novelraw Chapter 290: A Bold Idea
Chapter 290: A Bold Idea
Tang Song stared at the animation of the beautician for quite a while, feeling his heart grow increasingly excited.
The youthful and energetic Yaqian, with her stunningly long legs and vibrant, fiery young body, was undoubtedly a top-tier player. Yet, she was still so young and awkward in expressing her feelings.
Now, with this new skill, his previously inarticulate "Canary" had instantly become silver-tongued. The flexibility of her tongue even surpassed his own, enhanced by the Heartthrob's Breath Spray. She effortlessly performed all sorts of complex actions with unrivaled skill!
The system truly lived up to expectations. Since Yaqian chose this path, it had wholeheartedly guided her to become a qualified Canary.
Tang Song closed the animation. On Zhao Yaqian's Portrait Card, subtle changes had already appeared.
Her lips, which had originally been tightly closed, were now slightly parted. A faint red glow pulsed rhythmically, like breathing, and her soft, pink tongue was just barely visible.
When he mentally clicked on her lips on the card, a prompt popped up:
[Active skill in effect… (Proficiency 1%). The more frequently Companion Zhao Yaqian uses this skill, the higher the skill's proficiency. Please guide her patiently.]
So, proficiency was a factor.
That made sense. If Yaqian’s tongue suddenly became miraculously nimble, even she, with her straightforward nature, would find it odd.As for patiently guiding her…
Tang Song couldn’t help but let a smirk creep up his lips. Training his little girlfriend—wasn’t that a pleasure in itself?
He clicked on the portrait card to view the Companion Details.
[Companion: Zhao Yaqian (19 years old)]
[Role: Canary]
[Height: 180 cm, Weight: 65 kg]
[Physique: 66, Stamina: 67, Agility: 56, Comprehension: 60]
[Growth Progress: 50%]
——————
[Growth Plan Task ④: The Canary's Transformation]
[Mission Objective: Choose a Canary with a focused gaze to conduct market research, establish a simple interpersonal network, and begin envisioning herself soaring high and displaying her dazzling feathers. Please have Zhao Yaqian identify a company of interest within the beauty industry, complete initial communication, and coordinate with Slover Trust to leverage the Dedicated Fund for investment or acquisition. This will help her gain a deeper understanding of her position in the world and achieve self-awareness.]
*[Mission Reward: Growth Progress +5%, Agility +2, A Gift from Companion Tang Song 1]
[Mission Status: Incomplete]
[Note: As the Canary leaves the cage and experiences the novelty of the outside world, she will inevitably encounter various temptations and malice. Players are advised to give their Companion more care and protection.]
…
With her comprehension finally reaching 60, Yaqian could now be considered adequately capable. Moreover, as a 19-year-old beautician, she had significant potential for development.
Tang Song firmly believed that the future Yaqian would not disappoint him.
As for Growth Plan Task ④, it was entirely expected.
He mentally clicked on the Mission Reward to view the details.
*[A Gift from Companion Tang Song 1]: A Companion interaction item. Upon use, Companion Zhao Yaqian will receive a gift from "Tang Song" in the game, acquiring a special talent suited to her, including (music, painting, dance, language, sports, etc.).
[Note 1: After obtaining a talent, through training and learning, she can quickly master the skill. The depth and breadth of mastery will be directly proportional to Zhao Yaqian’s own effort.]
[Note 2: Once a special talent is gifted, it will no longer appear as a future reward. This is a contribution you’ve made for your Companion.]
After reading the reward details, Tang Song raised an eyebrow, once again realizing how extraordinary the Companion System was.
In truth, he had figured this out long ago.
The skills he currently possessed—such as sketching, guitar, and motorcycle riding—were all things he had gained in the game.
Similarly, the properties, cars, and companies he had obtained also corresponded to assets he owned in the game.
In other words, he was gradually inheriting everything from his in-game life bit by bit.
The Heartthrob Tang Song in the game was truly an all-around talent.
And the process of cultivating his Companions involved sharing some of his in-game resources with them.
As for Yaqian, the Canary, even though her growth progress had surpassed that of Wen Ruan, the differences in their paths and potential left a considerable gap between the two.
It’s predictable that Wen Ruan’s career achievements will far exceed Zhao Yaqian’s in the future. To balance this disparity, the system first granted the Silver-Tongued skill to bolster the Canary’s competitiveness and now plans to bestow her with a unique talent.
From this perspective, Yaqian has actually received quite a bit.
As her boyfriend who genuinely loves her, Tang Song naturally wouldn’t mind making such contributions.
He hoped the beautician could draw a talent she truly loves. With an interest and goal, her social circle could expand, and her future would become much more vibrant.
