Rongcheng's afternoon.

In the massive main banquet hall, lights shimmered and flowed, the air filled with the mingled scent of champagne and conversation.

The originally scattered social circles seemed drawn by an invisible magnetic field, gradually converging toward a certain direction.

Talk about Tang Song's identity naturally spread through the conversations.

More and more people gathered around.

From the investment circle, brand representatives, supply chain, government delegates...

Waiters carrying champagne and exquisite delicacies frequently shuttled through the crowd.

Fang Zhiyuan, standing not far from Meng Ran, was completely immersed in a dreamlike daze.

From the moment Zhao Wen took the initiative to approach, his brain had stopped functioning.

He just stared blankly at the young man he had previously judged in his heart as a "second-generation playboy."

Now surrounded like the moon among stars by capital big shots he wouldn't even dare to hand his business card to.

Rongliu Capital... Chairman?

He never imagined that behind Weiguang Coffee stood such an incredibly powerful figure.

His previous frustration over the other's "cold" attitude instantly transformed into nothing but awe.

Thinking back now.

For someone of this stature to calmly listen to him chat and even shake his hand was already immense respect.

A complex mix of shame, absurdity, fear, and surprise instantly overwhelmed him.

He felt grateful that he had maintained sufficient respect and humility before the other party, without showing the slightest disrespect.

Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.

He Wenyue, the private session organizer, beamed with excitement, palms sweating with anticipation.

Although this private session had invited many heavyweight guests.

Even the highest-status Zhao Wen was only the investment director for Temasek's Asia-Pacific region.

And he was only invited because First Financial's headquarters wanted to do a feature on sovereign funds.

But he never expected that a truly top-tier global private equity fund's founder and chairman would personally attend!

And it was Rongliu Capital, currently making waves in international capital markets!

For any financial media professional, this was like a headline falling from the sky!

He immediately turned and quickly whispered to his assistant beside him:

"Hurry! Immediately! Contact the best interview team from our company's southwest division, have them come right away! Try to... see if we can get Chairman Tang's exclusive interview later!"

"Clink~ clink~"

The crisp sound of clinking glasses rose and fell repeatedly.

"I never expected Weiguang Coffee to be invested in by Chairman Tang, no wonder it's growing so fast."

"Indeed, we at Goldman have actually been studying the Weiguang Coffee case for a while, very interesting."

"To complete brand upgrade and initial national layout in just a few months is truly remarkable. President Xie's execution is equally impressive."

Tang Song casually held Xie Shuyu's slender waist with one hand, while holding a golden champagne glass with the other.

Dealing with greetings and probes from all directions.

His expression remained calm throughout, with a slight curve at the corners of his lips.

His tone was unhurried, yet made the entire circle's rhythm revolve around him.

No need for deliberate performance.

In every gesture, he naturally exuded a "host" aura.

Xie Shuyu cooperated with his small talk, elegant, rational, and intellectual, but her mind was already unsettled.

She could feel the warm strength of his palm, and could sense that all the surrounding gazes were focused on him.

Yet he continuously steered the conversation toward her.

This scene strongly resembled that private session at Yansheng Bank back then.

Back then, she was the one actively introducing connections to him, guiding him into the circle.

But now, just a name, a greeting, made the entire venue actively gravitate toward him.

She had always regarded capital with awe and caution.

For Weiguang Coffee's financing, she had met too many calculating, arrogant investors,

And had been repeatedly coldly rejected, subtly looked down upon.

But now, those names she once looked up to: Temasek, Sequoia, Goldman, Tencent...

Were all actively showing her goodwill, praising Weiguang Coffee's prospects, praising her achievements.

This had always been her dream.

Materially, she certainly desired it, but was currently satisfied.

What she pursued through such hard work and management was more about self-worth realization.

Hoping to gain more social respect and recognition.

Also hoping her name, her coffee shops, would be remembered by more people.

