novelraw Chapter 696: What Kind of Jobs Do People in First Class Have?
Chapter 696: What Kind of Jobs Do People in First Class Have?
Seeing the item details, Tang Song was clearly stunned for a moment, his expression turning somewhat strange.
What is this thing? Why is it a collar?
Moreover, its style was completely different from the 【Vow】 series jewelry he had previously gifted to Su Yu, the older sister, and the beautician.
He felt this thing should probably be renamed 【Contract Collar】 to be more appropriate.
And it actually had a 【Stamina +5】 attribute bonus.
To be honest, his rich, beautiful friend was really a bit BT.
Tang Song felt he was almost being corrupted by her.
No, to be precise, he had already been corrupted.
His gaze lowered slightly, landing again on the QQ currently pinned against the wall by him.
At this moment, her face was flushed.Her chest heaved violently due to rapid breathing.
Noticing his pause, Qiuqiu's long eyelashes fluttered slightly.
She actually began actively sucking on his lips.
Though completely unskilled, clumsy and inexperienced, it carried a kind of heart-palpitating obsession.
She opened her misty eyes to look at him.
Their gazes met.
As if scalded, she quickly tightly closed her eyes again.
Tang Song leaned close to her ear, his warm breath blowing against her earlobe, "QQ, the clothes you're wearing inside seem a bit in the way. Shall I help you take them off?"
Though phrased as a question, his slender hand had already reached over.
Qiuqiu's body stiffened, she shook her head, as if refuting and refusing,
But she pressed her lips tightly together without speaking.
Her cool, aloof face showed shyness, nervousness, hesitation.
Tang Song stopped his movement.
He kissed her glistening ear lobe, asking again, "Does me doing this make you feel uncomfortable inside, or disgusted?"
Qiuqiu quickly shook her head, "No."
"Then why not?"
"I..." Qiuqiu's pink lips parted slightly, but she didn't know how to answer.
Struggling for a moment, looking into Tang Song's eyes filled with anticipation and tenderness,
She ultimately didn't want to disappoint him.
Trembling, she extended those icy small hands, reaching behind her back.
A light "click" sound.
The air seemed to jump.
Qiuqiu deeply bowed her head again, not daring to look at him.
Tang Song's breathing instantly became rapid, "Let's go, it's a bit cold by the door here, let's go sit and chat inside the room."
After speaking, he grabbed her wrist, leading her deeper into the warm suite.
The lighting grew dim.
Tang Song pulled Qiuqiu to sit on his lap.
Taking a deep breath, accompanied by Qiuqiu's soft gasp, he kissed her again.
Tang Song gently stroked Qiuqiu's manga-like body curves, his attention returning to the system interface.
Clicked on Xiao Jing's card.
The interface switched, displaying two differently colored panels on left and right,
【Partner: Tian Jing (23 years old)】
【Role: Agent (Jingyi Asset Management)】
【Height: 168cm, Weight: 48kg】
【Physique: 66, Stamina: 67, Agility: 74, Comprehension: 82】 (Note: Male and female scoring standards differ)
【Growth Progress: 55%】
【② Order and Guidance】
【Task Content: After completing "Change of Identity", Xiao Jing needs to formally enter the Dejurenhe and Tangjin property systems, establishing her professional identity and resource status.
But as a newcomer facing this vast and complex system, she needs a powerful "guide" to help her quickly familiarize herself with the rules, connect resources, and truly begin fulfilling her "agent" duties.
Please have "Partner - Tian Jing" select one "guide" from the following game characters to assist her in understanding Dejurenhe's operational mechanisms, global property investment logic, and family office management models.
(Selection list: A "Consultant - Anne Kate";
B "Headhunter - Zheng Qiudong";
C "Private Equity - Wu Kezhi";
D "Lawyer - Luo Bin")】
【Task Reward: Growth Progress 15%, Order Package*1】
【Task Progress: Incomplete】
....
After reading the new cultivation task, a glimmer flashed in Tang Song's eyes, instantly understanding the system's deeper intention behind this arrangement.
Xiao Jing's essence was an "agent", completely lacking ambition.
The system wouldn't actually have her personally manage complex investments or business empires.
Her core task was managing and operating those already well-established high-end properties that represented the "soft power" of the Tangjin system.
