CHAPTER 685: PRIVATE GATHERING

December 2, 2023, Saturday.

Yancheng, Lan Feng International High-end Apartments, 22nd floor.

Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window into the bedroom, covering the entire snow-white bed.

Xu Qing, still asleep, hugged the blanket and rolled over, a trace of glistening drool still at the corner of her mouth. Suddenly, she giggled foolishly twice.

A moment later, she slowly opened her eyes and sat up from the bed.

Stretching extravagantly, she couldn't help but laugh out loud again.

Last night, she had a long, sweet dream.

In the dream, she traveled back to her university days.

Tang Song, who was still very youthful and even somewhat awkward back then, was completely captivated by her, the "heartthrob coser Yanqing."

Every day, he saved his meal money to treat her to family buckets at the KFC near the school entrance.

Finally, holding a large bouquet of roses, he knelt on one knee before her and said in an extremely emotional voice, "Xu Qing, I... I've liked you for a long time! Please, be my girlfriend!"

And in the dream, she merely smiled slightly and reluctantly agreed with feigned reserve.

Recalling the dream scene.

Xu Qing clutched her stomach and laughed on the bed for quite a while longer.

Getting out of bed, she stood before the large floor mirror and turned from side to side.

"Wow, Xu Qing, how can you be so beautiful! No wonder Little Song was completely enchanted by you in the dream, hahaha!"

Satisfied, she admired her own beauty.

Then, as if thinking of something, her large dark eyes darted around mischievously.

She ran barefoot directly to the kitchen, took a tub of yogurt and a box of fresh strawberries from the double-door SMEG refrigerator.

Then, she went to the desk specifically used for writing and skillfully opened her writing software.

While eating snacks, she typed.

"Click-clack—" The sound of keyboard keys cheerfully echoed in the room.

Her eyes grew brighter, her expression more excited.

She finally had inspiration for her third short drama script!

Make it a time-travel drama!

The female lead Yanqing travels back to university, exposing the hidden identity of the big shot "Little Song."

Conquering him with her charm.

"Hehehe..."

The sun outside the window grew brighter.

Time quickly reached 10:00 AM.

"Ding-ding—click—"

The sound of the door lock turning came.

Immediately after, a familiar voice sounded with laughter: "Big Silly Qing, come out and greet the guest!"

Xu Qing froze, quickly poked her head out, and saw her best friend's figure.

"Yanyan! You're finally back!"

The moment they met, they immediately shared an enthusiastic hug.

Shen Yuyan took off her thick coat. Though her expression carried the fatigue of a business trip, it couldn't hide the triumphant glow in her eyes.

These past few days on business, she first went to Lu Province's Island City representing Rongliu Capital, then went to Quancheng to discuss a multi-billion-yuan industrial fund project... ꭆÃꞐȫ𝔟ЕS̩

After being truly nourished by power.

She felt completely revitalized, her entire person radiant.

They laughed and joked for a while.

Shen Yuyan suddenly stopped smiling, her tone turning serious.

"Yanqing, the equity transfer procedures for [Ordinary Folks] and [Yannan Short Drama Film Base], Tang Song has already had the legal team draft them. I came back this time specifically to help you formally complete the procedures."

"Ah!" Xu Qing's eyes immediately lit up, "You mean, I... I'm about to become a billionaire?!"

"Not that fast!" Shen Yuyan tapped her head irritably, "Equity is equity, the film base is fixed assets, and currently it's not profitable, no dividends. Even if [Ordinary Folks] is immediately acquired by [Xingyun International Group], actually cashing out the shares would require waiting until after the IPO lock-up period ends, which would be at least two or three years from now."

"Oh..." Xu Qing instantly deflated like a punctured balloon.

"You idiot!" Shen Yuyan said with exasperation, "This equity represents your social status and voice. Money is just a byproduct. Forget it, no point explaining to you, you wouldn't understand anyway."

She knew her best friend's personality too well—even if she really obtained these things, she probably wouldn't know how to use them.

Better to slowly "train" her later.

