novelraw Chapter 281: Old Classmates, Boss
Chapter 281: Old Classmates, Boss
The taxi stopped outside the Orange Hotel (Yizhuang Bridge branch).
Wen Ruan stepped out and entered through the revolving door of the hotel.
She dialed Sun Simin's number while sitting in the lounge area.
After waiting for two or three minutes, she heard a slightly hurried set of footsteps.
"Ahhh! Ruan Ruan!"
A familiar voice accompanied the excited shout as a figure came running over.
Wen Ruan’s cheeks flushed with excitement. "Yangyang!"
“Wow, Ruan Ruan, your figure is still so amazing! Wait, no—it's even more incredible now! My goodness, I feel like your hips have grown several sizes! I’ve had a baby, and my changes weren’t this dramatic!”
Right after, Sun Simin also arrived.
The three former college roommates stood in the lounge, faces brimming with joy as they chatted excitedly.The last time they had reunited was at Liu Yang’s wedding. In the blink of an eye, over two years had passed.
Looking at her long-lost roommates, Wen Ruan felt a wave of nostalgia.
Liu Yang, who had given birth and now had a stable job, had gained some weight but carried an expression of pure happiness. After eight years in public service, she still had the same laid-back and carefree demeanor she always did, with little sign of change.
How wonderful.
"Are Yiran and Xiaomeng not here yet?" Wen Ruan asked. "I didn’t see them around."
"Since Wang Jiao lives in the capital and is pregnant, she didn’t stay here," Sun Simin explained. "As for Xiaomeng, her train’s this afternoon, so she’ll arrive in the capital quite late. Yiran said she’s too busy with work and couldn’t make it. She's earning well now, but she’s constantly working overtime or traveling for business—I feel tired just thinking about it."
In reality, Jiang Yiran was the most successful of their group. After earning her postgraduate degree, she and her husband started a small trading company. Riding a wave of economic opportunity, they made a fortune.
Of course, this was partly thanks to her family connections, which had paved the way in advance. But as their business grew, she became less able to step away.
At that moment, Sun Simin’s phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and quickly answered.
"Hello, Qingqing? Where are you now?" she asked softly.
"Oh, great, we’re in the lobby on the first floor."
"Got it, I’ll come get you."
After hanging up, Sun Simin smiled. "Do you remember Li Qingqing? She came to Daxing for business. When she heard we were meeting up, she decided to join us."
“Oh, Li Qingqing!” Liu Yang exclaimed. "I heard from some classmates that she now owns a chain of restaurants, right?"
Sun Simin shook her head. "Not quite. It wasn’t her business, but she met the owner of a restaurant chain at work. When they wanted to expand, they invited her to manage operations. She used her savings to buy a 5% share in the company. So now, she’s a small shareholder and in charge of market operations.
“A while back, her company wanted to invest in online advertising, so she reached out to Xingyun International through me. That’s how we reconnected.”
As a leader in the cultural media industry, Xingyun International dominated the advertising sector, covering traditional, outdoor, and online advertising channels. As a top-tier agent, it offered the most competitive rates.
“Oh, and you might not know this,” Sun Simin added with a grin, “but she dated Zheng Jinping for six months!”
Surprised, Wen Ruan nodded. She had heard of Zheng Jinping’s past relationships but hadn’t expected Li Qingqing to be one of them.
Back in college, Li Qingqing had been a shy, diligent girl who often worked part-time due to financial difficulties.
Meanwhile, Zheng Jinping was a flashy, slightly roguish classmate who loved being the center of attention. The two had barely interacted in school.
Who would have thought they’d end up dating?
The three chatted as they walked out of the hotel. Standing on the steps, they didn’t have to wait long before a black Audi A6L pulled into the parking area.
The car door opened, and a man and a woman stepped out.
Seeing the man emerge from the passenger seat, all three froze.
"Zheng Jinping?"
"Hello!" Zheng Jinping waved his hand. "I happened to run into her while waiting for the bus, so Qingqing gave me a lift."
Wen Ruan’s gaze quickly shifted to the woman stepping out of the driver’s seat.
It had been nearly eight years since they last met, and Li Qingqing had changed dramatically.
She wore a professional suit with high heels, her long hair styled into an elegant updo, and bright red lipstick accentuating her features. She exuded the aura of a mature, capable career woman.
“Qingqing! Haha, you’re even prettier now,” Sun Simin called out, waving enthusiastically.