And selecting a "guide" was essentially choosing a suitable "mentor" for her.
To help her integrate faster and better into this vast system.
The system listing them side by side likely followed some priority order.
For example, Anne Kate, born a top socialite, could teach Xiao Jing how to wield power and wealth, manage those top-tier properties globally, and integrate into genuine high society.
For example, Zheng Qiudong, with ultra-high emotional intelligence and ambition, plus control over 【Dejurenhe】, could help Xiao Jing build a truly valuable information and connection network.
The other two were also masters in their respective fields.
As for how she would choose, Tang Song didn't plan to interfere at all,
However, he had a strong premonition -
Xiao Jing would most likely choose the blonde, blue-eyed "mare".
Because, in his divine state, he had more than once caught a glimpse of curiosity and challenging desire in Xiao Jing's eyes when she looked at Anne.
This seemingly well-behaved rich beauty, deep down, wasn't actually passionate about boring careers and dull numbers.
What she pursued was always freshness, fun, excitement, and stages that allowed her to "play" more to her heart's content.
And Anne Kate was undoubtedly, among these four, the most interesting choice that could satisfy this "playful" heart of hers.
One was a scheming little pervert, one was a wild mare...
These two together...
Tang Song's heart warmed slightly, adjusting the Qiuqiu on his lap, making her face him directly.
Pressing her more tightly against himself.
Truth be told, QQ and 00, these two good sisters, were complete opposites.
Though 00 was also cute, QQ had more visual impact.
Especially since Qiuqiu's figure was more graceful, typically the "slender branch bearing abundant fruit" type, really resembling Su Yu.
"You... stop looking..."
Qiuqiu felt extremely uncomfortable under his scorching gaze, her face bright red.
Unable to resist, she extended her icy small hands, covering his eyes.
But soon, her hands were brushed away.
The night outside the window grew darker.
Qiuqiu's eyes suddenly widened.
Above her head, that bundle of orange-brown long hair moved without wind, gently floating.
The 【Dream Flower Seed】 unfolded its brilliant branches, emitting a glistening and dreamlike radiance.
Making her entire person appear somewhat unreal.
.......
December 5, 2023, Tuesday
Early morning, sky still dark.
Qiuqiu slowly opened her eyes, froze for a few seconds, then suddenly sat up as if startled.
She threw off the covers, bare feet stepping on the carpet, quickly walking towards the bathroom.
"Click—"
The door was quickly locked.
Faint rustling sounds were particularly clear in the quiet bathroom.
Qiuqiu looked down, staring blankly at the marks on her sleep pants.
Her cheeks felt warm, heartbeat disordered.
Last night... she actually... had such a bizarre, shameful dream.
Since her adolescence, especially after grandma passed away.
Immense life pressure and emotional suppression caused some issues in her psychology and physiology.
She had almost no reaction to that kind of thing, could even say she was disgusted.
But Tang Song's appearance started loosening those suppressed emotions.
Like a frozen lake surface, slowly melting under spring sunlight.
Especially last night...
She looked down at her chest wrapped in pajamas, biting her lip.
Her cheeks felt almost burning hot.
She sat there blankly like this for a while.
After washing up, changing into a clean white sweater and jeans, she walked out of the bedroom.
Morning light from outside the window spilled from distant mountains, making the entire suite bright and soft.
Mother Li Meihua happened to be getting up, "Qiuqiu, awake?"
"Mm, do you want... to go eat breakfast together?"
Li Meihua was first stunned, then immediately smiled and waved her hand, "Oh, I won't go, not hungry yet. You and Tang Song go eat, young people should talk more."
She wanted to continue advising her daughter.
Like "be nicer to Tang Song", "smile more".
But Qiuqiu had already decisively responded "Oh".
Turning around, quickly walking outward.
Her steps were light, that high ponytail of orange-brown hair swaying back and forth in the soft morning light.
Watching her daughter's almost "impatient" retreating figure, a relieved smile appeared on Li Meihua's face.
How many years had it been.
Since Qiuqiu's grandma passed away, every time they returned to their hometown.
This daughter always carried an unshakeable layer of gloom.
Between mother and daughter, it was either cold wars or arguments.
But now, she seemed to have genuinely become much brighter.
Arriving at the neighboring room 1666 door, Qiuqiu took a deep breath, just preparing to raise her hand and knock.
