novelraw Chapter 744: New York, New York
Chapter 744: New York, New York
Inside the black Cadillac Escalade.
The electric partition slowly rose, creating an absolutely private space in the back seat.
Shangguan Qiuyas took off her efficient trench coat and casually draped it aside, then looked at Liu Jiayi beside her, who still maintained an upright sitting posture.
"Speaking of which, it seems like you haven't been to Manhattan for a long time, right?"
"One year and two months." Liu Jiayi's voice was calm and unemotional.
A glimmer of thoughtful light flashed in Shangguan Qiuyas's eyes as she chuckled softly, "Hmm, almost exactly the day President Tang left the Imperial Capital and returned to Yancheng. Since then, you, the top special agent by Director Jin's side, were transferred to Jindun Security in Yancheng and began taking full responsibility for... the access control management of the Qingxin Jiayuan residential complex?"
When she reached the last few words, the smile on her face deepened, even carrying a hint of teasing.
The corner of Liu Jiayi's eye twitched as she retorted stiffly, "I was only responsible for arranging personnel and constructing President Tang's security perimeter. Not being a security guard."
Although she said this, she knew in her heart that the work during that period was indeed quite down-to-earth.
"Okay, okay, security consultant, I understand." Shangguan Qiuyas stopped teasing her. "Speaking of which, President Tang's former landlord and college roommate—Lu Ziming—currently lives in Long Island City.""Of course I know that." Liu Jiayi replied without hesitation.
She had conducted background checks on everyone who had appeared around Tang Song, especially those with close relationships.
Not to mention someone like Lu Ziming, who was both a college roommate and the first landlord Tang Song turned to after returning to Yancheng.
Although she still didn't know why Tang Song had chosen to live in that particular complex back then, since it was special enough, it deserved to be placed on the key observation list.
Even Director Jin had personally reviewed his file and remembered his resume.
For an ordinary financial worker, this was an immense honor.
"Alright, back to business." Shangguan Qiuyas composed her expression and took a document from her briefcase, handing it to Liu Jiayi. "Your new task has arrived."
Liu Jiayi took the document, her eyes sharpening. "This is?"
"Immediately mobilize New York security resources to conduct perimeter deployment and security assessment of The Frick Collection on the Upper East Side in advance." Shangguan Qiuyas lowered her voice. "Tomorrow afternoon, President Tang will meet Ms. Sloan there."
"Oh?" Liu Jiayi frowned slightly. "This item isn't on the official itinerary I received."
"Because this is a chance encounter. Simultaneously, this will be their 'first meeting' as far as the outside world is concerned. Before that, President Tang did not know Elizabeth Sloan, the political operator from Washington, nor did they have any personal relationship."
"Oh?"
Seeing Liu Jiayi's puzzled expression, Shangguan Qiuyas explained, "You should know that President Tang is about to assume the position of Global CEO at Xuanji Optical World. Soon, he will be exposed to the spotlight of Western media as a tech nouveau riche."
"This identity is well chosen—representing capital interests but not being a direct controlling shareholder, avoiding excessive sensitivity. However, since Xuanji Optical World involves AI algorithms and high-end supply chains, gaining unrestricted access to European and American markets inevitably requires political lobbying. Contact with political donors of Ms. Sloan's level is inevitable and must be rationalized."
"This is also why Director Jin permits contact with Ms. Sloan."
"Additionally, the host of this cocktail party is Kate Bank. The invited guests include not only Wall Street executives but also some political dignitaries. It's perfectly normal for Sloan to appear there."
"I understand." Liu Jiayi nodded thoughtfully. "So how will they naturally have this chance encounter? And make it withstand scrutiny?"
Shangguan Qiuyas pointed in the direction of Long Island City not far outside the window and smiled, "This brings us back to our previous topic."
"Lu Ziming?"
"Yes, exactly him. The Silicon Valley project recently invested in by Tiancheng Capital, where Lu Ziming works, is facing strict scrutiny from CFIUS and looks like it's about to be killed. As a good friend, President Tang, out of loyalty, intervenes on his friend's behalf at such an occasion, seeking help from Ms. Sloan who happens to be present."