A few meters away, the New Hope Dairy vice president she had once asked Meng Ran to "request a meeting with" stood outside the crowd holding a wine glass,

Face full of respectful smiles, but not daring to approach rashly, only frequently echoing and nodding.

And that boss of Southwest's largest semi-finished baking supplier who had previously ordered her around, tried several times to approach but was pushed back by the crowd.

That invisible "class barrier" made them too afraid to take even one step forward.

Their gazes toward her now carried complex respect and subtle admiration.

She slowly looked up, glancing sideways at the elegant, steady Tang Song beside her.

He wasn't the "internet nouveau riche" she had thought.

But a true capital controller, the actual controller of a top private equity firm.

Rongliu Capital... $13 billion... Tangjin Family Office... Kate Trust...

These distant terms had never felt so real and close.

That shock from spirit to soul made her heart surge,

.....

"Meng Ran!" A low exclamation sounded by her ear.

Meng Ran turned to see her supervisor Zhang Guangming approaching.

"Hoo—" She exhaled, trying to pull herself together from the shock.

Walking a couple steps outward, "President Zhang."

Zhang Guangming's face showed barely contained excitement, eyes sparkling with fire,

Pointing toward Tang Song's direction not far away: "Meng Ran, you... how do you know Rongliu Capital's chairman?!"

Meng Ran remained silent for a moment, then smiled slightly, lowering her voice: "That person is Xie Shuyu, Weiguang Coffee's founder, my good friend. Tang Song is her boyfriend."

Zhang Guangming's eyes instantly brightened even more, clenching his hands tightly, "So that's it! Then I must meet them! Meng Ran, do you think... you could take me over to say hello?"

As Hema Fresh's Southwest regional vice president, he was definitely considered mid-to-senior level within talent-rich Alibaba's system.

But in the true capital food chain, he was ultimately just a senior professional manager.

While someone like Tang Song, who controlled tens of billions in mother funds and could influence entire industries,

Already stood on a ladder he could never reach in his lifetime.

And without Meng Ran's introduction, he wouldn't even qualify to meet the other party.

Meng Ran instantly understood his meaning, "Okay, President Zhang, no problem."

Zhang Guangming had always been her strongest support within Hema, their relationship excellent.

This small request wasn't difficult for her.

After speaking, she led Zhang Guangming over.

Watching her usually imposing old supervisor's current caution and humility.

Meng Ran felt an indescribable emotion surge in her heart.

She suddenly realized everything had truly changed.

Not just her good friend Xie Shuyu, but even her own destiny had undergone fundamental transformation.

She suddenly remembered Tang Song previously saying "In the future, you could rise to my side."

At the time she took it as a joke, didn't take it seriously, even teased him about it.

But now, having witnessed Tang Song's terrifying energy firsthand.

Her heartbeat became unprecedentedly intense.

A top private equity chairman with tens of billions, backed by unfathomable political resources, and her best friend's boyfriend...

Such a platform.

Could no longer be described with simple "boundless prospects."

Even Hema Fresh's, even Alibaba's entire career ceiling,

Seemed utterly insignificant in comparison.

She looked again at that man not far away who remained perpetually calm and composed.

Light refracted on his profile, shadows crisscrossing, elegance and power infinitely magnified.

.....

As the private session countdown began.

Organizer staff gradually came forward, inviting some guests to be seated.

Tang Song, Xie Shuyu, and Meng Ran were guided to the front area.

Reserved core seating for "strategic investors and specially invited enterprise representatives."

As they walked through, the crowd automatically parted.

Many instinctively stood up to greet, nodding and making small talk.

Everyone gradually took their seats, the banquet hall quieting down.

The host stepped onto the stage, spotlight slowly sweeping over the crowd, the microphone emitting a steady, solemn voice:

"Respected leaders, distinguished guests, welcome to the 'New Consumer Brands Closed-door Private Session'."

Followed by a series of heavyweight attendee introductions.

Warm applause rose repeatedly.

Lights shifted, after the organizer's leadership speech, pre-arranged guests took turns giving speeches on stage.