"Click—"
The door, as if telepathic, opened again from inside.
Tang Song's figure appeared at the doorway.
"Good morning, QQ." He looked at her, face showing an extremely bright smile, "So beautiful today."
Qiuqiu's cheeks slightly reddened, "Morning..."
Tang Song reached his hand towards her, Qiuqiu hesitated a moment, then placed her icy small hand into his warm palm.
Fingers interlocked.
"Let's go, we'll eat outside."
"Mm."
"Are you familiar with the county town?"
"Came here quite a few times as a child, for market days, buying clothes and such."
"Then take me to try Qingcheng County's most authentic specialty breakfast."
"Mm."
......
8:00 AM sharp.
A luxurious motorcade composed of a Bentley, Maybach, and two black G-Wagens drove along the winding provincial road towards distant shallow mountains.
The scenery outside the window gradually changed from neat buildings to the unique pastoral scenes of the Chuanxi basin.
Off-season rapeseed had already been sown, growing a layer of fuzzy, dark green sprouts carrying glistening dewdrops in the damp, cold air.
Harvested rice fields only had bare roots left.
In this early winter season, appearing slightly bleak, yet filled with life's most rustic atmosphere.
Inside the comfortable, warm Bentley.
Qiuqiu looked at the both familiar and unfamiliar scenery outside the window, memories uncontrollably surfacing in her mind.
Winter mornings, white mist floating over the river, cooking smoke rising from the village.
Grandma would always pull a scalding hot roasted sweet potato from the warm stove, stuffing it into her palm.
Her calloused hands would repeatedly rub her icy small hands, smiling, "Good girl, not afraid of cold now, right?"
She would hold her hand, walking on that narrow path covered with morning dew and mud, to the village's only elementary school.
She would tell her those never-tiring "long, long ago" stories;
On frosty mornings, take her to the fields to dig frost-bitten sweet potatoes;
When she fell, use those rough hands to gently pat the dirt off her pants.
Those memories, warm, yet incredibly distant.
Tears slowly welled up in her eyes.
Just then, a warm hand gently landed on her hair.
Then slid down to her shoulder, comfortingly patting,
"Qiuqiu don't be afraid, I'm here."
Qiuqiu froze for a moment, turning to look at him.
Sunlight through the car window spilled on his profile, her heart suddenly felt empty, burying her head in his chest.
Tears could no longer be held back.
Sobs intermittently sounded in the quiet car cabin.
The motorcade slowly entered the village shrouded in winter mist.
Instantly attracting the attention of everyone along the way.
Causing a wave of "pointing and staring".
Finally, it stopped in front of a half-collapsed ancestral house courtyard at the village's north end.
The eldest uncle, second uncle, and other relatives already waiting there were gathered together.
Some smoking, some cracking sunflower seeds, chatting and laughing.
Seeing this luxurious motorcade completely incompatible with the surrounding low tiled houses, everyone's movements halted.
Waves of gazes filled with shock, curiosity, and scrutiny collectively turned towards them.
The leading Maybach's door opened first.
Li Meihua eagerly stepped out from the car.
She wore a brand new plain-colored overcoat, silk scarf around her neck, back straight.
Her entire person was radiant and energetic.
"Oh! Big brother, sister-in-law! Second brother! You all came! Waited long?"
"We stayed at Tianxi Grand Hotel in the county yesterday - the five-star one! Rushed over early this morning, even had some traffic on the way!"
While enthusiastically greeting them, she quickly approached.
Her booming voice almost sounded like using a loudspeaker, echoing throughout the silent courtyard.
Even sitting in the soundproofed Bentley back seat, it could still be clearly heard.
The relatives all stood frozen in place.
Some had cigarettes drop from their mouths onto the ground unnoticed.
Everyone's faces were filled with indescribably dramatic expressions.
Watching her mother's terrible performance, Qiuqiu inside the car turned pale, nervously looking at Tang Song beside her.
However, his face still wore that calm, gentle expression, showing no trace of disgust or impatience.
She finally relaxed.
Immediately after, the black-suited bodyguards from the following Mercedes G-Wagen quickly approached, respectfully opening their car door.
Only then did the two step out.
Causing another, greater commotion.
The scene became chaotic and noisy.
