novelraw Chapter 783: Kill Me
Chapter 783: Kill Me
Tokyo, Ginza.
January 1st, 2024, 00:20.
[Tangjin·WANO Club], private lounge.
The Tokyo Tower outside the window had just concluded its New Year's countdown light show. Dazzling orange-red light flowed through the night sky, illuminating the bustling streets below.
After ending the video call with Tang Song, Xiao Jing's face still carried a sweet afterglow.
Her fingertips danced excitedly on the screen a few times as she dialed Xu Qing's video call again.
The call connected quickly.
On the screen, the background behind Xu Qing was noisy, with lights flickering, clearly indicating she was at a lively New Year's Eve party.
"Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year! Yanqing!" Xiao Jing's voice was sweet. "Guess where I am?"As she spoke, she turned the camera towards the window.
"Tokyo? How did you get there?"
"I came here for a study tour with my mentor." Xiao Jing lowered her voice, speaking mysteriously. "We're here this time to discuss acquiring a pretty impressive hotel group here called [Tsukihana Gosho]. They have top-tier modern Japanese fusion hotels in Kyoto, Hakone, Karuizawa, and even in Europe and America.
And get this, this group often collaborates with various anime and manga IPs.
Once the acquisition is complete, all these resources will be under my management. Yanqing, let's have fun together then, organize our own anime convention, how about that?"
"Ah..." Xu Qing's eyes seemed to drift, clearly tempted, but she gritted her teeth and said, "That... that, maybe not. I've been swamped lately, just landed a huge project as a core screenwriter for Bei Yuwei's S-tier drama. I need to go into seclusion and cultivate like an immortal, no time to run around."
"What a shame." Xiao Jing pouted in disappointment, but soon, her eyes sparkled, and her tone became full of temptation. "Then... how about something more interesting? Tang Song has a brand new superyacht delivered in Monaco. It's 136 meters long, with an IMAX private theater, a two-story infinity pool, and even a submarine! Once it's operational, let's go to sea together, okay? Just imagine, on the boundless open ocean, champagne, sea breeze, bikinis... what a perfect closed creative environment!"
"Gulp."
Even through the screen, one could almost hear Xu Qing swallowing her saliva.
For someone who writes novels and scripts, "luxury yacht seclusion" was a deadly temptation.
"I... I..." Xu Qing struggled for a long time, finally saying timidly, "We'll... we'll see when the time comes! That, my friends are calling me to drink, gotta go! Talk later!"
The video instantly went black.
Xiao Jing looked at the screen and chuckled.
The yacht is so big, how could just me and Mentor Annie enjoy it all by ourselves?
I must lure more sisters on board.
That would be super fun!
(*△*)
"Finished talking?"
A lazy, husky voice with a pure American accent came from behind.
Xiao Jing turned around sharply.
Annie Kate had entered at some point without her noticing. She wore a dark green velvet slip dress with a black fur stole over it, her golden hair cascading like a waterfall. She leaned against the liquor cabinet, looking at Xiao Jing with a faint, knowing smile.
"Mentor Annie! Happy New Year!"
Xiao Jing got up and went over to her, like a cheerful little bird, giving her a solid hug, and then, very naturally, stood on tiptoe to plant a kiss on Annie's slightly cool cheek.
"Happy New Year, my dear Jane." Annie patted her head, walked over to the sofa in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, sat down, took off her stole, and casually tossed it onto the carpet.
A soft "pop" sounded as the crystal decanter was opened.
The strong aroma of whiskey filled the air.
Annie poured two glasses and slid one over to Xiao Jing.
Then, she deftly took a slender lady's cigarette from the cigarette case. Instead of using a lighter, she held it between her red lips, leaned forward slightly, and moved towards Xiao Jing.
Xiao Jing understood immediately, quickly picked up the lighter on the table, and with a "click," ignited it.
The flame danced, illuminating Annie's strikingly beautiful, aggressive face.
She took a deep drag, her slender neck tilting back slightly, then slowly lowered her head, blowing that puff of white smoke teasingly towards Xiao Jing's face.
"Cough..." Xiao Jing choked a little, her fair cheeks flushing with excitement from it.
She didn't dislike this feeling; on the contrary, she found it strangely humiliating and pleasurable.
"Your performance these past few days has been somewhat satisfactory." Annie held the slender cigarette, her fingertip tracing an elegant, casual arc in the air.
"Thank you for the praise, Mentor!" Xiao Jing responded immediately, her voice filled with the joy of being acknowledged.
