novelraw Chapter 780: "Like a Dream"
Chapter 780: "Like a Dream"
The silence in the living room lasted only a very short time. Wen Ruan, after all, was someone who had weathered major storms. She quickly reined in the shocked expression on her face. Adjusting her sitting posture, her ample bosom slowly settled with a deep breath as she said in a low voice, "Director Jin, I..."
"Don't worry, I mean no harm." Secretary Jin's smile remained bright and sunny, her gaze carrying a composure that seemed to see through everything. "You are a consultant committee member in the media field within the Family Office. This matter should naturally seek your opinion. Moreover, we are not just work colleagues; our personal relationship is equally important. I am not an unreasonable person, and I understand your difficult position."
Wen Ruan's eyes flickered slightly, the tightly wound string in her heart finally relaxing. "Thank you, Director Jin," she said softly.
Indeed, just as Director Jin had said. The cultural media field she was responsible for was inherently inseparable from entertainment, which destined her relationship with Su Yu and Mo Xiangwan to be close. This often left her caught in the middle, torn between sides, becoming the natural "scapegoat."
Now, Director Jin had actively offered her a way out and adopted her suggestion. This was not only giving her immense face but also a weighty favor. If Ms. Ouyang, Su Yu, and Mo Xiangwan learned of this, they would absolutely view her in a new light and feel grateful.
"Saying thank you is being too formal." Secretary Jin gracefully tilted her head and gave a subtle glance to Shangguan Qiuyas, who stood quietly to the side.
Shangguan Qiuyas understood immediately, giving a slight nod. She opened her briefcase and took out a delicate envelope, gently placing it on the coffee table in front of Wen Ruan.
"This is...?" A look of confusion appeared on Wen Ruan's face as she looked at Director Jin, waiting for an explanation.
"Open it and see." Secretary Jin gestured with her hand.
Wen Ruan complied, picking up the envelope and lightly prying open the seal with her fingertips. The contents slid into her palm, reflecting a cold, sleek, and weighty metallic sheen under the dim yellow light.It was a solid black titanium card.
On the card face was printed a custom-designed logo jointly created by Miss Kate Private Bank and American Express Centurion.
A very familiar card.
It was exactly one of the meeting gifts Director Jin had given her during their first meeting in Yancheng.
A black credit card with no spending limit.
Linked to Director Jin's private account.
Given the weight of the name "Jin Meixiao" in the global wealth landscape, forget buying bags or cars. If she wanted to, even ordering a Gulfstream private jet right now, this card would swipe through without a hitch.
Secretary Jin leaned back slightly, sinking into the soft sofa. "The card I gave you last time we met, you refused. I said, keep it for now, we'll talk about it later." She paused, her gaze settling on Wen Ruan's face with a hint of amusement. "Now, I think it's time. You are already the Chairman of Nebula International and a valued partner the Family Office relies on. Next, you have the visiting scholar program at Oxford. Being overseas, having this will bring you a lot of convenience. It can also save you from many tedious identity verification hassles."
"I think you won't refuse this time, will you?"
Hearing her words, Wen Ruan's eyelids twitched.
The reason she had firmly refused to accept it before was precisely because this gift was too heavy. It seemed to have an invisible "price tag" attached, making her feel apprehensive and unable to bear it. She didn't want to be bound in such a manner.
Moreover, her desire for material things truly wasn't that great.
But now, the situation was completely different.
Director Jin had just done her a huge favor, adopted her suggestion, and explicitly stated it was because of their personal relationship that she agreed. Giving her ample face.
Now, pushing this card before her again, the gesture had shifted from "gifting" to practical support and trust for a "friend."
Favor and circumstance intertwined.
If she refused again now, it would seem too unreasonable. It might even ruin the harmony and tacit understanding just established.
The struggle lasted only an instant.
Wen Ruan lifted her eyes, meeting Secretary Jin's waiting gaze. Her full, luscious lips pressed together lightly. Then she reached out and solemnly grasped the black-gold card along with the envelope in her hand.
"Thank you, Director Jin. This time, I won't decline. I will use it appropriately."
