CHAPTER 694: XIAO JING: TRIGGERING AN EPIC HIDDEN PLOTLINE

Inside the lounge, the lighting was soft, and a faint scent of freesia lingered in the air.

The attendant gently closed the door.

With a soft click, this place was completely sealed off from the outside world.

Three pairs of eyes met in midair.

Thump—thump—thump—

Zhao Yaqian could clearly hear her heartbeat, out of her control.

It was her!

Back then, when she and Tang Song were only ordinary friends, Tang Song had shared a promotion for a “New Alley Outdoor BBQ Grand Opening” and said he wanted to take her there on a date.

But at that time she had been hesitating and struggling over family problems, and with her cousin’s persuasion,

in the end she had politely declined.

Then during the May Day holiday, her cousin showed her photos of Tang Song and this white-rich-beauty dating at the New Alley outdoor BBQ.

In the photos, it was this girl!

Wearing a new white Burberry dress worth over thirty thousand, adorned with a full set of Bvlgari accessories, carrying a Chanel bag—

an outfit totaling more than a hundred thousand.

And at that time she herself was just a cosmetologist with a high school education who had just lost her job and was drowning in credit card and online loan debt.

To make matters worse, her cousin told her that the gift this girl had given Tang Song was a luxury watch worth over ten thousand,

while the gift she had mustered the courage to buy for Tang Song was only a one-thousand-yuan Citizen watch.

The contrast was brutally sharp.

Because of that incident, she had cried alone in her rented room for a long, long time.

That memory was why it had remained so vivid.

Memories surged up.

Zhao Yaqian’s emotions roiled, and she didn’t notice Qian Lele’s oddness behind her.

On the sofa, Tian Jing, seated with poise, slowly rose to her feet.

Her gaze swept calmly over the two of them.

It finally settled on the cosmetologist whose height stood out conspicuously.

A sweet, fresh smile appeared on her face.

“Hello, Qianqian, right? I’m Tian Jing. Nice to meet you—please take care of me.”

Polite, proper, carrying a gentle warmth of obedience.

“Hello... Miss Tian, I’m Zhao Yaqian. Welcome to the TC Club.”

Having finally said the line she’d rehearsed in her head for so long, Zhao Yaqian exhaled in relief.

“Call me Xiao Jing. No need to be so formal.”

Tian Jing’s voice was soft, carrying the refinement of good upbringing.

That elegant white-rich-beauty temperament naturally emanated from her.

“All right... Xiao Jing.”

Zhao Yaqian felt her smile stiffen, nowhere near as graceful and at-ease as the other woman’s.

If Luna were here, she could definitely help me steady the scene...

She slightly turned and glanced at Qian Lele, who had been looking down the whole time.

After all, she and Xiao Jing were meeting for the first time—strangers, essentially.

Though she’d learned a thing or two about social situations, facing someone with Tian Jing’s special identity still made her nervous and insecure.

Inviting Qian Lele along had certainly been a way to bolster her courage.

They were good friends, and she could also use the opportunity to confess the truth about Brother Song.

It wasn't something she could keep hiding forever.

Such secrecy weighed on her when interacting with others.

Soon, Xiao Jing’s attention shifted to the girl who had been dazing since entering.

Bright, open features;

a curvaceous figure brimming with youthful vigor.

But the strong student vibe she carried felt slightly out of place in tonight’s setting.

She asked with curiosity, “Qianqian, who is this?”

Qian Lele snapped up like a student suddenly called on by a teacher, straightened, and answered in a hoarse voice, “I-I’m Qian Lele.”

Zhao Yaqian tugged her arm and introduced, “She’s my good friend.”

“Hi, Lele.”

Tian Jing’s tone was light and bright;

her smile adorably compliant, her pretty eyes curved like crescent moons.

“Hello, Miss Tian.”

Qian Lele replied quietly, her breathing becoming tight.

A flash of curiosity crossed Tian Jing’s gaze.

Huh? This isn’t how the script goes!

Wasn’t this supposed to be my first formal interaction with the two “harem” members, Qianqian and me? Why did she drag a random NPC here?

