2:00 PM - CEO’s Office
Dingdong—
A WeChat notification popped up on Tang Song’s computer screen, quickly followed by another.
[Hu Mingli]:
"President Tang! President Tang! Wen Ruan is going to Beijing for a business trip. She’s leaving next Wednesday, but it’s unclear when she’ll return!"
[Zhang Ziqi]:
"Are you there, Heartthrob? Zhuangzhuang just told she’s leaving for a business trip next week, and she specifically told not to tell you! I don’t think that’s fair. You’re her boyfriend, and you have a right to know!"
Tang Song paused his work and opened Zhang Ziqi’s chat window.
After a mont of thought, he replied:
"Why wouldn’t she tell ?"
[Zhang Ziqi]:
"She’s not just going on a business trip; she’s also attending her university roommate and best friend’s wedding. Her dormmates were really close, and Zhuangzhuang is the only one who hasn’t married yet. Normally, as her boyfriend, you’d go with her to the wedding so her friends can et you. But...
"I think she didn’t want to tell you because she’s worried it might pressure you."
Tang Song pursed his lips, a mix of emotions stirring inside.
Wen Ruan, his mature and considerate girlfriend, always put his feelings first.
She never wanted him to feel burdened or obligated, even though he could sense the unspoken pressures her family likely placed on her regarding marriage.
Despite that, she never forced him to make any compromises, always choosing instead to comfort herself and adjust her expectations.
With a sigh, Tang Song replied:
"Got it. Thanks, Sister Ziqi."
Buzz buzz buzz—
[Hu Mingli]: ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel✶fire
"By the way, two n and one woman are traveling with her. The company arranged a hotel in the HD district. I’ll find out the exact na and address!"
Tang Song:
"Thank you, Sister Mingli. I appreciate it."
[Hu Mingli]:
"Don’t tease , President Tang! Calling ‘Sister’? I’m just your loyal and reliable Front-End Team Lead from the Technical Support Departnt—Little Hu!"
Reading her ssage, Tang Song couldn’t help but chuckle, his earlier somber mood lightening.
He was about to send his usual red envelopes to his “informants” when another thought struck him, and he stopped.
Opening a drawer, he pulled out three concert invitations.
Earlier, he’d taken a batch of Su Yu’s concert tickets to surprise his colleagues, and there were just enough left over for this.
Since Wen Ruan was leaving next Wednesday, they could still attend the concert together before she left.
After all, a little romance is necessary when it cos to your beloved girlfriend.
Smiling, he sent Hu Mingli another ssage:
"Little Hu, you’ve earned the afternoon off. Co to the 30th floor of Yunxi Tower; I have sothing for you to do."
As the departnt head, Tang Song had the final say on employee attendance.
Every month, HR would send him the attendance and payroll records for approval before processing them.
Buzz buzz buzz—
[Hu Mingli]:
"Thank you for your trust, President Tang! I’ll head over right away! ETA: 20 minutes!"
Setting down his phone, Tang Song retrieved a greeting card from his drawer and opened it on his desk.
Taking a pen, he carefully penned a heartfelt ssage inside.
Then, he tucked the concert invitation into the card and let out a satisfied sigh.
With his trip to Beijing to et Bocai Yingrui’s candidates already on the agenda, he decided to use this opportunity to set his business trip location to the capital.
Perhaps it would lead to a romantic sumr “coincidence” with his dear Wen Ruan. They could enjoy so quality ti together at the hotel and attend her friend’s wedding as a couple.
Beijing was a city full of mories and connections for Tang Song.
And of course, there was soone he particularly hoped to see—Secretary Jin.
...
The taxi slowed to a stop at the curb, and Hu Mingli stepped out quickly, half-jogging toward the entrance of Yunxi Tower.
This was the first ti Tang Song had personally entrusted her with a task, and it was a personal matter at that. It spoke volus about his trust in her.
At 27 years old, she knew her career trajectory depended largely on opportunities like this. Without Tang Song’s ntorship, she might never advance to a managent role. By her early thirties, she’d have no choice but to consider switching industries.
