novelraw Chapter 766: Fishing in Troubled Waters
Chapter 766: Fishing in Troubled Waters
Under the dim, intimate lighting.
The buttons of Tang Song’s pajamas had, at some point, been undone one by one, his broad chest fully exposed to the air.
From the collarbone downward, following the firm, rounded contours of his pectorals, the line continued down.
Six deep crimson hickey-like marks stood out starkly against his pale skin.
Tang Song exhaled slowly.
He knew perfectly well these were left intentionally by Secretary Jin, intended for that actress Su Yu, who was about to meet him in Paris.
Normally, marks of this severity would take at least a week to fade.
Even with his Repair ability boosted by Male-God Halo LV5, for them to fully disappear would still take three to five days.
And by then, he would be in Paris.
That insecure actress seeing them would definitely fly off the handle.“Mm... much better now.”
Secretary Jin propped herself up slightly, looking down at her handiwork from above.
A few strands of brown hair fell across Tang Song’s chest, stirring a ticklish sensation.
There was a gleam of triumph and satisfaction in her eyes, the look of a plan that had succeeded.
That adorable expression on her noble, delicate face was breathtaking.
Beautiful enough to make one’s heart race.
Beautiful enough to make one want to act roughly.
She seemed pleased, letting her arm loosen as she prepared to roll over and go back to sleep.
But as soon as she moved,
two scorching-hot hands seized her waist tight, immobilizing her.
“Since it’s helpful for Director Jin’s recovery...” Tang Song’s voice was hoarse and magnetic, he tilted his head slightly and licked his dry lips, his gaze burning, “why not move somewhere else and continue kissing?”
Now that the shareholders’ meeting was over and the task completed, the system permissions had been readjusted.
Although his charm reached 90 points, there might still be a detection boundary for “exceeding normal social distance” in active contact.
But if Secretary Jin acted first, it clearly wouldn’t count as a violation.
Just like now: he was only sent by Director Jin to take care of her, then forced to accept her “harassment.” That made the logic airtight.
He wanted to kiss her desperately.
Light tangled in the darkness, breaths mingled and were audible to each other.
Secretary Jin looked at Tang Song’s sharply contoured face in the shadow, at the desire and invitation plainly visible in his eyes.
She pressed her red lips together, her cheeks flushing even deeper than before.
It had to be said, Tang Song’s physique was intensely sexual.
Even with her willpower, facing someone she already felt so favorably toward, she had no resistance.
She had originally only planned to leave two marks near the collarbone as a warning,
but the moment her lips touched his,
the trembling sensation and hormonal pull instantly ignited her nerves.
She lost control and kissed downward without stopping.
She even reached the edge of his lower abdominal V-line.
She couldn’t help glancing at the tight abdominal lines below, her pupils trembling slightly,
recalling something Wen Ruan had mentioned before.
At that moment, the hands at her waist squeezed slightly.
Secretary Jin’s arms slackened, and she lost her balance,
collapsing onto Tang Song.
Her golden-proportioned, sensual body pressed heavily against his.
Two burning bodies, separated only by sleepwear, pressed together.
Their gazes locked.
Secretary Jin blinked.
Then she lowered her head.
Warm, soft, perfumed lips pressed over his.
No longer awkward, no longer tentative.
It was a mature, leading, genuine kiss.
Ms. Smile, clever from a few practical experience points, had learned how to breathe through kisses, even how to take the offensive.
This kiss felt like two flames meeting in a pasture, impossible to extinguish.
“Hah... hah...”
Rapid breaths escaped between their noses.
The air in the room seemed ignited, temperature spiking.
Each exchanged breath sent shivers to the soul.
The night deepened.
Outside the window,
at some point the first snowflake drifted down, melting into a tiny bead on the glass.
Then a second, a third... millions more.
Snow fell wildly, covering New York’s noise and glitter with a white hush.
Imperial Capital time, midday.
Quancheng.
Weiguang Coffee (Xinyuan Building branch).
Winter noon sunlight poured into the shop, bathing the wood-toned space in warm light.
It was lunch rush, the store bustling with people.
The air smelled of freshly ground coffee beans and the sweetness of baked bread.
Well-dressed urban white-collar patrons cradled cups bearing the Weiguang logo, whispering or tapping on keyboards, savoring rare refined moments in this third-tier city.
