novelraw Chapter 704: Ambition and Submission, Dizziness
Chapter 704: Ambition and Submission, Dizziness
Chapter 704: Ambition and Submission, Dizziness
Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets
Thursday, December 7, 2023.
6:00 a.m.
Outside the window, the night was still hushed.
Tang Song opened his eyes slowly, still wrapped in the lingering, gentle fragrance of Wen Ruan.
The room was warm, the floor heating just right.
He turned his head slightly and, guided by the dim night lamp, looked at the big sister beside him—completely unguarded in sleep.
She was clearly exhausted and sleeping soundly.
Her dark brown wavy hair spread like seaweed across the pure white pillow; a few strands clung to her full, moist lips.
The blanket barely covered her flat belly; her exaggerated breasts and perky, rounded peach-like butt were completely exposed to the air.
Recalling the scenes from last night, Tang Song couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction.
He had to admit that, with the help of the system’s items, big sister’s body was getting better and better.
Alluring in every way.
Like a top-shelf aged wine, every drop exuded an intoxicating aroma.
Combined with Wen Ruan’s Whisper, it was the ultimate indulgence.
It even delayed his biological clock by half an hour.
He got out of bed quietly, changed into Outfit - Unlimited Vitality in the walk-in closet, and went down to the private gym on B1.
He set up his phone and called Liu Qingning on video.
She answered almost instantly; the pure, lovely face of his white moonlight appeared on the screen.
“Good morning, Qing Ning.”
“Morning. You’re a bit late today.”
Liu Qingning smiled. Her clear big eyes flicked to the background behind him, then she asked directly, “Are you at Wen Ruan’s villa?”
Tang Song’s expression stiffened slightly, but he nodded honestly. “Yes. Wen Ruan just got back from a trip.”
“Oh…” Liu Qingning dragged the word out with meaning. “No wonder you woke up late. Be careful—don’t let yourself be drained.”
She teased with a sigh and then said no more.
She walked to the treadmill in the living room, set the program, and buried herself in running.
Tang Song had done something “guilty” last night.
Playing games with three girlfriends in the same villa all at once would understandably sting her, so he didn’t push it further.
He shared a few interesting news bits and jokes from Rongcheng to ease the mood.
They worked out together for over ten minutes.
When Tang Song saw that his white moonlight’s expression had calmed, he smiled and said, “By the way, babe, I have a surprise for you soon.”
“What surprise?”
“It’s a secret for now—if I tell you it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore.”
“Tell me, I want to guess.”
“If you call me ‘dear husband’ once, I’ll tell you secretly.”
“Ting! I’m not saying it!” Liu Qingning’s cheeks flushed red and she sped up the treadmill.
Watching her shy reaction put Tang Song in an excellent mood, and he continued to tease her verbally.
They flirted for a while and the atmosphere softened into a sweet warmth.
After exercising, they hung up.
Tang Song took a shower, changed into comfortable home clothes, and went upstairs.
As he approached the living room on the first floor, he heard silly, self-talk laughter and the lazy mews of a cat.
“Aww! Snowball cutie! Why are you so soft? Can sister touch your belly?”
“Your eyes are blue—like gems! So beautiful!”
“Let sister give you one kiss, just one, mua~mua~ don’t run…”
“Yingloulou, you’re so aloof—are you like Little Song, some stinky mischievous devil?”
Tang Song couldn’t help chuckling. Yesterday, Yanqing had probably been the lightest-hearted of them all.
At the key moment when he punished Xiao Jing, the little maid had sneaked off holding her clothes and hid in a guest room, so she could still be full of energy now.
He lightened his steps and slipped into the living room silently, where he saw a charming, cozy scene.
Xu Qing was wearing a brand-new silky camisole nightdress that Wen Ruan had prepared, sitting cross-legged on the huge beige sofa.
She hugged a fluffy stuffed cat.
So absorbed in “cat-smooching,” she hadn’t noticed Tang Song creeping up from behind.
Her face was buried in the plush belly of the doll, eyes closed, rapt and nuzzling, emitting contented little sounds.
At that moment, a pair of hands carrying morning coolness slid through the loose neckline of the nightdress.
“Ah—”
Xu Qing froze and let out a shriek.
The stuffed cat in her arms yelped in alarm, claws scrabbling as it wriggled free.
It shot up to the top of the cat tree and peered warily over.
