The painting had been signed.

The ambiguous atmosphere still lingered in the air, refusing to dissipate.

The two powerful characters "Ouyang" had just dried on the rice paper, their ink still flowing with artistic charm.

She slowly straightened up, her clothing rustling softly.

Her full figure wrapped in the qipao made extremely slow contact with his solid body.

Tang Song's breathing was somewhat hurried, his exhalations brushing past the hair at her temples.

The elegant fragrance from her body, mixed with sandalwood and ink aromas, swirled between them.

Ouyang Xianyue seemed completely unaware, merely lowering her gaze and calmly examining the freshly signed painting.

A moment later.

She subtly moved forward a step, skillfully creating a small distance.

She asked, "Is this acceptable?"

But Tang Song didn't release her hand, still enveloping her jade-like hand.

His voice was deep and magnetic: "Yes, very beautiful. Your running script draws from Mi Fu's style, with flowing energy throughout, breaking conventions while incorporating your own character. One could say you've developed your own school, quite remarkable."

Hearing his extremely professional critique, Ouyang Xianyue's body stiffened slightly.

She turned her head, a flicker of interest appearing in the depths of her mature, profound eyes. "Well said. My running script foundation indeed started with Mi Fu's 'Shu Su Tie.' You seem... quite knowledgeable about calligraphy too?"

"Mm." Tang Song nodded, unabashedly breathing in her captivating fragrance. "Because of you, I've also developed an interest in calligraphy. I've practiced privately and achieved some modest success."

His 【Calligraphy Skill】 came from 【Ouyang Xianyue's Soul Praise】, essentially derived from practicing her calligraphy style,

so this wasn't entirely empty flattery.

"Because of me?" Ouyang Xianyue's eyes wavered briefly.

Her tone carried a hint of uncertainty, doubting if she had heard correctly.

He had written songs for Su Yu, played guitar for her;

he had blended fragrances for Jin Meixiao, played piano for her.

But now he was saying that because of her, he had practiced calligraphy?

What kind of joke was this?

She had never felt this kind of emotional warmth from the Tang Song of the past.

This sounded completely unreal.

"I'm not lying to you." Tang Song's right hand applied slight pressure, his fingertips sinking into her snow-white, soft skin. "It really is because of you."

His words and the sensation of his touch arrived simultaneously.

Ouyang Xianyue's breath caught.

A faint blush appeared on her neck, particularly captivating in the light.

After a moment, she subtly pressed her lips together, regaining her composure and restraint.

"Oh? Then I must see this for myself."

She gently freed her hand from his and placed the brush back on the brush stand.

Then she shifted position, completely escaping the sphere of his embrace and aura.

Her clothing brushed past his fingertips, leaving behind a faint trace of fragrance.

Elegant, restrained, rational.

Once outside his proximity, she seemed to transform back into that dignified Precision Queen.

Ouyang Xianyue put away the completed painting and spread out a new sheet of rice paper.

She tilted her head slightly, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips as she made an inviting gesture. "Please, sir."

This "sir" was uttered in a soft, ambiguous tone.

But rather the kind of intimate, playful address used between "husband and wife."

Tang Song's Adam's apple moved slightly.

This top-tier noblewoman was stirring his heart and mind.

He walked to where she had been standing and selected a medium-sized purple-haired brush from the brush stand.

The brush tip lightly touched the ink, then lifted.

He didn't immediately begin writing, but stood quietly with his eyes closed for a moment.

When he opened his eyes again, his entire demeanor had undergone a dramatic transformation.

Ouyang Xianyue's eyes brightened as she watched him quietly.

The brush descended like a startling dragon entering the sea, with overwhelming momentum.

Between strokes, sometimes lifting, sometimes pressing, sometimes turning, sometimes folding.

The brush strength and rhythm carried an innate combination of restraint and wildness.

Amid the ink fragrance, lines of cursive script appeared on the rice paper:

["The wind suddenly rises, ruffling a pond of spring water. Idly leading mandarin ducks along the fragrant path, hand holding red apricot stamens. Leaning alone on the duck-fighting railing, jade hairpin slanting downward. Waiting for you all day but you never come, raising my head I hear the magpie's joyful cry."]

Ouyang Xianyue lowered her head, her gaze deepening.

