novelraw Chapter 567: Smile Philanthropic Foundation
Chapter 567: Smile Philanthropic Foundation
Zhao Yaqian kissed with desperate intensity, her embrace equally fervent.
Salty tears traced cool paths down their skin.
The guitar lay forgotten on the carpet at some point.
Gazing at Tang Song before her, she absorbed his warmth, heartbeat, and love.
Emotions surged like a tidal wave, submerging her completely.
Her first love had been tart yet sweet, naive yet pure.
Memories cascaded through her mind—their first meeting at the beauty salon, rainy strolls through pedestrian streets, handmade skewers, the Wuling Hongguang minivan, filling the tank with premium gas, road trips, struggles and rejections, heart-fluttering moments, their first kiss, finally being together...
To her, Tang Song embodied love itself—the entirety of her emotional universe.
Simple-minded and somewhat brash, she wore her heart on her sleeve.
The farthest she'd once envisioned her future was learning a trade to secure basic livelihood. But fate had swept her up like sudden floodwaters, carrying her into an entirely different world.
Clueless yet trusting, she'd clung to him through this dizzying social ascent.
Previously oblivious to many things, she rarely overthought matters.
Tang Song had patiently guided her step by step.
Before she knew it, she possessed an ocean-view mansion, 40 million yuan in beauty salon equity, over 20 million in private club shares, and even befriended the legendary Jin Meixiao.
Her nineteen-year-old life felt like an extravagant, surreal dream.
Only recently—specifically during her return to her rural Shandong hometown—did she begin awakening.
Her parents' stunned expressions, relatives' sudden fawning, the status conferred by wealth...
Simultaneously, she'd started following Tang Song's advice:
Confronting her insecurities and evaluating her self-worth.
Born in an ordinary small town with dysfunctional family dynamics (debt-ridden parents, greedy relatives), poor high school grades had barred university access. Lacking systematic education or artistic cultivation, she could only mimic others to fill the gaps.
Attempting self-improvement for social situations revealed stark deficiencies—eloquence, aesthetics, conversation skills...
Every aspect required starting from scratch.
Strip away her figure and looks, and she was painfully average.
Then she recalled Trustee Mo's words during the trust signing: "Before you, he had another lover."
She'd always known "Miss Su" referred to Su Yu.
Both "mistresses" and "caged songbirds," she couldn't help comparing herself to Su Yu.
The result was devastating.
Su Yu represented an unattainable ideal.
Even with her own business, dance skills, and ability to smile under spotlights, she couldn't begin to measure up.
For days after this realization, she'd tossed sleeplessly.
Multiple midnight awakenings featured nightmares of Tang Song abandoning her, leaving her sobbing into blankets.
Timidity, inferiority, avoidance...
Extended her hometown stay by a week.
Fortunately, her innate blunt optimism eventually prevailed—a few good cries, laughs, and meals smoothed things over.
Yet emotionally, she harbored unspoken insecurities.
She simply chose not to dwell.
Until tonight. This moment.
Her dancing had enthralled him, her figure left him breathless;
He'd played guitar, singing "Slowly Falling For You" while gazing tenderly into her eyes.
Only then did she finally overcome her emotional barriers.
She was his first woman.
Their awkward yet heartfelt first kiss, bashful initial intimacy, gradual exploration of each other's bodies...
Tang Song wouldn't leave—he'd keep loving her.
She'd remain by his side.
Even as an ordinary beautician, she'd always occupy a corner of his heart.
However small.
Their moist kiss continued.
Zhao Yaqian's smile grew increasingly radiant—
Like peach blossoms unfurling in early spring dawnlight: soft, brilliant, with playful newfound confidence.
Reflected in Tang Song's pupils. Imprinted on his heart.
As their lips slowly parted, breath still uneven:
"I love you, Zhao Yaqian," Tang Song murmured.
The beautician's misty eyes sparkled—
Like stars polished by spring rain, shimmering with moving light.
"I love you too, Tang Song."
Before the words faded, she leapt up laughing.
Milky-long legs wrapped around him.
Burgundy hair cascaded across his face and neck—fiery softness.
"Dear programmer," she teased with a blink, "Zhao Beauty will show you something special tonight!"
"I await with bated breath."
Tang Song chuckled, supporting her hips, lifting her dance skirt to feel the wineglass legs' warmth—
Silky smooth, springy and enticing.
Inhaling her refreshing fragrance, his eyes glowed with mingled adoration and desire.
