December in Rongcheng brought overcast, chilly weather with a humid warmth in the air.

In the morning, Tang Song and Xie Shuyu visited the Wide and Narrow Alleys in Qingyang District.

Without a driver or assistant,

Tang Song held Xie Shuyu's hand as they strolled along the smooth bluestone paths like an ordinary tourist couple.

Crisscrossing streets and alleys were adorned with red lanterns between gray walls and black tiles,

The air was filled with the fresh aroma of roasted tea, the sweet scent of candied fruits, and the excited chatter of tourists.

The bustling crowds and overflowing lively atmosphere intertwined.

At first, Xie Shuyu felt somewhat uncomfortable.

She still habitually straightened her posture, maintaining her dignified and reserved demeanor.

It had been many years since she had shed the constraints of her professional identity to simply and carefreely enjoy herself in crowded streets.

Especially with a boyfriend by her side.

This experience felt both unfamiliar and subtle to her.

When he casually used allusions he had just looked up on his phone to explain the history of the ancient memorial archway before them;

When the syrup from "Three Cannons" splattered on the stone pavement, leaving sparkling sugar droplets on his smiling face;

For the first time, she genuinely experienced the lightness and happiness of "being taken care of."

Afterward, following online guides, Tang Song enthusiastically led her to People's Park.

They sat under the open-air bamboo grove at "Crane Cry Teahouse," ordering the most authentic covered-bowl tea like locals.

At the neighboring table, an elderly man chatted in dialect about various topics.

For lunch, they turned into a private kitchen restaurant beside the red walls and bamboo shadows of Wuhou Shrine,

A standard Western Sichuan residential courtyard.

With rosewood tables and chairs, and a small bridge with flowing water in the yard.

Tranquil and serene, without ostentation, yet exuding elegance everywhere.

Even Xie Shuyu, who usually valued efficiency most, couldn't help but slow down her chopsticks.

In the afternoon, they wandered into Jinli Ancient Street.

On the antique streets, lanterns hung high, with vendors' calls echoing endlessly.

Tang Song stopped in the crowd, casually buying a string of crystal-clear candied hawthorn.

Xie Shuyu initially wanted to refuse, but ultimately took a gentle bite.

"Crunch—" The sugar shell shattered, the familiar sweet and sour taste spreading between her lips and teeth.

She couldn't help but curve her eyes, her expression unprecedentedly soft.

At this moment, the dignified female CEO seemed to have returned to her girlish appearance.

Her phone vibrated intensely and inopportunely in her pocket.

[Assistant - Xiaomin]

Xie Shuyu quickly composed herself and answered the call, "Hello, Xiaomin."

"Yes, notify the marketing department, yes, immediately notify the marketing department to send the latest competitor analysis report for the East China region to my email before the end of the day."

"Okay, I understand. Regarding changing packaging suppliers, I need to discuss this further with Director Wang and the others..."

She walked while quickly arranging work matters.

As the call was about to end, Xiaomin couldn't help but remind her: "By the way, President Xie, the coordination meeting held by [Shuxian Supply Chain] this afternoon at 2 PM... You... really aren't going, right? Manager Chen's assistant just contacted me, and their tone wasn't great."

Xie Shuyu stopped walking, pursing her sweet-tasting lips, "I'm not going."

When she hung up, she noticed.

WeChat was already filled with unread messages, including several from newly contacted suppliers.

In that instant, familiar work pressure came rushing back.

She thought about the pressure from Zhongshu Group, the urgent supplier replacement issue, and the tempting yet unresolved financing proposal from [Ling Chain Technology]...

She looked up at Tang Song, her lips moving: "I—"

As soon as she spoke, Tang Song directly wrapped his arm around her waist, interrupting: "We agreed no work talk today. What? Does my girlfriend want to break her promise and grow fat?"

"But... there are several important matters that need handling..."

"What could be more important than me?" His eyes held an irresistible seriousness.

Xie Shuyu was taken aback, her gaze wavering.

Then switched her phone to silent mode.

"Let's go."

Something in her heart seemed to have broken.

Leaving Jinli, they took a car to Wangjiang Campus of Sichuan University.

Walking one after another on the plane tree avenue, golden plane tree leaves covered the ground.