In a corner booth on the southeast side,
Xie Shuyu held a pour-over cup, steam blurring her delicate, elegant features.
She smiled at the short-haired woman across from her:
“So, how’s it going, President Meng? Settling into work?”
“What’s there to not adapt to?” Meng Ran shrugged exaggeratedly. “Working in a big org was exhausting. Coming to Weiguang feels so comfortable. And besides, I’m a small shareholder now, full of drive! I can already picture the day we ring the bell at IPO.”
Thanks to Tang Song’s stunning performance at that private session in Rongcheng, Meng Ran’s exit from Hema had gone unusually smoothly; she was practically sent off with fanfare.
Half a month ago she officially joined Weiguang Coffee as COO.
With her decisive style, she had already taken over the brand’s entire operations.
Xie Shuyu smiled and raised her cup: “Then I’ll toast our success in advance. When that day comes, your initial shares will turn into real cash.”
“With your man backing you, success is basically guaranteed.” Meng Ran clinked cups with a grin. “He’s the chair of Rongliu Capital, that’s a leg worth hugging—his leg hair is probably thicker than our waists.”
Xie Shuyu sipped coffee to hide the shame and amazement in her eyes.
This trip to Rongcheng had been a total triumph.
Weiguang Coffee had secured deep strategic cooperation with Ling Chain Technology.
Relying on its cold-chain logistics, milk and semi-baked goods spoilage dropped 15%, and supply-chain turnover became dramatically more efficient.
The acquisition and rebranding of the 21 Coffee Talk Time stores had also started.
By mid-January next year, the new Weiguang Coffee would cover core Sichuan commercial districts.
Then it would be rapid expansion backed by capital.
With the model proven, it was simple.
Especially with Meng Ran, a battle-hardened exec from the Alibaba system, in charge, Xie Shuyu—the running CEO—could finally step back from minutiae and handle personal matters.
“By the way, Xiaoyu... I mean, President Xie.” Meng Ran leaned closer, patted her arm, turning gossip-ey in expression. “How are things with you and Tang Song lately?”
“We’re okay.” Xie Shuyu’s eyes flickered away as she stirred her coffee.
“Okay? You better hurry up then!” Meng Ran lowered her voice. “You’re a workaholic. Don’t neglect him. A man like that is like a kite—make sure you hold the string and pull it from time to time. You need to care more, act spoiled sometimes—even fake it. I’m counting on you to drag me into Tang Song’s core circle when Weiguang goes public!”
Her eyes shone with fantasies.
Compared to consumer goods like coffee, Rongliu Capital’s control over enormous capital flows was the true sea of stars.
That was Tang Song’s promised future, and her greatest ambition.
She felt her life’s ascent depended on whether her best friend could deliver.
“You...” Xie Shuyu shook her head helplessly with a bitter smile. “He’s busy. He’s been overseas recently. I’m in Rongcheng handling acquisitions. Time zones make it so we can only chat online.”
After their breakthrough in Rongcheng, their relationship had become long-distance.
Longing grew wildly, but distance and responsibilities left them helpless.
This trip back to Quancheng was because the Rongcheng matter was settled.
And because a few days ago Ms. Ouyang called, saying she wanted to inspect Quancheng and hoped to meet and chat with her hometown contact.
Meng Ran insisted on coming along once she heard.
After all, the legendary “Precision Queen” was her ultimate idol in business.
“Ooh!” Meng Ran suddenly cooed mysteriously: “President Xie, widen your horizons! Distance is not a problem. Even if you can’t meet, you can do deep intimate interactions online to bring you closer.”
“We chat almost every day, and we video sometimes.” Xie Shuyu answered seriously.
“No no, not that.”
Meng Ran rolled her eyes, looked around to make sure no one was listening, scooted to Xie Shuyu’s side, inclined her body, and spoke in an intimate tone: “Don’t you know there’s a remote sex toy now? Pink, cute design. He downloads an app, you wear it. Then—no matter where he is—if he moves his finger or talks into the mic, it responds here. Imagine him on a transoceanic business call appearing professional, but his finger controlling your... that contrast, that thrill. Which man could resist?”
Meng Ran grew increasingly animated, wearing the sly grin of a seasoned instigator.
