Late at night, when all was silent.

Tang Song fell into a long dream steeped in the fragrance of ink.

In the dream, he found himself in an ancient study of unknown era.

Outside the window, rain beat against banana leaves, while inside, candle shadows flickered red.

On the massive huanghuali wood desk before him lay high-quality Chengxintang paper.

In the antique Duan inkstone, the ink was ground to a glossy black sheen.

He held a writing brush in his hand.

Practicing the most basic "Eight Methods of Yong" over and over again—

Dot, horizontal, vertical, hook, lift, left-falling, right-falling.

Time in the dream seemed infinitely stretched.

Spring, summer, autumn, winter—who knew how many cycles had passed.

The banana leaves outside the window turned green then yellow, yellow then green.

He had copied countless masterpieces of calligraphy stele rubbings.

From Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection" with its flowing grace and vigorous beauty;

To Yan Zhenqing's "Draft of a Eulogy for My Nephew" with its profound melancholy and majestic grandeur;

Then to Mi Fu's "Silk Manuscript from Shu" with its multi-directional brushwork and powerful momentum...

His heart, tempered stroke by stroke, washed away all restlessness and distractions, becoming as tranquil as an ancient well.

Gradually, the lines beneath his brush began to take on life.

The ink shades began to show variations of light and dark, dry and wet.

Between the lines, the emotions he wanted to express began to flow.

Finally, on an unknown morning,

He picked up his brush again and wrote "Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves" in one continuous flow.

The style was natural and innate, the strength penetrating the paper.

.....

December 1, 2023, Friday, 7~13°C.

Early morning, before dawn.

In the bedroom, only the steady hum of the air conditioning system could be heard.

Tang Song's consciousness slowly awakened, first feeling the swelling sensation in his head, now filled with calligraphy-related knowledge and instincts.

Then, a faint fragrance reached his nose.

He opened his eyes and turned sideways.

In the dim light, the female CEO lay quietly beside him, hugging the blanket, curled up.

Her smooth hair spread like seaweed across the soft pillow.

Her beautiful face carried an unguarded serenity.

Her lips were slightly swollen, her snow-white skin dotted with scattered red marks.

A tremendous sense of accomplishment surged in Tang Song's heart.

After all, this was Xie Shuyu's first time, and due to years of high-intensity work, her stamina was actually quite average.

Frankly speaking, purely from a physical perspective, it wasn't particularly perfect.

But that unparalleled sense of conquest originating from the spiritual level was indescribable.

He had personally witnessed how this always dignified, elegant, and reserved female CEO gradually let down all her pretenses and defenses.

And how she completely surrendered under his invasion.

That feeling, both like conquest and redemption, made the corners of his mouth involuntarily curve upward.

Just then.

Two crisp, pleasant system notification sounds rang in his ears:

"Ding! Congratulations player, halo special effect has activated, you triggered an additional critical hit reward."

"Ding! You obtained special item [Male God's Hair Growth Serum]."

Open system warehouse, view reward details.

[Male God's Hair Growth Serum]: After use, can fundamentally improve your hair follicle health, gradually increase hair density, bringing it to its most perfect state.

[Note: True wealth lies not only in bank account numbers, but also in the lush forest atop your head.]

Nice!

Tang Song's mood grew even more cheerful.

Just after conquering the female CEO, he triggered a critical hit reward.

And it was "Hair Growth Serum"!

He had previously obtained [Male God's Hair Conditioner], mainly for regulating scalp environment and increasing hair flexibility, making his hair glossy and voluminous, so he no longer needed styling sprays and such.

But essentially, his hair volume wasn't outstanding, even somewhat sparse.

And [Male God's Hair Growth Serum] would make his hair thick.

For him, this filled another shortcoming.

Click to use immediately.

Tang Song shuddered violently, his scalp instantly becoming warm.

Waves of comfort spread from head to toe, as if enjoying a top-tier scalp massage service.

He lay in bed like this for a while, the warmth gradually fading.

Tang Song quickly went to the mirror to check, carefully feeling his hair.

The hair color had darkened, become shinier, and elasticity and resilience had improved.

But it wasn't an instant transformation—seemed it would take effect gradually.

