novelraw Chapter 734: Annie's Shock, Departure
Chapter 734: Annie's Shock, Departure
Chapter 734: Annie's Shock, DepartureAnne saw that Xiao Jing was just blushing but didn't immediately respond.
She thought she was putting up silent resistance.
Heh, this was the most normal reaction from prey.
"Jane, wanting to become my apprentice isn't child's play. You should know my status—I not only have a voice within the [Tangjin System], but I also have deep connections within the [Kate Family]."
Anne leaned forward slightly, her voice becoming more aggressive.
"My father controls the entire [Kate Trust]."
"As long as you're obedient and become my apprentice, your entire family will benefit."
"For example, those assets your father has hidden overseas, including those insurance trusts prepared for his mistress and you..."
"I can help manage them better and more securely."
Xiao Jing's eyes sparkled.Wow, she even knows about the trust my dad uses to hide his private money! Mentor Anne is truly impressive!
It seems she's already quietly infiltrated my life.
She nodded vigorously, obediently saying, "Okay, I'll listen to you."
"Good." Anne released her, her tone becoming playful again. "Now, take me to see your walk-in closet."
Anne was thoroughly enjoying playing the villain at this moment.
The crazy aggressiveness in her bones had never disappeared;
she had just restrained it in front of Tang Song.
Hearing Anne's words.
"Yes."
Xiao Jing, blushing and lowering her head, walked ahead into the walk-in closet door.
Her watery eyes flickered with a light and heat that Anne couldn't quite understand.
It was a spacious and abundant space.
Three walls were designed as open wardrobes, filled with various types of clothing.
There were luxury classic coats, dresses from contemporary luxury brands like Maje, and many ordinary office outfits.
On the marble countertop of the central island, several popular bags from the current season were neatly arranged, while an independent glass cabinet displayed shoes and various accessories.
Anne walked in, her critical gaze slowly sweeping over everything.
The display here perfectly matched the daily life of a well-off Chinese "white, rich, and beautiful" girl.
Abundant, authentic, but...
"Too childish."
Anne finally stopped before a rack filled with Lolita dresses and JK uniforms,
chuckling softly, her voice full of disdain.
"Jane, is your taste still stuck at the stage where you need these princess dresses to fulfill your fantasies?"
She reached out a finger, casually fiddling with a pink gauze dress.
"You must remember, a truly mature woman's weapon is always her own body."
"And these..." She swept her gaze over clothes that were clearly for cosplay, "What are these? Child's play."
She turned around, looked at the silent Xiao Jing with her head lowered, and patted her head, "If your walk-in closet doesn't bring me any surprises, I will absolutely keep my word."
"Okay, Mentor Anne."
Xiao Jing's face was completely red.
Anne was very satisfied with her lack of rebuttal.
At least, this would make her plan proceed very smoothly.
Then, her gaze continued scanning and suddenly landed on a not-fully-closed suitcase in the corner.
"What's that?"
"It's the luggage I prepared to take to Qianqian's house for an overnight stay tonight," Xiao Jing answered softly.
Anne raised an eyebrow, repeating the two characters in Chinese: "Qianqian?"
"It's Zhao Yaqian."
"Oh, it's her." A flash of understanding appeared in Anne's eyes.
That person Mira repeatedly warned her not to contact—Tang Song's first family trust beneficiary.
The situation was very special.
Heh, the more special, the more interesting.
Anne pointed at the suitcase and commanded, "Open it."
Xiao Jing trembled, obediently walked over, crouched down, and slowly unzipped the suitcase.
Anne also slowly crouched down and began searching through it herself.
The suitcase contents were simple: a set of cute cartoon pajamas for changing, some small skincare samples...
She picked up the cartoon pajamas printed with Mickey Mouse and casually tossed them on the floor: "Childish."
Then, her hand touched a black velvet drawstring pouch at the very bottom of the clothes.
She immediately noticed Xiao Jing beside her tense up sharply.
Chuckling softly.
She directly reached out, took the drawstring pouch, and untied the string.
"Clatter—"
She poured everything inside onto the marble countertop of the central island.
A cat ear headband with a crisp bell.
A fluffy cat tail prop.
And a black eye mask.
