Paris ti, 5:30 PM.
16th Arrondissent apartnt, master bedroom.
The sky had completely darkened.
Only a few dim yellow floor-standing ambient lamps were lit in the room, the heavy velvet curtains tightly closed.
The air still floated with a damp and decadent scent.
The large bed was in complete disarray.
Su Yu curled up amidst the crumpled bedding, her eyes half-closed.
Her stunning face was filled with a dazed and lazy expression.
Her fragrant shoulders and arms exposed outside the quilt were clearly imprinted with patches of red marks.
At this mont, she was like a cat that had eaten and drunk its fill, its bones thoroughly kneaded loose.
All sharp edges shed, leaving only the coquettishness and obedience that seeped from her very bones.
Even though utterly exhausted, her long legs still instinctively entwined around Tang Song's legs.
Her crystal-clear toes occasionally and unconsciously hooked and rubbed against his calf, as if confirming he was still there.
Tang Song leaned against the headboard, not faring much better than her.
His upper body was crisscrossed with scratch marks, so even oozing tiny beads of blood.
Those were traces left by Su Yu when she lost control.
He wiped his face, feeling only a slight ache in his lower back.
It felt like his body had been hollowed out.
Before coming to Paris.
The [Magical Little Raincoat] had just refreshed to full capacity, and there was still 1 precious bottle of [Recovery Potion] stored in the system warehouse.
But now...
The [Recovery Potion] was long gone.
[Magical Little Raincoat (Durability: 33/40)]
He really couldn't be blad entirely for lacking willpower.
Thinking back to the scenes from before, Tang Song still felt a lingering fear, even a tingling down his spine.
What he had faced was a Su Yu who had waited bitterly for five years.
She didn't care about pain, even reveled in it.
The pent-up desire that erupted was so scorching it was blinding.
Even more terrifying was her attribute panel.
A staggering 81 points of Stamina, supplented by a series of skills like [Heavenly Voice], [Silver Tongue], and [Siren's Waist]...
She was essentially a living succubus.
Even Tang Song was forcefully anchored at the eye of this storm by her.
Of course, what truly shocked Tang Song was her acting skills.
Or rather, that kind of empathy and insight that went bone-deep.
She could instantly switch between any deanor and tone of voice.
One mont she was an aloof, untouchable ice fairy, the next she was a pitiful creature begging...
Her sharp perception always caught every subtle change in him.
Often, just as his eyes flickered, she already knew what he wanted, what kind of voice, what kind of posture to use to give him the most extre stimulation.
She had even prepared all sorts of outfits in the walk-in closet.
She was a born enchantress and a perfect lover.
Tang Song secretly made a comparison in his heart.
So far, among all the won he had personally experienced, Su Yu's "practical combat ability" was undeniably at the top, the absolute ceiling of combat power.
Even Big Sister Wen Ruan would be slightly inferior in front of her.
After all, Wen Ruan's system cultivation direction was "dia Queen/Business Support," her skill tree focused on emotional intelligence and managent.
Whereas Su Yu's "All-Round Female Celebrity" path was essentially born for "pleasing" and "performing."
Of course, this madness had finally been vented.
She had even proactively sought out a doctor, seemingly planning for sustainable developnt and not intending to be this crazy again.
"Huff..."
Tang Song let out a soft sigh, looking at the female celebrity beside him, a flash of heat passing through his eyes.
If in the future...
The female celebrity and Big Sister joined forces.
If he didn't use cheats, he'd probably really be unable to hold his head up.
It seed that improving Stamina still couldn't stop.
He also needed to figure out a way to see if he could get more [Recovery Potions].
What a sha, as his Charm rating increased, the system's auxiliary effects seed to be diminishing bit by bit.
For example, the system shop, daily tasks, and challenge tasks hadn't been triggered for a long ti.
But this was reasonable.
Those tasks and items were essentially to aid his growth.
Right at this mont.
"Buzz, buzz, buzz..."
The phone on the bedside table suddenly vibrated.