“Simin!” Li Qingqing took a few quick steps forward, her eyes sweeping over the others. She smiled warmly. “Liu Yang, and... Wen Ruan! Long time no see, old friends.”
“Long time no see, Qingqing.”
“Yeah, it’s been a while.”
Though they had shared four years as classmates, the eight years without much contact had created a noticeable sense of distance.
Especially now—Li Qingqing was nothing like the shy girl she once was. Her demeanor was bold and assertive, with an almost overwhelming presence, which Liu Yang and Wen Ruan found a bit difficult to adjust to.
Li Qingqing’s gaze lingered on Wen Ruan.
Her sophisticated allure and graceful figure stood out even more against the ordinary appearance of Liu Yang and Sun Simin.
No wonder Zheng Jinping still seemed to carry a torch for her.
Sun Simin clapped her hands together with a laugh. “Alright, classmates, it’s still early for dinner. Let’s head upstairs and chat for a bit.”
"Sure, and someone else is coming later. We’ll all go eat together then."
The group went up to the fifth floor and entered Liu Yang’s room.
They settled in, sitting casually on chairs or the bed, and began chatting and reminiscing. Sun Simin even opened her QQ Space to show some old college photos.
Zheng Jinping stood quietly on the side, listening to their conversation. As memories of the past replayed in his mind, his expression grew a little dazed.
He had accepted the fact that Wen Ruan now had a boyfriend. But she had been his “White Moonlight” after all, and he still found it hard to let go completely.
Noticing his lingering gaze, Li Qingqing pressed her lips together, her eyes revealing a trace of discontent.
In college, Wen Ruan had been a standout in their program—exceptional in every way.
Meanwhile, Li Qingqing, hindered by her poor family background and shy personality, had been unremarkable. Even the boy she secretly liked, Zheng Jinping, had been infatuated with Wen Ruan.
Their relationship had started only because she pursued him first.
But disinterest couldn’t be forced. Li Qingqing never saw much love in Zheng Jinping’s eyes, and their relationship ended quickly.
Now, years later, meeting again, his gaze was still only for Wen Ruan.
It brought back all the feelings of inadequacy and frustration from their college days.
Taking a deep breath, Li Qingqing turned to Wen Ruan and asked, “By the way, Wen Ruan, are you still working in Yan City? What do you do?”
“I was a planner at a media company, but I just resigned a few days ago,” Wen Ruan replied calmly. “I suppose you could say I’m currently unemployed.”
Hearing this, Li Qingqing’s eyes flickered, and a faint smile played on her lips. Her mood lifted significantly.
Fate truly had a way of working things out.
Meeting again, the once dazzling Wen Ruan now seemed ordinary, blending into the crowd.
Meanwhile, Li Qingqing had achieved success and fulfilled the expectations she once had for herself.
The only thing that irked her was how Zheng Jinping still couldn’t move on from Wen Ruan.
Sun Simin quickly interjected, “Xingyun International is opening a branch in Yan City, and Wen Ruan is planning to transfer there. That’s why she left her job. She even had an interview with our group’s vice president today.”
Sun Simin knew her best friend well.
Though Wen Ruan appeared calm, she had always been confident and proud. She would never want her old classmates to see her in a moment of weakness.
“Oh? That sounds great too.” Li Qingqing covered her mouth and chuckled lightly. “The competition in the restaurant industry here in Beijing is fierce. We’ve been considering expanding to nearby areas, and Yan City happens to be the closest provincial capital. When I visit to survey the market, you, the local expert, have to host me.”
“No problem. Just let me know when you’re there,” Wen Ruan replied, her expression unchanged.
Li Qingqing opened her handbag and took out a business card, handing it over. “Here’s my contact information. Let’s add each other on WeChat later.”
Wen Ruan glanced at the card briefly.
[Beijing Hengsheng Catering Management Co., Ltd. – Marketing Manager, Li Qingqing]
…
The evening sky outside gradually dimmed.
Another roommate, Li Meng, arrived hurriedly. She was now working for a state-owned enterprise in Shenzhen, where she had settled down and was living a fulfilling life.
After all, Beijing Normal University was a prestigious school, and eight years after graduation, these classmates had all done reasonably well.
Wang Jiao, clasping her good friend’s hand, asked with concern, “Wen Ruan, how did the Xingyun International interview go? Do you think you have a good chance?”
Wen Ruan fell silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, “I haven’t met President Ji yet, so I’m not sure.”
She had no intention of owing Zhang Zihang any favors.
If she rejoined Xingyun International and received such favorable treatment through his connections, it would only confirm the baseless rumors from before.