The characters were excellent, with steady and bone-deep brush momentum, free in release and restraint, masterful style.

Of course, what truly shook her heart was this "Ye Jin Men" by Feng Yansi from the Five Dynasties period.

It described the longing of a young woman in her chambers.

In this quiet painting studio, it felt particularly ambiguous.

Meaning he approved of her actions.

Without creating distance because of the significant age gap between them.

Ouyang Xianyue's suspended heart seemed to finally settle.

An inexplicable joy welled up within her that she couldn't understand.

"Excellent writing." Her eyebrows lifted slightly, a dignified smile reappearing on her face. "I have some understanding of running script and regular script, but I've never been skilled at the free-flowing technique of cursive script. I wonder if I might receive... personal guidance from sir?"

"Of course."

Tang Song set down his brush and spread out a fresh sheet of clean rice paper for her.

Ouyang Xianyue picked up a brush and freshly dipped it in ink.

Just as she focused, preparing to begin writing.

A warm, large hand suddenly encircled her from behind, lightly landing on her soft waist, then moving slightly downward.

Ouyang Xianyue's body trembled, the ink from the brush tip spreading into a small ink blot on the rice paper.

She didn't immediately pull away, but slowly turned her head, looking at him with a calm, questioning gaze.

As if asking: "What are you doing?"

Being stared at with such a look by this beautiful woman, even someone as thick-skinned as Tang Song couldn't help but blush.

He forced himself to remain composed and explained: "Seeing you've been standing for so long, I wanted to help relax your waist muscles. You know my massage skills are quite good."

After speaking, he nonchalantly withdrew his wandering hand.

There was a full ten-year age difference between them, and her status was so special.

Although he had some thoughts before, he had always maintained restraint.

Today, although there had been some subtle breakthroughs under her guidance, ultimately, they hadn't truly torn through that layer of window paper.

That move just now was indeed rash.

But to be honest, the feel was really good.

No excess fat, full of plump elasticity.

A fleeting smile flashed in Ouyang Xianyue's eyes.

She didn't expose his clumsy excuse, but simply turned back and refocused her attention on the rice paper before her.

Tang Song stood behind her again, tentatively holding her brush-holding hand.

This time, Ouyang Xianyue showed no unusual reaction.

Their bodies were very close, almost pressed tightly together.

Their body temperatures quietly mingled through the qipao's thin silk fabric.

Of course, Tang Song didn't take excessive liberties.

Although Ouyang Xianyue had been quite bold today.

He could still sense that deep within this noblewoman's heart, there remained a faint, elusive barrier.

Tang Song didn't know why, but he didn't recklessly push forward.

From the bottom of his heart, he still respected this "Ms. Ouyang" very much.

.....

The private tea room on the 3rd floor of the club.

The kitchen master packed several freshly made Suzhou-style desserts into exquisite lacquer boxes.

"President Xie, here you go." Secretary Chen handed over the lacquer boxes with both hands, his face still wearing that impeccable professional smile.

"Thank you, Secretary Chen."

Just as Xie Shuyu thought she could leave,

Secretary Chen seemed to glance casually at his phone and said apologetically:

"President Xie, I'm truly sorry. I just received a message from Ms. Ouyang. She and Mr. Tang have some urgent work to discuss regarding 【Tang Yi Precision】's overseas business. It's very pressing and might... require a bit more time."

"Of course, work comes first."

Xie Shuyu quickly nodded, though her eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.

She wasn't stupid.

On the contrary, as a woman who had built her business from scratch and struggled alone in the commercial world for years, she was extremely skilled at interpreting the subtext behind words.

What "urgent work"?

This was clearly an excuse fabricated by that lofty Ms. Ouyang to send her away so she could be alone with Tang Song.

Seeing Xie Shuyu show no displeasure.

Secretary Chen paused, then very naturally made a thoughtful suggestion:

"President Xie, you're a true expert in the coffee field. Coincidentally, there's a small coffee tasting room on the first floor of this courtyard. Shall I take you there to have a look?"

"Alright, thank you, Secretary Chen."

The two went downstairs together.

"President Xie, we're here." Secretary Chen pushed open a heavy wooden door.

Stepping inside, Xie Shuyu's footsteps instantly halted.

