novelraw Chapter 647: An Unexpected Incident, Whisper of Warmth
Chapter 647: An Unexpected Incident, Whisper of Warmth
Chapter 647: An Unexpected Incident, Whisper of WarmthThe welcoming applause gradually subsided.
Just as Wen Ruan's mind was in turmoil, Jin Meixiao's gaze calmly shifted away from her and swept across the room once more.
Then, she elegantly took her seat, her back ramrod straight, her hands lightly clasped on the table—every movement was impeccable.
"Let's begin."
Her voice was calm and pleasant, clearly reaching everyone's ears through the embedded microphone system.
However, once her words fell, Ouyang Xianyue across from her showed no immediate intention of diving into the agenda.
Instead, she slightly turned to face the entire room.
In a gentle yet equally weighty voice, she proactively spoke:
"Before we begin today's agenda, I believe we should first formally introduce our new partner to everyone. Presumably, you've all received the email notification—starting today, Ms. Wen Ruan will officially join our Advisory Committee as a core advisor."
She cast a comforting and benevolent glance toward the still slightly nervous Wen Ruan beside her. Only then did she turn her gaze to the area behind her where the Advisory Committee was seated.
"Next, let the members of the Advisory Committee introduce themselves."
Wen Ruan immediately straightened up, her expression turning serious and attentive.
Previously, both Ouyang Xianyue and Luo Bin had given her some introduction to 【Tangjin】.
She knew that the core circle of the entire Tangjin was divided into three major segments: the Family Council, the Executive Committee, and the Strategic and Risk Advisory Committee.
Both Jin Meixiao and Ouyang Xianyue were members of the Council.
Jin Meixiao was the Chair of the Executive Committee.
And although Ms. Ouyang was the Vice Chair, she also concurrently served as the Chair of the Advisory Committee.
As for her, besides attending with a 【Special Advisory Seat】, she would also join the Advisory Committee as an advisor in the media field.
Jin Meixiao's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.
She cast a faint glance at Ouyang Xianyue, who was subtly "asserting sovereignty" across from her, but said nothing more.
Seated across, Zheng Qiudong, after glancing in Secretary Jin's direction, still chose to be the first to stand up.
Facing Wen Ruan, he wore an enthusiastic yet professional smile: "Welcome, Wen Ruan. I'm also a member of the Advisory Committee, Zheng Qiudong, primarily responsible for human capital strategy and global organizational structure planning." 𝘙ΑNŎβЁᶊ
"Thank you, Director Zheng."
Immediately after, Luo Bin also stood up.
He gave a slight nod to Wen Ruan and said, "Welcome, Wen Ruan. Luo Bin. I'm mainly responsible for global legal compliance and transactional structure risk assessment."
Both had interacted with Wen Ruan before, but their attitudes were especially solemn this time.
Because they clearly understood that Wen Ruan was attending this time representing "Tang Song."
Her arrival had injected a new variable into this turbulent family.
Wen Ruan hurriedly responded, "Thank you, Lawyer Luo."
Subsequently, other members of the Advisory Committee began standing up one after another to give brief self-introductions.
Wen Ruan's eyes were almost overwhelmed, and the shock in her heart was beyond measure.
She didn't recognize most of these people, but each one had an astonishingly impressive background.
There was a gray-haired former Chief Economist for Goldman Sachs Asia responsible for "Global Macro Strategy Risk";
A top scholar from Harvard Business School responsible for "Portfolio Company Operations and Integration Risk";
Even a sharp-edged consultant, allegedly former Mossad, for geopolitical risk...
These were individuals she could only admire from afar in financial news and top-tier forums in the past.
And now, they had all become her "colleagues."
Even... one could say her "subordinates."
Because she clearly understood that her "Special Advisory Seat" was a core committee member on par with Zheng Qiudong and Luo Bin, wielding authority above other ordinary advisors.
At this moment, she also understood what Ms. Ouyang had meant back then.
Entering the family office.
