novelraw Chapter 283: The Quiet Wedding Morning
Chapter 283: The Quiet Wedding Morning
Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Auspicious for weddings. Clear skies. Temperature: 25–38°C.
At 5:00 a.m., the city began to awaken from its nighttime stillness.
"Ring-ring-ring—"
The soft chime of the alarm clock sounded.
Tang Song’s eyes snapped open. He reached for the phone on the bedside table and silenced the alarm.
As he turned back, he was greeted by a pair of alluring, drowsy eyes.
A bright smile spread across his face. "Good morning, Zhuangzhuang."
"Ding-dong—"
The phone in his hand vibrated, a notification alerting him to a new message."[China Merchants Bank] Your account ending in 6800 has received a deposit of RMB 6,400 on July 1st at 05:00."
Tang Song’s mood lifted instantly.
Starting the day with some "little money" flowing in always felt reassuring, even though he hardly needed it anymore. It gave him a sense of stability, security, and comfort.
"Good morning," Wen Ruan murmured through a yawn, her voice carrying the soft, sticky sweetness unique to early mornings.
Her dense, chestnut-colored hair cascaded over her bare skin, adding a striking vibrancy to her appearance.
Tang Song licked his dry lips and gently cupped Wen Ruan’s peach-shaped curves. "Zhuangzhuang, can you call me that again?"
The deftness of his fingers brought a blush to her cheeks.
Biting her lower lip lightly, Wen Ruan rolled her eyes dramatically and gave his chest a playful shove. "Get lost! And don’t call me Zhuangzhuang! I’m curvy and fit, not ‘stocky.’"
Her gaze flickered as she grabbed his chin, her demeanor instantly shifting to one of icy coolness. "Come on, little brother, how about calling me ‘big sister’ instead?"
The memory of being completely overpowered by him last night still stung. She’d lost all dignity and could barely lift her head in front of him.
Now that she had recovered, she was determined to reclaim her position!
Besides, seeing Tang Song stark naked first thing in the morning was hard to handle. She couldn’t resist teasing her "little brother" a bit.
It had to be said—Tang Song’s physique was impressive.
Defined six-pack abs, a core packed with explosive strength…
As someone who was a bit of a looks enthusiast and loved fitness, Wen Ruan found herself utterly smitten. His chiseled face that aligned perfectly with her tastes, paired with his taut, muscular frame, had her head over heels.
Tang Song arched an eyebrow, moving his left hand slightly.
The result? A low gasp from the older sister.
"Zhuangzhuang, you’re so shameless."
"Damn you!" Wen Ruan exclaimed, her embarrassment morphing into anger as she threw her 130-pound body onto him.
In the dimly lit morning room, their laughter and playful scuffling filled the air, mingled with Wen Ruan’s half-hearted threats and Tang Song’s teasing remarks.
…
After washing up, changing clothes, and putting on makeup, Wen Ruan finished packing and returned to the bedroom.
There, she happened to see Tang Song emerging from the walk-in closet, a tie in his hand.
Her lips curved into a gentle smile. "Let me do it."
She stepped forward and took the gray tie from his hand.
The soft silk glided smoothly between her fingers. Draping the tie around his neck, Wen Ruan’s hands moved deftly, adjusting its length and position with care. She tied each knot with the utmost precision, her movements gentle and meticulous. Thɪs chapter is updated by N0velFire.ɴet
The tie was quickly finished.
Wen Ruan stepped back, her face glowing with sweet happiness as she admired Tang Song standing before her.
At 184 cm tall, with excellent proportions, his sharply tailored suit accentuated his elegance and poise, complemented by the composed confidence unique to someone from the elite class.
He looks absolutely dashing!
She stepped forward again and kissed him, savoring the freshness of his breath and the familiar, comforting scent of him.
After a long moment, Wen Ruan pulled away, her voice sweet as honey. "Let’s go, my handsome boyfriend. I’ll be waiting for you in the bridal suite to pick me up."
"Let’s go, my beautiful girlfriend."
—
A few minutes later.
The door of the Maybach S680 waiting downstairs opened, and the two got in. The car gently eased onto the main road.
It was still before 6 a.m.
The streets were relatively quiet, with few vehicles and pedestrians about. Only a handful of roadside breakfast stalls had their signs lit up, giving the city a tranquil vibe.
