novelraw Chapter 335: Approaching His Threshold
Chapter 335: Approaching His Threshold
In the villa, where the temperature was just right, pleasant music floated through the air.
Qian Lele followed Tang Song to the sofa and sat down. Her gaze swept across the luxurious decor around her, her face a mixture of curiosity, nervousness, and excitement.
Ding Yao moved the fruit platter and snacks on the coffee table closer to her. “Here, have some fruit. A few of my friends aren’t here yet. The birthday party starts at 7:30. Lele, you look absolutely stunning today! You’re gorgeous!”
Qian Lele clasped her hands tightly on her lap, looking a bit uneasy. “No… Yao Yao, you’re exaggerating too much.”
“I’m just being honest!” Ding Yao smiled.
While they chatted, Ding Yao eagerly opened Qian Lele’s gift: a pair of beautiful gold earrings.
Tang Song’s gift was an LV scarf—its color and design were impeccable.
After sincerely thanking both of them, Ding Yao put the earrings on immediately, happily snapped a few selfies, and shared them in her social media circle.
Knowing her friend’s financial situation, this gift felt even more precious.
This was one of the reasons she adored Qian Lele.As long as you treated her well, she would always repay you in kind, never disappointing.
When they had worked together at the café in the school’s entrepreneurial base, Qian Lele had helped her numerous times.
It was through those encounters that Ding Yao had come to value her as a good friend and decided to introduce her to her other friends.
Footsteps shuffled in the distance as several of Ding Yao’s friends returned one by one, their expressions particularly complicated.
The buzz-cut boy nudged Zhang Haoyu with his shoulder and whispered, “Haoyu, this isn’t looking good for you. Looks like you don’t stand a chance anymore.”
Meiqi covered her mouth and chuckled. “I agree with Su Minghao. The charm competition is over. I declare Lele’s male companion the winner!”
Several other girls nodded in agreement. “Seconded!”
“Haoyu, I have to say you’re still too young. That guy’s vibe is just unmatched. You can’t compare.”
“But let’s be real, Qian Lele does look stunning tonight!”
Zhang Haoyu pursed his lips, grabbed a drink from the buffet table, and took a sip. His expression was slightly bitter as he said, “I swear, last time I saw him, he wasn’t like this at all. Who the h*ll would’ve thought this guy was a master of the ‘play dumb and pounce’ strategy!”
Su Minghao slung an arm around Zhang Haoyu’s shoulders and laughed heartily. “Not necessarily! What if he borrowed that car just to look impressive? Plenty of people like that around.”
A girl suddenly chimed in, “I don’t think so!”
“Oh? Why’s that? Do you know him?”
The girl glanced toward Tang Song and replied in a low voice, “You’re all too focused on his looks to notice that his watch is incredibly expensive.”
“What kind of watch is it?”
“Patek Philippe Grand Complications Chronograph. I don’t know the exact model, but it’s probably worth over a million yuan.”
“What if it’s a fake?” Su Minghao scratched his head, clearly unconvinced.
The girl paused, then giggled. “I just feel like a guy this handsome wouldn’t be the type to fake it!”
“Exactly! Good looks are justice! I trust him too!”
After a brief moment, the girls exchanged knowing smiles before crowding around Ding Yao and Qian Lele.
Their attitudes became noticeably more enthusiastic.
“Hello, Lele! Welcome, welcome!”
“Hi, Lele! I’m Zhang Yaming. This is our first time meeting, but I’ve seen your pictures on Yao Yao’s social media. You’re even prettier in person!”
“That camellia cape you’re wearing—I have the same one, but it doesn’t look nearly as good on me as it does on you.”
…
Although they were chatting with Qian Lele, their gazes couldn’t help but drift toward Tang Song.
Even Du Jiao licked her lips and eventually couldn’t resist walking over.
In the end, they just wanted an excuse to talk to the handsome guy.
Meanwhile, Duan Fang stood awkwardly in a corner, unsure whether to sit or leave, and utterly ignored by everyone.
Watching all this unfold, the boys in the room couldn’t help but grimace.
This was the perfect example of “ditching loyalty for beauty.” Brutal but real!
Amid the unprecedented attention around her, Qian Lele seemed a little overwhelmed, responding politely but passively.
Tang Song chuckled knowingly and began chatting with the girls.
“That camellia cape really suits Lele. The camellia is one of Chanel’s iconic elements, symbolizing purity and elegance…”
Seated elegantly on the sofa, Tang Song spoke with ease, his expression confident and composed.
