novelraw Chapter 763: Chain Reaction
Chapter 763: Chain Reaction
7:00 AM.
Tap, tap, tap—
Crisp footsteps descended slowly along the spiral staircase.
Hearing the sound,
Tang Song, who had just finished setting the tableware, turned around and looked up.
On the stairs.
Secretary Jin had already changed into a set of high-end, tailored professional attire in cream white.
Her thick, brown hair was meticulously coiled at the back of her head, revealing a long, elegant, swan-like neck.
Her subtle, exquisite makeup, paired with that signature bright smile, made her entire person radiate a flowing, sharp brilliance.
She was like a newly crowned empress, calmly surveying her own domain.Their gazes met in the air.
Secretary Jin's eyes first lingered on Tang Song for a moment, then shifted to the steaming, homely dining table behind him, and the open-plan kitchen that still bore traces of cooking.
Her footsteps paused.
Instead of hurrying downstairs, she crossed her arms and leaned lazily against the carved banister of the staircase.
She tilted her head slightly, looking down at him from her vantage point. Her gaze fell on him unabashedly, carrying a hint of scrutiny, but more so, amusement.
"Yo, President Tang." Her voice was husky, exceptionally alluring.
"Good morning, Director Jin." Tang Song slightly raised his head to meet her gaze, revealing a brilliant, handsome smile.
The effect 3 (Charm +1) of the [Male-God Halo (LV5)] was no joke.
It directly enhanced his outward charm, especially when he smiled.
As if he had a built-in soft-focus filter, warm, confident, and carrying a kind of convincing magic.
Coupled with the fact that the two of them had just experienced such profound entanglement of soul and body in the dream last night,
Being hit head-on by this smile,
Even Secretary Jin couldn't help but have her breathing slow for half a beat, feeling an impulse to avert her eyes.
"The timing is just right, I was about to go call you." Tang Song wiped his hands, his tone natural. "Would you like to try the breakfast I made?"
"That is my honor." Secretary Jin's red lips parted slightly. She didn't move, but instead teased with a half-smile, "However, President Tang. Sending an official appointment letter first thing in the morning, and then personally cooking a loving breakfast. Is this... paying me compensation for last night's presumptuous and wanton behavior?"
A flicker passed through Tang Song's eyes, and the curve of his mouth deepened even more.
He showed not a trace of panic or shame. Instead, he stepped forward, walked to the foot of the stairs, and looked up at her. "These are not mutually exclusive, Secretary Jin. The so-called official letter is because I want that position now. The so-called breakfast is because I love you, and I want to take care of your stomach."
Secretary Jin's spine stiffened slightly, but on the surface, she remained nonchalant. "Oh?"
Tang Song's eyes burned intensely as he continued, "You should know, I'm a greedy person. I want to have you, both in reality and in dreams."
The air seemed to quieten for a moment.
Secretary Jin looked at the man before her, who was showing his sharp edge unabashedly. The light in her eyes flickered violently.
A moment later.
She lowered her arms and stepped down the stairs, each step swaying with grace.
"I have to say, your logic is very domineering, and also quite shameless."
Just as she reached the foot of the stairs,
A large, hot, and powerful hand suddenly landed on her waist.
Tang Song took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her supple, slender waist, guiding her towards the dining table.
Secretary Jin glanced sideways at the increasingly unrestrained and casual man beside her.
Her red lips moved slightly, but in the end, she said nothing.
She just let out a light laugh and allowed him to hold her.
Arriving at the dining table,
Tang Song, with utmost gentlemanly grace, pulled out a chair and made a "please" gesture.
His movements were smooth and flowing, calm and unhurried.
Secretary Jin sat down gracefully.
Just as she was about to reach for the napkin, Tang Song suddenly leaned in.
"Mwah—"
He planted a heavy kiss on her fragrant, soft, delicate cheek that looked like it could be broken by a puff of air.
The sound was crisp, even carrying a faint echo.
Secretary Jin was momentarily stunned.
She slowly turned her head and rolled an utterly charming white eye at him.
Yet, the corners of her mouth uncontrollably curved upwards wildly. She lowered her head, as if to hide her expression, and began stirring the porridge in her bowl.
On the dining table, there were no expensive, top-tier ingredients.
Two bowls of red date and lily porridge, cooked to just the right consistency, fragrant with the aroma of rice.
Accompanying them were two golden sunny-side-up eggs, a few slices of thick-cut bacon with a bright red hue, and a plate of refreshing, palate-cleansing cold mixed seasonal vegetables.