Sanitation workers were already busy cleaning the streets.
Occasionally, they passed some early risers out for morning exercise—young and old alike.
Seated in the back, Tang Song and Wen Ruan silently took in the serene beauty of Beijing’s morning.
The car first stopped in front of a high-end hotel. Wen Ruan stepped out, quickly walking toward the main entrance.
Since Zhou Bo and Sun Simin were both from Shandong Province and only owned a recently purchased apartment in the area, the location for the wedding pick-up had been arranged at this nearby hotel.
The wedding banquet at noon would also take place there.
The full package cost ¥60,000, which was a great deal considering it was in Beijing.
As the maid of honor, Wen Ruan had significant duties today.
In addition to putting on her bridesmaid dress, she needed to assist the bride with makeup, take morning robe photos, play games with the bridesmaids, and record videos of the festivities.
After watching Wen Ruan’s graceful figure disappear through the doors, Tang Song signaled the driver to head toward the Fuyuanli Residential Area.
—
Outside Building 13, Unit 2, the entrance had been decorated with a red archway and carpet. Festive stickers and fresh flowers adorned the area, along with signs pointing to the event.
Climbing up the somewhat worn stairs to the fourth floor, Tang Song finally reached the apartment.
"Ding-dong, ding-dong—"
He pressed the electronic doorbell.
The brown security door soon swung open.
Inside, the apartment was filled with a festive and heartwarming atmosphere.
Zhou Bo, already dressed in his suit, greeted Tang Song with an enthusiastic smile. "President Tang, you’re here! Come in and have a seat."
Standing behind him was an elderly couple, looking slightly nervous.
Tang Song patted Zhou Bo on the shoulder warmly. "Looking sharp, as expected of the groom!"
"Hehe, thanks. Oh, let me introduce you—these are my parents." Zhou Bo quickly added, "Dad, Mom, this is Tang Song, my boss, and Simin’s classmate’s boyfriend."
"Hello, Uncle and Auntie, it’s a pleasure to meet you both."
"Hello, hello! Come in and sit down! Old Zhou, go pour some tea for President Tang!"
"Auntie, there’s no need to be so formal. Today is Brother Bo’s big day—just call me by my name. Besides, I’m the groomsman here to work, not to be served!"
After a round of cheerful exchanges, Tang Song got busy helping with preparations.
He counted the red envelopes for the wedding games, set up props, worked with the photographer to record videos, and even had breakfast with the family.
This was his first time serving as a groomsman, and the experience felt fresh and exciting.
—
7:30 a.m.
The wedding party boarded the bridal car and headed to the hotel to begin the traditional pick-up ceremony.
…
Chaoyang District, Dongba Jiayuan Residential Area.
"Old Zhao, get up and eat! You need to take Sweetie to her dance class later!" A woman’s voice called out as she pushed open the bedroom door.
She walked to the window and pulled the curtains open.
Bright sunlight instantly poured into the room, filling it with warmth.
Zhao Mingying raised his hand to shield his eyes from the glare as he sat up on the bed, his expression blank.
"I’m talking to you! Did you hear me?" his wife said, moving to the bedside to start folding the quilt.
"Yes, I heard you," Zhao replied with a nod, glancing at his phone before getting up and walking into the living room.
"Good morning, Daddy!" his daughter Sweetie chirped, holding a crayon and engrossed in her drawing.
"Morning, Sweetie," Zhao replied, sitting at the dining table.
On the table were dishes his wife had prepared earlier: steaming pumpkin porridge, freshly steamed meat buns, and a small plate of pickled vegetables.
As he ate the piping hot breakfast, a wave of frustration gnawed at him.
Just yesterday, an HR manager had approached him.
His department—the Public Relations and Events Division—was about to undergo an organizational restructure. The aim was to improve operational efficiency and reduce management costs.
His role in media relations was slated to be absorbed by the Media Operations Department of another division.
As the Public Relations and Media Relations Supervisor in the Public Relations and Events Department, Zhao Mingying was the first to be targeted as part of the "cost-reduction" strategy.
Though still under discussion, he had been warned to prepare mentally for what lay ahead.
What you fear most always seems to find you.
Zhao had seen this coming. That’s why he worked overtime until 9 p.m., volunteered for business trips, and handled everything with extreme caution.