The curve of Secretary Jin's lips lifted slightly, a satisfied glint flashing in her eyes. "During your time abroad, if you encounter anything that needs coordination, whether in life or academics, you can directly contact the private butler team at Miss Kate Bank. They will provide you with all necessary support."
"Mhm, I understand." Wen Ruan nodded obediently.
Afterwards, the two chatted about the upcoming IPO preparation work for Xingyun International Group.
Seeing the task was successfully completed, Shangguan Qiuyas, with great tact, gathered the documents, respectfully turned, and left the living room, leaving the space to the two of them.
As she turned, a trace of a barely perceptible smile flashed in her eyes. Director Jin's move was indeed masterful.
Going with the flow, she not only easily resolved the situation but also placed Wen Ruan in a pivotal position of favor.
This way, Wen Ruan could completely gain the trust of Ms. Ouyang and Su Yu, and even have the opportunity to enter the core of their interests.
In the future, there might well be a chance for her to take over the series of funds and advisory resources controlled by Ms. Ouyang's side.
A controllable, knowing-her-place Wen Ruan was far better than the other two.
Moreover, based on Shangguan Qiuyas's understanding, Director Jin had originally intended to agree to let Su Yu "enter the game." She just needed an opportunity, a pretext to make this decision seem logical, even as if she had been persuaded.
She personally brought Wen Ruan for the visiting scholar program, adopted the other's opinion on a major decision, plus that black card representing deep trust and personal friendship... With these moves, warmth, respect, and interest binding... every aspect was taken care of.
Even if Wen Ruan clearly understood Director Jin's intentions in her heart, it would be hard not to feel goodwill, not to feel gratitude.
After finishing the business talk, Secretary Jin checked the time and then extended an invitation. "During your time in London, stay at my place. There are many guest rooms upstairs. It's safer and more convenient for us to communicate anytime."
Before Wen Ruan could politely refuse, Secretary Jin seemed to remember something and smiled. "Oh, right, if you stay here, you'll also get to meet an old acquaintance."
"Old acquaintance?" Wen Ruan was taken aback, a flicker of confusion in her eyes.
"Let me take you to see her first." Secretary Jin slowly rose, gracefully heading towards the staircase. "Speaking of which, she's also in the UK furthering her education. And according to the plan, she should also enter the Family Office system next. You two might have a lot in common."
Wen Ruan, full of curiosity, could only get up and follow.
Looking at Director Jin's back ahead, Wen Ruan couldn't help but click her tongue inwardly. Although Director Jin's figure wasn't as exaggeratedly curvaceous as hers, that perfect golden ratio, paired with elegant and sexy collarbone lines, was truly high-level perfection.
This kind of innate, perfectly controlled sexiness and aura... among the people she knew, probably only that "demon" Su Yu could rival it.
Speaking of which... Tang Song should have already "devoured" that big star in Paris by now, right?
Thinking of Su Yu's face, beautiful enough to topple cities and ruin states, Wen Ruan subconsciously licked her lips, unsure in her heart whether to feel envy or sympathy.
Really, even she, a woman, felt her heart stir looking at her, let alone that lecher Tang Song.
Those two right now... they must be going crazy, no?
Lost in wild thoughts, the footsteps ahead stopped.
Secretary Jin paused before a heavy redwood door.
*Click.*
Slender fingers pressed the handle, and the door opened in response.
"Come in."
Wen Ruan gathered her thoughts and followed inside.
It was a study arranged with extreme professionalism. Bookshelves lined the walls, with a small office area in the center.
Immediately, she saw a tall figure quickly walking out from behind the wide desk.
When she clearly saw that person's face, Wen Ruan was stunned.
"Luna?"
How was she here?
The key was, she seemed to have changed quite a bit.
Every time they met before, Lin Muxue was always exquisitely made up, covered in luxury goods, carrying a bright, aggressive aura.
Now, her whole person seemed much plainer, and her dressing style had completely changed. A high-quality beige silk shirt, collar buttoned properly, paired with a well-tailored high-waisted pencil skirt of the same color, outlining a slender waist and long leg lines.
Her face wore only the lightest makeup, her long hair simply tied up, appearing clean, elegant, and intellectual.
