novelraw Chapter 782: 【Spirit Resonance Leg Garter】
Chapter 782: 【Spirit Resonance Leg Garter】
December 31, 2023, Sunday.
Yancheng, Yanjing Huating, Building 6.
Early morning, 7:20.
"Dinglingling—"
The alarm clock rang out.
The bedroom curtains were tightly closed, the light was dim, and the temperature was comfortable.
A slender arm extended from under the down comforter, fumbling around on the pillow for quite a while before finally grabbing the phone.
Zhao Yaqian groggily pressed the stop button. The faint glow from the phone screen illuminated her striking, beautiful features and her disheveled burgundy hair.
Half-closing her eyes, she mumbled something incoherently, turned over, and promptly buried her face back into the soft pillow.
About five minutes later.Her long eyelashes fluttered. Zhao Yaqian finally completely shook off her drowsiness.
She sat up abruptly in bed.
Her 180cm tall, slender figure stretched out. The comforter slid down, revealing the delicate collarbones and rounded shoulders clad in a spaghetti-strap nightgown.
Silk-like red hair cascaded naturally down her back, carrying a hint of lazy, disheveled beauty.
She yawned, her thoughts gradually returning.
She had a habit of sleeping in. Usually, unless absolutely necessary, she would definitely sleep until she woke up naturally.
After all, her life was carefree and everything went smoothly.
Nowadays, her main occupation was simply to enjoy life to the fullest and take good care of herself; work was the side gig.
But today was different.
There was important business to attend to, and it was related to a task personally arranged by Brother Song. She absolutely dared not be negligent.
After getting up and performing a simple wash-up, she changed into a professional, form-fitting yoga outfit, tied her burgundy hair up into a neat high ponytail, and walked to the spacious living room.
She spread out the yoga mat, facing the huge floor-to-ceiling window, and began today's flexibility training.
After persisting with exercise for over half a year, coupled with the boost from her 【Dance Talent】, her physical fitness was already a world apart from what it used to be.
Backbends, side splits, front splits...
She could easily handle all sorts of difficult moves, her body soft yet elastic.
The continuous training not only made her posture increasingly graceful but also subtly transformed her temperament.
About half an hour later.
A fine layer of sweat beads appeared on her forehead.
Zhao Yaqian stepped onto the smart scale.
The number stabilized at 63 kilograms.
For her height, this weight allowed her to retain the full, feminine curves without any excess fat—it was the absolute golden ratio.
Finishing her morning workout, she wiped her sweat with a towel, looked at the elegant, upright figure in the mirror, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly.
After a simple breakfast, she began her daily routine: washing up, skincare, makeup, changing clothes.
It's worth mentioning that her cousin Tingzi had already moved out. As a popular female streamer, she had basically achieved financial freedom and bought a fully furnished apartment in Yunding Mansion.
Currently, she had hired a full-time nanny to take care of her at home.
After going through the entire series of steps, by the time she picked up her bag and headed out, it was almost 9 o'clock.
A few minutes later.
Accompanied by the low, rumbling engine sound, the imposing white Mercedes G63 drove out of the underground garage and smoothly merged into the traffic flow.
On the first day of the New Year's holiday, the streets of Yancheng still had considerable traffic.
Colorful flags were already hung on roadside trees, and "2024" signs stood at mall entrances. A festive New Year atmosphere permeated everywhere.
Yisha Beauty Headquarters.
"Good morning, Boss Qianqian!"
"Morning."
"Hello, Boss Qianqian! You look really beautiful in that outfit today."
As soon as she entered the company doors, employees kept stopping along the way, respectfully greeting her.
Although it was a statutory holiday, for the service industry, holidays were actually the peak season for business.
The headquarters would also be exceptionally busy.
Arriving at that spacious office personally decorated by Zhang Yurong, with its huge floor-to-ceiling windows, warm hardwood floors, and cozy furnishings, she felt a sense of belonging every time she stepped in.
Zhao Yaqian first watered the potted plant on the desk, then found the perfect lighting angle, took a few energetic selfies, and sent them to the pinned contact at the top of her list.
After completing this ritualistic step, she sat back contentedly in the leather office chair and turned on the computer.
For her, work was no longer her source of income.
It meant more: social identity, her own social circle, and that sense of achievement from being "needed" and "growing."
This made her happy and her life fulfilling.
A little over ten minutes later.
"Knock, knock, knock—" A knocking sound came from the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Zhang Mengchu walked in, holding a blue folder.
This former teacher who had taught her at Zhuoyue Vocational Training School was now the Vice President of Yisha Beauty.
