novelraw Chapter 336: Qian Lele’s Call, The Beautician’s Battle Attire
Chapter 336: Qian Lele’s Call, The Beautician’s Battle Attire
The villa’s resplendent living room was filled with a vibrant, colorful atmosphere, but the air seemed to have frozen.
The only sounds were the calm, measured voices of Tang Song and Xie Yue as they conversed.
Tang Song had come to this birthday party as Qian Lele’s friend. Since Ding Yao and her friends were all still university students with no experience in the professional world, none of them had ever asked what Tang Song did for a living.
All they knew was that judging by his Bentley Continental and his sophisticated aura, he must come from an extraordinary background.
But they had never imagined it would be this extraordinary. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel⁂fire.net
Zhang Haoyu’s face alternated between pale and flushed as he glanced at his sister standing beside Tang Song.
“Gulp—” Su Minghao nervously swallowed, his body trembling slightly as realization dawned on him: he had almost offended a truly formidable figure.
Thankfully, he hadn’t said anything out of line.
Surely someone of Tang Song’s stature wouldn’t bother to hold a grudge against a few impulsive young guys like them, right?
After all, this was someone even Xie Yue treated with great respect—someone far beyond what his family’s small construction materials company could ever compare to.Meanwhile, the girls surrounding Ding Yao slowly recovered from their initial shock. Their eyes gleamed with excitement as they stared at the poised and confident Tang Song.
Their hearts raced again, and it felt as if Tang Song was now shrouded in an additional aura of “power” and “mystery,” making him even more attractive than before.
Inwardly, they felt incredibly lucky to have added him on WeChat earlier.
…
“Mr. Tang, if you’re not too busy, would you mind stepping upstairs to the tea lounge for a private chat?” Xie Yue asked earnestly, his tone both respectful and sincere. “Meeting you here feels like fate. Whether or not we end up collaborating, I’d genuinely like to be friends with you.”
Slover Trust, as a relatively low-profile foreign financial institution, had always maintained a very discreet presence in Yan City, with no history of investments in local enterprises.
Xie Yue had only learned some details about them while investigating Fanfu Suzi Media’s financing process.
Through contacts in other financial firms, he also found out that Slover Trust had a deep partnership with Kate Trust. Many of its employees, including Zhang Lili, had been assigned to its Yan City branch by Kate Trust.
For Tang Song to not only mobilize this firm for due diligence but also confidently invest 24 million yuan into the short drama market spoke volumes about his financial prowess.
For Hanting Group, which was currently mired in a funding crisis, Tang Song was the ideal partner.
Tang Song smiled faintly. “Sure. It does feel like fate.”
Then he turned to Qian Lele, lightly patting her shoulder as he said warmly, “Lele, I’ll be upstairs talking with President Xie for a bit. I should be back soon. Wait for me downstairs.”
“Okay, Brother Song,” Qian Lele replied, clasping her hands in front of her and looking a little flustered.
The sound of footsteps echoed as Tang Song and Xie Yue walked upstairs one after the other.
As their figures disappeared around the corner, the living room erupted into hushed but intense murmurs.
The events that had just unfolded had shaken everyone to their core.
No one had expected Tang Song to be this influential.
Ding Yao jogged up to Zhang Lili, excitement written all over her face. “Lili Sis, what’s going on here? How do you know Tang Song?”
Zhang Lili hesitated for a moment before giving a brief explanation: “Chairman Tang is one of our company’s most important clients. I can’t share any more details, but you must treat him with the utmost respect.”
As part of her onboarding process, Zhang Lili had signed a confidentiality agreement, which naturally prevented her from revealing sensitive information.
As an offshore trust company, Slover Trust’s main functions were asset isolation and wealth management.
The entire firm existed to serve Tang Song, so referring to him as a “client” wasn’t inaccurate.
However, this “client” also happened to be a member of the trust’s committee.
Hearing his sister’s words, Zhang Haoyu’s eyelid twitched, a sense of dread creeping over him.
