CHAPTER 688: WORDS OF TIGERS AND WOLVES, CHECKS AND BALANCES, AND A QIPAO

Looking at the female CEO who was clearly somewhat flustered.

Tang Song took a slight step forward, nodded gently and said, "Please convey to Ms. Ouyang that we would be delighted to accept her invitation. You can send me the specific time and location directly later."

Chen Jing gave a slight bow, "Understood, I will convey this exactly."

Xie Shuyu bit her lip, her ample chest wrapped in a white shirt heaving violently with rapid breathing.

Ouyang Xianyue... personally visited her store... and wants to invite her to dinner?

She took a deep breath, trying hard to calm herself down.

She proactively extended her hand, her voice somewhat unsteady: "Thank you for your trouble, Secretary Chen. It's my honor to receive Ms. Ouyang's recognition. I very much look forward to tomorrow's meeting."

"Good." Chen Jing smiled as she shook her hand, speaking in a steady and appropriate tone: "Additionally, regarding the follow-up supply chain integration work for Weiguang Coffee in the southwest region, if President Xie encounters any difficulties, you can contact me directly. Of course, in other areas where I can be of assistance, please don't hesitate to ask."

Xie Shuyu's pupils trembled slightly.

She certainly understood the terrifying weight behind these words.

This wasn't just a polite offer of "care," but a clear signal.

It represented Ms. Ouyang Xianyue's personal goodwill toward her.

And "this goodwill" meant resource allocation, opened channels, and invisible protection.

In that instant, countless thoughts instinctively flooded her mind.

She could even use this opportunity to access the entire vast industrial network of Tang Yi Precision.

Most directly, she could collaborate with the design and manufacturing departments of Tang Yi Precision to jointly develop a customized, intelligent proprietary coffee machine exclusively for Weiguang Coffee!

That would become an unparalleled promotional selling point.

Allowing Weiguang Coffee to establish a dimensional-level technological gap with all competitors.

She could also use this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for upward social mobility.

To acquire more resources.

As a standard workaholic, a strong woman who treated her career as her life.

Xie Shuyu's heartbeat was more intense than ever before.

Beside her, Meng Ran was almost frozen in place.

Only now did she finally snap out of the series of shocks.

A thought suddenly emerged from the depths of her heart:

Could... could I go too?

That's Ouyang Xianyue!

Her idol, her role model, the reason she cut her hair short, the embodiment of her life's creed!

If she could have just one chance to sit at the same table and have an intimate conversation with that legendary woman...

But this thought only flashed through her mind momentarily.

She glanced at Secretary Chen and knew the other party didn't consider her at all.

Their concern was only for Tang Song and Xie Shuyu.

To be precise, only for Tang Song.

After exchanging a few polite and courteous pleasantries.

Chen Jing bowed to take her leave: "Then I won't disturb you two any further. Goodbye, Mr. Tang, President Xie."

"Goodbye."

Watching Chen Jing's back disappear into the crowd, Xie Shuyu couldn't help but look down again at the elegant yet weighty business card in her hand.

Then she raised her head and looked at the man beside her.

The light reflected on his profile, still cold, stern, and calm.

As if everything that just happened had nothing to do with him.

"Tang Song......"

Tang Song raised his hand and gently patted her back, "Don't be nervous, Ms. Ouyang isn't some ferocious beast. In fact, she's a very gentle person."

"Mm." Xie Shuyu let out a long sigh.

Immediately after, as she calmed down, countless questions flashed through her mind.

Ouyang Xianyue's chief secretary personally came here just to invite me and offer me assistance?

And repeatedly mentioned that "Ms. Ouyang specifically instructed"?

This clearly wasn't just a simple business relationship anymore.

It crossed the boundaries of power and trust.

Unless...

There was deeper cooperation between Tang Song and Ms. Ouyang, or even some kind of close personal connection.

When this speculation emerged, she herself was startled.

She was absolutely certain that Tang Song was a standard small-town youth from Jing County, Quancheng.

After all, her hometown was Jing County, very close to Tang Song's township.

Her parents had even asked around to investigate Tang Song's family situation.

This couldn't be faked.

Since they weren't related, could it be appreciation and mentorship from an elder to a junior?

After all, Rongliu Capital had connections to the Tangjin Family Office.

