novelraw Chapter 284: Binding a Partner, Charisma 60
Chapter 284: Binding a Partner, Charisma 60
The opulent and romantic banquet hall resonated with gentle background music that lingered in the air.
On the right side, in the bride's family and friends' area, everyone stood frozen, their gazes fixed blankly in Wen Ruan's direction.
Subsidiaries of Xingyun International Group weren't merely extensions of its core business; they often handled entirely different operations. For instance, the subsidiary in Shanghai also managed cultural and media-related investment projects, from screening and evaluation to oversight.
Zhang Zihang, the son of a board director and a high-level executive, had served as Vice President of an e-commerce and media subsidiary in Hangzhou before becoming General Manager of the International Cooperation Division. His stellar performance in Hangzhou paved the way for his transfer to the headquarters, where he oversaw collaboration with foreign media institutions and spearheaded the company’s international ventures.
Ji Qiuyu’s promise to appoint Wen Ruan as the “Yan City Subsidiary Head” was undeniably a game-changer, elevating her to the true senior management tier of the group—on par with Zhang Zihang.
Nobody doubted Ji’s words. Xingyun International’s board had seven seats, four of which were held by representatives from Tang Zong Entertainment. Ji Qiuyu, a Vice President promoted by these board members, carried considerable authority and influence within the company. Known for her sharp and cold demeanor, her current warm and accommodating behavior toward an employee was unprecedented—almost ingratiating.
But what truly unsettled everyone was the revelation that Wen Ruan’s boyfriend, the so-called "President Tang," actually knew Mo Xiangwan of Tang Zong Entertainment. Judging by Ji Qiuyu’s attitude, it was clear this connection was far from ordinary. Whoever he was, he undoubtedly held immense sway.
Among the crowd, Ji Qiuyu was still holding Wen Ruan’s hand, inquiring sincerely about her work at Light and Shadow Media.
Nearby, Sun Simin, clad in a red hostess dress, trembled as she gradually snapped out of her shock. Stretching out a hand, she pinched her husband’s arm hard.
Zhou Bo hissed and licked his dry lips before whispering, “Simin, is she... really the Vice President of your company?”Anyone unaware might have assumed Ji Qiuyu worked for Bocai Yingrui, considering how deferential she was to Tang Song.
The Bocai Yingrui colleagues attending today’s wedding were all junior staff from the research department, with no opportunity to interact with major stakeholders like Tang Song. The only invited leader, the group supervisor, had yet to arrive.
So, while some colleagues had spotted Tang Song earlier at the entrance, they hadn’t recognized him. After all, they’d only ever discussed the major shareholder’s name in passing during casual chats—none of them had seen him in person.
“Ahh!”
Sun Simin pinched Zhou Bo again, confirming this was no dream.
“Hurry up and go greet the guests at the door! I’ll be tied up here for a while,” she urged excitedly. “And notify the emcee—make sure they announce that Vice President Ji is attending!”
“Got it, I’ll go now!” Zhou Bo nodded and dashed toward the entrance.
Taking a deep breath, Sun Simin strode toward Wen Ruan. The shock of Ji Qiuyu’s arrival had unnerved her, but she now understood it was all for Wen Ruan’s sake.
Not only was Wen Ruan’s boyfriend the owner of Bocai Yingrui, but he also had deep connections with Tang Zong Entertainment, enough to command Ji Qiuyu’s respect.
Realizing this, Sun Simin’s heart raced.
This was her wedding! With Tang Song’s powerful background and the Vice President of Xingyun Group personally endorsing her event, Sun Simin’s university roommate, best friend, and sister-in-spirit had just given her the most spectacular gift.
Sun Simin felt that her wedding was perfect. She was living her life’s brightest moment.
Approaching Wen Ruan with a radiant smile, Sun Simin grabbed her arm and said warmly, “Vice President Ji, thank you so much for attending my wedding. My husband and I are truly honored! Please sit with Wen Ruan at the head table later.”