Simple, yet warm.
Looking at this breakfast filled with Chinese homely warmth, and at Tang Song across from her,
Secretary Jin lowered her gaze, raised her hand to smooth the hair by her ear, then turned to look out the window at the overcast sky.
"New York seems like it's going to snow again."
"Hmm, yes." Tang Song sat up straight, his gaze fixed directly on her. "Quite a coincidence, right? Just like Christmas Eve in 2020."
Hearing this, Jin Meixiao's gaze grew slightly distant, her eyes becoming somewhat faraway.
"Yes, quite a coincidence."
December 21, 2020, Christmas Eve.
That was the day the [Tangjin Family Office] was officially established at its New York headquarters, and also one of the highest points in her life.
That day was just like this, with fine snowflakes drifting in the sky.
They walked side by side on the cobblestone streets of Wall Street. Although there were no intimate gestures, it was shocking enough.
Of course, another memory was equally profound.
Just the next day.
That willful, crazy actress, who knows where she got the news, secretly ran to New York.
To create a so-called chance encounter, she not only booked the hotel suite right below theirs,
She even took a cold shower in the middle of the night, working herself up to a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius.
Just to have a reason for Tang Song to come downstairs to see her.
Secretary Jin knew very well.
At that time, Tang Song was in a completely special state.
He was absolutely rational, almost coldly indifferent towards emotions.
Regarding Su Yu's such bitter flesh scheme, he didn't even frown.
In the end, it was she who played the villain.
She arranged for a medical team to handle Su Yu's condition and coldly "invited" her back to the country.
Su Yu loved Tang Song to the bone, almost pathologically.
That crazy woman, of course, didn't believe that Tang Song didn't want to see her. Instead, she firmly believed that she, Jin Meixiao, had meddled and broken them apart.
Actually, sometimes, looking at Su Yu, who disregarded everything for love and was covered in wounds,
She felt a bit of sympathy.
Thinking of this,
Secretary Jin snapped back to reality and quietly looked at the man across from her.
He was holding a knife and fork, meticulously cutting the bacon on her plate into appropriately sized pieces.
He lowered his eyes, chattering and complaining about trivial matters like almost adding too much salt while frying the eggs earlier. His tone was relaxed, just like an ordinary husband preparing breakfast for his wife.
His smile was bright, warm and gentle as jade.
Her gaze involuntarily softened, like a pool of melted spring water.
"Looking at me like that, do you have something heartfelt you want to tell me?" Tang Song looked up, blinking at her, his tone carrying a hint of undisguised anticipation.
Secretary Jin's hand, holding the silver spoon, paused slightly.
She elegantly scooped a spoonful of plain porridge into her mouth, using the motion of lowering her head to conceal the fleeting smile in her eyes. "Hmm... President Tang's breakfast today is quite up to standard, very much to my taste."
"That's it?" Tang Song shrugged, wearing an injured expression. "Alright, Smile, you really are an aloof goddess. Getting a sweet word from you is harder than climbing to heaven."
"Sweet talk is President Tang's specialty." Secretary Jin put down the spoon, picked up the napkin, and gently wiped the corner of her mouth, smiling gracefully.
Then, she regained her efficient demeanor and switched topics with a steady tone. "Today is the final day of the official meetings. The previous proceedings have been very smooth. So, I plan to adjust the schedule—moving the victory celebration banquet originally scheduled for tomorrow night to tonight."
At this point, she looked up at Tang Song, her gaze meaningful. "I want to free up the entire day tomorrow to take you to 200 North End Avenue. I've already notified everyone about the news of your formal joining of the family office and appointment as Global Strategic Partner."
Hearing this familiar address, Tang Song smiled. "Of course, it would be my honor."
200 North End Avenue.
That was the global headquarters building of the Tangjin Family Office.
It wasn't located on the bustling Wall Street, but in the extremely valuable Battery Park City.
To the east, it was adjacent to the Goldman Sachs Group global headquarters (200 West Street). To the west, it faced the wide Hudson River, overlooking the green spaces of the Irish Hunger Memorial and the shimmering water surface.
Secretary Jin really understood him well.
Just by knowing he was going to join the Tangjin Family Office openly, she knew he had gained more "access."
This invitation was both procedure and a tacit test.
Testing whether, after the shareholders' meeting ended, she could still interact with him openly.