At Xingyun International, a media conglomerate, internal factions and conflicts were commonplace.
For instance, with the PR department facing slowed business growth, leadership was constantly searching for ways to cut costs.
Despite offering to take a pay cut, HR still expressed regret.
At 36 years old, Zhao had been with the company for 10 years. He had joined early, back when educational qualifications weren’t as strictly enforced. With just a junior college diploma, he had climbed the ladder to a modest managerial role.
However, his annual raises over the years had made him a high-cost employee—a glaring target.
He was practically a walking debuff.
Naturally, the younger leader above him, someone several years his junior, had chosen him as the first to go.
Running a hand over his smooth forehead, Zhao felt a deep wave of discomfort as he considered his current predicament.
"Clack, clack, clack—"
His wife emerged from the bedroom after tidying up and sat down next to their daughter. Suddenly, she said, "Old Zhao, our daughter’s really into drawing lately. I want to sign her up for a class."
"How much does it cost?" Zhao asked, looking up.
"6,800 yuan. Quite a few of her classmates are enrolled, so this would give her something to talk about with them."
"Alright, sign her up."
"And about my mom—her leg surgery is scheduled for next month. Although it’ll be partially covered by the residential health insurance, we’ll still need to cover a good portion of the cost ourselves. They don’t have pensions. How much do you think we should contribute?"
"Whatever you think is appropriate," Zhao replied, lowering his head as he mentally calculated their savings.
Fortunately, he had purchased their apartment early, when the price per square meter was only 25,000 yuan. He had also paid off several chunks of the mortgage in advance, leaving them with a manageable monthly payment of less than 7,000 yuan.
Still, his wife worked a low-paying job in finance, and now, as a middle-aged man facing the prospect of unemployment, his stable life was teetering on the edge.
The pressures of children, elderly parents, a mortgage, and daily expenses loomed large.
He needed to find a new job quickly.
Picking up his phone, Zhao opened WeChat and scrolled through his contacts, thinking about whom he could reach out to for help.
Over the years, he had built a considerable network, with some friends now holding senior positions in various companies.
Though it would take swallowing his pride, he figured that slowly reaching out to them might land him a job to keep food on the table.
But he knew the pay and benefits wouldn’t compare to Xingyun International, and the stability would be questionable.
Sighing, Zhao opened his Moments feed and scrolled while finishing his breakfast.
Soon, a series of vibrant, celebratory photos caught his eye.
[Wen Ruan: "The most beautiful moment, the best version of us. Happy wedding, my girl!"]
Beneath the post was a set of nine photos taken in the bridal suite.
At the center of the group stood the bride, Sun Simin, surrounded by several other women.
But the most eye-catching of all was Wen Ruan.
Zhao Mingying slapped his forehead as the realization hit him—he had completely forgotten he was supposed to attend Sun Simin’s wedding at noon.
Yesterday’s sudden notice about his department’s restructuring had caused the invitation to slip his mind entirely.
There’s a red envelope at home, but I’ll need to stop by the bank for some extra cash, he thought.
Looking at Wen Ruan’s photos, Zhao smiled wryly and shook his head.
How ironic. Just days ago, I was helping her get an internal referral, and now I’m about to be “optimized” out of my own position.
As for seeking a backdoor opportunity through Vice President Ji Qiuyu, Zhao dismissed the idea immediately.
They had only worked in the same department briefly during his early days at the company, exchanged contact information, and barely spoke.
The reason he was able to help Wen Ruan with a referral to Ji was that Ji herself had posted a recruitment announcement in her Moments, asking for internal recommendations.
But given his current predicament, approaching her now felt absurdly out of reach.
Shaking his head again, Zhao left a comment under Wen Ruan’s post:
"Congratulations to Simin on her wedding! The bride looks beautiful, and so do the bridesmaids!"
—
Inside the celebratory hotel suite.
Wen Ruan held up a question card, raising her voice to ask, "Name the bride’s lunar birthday!"
"June 9th!"
"Name ten of the bride’s best qualities!"
"Kind, smart, beautiful, a great cook… uh… let me think…"
Amid a chorus of playful jeers, Zhou Bo’s face turned bright red as he struggled to answer.
—
"Where are the shoes?"
"They’re not in the cabinet!"
"Not in the nightstand either! Check under the bed!"
"They’re on top of the air conditioner! Brother Bo, go get them! We’ll lift you up!"