Just like her own situation before...?

However, besides appreciation, she had also had some personal motives at that time—physical attraction.

A woman as respected as Ms. Ouyang must genuinely appreciate Tang Song as a junior, right?

Tomorrow... she must perform well and not leave any negative impressions.

To avoid affecting Tang Song's image in the other party's eyes.

......

Meanwhile, as Chen Jing quietly departed.

The atmosphere throughout the venue underwent a subtle change.

Naturally, her identity couldn't be kept secret.

Although Ms. Ouyang's secretary rarely appeared in public, she was still a known figure, and for these people, it wasn't a secret.

Several groups of guests who had been whispering quietly now lowered their voices even further.

Their gazes toward Tang Song and Xie Shuyu became increasingly complex.

If before it was shock and curiosity.

Now it was more mixed with genuine awe.

Rongliu Capital was certainly powerful—a private equity fund with tens of billions in assets was almost at the pinnacle of the financial circle.

But compared to a national key enterprise like Tang Yi Precision, it still fell short.

Moreover, this was Rongcheng.

Whether in local politics, finance, manufacturing, or research systems.

Almost all had countless connections with Tang Yi Precision.

Here, Ouyang Xianyue wasn't just a name.

She was a symbol of power and influence.

Under these complex gazes.

Tang Song seemed completely unaware, still elegantly leaning back on the sofa, sipping champagne from his glass.

His expression was calm, with a faint smile at the corners of his lips.

But in his mind, he was contemplating Ouyang Xianyue's sudden "invitation."

After the character interaction task ended.

The character interaction task "Visit and Comfort" had already concluded.

He had already unlocked contact permissions with this Precision Queen, and their private communication methods had long been exchanged.

But Ouyang Xianyue hadn't contacted him privately. Instead, she sent her chief secretary to this public occasion to ostentatiously extend a "private dinner" invitation.

There might be an intention to "endorse and support" him through this opportunity.

But it probably wasn't just that.

Tang Song would never underestimate this Precision Queen either.

This wasn't a game.

Ouyang Xianyue had her own thoughts and emotions, and she was extremely profound.

She never acted without purpose.

Every step she took was carefully considered.

Was she trying to indicate something to me?

Or was she putting on a show for Secretary Jin?

After all, everything that happened here couldn't be hidden from attentive observers.

Secretary Jin would inevitably find out and would certainly react.

And all this seemed to align with the "Tang Song" from the dream's arrangements.

He had had many opportunities to form a closer alliance between Ouyang, Secretary Jin, and Annie.

But he didn't. Instead, he used Su Yu to subtly manipulate the psychological distance and trust boundaries between them.

Forming the current balance of power.

Now that he had returned to himself, should he unravel this "misunderstanding"?

His fingertips gently stroked the stem of the champagne flute.

Champagne bubbles gently popped under the light.

....

Night slowly fell.

The final segment of First Financial's private session gradually concluded amidst melodious piano music.

The venue lights became slightly brighter than before.

The guests' social interactions unconsciously became more subdued.

Servers began clearing silver trays and wine bottles from the buffet tables.

The host's representative took the stage again to deliver closing remarks, speaking in a warm and polite tone:

"Thank you all distinguished guests for your presence. We look forward to meeting again on a larger stage in the future."

Applause sounded.

Then background music started playing again.

Guests gradually dispersed, leaving mostly acquaintances still exchanging business cards or taking photos together.

After mingling with some people, Tang Song left the banquet hall first with Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran.

Outside Jinjiang Hotel, lights shone brilliantly.

A black Bentley Mulsanne waited quietly at the entrance.

The car body gleamed with a deep luster under the lights.

A driver in a black suit had been waiting nearby, respectfully opening the car door.

"Mr. Tang."

Xie Shuyu turned and said softly, "Tang Song, I need to go back to Times Haoting first to get some clothes and daily necessities. If I'm staying at your place tonight, I should probably prepare. It's on the way to drop Ranran off too."

Although Tang Song had already prepared plenty of well-fitting clothes for her, as someone with cleanliness habits, she preferred her own things.

Especially intimate apparel like underwear and stockings.

Tang Song nodded, "Okay, no problem."

"Thank you, both big bosses!"

The three got into the car.