He was somewhat aware of the nature of his sister’s work, and anyone she referred to as an important client had to have an extraordinary background.
Goodness, this guy was a real dragon in disguise!
“Tang Song is so nice. Of course we wouldn’t disrespect him! Plus, Meiqi and I already added him on WeChat!” Ding Yao exclaimed, her face beaming with excitement.
She then turned around and grabbed Qian Lele’s arm tightly. “Lele! You’ve really made it big! If you ever strike it rich, you better not forget about your good friend here!”
Soon, others gathered around as well, chattering away as they tried to cozy up to her.
They bombarded her with questions about Tang Song, their curiosity palpable.
Qian Lele parted her lips slightly, giving a few polite responses but remaining mostly passive.
Inside, she was even more confused and shocked than anyone else.
At the same time, she realized that she didn’t truly know the real Tang Song.
The Tang Song she admired for his thirst for knowledge, quiet focus, and exceptional talent was far more extraordinary than she had ever imagined.
His true worldview and values might also be vastly different from what she had assumed.
The distance between them was vast—immeasurably vast.
He had come to the apartment to hone himself, but eventually, he would return to his own world.
Once he left, finding a chance to chat with him about web development, fruit tea, or baking would likely become nearly impossible.
At this thought, she lowered her head, staring blankly at her new outfit.
…
Inside the tranquil tea lounge upstairs, Xie Yue poured Tang Song a cup of hot tea and placed it gently in front of him.
Tang Song nodded in thanks, his expression calm. “President Xie, feel free to get straight to the point.”
“Alright, since we’re both young, there’s no need for pretense.” Xie Yue straightened up, his tone frank. “Like you, I’m extremely optimistic about the future of the short drama market.
The Yannan Short Drama Base is a project I spearheaded after becoming vice president. It’s divided into three phases and spans over 30,000 square meters.
Phase one, an 8,000-square-meter filming area with nearly a hundred meticulously designed micro-drama sets, is nearing completion.
The problem is that our group’s funding chain has encountered some issues, forcing us to make strategic adjustments.
We’re considering selling shares in the short drama base project to ease the financial strain…”
As he listened to Xie Yue’s explanation, Tang Song’s eyes flickered with thought, quickly piecing together the logic.
During his two-week “game instance” experience, he had absorbed a wealth of knowledge, including a significant amount about real estate.
The current market environment was harsh: the top 100 real estate companies were down 37.6% year-on-year, with a 0.4% month-on-month decline.
Whether in first-tier, second-tier, or third-tier cities, transaction volumes were dropping, and the downward trend was accelerating.
Although financing costs were falling, access to financing was becoming increasingly restricted.
The industry had entered a consolidation phase.
A funding chain issue leading to the sale of a key project indicated Hanting Group’s desperate situation.
The valuation of the short drama base would likely come with significant concessions.
If Tang Song genuinely wanted to make waves in the short drama market, this was an excellent opportunity—a chance to acquire an almost-completed filming base at a favorable price.
He finally understood.
This chance encounter with Xie Yue was likely influenced by the 【Scholar Aura (Badge)】 and its accompanying 【Luck +2】 effect.
Under the influence of the aura, a series of fortuitous events had likely unfolded, connecting him, Qian Lele, Zhang Lili, and Xie Yue.
It all seemed to align with his 【Second Phase Growth Plan Task ③ - Capital Newcomer】.
With his thoughts now clear, Tang Song chatted with Xie Yue a bit longer, subtly probing for details that concerned him.
He quickly came to a decision.
“President Xie, the short drama market is still in its early stages. My investment in Fanfu Suzi Media was merely a preliminary layout. As for the Yannan Short Drama Base, I’ll need some time to think it over before giving you a definite answer.”
Xie Yue took a deep breath and pulled a business card from his pocket, handing it to Tang Song.
“Mr. Tang, you’re even more remarkable than I expected. To be honest, even if we don’t end up collaborating, I’d love to be friends with you.”
