novelraw Chapter 585: Yangcheng, Yangcheng
Chapter 585: Yangcheng, Yangcheng
Thursday, November 2, 2023.
5:30 AM.
In the late autumn season of Hong Kong, the sky was still pitch black, and the entire city had yet to awaken.
Inside the executive suite of the Four Seasons Hotel, silence reigned.
Accompanied by the crisp notification sound of a bank transfer arriving, Tang Song swiftly tossed off his covers and got up.
He washed his face with cold water, changed into the outfit called “Outfit - Unlimited Vitality,” and stepped out with light, brisk footsteps.
Passing through the corridor, he took the elevator straight down.
He entered the Four Seasons Hotel gym.
Putting on his headphones, music started to play, and he began his daily high-intensity workout.
Running, core exercises, dumbbells... He could clearly feel the surging power brought on by the “Advanced Physique Optimization Serum” flowing with every breath and muscle contraction.
Sweat trickled down his defined jawline, his tight workout clothes soaked with moisture, the contours of his muscles under the light becoming more distinct and smooth, every inch full of explosive power.
His entire body radiated a strong hormone scent, causing some of the ladies also working out early to glance his way repeatedly.
Outside, the sky gradually brightened, and Victoria Harbour was shrouded in a thin mist.
One hour later.
Tang Song slowly stopped his exercises and returned to the suite on the 42nd floor.
Entering the bathroom, cold water streamed down from above, washing away heat and fatigue, leaving only extreme freshness and an increasingly clear mind.
The water traced the stunning curves of his sculpted abs, outlining breathtaking arcs.
It had been five days since he acquired the “Advanced Physique Optimization Serum.”
Tang Song felt increasingly powerful.
Every muscle in his body seemed to have been reshaped, full of strength and coordination, and even his mental state had reached an unprecedented peak.
“!” The system light screen unfolded before him.
Checking personal information.
Checking personal information.
[Player: Tang Song (82 Charm)]
[Role: Songmei Apparel - CEO]
[Height: 185CM, Weight: 80KG]
[Physique: 83, Endurance: 84, Agility: 78, Comprehension: 85]
[Asset Status:]
Balance: 101 million yuan (Investment capital: 414.8 million yuan)
His height had increased by another centimeter, reaching 185.
Rongliu Capital was expanding steadily, and combined with his rising physical charm, his charm score finally reached 82.
It was worth noting that yesterday, the financing for Yimai Technology was officially completed. He invested 12.5 million USD, acquiring a 2.5% stake.
Entering the [Mission Center], he checked the [Phase Three Growth Plan Tasks].
① Branding: Establish supply chain and OEM systems to deepen brand recognition. [Completed]
② Performance Explosion: Continue to rise and achieve monthly sales exceeding 100 million. [Incomplete]
③ Capital Hunter: Effectively invest in three companies with unicorn potential and successfully increase equity value. [1/3]
Yimai Technology indeed had “unicorn potential,” advancing the mission progress by one.
This trip to Yangcheng for “Smart Chain Future” was verified by Tang Song’s draft notes and absolutely met the criteria.
Most tasks were more than halfway done.
Next, besides continuing to seek unicorn-potential companies for investment, the most important goal was to push Songmei Apparel’s monthly sales over 100 million.
November, this month, was the best opportunity.
Singles’ Day alone could generate transaction volume equal to a regular month for e-commerce.
Now, with a 7-day fast flexible supply chain and the proprietary brand HEYISTUDIO, completing this mission this month was very promising.
Taking a light breath, Tang Song left the bathroom and dried off.
He changed into casual clothes.
Just stepping out of the wardrobe room—
“Knock knock knock—” A knock sounded at the door.
Opening it, he saw Lin Muxue and Shen Yuyan standing outside.
“Good morning, President Tang.”
Both women were evidently carefully groomed, with delicate makeup, dressed in neat and professional casual attire.
Their elegant posture was pleasing to the eye.
Tang Song’s mood instantly brightened, and he smiled, “Come in.”
They nodded and entered one after the other, two distinct perfume scents wafting in, fresh and enticing.