The Bentley slowly pulled out of the hotel driveway and merged into the night.

Outside the window, neon lights and traffic flow intertwined into a moving painting.

Xie Shuyu leaned back in her seat, lowering the window a crack to let the evening breeze blow through her hair.

Quietly gazing outside.

Rongcheng's nights always carried a humid warmth, mixed with spices, red wine, and the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Her thoughts still lingered on the banquet's excitement and the appearance of that "Secretary Chen."

That unreal feeling still rippled through her mind.

She needed time to process everything.

Arriving at Times Haoting, Xie Shuyu changed into comfortable casual clothes.

She stuffed several changes of clothes, her makeup bag, and that work file folder she always carried with her into a travel bag.

After briefly saying goodbye to her good friend Meng Ran, she returned to the car.

The Bentley Mulsanne drove westward along Huanhua Creek.

After about twenty minutes, they finally arrived at Jinli Villa.

The wind blew, causing the bamboo grove in the courtyard to sway gently, leaves rustling.

Beyond that, there was no other sound.

Quiet, private, with an indescribable tranquility.

Here, there were only the two of them.

In such an environment, Xie Shuyu felt her entire body completely relax.

Just as she entered the Listening to Bamboo Pavilion residence, before the door was fully closed,

An intense presence surged from behind.

Then, Tang Song embraced her tall, sexy figure,

His warm lips landing on her smooth nape.

"Mmm......"

Xie Shuyu let out a low moan, goosebumps instantly rising all over her skin.

Tang Song's hand caressed her slender waist, fingertips applying slight pressure.

Xie Shuyu's breathing grew increasingly rapid as she grabbed his hand,

Her face slightly flushed as she said, "Wait... I, I'm not feeling well today..."

Last night, already not fully adjusted, she had been pulled into playing high-intensity matches.

Even at her peak, she couldn't quite handle it.

Now, walking was still somewhat uncomfortable.

If they did it again like that, she would definitely be in trouble.

Tang Song paused his movements, nibbled her earlobe, and said in a low voice, "Shuyu Sister, actually we could try a different way..."

He extended his slender fingers, pressing them against the female CEO's lips.

Hearing his wild words.

Xie Shuyu's body trembled violently as she forcefully broke free from his embrace,

Her face flushed crimson with both embarrassment and anger: "What nonsense are you spouting! I don't understand!"

Tang Song looked at her dignified, beautiful face, his throat unconsciously moving.

"No, you understood." He stepped forward, his voice growing deeper, "How about it, Shuyu Sister? This is just normal little fun between couples, no need to take it so seriously."

"No!" Xie Shuyu shook her head vigorously, her bright eyes showing both embarrassment and clear, unmistakable resistance, "Absolutely not!"

She naturally had cleanliness habits and was always reserved and serious.

Making her do that kind of thing...

Was simply trampling on her bottom line, breaking through all her psychological defenses.

"Why not?"

"Just no!"

"Shuyu Sister, I thought we were intimate enough already. I didn't expect you still don't love me enough."

"What kind of twisted logic is that? These are two different things! If I asked you to... to do that, you definitely wouldn't agree either..."

"That's not necessarily true." Tang Song looked at her, his expression utterly sincere.

"You... you... you..." Xie Shuyu was completely flustered, her expression shocked.

Tang Song didn't give her time to think, directly stepping forward and pressing the female CEO against the cool wall, their bodies tightly pressed together.

He looked into her eyes, his voice full of temptation: "Just once, okay?"

"No... no..." Her voice began to weaken, lacking conviction.

"Just this once, I love you, Shuyu Sister."

"I..." Xie Shuyu's chest began to heave violently, her breathing becoming hot.

"I love you."

"You..." Intense struggle appeared in Xie Shuyu's eyes.

"I love you, my dear female CEO."

Tang Song began sweet-talking, pouring out flattering words as if they were free.

"You... stop talking!" Xie Shuyu finally couldn't take it anymore, pushing him away abruptly, her face red as she turned away, "Go take a shower!"

"Okay, wait for me!"

When Tang Song returned wearing a bathrobe.

The female CEO had already brushed her teeth and changed into comfortable slippers.

She didn't look at him, just sat on the sofa with her head lowered, her expression unprecedentedly tense and awkward.