This style... bore some resemblance to Director Jin's classic public image.
"Director Wen!" Lin Muxue quickly stepped forward, a well-trained, appropriate smile on her face, though her voice couldn't hide her excitement.
She first gave a slight bow to Secretary Jin, reporting in a steady tone, "Director Jin, you've returned just in time. I just completed the analysis summary of Miss Kate Bank's third-quarter asset allocation report, highlighting their changing investment tendencies in the Asia-Pacific emerging tech sector. It's already sent to your email. Also, the detailed schedule and professor background information regarding Director Wen's visiting scholar program at Oxford University have been preliminarily sorted out."
Secretary Jin's gaze rested on her with approval for a moment, giving a slight nod. "Good, well done."
She then turned to Wen Ruan, her tone gentle. "I have work to attend to. You two haven't seen each other for a long time, chat first. We'll have dinner together tonight. Luna, remember to take Wen Ruan to her room later."
"Understood, Director Jin." Lin Muxue replied respectfully.
Secretary Jin nodded, said nothing more, turned, and elegantly left the study.
The crisp sound of high heels tapping the floor gradually faded until it completely disappeared.
The moment the study door closed, Lin Muxue's whole body seemed to have its backbone removed, instantly relaxing.
"Sister Wen Ruan, long time no see! Welcome to London!" She excitedly stepped forward and gave Wen Ruan a big hug.
"L-long time no see, Luna." Wen Ruan was a bit flustered by her enthusiasm. "Why are you here?"
Lin Muxue was Tang Song's personal assistant. Shouldn't she be with Tang Song in Paris right now? Why was she with Director Jin, and looking like she had been "remodeled"?
Hearing this, Lin Muxue almost burst into tears on the spot.
"I'm... currently studying under Director Jin."
These past few days following Director Jin had practically worn her out.
Her daily life was scheduled down to the minute. From reading global economic briefings in the morning, to business etiquette and asset management courses in the afternoon, to the unshakable daily review and paperwork in the evening.
This wasn't just physical and mental exhaustion. More crucially, it was that omnipresent, suffocating psychological pressure.
Director Jin didn't scold her harshly, but a single calm glance from her was enough to make Lin Muxue repeatedly examine whether her previous words and actions were appropriate and professional.
That feeling of being scrutinized from all angles, measured by high standards, as if she could be replaced at any moment for being "not good enough," was far more torturous than the heavy workload.
Now, suddenly seeing Wen Ruan, someone she was familiar with and who was also closely connected to Tang Song, Lin Muxue felt an unprecedented sense of closeness.
She almost cried out loud.
Of course, she had to admit that she had indeed learned a lot these past few days, with visible progress. Especially under such high-pressure conditions, her emotions were heightened. She felt her mind was spinning fast, her professional English improving by leaps and bounds. Even the Imperial College online courses that used to give her a headache, she could now tackle.
If she had this kind of drive and buff back in high school, she might have gotten into a top-tier university.
"Studying?" Wen Ruan blinked.
Lin Muxue's mouth twitched. "Yes, I indeed have many shortcomings and need to learn."
Hearing Lin Muxue's words and seeing that "it's a long story" expression on her face, a glimmer of understanding flashed in Wen Ruan's enchanting peach blossom eyes. She almost laughed out loud on the spot.
But on the surface, she immediately reined in her smile, instantly transforming into that approachable, understanding big sister.
She naturally pulled Lin Muxue to sit on the comfortable sofa in the study and began chatting with her.
Although she had been on a plane for a long time, it was a private business jet, so she had rested well along the way and didn't feel tired.
The two sat in the scholarly study, chatting about recent events and some light-hearted anecdotes.
Accompanied by the [Wen Ruan's Whisper] accessory quietly taking effect, Wen Ruan's enchanting, elegant, and uniquely magnetic voice seemed to carry a soothing power.
Lin Muxue's taut nerves gradually relaxed amidst this voice.
For a while, the atmosphere in the study was harmonious, and the two appeared quite intimate.
Soon, the topic naturally slid towards Tang Song, then to Paris, to Su Yu.
The two exchanged a look.