Finally retrieving the shoes, Zhou Bo straightened his slightly disheveled suit and knelt on one knee to help Sun Simin put them on.
Taking the bouquet that Tang Song handed to him, Zhou Bo shouted with excitement, "Sun Simin, I love you! I have only one thing to say: please marry me!"
Accepting the bouquet, Sun Simin threw her arms around Zhou Bo as the two kissed.
Cheers and applause erupted throughout the room, filling it with joyous celebration.
Tang Song stood amidst the crowd, his gaze fixed on Wen Ruan. She was watching the newlyweds embrace, her eyes brimming with tears.
—
After the pick-up ceremony concluded, the group returned to Zhou Bo and Sun Simin’s new home in Fuyuanli.
There, they completed the traditional rituals—serving tea, taking photos, and hosting guests—before heading to the hotel banquet hall.
—
11:00 a.m.
The wedding was about to begin, and guests were arriving one after another.
In the underground parking lot of the hotel, a black Buick Regal came to a stop.
Zhao Mingying locked his car, patted the pocket holding his wallet, and walked toward the elevator.
He had once worked in the same department as Sun Simin and Wen Ruan, and they’d had a good relationship.
At the start, he had even been their supervisor.
However, after Tang Zong Entertainment acquired a controlling stake, the company underwent organizational restructuring and formed several new divisions. As a result, the team was split across different departments.
Now, years later, Zhao remained stuck in the same place, while Sun Simin had risen to Planning Supervisor, holding the same rank as him.
Ultimately, it’s all because I lack a degree.
In Xingyun International’s increasingly formalized corporate environment, he was part of the first wave of older employees being phased out.
—
Outside the banquet hall on the first floor.
The sign-in area was a lively sea of red, with a framed wedding photo of the couple displayed nearby.
Zhao Mingying’s face lit up with a big smile as he walked over briskly. "Simin, congratulations! Wishing you a happy marriage!"
"Thank you, Old Zhao!" Sun Simin, dressed in a beautiful greeter’s outfit, beamed as she extended her hand. "Hand over the red envelope!"
"Haha, here it is!" Zhao said, pulling a red envelope from his pocket and placing it on the long table. Embossed on the envelope in golden script were the words "Everlasting Harmony, A Century of Happiness."
Because of their good relationship, his envelope was on the thicker side, containing a lucky amount of ¥888.
After exchanging a few words with the bride and groom, Zhao turned to the bridesmaids and waved. "The bridesmaids look stunning today! Almost stealing the bride’s thunder!"
Su Keke chimed in sweetly, "Hello, Brother Zhao!"
Wen Ruan, holding Wang Jiao’s hand, smiled warmly. "Old Zhao, you finally made it."
The three former colleagues stood together and chatted briefly.
Before long, the sound of approaching footsteps and a chorus of cheerful greetings interrupted them.
"Congratulations on your wedding!"
"Best wishes! Here’s our red envelope!"
Zhao turned to see a group of a dozen employees from the Creative Planning Department—both men and women, all colleagues from Sun Simin’s team.
After some lively chatter, the group’s attention gradually shifted to Wen Ruan.
"Wen Ruan, long time no see."
"Wen Ruan, it’s been ages!"
"Welcome, everyone, to Simin's wedding!" Wen Ruan addressed her former colleagues calmly. "Come on, everyone, let me take you to your seats."
With that, the group followed her into the spacious and brightly lit banquet hall.
The venue was exquisitely decorated with white drapes, balloons, confetti, and elegant lighting. Gentle music floated through the air. Since most attendees were classmates and colleagues of the couple, the seating was limited. There were five or six tables on each side, spaced generously apart. A T-shaped stage, adorned with a red carpet and rose petals, divided the room.
Wen Ruan led the group to the bride’s family and friends' seating area on the right side and arranged for everyone to settle in.
A male colleague who had arrived early stood up and asked with concern, "Wen Ruan, I heard you interviewed with the Media Operations Division. How did it go?"
The moment he spoke, everyone's attention turned to her. The male colleagues, in particular, couldn't hide their renewed interest as they looked at Wen Ruan, whose mature and alluring charm remained as captivating as ever. Back in her division, she had been the popular beauty everyone admired. Seeing her now, she hadn’t lost any of her brilliance.
