novelraw Chapter 482: Secretary Jin’s Little Thoughts
Chapter 482: Secretary Jin’s Little Thoughts
Yanjing Tiancheng, Luxury Apartment.
In the bathroom, soft lighting spilled across white porcelain tiles, steam gently rising into the air.
Shhh—
Warm water flowed down Secretary Jin’s long hair, tracing the curves of her fair, supple skin, outlining a breathtaking silhouette.
Her stunning face became hazy and ethereal through the mist.
The sound of water ceased abruptly. Silence fell over the bathroom.
She picked up a soft bath towel, gently wrapping her snow-white body, dried her hair, then walked barefoot with graceful steps into the walk-in closet.
After a quick skincare routine at the vanity, she casually dropped the towel and slipped into her underwear.
Then she picked up one of Tang Song’s shirts and put it on.
The collar was slightly open, revealing her delicate collarbone and a deep, alluring cleavage.The hem draped to her thighs, and as she moved, her toned legs peeked out now and then—elegantly seductive.
She stepped into the bedroom.
Lying on the soft bed, Secretary Jin leaned against the headboard and once again picked up the photo frame.
Her fingers brushed against it lightly, her deep eyes flickering with emotions too complex to name.
Memories slowly flooded her mind.
It was the summer of 2016, in a small, inconspicuous café, that she first saw him.
This “unknown presence” who had such a profound influence on her in dreams looked nothing like she imagined.
At eighteen, he still had traces of youthful awkwardness—tall, lean, fresh-faced. Ordinary at first glance, but carrying an inexplicable air of mystery.
His eyes seemed to see straight through every corner of her heart.
Their initial interactions weren’t exactly smooth, but time and time again, his predictions proved true—
as if opening a new door in her worldview with every revelation.
His steady gaze and short yet powerful words stirred ripples in her heart that eventually merged into a deep, burning love.
“President Tang, going short now is practically suicidal! What’s your basis? If we’re wrong, we’ll break the entire capital chain!”
“I won’t be wrong. What you need to do is trust me—and execute the plan.”
“The bubble might burst, but can’t we wait? If the government steps in, our positions could take a huge hit.”
“Do as I say.”
“But what if…”
“There is no ‘what if’. Policy only delays death—it doesn’t prevent it.”
“In the next five years, AI will disrupt every industry.”
“Secretary Jin, those stockings you’re wearing today are gorgeous. I really like them.”
“I won’t disappoint you—again.”
All these moments glittered in her memory like stars—
and everything finally crystallized into that gaze of his, dark and deep, and the words he left her with before he disappeared:
“Maybe so. But that doesn’t matter. What matters is—this is all for our future.”
Secretary Jin opened her eyes and slightly raised her chin.
Her high-bridged nose and full lips were as perfect as a sculpture under the light.
Of course, there had been less-than-pleasant moments too.
Like Liu Qingning, the woman he had loved wholeheartedly for years.
Or like Su Yu, who had distracted him for over a year with her allure.
She once believed that his love belonged only to Liu Qingning—because he was different around her.
She’d worked hard to change that.
But then came Zhao Yaqian, followed closely by Wen Ruan—and her emotions almost snapped.
Still, perhaps that wasn’t a bad thing. At least he no longer belonged to just one person.
And once his heart truly opened, she had absolute confidence—
that no one would be able to match the love he’d give her.
That belief was fully confirmed on Qixi Festival.
Which was why she dared to move into Yanjing Tiancheng, and dared to face both Zhao Yaqian and Wen Ruan directly.
She could tolerate the presence of other women,
could even help him coordinate and manage them.
But on one condition—none of them were allowed to get in her way.
Knock knock knock—
“Director Jin, dinner is ready. Also, Miss Shangguan has arrived.”
“I understand.”
Secretary Jin set down the photo frame and rose to her feet.
Shangguan Qiuya and Lin Tiantian maintained neutral expressions,
but their eyes couldn’t help drifting toward the shirt she was wearing.
They had followed Director Jin for so long—
yet they had never seen her look so... sexy.
Even as fellow women, they were a little starstruck.
In the dining room, a few exquisite dishes had been laid out on the solid wood table.
Secretary Jin lifted a warm floral tea and took a sip.
Shangguan Qiuya said softly, “Director Jin, I’ve already set up the meeting with Wen Ruan. The location is confirmed. She doesn’t know it’s you she’ll be meeting, but with her smarts, I think she’ll sense something.”
