The sky outside the window gradually darkened.

As closing time approached, the number of customers in the flagship store increased.

Tang Song hung up the phone and placed it back on the table.

His expression remained calm, but the coldness in his eyes hadn't dissipated.

Given his current mindset and status, he wouldn't normally have bothered Ouyang Xianyue with such matters.

After all, business is like a battlefield.

Weiguang Coffee's current momentum was fierce.

Capital competition and interest clashes were perfectly normal.

Zhongshu Group's calculations were simply betting on Weiguang Coffee's weak background, trying to seize benefits.

If he personally stepped up and revealed Rongliu Capital's backing, all troubles would vanish.

But what Meng Ran just mentioned about Chen Hao from Shuxian Supply Chain truly made him uncomfortable.

Especially since he had just taken the final step with this female CEO.

Hearing such news naturally made him displeased.

And when displeased, he needed to clear his thoughts.

Just then, a uniformed staff member cautiously approached and placed a tray by the table.

"President Xie, President Tang, your dinner is ready."

"Thank you." Tang Song nodded.

Soon after, several newly launched exquisite light meals from the flagship store were brought out one by one.

Pan-fried golden beef rolls, fresh quinoa salad, paninis, and two uniquely shaped desserts.

The reason they came all the way here was because Xie Shuyu wanted him to experience the new dishes.

After all, he was the company's major shareholder.

With the server's appearance, Meng Ran and Xie Shuyu gradually recovered from the shock of the recent phone call.

Meng Ran swallowed hard and tentatively asked, "Tang Song, that Chen Jinsong you mentioned on the phone just now—is he...?"

Tang Song nodded lightly, speaking calmly, "Chen Jinsong, Chairman of Zhongshu Group."

Getting the confirmation, Meng Ran's expression instantly became incredibly animated.

Holy shit! It's really him!

With her ability to read people, she could tell Tang Song's words weren't empty boasting.

And he had no reason to do so anyway.

After all, such things couldn't be faked.

But... this was too exaggerated!

She knew Tang Song was wealthy—after all, he was rich enough to casually invest forty million in cash in an A-round coffee shop.

But having money didn't mean having influence.

Especially here in Rongcheng, facing entrenched "local powers" like Chen Jinsong and Zhongshu Group with their complex political and business connections.

Pure money might not necessarily work.

Unless... unless he also had deep official connections here.

Enough to make Chen Jinsong wary.

Xie Shuyu clearly guessed this too, taking a deep breath to slowly suppress the huge fluctuations in her heart.

She asked quietly, "Tang Song, do you know Chen Jinsong?"

"No." Tang Song shook his head lightly, placing a quinoa salad before her. "I hadn't even heard his name before today."

Both Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran were stunned.

Tang Song looked at the female CEO's somewhat bewildered and complex eyes, smiling faintly. "But that's not important. What matters is that he will know me."

The air seemed to crackle with subtle electricity.

Meng Ran's breathing hitched.

Xie Shuyu felt an indescribable flutter in her heart.

At this moment, Tang Song's expression was gentle, but his personal aura was exceptionally powerful.

As if everything was within his expectations, and everything would proceed according to his rhythm.

Confident, composed, elegant.

Exuding unparalleled charm.

Xie Shuyu pressed her lips together tightly, her body reacting instinctively.

She knew clearly this was a tremendous physical and psychological attraction and temptation.

The corner booth fell into momentary silence.

Soon.

"Buzz buzz—buzz buzz—"

Tang Song's phone on the table began vibrating frantically.

The screen showed an unfamiliar Rongcheng local number, very auspicious with a string of 8s at the end.

Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran immediately sat up straighter.

Their gazes simultaneously focused on the flashing screen, their breathing becoming somewhat hurried.

They instantly realized this was probably Chen Jinsong calling personally.

And less than five minutes had passed since Tang Song called that "Secretary Chen."

The efficiency was beyond words to describe.

However, Tang Song didn't answer the call.