The air was filled with an atmosphere of "those who understand, understand," along with a trace of tacit, shared embarrassment.
As women closely connected to Tang Song, they both knew about his astonishing "combat prowess." They could also roughly guess what kind of amorous scene it would be, him being alone with that stunningly beautiful actress in Paris these past few days.
Being women on the same vine, when talking about certain private topics, it was inevitable to feel a bit of awkward sympathy and a strange sense of resonance.
...Paris time, December 28th, 4:30 PM.
Suburbs, private recording studio.
The soundproof door was tightly shut.
Inside the studio, the lighting was dim, with only the indicator lights on the mixing console and a few warm yellow ambient lamps flickering.
There were no staff here, only him and her.
Tang Song sat on a high stool, holding that acoustic guitar in his arms. His slender fingers danced across the strings, flowing out a soft, slightly melancholic melody.
Su Yu stood before the microphone, wearing monitoring headphones.
She closed her eyes, a trace of a poignant, beautiful smile at the corner of her lips, softly singing.
"Hiding behind the light, sketching your profile."
"Saving up seven wishes, only then daring to exchange for one brush past."
"On the message board, are the ten years you cannot see..."
The days after Christmas, they were like elopers who had escaped the world, wandering recklessly in this city of romance.
They went to Montmartre to watch street artists paint, sharing a hot crepe in the cold wind; went to Café de Flore for afternoon tea, chatting about the gossip of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre; went to the Louvre to see the armless Venus, fingers tightly interlocked in the temple of art...
During this journey, Tang Song talked to her for a very, very long time.
He talked about his childhood running wild in the countryside, about his confusion in junior high, about the repression and struggle in high school.
It was a very ordinary story of a small-town boy. No major storms, no miracles, only ordinary worries and stories.
But Su Yu listened as if enchanted, constantly asking for more.
Thus, she learned about the girl named Zhang Yan.
Learned about that long, drawn-out crush that started in junior high.
Learned about those ten long years of silent watching from the shadows, and that naive courage about "collecting all seven Dragon Balls to confess."
This story made her cry for a long time.
She seemed to have immersed herself in it.
For this, she wrote this song.
And decided that once back in Huaxia, she must see that girl with her own eyes.
The lingering notes of the guitar slowly faded, the singing stopped.
Su Yu took off her headphones and let out a long breath.
She was dressed very sharply today, and very figure-flattering. A black, tight-fitting, off-the-shoulder cashmere sweater perfectly wrapped around her full, perky bust and slender waist. Paired with deep gray high-waisted wide-leg pants, making her legs appear incredibly long.
For comfortable recording, she had taken off her coat and high heels, standing on the thick carpet wearing only socks.
This simple, high-end outfit, paired with her face, free of makeup yet still radiantly beautiful, exuded a top female star's unique relaxation and refinement.
She didn't immediately walk over. Instead, in the empty recording room, she lightly strolled and spun with the lingering music.
She squinted her eyes, as if still dancing lightly, immersed in that sour, astringent youth that belonged to someone else.
Tang Song put down the guitar, quietly watching her.
Watching her move through the light and shadow, beautiful like a fragile dream.
After a long while, she stopped.
Turned around. Her amber-colored eyes quietly looked at him.
"Tang Song."
"Mhm, I'm here."
"I think, if I could travel back over a decade..." She tilted her head, a gleam of longing sparkling in her eyes. "If I could also see you in junior high..."
"My first words would definitely be: 'Hello, classmate, can you be my boyfriend?'"
She smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons. "That would be so romantic."
Tang Song's heart trembled.
Looking at the peerlessly beautiful Su Yu before him, he couldn't help but involuntarily picture that female deskmate who always lowered her head and blushed when speaking.
Zhang Yan's ten years were a silent shock, amber carved into time.
Su Yu's love was a blazing flame, an obsession wanting to burn everything.
Two completely different kinds of love converged in his heart at this moment, making him feel an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and emotion.
Noticing the tenderness and emotion in his eyes, Su Yu gave a gentle smile.
She walked towards him with graceful steps.
Although not wearing high heels, every step she took was swaying and captivating, carrying the unique elegance and composure of a female star.