"I heard from Jiaxuan a few days ago that you’re considering returning to Xingyun International," another chimed in. "I heard Old Zhao referred you—are you aiming for the Planning Department at the Yan City branch? A management role?"
"The Yan City branch is under Director Ji's leadership. Initially, most managerial roles there were filled by staff from the headquarters. It’d be tough to start directly in a management position."
...
Wen Ruan pressed her lips together and replied with a complicated tone, "I haven’t met with Director Ji yet. The outcome isn’t clear."
“Good luck!” “Looking forward to you rejoining the Xingyun International family soon!”
Seeing their once-glamorous colleague again, many felt a pang of nostalgia. Wen Ruan had joined the company at just the right time. She started in 2015, and by 2017, Xingyun International had received investment from Tang Zong Entertainment, triggering rapid growth and skyrocketing employee benefits. No one expected her sudden resignation back then.
Now, at 30 years old, her return to restart her career there seemed uncertain.
Zhao Mingying sighed, her thoughts wandering to her own looming layoff. Surviving comfortably in such a sprawling corporation felt almost impossible.
"Wen Ruan, like Jiaxuan said, you should consider reaching out to Director Zhang." A female colleague chuckled as she spoke. "He’s now the General Manager of the International Cooperation Division and a senior executive in the group. He could definitely help you."
Her comment caused a noticeable shift in the group’s expressions. Many of them were firsthand witnesses—or at least had heard rumors—of the scandal involving Wen Ruan and Zhang Zihang. Some had even seen the video of Zhang Zihang's wife berating Wen Ruan in public. It was one of the most humiliating moments in Wen Ruan’s career, ultimately leading to her departure from Xingyun International.
Now, Pan Huihui bringing it up so directly felt like tearing open an old wound.
Wen Ruan ignored her. Today was her best friend’s wedding, and she didn’t want to ruin the festive atmosphere.
During her five years at Xingyun International, she had made many friends, but she had also unintentionally offended a few idiots—like Pan Huihui, who had been a colleague in the Digital Marketing Division.
As far as Wen Ruan knew, Pan Huihui was now on particularly good terms with Li Jiaxuan.
“Hello, everyone! What are you all talking about? Huihui, I heard my name just now. You weren’t gossiping about me, were you?” A soft and playful voice broke the conversation.
Everyone turned to see Li Jiaxuan approaching with Zhang Zihang by her side, followed by the bridesmaid, Su Keke.
“Director Zhang!” “Director Zhang, you’re here!” “Jiaxuan, you look stunning today!”
Colleagues quickly stood up to greet them, but their gazes inevitably drifted back to Wen Ruan.
It was surprising for Zhang Zihang, a senior executive, to attend a wedding for someone like Sun Simin, a relatively junior employee. The only plausible explanation seemed to be Wen Ruan.
Several female colleagues couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
As the only son of board member Zhang Chaoming, Zhang Zihang was essentially the heir apparent to the company. His future prospects were limitless.
With a calm demeanor, Zhang Zihang said, “Please, everyone, be seated. We’re all here as guests for the wedding today—no need to be so formal.”
At 35 years old, Zhang Zihang exuded an air of sophistication. With his refined features, gray semi-rimless glasses perched on his nose, and neatly combed hair, he carried himself with a poised and unhurried charm. He was undeniably a magnetic presence.
At his words, everyone sat back down, smiling and exchanging pleasantries.
Zhang Zihang took a deep breath, then turned directly toward Wen Ruan, his gaze locking on her. With a smile, he said, “Long time no see.”
After three years, she was still as breathtaking as ever. Yet now, she also carried a deeper, more mature allure, like a finely aged wine—intoxicating and unforgettable.
“Please have a seat, Director Zhang,” Wen Ruan replied politely, her face betraying no emotion as she gestured toward an empty table nearby.
“Thank you, Sister Wen Ruan,” said Li Jiaxuan with a light smile. Dressed in an elegant gown, she took Zhang Zihang’s arm and began to lead him to the table.
However, Zhang Zihang didn’t move.
After a moment of silence, he walked over to Wen Ruan and said, “Wen Ruan, I came today primarily to offer you an olive branch. You were the best employee in our Digital Marketing Division, and I still admire you greatly. I’ve recommended you to General Manager Xie and would like to invite you to return as the Director of the Digital Marketing Division.”
