novelraw Chapter 179: Floral Arrangement
Chapter 179: Floral Arrangement
Yuexiang Art Space, Second Floor.
Soft music filled the air, and a faint fragrance wafted through the space.
Everyone casually settled on the sofas in the hall, gently applauding.
The beaming Xu Xingchang took the microphone handed to him by the staff.
Standing in the center of the hall, he began his opening speech.
"Respected guests, good afternoon!"
"First, on behalf of all my colleagues at Yan Province Bank, I would like to extend the warmest welcome and heartfelt thanks to all our esteemed guests for taking the time to attend our private event amidst your busy schedules!"
"Yan Province Bank has always been committed to providing our clients with the highest quality financial services…"
Tang Song leaned back on the sofa, listening attentively to Xu Xingchang's speech.
This was his first time attending such a private event organized by a bank, and it felt very fresh.Besides promoting the bank's financial products, it also served as a platform for clients to expand their networks and exchange information.
The batch of high-net-worth clients invited by the bank mostly consisted of small and medium-sized enterprise owners like Xie Shuyu, Zhang Yurong, and Huang Yangming, who had a net worth of over ten million and possessed investment and financial capabilities, as well as connections.
In addition, there were also senior executives from large corporations like Su Ping.
The true top-tier wealthy individuals seldom attended gatherings held by local banks.
Tian Chengye was probably the highest-ranking person present.
To put it bluntly, as the CTO of Jinxiu Commerce, he also qualified for an invitation.
Of course, this was contingent upon him having an account with Yan City Bank and maintaining a deposit sufficient to reach the Black Diamond VIP level.
While Xu Xingchang was fielding questions from clients, Xie Shuyu leaned slightly toward Tang Song and whispered, "Little Song, when did you become the CTO of Jinxiu Commerce?"
Looking at her exquisite features and breathing in her pleasant scent, Tang Song leaned in closer and quietly explained, "About a month ago, I think. It was a decision by the board of directors, and I was just as surprised."
"That's impressive." Xie Shuyu nodded lightly, choosing not to say more.
As her emotions gradually stabilized, her demeanor returned to normal.
She had always admired Tang Song, which was why she wanted to help him expand his social circle.
Although she regretted missing the opportunity to recruit him, his growing success only proved that her judgment was correct.
As Xu Xingchang bowed in gratitude, Tian Chengye took the microphone, addressing the audience as a well-known independent investor and director of Zhongcheng Group, starting his speech.
The LED screens on the hall's walls switched images, displaying the theme of his speech for the day: "Independent Investment Perspective: Exploring the Path to Future Growth."
…
In addition to Tian Chengye, other speakers included the bank's senior financial advisors and experts in the financial sector.
They covered current hot topics in finance and investment.
The atmosphere in the hall was excellent, and the interactive segments were very engaging.
At 3 PM, the "Keynote Speech and Sharing" segment of the private event came to an end.
Xie Shuyu quietly said, "Tang Song, let’s go explore and chat with others."
"Sure." Tang Song was about to get up when the sofa next to him creaked.
A faint fruity fragrance filled his nose, emanating from a high-quality, fresh-scented perfume.
Turning his head, he saw the bright-eyed Little Jing looking at him.
Finally free from her father's constraints, she couldn't wait to sneak over.
Little Jing beamed, "Song, there’s a floral arrangement activity over there, and it looks beautiful! Shall we go have some fun together?"
As she spoke, her eyes inadvertently drifted to Tang Song's hands, admiring how good they looked!
She was well-versed in flowers and could teach him how to arrange them step by step.
In her eyes, this private event organized by the bank was incredibly boring.
Her father, who liked to show off and was burdened by the face of friends, had dragged her over to flaunt and enjoy the attention.
As a lovely and kind young girl, she wasn’t so mundane; what she looked forward to was intimate interaction with her heartthrob.
Tang Song softly said, "Little Jing, I still have some things to do. Why don't you go ahead and play first? I’ll come find you when I'm done."
Little Jing shrugged, "What do you want to do? I’ll accompany you!"
Saying this, she took Tang Song’s arm and stood up.
"Alright." Tang Song nodded.
He still had the task of 【Building Connections】 to complete, and today’s event was a perfect opportunity.
He just didn’t know how many of these connections could be deemed "meaningful" and positively impact his growth and development.
Xie Shuyu stood up, pressed her lips together.
Watching the two interact closely, she felt a bit uncomfortable for some reason.
However, she quickly adjusted her mindset and extended her hand, saying, "Hello, I’m Xie Shuyu, a friend of Tang Song."
Little Jing paused, then smiled, "Hello, I’m Tian Jing. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
The two exchanged polite handshakes.
Only then did Little Jing take a good look at the older girl, her eyes sparkling.
Stylishly sexy, elegantly mature, neat and tidy, dressed in a beautiful ladies' suit.
She looked a lot like Mei Yingli!
Too bad she wasn’t wearing glasses.
Come to think of it, she had cosplayed a JK version of Mao Lilan back in college.