Organizer spokespersons, pre-arranged guests sequentially gave speeches on stage.

Sequoia's Li Zhengyang analyzed channel-side "capital bottlenecks";

JD.com's Consumer Business Division president analyzed new trends in retail technology;

Tang Song sat quietly below, occasionally whispering with Xie Shuyu, sometimes politely applauding.

Aura restrained yet composed.

As guest speeches concluded, the host returned to the stage.

"Thank you for the wonderful sharing. Next, we'll enter today's brand presentation segment. Let's give our warmest applause to welcome Weiguang Coffee founder and CEO, Ms. Xie Shuyu!"

The female CEO slowly rose from her seat, walking firmly toward the stage.

Her gaze swept over the countless faces in the audience watching her, belonging to big shots from various fields.

Finally, returning to rest on Tang Song's deep, gentle eyes.

"Hello everyone, I'm Weiguang Coffee's CEO, Xie Shuyu."

Applause surged like waves.

Light, converging toward her.

Just as he said before coming, she became this private session's only female lead,

.......

Meanwhile.

A private skin care center not open to the public.

In a private suite filled with tranquil atmosphere, faint scents of white sandalwood and rose essential oil lingered.

After completing a full-body treatment lasting several hours.

Ouyang Xianyue slowly stood up and changed clothes.

The woman in the mirror had glowing, radiant skin, showing no trace of fatigue.

Figure perfectly proportioned, brows and eyes still carrying that innate nobility and elegance.

She stared at her reflection for a long time, a faint smile appearing at her lips.

It seemed long since she had cared so seriously about her skin condition.

"Tap tap tap—"

Soft footsteps sounded outside the door.

Secretary Chen Jing entered, tone low and respectful: "Ms. Ouyang, Mr. Tang and Xie Shuyu have arrived at Jinjiang Hotel, attending First Financial's private session this afternoon, causing quite a stir."

Ouyang Xianyue casually adjusted the hair at her temples, voice steady: "Contact First Financial immediately. Tell them, regarding Tang Song, they can mention him indirectly, but prohibit any form of exclusive interview, and don't allow overly detailed positive coverage."

She paused briefly, as if weighing her words, then added: "Weiguang Coffee can be covered, Xie Shuyu can be too. But they absolutely cannot appear as a *couple* in any public report."

"Understood, I'll notify them right away." Chen Jing nodded in acknowledgment.

"Handle this personally, go to Jinjiang Hotel to ensure nothing goes wrong." Ouyang Xianyue paused again, then said, "Also, on my behalf, invite Tang Song and Xie Shuyu to have a casual meal together tomorrow, get to know each other."

"Okay." Chen Jing immediately agreed, before leaving adding: "I've added Rongliu Capital's Shen Yuyan on WeChat, and sent her the summit's formal electronic invitation in your name. Also, all her arrangements during her Shenzhen stay, including hotel, car service, and necessary security, have been properly arranged."

"Mmm."

Chen Jing bowed and withdrew, the room returning to quiet.

Ouyang Xianyue walked to the writing desk, spread paper, dipped brush in ink.

The slender brush tip slowly moved across the rice paper.

[Faint clouds cross the Milky Way, sparse rain drips on plane trees. Eagerly anticipating good guidance, listening to joyful chirping.]

Signed, stamped.

She gazed at the majestic handwriting on the paper, but her eyes gradually deepened.

She knew Jin Weixiao's character.

If Tang Song and another woman were publicly reported as a "couple,"

That would touch her absolute bottom line.

Su Yu had once used similar methods to crazily test her limits.

To prevent that "Miss Smile" far away in America from truly getting angry and doing something irrational that might hurt Tang Song or those around him.

This risk, she couldn't take.

Thinking about tonight's upcoming "casual meal."

Ouyang Xianyue's heart actually rarely felt a trace of unease.

Since she had decided to join this card game.

Then she must actively send some clear signals to the main player at the table.

But she was already 36 years old.