The room gradually fell silent as everyone stared in stunned disbelief.
Li Jiaxuan’s face turned pale, her heart roiling with jealousy and resentment.
She had worked tirelessly for years, chased after Zhang Zihang persistently, and even slept with him multiple times.
But in the end, she still wasn’t the one he truly cared about.
The director position she had coveted for so long still belonged to Wen Ruan!
If Wen Ruan took the role, she herself would likely be kicked out immediately.
Wen Ruan’s eyes flickered slightly, and her brows furrowed in confusion.
Wasn’t this supposed to be Director Ji’s decision? How did it suddenly involve Director Xie? What was going on?
Seeing Wen Ruan remain silent, Zhang Zihang stepped closer again and spoke in a calm tone, “I deeply apologize for the harm my personal issues caused you in the past.
Now that I’ve been transferred back to the headquarters, I hope you’ll consider returning as well. Forget about all those things that don’t matter—when you’re strong enough, no one will dare to defame you.”
As he finished, his gaze swept over the group of colleagues present.
In truth, as one of the key parties involved in the past scandal, his privileged status had shifted all the blame onto Wen Ruan. Today, he came not only to offer his support but also to make amends for his previous mistakes.
Of course, he genuinely admired this colleague.
Smart, kind, composed, and attractive—she was the ideal partner. Now that both of them were still single, there was no reason not to try to move forward together.
The group cast their complex gazes toward Wen Ruan.
The "Director Xie" mentioned by Zhang Zihang was none other than Xie Wenbin, the Vice President in charge of marketing and a senior executive in the group. If Wen Ruan nodded, she would instantly rise to a middle-management position, leaving everyone else far behind.
Pan Huihui’s body trembled violently as she realized the implication. Her face turned ashen. As an employee in the Digital Marketing Division, if Wen Ruan became her boss, she’d likely be “optimized” out of the company immediately.
Zhao Mingying swallowed hard, her heart filled with bitterness. The difference in opportunities between people was simply incomparable.
Still, she quickly felt at peace with the situation. With Wen Ruan’s skills and achievements, she would have had a strong chance of reaching the director role anyway if not for the scandal. This was merely a return to her original trajectory.
Looking at it that way, Zhang Zihang seemed to be a person of principle.
“I’m sorry, Director Zhang.” Wen Ruan shifted slightly to the side and replied softly, “I have no plans to return to the headquarters, so I must decline your offer.”
Hearing this, both Li Jiaxuan and Pan Huihui let out a breath of relief, as if a massive weight had been lifted off their shoulders.
The others, however, were dumbfounded.
A director position in the Digital Marketing Division, with an annual salary of several hundred thousand yuan, turned down just like that!?
Zhao Mingying opened her mouth, about to say something to persuade Wen Ruan, but before she could, Li Jiaxuan seized Zhang Zihang’s arm again.
“Director Zhang, Sister Wen Ruan has her own plans,” she said. “She’s always been a very independent woman. I think you should respect her decision.”
Zhang Zihang calmly pulled his arm away from her grasp.
With an unwavering and confident tone, he said, “You don’t need to give me an answer right away. Take your time to think about it—my offer stands.”
Sensing his resolve, Li Jiaxuan lowered her head, biting her lower lip hard as she struggled to suppress her emotions.
In the brightly lit hall, the soft music continued to play, but everyone’s thoughts were in disarray after the unexpected news.
Just then, a clear and magnetic voice broke through the atmosphere: “Ruan Ruan, what’s going on?”
Accompanied by crisp footsteps, Tang Song walked over, holding a pair of long party poppers in his hand.
He was impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, his features sharp and refined, with a “Groomsman” badge pinned to his chest.
His high-bridged nose and well-defined lips curved slightly into a faint, enigmatic smile.
Standing calmly by Wen Ruan’s side, his deep, composed gaze exuded a sense of control. Tang Song carried an air of restraint and elite sophistication, perfectly embodying the word "exceptional."
He seemed like a young, successful CEO straight out of a workplace drama.
Tang Song’s gaze swept over the crowd as he casually transferred both party poppers to his left hand. With his right, he naturally slid it around Wen Ruan’s slender waist.
The crowd froze, their eyes wide in shock at this unexpected arrival.