She couldn’t help it—Tang Song’s boyfriend was simply too outstanding in status, power, and looks. If she had such a boyfriend, imagine the fun.
Xie Shuyu’s face reddened instantly; she covered Meng Ran’s mouth. “Can you be serious? This is a coffee shop! In public!”
“Mmm...” Meng Ran blinked innocently and pulled her hand away, whispering, “How is this not serious? It’s science! Technology changes life! It also preserves long-distance relationships’ happiness. I’m doing this for your... well-being!”
“Shut up!” Usually composed President Xie felt her ears burning.
But the embarrassing image nonetheless flashed vividly in her mind.
“Heh, don’t worry. I know you’re shy about buying this stuff.” Meng Ran feigned righteous helpfulness. “I’ll get it for you and set it up. No need to thank me—we’re sisters!”
“Meng Ran! I’ll dock your year-end bonus!” Xie Shuyu thumped her thigh, annoyed.
At that moment,
“Ringing—” a phone chimed.
[Tang Yi Precision—Secretary Chen]
The two women’s banter stopped instantly, professionalism snapping back into place.
Meng Ran sat upright, suddenly composed as if the previous antics never happened.
Xie Shuyu steadied her breath and answered, voice poised: “Hello, Secretary Chen, hi.”
“...Okay, I understand.”
“Understood. We’ll depart now and wait in the hotel lobby.”
“Okay, goodbye.”
She hung up and exhaled, her expression turning serious. “Don’t joke around. Ms. Ouyang’s private jet has landed. The motorcade is on its way.”
“What? So soon!” Meng Ran’s eyes lit up, practically trembling with excitement. “Let’s go to the hotel now! I can’t wait to meet my idol—the legendary Precision Queen!”
“Let’s go.” Xie Shuyu stood, straightened her hem.
.......
13:45 that afternoon.
Quanfu·Yunzhen Hotel.
This was Quancheng’s most upscale five-star hotel, located in the newly topped-out tallest landmark.
On the 32nd floor, the cloud lobby’s corner booths were private and quiet.
Xie Shuyu leaned against the chair and looked through the floor-to-ceiling glass down at the city she both knew and found strange.
Under the gray sky, the city seemed covered by an old filter.
The old industrial zones no longer puffed smoke; new district construction was flourishing but could not hide the pain and fatigue of the city’s transformation.
This was her hometown and where she’d grown up.
This once-industrial city had fallen on hard times and now faced severe economic transformation pressures.
Sensing her thoughts, Meng Ran followed her gaze and asked, “Worried?”
Xie Shuyu smiled and shook her head. “Not so much worried as hopeful.”
“Same.” Meng Ran agreed earnestly. “If we get chosen, everything here will change drastically. This is Tang Yi Precision!”
“Mm.” Xie Shuyu nodded, withdrawing her gaze. Her eyes shone with expectation but also hid deep concern.
Tang Yi Precision was a global leader in electronics manufacturing.
Such an industrial giant landing in Quancheng would bring not only massive tax revenue but hundreds of upstream and downstream supporting firms and tens of thousands of high-paying jobs.
It would upgrade the entire city’s industrial chain.
For a struggling third-tier northern city seeking to transform, it would be seismic—perhaps a once-in-a-generation chance for the entire Yannan region.
But she also knew how fierce the competition for such investment would be.
Many cities with better policies and locations were vying aggressively.
Quancheng had little to no inherent advantage.
And the biggest reason Ms. Ouyang was visiting Quancheng, Xie Shuyu guessed, was Tang Song.
She had basically confirmed there was a special warm relationship between Tang Song and Ms. Ouyang.
It seemed unbelievable, but a woman’s intuition told her it was true.
Ms. Ouyang’s trip seemed less like a pure business visit and more like affection extending to associated parties.
“Hope it works out,” Xie Shuyu murmured.
At that moment,
her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen and stood immediately, a hint of tension in her voice: “Secretary Chen says the motorcade is downstairs and arriving soon!”
“Oh! Oh!” Meng Ran scrambled up, straightening collar and hair, even topping up her lipstick in a tiny mirror.
Xie Shuyu picked up her bag, inhaled, and stepped toward the elevator.
Her high heels made no sound on the carpet.