They chatted for a good while longer, then Shen Yuyan took two exquisitely packaged gifts from her suitcase.

She handed one to Xu Qing first, then held up another box.

"This is a gift for Luna. Come on, let's go downstairs to her place. After all, we've all moved here for so long, it wouldn't be right not to visit."

"Ah? Go now... okay... I'll go change clothes." Xu Qing pouted, her expression somewhat timid as she headed toward the bedroom.

Miss Xu Qing still felt instinctively wary of that green tea Luna.

During the days her best friend was away, she simply didn't dare to visit alone.

Just then.

"Ding-ling-ling—" A phone ringtone suddenly sounded.

Shen Yuyan picked up her phone and looked—it was an unfamiliar number registered in Shen City.

Recently, with her frequent appearances representing [Rongliu Capital], her personal phone number had become exceptionally busy.

Probably another startup company boss who got her contact details through some channel, calling with financing needs.

She hesitated for a moment, but ultimately answered the call, her voice cool and professional: "Hello?"

"Hello, may I ask if this is Shen Yuyan, Assistant Shen?"

From the receiver came the voice of a middle-aged woman, roughly around forty years old.

Low, steady, carrying a unique calmness and precision.

Shen Yuyan's heart skipped a beat, "Yes, that's me. Who may I ask is calling?"

"I am the secretary of the Chairman's Office at [Tang Yi Precision], my name is Chen Jing."

Shen Yuyan's eye twitched, she "sprang" up from the sofa.

Her expression instantly changed dramatically, her voice carrying a barely suppressed tremble: "You... hello! Secretary Chen! I am Shen Yuyan!"

The Chairman of Tang Yi Precision was undoubtedly Ouyang Xianyue.

Once, during her university days, inspired by Director Jin's motivational stories, she had developed boundless ambition.

Later, she personally witnessed the rise of these two legendary women, Director Jin and Ms. Ouyang.

Her ambition, her professional beliefs, were all connected to them.

And now, Ms. Ouyang's secretary was actually calling her personally!

"Assistant Shen, here's the situation." Chen Jing's voice remained unhurried, "Next week, Tang Yi Precision will host a Next-Generation Smart Hardware Ecosystem Summit in Shen City.

At that time, all core partner representatives will attend.

Ms. Ouyang specifically instructed me to invite you to attend, representing [Rongliu Capital]."

Hearing these words.

Shen Yuyan could almost hear the sound of her own heartbeat.

She had fantasized countless times about one day standing on the same stage as them.

Now, this opportunity had actually... fallen from the sky!

Moreover, it was a personal invitation from Ms. Ouyang herself!

Her university ideals, her professional efforts, were finally converging in reality.

She forcibly suppressed her immense joy, trying hard to keep her voice from sounding too unprofessional: "Okay! I will definitely attend on time! Thank you, Secretary Chen! Please also convey my... gratitude to Ms. Ouyang!"

"You're welcome," Chen Jing paused, then added as if casually, "By the way, while confirming the final guest list earlier, I noticed that representatives from [Yuanjian Shares] and [Win-Win Technology] seem to have quite some interaction with you, Assistant Shen. At that time, everyone should be able to meet. Looking forward to your attendance, Assistant Shen."

"Tha... thank you." Shen Yuyan's voice tightened slightly.

After hanging up, she stood frozen in place, unable to recover from the massive information impact for a long time.

"Yanyan, I'm ready, let's go."

Xu Qing, having changed clothes, came out of the bedroom.

Only then did Shen Yuyan snap back to reality, her face flushed, body trembling slightly.

As for why the lofty Ms. Ouyang would specifically invite her...

She could guess seventy to eighty percent of the reason.

Of course, it was because she was Tang Song's special assistant.

After all, even for Xiao Jing's birthday, Ms. Ouyang would personally select and send gifts.

This was enough to show that Tang Song's circle could access Ms. Ouyang, and their relationship was quite good.

This invitation to her was most likely related to capital-level cooperation.

However, none of that mattered now.

What mattered was that she had finally... obtained that long-coveted ticket to the top-tier stage.

