novelraw Chapter 622: Anne, Come Here
Chapter 622: Anne, Come Here
Chapter 622: Anne, Come HereIn the brightly lit banquet hall.
After a brief silence, an explosive wave of discussion erupted.
Tian Chengye, who had still been immersed in the shock brought by the name Ouyang Xianyue, suddenly turned his head and stared intently at Shangguan Qiuyas beside his daughter, his heart stirred into a stormy sea.
Jingjing... When did she get to know Ms. Ouyang?
And how did she become good friends with Director Jin’s assistant?
Yet, he knew nothing about all this.
It must be known that Smile Holdings is not a traditional enterprise.
The assistant to Jin Meixiao is far from a mere minor figure handling routine tasks.
She is deeply involved in the highest level strategic decisions of the group and even represents Director Jin in secret talent cultivation and network building.
Her status is not inferior in the slightest to any of Smile Holdings’ official senior executives. He had always known his daughter was very smart, clever since childhood, rarely suffering losses.
She was just completely uninterested in business management.
So he felt at ease letting her join Jinxiu Commerce and participate in Smile Holdings’ middle management training.
Even the fact that Smile Holdings chose her to enter headquarters and be internally assigned to Tang Yi Precision was something he found surprising but not particularly strange.
But he never imagined his daughter had already come so far and so deep on this path!
Then, his gaze uncontrollably shifted to Tang Song.
The scenes that had just happened instantly connected in his mind, forming a frightening speculation.
Shangguan Qiuyas and Fan Wenzeng had come in with him quietly.
Quan Jing Law Firm’s Luo Bin also knew Tang Song and greeted him first.
His clever daughter had firmly taken a stance even knowing the backgrounds of Meng Chuan and Mellon.
Tang Song was definitely not as simple as he had imagined.
What else was he hiding?!
In a flash of thought, Tian Chengye quickly collected all the shock from his face.
He approached Shangguan Qiuyas, greeting her warmly and appropriately, “So it’s Assistant Shangguan, my apologies! And Jingjing too, such an important guest arriving and yet you didn’t tell me in advance, I would have welcomed personally!” ṙΆɴ∅ВЁ𝙎
Shangguan Qiuyas smiled, “Director Tian, you’re too polite. Today is Xiao Jing’s event, I’m just here as a friend to offer congratulations.”
“Thank you! It’s our honor!” Then Tian Chengye turned to Luo Bin, “Director Luo, I’ve heard your great name for a long time. To be honest, Zhongcheng and some of my personal businesses have entrusted your firm with handling. It’s a pity we’ve never met before. I didn’t expect to run into you here today.”
He extended his hand to show respect.
“Hello, Director Tian.” Luo Bin politely shook his hand.
Shortly after, Qin Dechang and others also gathered around with extremely warm attitudes.
Unlike foreign capital like Meng Chuan and Conrad Mellon, Smile Holdings deeply integrates into domestic fields.
Some of their industries overlap with the others’.
No one dared to offend Shangguan Qiuyas.
Qin Hua and those following Meng Chuan stood there stunned, unsure what to say for a moment.
Meng Chuan took a deep breath and lowered his voice, quickly explaining Shangguan Qiuyas’s identity and the power she represented, as well as Ms. Ouyang Xianyue’s gift just now to Conrad Mellon.
Conrad’s eyes flickered, the anger and coldness in them quickly restrained, replaced by a solemn expression.
Smile Holdings is a massive business empire spanning finance, technology, consumption, entertainment, and more.
And Director Jin is truly a super heavyweight.
Her assistant appearing here means, no matter what, she must be shown due respect.
Then, his gaze shifted to the always calm Tang Song.
No wonder he had been so confident just now.
But given his and Meng Chuan’s pride, after having a conflict with Tang Song and then quickly changing attitude to take the initiative to chat was impossible.
At most, it was an acknowledgment that the other party had that kind of backing.
Standing at the center of the storm, Xiao Jing looked at her parents, friends, and Meng Chuan’s reactions with unparalleled excitement and thrill!
Her carefully planned grand performance was finally unfolding as scheduled!
And even smoother than she imagined!
Ms. Ouyang’s gift combined with Shangguan Qiuyas’s endorsement was enough to shake the entire scene.
And it should be even more effective for her father.
After all, Hueneng Electronics’ core crisis now was a technical problem. If they could get help from Tang Yi Precision, it would be far more direct and effective than any capital injection from Lin Jingming or Meng Chuan!