The conversation seamlessly flowed from luxury fashion to the birthday party’s decor and eventually to university life, naturally drawing Qian Lele into the discussion.
Every so often, he would crack a lighthearted joke with her, creating a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere that Ding Yao’s friends couldn’t help but join in, laughing along.
His deep, bright eyes and finely sculpted lips gave him an air of charm.
When his lips curved slightly upward, his smile radiated like warm spring sunlight.
The girls couldn’t tear their eyes away, their faces flushing red.
Oh, this accursed heart rate!
How could a guy’s smile be this captivating?
Seeing Tang Song at ease, commanding attention from everyone in the room, Qian Lele’s eyes sparkled with admiration.
She had always known Tang Song was exceptional.
Whether it was his impressive sketching skills and professional expertise, his thoughtful and insightful conversations, or his focus and dedication to his studies, everything about him screamed brilliance.
But today, Tang Song revealed yet another side of himself.
Gone was his usual quiet and reserved demeanor. Instead, he shone brightly, exuding a commanding presence.
Ding Yao stole a glance at the sharp-featured Tang Song, her heartbeat inexplicably speeding up.
She wasn’t one to obsess over looks or fall head over heels.
But this guy was unbelievably magnetic!
His physique and facial features were flawless—better than any celebrity she’d ever seen.
As an art student, her keen eye for proportions and facial symmetry told her all she needed to know.
Broad shoulders, a narrow waist, long legs, and well-defined muscle lines—he undoubtedly had abs!
His skin was smooth, and his features were striking.
Especially his nose, which had a magnificent shape and height.
Under the light, the contours of his nasal bridge created a shadow that deepened his eye sockets, enhancing his sharp eyebrows and adding a sense of depth and intensity.
It was pure, unfiltered masculinity.
His aura and posture needed no further elaboration.
Every gesture exuded ease and grace.
He seemed to belong to a completely different realm, effortlessly accommodating those around him.
Lele, where on earth did you find such a treasure of a heartthrob? He’s simply amazing!
…
Time quietly slipped by.
More guests arrived for the birthday party, including some of Ding Yao’s university friends.
When they saw the radiant Qian Lele, they looked momentarily stunned, only to quickly notice the poised and ethereal Tang Song sitting beside her.
At 7:30 p.m., the music shifted, signaling the start of the birthday celebration.
“Pop—pop—pop!” Confetti cannons erupted in the party villa, filling the room with excitement.
Ding Yao held a large bouquet of flowers, basking in the crowd’s well wishes.
The atmosphere grew lively and joyous.
Mini-games, funny anecdotes, photo sessions, lights off for wishes, blowing out candles, and cutting the cake…
And finally, the feast began!
“Ding ding~~” The sound of glasses clinking echoed throughout the room.
Qian Lele sipped on her sweet and tangy fruit juice, her face radiating joy and well-wishes.
Unconsciously, her WeChat contact list had grown significantly, and she now found herself laughing and chatting easily with Ding Yao’s friends, fully blending into the lively atmosphere of the party.
Being a smart girl, she naturally understood why.
Previously, the topics they discussed never considered her perspective, nor did they care whether she could join in.
Tang Song’s arrival completely changed the dynamic, indirectly placing her in the spotlight.
“Um… Tang Song, can I add you on WeChat?”
Hearing the voice, Qian Lele turned her head to see Ding Yao’s best friend, Meiqi, standing nearby, shyly sticking out her tongue.
Immediately after, a few more girls, faces flushed red, pulled out their phones.
“I want to add you too! Tang Song, you seem to know so much. I hope I can consult you if I have any questions in the future.”
“Same here!”
In such an atmosphere, Tang Song naturally didn’t refuse; after all, they had already met earlier.
Qian Lele quietly observed the scene without showing any change in her expression.
…
Meanwhile, in the lounge area, Zhang Haoyu and the other boys exchanged glances, their expressions less than pleasant.
Because of what happened earlier, they subconsciously regarded Tang Song as an “intruder” and an “outsider.”
Watching the attractive girls and close friends enthusiastically flock to add Tang Song on WeChat, they couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable.
Su Minghao’s eyes flickered with thought, and he suddenly suggested, “Let’s go talk to him too. Maybe have a few drinks with him while we’re at it.”
The others instantly understood his intent.
Though young and proud, they weren’t fools.