“What are you thinking about, smiling so happily?”
A soft, magnetic voice spoke from beside him.
Moments later, Wen Ruan walked in, dressed in sportswear. Her curves were impossible to ignore.
Stepping forward to gently embrace his girlfriend, Tang Song smiled and looked down at her. “Thinking about you, and then you showed up. Guess we’re really in sync.”
“Cut it out. You’re always saying sweet things. I’ve been in the living room the whole time,” Wen Ruan teased, giving him a playful eye-roll, though the smile on her face betrayed her happiness.
Now a true woman in every sense, deeply cherished and fulfilled, her every movement carried a mature charm.
Just watching her made Tang Song’s waist ache faintly.
Despite being optimized by system enhancements, he was still fundamentally a regular guy.
Wen Ruan, however, was mature, sexy, and the perfect partner.
With her strong base stats (Physique: 75, Stamina: 76, Agility: 71) and a body honed through years of exercise, she had become a terrifying powerhouse after passing the beginner phase.
In the war of dignity and facing her teasing provocations, Tang Song had already burned through his remaining three bottles of Recovery Potions.
After a few intimate exchanges, Wen Ruan suddenly asked, “The Xingyun International equity you had me hold—does that include the 15% currently held by Juxing Huicui Company?”
Hearing her question, Tang Song didn’t hesitate to confirm, “Yes, the equity transfer will begin next week. I’ll have the lawyer contact you then.”
Satisfied with his answer, Wen Ruan lightly licked her lips.
Having worked at Xingyun International Group for so long, she had a general understanding of its internal shareholders.
When she first heard the figure of 15%, she already had suspicions. Now they were confirmed.
Juxing Huicui Investment Management Company was a limited partnership.
Its most notable limited partner (LP) was Su Yu, alongside several celebrity LPs.
The general partner (GP) of the company was Sutang Investment Management Company.
The actual controller and manager was Su Yu herself, essentially making it her family office.
This confirmed that Tang Song had a close relationship with Su Yu.
As for whether it was the kind of relationship she was imagining… she wasn’t sure and didn’t want to probe further.
Some things were still too much for her to accept right now.
To Wen Ruan, Su Yu was a woman who had maxed out her stats in every way.
If Su Yu were to become Tang Song’s wife in the future, then as a mere "little girlfriend," Wen Ruan’s position would indeed be awkward.
After a brief silence, Wen Ruan softly asked, “When I join the board of directors, will I be replacing an internal director, or will a new seat be added?”
“Replacing someone,” Tang Song explained. “The board will remain capped at seven members, as stated in the company charter and the board’s procedural rules.”
Having already received an email from Lawyer Luo Bin about the transaction, Tang Song was well-informed.
“Understood. I’ll handle it well, and thank you, little brother, for trusting me.”
Wen Ruan’s gaze flickered as she began to ponder.
Board appointments aren’t made casually. Each member is the result of careful deliberation among shareholders.
Currently, the board includes four directors nominated by Tang Zong Entertainment, including Chairman Li Mohai.
Her arrival would inevitably mean replacing one of the internal directors.
But who?
Her thoughts drifted to Zhang Zihang’s father, Zhang Chaoming, now 57 and set to retire in three years.
A senior figure in Xingyun International Group, he was already a vice president-level executive with 2% equity when she joined.
After Tang Zong Entertainment’s involvement and the resulting internal restructuring, Zhang Chaoming seized the opportunity to rise as an internal director amid the power struggles.
Tang Zong Entertainment’s support had been crucial to his ascent.
Now, with Wen Ruan’s arrival, Zhang Chaoming seemed the most likely to be replaced.
She knew that as long as she spoke up, Tang Zong Entertainment would undoubtedly back her, and the shareholder vote would pass smoothly.
While Wen Ruan wouldn’t say she harbored no resentment over the scandal Zhang Zihang caused in the past, she wasn’t about to let it slide either.
That incident had left a profound impact on her life.
Yet, after it happened, Zhang Zihang, the privileged son of a director, escaped unscathed and was merely reassigned as vice president of the Hangzhou subsidiary. Meanwhile, she remained in the Digital Marketing Department, enduring endless rumors and scrutiny.
"Why do you still call me little brother? You should call me big brother!" Tang Song teased, holding Wen Ruan’s hand.
"I won’t! Hey, be gentle!" she retorted with mock annoyance.
In the city center of Shenzhen, inside a luxury apartment:
Work assistant Zhen Yu spoke softly, "Director Su, the Xingyun International equity transaction has been arranged, and all shareholders have been notified. The transfer can proceed next week."