“Congratulations on your wedding,” Ji Qiuyu said with a kind smile. Her gaze briefly shifted to Tang Song before she softly added, “President Tang, I’ll head over for now. Once the ceremony ends, I’ll continue my conversation with Wen Ruan.”
“Sure, see you later,” Tang Song replied with a smile. “The ceremony’s about to begin, and as the groomsman, I should go help out.”
Ji Qiuyu nodded slightly and followed Sun Simin to the head table. Her downcast eyes flickered with a complicated emotion.
She hadn’t expected to encounter him here—a truly startling surprise.
While Ji Qiuyu didn’t know Tang Song’s exact identity, she’d recently visited Su Yu’s residence, where a sketch of him hung on the wall. Mo Xiangwan had specifically instructed her about Su Yu’s regard for Wen Ruan.
All these signs pointed to a conclusion almost too incredible to believe.
Meeting Tang Song in such circumstances and having the chance to curry favor with him through Wen Ruan presented Ji Qiuyu with a rare and invaluable opportunity.
Since Ji Qiuyu’s arrival, Zhao Mingying, who had been lurking in the background, brushed past Zhang Zihang’s shoulder and approached once again. She warmly started chatting with Wen Ruan about her new job.
Zhang Zihang remained rooted in place, stunned and unresponsive, his expression turning increasingly sullen.
He had come here with a mix of rescue, atonement, and pity in mind, intending to lift Wen Ruan back up. His plan was to recruit this once-beautiful subordinate to rejoin him in the group and work alongside him.
He had offered her the most competitive deal he could: the position of Digital Marketing Director. Securing this opportunity hadn’t been easy—he had to leverage his father’s connections and strike a deal with Xie Wenbin in exchange for this role.
Initially, he had felt supremely confident. When facing Wen Ruan, he even harbored a sense of triumphant superiority, imagining himself returning in glory and offering her a way out. Never in his wildest dreams did he think she would outright reject him.
Now, hearing Ji Qiuyu’s promises and seeing Wen Ruan’s boyfriend standing by her side, Zhang Zihang was reminded of the bold words he had spoken earlier in front of so many people. Shame and anger swirled together, making his face flush deep red.
After a tumultuous inner struggle, Zhang Zihang ultimately sat down in silence, occupying an empty seat.
From Ji Qiuyu’s demeanor, it was clear Wen Ruan’s boyfriend held an extraordinary identity. Without fully understanding the situation, anything he said now would only worsen matters.
Tang Song leaned close to Wen Ruan’s ear and whispered a few words before nodding toward her colleagues and striding toward the stage.
As everyone watched his tall, upright figure disappear, a collective breath escaped from the surrounding crowd.
In their eyes, Tang Song seemed to radiate an aura of mystery and sophistication. Every step he took exuded an undeniable confidence and composure, complemented by his refined and striking appearance.
The allure of power was impossible to ignore.
“Wow!”
A group of colleagues eagerly approached Wen Ruan, their faces beaming with friendly and sincere smiles.
“Congratulations, Sister Wen!”
“Wen Ruan, welcome back to Xingyun International. We’re colleagues again! When you’re free, let’s grab a meal together!”
“I remember you love spicy food. My husband is from Sichuan—come over to our place anytime!”
“Congratulations, congratulations! We should start calling you President Wen now!”
“Yes, absolutely—President Wen!”
Within Xingyun International, a media group with over a decade of history, internal relationships were as intricate as a spider’s web, and factional disputes never ceased.
The difference between having backing and lacking it was all too evident to everyone.
Take Zhao Mingying, for example. She was an undeniable backbone of the company, consistently delivering excellent results. Yet, due to her lack of academic credentials and influential connections, her career advancement had been agonizingly slow.
After ten years, she remained a mid-level supervisor, watching younger colleagues climb past her to positions of leadership.
Even though she often worked until 9 PM, spearheaded initiatives, and volunteered for business trips, she was still the first to be sidelined when her department underwent restructuring.
Amid the crowd, Li Jiaxuan had somehow been pushed to the side. The usually lively and amicable expression on her face had stiffened into something unrecognizable.
Her gaze lingered on Tang Song’s retreating figure for a long moment before she finally looked away, her complexion shifting between pale and flushed.