Breakfast, schedule arrangement, packing belongings.
The entire process was efficient and orderly with the cooperation of the two assistants.
At 7:50 AM, everything was ready.
Tang Song, accompanied by the two, took the private elevator straight to the hotel lobby.
A black Rolls-Royce Phantom waited at the door.
The car smoothly drove towards West Kowloon Station.
On the way, Lin Muxue briefly reported on Yangcheng’s weather, traffic conditions, and necessary precautions for the day.
Neither Lin Muxue nor Shen Yuyan would accompany him this time.
Both had work to handle.
Besides participating in company restructuring, Lin Muxue needed to coordinate with the private jet for future use.
Shen Yuyan had to attend a fund meeting and report to Tang Song in real time.
“Goodbye, President Tang.”
“Safe travels, President Tang.”
“Bye.” Tang Song waved at the two, took the suitcase, and entered the passage.
After a brief stop in the exclusive waiting room, he boarded the business class seat on the train to Guangzhou South.
The train started, and the scenery outside the window rapidly flew past.
Victoria Harbour’s morning mist, the New Territories’ mountains, the sharply contrasting skyline along the Shencheng River banks, then the water-networked plains, ridges, and fish ponds of the Pearl River Delta...
At 10:00 AM.
The train arrived punctually at Yangcheng East Station.
Just stepping out of the VIP exit, he saw a woman holding a sign with his name.
She looked around thirty-five or thirty-six, dressed in a professional suit skirt.
Seeing Tang Song, she hurried forward with a professional smile, “Hello, Mr. Tang, I’m your reception advisor during your stay in Yangcheng, Zhao Fei.”
“Hello.”
She naturally took the suitcase from Tang Song’s hand.
Leading him out of the passage, they got into a waiting Toyota Alphard.
The interior smelled pleasant, with wide and soft aviation seats.
Zhao Fei sat in the front passenger seat, turning back to confirm, “Mr. Tang, we’re heading to Baiyun Airport, right?”
“Mm.”
Leaning back in the seat, Tang Song smiled, thinking of the older sister he was about to meet.
The car smoothly left the high-speed rail station, and the unfolding scenery of Yangcheng appeared before his eyes.
The towering CBD, arcade old streets, tin-roofed shops, tea houses with traditional Chinese signs...
Prosperity and the common folk’s life intertwined here.
Entering Baiyun District near the airport, the cityscape gradually opened up—ponds, fish farms, banana groves, village houses with white walls and black tiles...
At this moment, he finally saw with his own eyes the Yangcheng that Zhang Yan had written about, full of smoke and fire and life’s texture.
Then, Tang Song involuntarily lit his phone screen and opened an email.
The sender was Zheng Qiudong, with Zhang Yan’s resume attached.
Yancheng Agricultural University, Imperial Capital Gaosi Education, Yangcheng Cultural Media, Siyuan Culture, Shucheng Technology...
And her current address: Liwan District, Lanxin Garden Community.
Just like the scattered thoughts she once left in QQ messages.
Her luck seemed always terrible.
Only two or three years since graduation, but she had already changed four companies. Each departure was accompanied by industry turmoil or company difficulties.
Tang Song closed the phone screen and gently closed his eyes, as if trying to sense something.
Yangcheng Baiyun International Airport.
At 11:25, flight information from Imperial Capital lit up on the screen.
Tang Song stood beside the VIP exit for domestic arrivals, his gaze bright and calm as he quietly watched travelers emerge one after another.
Soon, a tall, curvaceous figure appeared in his sight.
She wore oversized Dior sunglasses, full red lips, and walked in stiletto heels.
Underneath, a tight off-white long dress, overlaid casually with a loose camel-colored suit jacket.
The knit dress perfectly hugged her figure, outlining the standard Korean comic body shape vividly.
The breathtaking curve of her chest and the perky hips formed an exaggerated and alluring silhouette.
Her expression was lazy yet charming, radiating a relaxed confidence belonging to a mature woman who was in full control.
Every step she took carried a rhythm that made hearts race.