"Good. Let’s finalize this matter as soon as possible," Su Yu replied, putting down the book in her hands as starlight seemed to shimmer in her eyes.
Currently, Xingyun International Group was still a limited liability company, so any equity transaction required approval from other shareholders. However, after Tang Zong Entertainment’s investment, certain clauses in the company charter were amended—within the bounds of corporate law—to ease these restrictions.
For instance, it now allowed shareholders to transfer equity directly to external parties with only three days' notice to others, eliminating the need for their consent.
As for the equity held in trust by Wen Ruan, it was entirely within Su Yu’s expectations.
Xingyun International Group was a sprawling entity with a complex web of operations. Using Wen Ruan as a proxy was standard practice for Tang Song.
This arrangement also temporarily quieted Jin Meixiao, whose original plan had been to push Wen Ruan into achieving great success at Light and Shadow Media.
Tang Song’s personal involvement in this matter clearly demonstrated his stance.
Su Yu gently caressed the bracelet on her wrist, feeling pleasantly surprised by Tang Song’s increasing influence within Xingyun International and Tang Zong Entertainment.
For years, all her efforts had been directed at catching his attention.
Now, at last, she was seeing results.
The thought brought a small smile to her lips. She looked up and said softly to her assistant, "Regarding the Yanbei Printing Plant, go to Yan City and find an opportunity to talk with Wen Ruan. Consider it a gift from me to her."
"Understood, Director Su."
Watching her assistant leave, Su Yu picked up her book again and leaned back on the sofa to continue reading.
Thanks to Zhao Yaqian's precedent and Tang Song’s appearance at the concert, Su Yu had come to accept the situation calmly.
What she needed to do next was simple: help him handle minor troubles and, of course, make her presence known. She wanted to ensure none of them entertained any ideas about marrying Tang Song.
In this regard, she and Jin Meixiao shared the same opinion.
Monday, July 3, 2023, Thunderstorms turning to light rain, 27–35°C
At 7:00 p.m. in Yan City, a black chauffeured car slowly drove through the rainy streets.
Raindrops pattered softly against the car window, creating a crisp "tap-tap" sound.
Outside, the world was shrouded in a hazy curtain of rain, with streetlights casting a gentle glow into the night.
The car turned a corner and entered the Oasis View Garden community, eventually stopping in front of Building 1.
Tang Song carried Wen Ruan’s suitcase into the lobby. "Are you sure you don’t want me to come upstairs for a bit?"
"What now? You’re not afraid of meeting my parents anymore?" Wen Ruan teased, giving his shoulder a playful pat before adjusting the collar of his shirt. "No need to rush. Once I officially return to Light and Shadow Media as its president and sort everything out, my family won’t pressure me about marriage anymore. Then, I can focus on my work more freely."
Looking at the mature and alluring Wen Ruan, Tang Song softly said, "I’ve prepared two surprises for you. Once you’ve settled things at Light and Shadow Media, I’ll give them to you as congratulatory gifts."
Although Wen Ruan was about to take on an executive role at Xingyun International, she currently didn’t have much money. Her high salary would only be paid out monthly after she started the job.
Tang Song had even checked her bank account—she had a total of only 320,000 yuan.
Of course, she also owned a house and a car, which was already quite impressive.
Still, as his Companion, she deserved the appropriate benefits.
He planned to arrange for her inclusion in the Slover Trust, securing her financial independence in one go and putting her parents at ease.
Additionally, the townhouse in Shengyuan Scenic Residence would be ready by the end of the week. That would undoubtedly leave her so thrilled she wouldn’t be able to stop smiling.
"Surprises…" Wen Ruan chuckled. "You’re not planning to introduce me to two new 'little sisters,' are you? Let me warn you—I won’t be playing basketball with a group."
Her bold remark made Tang Song’s brow twitch involuntarily, and he couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of anticipation.
"That’s not what I meant," he replied with a wry smile.
"Alright, you little rascal, I’ve taken up your time for a whole week. Now, take a break and go spend time with whoever you want. But remember, you’d better deliver on time in the future! If you can’t satisfy me, I’ll find another way," Wen Ruan teased, lightly tapping Tang Song’s lips with a challenging smirk.
Tang Song’s features—his high nose bridge, thin lips, and sharp jawline—fit perfectly with her aesthetic preferences. There was nothing quite like pinning this face beneath her. Unfortunately, this little "brother" had too much pride and had only let her have her way once.
But that didn’t bother her.
As her water-element magic continued to advance, achieving the title of Archmage was only a matter of time.
When that moment came, she’d make sure Tang Song conceded—on his knees, if necessary.