Seeing this, Li Meihua loudly introduced to everyone, "Come, come! Let me introduce you! This is our Qiuqiu's boyfriend, Tang Song!"
Watching the scene before her.
Qiuqiu shamefully lowered her head.
But Tang Song remained calm, even a faint trace of amusement in his eyes.
He couldn't help remembering the pretentious fake socialites.
Of course, different from Li Meihua's straightforward, blunt showing-off style typical of rural women.
If it were Luna facing today's "returning home in glory" scene.
She could probably directly orchestrate an earth-shattering grand spectacle.
Speaking of which, she should be going to Modu today.
To take over that luxury apartment she chose.
Haven't seen her for a while, really miss her a bit.
....
Yancheng International Airport, VIP lounge.
Afternoon light softened by frosted floor-to-ceiling windows spilled onto the quiet rest area.
Ma Yilin, carrying a backpack, walked in with clean, efficient steps.
It was Tuesday, neither a holiday nor flight peak hours.
The entire business class lounge appeared somewhat deserted, only three passengers scattered in corners.
Some reading newspapers with lowered heads, some resting with closed eyes.
After completing check-in procedures at the front desk.
Ma Yilin casually took some snacks and a bottle of lemon sparkling water, choosing the most inconspicuous window seat.
Began discreetly observing the three "potential targets" in the lounge.
She was a full-time self-media blogger, focusing on outdoor interviews and knowledge sharing as main content.
ID called @YilinVC, a username combining "Venture Capital" with her own name.
Full of elite and fashionable feel.
Because her video content had both substance and creativity, she gained extremely high followings on platforms like Douyin, Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, etc.
On Douyin alone, she had over three million fans.
And among all her videos, the most popular series was — 《What Occupations Do People Flying First Class Have?》.
Interviewing big shots sitting in first class, listening to their stories, gaining experiences.
Sharing them with netizens through videos.
This business trip to Yancheng, on her return journey to Modu.
She planned to find another opportunity, see if she could film one.
However, though this series had astonishing data, "prey" wasn't easy to find.
First and most importantly, appearance and temperament.
In this appearance-focused era, outstanding looks were the first threshold determining whether a video gets "scrolled past" or "stopped on".
Secondly, conversational skills and storytelling ability.
The other party needed not only substance but also good expression skills, able to carry several minutes of camera time.
Finally, the most mysterious factor, "instant appeal".
She needed someone who could make both herself and the audience before the screen feel curiosity and goodwill.
Her gaze swept over the three passengers sequentially.
Either clearly difficult to approach, or deliberately exaggerated, or appearance somewhat lacking.
None were suitable candidates.
Ma Yilin sighed silently in her heart, disappointment showing on her face.
Seems... today's topic plan would fall through again.
Simply filmed some experience footage of Yancheng Airport VIP lounge.
Ma Yilin took out her laptop, put on headphones, started editing video materials.
Over half an hour later, staff gently reminded that the flight to Modu had begun boarding.
Ma Yilin immediately packed her equipment, following the other three passengers, led by staff through the exclusive passageway towards the boarding bridge.
Holding her boarding pass, passing through the cabin door, the spacious, quiet space of business class appeared before her eyes.
While searching for her seat, she subconsciously scanned her surroundings.
Then, her steps halted, gaze fixed directly on the inner window seat.
A woman was already sitting there, a very, very beautiful young woman.
She wore an excellent quality, slightly structured deep blue cashmere overcoat, paired with a simple white silk shirt.
Black trousers wrapped around long, straight beautiful legs, wearing low-key yet highly designed Saint Laurent low heels.
Casually placed beside her was a black and gold Hermès Birkin bag.
Smooth honey-colored long hair casually draped.
Eyes calm, skin snow-white.
Lips carrying a cool crimson tint.
Exquisite, steady, aloof.
She sat there quietly, reading a fully English 《Financial Times》, like a fashion photoshoot filled with storytelling and sophistication.
Ma Yilin's breath caught slightly.
It's her!
Just based on appearance alone, she was practically the perfect template tailor-made for her program.
Even if the other's occupation was ordinary, eloquence average, just this face appearing on camera would harvest massive likes and traffic.
Forcing down the impulse and desire inside.
Ma Yilin first settled into her own seat, then began anxiously fidgeting.
The plane took off, engine roar gradually fading.
The cabin stabilized.