It would be better to wait until she met Ji Qiuyu and cleared things up in person.
“I see. Alright,” Wang Jiao said, patting her shoulder in a comforting gesture. “If opportunities are scarce in Yan City, you could try your luck in Beijing. I have some connections here.”
After all, Xingyun International was a well-established corporation with strict hiring standards.
At 30 years old, unmarried and childless, Wen Ruan didn’t fit the profile of their ideal candidate. Over the years, she had seen and heard of many similar cases. This was why she had initially chosen a stable position at Beijing TV after graduation.
Sun Simin joined in to console her. “Don’t worry. With your abilities, you’ll be fine. Besides, my husband’s company is in HR consulting. Send me your resume, and I’ll make sure you’re taken care of!”
Hearing this, Li Qingqing suddenly smiled. “Wen Ruan, if you’re considering working in Beijing, feel free to send me your resume. We’re hiring for a managerial position in the operations department—it’s a good role and won’t be a step down for you.”
She glanced at Zheng Jinping as she spoke.
This offer was genuine. The idea of making Wen Ruan her subordinate was deeply satisfying—a way to thoroughly defeat her. Just thinking about it brought her immense pleasure.
“Thank you, but no,” Wen Ruan replied, looking at Li Qingqing. “I don’t want to leave Yan City.”
Wen Ruan was naturally perceptive, and she could easily detect Li Qingqing’s hidden agenda.
She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
Comparison is human nature. Unless they were truly close friends, most people seeing her current situation would feel a mix of pride and schadenfreude.
Knock, knock, knock—
A knock on the door interrupted the conversation.
Sun Simin stood up and opened it.
Just then, Zhou Bo walked in with a cheerful smile. “It’s almost dinner time, everyone! Get ready so we can head out. Oh, Wen Ruan, don’t forget to call your boyfriend over. He’s going to be my groomsman tomorrow, so I need to go over the schedule with him in advance.”
“Got it, Brother Bo.” Wen Ruan nodded, sharing the restaurant’s location with Tang Song.
Tomorrow was the wedding, and other college classmates who stayed in touch would attend. Tonight was just a casual gathering for the closest friends to catch up.
Hearing the conversation, Wang Jiao looked surprised. “Wen Ruan, when did you get a boyfriend?”
She had been preoccupied with her pregnancy and work lately and hadn’t kept in touch with the others, so she was unaware of Wen Ruan’s new relationship.
Sun Simin grinned and teased, “It’s a pleasant surprise, isn’t it? And not just any boyfriend—he’s a handsome, guitar-playing, singing heartthrob with an amazing physique. Oh, and he’s only 25.”
“What?! Wen Ruan’s in a relationship? This is huge!” Wang Jiao exclaimed excitedly. “Do you have a picture? Show me!”
Li Meng, equally curious, joined in. “I haven’t seen him either! Let me take a look too.”
Feeling both helpless and happy, Wen Ruan shrugged. She opened her phone gallery and found a few photos they’d taken during their trip in the capital, showing them to her friends.
“Ahhhh!” Wang Jiao’s eyes sparkled as she stared at the photos. “My goodness, he really is a heartthrob! I knew Wen Ruan was all about looks, and now she’s not even hiding it anymore—she’s gone all in with a younger guy!”
“Wow, his build and charisma are on point. Wen Ruan, you’re living the dream!”
“We’re genuinely in love,” Wen Ruan retorted, snatching her phone back. “Enough looking. He’ll be here soon, and you can meet him in person.”
Wang Jiao grabbed Wen Ruan’s hand, her face full of curiosity. “How did you meet? How long have you been together?”
“It was through a friend. We’ve been together for just over a month…” Wen Ruan gave a brief account of their relationship.
Since she had already decided to be with him no matter what, she felt less constrained about sharing their story.
Li Qingqing glanced at Zheng Jinping, whose mood seemed increasingly downcast, and asked, “Wen Ruan, what does your boyfriend do?”
Wen Ruan gave her a sidelong glance and replied lightly, “He’s mainly working on starting his own live-streaming e-commerce business and also does some part-time work.”
Wang Jiao beamed. “Oh, an ambitious and enterprising young man! That’s a good match for you, Wen Ruan.”
Li Qingqing commented, “Is he a live-streamer? I used to work at an MCN company.”
“He’s not a live-streamer, and I’m not entirely sure of the specifics,” Wen Ruan said softly, meeting Li Qingqing’s gaze. “Besides, I have my own career plans.”