She was dedicated to assisting Zhao Yaqian, the Supervisor and Chief Beauty Consultant, in managing the overall situation of the company.
"Qianqian." Zhang Mengchu's attitude was very proper, even carrying a hint of deference. "The legal department just sent this over. It's the finalized formal cooperation agreement between 【Yisha Beauty】 and GexsTokyo. It needs your final review and signature."
"Mhm, thank you for your hard work, Teacher Zhang." Zhao Yaqian took the folder with a smile, her eyes curving, and opened it.
What greeted her eyes were densely packed bilingual contract clauses in Chinese and Japanese.
She took a deep breath, reined in her smile, and began browsing page by page.
Having experienced so much, she had indeed grown a lot.
She was no longer that beautician from back then who knew nothing except massage techniques.
At the very least, she could now grasp the general idea of key cooperation frameworks, rights and responsibilities of both parties, and profit distribution clauses.
Moreover, regarding this cooperation, she actually wasn't worried at all.
This high-end anti-aging center located in Tokyo's Ginza district was personally introduced and facilitated for her by Xiao Jing.
Behind it was the resource integration channel of the 【Tangjin Family Office】, with the strictest endorsement and review processes, making it basically foolproof.
But because it was a task assigned by Tang Song, she paid extra attention to it. A few days ago, she personally flew to Tokyo to finalize the details.
Thinking of Tokyo, thinking of Xiao Jing...
Zhao Yaqian's fingers holding the pen tightened slightly, and her cheeks inexplicably felt a bit warm.
Her thoughts involuntarily drifted back to those days not long ago.
To make the scene with Li Jingzhong more immersive, Xiao Jing had specifically booked another room on the same hotel floor and pulled her along to observe.
They drank red wine, watching the other party leave in a sorry state. At that moment, her heart was filled with satisfaction, and her gratitude towards Xiao Jing deepened another layer.
That night, they drank a lot and talked a lot about her past experiences as a beautician.
Looking for jobs, unpaid wages, business closures, rights protection, being harassed...
Xiao Jing was quite heartbroken after hearing this and gently comforted her for a long time.
Zhao Yaqian subconsciously pressed her legs together, her gaze becoming somewhat unfocused.
Actually, as close friends, she and Luna often slept in the same bed and often kissed and hugged.
If Brother Song was there, things would get even more intense.
But the feeling Xiao Jing gave her... was completely different.
She quickly reined in her thoughts, pulling her attention back to the contract.
At the places requiring signature, she solemnly signed her name.
She closed the folder and handed it back to Zhang Mengchu beside her.
"All done, Teacher Zhang."
"Mhm, then I'll take this to the legal department for filing right away." Zhang Mengchu took the folder, turned, and left the office.
Just as she pushed the office door open.
The front desk administrative staff hurried over. "Boss Qianqian, President Xie from Weiguang Coffee has arrived. General Manager Zhang is receiving her in the meeting room."
"Mhm, okay, I'll be right there."
Zhao Yaqian's heart skipped a beat. She immediately stood up, quickly checked her appearance and dress in the mirror, and walked out.
The B2B supply cooperation between 【Yisha Beauty】 and 【Weiguang Coffee】 had been steadily progressing.
Because it involved customizing exclusive "beauty-themed" healthy afternoon tea menus for all Yisha Beauty stores, as well as adapting the central kitchen's production processes, and considering that 【Yisha Beauty】 itself was simultaneously undergoing a "light medical aesthetics" transformation and business expansion.
The details of the cooperation between the two sides were also continuously deepening and adjusting.
It wasn't until last week that this cooperation finally fully landed. All beauty salons and SPA wellness centers had begun supplying the customized products uniformly delivered by the 【Weiguang Coffee】 central kitchen.
Today, Zhao Yaqian had proactively invited Xie Shuyu over.
On one hand, it was to review the actual operational situation during the initial phase of cooperation, optimize details, and together visit stores for on-site inspections and service experience.
On the other hand, she also wanted to use this opportunity to further strengthen her relationship with this female CEO.
This was part of the task Brother Song had assigned, and she herself enjoyed it.
A 19-year-old beautician, her life had just begun.
She really enjoyed making friends from different fields and experiencing diverse lives.
Therefore, she had always been happy about the tasks Tang Song arranged for her.
She had even proactively befriended Qian Lele.
In fact, through Zhang Yurong's introduction and contact over the past two months, Zhao Yaqian and Xie Shuyu had already become fairly good friends.
It's just that the female CEO was truly a very busy person.
Resulting in not many opportunities for private contact between the two.