Annie gave a noncommittal low laugh, picked up her crystal glass, and lightly clinked it against Xiao Jing's, producing a clear "ding."
Outside the window, Tokyo's New Year atmosphere hadn't dissipated yet.
The two sat facing each other, drinking calmly.
After a while.
Annie set down her glass. Her ice-blue eyes appeared hazy and profound behind the smoke.
She took another fresh cigarette from the case, placed it between her full red lips, lowered her head slightly, and took a deep drag using the ember of the previous one.
The fresh tip glowed with a bright red point.
Then, she took this lit cigarette and offered it to Xiao Jing's lips.
"Want a taste?"
Xiao Jing opened her mouth without hesitation, taking the cigarette butt marked with her mentor's lipstick.
She carefully took a puff and slowly exhaled.
"Jane." Annie watched her inhale and exhale smoke, a flicker of regret deep in her ice-blue pupils. "You're very smart, learn quickly, and are ruthless enough. It's a pity...
"Your heart isn't really in serious business. Your driving force isn't money, nor is it power, but... fun. Otherwise, I would really consider bringing you into the family's core circle and genuinely cultivating you."
Xiao Jing's cheeks flushed. She lowered her eyelashes, her voice soft and candid:
"I think... it's fine just like this now. Being able to help Song, solve some troubles, and learn so many interesting things... that's enough."
She deliberately emphasized the word "interesting," her eyes sparkling with an unusual light.
"Heh, alright." Annie chuckled softly and didn't press the issue further. For her, a handy and interesting blade might be more valuable than a qualified partner.
"Then, let's continue."
Annie's expression instantly turned cold, switching to that controlling "American Alpha" mode.
She downed the remaining liquor in her glass in one gulp.
"The acquisition of [Tsukihana Gosho] officially enters the practical operation stage from today. You must remember, the most sophisticated acquisition is never about waving a checkbook and throwing money. That's the nouveau riche approach."
She shook the empty glass, her gaze sharp as a blade. "A true hunter makes the prey kneel down and beg us to buy it."
"You mean...?" Xiao Jing's eyes lit up, subconsciously putting down her cigarette and leaning forward slightly.
"Tell me what you know about this group."
"Yes." Xiao Jing quickly got into gear, fluently reciting the information. "Tsukihana Gosho was founded by the Tsukimoto family and has a seventy-year history. The current chairman, Tsukimoto Kenichi, is nearly eighty, and his health is a concern. He has three sons. The eldest son is conservative and incompetent, the second son is radical and a gambling addict, and the third son... is an illegitimate child, currently in charge of the group's overseas business."
"Very good." A cold curve appeared at the corner of Annie's mouth. "This group looks glamorous on the surface, owning a large amount of prime real estate. But internally, it's already been hollowed out by these three sons. Especially that second son in charge of finance, Tsukimoto Jiro. This is our point of entry."
She leaned forward, her lowered voice carrying an intimate tone of sharing a conspiracy:
"The open negotiation team will continue to pressure the price, creating anxiety. And we... are going to give them a little push."
Annie tapped her temple with her fingertip.
"I've already had people buy up the debt of two of their upcoming bridge loans. Soon, the bank will refuse to renew the loans citing 'failed risk assessment' and demand they repay the principal within a week. This will directly cut off their cash flow."
"That Tsukimoto Jiro has accumulated massive gambling debts in Las Vegas. I'll have someone leak those IOUs to a few gossip magazines in Tokyo. At the same time, we'll include a gift—evidence of him embezzling company funds to cover the holes."
"Just imagine, when bank creditors come knocking, prosecutors launch investigations, and media reporters swarm outside the family estate... can that eighty-year-old man withstand the pressure?"
"Step three—"
A cold, yet gleeful light flickered in Annie's eyes.
"We'll contact that illegitimate son who has always been marginalized and resentful. Offer him an offer he can't refuse: as long as he defects during the board vote and supports our acquisition, after the deed is done, he can not only retain a portion of the shares but will also be appointed as the CEO of the new group."
"When internal betrayal, external debt collection, and scandal entanglement—these three fires—burn simultaneously..."
Annie extended her hand, palm up, and slowly clenched it into a fist.
"...the once-glorious Tsukimoto family will shatter completely, just like the ice cubes in this glass. At that point, their only way out will be to kneel on the ground and sell their shares to us."
"This is the fang of capital, and also the most fragile crack in human nature."
Xiao Jing held her breath, listening as Annie described this dark, bloody commercial hunt in the most elegant tone.