Even if they felt annoyed, causing trouble at Ding Yao’s birthday party was out of the question.
Besides, the guy drove a Bentley and wore a Patek Philippe.
Without knowing his background, no one dared to provoke or mock him outright.
But using the party’s lively atmosphere as an excuse to drink together? That seemed harmless enough.
“Heh, that works. Let’s go. Everyone toast him!”
“Let’s go! Let’s drink him under the table!”
Leading the charge, Su Minghao approached with a group of boys, laughing and joking along the way.
“Tang Song, I’m Su Minghao, a friend of Yao Yao’s. Let’s have a drink together!”
As Su Minghao spoke, he handed Tang Song a glass of red wine.
Tang Song glanced at the buzz-cut boy in front of him, then at the others nearby. A faint smile appeared on his lips.
Shaking his head gently, he replied, “Sorry, I’ll pass. I’ll need to drive later, so I can’t drink.”
With that, he raised the glass of fresh-squeezed juice in his hand and took a sip.
Su Minghao raised his eyebrows and grinned. “Come on, just one drink. You can always call for a designated driver. Let’s make friends.”
The boys beside him immediately joined in, stirring the pot.
“Yo, come on now. You’re fine adding the girls on WeChat, but you can’t drink with us? That’s playing favorites!”
“Yeah, you can’t do that to us!”
“Maybe next time,” Tang Song replied evenly, his tone calm yet resolute as he swept a glance over them.
He showed no particular emotional reaction.
Tonight, he was mainly here to accompany Qian Lele to Ding Yao’s birthday party and help fulfill her wish.
At his current level of maturity and self-control, he wouldn’t waste his energy on such trivial matters.
Besides, he had a bigger challenge awaiting him tonight.
It had been half a month since he’d had any “meat.”
Thinking about his beautician friend’s flawless goblet-shaped legs and silver tongue, followed by Little Xue’s wild enthusiasm and boundless energy, he couldn’t muster any interest in drinking.
Better to conserve his strength and test his current endurance, seeing if he could handle a two-on-one battle.
Hearing Tang Song’s answer, Su Minghao and the others froze for a moment, their expressions turning somewhat sour.
They hadn’t expected him to be so blunt in refusing.
Noticing the subtle tension in the air, Qian Lele tensed up, opening her mouth as if to say something but unable to find the words.
At that moment, Ding Yao quickly walked over and gave Zhang Haoyu and the others a light push.
“Hey, hey, hey! It’s my birthday today. Let people drink what they want. Don’t force anyone to drink!”
Zhang Haoyu shrugged helplessly. “Fine, Tang Song’s just a bit aloof, I guess. Let’s leave it at that.”
Su Minghao swirled his wine glass. “Very aloof indeed. Won’t even have a drink.”
The others followed suit, joking lightly without pressing the issue.
Just then, Zhang Haoyu’s phone vibrated in his pocket.
He set down his wine glass, pulled out his phone, and answered the call. His voice immediately became animated.
“Hello? Sis! You’re done with work?”
Hearing him call out, the room gradually quieted down.
“Oh, oh, we’re all at Building 4. Minghao, Meiqi, Xiao Ni—they’re all here.”
“It’ll be a while before the party wraps up.”
Suddenly, Zhang Haoyu’s face lit up with excitement. “Huh? Really? Great! Got it, got it! Thanks!”
“Don’t worry, Sis! I know how to behave!”
“Yeah, yeah. Bye-bye!”
As he hung up, Ding Yao couldn’t wait to ask, “Haoyu! Is your sister Lili coming?”
The others also looked over with interest.
Zhang Haoyu took a deep breath and announced excitedly, “My sister just finished a meeting. Xie Yue was supposed to drop her off at home, but when he heard she was coming to Building 4 for cake, he suggested tagging along. They won’t stay long—just a few minutes before heading out.”
Hearing this, Ding Yao gasped loudly, her face flushing red. “Xie Yue’s coming too?”
“Holy sh*t! This birthday party just got way more high-profile!”
“Exactly! Yao Yao, you’re so lucky!”
The room erupted into chatter. Even those in the entertainment area playing games gathered curiously.
Quickly, the news about Hanting Group and Xie Yue spread among the crowd, excitement lighting up their faces.
As one of Yan Province’s most prominent real estate developers, Hanting Group’s power and influence were astounding.
And as the heir and vice president of the group, Xie Yue was leagues beyond the typical second-generation rich kids.