Zhao Mingying's gaze toward Wen Ruan was filled with shock, disbelief, fear, and panic.
The two had completely fallen out during a confrontation on the 11th floor of Xingyun International's office building.
Just a few days ago, over dinner with Zhang Zihang, he had suggested she try persuading Wen Ruan to return to the Digital Marketing Department. This suggestion had pushed her to her limit, leading her to expose her true thoughts in front of Wen Ruan.
Wen Ruan had even outright insulted her as a "brainless drama queen."
Given what she knew about her former colleague, Wen Ruan had likely pieced together that the previous fallout had something to do with her.
There was no way Wen Ruan would let this go lightly. Once she returned, or worse, mentioned any of this to Vice President Ji, Zhao Mingying’s career would be over.
She could already envision the dreaded human resources interview, followed by her dismissal from Xingyun International within a week.
Her vision grew blurry as despair set in.
Seven years of hard work at the company—building connections, pleasing leaders, and clawing her way up the ladder—would all vanish. At 28, she couldn’t afford to start over.
As the reality of her situation sank in, Zhao Mingying turned her gaze toward Zhang Zihang, now brimming with anger and desperation.
I’ve been so good to you, sacrificed so much for you! Zhang Zihang! You have to help me!
If I go down, I’ll make sure you go down with me!
"Jiaxuan!" Pan Huihui approached stiffly, her face pale with dread. "Do you think... Wen Ruan will retaliate against me? I did exactly what you suggested—I even shared her photo in the Digital Marketing group chat. What do I do now?"
Zhao Mingying’s lips twitched, unsure of how to respond. She could barely save herself—how could she spare a thought for Pan Huihui’s fate?
Seeing Zhao Mingying’s troubled expression sent a wave of icy terror straight to Pan Huihui’s core. Her mind buzzed with chaotic thoughts.
At 32, she was planning for her second child, content with her laid-back role overseeing a minor segment of the business. Her skills had long stagnated, leaving her with little career competitiveness.
If she were to be laid off, her only viable options would be positions in insurance or sales.
The idea of having a second child would be out of the question, and her quality of life would plummet.
Pan Huihui pinched herself hard, then forced a strained smile and turned back toward the crowd.
Her voice trembled as she squeezed through, saying, "President Wen! Our Digital Marketing team really misses you! Do you remember when..."
As Wen Ruan listened to the flattery and pandering from her former and current colleagues, her mind drifted to Ji Qiuyu’s respectful attitude toward Tang Song.
Outwardly, she maintained her polite smile, but internally, her emotions were in turmoil.
Once again, her boyfriend had shattered her understanding of him.
Before, knowing he lived in a luxury apartment and drove a Mercedes S-Class had already made marriage seem like a distant dream. But now, as he gradually revealed his true wealth and connections, Wen Ruan couldn’t help feeling a mix of awe, panic, and an unspoken thrill.
Yes, at her core, she was just an ordinary person, one deeply aware of her desires. Career, lifestyle, love—she had aspirations for them all.
Since she knew she couldn’t openly marry Tang Song, the more she could secure now, the more reassured she would feel.
Take Ji Qiuyu’s promise, for example.
She was certain that it had everything to do with Tang Song.
If she became a senior executive of the company, supported by her mysterious boyfriend, the old gossip and rumors would vanish like smoke. No one would dare defame her anymore; instead, people like Pan Huihui would grovel to curry her favor.
Tang Song’s displayed power and connections were enough to transform her social status completely.
She could realize all her dreams, live the life she longed for, and even turn the lies she told her parents into truth.
Her entire family could benefit from his influence.
Her life would be utterly transformed.
Few people could remain calm in the face of such immense temptation—especially not someone like Wen Ruan, who, at 30, had endured many hardships.
She never denied her desires, which only made her heart even more conflicted at this moment.
Tang Song’s past promises echoed once more in her mind.
【"I will handle all your difficulties—your family, your future. You don't need to overthink anything; just leave everything to me."】
He seemed genuinely capable of fulfilling those promises.