If the two dressed up nicely, they could easily recreate the mother-daughter duo of Mei Yingli and Mao Lilan; that would be so much fun!
Who could Tang Song’s brother be?
Looking at the impeccably dressed Tang Song, Little Jing’s mind conjured up a bold idea.
Mao Li Xiaogou?
What the heck! Suddenly feeling embarrassed!
Just then, Zhang Yurong and Su Ping walked over, beaming with smiles, greeted Tang Song, complimented him with a few words, and proactively added him on WeChat, their attitudes shifting drastically from before.
Then, they naturally began chatting with Little Jing beside them.
……
Yan Jing Huating, Building 6, Unit 1, Apartment 601.
“Qianqian, my good sister, can I sleep in this room? Please!”
“Do you remember? When you first came to Yan City, who took you in, who shared a bed with you without charging you rent!”
He Liting clung to Zhao Yaqian’s waist, begging like a spoiled child.
This 180-square-meter four-bedroom apartment had the master bedroom and second bedroom facing south, while the guest bedroom and children's room faced north.
What He Liting wanted to occupy was the second bedroom, which was 20 square meters with an independent bathroom and small balcony.
Zhao Yaqian hesitated, saying, “Tingzi, there are other rooms, right? Those two rooms over there are quite nice too.”
“I’ve always wanted to live in a place like this. Just fulfill my wish since I’m your cousin!”
Zhao Yaqian bit her lip; the reason she hadn’t agreed yet was mainly that this room was right next to the master bedroom, and the balcony was only separated by a layer of glass.
If she and Tang Song did something raucous at night, her cousin might hear them, and that would be so embarrassing.
After thinking for a moment, she leaned in closer to He Liting’s ear and expressed her concerns.
He Liting’s eyes brightened instantly; she bit her lip, slightly blushing, and said, “Actually, I’m a bit hard of hearing. You don’t have to worry about me. Don’t worry, Qianqian, even if you guys are messing around on the balcony, I definitely won’t peek.
Besides, Tang Song is so strong; you might find it hard to handle.
If I, as a third party, watch, maybe you guys will have even more exciting experiences.”
As she spoke, she unconsciously swallowed hard. Check latest chapters at novęlfire.net
Images of Tang Song’s handsome face and tall, fit body flashed through her mind.
“Tingzi, what nonsense are you talking about!” Zhao Yaqian, furious and embarrassed, started tickling her.
He Liting, who stood only 165 cm tall, was no match for her.
To successfully move into the larger second bedroom, He Liting had to compromise, not daring to resist.
She was pinned down on the bed in the second bedroom and thoroughly dominated.
"Ding dong—" "Ding dong—"
The crisp doorbell rang.
The two hurriedly stopped their actions, fixing their messy hair and clothes.
Zhao Yaqian slipped on her slippers and “pat pat pat” ran over.
Seeing it was Lin Muxue through the visual doorbell, she smiled and opened the door, “Welcome, Little Xue! Mwah~! Come in and sit. We’ll head out later.”
After saying that, she hugged her tightly and planted a kiss on her cheek.
This afternoon, Zhao Yaqian officially resigned from Isha Beauty Salon, and the two had agreed to go shopping together.
“It’s fine, take your time. I’ll just look around and think about how to remodel the place.” Lin Muxue stepped in.
Zhao Yaqian sincerely praised her, “You look beautiful, Little Xue! Every time I see you, you’re dressed in a different style; it’s impressive.”
Lin Muxue was wearing a white short T-shirt and a gray body-hugging skirt; her chest was round and perky, her slim waist completely exposed.
After all, she made her living based on looks online, and Lin Muxue lived a very disciplined life, rarely staying up late during her occasional live streams.
With her standard A4 waist, her figure was very attractive.
“Bang!” Gently closing the armored door and changing her shoes, Lin Muxue’s gaze swept around.
She didn’t see Tang Song anywhere.
Pretending to be nonchalant, she asked, “Qianqian, today is Saturday, and it’s also your resignation day. Isn’t your boyfriend coming to accompany you?”
Zhao Yaqian smiled and replied, “Song Ge is attending a particularly important gathering today. He’s really busy, so I won’t disturb him.”
Lin Muxue’s expression stiffened slightly, feeling very disappointed.
In hopes of possibly encountering Tang Song, she had only eaten half a sandwich at lunch to ensure her stomach wouldn’t protrude.
After spending over two hours dressing up, wearing colored contacts, and trying on dozens of outfits, she just wanted to have some meaningful interaction with him and catch his attention.
In recent days, she had been updating her social media, and the photos she posted were getting bolder.
But not a single like!
She wasn't sure if Tang Song was still mad about the previous incident and had blocked her.
In their WeChat conversations, he only replied sporadically, leaving her feeling awkward and confused, yet not daring to directly address it.
After all, she had indeed been in the wrong.
At that moment, the tidy He Liting emerged from the second bedroom.
Seeing the graceful Lin Muxue, with her slender waist and long legs, her eyes twitched.
She nervously asked, “Qianqian, is this the good friend in finance you mentioned?”