To really make her act like those young girls, taking initiative to say something, to test, to create ambiguity,

That deeply rooted elegance and pride made her feel utterly ashamed.

Perhaps, having Xie Shuyu, a woman similar in age, present would be better.

Could serve as a buffer.

Could use discussing her as an opportunity to indirectly probe his true thoughts.

If... he really had no such intentions.

Then she would naturally let go of everything and think of other methods.

"Sigh—"

Thinking this, she sighed deeply, raising her hand to rub her aching brow.

It had been long since she experienced this feeling of apprehension.

Even an indescribable, unclear fear.

Probably afraid her image in his mind would completely collapse because of this.

The private session's formal speech segment had ended.

Lights softened, elegant string quartet music flowed slowly through the hall.

Guests holding champagne shuttled between food stations filled with exquisite pastries and snacks.

The event entered its core part, free networking.

This was the true climax of every closed-door private session.

Fang Zhiyuan stood alone in a corner of the hall.

Holding a glass of red wine, expression hesitant.

His gaze repeatedly turned toward the banquet hall's center.

There, Tang Song and Xie Shuyu were surrounded like stars around the moon.

Senior capital circle figures, brand representatives, even government personnel.

All gathered around them, laughter and conversation interwoven.

He couldn't help feeling increasingly anxious.

He came here hoping to discuss Ling Chain Technology's financing matters.

But given the current situation, he didn't even dare approach.

After all, those around him were major capital players, and him going over to talk about his cold chain logistics company.

Seemed somewhat inappropriate.

Time passed bit by bit.

Looking at that figure surrounded by the crowd, Fang Zhiyuan downed his red wine in one gulp.

Wiped his mouth, steeled himself,

"Gotta take the chance."

Gritting his teeth, he walked toward that direction.

As an entrepreneur who fought his way up from the bottom, he never lacked courage.

Nor was he willing to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

However, before he took more than a few steps.

Tang Song suddenly put down his glass, slightly nodded, calmly extricating himself from the crowd.

Walking gracefully across the hall, coming toward his direction.

His expression calm, no emotional fluctuations.

The sharp lines of his suit shimmered with cold light under the illumination.

That composed aura made Fang Zhiyuan instinctively hold his breath.

Then, that figure drew closer, until stopping before him.

"President Fang." Tang Song's voice was calm yet magnetic. "Have time for a chat?"

Fang Zhiyuan's face instantly flushed red, voice trembling slightly, "Time! Of course! President Tang, please!"

Tang Song smiled faintly, walking toward the corner lounge area.

The two sat on a quiet sofa, Fang Zhiyuan sitting upright, watching him nervously.

"I looked at Ling Chain Technology's BP this morning," Tang Song cut straight to the point without any small talk. "Self-operated new energy fleet + AI SaaS scheduling platform, I really like this model. Especially choosing to use the self-operated fleet to feed back and optimize the SaaS algorithm, very effective moat."

Just these two sentences made Fang Zhiyuan's heart leap to his throat.

This... this was about to discuss financing with him!

And he had actually seriously read his business plan!

President Xie! You're truly my great benefactor!

"Honored to receive Chairman Tang's recognition. Ling Chain Technology has always been committed to reconstructing traditional cold chain logistics systems through technological innovation, reducing industry costs, improving..."

After exchanging a few words, Tang Song entered question-and-answer mode.

From API interface integration with downstream ERP systems,

To using federated learning and privacy computing for model training;

To alleviating capital chain pressure through financing leases and ABS (asset-backed securities)...

Every question hit the mark.

Fang Zhiyuan remained tense, seriously responding, thinking, not daring to relax in the slightest.

As the high-density Q&

A wound down.

After a brief silence, Tang Song took a business card from his pocket and handed it over.

"President Fang, I'm indeed very interested in Ling Chain Technology's model. Investment can be discussed. This is my assistant's contact. Send her the latest operational data and financial models. We'll do a technical whiteboard session first, I'll have my team participate. Don't delay, preferably within two days."