“Nothing much, just chatting with some former colleagues. Are you done with your tasks?” Wen Ruan leaned her head gently toward him, a smile unconsciously spreading across her face.
“Yeah, all the details have been confirmed. The wedding flow later will be flawless.”
Watching the couple’s intimate interaction, everyone instantly understood.
Wen Ruan’s boyfriend!
Li Jiaxuan’s eyes flickered as she looked at them and said with a smile, “Sister Wen Ruan, is this your boyfriend? He’s so handsome!”
Though she wasn’t particularly drawn to looks, she had to admit he was both handsome and charismatic. However, compared to Zhang Zihang, the heir of the group’s board member, Tang Song’s weight in her eyes was far less significant.
Besides, his appearance was perfectly timed—it could potentially put an end to Zhang Zihang’s ambitions. Hopefully, it would even make him angry enough to sever ties with Wen Ruan completely.
Glancing at Tang Song’s profile, Wen Ruan said, “Yes, he is my boyfriend.”
Immediately, whispers of discussion rippled through the crowd.
Zhao Mingying, amidst the buzz, pinched her own thigh hard.
“Ouch!” A sharp pain confirmed it.
This wasn’t an illusion. It wasn’t a dream. Oh my! It really was him!
Although she had never interacted with him personally, she had an unforgettable memory of this man.
Back then, she had seen him entering a concert backstage with Mo Xiangwan from Tang Zong Entertainment in an awe-inspiring manner.
While coordinating backstage work, even their senior executive, Zhao Siya, had addressed him as “President Tang” with the utmost respect.
This was a true heavyweight—a major player on equal footing with Mo Xiangwan, someone even more powerful than the CEO of their group!
Watching Wen Ruan stand so intimately beside him, Zhao Mingying shivered, her thoughts racing like a rollercoaster roaring through her mind. Her face flushed with excitement.
Zhang Zihang’s offer might help Wen Ruan return to her rightful place, but with a boyfriend like this, just one word from Tang Song to Mo Xiangwan of Tang Zong Entertainment could change everything.
Forget the Digital Marketing Division Director; she could easily aim for a Business Unit General Manager position!
Then, Zhao Mingying realized something even more important.
Thank goodness she had gone to Yan City and helped Wen Ruan submit her resume through an internal referral. That move not only secured goodwill but might now cement a strong connection between them.
Unexpectedly, at the age of 36, Old Zhao was finally facing a pivotal moment in life!
…
Zhang Zihang’s gaze turned sharp, though he wasn’t too surprised. With Wen Ruan’s charm, it was entirely normal for her to have a boyfriend.
As the group sensed the subtle tension between the two men, they couldn’t help but mentally compare them.
Objectively speaking, Wen Ruan’s boyfriend stood out with his extraordinary appearance and temperament—young, handsome, and brimming with charisma.
However, Zhang Zihang wasn’t lacking in looks either. As the son of Xingyun International’s board member and a senior executive himself, he undeniably carried more status.
After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Zihang looked at Tang Song and extended his hand. “Hello, I’m—”
Before he could finish, a loud, booming voice cut him off.
“Hello, President Tang! I never expected to see you here, and even more, I didn’t expect you to be Wen Ruan’s boyfriend!”
Zhao Mingying had stepped directly between them, blocking Zhang Zihang, his face flushed with excitement. “I’m Zhao Mingying, Wen Ruan’s longtime friend and colleague. To think she never mentioned you—this is such a shock, haha!”
What was there to fear at a time like this? With his layoff looming, Zhao Mingying decided to throw caution to the wind and seize the moment! Forget about Zhang Zihang—he could step aside!
Zhao Mingying’s bold interruption and his overeager tone stunned the colleagues present, leaving them momentarily speechless.
Zhang Zihang’s face darkened, his expression turning serious.
Meanwhile, Wen Ruan, utterly confused, asked, “Tang Song, do you know Old Zhao?”
Tang Song glanced at the middle-aged man in front of him and chuckled awkwardly. Heaven only knew where this Old Zhao had come from—he had no memory of him at all!
Zhao Mingying, still visibly excited, explained, “President Tang might not remember. Backstage at the concert, when you and President Mo arrived, I was there.”
“Ah, I see. Nice to meet you, Old Zhao.” Tang Song smiled as he shook Zhao Mingying’s hand, starting to piece things together.
