novelraw Chapter 318: Embrace, Accomplishment, and Confidence
Chapter 318: Embrace, Accomplishment, and Confidence
"Yourong, Yourong, are you okay?"
Xie Shuyu softly reminded Jiang Yourong, who seemed frozen in place, assuming she might have had too much to drink.
Though slightly chubby, Jiang Yourong couldn’t handle her alcohol well—definitely worse than Shuyu.
Jiang Yourong’s gaze refocused, and her awareness returned quickly. “I’m fine.”
“By the way, did you two come here together?”
“Yeah,” Jiang Yourong replied, her expression a bit unnatural. “I just ran into him at the bar entrance. He looked really familiar, so I thought we’d have a drink and chat.”
Tang Song nodded in agreement. “I just didn’t expect him to be your friend, Sister Shuyu. What a coincidence.”
Jiang Yourong looked up at him and extended her hand. “Hello, let’s make this a formal introduction. I’m Jiang Yourong, a teacher at Yan City Normal University. I almost thought you were one of my students earlier.”
“Nice to meet you, Teacher Jiang.” Tang Song shook her soft hand. “I went to Yan City University of Technology, which is less than two kilometers away from your university. No wonder I looked familiar.”
“Yeah, that must be it,” Jiang Yourong said, her eyes sparkling as she nodded earnestly.Discovering such a big secret had her mind brimming with curiosity, like wild grass growing uncontrollably.
A genius young woman, founder of Smile Holdings, 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year, a Fortune 40 Under 40 honoree, a Time 100 Most Influential People of 2022, a Forbes cover figure...
Her aura was blindingly bright—so bright that most people dared not look directly at her.
Knowledge, resilience, capability, beauty.
To those familiar with her story, her achievements felt unreal, as if she were a character plucked straight from the pages of a novel.
But was Tang Song really romantically involved with Chairman Jin?
Xie Shuyu’s brows twitched slightly as she watched the two shake hands and exchange glances.
It was her first time seeing Jiang Yourong so enthusiastic about a man, even taking the initiative to shake hands.
Xie Shuyu gently patted Tang Song’s arm and said calmly, “Let’s sit down and chat.”
“Sure.” Tang Song released Jiang Yourong’s hand and followed her to a booth.
Jiang Yourong casually sat down on the other side of him, her warm and faintly fragrant presence surrounding him. The scent was a mix of crisp herbal notes, fruity hints, and the faint aroma of alcohol.
Sandwiched in the middle, Tang Song felt slightly uncomfortable at first but quickly composed himself. He had grown significantly since before.
Facing Xie Shuyu, the once “goddess CEO” he used to revere, he no longer felt uneasy or hesitant. Instead, he carried an air of composure and admiration.
Yu Sicheng politely said, “I’m Shuyu’s old schoolmate and former colleague, Yu Sicheng.”
“Hello, Mr. Yu.”
“Hi, Tang Song. I’m Pei Ya.” Pei Ya curiously studied him and teased, “I must say, your outfit matches Sister Shuyu’s tonight. Even the colors are coordinated.”
Tang Song slightly turned, meeting Xie Shuyu’s bright and lively eyes.
“It is quite the coincidence,” he said with a charming smile, placing the shopping bag he was holding onto his lap. “And speaking of coincidences, I was out shopping earlier and happened to pick up a gift for you, Sister Shuyu. Originally, I was going to give it to you later, but why not take the opportunity now?”
“A gift?” Xie Shuyu was momentarily stunned, struggling to process this unexpected gesture.
A chance encounter was one thing, but he had prepared a gift?
Tang Song pulled out a sleek black gift box with an elegant texture.
Opening it revealed a soft black velvet lining, cradling a bracelet like a delicate cloud.
Tang Song placed the box before Xie Shuyu and spoke with a clear, pleasant voice. “This is a Tiffany T bracelet. It’s perfect for someone as stylish, sophisticated, and graceful as Sister Shuyu. Whether you’re dressed casually or for work, it complements your aura beautifully…”
As Tang Song continued his compliments and explained his choice, his words felt almost rehearsed.
In truth, the AI-powered Special Vision feature had provided him with the ideal description and selection criteria while he chose the gift.