Meant that she had obtained a "status" recognized by the entire system.
It could even influence the direction of this massive institution to some extent.
This realization made Wen Ran feel immense pressure while also allowing her to truly grasp the outline of power for the first time.
Just as the introduction session for the Advisory Committee ended and the room returned to silence.
Secretary Jin set down her water glass, producing a clear, crisp sound.
Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to her once more.
She didn't look at the agenda documents before her but slowly swept her cool gaze across the room.
"Next, we proceed to the formal meeting." Her voice wasn't loud, yet it seemed to carry a force that could pierce through hearts. "Recently, the Fed's balance sheet reduction process has been more aggressive than we anticipated;
the structural inflation brought by the European energy crisis also shows no signs of easing... But chaos often means opportunities."
She turned her gaze toward a bespectacled German middle-aged man in the outer seating area.
"Stefan, start with the 'Atlas Plan.'"
The man referred to as Stefan, the head of Tangjin's European office, immediately stood up.
On the giant screen in the meeting room, a complex dynamic map displaying global shipping routes and industry chain distribution lit up.
"Alright, Mira. Currently, through our infrastructure fund, we have completed the acquisition of controlling stakes or priority usage rights for a total of seven deep-water ports and eleven inland logistics hubs around three emerging manufacturing core areas: Guadalajara, Mexico;
Haiphong, Vietnam;
and Batam Island, Indonesia..."
Sitting in her seat, Wen Ruan listened with her heart pounding.
After all, she wasn't some novice;
having worked in the media field for years and now being a director of Xingyun International Group.
She naturally had a basic understanding of the global macroeconomic situation.
This so-called "Atlas Plan" was essentially 【Tangjin】's hedging strategy started three years ago targeting the "decentralization" of the global supply chain.
This was no longer mere commercial investment;
it was like moving pieces on the world's chessboard.
Quietly invading the lifelines of future global trade.
For the first time, she so vividly realized that when capital reached a certain scale.
What it pursued was no longer simply financial returns, but a kind of... intangible power sufficient to influence world order.
After Stefan's report concluded, Secretary Jin gave a slight nod and then raised the first topic:
"What are everyone's thoughts on the next phase of the 'Atlas Plan'?"
Ouyang Xianyue was the first to speak, her voice dignified yet sharp: "Ports and logistics alone are just channels. Only by establishing our own industrial parks, controlling technical standards, production processes, even labor agreements in our own hands, can we truly turn this supply chain into our moat."
"I reserve my opinion." A member of the Executive Committee rebutted: "Ms. Ouyang's vision is grand, but I personally believe the timing isn't ripe yet. Large-scale heavy asset investments would significantly increase our operational costs and geopolitical risks... I suggest continuing penetration and control with the existing light-asset model."
Subsequently, several other executives stood to speak, some in support, some opposed.
The atmosphere in the meeting room instantly turned subtle.
Wen Ruan could clearly sense that this wasn't a simple clash of opinions but a direct collision between two factions within the family office.
Finally, Secretary Jin slowly said, "Regarding this matter, let the Advisory Committee first produce a detailed risk assessment report. We'll hold a final vote at the next annual meeting."
With a decisive hammer, she ended the debate.
For the next hour, the meeting proceeded with efficiency and precision.
The restructuring plan for the European carbon credit fund Zenith Capital was finalized;
the investment portfolio review in North America's semiconductor sector...
Not a single wasted word was spoken;
no one dared show the slightest neglect.
Finally, as all regular agendas were about to conclude, Ouyang Xianyue pressed the microphone switch before her.
A crisp "beep" instantly captured everyone's attention.
She didn't speak immediately but first turned her gaze toward Mo Xiangwan in the second outer circle and gave her a slight nod.
Understanding, Mo Xiangwan slowly rose from her seat.