“Mhm, it’s fine.” Secretary Jin nodded slightly, her eyes glinting.
There was another reason she had insisted on coming to Yan City to meet Wen Ruan in person—
she was genuinely concerned about Tang Song’s health.
Wen Ruan, at 30 years old, in peak physical condition, passionate about fitness and emotionally intuitive—
was nothing short of a razor-sharp blade.
According to information Su Yu had “casually” revealed, she and Tang Song could play ball for no less than an hour at a time—very intense.
Clearly, a seductive woman like that—born to captivate—wouldn’t be doing his body any favors if things got out of hand.
When the time came, Tang Song might not even be able to keep up.
For the sake of her future bedroom happiness, Secretary Jin definitely wouldn’t let things go too far.
Shangguan Qiuya continued,
“The apartment at Yanjing Huating, Building 6 has been fully prepared.
Should I give Ms. Zhao a heads-up? She doesn’t seem to know your identity at all and has never asked me about it.”
“No need.” Secretary Jin took a bite of salad, lips curling into a faint smile.
Zhao Yaqian signing with Slover Trust had once caused her a huge emotional upheaval.
She was very curious to see Zhao Yaqian’s reaction when they finally met.
And then there was Lin Muxue, Tang Song’s current assistant.
Girls like her—still immature and impressionable—were the easiest to handle.
Best to nip any wild dreams in the bud.
“Oh, right. What’s Su Yu up to lately?”
Shangguan replied softly, “She just blacklisted a producer a few days ago. She’s currently filming a new drama in Shanghai.”
“Oh?” Secretary Jin set down her fork, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.
“Send her a picture of where I am. Tell her to stay focused on her movie—
and that I’ll be there to watch it when it’s done.”
Shangguan Qiuya’s eye twitched slightly but nodded, “Yes, Director Jin.”
She picked up her phone and got to work—
while inwardly feeling like she was getting to know the goddess of the business world all over again.
…
Aboard the speeding high-speed train.
Night slowly descended, and the bright cabin lights cast a warm golden hue throughout the car.
Cheng Qiuqiu sat by the window on the inner side, her eyes quietly watching the scenery rushing past.
After a while, she turned slightly, glancing at Tang Song and Gao Mengting seated beside her, chatting and laughing.
They seemed to be completely in sync.
One moment they were discussing marketing strategies, the next One Hundred Years of Solitude, and then casually moved on to the latest trending news.
Cheng Qiuqiu pressed her lips together and pulled out her phone from her pocket.
The group chat for this company retreat was buzzing non-stop.
Food, attractions, memes, jokes—
Message after message kept popping up.
For this outing, each employee had booked their own train tickets, with reimbursement processed through the OA system.
So most people were scattered in different seats and train cars.
It just so happened that she and Tang Song were seated together—because her senior Gao Mengting had booked both tickets.
Listening to the laughter beside her and watching the lively group chat, Cheng Qiuqiu’s gaze grew a bit dazed.
She really wanted to blend in—
but somehow, she just couldn’t.
“Qiuqiu, what do you want to eat?” Tang Song’s voice suddenly broke through her thoughts.
Cheng Qiuqiu answered instinctively, “Same as you guys.”
Deep down, she really did enjoy being in step with them.
“Okay, then let’s go with braised beef and Kung Pao chicken combo.”
Tang Song made a quick gesture and submitted the order through the mini-program. Then he asked with a smile,
“By the way, Qiuqiu, you’re from Sichuan, right? Why did you choose to come all the way to Yan City for college?”
Tang Song had always been curious about Cheng Qiuqiu’s background—
especially about what might’ve led to her psychological struggles.
Qiuqiu glanced at him and quietly said, “I just wanted to go somewhere far from home. See more of the world.”
“Oh? Then are you going home for Mid-Autumn Festival? It’s an 8-day break—you’d have time.”
At that, Cheng Qiuqiu’s chest rose subtly. She lowered her eyes and murmured,
“I’m not going back. I’m fine staying in Yan City.”
Gao Mengting gently grabbed her hand and smiled,
“Perfect. I’m not going home either. My new car just arrived—still in the break-in period. Let’s go for a road trip around Yan City, just the two of us?”
“Okay,” Cheng Qiuqiu nodded.
Noticing the shift in her demeanor, Tang Song raised a brow slightly.