Tang Song, quick-eyed and swift-handed, grabbed the phone and pressed the volu down button.
Caller ID: [Dad].
He instinctively glanced at Su Yu.
She only frowned, turned over, and moved her leg off him.
Tang Song got out of bed, walked barefoot to the balcony, and answered the call.
"Hey, Dad?" His voice carried a hint of hoarseness.
"Little Song! Am I disturbing your work?" On the other end, Tang Jianying's voice was loud, brimming with barely suppressed excitent. "I specifically checked the world clock; it's quitting ti over in France now, so you shouldn't be busy, right?"
"Right, not busy." Tang Song looked out at Paris's deepening night, smiling. "It's past midnight back ho, isn't it? Why aren't you asleep yet?"
"Ah! I'm just too excited to sleep!" Tang Jianying's booming voice made the receiver vibrate. "Little Song, that... the Chairwoman of Tang Yi Precision! That Ouyang Xianyue who's often on TV! She actually ca to our house this afternoon! Oh my, you have no idea, she brought so many gifts, said she was your good friend, and specifically ca to see us!"
Tang Song's heart stirred slightly. "Hmm, I know about that. She ntioned to she might pass by Jing County during her inspection trip to Quancheng. But her schedule was tight, timing uncertain, so I didn't tell you in advance."
"You kid! How could you not ntion such a big deal!" Although Tang Jianying was complaining, his tone was full of joy. "Chairwoman Ouyang didn't put on any airs at all, she was so warm! Just like our own family relative..."
The receiver carried his father's chattering account, his tone full of feeling flattered and overwheld.
He even unconsciously started calling her "Xianyue."
"I know, Dad. I'll pass on your praises to her when I see her next ti." Tang Song replied with a smile.
"Ah, no need, no need!" Tang Jianying hurriedly said, then his tone beca a bit more serious. "Listening to Xianyue talk about your affairs today, your mom and I finally realized... how accomplished you really are. She said you started working on artificial intelligence right after graduating? And you're collaborating with her Tang Yi Precision? Even... involving strategic levels?"
"She said because your project is too important, too advanced, involves classified information, so you had to keep it secret before, couldn't tell the family the truth, couldn't show your wealth..."
"Ah, your mom and I used to worry blindly, afraid you'd gone astray outside, wondering how you suddenly had money. Now we understand! You're contributing to the country! Son, you're doing great! We're proud of you!"
"In the future, when you're outside, keep secrets when you need to, don't worry about ho."
Hearing his dad's words.
Tang Song was montarily stunned, a flicker in his eyes.
National strategy?
Good grief, Sister Ouyang, you're really sothing!
This move not only reassured his parents but also provided a perfect and indisputable, reasonable explanation for his currently overly abrupt rise to prominence in front of local governnt and relevant circles.
For the current Tang Song, the biggest vulnerability wasn't the logic at the business level.
Stories of prodigious youths erging out of nowhere weren't unheard of in capital circles.
The real hidden danger lay with his close family who knew his roots.
And now, with Ouyang Xianyue and the golden prestige of "Tang Yi Precision" personally stepping forward to vouch for him, all doubts vanished.
Tang Song stood on the balcony, his gaze calm, but his expression sowhat subtle.
In the system's evaluation, Ouyang Xianyue was, at her core, an extrely traditional woman.
Coming from an aristocratic family, she valued legitimacy more than anyone, and cared more than anyone about external perceptions and reputation.
All these years, she had maintained the image of a "pure, chaste, and aloof" widow, even stating publicly in interviews that "this life is already dedicated to the country, marriage is no longer considered."
Thus winning countless praises and admiration.
Now that she had other thoughts, she naturally also hoped to proceed "openly and honorably."
The opinions of Secretary Jin, Su Yu, Wu Kezhi, and others might be secondary.
Even his own attitude wasn't the most crucial.
In Ouyang Xianyue's heart, what probably weighed the most was the recognition from Tang Song's parents and family.