Outside, the gentle night swallowed city lights while their room's temperature climbed.
Zhao Yaqian's hot breath tickled his ear with soft laughter.
Two young souls clung tightly.
Passion surged—heartbeats and rustling fabric intertwining.
The nineteen-year-old beautician:
Ordinary yet striving;
Dependent yet gradually independent;
Vain yet never insincere;
Had ultimately become a soaring golden songbird through Tang Song.
Blooming quietly, releasing crystalline birdsong...
Night gradually drowned urban illumination.
Tang Song carried the exhausted beautician to shower, then tenderly tucked her in.
She blinked up drowsily with a silly smile before peaceful sleep took her.
Lying beside her, Tang Song opened the system interface, accessing the [Companions] module.
At the center of Zhao Yaqian's portrait card floated a glittering golden package.
Selecting [Songbird's Glory Gift Pack] → Immediate opening.
"Ding! [Companion-Zhao Yaqian] gains attribute reward [Agility+2]."
"Ding! [Companion-Zhao Yaqian] gains item reward [Leg Optimization]."
"Ding! [Companion-Zhao Yaqian] gains title reward [Honorary Vice Chairperson]."
[Leg Optimization]: Gradually enhances Zhao Yaqian's leg contour, muscle distribution, and fat ratio for tighter, longer legs with improved thigh-calf proportion—creating flawless curves with heightened visual appeal and performance.
[Note: These will become perfect wineglass legs]
Tang Song's pulse quickened at the rewards.
Nice! True to songbird rewards—prioritizing partner delight above all!
Her legs were already exceptional, his favorite feature.
He could never resist touching them during intimacy.
With system enhancement... unimaginable allure.
Similar rewards had appeared in Heartthrob Simulator for game characters.
Like [Starlet-Su Yu] receiving comparable upgrades—partly explaining her perfect physique.
Select [Leg Optimization] → Immediate use.
"Whoosh—" glowing radiance enveloped the portrait card's legs.
His attention shifted to the other reward:
[Honorary Vice Chairperson]: (Title) Vice Chairperson of Smile Philanthropic Foundation under Tangjin Family Office—ceremonial title permitting representation at global charity events, closed-door roundtables, and certain specialized evaluations, including limited proposal and co-signing authority.
[Note 1: Foundation staff will handle duties and coordination—Zhao Yaqian should expect upcoming notifications]
[Note 2: Every caged songbird deserves her own glory]
"Smile Philanthropic Foundation?" Tang Song's brow arched.
Grabbing his phone, he searched.
Information rapidly populated:
Smile Philanthropic Foundation (SPF).
Established 2019, wholly funded by Tangjin Family Office as a private global corporate philanthropic organization.
Vision: "Let the world see more smiles."
10 billion USD registered capital, over 100 billion USD cumulative investment spanning worldwide initiatives.
Funding sources: Tangjin Family Office investment returns and selective member donations.
Core focus areas: Education, healthcare, environmental/community development, disaster relief...
Partners include: UNDP, Cate Bank, Gates Foundation...
Understanding dawned.
This explained the [Songbird's Glory Gift Pack] naming.
Fundamentally, it provided "identity endorsement" and "symbolic recognition."
Realistically, Zhao Yaqian lacked qualifications to participate in SPF management or decision-making—she didn't even understand basic operational frameworks. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ Nov3lFɪre.ɴet
Her role would be largely ceremonial.
Yet this made the honorary title profoundly meaningful—it represented elite validation from Tangjin Family Office's most internationally influential foundation, personally overseen by Secretary Jin.
Clicking the portrait card displayed companion details:
[Companion: Zhao Yaqian (19)]
[Role: Songbird (SPF Honorary Vice Chairperson)]
[Height: 180cm, Weight: 62kg]
[Physique:70, Stamina:71, Agility:62, Insight:62]
[Growth Progress: 85%]
[Development Task: Songbird's Resplendent Attire]
[Task Content: Having achieved self-awareness and confidence while attaining [SPF Honorary Vice Chairperson] title, Zhao Yaqian now steps onto the public stage. Have her cultivate social etiquette for formal appearances, accepting scrutiny from diverse social strata while establishing connections with other core characters—including developing rapport with at least two other "lovers" (emotional exchange, preliminary project collaboration, etc.)]
