novelraw Chapter 714: Swallowed It, Accepted It, Gave In
Chapter 714: Swallowed It, Accepted It, Gave In
3:00 PM sharp.
A taxi came to a smooth stop outside the imposing and magnificent main gate of Yanjing Tiancheng.
Jiang Yourong pushed the car door open, got out, looked up at the high-rise building in front of her, and silently took a deep breath.
She straightened the carefully selected dark-colored long coat she was wearing, trying hard to make herself look more professional and composed.
She walked up to the guard booth. "Hello, I'm here to visit someone, going to Unit 2001, Building 1."
The on-duty property staff immediately showed a standard smile and politely inquired, "Very well, madam. May I have your name, please?"
"Jiang Yourong." The staff member immediately stood up, their tone becoming exceptionally respectful. "Hello, Ms. Jiang. Mr. Tang has already informed us in advance. Please wait a moment, I will arrange for someone to escort you over immediately."
"Okay, thank you." Jiang Yourong nodded and followed a uniformed property staff member through the exquisitely designed central garden, where every step offered a new view.
They entered the impressive lobby of Building 1, where the butler was already waiting. He smiled and swiped his card to grant her elevator access.
The elevator ascended smoothly and rapidly.In this small, confined space, the nervousness she had been trying hard to suppress began to spread uncontrollably.
She looked up and quickly checked her makeup and hairstyle in the blurred reflection of the elevator's mirror-smooth stainless steel walls.
Immediately after, a strong feeling of emptiness rose from her lower abdomen – she was hungry.
To appear a bit "slimmer" this afternoon, she had truly eaten nothing at lunch. Now she felt ravenous, capable of easily devouring an entire 6-inch tiramisu cake.
She had the kind of constitution with a low basal metabolic rate but particularly efficient absorption.
Although her usual appetite wasn't large, she was extremely prone to feeling hungry, which was why she had developed the habit of having afternoon tea.
"Ding— 20th floor."
The elevator doors slid open slowly.
Jiang Yourong took a deep breath, stepped out of the elevator, and arrived in front of that heavy, pure black double-armored door.
She adjusted her appearance once more, ensuring there was nothing improper, then raised her hand and rang the doorbell.
After a moment, there was a soft "click" as the door was opened from the inside.
The person who appeared before her was not the expected Tang Song.
It was her beloved student who had been "kidnapped," Qian Lele.
"Professor Jiang! You're here!"
When Qian Lele saw her, her eyes instantly lit up. She affectionately grabbed her teacher's arm, her beautiful phoenix eyes filled with barely contained joy.
For her, in this vast Yancheng, the two people closest to family were her brother Tang Song, and Professor Jiang, who was both a teacher and a friend.
Now that they were gathered under the same roof, she couldn't express how happy she was in her heart.
Seeing her, the tension on Jiang Yourong's face instantly melted into a gentle smile.
She reached out and ruffled her little head, joking, "Are you okay? I saw the photo the 'kidnapper' sent. I heard you were 'kidnapped' by someone, and they specifically demanded that I come in person to pay the ransom."
"Ah?" Qian Lele's face flushed red, and she quickly waved her hands to explain, "N-no, it's nothing! It was just Brother joking around. Professor Jiang, please don't be angry. I'm perfectly fine here. Brother even cooked for me and took me to play VR games. It was so much fun."
"Heh, already defending him so quickly? Taking his side already, are you? And I haven't even said anything yet." Jiang Yourong deliberately put on a stern face.
"Erm..." Qian Lele stuck out her tongue sheepishly. "Professor Jiang, please come in quickly. It's cold outside. I've cut some fruit for you, and I also secretly prepared some of your favorite desserts. I specially went to Master Bao at noon to buy them! There's your favorite crab roe pastry and seaweed pork floss mini cakes!"
Hearing this, Jiang Yourong's eyes instantly lit up.
However, relying on her immense willpower, she swallowed her saliva and declared righteously, "Ahem! That's not urgent."
As they spoke, the two walked into the spacious and luxurious entry foyer.
Qian Lele quickly took out the women's slippers prepared in advance from the shoe cabinet, crouched down, and insisted on personally helping her teacher change into them.
Looking at such a well-behaved and sensible student, a gratified smile appeared on Jiang Yourong's face.
"Professor Jiang, Brother is waiting for you over here."
Qian Lele led her through the softly lit corridor into the expansive living room.
Jiang Yourong's steps paused slightly as her gaze fell upon the figure leisurely sitting on the living room sofa. Her heartbeat skipped a beat.
He was wearing a simple pure white T-shirt and light gray trousers, with a laptop resting on his knees, seemingly handling work.
Hearing the sounds, he looked up and simply looked at her calmly.
His entire person exuded a kind of clear, clean, yet somewhat lazy and noble handsome elegance.