After listening, Liu Jiayi remained silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Such a complex arrangement—it shouldn't be just for a chance encounter with Ms. Sloan, right?"
As the person most trusted by Director Jin, she understood her boss's working style all too well.
If it were just about contacting Elizabeth Sloan, they could have easily arranged an introduction through a third party without going to such great lengths.
Hearing this, Shangguan Qiuyas's expression turned somewhat peculiar. "This involves an agreement between President Tang and Ms. Sloan. Regarding the specific content, it's better we don't pry too much."
"Of course, besides the arrangements concerning Ms. Sloan, this cocktail party itself is quite special."
"At that time, several important members of the Tangjin Family Office will attend in low-profile capacities."
"They also need to meet President Tang in a real sense on this occasion."
Liu Jiayi's heartbeat quickened slightly, a flash of excitement in her eyes. "Is President Tang formally entering the family office?"
Shangguan Qiuyas shook her head again, her tone cautious. "That I don't know. This is a top-level decision between Director Jin and President Tang. We are only responsible for execution, not speculation."
She paused, lowered her voice, and added meaningfully, "But in my opinion... it's getting close."
"I understand."
Liu Jiayi took a deep breath, a slow smile spreading across her lips.
She was actually the one who most hoped Tang Song would enter the core of power.
That way, she could completely escape her current boring life and return to that challenging world.
Although recently in Yancheng, supervising the lazy, laid-back Professor Jiang's weight loss and listening to her various pleas for mercy had been quite entertaining.
The black Cadillac navigated through the bustling streets of Manhattan, with towering skyscrapers on both sides enveloping the traffic like a canyon.
"Ms. Shen, we've arrived." The staff member in the front row reminded softly.
The car gradually slowed down and stopped in front of a magnificent building.
Shen Yuyan put down her phone and looked out the window, her expression slightly changing. "The Plaza? I remember the hotel we communicated about via email was supposed to be The Ritz-Carlton?"
They were here to attend the Smile Holdings shareholders' meeting. Business trips of this level usually had strict pre-arranged plans and rarely changed last minute.
"Yes." The staff member explained respectfully. "It was Ms. Lin Muxue who requested the change, saying it was to coordinate with Mr. Tang's private schedule."
"Luna..." Shen Yuyan's eyebrows raised slightly before relaxing, a flash of understanding and amusement in her eyes.
She didn't need to think hard to know this was definitely Luna playing her little games again.
Probably to get back at her for not informing her in advance about her appointment as Chief Ecosystem Officer at Xuanji Optical World, so she deliberately gave her this "surprise" while also flaunting her scheduling authority as a personal assistant.
But... staying at The Plaza?
Shen Yuyan looked at the famous landmark building before her, at the iconic green spire and fluttering flags, a satisfied curve forming at the corner of her lips.
This place was not only a filming location for Hitchcock movies but also the preferred accommodation for countless celebrities, politicians, and royalty.
It symbolized the old-money elegance of the old world, that kind of class distinction that's difficult to achieve with money alone.
Compared to the standard luxury of The Ritz-Carlton, the stories and heritage here suited her current taste better.
The car door was opened by a doorman wearing white gloves.
Shen Yuyan gracefully stepped out of the car and quickly approached Shangguan Qiuyas and Liu Jiayi, who had also just gotten out.
The three didn't stop at the front desk;
the hotel's VIP butler was already waiting nearby with room keys.
Under everyone's gaze, they walked directly through the magnificent lobby paved with mosaic tiles and took the exclusive elevator directly to the executive floor.
"Assistant Shen." At the elevator entrance, Shangguan Qiuyas said thoughtfully, "If you need meals, you can directly call for butler service. The long flight must have been tiring—you're probably quite fatigued now. Go back to your room and rest well. See you tonight."
"Okay, thank you, Assistant Shangguan. Goodbye."
Shen Yuyan smiled as she bid farewell, swiped her card, and entered her executive suite.
"Click—" The door opened, and an aura of luxury washed over her.