Although she was also puzzled why Ms. Ouyang would send her a gift.
But now was obviously not the time to delve into that.
Next was to make a birthday wish and then try to push forward Hueneng Electronics’ matters, hoping the elder sister Shangguan would be helpful.
Then, she couldn’t help but look at her boyfriend.
Darling, this is the stage I’ve carefully built for you! Surprised?
Then she saw the sly and deep look in his eyes.
A shame of being seen through and exposed surged again.
Xiao Jing bit her lip, her cheeks flushing red.
She shouted in her heart: Master Tang Song, if you’re angry because Xiao Jing “schemed” you, then punish me harshly!
...
Time was nearing 8 PM.
With elegant strings slowly playing in the banquet hall, the lighting shifted, and the lively atmosphere gradually softened.
On the main stage’s huge LED screen, pre-recorded blessing and teasing VCRs from friends and family began playing.
When the video ended, a female host dressed in an elegant evening gown smiled and walked onto the stage.
“Dear guests, good evening. Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend the birthday party of our beautiful little princess—Miss Tian Jing.”
“Next, let’s welcome the brightest star of the evening, Miss Tian Jing, to the stage to share her thoughts on turning 23!”
Amid roaring applause, Xiao Jing lifted her dress and elegantly walked to the main stage.
“Really, truly thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives...”
Xiao Jing smiled and delivered a thank-you speech along with her feelings about the birthday party, her face full of sweet and happy smiles.
After her speech, the lighting changed again.
The host came forward once more, speaking with a slightly mysterious and ceremonial tone:
“Thank you very much for Miss Tian Jing’s wonderful sharing. Next, we will proceed to the most sacred and purest segment tonight—the birthday wish and blessing. Here, we have a small special request. To allow us all to temporarily put aside outside distractions and sincerely offer our blessings to Jingjing, we ask everyone to temporarily hand over mobile phones, cameras, and other electronic devices to us for safekeeping.”
“Let’s truly live in the moment together and witness this beautiful occasion, shall we?”
Hearing this, Xiao Jing slightly frowned.
Clearly, this was not in her original plan.
In her original script, she intended to ignite the “big shot” identity by thanking her close friend Shangguan Qiuyas at this moment.
Although that segment was missing now, the next step was to invite Tang Song and Shangguan Qiuyas to the stage to cut the cake and make wishes together.
But now... the script was clearly completely disrupted.
Then, she saw her parents’ smiling eyes.
What?!
Xiao Jing immediately realized.
Old Tian and Mrs. Chen, you two really know how to cause trouble!
Soon, several well-trained waiters wearing silver masks quietly passed through the guests, carrying trays lined with velvet cushions.
Though some were curious, everyone cooperated under the atmosphere, handing over their phones and cameras.
“Da—da—da—”
All main lights in the banquet hall were turned off at the same time.
The venue fell into a romantic darkness, only dotted with scattered ambient lights in the corners.
Excited cheers erupted from the crowd.
With a melodious piano variation of “Happy Birthday,” a huge five-tier birthday cake decorated with white roses and crystal frosting was slowly pushed forward by servers.
Everyone instinctively gathered around that warm source of light.
Some of Xiao Jing’s close friends began clapping and singing the birthday song.
From the ceiling, a white curtain silently dropped in front of the main stage.
Behind the stage’s staff passage, several crew members carrying equipment swiftly and efficiently began technical adjustments.
At an unnoticed moment, five figures wearing silver masks, always blending in with the waiters, quietly slipped behind the curtain and began “changing outfits.”
At the same time, the side door from Star Whisper Hall leading to the main banquet hall was quietly opened.
A group of four, two men and two women, wearing exquisite half-face masks, quietly entered the dimmed crowd gathered for the wish ceremony.
Their gazes almost simultaneously passed through flickering candlelight and moving silhouettes, settling on Tang Song standing beside Tian Jing.
Tang Song seemingly glanced over casually, precisely meeting their eyes one by one.
In an instant, waves of different emotions rose in the hearts of the four.
Wu Kezhi’s face tightened, instinctively straightening up, and Zheng gave a nod.
Zheng Qiudong pushed up his mask, revealing a bright smile.
Mo Xiangwan’s eyes flickered;
as a woman, especially one who often contacted Tang Song, she clearly felt his difference at this moment and seemed to understand why Anne Kate had suddenly changed her mind.
Her purpose for coming this time also had special intentions.