“Shh!” Tang Song hurried to her ear; warm breath fanned her sensitive earlobe as he chuckled softly, “If you shout again, Xiao Jing will wake up and come out to play with us.”
Xu Qing clapped a small hand over her mouth, face flushed, and protested in a tiny trembling voice, “W-what are you doing…”
Her voice was so faint and quavering it carried no threat.
“Giving you a massage. I’m actually a professional masseur—my technique is excellent.”
Xu Qing blushed harder and mumbled, “I-I don’t want it… it tickles!”
She tried to squirm, but Tang Song tightened his hold from behind, immobilizing her; all she could do was emit kitten-like whimpers.
They messed around on the sofa for a while.
Tang Song finally let go of her rosy face and pinched her perky little nose. “Alright, no more messing. Come make breakfast with me, little maid.”
“I’m not—” Xu Qing reflexively countered, but under Tang Song’s teasing, half-smile she grew quieter and reluctantly climbed off the sofa to follow him into the open kitchen.
Xiao Jing and Wen Ruan had both spent a lot of energy last night and would clearly sleep longer.
In the bright, roomy kitchen they began to make breakfast together.
Xu Qing, apron on, washed vegetables and sliced fruit; Tang Song handled frying eggs and heating milk.
The light changed with the daybreak as sunlight poured through the kitchen window; the smell of food and the cozy atmosphere between them filled the air.
Though Xu Qing still grumbled softly, the corners of her mouth couldn’t help lifting; she moved especially earnestly.
She seemed to savor the two of them in this moment.
Soon they had prepared four simple but nutritious breakfasts.
They went to the dining room to eat.
Tang Song pulled Xu Qing onto his lap, one arm around her slim waist while he picked up a sandwich.
He fed her a bite gently first, then took one himself.
Breathing in her fresh scent, feeling the tender softness of her sculpted body, his mood soared.
Xu Qing sat obediently on his lap, her cheeks burning from his sudden affection and tenderness, yet she didn’t want to leave.
She nibbled the food he offered; the two white-socked legs under the table wiggled.
When Tang Song wasn’t being perverted, he was actually pretty decent.
Too bad he’d been spoiled by Xiao Jing’s perversion!
“Dingdong—” the WeChat notification chimed.
Tang Song’s phone on the table lit up.
Xu Qing in his arms peeked at it, her dark pupils rolling as she sneakily glanced.
(")-small
A message popped up.
[Shen Yuyan: “Morming, Boss~. It got cold in Rongcheng last night; I didn’t turn on the AC and froze this morning. Feeling a bit off, but thinking about working for you today makes me full of energy!”]
Xu Qing’s eye twitched at her friend’s tea-laced, emoji-laden message.
Scheming Yuyan really knows how to flatter the boss!
As she watched how Tang Song would reply, the phone vibrated again.
[Shen Yuyan: selfie.jpg]
The photo showed her old friend Shen Yuyan wearing a tight cropped sports top and black yoga pants in a high-end hotel suite. She struck a pose that was both professional and sexy, showcasing her curvy figure.
A third message arrived right after.
[Shen Yuyan: “Our company treats us so well—business trip stays in executive suites. The room’s huge and sleeping alone at night feels a bit scary. If my BOSS were here to share the room, it’d save the company a bit of budget. (#dogface)”]
Xu Qing’s face tightened instantly; her cheeks puffed out.
(000")!
Scheming Yuyan, really?! Sending that early-morning flirt text?!
This is too awkward…
[My friend sent my boyfriend an ambiguous message and a “color” selfie, while I’m sitting on my boyfriend’s thigh—what do I do?! Waiting online, urgent!!!]
ε=ε=ε=(#> < )
Then, to her horror, she saw her boyfriend actually open the photo and slowly use two fingers to zoom in!
Her friend’s firm C+ cups and the smooth curve of her waist and hips flowed across the screen as his fingers moved.
Xu Qing’s eyes widened; her breathing grew rapid.
So enraged and chilled!
[My boyfriend is enlarging my friend’s sexy selfie right in front of me—what do I do?! Waiting online, more desperate!!!]
At that moment her heart jolted and her mouth opened slightly.
She sensed Little Song’s reaction!
Is there any justice left?!
Xu Qing’s pride snapped; she loudly demanded, “Give it to me!”
Tang Song paused, lifted his head, and his deep eyes fixed on her. “What’s wrong?”
Their gazes met.