The answer, of course, was yes.
As a member of the Tangjin Family Office, as long as it was normal work communication, he could interact with Ms. Smile.
Of course, the premise was not to make any moves that could affect his charm enhancement.
"Then I'll issue the notice during today's closed-door meeting." Secretary Jin's eyes brightened slightly as she said nonchalantly.
Tang Song raised an eyebrow and laughed. "Is that appropriate? Making changes on such short notice, I'm afraid everyone's schedules will be thrown into chaos."
"That is not a problem you need to worry about." Secretary Jin leaned back in her chair, her chin slightly raised. Her tone carried an arrogance that treated rules as nothing. "So-called agendas and schedules have always been just tools to serve our will."
Seeing her queen-like posture, Tang Song couldn't help but laugh out loud.
He put down his knife and fork, leaned forward slightly, and imitating her condescending tone from last night on the stairs, teased word by word,
"I have to say, Director Jin, your set of logic is very domineering... and shameless."
Hearing him transfer the exact same comment she had just made back to her,
Secretary Jin wasn't angry.
On the contrary, she raised her beautiful eyebrow and calmly accepted the evaluation.
The smile at the corner of her lips became even more captivating. "I appreciate the compliment."
...
London time, 12:30 PM.
Knightsbridge.
On a mid-winter afternoon, thin sunlight pierced through the thick clouds, casting a pale golden veil over this ancient city that seemed somewhat lazy at this moment.
Inside an apartment overlooking the panoramic view of Hyde Park.
Having finished an online meeting with the Asia-Pacific team,
Wu Kezhi came to the balcony, enjoying a rare moment of peace.
"Dinglingling—" The phone suddenly rang.
Wu Kezhi looked down at the screen.
[Zheng Qiudong]
He raised an eyebrow, walked to a corner of the balcony to avoid the wind, and swiped to answer.
"Hello? Qiudong."
"Brother Wu, have you seen the email? Encrypted channel, just sent by the Family Office Secretariat."
"What email? I just finished an online meeting."
"A notice from the Family Office. President Tang will formally take up the position of partner and enter the committee."
"Oh?" A look of joy appeared on Wu Kezhi's face. "That's good news. President Tang is finally formally entering. With this, the internal struggles and friction should be able to be smoothed over."
"No, Brother Wu, you're too optimistic." Zheng Qiudong directly cut him off, his tone heavy. "The balance has been broken. Precisely because President Tang has entered the game, the internal struggles won't stop. Instead, they will escalate comprehensively."
"Escalate?" Wu Kezhi's fingers holding the coffee cup tightened slightly. Years of professional instinct made him instantly suppress his smile. "You mean..."
"The internal balance has already been broken. Ms. Ouyang is probably going to compete and confront Director Jin in all aspects. The situation will only get worse."
Wu Kezhi narrowed his eyes, looking at the spire of Big Ben in the distance, and asked in a deep voice, "All aspects?"
"Correct, including feelings." Zheng Qiudong spoke bluntly. "I was relatively subtle before, but the signs are very clear now. Ms. Ouyang indeed intends to compete for President Tang. Moreover, President Tang has formally taken over [Xuanji Optical World] and assumed the position of partner in the family office. It's only a matter of time before he steps into the spotlight. Ms. Ouyang's move might also be hoping to pull President Tang's focus back to the domestic side more."
"This isn't just about competing for favor. This is a battle of paths, and even more, a battle for sovereignty."
Wu Kezhi lowered his head, looking at the coffee in his cup, his expression becoming extremely complex.
Within the family office, the path battle between Ouyang Xianyue of the industrial faction and Director Jin of the financial faction had long been an open secret among the higher-ups.
But that kind of competition had always been benign, a strategic game within the rules.
People like them watched and tacitly maintained the balance in the middle.
It was only later, with the changes in President Tang, that the internal contradictions became more obvious and produced many intense effects.
Now, according to Zheng Qiudong, the signals Ms. Ouyang released earlier, using Su Yu as an excuse, were about to intensify.
She was going to intervene in the emotional world of President Tang and Director Jin.
Wu Kezhi understood very well that emotions were the most uncontrollable variable in the business world.
"Alright, I understand."
Zheng Qiudong continued, "That's it then. I still need to make a call to Luo Bin. This matter has too great an impact. The subsequent chain reactions are unpredictable. We must prepare in advance."
"Alright, keep in touch anytime."
After hanging up, Wu Kezhi stood in the cold wind for a long time without moving.