In the darkness.

He reached out, gently probing into the warm blanket beside him, feeling the female CEO's warm curves, kissing her neck.

Xie Shuyu in her sleep seemed to sense something.

Letting out a murmur with a lazy nasal tone, her body instinctively moved closer to the heat source.

"...Tired, don't mess around."

Tang Song held her soft, warm body, feeling her even breathing.

The restlessness in his heart gradually calmed.

Only then feeling satisfied, he quietly got out of bed.

Picking up his phone to check, there were already several unread messages on the screen.

[Qiuqiu: Good morning, Tang Song. Are you up? Are you starting your morning workout?]

After replying to Qiuqiu's message.

Below was the junior's daily "check-in greeting."

[Lingling: (V) Good morning, senior~, it's cloudy in Rongcheng today,...]

[Lingling: selfie.jpg]

In the photo, Lingling wore sexy workout clothes, back to the camera, striking a pose that emphasized her waist-to-hip ratio.

Full of youthful vitality and temptation, pleasing to the eye.

Since they had crossed the final boundary, the junior had become incredibly considerate.

Without him saying anything, she would send workout photos every day.

After admiring Lingling's ample bottom for a while and chatting with them briefly, Tang Song went to wash up.

During dinner last night, Tang Song had already asked the butler of [Jinli Villa] to pack several sets of clean clothes and deliver them.

Changing into autumn casual sportswear, he left Meng Ran's apartment with light steps and went downstairs.

Putting on Bluetooth earphones, he dialed Liu Qingning's voice call.

While chatting with his distant white moonlight in Shen City, he began jogging slowly around the residential complex.

After ending the call, Tang Song thought for a moment and walked toward the complex exit.

Having been in Rongcheng for several days, he hadn't properly tried the characteristic breakfast from streets and alleys—could go try some, and also bring some back for the still-sleeping female CEO upstairs.

The sky remained dark, a deep blue-gray color.

In the distance, a faint crescent moon could still be seen.

Exiting the complex gate, cold air rushed at his face.

Tang Song's steps suddenly paused.

A verdant green light appeared in his vision.

His gaze fell on a figure standing alone under a street lamp not far from the entrance.

She wore a gray turtleneck sweater with a trench coat over it.

Her beautiful orange-brown hair was neatly tied into a ponytail, glowing softly under the faint street lamp light.

Holding what looked like an insulated bag, she stood there quietly.

Looking down at her phone, seemingly hesitating about something.

The cold morning breeze stirred the hem of her trench coat, making her look exceptionally lonely.

Tang Song froze for a moment, took a deep breath of cold air, and called out: "Qiuqiu!"

Hearing his voice, the figure trembled violently.

Qiuqiu immediately put her phone in her pocket, turned around, and looked at him.

An unnatural expression appeared on her face.

"Tang Song..."

He walked up to her, took her cold left hand, "Why did you come here?"

"You mentioned before that you wanted to try Rongcheng's characteristic breakfast," she said softly, eyes flickering, "I... tried making some, not sure how it tastes, wanted you to try."

Tang Song looked at her, his heart suddenly aching.

Since the hospital incident, Qiuqiu's attitude toward him had become even more dependent.

Like a real little girl, viewing him as her greatest support.

Her WeChat messages had also become particularly frequent.

He hadn't lied, telling her he would stay at his friend's Times Haoting these two days.

Never expected this designer would personally make breakfast and deliver it early in the morning.

Seemed the influence of the [Dream Flower Seed] was deeper than he thought.

"How long have you been waiting?"

"Not long..."

"How long is not long?"

Qiuqiu looked into his eyes, pursed her lips, lowered her head, and stopped speaking.

Tang Song sighed, released her hand, opened his arms, and embraced her graceful but cold body.

In the third memory fragment he obtained, the girl who looked like Su Yu was Qiuqiu.

At that time, she was in her third year of high school, facing college entrance exams.

From her state then, it was clear she had always lived a very lonely life.

Had very few friends, was bullied at school, important relatives were gone, only her mother was in this unfamiliar city, but she was very busy.

She truly was a pitiful girl.

Qiuqiu's body first tensed, then completely relaxed.