Ouyang Xianyue's voice was unhurried as she said:
"As our most important layout in the pan-entertainment media track, the future globalization strategy of Tang Entertainment is crucial. Simultaneously, we are actively promoting the strategic upgrade of another core asset under us, Xingyun International. I believe that Ms. Mo Xiangwan, as the core executor of Tang Entertainment, is highly necessary to attend our meetings so that our future decisions can be closer to the front lines and more efficient in execution."
She paused, looking at Secretary Jin, "I propose adding Mo Xiangwan as a permanent advisor to the Advisory Committee. I think... there should be no controversy regarding this matter, right?"
Previously, Ouyang Xianyue had repeatedly proposed having Su Yu herself join the family office, but each time Director Jin had forcefully vetoed it for various reasons.
But this time was different.
Mo Xiangwan's addition was personally promised by Tang Song before he left Yancheng.
Their eyes met;
it seemed as if electricity crackled in the air.
As she expected, Jin Meixiao remained silent for a moment before finally slowly nodding.
Her voice betrayed no emotion: "Of course, I have no objections."
Immediately, Wu Kezhi, Wen Ruan, Zheng Qiudong, and others at the oval table began to voice their support.
This addition proposal was formally passed without any dispute.
Ouyang Xianyue nodded with satisfaction, leaning forward slightly, her expression growing more solemn.
"Very pleased that our Advisory Committee can welcome two new members today—Wen Ruan from 【Xingyun International】 and Mo Xiangwan from 【Tang Entertainment】.
They are both top elites in the media and entertainment field.
Since the talent is now in place, I believe the matching capital and strategy must immediately follow.
I propose that the family office take the lead in establishing a cultural industry fund with an initial scale of ten billion USD to strategically integrate these two core entertainment assets within our system..."
As she spoke, the giant screen behind her displayed a vast global business ecosystem map centered around 【Tang Entertainment】's content matrix and 【Xingyun International】's channel network.
Ouyang Xianyue's exquisite face wore a composed smile, her demeanor elegant, her voice gentle.
According to her proposal, this industry fund had two core missions.
On one hand, to promote the globalization narrative reconstruction of 【Tang Entertainment】's core IP content, accelerate 【Xingyun International Group】's global media channel acquisitions, and push for its IPO.
On the other hand, to accelerate the application of AI, AR, and other technologies in entertainment content
Ouyang Xianyue's voice gradually trailed off, and the meeting room fell into a pressure-filled silence.
In fact, this wasn't the first time a similar proposal had been made.
Luo Bin and Zheng Qiudong almost simultaneously exchanged a knowing glance before both lowered their heads again, pretending to seriously review the documents in their hands.
Anne Kate's face revealed an unconcealed excited smile, as if anticipating a good show.
Wen Ruan's heart raced uncontrollably;
her ample bosom, encased in a silk blouse, heaved violently, her palms sweating from nervousness.
Ouyang Xianyue's proposal was indeed tempting;
for her, it was a chance to skyrocket.
But she also knew that once it involved Su Yu and Tang Entertainment, it equated to directly touching Secretary Jin's reverse scale!
What she feared most now was being caught between these two forces, torn between them.
Offending either side was something she couldn't afford.
However, contrary to everyone's expectations, Secretary Jin didn't show any displeasure this time.
Instead, she smiled and nodded, turning her gaze to Wen Ruan.
"Wen Ruan, you are one of the core stakeholders in Ms. Ouyang's proposal. As the 'Special Advisory Seat,' your opinion is very important to the Executive Committee. We'd like to hear your thoughts first."
A trace of surprise flickered across Ouyang Xianyue's usually impassive face.
Because these should have been her lines.
According to her script, she should have taken the lead, guiding Wen Ruan and Mo Xiangwan to speak, thereby further establishing her side's dominance in this new plan.
All eyes, like spotlights, focused on Wen Ruan.
Looking at Ouyang Xianyue's expectant gaze, then at Director Jin's seemingly amused, all-seeing eyes...
Wen Ruan's eyelids twitched wildly;
she parted her full lips, feeling her throat dry and tight.
Her mind raced.