Based on her previous understanding of Xiao Jing, Anne immediately judged these to be very childish role-playing props.
After all, this apprentice really liked anime.
"Put it on, let me see just how cute you are."
After saying this, Anne personally placed the cat ear headband on Xiao Jing's long hair.
And mischievously pinched her cheek.
"Hah, Tasteless."
She snorted coldly, turned and walked into the closet, casually pulling open several drawers.
Inside were various normal undergarments and stockings, with cute styles and delicate styles, but without exception, they all exuded an aura of a good girl.
"Is this all?" Anne's tone was full of disappointment, "Boring. Jane, you're really a thoroughly childish kid. When I was 14, the things in my closet were more mature than yours."
"I'm sorry, Mentor Anne... I've disappointed you." Xiao Jing immediately apologized.
Anne sneered, took out a red marker pen she had prepared earlier from her leather jacket pocket.
Then she personally began writing comments on the trembling Xiao Jing.
Im-ma-ture
Stu-pid...
Un-qua-li-fied
When the last letter was written, Anne tossed the pen aside with satisfaction, admiring her masterpiece.
However, just as she was preparing to move to the next stage.
The blushing Xiao Jing suddenly spoke:
"I'm sorry, Mentor Anne. I just deceived you. Actually, I have hidden designs here;
there's another wardrobe that hasn't undergone your inspection. I deliberately concealed it. Please continue punishing me."
The smile on Anne's face slightly froze, vaguely sensing something amiss.
But she still said coldly, "Heh, since you confessed proactively, take me to see it. Perhaps I can forgive you."
Xiao Jing nodded, walked to the wardrobe filled with underwear, and gently pressed twice in the corner.
"Click—"
The left cabinet wall popped open, revealing a brand new secret space.
Anne leisurely walked over, took just one glance, and her expression stiffened.
Inside was a scene completely different from the good girl's closet outside.
Black leather, metal chains, red lace, transparent gauze...
Various special outfits, simply exaggerated.
The corner of Anne's eye twitched uncontrollably.
She glanced back at Xiao Jing, whose face was still flushed, and for the first time felt a strange sensation that things were spiraling out of control.
Her investigations were never baseless guesses.
Before deciding to start the mission, she had already used her intelligence network to conduct a 360-degree background check on Tian Jing.
From her educational history and social networks to the backgrounds of her close friends.
Combined with her own judgment, she had reached a conclusion.
Yet she never expected the other party to have such a hidden side in private.
She hated this feeling of losing control.
But on the surface, Anne maintained absolute composure.
"Well~ It seems you're not entirely a boring little child."
She casually picked up a black corset, twirling it carelessly on her fingertip.
Her brain began rapidly strategizing countermeasures and how to adjust the upcoming teaching plan.
Just then.
Xiao Jing took another proactive step forward, blushing as she whispered, "Mentor... there's more."
Then, she gently pressed another spot on the seemingly ordinary hidden cabinet wall.
A deeper concealed drawer slid out.
She pulled it, and the drawer was fully revealed in the air.
The playful smile on Anne's face completely shattered.
A "buzz" sounded in her mind.
(≤D≥)
A complete set of props, neatly arranged with clear labels.
What... what are all these things?
How could she hide so many of these kinds of things?
Was I tricked?!
Did she anticipate I might inspect her walk-in closet and prepared all this in advance?
But this thought flashed through her mind and was immediately dismissed by herself.
To genuinely understand Xiao Jing's true preferences deeply,
her operation this time was essentially a raid—from getting off the plane to issuing instructions, she had only given one hour's notice.
This meant everything here was real.
Jane.
Was nothing like she had imagined.
She looked at Xiao Jing, finally seeing more in her gaze.
And understood that the entire carefully prepared plan might become ineffective.
Continuing as before would seem utterly ridiculous.
At this moment, Anne actually felt a slight sense of defeat.
But... this is more interesting, isn't it?
She silently turned her back, took out an elegant case of women's cigarettes from her leather trench coat's inner pocket, and flicked open a pure silver lighter with a "ding."
"Click—"
A blue flame danced in the dimly lit walk-in closet, lighting the tobacco.
She took a deep drag, then leaned forward slightly.