Besides the Echo flash mob, it was also to officially meet Su Yu and Tian Jing and have a chat.
Defining Anne Kate as the “antagonist” to prepare for the “alliance” between Su Yu and Tian Jing later, since Anne was 100% Director Jin’s person.
While their hearts were all stirred, the birthday wish and candle blowing segment was nearing its end.
“Happy birthday to you.....”
Amid warm singing, Xiao Jing pressed her hands together, closed her eyes, made a long wish, then took a deep breath and blew out the candles.
The entire hall burst into enthusiastic applause, cheers, and blessings.
At that moment, Xiao Jing suddenly boldly kissed Tang Song on the lips in front of everyone.
Tang Song seemed to have anticipated this and showed no surprise, only gently responding.
In the crowd, Anne’s eyes flickered with dangerous light.
Although she had been warned, she still felt extremely unsettled inside.
In fact, she had invited Tang Song multiple times to her birthday party but never got a response.
In her view, she was superior to this Eastern girl in every way.
Yet she never enjoyed this kind of treatment.
That was the main reason she volunteered to come. Now she could only watch quietly as the other side “showed off.”
The blessings gradually subsided.
Normally, the main lights in the banquet hall would come back on at this point.
However, they did not.
The entire hall remained immersed in romantic and mysterious darkness.
Well-trained “waiters” quietly weaved through the crowd and around the stage.
At this moment—
A bright spotlight suddenly lit up the main stage.
Behind the white curtain, five sexy figures and some vague musical instruments came into view.
“What’s going on? Another performance?”
“Don’t know, didn’t expect Xiao Jing to invite a band?”
Rumors and whispers arose.
Xiao Jing looked stunned.
She really didn’t know about this. She had originally planned to show off her love, then chat with Shangguan Qiuyas and talk about her wishes.
Who knew things would be so twisted.
The script was completely out of control.
Conrad Mellon raised an eyebrow and asked Meng Chuan in English, “So this is the ‘party surprise’ you mentioned?”
Meng Chuan showed a confident and expectant smile. “Trust me, Conrad, it’s definitely worth it.”
He had invited Conrad not just to boost the occasion. He thought that was unnecessary.
The real reason was that Tian Chengye worried he might fail to show up.
So he leaked the news that the top Asian girl group Echo would perform.
Meng Chuan was young and had broad interests, playing music and publishing books.
Last year he watched Echo’s concert live in Singapore and was deeply impressed by their top-level stage presence.
So he invited Conrad from his busy work to come and build relations.
After all, their family office cooperated deeply with Bank of New York Mellon, and to smoothly inherit the family business, he had to maintain good relations with the Mellon family.
Besides dull business negotiations, a top audiovisual feast was undoubtedly the best social lubricant.
They just didn’t expect Tang Song and Shangguan Qiuyas to appear unexpectedly.
“Ding ding dong dong~~”
The ethereal synthesizer sound of the electronic keyboard, like a flowing galaxy, slowly spread.
The electric guitar riff with delay effect followed sharply...
In just a few seconds of prelude, an energetic and high-class musical atmosphere enveloped the entire banquet hall through the top sound system!
“Shua—”
Without warning, the white curtain suddenly crashed down!
On stage, five figures bathed in bright spotlights clearly appeared before everyone’s eyes.
They wore platinum-colored stage costumes with fashionable cuts, heavily decorated with accessories and sequins that reflected dazzling light under the lamps.
High-waisted shorts and fitted corsets outlined their rigorously trained, healthy, powerful curves vividly.
Each had a confident expression befitting a top idol.
Because they were close and under spotlights, their distinct beautiful faces were clearly visible.
“Pei Yanke!”
“Xiao Meiqi! It’s Kiki Xiao Meiqi!”
“Ahhhhh—!! It’s Echo!! Really Echo!!”
Young people who recognized them erupted like powder kegs, bursting into loud cheers and unbelievable screams.
As Asia’s hottest girl group, their fame was indisputable.
Besides singing, each member was active in various variety shows, movies, and dramas.
Pei Yanke, Xiao Meiqi, Xia Zhiyiao, Ding Li, Lin Shuran.
Appearance, figure, personality—all distinctive.
Each was a top-tier star.
Seeing the full Echo group at a birthday party was simply incredible.
Only now did they realize why the photo devices were collected earlier.
Xiao Jing’s eyes widened, instinctively covering her mouth, blushing deeply as she joined the screams of disbelief.