This lady, deeply versed in human relationships and the ways of power and scheming, personally visiting his ho, facing his parents with such a humble and gentle deanor, was definitely not just a simple "passing by to visit."
She was using the softest yet most effective way to pave the road with his family in advance.
It would also help him resolve so potential issues.
Just as Tang Song was deep in thought.
The sound of fabric rustling ca from behind.
He turned around and saw Su Yu getting out of bed.
She wore only a sheer black camisole as a base layer, with extrely short lace hot pants below.
Under the dim light, large areas of snowy, delicate skin were exposed to the air.
Traces of lingering red marks still remained on them.
This sense of fragility intertwined with the innate cool and aloof aura about her, exuding a heart-stopping beauty of cruel allure.
Su Yu didn't answer. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her amber eyes sparkling with starlight.
"Just now... you seed to be talking about Sister Xianyue with our dad?"
The phrase "our dad" was uttered with utter naturalness, as if she had long been part of this family, without any sense of being an outsider.
Hearing this, Tang Song felt a warmth in his heart, the corner of his mouth involuntarily lifting. "Hmm, sharp ears. Ouyang is inspecting Quancheng, made a detour to Jing County to visit my parents."
"Ah..."
Su Yu let out a light laugh of ambiguous aning.
She slowly rose and walked towards him.
Perhaps because her body hadn't fully recovered, her steps were sowhat unsteady and shaky.
But that top-tier poise etched into her bones made her breathtakingly beautiful even in weakness.
With each light step, her full chest rose and fell gently under the thin fabric, her waist swaying gracefully, each step seeming to tread on the tip of his heart.
Su Yu took the opportunity to fall into his embrace, her scorching body pressing against his chest, her arms encircling his waist, her chin resting against his heart.
She looked up, her eyes dazed yet revealing an all-seeing intelligence.
"Stealing ho base?" Tang Song raised an eyebrow, his fingers gently caressing the delicate skin on the small of her back, as if playing with a piece of fine jade.
"Of course. Sister Xianyue, she's far from as proper and desireless as she appears on the surface. She's just too reserved."
The corner of Su Yu's mouth curled into a mocking curve.
"She saw you going to New York to date Jin ixiao, then saw you coming to Paris to celebrate my birthday. She's anxious, she must be scratching her heart out inside, can't sit still anymore. So she went to et the in-laws ahead of ti, to stake her claim."
Tang Song was montarily speechless, his expression sowhat complicated.
Moreover, Ouyang Xianyue and Su Yu were long-ti good friends; he had introduced them back then.
But Su Yu seed to see through his thoughts, her eyes deep and infatuated:
Her voice was bewitching like a siren's: "I've said it, Tang Song. In front of , you don't need to have any reservations, nor any pretense. Your desires, your darkness... I love them all to the point of obsession."
The love brimming in those eyes was so intense it almost suffocated him.
"That's right. Making her feel sothing for you is a good thing." Su Yu leaned close to his ear, her warm breath spraying against his earlobe. "Although I really dislike that control freak Jin ixiao, there's one thing she's right about: guard against others. Since she's delivering herself to your doorstep, then go conquer her, conquer her both physically and ntally."
A man's desire for conquest and hidden thrill were ignited into a raging wildfire by her words.
Su Yu smiled gently, her eyes shifting: "See, you're thinking about it again? So impressive, Tang Song..."
Her hand restlessly slid downward, pressing against his ear, her breath fragrant like orchids: "Qiuqiu is right next door, you know. If you want... I can call her over right now. If it's you, she absolutely won't refuse. As long as you're happy, I'll do anything..."
Tang Song's Adam's apple bobbed. He abruptly grasped the back of Su Yu's head and lowered his head to fiercely kiss her lips.
Their breaths mingled, still uneven.
"Su Yu." A shadowy depth churned in Tang Song's eyes. "Right now, I just want to be with you properly. As for other things... we'll talk later."
He might be a scoundrel, but he still valued deep feelings, and he truly loved the female celebrity.