Amid the swirling smoke, her face was partially obscured.
"I have to admit, you're much more interesting than I thought. I'm pleasantly surprised and I like you. From now on, we're on the same side. I'll help you integrate into the Tangjin System and introduce you to more resources."
Xiao Jing coughed twice, choked by the smoke.
She always felt that this guide arranged by Tang Song seemed to be playing a role-playing game with her.
Her speech had a very anime-like flavor.
So interesting!
(*laughs*)
"But." Anne's tone shifted, "To truly integrate into my world, you still need to learn the most important lesson."
"Please tell me!"
"Ruthlessness." Anne's gaze suddenly became extremely aggressive, "You must understand that in this world, kindness is a useless quality;
it only makes you prey. You must learn to be ruthless."
Xiao Jing blinked, "What do you mean?"
"Tell me, Jane. Is there someone you particularly dislike? An enemy you wish would instantly disappear from this world? Now, choose such prey, and then destroy him in a cruel way."
Xiao Jing's heart jumped violently.
An unprecedented thrill instantly swept through her entire body.
Nani!
Isn't this the legendary "proof of commitment" test you must complete before joining a world-class dark organization?!
(≥)
Sugoi!
Lord Tang Song... He really is the Great Demon King!
Even his subordinates have such cool villain philosophies!
But... as for enemies, she really didn't have anyone in mind.
Her brain raced.
Immediately, a figure wearing a casual jacket with a slicked-back hairstyle flashed through her mind.
Li Jingzhong!
What perfect timing! Just today's freshly spawned beginner village mini-boss!
It's you!
"I've thought of one, Mentor Anne, there really is one!" She excitedly raised her hand.
"Good!" Anne nodded with satisfaction, "Next, organize his information and send it to me. I'll provide all necessary assistance, but the specific hunting plan must be executed by you personally."
"Remember, Jane, I dislike soft-hearted people. Soft-heartedness is cowardice. And a coward is destined not to go far."
"I understand, Mentor Anne."
Anne handed the cigarette over.
Xiao Jing didn't hesitate at all, extremely naturally taking a puff.
Then, blew the smoke into Anne's stunned face.
Seeing Anne's gaze turn icy.
Xiao Jing showed no fear, instead boldly meeting her gaze.
Her eyes held no timidity, only the excitement of provocation and conspiracy.
Anne's chest rose and fell slightly as she looked at the girl before her, suddenly letting out a low chuckle.
Jane, are you deliberately provoking me?
Heh, interesting.
Anne took one last drag, casually extinguishing the cigarette butt.
But a long-lost excitement and anticipation ignited in her eyes.
She suddenly felt that this apprentice of hers was an extremely interesting person.
She despised mediocrity, loathed weakness.
But extremely enjoyed this kind of game full of surprises and reversals.
Now, she suddenly had many new ideas.
As long as Tang Song didn't know about all this.
8:00 PM.
Lan Feng International Apartment, Unit 2002.
Lin Muxue stood in the living room, conducting final checks before departure.
The laptop on the table was lit, the screen showing a video conference interface with the Bombardier business jet operating company.
"...Yes, Assistant Lin. We have confirmed again that the flight route from Yancheng to Nice Côte d'Azur Airport has been approved. Regarding ground support, the VIP access and security team in France are all in place, ensuring Mr. Tang can seamlessly transition upon arrival...."
"Okay, thank you for your hard work." Lin Muxue nodded at the screen, her voice efficient, "Also, notify the crew that the meals should be prepared according to the menu I sent in the previous email. After takeoff, no additional cabin service is needed;
maintain absolute quiet."
"Understood!"
After ending the call with the operating company, she dialed another number.
After reconfirming all security details, she finally closed the laptop.
Standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror in the living room, she struck an elegant pose, examining her outfit and makeup.
Efficient, exquisite, flawless.
Perfect!
After confirming everything was correct.
Her eyes sparkled, and she walked out the door.
She didn't go downstairs but took the elevator up to Unit 2202.
"Ding-dong— Ding-dong—"
The doorbell rang.
Immediately, Xu Qing's lively yet slightly wary voice came from inside: "Coming, coming! Who is it?.. Ah?! Xiao Xue? What are you doing here?"