Instead, he picked up an exquisite beef panini from the table and took a leisurely large bite.

The slightly charred bread made a crisp "crack" sound, the half-melted cheese inside perfectly combining with the savory ham.

He sincerely praised, "Mmm, truly delicious, the ingredient quality is excellent."

Then he pushed another smoked salmon roll toward the tense-looking Meng Ran.

A gentle smile appeared on his face. "Come on, our future COO, try it too. Give us your opinion on Weiguang Coffee's new products."

Meng Ran instinctively accepted it, her eyes still drawn to the phone screen.

Beside her, Xie Shuyu pursed her lips and reminded, "Tang Song... the phone..."

Tang Song took another bite of his panini. "No rush, let's eat first."

The corner of Meng Ran's eye twitched, and she couldn't help looking at her best friend.

Good lord!

Xiaoyu! What kind of boyfriend have you found?!

What kind of background and connections must he have?!

Chen Jinsong calling proactively, and he's just leaving him hanging!

Xie Shuyu's throat moved, her eyes also showing confusion.

The reason she hadn't immediately asked Tang Song for help.

Besides her inherent strong-willed independence, was also because Zhongshu Group had put enormous pressure on her.

The deeper she got into operations, the more she understood how complex the situation was.

Government capital, industry associations, upstream and downstream relationships...

It was an all-pervasive network.

This was one of the rare business difficulties she'd faced in her career.

Requiring tremendous effort to overcome.

Yet Tang Song had torn everything apart with just one phone call.

Previously, she had her own guesses about Tang Song's wealth sources.

After all, Tang Song worked at Meigou Technology for three full years after graduation.

And those three years happened to be Meigou's golden era of becoming a global cross-border e-commerce unicorn.

Option cash-outs, capital legends, the rise of internet nouveau riche...

He might have been one of those who reached the peak during that wave.

Specifically, Tang Song hadn't voluntarily told her, so she wouldn't ask.

Just like how she had never fully disclosed her own assets, properties, and savings to Tang Song.

In her view, adult relationships should maintain appropriate independence and privacy.

But now... it seemed she had underestimated him.

After a moment of silence, the phone on the table began vibrating again.

As if issuing an urgent reminder.

Tang Song still didn't answer, instead directly setting it to silent.

He enjoyed the quinoa salad and beef rolls with Xie Shuyu.

Zhongshu Group Headquarters Building, 17th Floor.

Outside the conference room's glass walls, the sky had sunk into night.

A "Southwest Region New Consumer Brand Supply Chain Coordination Meeting" personally chaired by Chen Hao finally concluded.

This was his first major meeting since becoming General Manager of Shuxian Supply Chain.

An afternoon of reports and Q&

A had allowed him to show off impressively before numerous suppliers and subordinates.

This meeting wasn't just an operational session—it was the starting point for reestablishing his position within the group.

Zhongshu Group was a typical regional holding giant.

Complex system, strict hierarchy.

Besides Shuxian Supply Chain responsible for fresh cold chain.

It also controlled Shutong Logistics with extensive core storage resources, Shushang Property with numerous commercial properties, and Shuwei Food providing semi-finished products to countless catering brands, among others.

One could say it was like an invisible net covering the entire Southwest region's consumer industry.

Before transferring to Shuxian, he had been one of the responsible persons for the group's chain coffee brand Coffee Talk Time.

His two years in that position coincided with the explosive growth phase of China's new consumer coffee track.

Luckin, Cotti, and other brands rose successively.

Coffee Talk Time was completely squeezed out, with vague positioning, poor competitiveness, and bad reputation.

Now, half of its 21 stores were operating at a loss.

Becoming a "hot potato" that various departments within the group avoided.

And an indelible stain on Chen Hao's resume.

If he could lead this cooperation with Weiguang Coffee, successfully merging Coffee Talk Time's 21 store assets into Weiguang's highly promising brand system through "cross-shareholding."

Not only could he instantly revitalize these non-performing assets, but also completely erase the stain of his failure.

Achieving a career "turnaround" in one move.