She was a true Echo fan, following their songs and performances since student days.
Sudden appearance at her own birthday party brought huge shock and joy.
Strong beats sounded.
“BGM: The midnight bell breaks the fairy tale;
the pumpkin carriage should have long left...”
Lead singer Pei Yanke’s penetrating voice instantly ignited the entire hall!
On stage, the five moved with the drumbeat, each wave and twist full of sexiness and charm.
Coupled with their gaze and expressions, it was very infectious.
Then rapper Xiao Meiqi smoothly switched places with Pei Yanke.
The textured rap began: “Ay, check it, one two!”
Excited Xiao Jing cheered, rushing to the front of the stage, grabbing Xu Qing who had joined.
They cheered and waved their arms to the strong and beautiful rhythm.
More and more people gathered.
The atmosphere reached its peak.
In this adrenaline-pumping vibe, Meng Chuan and Conrad Mellon, originally seated, stood up.
They scanned the stage figures with interest.
Meng Chuan asked sideways, “How is it? Not disappointed, right?”
Conrad Mellon’s eyes showed no concealment of heat, “Indeed, very... professional, full of vitality and sexiness. I like it a lot.”
Meng Chuan chuckled and tapped glasses with him, whispering about the girl group’s influence in Asia.
Minutes later, as the last drumbeat fell and the music suddenly stopped at the climax’s end,
The five girls on stage struck a sexy ending pose in the instant silence.
Sweat slid down their delicate jawlines, chests heaving violently, and every eye shone with fiery brightness.
“Wow—”
Enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted.
Echo’s five members bowed to the audience.
Captain Pei Yanke’s face bloomed a bright yet warm smile, waving at Xiao Jing below.
A pleasant voice said, “Thank you all very much for joining us in this special flash mob performance. Did anyone notice we were among the waiters just now?”
Incredible gasps erupted.
As young people immersed in the internet tide, flash mobs were a very familiar concept.
They had seen countless such videos on Douyin and Bilibili.
But a star group of Echo’s level dropping in for a private birthday debut was extremely rare.
After a brief interaction with the crowd, Pei Yanke continued, “Today is also a very special day—Jingjing’s birthday.”
Immediately, the other four members echoed in sweet voices,
“Happy birthday! We love you!”
As the words fell, prepared masked Shengtang Security personnel quickly stepped forward.
Forming a subtle human barrier between stage and audience.
Echo’s five members walked off the stage one by one.
Joking and laughing, they gave Xiao Jing warm hugs.
Xiao Jing blushed excitedly, calling out everyone’s nicknames.
Amid the lively atmosphere, three masked figures carrying wine glasses threaded through the crowd and stopped beside Tang Song.
“President Tang, Lawyer Luo, Assistant Shangguan.”
Luo Bin and Shangguan Qiuyas stood up to respond.
Tang Song remained calmly reclined in his chair, his gaze scanning these key figures one by one, nodding politely, elegant and relaxed.
They sat down in succession, instantly forming a solemn, independent space.
In stark contrast with the surrounding noisy atmosphere.
Attracting the attention of some observant people.
Tang Song’s eyes casually swept toward the nearby bar area.
Anne leaned in a corner, blue eyes tinted with a hint of “anger.”
Obviously, this proud blond foreigner was jealous seeing Xiao Jing’s special treatment and Tang Song’s earlier pointed reminder.
She silently expressed her “protest” in this way, hoping he would take the initiative to invite her.
Tang Song smiled indifferently, withdrew his gaze, and refocused on the five people sitting around him.
For the first time, all core figures of his business empire, each controller of interest branches, gathered around him in such an informal way.
Even the absent Jin Meixiao, Su Yu, and Ouyang Xianyue had effectively sent representatives.
They constantly watched here, listening to his voice and will.
They represented:
Tangjin Family Office, Smile Holdings, Tang Yi Precision, Jingwu Capital, Kate Trust, Dejurenhe, Tang Entertainment, Quan Jing Law Firm.
They all sat quietly around him, looking at him, waiting for him to speak.
He clearly felt every person’s inner fluctuations: Zheng Qiudong’s eagerness and ambition hidden behind smiles, Mo Xiangwan’s caution and probing, Wu Kezhi’s calm observation...
His words or actions today would be like a stone dropped into a lake, rippling through this huge interest group outward.
Stirring waves powerful enough to change the pattern.
This was the first time he truly touched the core of real power.