As Xie Shuyu listened, her gaze alternated between the bracelet in front of her and Tang Song’s refined features. She breathed in his fresh scent, and her eyes quivered slightly. Her hand clenched faintly by her side.
That faint, undefinable flutter stirred in her heart again, making it hard to maintain her usual composed and elegant demeanor.
Beside her, Jiang Yourong’s gaze flickered, her thoughts uncertain.
From the looks of it, Tang Song seemed interested in Xie Shuyu.
Could she have been wrong? Was he not involved with Chairman Jin?
Across from them, Pei Ya bit her lip, feeling a pang of envy.
The Tiffany T bracelet with diamonds cost ¥19,000. She could afford it herself, but it would never compare to receiving it as a gift from an outstanding man like Tang Song.
Pei Ya’s social circle was rather high-end, and she could tell from Tang Song’s attire, demeanor, and accessories that he was no ordinary man. Objectively speaking, he was far more charismatic than Yu Sicheng.
A faint sense of embarrassment bubbled up as Pei Ya took a sip of her drink.
Moments ago, she had been flaunting her relationship with Yu Sicheng, hoping to discourage this “old woman” from bothering her boyfriend. Now, she just felt ridiculous.
“Sister Shuyu, try it on,” Tang Song suggested, lifting the bracelet from the box.
Xie Shuyu hesitated briefly, then softly replied, “Thank you.”
As the CTO of Jinxiu Commerce, Tang Song could easily afford such luxury without impacting his finances. She could always return the gesture with a gift of comparable value later.
Her slender, fair hand slipped through the bracelet, and it fit snugly on her wrist. The diamonds sparkled brilliantly under the light, complementing her perfectly.
Xie Shuyu’s face lit up with a radiant smile. “I love it.”
“As long as you like it,” Tang Song replied, his gaze slightly heated as he looked at the stunning CEO before him.
This was once the woman he could only dream of. Every time he saw her, a surge of ambition and desire filled his heart.
This yearning was even stronger than what he felt for Shen Yuyan or Xu Qing.
Xie Shuyu’s bright and confident eyes shifted slightly, a wave of inexplicable nervousness washing over her.
Tang Song seemed more assertive and bold this time—a sharpness she hadn’t seen before.
Oddly enough, she didn’t dislike it. On the contrary, it stirred something in her.
Watching Xie Shuyu accept the bracelet, Yu Sicheng pursed his lips tightly, a faint bitterness rising in his chest.
He had once given Xie Shuyu gifts too, but she always declined anything too extravagant.
The disparity in treatment was obvious, and he knew the reason.
Though Yu Sicheng was mature enough not to dwell on it too deeply, he couldn’t entirely ignore the sting.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have brought his young and attractive girlfriend to this gathering.
“Let’s toast,” Tang Song said with a grin, raising his cocktail glass.
“Cheers!”
The sound of clinking glasses filled the air, and the group drank, each with their own thoughts swirling in their minds.
Yu Sicheng took a sip of his drink and asked calmly, “Shuyu, how did you and Tang Song meet? You two seem to have quite a good relationship. I don’t recall you mentioning him before.”
"The Shimmer Coffee mini-program was created by Tang Song," Xie Shuyu said with a graceful, composed smile. "You could say he's a business partner. Additionally, he's the CTO of a major commerce company—a true tech expert."
Tang Song merely nodded without elaborating.
He had no intention of hiding his wealth or position, as anyone investing in Shimmer Coffee would eventually discover it. It was only a matter of time.
“Heh, a CTO in his twenties—quite accomplished for his age,” Yu Sicheng said, lowering his gaze and saying no more.
Jiang Yourong, who had been listening intently, was visibly stunned. A flicker of disbelief crossed her eyes.
When Xie Shuyu first mentioned developing a mini-program, Jiang Yourong had recommended a few students to her. But she later heard the job had gone to an expert with experience at a major tech firm in Beijing. They had briefly discussed it over WeChat.
However, Tang Song didn’t align at all with the image of the scruffy tech genius Shuyu had described back then.
From the moment she met Tang Song, she’d had a strange feeling. She was certain he was the same man she’d seen in Chairman Jin’s office, but so many details didn’t add up, leaving her even more puzzled.
