novelraw Chapter 480: Secretary Jin, About to Arrive in Yan City
Chapter 480: Secretary Jin, About to Arrive in Yan City
Friday, September 22, 2023. Cloudy. 19~28°C.
Beicheng Garden Residential Complex.
A cool morning breeze swept in, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees.
After completing an 8-kilometer jog along the path surrounding the complex, Tang Song headed straight to the central activity area for a quick core workout.
He sat on a stone bench and chatted with Liu Qingning for a while.
Then, Tang Song made his way toward Building 4.
He took the elevator up to the 12th floor, gripped the doorknob, pulled the door open, and stepped inside.
"Back already?" A voice with a magnetic tone called out from the living room.
Tang Song turned and saw Shen Yuyan working out on the elliptical machine.
Her body rose and fell with the rhythm of the equipment. A fine layer of sweat beaded across her forehead, sparkling in the morning light.The dark workout clothes hugged her sexy curves—full chest, faintly visible V-line abs, and long slender legs—making it hard to look away.
Seeing Shen the School Belle like this so early in the morning, paired with the borderline seductive photos she'd posted before, left the already energetic Tang Song burning with heat inside.
Noticing his gaze, Shen Yuyan gradually slowed her movements and jumped off the elliptical, a shy flush blooming on her face.
She playfully scolded, "Why are you staring at me like that? So rude, you know!"
Tang Song slipped on his slippers and said casually, "Can't help it. You're just too eye-catching, School Belle Shen. And wearing something so sexy? This is on you."
"I'll take that as a compliment then," Shen Yuyan giggled, covering her mouth. "Oh right, I made some pork and preserved egg congee. It'll be ready soon. Anything else you want for breakfast?"
"I'm good with anything, not picky. You decide."
Shen Yuyan reached up to wipe the sweat from her forehead, the motion effortless yet laced with a flirty vibe. "Oh, I almost forgot—I bought a few toiletries for guys. Razor, face wash, stuff like that. Left them in the bathroom."
Tang Song raised his brows. "Thanks, Yuyan. That’s thoughtful of you."
"No biggie. Just take me out for a meal sometime, haha."
"Deal." Tang Song smiled, then lowered his voice. "You know, Qingqing doesn’t really seem to care about me. I’ve come over so many times, and she’s never offered to set me up with anything. But you, Yuyan... you kinda feel more like the girlfriend."
Shen Yuyan froze for a second, then widened her eyes in mock outrage. "Hey hey hey, what nonsense are you spouting? That kind of joke’s not funny, okay? Qingqing’s just like that—she actually does care about you. Didn't she buy you a ton of snacks and fruit?"
As she spoke, she gave his chest a playful slap, pretending to be annoyed.
The solid warmth of his muscles, still damp with sweat, made her heart skip a beat.
Looking at her rising and falling chest, Tang Song felt a strong urge to give it a little pat himself. He chuckled, "She just bought stuff she likes. Anyway, I’m gonna take a shower. I’m drenched—feels gross."
"Go ahead, go ahead. I’ll get started on the food."
Watching him disappear into the bathroom, Shen Yuyan reached up to touch her burning cheeks.
Just now, when Tang Song said "girlfriend," she almost blurted something out.
She let out a long sigh, a strange feeling rising inside her.
Last night, she had worked overtime until almost 10. When she got back to Beicheng Garden and saw Xu Qing’s shoes, she realized he was here.
Too bad both of them were already asleep by then, so she didn’t get to talk to him.
This morning, she even set her alarm early at 6:00 AM, hoping to join him for his jog.
But when she saw Tang Song practically sprinting from the balcony, she gave up that idea real quick.
Gotta admit, the guy’s physical stamina is insane. No wonder Qingqing gets a little scared whenever she brings up anything... in bed.
Shaking her head, Shen Yuyan headed into the kitchen to start cooking.
By the time Tang Song had showered and changed into fresh clothes, a beautifully arranged breakfast was already set on the table.
Pork and preserved egg congee, boiled corn, egg pancakes, smashed cucumber salad, pickled veggies… Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novel✶fire.net
"Come, try it." Shen Yuyan gently placed a spoon into his bowl and said softly, "I’ve been so busy with work these past couple of years, barely had time to cook. If it’s not good, you’re not allowed to complain!"