Compared to two months ago, he had really changed a lot now.
The refinement in his appearance was secondary;
the main thing was that calm aura radiating from within, and those deeper, brighter eyes.
"Professor Jiang, long time no see."
Tang Song closed his laptop, stood up, and his bright gaze fell upon "Jiang Pangpang," who had traveled here, bearing the dust of the journey.
Black long coat, metal-buckled belt, voluminous long hair, full figure...
Erm... Looked at this way, she really was a bit plump and well-rounded.
Seems even a little heavier than during the summer break?
Detecting his completely undisguised gaze.
Jiang Yourong's expression instantly became somewhat unnatural. She subconsciously sucked in her stomach and tried hard to straighten her spine.
Feigning composure, she spoke, "I'm here. Shouldn't you release my student now, Mr. Kidnapper?"
A gentle, harmless smile appeared on Tang Song's face. "Of course. Professor Jiang is indeed very trustworthy. Then come with me."
"Ah?" Jiang Yourong's expression turned panicked. "What do you mean?"
Qian Lele also looked on in confusion, widening her eyes as she looked at her teacher, then at her brother.
Tang Song lifted his chin slightly. "Weren't you here to exchange hostages? Hand over the person, hand over the ransom. Now the hostage can be released, it's your turn. Come on, Professor Jiang, let's go to the study. I need to properly interrogate you, the new hostage."
Being spoken to in such a nearly teasing tone by her future boss in front of her most beloved student made Jiang Yourong feel her composure was about to crack.
She was a respectable person too!
A full university associate professor!
How could he use the word "interrogate"? It was too shameful!
Tang Song, however, ignored her embarrassment. He just gave her a meaningful look, then turned and walked directly towards the study.
The corner of Jiang Yourong's eye twitched. She glanced at the worried-looking Lele beside her, could only sigh inwardly, and reluctantly followed.
Alright, alright, when under someone else's roof, one has to lower their head.
He truly was the epitome of a domineering CEO. Back in Director Jin's office, he had dared to be so "arrogant and overbearing."
She was about to officially join Xuanji Optical World, and he was, after all, her direct superior.
She would endure it!
As long as it wasn't in front of Lele, she still had some face to save.
The two walked one after the other into the spacious and bright study.
"Close the door." Tang Song stood with his back to her in front of the desk.
Jiang Yourong obediently closed the heavy solid wood door.
The air in the study seemed a few degrees quieter than outside.
She turned around, crossed her arms, and leaned casually against the door panel.
Elegantly lifting her chin, she said, "Well then, President Tang, what is it you need to interrogate? I will hold nothing back and tell you everything I know."
Tang Song blinked, a charming smile appearing on his face. "I heard Professor Jiang is about to officially join Xuanji Optical World? Don't you plan to formally introduce yourself to me?"
Jiang Yourong was momentarily stunned, instantly understanding that they were going through the "formalities."
She immediately dropped the joking attitude, stood up straight, and a dignified, intellectual professional smile appeared on her face.
In a clean and efficient tone, she said, "Jiang Yourong, Director of the newly established University Cooperation and Technology Transfer Office at Xuanji Optical World, reporting to you. This office is directly subordinate to the President's Office. For the next two years, I will be fully dedicated, released from teaching duties, to participate in cutting-edge scientific research and university cooperation projects. Please guide me, President Tang."
Tang Song raised an eyebrow. "Directly subordinate to the President's Office?"
"Mm." Jiang Yourong nodded frankly, her tone calm but unable to suppress the pride in her eyes. "According to Director Jin's intention, my main responsibilities are to assist you in managing matters related to university cooperation, cutting-edge technology research, and patent transfers. You could understand it as... a technical assistant, I suppose."
Actually, for a top-tier tech company like Xuanji Optical World, the Technical Assistant to the Global CEO, in terms of scope of authority and actual influence, could almost be considered half a Technical Vice President.
Especially in managing global academic collaborations and cutting-edge research projects, the power was terrifyingly large.
Her status was in no way inferior to Shangguan Qiuyas by Director Jin's side.
This was also why she was so excited to accept this career change when she received the appointment notice from Director Jin.
What I, Jiang Yourong, lost back at Smile Holdings, I will rightfully take back relying on my own professional ability.
"Oh, Director Jin certainly knows how to pick people." Tang Song chuckled lightly and nodded.
His gaze fell upon the intellectual female professor before him, and fragments of memory resurfaced.
Previously, when he had interacted with Jiang Yourong, he hadn't fully recovered those lost memories.
Now, looking at her again, he felt an inexplicable sense of closeness.
When Secretary Jin was screening candidates for the assistant position back then, she had asked for his opinion.
He had used system items to screen and evaluate the data of every candidate, including Jiang Yourong, of course.