Her nose filled with his scent mixed with morning chill and faint sweat, familiar and reassuring.

The warmth of his chest, the strength of his heartbeat, immersed her completely in intense happiness.

She really missed him, really wanted to see him.

The wind still blew, the sky still dark.

The two embraced quietly for a long time.

Then, Tang Song took her hand and walked into a nearby breakfast shop still steaming with heat.

Casually ordering a bowl of tofu pudding and fried dough sticks.

Then, he carefully opened the insulated bag Qiuqiu brought, taking out two food containers from inside.

One container held several clumsily made brown sugar guokui.

The other insulated container held a bowl of red oil wontons, with green onions sprinkled in the bright red broth, steaming hot.

"I haven't made these much, my mom helped a bit."

Qiuqiu explained softly, her tone somewhat awkward, yet with childlike anticipation as if presenting a treasure.

Tang Song picked up a wonton with chopsticks, dipped it in the broth, and put it in his mouth.

Complex flavors instantly bloomed on his taste buds.

He lifted his head, meeting her nervous, expectant eyes, and smiled: "Very delicious."

A simple phrase, yet it made Qiuqiu's eyes instantly light up like stars.

"Eat more."

The [Dream Flower Seed] above her head emitted soft light, seeming to have grown a bit more.

At the table, steam rose, the aroma of guokui and soy milk mixing together.

Outside on the street, voices gradually rose.

The calls from breakfast stalls and the footsteps of office workers intertwined.

The sky gradually brightened.

The city's vitality slowly unfolded amidst the bustling atmosphere.

....

"Boss, one beef bun, and pack a red date barley porridge."

"7 yuan total, right? Okay, transferred."

Meng Ran, wearing a smart professional suit, stood by the steaming breakfast stall on the street, unable to suppress a yawn.

As a top executive who had fought her way up from the intense competition hell of big companies, her work had never been easy.

Having stayed up late last night to finalize the plan, she had to rush to the company early this morning for the weekly meeting.

But since she had decided to "change jobs," she had essentially let go of that heavy performance pressure.

Planning to talk with her supervisor after today's meeting to settle the resignation matter first.

After all, the handover process would be quite lengthy.

She took the steaming breakfast, turned, preparing to walk toward the Audi A6L parked not far away.

Then, her peripheral vision caught a handsome side profile.

Her steps halted, and through the moisture-covered glass window, she saw Tang Song eating in the breakfast shop.

Sitting across from him wasn't her close friend Xie Shuyu.

But a very young, pretty girl with an extremely sexy figure.

Meng Ran's expression changed.

Subconsciously stepping back, she quickly took out her phone, aimed at the glass window and took a photo.

Hurried back to her car, heart pounding wildly.

Struggling and hesitating for a while, she finally sent the photo to Xie Shuyu.

Didn't add any message.

She knew some things didn't need her explanation.

With Xie Shuyu's decisive character, she would make her own choice.

Simultaneously, incredibly complex feelings surged in Meng Ran's heart.

Although she had long known that such an outstanding, handsome young man wouldn't lack women around him, this was too exaggerated.

Just slept with her good sister last night.

Early this morning, having a date with another young girl, intimately sharing breakfast here?!

So scummy?

"Ding dong—"

The WeChat notification sound interrupted her thoughts.

[Xiaoyu: "I know. Don't interfere with this matter, delete the photo."]

Meng Ran froze, somewhat unable to process it.

......

Xie Shuyu sat on the edge of the bed, her long hair casually swept to one side.

Gazing calmly at the phone screen.

Since it was secretly taken through moisture-covered glass, the photo was somewhat blurry.

But the people in it were still recognizable.

Cheng Qiuqiu.

Actually, during their chat on the train before, she had vaguely guessed.

That's why she proactively stated she was Tang Song's girlfriend.

With her insight, someone as simple as Cheng Qiuqiu found it hard to hide emotions in front of her.

Tang Song hiring her at Songmei Apparel, especially since she was so sexy, beautiful, and youthful.

Having such a relationship didn't seem unexpected.

She extended a fingertip, zooming in on the photo.