...
After a few casual exchanges, the conversation shifted back to the coffee industry.
Tang Song naturally took the lead, discussing market competition, supply chains, brand innovation, and investment prospects with clarity and ease.
Xie Shuyu's eyes grew increasingly bright, her poised figure leaning slightly toward him as she engaged deeply in the discussion.
She could sense that Tang Song had genuinely invested effort in understanding the current state and trends of the coffee industry. His insights were straightforward yet profound, well-structured, and presented with a clear hierarchy of ideas.
Tang Song occasionally interjected with remarks about drinks, cuisine, or the décor of RIDO Lounge Bar, lightening the mood.
When Pei Ya or Yu Sicheng brought up other topics like fashion, luxury goods, art, or sales, he seamlessly joined the conversation.
His voice, both clear and magnetic, paired with precise and vivid language, quickly made him the focal point of the booth.
Tang Song seemed to know a bit about everything, displaying vast knowledge and a sharp, organized mind. He would even sprinkle in entertaining anecdotes from time to time.
Gradually, Pei Ya and Jiang Yourong’s attention became fixed on him.
In a daze, Xie Shuyu recalled a scene from over three months ago.
At a window-side table at Yan Bin Lou Restaurant, she had invited Tang Song to dinner, intending to offer him a long-term outsourcing role for Shimmer Coffee.
Back then, Tang Song, though noticeably thinner and better groomed, had been overshadowed by Yunjing Consulting’s Wang Yunping, who dominated the conversation.
When Wang Yunping left, he even made some unpleasant remarks.
Xie Shuyu had noticed Tang Song’s embarrassment but had refrained from saying much to spare his pride.
Now, the situation seemed reversed. Facing elite talents like Jiang Yourong and Yu Sicheng, Tang Song’s transformation was astonishing.
This stark contrast made his upward drive and ambitious spirit even more striking—a quality she admired most in him.
...
Tang Song took a deep sip of his drink, the dryness in his mouth instantly replaced by a smooth, moist sensation.
His gaze fell on the bottle before him, and a window of information popped up instantly:
Hennessy VSOP Cognac
Flavor: Balanced and subtle, delicate texture… notes of fruit, flowers, vanilla, and caramel imparted by the oak barrel.
The feeling of being “enhanced” was undeniably thrilling.
Of course, it was also true that his personal abilities had grown remarkably.
Yu Sicheng, however, found it increasingly difficult to maintain his calm smile as he noticed his girlfriend’s captivated gaze.
Pei Ya’s father was a shareholder in their group—a critical stepping stone for his career.
But the way the conversation was going, it seemed like Pei Ya might end up being the other man’s little fangirl.
Exhaling deeply, Yu Sicheng stood up. “Xiaoya and I need to visit clients tomorrow, so we’ll head out early. Let’s get together again sometime.”
“Sure, take care.”
“Bye-bye, have a safe trip.”
“See you!”
After exchanging farewells, Yu Sicheng pulled his girlfriend away, striding toward the exit with an air of dejection.
He had intended to show off his young, beautiful, and loving girlfriend, hoping to alleviate years of inner frustration. Instead, he felt even worse now.
...
As the two left, Tang Song stood and headed for the restroom, leaving the booth momentarily silent.
Jiang Yourong turned to Xie Shuyu and asked abruptly, “Shuyu, what’s your relationship with Tang Song? Be honest.”
“We’re just friends,” Xie Shuyu replied calmly.
Jiang Yourong licked her lips and lowered her voice. “I can’t help but feel he’s into you. Are you sure there’s no romantic tension between you two?”
“Of course not!” Xie Shuyu’s smile stiffened. “You’re mistaken. We just have a good relationship, and there’s some business collaboration as well.”
In her heart, she indeed saw Tang Song as a young man she greatly admired.
But perhaps due to her age, occasional inexplicable physiological impulses would sometimes stir her emotions.
“Oh, I see.” Jiang Yourong hesitated, swallowing the words she wanted to say.
She dared not casually speculate about Tang Song and Chairman Jin’s relationship—it could offend someone she couldn’t afford to cross.
Leaving Smile Holdings and Chairman Jin was the greatest regret of her life.