Many men nearby secretly sized her up.
Wen Ruan, however, was completely indifferent.
Her gaze quickly passed through the crowd, and when it met Tang Song’s, she removed her sunglasses, revealing a radiant smile on her alluring face.
She didn’t hurry but maintained a composed pace, walking straight toward him.
The heels clicked crisply on the polished floor: “tap, tap, tap.”
Each step seemed to land on Tang Song’s heartbeat.
Wen Ruan stopped before him, tilting her head slightly, smiling, “Mr. Tang, waiting for me here?”
“Of course I’m waiting for you, my Miss Wen.”
“Pfft—” Wen Ruan laughed softly, opening her arms and shamelessly throwing herself into his embrace.
A muffled thud.
Her ample figure pressed solidly against his chest, soft and fragrant, almost intoxicating.
Wen Ruan held Tang Song tightly, burying her cheek in his neck, greedily sniffing his scent.
“I’ve been so busy lately, my bones almost fell apart. Hurry, be my human pillow for a while and recharge me.”
Tang Song inhaled deeply, the unique rich fragrance of sandalwood and rose mixed on her body filling his nose.
The two hugged obliviously amid the bustling arrivals hall.
Not far off, assistant Wang Dandan discreetly stopped, holding luggage and handbag, lowering her head quietly waiting.
Tang Song pinched her soft waist gently and whispered, “Miss me?”
Wen Ruan exhaled softly in his ear, voice soft and seductive, “Not only do I miss you, but also your mouth...”
She emphasized the word “mouth,” causing Tang Song’s eyes to twitch and his fingers to unconsciously tighten slightly around her waist.
Wen Ruan emitted a low, cat-like hum, “Is the hotel booked?”
“Booked.”
“Is the bed big enough?”
“Big enough.” New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel·fiɾe·net
“How’s the soundproofing?”
“Very good.”
“Ah? Then it’s no fun~~”
“But as long as I scream loud enough, soundproofing is useless.”
“You can rest assured. True hearts may not be reciprocated, but with me, giving it all will definitely get a loud response. You better put in some effort~”
After a while, noticing the surrounding gazes growing denser, the two slowly parted.
Tang Song nodded at Wang Dandan, who had just walked over.
Wen Ruan took his arm intimately, pressing close, and the two walked out side by side.
One handsome and upright, one voluptuous and charming, drawing many glances from passersby.
They got into the comfortable Alphard’s back seat.
Wen Ruan casually took off her coat, revealing the knit dress inside that accentuated her figure to the fullest, lazily stretching, her exaggerated curves spreading out in the spacious cabin.
Tang Song turned to look at her shining peach blossom eyes, eyebrows and eyes smiling.
In an unfamiliar city, reunited with the woman he loved, there was a joy woven from security and anticipation.
Their eyes met, Wen Ruan playfully winked.
Her slender fingers began tracing circles slowly in his palm.
“Tonight, I have dinner with an old classmate. He’s now a key member of Smart Chain Future. We can get some inside info about the company from him first.”
“Mm, this company’s prospects are very good. The combination of AI and internet marketing can lay a solid foundation for Xingyun International’s future digital transformation.”
“I’ve already formed a special team here. We can do an on-site inspection tomorrow. If all goes well, due diligence can officially start next week.”
Their conversation revolved around work the entire trip,
But the air was full of tacit intimacy and the fiery passion about to erupt.
12:30 PM.
The Toyota Alphard stopped slowly at the main entrance of the IFC West Tower.
A uniformed hotel butler smiled and stepped forward, gently opening the door and bowing, “Honorable Mr. Tang, Miss Wen, welcome to the Four Seasons Hotel.”
They got out of the car, accompanied by the concierge team, and took the elevator directly to the 70th-floor sky lobby.
In the exclusive lounge, the executive manager processed their check-in on a tablet and presented welcome champagne.
After signing confirmation,
Accompanied by the butler, they took a private elevator straight to the 97th floor.
The double doors of the presidential suite slowly opened.