He sighed, looking at the tranquil lake in Hyde Park, feeling only that a transoceanic storm was brewing.
...
Imperial Capital time, 8:00 PM.
The brightly lit headquarters of Xingyun International Group, the Chairman's office.
Outside the window, the night view of the Imperial Capital was like a flowing river of gold, resplendent and busy.
Inside the brightly lit Chairman's office.
"Director Wen, the preparations for the shareholders' meeting are ready. The election process for the new chairman has also been reported to the securities regulatory commission. Additionally, the IPO guidance team will arrive tomorrow at 8 AM. We need to..."
Assistant Wang Dandan reported rapidly.
Wen Ruan leaned back in the large leather chair, gently massaging her temples with her fingertips.
Although her expression was calm, the fatigue in her eyes was hard to conceal.
Going public was really such a hassle.
For her, it was a huge challenge.
Right at that moment, a crisp notification sound came from the laptop on the desk.
In the lower right corner of the screen, a black and gold envelope icon popped up—
It was the highest-level encrypted email from the [Tangjin Family Office] Secretariat.
A flicker passed through Wen Ruan's eyes. She opened the email.
What greeted her was a formal, rigorously worded, all-English announcement:
《Notice of Appointment: Mr. Tang Song as Global Strategic Partner &
Member of the Executive Committee》
Looking at the line of bold black font on the screen, the corners of Wen Ruan's originally tense mouth gradually, uncontrollably lifted upwards.
The fatigue in her eyes was instantly dispelled by a glow of pleasant surprise.
"Finally... finally someone is coming to take the heat!"
She let out a long sigh of relief, her entire body seeming to shed a thousand-pound burden as she slumped into the chair. She even felt like humming a cheerful little tune.
God knows how difficult it had been for her to survive in the cracks these past few days!
As the key media mouthpiece strategically positioned by the family office, Xingyun International had been very difficult to manage recently due to several aggressive investment decisions regarding the [Pan-Entertainment Fund].
Director Jin and Ms. Ouyang held opposing views and refused to yield to each other.
And she, as the nominal important participant, caught between these two great Buddhas, was practically getting pressured from both sides, finding it hard to please either.
Now it's good, her own man is taking a higher position!
From now on, if the sky falls, the tall one will hold it up. She just needs to obediently follow his votes.
This is the life she yearns for!
Just as she was fantasizing about the future, the phone on the desk suddenly vibrated.
[Ms. Ouyang].
She quickly sat up straight, adjusted her breathing, and answered the call. "Hello, Ms. Ouyang, good evening."
"Good evening, Wen Ruan. I hope I'm not disturbing your work?" On the other end of the phone, Ouyang Xianyue's voice was as gentle and composed as ever.
"No, I just finished."
"The work before the IPO must be tiring, right? Make sure to rest."
"Mhm, mhm, thank you for your concern."
"It's like this, I want to give you a heads-up about something in advance." Ouyang Xianyue got straight to the point, her tone calm. "To coordinate with Xingyun International's upcoming asset securitization and the global expansion strategy of [Tang Entertainment], we must resolve the currently existing 'related-party transaction' risks and the 'equity dispersion' problem."
Wen Ruan's heart tightened. "Please go ahead."
"My plan is to initiate a share swap scheme. Have Su Yu hand over the scattered equity she holds in those lower-tier subsidiaries in exchange for LP (Limited Partner) shares in the [Tangjin Family Office] Pan-Entertainment Fund." Ouyang Xianyue paused, then added meaningfully, "When President Tang formally assumes his duties and attends the next high-level family office meeting, I will submit this preliminary proposal. I hope at that time... you can support it."
Wen Ruan's hand gripping the phone tightened abruptly. Her breathing couldn't help but become rapid, her chest heaving violently.
Have Su Yu become an LP? This isn't just a share swap;
this is indirectly pulling Su Yu into the core circle of the family office!
Once she becomes an LP, with Ms. Ouyang's subsequent maneuvering, Su Yu will eventually, like her, have the qualification to attend meetings and even participate in decision-making.
So that's why she proposed forming the fund and supporting Xingyun International's IPO back then!
She must have also known long ago that Tang Song would enter the family office.
And soon it will be Tang Song and Su Yu's Paris appointment, and the birthday party.
She instantly realized this wasn't just a business layout;
it was an open scheme.
Sister Ouyang is really shrewd and cunning, with great... strategic depth!