“Alright, I’m just curious. My company is also expanding into that field. I can chat with him about it when he gets here,” Li Qingqing replied nonchalantly.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that Wen Ruan was trying to elevate her boyfriend’s status.
A guy who was so handsome and talented likely fell into the category of small-time internet celebrities she’d encountered before—people with limited skills and unstable incomes.
“Okay, enough chatting. Let’s go eat,” someone suggested.
“Yeah, I’m starving. Let’s go.”
…
Walking out of the hotel, they were greeted by the warm, muggy evening breeze.
The restaurant was only 300 meters away, so they decided to walk along the street instead of driving.
The setting sun cast a soft orange glow over the streets, enveloping everything in a warm, dreamy light.
With her wedding just a day away, Sun Simin was in high spirits as she walked ahead of the group. She tugged on Zhou Bo’s arm and asked with a smile, “Honey, is Zhang Zhiyong making it back to the capital today?”
Zhang Zhiyong was Zhou Bo’s original choice for a groomsman—a college classmate and now a colleague. The two had been good friends for years.
Zhou Bo glanced at his wristwatch and said with a smile, “He just got off the train and is on his way here. The guy has been working overtime like crazy these past few days to make up for the weekend schedule.”
“Haha, that’s good,” Sun Simin replied, though with a touch of exasperation. “Your company is great in many ways, but all this traveling is a pain. Can’t you ask to switch departments?”
Zhou Bo worked in the company’s research department, one of the most demanding roles, which often required him to travel across the country. Sometimes, a single trip could last for over two weeks.
“Ah, well…” Zhou Bo scratched his cropped hair awkwardly. “I’ve been hoping to move to the consulting services department, but I haven’t had the chance yet.”
Sun Simin pinched his arm playfully, her tone half-joking, half-serious. “You’re just too honest and don’t know how to curry favor with your bosses. Even if there was a chance, it wouldn’t come to you. Three years ago, you said you’d work hard to get into the consulting department, but here we are, and nothing has changed.”
Back then, during an organizational restructuring of the Promotion and Marketing Division, the outsourced agency was Bocai Yingrui. Given its deep capital connections, Zhou Bo and Sun Simin had met and gradually developed a relationship during that period.
It was Zhou Bo’s reliability and integrity that convinced Sun Simin to buy a house together with him, get married, and forego a dowry.
Sensing his wife was about to start another round of complaints about his work, Zhou Bo quickly pointed to the street. “It’s that Northeastern restaurant up ahead—super authentic, especially the sweet and sour pork. It’s incredible!”
Hearing this, everyone looked toward the restaurant.
Its clean and modern facade gave it a fresh and hygienic appearance.
At that moment, a sleek black Maybach glided into the parking spot in front of the restaurant.
The polished rims sparkled under the evening sun, and the low purr of the engine was faint yet distinct.
It immediately drew the attention of passersby.
The rear door opened gently, and a tall figure emerged.
The man wore a white T-shirt made of high-quality material, hinting at firm chest muscles and subtle contours beneath.
He paired it with sharply tailored trousers.
The setting sun cast its light from the side, outlining the graceful curve of his profile.
A defined nose, thin lips, and a prominent Adam’s apple completed the picture.
Wen Ruan’s face lit up with a radiant smile of delight.
Around them, the crowd couldn’t help but cast curious, envious glances.
He stepped toward the restaurant and pulled out his phone from his pocket.
Li Meng, stunned, exclaimed, “Wen Ruan, isn’t that your boyfriend?”
She had just seen his photo moments ago and recognized him immediately—even from just a side profile.
The others soon connected the dots.
Wang Jiao swallowed hard, her voice tinged with excitement. “Wen Ruan, does your boyfriend drive a Maybach?”
“Wait—this handsome younger boyfriend of yours—is he secretly a rich second-generation?”
“A 25-year-old tall, rich, and handsome boyfriend?! Wen Ruan, you’ve really hit the jackpot this time!”
Li Qingqing opened her mouth to speak but hesitated, unable to find the words.
At moments like these, a Maybach S680 speaks louder than any explanation.
Zheng Jinping felt a pang in his chest, his gaze dimming with a flicker of sadness.
Ring, ring, ring— Wen Ruan’s phone vibrated in her hand.
She answered it, raising her arm high and calling out, “Look to your right!”
On the steps of the restaurant, Tang Song turned, his eyes meeting hers.
Their smiles bloomed simultaneously.
After hanging up, Tang Song descended the steps, walking over to Wen Ruan and the group.