For now, she was just a front-end team leader, but her ambitions aid much higher—she wanted to beco a front-end director soday.
With Jinxiu Comrce rapidly expanding, the front-end team alone had doubled in size. As the departnt structure evolved, the front-end function would likely beco its own unit, and when that happened, her chances of promotion would be significant.
Zhuangzhuang! As your friend, it’s not that I don’t feel for you, but if you let soone like Tang Song slip away, you’ll definitely regret it later.
Walking into the grand and luxurious lobby, Hu Mingli completed her visitor registration and took the elevator up.
Ding!
The elevator ca to a smooth stop on the 30th floor.
Looking around, Hu Mingli noticed only one prominent plaque: Songi Fashion Trade Co., Ltd.
Several signs with arrows were positioned in the corridor, providing clear directions.
Following them, she entered the company’s bright and spacious reception area.
The first thing that caught her eye was the sleek and fashionable decor, complete with high-end office furniture.
Wow! President Tang really outdid himself with this place!
While the office wasn’t huge, it was exceptionally well-appointed, exuding a sophisticated and professional vibe.
Her thoughts froze montarily as her eyes landed on the right-hand side of the reception area.
There, a row of more than ten n and won sat in the lounge, spanning various age groups.
Each person wore an apprehensive expression and held a docunt folder tightly in their hands.
“Hello, are you here for an interview?”
A soft and pleasant voice interrupted her thoughts.
Turning toward the reception desk, Hu Mingli saw a kind-looking young woman, probably in her early twenties, with fair skin, a well-proportioned figure, and a professional outfit that gave off a great first impression.
“This is the registration form. May I know which position you’re applying for?” the woman asked, handing over an A4 sheet.
Hu Mingli quickly shook her head. “I’m not here for an interview. I’m here to see President Tang. My na is Hu Mingli, and we’ve arranged to et.”
“Oh?” The receptionist bit her lip with a smile. “Please hold on for a mont; let check for you.”
She picked up the desk phone and dialed the CEO’s office.
Speaking gently, she said, “Hello, President Tang, a Ms. Hu Mingli is here to see you.”
After a brief pause, she smiled brightly. “Alright, I’ll bring her to you right away.”
Hanging up, the young woman stepped out from behind the desk, looking slightly excited. “Ms. Hu, please follow to President Tang’s office.”
“Thank you very much!” Hu Mingli replied politely.
Just as she was about to step into the office area, she noticed the receptionist heading toward the main entrance instead.
Puzzled, Hu Mingli hurried after her, curiosity piqued.
Walking through the bright and spacious corridor, she couldn’t help but ask, “Miss, isn’t President Tang’s office within the company premises?”
The woman blinked and smiled knowingly. “The entire 30th floor belongs to Songi Fashion. This section is mainly used for interviews right now. Oh, by the way, I’m He Liting, one of the company’s livestream hosts. Since we have so many interviewees today, I’m temporarily helping out at the front desk.”
Buzz.
Hu Mingli’s mind went blank for a mont, as if the scene before her had beco surreal.
The entire 30th floor?
This is Yunxi Tower—the most prestigious office building in Yan City!
And this was Tang Song’s entrepreneurial company?
Walking on the plush, sound-dampening carpet and passing through the grand and stylish office areas, Hu Mingli felt a sense of dizziness from the opulence surrounding her.
Gulp— Hu Mingli swallowed hard, suddenly gaining a deeper understanding of her best friend.
No wonder Zhuangzhuang hesitated!
When she first introduced Tang Song to her, she thought he was just a handso, well-off young man from a rich family—perfect for a casual attempt at matchmaking.
If she’d known he had this level of power and presence, she would never have dared introduce him to her friend.
They’re not even in the sa league!
And Zhuangzhuang was already 30...
“Ms. Hu, we’re here,” He Liting said as she gently knocked on the heavy office door.
“Co in!” ca a clear and confident male voice from within.