"I understand." Wen Ruan took a deep breath, wisely not pointing it out. "As long as it's beneficial to the group's development and helps President Tang control the situation, I will unconditionally support it."
"Good, rest early."
After hanging up, Wen Ruan looked out the window at the deep night, her gaze becoming complex.
It seems that in the days to come, although she won't have to take the big heat, this kind of drama of gods fighting will probably be unavoidable.
...
Shen City, Shekou Hillside Villa.
After hanging up the phone, Ouyang Xianyue looked at the scattered lights in the distance and fell into thought.
Tang Song had finally formally entered his family office.
This meant the scales of power were about to be reshuffled.
She needed Su Yu as an ally.
She also needed Su Yu as a legitimate excuse for certain things.
Of course, this was also her promise to this actress.
A long time later, as the night deepened.
She turned and walked towards the study.
With the activation of a hidden mechanism, a huge classical oil painting on the wall silently slid open, revealing a dark golden safe embedded in the wall.
Ouyang Xianyue bent over slightly.
Under the wrap of her home clothes, her fully ripe, ample figure outlined a breathtaking curve. Her mature charm was infinitely magnified by the dim yellow light at this moment.
She extended her well-maintained hand.
"Beep—"
With the dual verification of fingerprint and iris passing, the heavy alloy cabinet door slowly popped open.
She took out a manila folder from inside.
Opening the file, on top was a well-preserved contract—
《Tang Yi Precision Equity Custody Agreement》.
That was signed by her and Tang Song a few years ago, before [Tang Yi Precision] was preparing for its first public financing.
At that time, Tang Yi Precision, to expand its territory and enhance its influence, inevitably needed to introduce external capital and government funds.
To ensure Tang Song's absolute control over the company wouldn't be diluted, someone had to step forward to hold this core equity on his behalf.
It was she who proactively proposed it.
This wasn't just to help him;
it was also a little thought of her own.
If she didn't hold it, this portion of equity would likely fall into Jin Meixiao's hands.
In the end, Tang Song agreed without any hesitation.
He didn't even take a look after signing the agreement, directly handing it back to her for safekeeping.
The words he said back then still echoed in her ears to this day, making her heart tremble: "In this regard, Ouyang, you are the person I trust the most. No one else comes close."
These words once gave her a kind of secret sweetness and illusion.
Making her feel that, at least in this aspect, she was closer to him than Jin Meixiao, than anyone else.
Of course, as a mature person in power.
She was also clear in her heart.
This might be his "imperial heart technique," deliberately balancing her relationship with Jin Meixiao.
But so what?
She accepted it willingly and was willing to guard this foundation for him.
And just now, she received the notice from the family office.
She understood that with the public announcement of his "Global Strategic Partner" identity, this long-dormant custody agreement had finally reached the time to be returned.
Ouyang Xianyue gently stroked the signature on the agreement, her gaze gentle and affectionate.
Then, her line of sight fell to the bottom of the folder, on that thick stack of photos and documents.
The originally gentle, watery gleam in her eyes, upon touching these materials, instantly became deep and abyssal.
Over the years, she had watched him change step by step.
As his most solid backing, she had never stopped understanding him in all aspects.
She was not only watching, but also helping him hide things.
As a force rooted locally, she held many extremely private secrets that others within Tang Jin didn't know about.
The actual control rights of the low-orbit satellite network, the elite security forces active in overseas conflict zones, the life science laboratories buried deep underground...
This was also why she was so wary of Jin Meixiao, so averse to Anne Kate.
Because those overseas capitals were too dangerous and too uncontrollable.
Especially Anne Kate.
She was madly using Tang Song's ambition to conquer the world, like dancing on a tightrope.
She only cared about how high Tang Song could fly, but might not care about, nor necessarily have the ability to, protect his safety.
"Only I..."
She pursed her red lips, her fingertips gently probing into the folder, pulling out a recent photo of Tang Song.
Then, she decisively let go.
"Click." The heavy alloy cabinet door slowly closed, fitting tightly.
All the darkness, danger, and secrets were once again sealed behind this wall by her own hands.
The study returned to silence.
Ouyang Xianyue gazed at the man in the photo between her fingers, the man for whom she was willing to bow her head and submit, her eyes shimmering.
Her fingertips gently rubbed over his brows and eyes, a faint curve appearing at the corner of her mouth.
"So, I must stand by your side, become your closest, most indispensable person."
"Right, sir?"