Many of her former colleagues now held influential positions, wielding resources and networks beyond imagination.
As a mere associate professor at a lower-tier university, Jiang Yourong’s life wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed.
Her annual income, including lectures, reviews, and project bonuses, barely surpassed ¥200,000. Beyond teaching, she had to conduct research, supervise students, and apply for grants, often dealing with endless red tape.
The school even required staff to meet a “horizontal research funding” quota annually. If unmet, she’d have to inject her own money into the school’s research account under the guise of corporate sponsorship, gradually reclaiming it through reimbursements for labor, travel, and other expenses.
To progress further, she needed to secure a National Youth Fund before turning 35. Otherwise, her career would stagnate.
Truthfully, she lacked money and quality resources.
Now, seeing a glimmer of hope in reaching Chairman Jin’s circle again, she was reluctant to let it slip away.
...
Footsteps echoed as Tang Song returned to the booth.
He spoke softly, “By the way, Sister Yourong, as an associate professor at Yan City Normal University, do you have a faculty apartment near the South Gate?”
Jiang Yourong blinked, then nodded. “Yes, a two-bedroom, one-living-room unit, 68 square meters.”
“Here’s the thing,” Tang Song said after some thought. “I recently found some free time and wanted to revisit campus life—study, enjoy the cafeteria, visit the library and track. I was hoping to rent a place near the university for about two weeks. Would your apartment be available?”
With their rapport already high, Tang Song skipped further pretense and got straight to the point.
Hearing his request, Jiang Yourong maintained her calm demeanor, but her heartbeat quickened.
He wants to stay at my place?
“That’s no problem at all,” she said.
Xie Shuyu, caught off guard, interjected, “Yourong, isn’t Lele living there already?”
"Sure, Tang Song can use my master bedroom. Everything, including bedding, is ready," Jiang Yourong said nonchalantly, radiating a composed and generous air. "Since it’s summer break, I’m staying at my own apartment for now anyway."
Xie Shuyu bit her lip lightly, her gaze narrowing slightly.
She knew Jiang Yourong’s personality well—allowing a man she had just met to sleep in her bed was completely out of character for her.
"Thank you, Sister Yourong," Tang Song replied, then asked curiously, "By the way, is ‘Lele’ referring to Qian Lele?"
Jiang Yourong nodded. "Yes, Qian Lele is a student from our department. I recommended her for a position at Shimmer Coffee. She’s staying temporarily in the faculty apartment over the summer. She’s very easygoing and quite well-mannered."
"I know Lele well," Tang Song said casually. He didn’t find the arrangement unusual. After all, he had lived in co-rental housing with both men and women while in Beijing.
"If you want to visit the library, you’ll need a temporary pass. I’ll arrange it for you tomorrow," Jiang Yourong offered. She took a campus card from her bag and handed it to Tang Song. "For other places, like the cafeteria, you can use my campus card."
Tang Song accepted the card, expressing his thanks once again.
Though he wasn’t sure why, Jiang Yourong’s kindness toward him seemed unusually generous.
Reaching into a shopping bag nearby, Tang Song retrieved a smaller gift box and gently placed it in front of Jiang Yourong.
"Sister Yourong, I won’t bother with rent. Instead, please accept this as a token of my gratitude."
The black gift box bore the unmistakable gold Bulgari logo, shining brightly.
Jiang Yourong’s eyes flickered, and she smiled. "Alright, since we’re friends, I won’t stand on ceremony."
She opened the box delicately, revealing a white mother-of-pearl fan-shaped bracelet that sparkled brilliantly. It struck a perfect balance between subtlety and vitality, ideal for someone her age.
Throughout this exchange, Xie Shuyu watched in silence, her poised and elegant demeanor unchanged, though her gaze seemed to dim slightly.
Closing the box, Jiang Yourong broke into a radiant smile and leaned in to give Tang Song a quick hug.
"This is gorgeous. Thank you for the gift! I’d say this bracelet is worth close to ¥10,000—guess I’ve gained the upper hand here."
Her warm fragrance, mingled with hints of alcohol, accompanied the embrace, along with the soft sensation of her figure.
Tang Song’s eye twitched.