Even their parents couldn’t compare to him.
Amid the buzz, Zhang Haoyu stood in the center, his face glowing with pride and satisfaction.
His sister really had influence—someone like Xie Yue treated her with utmost respect.
Glancing in Tang Song’s direction, Zhang Haoyu couldn’t help but feel a surge of competitiveness.
Since Tang Song arrived, the party’s focus had revolved around him, and Qian Lele’s affection for him was obvious.
But now, the tide had turned.
However, when his eyes fell on Tang Song’s composed face, he hesitated, awkwardly looking away, feeling like his energy had nowhere to go.
Su Minghao suggested, “Building 10 isn’t far. If we drive, we’ll get there in no time. Let’s go pick them up!”
“Let’s move!”
Soon, the villa’s door opened, letting in a gust of cool wind.
Several people who knew Zhang Lili headed outside.
Feeling the rising anticipation as the VIPs were about to arrive, Qian Lele grew nervous too.
Ding Yao walked over and grabbed her hand, smiling. “Lele, come with me. I’ll introduce you to Lili later.”
“I think I’ll pass…”
“Oh, come on! Just tag along for me.”
Biting her lip, Qian Lele glanced at Tang Song, meeting his calm, steady gaze.
For some reason, her nerves eased instantly.
It felt as though as long as he was there, she could feel safe and at peace.
“Brother Song, I’ll go with Yao Yao for a bit, okay?”
“Sure, go ahead,” Tang Song replied with a smile and a nod.
Ding Yao chuckled and pulled Qian Lele along, quietly explaining Zhang Lili’s background.
Hearing about her master’s degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, her elite career in a foreign financial institution, and her impressive achievements, Qian Lele’s eyes filled with admiration.
She had heard about the high salaries in the finance industry after starting college.
Top talents like Zhang Lili had starting salaries in the range of 500,000 yuan.
Stepping out of the villa, the cool, damp evening breeze gently caressed Qian Lele's face.
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stop overthinking.
“There’s a car coming in!” someone shouted. “It’s a Bentley Mulsanne—it must belong to Young Master Xie, right?”
Looking up, Qian Lele saw a black luxury sedan slowly rolling in, its wheels turning soundlessly.
The high-end paint gleamed with a mysterious luster under the lights, exuding an air of grandeur.
The car came to a smooth stop in front of the villa entrance, and the crowd quickly gathered around.
The rear door opened slowly, and a man and a woman stepped out one after the other.
The man appeared to be in his early thirties, with a well-proportioned build and sharp, rugged features. Dressed casually, he carried an air of relaxed sophistication.
The woman, looking about 27 or 28, was clad in a blouse and tailored trousers, her gold-rimmed glasses adding to her composed elegance and confident demeanor.
“Sis, you’re here!” Zhang Haoyu’s face lit up with excitement as he greeted them. Then he turned and said respectfully, “Hello, President Xie.”
Ding Yao immediately chimed in warmly, “Lili Sis, President Xie, welcome to my birthday party!”
Zhang Lili smiled and nodded, briefly introducing Ding Yao and herself to Xie Yue.
“Yao Yao, right? Happy birthday.” Xie Yue’s tone was warm and approachable, devoid of any arrogance.
Ding Yao was ecstatic. “Thank you! It’s an honor to have you here.”
This was a truly important figure, personally attending her birthday party and wishing her a happy birthday.
She made a mental note to find a way to take a photo with him later and post it on social media—to shock her parents, of course!
Su Minghao cautiously stepped forward, his nervousness evident. “Hello, President Xie.”
“Hello.”
Seeing Xie Yue’s indifferent response, Su Minghao couldn’t help feeling disappointed.
His family owned a construction materials company that had partnered with Hanting Group in the past, and he had met Xie Yue once.
But clearly, Xie Yue didn’t remember someone as insignificant as him.
Which, to be fair, made sense. After all, he was still just a college student—a nobody in Xie Yue’s eyes.
After some polite small talk, the group accompanied Xie Yue and Zhang Lili into the villa.
In the main hall, everyone stood up, their attention drawn to the newcomers. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novelꜰire.net
Ding Yao eagerly said, “Lili Sis, President Xie, please have a seat. There’s still plenty of cake left—I’ll cut you a slice!”
“No need; we just had dinner not long ago,” Zhang Lili replied with a smile, gesturing politely as she followed Xie Yue toward the seating area.
