novelraw Chapter 705: So Delicious! Bus Route 31
Chapter 705: So Delicious! Bus Route 31
Chapter 705: So Delicious! Bus Route 31
On the phone, Secretary Jin's voice remained calm and composed:
"I have already notified the board secretary office of Tang Yi Precision. They will officially send out the appointment email to all staff next Monday. You and the core execution team of [Xuanji Optical World] are the first to know."
"Xianyue, you should understand that every formal arrangement by Tang Song carries deep strategic significance."
"His decision to personally take charge of [Xuanji Optical World] is not just out of personal interest and preference. The integration of AI and intelligent visual technology will be the strategic focus of the entire *Tang Jin' system for the next decade."
"I believe you understand what this means."
Hearing this, Ouyang Xianyue's still-palpitating heart quickly calmed down.
She slightly narrowed her beautiful phoenix eyes, her tone gentle yet sharp: "Of course I understand. After all, this is an enterprise that he and I cultivated together, and it completely aligns with the second-phase future layout he once set for *Tang Jin'."
These words were like a fine needle, gently piercing the delicate balance between them.
Secretary Jin instantly detected extraordinary implications in her words.
After a brief silence, she responded lightly: "That's good. Also—President Tang won't assume his position immediately. The headquarters CEO office is still being adjusted and upgraded. Everything will officially start only after he meets with me in New York."
She slightly emphasized the words "New York" and "meet."
That emotionless composure instead seemed like some kind of declaration.
"Okay, Smile." Ouyang Xianyue chuckled lightly, regaining her calm and elegance, "Thank you for the reminder, and I wish you smooth progress with your work in New York."
"Of course, goodbye."
She put slight emphasis on "New York" and "meet," her tone becoming meaningful.
"Okay, Smile, thank you for the reminder." Ouyang Xianyue smiled slightly, her tone returning to peacefulness, "And I wish you smooth progress with your upcoming work."
"Of course, goodbye."
The call ended.
The office returned to silence.
Only the bitter aroma of coffee and winter sunlight dust particles remained in the air.
Ouyang Xianyue leaned back in her chair and let out a long sigh.
Her chest was still heaving, but her expression had already returned to rationality.
She closed her eyes, images from that night in Rongcheng flashing through her mind—
The ink fragrance in the study, the intertwined poetry and paintings, the warmth of intertwined fingertips while practicing cursive script, and that kiss he planted on her cheek in the quiet corridor.
Tang Song's recognition of her charm and his undisguised fiery response made this usually reserved noblewoman feel as if she were soaked in warm water.
From deep within her body, waves of unfamiliar and thrilling palpitations surged.
The corners of her mouth slowly lifted, and her elegantly crossed beautiful legs unconsciously rubbed against each other slightly.
After a moment, she opened her eyes, her gaze now completely clear.
Her fingertips tapped lightly on the desk twice, and finally, she picked up her phone and directly dialed that familiar number.
"Beep beep—"
The phone rang twice and was quickly answered.
Tang Song's magnetic voice came through the receiver: "Hello? Ouyang."
"Good morning, Tang Song." Ouyang Xianyue shifted her legs, her voice carrying a soft laugh: "I just received a *big surprise*. Smile personally notified me, but... I still want to hear confirmation directly from you."
"Xuanji Optical World?"
"Hmm, she said Xuanji Optical World is getting a new CEO. If not for Smile's notification, I, as the chairman, would still be completely in the dark."
"Oh? Then are you satisfied with this new CEO candidate?" Tang Song's voice carried a teasing tone.
Ouyang Xianyue pursed her rosy lips and said softly: "Very satisfied. I just don't know why he suddenly decided to come to my place on a whim."
When she asked this question, her heart still uncontrollably skipped a beat.
Tang Song paused, as if thinking, but then asked in return: "What do you think?"
Ouyang Xianyue's heartbeat quickened even more, and her always dignified and elegant face unconsciously flushed with a faint blush.
She turned her gaze to the window, "I've never been able to guess his thoughts, and I don't dare to speculate recklessly, so I hope sir can personally enlighten me."