The 7-meter-high ceiling living room’s floor-to-ceiling windows framed a panoramic view of the Yangcheng Tower and the Pearl River. On the coffee table lay a handwritten welcome card, seasonal fruit, and a hotel-customized chocolate sculpture...
The butler introduced, “Mr. Tang Song, the suite’s temperature has been pre-set to a constant 24°C. The aroma system has been set to your preferred cedar scent. Miss Wen, the spa service you reserved has been booked at the 100th-floor spa center with the best river view private room...”
Then, the butler gave a brief tour of the space.
With a heavy “bang,” the thick door closed.
Tang Song had just turned around when Wen Ruan suddenly pulled him close and pressed him against the cold floor-to-ceiling window.
Her fiery red lips instantly covered his, tender and deep.
This kiss was full of the yearning of a long-awaited reunion and unrestrained desire, fierce yet harmonious.
Outside was the most magnificent city skyline of Yangcheng.
The Pearl River, like a jade belt, curved beneath their feet. Not far away, the elegantly shaped “Little Waist” Guangzhou Tower and the East, West Towers faced each other across the river, composing a highly futuristic scene.
After a long while, until Wen Ruan’s breath faltered slightly, she gently pushed him away,
Licked her lips, which were a little red and swollen from the kiss, her eyes sparkling with a mischievous smile, “Let sister fill her stomach first, then... I’ll fill you up.”
“Let’s go, Zhuangzhuang!” Tang Song lightly patted her full hips with a crisp, elastic sound.
Wen Ruan pinched his lower abdomen irritably, “Just now you called me sister, now no * you call me Zhuangzhuang? Men really are big pigs’ feet!”
After speaking, she laughed herself.
Taking Tang Song’s hand, she led him out of the room.
Due to her previous work and love for travel, Wen Ruan was not unfamiliar with Yangcheng.
Especially the Tianhe District where Xingyun International’s branch was located, she was very familiar.
They drove through several bustling districts, turned into a tree-lined old street, and arrived at a private kitchen called “Wenyue Mansion.”
The restaurant was hidden in a red brick mansion from the Republic of China era, with several osmanthus trees planted in the courtyard.
In late autumn, the air carried a faint sweet fragrance.
The food arrived quickly.
Crispy-skinned, tender roast goose;
perfectly steamed East Star Grouper;
and a slow-simmered, richly flavored old fire soup cooked for four to five hours.
Wen Ruan reserved a bowl of soup for Tang Song, took a bowl herself, blew on it, and drank slowly, closing her eyes in comfort.
“Try this, their old fire soup is the most nourishing. Especially... it’s very helpful for your upcoming ‘physical labor.’ Otherwise, some undisciplined person might have to kneel and beg for mercy later.”
She playfully winked at Tang Song and lightly rubbed her foot against his calf under the table.
Tang Song’s throat moved, a burst of anger, “Just you wait!”
Then, mouthing two words silently, “Tease.”
Wen Ruan covered her mouth laughing, her charming eyes flickering, her curvy body swaying gently.
No doubt, the big sister really had a sense of humor.
After lunch, Wen Ruan refused Tang Song’s request to return directly to the hotel,
Instead, she pulled him to stroll through an old neighborhood.
Yangcheng’s late autumn sunshine remained warm and gentle.
They walked past rows of historic red brick mansions, stepping on mottled stone slabs.
From a distance came the crisp clatter of mahjong tiles, the air mixed with the scent of herbal tea shops and beef offal stalls.
Feeling the city’s unique relaxed yet pragmatic cultural atmosphere, Tang Song’s mood became unusually peaceful.
At some point, they arrived at Taikoo Hui.
Wen Ruan bought a bottle of chilled noble rot sweet white wine and then pulled Tang Song into the adjacent LaPerla luxury lingerie boutique.
She bought several sexy nightgowns and underwear that Tang Song liked.
After 3 PM,
The two returned to the hotel suite carrying shopping bags.
“Shing———”
The heavy electric curtains slowly closed.
The room’s light quickly dimmed, sinking into a warm, intimate dusk.
Tang Song finished washing up and stepped out of the bathroom, seeing Wen Ruan turning on the bedside lamp.