This time, as soon as she heard that Xie Shuyu had just returned from a business trip to Quancheng, she immediately proactively extended the invitation, hoping to have a good get-together.
In the meeting room.
Xie Shuyu was speaking softly with Zhang Yurong.
Seeing Zhao Yaqian push the door and enter, they both stood up smiling simultaneously.
Today, Xie Shuyu wore a dark-colored shirt, paired with sharply tailored black suit pants, and a structured overcoat.
Her posture was upright, her features bright and beautiful, exuding a capable demeanor amidst her dignified air.
"Sister Shuyu! Sister Yurong!" Zhao Yaqian warmly went up to them, her smile radiant.
"Hello, Qianqian. You've become even more beautiful." Xie Shuyu proactively extended her hand, still maintaining that signature poise and propriety.
However, Zhao Yaqian instead stepped forward, opened her arms, and gave her a fragrant hug.
A faint glint flashed in Xie Shuyu's eyes. She smiled and returned the hug.
The two of them acted very intimately.
A flicker of surprise passed through Zhang Yurong's eyes beside them.
As a longtime friend, she knew Xie Shuyu too well.
This President Xie was always decisive and clear-cut in business, strictly separating public and private matters, and always maintained a polite sense of distance with people.
Even when facing important partners, such intimate physical contact was rare.
But now, facing Zhao Yaqian, a young girl over a decade her junior, she could be this close?
The three exchanged a few pleasantries, the atmosphere relaxed and harmonious.
Then, as planned, they headed together to 【Yisha Beauty】's core downtown store for inspection.
Zhao Yaqian was exceptionally lively and enthusiastic throughout the entire process.
She not only introduced in detail the upgrade specifics of various services but also personally experienced them and exchanged feelings with Xie Shuyu. Her conversation was filled with intimacy and trust.
Noon. They experienced the beauty light meal specially provided by 【Weiguang Coffee】 right in the store's VIP room.
The conversation naturally extended from work to current beauty trends, travel experiences.
Laughter was constant.
In the afternoon, after the inspection concluded, Zhao Yaqian pulled the two of them and came to the TC Private Club.
To experience the latest high-end SPA treatment newly launched by 【Yisha Beauty】.
Inside the tranquil SPA private room, the lights were adjusted to the softest warm yellow.
The air was filled with the fragrance of bergamot and ylang-ylang essential oils.
Zhao Yaqian and Xie Shuyu lay side by side on the wide treatment beds, their backs covered with soft towels, enjoying the professional massage from the therapists.
In the soothing atmosphere.
Xie Shuyu suddenly spoke softly, "Qianqian."
"Hmm?" Zhao Yaqian was feeling a bit drowsy. Hearing this, she slightly turned her face and responded lazily, "What is it, Sister Shuyu?"
Xie Shuyu turned her head, looking at that young face full of collagen.
A flicker passed through her gaze. She weighed her words and asked in a low voice, "Can I ask you a rather personal question?"
"Of course, go ahead."
"Your boyfriend... what's his name?"
"!"
Zhao Yaqian's eyes snapped open. Her drowsiness instantly vanished.
Her heartbeat suddenly began to accelerate.
Xie Shuyu looked at her, her eyes calm and unrippled.
Due to her exceptionally busy work, she hadn't previously made a special effort to deeply investigate Zhao Yaqian's background.
Her understanding of Zhao Yaqian came more from fragments of information from Zhang Yurong.
She only felt this was a "kept bird" who was well-protected, kind-hearted, and simple-minded, with obviously immense backing behind her.
For example, that honorary director position at the Smile Charity Foundation.
As an intelligent person, she was well-versed in the unspoken rules of the circle and had never proactively probed.
But this trip to Quancheng completely changed her perception.
She came into contact with the behemoth that was the 【Tangjin Family Office】.
She discovered the extraordinary relationship between Director Jin and Tang Song.
She even got some astonishing corroboration from her friend Jiang Yourong.
When these clues connected in her mind.
She naturally thought of the person before her.
Young, beautiful, with top-tier resources, and having countless ties to Smile Holdings—Zhao Yaqian.
Looking into Xie Shuyu's eyes, Zhao Yaqian bit her lower lip and answered softly yet clearly, "His name is... Tang Song."
Hearing this name.
Xie Shuyu's eyelashes trembled slightly.
Indeed. No surprise.
Another one.
She gently inhaled, the last ripple of uncertainty in her heart settling into calmness.
"I understand. Thank you, Qianqian."
After saying this, she lay back down properly.
She had always been extremely tactful. Some things, being clear in her heart was enough.
No need to spell it out, and certainly no need to delve deeper.