Tang Song came before her, his fingers gently stroking her hair.

Watching this female CEO gradually unravel and lose control before him...

For him, it was an irresistible temptation.

Xie Shuyu raised her bright eyes, seeming to want to say something.

But Tang Song didn't give her a chance to continue struggling, kissing her fiery lips.

Various messy sounds echoed in the room.

"Never again!"

The night grew deeper.

After a long time.

Gazing at that dignified, beautiful mature face, an indescribable sense of achievement and satisfaction surged in Tang Song's heart.

......

Shen City, Four Seasons Hotel.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling window was the flowing river of light that was Shennan Avenue.

Wen Ruan wore a loose silk robe, lazily leaning back in a single sofa chair, her fingertips pausing on a photo.

The photo's background was the luxurious private session venue at Rongcheng's Jinjiang Hotel.

In the center of the photo, Tang Song and Xie Shuyu stood side by side, surrounded by a crowd like stars surrounding the moon.

A perfect match, radiant and dazzling.

This photo was "internal material" she obtained from First Financial.

These closed-door private sessions typically didn't have official coverage but usually kept some commemorative photos.

With her current status in media circles, obtaining it was naturally effortless.

In fact, Nebula International Group already had extensive reach in the media field.

Although she was in the southern city, her attention had never left Rongcheng.

Originally, she wanted to see if Tang Song and Ms. Ouyang's meeting could resolve the current conflicts within Tangjin.

After all, she was still taking the blame.

But instead, she got "news" of Tang Song with this Weiguang Coffee female CEO.

She couldn't help feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Maybe it was because she had known Xie Shuyu for a long time, plus their similar ages, she felt some competitive spirit toward this female CEO.

Just then.

"Ring ring—" Her phone suddenly rang.

[Shangguan Qiuyas]

Wen Ruan's heart jumped, softly muttering "Amitabha Buddha."

She quickly cleared her throat and answered the call.

"Hello? Assistant Shangguan, good evening."

"Wen Ruan, good evening. Director Jin asked me to convey her greetings." Shangguan Qiuyas's light, pleasant voice came from the other end, "Director Jin is currently in the United States with Miss Annie, initiating a new round of acquisition offers for several digital media subsidiaries under CAA (Creative Artists Agency). Preliminary estimates suggest we can complete 100% equity acquisition of them within next week."

Wen Ruan's eyes widened!

Wow! CAA! That's a top-tier talent agency in Hollywood!

Shangguan Qiuyas continued, "Director Jin's intention is that after the merger is completed, Tangjin's billion-dollar pan-entertainment industry fund will be fully activated. At that time, these overseas high-quality media assets will undergo business integration and resource reorganization with Nebula International Group. She hopes you can prepare in advance."

Hearing this, Wen Ruan felt her mind racing.

This was Director Jin's style indeed!

So grand!

"I understand!" Wen Ruan forcibly suppressed her shock, "Please convey my thanks to Director Jin."

"You're too kind." Shangguan Qiuyas paused, then added seemingly casually, "By the way, Wen Ruan. Ms. Ouyang just applied for an apartment for you in Shen City through the family office's internal channels.

She said since you'll need to be stationed here frequently for the Xuanji Optical World project, for safety considerations.

After Director Jin found out, she deeply agreed.

She felt the apartment specifications were somewhat low.

So, she upgraded the property to a large flat unit at China Resources Shenzhen Bay Yuefu.

Director Jin said Xuanji Optical World is Tangjin's strategic focus for the next decade, and she hopes you can devote yourself there, sharing more pressure for President Tang."

"Thank... Director Jin." Wen Ruan's hand tightened.

Wow! This... this is trying to corrupt her with sugar-coated bullets!

China Resources Shenzhen Bay Yuefu is a top-tier luxury residence in the Shenzhen Bay area, with average prices reaching 130,000 per square meter, gathering financial and tech elites.

Moreover, it's only a short distance from Liu Qingning's Shenzhen Bay No. 1.

Although both sides were showing goodwill.

There were also huge risks hidden within.

Hanging up the phone.

Wen Ruan let out a long sigh.

Her gaze fell back on the photo on her phone.

The corners of her mouth couldn't help but curve upward.