Moreover, there was Weiguang Coffee's founder Xie Shuyu.

Beautiful, elegant, rational, sexy...

That unique temperament of sharpness hidden within dignity made him feel a strong desire to conquer.

Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth unconsciously lifted slightly.

The meeting ended.

The conference room door was pushed open, the air still carrying the mixed scent of tea and coffee.

Chen Hao was surrounded by executives from several core suppliers.

Appropriately smiling, smooth-talking, the very picture of an ambitious young president.

While making small talk, he naturally invited several partner representatives to dinner.

At the right moment, he said jokingly, "Actually, I specifically invited Weiguang Coffee's President Xie to join us, wanted everyone to meet her. Unfortunately, President Xie is busy, or perhaps feels our Shuxian isn't up to her standards yet."

As his words fell, several suppliers emitted understanding laughs.

The atmosphere was relaxed, but undercurrents stirred.

In these circles, everyone understood the "warning" behind these words.

Just then, rapid high-heel sounds came from the side ahead.

A female secretary in OL attire hurried over, her expression off, tightly clutching her phone.

"President Chen, the Chairman's call."

Chen Hao raised an eyebrow, casually took the phone, apologized to those around him with a smile, then quickly walked to the corridor side.

He said cheerfully, "Hey, Dad? You finished work? My meeting just ended, the results were excellent—"

Before he could finish, he was interrupted by a low roar from the other end. "Shut up! I'm not asking about your meeting!"

Chen Hao's smile instantly froze.

He immediately detected something wrong in his father's tone, his expression darkening accordingly.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

Chen Jinsong on the other end seemed to be desperately suppressing his emotions. "I'm asking you, what's going on with Weiguang Coffee?"

"Weiguang Coffee?" Chen Hao was stunned, an ominous feeling inexplicably rising in his heart. "What do you mean? That's a cooperation project for Shuxian. I got the connection through Provincial Catering Association Deputy Secretary-General Zhao..."

Before he could finish, Chen Jinsong's deep and stern voice interrupted again. "Don't think I don't know anything! You manipulated Weiguang Coffee's supply prices in the internal ERP system, added two percentage points, did you do this or not? And supply chain transportation, you deliberately scheduled it at the lowest priority, causing multiple delays, did you do this or not?!"

"Yes." Chen Hao quickly explained. "But Dad, I did this just to appropriately pressure the other side, hoping to push forward the cross-shareholding plan for Coffee Talk Time. I discussed this idea with Group Vice President Zhao before—it's feasible."

"This matter—you arranged it personally?"

"Yes..."

The receiver transmitted a heavy breathing sound.

Chen Hao instantly tensed, realizing something was wrong. "Dad, what... what exactly happened?"

"Right now! Immediately! Immediately! Contact Weiguang Coffee's Xie Shuyu, you must obtain the other party's forgiveness, no matter what method you use, whatever cost! If you can't do it..."

Chen Jinsong paused for a moment, then said word by word, "Then get out of the country, don't stay in Zhongshu Group anymore!"

Chen Hao's expression instantly solidified. "Why... why? Dad! Xie Shuyu she... I checked her background, she should... should..."

"Shut up! You fool! Do you know who just called me?"

"Who...?" Chen Hao's voice trembled.

Then, an unbelievable name came through the receiver.

Chen Hao's mind went "buzz," completely blank.

This... how is this possible?!

The call ended.

But Chen Hao still stood frozen in place, the phone pressed to his ear.

Half a minute later, his hand began shaking uncontrollably.

His face extremely pale.

...

Weiguang Coffee Flagship Store.

Outside the window, Rongcheng's bustling and brilliant nightscape.

Inside, the rich aromas of coffee and delicious food.

Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran sat side by side across from Tang Song, but neither was focused on eating.

Between them, Xie Shuyu's perpetually silenced phone screen kept lighting up and dimming like a revolving lantern.

The caller IDs showed familiar, weighty names.

