novelraw Chapter 762: Crown Bank
Chapter 762: Crown Bank
In the dimness and quiet.
Tang Song leaned against the headboard, his clear eyes gazing into the void.
The crimson-gold treasure chest representing the 90-point node was rhythmically pulsating with a heart-palpitating light.
Even though he had long been mentally prepared, knowing this day would eventually come.
When this moment truly drew near, a surge of irrepressible turmoil still welled up in his heart.
Charm 90.
This meant that only the final step remained from that ultimate "perfection."
Without hesitation.
Taking a deep breath, Tang Song gently touched the treasure chest with his mind, immediately claiming the reward.
"Hum—"His vision blurred for an instant, as if countless streams of light and shadow were swirling.
[Congratulations, Player. Your charm rating has successfully reached 90, completing the most critical milestone stage leap.]
[Your appearance, temperament, wealth, emotional intelligence, cultivation, knowledge... all stand at an extremely high level.]
[You no longer need to deliberately play a role, nor do you need to imitate anyone, because the current you is the real you.]
Immediately after, beams of dazzling golden light descended from the void, rendering the entire system interface magnificent and solemn.
One reward message after another jumped out.
[You have unlocked the full permissions for "Headhunter - Zheng Qiudong," "Private Equity - Wu Kezhi," and "Consultant - Anne Kate."]
[You have unlocked partial permissions for "Female Celebrity - Su Yu" and "Queen of Precision - Ouyang Xianyue."]
[You have unlocked a small portion of permissions for "Secretary Jin (UR)."]
[You have obtained "Sea Palace (Unnamed)."]
[You have obtained "Tangjin Family Office (Partial Permissions)."]
[You have obtained "Tang Yi Precision (8% Equity)."]
[You have obtained "Crown &
Co. Private Bankers (Crown Bank)."]
[You have obtained the special item "Feather of Memory *1."]
....
Looking at the densely packed golden list before his eyes, Tang Song tried hard to calm his surging mind.
He checked the reward details one by one.
[Sea Palace (Unnamed)]: A secret custom-built sea palace from the German Lürssen shipyard, taking 29 months to construct at a cost of 650 million USD. A 136-meter superyacht with 7 decks in total. Equipped with two helicopter landing pads, a mini-submarine hangar, and a full crew complement.... Internally features 20 ultra-luxury suites, an IMAX private theater....
[Note 1: Currently docked at Monaco's Port Hercules, sea trials completed, ready for use. Please name it as soon as possible.]
[Note 2: Registered under the offshore company SilentCrown, ensuring absolute privacy.]
[Note 3: It is a mobile territory on the sea, an extension of your absolute will.]
A 650 million USD yacht!
Just like that Bombardier Global 7500, this was also the result of his lavish spending in the game back then.
At this level, a yacht has long transcended being merely a means of transport or a big toy.
It is an entry ticket to the top-tier billionaire social circle and an indispensable part of the lifestyle ecosystem.
He has the [Tangjin Estate] on land, the [Bombardier Global 7500] soaring in the sky, and now this sea palace.
It completes the final piece of the "land, sea, and air" puzzle.
This means that in the future, when he and his "wings" get tired of vacationing at the estate, they can directly board the ship and set sail.
On the vast open sea, free from outside gazes and legal constraints, there is only freedom and ultimate enjoyment.
Just thinking about it gets him a little excited.
Tang Song reined in his wandering thoughts, his gaze moving down to the next reward.
[Tangjin Family Office (Partial Permissions)]: You have obtained the "Global Strategic Partner Seat" in the family office. You can log into the exclusive portal at any time to view the underlying reports, cash flow statements, due diligence materials, and quarterly audit reports of all the family office's investment portfolios.... Attend all major investment review meetings as a permanent member of the committee, with 1 voting right....
Finally officially entering the family office's core layer!
This family office has long ceased to be a mere wealth management institution;
it contains the core authority of the business empire he built.
Entering it means he can deeply participate in the operations of this behemoth.
If he wishes, he could even influence the rise and fall of an industry, or affect the economic lifelines of certain regions.
Tang Song's heart was filled with myriad emotions.
Actually, he had already guessed this before.
Most of the rewards were anticipated groundwork.
For example, his entry into the family office wouldn't be a sudden parachute drop, as that would attract too much external attention and speculation.
This time in New York, Secretary Jin arranged for core members from headquarters to accompany him to the cocktail party.