Then, the door opened.
Xu Qing, wearing her cute pink fluffy pajamas, only poked half her head out, wearing an expression that said, "What are you here for again?"
"Hello, Qingqing." Lin Muxue smiled and waved, walking in with an imposing aura, "Good evening."
"Good evening..." Xu Qing instinctively shrunk her neck, stepping aside to let her in.
Lin Muxue walked in with elegant steps, her gaze sweeping across the living room.
Finally landing on the figure rising from the sofa.
"Shirley, why no active greeting this time? Could it be you're not welcoming me?"
Shen Yuyan chuckled lightly, "We're neighbors upstairs and downstairs, and good sisters. You coming here is like entering your own home;
it's better to be casual."
"As expected of President Shen of [Xuanji Optical World], your words are so pleasant to hear." A hint of sourness tinged Lin Muxue's tone.
She had only learned this shocking news from elsewhere last night.
What made her even angrier was that this scheming woman Shen Yuyan had deliberately kept it from her.
Adding the upcoming New York trip, where Director Jin specifically requested her company.
A strong sense of crisis lingered in her heart.
She had privately tried to subtly inquire with Shangguan Qiuyas but gained no useful information.
She didn't have a great counterstrategy now and could only take things one step at a time.
Lin Muxue gracefully walked to the sofa, using a tone that inadvertently asserted dominance:
"Shirley, besides saying goodbye, I came to discuss work. I'm about to accompany President Tang to France soon. We'll stay at the estate for two days to experience it;
the schedule is tight. For the New York shareholders' meeting, you can fly over early to connect with the Smile Holdings team first. Regarding President Tang's itinerary and accommodation in New York, let's stay in communication."
"Of course, these are all part of my duties. By the way..." Shen Yuyan leaned forward, smiling, "For this New York trip, are we sharing a room again?"
Lin Muxue raised her eyebrows, "Let's not. This is an official business trip with President Tang. Having two assistants squeeze into one bed might make the company seem somewhat shabby."
Last time, it was to flaunt the black card, but the now-grown Empress Muxue disdained using such low-level tactics.
Of course, the main reason was that New York was Director Jin's territory.
Who knows what tricks that Financial Empress might pull;
she had to be careful.
"True." Shen Yuyan nodded, seemingly completely indifferent.
"Then that's settled." Lin Muxue straightened the collar of her coat, "I won't disturb you further. Bye, see you in New York."
Shen Yuyan also stood up, surprisingly proactively opening her arms and giving her an intimate, best-friend-style hug.
"See you in New York, Luna. I wish you and President Tang a pleasant journey. I'll miss you."
"......"
Feeling Shen Yuyan's soft body and seemingly heartfelt blessing, Lin Muxue was momentarily stunned, not quite processing it.
Seeing Shen Yuyan's seemingly sincere gaze, Lin Muxue was stunned, somewhat unable to react.
What's going on? Shen Yuyan seems different from before? Where's the usual tension?
Could it be... could it be because she got the new job at [Xuanji Optical World], so she's given up on my Chief Assistant position?!
As soon as this thought arose, Lin Muxue's heart leaped, immediately overwhelmed by a wave of wild joy!
Very likely!
Actually, regarding Shen Yuyan's new job, she wasn't that jealous internally.
Chief Ecosystem Officer of [Xuanji Optical World]? Sounds impressive, but ultimately, isn't it still working for Tang Song?
But she knew very well that the core of the entire Tangjin system was Tang Song.
Staying by his side, being that closest, irreplaceable personal assistant—that was the true path to the top.
Ultimately, Shen Yuyan's vision was too shallow to see the true top-tier landscape.
Having figured this out, Lin Muxue felt instantly much lighter.
"I also wish you smooth work, and I'll miss you too, Shirley." She enthusiastically returned Shen Yuyan's hug.
The atmosphere was unprecedentedly harmonious.
"Tap, tap, tap..."
The crisp sound of high heels gradually faded away.
Shen Yuyan stood at the door until the elevator doors slowly closed, then turned around.
The gentle, harmless smile on her face also slowly receded, turning into an unfathomable calm.
She walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the city's myriad lights below, and took a deep breath.
How could she not see through Lin Muxue's little schemes?
But she no longer cared.
In her view, the Chief Ecosystem Officer of [Xuanji Optical World], this executive position holding sway over future tech ecosystems.
Its growth potential and ceiling were far beyond what a personal assistant could compare to.
She would exert all her efforts in the upcoming New York trip to showcase herself.
[Smile Holdings]... Director Jin...
Such distant, great, and awe-inspiring names.
And she was about to step onto that stage.
Of course, there was also Tang Song.
In that city known as the world's financial heart that never sleeps, proactively seducing him might be a very memorable event.
.....
The night was deep.
The black Rolls-Royce Phantom drove out of the underground parking garage of Yanjing Tiancheng.
Merging into the sparse city traffic.
In the warm and quiet back seat of the car, Lin Muxue sat sideways, softly reporting the upcoming itinerary.
Europe was currently on winter time.
The time difference between Yancheng and Nice was 7 hours.
Choosing a night flight meant arriving at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport would be around 5:00 AM local time on December 15th.
This arrangement allowed for a full night's sleep on the plane.
And when Tang Song arrived, the estate's new day would just be beginning.
He would have almost a full day to start the inspection work in his best mental state.
After finishing her work report, Lin Muxue's long legs tilted slightly, tightly together in an elegant posture.
"Thank you for your hard work, Xiao Xue."
Outside the window, the city's nightscape rapidly receded, gradually becoming more open.
The atmosphere in the car shifted from the previous professional reporting to an intimate ambiguity.
"Ding-dong—" A WeChat notification sounded.
Tang Song's movement paused, withdrew his left hand, took out his phone, and looked.
[Xiao Jing: [recording.mp3]]
Tang Song's eyebrows raised, extending his hand, "Headphones."
Lin Muxue immediately understood, took the Bluetooth headphones from her Birkin bag, and gently and carefully put them on for him.
Tang Song clicked play.
Tang Song clicked play, and two familiar female voices immediately came through the headphones.
"The matter of me coming to find you, you haven't told Song, right?" (Anne's voice)
"No, no! This matter is a secret between us! Song completely doesn't know!" (Xiao Jing's voice)
"Very good. Take me to your home."
"...Now, I'm going to inspect your walk-in closet."
......
Tang Song quietly listened to this edited recording, a faint smile lifting the corner of his mouth.
Based on his understanding of Anne Kate's personality, he certainly guessed that this mentor wouldn't guide Xiao Jing peacefully.
She would inevitably play various little tricks.
So, he had already assigned Xiao Jing extracurricular homework in advance—
Record the process of contact with Anne without exposing herself.
It seemed that this wealthy, beautiful girlfriend of his was not only obedient but also enjoying this double agent game.
He could even imagine the excited, thrilling light that would flash in her big eyes when she pressed the record button.
"Munch munch munch—"
[Xiao Jing: ("▔□▔) Preliminary infiltration mission completed. Mentor's words and actions have been fully recorded. Please review, Master."]
Tang Song's fingers lightly tapped the screen, replying: "Well done, keep it up, Xiao Jing."
[Xiao Jing: Happy emoji pack]
[Xiao Jing: Private selfie.jpg]
......
The car slowly entered the FBO of Yancheng International Airport.
11:30 PM.
The Bombardier Global 7500 private business jet, having received tower clearance, took off punctually from the runway, piercing through the heavy night sky, flying towards the brilliant starry sky thousands of miles away.
In the luxurious cabin lounge, the lights were adjusted to their softest setting.
Tang Song sat alone by the window, looking down at the dazzling sea of light formed by countless lights below.
As the plane continuously climbed, entering the stratosphere, his heartbeat also began to gradually accelerate.
This journey held extraordinary significance for him.
Not only would he obtain his personally created private territory in the game—[Tangjin Estate].
But he was also about to encounter that Secretary Jin who had lingered in the depths of his soul for a very, very long time.
This was the perfect partner he obtained through the system, transcending time and space.
She was also the most important missing piece in his soul, the ultimate foundation for his dreams and ambitions.
"Secretary Jin, I hope you won't be disappointed in me."