But how should I present myself to accept everything he’s offering?
The warm and cozy lighting gradually shifted, bathing the wedding venue in a dreamlike glow.
At the center of the stage stood an arch crafted from woven flowers, intertwining pink and white roses. An LED screen began displaying a montage of the bride and groom’s love story and journey together.
The host appeared, delivering a passionate and heartfelt speech, perfectly in sync with the emotional background music, instantly heightening the atmosphere.
Romantic laser lights swept across the hall.
The groom, Zhou Bo, entered the stage holding a bouquet of flowers. Guided by the host, he spoke emotionally yet bashfully, expressing his heartfelt thoughts.
The background music shifted.
「♪ BGM: Not sure if you know this, but when we first met, I got so nervous I couldn't speak…」
The doors of the banquet hall slowly opened, and Sun Simin, now in her main wedding dress, appeared at the end of the red carpet.
The dress, a layered masterpiece of intricate lace and delicate tulle, swayed gracefully with her light steps. It floated like a cloud, gently cascading to the floor like soft ocean waves—dreamlike and romantic.
Though Sun Simin wasn’t conventionally beautiful, the elegant makeup and the dazzling white wedding gown enhanced her charm, making her look radiant.
When Zhou Bo, dressed in formal attire, approached her, a deep shyness and happiness lit up her face.
Tap—tap—tap.
As the couple walked along the red carpet toward the stage, bursts of celebratory confetti exploded in their path.
Under the host’s guidance, the pair exchanged heartfelt vows, sharing their feelings about this marriage and their hopes for the future.
As the words "I do" softly fell from their lips, the guests erupted into applause and cheers.
Tang Song and Wen Ruan, as the groomsman and bridesmaid, stepped forward to present the wedding rings.
The crowd’s emotions soared to a crescendo.
Lights twirled, colorful balloons and petals floated through the air, and the LED screen displayed a magical backdrop.
Sun Simin and Zhou Bo kissed, sealing their vows as husband and wife.
Amid the jubilant atmosphere, Tang Song, in his tailored suit, and Wen Ruan, dressed in her bridesmaid gown, stood on either side of the stage, clapping enthusiastically.
A thick, unspoken emotion lingered in their exchanged glances, leaving both slightly dazed in the enchanting ambiance.
Standing just behind Wen Ruan was another bridesmaid, Su Keke. Her gaze betrayed a mixture of envy and disappointment.
The last time she’d seen Wen Ruan, she had lamented how difficult her friend’s life had been, with exhaustion and helplessness written all over her. At 30, even if Wen Ruan managed to land a position through an internal referral to a subsidiary, it seemed unlikely to compare to opportunities in the Capital.
But now, it was clear her assumptions had been wrong.
The once-radiant Wen Ruan was poised to make a powerful comeback at Xingyun International.
And with such a boyfriend by her side, her future looked nothing short of dazzling.
One exquisite dish after another was served at the tables: delicate appetizers, steaming main courses, and sweet, delectable desserts.
The hall buzzed with the sounds of blessings, chatter, and clinking glasses, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
“Vice President Ji, thank you for your recognition and encouragement.” Wen Ruan raised her glass and toasted Ji Qiuyu as they sat at the table.
Ji Qiuyu smiled warmly and patted Wen Ruan on the shoulder. “There’s one more thing I can share with you ahead of time—something you should prepare yourself for.”
“What is it?” Wen Ruan asked, her curiosity piqued.
“The company plans to acquire Light and Shadow Media in full and turn it into our Yan City subsidiary to align with the group’s strategic development. The deal is already in progress and should be finalized soon.”
Hearing this, Wen Ruan’s heart trembled.
Light and Shadow Media wasn’t a small company—it was the largest media corporation in Yan City. She had worked hard to secure her position there for precisely that reason.
And now, this massive enterprise was being handed over for her to manage.
Her mind raced as she considered the implications. After a brief, intense moment of contemplation, she took a deep breath and quietly asked, “Vice President Ji, there’s something I want to ask you.”