An expression of undeniable astonishment appeared on her face.

This was no "tasting room" at all, but a small coffee roasting and research laboratory.

From professional green bean analyzers to constant temperature and humidity storage cabinets, fully automatic roasters, top-tier pour-over equipment...

Everything was complete.

Secretary Chen spoke at the right moment: "Here, we not only have dozens of top-tier SOE coffee beans like Geisha and Pacamara collected from estates around the world, but also a prototype of 【Tang Yi Precision】's latest fully intelligent AI roaster that hasn't been released yet, along with their matching latest semi-automatic espresso machine."

Xie Shuyu took a deep breath, her voice somewhat excited: "I... Secretary Chen, may I try it?"

"Of course, feel free."

"Thank you."

Xie Shuyu quickly walked to that futuristic silver roaster, her eyes shining with fervor.

【Weiguang Coffee】 currently didn't have its own roasting factory, relying on supply chains to deliver pre-roasted beans.

For the future, she had long planned to build two large central roasting factories in North China and Southwest China respectively, to ensure absolute product quality consistency.

Not only that, she had an even more ambitious plan.

To reserve space in flagship stores in first-tier cities for fully transparent on-site roasting rooms.

Allowing customers to visually see the entire roasting process of fresh coffee beans would be the best brand promotion, check-in spot, and internet sensation attraction tool.

For this, she had been researching high-end roasters on the market recently, knowing this field was almost completely monopolized by several established giants from Germany, Italy, and other countries.

And 【Tang Yi Precision】, although a leader in domestic industrial manufacturing, wasn't focused on consumer products and hadn't put much effort into this area.

But now... they actually had such a mature AI roaster prototype!

If... if she could get this machine, or even engage in deep customization with them, creating truly unique differentiated flavors according to different stores, different cities, and different customer taste preferences.

That would be an unparalleled selling point.

She began excitedly experiencing it.

Secretary Chen stood nearby, professionally introducing the various "black technologies" of this machine.

Xie Shuyu's expression grew increasingly excited, her mind stirred.

Just as she was completely immersed.

"Buzz buzz—" Her phone suddenly vibrated.

【Wen Ruan】

Xie Shuyu said "excuse me" and quickly walked to a corner to answer the call.

"Hello? Wen Ruan."

"President Xie, good evening. Are you busy now?"

"Not busy, what is it?" Xie Shuyu's mind was completely occupied with the laboratory, with no patience for small talk.

"It's like this, our Xingyun is currently preparing a 'Rising Domestic Brand Traffic Support Plan.' I've already added 【Weiguang Coffee】's name to the core list of the first batch. Later, we'll mobilize the group's best MCN and media resources to provide you with comprehensive free promotion."

Xie Shuyu was unexpectedly overjoyed upon hearing this, "That's wonderful! Thank you, Wen Ruan!"

"Don't mention it." Wen Ruan's mature female voice carried its usual lazy warmth. "We're on the same side, and we're also looking forward to deeper cooperation with you, President Xie. Right?"

Xie Shuyu paused, then said: "Of course."

"That's all for now, I just wanted to share the good news with you in advance. I'm on a business trip in Shen City recently, when I return to Yancheng, let's have a meal together."

"Mm, okay, no problem."

After hanging up.

Xie Shuyu's heart surged with excitement.

She looked at the top-tier equipment in the laboratory, then thought about Wen Ruan's promise just now.

That rational entrepreneurial mind of hers rapidly calculated.

Although Tang Song was somewhat promiscuous and had many women, it didn't seem entirely bad.

Wen Ruan could provide her with maximum support in media marketing.

Ms. Ouyang went without saying—just providing a little help could give Weiguang Coffee core competitiveness.

Moreover, she could also obtain the strongest protection from the top level.

And she originally had no confidence in relationships and marriage anyway.

She had never thought about taking things that far with Tang Song.

This seemed pretty good.

She should support him!

......

In the painting studio, only the soft "rustling" of brush tips on rice paper and their interwoven breathing remained.

Under Tang Song's "hand-by-hand" guidance.

Ouyang Xianyue's brush sometimes rose, sometimes paused.

The ink traces on the rice paper also became somewhat discontinuous due to her uncontrollable heartbeat.