“I understand your concerns, but I still hope you’ll give it serious consideration,” Xie Yue said earnestly.
He was deeply optimistic about the future of the short drama market, which was why he had pushed hard to approve the construction of this base despite opposition.
The group had ambitious plans for the project, aiming to create a hotspot for the entertainment industry that would drive up local property values and create jobs.
It was because of these promises that they had managed to secure the 45-acre plot at a lower price.
But now, with cash flow dwindling and the company’s funding chain under strain, they had no choice but to make painful sacrifices to preserve the larger picture.
Taking the business card offered to him, Tang Song smiled as he shook Xie Yue’s hand and exchanged a few polite words.
As a potential investor, even if he was genuinely interested, Tang Song knew better than to appear overly eager.
He also needed to assess the risks thoroughly to avoid falling into any traps.
…
When Tang Song and Xie Yue reappeared at the top of the staircase, the hall fell silent again.
“Mr. Tang, I’ll take my leave now. Let’s stay in touch. Goodbye,” Xie Yue said.
“Alright, goodbye,” Tang Song replied politely.
As Xie Yue and Zhang Lili departed, Tang Song became the sole focal point of the room.
Numerous complex gazes converged on him, and some people seemed eager to approach but hesitated.
Tang Song maintained his composed smile, raising his wrist to glance at the time.
It was already close to 10 p.m.
His eyes swept the room and quickly landed on Qian Lele, who was sitting on the sofa, staring blankly.
Tang Song walked over to her and said with a gentle smile, “Lele, it’s getting pretty late. You have work tomorrow. How about we head back?”
This group of college students would likely keep their party going until the early hours.
His presence might be making it difficult for them to fully let loose.
“Oh, okay.” Qian Lele quickly stood up and turned to Ding Yao and the others. “I’m heading out with Brother Song. You guys keep playing.”
Ding Yao rushed over and held Qian Lele’s hand. “I’ll walk you and Brother Song out!”
“Me too! Me too!”
“We’ll miss you, Lele. You better come hang out with us again when you have time!”
“And Brother Song, you’re always welcome to join us too!”
…
“Rumble—”
The Bentley Continental illuminated the dark night as it slowly drove away from the villa area.
Qian Lele sat quietly in the passenger seat, her legs pressed tightly together as she gazed out the window.
After a while, the familiar scenery of her neighborhood began to appear.
A faint smile spread across her face. She turned to look at Tang Song’s profile and said softly, “Thank you, Brother Song, for helping me fulfill my wish from last night. These past few hours felt like a dream.”
She gently smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress, savoring the soft and luxurious feel of the fabric.
“There’s no need to thank me. You took care of me for half a month at the teacher’s apartment, after all,” Tang Song said with a warm smile.
Qian Lele’s crisp voice rang out, “I’ve learned so much from being with you, Brother Song. You’ve given me a clearer sense of direction for my life. Thank you for everything—especially for joining me at the birthday party today. I had a wonderful time.”
Tang Song froze for a moment and glanced at her briefly. “Why so formal all of a sudden?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I just think you’re amazing, Brother Song. I really admire you,” Qian Lele said, lowering her head slightly, as if embarrassed.
Tang Song opened his mouth as though to say something but ultimately remained silent.
The car fell into a quiet stillness.
Two minutes later, the Bentley Continental pulled up outside the teacher’s apartment complex.
“We’re here.”
“Oh, okay, Brother Song.”
Qian Lele quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and retrieved her black backpack from the backseat.
Smiling, she said, “No need to walk me in. It’s only a few steps. It’s late, so drive safely.”
“I’ll walk you in.”
Without waiting for a response, Tang Song pushed open the car door and stepped out, waving for her to follow him.
Qian Lele hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and stepping out as well.
The cool, damp night breeze greeted her as soon as she emerged.
Under the soft glow of the streetlights, patches of light reflected off the wet pavement.
The two walked shoulder to shoulder along the community’s pathways at a leisurely pace.
Occasionally, raindrops fell from the tree leaves, landing on them with soft, faint sounds.