She bent over, the dress perfectly stretched tight, from her slender waist to her perky, full hips, outlining an extremely exaggerated curve with stunning visual tension.
Seemingly sensing his gaze, Wen Ruan’s movements slowed slightly.
She slowly turned, sat on the smooth black lacquered bedside table, her fingertips casually brushing her slightly curled hair near her ear.
Her full, healthy legs crossed elegantly, glowing with ivory luster in the warm yellow light.
Tang Song’s breath gradually quickened, his eyes lighting with fire, voice low and commanding, “Ruan Ruan, come here.”
Wen Ruan’s red lips parted slightly, but instead of moving, she beckoned him with a finger, “You, come here.”
The sound of footsteps “step, step, step” was especially clear in the quiet room.
Just as he reached out to touch her, Wen Ruan suddenly lifted her foot and lightly kicked his lower abdomen, using the momentum to leap backward, rolling directly into the soft bedding.
She let out a delighted laugh.
Like a beautiful snake, she stretched out on the soft bed, still beckoning him, “Come to me~”
Tang Song raised an eyebrow, “I see your butt’s itchy again, right?”
“Ting.” Wen Ruan coquettishly rolled her eyes, “Don’t know who you learned that bad habit from. I’m telling you, I still have a spa and meeting with an old classmate tonight. If you dare bruise me, I’ll bite you!”
Tang Song’s eyes brightened, “Then I must bruise you!”
“Screw you!” Wen Ruan laughed and grabbed a pillow, throwing it hard at him.
Tang Song caught it neatly and lunged onto the bed.
Wen Ruan rolled away, flipped to the other side, and picked up another pillow to confront him.
The big sister, a longtime fitness enthusiast with system support, was agile and nimble.
The wide bed became their battlefield, chasing and fleeing, pillows and laughter flying.
In the end, Tang Song pinned her firmly beneath him on the bed’s edge.
Wen Ruan struggled symbolically for a few seconds, then was completely subdued.
Her healthy, fair skin was exposed amid the tussle, dazzling Tang Song in the dim light.
A mess of sounds erupted.
The bedroom air gradually thickened and grew moist.
“Tang you! Tang Song! You’re serious now!”
“Stop, stop, don’t hit! I’m sorry, okay?”
“Damn it, you bastard!”
“I’m angry! I’m really mad!”
...
Outside, the lazy, tender afternoon scene of Yangcheng unfolded.
The breeze brushed past the Pearl River, carrying moist warmth.
It slowly blew through the courtyards of red brick mansions in Dongshankou, swept past the ancient red walls and yellow tiles of the Farmers’ Lecture Hall, passed through the bustling streets below, and finally blew into the glowing windows of Huiming Building.
Seventh floor, Shucheng Technology.
“Knock knock knock—”
Fingertips impatiently tapped the desk, waking Zhang Yan from a brief doze.
She sat upright abruptly, her face still marked with the imprint from resting on her arm, eyes full of embarrassment and shame at being caught.
"Zhang, is the material sorted out?" Director Bai Rui's voice came from beside her, laced with displeasure.
“Al-almost done,” she hurriedly lit up her computer screen, voice weak, “Some content still needs confirmation from the other party. I already sent an email this morning but haven’t received a reply.”
“Then hurry up and follow up. What are you standing there for?”
“Oh, okay.” Zhang Yan weakly responded, flustered as she opened WeChat and started messaging.
Recently, due to worries about her mother, she often suffered insomnia at night and was always sleepy during the day.
Bai Rui muttered something and turned to leave.
Nearby, Lulu grumbled, “That fat white guy is really disgusting! Just picking on you because you’re easy to bully! Your main work was done ages ago, yet they keep dumping all these messy material tasks on you. What else is that if not bullying a good person?”
“It’s okay, Lulu. It really is my fault for sleeping during work hours...”
“Sleeping? You’ve accumulated over a hundred hours of compensatory leave for overtime. Every time you ask for leave, he makes it so difficult!”