Could there be special meaning in this?

Then she returned her attention to Zhao Yaqian.

Her large, bright eyes blinked uncontrollably.

Wow... so tall!

With those heels on, she must be 1.9 meters, right?

Even taller than that Tianyang mare Anne Kate!

Isn’t this basically the standard aggressive domme template?!

That height, those legs, those physical stats...

(000)!

Oh no... I kind of want her in heels...

Must. Stay. Calm. I’m on official business today—no perverted thoughts!

Xiao Jing forcibly shut down that dangerous train of thought and put a sweet, harmless smile back on her face.

In a gentle voice she said, “Qianqian, your club is so beautiful! The decor is top-notch! I’ve heard from friends in the circle that a top private club opened in Yancheng recently—didn’t expect it to be yours. Amazing~” ṜἈNȮ𝖇Е𝓢

Hearing the compliment, Zhao Yaqian’s face flushed slightly. “Smile Sister gave it to me.”

Xiao Jing’s brows lifted.

What?! Is she trying to show off at me?!

Dropping “Smile Sister” as a hint that she’s aligned with Director Jin’s faction?!

And inviting me on my home turf...

Is this the legendary “diplomatic suppression”?!

But she quickly composed herself again.

After all—

This was an assignment personally issued by Lord Tang Song.

No matter what, Xiao Jing had to swallow her pride and complete it!

Even if... even if she had to be “threatened” or “humiliated” right in front of her,

she could only endure silently and not resist...

Thinking this, a look of admiration crept across Xiao Jing’s face.

“So that’s how it is! Qianqian, you’re really lucky! Looks like Smile Sister likes you a lot.”

She then reached into her Hermes bag and took out a small velvet gift box, handing it over.

“By the way, since this is our first formal meeting, a little welcome gift.”

Zhao Yaqian blinked and hurriedly accepted it with both hands. “Oh my, this is too embarrassing. I didn’t prepare anything for you.”

“No problem.” Xiao Jing blinked, a faint teasing tone in her voice. “I’m a few years older than you both—call me sister. Sisters give gifts to younger sisters, right? Of course, it can’t compare to Smile Sister’s generosity, but please don’t dislike it.”

Before coming she’d already done her homework.

Not only was Zhao Yaqian a shareholder of Yisha Beauty, she was also an honorary vice-chair of the Smile Charity Foundation.

Both belonged to the “Smile faction,” and Tang Song had arranged this meeting.

Naturally, she was a direct “opponent.”

Quick! Resist me!

Just like in anime plots—trigger a little clash, then Tang Song will find out and call us both over and give us a stern lecture!

(0)

However, Zhao Yaqian didn’t pick up any of these signals.

She bowed sincerely and sweetly in reply, “Thank you, Sister Xiao Jing!”

Xiao Jing paused for two seconds: “...”

Seeing that clear, honest look in her eyes, Crock! She realized—this girl isn’t acting with me;

she’s genuinely guileless!

She glanced at Zhao Yaqian’s assertive figure and then at her bold, glamorous face.

Interesting! You’d definitely get along with Yanqing!

So she instantly switched tactics, abandoning pointless provocation to perfectly execute the assignment: build a close social relationship with the new sister.

“This is a new Van Cleef &

Arpels bracelet I bought for you in Tokyo.” Xiao Jing opened the tiny velvet box. “Qianqian, let me put it on for you.”

“Uh... thank you...”

Zhao Yaqian was a bit stunned. Tian Jing was nothing like she’d imagined.

Wasn’t she supposed to be a top-tier white-rich-beauty?

And Luna had sounded afraid when mentioning her earlier.

But in person she seemed extremely well-behaved and sweet.

As they chatted, Xiao Jing fastened the clasp. A breeze of hair brushed the cosmetologist’s wrist, bringing a faint tremor.

Qian Lele, sitting nearby, quietly watched the two of them and felt like a Cinderella accidentally attending a noble ball.

She furtively observed Tian Jing.

The beige long dress was light and fine;

the makeup was understated, the lips soft pink.