Xu Qing shrank back and her voice faltered, “It’s nothing… I—I want that fried egg…”
Tang Song smiled and speared the egg on his fork, brought it to her mouth, and shifted her so she sat more comfortably.
Then he leaned to her ear and murmured, “Qingqing, do you think your friend is a little bit into me?”
“I-I wouldn’t know… probably not,” Xu Qing said flustered, eyes downcast and stumbling over her words. “She—she was probably joking…”
Seeing her reaction, Tang Song’s smile deepened. “But she’s been sending me weird messages all the time; I don’t know how to reply. How about we call her on video now, you talk to her and tell her not to do that, okay?”
Xu Qing: (Q)!!
“Ah?! No… I don’t want to—”
Xu Qing nearly jumped off his lap, waving her hands frantically.
“That would be so embarrassing!”
She knew Scheming Yuyan always said ridiculous, shameless things in private.
But confronting her in front of Tang Song?
That would be mortifying—did she not care about her face?!
Watching her adorable distress, Tang Song patted her little butt and feigned seriousness. “Qingqing, since you won’t help me, if I and your friend someday do something that betrays you, don’t blame me.”
Xu Qing was stunned, feeling her brain almost short-circuit.
What the heck?!
How did that end up sounding like my fault?!
Tang Song blinked and, in front of her, replied to Shen Yuyan: “That’s a good idea. Next time we travel together, we can try that.”
[Shen Yuyan: It’s a deal.jpg (cute cat pinky-promise sticker)]
Tang Song let out a soft laugh.
He was about to tease the little maid some more when the phone buzzed again.
[Shen Yuyan: “Sigh, too bad I’m going to Shen City for the Tang Yi Precision summit this time. Boss, since you’re not going personally, I as a small assistant am a bit nervous facing that top-level scene alone. If you were here to support me, I’d be brave enough to do anything. (#blackhaha)”]
When Tang Song read the probing, coquettish message, a clear system prompt sounded in his ear:
“Ding! You triggered the branch mission ‘Ambition and Submission.’ Please go to the Mission Center to view.”
[Mission Details: The former dungeon test subject Shen Yuyan is now facing a major career turning point. In the past she hid behind the ‘special assistant’ identity—blustering with borrowed power yet secretly hesitant. Now, with your personal investment operations halted, the position she relied on is threatened, filling her with cowardice, fear, and humiliation, masked by a confident facade. Going alone to the Tang Yi Precision summit in Shen City, she must face enemies who once humiliated her. She now doubts her future identity and value like never before.
Assign her the new role ‘Chief Ecosystem Officer of Xuanji Optical World,’ enabling her to appear at the summit as an independent identity.
Her ambition, fear, pride, and dependence will be fully activated, collide, and finally integrate on this independent stage.
Observe her subsequent changes and growth carefully—this will become an important component of your ‘Control’ system and help you deepen your understanding of human nature.]
[Mission Reward: Agility +2]
[Note: Sometimes you must release the string for the kite to fly higher. But the string should always remain in your hand.]
Reading the long string of mission details on the holo-screen, Tang Song’s eyes darkened and a smile crept over his lips.
Finally!
Through Whispers of Humanity, Luna had already triggered three lucrative branch missions for him, bringing valuable charm value.
But Shen Yuyan had been quietly inactive—no sign at all.
He had originally thought this schemer’s temperament was tougher than the fake socialite, so her emotional fluctuation hadn’t been strong enough.
Now it seemed… the pressure he placed on her hadn’t been large enough yet!
He resolved to PUA her a little more deeply later.
From a long-term perspective, this mission’s timing was excellent.
Shen Yuyan wasn’t a pure fit for financial investment.
During her time at Rongliu Capital, she’d mostly played the role of lubricant and scout—helping with networking and early diligence.
Complex model construction and financial structuring were handled by the professional investment team.
Her strengths lay in high emotional intelligence, resource integration, and keen insight into human nature.
Tang Song’s next strategic priorities, besides Songmei Apparel, were Xuanji Optical World.
Songmei Apparel already had partner Gao Mengting, plus Lingling, Qiuqiu, and He Yiyi—the core team favored by the system—so that could proceed in an orderly fashion.
But Xuanji Optical World was much more complex.
The project had high technical barriers and a long industrial chain.
Worse, it involved celestial players like Su Yu, Liu Qingning, Wen Ruan, Ouyang Xianyue, and Secretary Jin—who had already begun a kind of palace fight.