When they reached the entrance of Building 2, Unit 2, Qian Lele hugged her backpack tightly.
“Brother Song, I’ll wash these clothes and return them to you,” she said.
Tang Song looked down slightly, his gaze landing on her bright and delicate face. He said softly, “No need to return them. I bought them in your size, so I can’t return them anyway. Consider them a gift.”
Qian Lele’s smile froze, and she lowered her head in shame, speaking in a quiet voice. “I… I actually guessed that already. The clothes, the jewelry, the shoes—they’re all brand new. I’m sorry for making you spend so much money to help fulfill my wish. I’m really sorry.
“But the cape and necklace don’t have sizes, and I was careful at the party, so there aren’t any marks. You could still give them to someone else…”
As she spoke, her eyes began to glisten.
When she had first put on the new clothes she had always dreamed of wearing, she had felt like she was floating on air, her mind completely blank.
By the time she came to her senses, they were already in the car.
Given her sharp intuition, she knew that Tang Song would never take them back now.
“Then just accept them,” Tang Song said gently, patting her on the head. “Don’t feel burdened, dear Lele. For me, this really wasn’t much.”
Hearing the words “dear Lele,” her eyes widened slightly, and her heartbeat suddenly quickened.
“I… I…” she stammered.
“It’s late. Go wash up and get some sleep. Sweet dreams.” Tang Song’s fingers brushed lightly through her thick hair before he took a step back and waved. “I’ll be off now. Bye-bye.”
“Bye-bye.”
Qian Lele looked up, watching his retreating figure. Her heart felt unexpectedly hollow, emptier than when she learned he would be leaving the teacher’s apartment.
By all logic, having such an incredible friend should have made her happy.
But she couldn’t shake the sadness.
In addition to the sadness, there was a deep sense of loss and fear—feelings she had never experienced before.
Maybe it was because she felt the distance between them was too vast, and she worried their contact would dwindle in the future?
Or perhaps her insecurities were acting up again, making her overthink everything?
Under the soft streetlights, Tang Song’s figure grew smaller and blurrier.
“Thump, thump, thump—” Qian Lele could hear her heartbeat again.
Heat surged to her head.
Just like earlier in the day, when he had invited her to the birthday party, she couldn’t hold back.
“Tang Song!” Her clear, bright voice rang out in the quiet night.
Overwhelmed with nerves, she had even blurted out his full name.
“Splash—”
Tang Song’s leather shoes stepped into a small puddle as he turned to look at her. “What’s wrong, Qian Lele?”
Her face turned bright red as she clenched her hands tightly by her sides. After a moment, she said, “Uh… Be careful on the road. It’s slippery out.”
She didn’t even know why she had called out to him. She just couldn’t help herself.
“Alright, don’t worry. I’m wide awake and didn’t drink tonight.”
“Mm-hmm.” Her voice trembled slightly. “Goodbye.”
“Goodbye. Sleep well. Oh, by the way, the books I brought are all in the master bedroom. They’re yours now. Read them when you have time—they’re quite useful.”
Tang Song waved again and resumed walking forward.
His figure alternated between clear and blurry under the shifting light.
Qian Lele wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, took half a step forward, and called out again, “Brother Song!”
“Tap, tap—” Tang Song stopped and turned once more. “Yes, Lele, what is it?”
“If you have time, come find me. I’ll be staying in the teacher’s apartment until September 1st, when school starts. After that, I’ll be moving back to the girls’ dormitory.”
Finally speaking the words buried deep in her heart, Qian Lele felt like her entire body had gone limp, as if she had just finished running five kilometers.
If she hadn’t said something, she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.
Tang Song stood in place silently for a moment before letting out a soft breath and taking a step toward the apartment entrance.
Watching him walk back, Qian Lele lowered her head in embarrassment.
The sound of his footsteps stopped in front of her.
A long, slender hand extended toward her, and a warm, magnetic voice rang in her ears: “Hello, let’s formally introduce ourselves. I’m Tang Song.