She must have already received the information, even reserved a position for him internally.
[Tang Yi Precision (8% Equity)]: Headquartered in Shen City, Huaxia, a world-class electronic design and manufacturing enterprise. Core businesses cover consumer electronics, automotive electronics, semiconductors, industrial machine tools.... Possesses top-tier R&
D and innovation capabilities, with nearly 300,000+ employees....
[Note 1: This equity is held in trust by Ouyang Xianyue. The trust agreement and related legal documents are stored with Ouyang Xianyue and can be collected from her at any time.]
Tang Song's gaze flickered slightly.
8% equity.
For an industrial giant of Tang Yi Precision's scale, its value can no longer be measured by money.
It brings not only astronomical dividends but also immense social influence and voice.
Simultaneously, for him, the greatest significance is that it creates a more direct and solid bond of interest with that noble lady.
[Crown &
Co. Private Bankers (Crown Bank)]: A Swiss private bank with nearly two hundred years of history, originally a family bank established in 1838 to provide exclusive services to European nobility. Headquartered on Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse, holding a full license issued by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), possessing independent clearing capabilities. Its fund flows do not rely on any external financial network, ensuring absolute autonomy and privacy.
[Note 1: In 2021, you leveraged Anne Kate's ambition and leverage, using her as a white glove, and completed the full acquisition and privatization of this bank through extremely covert means. It holds massive amounts of gray wealth. It is a completely private treasury independent of the Tangjin System.]
[Note 2: This matter is top secret. Apart from you and Anne, no one else knows. It is an important layout you prepared to balance internal relationships and respond to external crises.]
[Note 3: Contact Anne Kate. She will hand over all control to her "Master."]
[Note 4: This may cause changes in others' attitudes towards Anne Kate. Please proceed with caution.]
Tang Song's eyes trembled slightly, his brows furrowing as he fell into deep thought.
"Crown &
Co......"
It was actually a completely independent private bank that even Secretary Jin didn't know about?
The implications here are immense.
In this world, truly top-tier old-money families, like Liechtenstein's royal LGT or the Safra family, all have their own private banks.
The purpose, of course, is to ensure absolute control over funds.
Tang Song clearly understood that currently, the [Tangjin System] and [Miss Kate Bank] are in a comprehensive strategic cooperation regarding fund flows, appearing intimate.
But there are drawbacks: lack of privacy, being subject to others.
As it develops further, it indeed needs a completely independent, non-transparent funding pool free from regulatory oversight.
But back then, he chose to secretly control a private bank in Switzerland.
And did it through Anne Kate's operation?
Tang Song keenly sensed a whiff of conspiracy.
"Balance internal relationships.... Respond to external crises...."
He chewed on the words in the system prompt, his gaze gradually turning profound.
Anne is the heir of the Kate Family;
her father manages the Kate Trust.
She was never a rule-following good girl;
her bones are filled with wildness and uncontrollability.
She herself is a highly uncontrollable variable.
Even pure interest and emotional bonds might not be secure enough for her.
This could be glimpsed from the previous system task [Control Anne].
So Ouyang Xianyue, and even her good friend Secretary Jin, are wary of her.
Back when he wanted to recruit her, Secretary Jin had voiced opposition, pointing out the risks.
But based on unconditional trust in him, she ultimately agreed.
And has been helping him balance and control Anne Kate, and the family power behind her.
This also contributed to Tangjin's vast overseas reach today.
"Dream Tang Song" was meticulous, divine, so he must have also seen the many risks overseas.
Assigning this task to Anne Kate—was it to use her resources as a cover? Or to forge a chain around her neck?
Or perhaps a move targeting the Kate Family?
This thought sent a chill down his spine, yet it felt utterly consistent with "Dream Tang Song's" flawless, calculating, and ruthless style.
No wonder his "taming of Anne" went so smoothly back then;
turns out he already had a backup plan.
However, all this can only be unraveled once he retrieves that segment of memory.
But regardless, at this moment, he already holds the key and has legitimately stepped into the core of power.
He is starting to deal with them and beginning to take over that vast business empire.
[Feather of Memory *1]: A magnificent feather containing a peculiar memory dream. When the player is in a familiar scene and their state of mind changes, it will automatically trigger, helping you retrieve that fragment of memory hidden in the dream.
[Note 1: Exploring the past is also a major path to self-improvement. What exactly was I doing from 2021 to early 2023?]