Inside was a classic French palace style, with high ceilings painted with exquisite murals, intricate plaster moldings outlining elegant contours, and crystal chandeliers refracting enchanting light.
She walked directly to the huge floor-to-ceiling window and "swish—" pulled open the curtains.
Admiring the bustling view of Manhattan outside the window.
After a moment, intense drowsiness finally surged up like a tide.
Counting the time difference, it was already early morning in Yancheng now.
Since she had eaten on the plane, she wasn't hungry.
She walked into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and changed into a soft-textured camisole nightgown.
Hesitated for a moment.
Took her phone, adjusted the angle in front of the dressing mirror.
"Click—"
Took a selfie exuding pure yet seductive charm.
Sent it to Tang Song.
Added a message: "Already safely checked into the hotel. The view here is really beautiful, and the bed is very soft. (#happy) I'm going to sleep for a while first, adjusting myself to the best condition. Waiting attentively for you to come check my work~"
"Buzz—"
[Tang Song: "Try not to wear underwear when sleeping, it's not good for your body and can easily be too tight."]
"Pfft—"
Shen Yuyan looked at that line of text, couldn't help but chuckle softly, her cheeks instantly becoming burning hot.
She bit her lip, hooked her fingers under the straps, pulled the dress down a bit, and took off the underwear inside.
Then sat on the edge of the bed, crossed her legs, slightly lifted the hem of her nightgown, took another photo from top to bottom, and sent it over.
Typed: "Okay, already obediently took it off, thank you for BOSS's concern, mua~"
[Tang Song: [Very good]]
After confirming he had seen it, Shen Yuyan immediately recalled the photo she had just sent.
Her heartbeat was so fast it felt like it would jump out.
Sending such photos directly on WeChat... she really felt somewhat ashamed, yet filled with an indescribable thrill.
After flirting a few more times.
Only then did she contentedly place her phone beside the pillow and sink into the soft bed.
Pulled the fluffy down comforter over herself and closed her eyes.
Uncontrollably, Tang Song's figure appeared in her mind again.
They had only been apart for a short while, so why did she miss him so much already?
Her thoughts drifted hazily back to that night two days ago that made her blush.
In the darkness, silent eye contact.
Beside her was her best friend still pretending to be asleep, breathing rapidly.
The scorching breath, the indescribable palpitations...
"Huu—"
Shen Yuyan let out a long breath, finally succumbing to drowsiness, and with a shy smile, slowly sank into sleep.
.....
New York, 55 Wall Street, WeWork shared office space.
Lu Ziming sat on the not-so-comfortable ergonomic chair. On the laptop screen before him were densely packed red warning data and lengthy English legal documents.
He rubbed his sore, swollen forehead, picked up the American coffee beside him, and took a gulp.
The bitter taste made him more alert.
Tiancheng Capital had been doing quite well in the domestic consumer sector in recent years, and its ambitions had grown accordingly.
This time, they had mobilized resources on a large scale, wanting to "borrow a boat to go overseas," jointly investing with an old Wall Street PE firm in a cutting-edge AI startup in Silicon Valley.
Attempting to break into the hard tech sector in one move and complete a beautiful strategic transformation.
This was a universally recognized "gold mine" project.
So back then, Lu Ziming had used his father's connections to squeeze into this core project team.
After all, he had an undergraduate background in computer science and a master's degree in finance—this should have been the perfect career gilding opportunity for him.
Who would have thought he'd run into the worst possible timing.
America's high-tech investment review policies towards China suddenly tightened.
The project got stuck in the CFIUS review process, caught in a dilemma.
The top leadership was unwilling to admit decision-making errors, nor did they want the initial investments to go to waste, so they could only stubbornly persist in this deadlock.
And ordinary employees like him were nailed down in New York.
Unable to advance the work, unable to return home to report. Every day was spent suffering through endless waiting, revising meaningless reports, and cross-timezone video conferences.
This wasn't a business trip—it was practically prison.
To be honest, he had long wanted to quit.
But this notion had been sternly suppressed by his father.
His family could only be considered well-off. Although his father held a decent position, he was ultimately just a senior professional manager drawing an annual salary without much core equity.
This was the limit of the support he could give him.