“Please, go ahead. I’ll be completely honest with you!” Ji Qiuyu replied, exuding transparency. Her primary goal was to win Wen Ruan over and build the best possible relationship with her.
Wen Ruan licked her lips and looked directly at Ji Qiuyu. “Who was it that extended this olive branch to me? Was it Tang Song or someone else?”
“Uh…” Ji Qiuyu hesitated briefly before softly replying, “It was requested by Tang Zong Entertainment.”
Wen Ruan stared into Ji Qiuyu’s eyes, cautiously probing further. “President Mo? Or… Chairman Su?”
“Sorry, I can’t disclose that,” Ji Qiuyu said with a slight twitch of her expression.
Anything involving Su Yu was off-limits without explicit permission, and Ji Qiuyu wouldn’t dare overstep her bounds. Find the newest release on noveⅼfire.net
Wen Ruan’s chest rose and fell as she took in Ji Qiuyu’s reaction. Glancing in Tang Song’s direction, she picked up a glass of red wine and downed it in one go.
Some truths didn’t need to be said aloud—the silence often spoke for itself.
Previously, Ji Qiuyu had casually mentioned Mo Xiangwan in front of Tang Song. Now, her evasiveness all but confirmed the answer.
It had to be Su Yu.
The image of that ethereal and strikingly beautiful superstar flashed through Wen Ruan’s mind.
What exactly was her relationship with Tang Song?
“President Tang, hello! I’m Liang Hongzhen, from the Bocai Yingrui Research Department, and I’m also Zhou Bo’s supervisor. We met briefly at the company yesterday.”
“Hello, Supervisor Liang,” Tang Song responded politely.
“Allow me to toast you!” Dressed in a shirt and slacks, Liang Hongzhen, his face flushed with excitement, lifted his glass and downed his wine in one gulp.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Liang reluctantly returned to his seat.
Watching Zhou Bo as he made his rounds to toast guests, Liang couldn’t help but feel a growing unease.
Goodness, who would’ve thought Zhou Bo had such impressive connections, managing to get a company shareholder to be his groomsman?
Liang wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be able to hold onto his position as Zhou Bo’s team leader.
He made up his mind. Later, he’d have a proper chat with Zhou Bo. Hadn’t Zhou mentioned wanting to transfer to the Consulting Services Department?
Newlyweds shouldn’t be burdened with frequent business trips, and that department just happened to need a project manager.
This transfer could happen without President Tang even needing to say a word. All Zhou Bo had to do was share their wedding photos on social media, and the higher-ups would be lining up to have heart-to-heart talks with him.
The crisp clinking of glasses rang out, harmonious and pleasant.
Tang Song sipped his wine and casually glanced around the venue.
He could feel the numerous whispers and covert glances directed his way.
It was only natural. After all, he had made an impression from every angle.
His eyes landed on Wen Ruan, seated at the bride’s family and friends’ table.
That table was lively as well, with waves of people approaching in groups to toast her.
Perhaps it was the alcohol, but Wen Ruan seemed slightly tipsy. Her lowered gaze, flushed cheeks, and the delicate redness dusting her face gave her an enticing, mature allure.
At 1:30 PM.
“Bye-bye~” “See you later, Wen Ruan!” “Goodbye!”
Surrounded by a group of well-wishers, Tang Song guided Wen Ruan into the car.
Moments later, the black Maybach quietly rolled out of the parking lot.
Leaning back in her seat, Wen Ruan, clearly a bit drunk, rested her head against the headrest.
Her face was rosy, her lips slightly parted, and her eyes gently closed.
Breathing in the faint scent of alcohol mixed with her fragrance, and looking at the stunning figure of the older woman beside him, Tang Song’s heartbeat began to accelerate.
The wedding was over, and now it was time for the two of them to fulfill their promises. He would finally embrace everything this captivating woman had to offer, basking in her warmth and tenderness.
Afterward, they would bind as companions, unlock the blessing buff, and successfully advance to the next stage of rewards.
The car came to a stop outside the Xingyun International Hotel.
The two stepped out, holding hands in comfortable silence, and slowly walked into the elevator.