She changed "you" to "sir."
Clearly referencing that night in Rongcheng.
Through the receiver, Tang Song's breathing seemed to falter for a moment, and he said something inexplicable: "The maple leaves in Rongcheng are very red, making me want to see more of them."
Ouyang Xianyue lowered her gaze, her fair hand tidying her hair, "Okay, then I look forward to appreciating them with sir."
The air instantly became quiet and ambiguous.
After a moment, Tang Song returned to his normal tone: "There's one more thing. The future core of [Xuanji Optical World] is ecosystem construction, requiring integration of numerous external resources and partners. I plan to newly establish a *Chief Ecosystem Officer* position specifically responsible for this area. I've already decided on the candidate—it's Shen Yuyan."
"Hmm, since she's going to Shenzhen this time to attend the hardware ecosystem summit anyway, let her participate with this new identity."
"No problem, you do indeed need an assistant to come over in advance." Ouyang Xianyue immediately agreed, her tone carrying a hint of amusement, "Do you need me to personally receive her and help her familiarize herself with the new environment?"
"No need." Tang Song's response was crisp and decisive, "Consider this summit her first assessment. Don't intervene."
"Hmm, understood." Although Ouyang Xianyue was puzzled, she wouldn't contradict his wishes.
After discussing work.
Tang Song paused, his voice becoming gentle: "I wonder how your cursive script practice is coming along?"
Ouyang Xianyue pursed her lips and chuckled softly, using a voice almost like a whisper: "Then I'll be in Shenzhen, respectfully awaiting sir's personal inspection."
"Approved."
After hanging up.
Ouyang Xianyue closed her eyes and pondered for a long time, as if still savoring something.
After a long while, she pressed the intercom button on her desk phone.
"Chen Jing, come to my office."
In less than half a minute, the door was gently pushed open, and Secretary Chen walked in with steady steps.
"Ms. Ouyang."
Ouyang Xianyue gently twirled the pen in her hand, her gaze determined: "Next, Tang Song will officially assume the position of CEO at [Xuanji Optical World], while I will remain as chairman. Notify everyone that we will use the building at plot A03 in the Shenzhen Bay Super Headquarters Base as the new global headquarters for [Xuanji Optical World]. All hard decoration, soft decoration, and equipment debugging must be completed before January 13th next year to ensure timely occupancy."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jing immediately nodded in agreement, but her eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.
The current headquarters of [Xuanji Optical World] is at the Tang Yi Precision Innovation Center in the Qianhai Free Trade Zone, not particularly independent.
And that new building is the group's future landmark.
As for why it had to be January 13th...
She certainly knew, because that day is Mr. Tang's birthday.
She never expected that Ms. Ouyang, who always prioritized rationality and the bigger picture, would have such a romantic side.
Ouyang Xianyue seemed to detect her thoughts, the corners of her lips smiling without comment.
"Also." She changed the subject, "Draft an official appointment letter in the name of my office, appointing Shen Yuyan, the assistant to the chairman of Rongliu Capital, as Chief Ecosystem Officer of [Xuanji Optical World].
Regarding compensation, salary will be determined after President Tang assumes his position. Additionally, grant her 0.1% equity incentive based on the project's total valuation, vested over four years.
After she arrives in Shenzhen, you personally represent me to sign the formal labor contract and equity grant agreement with her."
"Okay, received." Chen Jing immediately nodded in agreement, memorizing all the key points.
Ouyang Xianyue paused, then asked: "What has Liu Qingning been busy with recently?"
Secretary Chen immediately replied: "Since her meeting with Miss Su Yu, she has become particularly active. She has made significant adjustments within Qingning Technology. Seven alumni former colleagues have entered key departments.
Additionally, her friend Liu Shuang, an AI engineer at Tang Yi Precision's Intelligent Algorithm R& D Center, has also been transferred to the Xuanji Optical World project team.
All these personnel changes were processed through Qin Yingxue."
Ouyang Xianyue slightly raised her eyes, her fingertips lightly tapping the desk twice, murmuring softly: "She's very clever. This is testing Qin Yingxue's bottom line, and also testing Director Jin's."