I primarily work in live-streaming e-commerce and run my own company. Of course, I also have a few side gigs, like Shimmer Coffee.
I live in Yanjing Tiancheng. From Normal University, you can get there by taking the No. 31 bus.”
Qian Lele blinked in surprise, her eyelashes trembling as she stared at Tang Song’s handsome, gentle face.
“Hmm?” Tang Song smiled and lightly shook his outstretched hand.
Qian Lele took a deep breath, nervously extending her right hand. “Hello, I’m Qian Lele. I’ll be starting my junior year in the computer science department at Normal University.”
Her hands were a bit rough from frequent work, lacking the soft smoothness of delicate skin.
Fortunately, she had done some hand care earlier today, which made them look much better.
Their palms met lightly. His hand was warm and firm, radiating strength.
In an instant, a current of electricity seemed to rush from the point of contact, leaving her body tingling and numb.
Suddenly, a familiar warmth surrounded her.
A comforting embrace enveloped her.
Tang Song leaned in slightly, his head lowered.
He could feel the soft warmth of her figure, the faint scent of white tea and grapefruit from her shampoo, the humid night breeze, and the quiet, dreamy essence of a Cinderella summer.
…
“Goodbye now. Head back in, wash up, and get some sleep,” Tang Song said with a soft laugh as he let her go. He gently patted her shoulder and then turned to leave with long, confident strides.
Exiting the apartment complex, he got into his car.
A low sigh escaped his lips.
With his emotional intelligence and his heightened sensitivity while under the “Scholar Aura,” he could easily tell that Qian Lele had feelings for him.
Of course, it was just a budding crush—simple and innocent, the kind that came with a girl’s first awakening to love.
The reason was straightforward: their short but intense time spent together, combined with living under the same roof.
For a pure and kind-hearted girl like Qian Lele, it was entirely normal to develop feelings after being charmed by someone like him.
Otherwise, what was the point of his charm attribute being over 60?
Still, when it came to someone as sincere and honest as Qian Lele, Tang Song felt a subtle weight on his conscience.
Then there was the news about Bai Yueguang planning to buy a home in Yan City, which had stirred something within him.
Even after the game instance ended, he had tried to maintain a purely friendly relationship with Qian Lele, never letting his thoughts stray.
But her two calls to him from the ground floor—filled with longing and vulnerability—had shaken his composure.
Ultimately, he had decided to follow his heart and reveal more of his true self to her.
Now, he would wait and see if the budding seed of her affection would bloom—or wither.
“Rumble—” The car’s headlights illuminated the road ahead.
“Ding-dong—” A WeChat notification sounded.
Tang Song placed his phone in the car’s mount and unlocked the screen to check.
It was a voice message from Yaqian.
He clicked play.
“I’ve been watching movies with Xiaoxue all night. Brother, when are you coming back? I’ve already taken a bath and changed into my new clothes… I miss you so much!”
Her coquettish, sugary tone was both playful and captivating, teasing yet irresistibly sweet.
Tang Song took a deep breath before replying, “I’m on my way. I’ll be home in about 20 minutes.”
A moment later:
“Ding-dong—”
【Yaqian: “How does my new outfit look, Brother?”】
【Yaqian: Photo.jpg】
Tang Song opened the photo, and his pulse quickened instantly.
She was wearing a sexy spaghetti-strap mini dress paired with sheer stockings, her stunning figure accentuated to perfection.
The thought of going home to face Yaqian and Xiaoxue, the beautician and her “fake heiress” bestie, waiting for him with playful anticipation, made Tang Song toss his earlier worries aside.
The white Bentley Continental roared as it accelerated onto the main road, heading toward Yanjing Tiancheng.
As the night scenery flashed by in the windows, Tang Song rolled them down completely, letting the rushing wind envelop him.
After suppressing himself for half a month during the instance, his endurance had reached new heights.
It was time to claim the Double Kill Achievement!
First, he would take on the beautician.
Then, he’d let Xiaoxue draw the map!