Seeing the female CEO's unperturbed reaction, Zhao Yaqian's hanging heart finally settled.
After all, this was her first time directly handling such a delicate "family recognition" situation. Anxiety was inevitable.
Fortunately, there was none of the awkwardness or conflict she had anticipated.
Sister Shuyu... really was a sensible person.
Silence fell for a moment, only the "shushing" sound of the therapist massaging skin.
Zhao Yaqian pursed her lips and suddenly said, "Sister Shuyu."
"Hmm?"
"Tomorrow is the New Year. Tonight, the TC Club has a very lively New Year's Eve party. Would you... like to stay here? Let's celebrate the New Year together?"
Hearing this, Xie Shuyu glanced sideways at the young girl beside her with clear eyes.
A 19-year-old beautician, even though she had made great progress, in the eyes of the female CEO, some little thoughts were simply impossible to hide.
This was a gesture of goodwill, and also an act of acceptance.
Xie Shuyu thought for a moment.
Since her identity had been confirmed, since she was already on the Tangjin ship.
Then, building good relationships with others on the ship was also necessary.
The corner of her mouth lifted, revealing a sincere smile. "Alright. Coincidentally, I have no other arrangements tonight. Let's do it together then."
"Mhm! Great!" The beautician instantly beamed with joy.
...
Paris time, December 31, 2023, 5:00 PM.
Outside the window, the sky was gradually darkening. The winter dusk enveloped all of Paris.
Although the lights of the Eiffel Tower hadn't lit up yet, the festive atmosphere already permeated the air.
In the apartment living room, the lighting was warm.
Su Yu reclined in the single armchair opposite, holding a cup of warm water. Her amber-colored eyes looked smilingly at the man across from her, her gaze filled with indulgence.
Tang Song's phone screen had been continuously flashing for several minutes, vibrations rising and falling one after another.
Due to the time difference, Huaxia had already stepped into the New Year.
One after another, New Year's greetings with enthusiastic, festive emojis came pouring in like snowflakes.
Accompanying them were video or voice call requests that popped up from time to time.
Tang Song made no attempt to hide or conceal anything, nor did he get up to avoid them.
He openly answered every video call, replied to every voice message.
Even right in front of Su Yu and Qiuqiu, he spoke tender, affectionate words to the person on the other end of the screen.
At this moment, under Su Yu's "guidance," he had completely shed his disguise, openly displaying his passionate and greedy nature, a thorough "playboy."
Qiuqiu sat on an armchair to the side, her head lowered, her expression unable to conceal her discomfort and shock.
This was the first time she had faced this fact so directly and nakedly—
Tang Song actually had this many women!
All sorts, with all kinds of voices.
Among them were, of course, Lingling and her senior.
But those seemed to be just side dishes.
She even heard one voice that, just from the sound, belonged to someone not young at all—a mature, magnetic, and authoritative female voice calling "Ouyang."
If it were before, her heart would definitely have felt sour and uneasy.
But now, she secretly glanced up at Su Yu across from her, whose smile was charming and whose eyes held not a trace of resentment but instead a hint of amusement.
A more complex emotion quietly grew within her.
It seemed... this wasn't something so hard to accept.
Even, in a hidden corner deep within her heart, a near-dark sense of identification and excitement surfaced because of this.
She also completely let go of the last bit of guilt in her heart.
By the time Tang Song finally finished handling the greetings from the East and put down his warm phone.
The living room returned to tranquility.
Su Yu stood up, walked over to Tang Song, and sat in his lap like an elegant cat, her arms naturally circling his neck.
Her breath was fragrant like orchids. "All done?"
"Mhm." Tang Song wrapped his arm around her slender waist, his fingertips feeling her warm, delicate body temperature through the thin fabric.
Su Yu leaned closer, kissed the corner of his mouth. Her eyes, at this close distance, became hazy and profound. "Happy New Year, Tang Song."
"Happy New Year, Su Yu." He responded, deepening the kiss, his palm stroking her satin-like long hair.
His movements were practiced and filled with possessiveness.
A moment later, their lips parted.
Su Yu looked at Qiuqiu and gave a gentle smile. "Qiuqiu, aren't you going to give your blessings?"
"Oh, oh... Happy New Year." Qiuqiu, as if startled awake, hurriedly looked up, her eyes evasive.
"That's not sincere enough." Su Yu shook her head with a smile, extended one arm, and crooked a finger at her. "Come here."
Qiuqiu's cheeks flushed red. She hesitated for a bit.
But under Su Yu's smiling gaze, she still shyly stood up and slowly walked over.