After a moment, she spoke with difficulty: "The grand blueprint proposed by Ms. Ouyang has left me both deeply shocked and full of anticipation. But to be honest, I've just joined and am very unfamiliar with the overall strategy and investment logic within the family office. Moreover, I've never been involved in the investment field. Limited by my personal capabilities, I'm afraid... I cannot provide any strategically valuable opinions of significant height."
She kept her posture extremely humble, attempting to use her "newcomer" status to avoid this clash of titans.
Just as she prepared to face the ensuing "pressure."
Secretary Jin suddenly chuckled softly, "That's true, it is rather putting you in a difficult position. Ouyang's vision is indeed brilliant;
I completely agree."
The entire meeting room instantly fell into an unusual silence.
Zheng Qiudong and others subconsciously looked up, their eyes shooting toward Secretary Jin in shock.
Wen Ruan blinked her charming large eyes, her heart jolting violently, feeling a "buzz" in her head.
(@_@) ?!
What the... she just agreed?!
She really couldn't process it.
Previously, she had heard from Ms. Ouyang and Luo Bin that Director Jin held an extremely firm attitude toward Su Yu, not only preventing her from joining the family office but also deliberately suppressing her from all aspects—resources, channels, to agenda arrangements.
It was precisely because of this that Tang Entertainment and Xingyun International Group had never truly completed their international layout over the years.
Secretary Jin interlocked her fingers, resting them quietly on the table.
Her gaze was clear and spirited, carrying an unavoidable certainty.
"However, as Wen Ruan said, she after all hasn't engaged in professional investment management, and neither has Xiangwan. Entrusting an operation of this size entirely to their leadership would be somewhat risky."
She paused slightly, the corners of her lips curling into a faint arc.
"Coincidentally, I've been quite interested in entertainment media lately;
I even watched some interesting short dramas and read novels recently. Since that's the case—then let me personally take charge of this cultural industry fund."
In an instant, the air around the conference table seemed to freeze.
Zheng Qiudong's eyes flickered, instantly grasping the underlying meaning.
Luo Bin adjusted his glasses but remained silent.
Ouyang Xianyue's expression remained dignified, but her slender fingers paused lightly on the folder.
In the brief silence, Annie suddenly spoke up, her tone carrying its usual casualness and flamboyance:
"Oh, this is getting more and more interesting. Actually, my personal family fund also has some arrangements in the entertainment and media sectors, including collaborations with film and TV copyright libraries and streamers. Since Mira you've decided to personally jump into the game, I'd be very willing to join this Game as well."
Ouyang Xianyue gently lifted her eyes to look at Annie, her smile warm and proper, "Annie's participation will naturally allow this fund to function better. Thank you."
Wen Ruan's throat moved;
she sat rigidly there, her ample peach-like bottom shifting restlessly.
Director Jin wasn't playing by the rules, directly hijacking Ms. Ouyang's script.
Who knew what kind of waves would follow next.
......
Quancheng, Jing County Yizhong.
Mayor Li Jiping had left shortly after the ceremony began to prepare for the formal connection with Rongliu Capital in the afternoon.
At noon.
The fiftieth-anniversary school celebration concluded successfully amidst warm applause and the impassioned school song.
Tang Song was immediately surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd.
Former teachers gathered around him, fondly recalling his past "antics";
Outstanding alumni attending the anniversary tried every means to get face time with him;
Local entrepreneurs respectfully handed him their business cards....
During the moment of taking commemorative photos with school leaders and teachers.
A crisp system notification sound rang in Tang Song's ear:
"Ding! Congratulations, player. Companion - Wen Ruan cultivation plan task③ 【Emerging Prominence】 has been completed."
"【Companion - Wen Ruan】 growth progress +15%."
"【Companion - Wen Ruan】 obtained 【Special Item Pack*1】."
Tang Song's movements paused briefly, a flash of intense delight in his eyes.
It seemed the big sister far away in Singapore had quite a harvest today.