Tang Song’s warm hand moved to rest on Wen Ruan’s lower back. Sensing this, Wen Ruan turned her head to look at him.
After a moment, she softly exhaled and said with a teasing tone, “What are you up to, little brother?”
Tang Song leaned close to her ear, lightly biting her earlobe, and whispered, “I want to.”
Wen Ruan’s body trembled slightly, her face flushing an even deeper shade of red.
Ding! The elevator stopped on the 28th floor.
The two stepped out and into the quiet hallway.
Suddenly, Wen Ruan pushed Tang Song against the wall, standing on tiptoe to gently nibble on his earlobe in return. Her voice, sultry and commanding, purred, “Want to do what, exactly?”
Tang Song’s blood surged, and he blurted out, “You!”
Without hesitation, Tang Song swept her into his arms.
Beep-beep! The door lock clicked open.
Bang! The door shut behind them with force.
Their lips met in a passionate kiss as Tang Song embraced the elegant and mature figure before him.
“Wait!” Wen Ruan suddenly pushed against his chest. “This is a rented bridesmaid dress. If it gets ruined, it’ll be a problem. Let me change first.”
“Alright, I’ll wait,” Tang Song replied, giving her a light pat on the back and adding, “Wear the most alluring one, okay?”
“Call me ‘big sister,’” Wen Ruan said with a playful lift of her brow, grasping his chin lightly.
“Big sister,” Tang Song conceded, his anticipation making him more than willing to comply.
Wen Ruan’s melodious laughter filled the room as she walked into the dressing area, her footsteps echoing softly.
After what felt like an eternity to Tang Song, Wen Ruan emerged, dressed in a sleek, figure-hugging dress.
The high-quality black fabric clung to her curves, highlighting her alluring silhouette. Under the sunlight streaming through the window, she looked particularly enchanting.
Her dress accentuated every detail: the deep neckline, the elegant curve of her back, and the delicate waistline, all coming together in an arresting display of contrast.
With a playful wink and a sultry smile, Wen Ruan leaned forward slightly, exuding an irresistible charm.
Tang Song’s breath quickened as waves of emotion surged through him.
Scene transition
The next moment unfolded with the curtains drawn, and the ambiance shifted to a sense of fulfillment and intimacy.
“On the tides of the Qiantang River, I finally understand who I am,” Wen Ruan mused, her voice dreamy as she nestled against Tang Song.
A clear and crisp system notification chimed in Tang Song’s ear:
Ding! Your selectable companion list has been updated.
Releasing Wen Ruan from his embrace, Tang Song leaned back against the headboard, catching his breath.
Tang Song opened the system interface and navigated to the [Companion] module.
[Selectable Companion List:]
[Avatar.jpg - Wen Ruan]
[Progress: Couple, Deep Liquid Exchange]
[Buffs Acquired: Cardiac Strengthening, Metabolic Optimization, Flexibility and Coordination, Endurance Enhancement]
He clicked the [Bind] button next to her entry.
A conspicuous system prompt appeared:
[Binding a companion may require significant financial, material, and emotional investment…]
Tang Song took a deep breath and pressed [Confirm].
Immediately, the screen erupted with dazzling heart-shaped bubbles, roses, and shooting stars, enveloping the interface in an atmosphere of extreme romance and beauty.
“Ding! You have successfully bound Wen Ruan as a companion!”
“[Companion - Wen Ruan] data has been collected, and a growth plan task is being generated…”
The interface transitioned once more:
[On July 1, 2023, you gained your second companion. Despite the many struggles and hesitations between the two of you, you ultimately chose to be together.]
[You received the heartfelt blessing of Companion - Wen Ruan and gained the buff “Metabolic Optimization.”]
[Your charisma has reached 60, successfully unlocking the assets and permissions for this stage.]
The interface then returned to the [Companion] module.
At the center of the gorgeously romantic interface, alongside Zhao Yaqian, a new sparkling portrait card appeared.
The illustration depicted Wen Ruan as she looked earlier today before their game—mature and alluring in her appearance, radiating a captivating charm.