Zhao Yaqian beamed, “Yes, this is Lin Muxue, the one I told you about. She’s amazing; she helped me with the trust signing and house inspection before.”
“Little Xue, this is my best friend and distant cousin, He Liting. You can just call her Tingzi.”
“Good afternoon, Tingzi.” Lin Muxue waved at her with a smile, her gaze scanning Little Jing up and down.
She was quite pretty, but her attire and demeanor were unremarkable, so she posed no threat!
He Liting licked her lips, looking directly at her, “Hello, Little Xue.”
She wasn’t unfamiliar with this girl.
Having worked at Yunxi Tower for a while, she had seen this stunning woman once or twice before.
Lin Muxue was flashy, dressed in designer clothes and carrying luxury bags.
Her colleagues would occasionally discuss her.
The problem was that she had become Qianqian’s friend, lived in this neighborhood, and would be around frequently.
He Liting couldn’t help but break a sweat for her cousin.
This Lin Muxue also worked at Yunxi Tower, making it too convenient to come and go.
She knew all too well about Tang Song’s charm.
Given his qualifications and appearance, which woman wouldn’t be captivated?
Considering the rich beauties and partners surrounding Tang Song, and then glancing back at the financial girl in front of her.
Unbelievable!
How could a simple beautician compete with them? Her only core advantage was her legs!
Lin Muxue didn’t think much of it; after a simple greeting, she began to wander around the room.
Taking photos with her phone from time to time, her eyes filled with admiration.
She had envisioned countless times what her future home would look like, and this place perfectly matched her ideals.
Once she helped Qianqian finish decorating, she could make a request for assistance.
However, she hadn’t yet decided whether to spill the beans.
After all, the blow to her image would be quite substantial.
Thinking about this, she felt a pang of frustration.
If only she had chosen to chat more with Tang Song back then, perhaps she could have everything now.
A million-dollar annual salary, traveling worldwide, luxury goods, a mansion…
Life stepping up a notch, all falsehoods could turn into reality.
……
"Our Yunshuihui’s hot spring is fantastic, Mr. Tang. If you have time, please come play. Just let me know, and I'll arrange everything perfectly."
“Thank you, Director Lin.”
Tang Song accepted the other party’s business card and membership card, chatted a bit more, and then turned to leave.
During the afternoon’s free networking time, the thirty or so attendees scattered among several activity areas.
Groups of three to five conversed about business, industry, companies, market trends, and investments.
With the help of Xie Shuyu and Tian Jing, Tang Song easily integrated into each small circle.
He collected a pile of business cards, membership cards, and WeChat friends.
There were logistics people, fresh produce vendors, internet entrepreneurs, physical store owners, and even a live-streaming internet celebrity.
After temporarily saying goodbye to Xie Shuyu, Tang Song had a cup of tea in the refreshment area.
Leaning against a chair, he opened the system interface and entered the task center.
Checking the details of the 【Building Connections】 task.
【Task Content: "Making connections not only allows you to… connect with 10 people who are meaningful to you."】
【Task Reward: Insight +1, Tang Song's glasses *1】
【Task Progress: 70%】
This meant, according to the system's statistics, that only 7 of these people met the requirements.
Tang Song gently stroked his chin, quickly grasping the situation.
The system's definition of effective connections likely went beyond just knowing helpful people.
It also required a mutually recognized, conversational relationship.
Closing the system interface, Tang Song set down his teacup and walked toward the floral arrangement area.
Upon entering, he immediately caught a rich floral fragrance in the air, refreshing and delightful.
In front of the stage stood a row of solid wood long tables, adorned with colorful flowers, elegant and artistic.
Several women were chatting in front of the long table, selecting, cutting, and arranging bouquets.
"Ding ding dong dong—" A gentle piano melody suddenly rang out.
Su Ping's assistant, Gao Junfeng, sat at a corner brown piano, playing the tune.
With his eyes half-closed, he appeared entranced, radiating an air of extravagance.
Tang Song chuckled, walking straight up to the long table, gently patting Little Jing’s head.
Little Jing turned around, her eyes sparkling, “Song, are you done?”
“Yeah, almost. Just came over to see you.” Tang Song flashed a bright smile and greeted the others nearby.
Little Jing’s eyes gleamed with excitement, "Then let me teach you how to arrange flowers!"
Tang Song nodded lightly, standing beside her.
Little Jing took his hand and gently squeezed it, beginning to teach him seriously.
“First, choose the main flower according to your preference…”
Tang Song listened quietly, occasionally asking small questions.
As the tinkling piano music played, the distance between them grew closer, and their hands would occasionally brush against each other, revealing an undeniable connection.
Since Little Jing's lightweight black dress was quite thin, he could even feel the texture of her outfit.
As the piano music softened, Gao Junfeng glanced at the two nestled together, nearly grinding his teeth in frustration.
Little Jing was clearly not a qualified teacher; she worked slowly.
Her face grew redder, her body slightly heated, and her speech became somewhat incoherent.
Halfway through the floral arrangement, she softly apologized in Japanese and quickly ran off to the restroom.