Shuxian Supply Chain - Chen Hao, Provincial Catering Association - Deputy Secretary-General Zhao Ying, New Hope Dairy - Regional Sales Director Wang Chengyong... and several unfamiliar numbers she hadn't saved.

Besides this, WeChat red notifications kept flashing.

There were Chen Hao's humble apologies.

And enthusiastic cooperation invitations from other suppliers who had previously given her the runaround.

All this happened within just one hour.

Xie Shuyu pressed her lips together, following Tang Song's requirement to "focus" on eating, not responding at all.

The inner shock was difficult to calm.

After so many years of entrepreneurship, she had always relied on herself to knock on doors, negotiate, and tough it out.

Whether facing capital's cold shoulders or competitors' suppression, she was used to it.

After all, entrepreneurship was inherently difficult and full of obstacles.

But now, for the first time, she truly felt what it was like to "have someone watching your back."

"Whew—"

Meng Ran let out a long breath, but as she picked up her fork, her hand froze again, eyes widening.

Xie Shuyu's phone screen lit up once more—a text from an unfamiliar number.

[President Xie, hello. I am Chen Jinsong of Zhongshu Group. My son has been improper, causing your company great trouble, I deeply apologize. Please rest assured, we will definitely compensate for all losses and show our utmost sincerity, hoping to obtain forgiveness from you and Mr. Tang.]

The air abruptly froze.

Xie Shuyu stared blankly at the screen, fingers trembling slightly.

Meng Ran's fork clattered onto her plate, splattering a bit of cream sauce.

Her lips parted slightly, unable to speak for a long moment.

She just stared dumbly at Tang Song elegantly drinking his coffee, her gaze carrying instinctive awe.

As if issuing an urgent reminder.

How much official influence did he actually mobilize?!

"Tap—"

Tang Song set down his coffee cup, gently wiping the corners of his mouth with a napkin.

He looked up at the female CEO across from him, a smile appearing on his face. "The matter should be resolved soon. President Xie must be tired after a day out, right? My friend has a standalone courtyard by Huanhua Creek, the environment is excellent. Would you like to stay there tonight?"

At her best friend Meng Ran's place, it was always inconvenient.

Xie Shuyu also couldn't completely relax.

There, it would be his territory.

He wanted to see what breathtaking grace this dignified and self-possessed female CEO could display before him after completely letting down all defenses.

Their eyes met.

Xie Shuyu looked into his deep eyes that seemed capable of sucking one in, hearing his seemingly inquiring yet actually non-negotiable invitation.

Her heart skipped a beat.

She opened her mouth, her voice dry. "Okay."

......

Meanwhile.

By Huanhua Creek, Asking Moon Pavilion.

Ouyang Xianyue ended her video conference with Tang Yi Precision's European headquarters and came to the tea table by the window.

She picked up the already cooled tea and took a sip.

But her gaze remained fixed on the hundred-year-old ginkgo tree in the courtyard, her fingers unconsciously stroking the jade pendant on her chest.

After a moment.

She sighed, walked into the study connected to the tea room.

Spread out rice paper, picked up a brush, and began painting with ink.

The brush tip moved across the pristine paper, ink shades varying from thick to thin.

With just a few sparse strokes, it outlined a tall, straight figure.

Exactly Tang Song from a few days ago under the red maple tree at Listening to Bamboo Pavilion—the one who reached out to brush fallen leaves from her shoulder, his eyes filled with gentle smiles.

The year they met, she was already 29, while he had just turned 19.

She was even still wearing that wedding ring symbolizing another life.

Throughout their interactions.

She never dared imagine standing together with him in that capacity.

She was an extremely intelligent woman, highly skilled at self-examination.

She knew that over these years, she might have always admired him somewhat.

But these feelings were suppressed layer by layer by powerful rationality and the shackles of being an "elder."

But this meeting, Tang Song's changes, especially his changed attitude toward her.

Made the long-calm waters in her heart begin rippling.

Hence she started making excuses for herself.

But she always felt that if they truly took that step.