If, at this mont, in her private residence, he slept with Qiuqiu as well, that would really be inhumane.
Although... Qiuqiu really wouldn't mind.
Last night, and today during the day.
Because of the [Dream Flower Seed], he had seen Qiuqiu eavesdropping outside the door, and the flower sprout growing bit by bit.
In a way, Qiuqiu was really quite similar to Su Yu.
Even their underlying personalities had so similarities.
"Mhm." Su Yu obediently leaned against his chest. "I'm just telling you, when facing you, my bottom line is that there is no bottom line. I only want the real you."
Looking at the woman in his arms, Tang Song felt he was teetering on the edge of a crazed abyss.
But this feeling... was truly intoxicating.
Who could refuse a woman like this?
Outwardly an aloof, top-tier superstar, yet in his arms, she was his exclusive, yielding to his every demand.
Even willing to sacrifice everything, even so-called morality and principles, just to please him.
He also understood why the system required 90 points of Charm to fully unlock [Female Celebrity].
This woman was practically a fem fatale who could topple kingdoms.
Even the most willful ruler would likely succumb in her gentle embrace.
She buried her face in the crook of his neck, her voice muffled but each word clear. "I will never hurt you, nor will I ever beco your burden."
"I know I can't monopolize you forever... Jin ixiao would be unhappy, others would have criticisms."
"I'll be very careful, very obedient. After returning to China, when I miss you, I'll call you, video chat with you."
She looked up, her amber eyes shimring with watery light, gently tugging at the corner of his shirt:
"I want you to accompany , not just that kind of 'accompanying.' It's... I want to hear you talk about your past."
"Starting from when you were little... which row you sat in elentary school, who your deskmate was; what your first fight was about, if you won or lost; your story with Liu Qingning, if you ever passed her notes in class..."
"I want to hear it, want to hear it desperately."
"We can go to the recording studio together, write songs while talking; we can walk slowly by the Seine; or just right here on this bed, the sofa in the living room, that big bathtub..."
"You hold , and tell your stories."
"Let eat the past you, bit by bit, into my body too."
Seeing the nearly pathological depth of affection in her eyes.
......
December 28, 2023, Thursday.
United Kingdom, London, Farnborough Airport.
2:30 PM.
A Gulfstream G650ER business jet with understated livery pierced through the clouds and ca to a gentle stop on the private tarmac.
The cabin door opened, and the damp, earthy chill of the British wind rushed over her.
Wen Ruan tightened her overcoat, holding a sowhat vintage Hermès briefcase.
Beside the tarmac, a black Rolls-Royce Phantom with special license plates stood quietly.
Two people stood by the car.
One was a familiar face in a sharp black professional suit, efficient and capable: Shangguan Qiuyas.
The other was a tall, burly security chief in a black suit, wearing an earpiece.
Seeing Wen Ruan descend, Shangguan Qiuyas' face broke into a bright, appropriate smile. She proactively stepped forward two steps. "Long ti no see, Wen Ruan. The journey must have been tiring. Welco to London."
"Don't ntion it, it's my duty. You know, I've been following Director Jin in London recently, handling so European affairs."
After exchanging a few pleasantries and completing entry procedures.
The car slowly started, drove out of the airport, and sped towards central London.
In the back seat of the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Shangguan Qiuyas took a bottle of warm water from the car fridge and handed it to Wen Ruan.
Seizing the opportunity to start a conversation:
"Regarding this visiting scholar itinerary at Oxford University's Saïd Business School, Director Jin has personally inquired and arranged everything. You just need to follow the procedure."
"Mhm, I understand." Wen Ruan took the water, took a small sip, a look of genuine satisfaction and anticipation appearing on her face.
Last Friday, at the shareholders' eting of [Xingyun International Group] held in the Imperial Capital, she was formally elected as the new Chairwoman with unanimous votes.
After all, she had three mountains standing behind her—Jin ixiao, Ouyang Xianyue, Su Yu.
Oh wait, if you counted that always-backstage Tang Song, that made four mountains.