Su Yu freed one arm and gave her a solid hug.
"Happy New Year, Sister Yu." Qiuqiu said again, this time louder.
"Happy New Year." Su Yu responded with a smile, giving her a gentle push. "Give your blessings to Tang Song too. You don't have to call like they did; just express it with actions. This is a rare special treatment, you know."
Qiuqiu was pushed, staggering a step, and ended up standing right in front of Tang Song.
Her knees almost touched his.
Their gazes met.
His gaze was calm and gentle, his smile bright as he said, "Happy New Year, Qiuqiu."
"Thump, thump, thump—"
Qiuqiu's heartbeat was as loud as a drum.
Her feet seemed to have left her control, involuntarily closing the last bit of distance.
Sister Yu allowed it...
He didn't refuse either...
Right now, I am... closer than any of them...
That dark sense of superiority and longing made her heart flutter.
"Happy New Year, Tang Song."
She leaned down, closed her eyes, and moved closer.
Their breaths mingled.
Feeling Qiuqiu's inexperienced, trembling, yet fervent initiative, Tang Song's heartbeat also began to accelerate.
It had to be said, the female star was truly spoiling him rotten.
Right at this moment.
A crisp system notification sounded in Tang Song's ear:
"Ding! Congratulations, player. The cultivation plan task 【The Kept Bird's Finery】 for 【Partner - Zhao Yaqian】 has been completed."
"【Partner - Zhao Yaqian】's Growth Progress +10%."
"【Partner - Zhao Yaqian】 has obtained 【Kept Bird's Outfit Gift Pack*1】."
Tang Song's movements paused slightly.
This momentary pause made Qiuqiu startle as if awakened.
Her eyes snapped open, and she quickly straightened up, her face flushed red as if about to drip blood.
She stammered incoherently, "I... I need to use the restroom!"
After saying that, she turned and fled the living room in a panic.
Watching her fleeing figure.
Tang Song smiled, his thoughts moving slightly.
The system interface unfolded before his eyes.
Entered the 【Partner】 module.
Zhao Yaqian's sparkling, radiant portrait card, wearing an exquisite gown, came into view, with a gorgeous pink gift pack floating beside it.
After so long, the seventh cultivation task for his beautician friend was finally completed at this New Year moment.
The core of the task 【The Kept Bird's Finery】 was to guide Qianqian to expand and integrate into higher social circles.
Simultaneously, to establish intimate social connections with his other lovers.
During this process, he didn't force anything, only guided and helped.
Now it had finally borne fruit.
Selected 【Kept Bird's Outfit Gift Pack】, opened immediately.
"Ding! 【Partner - Zhao Yaqian】 has obtained attribute reward 【Stamina+2】."
"Ding! 【Partner - Zhao Yaqian】 has obtained special outfit 【Feathered Robe of Finery】."
"Ding! 【Partner - Zhao Yaqian】 has obtained special item 【Spirit Resonance Leg Garter】."
Tang Song checked them one by one.
【Feathered Robe of Finery】: An artistic-level dance costume tailor-made for Zhao Yaqian. Inspired by the beautiful, outstretched wings of a kept bird. Made from multiple layers of gradient-colored dawn gold sheer gauze, interwoven with shimmering threads. When still, it resembles clouds and mist; when moving, it's like flowing light and color... (Physique+2, Stamina+2)
【Attached Special Effect: Graceful Dance (Greatly enhances the partner's physical expressiveness and appeal during dance, making her movements light as a swallow, each gesture carrying a captivating beauty)】
【Note: This item will be mailed to "Partner - Zhao Yaqian" in the near future.】
【Spirit Resonance Leg Garter】: An exquisitely delicate thigh garter of ultimate lightness and flexibility. The main body is woven from top-tier silver-gray velvet with a luster like moonlight and slender platinum chains. The chains are dotted with tiny, staggered star sapphires that shimmer with a faint, mysterious glow as the leg muscles contract and relax...
(Agility+2)
【Attached Special Effect: Spirit Resonance (When worn, enhances body flexibility and fluidity)】
【Note: When this item is in the same scene as "Xiao Jing's Vow Collar," it will trigger a special effect.】
Looking at the information on the light screen, especially the 【Spirit Resonance Leg Garter】 below.
Tang Song's breathing quickened slightly.
An extremely impactful image involuntarily surfaced in his mind.
The 180cm tall kept bird with perfect wineglass legs, wearing a shimmering leg garter.
The natural-born JK saint, with cool-toned fair skin, the white-rich-beauty full of contrasts, fastened with a collar.
What kind of chemical reaction would they catalyze when together?