When she reached him, she didn't sit down.
Instead, without warning, her body went soft, directly kneeling and sitting on the carpet before him.
Tang Song was stunned, hadn't reacted yet.
A soft, boneless hand had already rested on his thigh.
"Hiss—" Tang Song shuddered, instinctively sitting up straight, hands braced on the stool behind him.
Su Yu lifted her head.
That one-second switch was nothing short of miraculous.
The originally elegant, sensitive, artistically melancholic female star's face instantly shattered.
Replaced by a face full of bewitching, seductive charm.
Red lips parted, eyes swirling.
Tang Song's Adam's apple bobbed, fingers unconsciously tightening.
He knew, she was about to start again.
"This song is finished." Su Yu leaned closer, her warm breath brushing against him. "Now... let me help you sing another one..."
Immediately after.
In the recording studio, a melody that made one blush and heartbeat faster began to play.
...Huaxia time, December 29, 2023, Friday. 8:00 AM.
Rongcheng, by Huanhua Creek, Jinli Villa.
In winter Rongcheng, the morning mist hadn't yet dispersed. Huanhua Creek's water flowed quietly, the emerald bamboo on both banks appearing even greener in the moist air.
Inside the study with flying eaves and bracket sets, exuding Shu-style elegance.
Sandalwood incense curled upwards, the sound of the zither softly echoed.
Ouyang Xianyue stood before a massive Huanghuali wood desk, holding a purple hare hair brush, tracing a cursive script ancient copy on rice paper.
Her long hair was tied up with a jade hairpin.
She wore a deep purple silk cheongsam, embroidered with low-key cloud patterns in dark gold thread. This deep, luxurious color perfectly set off her dignified, graceful bearing, honed by the passage of time.
The cheongsam's tight cut outlined her mature, plump, full-moon-like figure to perfection.
This was her second day back in Rongcheng.
After concluding her inspection in Quancheng, she had rushed back to her hometown without stopping.
First, to rest and recuperate. Second, to accompany her grandfather, Ouyang Chengping, through the New Year.
This winter was warmer and smoother than she had imagined.
Originally, since the onset of winter, her grandfather's health had been at the end of its rope. The family had even prepared for the worst.
But now, her grandfather's health was getting better and better, as if a withered tree had met spring.
For the entire family, this was a matter of immense importance.
One must know, the name Ouyang Chengping carried too much weight.
He was a true "national treasure-level" scientist, a founding elder with meritorious service.
His name had long been integrated with the foundation of Huaxia's heavy industry, defense industry, and precision manufacturing.
Although long retired from the front lines, he still enjoyed extremely high political treatment.
In military industry, aerospace, research institutes... his disciples and old acquaintances were everywhere.
As long as the old master was still around, she was as stable as Mount Tai, could let loose and do anything she wanted.
She could also better protect Tang Song.
*Knock, knock.*
Two light, rhythmic knocks broke the study's tranquility.
"Come in."
Ouyang Xianyue put down the brush, picked up a hot towel nearby, and wiped her hands.
Secretary Chen Jing pushed the door open, her footsteps very light. "Ms. Ouyang, the old master is already up. The doctor just finished the morning check-up, said he's in good spirits, practicing Tai Chi in the garden, asking if you'd like to join him for breakfast."
"Mhm, got it. I'll change clothes and go over." Ouyang Xianyue nodded, feeling quite pleased.
Secretary Chen didn't leave immediately, continuing, "There's one more thing. Qin Yingxue just sent an urgent email."
"What is it?" Ouyang Xianyue turned around, taking a sip from her teacup.
"It's regarding the arrangements for the new headquarters relocation ceremony of [Xuanji Optical World] on January 12th." Secretary Chen paused, her tone becoming somewhat subtle. "Director Jin replied that she will adjust her schedule and personally attend this relocation ceremony."
Ouyang Xianyue's movements paused slightly. Her beautiful phoenix eyes narrowed a little.
Jin Meixiao is coming?
Does she know I'm planning to invite Liu Qingning?
No, she probably doesn't know yet, but she has guessed.
After a moment of silence.