With the equity consolidation and proxy agreent signed.
She now nominally and substantially controlled nearly 40% of the shares.
She was the undisputed largest shareholder.
Coupled with her titular position at the [Tangjin Family Office].
After sorting out the group's power structure and next year's strategy, she accepted the invitation from the Family Office's education foundation and flew non-stop to London.
Although this was just a "gilding" trip arranged by Tang Song, even thoughtfully equipped with a doctoral team for assistance.
She was, after all, a proper top student with a bachelor's degree, having worked her way up in the dia industry for years.
She had practical experience, ability, and confidence.
She hoped to seize this opportunity, utilizing Oxford's top-tier academic resources and circles to truly elevate her vision and perspective.
Director Jin, currently in London, had proactively extended the invitation.
For anyone, this was an imnse honor, an exceptionally special courtesy.
Her father had long served as a senior advisor to the World Bank, her mother taught at Cambridge University for many years, her students were spread all over the world.
With her personal recomndation, Wen Ruan's visit would no longer be a simple gilding, but a direct opening of the path to the European top-tier academic and social circles.
3:30 PM.
Kensington Palace Gardens.
The car entered this street hailed as "Billionaires' Boulevard." Lining the road were not only various embassies but also several residences belonging to royal family mbers.
It finally stopped in front of a white Victorian-style mansion.
No gilded opulence, only the tranquility and heavy sedintation of ti.
Shangguan Qiuyas helped her hang up her coat, saying softly, "Please wait a mont. Director Jin is in a video conference, it will end soon. Would you like sothing to drink?"
"Hot water is fine, thank you."
Wen Ruan sat down on the sofa.
Shangguan Qiuyas soon brought a cup of hot water, then quietly kept her company nearby.
Wen Ruan curiously looked around.
This was an extrely British-style living room, vintage and elegant.
In the corner, a Steinway grand piano held a bouquet of white roses with dew, their subtle fragrance floating in the air.
"Tap, tap, tap—"
A series of light, rhythmic footsteps ca from the spiral staircase on the second floor.
Wen Ruan instinctively stood up and looked over.
Secretary Jin was slowly descending.
Being at ho, she wasn't dressed formally.
Her long hair was casually tied up with a hairpin at the back, revealing her long, fair neckline.
She wore those gold-rimd glasses, holding a book in her hand.
She seed less coldly decisive in action, more imbued with a unique leisure and languor of a winter afternoon.
The whole person looked intellectual, graceful.
"Director Jin." Wen Ruan gave a slight bow.
Secretary Jin walked up to her, that trademark, inscrutable smile on her face.
She very naturally sat down in the single armchair opposite Wen Ruan.
Her posture relaxed, legs crossed, her gentle gaze falling on Wen Ruan.
"Quite smoothly. After all, I've worked at the company for so many years, everything is on track." Wen Ruan sat up straight, answering obediently.
"London's winter is like this, gloomy and damp, you'll need to adjust to it."
"It's my first ti, I find it has a unique charm. Passing Hyde Park earlier, the misty scenery was beautiful."
The two chatted about trivial daily matters like old friends who hadn't t in a long ti, the atmosphere unexpectedly harmonious.
Secretary Jin behaved with great familiarity and naturalness, even could be described as gentle.
This made Wen Ruan feel extrely flattered.
Secretary Jin pushed the heavy book in front of her over, tapping the cover with her fingertip. "For you."
It was an English original edition of "The Theory of Moral Sentints" by Adam Smith.
The cover was sowhat worn, looking like a collector's edition.
"Thank you, Director Jin." Wen Ruan was sowhat surprised, but accepted it solemnly.
"This book was my mother's teaching blueprint when she lectured at Cambridge. In business, you can't just read 'The Wealth of Nations.' Sotis, moral sentint and empathy are the cornerstone that determines how far you can go. Read it when you have ti."
"I will definitely read it carefully and respectfully." Warmth spread in Wen Ruan's heart.
After quite a while, Wen Ruan's previously heart-in-her-throat feeling finally completely settled.