Another feather.
2021 to early 2023 was absolutely the most important and mysterious period of memory for Tang Song.
In these two years, he completed all the subsequent layouts.
It also hides his deepest secrets.
.......
After carefully reviewing these rewards.
Tang Song returned to the main interface and looked at the flickering [Character Center].
This was also the reward he anticipated the most.
Ultimately, it is always people who bear this wealth.
And these "game characters" are the true source of his power in reality.
Click to view.
"Hum—"
The light screen flipped. Against the backdrop of a vast starry sky, brilliant bands of stellar tracks intertwined.
Suspended character portrait cards emitted lights of different colors, arrayed like stars.
Among them, the cards for [Agent - Mo Xiangwan], [Top Lawyer - Luo Bin], [Headhunter - Zheng Qiudong], [Private Equity - Wu Kezhi], and [Consultant - Anne Kate] were the brightest, radiant and colorful, with dynamic portraits on the cards vividly lifelike.
This indicated their permissions were fully activated.
He could use them to help himself, even to increase his charm value.
Further down were [Female Celebrity - Su Yu] and [Queen of Precision - Ouyang Xianyue], in a semi-activated state with slightly softer halos.
This meant he had unlocked most of the permissions for these two top-tier SSR characters.
He no longer needed to be constrained by specific time nodes or passively wait for system triggers.
For example, with Su Yu, even before her birthday banquet, if he wanted.
He could mobilize the private jet at any time to fly to Paris, directly barging into the life of that female celebrity who drives the whole world crazy.
To approach her, embrace her, and even go further.
And that noble lady far away in Shen City.
He could completely break through the original social boundaries.
Forming more intimate, deeper bonds with them.
Just like with Anne Kate before.
Thinking about the female celebrity he would soon meet in Paris, Tang Song's heartbeat couldn't help but accelerate a bit.
Clicking on the portrait card.
[Su Yu (SSR)]
[Role: Female Celebrity]
[Status: Slightly... anxious and insecure]
[Current Location: Shen City · OCT Swan Castle]
[Age: 27, Height: 172 cm, Weight: 50 kg]
[Physique: 77, Stamina: 81, Agility: 89, Comprehension: 90]
[Skills: 「Heavenly Voice」, 「Silver Tongue」, 「Thousand-Faced Muse」, 「Spotlight Effect (Passive)」, 「Siren's Waist」...]
[Growth: 95/95 (MAX)]
[Favorability: 100% (MAX)]
[Character Evaluation: She is a natural stage monarch, possessing irreplicable artistic talent and a beauty that captivates all living beings. She is a top-tier artwork favored by the Creator, and also a madwoman walking on the edge of a cliff.... Dangerous, fragile, yet breathtakingly beautiful..... Only you are her sole salvation and faith.]
This was also the first time Tang Song saw the detailed card information of an SSR-level character in full, and it was truly astonishing.
No wonder she was the female celebrity he personally raised with countless effort back then.
The various stats were simply dazzlingly impressive.
Immediately, Tang Song's gaze fell on the high Stamina score of 81.
You have to understand, after so many system optimizations, his own Stamina had just approached the 90 mark.
Although the scoring standards for men and women differ, as a reference—the often fitness-focused, physically excellent big sister Wen Ruan only had 79 Stamina!
So, this seemingly slender and delicate female celebrity actually had more formidable practical capability than the big sister?!
But on second thought, it made sense.
In a sense, [Female Celebrity] was set by him as the perfect kept bird.
Plus, she undergoes high-intensity dance training and concert tours year-round;
her cardiopulmonary function and muscular endurance are absolutely top-tier.
And Tang Song vaguely remembered that to add spice in the game, he seemed to have added many strange but practical Buffs to her.
Like that "Siren's Waist" and "Silver Tongue."
Although he really wanted to make a video call right now to hear the female celebrity's sexy voice.
He understood Su Yu's personality too well.
A mad beauty in an "anxious and insecure" state, once she knew he was online, would absolutely be capable of chartering a flight overnight, crossing the ocean to kill her way to New York.
And Secretary Jin was still here on this side...
Then, with Secretary Jin on the left hand and the female celebrity on the right.
That scene would be too beautiful, simply a nuclear-level battlefield of love;
he didn't even dare to imagine it.
Right now was the stage of strategizing and appeasing Secretary Jin;
he couldn't let complications arise.