But inside, she was not as calm as she appeared.
Besides reverence for the business legend, a strange mix of “meeting the chief wife” nerves and guilt fluttered in her chest.
.......
A few minutes later, movement came from the far-left private elevator foyer.
First out were security staff in black suits with earpieces.
They made no noisy display, quickly and professionally taking positions at the foyer corners and key points leading to the lounge, vigilant and cold-eyed.
Then,
“Coo—”
The middle executive elevator doors slid open slowly.
Secretary Chen stepped out first.
She carried no briefcase but draped a high-quality black cashmere coat over her arm, solemn-faced, tilting slightly to hold the door.
Then a figure emerged.
She wore a deep camel cashmere cardigan over a revised dark-green silk Mandarin-collar blouse.
Her hair was loosely pinned at the back with a plain silver hairpin, revealing a full smooth forehead and an exquisitely beautiful face.
She didn’t need to put on a stern expression.
Simply walking out like that, her innate nobility and unspoken authority instantly hushed the lobby’s murmurs.
Behind her were two executive assistants carrying briefcases and several household staff handling luggage and check-in.
A party of seven or eight, orderly though not ostentatious.
Seeing Ouyang Xianyue up close, Meng Ran instinctively held her breath, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
She nudged her best friend to signal it was time to step forward.
Before Xie Shuyu could speak,
Ouyang Xianyue stopped and looked over at them, a soft smile curling her lips as she walked toward them with an irresistible warmth.
“Ms. Ouyang.”
“Suyu, long time no see.” Ouyang Xianyue stepped forward and embraced her.
Xie Shuyu felt flattered. “Long time no see.”
In truth, their connection was distant—only a brief meeting before.
She hadn’t expected such warmth.
After a few polite exchanges, Ouyang Xianyue tilted her head, eyes glinting as she took in the flustered Meng Ran standing beside her.
Before Xie Shuyu could introduce her, Ouyang smiled: “You must be Miss Meng Ran, the new COO of Weiguang Coffee.”
Meng Ran’s face froze.
She hadn’t expected Ouyang to call her out by name.
That feeling of being so well-prepared by a top figure left her giddy; she stuttered with excitement: “Ms. Ouyang, hello, I’m truly honored to meet you.”
Ouyang Xianyue smiled like spring rain, instantly dissolving the surrounding stiffness: “Let’s go upstairs; too many prying eyes here.”
“Okay.”
Footsteps sounded.
Escorted by security, the group took the private elevator to the top floor.
When the heavy double doors opened, Quancheng’s most luxurious presidential suite revealed itself.
Nearly 500 square meters, grand decor everywhere.
Ouyang Xianyue removed her coat and handed it to an assistant.
As if at home, she gracefully led Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran to the huanghuali tea table in the reception area.
“Sit, don’t be shy.”
She sat with poise and gestured them to the opposite seats.
Secretary Chen had already taken over the tea service, moving through cup cleaning, tea placement, brewing, and sealing with fluid, noiseless motions—the clear clink of porcelain the only sound.
Soon, the air filled with the soothing scent of aged Pu'er tea.
“Quancheng’s water chemistry is harsh and the climate dry.” Ouyang Xianyue lifted a cup of amber tea and gently blew the steam, speaking relaxedly: “At this time, mature Pu’er moistens dryness and soothes the stomach.”
She pushed two cups forward and looked at Xie Shuyu with warm, deep eyes.
“This trip was rushed. I didn’t give you much time to prepare. I hope I didn’t disturb your work.”
“How could you!” Xie Shuyu took the cup with both hands, sitting upright and sincere: “Being invited by you is an honor. And you personally leading this inspection is a tremendous honor for our city.”
“No need for such formality.” Ouyang sipped and set the cup down.
The conversation naturally turned to Weiguang Coffee.
“I heard you just completed the acquisition of Coffee Talk Time in Rongcheng? Are you planning to use that as a springboard to expand across the southwest?”
Talking shop loosened Xie Shuyu’s stiffness; she spoke confidently and clearly about Weiguang Coffee’s strategic plans and supply-chain integration details.
Ouyang listened attentively and nodded occasionally.
The atmosphere grew warm and composed.
Meng Ran read the room—understanding Ouyang’s primary interest was Xie Shuyu and that she was merely an accessory—so she sipped tea quietly and occasionally helped keep the energy light.