Secretary Chen remained silent, only nodding slightly.
"Alright." Ouyang Xianyue chuckled lightly, her breathing returning to calm, "First go arrange the decoration and relocation matters for Xuanji Optical World's headquarters."
"Understood." Secretary Chen stood up, about to leave, but was softly stopped by Ouyang Xianyue.
"Wait. Also arrange for someone to follow up on Lin Muxue's movements. She should be going to France with Tang Song soon. Have someone tactfully tell her why Director Jin is targeting her."
"Yes." Secretary Chen immediately understood, bowed slightly, and exited the office.
The door gently closed.
Ouyang Xianyue's fatigue completely vanished.
She stood again before the floor-to-ceiling window of her office.
Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating her magnificent and imposing face.
The corners of her mouth curved into a faint smile.
Elegant, quiet, yet hiding indescribable danger.
...
Yunxi Building, Songmei Apparel
He Yiyi, holding a freshly brewed cup of pour-over coffee, walked through the bustling open office area toward her private office.
Yes, as the "top performer" of Songmei Apparel and also a core shareholder holding 5% equity, her status within the company had long been second only to Tang Song and Gao Mengting.
Her office was right next to the two major bosses.
The entire 30th floor was filled with a tense yet excited atmosphere.
The sounds of keyboard tapping, discussions, and printers echoed continuously.
Looking at this "thriving" scene before her, He Yiyi's face unconsciously broke into a bright smile.
Thinking back to when she first followed the team from Changyun Media to join here, Songmei Apparel had less than ten people.
Everyone was crammed into a small office space of less than 200 square meters, with Tang Song and Gao Mengting sitting directly opposite her, working late nights with them, reviewing data together.
Looking at now—
Over 2000 square meters of spacious floor, already with nearly 160 employees.
Planning Department, Operations Department, Data Department, Brand Department, Clothing Design Center...
Every department was expanding and running at an almost frantic pace.
Especially after Su Yu's street photos unexpectedly went viral, that urban functional shell jacket had completely broken through into mainstream popularity.
Along with it, the new brand [Heyi] had become an object of pursuit by countless urban white-collar workers and fashion trendsetters.
She was no longer that assistant host who could only struggle in small live streams, racking her brains to complete KPIs.
She now had the industry's top operations team, a flexible supply chain centered around [Huashang Apparel] with astonishing reaction speed, and even more, a personal brand personally tailored for her by President Tang, deeply integrated with her.
She now had the industry's top operations team, a flexible supply chain centered around [Huashang Apparel] with astonishing reaction speed, and even more, a personal brand personally tailored for her by President Tang, deeply bound with her.
And all of this, of course, was inseparable from the careful cultivation of her "godfather."
Instead, she knew how to cherish it even more.
Just then, a familiar figure emerged from a conference room not far away.
Wearing a sharp professional suit, exquisitely made-up face, with thick, voluminous brown hair—full of atmosphere.
"President Gao!" He Yiyi greeted with a smile.
"Yiyi, perfect timing, I was just about to look for you." Gao Mengting's face carried a gentle smile, "Let's go to the T3 Conference Room. President Tang will be at the company in ten minutes, we need to hold an impromptu shareholders' meeting."
"Ah! President Tang is back in Yancheng?" He Yiyi's eyes instantly lit up, "Great!"
The two entered the conference room.
Gao Mengting opened her computer, her expression serious.
He Yiyi couldn't help but ask curiously: "President Gao, do you know what the meeting is about?"
"Not sure." Gao Mengting shook her head slightly, her expression also becoming more solemn, "But it should be something at the strategic level. You know, President Tang rarely uses the term 'shareholders' meeting'—this is the first time."
"Oh oh." He Yiyi nodded, feeling both nervous and excited inside, "By the way, President Gao, I heard from Lingling that you're moving, right?"
"Hmm," Gao Mengting looked up, an unconcealable joy appearing on her face, "Moving to Yunding Mansion."
That large flat unit President Tang gave her had already been formally transferred to her name.
The interior decoration was very luxurious, and most importantly, it was completely her personal property.