The tangible feeling of being suddenly pushed to the center of the stage by fate made her entire body burn with excitement.

Thinking of this, a cold smile appeared on her face.

Ren Mingyuan... Wang Yubo...

It seems our showdown is finally about to begin officially.

A little past 1:00 PM.

Rongcheng, by Huanhua Creek, Listening to Bamboo Pavilion residence.

The study was completely silent, only the "rustling" sound of a brush tip moving across rice paper.

"Ding-dong—"

A WeChat notification sounded.

Tang Song's gaze shifted from the calligraphy copybook before him to the phone beside him.

[Shen Yuyan: Group photo jpg]

Tang Song put down the purple hare hair brush in his hand, picked up the phone, and opened the chat window.

A photo appeared on the screen.

It was a group photo of Xu Qing, Shen Yuyan, and Lin Muxue at a restaurant.

Xu Qing wore a cute-style dress, her hair in her signature twin tails.

Shen Yuyan was in intellectual and efficient professional attire, elegantly crossing her legs, one hand supporting her chin, a faint, elusive smile playing on her lips.

Sandwiched in the middle, Luna wore a sexy off-the-shoulder tight sweater, her honey-colored long hair cascading like seaweed, red lips like fire, her demeanor aloof.

Three beauties with completely different styles, yet equally pleasing to the eye, were intimately close together.

Creating an extremely visually striking picture.

Before Tang Song could carefully admire it.

"Buzz-buzz-buzz—"

Another new message popped up.

[Shen Yuyan: "(。。) Good afternoon, Boss. Luna, Yanqing, and I came out for lunch together. From now on, we'll be 'good roommates' living in Lan Feng International Apartments. When will you have time to come over and play games with us?"]

Looking at that vibrant, alluring photo, then reading Shen Yuyan's suggestive and provocative message.

Tang Song's heart warmed slightly.

He couldn't help but recall the last time in apartment 2202, those forbidden intimate contacts between him and Campus Belle Shen right in front of his girlfriend Yanqing.

Especially after gaining memories from the 2019~2020 period this time.

His inner feelings towards Shen Yuyan and Xu Qing had changed again.

Add Luna to that mix...

Hiss—

It must be said, Campus Belle Shen really understands how to set the mood!

Tang Song exhaled lightly and typed a reply: "Okay, looking forward to your performance, Shirley. Last time, you did very well."

[Shen Yuyang: "Thank you for the praise, Boss~ mua~"]

They exchanged a few more messages back and forth.

"Creak—" The study door was gently pushed open.

A tall, elegant figure walked in slowly.

Tang Song put away his phone, his gaze turning to the female CEO who had changed clothes, instantly revealing a brilliant smile.

"Shuyue Sister."

"Tang Song."

Xie Shuyue greeted him, then turned and sat on the redwood round-backed chair beside her, lowering her gaze slightly.

Trying to use this action to conceal her subtle emotions.

Last night, right in this private residence full of classical charm.

Her heart agitated, she was "violated" by Tang Song in an irresistible manner.

Always reserved and serious, she was ultimately forced to say many things she herself found utterly shameful.

Now, recalling it, she only felt her face burning.

She didn't quite dare to meet his eyes.

"Truly beautiful." Tang Song walked out from behind the desk and praised sincerely, "Today's makeup and this outfit suit you perfectly."

Xie Shuyue's body almost instinctively tensed.

She pressed her lips together and quickly changed the subject: "By the way, I'm all ready on my end. When should we head over?"

"No rush." Tang Song smiled, leaning against the edge of the desk, his tone lazy and casual, "The private session doesn't start until three. Going too early now is pointless."

Xie Shuyue raised her wrist to check the time, a trace of awkwardness appearing on her face: "It's less than two hours away. We really should go a bit earlier."

According to normal business etiquette, for a closed-door private session of this level, one should arrive about an hour in advance.

Not only to have sufficient networking time with other guests but also to show respect and importance for the event to the organizers and important leaders present.

"Tap-tap—"

Tang Song stepped closer to her.

His tone gentle, he asked: "Shuyue Sister, are you nervous?"