Every movement natural, confident, elegant.

Clearly a poised, fashionable rich miss.

No wonder Brother likes her.

At that moment, Xiao Jing exclaimed sincerely, “Qianqian, your legs are so long!”

Then the white-rich-beauty actually reached out and touched the cosmetologist’s long “wineglass legs.”

“Wow, they feel amazing!”

The move left both women on the opposite side startled.

Zhao Yaqian froze and shivered, reflexively shrinking back. “They’re... they’re fine...”

“That anklet is beautiful too.” Xiao Jing’s gaze fell on the delicate chain glittering with tiny stars. “I haven’t seen that design—where did you get it?”

“Brother Song... gave it to me.”

“Oh—Brother Tang Song gave it to you? No wonder it looks so nice.”

Hearing “Brother Song” followed by “Brother Tang Song” in quick succession, Qian Lele, who had been keeping a low profile, suddenly trembled and widened her eyes at Zhao Yaqian.

She was sharp-witted, and in an instant many connections flashed through her mind.

The relationship between Zhao Yaqian and Lin Muxue.

Zhao Yaqian’s special attitude since that chance encounter outside Yanjing Tiancheng.

Qian Lele’s movement was abrupt;

the two who had been chatting warmly immediately noticed her oddness and turned to look.

Xiao Jing was puzzled.

Zhao Yaqian, however, inhaled deeply and decided to reveal the truth: “Lele, Luna mentioned you also know Brother Song, right? I didn’t know how to tell you before, so I kept quiet.”

“It’s okay...” Qian Lele bit her lip, glanced at the white-rich-beauty Tian Jing, then at her friend Zhao Yaqian.

She thought of Wen Ruan and President Xie from before, and her mind spun;

her breath grew shallow.

At the unexpected scene and overhearing their conversation, Xiao Jing’s heart skipped.

I knew this NPC isn’t simple!

This is triggering a hidden main plotline!

So... what role does she play in it?

“Lele, you know Tang Song too?”

Qian Lele swallowed and explained in a low voice, “I do. He—he’s my brother.”

“Brother?” Xiao Jing paused, taken aback, not immediately grasping it.

Qian Lele hurriedly added, “Not a blood relative! We’re just close. He takes care of me a lot, so...”

“Oh~~ got it, then we’re all family.” Xiao Jing took her hand and asked affectionately, “Lele, judging by your age, you must still be in school?”

Qian Lele felt uncomfortable with the sudden warmth and, with some secret worry in her heart, answered awkwardly, “Yes, I’m at Yancheng Normal University, a junior.”

“Oh, Yancheng Normal! I’ve been there a few times. Your cafeteria food is pretty good.”

Xiao Jing’s eyes sparkled as she chatted about campus life.

Under her deliberate guidance, the mood eased bit by bit.

Zhao Yaqian relaxed too and occasionally interjected.

The three of them sipped floral tea and chatted quietly.

After a while, Xiao Jing seemed to remember something and tapped her forehead.

“Oh, I almost forgot. I prepared a gift for Qianqian, but I didn’t bring anything for you—so rude of me. I didn’t know you were coming, so I didn’t prepare anything special.”

She slid a diamond-set Omega watch off her wrist and, smiling, tried to clasp it onto Qian Lele’s hand.

“Here, take this. It’ll help you tell the time.”

“No no no!” Qian Lele reacted as if burned, snatching her hand away and shaking her head violently. “This is too precious—I can’t accept it!”

Although she didn’t know much about luxury items, even seeing the cold sparkle of diamonds on that watch made her realize its astronomical price.

“It’s nothing to me.”

“I really can’t accept this.” Qian Lele’s pretty phoenix-eyes shone with sincerity and determination. “I appreciate the gesture, but I can’t take something so expensive.”

Xiao Jing paused, recognizing the earnestness—this wasn’t false modesty.

She rummaged in her bag and took out a small perfume bottle, handing it over.

“How about this? Brand-new, unopened. Friendly tip: Brother Tang Song likes this scent best~”

Qian Lele hesitated, stammered, then finally, cheeks flushed, accepted it and carefully placed it into her bag.