Ouyang Xianyue gave a slight, composed nod. "Of course, she's welcome. Immediately reply, in my name, formally invite Director Jin. Follow the highest protocol."
"Okay, understood."
Just then.
*Ring ring ring—*
The phone in Secretary Chen's hand vibrated.
She glanced at the caller ID and immediately said in a low voice, "It's Shangguan Qiuyas."
"Answer it."
Chen Jing pressed the answer button. "Hello? Shangguan... Mhm... Convenient, go ahead... Mhm... Okay... I understand. I'll relay it immediately... Bye-bye."
Hanging up, Chen Jing looked up. Her usually serious face rarely showed a trace of excitement. "Ms. Ouyang, after Director Wen arrived in London, she proactively presented a 'Proposal Regarding the Structural Adjustment of the Pan-Entertainment Fund and LP Share Replacement' to Director Jin, clearly expressing the hope that Miss Su Yu could become an LP."
"And the result?"
"Director Jin... agreed!"
"Oh?" For the first time, a look of surprise appeared on Ouyang Xianyue's face. She murmured softly, "She actually agreed?"
Her eyes shifted, rapidly pondering the deeper meaning.
However, no matter what Jin Meixiao was thinking, this was tremendous good news.
With Su Yu having this LP identity, it meant she had one foot in the door of the [Family Office].
Given time, as long as the Pan-Entertainment Fund grew, Su Yu entering the core decision-making layer would be a logical progression.
She had also fulfilled her initial promise.
Su Yu probably wouldn't have any more objections regarding her "stealing the man."
The relationship between the two could be considered completely solidified.
She pondered for a moment, then said, "For the [Xuanji Optical World] ceremony, also send an invitation to Wen Ruan, have her attend together with Liu Qingning."
"Okay, understood."
After handling official business, Ouyang Xianyue asked as if casually, "By the way, how are Tang Song and Su Yu doing over in Paris?"
Hearing this question, Chen Jing's expression instantly became somewhat odd and unnatural.
"Very good. According to feedback from the security team and private doctor, they have been very affectionate these past few days. Miss Su Yu is in excellent spirits, emotionally stable. It's just that her body is a bit overwhelmed and still needs the doctor's conditioning. But President Tang... President Tang's condition is very good, very healthy."
"Is that so..." Ouyang Xianyue's brows furrowed slightly, finding it somewhat unbelievable.
Secretary Chen said in a low voice, "It is indeed so. Miss Su Yu was previously worried about President Tang's health and specifically had the doctor examine him. There were no problems at all. President Tang's various functional indicators are all at optimal levels."
Secretary Chen turned and left, gently closing the door behind her.
Ouyang Xianyue lowered her head, looking at the character on the rice paper that wasn't yet dry. The moist ink was slowly spreading.
Deeply black.
Su Yu practiced dance year-round, with excellent physical strength and stamina, and her body's flexibility was beyond reproach.
Even she was "overwhelmed," even needed the doctor's conditioning...
Then what kind of... storm-like intensity must that have been?
That must be... such astonishing, extraordinary talent?
Even she was "overwhelmed," even needed the doctor's conditioning...
She remembered the oppressive, mountain-like heaviness when he was behind her, remembered how his hands held hers.
Ouyang Xianyue's breathing became disordered. On her dignified, beautiful face, the temperature began to rise.
She took a deep breath, pressed her legs together tightly, yet an uncontrollable surge of emptiness welled up inside her.
She picked up that purple hare hair brush again.
Dipped it fully in thick ink.
Seized the inspiration and began writing.
The brush tip fell, wild cursive like snakes, winding across the pure white rice paper. Ink dripped profusely, exuding a damp, moist desire.
"Like a Dream: Morning Thoughts"
"Outside the window, frost just settles, thoughts of warmth, old marks still awake."
"Suddenly remembering the distant traveler, unsettling the square inch of heart's realm."
"Wind still, wind still."
"Damp through the gauze skirt, a solitary shadow."
After writing the last line, a full drop of ink coincidentally dripped from the brush tip.
*Plop.*
It splattered and spread beside the wet character.
After writing the last line, a full drop of ink coincidentally dripped from the brush tip.