“Good evening, everyone,” Tang Song greeted them warmly, holding Wen Ruan’s hand with a gentle yet confident demeanor.
“Good evening, Tang Song.”
“Hello.”
After a round of quick introductions and polite small talk, Wang Jiao, Liu Yang, and the others couldn’t stop sizing up Wen Ruan’s boyfriend, their eyes full of curiosity.
Up close, his outstanding looks became even more apparent.
With finely chiseled features, a height of around 185 cm, broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and perfect proportions, he was strikingly handsome.
Although they had speculated earlier that he might be a streamer, meeting him in person made them discard that idea.
It was his aura—calm, composed, and brimming with the confidence of an elite professional—that set him apart.
And, of course, the commanding presence of the Maybach sealed the deal.
Everything about him screamed perfection.
Even Sun Simin, who had met Tang Song briefly before, was taken aback. Back then, he had been in a rush, with slightly messy hair and clothes. This time, he left an entirely different impression—refined and magnetic.
Li Qingqing bit her tongue, her heart swelling with a sourness she couldn’t quite suppress.
She had assumed Wen Ruan had lost her luster and become “just another ordinary person.”
Yet here she was, dating a man like Tang Song.
No wonder she didn’t fancy Zheng Jinping—there was no comparison.
Still, if Wen Ruan truly had such an extraordinary boyfriend, why would she need to come to Beijing for a job interview?
The group entered a private dining room in the Northeastern restaurant.
Li Qingqing teased with a smile, “Wen Ruan, were you deliberately keeping things from us? With a boyfriend who drives such a fancy car, he’s definitely not just running a live-streaming e-commerce business.”
Wen Ruan smiled faintly without responding.
In truth, there were many things she had never asked Tang Song about—his financial assets, family background, or romantic history.
This was because she had a clear understanding of her position and expectations. Since she wasn’t planning to marry him, knowing more would only make her feel more uncertain and conflicted.
Tang Song gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, raising his eyebrows slightly. “That Maybach isn’t mine. I own shares in a company here in the capital, and the car is provided by the company for transportation.”
“Oh, I see. Makes sense! The Audi I drive is also a company car,” Li Qingqing said, sitting up straighter and feeling a wave of relief.
It wasn’t unusual for companies to purchase luxury cars—for business receptions, enhancing their image, and most importantly, tax deductions.
Her company, for instance, owned a Bentley worth over 2 million yuan, though it was usually reserved for the boss. Occasionally, she got to ride in it when hosting important partners.
The others didn’t react too much to this revelation.
For them, it further confirmed that Wen Ruan’s boyfriend was exceptional—someone with assets in the capital.
Since the private room and the menu had been pre-booked, the dishes were served shortly after they sat down.
The portions were generous, and the dishes were beautifully presented, fragrant, and mouthwatering.
The old classmates clinked glasses and began eating, chatting as they went.
While the main focus of the conversation was Sun Simin and her upcoming wedding, much of it inevitably shifted to Tang Song.
Li Qingqing took the opportunity to ask about topics like “live-streaming,” “supply chains,” “operations,” and “corporate structures.”
With her diverse career background, including a stint at a live-streaming company, she was well-versed in these areas.
As the conversation went on, she watched Tang Song speak eloquently, and her expression grew more complex.
Setting aside her jealousy toward Wen Ruan, she had to admit that this man was genuinely captivating.
His bright, sharp eyes, energetic demeanor, and poised confidence stood out.
He spoke with clarity and conviction, laced with just the right amount of humor.
His insights into the live-streaming and e-commerce industry were deep and precise, often illustrated with specific examples.
It was evident that he wasn’t just showy but truly knowledgeable.
Listening to him, you couldn’t help but feel his self-assurance, intelligence, and high emotional intelligence. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the Nove1Fire.net
He seemed to radiate light.
Even if a man like this weren’t exceptionally handsome, his qualities alone would make him extraordinarily attractive.
The others were visibly impressed as well, their eyes lighting up as they glanced at Tang Song and chimed in with questions or comments.
From a corner of the room, Zheng Jinping sighed softly, his expression gradually relaxing.
The White Moonlight of his college days had seemingly found her happiness, and he genuinely wished her well.
At least for now, it seemed that Tang Song was a good match for Wen Ruan.
Wen Ruan wore a gentle, happy smile throughout, her warmth radiating visibly.
Introducing an outstanding boyfriend to her family, colleagues, and friends had always been something she’d yearned to do.
Now, watching Tang Song chat amiably with her college friends, her heart felt sweet and content.