Under the absolute rational perspective of [Reflection], Tang Song could still remain calm and indifferent, even optimizing strategic simulations.
But his true soul trembled slightly.
He felt unprecedented excitement and had a deeper understanding of the word “power.”
As Tang Song remained silent and observant, others gradually reined in their minds.
Tang Song raised his glass, “It’s rare for so many to reunite. Let’s toast first.”
“Ding—”
Crystal glasses gently clinked in the air with a crisp sound.
Everyone took a sip.
After putting down his glass, Tang Song’s gaze landed on Zheng Qiudong.
A half-smile appeared, “Old Zheng, you rushed over so eagerly today, it’s not just to report work results, right?”
Zheng Qiudong’s fingers tightened around his glass, a trademark smile appearing, “SCG has just completed a merger. To better serve our ecosystem companies, I hope to invite Tian Jing to join Dejurenhe. She has deep experience in human resources, is smart and agile. I believe the Dejurenhe platform will perfectly showcase her talents.”
He paused, adding, “Of course, the most important thing is to help President Tang share the burden.”
Their eyes met briefly, and a knowing smile appeared in Tang Song’s eyes.
As a system-certified “SSR character,” Zheng Qiudong’s ability and disposition were impeccable.
The reason he was stuck at this time node was due to fierce factional battles between Secretary Jin and Ouyang Xianyue inside the Tangjin Family Office.
Factions had formed.
And Xiao Jing was a special individual.
She was a Smile Holdings employee but internally assigned to Tang Yi Precision’s core business division.
Secretary Jin’s original intent was likely inspired by Wen Ruan’s “cultivation” precedent, hoping to use Xiao Jing to check the increasingly powerful Ouyang Xianyue in the future.
And Ouyang Xianyue would not sit idly by.
Xiao Jing, caught in the middle, would inevitably face friction and testing from both sides.
Zheng Qiudong’s move was to propose a solution and gain an important bargaining chip for Dejurenhe.
Because if he counted carefully, his first ambiguous contact after returning to Yancheng was actually Xiao Jing, the company’s goddess colleague, and his first dating task after getting the system was also with Xiao Jing.
In a flash, Tang Song had weighed all pros and cons.
But he did not immediately accept Zheng Qiudong’s proposal, only calmly looked at Xiao Jing playing with friends.
After a brief silence, he smiled faintly, “Good idea, but... aren’t you afraid she might take your chairman position in the future?”
Zheng Qiudong’s smile instantly stiffened.
Others looked at Zheng with various expressions.
Everyone knew Tang Song was always rational and correct.
When he made a decision or even suggested a possibility, everyone paid attention.
Zheng Qiudong clasped his hands tightly, struggling to speak, “If President Tang agrees, I will support Miss Tian.”
Tang Song did not confirm or deny, “I’ve noted it.”
This ambiguous attitude made Zheng more uncertain and uneasy.
Then Tang Song’s gaze turned to Wu Kezhi.
Wu Kezhi sat up straight, “President Tang.”
Tang Song’s tone was flat but direct, “Kezhi, you came all the way from Singapore because of Rongliu Capital, right?”
Wu Kezhi’s calm face showed a trace of discomfort.
After a moment of silence, he nodded slowly and answered cautiously, “I just want to understand your thoughts and intentions more accurately, President Tang.”
Rongliu Capital’s private equity fund overlapped greatly with Jingwu Capital.
Tang Song had founded a new company, letting the two giants inject billions of dollars and involve Rongliu in financing Xuanji Optical World.
What was the strategic intention behind this?
Supporting a new “Jingwu” to form internal competition?
Or... preparing for future power division and checks and balances?
He couldn’t figure it out.
But he knew this matter was crucial for him and the whole Jingwu Capital.
After careful consideration, he decided to come face to face for an answer.
Others, including Shangguan Qiuyas and Luo Bin, held their breath and listened quietly.
...
The Echo girl group did not stay long.
After chatting briefly with Xiao Jing and boosting goodwill,
They quickly and orderly left the banquet hall via a special passage under Shengtang Security escort.
Smooth jazz played again.
The lights switched back to a soft, bright banquet mode.
The female host returned to the stage at the right time and loudly said, “Thank you Echo for bringing us this unique starlight feast!”
“Of course, I believe those sending blessings to Miss Tian Jing are not only the ladies of Echo. At our sign-in desk, there are piles of love from friends and family. Now, let’s enter the most interesting and suspenseful segment—‘Love Blind Box’!”