She could indulge without restraint, installing the large bookshelf she had always wanted.
Gao Mengting paused briefly and softly said "Hmm."
He Yiyi considered for a moment, then said: "President Gao, are you free tonight? I don't have a live stream today, could you take me to see your place after work? I've been considering buying a house recently, and this place seems quite nice."
Gao Mengting said with a smile: "Oh? Sure, if you move here, we can be neighbors."
"Yes yes, that's what I was thinking."
He Yiyi continued looking down, carefully looking at the community information on her phone.
But now, with her explosive popularity, her salary plus commissions had resulted in savings that were already incredibly substantial, enough to buy a very nice house in Yancheng.
When President Tang came over sometimes, it was inconvenient...
She would occasionally overhear some sounds she shouldn't be hearing, making her feel tingly every time, needing a long time to calm down.
"Hello, President Tang!"
"Welcome back, President Tang!"
Immediately after, the door was gently pushed open.
You’ll never believe why I moved to… Paris
A strikingly handsome figure appeared in the small conference room.
Dark suit, white high-neck cashmere sweater, tall and straight figure.
Every gesture exuded a heart-pounding charm.
"Mengting, Yiyi, good morning." A bright smile appeared on Tang Song's face.
He Yiyi's face instantly turned red, and she subconsciously clenched her legs together.
Oh my god! President Tang is just too charming! Why does it feel like... he's gotten even handsomer?!
Gao Mengting bit her lip, a mist appearing in her eyes, "President Tang."
"Hello, President Tang." He Yiyi quickly stood up.
After exchanging greetings.
Tang Song sat in the main seat, his gaze slowly sweeping over the partner and the host.
He could clearly perceive their changes.
They say wealth nourishes people, and fame is the best "cosmetic procedure"—this saying indeed holds true.
Even He Liting, who used to be somewhat opportunistic and solely focused on clinging to powerful people, had now undergone a complete transformation.
The former restraint and lack of confidence had completely disappeared.
Replaced by a relaxation, confidence, and star quality cultivated through camera refinement and nourished by massive attention.
Under Tang Song's penetrating gaze sweeping directly over her, He Yiyi subconsciously straightened her back, presenting her most perfect side to her boss.
Tang Song chuckled lightly, withdrew his gaze, and his slender fingers lightly tapped on the conference table.
"I called this meeting to discuss the company's next steps."
"Currently, Songmei Apparel has already broken through 100 million monthly GMV, and with the unexpected breakout of the [Heyi] brand, it can be said that we have completed the initial accumulation from 0 to 1..."
Gao Mengting's eyes instantly became intensely focused.
He Yiyi beside her also realized that the upcoming content would be crucial, quickly putting away her own little thoughts, and listened attentively.
"Second, we need to shift from 'traffic-driven' to 'technology-driven'..."
...
Tang Song's words continued.
The air in the conference room gradually tightened.
He Yiyi and Gao Mengting were both stunned by the major moves he unveiled one after another.
According to Tang Song's plan, the future [Songmei Apparel] would no longer be just a "social media MCN agency" or "live stream e-commerce company."
This entire logic was already evolving completely toward a "new-type fashion group."
The question was, could they really achieve this?
Regarding this, Gao Mengting felt apprehensive, thinking the steps were too big.
Although the team size had expanded greatly, core technical talent, offline operations experience, AI implementation capabilities... these were still far from sufficient.
While Tang Song's plan was grand and beautiful, execution would definitely be fraught with difficulties.
She glanced at Tang Song, wanting to ask, but held back.
Compared to her caution and rationality, He Yiyi's reaction was completely different.
She was practically fired up with excitement.
Over this long period, she had learned many "inside stories" about Tang Song from Qianqian and Luna.
So in her eyes, every word President Tang said wasn't "empty promises," but "divine revelation" about to be realized.
This uncontrollable anticipation made her gaze at Tang Song filled with near-fanatical admiration and trust.
3:00 PM, Yancheng Normal University.
Administration Building.
Jiang Yourong walked out of the principal's office with slightly unsteady steps, her entire person as if coated with a shiny glow.