She didn't feel afraid.
On the contrary, a thrilling sense of excitement shot up her spine to the crown of her head, making her whole body tremble.
This was no longer boring reports and PPTs; this was a real, dangerous game of controlling others' fates.
Far more exciting than any anime or novel plot.
And this was Japan, Tokyo.
As an anime enthusiast, she was full of interest and wouldn't feel any guilt.
She looked at Annie's profile, which appeared increasingly profound and beautiful behind the smoke, her eyes gleaming with eager anticipation:
"Mentor... the job of persuading that illegitimate third son to surrender. Could you... let me handle the talks?"
Hearing Xiao Jing's request, a flicker of appreciation passed through Annie's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by severity.
"You may. But remember, you are not winning over an ally. That kind of person only deserves to be a dog on a leash. Give him treats, but also make him feel fear constantly. Let him live, but only on his knees."
"Yes, Mentor Annie." Xiao Jing nodded vigorously.
Annie stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.
Tokyo's neon lights reflected in her pupils, brilliant yet cold.
A faint curve hung at the corner of her mouth, but her gaze seemed to drift into the distant void, appearing somewhat unfocused.
The mixture of fear, excitement, and eager anticipation in Xiao Jing's eyes right now felt so familiar...
In a daze, she seemed to see herself from many years ago.
That equally ambitious, inherently restless heir of the Kate family back then.
That man had also guided, taught, and polished her in this condescending, yet fatally tempting way.
He saw through all her discontent and darkness, then personally opened a door for her leading to greater darkness and power.
He didn't teach her to follow rules, but how to tear them apart.
Not loyalty to the family, but how to serve a greater ambition.
It was under such extreme seduction and control that she ultimately "bit the hand that fed her," completely betrayed the Kate family, and offered her resources and loyalty to him.
That led to the later [Crown Bank] secretly controlled in Switzerland, completely independent of the system, and those organizations operating in grey areas, handling special affairs for him.
Now, she stood here, sculpting this "interesting" student before her in almost the same way Tang Song had sculpted her back then.
It felt like a cycle, a legacy, or perhaps a twisted projection of her complex feelings and absolute submission towards him.
For some reason, his face suddenly surfaced in her mind.
Was this love?
Love?
No, there's never been such a naive thing in this world.
Only choices, and power.
"Heh—"
A nearly inaudible soft laugh dissipated in the reflection on the glass.
......
Paris, 16th Arrondissement.
Tang Song sat alone in the study, an open laptop before him.
But his gaze fell on the floating light screen.
[Partner: Zhao Yaqian (19 years old)]
[Role: Kept Bird (Smile Charity Foundation - Honorary Vice Chairman)]
[Height: 180CM, Weight: 64 kg]
[Physique: 71, Stamina: 72, Agility: 64, Comprehension: 62]
[Growth Progress: 95%]
[Growth Plan Mission ⑧: The Kept Bird's Enlightenment]
[Mission Content: After donning splendid attire, making a formal debut in the core circle, and establishing social connections, Zhao Yaqian must deeply comprehend her unique position and value within this complex network of relationships and vast system. She must internalize the "bestowed glory" into "soul-recognized belonging," find absolute inner peace, firmness, and a sense of belonging, and truly take flight.]
[Mission Reward: Growth Progress 5%, Kept Bird's Eternal Gift Pack*1]
[Mission Progress: Not Completed]
[Note: Having experienced nest-building, transformation, soaring, and blooming, the kept bird about to take flight will ultimately comprehend where her heart belongs. This final journey concerns the soul's destination. Please grant her the deepest understanding and resonance, witness her complete the ultimate sublimation from attachment to belonging.]
He had been looking at this mission for a long time and had gradually understood the system's intent.
The cultivation of a [Partner] was essentially not just about him obtaining a perfect "lover" tailored to his preferences.
Rather, it was about reshaping a person's life trajectory through the irrigation of resources, experience, and emotion.
Once a 19-year-old beautician with simple thoughts, easily delighted or worried by life's trivialities.
Now, under his nurturing, her wings had gradually grown, ready to take flight.
The higher she flew, the more her heart might need a thorough landing and confirmation, a true understanding of her coordinates and value within this complex relationship, completing the ultimate transformation from external dependence to internal belonging.
Tang Song's fingertips unconsciously tapped lightly on the desk, complex anticipation stirring in his heart.
Looking back, a hundred emotions welled up.
She was his first woman, carrying many of his youthful awkwardness and passion.