Fang Zhiyuan's hands trembled slightly as he received the card.

"Thank you, Chairman Tang! Thank you so much for this opportunity!"

He repeatedly expressed gratitude, his eyes shifting from initial nervousness to barely containable ecstasy.

For such a big shot to waste nearly half an hour at this private session, discussing so deeply with him.

And arranging follow-up procedures so meticulously.

Basically meant this investment was secured!

Tang Song smiled, picked up another champagne glass from a waiter's tray, raising it toward Fang Zhiyuan.

"President Fang, to our future cooperation."

"To cooperation! To cooperation!" Fang Zhiyuan, feeling honored, quickly clinked glasses with him.

After a few more brief pleasantries, Fang Zhiyuan, restraining his joy, bowed and took his leave.

He needed to immediately contact his team to prepare materials.

Watching his retreating back filled with drive and hope, Tang Song's gaze flickered slightly.

The Third Stage Growth Plan mission only needed one last investment project.

He had previously focused mainly on artificial intelligence, the most cutting-edge track.

The two companies already meeting investment criteria were also in this direction.

But recent investments didn't qualify.

Yet Ling Chain Technology, introduced by Xie Shuyu, showed some potential.

Not only could it form perfect industrial synergy with Weiguang Coffee, solving the biggest weakness in Xie Shuyu's mind,

Its unique "heavy-asset fleet + light-asset SaaS" model also built a very deep moat.

Plus the team's solid technical capabilities...

This company already possessed the qualifications to grow into an industry unicorn.

Of course, he clearly saw Ling Chain Technology's biggest weakness.

Heavy asset model.

In today's capital-conservative market where all investors pursue "quick, simple, fast" returns, projects like Ling Chain Technology requiring continuous large-scale upfront investment with little short-term profit hope struggled to attract mainstream financial investors.

This was precisely why Fang Zhiyuan kept hitting walls.

But for him, this wasn't an issue at all.

Considered a test of his current vision and ability.

Just as Tang Song's thoughts surged, two figures sat down opposite him.

"How did it go? Smooth?" Xie Shuyu's face showed curiosity and anticipation.

Tang Song nodded, tone relaxed: "Very smooth. If nothing unexpected happens, Weiguang Coffee will have semi-autonomous cold chain transport."

Meng Ran exaggeratedly gasped: "No wonder I saw President Fang looking like he won the lottery, even walking awkwardly from excitement."

She paused, looking at Tang Song with admiration: "Honestly, Chairman Tang. Today, you really shocked me. Rongliu Capital's chairman... impressive!"

Tang Song, seeing her expression, couldn't help laughing softly, clinking glasses with her, "So when will our COO take position?"

Meng Ran held her friend's hand, smiling: "I've formally submitted my resignation to President Zhang, should finish handing over in about a week. Then I'll officially start working like a horse for your family's President Xie. With me, your President Xie will definitely have more time for you."

"Alright Ranran, stop joking." Xie Shuyu nudged her, looking at Tang Song, softly saying: "Thank you."

Her gratitude wasn't just for the Ling Chain Technology investment.

But for everything he did today.

At today's private session, she didn't need to exhaust herself actively networking.

All the resources she desired seemed to grow legs, actively flowing toward her.

This feeling of being "lifted up" made her experience unprecedented ease and strength for the first time.

Tang Song blinked, "If you really want to thank me, wait until tonight."

The female CEO's face instantly flushed unnaturally, slightly turning away.

"Alright alright, stop showing off affection here!"

Meng Ran joked laughingly beside them, raising her glass.

The atmosphere among the three instantly became pleasant and intimate again.

Seeing Tang Song hadn't become distant due to his exposed identity, Meng Ran's anxious heart finally completely relaxed.

Just then.

Somewhere in the banquet hall, unusual commotion suddenly arose.

Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran instinctively looked toward the source.

They saw a woman around forty years old, accompanied personally by several organizer leaders, appearing in the crowd.