Stepping on them produced fine and soothing rustling sounds.

Gazing at the ancient teaching building and young faces, a nostalgic smile appeared between her brows.

A large handful of yellowed plane tree leaves fell from above her head, falling like rain.

"Stop messing around, the leaves are dirty, I just washed these clothes."

She glared at him, but the corners of her mouth couldn't suppress their upward curve.

Tang Song smiled as he approached, gently embracing her from behind.

Resting his chin in the hollow of her shoulder, breathing in the elegant fragrance of her hair, feeling the graceful and exquisite figure of the female CEO in his arms.

"Hey! If you keep this up, I'm going to get angry!"

"Then get angry, let me see how cute you look when you're mad."

"You...!"

"Hahaha—"

Playful laughter spread along the quiet plane tree avenue.

"Tap—" A cool sensation touched her flushed cheek.

Her long eyelashes blinked rapidly.

Xie Shuyu raised her head.

"Tap, tap tap—"

Sparse raindrops began to fall sporadically from the gray sky.

[Faint clouds cross the Milky Way, sparse rain drips on the parasol tree.]

In this moment, she truly felt as if she had returned to her university days.

Back then, she had also been like this, on a drizzly afternoon.

Walking alone on the sycamore-lined path of Jinling University.

Raindrops dampened her hair, the air filled with the fresh scent of soil and vegetation.

She contemplated her graduation thesis topic, contemplated her uncertain yet hopeful future.

She couldn't help but turn to look at the figure who had also stopped walking.

In her moment of distraction.

Their gazes met.

Cold raindrops slid between them.

Their breathing overlapped in this moment.

"It's raining, we need to leave quickly," Xie Shuyu whispered.

Tang Song didn't answer, only moved his cheek closer.

Xie Shuyu's heart throbbed violently.

Amid the drifting drizzle, she slightly rose on her toes and actively kissed his lips.

Meanwhile.

At the Southwest Regional Headquarters office of [Hema Fresh].

The atmosphere was solemn and tense.

While occasionally introducing operational data, she guided them through the spacious office area.

But her mind was completely elsewhere.

Frequently raising her wrist to check her phone screen.

No calls, no WeChat replies.

Her best friend Xie Shuyu seemed to have evaporated from the world, completely out of contact.

Glancing at the figures being surrounded in the center ahead.

Just this afternoon, several leaders from [Shuxing Development Investment Group] had suddenly arrived at their company for project inspection.

Mainly because [Hema Fresh] planned to build a high-standard smart storage center in Rongcheng that would radiate to the entire Southwest region.

And [Shuxing Development Investment Group] was a provincial-level investment platform with Sichuan provincial government background, managing hundreds of billions in state-owned assets, the "golden sponsor daddy" for countless local enterprises.

Most crucially, the leading official had been temporarily replaced, with Director Qian Weiguo now heading the group.

He had another more important identity.

As a shareholder director representing state-owned assets interests, he held enormous influence in [Zhongshu Group]'s board of directors.

That store was located in the basement level of Yintai Center, also Hema's largest flagship store in the Southwest region.

Very close to the [Weiguang Coffee] flagship store.

In fact, when Xie Shuyu initially chose that location to open her store, Meng Ran had helped facilitate the connection.

Her original plan was to have Xie Shuyu and Tang Song immediately head over, then coincidentally encounter Director Qian at the store.

Then naturally introduce both parties.

Mentioning in passing the cooperation between Weiguang Coffee and Shuxian Supply Chain, and some "minor issues" encountered.

[Weiguang Coffee] had now become a somewhat well-known new consumer brand in Sichuan province.

As the founder, Xie Shuyu was fully qualified to get acquainted with someone like Qian Weiguo, especially with Tang Song, a major wealthy investor, by her side.

After all, even Chen Hao.

If he wanted to smoothly take over Zhongshu Group in the future, he would also need Director Qian's support.

She clearly understood that [Zhongshu Group], this local powerhouse, had deep-rooted connections throughout Rongcheng.

Most core supply chain resources were intricately connected to them.

The best choice was never "confrontation," but "turning enemies into friends."

Although [Weiguang Coffee] could boldly choose to "decouple," it would inevitably pay a huge cost, potentially even affecting product quality.