“Please enjoy the fine wine and delicacies first. Soon, our etiquette ladies will bring all gifts received at sign-in forward. Our birthday star Miss Tian Jing will randomly draw three gifts and share her joy and gratitude with everyone!”
Servers carrying champagne and sliced cake smiled as they weaved through the still excited crowd.
As today’s absolute female lead, Xiao Jing was surrounded by friends, chatting animatedly.
Her words were full of undisguised envy and shock.
Elsewhere, in another crowded circle,
Qin Hua stood elegantly beside Conrad Mellon, still dutifully acting as “translator” and “social guide.”
“An interesting game.” Conrad casually shrugged and took a sip of wine, “But unfortunately, I didn’t prepare a gift.”
Then his eyes flicked toward the bar where a masked tall woman stood.
She wasn’t socializing like others but leaned casually in a dark corner, holding a crimson wine glass.
Her face was covered by a phoenix mask hiding half her face, head slightly lowered, only revealing delicate lips and jawline.
Her waist was slender, hips full and rounded like a classical Greek sculpture.
Blonde, blue-eyed, tall, curvy, radiating strength and explosive tension.
She lightly swirled the wine glass, and under the tight evening dress, it seemed like surging waves moved inside.
Emitting a deadly mature feminine hormone aura.
Conrad swallowed, instantly fixated on that figure.
It was precise and brutal, hitting his most primal aesthetic points.
He was sure the woman had just appeared in the banquet hall.
His eyes burned with undisguised, hormone-filled admiration and passion.
Noticing Conrad’s almost uncontrolled reaction, Qin Hua and Meng Chuan instinctively followed his gaze.
First, they saw a sexy, charismatic blonde beauty.
Then they noticed the corner not far away.
There, six people sat together, somewhat out of place with the banquet’s noisy atmosphere.
Tang Song reclined calmly on the sofa, posture casual and natural.
Around him sat five men and women, including Shangguan Qiuyas and Luo Bin.
They all looked very serious, forming a stark contrast with Tang Song’s ease.
Seeing Conrad’s loss of composure, Qin Hua whispered, “Mr. Mellon, Mr. Meng, do you know each other?”
Meng shook his head and turned to look at Conrad.
Conrad licked his lips, eyes sparkling with eagerness, “Not yet, but soon we will.”
After speaking, he downed the champagne and placed the glass on a passing waiter’s tray.
He slowly adjusted his collar.
Qin Hua glanced again at Tang Song, worried.
From the recent situation, this blonde beauty was clearly Tang Song’s friend.
Conrad’s direct approach might cause conflict.
...
Not only them.
You Chengye and others who were chatting noticed the special atmosphere around Tang Song and the “uninvited guests” quietly seated there wearing masks.
Xiao Jing blinked her big watery eyes, and when she recognized one familiar silhouette, her face immediately lit up with excitement.
Well then! Zheng Qiudong! You finally came!
In her original plan, the chairman of Dejurenhe was her ace to hold until the end, the strongest card against Meng Chuan.
Who would have thought he arrived so late?
Of course, the key was he went directly to Brother Tang Song, and from their familiarity, their relationship was extraordinary!
This was great!
She could already predict that when Zheng Qiudong made his appearance, her parents and friends would be shocked again.
Hehe (*AV^*)
Then, Xiao Jing’s gaze uncontrollably fell on Anne, only a few meters from Tang Song.
Wow!
Blonde, huge figure, foreigner, arrogant...
Isn’t this a classic character from many anime?
Brother Tang Song really is the “main character,” surrounded by so many interesting people.
A flush of excitement rose on Xiao Jing’s face as she told her friends and quickly walked over there.
As she approached, the people chatting stopped simultaneously.
Complex gazes turned toward this evening’s “female lead.”
They came for different reasons but all because of Tian Jing,
Some even intending to make contact with her in advance.
“Song, Sister Shangguan, Director Luo.” Xiao Jing sweetly greeted, sitting intimately beside Tang Song, smiling at Zheng Qiudong, “Director Zheng, you finally came, welcome to my birthday party!”
Just reprimanded by Tang Song, Zheng Qiudong’s eyelid twitched uncontrollably as he removed his mask, “Happy birthday, Xiao Jing.”
At that moment, Mo Xiangwan gently removed her mask and extended her hand, “Happy birthday, Xiao Jing. I’m Mo Xiangwan, nice to meet you.”