Tiancheng Capital was considered the top financial institution in Yan Province. This job was the highest platform he could currently access, and it did have promising prospects.
"Hi, Ming."
A relaxed voice interrupted his thoughts.
Lu Ziming quickly wiped the dejection from his face, stood up, turned around and smiled, "Hey, Jason, is the meeting over?"
The newcomer was a white elite man wearing a dark blue suit with immaculately styled hair.
He was one of the Bain consultants responsible for interfacing with this project and one of the few "friends" Lu Ziming had made in New York over the past two months.
"Of course. You know, at Bain we only provide advice. Whether the client can understand it or implement it—that's God's business." Jason shrugged, glanced at the watch on his wrist. "Come on, let's grab a quick bite downstairs? I know a good bagel place."
The two entered the elevator and pressed the lobby button.
Watching the numbers change, Lu Ziming hesitated for a moment before casually asking, "Jason, about tomorrow evening's cocktail party... that former P&
G Greater China President—David Taylor—you mentioned before, is he confirmed to attend?"
"One hundred percent." Jason nodded, his tone certain. "You need to know that Kate Trust is one of P&
G's important institutional shareholders. Although the theme of this cocktail party is 'Cross-border Investment and Globalization,' it's essentially an event organized by the Kate family to soothe Wall Street sentiment. Executives like David, who have deep roots in Greater China for many years, are naturally key invitees."
After saying this, he gave Lu Ziming a meaningful look and smiled, "What? You seem particularly interested in P&
G executives? This doesn't directly help our AI project review, does it? If it's for public relations, you should focus on those K Street lobbyists."
"Not for the project." Lu Ziming explained vaguely. "It's for a friend. She used to work at P&
G and has always admired this legendary former Greater China President. She happens to be on a business trip to New York this time. I thought if there was a chance for her to meet him, it would be a nice surprise."
"Oh, I see." Jason patted his shoulder, showing an understanding expression. "To win a beauty's smile? Ming, that's indeed a great angle. Relax, although such occasions are high-end, as long as you have business cards, it's just a social scene."
Lu Ziming nodded, understanding clearly in his heart.
That investment case from the company was basically a death sentence with a reprieve.
Attending this cocktail party was purely Bain's way of justifying that sky-high consulting fee, and his own leadership's formality to avoid being criticized by the board for "inaction."
He was just a small soldier making up the numbers.
So, he had naturally invited Shen Yuyan.
On one hand, he wanted to show off his New York resources in front of this former university campus belle.
On the other hand, he knew Shen Yuyan well.
This campus belle had a natural enthusiasm for upward social mobility—the hook of the former P&
G Greater China President would definitely delight her.
Another thing that troubled him was that Shen Yuyan had actually started pursuing Old Song.
And it seemed serious.
This was quite awkward.
His sister Lu Ziyue had previously relied on clinging to Tang Song and Tian Jing to resolve her career crisis and become the South China regional sales manager.
If Tang Song really turned around and got together with Shen Yuyan...
Although a top-tier wealthy beauty like Tian Jing was extremely charming, he had witnessed the lethal appeal of Campus Belle Shen back in the day.
What if Old Song really cherished old feelings and got captivated by the campus belle filter?
Just thinking about this complex interpersonal network gave him a headache.
"Ding—"
The elevator stopped on the first floor, and the two walked out of the building.
The biting cold wind of Manhattan swept over them, dispersing the indoor warmth.
While waiting for the traffic light at the roadside, Jason beside him suddenly straightened his collar and said casually, "By the way, Ming, after this project wraps up, I'll probably be resigning soon."
"Ah? Resigning?" Lu Ziming was somewhat surprised, turning to look at this promising consultant. "Where are you going? Poached by McKinsey?"
"No." Jason shook his head, a gleam in his eyes. "It's a very interesting company with deep Huaxia background—Dejurenhe (DHR Group)."
"They just fully acquired the boutique strategic consulting firm Vimo in New York and are building a North American core team. For me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join as a partner."
"Dejurenhe? That's in human resources, right?" Lu Ziming vaguely recalled the name, seemingly quite famous in the domestic headhunting circle.