In the capital, at this moment, he was entirely hers.
“Ring, ring, ring—”
An urgent phone call interrupted the mood.
“Excuse me, I need to take this,” Zhou Bo said apologetically as he answered the call.
“Hello, Zhiyong?”
“Mm-hmm, we’re in Room 210. Just come straight in.”
After hanging up the phone, Zhou Bo returned to his seat, chuckling. “My friend and colleague just arrived. He came straight from the train station, hasn’t eaten yet, and since he lives in the nearby complex, he decided to join us for a meal.”
“Perfect timing! He’s more than welcome—we haven’t eaten much yet.”
The group paused their meal, awaiting his arrival.
A few moments later—
Knock, knock, knock—
The door to the private dining room was pushed open, and a slim young man walked in.
He appeared to be in his early thirties, with neatly defined features and an average build. Dressed in business attire and carrying a laptop bag, his forehead was glistening with sweat—a travel-worn look.
“Zhiyong, sit here!” Zhou Bo stood up, pulling out the chair beside him.
“Sure!” Zhang Zhiyong responded promptly, hanging his backpack on the chair and settling down.
Sun Simin grabbed a few tissues and handed them over. “Thanks for coming all this way, Zhiyong. It’s a big favor for us to have you here.”
“Thank you, Sister-in-law.” Zhang Zhiyong grinned as he accepted the tissues. “Bo-ge’s wedding is a major event! I already feel bad for not helping with much, so there’s no way I’d miss the ceremony!”
After gulping down some cold water, Zhang Zhiyong let out a long breath of relief, finally feeling more comfortable in the summer heat despite his suit.
He lifted his head, smiling as he greeted the table. “Hello, everyone, I’m—”
Before he could finish, his smile froze abruptly.
He shot to his feet with a loud thud, knocking over his chair with a resounding bang.
The sudden commotion startled everyone.
“What’s wrong, Zhiyong?”
“Did the chair break?”
“What happened?”
Zhang Zhiyong’s face flushed red with excitement. His lips trembled as he looked at Tang Song across the table, stammering, “T-Tang… President Tang! W-why are you here?”
Though his words were halting, his voice rang loudly, silencing the room.
Everyone was stunned.
“You are…?” Tang Song raised an eyebrow, clearly not recognizing him.
Zhang Zhiyong took a deep breath, his voice both thrilled and anxious. “I’m Zhang Zhiyong from Bocai Yingrui’s Research Department. I’ve been stationed at the Yan City branch recently. We briefly crossed paths during a meeting you and President Li held at the company.”
Although “crossed paths” was an exaggeration—in reality, he’d merely stood up with other staff to watch Tang Song walk past—Zhang Zhiyong was bursting with excitement.
“Oh?” Tang Song’s brows lifted slightly. “So, you work for Bocai Yingrui?”
“Yes! I even conducted a talent background check for your Songmei Fashion project!” Zhang Zhiyong could barely contain his excitement, his heart pounding.
Meeting Tang Song in such a casual setting felt like a life-changing opportunity.
Zhou Bo glanced between Zhang Zhiyong and Tang Song, his voice filled with surprise. “Zhiyong, is Tang Song one of our company’s clients?”
He knew about his friend’s recent work trips to Yan City, and it seemed like quite the coincidence to run into Tang Song here.
Zhang Zhiyong grimaced slightly, a hint of nervousness flashing in his expression.
During the company’s previous equity restructuring, there had been plenty of speculation in the office. However, the leadership hadn’t disclosed the shareholder details, and the corporate registry hadn’t yet been updated.
It wasn’t until operations in Yan City expanded that the identity of the company’s largest individual shareholder began to circulate internally, including Tang Song’s name.
Zhou Bo, busy with wedding preparations, must have missed those discussions.
Kicking Zhou Bo lightly under the table, Zhang Zhiyong spoke in a tense yet eager tone. “That’s correct, but President Tang is also Bocai Yingrui’s major shareholder—he’s our boss!”
Boom!
The revelation hit Zhou Bo like a thunderclap, leaving him momentarily disoriented, as if the world around him had blurred.
Sun Simin shot to her feet, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.
The others also turned their heads in unison, their astonished gazes locking onto Tang Song.
Thanks to Sun Simin’s connections, they all had some understanding of Bocai Yingrui—a well-known consulting and management firm backed by Deju Renhe and Jingwu Capital.
But to learn that Tang Song was Bocai Yingrui’s major shareholder? It was almost incomprehensible.