Xiao Jing’s gaze drifted to the plain canvas bag at Qian Lele’s side and her curiosity deepened.

Strange.

By all accounts, Brother Tang Song’s “adopted younger sister” should be a well-known figure.

Even Director Jin or Ms. Ouyang could be on friendly terms with her.

So why did this girl look so simple?

Could it be... Brother Tang Song was hiding her identity?

Xiao Jing took a deep breath and immediately switched to “intel gathering” mode.

Through casual conversation and probing, within ten minutes she pieced together many intriguing tidbits:

for example, her “cohabitation” history with Tang Song and a certain professor who let Tang Song stay temporarily.

On the surface she remained sweet and obedient, but inwardly a fire was kindling.

As suspected!

Brother Tang Song is hiding his identity and has tied this female university student to him as a “little sister.”

Like those training arcs in eroge—Brother and sister...

So Lord Tang Song is already dabbling in the forbidden “adopted sister” territory?!

So wicked! So perverted! So perfect!

Brother Tang Song truly is a big BOSS!

He can trigger wildly different plotlines.

Upwards, there are epic-level routes like Director Jin, Tang Jin Family Office, Tang Yi Precision;

downwards, there are cute “little sisters” and long-legged sweethearts.

Playing with high-tier bosses like Director Jin or Ms. Ouyang is too difficult and mentally exhausting.

You might even get beaten.

It’s more fun to play with younger, cute sisters.

You can freely switch roles, unlock more side quests and CGs.

Qianqian, Yanqing, Lele, Luna...

Plus Xiao Jing.

It’s like assembling a full team of girls with different attributes!

Later, you can mix and match to develop more fun combo skills and interaction mechanics!

()/

The cosmetologist watched this harmonious scene and silently approved her decision to bring Lele along.

If it had been only her and Tian Jing, it would have been awkward.

Having another person made everything better.

It also gave her a chance to come clean to this university friend;

they no longer had to hide things.

She straightened her skirt and smiled brightly, “Let’s go to the lounge for the party. It’s nicely decorated, and I’ve prepared a little performance.”

“Sure.” Xiao Jing beamed and pulled Qian Lele up.

The three walked out of the private room and back into the dazzling club lounge.

Their arrival subtly shifted the party’s atmosphere.

Guests gathered again, greeting Zhao Yaqian warmly.

With Xiao Jing acting as a gracious hostess, Zhao Yaqian confidently mingled, meeting and chatting with every member.

She truly embodied the “lady of the house.”

Qian Lele, however, felt uneasy in this setting.

After quickly scanning the room, she slipped over to where Ding Yao stood.

“Lele! You’re finally back!” Ding Yao grabbed her hand, gestured toward Zhao Yaqian and Xiao Jing, and whispered excitedly: “Oh my gosh! You’re actually friends with Boss Qian! How did you two meet?!”

Qian Lele pursed her lips. “We met while working part-time at the coffee shop. She’s a friend of a high school classmate—after a while we became close.”

“So that’s it!” Ding Yao’s eyes lit up, she leaned in and lowered her voice: “Can I ask you for a favor?”

Seeing her friend’s expression, Qian Lele immediately understood and asked, “Tang Entertainment?”

“Yes yes!” Ding Yao nodded eagerly. “Please, dear, you know how much I want to get into Tang Entertainment—even just an internship.”

Qian Lele was silent for a moment.

She was not one to beg, but seeing her friend’s hopeful eyes softened her heart.

Her pride mattered less compared to Ding Yao’s future.

“Then we’ll try to ask later.”

“Really?!” Ding Yao hugged her and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Thank you, darling!”

She then took a big sip of champagne and began chattering about the future.

For her, entering the entertainment industry was about chasing musical dreams and idol aspirations.

Getting into Tang Entertainment would be a huge step forward.

Qian Lele smiled knowingly at her friend.

Just then, a gentle, amused voice sounded: “What are you two chatting about? So happy.”

They turned and saw Zhao Yaqian and Tian Jing walking over side by side.