"Uh..." Xie Shuyue's expression faltered momentarily. She took a light breath and admitted frankly: "More or less, yes."

Today's private session was organized by "First Financial" and was extremely high-level.

Those invited were the top investors and entrepreneurs in the domestic new consumer sector.

Among them were even partners from international top-tier capital firms like IDG and Temasek.

And executives from local dairy giants like New Hope and Jule Group would, at most, be considered supporting roles in this meeting.

The reason she was invited was because [Weiguang Coffee]'s recent momentum was too strong, having successively reached strategic partnerships with [Yuntong Zhicui] and [Xingyun International]. It was featured as a "dark horse of the year in new consumption" in a special report by "First Financial."

Going this time, nominally as an invited guest, she actually had to go on stage to share, undergoing the "review" and "grilling" by that crowd of capital big shots below.

Naturally, she felt nervous inside.

This was also one of the important reasons she insisted on bringing Tang Song along.

Tang Song didn't continue that topic, instead shifting gears: "Shuyue Sister, don't you think our outfits today... feel familiar?"

Xie Shuyue was slightly startled, lowered her head to look at herself.

Light gray tailored suit, white silk blouse underneath, simple yet elegant.

This was specifically sent over by Tang Song this morning, said to be the "battle attire" he chose for her, saving her the trouble of going back to Meng Ran's place to change.

She lifted her head again, looking at Tang Song.

Classic gray-brown suit, paired with an excellent quality white shirt, black leather shoes polished to a shine.

Dressed in this formal wear, he was handsome and impressive, his presence compelling.

Their outfit colors coordinated very well.

Her heart suddenly throbbed intensely, her voice unconsciously softening: "The Yansheng Bank private session?"

Tang Song smiled lightly but didn't speak.

The atmosphere grew quiet.

Their current attire was very similar to what they wore months ago when she invited him to attend the [Yansheng Bank High Net Worth Client Private Session].

Although the styles and fabrics had subtle differences, the overall style and color scheme were almost identical.

This familiar scene made Xie Shuyue's mind feel somewhat dazed.

She remembered the past again.

Back then, in her eyes, Tang Song was just an external technical consultant with unlimited potential for the company.

She could clearly see those most valuable shining qualities in him.

Gentle, humble, confident, full of vitality, strong execution...

She appreciated him, which was why she wanted to take him to that private session, wanted to help him access higher circles, wanted to take him to see a broader world.

To see how far he could grow.

In her daze.

That "young talent" from the past seemed to reappear before her eyes, making her gaze unconsciously soften.

Then, she lifted her head again, looking at the real Tang Song before her.

He was even more handsome and upright than before, his deep eyes had long shed all traces of youthfulness.

Replaced by an all-seeing calmness and control.

His changes... were truly immense.

And this time, they were similarly going to attend a private session, wearing almost identical clothes.

It gave her a strange feeling of the passage of time, how things remain the same but people change.

Their eyes met.

Tang Song slowly leaned down, extending his slender fingers to pinch the female CEO's exquisite chin.

He studied her mature, beautiful, and lovely face.

The previous Yansheng Bank private session.

The female CEO invited him to attend together, viewing him from a superior's perspective, wanting to "take care of" and "mentor" him out of appreciation for his talent.

For Tang Song, who was in his "developmental stage" at the time, this kindness was very precious.

It also helped him complete the system task of [Building Connections].

And now, with his charm about to break through the 90 mark, approaching his "complete form."

It was time to repay her.

His fingertip stroked her soft lips back and forth.

The action carried a casual ambiguity, yet seemed to declare a certain sovereignty.

He moved closer to her and said slowly: "Dear female CEO, today at this private session, you will be the only female lead. In the future, I will take you to stand on even higher stages than this. Everything I promised you before, I will accomplish it all for you."

The study's light filtered through the carved wooden lattice window, falling on him.

The dappled light and shadow made his entire person appear exceptionally three-dimensional and profound.

That vigorous, almost arrogant confidence emanating from him seemed capable of trampling the entire world underfoot.