"Actually, I remember you. We met a few times before at Smile Investment in the International Trade area, right? Assistant Jiang."
Hearing this address filled with a sense of affirmation, Jiang Yourong's mood became inexplicably excited. The look she gave Tang Song also held many indescribable, complex emotions.
"Yes, President Tang." Jiang Yourong's response was very soft, her breathing even becoming finer.
But her heartbeat was accelerating.
She never denied the unusual feelings she once had for this man.
To be honest, during quiet nights, the fantasy object of her occasional self-satisfaction was him.
Tang Song stepped closer, carefully studying her, comparing her with his memories.
Their gazes met in the air, and an unusual emotion began to rise.
A blush rose on Jiang Yourong's face. She subconsciously averted her gaze and reminded him, "Tang Song..."
As soon as the words left her mouth, her waist suddenly felt tight.
Tang Song's hand was firmly pressed against her waist. The pressure wasn't heavy, but it was enough to keep her from moving.
The curves of her mature, full, and soft body were clearly transmitted to his palm.
"T-Tang Song." Her voice trembled slightly, the blush on her face rapidly spreading. "What are you doing?!"
"Don't be nervous, just helping you with your onboarding physical." Tang Song's deep voice sounded by her ear.
As he spoke, his slender fingers slipped through the gap in her coat and directly touched the warm skin of her waist.
Jiang Yourong's body went completely rigid. Her eyes widened, feeling as if she could barely breathe.
Enveloped by his strong masculine scent, her mind felt dizzy and chaotic.
Is workplace sexual harassment nowadays... this... this direct?!
Immediately after, she felt his fingers gently squeeze the soft flesh of her lower abdomen.
"Professor Jiang, I remember when you were an assistant at Smile Investment, you were much sexier than now, and much thinner too."
Hearing this sentence, especially the last word "thin."
Jiang Yourong instantly broke.
Her eyelids uncontrollably twitched violently. Her full chest heaved dramatically due to agitation.
Seriously... is this necessary?
You come over to take advantage of me, and then you dare to complain that I'm fat?
Is there any justice in this world?
Sensing the female professor's mix of grievance and anger, Tang Song quickly withdrew his mischievous hand.
He began to placate her according to the "Little Raincoat" task requirements: "However, the you now is actually more charming. Compared to the somewhat immature, skinny look of the past, you now carry the sedimentation and baptism of time, and possess more of the charm of a mature woman."
Hearing the praise in the latter part of the sentence, the anger on Jiang Yourong's face finally eased a bit.
She snorted lightly, feigning calmness, "My teaching load has been too heavy these past few years, staying up late writing project proposals. I've indeed neglected body management. But since I'm returning to the corporate world, I will manage it properly."
"Mm, I believe in Professor Jiang's willpower and determination."
Tang Song breathed in the warm fragrance and the scent of her skin, sensing her unique aura that mixed scholarly refinement with mature womanliness.
His heartbeat accelerated somewhat.
He wasn't purely using PUA tactics either.
This Professor Jiang belonged to the standard slightly plump body type. Her waist-to-hip ratio wasn't particularly outstanding;
she even had some excess flesh around her lower abdomen, and her thighs were fleshy.
But it didn't appear bloated;
instead, it exuded a very special kind of femininity, soft and full of temptation.
Probably, this was the so-called charm of a "mature woman."
"Professor Jiang, since you'll be working in the President's Office, let's start with an onboarding KPI."
"What KPI?" Jiang Yourong looked up in confusion.
Tang Song patted her back, signaling her to move forward, and simultaneously pointed to the smart scale in the corner of the study. "Go weigh yourself first."
Looking at that scale, Jiang Yourong looked as if she had seen the devil. She shook her head firmly. "No! Absolutely not! That's personal privacy!"
Tang Song smiled unhurriedly. "Professor Jiang, I can look up your annual physical examination report whenever I want. Don't worry, it's just to record the initial data."
Hearing this, Jiang Yourong gritted her teeth and ultimately yielded.
She took a deep breath, took off her heavy coat, then removed her slippers and socks.
Closing her eyes, she stepped onto it with the determination of one facing death.
The scale emitted a faint electronic sound. Numbers jumped on the screen and finally stabilized at 【63kg】.
Seeing this number, Jiang Yourong secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank goodness! Skipping that lunch meal really saved me!
It was a bit lower than her usual weight.
She quickly jumped off the scale and turned to explain to Tang Song, "This undershirt I'm wearing is very thick, and these pants are fleece-lined thermal pants. All this together must weigh several pounds. If I weighed myself on an empty stomach in the morning, it would be even lighter."
Tang Song nodded, cooperating with a serious expression. "Mm, indeed, not fat."