Soft light fell on one dazzling, and one refreshingly sweet.

The surrounding lights seemed to dim in comparison.

Ding Yao’s heart contracted and she straightened, suddenly nervous.

She furtively glanced at the graceful Tian Jing, then mustered courage and asked softly, “Boss Qian, I heard from my dad that you might know some executives at Tang Entertainment? I also heard that you arranged new endorsers for Yisha Beauty?”

Zhao Yaqian corrected herself. “Uh... a friend of mine helped with that. I don’t have a lot of direct contact with Tang Entertainment.”

That matter had been handled entirely by Luna, so Zhao Yaqian didn’t know the specifics.

Ding Yao’s eyes immediately clouded.

A layer of separation made things harder.

Seeing her friend’s disappointment, Qian Lele bit her lip, hesitating whether to say more.

At that moment, Xiao Jing leaned forward and gently asked, “Lele, does your classmate need Tang Entertainment’s help?”

Qian Lele blinked, nodded, and awkwardly explained, “Yao Yao is a music performance major about to graduate and wants to pursue singing. She’s wondering if Tang Entertainment has any opportunities.”

“I see.” Xiao Jing smiled sweetly and swept her gaze between them. “This won’t be hard. I’ll help.”

Ding Yao froze, then her eyes lit up like stars. “Really? Miss Tian knows someone at Tang Entertainment?”

“Yes.” Xiao Jing nodded gracefully and opened her phone’s WeChat QR code. “Add me on WeChat. Lele, add me too so we can keep in touch.”

They both quickly scanned and added her.

Xiao Jing found Mo Xiangwan in her contacts and briefly described Ding Yao’s request, then sent it.

She’d met Mo Xiangwan at a birthday party and had a guess about the Tang Entertainment–Tang Song connection, so she didn’t find this small favor awkward.

Buzz—buzz—

Almost an instant reply came in.

Sister Xiangwan: “Okay Xiao Jing, no problem. Tell her to send her resume to this email and note my name—I’ll have someone forward it to my side.”

Sister Xiangwan: “[email protected].”

Xiao Jing quickly replied: “Thanks, Sister Xiangwan~ (cute emoji).”

She forwarded the email to Ding Yao and added, “Send your resume there and include this name in the note.”

Ding Yao nodded vigorously: “Got it!”

She tapped into the chat and long-pressed to save the email address, then read the name that needed to be noted.

She rubbed her eyes and then looked as if struck by lightning.

“Mo... Mo Xiangwan?!”

Qian Lele was startled by her reaction and grabbed her arm: “Yao Yao, what’s wrong?”

Ding Yao lifted her head, voice trembling: “Miss You... could this be... the Mo Xiangwan from Tang Entertainment?”

“Yes, it should be that Mo Xiangwan.” Xiao Jing smiled playfully.

Ding Yao gasped, her head buzzing.

As a semi-insider, how could she not know the famous, iron-willed manager—the current CEO of Tang Entertainment, Mo Xiangwan!

She was one of the top-tier figures in the Huaxia entertainment industry—someone Ding Yao had never dared to imagine meeting.

Seeing Ding Yao rendered speechless by shock, Xiao Jing’s lips curled with a faint smile, and her gaze flicked to the adorable Qian Lele at her side.

With this favor, she had genuinely done Brother Tang Song a solid for his “adopted sister.”

After this, it would be hard for the sister to refuse invitations.

Heh heh heh~

(V≤)o

Just as she basked in her private delight, the phone on the table vibrated gently.

A new message popped up on the screen.

Sister Xiangwan: “By the way Xiao Jing, something else—I’ll tell you later. Su Yu is coming to Yancheng in mid-month. She wants to meet you.”

Xiao Jing blinked, and in her head game-like notifications chimed:

Ding! You have successfully triggered—an epic hidden plotline: Su Yu route—first encounter.

—Warning!—

—“S-rank Red-Name Boss—Peerless Enchantress—Su Yu” has sent you a ‘meeting’ request!—

—Please, adorable Xiao Jing, handle with caution—】