The crowd’s gaze naturally followed them, eventually settling on the tall, handsome figure reclining on the sofa.
Since everyone else was standing, Tang Song, seated and relaxed, stood out even more.
“Swish, swish, swish—” One by one, eyes shifted toward him.
Qian Lele’s heart skipped a beat as she quickly walked toward Tang Song.
Zhang Haoyu and the other boys froze, their expressions turning odd.
D*mn, this guy really is aloof! Even with Young Master Xie here, he doesn’t bother to stand up and greet him. Bold move!
Ding Yao, trying to smooth things over, asked eagerly, “President Xie, would you like something to drink? I’ll get it for you.”
At that moment, Zhang Lili suddenly stopped in her tracks, staring at the figure on the sofa in shock.
When she confirmed she wasn’t mistaken, a mix of panic and astonishment flashed across her face.
Her steps quickened, almost breaking into a run as she approached Tang Song. Her voice, laced with unease, trembled slightly. “Chairman Tang! Hello! I didn’t expect to see you here!”
Her words silenced the room instantly.
Qian Lele, who had been about to approach, froze on the spot.
The others wore expressions of disbelief.
Even Xie Yue’s brow twitched slightly, his previously composed expression becoming more animated.
Someone whom Zhang Lili—an accomplished professional—treated with such respect and who bore the surname Tang… Could this be the very person he had been searching for?
The phrase “You’ve searched high and low, only to find it effortlessly” had never felt more fitting.
“Hello, Kylie.” Tang Song nodded slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
When he’d heard them mention the name “Lili” earlier, it had already rung a bell.
Now that they had met, he was certain—this was Kylie (Zhang Lili), one of the project coordinators from the due diligence team working alongside Lin Muxue.
She was also a friend of Xiao Xue and had appeared in her social media posts before.
Zhang Lili bit her lip and asked excitedly, “Are you here for Yao Yao’s birthday party as well?”
“Yes, I’m here with a friend,” Tang Song replied as he stood up gracefully, his demeanor casual yet elegant, a faint smile playing on his lips.
The sound of steady footsteps followed, and a deep, resonant voice broke the silence:
“Chairman Tang, hello. I’m Xie Yue from Hanting Group. It’s an honor to meet you here.”
“Hello, President Xie,” Tang Song greeted politely, shaking his hand with a calm and composed demeanor.
By now, Tang Song had firmly established himself as a top figure in Yan City’s elite circles, thanks to his ownership of the Lanfeng International five-star hotel.
Not to mention his stakes in Tang Zong Entertainment and Qingning Technology.
His status had long transcended his previous social sphere.
He no longer needed to fit into any circles; instead, circles actively sought to approach, accommodate, and include him.
In truth, small cliques like Zhang Haoyu and Ding Yao’s group of second-generation rich kids weren’t even qualified to reach his level.
As the two men shook hands, the villa’s main hall grew even quieter.
Everyone was stunned by this sudden turn of events.
Ding Yao gulped heavily, her mind buzzing. She couldn’t make sense of what was happening.
Why did it seem like Xie Yue was showing respect to Tang Song?
And Lili Sis…
The poised and elegant financial professional now appeared particularly cautious and deferential.
After releasing Tang Song’s hand, Xie Yue’s face lit up with a pleased smile.
Turning to Zhang Lili, he said, “It seems today’s my lucky day. Now I won’t need to trouble you to arrange an introduction anymore.”
Noticing Tang Song’s puzzled expression, Zhang Lili took a deep breath to steady herself.
Leaning forward slightly, she explained in a low voice, “Chairman Tang, President Xie heard that you’re optimistic about the short drama market and are interested in investing in it. Coincidentally, Hanting Group’s short drama base project has hit some roadblocks, so he’s been hoping to connect with you.”
The news of Fanfu Suzi Media completing a 24 million yuan Series A financing round had sent shockwaves through the industry.
Similarly, Slover Trust’s involvement in the due diligence process wasn’t a secret.
While Tang Song’s full identity remained unclear to the public, one fact was certain: he had strong cash flow.
That’s why the cash-strapped Hanting Group had been seeking to connect with Yan City’s rising investment star.
However, as an ordinary employee, Zhang Lili wasn’t in a position to facilitate such introductions.
Originally, she had planned to subtly bring it up through Lin Muxue, but she hadn’t been confident it would work.
Who could’ve guessed they would meet here, in this manner?
It had to be said—Xie Yue’s luck was truly remarkable.