"It was before, but now it's more than just human resources." Jason smiled, a hint of awe in his tone. "After successively acquiring SCG (Stone Bridge Consulting) and several European and American data companies, it's now committed to becoming a global top-tier organizational consulting and strategy giant. Ming, never underestimate the overseas expansion determination of Huaxia capital."
He patted Lu Ziming's shoulder meaningfully. "Hope we still have opportunities to collaborate in the future."
"Congratulations, Jason."
Lu Ziming mechanically congratulated him, but as he looked at the other's confident profile, a deep sense of powerlessness welled up inside him.
Even an elite like Jason from Bain was jumping ship to a Huaxia company, and as a partner no less.
Meanwhile, the company he worked for got wiped out at the first step of going overseas, and he was stuck here like a fool in prison.
The world was changing faster than he had imagined.
If given the chance, he really wanted to see those truly top-tier financial companies with Huaxia backgrounds.
Like the legendary, mysterious, and low-profile Jingwu Capital.
But...
He shook his head self-deprecatingly.
With his resume, he probably wouldn't even pass the resume screening.
After all, getting into Tiancheng Capital also relied on his father's connections to forcibly insert him in.
A 211 finance master's, undergraduate in computer science—in this Wall Street where gods battle, it really didn't even count as an entry ticket.
This was also why he cherished his current half-dead position so much.
It's really tough!
Lu Ziming tightened his trench coat and plunged into the cold wind of Manhattan.
New York time, 7:30 PM.
JFK International Airport, VIP terminal.
The runway under the night sky was dazzling with flowing lights. The Bombardier Global 7500, guided by the follow-me car, slowly taxied to the parking position.
Engines shut down, airstairs lowered.
The waiting ground crew quickly approached, laying out the red welcome carpet with gold-threaded edges.
Below the airstairs, a black Lincoln Navigator and several business vehicles waited silently.
Liu Jiayi and the special agents looked solemn, while Shen Yuyan stood in the most prominent position.
She had clearly dressed up meticulously.
A belted black cashmere coat outlined her slender waist, paired with a professional suit dress inside, black stockings enveloping her long legs, and pointed-toe stiletto heels.
Her entire being exuded an irresistible high-end workplace allure.
The cabin door opened, and Tang Song's figure appeared under the warm yellow light.
He wore a dark double-breasted suit with a white cashmere sweater inside, simple yet not lacking in noble elegance.
His figure, outlined by the light, appeared exceptionally handsome and distinguished, carrying the unique laziness and composure after a long flight.
Shen Yuyan's breath hitched, instinctively stepping forward, her high heels tapping urgently on the ground.
"BOSS, Welcome to New York."
Tang Song revealed a gentle smile. "You've worked hard, Shirley. Did you rest well?"
"Quite well. I caught over three hours of sleep at the hotel and feel very refreshed now." Shen Yuyan elegantly stood beside Tang Song, breathing in his scent, struggling to suppress the excitement in her heart.
This was the first time she had experienced this kind of all-over tingling feeling of love caused by longing.
Just then, a rhythmic sound of footsteps came from the airstairs.
Lin Muxue's figure appeared behind Tang Song.
Today, she had deliberately applied a slightly stronger Euro-American style makeup, with fiery red lips, stunningly sexy, and full of presence.
"Hi, Shirley. Looks like you've completely adjusted to New York time. Your complexion looks good."
"Luna, good evening."
"Good evening."
As if to tidy her wind-blown hair, Lin Muxue very naturally raised her left hand, lightly brushing her hair aside near her cheek.
The dazzling Patek Philippe watch on her wrist refracted brilliant light under the illumination.
Their eyes met.
Shen Yuyan instantly understood her subtext: Look! This is the watch Tang Song gave me!
At that moment, two black law enforcement vehicles emblazoned with CBP (Customs and Border Protection) emblems drove straight over and stopped beside the Lincoln Navigator.
Three immigration officials wearing senior badges and serious expressions quickly got out.
They began respectfully and orderly processing their entry procedures.
After the law enforcement vehicles left.