Pushing the door open, He Liting stole a quick glance at Tang Song’s tall and striking figure before motioning for Hu Mingli to enter with a smile.
Licking her dry lips, Hu Mingli lowered her head slightly as she stepped inside.
The office was spacious and bright, with sunlight streaming generously through a massive floor-to-ceiling window.
At the center of the room stood a large walnut desk with a smooth, polished surface and elegant grain.
On it were a neatly arranged laptop, monitor, file organizer, coffee cup, and globe.
One side of the office housed a full-length custom-built wooden bookshelf filled with a variety of books.
A small bar, an independent lounge area, and a relaxation corner further accentuated the space.
Every detail radiated understated luxury.
This was a world-class office.
She had seen the CEO’s office at Jinxiu Comrce, but it couldn’t hold a candle to this.
“Ms. Mingli, you got here quickly. Please, have a seat,” Tang Song said, standing up and gesturing toward the sofa in the lounge area.
“Of course, thank you,” she replied, her face flushing slightly as she raised her eyes to look at him.
It had to be said—this forr coworker of hers was now genuinely attractive.
His sharp profile, high nose bridge, and slightly pursed lips exuded a cold and resolute aura.
The perfectly tailored shirt clung to his broad shoulders and well-defined muscles, emphasizing his imposing figure.
Standing in his CEO’s office, Tang Song radiated confidence and authority—he was like a living embodint of the domineering CEOs from romance novels.
They sat down on the sofa, and Tang Song briefly chatted with her about the technical departnt’s recent developnts before handing her a greeting card.
Smiling warmly, he said, “Ms. Mingli, I need you to visit a florist and order a bouquet of 99 red tulips. Place this card inside the bouquet, and deliver it to Wen Ruan after she gets off work.”
“Understood, President Tang! I promise it’ll be beautifully done,” Hu Mingli replied, eagerly taking the card and carefully placing it in her bag.
Tang Song opened his phone and tapped a few buttons. “I’ve transferred the money to your WeChat. Please check.”
“Ah… okay!” she nodded, pulling out her phone to check. Her eyes widened, and her voice trembled slightly. “President Tang… did you accidentally add an extra zero?”
“Wen Ruan is staying with Sister Ziqi right now, right? You three can have dinner together tonight. Consider the extra money a treat from . Oh, and keep in close contact with Wen Ruan, especially once she’s in Beijing. I’d like updates on her itinerary.”
“This… of course! Thank you, President Tang! You’re so generous!” Hu Mingli exclaid, her heart racing as she stared at the ¥10,000 transfer.
Zhuangzhuang, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and hold onto this man!
6:50 PM
A white Bentley Continental navigated through the bustling streets, its gleaming body reflecting the fiery orange-red of the sunset.
The car attracted countless admiring gazes as it passed by.
Following the GPS, Tang Song parked the car in a paid lot outside Beicheng Garden.
He stepped out, the balmy evening breeze brushing against his face.
Looking up, he saw rows of modern residential buildings. Beicheng Garden was a relatively new community, completed just two years ago, with excellent property managent.
The area was pedestrian-only, with cars restricted from entering the main grounds.
As Tang Song approached the east gate, he pulled out his phone to send a ssage to Xu Qing, letting her know he had arrived.
Buzz buzz buzz—
[Xu Qing]:
"(￣︶￣) I’m already at the east gate of the community! You’ll see when you get here!"*
Walking along the lively pedestrian path for less than a minute, Tang Song reached the east gate.
But Xu Qing was nowhere in sight.
Just as he was about to call her, a loud “Ah!” rang out from behind a pillar nearby.
Suddenly, Xu Qing jumped out, pulling a funny face.
“Hey! Did I scare you?” she teased, her face beaming with delight.
Tang Song’s brow twitched as he took in her appearance.
Twin-tails, a snug-fitting outfit, and playful makeup.
She looked just like she had during their university days, down to the bright and cheerful expression.
The wave of nostalgia hit him hard.
Xu Qing! Are you here to pitch for an investnt, or to debut on the stock market?
User Comments
0 comments from readers