(=_=)

Actually... having such a strong female CEO join the fray might not be a bad thing.

And they were old acquaintances, both relatively older, living in the same residential area, naturally the closest "sisters."

Currently, being squeezed between these goddesses, she was almost becoming a sandwich.

With President Xie's capabilities and decisive personality, she would definitely help block a lot of pressure in the future.

Although her body was strong, psychologically, she really couldn't handle such high-intensity "palace intrigue."

Whereas this 175cm long-legged President Xie had strong psychological resilience and clearly looked like someone who could confront things head-on!

She had high hopes for Xie Shuyu!)

Female CEO, go for it! Go directly battle Director Jin, Ms. Ouyang, and Su Yu!

Let her stay quietly in the back eating melons (watching drama).

After all, from the beginning she just wanted to be a carefree little lover.

After this psychological preparation, Wen Ruan got up from the sofa and returned to the bedroom.

Immediately she saw Zhang Yan sitting somewhat awkwardly by the bed.

Hands clasped, expression tense, like a newlywed daughter-in-law.

Nervous, shy, and adorably unsettled.

"Director Wen!"

Seeing her appear, Zhang Yan immediately stood up, her tone instinctively respectful.

"No need to be so formal." Wen Ruan walked over smiling, pressing her back onto the bed, "I've said so many times, just call me sister. This isn't the company."

"Mm... I know, sister."

"That's better." Wen Ruan's tone was gentle, "How is auntie's health now?"

"Very good! Everything went particularly smoothly! The... the reinfusion is already complete!"

Mentioning her mother, Zhang Yan's face bloomed with a genuine smile.

Last Wednesday, the custom-made CAR-T cells from Guyu Biotech were airlifted to Yangcheng.

That afternoon, the reinfusion was performed.

The entire process went smoothly, and her mother didn't experience severe side effects.

The doctor said the observation results these past few days were also very good.

Recent immune indicators were recovering, and she's expected to be discharged home for recuperation next week.

Because of this, she finally completely set her mind at ease and began formally throwing herself into work, coming to Shen City with the company's content operations team.

Accompanying this Director Wen for upcoming project integration.

However, unlike others, she was specially arranged by Wen Ruan to stay here together.

Being in such a top-tier five-star hotel executive suite, she felt extremely nervous inside.

Especially looking at the room's huge floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the entire city's night view, the wool carpet underfoot, the bathroom toiletries she'd only seen in magazines...

She felt like Grandma Liu entering the Grand View Garden, everything seemed special and unreal.

She had never lived in such a nice place, never imagined she would one day stay somewhere like this.

Looking at this pure, lovely girl, Wen Ruan's heart softened along with hers.

"After your mother is discharged, I'll give you some time off. You can go to Yancheng and have a good couple days of fun."

Zhang Yan hesitated for a moment before saying softly, "Thank you, Wen... sister."

She really, really wanted to go.

After all, that was her alma mater, and where Tang Song lived.

"Hehe, no need to be so polite. We're not outsiders." Wen Ruan sat beside her, gently putting an arm around her slender shoulders, beginning to inquire about her life.

Zhang Yan responded quietly, her face flushed.

She had lacked love since childhood, the only person who treated her well—her mother—had always been away, rarely accompanying her.

Now, being cared for so much by this gentle yet powerful big sister,

Her heart felt very warm.

When discussing upcoming business trips.

Wen Ruan had a thought and said, "By the way, Yan Yan, I'll soon have a fixed residence here in Shen City, over in Shenzhen Bay. Since you'll be on business trips frequently too, often for ten days or half a month at a time, why not just stay at my place? Keep me company, it's lonely sleeping alone."

"Ah?" Zhang Yan immediately waved her hands upon hearing this, "This... this isn't appropriate... I can stay at a hotel with my colleagues."

"What's inappropriate about it?"

"I..." She lowered her head, not knowing how to refuse.

"Then it's settled. When the time comes, I'll reserve a separate room with an ensuite bathroom for you. We'll live together."

Wen Ruan smiled, ruffling her smooth shoulder-length collarbone hair.

Feeling the big sister's gentle dominance, Zhang Yan was at a loss.

Finally, she could only nod in agreement.

Then, Zhang Yan suddenly mustered her courage and said, "Sister, can I... can I ask you a question?"