[Reward: 10% Growth Progress, Songbird's Attire Gift Pack×1]
[Progress: Incomplete]
[Note: As this lavishly plumed songbird dons radiant garments before broader audiences, she may feel trepidation—offer extra care and affection]
All four attributes had improved, with growth reaching 85%—clear validation of her development.
Reviewing the task, Tang Song grew pensive.
He understood his beautician's situation intimately.
As a carefully nurtured songbird, Zhao Yaqian's social circle remained extremely limited.
Rapid social ascension cost her old friends while failing to establish new connections.
The outside world offered novelty laced with risk.
Breaking through required precisely what the system prescribed—starting social integration with his "other women."
Lin Muxue exemplified this perfectly.
Others like Xie Shuyu or Wen Ruan also fit—more mature and rational, likely offering guidance rather than malice.
Building trust and cooperation among them could yield future emotional and professional synergy.
In fact, Zhao Yaqian's "Vice Chairperson" title somewhat resembled Wen Ruan's newly awarded "Special Advisory Seat"—both honorary positions within the Tangjin system.
The difference lay in Wen Ruan's proximity to power centers, while Zhao Yaqian basked in glory's halo.
Regardless, both now inhabited the same colossal structure—destined to eventually cross paths.
Ironically, these two earliest companions remained complete strangers.
Personality, background, and social circle differences explained this partially, but ultimately, his own inaction bore responsibility.
Sighing, he glanced at the sleeping beautician.
Resolution solidified.
The time had come.
With Tangjin Estate nearing completion, introductions were overdue!
Lights gradually dimmed, plunging the room into soft darkness.
Before sleep, Tang Song suddenly remembered something—grabbing his phone, switching to an alternate QQ account.
Opening Zhang Yan's chat window revealed no new messages.
Understandable—people get busy, forget, move on.
Yet inexplicable emotional ripples lingered, a vague sense of absence.
Considering the upcoming Guangzhou trip, his thoughts churned.
His current emotional intelligence and pieced-together clues had long since outlined Zhang Yan's psychological state.
Much like Liu Qingning represented his unrequited ideal, he might have been Zhang Yan's "white moonlight."
After junior high, chasing Liu Qingning blinded him to this classmate silently following his trajectory—
From secondary school repeats to Yancheng Agricultural University, from Beijing internships to semi-basement dwellings in Tiantongyuan...
Her QQ messages, sent without expectation of response, radiated sincere warmth.
Anyone discovering this would feel profoundly moved.
Yet Zhang Yan had left Beijing for Guangzhou three years prior.
Had she moved on?
Perhaps "Tang Song" now symbolized mere nostalgia?
This very possibility stayed his hand from reaching out.
She represented overlooked yet genuine youth.
"You look unchanged, while I'm different," he murmured, closing his eyes...
October 25, 2023, Wednesday, Sunny, 12-30°C.
6:00 AM.
The alarm sounded punctually.
Shen Yuyan's eyes slowly opened, staring blankly at the ceiling until full consciousness triggered abrupt sitting. She ruffled messy hair.
Instinctively glancing outside revealed dawn's first light through lingering mist—
The city's silhouette gradually sharpening.
Rolling out of bed, she began final suitcase preparations.
Most packing occurred last night—only critical documents remained.
Retrieving a folder from the bedside drawer yielded passes, APEC card, backup ID, business card holder, and a thick research manual.
Its pages detailed Hong Kong headquarters' organizational structure, recent operations, even key executives' personalities and preferences.
Verification complete, she methodically loaded everything into her handbag before returning to the suitcase.
Backup cables, power adapters, perfume samples, folding ironing board—each item meticulously arranged.
Zero oversights permitted.
Preparation complete.
Standing before the wardrobe, she changed into athletic wear.
The mirror reflected satisfactory results—she struck a pose.
Phone camera clicked.
The photo captured slender pale legs, slightly cropped top revealing a toned waist, ponytail, and perfect morning lighting accentuating her vibrant allure.
Sharing it with Tang Song, she carefully composed:
"Morning Boss! Fully operational—walking, running, or shipping-ready. Excited for today's Hong Kong flight (#wink). Awaiting your collection there."
She appended airplane, package, and peach emojis before sending.
Hesitating momentarily, she opened Lin Muxue's chat window.
Last night's exchange had been barbed and passive-aggressive.
With a cold smirk, she typed:
"Xiaoxue, should we ride together or meet at the airport?"
Message sent.
Sneakers on, she entered the secondary bedroom unannounced.
Xu Qing sat on the bed inspecting her chest through pulled-up thermalwear.