"How could I? This is a meal made by the School Belle herself. If our old classmates found out, they’d probably come after me."
That made Shen Yuyan beam with joy. "You’re gonna make me blush!"
Tang Song chatted with her as he took a sip of the congee under her expectant gaze.
The soft rice grains, tender pork slices, and bouncy century egg pieces danced across his tongue—delicious, even better than what he usually had at restaurants.
Then he took a bite of the pancake—golden, crispy outside, tender inside, absolutely amazing.
After trying a bit of everything, Tang Song gave a sincere thumbs-up. "Didn’t know you were such a good cook. I’m seriously impressed."
A playful smile appeared on Shen Yuyan’s face. "It’s just breakfast—I’ve got that down. You probably didn’t know, but my family actually runs a breakfast shop. It’s in my blood, I guess."
"Oh really?" Tang Song asked curiously. "That’s the first I’ve heard. So... can you make spicy pepper soup?"
Both Xu Qing and Shen Yuyan were from Luocheng in Yu Province, and that dish was kind of a local specialty.
Shen Yuyan took a bite of cucumber. "Of course! It’s my signature dish. Wanna try it? Come over this weekend and I’ll make it for you."
She was the crafty and capable type. Having learned since she was young, her cooking was no joke.
But up until now, no one had been worth spending that much time and effort on. Tang Song was the first.
"That’s a shame. I’ve got a company team-building trip to Wushan this weekend—train’s this afternoon."
"Oh… alright then. Maybe another time." A flicker of disappointment crossed Shen Yuyan’s eyes.
Her job kept her so busy that weekends were her only free time, and yet she’d struck out multiple times trying to schedule something with Tang Song. She just wanted a good, open chat with him.
During breakfast, Shen Yuyan kept finding topics to talk about, trying to avoid awkward silences.
Sometimes she’d bring up fun stories from college events; other times she’d share recent work updates.
Her tone was light and playful, and her voice pleasant and easy on the ears.
Tang Song listened while admiring her beauty—his mood lifted, and his appetite bloomed.
Putting aside "bug-level" beauties like Su Yu and Secretary Jin, when it came to looks alone, Shen Yuyan was easily in the top tier of the people he knew.
She had a textbook School Belle face—delicate features, elegant brows, like a painting. Her figure was tall and perfectly proportioned.
Her hair was thick and jet-black, her skin flawless and fair, almost glowing with a healthy sheen—like it would burst if you touched it.
She had both the youthful energy of a campus girl and the poise and confidence shaped by the workplace. This contradiction gave her a uniquely powerful charm.
With looks like hers, plus her talent and character, she was definitely destined for great things.
After breakfast, Shen Yuyan gracefully got up to clean the table.
When she picked up Tang Song’s chopsticks, she "accidentally" dropped them under the table.
She let out a soft "oops" and bent down to retrieve them.
Her full hips gently lifted, perfectly framing her narrow waist and straight back into a breathtaking silhouette—right in full view of Tang Song.
A few seconds later, Shen Yuyan emerged from under the table, her left hand casually resting on Tang Song’s thigh as she rose slowly.
The not-quite-there, not-quite-not flirtation made Tang Song’s heartbeat quicken.
He watched her alluring figure sway back into the kitchen.
Tang Song took a deep breath and headed toward the guest bedroom.
Since it was Shen Yuyan who lit the fire, then her bestie would just have to pay the price.
He pushed open the door, walked to the bed, and gently brushed his fingers along the waist of the still-sleeping Xu Qing.
“Ting~” In her sleep, Xu Qing wriggled her little butt and mumbled, “What are you doing~”
Smack — Tang Song gave her a light pat, the sound crisp and clear in the quiet bedroom.
“Qingqing, it’s already past 7.”
Xu Qing half-opened her sleepy eyes, pouted, and spoke in a soft, drowsy voice, “You little b*stard Songzi, hitting my butt again—go kneel on a keyboard! And type out a 10,000-word apology with your knees!”
Still caught between sleep and waking, she sounded like she was dreaming, even drooling a bit from the corner of her mouth.
Hearing her outrageous protest, Tang Song pinched her lips.