"Oh? What question? Go ahead." Wen Ruan raised an eyebrow, her tone still gentle and full of laughter.

"Emm..." Zhang Yan struggled and hesitated for a while before saying softly, "...Never mind, I was just saying..."

Wen Ruan pinched her cheek, "Hey, don't say never mind! You're going to drive me crazy!"

"I... I better not say, it's actually nothing important..."

"Say it, say it! You can't just say half and tease me like that! If you don't tell me tonight, I won't be able to sleep!"

Zhang Yan looked at her again, finally making up her mind.

Bowing her head forcefully, she stammered, "You... you and Tang Song... what exactly is your relationship?"

After asking this, she felt all strength drain from her body.

Her legs trembled slightly from nervousness.

Her face almost buried in her chest.

The bedroom fell into momentary silence.

Wen Ruan was momentarily stunned, then chuckled softly.

She leaned down, close to Zhang Yan's ear, her voice low and magnetic: "That's right, exactly what you're thinking. Similar to you. That's why I said we're on the same side."

Zhang Yan's brain went "buzz," blank.

But when this speculation was so bluntly confirmed by Wen Ruan herself, the impact still made her feel dizzy.

She finally completely understood why this lofty Director Wen treated her so well, cared for her so much.

Yet, strangely, she felt no jealousy or fear in her heart.

Only a kind of relief, like dust settling.

The main reason, of course, was still that sun-like, dazzling, insurmountable mountain in her heart—Liu Qingning.

In this relationship with Tang Song, she always felt like a despicable thief.

Trembling with fear, afraid of being discovered by the "legitimate one."

She feared Liu Qingning's innate radiance, didn't even dare imagine facing her directly.

And now, Wen Ruan's existence was like a gentle, dense shade.

Giving her a sense of security, a place to hide in the shadows.

The spacious bedroom fell into prolonged silence.

After quite a while, Zhang Yan slowly raised her head from her chaotic thoughts.

Those almond eyes, always carrying a hint of timidity, now held a soft glow, "Wen Ruan Sister... thank you... for being willing to tell me this."

Wen Ruan didn't answer, instead giving her a big hug.

.......

New York, Manhattan.

Local time, 9:30 AM.

Park Avenue, penthouse duplex apartment.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows were rows of skyscrapers.

Secretary Jin wore comfortable white loungewear, barefoot, sitting on a huge circular sofa.

Reviewing a report on the latest quarter's ESG holdings analysis of a European carbon credit fund.

Her brown hair casually draped, making her exquisitely beautiful face even more stunningly lovely.

Beside her sat a cup of steaming American coffee.

The entire scene was tranquil, focused, beautiful, like a modern oil painting in cool tones.

"Knock knock knock—"

A soft knocking sound.

"Come in."

Shangguan Qiuyas quickly entered, "Director Jin, the matter you arranged earlier has been handled."

"The procedures for Miss Wen Ruan's property in Shen City have begun, and the security team is already in place. Just now, Chairman Zheng of Dejurenhe also contacted me. The candidate for the new president of Nebula International Group's international business division has been identified."

She handed over the tablet in her hand, the screen showing a resume: "Former WPP Group Greater China CEO, with over fifteen years of experience managing overseas media groups..."

"...Chairman Zheng's meaning is that once this person is in position, they can completely take over all of Nebula's overseas merger business, allowing Miss Wen Ruan to extricate herself from complicated affairs and fully devote herself to Xuanji Optical World work."

"Mm." Jin Meixiao didn't look at the resume, just responded faintly.

"Additionally, Assistant Qin has already begun internal personnel adjustments at Qingning Technology. Through optimizing project processes, we'll try to make Miss Liu Qingning's work on Qingmi AI easier."

Jin Meixiao thought for a moment, then asked, "What about Xie Shuyu?"

"She attended the private session hosted by First Financial in Rongcheng with President Tang..."

Then, Shangguan Qiuyas objectively reported everything that happened in Rongcheng.

Secretary Jin put down her tablet, her fresh, spirited brows slightly furrowed.

She stood up, barefoot, pacing slowly on the carpet.

Sunlight through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows cast her slender, tall shadow, stretching it long.

Her movements were elegant, full of rhythm, yet exuding an invisible pressure.