The sudden intrusion startled her.
"Ah! Must you barge in unannounced?" Xu Qing yanked her clothes down, blushing fiercely.
"Tch." Shen Yuyan rolled her eyes. "What haven't we seen? I've squeezed those tiny B-cups countless times—hardly impressive."
"You—!" Xu Qing sputtered, hurling a plush toy.
Shen Yuyan dodged, retrieving and returning fire.
Xu Qing caught it, suddenly grinning mischievously—dark eyes gleaming. "Yanyan, come here. Show you something."
"What?" Shen Yuyan approached skeptically.
Xu Qing tugged her collar aside, exposing bare skin.
"Some treasure?" Shen Yuyan rapped it dismissively. "Turned nympho? Should I inform Tang Song?"
"Shut up!" Xu Qing pouted. "Can't you tell they're bigger? Ever since Tang Song... you know... just look properly!"
Red-faced, she reopened her collar.
Shen Yuyan's eyebrow arched as she reached inside.
"Ah! You perverted schemer!"
"Let go! Oww!"
Xu Qing rolled across the bed, retaliating in kind.
Their tussle eventually subsided.
Panting against the headboard, Xu Qing glared resentfully while hugging the plushie:
"You're just jealous! Soon I'll reach C-cup!"
"Jealous? Please. If I gained weight, I'd be D-cup." Shen Yuyan adjusted her ponytail. "Seriously though—we're moving after my Hong Kong trip."
"Moving?" Xu Qing blinked. "But you said this place was fine?"
"Rongliu Capital offers executive housing. Tang Song thinks our current place is subpar—approved Lan Feng International's 130㎡ luxury suite for us. Prime floor, south-north exposure, premium finish."
"Lan Feng International Apartments?!" Xu Qing's face lit up. "Hehe, Tang Song does cherish me! My surprise?"
She knew Lan Feng—Yancheng's most elite apartments adjacent to Lan Feng International Hotel, surrounded by commercial complexes far superior to their current North City Garden location.
"If you say so." Shen Yuyan suddenly leaned in. "Also—Lin Muxue lives there. 20th floor."
(°o°)！
"What?! Then we'll... have to confront her directly?!"
Shen Yuyan smirked. "Not that dramatic. We're not enemies—just two besties lightly 'bullying' her."
Relieved, Xu Qing's eyes sparkled.
Right! Together they formed Xu Yanqing! Liu Ruyan stood no chance—doomed to suffer!
The mental image made her smirk.
(￣▽￣*)ゞ
WeChat's notification chime interrupted.
Shen Yuyan checked her phone:
[Lin Muxue: "I'll pick you up—no need to taxi."]
Eyes glinting, Shen Yuyan whispered cryptically:
"Qingqing, brace yourself for something."
"What?" Xu Qing blinked.
Clearing her throat, Shen Yuyan continued gravely:
"Living alongside Lin Muxue means Tang Song might... summon you both for..."
She trailed off, making an extremely suggestive gesture.
(☉д⊙)
Xu Qing petrified—brain short-circuiting as if lightning-struck.
"You mean... me and her? Together?! With him?!!"
"Possibly. Feels... likely. You, Tang Song, Lin Muxue."
Xu Qing violently ruffled her hair, bouncing on the bed like an electrocuted cat.
That wolfish Tang Song harbored such ambitions?!!
Damn him!
Fuming, she pummeled the plushie relentlessly—
Face burning like a steam engine.
Eventually clinging to her friend tearfully: "Yanyan, save me!"
Despite her fictional bravado, real-life courage failed her—especially against a "villainess" like Lin Muxue who routinely dominated her.
If things progressed that far...
Wouldn't Lin Muxue literally piss on her head?
Shen Yuyan's gaze turned inscrutable as she embraced Xu Qing.
Leaning close, her breath warm against Xu Qing's ear:
"Don't worry. Besties stick together. I'll help."
"How?" Xu Qing perked up.
Shen Yuyan's lips curled.
"If Tang Song wants something... special, I could... sacrifice slightly to satisfy him."
Her teeth lightly nibbled Xu Qing's earlobe.
Xu Qing's face visibly crimsoned to bleeding-point.
Stiffly turning, her expression cycled shock → bashfulness → conflict.
After prolonged stammering, she finally squeaked:
"What if he wants... even more special?"
Timidly, she raised four fingers.
Shen Yuyan: (￣□￣;)