Despite both being curvy, the toned and athletic Wen Ruan’s figure had a firmer feel, with no excess fat. Jiang Yourong’s more mature physique, on the other hand, was softer, with noticeable layers of fat. Hugging them felt entirely different.
If he were to compare, Wen Ruan—with her defined abs and peach-shaped hips—was definitely more exciting, especially during physical activities like sports.
Jiang Yourong stole a glance at Xie Shuyu, noting her silent expression.
She picked up on subtle cues from Xie Shuyu’s micro-expressions.
You claim you’re just friends—then why do you look so uncomfortable?
Shuyu, you have no idea just how extraordinary this young man you admire truly is.
And behind him, there’s an even more formidable presence: Jin Meixiao, the hidden boss.
...
The black BMW 7 Series cruised along the main road.
It was nearing 11 p.m., and the streets were mostly deserted. Inside the car, a faint fragrance lingered in the air.
Xie Shuyu and Jiang Yourong, having drunk a fair amount, were slightly tipsy, their cheeks tinged with a rosy flush.
Assistant Xiao Min gently pulled the car to a stop and softly reminded, "Professor Jiang, we’ve arrived at the faculty apartment."
"Oh." Jiang Yourong snapped out of her thoughts, patting Xie Shuyu’s leg before smiling. "I’ll get off here. Tang Song, you can come by tomorrow. Everything you’ll need is already there—just bring your toiletries."
"Got it, Sister Yourong. Take care on the way."
"Bye-bye~"
"Bye."
Tang Song watched her curvaceous figure disappear into the apartment complex before the car started again, heading toward Shengyuan Scenic Residence.
From the driver’s seat, Assistant Xiao Min occasionally glanced at Tang Song, her eyes full of curiosity and surprise at his transformation.
"Shuyu," Tang Song suddenly said, turning toward her.
Looking out at the night through the car window, Xie Shuyu turned her head slightly, her tone calm. "What is it?"
"Can you share the current progress and details regarding Shimmer Coffee’s financing?" Tang Song’s voice was earnest.
Xie Shuyu hesitated for a moment before responding. "We’re still in the due diligence phase. However, Tiancheng Capital has already halted their involvement. The investment committee wasn’t particularly interested in the project from the start. If there are disputes among shareholders, it’s unlikely to go through..."
Her tone remained steady and pleasant, but the fatigue in her lowered gaze was unmistakable.
Tang Song listened quietly. When she finished, he asked, "How long is the exclusivity agreement in Tiancheng Capital’s term sheet?"
"Fifty days—it’ll expire at the end of the month," Xie Shuyu replied with a self-deprecating shake of her head. "But honestly, finding investors isn’t easy. Capital is extremely cautious these days. Even with such strict buyback terms, Tiancheng Capital still doesn’t want to take any risks."
Tang Song nodded, forming a plan in his mind.
By the time his "Scholar" instance mission ended, it would align perfectly with the end of the exclusivity period.
Looking ahead, he noticed the entrance to Shengyuan Scenic Residence approaching.
"We’re here," he said softly. "Xiao Min, please stop at the gate."
"Alright," Xiao Min replied, braking gently and bringing the car to a smooth stop.
Tang Song unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the door. Turning back, he smiled. "It’s quite late. I’ll grab a cab home. Shuyu, since the weather is nice, why don’t we walk to the building? I’ll walk you to your door."
Xie Shuyu’s brows relaxed slightly. After a brief pause, she nodded lightly.
"Click." The car door opened, and Xie Shuyu stepped out.
The summer night breeze ruffled her slightly wavy black hair, scattering it loosely.
The quiet neighborhood was bathed in soft moonlight.
The sound of low-heeled sandals clicking against the pavement echoed softly as Xie Shuyu walked with her LV golden Sahara bag slung over her shoulder. Every movement exuded elegance and confidence.
At the entrance to Building 10, Unit 1, she stopped and turned to face Tang Song.
"Thank you for walking me here. Be careful on your way back, and message me when you get home."
Tang Song looked at the poised, graceful CEO before him, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Her stunning first appearance still lingered in his memory—graceful, fashionable, and with a unique allure.
Her sharp features and radiant energy contrasted sharply with his clumsy appearance and poor performance during their initial meeting.