When the seatbelt sign turned off.
Ma Yilin took a deep breath, tightened her grip on the small microphone and GoPro, adjusted her posture, face wearing a sweet, sincere smile.
Approached, sitting down in the empty seat beside her.
The beautiful woman looked up, those cool eyes turning towards her, carrying faint puzzlement.
Ma Yilin carefully chose her words, speaking, "Hello, ma'am, sorry to bother you. I'm a self-media blogger, could I chat with you briefly? I've been working on a program recently, my channel is about entrepreneurship, occupations, finance, and I feel you perfectly match my image of a new era elite woman. This is my personal account."
Saying this, she placed her phone on the small tray table before the woman.
The woman casually glanced at that Douyin homepage with millions of followers.
Face still composed.
But her long beautiful legs elegantly crossed, originally slightly relaxed spine slowly straightened, the corners of her lips lifting into a bright smile.
"Alright, then... let's chat briefly."
"Thank you so much!" Ma Yilin instantly overjoyed, quickly turning on the camera, handing the microphone over.
Unexpectedly, this aloof woman extremely naturally took the microphone, then skillfully clipped it onto her silk shirt's exquisite collar.
Ma Yilin organized her thoughts, asking the first question, "What's your occupation?"
The woman chuckled softly, eyes carrying a bit of laziness, "Financial investment."
"Indeed!" Ma Yilin's tone held unconcealed excitement, immediately pressing further, "How did you originally enter this industry?"
A faint trace of emotion appeared in the woman's eyes.
"Many factors." She said softly, "Both personal effort and guidance from benefactors. Overall, out of interest, also a choice for the future."
"May I ask about your education?"
"Imperial College's Global MBA."
"Wow—that's globally recognized as a top business school. I interviewed another investor before who also graduated from there, the gold content is really high. Then your position is... convenient to disclose?"
"Assistant To President, executive assistant."
"Didn't expect someone so young to already be a company executive. Convenient to ask about your annual salary?"
The woman's lips curved slightly upward, "This... confidential, several million."
Ma Yilin's breath caught.
She knew the industry;
such a young executive assistant with this level of salary indicated her company was absolutely top of the pyramid in the industry.
"Truly a life winner! My channel previously did finance-related videos, so I have some understanding of financial investment. Could I ask you a few questions about investing?"
"Mm." The woman nodded gently, posture graceful.
"What's your view on the current capital markets? Especially fields like AI, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, many investors call them 'trends'."
"'Trend' is the position most easily blown away by the wind." She smiled faintly, fingertips stroking the armrest, "The essence of capital markets is the game of time and trust. Short-term looks at narrative, long-term looks at structure. Whether AI or new energy, the core is seeing who can truly change efficiency, master underlying algorithms and supply chains.
Capital most fears excitement, because when everyone chases trends, real opportunities are already elsewhere."
Ma Yilin's eyes sparkled.
Knowing she had struck gold!
The two chatted a while longer, the beautiful woman's demeanor becoming more relaxed.
Before the camera, her demeanor became increasingly relaxed, voice steady, logic clear, sentence structures flowing like carefully rehearsed.
She didn't need deliberate performance, any pause, any smile, seemed born for the camera.
Ma Yilin watched the frame in the viewfinder, only one thought in her heart—
This was a natural camera darling.
"Last question." She took a deep breath, trying to appear professional, "What do you think, do women face more challenges in finance, this male-dominated industry?"
Just then.
The purser in deep blue uniform approached, posture dignified, voice gentle and respectful:
"Ms. Lin, this is specially prepared according to your taste preferences, hope you like it."
"Thank you."
Ms. Lin nodded slightly, accepting the glass.
Amber liquid gently swayed inside the glass.
She took a sip, the corners of her lips curling into a faint arc.
"Challenges definitely exist, but in my view, gender was never the barrier, ability and vision are. For example, Director Jin, her achievements in this field are known to all. At work, she personally encouraged me, what truly matters is judgment and perspective."
"Wait, wait a moment!" Ma Yilin almost reflexively interrupted, sitting up straight, "The 'Director Jin' you mentioned, could it be..: the one from 【Smile Holdings】?!"
"Mm."
Ms. Lin raised her hand, tidying the stray hairs at her temple, her movements elegant to the point of being almost coldly beautiful.