In the photo, Tang Song was turned sideways, saying something to Qiuqiu, a pure, warm smile on his face.

While Cheng Qiuqiu lowered her head, seemingly shyly eating something.

The scene was as warm as a poster for a pure love movie.

They looked very much like a real couple.

Xie Shuyu's fingers tightened slightly on the screen, she let out a long breath.

Logically, she shouldn't care too much.

Not only because she already knew Wen Ruan was around Tang Song,

But more because she was the one who proactively stated she wouldn't marry Tang Song, at most maintaining a partner relationship,

Perhaps having a child in the future.

Yet precisely at this moment, an unfamiliar emotion surged uncontrollably in her heart.

Jealousy.

Fear.

She was afraid of losing him.

Was it because she just lost her "first time"?

Was it because she had developed strong feelings for him?

Perhaps.

"How could I be so fragile, so sentimental?"

"This isn't right."

"What I needed was originally a partner who could understand and help me, to enrich my life somewhat."

She murmured a few words to herself, shook her head, put down the phone.

The sour feeling in her heart was quickly suppressed by rationality and calmness.

Then she dressed and got up, entering the bathroom.

The mirror reflected a woman who looked somewhat tired, but with lazy charm in her eyes.

Xie Shuyu froze for a moment.

It seemed like she hadn't slept so soundly in a long time.

And never had this kind of spiritual "satisfaction" before.

Yes, she had always been someone with extremely strong self-esteem and high pursuits.

Immersing herself in work was to make life fulfilling, to gain control, to obtain satisfaction.

And last night, with Tang Song, she obtained another kind of satisfaction.

It carried danger, yet was addictive.

Recalling scenes from last night, and Tang Song's intense hormonal charm.

Xie Shuyu's body shivered, a captivating blush spreading across her face.

She wasn't some clueless, naive girl.

Of course she had physical needs too.

Tang Song seemed quite impressive.

After taking a hot shower, returning to the room.

While listening to the daily morning financial news, she began cleaning up the mess from last night.

First, she washed the two emptied champagne glasses one by one, returning them to the wine cabinet;

then carefully folded the coat Tang Song casually tossed on the sofa, hanging it back on the clothes rack;

then meticulously made the bed, smoothing out every wrinkle...

In this familiar order.

In this familiar sense of control entirely in her hands.

The subtle unease in her heart was finally gradually suppressed.

Just as she finished cleaning the floor and straightened up—

"Click—"

The door was gently opened from outside.

Tang Song walked in carrying a steaming takeout bag.

"Brought you breakfast." He placed the bag on the dining table, a refreshing smile on his face, "Freshly steamed soup dumplings and tofu pudding, come eat while hot."

"Mm, thank you."

Xie Shuyu washed her hands, dried them, and walked over with elegant steps.

The served breakfast sat on the table, steaming hot.

Just as she prepared to pull out a chair to sit, her wrist was caught by a warm, large hand.

The next second, she felt her body lighten.

With a suppressed gasp, she landed directly in Tang Song's arms.

Xie Shuyu's body instantly tensed, a faint blush immediately spreading across her face, "What are you doing?"

"Shuyu Sister, you can sit on my lap to eat, the stool is cold." Tang Song said with a serious expression.

Panic flashed in Xie Shuyu's eyes, then she regained her usual composure.

Stiffening her face, she said: "Stop messing around, Little Song."

Saying this, she tried to stand up from his lap.

But Tang Song stubbornly didn't let go.

Instead, he moved back slightly, making her sit more snugly on his lap.

The distance between their breaths abruptly shortened.

Feeling his hot, robust body.

Xie Shuyu's body completely stiffened, whispering: "No... how can I eat like this? Let me go."

"Then let me feed you personally?"

"You...!"

Tang Song smiled, lowered his head, his warm lips landing on her smooth, slender neck.

Her most sensitive spot attacked.

Xie Shuyu let out a soft moan, goosebumps rising on her skin.

"!!!"

Tang Song's hand smoothly slipped under the hem of her silk blouse, his palm covering her slender, warm waist.

In the cozy dining room during the morning.

The female CEO's angry exclamations and soft, suppressed sounds could be heard.

Only after quite a while did it finally quiet down.