After exchanging some playful, sharp words, the two parted reluctantly. Tang Song got back into the car, heading toward the Yanjing Huating community.
Wen Ruan watched as the car disappeared into the night, then pursed her lips, slung her bag over her shoulder, and carried her suitcase upstairs.
When she opened the door, a strong smell of cigarette smoke greeted her.
"Ugh, cough cough!" Wen Ruan fanned her hand and glanced into the room.
In the living room, four men were sitting around the coffee table, smoking, drinking, and chatting loudly, their faces flushed with drink.
"We’ve worked in the factory for 15 years, and now we can’t even get fair compensation!"
"Exactly! They claim there’s no money, but Liu Zengmin is still living in a mansion!"
"Our resettlement housing isn’t even ready yet, and now we’ve lost our jobs. How are we supposed to swallow this injustice? They have to compensate us!"
"Sigh… maybe we should think about what to do next instead."
"What’s there to worry about, Jianxin? Your daughter Ruan Ruan is so capable. She bought you a new home and found a good partner. Now she’s even becoming a senior executive!"
"Yeah, Jianxin, you’re way better off than us. My useless son is still waiting for me to save up for his wedding house, and now I’ve lost my job too. I’m at my wit’s end."
Hearing them bring up her name, Wen Ruan closed the door behind her and called out loudly, "Dad, I’m back! Oh, Uncle, Uncle Chen, Uncle Guanghua, you’re all here? Good evening!"
Her father, Wen Jianxin, immediately stood up from his small stool, his face lighting up. "Ruan Ruan, you’re home?"
The other three greeted her with strained smiles, their faces still etched with worry.
From the kitchen, her mother, Qian Guixiang, rushed out. "Oh dear, why didn’t you tell us you were coming back? It’s raining outside! Have you eaten yet?"
"I already ate."
Wen Jianxin took her suitcase and put it in the spare bedroom. Wen Ruan went to the balcony to open a window, letting fresh air flow through the smoke-filled room.
After greeting her relatives, she was about to head to her room when a stooped figure stood up.
"Ruan Ruan," Uncle Guanghua said hesitantly. "I… I have a favor to ask you."
Wen Ruan paused mid-step, turning to him in surprise. "What is it, Uncle Guanghua?"
Wen Guanghua rubbed his rough, dark hands against his clothes, looking a bit embarrassed. "Jianxin mentioned that you’re going to be a senior executive at a company. I was wondering if you could help Shun Shun find a job—just something stable. It doesn’t matter how much it pays."
At this, the other two uncles turned their attention to her as well.
Their family had moved from the village due to the resettlement housing issue, and their fortunes hadn’t improved much since. Most of the younger generation had worked in factories, many of which were now shutting down, leaving them unemployed.
Wen Ruan was currently the most successful among them.
In such difficult times, they thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask—maybe she’d have an opportunity for them.
Wen Ruan’s gaze shifted slightly as she remained silent for a moment. She exhaled softly before replying, "I’ll see what I can do."
Uncle Guanghua was her father’s cousin. When they were younger, their families lived across the street from each other. His wife had succumbed to cancer years ago after a long struggle, leaving the family financially drained.
A few years back, they had scraped together savings and borrowed some money to buy a small two-bedroom apartment on the outskirts of the city, saddled with a monthly mortgage of over 4,000 yuan.
That home had allowed his 31-year-old son, Wen Pingshun, to finally settle down and find a girlfriend. Things were just starting to stabilize for them.
But now, with the factory closing, both father and son were out of work, a devastating blow to their already precarious situation.
When they were kids, Wen Ruan and Pingshun had been close. He’d even helped her handle troublesome classmates in school.
If it had been before, she wouldn’t have had the means to help.
But now, as a soon-to-be director at Xingyun International and president of Light and Shadow Media, she’d have access to significant resources. Solving a few employment issues wouldn’t be difficult.
Uncle Guanghua’s eyes welled up with tears at her promise. "Thank you, Ruan Ruan. Just let Shun Shun know, no matter the outcome."
"It’s no trouble, Uncle Guanghua," Wen Ruan replied with a gentle shake of her head. "Have Pingshun wait for my message. There’s no need to rush."
"Okay, okay! Thank you so much, Ruan Ruan."
Her other two uncles opened their mouths to speak but hesitated, deciding to talk to her parents later instead.
The door to Wen Ruan’s room closed with a soft click.
Her mother, Qian Guixiang, pulled her aside and whispered, "Ruan Ruan, don’t overdo it! This isn’t a small matter. If you help one, everyone else will come to you too!"
"Don’t worry, Mom. I’ve got it under control," Wen Ruan said as she opened her bag to unpack.