Actually, given Jiang Yourong's estimated height of around 166cm, a weight of 63kg, plus her bust measurement, really couldn't be considered truly fat.
However, she clearly lacked exercise habits, and her body fat percentage was relatively high, so she appeared somewhat fleshy.
Jiang Yourong put her socks and slippers back on and looked at him suspiciously. "I've been weighed. So what? What exactly is your KPI?"
Tang Song walked over to the desk, picked up a pre-printed A4 paper, and handed it to her.
"Here, for you."
Jiang Yourong took it suspiciously, glanced down, and the corner of her mouth twitched.
It was densely packed with a detailed schedule, including recipes for three meals a day for the upcoming week, as well as detailed fitness and exercise arrangements.
There were even penalties listed for failing to complete them.
Her expression instantly became hard to maintain. "Wait, does the company really need to manage this?"
"Professor Jiang, I'm doing this for your own good. As long as you can persist for a week, the more weight you lose, the more generous the reward."
Looking at those bland, watery foods and the daunting amount of exercise, Jiang Yourong felt a toothache coming on.
How much suffering would this entail!
However, she originally did have plans to lose weight. Since Tang Song was also making it a requirement and turning it into an "onboarding KPI,"
she might as well take this opportunity to put some pressure on herself and force herself to do it.
She accepted it!
With a grave expression, she put away that schedule. "Fine, I accept."
Tang Song nodded, then changed the subject, continuing, "However, Professor Jiang, to ensure you can successfully complete this KPI, I need to assign you a supervising mentor."
Jiang Yourong suddenly had a bad feeling. "Who?"
"It's Lele. Have her live in your apartment and supervise you 24 hours a day." Tang Song's smile became even more meaningful. "Of course, as your direct supervisor, I will also conduct frequent spot checks to ensure you aren't slacking off or cheating."
"No." Jiang Yourong immediately shook her head. "She's my student. How can I let her supervise me? That's just too improper."
She was, after all, an associate professor, a respected mentor to Lele.
To have her own student supervise her like a child, managing her eating and exercise, and even being subject to punishment...
It was simply unacceptable.
Tang Song seemed to have anticipated her reaction. He spoke sincerely, "Professor Jiang, I'm also thinking about your health, hoping you'll be healthier. I know Lele's personality;
she will help you lose weight."
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!" Jiang Yourong's attitude was firm. "Tang Song, for the sake of image, you can ask me to lose weight, but not in this way. I have my bottom line."
I, Jiang Yourong, would rather starve to death, die outside, or jump from here than agree to such a thing!
Tang Song looked at her resolute, would rather die than yield expression and sighed.
He took another step closer to Jiang Yourong, "wall-slamming" her against the study door.
Their breaths mingled, bodies touching.
Jiang Yourong's face was flushed, her heart racing. Her hands unconsciously pressed against his chest. "What are you doing now..."
Tang Song leaned down, close to her reddened ear, and said in a low voice, "Professor Jiang, as far as I know, there seems to be a black drawstring velvet bag on top of the wardrobe in your bedroom, right? The things inside are quite distinctive..."
He didn't continue, just looked at her meaningfully.
The air suddenly became exceptionally quiet.
Jiang Yourong's cheeks gradually became burning hot.
She quickly realized that it must have been during the half-month-plus stay when Tang Song had borrowed her apartment that he had inadvertently discovered that "little secret" she had hidden in the most concealed corner.
She was a normal adult woman, single for many years;
she naturally had some physiological needs.
Without a boyfriend, occasionally buying some adult toys for self-satisfaction.
That's pretty normal, right?!
But to have it pointed out face-to-face by Tang Song, a man she once had a crush on and who was soon to be her boss...
It was social death.
A hundred times more shameful than weighing herself in front of him.
She pressed her lips together, trying hard to maintain composure. "I... I don't know what you're talking about... I haven't lived in that apartment for very long. Maybe someone else left it behind."
Looking at the female professor's guilty expression, Tang Song chuckled lightly and reached out to pat her full buttocks.
"Professor Jiang, don't worry. I'm not that conservative-minded. I won't think anything more of it because of this, and I absolutely won't tell anyone else."
He paused, then added, "Including Shuyue Sister, Lele, Shangguan Qiuyas, Qin Yingxue, Lin Tiantian... None of them will know."
With every name Tang Song mentioned, Jiang Yourong's heart sank with a "thud."
By the end, her face was red to the roots of her ears, her palms were sweating, and she could barely stand steadily.
The feeling of being seen through, yet having nowhere to escape, made her feel as if she were standing naked in front of Tang Song.
"You— what exactly do you want?"
Tang Song moved closer to her face. "I just hope Professor Jiang will actively cooperate with my work arrangements."
"Fine, I agree." Her voice trembled slightly. In the end, she submitted.