screen.

Selected Ouyang Xianyue's Soul Praise, used immediately.

[Character "Queen of Precision - Ouyang Xianyue" skill screening in progress...]

[You obtained 「Calligraphy Skill」]

[This skill will be awakened during your sleep tonight]

It was actually calligraphy skill?

A look of keen interest appeared on Tang Song's face.

He himself was actually quite interested in "calligraphy"

And it was also a skill for self-cultivation that could enhance his perspective, temperament, and depth.

Returning to the study, he first solemnly unfurled the scroll gifted by Academician Ouyang Chengping on the large desk.

Gazing at those four bold, flowing characters with powerful brushstrokes.

Then, he spread out a new sheet of xuan paper, picked up the prepared purple hare hair brush from the brush washer, and began to imitate them.

The characters he wrote were quite beautiful, but ultimately lacked the true spirit and character that came from infused vitality and energy.

Just at that moment.

"Ring ring—" His phone suddenly rang

[Shuyu Sister]

The corners of Tang Song's mouth lifted as he answered the call, "Hello? President Xie, finally remembered you have an investor like me?"

From the other end came Xie Shuyu's voice, carrying a trace of fatigue yet still efficient: "Sorry, things have been really busy these past two days. I just finished a conference call with several suppliers. What about you? When is your flight to Rongcheng? I'll pick you up at the airport."

Tang Song said directly: "I'm already in Rongcheng."

According to their previous arrangement, he was supposed to arrive at least one day before the private sharing session began.

But because of these two "private matters" with Qiuqiu and Ouyang Xianyue, he hadn't informed her in advance.

Afraid something might go wrong.

On the other end, Xie Shuyu clearly paused, then asked in a low voice, "Oh? Then... where are you staying tonight?"

Tang Song's eyebrows raised slightly, keenly sensing something was wrong.

Based on his understanding of this female CEO, she was a woman who highly valued personal boundaries.

Asking this definitely had a purpose.

He chuckled lightly, "Haven't decided yet. Why? Does Sister Shuyu have any good recommendations?"

The other end instantly fell into brief silence.

After quite a while, Xie Shuyu said, "I'm still staying at my friend Meng Ran's place. As I mentioned before, she's the Southwest Region Operations Executive for Alibaba's Hema Fresh, with exceptionally outstanding personal abilities. I intend to invite her to serve as COO of our Weiguang Coffee."

She paused again, slowly saying, "How about... you come stay at my place tonight? You can meet Meng Ran, have dinner together, and see if you can help me recruit this top talent."

Stay together?

Hearing the female CEO's sudden bold invitation.

Tang Song's hand holding the brush tightened, his heartbeat skipping a beat.

After a moment of silence, he said seriously, "That's possible, but... I have a question?"

"Oh? What question?" The female CEO's voice clearly carried a hint of nervousness.

"How is the soundproofing in your friend's apartment?"