Xu Qing instinctively opened her soft pink lips and bit his finger lightly with her pearly white teeth, mumbling, “Fried chicken... yummy fried chicken...”
Pfft— Tang Song couldn’t hold back his laughter and slipped his finger inside.
Xu Qing smacked her lips, as if something felt off, and slowly opened her eyes wide.
Seeing Tang Song in front of her, she instinctively recoiled, pushing his finger away with her tongue. “What are you doing! That’s gross, get away!”
Tang Song firmly grabbed the basketball behind her. “Qingqing, didn’t you say you wanted fried chicken? You can have it now.”
“Ow…” Xu Qing twisted her hips, sniffed, and frowned. “You liar, I don’t smell any fried chicken! And fried food in the morning isn’t healthy—it’ll make me gain weight.”
Tang Song bent down and whispered something into her ear.
Xu Qing’s dark eyes suddenly widened. Her face turned beet red, and she shoved him away, shaking her head hard. “What kind of dirty thoughts are you having?! I’m not doing that!”
“Come on, Qingqing. Be good.” Tang Song’s hand slipped in.
Xu Qing let out a yelp and rolled dramatically to the far side of the bed, covering her face. “No! No! I’m not doing it!”
Does Xu Qing the Heiress have no shame?!
Besides, she had written racy stories before—her mind instantly conjured up all kinds of explicit scenes.
Right now, playing ball with Tang Song was basically a one-sided beatdown.
Once she couldn’t keep up, she’d flop down, throw in some pitiful acting, and beg for mercy.
After a few rounds of torment, Tang Song would let her off.
But if she ever actually gave in to Songzi and unlocked some new positions, she might end up having to eat all sorts of weird things going forward.
Absolutely not happening!
Tang Song leaned in, inhaling the sweet scent of her body, and lowered his voice. “Really don’t want to?”
Xu Qing shivered and shook her head hard. “Nope!”
“Alright then, I won’t force you. If you’re not into it, we’ll leave it.”
Xu Qing peeked out from behind her hands. “Really?”
“Mm.” Tang Song nodded and climbed onto the bed.
Xu Qing’s heart skipped a beat. “Wait, what are you—”
Tang Song replied matter-of-factly, “Playing ball, of course.”
“I… I… I can’t...”
Tang Song pinned her underneath. “You’re my girlfriend. Why not?”
Xu Qing panicked immediately.
“Hey! Use your words—don’t pull down my pants!”
“Ah! No, no, no! I won’t be able to take it!”
“Ugh, you jerk!”
Her voice held a touch of sobbing, but there was also a trace of shy delight.
(>p<).o.
......
Outside the bedroom.
Shen Yuyan stood with a towel in her hands, fingertips slightly trembling.
Listening to the messy sounds inside—and especially Tang Song’s teasing trash talk—her face flushed bright red.
Scenes Xu Qing had once described vividly popped into her mind unbidden, and her heart began pounding like crazy.
She wanted to walk away, but her legs felt rooted to the spot.
Her ears perked up involuntarily.
The sounds from inside the room were becoming more intense—Xu Qing’s gasps, her broken cries for mercy, intertwined with Tang Song’s voice.
Shen Yuyan’s own breathing grew rapid.
She bit her lip, a swirl of complicated, shame-filled emotions rising inside.
She rushed into the bathroom, turned on the tap, and splashed cold water on her face.
She stared into the mirror.
Her desire for Tang Song, the mockery and condescension from others, her swelling ambitions, her bestie Xu Qing…
Everything wrapped around her heart like invisible threads.
It was as if a voice whispered beside her ear:
“Didn’t you want to sleep with him? Don’t you like him?”
“Girlfriend... Shen Yuyan, you can be his girlfriend too. He’s clearly attracted to you. With your ability and temperament, you’d be way better than Qingqing.”
“Stay calm... stay calm…”
“Why are you playing so reserved? You could easily steer Qingqing, make her your ally—she trusts you more than anyone. You could even get her to help you please Tang Song. You could get more than Lin Muxue ever did.”
“You know you’re capable of it...”
“Shut up!” her voice snapped, echoing through the bathroom.
Shen Yuyan abruptly turned off the tap, gripping the sink with both hands. Her fingertips turned pale from the pressure.