Now that she had also made up her mind to jump ship and become [Weiguang Coffee]'s COO.

Just then.

The group began moving outward, the leaders preparing to depart for the offline store.

Meng Ran could only reluctantly put away her phone and quickly follow.

In her heart, she couldn't help feeling a trace of resentment toward her best friend for being hopeless.

This silly girl!

For the next hour or so.

Meng Ran forcibly suppressed all personal concerns and anxiety.

And answered the leaders' questions from a professional perspective.

The entire process was flawless and impeccable.

Meng Ran felt a wave of melancholy.

Ultimately didn't mention her resignation.

Better to wait a bit longer.

See if there were other opportunities to contact Director Qian again and deepen the relationship.

If it broke because of her resignation, it would be truly regrettable for Weiguang Coffee still trapped in difficulties.

Attending as a [Hema Fresh] regional executive would undoubtedly carry more weight and better help Xie Shuyu open up the situation.

But also partners from multiple top fintech companies from Imperial Capital and Modu.

That would be a truly high-end gathering.

Just as she was feeling agitated.

[Xiaoyu]

The phone finally rang, the screen displaying [Xiaoyu].

Meng Ran quickly walked to a corner and answered, her voice filled with uncontrollable urgency: "Hello?! Xie Shuyu! Where did you disappear to?! Not answering calls, not replying to WeChat, I thought you'd been kidnapped!"

Xie Shuyu's low voice came through the receiver: "Sorry, Ranran, my phone has been on silent."

"Just arrived at Weiguang Coffee's Yintai Center flagship store."

Meng Ran felt like she couldn't catch her breath, "Oh my! My dear lady! Director Qian and the others left just two minutes ago!"

On the other end of the phone, there was a long silence.

"...I'm sorry, Ranran."

Hearing this apology filled with exhaustion and regret, all of Meng Ran's anger instantly turned to helplessness.

"Okay."

Xie Shuyu's voice was very light, clearly showing her disappointment.

Meng Ran paused, then asked: "By the way, have you discussed this with Tang Song yet?"

"Not yet. Coming to the flagship store for dinner tonight was mainly to casually discuss the Southwest region supply chain matters with him. After all, he's now a major company shareholder, and procedurally, we need his approval too."

After ending the call, Meng Ran informed her colleague beside her.

Grabbed her bag and left.

Turning a corner, passing through the mall's internal corridor.

She soon saw the familiar storefront.

Pushing the door open, she scanned around and spotted her best friend sitting alone in a window booth.

"Ranran, you're here."

Meng Ran walked over and plopped down on the seat beside her.

Saying with annoyance: "Miss Xie, I really can't believe you. Such a great opportunity, and you just missed it like that! I was so anxious I almost wet my pants!"

"I know, today was truly my fault."

Xie Shuyu lowered her head, no defense in her voice.

All day today, she had been immersed in long-lost lightness and joy.

The bustle of Wide and Narrow Alleys, the covered-bowl tea at People's Park, the candied hawthorn at Jinli, the drizzle and embrace under Sichuan University's plane trees...

Those tender moments made her feel as if she had entered another completely different life.

Forgotten work, forgotten worries, simply indulging in the nourishment and warmth of love.

As Meng Ran said, she had indeed missed an excellent opportunity.

Regret, anxiety, self-blame, and helplessness surged over her like tides.

For someone who always treated career as her highest pursuit in life, this blow felt particularly heavy.

Seeing her best friend's dejected expression, the anger in Meng Ran's heart completely dissipated instead.

She comforted softly: "Forget it, forget it, what's missed is missed. There might be opportunities later. Plus, I got Director Qian's office contact information, there will always be a way."

Meng Ran looked around and asked: "Where's Tang Song?"

"Over there."

Meng Ran followed her friend's direction and was slightly taken aback.

Not far away, behind the counter, Tang Song stood at the workstation personally making coffee.

He wore a simple white shirt, sleeves casually rolled to his elbows, his smoothly contoured arms looking exceptionally clean under the lighting.

His expression focused, movements elegant, pleasing to the eye.

Soft lighting fell on him.

The entire person exuded a strong ascetic temperament.

Well, this damn handsome troublemaker.

If it were her, with such a premium boyfriend,

Had to admit, her good sister was eating well!