That matter Director Jin had entrusted to her, she handled very smoothly.
When she placed that cooperation letter of intent printed with the logos of [Tang Yi Precision] and [Smile Holdings] before the school leadership, everything became perfectly natural.
The principal excitedly praised her in person, calling her "the school's youngest disciplinary leading talent," a key cultivation target for the future.
She not only easily obtained a considerable special laboratory funding grant approved by the school, but even unexpectedly secured a precious recommendation slot for applying for the Ministry of Education's key research projects next.
Taking a deep breath, she forcibly calmed her wildly beating heart from excitement.
Taking out her phone, she sent a concise notification in the laboratory's WeChat group: "@everyone 5:00 PM this afternoon, all laboratory members, meeting on time."
She was about to be long-term "away from her position" due to the [Xuanji Optical World] project, and might even directly station at the enterprise for joint research and development.
Of course, this was also tremendously good news for the students, as they would have the opportunity to follow her and get early exposure to the domestic most cutting-edge research project system, and might even get internship or job opportunities at [Xuanji Optical World].
The winter afternoon sunlight warmly bathed her body, making her full, mature figure appear even more captivating.
"Squeak—"
Her nose twitched, and she subconsciously squeezed the brakes.
Her gaze turned fervent toward that milk tea shop by the roadside that she frequented most.
She touched her soft little belly, her face full of struggle.
That "chicken breast + vegetable salad" weight-loss meal from lunch had long been metabolized completely by her body.
Afternoon tea equals happiness.
It could boost dopamine, double efficiency.
It was her only pleasure against tedious research.
Once this thought arose, it could no longer be suppressed.
But soon, Director Jin's exquisitely beautiful face, yet carrying a hint of scrutiny, appeared in her mind.
She shook her head vigorously.
Today was only the second day of her determined weight loss journey, absolutely cannot break the rules like this!
Over the years, she had been too indulgent with herself.
Moreover, she was about to re-enter the corporate environment soon, and might even serve as Tang Song's "assistant" in some form. She had to quickly adjust her state and couldn't be as casual as before anymore.
Gritting her teeth, she twisted the throttle and accelerated away without looking back.
Students greeted her along the way.
She smiled and responded to each one, her demeanor gentle and dignified.
Even though she had almost wavered for milk tea earlier, she was still the school's most elegant "research goddess."
Jiang Yourong first walked to her workstation, turned on the computer, and opened those internal documents about the [Xuanji Optical World] project background and technical requirements that Shangguan Qiuyas had sent in the morning, preparing to print them for careful study.
Qian Lele walked in.
Wearing a down jacket, hair in a bun, a sweet smile on her face.
"Good afternoon, Professor Jiang."
"Lele, you're here." Jiang Yourong was somewhat surprised, "So fast?"
Qian Lele took off her backpack and placed it on a nearby chair, "Yeah, I have fewer classes this afternoon, was originally coming to the lab to continue data annotation anyway, and happened to see your meeting notification."
Jiang Yourong looked at her diligent and spirited beloved student, couldn't help but reach out and affectionately patted her head, "So hardworking."
They chatted briefly.
Jiang Yourong said seriously: "Lele, there's something I need to tell you. For a very long time coming, I probably won't be able to stay in the lab frequently."
"Ah?" Qian Lele was stunned upon hearing this, her beautiful phoenix eyes filled with confusion and worry, "Professor Jiang... why is that? Did something happen?"
In her heart, Professor Jiang was not only her mentor but also the elder who had cared for her most since she entered university.
Her part-time job at Weiguang Coffee, her current lab work, even meeting her brother—all were because of this Professor Jiang.
Jiang Yourong looked at her nervous expression, chuckled lightly, and shook her head.
Her face showed a smile that was both gratified and somewhat mysterious, "It's good news. Next, I'm going to fully devote myself to the work of [Xuanji Optical World]. This project relates to our country's future in the next generation of human-computer interaction technology, it's highly significant. So the school specially approved my temporary departure from my position to fully participate in this project."