Seeing her daughter’s calm demeanor, Qian Guixiang shook her head in resignation and asked, "How’s work going? Are you really going to be a senior executive? What’s the salary like?"
"Mom, you’ve already bragged to everyone, and now you’re just confirming it with me?" Wen Ruan said with a bemused expression.
"Heh… well…" Qian Guixiang laughed awkwardly. She couldn’t help it—showing off was her nature. When Wen Ruan was younger, her daughter was her pride and joy, always a topic of conversation during family gatherings.
But after Wen Ruan returned to Yan City and remained unmarried as she grew older, Qian Guixiang started feeling anxious.
Wen Ruan paused her packing and smiled faintly. "It should be finalized this week. I’ll officially start next week. The pay is much better than you think."
"How much?!" Qian Guixiang grabbed her daughter’s arm, her excitement evident. "Is it more than 500,000 a year?"
"Mm, it’s more than that."
Hearing this, a rush of heat filled Qian Guixiang’s chest. Finally, her family’s luck was turning around!
Her face flushed with joy as she murmured under her breath, "Amitabha, Taishang Laojun bless us, thank you, Lord…"
After a moment of gleeful muttering, she exclaimed, "Your cousin’s family is hosting a housewarming soon. Let’s go together!" For original chapters go to novèlfire.net
Wen Ruan sighed softly. "Mom, I don’t want to go."
"Why not?" Qian Guixiang said urgently. "You’re still not married, so people are bound to gossip. Coming with me to chat and show your face will stop them from talking behind your back."
Hearing this, Wen Ruan nodded reluctantly. "Which neighborhood is it in?"
Although she didn’t entirely agree with her mother’s tendency to show off, she knew she’d need to play along to maintain her "successful woman" image and buy herself some time.
Qian Guixiang clicked her tongue enviously. "It’s in Shengyuan Scenic Residence in Qiaoxi District. A 130-square-meter house. Your aunt hasn’t stopped showing it off, calling me every day to video chat from inside."
"Oh, well, no wonder. With a house like that, wouldn’t anyone want to brag a little?"
Wen Ruan was well aware of Shengyuan Scenic Residence; it was a famous upscale neighborhood. Even Xie Shuyu, the CEO of Shimmer Coffee, lived there.
"By the way, Ruan Ruan, can Tang Song come with us? Let him visit our home first, then join us for lunch at their place. You know, none of our relatives have met your boyfriend yet. They don’t believe me and think I’m making it all up."
Wen Ruan paused, then nodded. "Alright, I’ll ask him if he has time."
Qian Guixiang was momentarily stunned. Since when was her daughter so agreeable? Finally, she’d get to meet this golden son-in-law!
At Yanjing Huating, Building 6:
Ding! The elevator doors opened, and Tang Song stepped out, dragging a suitcase.
Beep-beep-beep! The fingerprint lock sounded, and the armored door clicked open.
Changing into indoor slippers at the entryway, Tang Song couldn’t help but smile in anticipation. He had skipped going home just to experience his Canary’s Silver-Tongued skill firsthand.
Stepping into the living room, he was greeted by upbeat music echoing through the space.
There, on yoga mats, were Zhao Yaqian and Lin Muxue, both in similarly styled workout outfits that showcased their fit and curvaceous figures.
Slender waists, long legs, and perky posteriors—they were truly a feast for the eyes.
Hearing movement near the entryway, the two women quickly turned to look.
"Brother Song!" Zhao Yaqian squealed and dashed toward him, throwing herself into his arms.
"You’re back! I missed you so much! Mwah, mwah!" she said, smothering him with kisses before reluctantly letting go.
"Good evening, Tang Song," Lin Muxue greeted softly, tucking her hair behind her ear with a graceful smile. She exuded an air of sophistication and elegance.
Tang Song raised an eyebrow, his gaze briefly sweeping over Lin Muxue.
This "fake socialite" friend always acted charming and coy whenever they met.
"Good evening, Xiaoxue," he replied with a polite smile.
Clinging to his arm, Zhao Yaqian grinned mischievously. "Brother Song, Xiaoxue and I have been researching the beauty industry all day. Since it started raining, I invited her to stay over tonight. We were planning to share a bed, but now that you’re here, I guess I’ll have to ditch her!"
She stuck out her tongue at Lin Muxue playfully.
Lin Muxue licked her lips and looked at Tang Song. "It’s fine. I’m okay with whatever arrangement."
Hearing this, Tang Song’s heart raced.
A bold idea popped into his head.
These two were both his "teammates." If they ever ended up "playing on the same court"… that would truly be a game-changer.