They both gently exhaled almost simultaneously.

The air seemed wrapped in still ink energy, even time becoming viscous.

Ouyang Xianyue withdrew her hand first and turned her back.

She began unhurriedly tidying the desktop.

Looking at her graceful, slender back, Tang Song's mind still lingered on their recent physical contact.

Soon, Ouyang Xianyue properly mounted the painting and handed it to him.

"For you, keep it well."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Ouyang Xianyue didn't look at him again. "It's getting late, time to go back. Shuyu should be getting impatient."

"Mm."

Tang Song nodded and followed her out of the painting studio.

Their footsteps echoed in the long wooden corridor.

One in front, one behind, always maintaining an appropriate distance.

Suddenly, Ouyang Xianyue walking ahead paused slightly.

She said in a light, casual tone:

"By the way, 【Tang Jin】 has been making big moves in America recently. I think... it's necessary to mention it to you."

"Meixiao has taken the lead in establishing massive short positions in crude oil futures and several traditional energy giant stocks. The style is very aggressive."

"Her trading abilities have always been impeccable, and we all trust her. But now, what our entire system needs most is actually stability. Yet she always seems to prefer this kind of high-leverage, high-risk financial gambling..."

Her words continued.

Besides capital markets, she also mentioned Secretary Jin's recent equally aggressive lobbying operations in American and EU political circles that might cause unpredictable consequences.

She didn't ask for Tang Song's opinion, nor was there any hint of "reporting" about someone.

She simply stood from a macro perspective, objectively and calmly stating her observations and expressing her concerns.

Tang Song listened quietly, his eyes profound, giving no direct response.

Unconsciously, they arrived at the coffee room door on the first floor.

Ouyang Xianyue stopped, and the serious topic abruptly ended.

She turned around, that gentle smile returning to her face. "We're here. Shuyu is inside waiting for you. Tomorrow is Monday—since returning this time, I've rested for almost a week. There's still much work waiting for me at the company. Tomorrow morning, I need to fly back to Shen City again."

"Mm." Tang Song nodded, his voice concerned: "Take care of your health, don't overwork."

"You too. Although you're young... in all things, there should still be moderation."

Ouyang Xianyue's eyes unnoticeably glanced at his lower abdomen, then immediately looked away.

He truly was very young, very... vibrant.

Tang Song smiled but didn't speak.

He simply looked quietly and intently at the noblewoman before him.

His gaze resting on the noblewoman.

She had standard Eastern classical beauty features, exquisite bone structure, with enduring artistic charm.

Ouyang Xianyue felt somewhat uncomfortable under his gaze. "What's wrong? Did what I say upset you? I really—"

Before she could finish.

Warm breath rushed toward her.

Tang Song suddenly leaned down and kissed her smooth, fair cheek.

A soft "mwah" sound was infinitely amplified in the silent corridor.

Ouyang Xianyue's pupils trembled, a trace of panic appearing on her composed face.

Tang Song chuckled softly, "Thank you for your reminder."

He pushed open the coffee room door behind him and stepped inside.

Warm light instantly swallowed his silhouette.

Ouyang Xianyue stood quietly outside the door, her gaze fixed on the slowly closing door.

She gently closed her eyes.

......

In a luxurious penthouse apartment in Jiangcheng.

「BGM: Waiting for the wind to pass, kissing my brow, blowing your warmth...

「BGM: Those unfinished words have already... repeatedly torn apart... in dreams...

Soft notes flowed gently through the air.

Su Yu sat cross-legged on a soft wool rug, holding a vintage wooden guitar in her arms, her fingertips lightly plucking the strings, her voice clear yet carrying loneliness.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, Jiangcheng's nightscape sparkled like a sea of stars.

Light spilled from the ceiling, outlining her exquisitely beautiful profile.

Her eyelashes cast shallow shadows under her eyes, her fair skin glowing with delicate radiance, like flowing clouds.

She wore a soft white knit sweater, her smooth long hair cascading over her shoulders.

Tranquil and dreamlike, like an illusion in the night not belonging to this earthly world.

"Ding dong—" A WeChat notification sounded.

【Pika Qiuqiu: "I might not be able to return to Yancheng until next weekend, something came up at home."】

Su Yu lightly tapped on the screen, replying: "No problem, I won't be going until mid-month. Is everything alright with your family matters?"