He needed someone emotionally intelligent, capable, and loyal to him to enter that arena, coordinate relationships, and implement his will.
Luna obviously wasn’t the right choice for that.
She would be better used as his private co-assistant to handle glamorous, high-end personal business.
In real high-level power struggles she’d be played around.
Shen Yuyan, however, could be cultivated into a reliable work assistant.
Of course, he would also need to recruit a genuinely technical assistant later—Xuanji Optical World was essentially a hardcore tech company.
He would have to deeply involve himself in product R& D and technical route decisions.
He couldn’t rely on his own half-baked expertise.
But he didn’t have a suitable candidate yet; that would wait until he officially took office.
Rongcheng, JW Marriott Hotel, executive suite.
Shen Yuyan stared at the WeChat conversation without receiving another reply from Tang Song.
She put down the phone, crossed to the floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down at the bustling traffic below; a coldness filled her heart.
The unease circling inside intensified.
One thing was true—she hadn’t slept well the night before, tossing and turning.
But not because the room was too big or cold; she had been scared.
She never expected Tang Song’s personal investment business to stop so abruptly!
Then what value did she have?
Although Tang Song mentioned shifting focus to Xuanji Optical World, Rongliu Capital only held 3.8% of that project—no board seats and very limited voice.
She didn’t know how many tasks she would still have or whether she could stay by his side.
After all, all her current glory, status, and power came from him.
Once she lost that “value,” she couldn’t imagine her future.
The fear of being pushed to the periphery of power plunged her into anxiety.
After a long while she sighed, swiped her room card, ate breakfast on the 8th-floor all-day dining, tidied her makeup, and changed into a sharp professional suit.
She set out for the Ling Chain Technology branch to handle follow-up investment handover details.
This might be the last thing she did as his “special assistant.”
A black Audi A6L sped along Rongcheng’s main road.
“Vibrate—” her handbag phone trembled.
Shen Yuyan startled and checked it.
Then disappointment hit.
[Zhang Tianqi: “Yuyan, Lin Lu and I have arrived in Shen City. You’re coming tomorrow, right?”]
She pressed her lips together and replied, “Yes.”
[Zhang Tianqi: “OK, see you tomorrow.”]
After the simple reply, Shen Yuyan rubbed her temples, leaned back tiredly, and exhaled.
The day after tomorrow was the official opening of Tang Yi Precision’s highly anticipated “Next-Generation Smart Hardware Ecosystem Summit.”
She had once excitedly shared the official announcement, subtly showing off that she’d been invited and collecting praise and likes in her circle.
Then Zhang Tianqi contacted her to say he and his fiancée Lin Lu would also attend.
Lin Lu was a fellow alumnus from Yan City University of Technology and was someone she knew.
But they weren’t close.
Lin Lu had always been naturally proud, while Shen Yuyan had been a radiant campus belle; the two didn’t get along.
After Zhang Tianqi started the company with Lin Lu, she realized Lin Lu’s pride had substance—her father was the chairman of Borett Vision Technology Co., one of Tang Yi Precision’s 32 supported “specialized and innovative” suppliers in Yan Province.
Meeting Lin Lu at Zhang Tianqi’s birthday party had stung Shen Yuyan: Lin Lu’s background made her feel overshadowed.
Lin Lu joined her father’s company straight out of school and did well.
This time she’d attend the summit with her father to network, with Zhang Tianqi accompanying as fiancé.
When Shen Yuyan heard, she had intended to show off in front of them to make up for the old bruises, then appear in front of Wang Yubo and Ren Mingyuan in a new role to enjoy their reactions.
She craved revenge, to stand center stage and prove herself.
Now she had no such schemes left.
She knew the truth: even wearing the title “Special Assistant to the Chairman of Rongliu Capital,” at a summit of this level she wasn’t anyone important.
If it weren’t for Ms. Ouyang’s personal invitation, she might not even have the right to attend.
Meeting Wang Yubo or Ren Mingyuan, at most she could use momentum and information gaps to vent some words, but to inflict any real damage on their companies would require Rongliu Capital’s investment authority—to attack them via the stock market or financing channels.
Unfortunately, she lacked that power and permission.
Her current role belonged to the President’s Office, reporting directly to Lin Muxue.
In that vast system she was at best a mid-level manager—one rank below Lin Muxue.