After a moment, she stopped walking and suddenly said, "I recall Jiang Yourong and Xie Shuyu have a good relationship, right?"

"Yes," Shangguan Qiuyas immediately replied, "They're alumni. After Dr. Jiang Yourong graduated and began teaching at Yancheng Normal University, she maintained close contact with Xie Shuyu. During that time, Xie Shuyu helped her resolve horizontal research funding issues multiple times. Their personal relationship is very close."

"Mm." Secretary Jin nodded slightly, "Jiang Yourong... aside from being somewhat lazy, she is indeed very talented, and a PhD in computer vision. Doesn't she have her own team? Recently preparing to collaborate with Yuntong Zhicui on that 'AI laboratory'?"

"Then let's give her more responsibility."

Secretary Jin turned around, her exquisitely beautiful face expressionless.

"Notify them, for Xuanji Optical World's collaborative 'Human-Computer Interaction and Cognitive Science Joint Laboratory' project with universities, add her name and her team to the core collaboration list."

"President Tang is going to personally serve as CEO at Xuanji Optical World. He always needs some people who truly understand technology and are trustworthy to help share the pressure. His current two assistants aren't qualified enough. Jiang Yourong's abilities are a good match."

"Additionally, after I return to China, have her come see me."

"Understood!" Shangguan Qiuyas immediately responded respectfully.

Looking at Director Jin's figure, her heart surged with excitement.

It had been a long time since anything made Director Jin plan so seriously.

She seemed to see again that "Wonder Woman" who once turned clouds and rain in capital markets, ever-victorious!

Ms. Ouyang's excessive closeness with President Tang, and her series of small maneuvers.

Clearly had thoroughly angered this empress.

Of course, the most important thing was that President Tang was going to Xuanji Optical World, not returning to Smile Holdings.

Shangguan Qiuyas understood better than anyone.

What Director Jin missed most were always the days at Meigou Technology, accompanying President Tang day and night, fighting side by side.

She had always hoped that after President Tang's training, he would return to her side.

But now... he chose Ouyang Xianyue's "territory."

Therefore, Director Jin would inevitably conduct comprehensive, thorough penetration and balancing of Xuanji Optical World.

....

December 3, 2023, Sunday.

After 5 PM, sky gradually darkening.

Jinli Villa.

Xie Shuyu, having washed up and finished her makeup, stood before the mirror, pursing her lips.

Her throat unconsciously moved.

Even now, she still felt strange in her mouth.

This made her, with her cleanliness habits, very uncomfortable.

Her hair still seemed to retain the warmth of Tang Song's fingers running through it.

As if thinking of something.

Her cheeks uncontrollably burned again, her heart in turmoil.

"Ding dong—"

A WeChat notification interrupted her thoughts.

[Meng Ran: "Xiao Yu! You must must remember! Take some photos of Ms. Ouyang for me! If you can get me an autograph... please please! o(T~T)o"]

Xie Shuyu looked at the "begging" emoji her friend sent, shaking her head helplessly.

Casually replied with a [Got it] emoji.

She gathered her chaotic thoughts, took one last look in the mirror, and walked out.

The person they were meeting tonight was Ouyang Xianyue.

Her feelings toward this legendary woman in Huaxia's business world were very complex.

Of course, nervousness was unavoidable.

Mainly worried her performance might be improper, thus affecting the other party's relationship with Tang Song.

Entering the living room, she saw Tang Song standing by the corner floor-to-ceiling window on the phone.

From his sporadic, gentle conversation.

She could tell the person on the phone was probably Wen Ruan.

Her face showed no unusual expression, she just quietly sat down on the redwood round-backed chair in the living room.

After a while, Tang Song hung up and walked over smiling.

"Shuyu Sister, so beautiful."

Xie Shuyu kept a straight face, stood up and said, "It's about time, we should leave."

"Mm, let's go." Tang Song reached out to put his hand on the small of her back.

But Xie Shuyu gently elbowed him, then quickened her pace, escaping his control range, striding toward the door.

Tang Song was momentarily stunned, shrugging helplessly.

Clearly, the female CEO was still angry about last night's events.

Her attitude toward him had been cold all day.

But last night, he had indeed gotten a bit carried away.