But watching Ouyang’s majestic face and hearing her gentle yet powerful voice, Meng Ran wanted to scream inwardly; the charisma and eloquence were intoxicating.
After a while, the topic shifted to Tang Yi Precision’s inspection of Quancheng.
Ouyang’s tone softened; she looked at Xie Shuyu and said slowly:
“Suyu, I didn’t just invite you to catch up. I have a favor to ask.”
Xie Shuyu sat up straight: “Please say it.”
“You’re local and know the situation best. I’d like to invite you to be my guide during the Quancheng inspection.” Ouyang’s gaze was sincere: “Over the next few days I’ll be meeting closely with provincial and municipal leadership. At some formal occasions, I’d like you at my side. You can introduce local customs and, with you present, I can be more relaxed and hear more genuine feedback.”
Xie Shuyu’s fingers tightened around the cup; her heart surged.
A guide?
This was no small favor—it was massive support.
Although Weiguang had grown fast, its headquarters remained in Yan Province, and in a society where relationships and political resources mattered, her local foundations were shallow.
Now, Ouyang inviting her to accompany inspections and meet leaders meant Ouyang was personally using her influence to provide political cover.
This sort of covert political resource was priceless to anyone who wanted to deepen local business roots.
Xie Shuyu inhaled and tamped down her excitement. “Thank you for your trust. As a Quancheng native, I will show you the truest and most promising side of the city.”
“Good.” Ouyang nodded approvingly, then added meaningfully: “No need to be formal—we’re on the same side.”
Meng Ran gaped; she had originally thought Xie Shuyu’s link to Ouyang was through Tang Song and thus a thin contact.
But this was more like inner circle status—“on the same side” being said out loud!
The relationship was rock-solid.
Xie Shuyu lowered her head and drank tea to hide her heat.
Before she could think more, Ouyang shifted topics: “By the way, from what you described, Weiguang plans nationwide expansion and supply-chain upgrades next year. Is there a new financing plan?”
Xie Shuyu answered honestly: “Yes. Beyond the planned Series B financing, I’m contacting several banks about credit. But I’m not experienced in capital operations. For decisions, Tang Song handles it.”
She was an expert in supply-chain and store ops, but capital strategy was Tang Song’s domain.
Ouyang smiled slightly without comment.
She raised a hand. Secretary Chen stepped forward and retrieved a deep-blue, tasteful document from her briefcase, presenting it respectfully.
“Perfect timing—Weiguang Coffee’s CEO and COO are both here today.” Ouyang took the file, ran her fingertip over the cover, and pushed it to them: “Want to take a look?”
Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran exchanged a look.
Xie Shuyu took the file.
At the gilded logo on the cover, their pupils contracted and their hearts raced.
A minimalist black-and-gold shield, beneath it an English line representing wealth, mystery, and power:
TangJin Capital (Tangjin Family Office).
This legendary family office had risen forcefully in Huaxia over the past two years and even caused a stir on Wall Street.
They knew the name well.
Rumor had it the woman opposite was one of the co-founders—an actual behind-the-scenes powerhouse.
Both women were sharp businesspeople and pieced things together, quietly stunned.
Ouyang pointed at the document: “TangJin has a Changqing Consumer Industry Fund, not huge—initial phase fifty billion dollars. Currently my team is managing the fund’s investment decisions.”
She looked at Xie Shuyu with a gentle smile: “President Xie, would you be interested in bringing Weiguang Coffee into TangJin’s ecosystem? We’re interested in leading your Series B, maybe even C.”
“Wha—”
Meng Ran sucked in air and almost slid off her chair.
Fifty billion dollars called “not large”?
And TangJin leading?
This meant Weiguang would be stamped as TangJin-affiliated.
Facing VCs and PEs in the capital markets, they’d walk like gods.
Xie Shuyu’s hands trembled on the file.
Before they could process the bombshell, Ouyang dropped a second revelation: “There’s another matter. Have you heard of Xuanji Optical World?”
“Yes.” Xie Shuyu re-centered herself, thinking quickly: “It’s a super-unicorn incubated by Tang Yi Precision. Supposedly leading globally in VR, AR, and AI holographic applications. A front-runner for the future metaverse and spatial computing.”