Something seemed… off.
Gao Mengting started chatting with the two of them about a drama called Snowy Night, First Mist and the latest celebrity gossip.
Gradually, the atmosphere relaxed again.
Soon, their meal trays arrived.
The food was nothing special,
but on a speeding train, it somehow had its own kind of charm.
Cheng Qiuqiu ate slowly.
Each time she picked up her chopsticks, she would pause for a bit—
as if her thoughts weren’t entirely on the food.
Her eyes kept drifting back to the window, mesmerized by the streaks of neon passing by.
Her tight jeans hugged her long, straight legs.
As she moved slightly, they swayed with youthful grace.
After finishing her meal, Cheng Qiuqiu picked up the small trash bag and stood up,
“I’m going to throw this away.”
Tang Song reached out,
“Give it to me. It’s hard to move in there.”
Qiuqiu shook her head,
“I’m going to the restroom too.”
With that, she carefully stepped out.
Tang Song shifted his body to make room for her to pass.
As he leaned slightly against the seat, his gaze casually fell on her back—
Her slender waist, full hips, and long legs wrapped in light denim…
An irresistible silhouette.
Just then, a boy around 5 or 6 years old came flying down the aisle, shouting excitedly.
Qiuqiu, caught off guard, instinctively stepped back—
her heel hit Tang Song’s leg, and she completely lost her balance—
Landing right on his lap.
Tang Song reacted quickly, steadying her by the waist.
His palm, separated only by thin fabric, pressed against her soft skin.
“Ah!” Cheng Qiuqiu gasped, her body stiffening instantly.
Gao Mengting quickly held her arm,
“You okay, Qiuqiu?”
“I’m fine, really.” Qiuqiu shot to her feet, eyes flickering nervously as she mumbled a quick “Sorry” to Tang Song—
then practically fled toward the restroom.
Watching her leave, Tang Song exhaled—
his chest strangely warm.
Bang—
The bathroom door slammed shut.
Cheng Qiuqiu took several deep breaths, her heart pounding like crazy.
The truth was—
she’d had time to grab the seat in front of her for balance.
But the moment she realized it was Tang Song behind her,
her body had instinctively… let go.
She just let herself fall.
The reflex confused and embarrassed her.
She didn’t dare face her own thoughts.
What the hell am I thinking…?
The scene of her landing on his lap kept replaying in her head.
Her fingers gripped the hem of her shirt tightly.
She zoned out for a long while.
Eventually, Qiuqiu used the restroom, washed her hands, and opened the door.
And right outside—
Stood a tall, athletic figure.
She looked up—
and met Liu Jiayi’s sharp, cold stare.
The air around her was heavy with pressure, making Qiuqiu’s breath falter.
Qiuqiu quickly stepped aside and whispered,
“H-hi.”
Then hurried off.
As soon as she saw Tang Song again, her heart skipped a beat.
Head lowered, she quietly returned to her seat.
Beside her, Gao Mengting and Tang Song were still talking casually.
Qiuqiu bit her lip hard—
a wave of guilt and shame drowning her.
Tang Song is my senior’s boyfriend.
They met through their startup, grew close, and got together.
She felt like a despicable little mouse,
coveting something that wasn’t hers.
[Growing... 75%] (Unbloomed)
Seeing the progress bar floating above her head,
Tang Song’s eyes gleamed with amusement.
It was just 72% before boarding…
And just from sitting on my lap, it jumped to 75%?
This cool and aloof girl… how “dark” is her mind, seriously?
Terrifying.
If he followed this logic…
Would a hug make it jump even more?
The thought made Tang Song’s heart itch with curiosity.
8:30 PM.
The train gradually pulled into Wushan Station.
“We’re here!” Gao Mengting nudged Tang Song and said warmly,
“Welcome to my hometown!”
Tang Song looked serious as he replied,
“Lead the way, local guide. We’re counting on you.”
That made Gao Mengting laugh, her eyes crinkling like crescent moons.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!”
The group disembarked, laughing and chatting.
After meeting up with their coworkers at the edge of the platform,
everyone grabbed their luggage and headed out of the station.
The cool evening breeze blew gently against their faces, carrying a faint salty humidity that instantly refreshed the senses.
Everyone boarded the waiting tour bus in an orderly fashion. The vehicle slowly pulled out, merging into the humid nightscape of Wushan.
Soft music drifted through the cabin. The coworkers chatted excitedly, laughter echoing nonstop.