Zhang Yan pressed her dry lips together, lowering her gaze without speaking further.
At that moment, her phone lit up.
A message popped up.
[Shiguang Bookstore: “Hello, beauty. The 2009 edition of ‘Dragon Ball’ from Qiongdau Photography and Art Publishing House that you’ve been looking for just arrived. We happen to have volumes 11, 21, 33, and 34, all in very good condition.”]
Zhang Yan’s heart suddenly contracted, her hand trembling slightly as she quickly replied, “Please, please save volumes 33 and 34 for me. I’ll come pick them up right after work!”
[Shiguang Bookstore: “Okay, no problem.”]
Lulu was amazed, “Wow, so you’re about to complete the whole set. Not easy after four months, right?”
Zhang Yan exhaled lightly and nodded, saying nothing more.
But her heart began to pound wildly.
After all, it had been a long time. The 2009 edition of “Dragon Ball” mostly consisted of reprints or specific publisher versions, with limited original circulation.
Now, finding a complete set of 34 volumes in mint condition on the second-hand market was even harder, mostly only single volumes or scattered issues were available.
For this reason, she spent almost every weekend visiting second-hand bookstores across Yangcheng.
She even added the shop owners on WeChat, asking them to keep an eye out for her.
Just buying these manga books had cost her nearly 1600 yuan.
Actually, she knew the easiest and quickest way was to buy a complete set online.
But she always felt that wouldn’t be sincere enough.
This matter should be like in the manga: only after going through countless hardships could she gather the Dragon Balls and make that one, most important wish.
Thinking of the last two volumes she was about to get, Zhang Yan’s previously gloomy mood instantly brightened.
Her whole being seemed injected with infinite energy, and she began efficiently handling her work, finishing it quickly and sending it off.
Time passed bit by bit.
Near 6 PM, Zhang Yan packed up and was about to leave work.
Director Bai Rui’s voice sounded again: “Wang Wenying, Zhang Yan, Li Zhengming, all three of you come over. We need to hold a short emergency meeting.”
Zhang Yan’s heart sank, but she still braced herself and followed her colleagues into the meeting room.
This so-called “short meeting” ended up lasting a full forty minutes.
It was the longest 40 minutes she had ever endured.
By the time the meeting ended, the sky outside was pitch black.
Bai Rui stopped her again as she was about to get up, “Zhang Yan, did you take notes on the meeting content? Tonight, work hard and coordinate with the marketing department. Organize a draft of the meeting minutes and send it to me.”
Looking at her leader, Zhang Yan finally mustered courage, took a deep breath, and said, “Director, I... I have something tonight.”
“It’s just half an hour, very quick. Finish it and then leave.”
Her refusal words rolled around her tongue, but seeing the unyielding look from the director, she swallowed them down.
This coordination process was far more troublesome than she had imagined.
By the time she finished everything, it was already 7:50 PM.
Zhang Yan sent the email numbingly, grabbed her backpack, and rushed out of the office without looking back.
She ran to the subway station, anxiously watching the flickering station signs in the stifling train car.
After transferring once on the subway and riding a shared bike in the night, she finally reached her destination.
The car stopped slowly at a street corner.
Looking at the already lowered shutter gate.
Checking the time.
[21:11]
She stood outside, still holding the bike’s handlebar, dazed for a long time.
Actually, she had known from the start that she wouldn’t make it.
She just forced herself not to look at the time, clinging to that faint, unrealistic hope: what if the boss worked late today?
From July 2, 2023, when she learned he left Imperial Capital to return to Yancheng, to today was exactly four months.
On July 8, she bought volume 16 of the “Dragon Ball” complete edition.
Then slowly gathered volumes up to 32.
If she could just collect these last two volumes, she could... muster the courage to fulfill that wish she had buried in her heart for a long, long time.
Somewhere in the sky, it had started to drizzle fine rain.
The bustling night of Yangcheng blurred around her.
Zhang Yan turned and got back on the shared bike, riding back to the subway station.
She thought, maybe, just like in the story of “Dragon Ball,”
Only after experiencing enough hardships would the final wish be more precious.