Her cheeks were still tinged with an unnatural flush, and in the mirror, her eyes revealed a mix of shame, longing, and a faint, hard-to-detect fury.
She had always considered herself calm and rational, unafraid to face the darker sides of herself.
In the past, using the "School Belle" image, sabotaging competitors, gaining clients, doing roadshows—she’d done her fair share of dirty work.
But in her eyes, those were just necessary steps on the road to success.
Yet the moment Xu Qing was involved, she felt an indescribable conflict.
Because she knew herself too well.
If she really got close to Tang Song, she wouldn’t be able to stop wanting more. She’d eventually treat her best friend like a tool.
Manipulate her. Guide her into actions that served her own interests.
Their friendship would inevitably become twisted.
Human nature is complex—and hers even more so.
After a quick rinse and a touch of makeup,
Shen Yuyan changed into professional attire, glanced at the tightly shut guest bedroom door, picked up her bag, and left the apartment.
She exited the residential complex and took a taxi straight to the commercial building where Youjie Domestic Services was located.
The elevator slowly stopped on the 3rd floor.
As the doors opened, the calm on Shen Yuyan’s face was replaced by a bright and confident smile.
She stepped into Youjie’s office.
“Morning, Director Shen.”
“Director Shen.”
“Morning!”
She had just walked into the General Manager’s office when—
Knock knock knock—
A sudden knock at the door.
Right after, Wang Ning pushed the door open, unable to hide the excitement on his face. “Yuyan!”
“What’s up?” Shen Yuyan looked up at him.
Wang Ning beamed with pride. “That thing you asked me to explore—integrating Lime3.0 from Qingning Tech? I’ve made some progress!”
Shen Yuyan’s eyes lit up. “Oh? What kind of progress?”
“I connected our original customer service system to Lime3.0’s large model API on the test server. In terms of both cost and intelligence, it completely blows our previous third-party service out of the water.”
“So what’s the earliest we can go live with it?”
“Well...” Wang Ning sounded a little unsure. “To truly move into production mode, we still need to feed it data, train the model, and develop, test, and optimize other features. It'll take about two months.”
“That long?”
“No way around it. There are only three people in our tech team—we’re totally swamped.” Wang Ning spread his hands, looking helpless.
Shen Yuyan paused for a moment, then said, “Once the second round of investment from Gongying Tech hits, we can hire another tech person to focus on this.”
Hearing that, Wang Ning hesitated for a second and then cautiously asked, “Yuyan, the fundraising’s nearly wrapped up... Shouldn’t we start thinking about giving management a raise? Meixia and I are fine, but I’m worried the others might start grumbling.”
Shen Yuyan glanced at him, her tone gentle but firm. “We’ll discuss that later. It’s not the right time yet.”
Wang Ning opened his mouth to say something but gave up in the end. “Alright, I’ll get back to work.”
As she watched Wang Ning leave, Shen Yuyan slightly furrowed her brows.
She knew exactly what the team was thinking. If the company successfully raises funds but benefits don’t improve, it’s hard to keep people motivated.
But with the second investment still pending, she couldn’t relax.
She sighed and turned to her computer, diving into work.
A little after 10 AM.
Her phone buzzed.
[Ren Mingyuan]: “Yuyan, the ‘Investor Night: Smart Leadership, Future Vision’ event is pretty important. It essentially marks the start of Gongying Tech’s Series C+ round. Chairman Wang thinks highly of you and has great faith in Youjie’s potential—that’s why he invited you. Don’t miss this opportunity.”
Shen Yuyan thought for a moment and replied:
“Got it, Mr. Ren. If I can free up some time, I’ll definitely attend.”
[Ren Mingyuan]: “Great, I’ll be in touch then.”
She exited the chat, her screen still glowing faintly.
Since yesterday, Ren Mingyuan had messaged her multiple times about the event.
She could pretty much guess what he was implying. But right now, she had zero interest in cozying up to anyone—especially not that spoiled rich kid Wang Yubo.
Her goals were crystal clear: fulfill the betting agreement, secure the second 3-million-yuan investment, get Youjie Domestic Services on track, and win the "Yan Zhao Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program" award.
Then… join forces with Tang Song and switch lanes.
Right now, Youjie felt more like a project to prove herself.