Her face showed a smile that was both gratified and somewhat mysterious, "It's good news. Next, I'm going to fully devote myself to the work of [Xuanji Optical World]. This project relates to our country's future in the next generation of human-computer interaction technology, it's highly significant. So the school specially approved my temporary leave from position to fully participate in this project."
She paused, then added: "But don't worry, the work here in the lab won't stop. I'll arrange for senior students to guide you. You'll first get exposure to some of [Xuanji Optical World]'s peripheral research projects. When there's an opportunity later, I'll bring you into this company for an internship early, so you can personally experience what truly cutting-edge AI research is really like."
She also intended to bring her beloved student along and cultivate her extensively.
"Thank you, Professor Jiang. You're amazing."
Looking at this always gentle, smiling, somewhat "laid-back" Professor Jiang, she for the first time felt a sacred aura belonging to a "scientist" emanating from her.
Jiang Yourong's lips curved upward, brimming with confidence.
Immediately after, she saw Qian Lele open her backpack and take out a large takeout bag printed with a milk tea shop logo.
"Professor Jiang, this is afternoon tea my friend Yaoyao just brought me. She bought too much, I can't finish it all. Please have some with me!"
Soon.
Iced fruit tea, hot pearl milk tea, and a delicately packaged transparent box containing two golden, tempting durian mille-feuille cakes.
Her favorite kind.
Jiang Yourong's eyes instantly fixated, her body stiffened, her throat moved.
Lele! You... you're harming your teacher!
But Qian Lele, completely unaware, considerately placed a cake and a cup of milk tea in front of Jiang Yourong.
The strong unique aroma of durian, mixed with the sweet fragrance of cream, assaulted her sense of smell and will unreasonably.
Jiang Yourong swallowed hard with difficulty, softly saying: "Then... then I'll just have a little bit, just one bite of the cake. I've been trying to lose weight recently."
Jiang Yourong took a big slurp of the warm, sweet pearl milk tea, then used a small fork to scoop up a piece of the cool, silky durian mille-feuille and put it in her mouth.
Her eyes instantly squinted with happiness.
【Screw weight loss! I'm enjoying myself first!】
(×~)/-
In the end, both durian mille-feuille cakes ended up in Professor Jiang's stomach.
Qian Lele returned to her workstation and worked seriously on data annotation for a while.
The white light from the screen reflected on her face, making her appear exceptionally focused.
A few minutes later, she still couldn't resist reaching into a compartment of her backpack and pulling out something soft.
It was a scarf she had knitted herself.
Made from the finest pure white cashmere yarn, knitted in the most complex "double treasure stitch" pattern.
The weather was getting colder, snow was coming soon, and it was the right time to give a scarf.
Moreover, the day after tomorrow was the weekend, and she planned to make a trip back to her hometown in Handan first.
But before that, she had to fulfill this wish.
Hesitating for a good while, she still picked up her phone.
Her fingertips paused on the screen for a moment, her heart beating a bit fast.
Over the past few months, she had had this impulse countless times.
She had pickled vegetables, done handicrafts, bought snacks.
Each time wanting to find a reason to go over.
To see him, see where he lived, sit and chat together like back in the teacher's apartment.
Listen to him explain principles, talk about technology, say those things she could never tire of hearing.
But every time, she retreated at the last moment.
Probably also because of her inner insecurity and timidity.
She could already support herself and take care of her family.
She wanted him to know that she had really changed a lot, become more outstanding, more independent.
Thinking of those scenes back in the teacher's apartment.
Qian Lele took a deep breath.
Opened the chat window, quickly typed a line: "Brother, tomorrow is Friday. Around what time will you be home in the evening? I want to come over and give you something, is that okay?"
Clicked send.
Her heart tightened suddenly.
"Buzz buzz—"
【Brother: "Of course, I finish work at 6. You can come directly."】
【Brother: Yanjing Tiancheng.map (location)】
Qian Lele instantly beamed with joy, immediately replied: "Okay, see you tomorrow!"
The route was clear at a glance.
During evening rush hour, about forty minutes.
She scrolled along the route bit by bit.
Every place name seemed to gently pluck at her heartstrings.
Forty minutes, and she could see him.