“Thank you, Sister Xiangwan. I’m happy to meet you too.” Xiao Jing looked at her bright, pretty face and mature elegance, thoughtfully.
Brother Tang Song really has so many beautiful women around him.
And this one looked familiar, as if she had seen her somewhere.
Then Wu Kezhi removed his mask, a warm smile on his solemn face, “Hello, Miss You, I’m Wu Kezhi. Happy birthday.”
“Hello, Brother Wu! Thank you all for coming to my birthday party!” Xiao Jing bowed, secretly glancing at these three.
For some reason, she felt their gazes on her were very complicated.
And being closer, she could feel their naturally strong aura.
Even Sister Shangguan seemed a bit dwarfed in front of them.
Tang Song remained calm and indifferent.
Xiao Jing hurried closer, feeling much more at ease.
Then, her eyes glanced at the nearby foreigner, nodding slightly.
She saw Conrad Mellon had already walked over.
Not far behind him followed Meng Chuan, Qin Hua, and others.
As they arrived, all eyes in the banquet hall converged there.
Seeing this, Tian Chengye’s heart tightened as he hurried over.
Conrad Mellon stood beside the figure wearing the golden phoenix mask.
A charming smile appeared on his face, “Good evening, beautiful lady. Please forgive my boldness, but a lady like you shouldn’t drink alone.”
He casually picked up an unclaimed red wine glass from the bar and raised it toward the figure, waiting for a response—surprise, shyness, or hesitant rejection.
However, masked Anne didn’t even raise her head.
She just swirled the wine in her glass, vaguely looking toward Tang Song and Xiao Jing as if Conrad was just air.
Conrad raised his eyebrows;
this small defeat greatly strengthened his innate desire to conquer.
He stepped forward, standing right in front of Anne, blocking her view.
“Perhaps my invitation wasn’t sincere enough. Let me introduce myself. I’m Conrad Mellon, currently working at Bank of New York Mellon. Maybe we could get to know each other.”
This time, Anne finally reacted.
She slowly raised her head.
Her icy blue eyes through the mask slit were chilling and heart-stopping.
“Step aside. Now.”
Cold English words came from her bright red lips with an unmistakable command.
She was already in a terrible mood, and now some arrogant fool dared to harass her and imagine something happening between them.
As for his so-called, laughable introduction, it was even less worth mentioning in her eyes.
She didn’t remember him, which said it all.
Not to mention him, even Morris Mellon, one of the Mellon family heirs who was crazily pursuing her, would be publicly humiliated if he dared disturb her now.
In fact, in her eyes, the Mellon family had long fallen from grace.
Once ruling with steel, oil, and financial empires, now mostly continuing influence through charity foundations and family offices.
Even the prestigious Bank of New York Mellon’s direct family control was diluted by time and market forces.
In this regard, it was far inferior to the Kate family, not to mention she herself occupied core positions in Jingwu Capital and Tangjin Family Office.
Conrad Mellon’s smile completely froze.
This humiliating “reply” enraged him.
He was about to speak, but when he met those beautiful eyes again, he suddenly froze.
For some reason, he smelled something familiar from this woman.
He felt like he had seen her before.
And in a similar but grander scene.
Where was it?
New York... banquet hall... birthday party...
Words bounced around in his mind.
Conrad’s expression changed as he frantically thought.
The tense atmosphere immediately drew more guests’ attention.
But they only watched from afar, no one dared to intervene.
Meng Chuan raised his eyebrows and stepped forward, smiling lightly, “Conrad, it seems your charm today met a little challenge in front of this beautiful lady. Don’t worry, things always...”
Before he finished, Anne’s cold gaze fell on him.
“And you,” she pointed at Conrad with her chin, “Take your puppy and leave.”
This was no longer a simple offense but a strongly insulting dismissal.
Meng Chuan’s courteous smile vanished instantly, his face darkened.
All onlookers’ expressions froze.
A series of shocked gazes converged on the woman wearing the phoenix mask.
Was this woman crazy?!
She actually insulted both Meng Chuan and Conrad Mellon like this?!
“Haha, Meng Chuan, Mr. Mellon, what are you doing here? Made me easy to find! I arranged for someone to get a bottle of Screaming Eagle Cabernet from the wine cellar, let’s taste it together!”
You Chengye hurried over, forcefully breaking the frozen atmosphere, trying to smooth things over.