She wanted Tang Song to see her value.
Just then, her phone buzzed again.
[Lin Muxue]: “Just signed a stock acquisition deal worth over 100 million on behalf of the company. Super pumped—had to share it with you!”
[Lin Muxue]: Attached: GroupPhoto.jpg
Shen Yuyan took a deep breath and opened the photo carefully.
It was a group shot of suited-up professionals. Lin Muxue stood front and center, beaming radiantly, clearly basking in success.
She quickly spotted a familiar face in the crowd—someone who had once mocked her at a party. A female exec from Chengrōng Group.
Shen Yuyan typed back:
“So it was Chengrōng Group—one of the biggest commerce companies in Yan City, and a top player in investment. You’re killing it, Xiaoxue! (#like)”
Putting her phone down, Shen Yuyan bit her lip hard, a glint of stubbornness and frustration flashing in her eyes.
“Xiaoxue, don’t get cocky. I’m working my a** off too!”
Qiaoxi District, Chengrōng Tower
Lin Muxue put down her phone, a bright smile tugging at her lips.
This morning, her team had successfully signed a contract to acquire 6.4% equity in Huashang Fushi.
That afternoon, they were heading to Dingyun Investments to continue negotiations for another 8% equity acquisition.
Meanwhile, Slover Trust was wrapping up talks with several minor shareholders.
Everything was moving faster than expected.
At this pace, Tang Song’s full control strategy for Huashang Fushi should be complete by next Tuesday.
Just imagining the looks on He Zhihui and his son’s faces at the upcoming shareholder meeting made Lin Muxue’s chest swell with delight.
But because the entire acquisition was under strict confidentiality, she had no one to share her joy with—not even a social media post.
All she could do was send it to her old friend, Shen Yuyan.
A little sneaky celebration.
Just as she was savoring the moment—buzz buzz—her phone vibrated again.
It was a number from Beijing.
Curious, Lin Muxue answered. “Hello? Who’s this?”
A calm, professional female voice came through the speaker.
“Hello, Ms. Lin Muxue. I’m the officer in charge of reviewing your application materials. We’ve contacted the Imperial College Development Office on your behalf and secured you a spot in a special donation + academic cooperation program. Through this project, you’ll receive fast-track admission, exemption from language requirements, and a shortened academic term. Additionally, we’ll assign you a senior advisor to assist with coursework and your thesis.”
Lin Muxue’s heart thumped wildly.
She forced herself to stay composed. “So... when can I expect the offer letter?”
After a slight pause, the voice replied, “Within about a week. Also, I’ll be visiting Yan City this weekend to help you prepare all the required materials.”
“Great, thank you!” Lin Muxue’s voice trembled with excitement.
“You’re welcome. I’m Lin Tiantian—you can just call me Assistant Lin. That’s all for now. I won’t take up more of your time. Goodbye.”
Once the call ended, Lin Muxue could no longer contain her excitement.
Her legs, wrapped in sheer black stockings, rubbed together slightly as her toes curled.
This level of treatment was absolutely insane. Not just fast-tracked admission, but full guidance on academics and thesis?!
Holy sh*t, this is like a speedrun version of Imperial College! I am President Tang’s right-hand woman, after all!
Beijing, Hesheng Xiaoyun Road No. 8
Knock knock knock—
“Come in.”
Assistant Lin Tiantian walked briskly into the study, calm and professional.
“Director Jin, everything is arranged.”
“Mhm.” Secretary Jin nodded slightly, flipping through the book in her hands.
“President Tang will depart from Yan City at 5:20 PM today by high-speed rail to Wushan. You’ll arrive in Yan City around 5:30 PM. Should I send you directly to Building 6, Yanjing Huating?”
Secretary Jin looked up, eyes calm but authoritative. “Go to Room 2001, Building 1, Yanjing Tiancheng.”
Lin Tiantian was briefly stunned but quickly nodded. “Understood.”
The study door closed gently behind her.
Once Lin Tiantian had left, Secretary Jin slowly closed her book, a subtle, mysterious smile playing on her lips.
Tang Song stayed in her apartment in Shenzhen—so her staying in his place in Yan City didn’t seem all that outrageous.
Besides, this was nothing more than a quiet game between two people who both knew the rules.