She wore a deep gray suit, hair perfectly styled, steps steady.

Features not outstanding, but carrying a strong sense of order and presence.

Her appearance didn't attract universal attention like Zhao Wen earlier.

But strangely, those provincial and municipal government leaders, upon seeing her,

Immediately put down their glasses, quickly going to greet her.

Attitude very particular.

This scene made many perceptive guests' hearts flutter, quietly asking those around for information.

The venue's atmosphere rippled subtly.

Noticing the unusual atmosphere, Tang Song also glanced over.

Eyebrows slightly raised, slowly standing from the sofa.

The woman also happened to look up.

Their gazes met across the crowd.

Then, the woman walked over.

Organizers accompanied her, expressions reverent.

Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran exchanged glances, sensing something unusual.

Another acquaintance of Tang Song's?

Soon, the middle-aged woman stopped before them, slightly bowing to Tang Song.

Tone perfectly restrained yet respectful: "Mr. Tang."

Tang Song showed no surprise, just nodding faintly, "Secretary Chen, what brings you here?"

Hearing "Secretary Chen," Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran simultaneously froze.

Yesterday afternoon, it was Tang Song calling this mysterious "Secretary Chen."

Then, that series of earth-shattering events unfolded.

So... she was that "Secretary Chen"?!

Could she be some major government leader's secretary?

Thinking this, both instantly grew tense.

As their minds reeled.

Chen Jing smiled slightly, turning her gaze to Xie Shuyu.

"Mr. Tang, with your busy schedule, regarding Zhongshu Group and Weiguang Coffee's follow-up cooperation, many details need coordination. I specifically came to meet President Xie in person."

Tang Song nodded, tacitly agreeing.

Chen Jing then took a business card from her small leather bag, presenting it with both hands.

"Hello, President Xie, pleased to meet you. I'm Chen Jing."

"Hello, Secretary Chen."

Xie Shuyu quickly accepted, tone polite yet cautious.

Her gaze paused on the elegant business card.

Meng Ran also couldn't help leaning slightly, curiously looking at the card.

When those printed lines entered their vision, both their pupils trembled violently.

[Tangyi Precision Group Co., Ltd.]

[Chen Jing]

[Office of the Chairman]

"Gasp—"

An indescribable shock traveled up their spines, rushing to their heads.

Tang Yi Precision... Office of the Chairman...

Wasn't that... Ouyang Xianyue's office?!

The "Secretary Chen" Tang Song mentioned was actually Ouyang Xianyue's secretary?!

As an Ouyang Xianyue fan, Meng Ran's entire face flushed red.

Feeling like a dream.

She finally understood Tang Song resolved Weiguang Coffee's troubles through Ms. Ouyang's connections.

Given Tang Yi Precision's position in domestic and global industrial chains,

Something like Zhongshu Group was truly like chickens and dogs.

What was Tang Yi Precision?

It was no longer just a manufacturing company.

It symbolized China's "hard tech" independence, one of the world's most influential high-end manufacturing groups.

Bearing core links of the entire national strategic industrial chain.

Its massive factories nationwide, annual GDP and tax contributions, even providing hundreds of thousands of high-skilled jobs.

Enough to make it an honored guest in any local government's eyes.

Not to mention Ms. Ouyang's own unfathomable family background.

Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran almost simultaneously held their breath.

Chen Jing's voice sounded again.

"Mr. Tang, President Xie, Ms. Ouyang specifically asked me to extend a private dinner invitation to you both."

After saying this, she paused briefly, then turned her gaze to Xie Shuyu.

"Ms. Ouyang greatly admires Weiguang Coffee's brand philosophy. This afternoon, she specifically visited your flagship store, personally tasting several coffees and pastries. She said the flavors were unique, especially that 'Mountain Gardenia Latte,' very much to her taste. Therefore, she hopes to chat with President Xie in person tonight."

The usually elegant female CEO's eyelids twitched violently.

For a moment, she didn't know what to say.