The best gift should be saved for romantic Paris, to be unwrapped personally on her birthday celebration day.
By then, he could also completely soothe the female celebrity's body and mind.
Calming his emotions.
Tang Song clicked on another card emitting a black-gold glow.
[Ouyang Xianyue (SSR)]
[Role: Queen of Precision]
[Status: Pondering... repressed]
[Current Location: Shen City · Shekou Villa]
[Age: 36, Height: 170 cm, Weight: 58 kg]
[Physique: 70, Stamina: 76, Agility: 88, Comprehension: 94]
[Skills: 「Business Insight」, 「Art of Managing People」, 「Aristocratic Demeanor (Passive)」, 「Ink Charm Cultivation」...]
[Growth: 96/96 (MAX)]
[Favorability: 100% (MAX)]
[Character Evaluation: She is a top-tier noblewoman born into a family of wealth and prestige, and also an industrial queen who single-handedly turns the tide. Beneath her dignified and graceful exterior lies a heart of intricate political maneuvering. She is deeply versed in the ways of power and scheming, adept at balancing multiple interests without showing a trace, and accustomed to using the gentlest means to execute the deadliest layouts.... Turning clouds with a flip of the hand, overturning rain with another. The sedimentation of time has stripped away her naivety, yet endowed her with unparalleled charm and wisdom....]
......
Worthy of being the [Queen of Precision].
With Agility as high as 88 and Comprehension at 94, she ranks among the top tier of SSR.
However, Tang Song understood clearly that her "Agility" wasn't like Su Yu's, which manifested more in physical control and stage presence.
This noblewoman from an aristocratic family, her agility was mental.
It was the reaction speed to spot opponents' weaknesses at the turbulent negotiation table.
It was the political wisdom to untangle and navigate the intricate web of family interests.
Of course.
Even though they were already this outstanding, they were still only SSR.
Compared to that unique UR, there was ultimately a gap.
Tang Song's gaze slowly moved.
Finally, it settled on the center of the screen.
That card still in a "Display State · Flickering," as if veiled by a layer of golden mist—
[Secretary Jin].
Because it was still within the special cycle of the [Character Interaction Task], the permission list still displayed those familiar terms.
But he had a premonition that with the successful completion of this shareholders' meeting task and his official acquisition of the "Family Office Partner" identity.
The distance between him and Secretary Jin would be completely broken.
WeChat chats, private calls, and even work contacts would become the norm.
But more private matters were certainly impossible for now.
After all, he was still missing the most crucial segment of memory.
And she was also the person who knew him the deepest.
Once intimate contact with Secretary Jin became too frequent and deep, it would surely expose things.
If Tang Song showed confusion or logical gaps.
With Secretary Jin's intelligence and sharpness, she would definitely notice something.
Even if she herself didn't mind, the system would avoid such a situation.
Thinking of this.
A wave of deep tenderness rose in Tang Song's eyes.
He murmured softly, "Secretary Jin..."
Scenes from last night's dream surfaced in his mind.
This dream entry dispelled his greatest worry.
That was the ownership of Secretary Jin's feelings.
Now, thinking back carefully, there were traces everywhere.
Their story began in the summer of 2016.
Back then, Secretary Jin, though young, had already used the "future vision" he granted in the dream to dominate the international financial markets.
Futures, gold, forex...
With astonishing talent, she completed her primitive capital accumulation and was already a billionaire worth hundreds of millions of USD.
Faced with Tang Song, who suddenly barged into her dream and changed the trajectory of her fate, how could she not be curious initially? How could she not investigate?
This wasn't a conspiracy;
it was human nature.
She must have retrieved all his information long ago.
Even for a long time, she had been silently observing him from the shadows, filled with curiosity and voyeuristic desire.
She must have known what he was like with Liu Qingning, with classmates and friends, with colleagues.
For Secretary Jin, any version of him was not unfamiliar.
She accepted all of this.
Even hoping more that he would interact with her as his "joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness" self.
This love that transcended reality and dreams, embracing both perfection and flaws.
The shock to Tang Song's heart was simply indescribable.
After a moment.
Tang Song glanced again at the refreshed personal information interface.
[Player: Tang Song (90 Charm)]
[Role: Songmei Apparel - President (Xuanji Optical World)]
[Height: 185 cm, Weight: 80 kg]
[Physique: 84, Stamina: 86, Agility: 88, Comprehension: 88]
......