Noticing his slightly intense gaze, Xie Shuyu averted her eyes uncomfortably. "And... thanks for the bracelet."
"No need," Tang Song replied after a pause. Following his instincts, he stepped forward and gently hugged her slender, elegant figure.
"Goodnight, Shuyu."
In that moment, a profound sense of satisfaction filled his mind, clearing away any lingering doubts.
Xie Shuyu’s body stiffened, her heart pounding furiously. As the alcohol surged through her system, her face flushed slightly, and her mind felt a little hazy.
“Goodnight.” She turned away a bit stiffly, her steps quickening as she walked into the lobby.
The sound of her heels clicking, “da-da-da,” echoed until she disappeared into the building.
Tang Song stood in place for a few minutes, his face breaking into a radiant smile, his spirits soaring.
Xie Shuyu was indeed slim—slimmer than Lin Muxue—but her posture was exceptionally elegant and upright.
Of course, what stood out most was the sense of psychological satisfaction.
As someone much older and a part-time company president, Xie Shuyu always carried an air of maturity, interacting with him like an elder or senior figure.
Unlike Wen Ruan’s allure, Xie Shuyu was far more reserved and dignified, giving their interactions a subtle, forbidden undertone.
The thought of kissing this elegant CEO filled him with anticipation—what an incredible sense of accomplishment that would be.
Exhaling into the night breeze, Tang Song strode confidently toward the villa district.
Hugging two older sisters back-to-back tonight had left his blood boiling.
And tomorrow, with the launch of the Scholar Instance, he’d have to remain abstinent for 15 days.
So tonight, it seemed his girlfriend would have to “work a little overtime.”
Unlocking the door with his fingerprint, Tang Song passed through two sets of doors in succession.
The warm light of the ambiance lamps glowed softly in the entryway.
Switching into slippers, Tang Song ascended the stairs in the dim lighting with the assistance of his Special Vision.
He stopped at the master bedroom on the second floor and tried the door handle—it was locked, as expected.
It was late, and judging by Wen Ruan’s routine, she was likely already asleep.
With a soft chuckle, Tang Song turned and headed to the third-floor study, retrieving a spare key from a drawer.
Thankfully, he had prepared for this beforehand, and Wen Ruan was aware of it.
Heading back to the second floor, he unlocked the door without a hitch.
The room was pitch black, illuminated only by the faint moonlight seeping through the sheer curtains.
Tang Song entered the walk-in closet and turned on the soft ambient light.
He undressed and moved silently to the bedside.
Wen Ruan lay curled slightly, her body forming a graceful curve. Her long hair cascaded over the pillow like a waterfall.
The thin blanket outlined her full, curvaceous figure. She wore only a thin camisole on her upper body, with her smooth shoulders faintly visible. Her chest rose and fell slightly with each breath, exuding a mature and feminine allure.
Tang Song’s breathing quickened as he gently embraced her from behind.
“Mmh,” Wen Ruan let out a soft hum in her sleep, her brow furrowing ever so slightly.
Tang Song’s lips landed lightly on her skin.
“Hmm~” In the dark, Wen Ruan’s eyelashes quivered. Recognizing the familiar scent, she murmured drowsily, “Tang Song…”
“Ruan Ruan, call me brother.”
“Brother…” she murmured almost inaudibly, her voice a soft, sleepy whisper.
Tang Song’s excitement surged instantly. Follow current novels on novel_fіre.net
Wen Ruan’s body trembled slightly, her eyes finally fluttering open. Letting out a soft gasp, she then scolded in mock annoyance, “Hey, little brother, what are you doing sneaking in here in the middle of the night without a word? Trying to scare me to death?”
As she spoke, she reached out and pinched Tang Song’s abdomen hard.
“Hiss—” Tang Song inhaled sharply, leaning his full weight onto her.
The soft mattress dipped deeply under their combined weight.
“Hey! Let me wake up fully first!”
“This is perfect as it is,” Tang Song replied.
Moments later, a still-groggy Wen Ruan began to stir.
“I’m saying… Could you be a little gentler?”
“Ugh, did some other woman provoke you or something? Coming here to vent, huh? So now you’re ‘standing up to stomp your sister,’ is that it? You’re terrible!”