【Pika Qiuqiu: "It's fine."】

Putting down her phone, Su Yu's lips curved.

She naturally knew what had happened in Cheng Qiuqiu's family.

She now placed great importance on this "die-hard fan" of hers.

Mainly because Tang Song's feelings for this Cheng Qiuqiu were clearly unusual.

She was also curious to personally meet this girl who somewhat resembled her, to see what kind of person she really was.

And why Tang Song liked her.

Of course, her current emotions were relatively stable—she didn't actually intend to "discipline" the other party.

The real "disciplining" would wait until Christmas.

Then, she would have this girl go to Paris with her.

Tang Song had already participated in her "birthday lottery" event.

Since he had the idea, he would definitely not go back on his word.

Meaning that on December 25th, Christmas Day, they would meet again, spending this birthday she had anticipated for five years.

22 more days...

She couldn't wait any longer, every day dreaming about the scenes that might occur that day.

She had even written 3 songs for this.

Each one contained her unspoken obsessions and urgency.

The reason for choosing mid-month to go to Yancheng was naturally because at that time, Tang Song would be going to New York to hold a shareholders' meeting with the "she-devil" Jin Meixiao.

Then she would directly head to Yancheng to stir up some trouble.

She absolutely wouldn't let that woman have her way.

Besides this Cheng Qiuqiu, she would also incidentally meet that self-proclaimed "cyber girlfriend" Yao Lingling.

Who else? Xu Qing? Tian Jing?

Heh.

Before she officially returned to his side.

She had to let everyone know of her existence, know how deep her relationship with him truly was.

A bewitching, coldly glamorous smile slowly appeared on Su Yu's face.

Stunningly beautiful.

Just then, "Knock knock knock—" A knocking sound came.

Mo Xiangwan, wearing a tasteful autumn outfit, pushed the door open and entered.

She directly stated: "Ms. Ouyang just called. She said regarding the matter of 【Tang Jin Family Office】, she has already communicated face-to-face with Tang Song. She told us not to worry, she will handle everything."

Su Yu's expression shifted slightly, "What about the plan targeting the pan-entertainment fund?"

"Might have to be temporarily shelved." Mo Xiangwan paused, her tone low but calm. "【Tang Entertainment】 is after all a listed company—pulling one hair affects the whole body. Any major capital actions require compliance approval. Ms. Ouyang's meaning is that the timing isn't ripe yet."

Su Yu's eyebrows lifted slightly, her fingertips tapping the guitar strings, producing a dull reverberation.

"Meaning she didn't give a clear stance? Jin Meixiao will still be the fund manager?"

"...For now, yes."

The air instantly fell silent.

Su Yu raised her head, her cool amber eyes seeming soaked in night.

"I always feel something isn't quite right about this matter."

Mo Xiangwan frowned, "Not quite right?"

"Given Ouyang's character, she either doesn't do something, or she does it to the extreme. She's been evading us for days, and now she's leaving Rongcheng tomorrow. Yet in the end, she only gave us an ambiguous answer—this doesn't match her usual style."

Mo Xiangwan thought for a moment, then said quietly: "After all, this matter concerns Tang Song. She might have her own considerations."

Su Yu lowered her head in contemplation.

After a long time, she suddenly spoke softly: "Sister Xiangwan—"

"Hm?"

"Do you think it's possible that Ouyang Xianyue has her own little schemes too?"

"What little schemes?"

Su Yu said word by word: "For example, after meeting Tang Song, she also wants to become his wife."

The air solidified for a moment.

"That's impossible!" Mo Xiangwan instinctively refuted: "With Ms. Ouyang's status, it's beneath her. She's already thirty-six years old, and she's had a previous marriage...."

"Why impossible?" Su Yu looked into her eyes: "Sister Xiangwan, you're already thirty-five years old. Let me ask you, if Tang Song wanted to marry you, would you have the courage to refuse?"

Mo Xiangwan blurted out: "Of course I..."

Su Yu plucked a guitar string.

"Twang—" The sound cut off Mo Xiangwan's unspoken words.

She lowered her gaze, her fingers gently stroking the strings. "My intuition as a woman has never been wrong, especially when it comes to him."