Tang Song smiled. "Alright, let's continue our conversation back at the hotel."
Liu Jiayi tacitly opened the right rear door of the Lincoln and slightly bowed.
Tang Song bent down and sat in the spacious back seat.
Just as Shen Yuyan prepared to follow, Lin Muxue acted swiftly, slipping into the back seat from the other side ahead of her.
Shen Yuyan's steps paused slightly, her smile unchanged as she calmly sat in the passenger seat.
"Thump, thump—"
The heavy bulletproof doors closed one after another.
The motorcade slowly started and drove into the vast night.
Inside the vehicle, Shen Yuyan quickly adjusted her mindset and turned to look at Tang Song in the back seat.
She first gently inquired about Tang Song's itinerary in Nice, then swiftly moved to the main topic, beginning to report on work.
Her tone was clear, data accurate, logic meticulous—clearly well-prepared for a long time.
Tang Song listened quietly, nodding occasionally.
The motorcade entered the Midtown Tunnel, the light growing dim.
"Shirley." Lin Muxue suddenly took a warm bottle of mineral water from the small refrigerator and considerately handed it to her. "You've been talking so much, have some water to moisten your throat. President Tang has been flying all this way and is tired. We can discuss work details once we reach the hotel."
Shen Yuyan's movements paused. She took the water and smiled. "Luna is right. I was too impatient."
She said no more, just took small sips of water, her gaze turning towards the gradually brightening light at the end of the tunnel.
"Whoosh—"
With a rush of wind, the motorcade shot out of the tunnel and entered the brightly lit Manhattan.
In that instant, it seemed as if the entire world had been illuminated.
Countless neon lights, flowing rivers of cars, and light and shadow from giant electronic screens wildly refracted and collided between towering glass curtain walls, dyeing the entire sky into a hazy and distorted spectrum.
This was the crossroads of the world, the heart of global finance, media, art, and fashion.
Tang Song leaned against the car window, quietly watching the surging sea of light outside.
Through the window, his gaze carried a kind of indescribable nostalgia.
In his current memories, he had come to New York many times, and each time it was with Secretary Jin.
Only those memory fragments were of himself in special states, lacking emotion, lacking warmth, lacking the true imprint belonging to him.
Familiar street corners, familiar light, familiar shadows.
Memories and reality overlapped and interwove, like two timelines slowly aligning.
Tang Song closed his eyes, letting his thoughts drift in the city's torrent.
He saw—
Her sitting beside him, speaking softly.
The flowing light outside the car window reflected on her elegant nose bridge and graceful jawline, casting a soft golden edge around her.
Back then, she would habitually gaze at him.
Her gaze was clear and bright, rational yet warm.
He saw—
That dusk by Central Park.
Secretary Jin stood by the desk in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, the setting sun casting her shadow long.
She leaned on the desk with both hands, raised her head—wise, calm, powerful, yet carrying unreserved trust and obedience.
He saw—
In front of the silent Charging Bull on Wall Street, snowflakes fell all over the sky.
The biting wind blew the messy strands of hair by her ears. She looked back at him, her smile like melting first snow—clean, pure, and untainted by dust.
Tang Song's chest rose and fell gently.
"Buzz—" A soft hum echoed in his mind.
"Ding! [Badge - Strategist] has been activated."
Immediately after, wispy golden lines appeared before Tang Song's eyes.
Some knowledge, experience, and insights originally buried deep in his subconscious emerged like a tide.
Those were the days and nights in 2020 when he and Secretary Jin personally designed the grand structure of the Tangjin Family Office.
About the flow patterns of global capital, about the power structures of top-tier business empires, about the precise calculations of offshore finance...
Those vast knowledge systems that once existed only in settings, at this moment—though limited by his current comprehension and not fully unlocked to the deepest layers—were genuinely integrated into his memory.
In a flash of thought, those originally obscure logics became as natural as breathing.
Tang Song slowly opened his eyes.
The reflections of lights mirrored in his pupils, deep and serene.
New York, New York.
This time, he had truly crossed the boundary between illusion and reality, crossed seven years of time.
Come to reunite with his paper wife.