Especially at the final moment...

......

Over ten minutes later.

The Bentley Mulsanne slowly stopped in front of an inconspicuous standalone private club.

Chen Jing, waiting outside, quickly approached, respectfully opening the car door for them.

"Mr. Tang, President Xie."

"Secretary Chen." "Secretary Chen, hello."

"Please, both of you. Ms. Ouyang is already waiting on the second floor."

The club's interior was purely new Chinese decoration style.

Underfoot, smooth, warm solid wood flooring;

on both sides, precious Huanghuali wood carved lattice screens.

The air was filled with a soothing aroma of top-grade agarwood.

Quiet, restrained, yet making people unconsciously lower their voices.

Ascending to the second floor via the wooden staircase.

Arriving at the door of the innermost private room.

Chen Jing gently knocked, pushed it open, and stepped aside: "Please come in."

Tang Song nodded slightly, stepping in first.

Xie Shuyu's heartbeat began uncontrollably accelerating.

Taking a deep breath, she followed him inside.

A stronger, elegant scent mixed with top-quality tea greeted them.

The entire private room resembled a simple yet spacious study more than a restaurant.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was a verdant bamboo grove under night lights.

Warm palace lanterns were lit in room corners.

Xie Shuyu raised her head, cautiously looking forward.

Then, she saw the famous Ms. Ouyang.

She stood beside a wide tea table.

Wearing a silver-white modified cheongsam with subtle orchid grass patterns embroidered.

Black piping extended from the elegant mandarin collar down to the high slit skirt.

Perfectly outlining her mature, voluptuous, yet perfectly proportioned curves.

Her jet-black, smooth hair was tied into a gentle bun with a simple wooden hairpin, revealing her smooth, full forehead and long, elegant neck.

Pearl earrings with warm luster adorned her earlobes.

In the dim, tranquil light and shadow, she exuded a serene, graceful nobility.

She looked younger than in news reports.

Also more vivid, more present.

Their eyes met.

Xie Shuyu quickly stopped, slightly bowing, her voice respectful yet nervous:

"Ms. Ouyang, hello. I've long heard of your great reputation. I'm Xie Shuyu from Weiguang Coffee, very honored to meet you."

Hearing this, Ouyang Xianyue showed a gentle smile.

"Hello, Shuyu. Very pleased to meet you."

Seeing Ms. Ouyang's friendly attitude, her heart finally settled.

She instinctively glanced at Tang Song beside her.

Waiting for his reaction.

Simultaneously, Ouyang Xianyue's gaze also turned to him.

Her voice carrying unconcealed closeness, "I was just wondering when you'd arrive."

Of course, to Xie Shuyu's ears.

These words were full of "elder" concern and affection for a "junior."

It seemed Tang Song and Ms. Ouyang's relationship was indeed very good.

This made her feel even more relaxed.

Then, she saw Tang Song walk directly toward Ms. Ouyang.

His eyes boldly scanned that voluptuous body wrapped in the cheongsam.

This extremely rude behavior made Xie Shuyu's heart pound with fear!

She was about to say something to smooth things over when Tang Song's voice already sounded:

"I think this might be the first time I've seen you wear a cheongsam. Very beautiful, very sexy."

His gaze held undisguised appreciation.

Xie Shuyu's eyes twitched violently, her heart instantly rising to her throat!

Was he... crazy?!

How could he speak to Ms. Ouyang like that?!

However, Ouyang Xianyue just smiled faintly, slightly lowering her head.

A meaningful soft light flashed in her eyes.

"Really? It seems... we haven't had enough opportunities to meet. We should meet more often in the future."

"Sure, there will be plenty of opportunities."

Xie Shuyu: (0.0)!!

What?! What's going on?!

Under her stunned gaze.

Ouyang Xianyue took light steps, bending to pick up a scroll beside the tea table.

Her movements elegant, waistline curved and soft.

Her voluptuous body and perky buttocks, wrapped in the cheongsam, displayed a ripe charm.

She came before Xie Shuyu, handing her the scroll.

"Shuyu, this is my meeting gift for you. I hope you like it."

Xie Shuyu was momentarily stunned, somewhat flustered as she accepted the scroll.

On it was an enduring ink wash landscape.

Tree shadows sparse, ink colors like