Meng Ran nodded fervently—though a consumer industry player, she kept up with tech headlines.
“That’s right,” Ouyang acknowledged. “Weiguang’s flagship stores are in core commercial areas, large spaces, with customers who have spending power and crave new experiences.”
“Once you join the TangJin system, I want to facilitate a cross-industry collaboration.”
“In your flagship stores, carve out dedicated spaces as exclusive offline experience zones for Xuanji Optical World.”
Her fingers tapped the table as she painted the plan: “Let customers drink coffee while experiencing the world’s top holographic interactive devices.”
“For Weiguang, it’s an enormous traffic driver and brand elevation. For Xuanji, it’s the most precise offline touchpoint. Win-win.”
Xie Shuyu’s breath hitched; her chest rose sharply.
This wasn’t just win-win—this was unilateral resource tilt.
Current coffee shops were scrambling for collabs and merch. If Weiguang introduced top-tier black-tech experiences, it would annihilate competitors.
As Ouyang said, Weiguang’s flagship stores in first-tier cities had spare space. A deal would remake Weiguang into a “future tech lifestyle” experience center.
As a career-driven CEO, she could not refuse.
Meng Ran was stunned into dumbness.
Weiguang had potential with top supply-chain and money, but Ouyang’s offer wasn’t merely an olive branch; it was an invitation to board a nuclear-powered carrier:
Join TangJin’s ecosystem...
Tang Yi Precision, Smile Holdings, Jingwu Capital...
What an immense, integrated commercial empire!
Even a pig standing on that deck could fly.
Yet in the face of such temptation, Xie Shuyu forced herself to stay calm.
She bit her lower lip and looked up: “Ms. Ouyang, this is huge and sudden. I need to consult Tang Song. Previously we agreed Tang Song would have the final say on Series B. You know Weiguang would not be where it is without his support—he’s the true major shareholder.”
Did she want it? Of course.
It was a dream windfall for entrepreneurs.
But she knew her position.
She wasn’t only Tang Song’s girlfriend—she was his partner.
Matters involving equity and strategic direction couldn’t be decided without him. It was protocol, respect, and her bottom line.
More than that, a wave of irrational fear and suspicion rose in her: was Ouyang offering a “breakup fee,” hoping she’d back off and leave Tang Song?
After all, the two levers Ouyang offered were enormous and hit her soft spot.
Ouyang watched her expression and, eyes shifting, instantly understood what she meant.
Her admiration for Xie Shuyu deepened.
“I appreciate your hesitation. But put Tang Song aside for a moment—would you, as Weiguang’s founder, be interested?” Ouyang asked.
“To be frank...” Xie Shuyu took a breath and answered honestly: “The temptation is enormous. I don’t think anyone would refuse.”
“Good.” Ouyang reclined slightly with a faint smile, relaxed as if in control of everything. “You don’t need to overthink or feel burdened. I proposed this because I want you and Tang Song to have a deeper, closer intersection.”
“I...” Xie Shuyu’s eyes flickered, baffled.
A deeper intersection? What did that mean?
“You may not know,” Ouyang continued, eyes deepening, “Tang Song is currently the global CEO of Xuanji Optical World. He’s also TangJin Family Office’s Global Strategic Partner and sits on the executive committee’s core seats.”
“So, Suyu. We are already family.”
Silence fell. Only the tea steam rose slowly.
“What?!”
Meng Ran, who’d been quietly spectating, jolted and nearly spilled her cup; she didn’t even notice.
CEO of Xuanji Optical World?
Global Strategic Partner of TangJin Family Office?
Good heavens!
This is—so over the top!
Xie Shuyu stared at Ouyang and then at the Tang&Jin-branded file in her hands.
Her head buzzed.
Ouyang lifted her cup, letting the steam veil the glow in her eyes.
A faint curve appeared at her mouth.
Yes—she deliberately wanted to muddy the waters.
She desired a profusion of flowers, or rather, a chaotic balance.
She wanted every woman around Tang Song deeply entangled in TangJin’s web of interests.
She intended for relationships to be complex and intertwined, emotions and benefits twined like vines that no one could untangle.
Only when the waters were muddled could she brazenly fish.
She took a small sip of tea, and the smile at her lips deepened.