The Su Yu concert—Xingyun International handled the promotions and media relations. It made sense that their employees had been there and recognized him.
“Nice to meet you! Truly an honor!” Zhao Mingying beamed as he shook Tang Song’s hand, his heart racing wildly, feeling almost like a teenager experiencing their first crush again.
Listening to the conversation between Tang Song and Zhao Mingying, the surrounding colleagues grew increasingly baffled.
Wen Ruan’s boyfriend… seemed kind of incredible? What was his background?
Li Jiaxuan’s expression twitched, and she softly asked, “Brother Zhao, who is this President Mo you’re talking about? Are you referring to the head of our company’s Legal Affairs Department?”
Zhao Mingying grinned. “Of course not—it’s President Mo from Tang Zong Entertainment!”
“Tang Zong Entertainment!?”
“President Mo… Mo, Mo, Mo…”
“President Mo!?”
Gasps erupted instantly as everyone began exclaiming in shock.
Zhang Zihang’s lips twitched uncontrollably, leaving him momentarily speechless.
One of the male colleagues hesitantly raised his hand and said with difficulty, “Old Zhao, you’re joking, right?”
“Yeah, this… this has to be a prank, right?”
“Is this some kind of surprise act arranged for the wedding?”
As employees of Xingyun International, they were naturally familiar with Tang Zong Entertainment, their parent company. President Mo Xiangwan was a legendary figure, frequently making headlines in finance, fashion, and entertainment.
A person of her stature belonged to an entirely different world—completely unrelated to theirs.
Hearing Old Zhao’s words, Wen Ruan stiffened. Her mind suddenly conjured the image of the guitarist she had seen at Su Yu’s concert on June 20th.
Tang Song… Mo Xiangwan… Su Yu?
No wonder he had a VIP invitation to the concert.
But what exactly was the relationship between them?
Su Yu…
As Zhao Mingying nervously licked his dry lips, ready to explain further, the sound of hurried footsteps and the clatter of chairs broke the moment.
In the next instant, all the colleagues around them quickly stood up straight.
Cries of respect and tension filled the air.
“Director Ji!” “Director Ji!”
Zhao Mingying turned around and saw the imposing figure of Ji Qiuyu, the Group’s Vice President, striding into the room.
Behind her were the wedding’s protagonists, Sun Simin and Zhou Bo, accompanied by several other colleagues.
Everyone flocked around Ji Qiuyu, their expressions a mixture of excitement and nervous apprehension.
Zhang Zihang froze for a moment before quickly following suit and greeting her. “Director Ji!”
Though he was also a senior executive, Ji Qiuyu’s status was on an entirely different level. She was a true heavyweight within the group, the Vice President overseeing media operations, and backed by Tang Zong Entertainment’s board representative.
Even Zhang Zihang’s father, a board member, had to show deference to her.
Ji Qiuyu calmly returned everyone’s greetings as she walked into the center of the crowd.
Her gaze landed on Tang Song standing next to Wen Ruan, and her eyes momentarily widened in surprise.
Suppressing her shock and unease, the normally aloof and composed Ji Qiuyu immediately broke into a radiant smile.
She stepped forward and extended her hand enthusiastically. “President Tang, what a surprise to see you here at this wedding! I’m Ji Qiuyu, Vice President of Xingyun International. President Mo has mentioned you before—this is our first official meeting, and I’m delighted to meet you!”
The air around them instantly grew heavy with silence.
“Hello, Director Ji.” Tang Song pursed his lips and gave her hand a light shake.
What was going on today? It seemed like everyone here knew who he was.
Ji Qiuyu released his hand and turned to Wen Ruan, her expression warm and friendly. “Hello, Wen Ruan. It was unfortunate that we missed each other yesterday. I came to Simin’s wedding today specifically to talk to you about your position and to express the company’s sincerity.”
Wen Ruan looked up, her tone complicated as she replied, “Thank you, Director Ji.”
Ji Qiuyu chuckled softly and shook Wen Ruan’s hand as well, her voice gentle. “We can discuss the details during the banquet later. However, I can give you a little preview—the company leadership hopes you will take on the role of Head of the Yan City Branch. Of course, if you have other ideas, feel free to share them, and we will carefully consider them.”
Wen Ruan’s expression froze, her grip on Ji Qiuyu’s hand instinctively tightening.