Then, she lowered her voice and tentatively asked: "Xiaoyu, how do you plan to handle that matter from this morning?"

Meng Ran was momentarily stunned, then understood her meaning.

As friends who had been together since university days, she naturally knew Xie Shuyu's personality.

A standard career-driven woman, even more hardworking than herself.

She had no confidence in marriage and had never seriously considered relationships.

Originally, seeing her find a boyfriend, Meng Ran thought she had finally come around, but it seemed that wasn't the case.

"But..." Meng Ran couldn't help feeling indignant on her behalf, "Even so, he shouldn't have gone to have breakfast with another woman the morning after your first time together, right? That's just too much!"

Xie Shuyu's fingers tightened slightly.

She realized she now seemed to genuinely care somewhat.

The two fell silent for a moment.

"No!" Meng Ran slapped the table, lowering her voice: "I still think he's too scummy! Since he doesn't plan to take on marital responsibilities, he should at least share more troubles and pressures in your career! You're just too strong-willed, too proud. Like that mess with [Shuxian], just dump it on him! He's the major shareholder anyway. And let him know how many people are eyeing a beauty like you out there, make him nervous!"

"Talking about what? So excited?"

Tang Song walked over carrying two cups of coffee.

Meng Ran's eyes flickered, putting on an annoyed expression, "Just scolding your President Xie! This afternoon, Director Qian from [Shuxing Investment] came to inspect our store. I originally wanted to introduce him to Xiaoyu, see if we could resolve [Weiguang Coffee]'s current major trouble. But then, your President Xie didn't answer my calls, didn't reply to my WeChat, completely missed the opportunity!"

Tang Song's brows raised slightly, surprised: "Oh? What major trouble?"

Meng Ran's expression became somewhat agitated, about to speak.

Tang Song sat down in the booth, quietly watching the female CEO across from him.

Xie Shuyu pondered for a moment before saying: "It's still about the supply chain. The Southwest region is our second core market after North China. To ensure product quality, we definitely need to use the best ingredients. Previously, we collaborated with [Shuxian Supply Chain] introduced by the Provincial Catering Association..."

Then, she explained systematically and clearly.

By the end, her tone finally showed strain, her eyes serious as she said: "[Zhongshu Group] is the true local giant, with state-owned background, almost controlling the entire Southwest region's warehousing, logistics, and supply chain. Their conditions are clearly trying to take advantage, I can't possibly agree."

Meng Ran hesitated a moment, then couldn't help interjecting: "Also, Shuxian's General Manager Chen Hao is the son of [Zhongshu Group]'s chairman. He clearly has interest in Xiaoyu, the so-called cross-shareholding, Series B financing, probably has this reason too."

Meng Ran didn't continue, just stared intently at Tang Song.

She wanted to see.

Facing a behemoth like [Zhongshu Group], with such deep background.

What would Tang Song do?

If he truly cared about Xiaoyu, cared about the company she had poured her heart into establishing, then no matter how difficult, he should step forward.

He shouldn't just retreat, right?

However, Tang Song's face showed no panic or worry.

He pushed the steaming coffee toward Xie Shuyu.

Casually raising his hand, he tucked the stray hair beside her ear.

"Alright, I understand. I'll handle this matter."

Meng Ran was taken aback, instinctively wanting to ask "How do you plan to handle it?"

But she noticed Tang Song's lazy and gentle smile had already disappeared.

His entire aura had become solemn and stern.

This invisible pressure made her words stick in her throat.

"Beep beep—"

The call was answered almost instantly.

Without any pleasantries, he directly said: "Secretary Chen, it's me."

"Do you know [Zhongshu Holding Group Co., Ltd.]?"

"A coffee company I personally invested in, [Weiguang Coffee], has recently encountered some operational resistance from Zhongshu in the Southwest market."

"...Hmm, alright. Then have Chen Jinsong contact me directly."

Hearing Tang Song's brief phone conversation, especially the final sentence directly naming names.

The two women across from him were both startled.

Xie Shuyu froze completely, her fingers stiffening against her cup.

Meng Ran's face changed drastically, her eyes filled with disbelief.

Vice chairman of the Provincial Catering Association, chairman of Zhongshu Group, a renowned figure in Sichuan's business world, also Chen Hao's father.