There would be an indescribable, almost immoral sense of shame in her heart.

Looking at the familiar yet slightly unfamiliar figure in the painting.

She couldn't help murmuring to herself:

"How do you truly see me?"

"If I really took the initiative... would it make you think I'm shameless?"

Just then.

"Knock knock knock—"

A soft knocking sound came.

Ouyang Xianyue immediately restrained all emotions, returning to her usual unflappable and graceful demeanor. "Please come in."

Secretary Chen Jing then entered quietly, holding a dark blue folder.

She respectfully bowed slightly, speaking softly. "Ms. Ouyang, the matter Mr. Tang instructed has been handled."

"Mm."

Then Chen Jing handed over the folder, continuing. "Additionally, this is all background information about that Miss Xie Shuyu and Weiguang Coffee."

Ouyang Xianyue took the folder, casually opening it.

On the first page, an ID photo entered her sight.

The woman in the photo had exquisite features, dignified temperament, with a hint of professional smile at her lips.

That unique temperament of sharpness hidden within dignity made him feel a strong desire to conquer.

Looking at Xie Shuyu's photo, Ouyang Xianyue unconsciously lightly stroked her own smooth cheek with her fingertip.

Her skin condition and physical state had always been well-maintained.

She was confident her looks and temperament were no worse than the other's, perhaps even superior.

But this Xie Shuyu was really thin—completely different from her slightly fuller figure.

She wondered which type Tang Song... would prefer?

Immediately, she realized her thoughts were improper and quickly reined them in, continuing to browse the materials.

Over ten minutes later.

She casually closed the folder, speaking calmly. "How are the arrangements for Lin Muxue going?"

Secretary Chen quickly replied, "I've already coordinated with the real estate agent in Modu about that apartment. The final property transfer procedures will be completed next week."

"Handle this matter personally, no mistakes."

"Understood!"

While making small talk, he casually invited several partner representatives to dinner.

Meanwhile, Secretary Chen continued reporting the latest progress on Xuanji Optical World.

That apartment in Lujiazui's IFC was, to her, merely an insignificant part of her vast assets—just casually giving a favor.

Her true purpose was nothing more than to win over this personal assistant of Tang Song's.

She had long investigated Lin Muxue's character.

In fact, it was thoroughly investigated when Zhao Yaqian signed as Gathering Capital's beneficiary.

Although there were some flaws, overall she was a "safe" person.

To Ouyang Xianyue, whether Lin Muxue was ostentatiously greedy or vain didn't matter.

As long as she was loyal to Tang Song, she was a "good person."

Someone who could be united with.

Giving her favors, introducing her to hometown connections—all to form deeper interest bonds with her.

"...Ms. Wen Ruan has completed the internal integration of Xingyun International Group. Soon, she will officially become Group Chairman. And participate in Xuanji Optical World work, having more contact with Miss Liu Qingning. Additionally, she's been traveling recently, besides her assistant, she's been bringing Zhang Yan—that is, President Tang's middle school classmate—seemingly intending to involve her."

"Oh?" Ouyang Xianyue's brush paused slightly, contemplating before saying, "Wen Ruan will frequently travel between Shen City and Yancheng soon. Always staying in hotels is both inconvenient and unsafe.

Note this: apply for a property at Tangjin Family Office for Wen Ruan, directly under her personal name.

Additionally, arrange a dedicated car and driver for her in Shen City.

After all, she's Tang Song's woman and already on the family office's decision committee. Such treatment is what she deserves.

I believe Director Jin won't have any objections.

"Understood! I'll handle it!"

Secretary Chen immediately nodded in agreement, then turned and quietly left the study.

Only after she completely disappeared.

Did Ouyang Xianyue set down her brush and pick up Xie Shuyu's file again.

This time, her gaze didn't focus on the business resume.

But slowly fell on the "Date of Birth" column.

32 years old, soon 33.

Her eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.

33 years old... nominal age would be 34... after New Year's, approximate age would be 35...

This age... seemed about the same as hers.