Her scope was strictly limited to Tang Song’s personal investment business.
The company’s core investment work had never been explicitly authorized to her or assigned by him; as an assistant, if the boss didn’t assign it, she had no right to touch it—that’s basic workplace law.
That’s why she’d constantly tried to eclipse Lin Muxue and take her place.
But now the one reliance—Tang Song’s personal investment business—was stopping.
What could she use to fight or compete now?
Her future felt utterly uncertain.
Shen City, Nanshan District, Tang Yi Precision global headquarters.
The private elevator rose smoothly.
An assistant reported the day’s schedule in a low voice: “Director Ouyang, at ten o’clock there’s an intercontinental video conference with the Australian branch regarding that iron ore supply chain… at two in the afternoon you need to hear the legal department’s risk assessment on the new American legislation…”
Ouyang Xianyue pressed her brow and interrupted: “Cancel the Australian meeting—let the regional president handle it. Tell legal to finish the report in fifteen minutes.”
“Understood.”
The elevator reached the top floor.
Ouyang Xianyue returned to her quiet chairman’s office and sipped the black coffee waiting on her desk.
She didn’t dive into work immediately, instead walking to the floor-to-ceiling window to look down over the vibrant city, her gaze slightly absent.
These days she’d been having all kinds of jumbled dreams.
Most involved Tang Song.
She knew why.
Although in Rongcheng she had signaled first, they hadn’t crossed that line.
After returning she hadn’t reached out to him to deepen anything.
That restraint wasn’t only rooted in aristocratic pride, but because she knew that taking the initiative could immediately provoke Jin’s and Su Yu’s intense backlash.
These tangled thoughts spun and wrestled in her head, leaving her restless.
“Ring—”
Her private phone on the desk buzzed.
Ouyang Xianyue collected her thoughts and glanced at the screen; her expression turned serious.
She answered calmly and regally, “Good morning, Smile.”
“Good morning, Xianyue.” Secretary Jin’s clear, pleasant voice came through. “Hope I’m not disturbing you?”
“You’re not. Your timing is, as always, precise. I just arrived at the office.”
Ouyang Xianyue sat back in her chair.
“Heh.” Secretary Jin chuckled softly. “I heard you met him in Rongcheng—how did it go?”
“Pretty well,” Ouyang Xianyue said, looking out the window with gentle restraint. “Better than I expected. I like his current state… so does my grandfather.”
“That’s good.” Secretary Jin’s voice mixed amusement and calculation. “Sounds like you two had a pleasant conversation. That puts my mind at ease.”
“Heh, you really don’t need to worry.”
They exchanged polite remarks for a moment, maintaining a subtle, intimate balance.
At least on the surface their relationship was friendly.
Ouyang Xianyue asked, “Speak up, Smile. If you called personally it can’t be small news.”
“It’s not small.” Secretary Jin regained her composed, controlling tone. “President Tang has decided to formally assume the role of Global CEO of Xuanji Optical World. The appointment takes effect today and arrangements are to be executed immediately.”
“What?!” Ouyang Xianyue sat upright, eyes wide with shock.
Secretary Jin didn’t answer her incredulous question, instead continuing with calm precision:
His office needs redesign and renovation. Security levels and communications protocols must be upgraded to the highest standards. Stock the bar with Macallan 18 and Parisian Fleur rosé. Preferred fragrance notes: cedar or cool woods… I’ll send a detailed list later…
Her words continued while Ouyang Xianyue felt her heart begin to race uncontrollably.
No wonder Smile had made so many small moves regarding Xuanji Optical World—even bringing her former subordinate Jiang Yourong into the president’s office.
Tang Song is really coming to Xuanji Optical World as CEO?!
Which meant… they would officially be colleagues.
Her fingers unconsciously rubbed the coffee cup.
That flutter—like fate tightening its grip—made her breathe carefully.
All along Tang Song had been a mysterious shadow behind the scenes.
Over the years, aside from necessary strategic communications with Tang Yi Precision, they rarely had private contact—nowhere near as intimate as Smile and him.
That gentlemanly distance had kept her from dropping her aristocratic pride in Rongcheng and from openly confronting Su Yu.
But now, after that warm, testing meeting, he had made this decision.
The sudden surprise flowed through her like a hot current.
Is he… doing this because of me?
Once the thought rose, it could not be contained.
Even Ouyang Xianyue’s composed mind felt a wave of dizziness.