It seed probably because Tang Song's performance in New York had greatly satisfied this empress, even she, this little lover, was basking in the reflected glory.
"Clink."
Secretary Jin gently placed the red teacup back on the tray, emitting a crisp, faint sound.
She leaned forward slightly, her gaze through the lenses staring directly at Wen Ruan, her tone suddenly becoming sowhat businesslike:
The smile on Wen Ruan's face froze.
Her heart "thumped."
Here it cos.
What must co will co.
She certainly knew what the other was referring to.
Yesterday afternoon, her encrypted email received a docunt from the [Tangjin Family Office]—"Proposal Regarding Structural Adjustnt and LP Share Exchange of the Pan-Entertainnt Fund."
The signatory of this proposal was Ouyang Xianyue.
The core content of the proposal was very direct and sensitive:
As transaction consideration, no cash paynt would be made. Instead, these assets would be discounted and exchanged for LP (Limited Partner) shares in the [Pan-Entertainnt Fund].
Although the docunt didn't explicitly state it, as an industry insider, she knew perfectly well.
This company held a large amount of copyrights, channels, and connections Su Yu had accumulated at major film festivals in Hollywood and Europe.
The essence of this proposal was to have Su Yu "join with assets."
Formally promoted to a core fund partner of the [Tangjin Family Office].
This was a blatant co-option and ascension.
It was also a formal assist launched by Ms. Ouyang on the occasion of Su Yu's birthday.
After all, Tang Song had formally entered the Family Office, and was now in Paris celebrating Su Yu's birthday. This was simply perfect timing and conditions.
"I received it." Wen Ruan's sense of nervousness instantly returned, her palms sweating slightly.
Secretary Jin adjusted her glasses, a smile of inscrutable emotions playing on the corner of her mouth. "This resolution involves the fundantal interests of the group, requiring statents from the executive committee and sector heads. You are the Chairwoman of Xingyun International; the pan-entertainnt sector is your domain. I want to know... what is your attitude?"
Hearing this, ten thousand horses instantly galloped through Wen Ruan's heart.
Holy crap! Making take the bla again?!
I, Zhuangzhuang, just ca here to visit as a scholar, to gild myself a bit, who did I offend?
Su Yu wants to enter, Ouyang wants to push her in.
Director Jin, who has always held the reins of power, definitely doesn't want Su Yu to enter.
Wen Ruan's face changed unpredictably. She took a deep breath, and due to nervousness, her ample chest rose and fell violently with her breathing.
"Just say it directly." Secretary Jin said lightly. "I just want to hear your opinion. Don't have any reservations."
Struggling for a mont, Wen Ruan gritted her teeth. "Director Jin, I... personally believe this proposal is reasonable. The overseas expansion of Xingyun International and Tang Entertainnt is imperative. If the resources in Su Yu's hands remain outside the system, they could beco a huge and uncontrollable variable, even potentially be exploited by competitors..."
In the end, she still followed her true feelings, said what needed to be said.
The living room fell into complete silence.
Two seconds.
"Hmm, okay, I understand."
Secretary Jin's voice remained calm, even carrying a hint of ease.
Wen Ruan opened her mouth, wanting to explain sothing, but montarily didn't know where to start.
Secretary Jin looked at her as-if-facing-a-great-enemy appearance, the amusent in her eyes gradually deepening, flickering with an unfathomable aning.
After a long while, she suddenly broke into a smile, stunningly beautiful.
"Since you agree, then I'll give you face. This matter, I agree too."
She abruptly raised her head, her expression managent sowhat out of control.
Just... just agreed?!
My face?!
You must know, in previous years, how long had Ms. Ouyang and Su Yu tried openly and covertly, how many tis had they probed?
All were blocked by Director Jin with various reasons.
This was an insurmountable chasm!
Everyone treated it as a formidable enemy.
What kind of absurd plot developnt is this?
My Zhuangzhuang's face is actually bigger than my chest?!
User Comments
0 comments from readers