Turning over, he got out of bed, walked into the bathroom, and after a simple wash.
Changed into a comfortable set of light gray pure cotton loungewear.
Then, he subconsciously looked at Secretary Jin's character panel again.
[Status: Bathing... physically and mentally pleased.]
The corner of Tang Song's mouth couldn't help but curl up, a flash of amusement in his eyes.
It seemed the aftereffects of last night's dream were strong;
Secretary Jin hadn't fully recovered yet.
He pushed open the door to the second bedroom and walked straight to the suite's attached open kitchen.
Today's schedule was essentially just a formality.
The most critical strategic resolutions and personnel appointments had all been voted through in yesterday's blitz.
The remaining agenda items were just routine departmental presentations.
And tomorrow, the fourth day, was purely a social business cocktail party.
The reason Secretary Jin wasted so much time was simply to spend a few more days with him.
Since it was confirmed in the dream that Secretary Jin didn't reject the real him with his human flaws.
Then he no longer needed to forcefully maintain a persona.
Of course, more importantly.
Now, his charm had broken through to 90.
The [Smiling Shareholders' Meeting] task was also over.
He had obtained more permissions.
He no longer needed to gain recognition through "acting."
This made their upcoming dates more relaxed and pure.
A moment later.
"Sizzle—"
The quiet, luxurious [The T.J. Suite] was filled with the most delightful sound of cooking.
Dispelling the chill of the early morning.
Following the rising steam from the wok downstairs, the gaze seemed to penetrate the floor, slowly moving upward.
On the 19th floor, in the master bedroom's luxurious bathroom.
Secretary Jin was leaning in the circular whirlpool bathtub large enough for two.
A few strands of damp hair clung to her delicate collarbone, rising and falling slightly with her breath.
The air was filled with the fragrance of essential oils;
dense foam covered the water's surface but couldn't completely hide the faintly visible fair skin beneath.
She tilted her head back slightly, her long swan-like neck resting on a soft pillow, eyes closed, enjoying the water jets massaging her body.
A faint pink hue spread over her fair skin.
Amidst the rising steam, her eyes flickered, sometimes gentle, sometimes sharp, sometimes filled with emotion...
"Splashing—"
She rose from the water, droplets sliding down her smooth, jade-like back.
Creating rippling waves.
She didn't dry herself excessively, just casually pulled over a thick white bathrobe, wrapping it around her graceful figure.
The belt tied loosely, outlining her slender waist, exuding a lazy, sophisticated aura.
Returning to the bedroom.
She glanced at the messy quilt on the bed.
Picking up the bedside phone, she dialed directly.
"Shangguan."
"Director Jin, you're awake? I'm downstairs." The receiver transmitted Shangguan Qiuyas's respectful and ready-to-serve voice.
"Mhm." Secretary Jin replied while drying her damp, dripping long hair with a towel, giving a calm order. "Come up. Bring a new set of bedding. Clean up the master bedroom on the 19th floor."
After a pause, she added, "Do it yourself. Don't let housekeeping intervene."
"Understood." Shangguan Qiuyas paused, her voice carrying a hint of suppressed urgency and excitement. "Director Jin, there's one more thing I was just about to report. Just now, your email received a formal encrypted email from President Tang."
Secretary Jin's hand drying her hair suddenly stopped.
Realizing something.
"What does it say?"
Shangguan Qiuyas's tone became extremely solemn. "President Tang has formally sent a letter applying to join the Tangjin Family Office, taking up the positions of Global Strategic Partner and Executive Committee Member."
.....
Secretary Jin's fingers gripping the phone tightened abruptly.
She remained silent for a long time.
She slowly spoke, "Approve according to procedure, highest priority processing. Simultaneously, formally issue a notification to all senior partners across the seven global regions of the Tangjin Family Office."
"Yes! Understood!"
Hanging up the phone.
Secretary Jin took a deep breath, held it, then exhaled slowly.
When she opened her eyes again, that trace of laziness had completely vanished, replaced by her unique composure and sharp brilliance.
She removed her bathrobe and walked into the walk-in closet.
The lights automatically turned on, outlining her well-proportioned and upright figure.
While selecting her clothes, the corner of her lips curved up slightly.
You've finally, come to my side.
Next, is it the so-called battle for affection?
Harem struggle?
"Heh." Her light laugh blended into the air, carrying an intrigued tone.