Xie Shuyu forced a stern expression, firmly trapped in his embrace.

Taking small bites of her meal.

"Shuyu Sister, I'm not going anywhere today." Tang Song's cheek pressed against her smooth hair, he said gently: "Where do you want to go? Or what do you want to do? I can accompany you."

Xie Shuyu's chewing motion paused slightly.

Instinctively wanting him to accompany her to work.

After all, it was Friday, the troubles at [Zhongshu Group] were still unresolved.

She had countless questions she wanted to discuss thoroughly with him.

But as the words reached her lips, the photo Meng Ran sent uncontrollably flashed through her mind.

She lowered her eyelids, lips pressed lightly, suppressing the complex emotions in her heart.

"Then accompany me to explore Rongcheng."

"Okay!"

Chicago, Park Hyatt Hotel, Presidential Suite.

Local time, 9:00 PM.

Outside the massive floor-to-ceiling windows was Chicago's "Magnificent Mile" dazzling city skyline.

In the distance, Lake Michigan resembled an ink-black sea.

In the suite's living room, the lighting was adjusted perfectly.

The air was filled with the aroma of Macallan 25-year-old whiskey.

Secretary Jin lounged lazily on the sofa, wearing a simple knit sweater, her long legs elegantly crossed.

The amber liquid in the crystal glass swayed at her fingertips.

Across from her sat another woman with powerful presence.

Medium-length dark brown hair, fiery red lips, navy blue custom suit, sharp gaze.

"So, you're suggesting I abandon the Illinois seat on the Senate Finance Committee and fully push Cruz into the Energy and Natural Resources Committee?"

Sloane's tone was calm, without any emotional fluctuation.

"Correct." Secretary Jin took a sip of whiskey, her eyes unruffled, "The Finance Committee is currently the Democrats' turf, even if we spend resources, we can't change the landscape. But the Energy Committee is different—it's evenly split. Cruz entering means our influence over oil and clean energy export controls will be stronger."

A flicker of thought passed through Sloane's eyes, then she got straight to the point: "This isn't ordinary vote-pulling, but direct confrontation with the Koch family and the entire oil faction. To win, I need more budget. Fifty million dollars, plus some 'dirt' on environmental issues from the Kate family."

Secretary Jin smiled slightly, showing no surprise.

"Money has never been a problem." She reached into the document bag beside her, pulled out a file, and pushed it toward Sloane, "This is the second thing you wanted."

Sloane looked down and opened it, a smile curling her red lips.

"Beautiful, Mira, dealing with you is always straightforward, precise—I absolutely adore you."

Just then.

"Knock knock knock—"

A soft knocking sound came from the door.

"Come in."

Shangguan Qiuyas walked in wearing sharp professional attire.

Slightly bowing, "Director Jin, Ms. Sloane."

Sloane closed the file in her hands, casually straightened her suit hem, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"Then I won't disturb further, need to gather my team for an emergency meeting."

She paused, adding a meaningful remark: "Mira, rest assured, this deal has high winning odds. Also, tell Song for me—I'm waiting for him to come to New York to fulfill his promise."

After speaking, she turned and left gracefully.

The sound of high heels on thick carpet quickly faded down the corridor.

Secretary Jin withdrew her gaze, leaning back on the sofa, "Speak, what's the matter?"

Shangguan Qiuyas stepped forward, lowering her voice to report: "Just received an encrypted email from President Tang. His next plan is... to personally take the CEO position at Xuanji Optical World."

Hearing this news, Secretary Jin's slender, jade-like fingers slowly interlaced and tightened on her knees.

The suite instantly fell into silence.

Only the distant city's faint hum from outside the window remained.

After a long time, she finally spoke in a tone devoid of any emotion, "I know."

Shangguan Qiuyas lowered her gaze, her mind already turbulent.

She clearly understood what this decision meant.

After all, the current chairperson of Xuanji Optical World was Ms. Ouyang.

And President Tang made this decision immediately after visiting Academician Ouyang in Rongcheng with Ouyang Xianyue.

What did this imply behind the scenes?

Deeper trust and binding, or another level of alliance and tacit understanding?

The imagination space was simply too vast.