About thirty minutes later—
the bus pulled up at the Shangri-La Hotel, located in the harbor district. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ noveⅼfire.net
Its massive glass curtain walls reflected the surrounding lights, making the modern building look especially grand under the night sky.
“Look! That’s the sea over there!” Gao Mengting lightly tapped Tang Song on the shoulder, smiling as she pointed into the distance.
Tang Song followed her gaze.
Through the window, he could make out faint sparkles of light scattered across the vast darkness.
Though the sea wasn’t clearly visible at night, the sound of distant waves and the salty tang in the air were more than enough to stir a sense of vastness and mystery.
One by one, the group got off the bus and followed the admin team to check in.
Everyone was paired off—except for Tang Song, of course.
After the last person received their room key, Gao Mengting clapped her hands gently to draw everyone’s attention.
“Alright, everyone’s worked hard getting here—go get some rest in your rooms first. Remember to keep your ID cards and train tickets safe.
If you want to go out, try to go in pairs and don’t stray too far.
If you need anything, feel free to reach out to me or anyone on the admin team.”
Then her tone turned a little playful,
“Also, don’t forget—sunrise tomorrow is stunning. Make sure you don’t sleep in and miss it!”
“Got it!” “You got it, Director Gao!” …
The crowd responded with cheerful voices, pulling their suitcases along as they headed upstairs, faces glowing with excitement.
As the crowd dispersed—
Tang Song gave Gao Mengting a pat on the back and said in a low voice,
“Let’s go, partner. Let’s drop off our stuff, then head out for a walk. Grab a drink, watch the sea.”
Gao Mengting’s face flushed slightly at the vaguely flirty tone,
“We have to get up early tomorrow. What drink?”
She was notoriously bad with alcohol—one glass of whiskey and she’d probably be loopy.
And even though she was sharing a room with Qiuqiu, they were all on the same floor.
She was honestly worried that if she drank too much, she’d lose control and pounce on Tang Song right then and there.
Now that would be mortifying.
Tang Song chuckled,
“We’re here to relax. Just a little won’t hurt. Come on.”
With that, he grabbed his suitcase and headed toward the elevator.
The elevator doors slowly closed, and the small space fell silent.
Liu Jiayi stood in the corner, her gaze calm, watching the floor numbers change.
Cheng Qiuqiu was fiddling with her phone, deliberately avoiding eye contact between Tang Song and Gao Mengting.
Ding—
The elevator stopped on the 19th floor.
Liu Jiayi raised her hand to hold the door open as Tang Song, Gao Mengting, and Cheng Qiuqiu stepped out one after another.
They checked their room cards and door numbers.
Gao Mengting smiled playfully,
“Alright, we’re gonna go unpack. See ya!”
“See ya.”
Tang Song opened the door, slid the card in, and the lights flicked on instantly.
He had booked a seaview king room, about 45 square meters, modern and cozy in design.
The 2-meter-wide king bed sat right in the center, topped with soft, pristine white linens that looked incredibly inviting.
He pulled open the curtains and pushed open the window.
The ocean shimmered faintly in the darkness, and the sound of crashing waves whispered in his ears.
After enjoying the view for a moment, Tang Song checked the time and turned to leave the room.
Knock knock knock— he tapped lightly on the door next to his.
“Who is it?” came Cheng Qiuqiu’s slightly cool voice from inside.
“It’s me.”
Click—
The door opened slowly, revealing Cheng Qiuqiu’s refined but slightly tense face.
She stepped aside and said softly,
“Tang Zong.”
Tang Song smiled and nodded, stepping into the room.
He walked in a few steps and his gaze landed on Gao Mengting, who was tidying up her suitcase.
She was sitting on a single bed, having changed out of the loose company shirt into a form-fitting crop top that subtly outlined her curvy figure.
Her slim waist peeked out slightly—casual, yet incredibly alluring.
Her makeup was light and delicate, her thick hair loosely gathered, and her face soft and pretty.
Under the warm lights, she exuded a quietly captivating aura.
Like Secretary Jin, Mengting belonged to the classically beautiful type.
Their styles were completely different—
but at certain angles, the resemblance was… undeniable.
Back when they’d just started their partnership, Tang Song had occasionally felt that sense of déjà vu.
Thinking about it now, it was kind of poetic.
Strictly speaking, his very first partner… was Secretary Jin.