However, Meng Chuan did not respond, only instinctively looking at Conrad beside him, waiting for the expected fierce reaction.
He knew Conrad was never easy-tempered, especially from a top noble family, how could he endure this level of humiliation?
But strangely, Conrad just stood there.
His face pale and flushed alternately, expression unstable.
Anne’s mouth curved dangerously;
she seemed to think this drama wasn’t lively enough.
Suddenly, her cold eyes turned to You Chengye, who came to ease the situation.
As far as she knew, he was Tian Jing’s father.
In her original “script,” she intended to properly “scare” him.
Just as the atmosphere completely froze,
A voice without any emotional fluctuation came from a nearby seat.
“Anne, come here.”
Four simple words, but with an unquestionable command.
Anne lifted her head and looked toward Tang Song’s position.
Facing his calm and indifferent eyes, she couldn’t help but shiver slightly.
Her ample E-cup chest rose and fell.
“Step aside!”
Anne impatiently spat the word again at Conrad.
However, this time Conrad Mellon’s reaction was completely different.
He shuddered all over, almost frightened, and suddenly took a big step back to the side and rear.
Bending down, his face full of shock and fear, he trembled, “Ca... Cat... Ms. Kate!”
Seeing this dramatic reversal, everyone previously tense was instantly stunned.
Anne casually took off her gorgeous mask and tossed it on the glossy bar.
A delicate and stunningly beautiful face entered everyone’s sight.
Seeing this familiar face, Meng Chuan’s expression turned pale, and he blurted, “Ms. Kate! You... you’re here?”
Because they were both in Singapore, their families and Jingwu Capital cooperated on several projects.
Although he didn’t deal with this business much, he had seen her from afar at several high-end meetings.
Naturally, he knew this famous American Kate family heir.
The atmosphere in the banquet hall became eerie and quiet.
“Da, da, da—”
The crisp rhythmic sound of high heels echoed.
Anne did not look at them once, walking straight toward Tang Song.
“Shua, shua, shua—”
A series of astonished gazes focused on the blonde woman.
Her steps were elegant and calm, her entire body radiating ultimate sexy charm,
Yet also revealing an extremely aggressive beauty.
From Conrad Mellon and Meng Chuan’s near loss of composure, everyone realized she was no ordinary person,
Some guessed the truth, their expressions becoming very interesting.
You Chengye’s throat rolled, and his lips twitched uncontrollably.
The name “Kate” carried no less weight than “Mellon,” even more so.
Both were among America’s top ten financial powers;
Kate remained active in industry, military, and finance with a more aggressive style.
Kate Bank, Kate Fund, Kate Trust...
Xiao Jing sat upright beside Tang Song, her always watery eyes now filled with dumbfounded confusion,
Almost like a bigger version of Xu Qing.
0_0
What... is going on?!
The development completely exceeded her script, and... was rushing toward an even more bizarre and unbelievable direction!
This suddenly appearing, terrifyingly powerful blonde foreigner could scare Meng Chuan and Conrad Mellon like this.
This was no simple “shock,” this was a “miracle,” damn it!
A strong sense of loss of control surged in her heart.
For the first time, Xiao Jing felt panic.
She had always intended to be Tang Song’s “official wife,” even carefully arranging this birthday party.
But the power displayed by this blonde giant foreigner was more terrifying than Wen Ruan and Shangguan Qiuyas.
If she had designs on Tang Song, she was truly doomed!
The “big BOSS” she made up to scare Xu Qing seemed... to really exist!
As Anne approached the booth area, all eyes involuntarily and slowly shifted back to Tang Song standing there.
He just stood still, watching Anne walk toward him, his gaze calm with a trace of scrutiny.
Handsome face, flawless posture, unique aura...
In this special atmosphere, radiating an almost ascetic beauty.
At this moment, those already stunned people belatedly noticed.
The “uninvited guests” beside Tang Song had removed their masks.
The next second, several shouts erupted:
“Zheng Qiudong!”
“It’s... the chairman of Dejurenhe!”
As a business “internet celebrity” frequently appearing in financial summits and news programs recently, actively building his personal brand,
Plus his extremely handsome appearance and outstanding temperament,
Zheng Qiudong’s popularity was very high.
Many recognized him on the spot.
However, Meng Chuan’s gaze seemed nailed,
Unbelievably looking at the calm middle-aged man beside Zheng Qiudong.
His expression darkened further.
He had actually seen Wu Kezhi, chairman and CEO of Jingwu Capital?