Previously, through exclusive interviews in top-tier magazines like 《First Finance》 and 《Fortune》.
Wen Ruan had already gained considerable recognition within Huaxia's media and business circles.
And now, she had directly stepped into the highest-level meeting of the 【Tangjin Family Office】.
Not only formally contacting those game characters but also achieving in one step the expansion of her network to the world's top connections and circles.
Task③: Emerging Prominence was also naturally perfectly achieved.
Using the excuse of going to the restroom, he found a relatively quiet corner, opened the system interface, and entered the 【Companion】 module.
Right in the center of 【Wen Ruan】's enchanting illustration card.
A gift package emitting a soft golden light hovered quietly.
Selecting the 『Special Item Pack』, open immediately.
"Ding! 【Companion - Wen Ruan】 obtained special item reward 【Wen Ruan's Whisper】."
Wen Ruan's Whisper: A pair of custom-designed, minimalist earrings set with tiny black diamonds. When companion Wen Ruan wears these earrings and engages in private conversation with others, she can more keenly detect the true intent and emotional fluctuations behind the other party's words. (Agility +2, Insight +1)
【Additional Effect: Charming Voice (Her voice carries a subtle, imperceptible charm. When she whispers "sweet nothings" to a specific target, the other party will more easily feel closeness and trust toward her.)】
【Note 1: Some words carry the most weight when whispered close to the ear】
【Note 2: As a companion item, it might have unexpected effects in bed】
Looking at the reward details, Tang Song's eyes lit up.
It actually was an item with additional effects, and the attribute bonuses were awesome too.
Seeing the ambiguous note below, Tang Song almost instantly conjured a series of vivid, sensual images in his mind.
Big sister's already magnetic and alluring mature voice, if she wore these earrings, leaned close to his ear, and said those naughty, provocative trash talks...
Hiss—
Tang Song felt a rush of heat surge straight to his head.
No, after going back, he must arrange a practical drill for Zhuangzhuang as soon as possible!
Forcing himself to rein in his thoughts.
He clicked on big sister's illustration card.
【Companion: Wen Ruan (29 years old)】
【Role: Director of Xingyun International Group】
【Height: 171 cm, Weight: 66 kg】
【Physique: 78, Stamina: 79, Agility: 72, Insight: 81】
【Growth Progress: 80%】
【④ Queen's Scepter】
Task Content: After successfully contacting other game characters and gaining certain recognition and connections, "Companion - Wen Ruan" has preliminary ability to strategize at the upper levels. Please facilitate her formal assumption of the position of Chairman of Xingyun International Group, lead the completion of the group's global mergers and acquisitions and business restructuring, and make ample preparations for the eventual IPO. Simultaneously, obtain a "Visiting Scholar" status from a world-renowned university to enhance her international perspective, connect with global top-tier teams, and accumulate overseas academic connections.
【Task Reward: Growth progress 15%, Companion Gift Pack*1】
【Task Progress: Not Completed】
Looking at the new task content, a thoughtful expression appeared on Tang Song's face.
This task was considerably more difficult than the previous ones.
Especially leading the global restructuring and IPO of a media company—the pressure on the current big sister would be absolutely not small.
But fortunately, she had now successfully entered the 【Tangjin Family Office】.
With access to these vast resources, everything would proceed much more smoothly.
As for that "Visiting Scholar" status, it was probably also paving the way for her future Media Queen path.
This wasn't simply about improving academic qualifications.
In Europe and America, being a "Visiting Scholar" at a world-top university itself is a symbol of extremely high academic and social status.
In the future, when Tang Song checked big sister's credentials again, he would also feel respect for Visiting Scholar Zhuangzhuang.
He chuckled softly.
Then, Tang Song thought of little Luna far away in London.
Come to think of it, one of the core purposes of her trip to London this time.
Was to attend the Imperial College Global MBA alumni reunion.
Calculating the time difference, it seemed the date was today.
I wonder how that friend with an inflated ego and fake socialite persona would behave on such an occasion?