Memories surfaced of her saying "filling up your Wuling," complaining about the "black-hearted boss," sweetly calling him "Brother Song," and talking about her "programmer friend."
The clumsy yet sincere first kiss, the hazy yet fervent first time, the cautious exploration between them...
That beautician friend who loved fried skewers and was easily satisfied had, unknowingly, walked such a long path by his side.
Emotionally, he felt he owed the beautician.
As his business territory expanded and his "wings" increased, the attention and companionship he could give her were no longer as focused and abundant as during the initial romance.
"Ding dong—"
His phone on the desk lit up, its slight vibration pulling back his thoughts.
A message from Zhang Yan popped up on the screen.
It was a somewhat long screenshot of a memo, accompanied by just three simple words: For you.
Tang Song opened the image.
It was an essay written by Zhang Yan, her unique delicacy and literary flair evident between the lines:
New Year's Eve tonight, no rain outside the window, only wind rustling through the banyan leaves.
Last night, I had a very long, very deep dream.
I dreamed of a parallel world without you.
There, it was also Yangcheng's damp, cold winter. I stood alone at the end of a noisy hospital corridor, worrying about my mother's medical bills. Life was like a tightly drawn bow, pressing down until one could barely breathe.
Days repeated in anxiety and running around, the future was gray and murky, no light in sight.
And I, silently, walked through one winter after another.
But fortunately, dreams are the opposite.
After waking up, I could turn my head and see your pinned chat on my phone, warmth within reach.
Making all anxiety instantly vanish.
Tang Song, thank you for catching me, and thank you for letting me catch you.
In this real world, my mother's illness has improved smoothly, the snow in Yancheng will fall one day, and the parallel lines destined to miss each other in the dream have long since tightly intersected, entwined into concentric circles that can never be separated.
I don't envy anyone, not just because life has finally entered a bright track, but more because—
After waking from the dream, I know so clearly that you are right here.
And, I miss you so much.
Happy New Year.
Looking at the gentle words on the screen, Tang Song's gaze became extremely soft.
He replied seriously: "Dreams are all false, only the present is real. Wait for me to return, I will hold you tightly."
Putting down his phone, Tang Song looked out at Paris's dazzling nightscape.
A brilliant, relieved smile appeared on his face.
Yes.
Fortunately, all of this had been changed.
Just like that future full of regret, mediocrity, and missed opportunities he glimpsed through the [Dream System] during his final year of high school.
He absolutely would not allow that kind of life to repeat itself.
Bai Yueguang, the beautician, big sister, deskmate, partner, female CEO, coser, campus belle, junior, designer...
Those beauties he once admired, encountered, and yearned for, now surrounded him like stars.
He greedily opened his arms, unwilling to miss any possible ending.
Even more, he didn't want to leave any regrets for himself.
He wanted them all, and moreover, he wanted to give them the best endings.
Right at that moment.
"Knock knock knock—" A knocking sound came from the door.
Qiuqiu's cool voice came from outside: "Tang Song, dinner is ready. Sister Yu asked me to call you."
Tang Song stood up and opened the door.
He saw Qiuqiu standing timidly at the doorway.
She wore a set of lacy homewear, her face still wearing that faint, seemingly indifferent-to-everything expression.
But her eyes looking at him were filled with dependence and nervousness.
He took her hand, smiled, and kissed her on the cheek. "Let's go, QQ."
Qiuqiu's body stiffened slightly, then softened.
......
The New Year's Eve dinner was extremely sumptuous.
A classic French feast meticulously prepared by the apartment's private butler team.
Pan-seared foie gras melted in the mouth, Burgundy red wine braised beef was rich and mellow, crème brûlée was sweet and exquisite.
The taste was excellent, but a certain atmosphere flowing in the air was more intoxicating than the food.
Dinner ended.
Qiuqiu very tactfully stood up to say goodbye.
Although reluctant in her heart, reason told her she should return to her own room and leave the space for Tang Song and Su Yu.
However, just as she turned, her wrist was gently grasped by a warm, soft hand.
The moment their skin touched, it felt like an electric current ran through her.
Su Yu, without further ado, pulled her into the spacious living room.
"What's the hurry? Tonight is New Year's Eve in France, we're going to see the old year out together."
Su Yu didn't turn on the TV. Instead, she took down her favorite Martin guitar from the shelf.
But she didn't play it herself. Instead, she placed the guitar into Qiuqiu's arms.
"Didn't you say before you always wanted to learn my guitar fingering? Such a good night tonight, I'll teach you hand in hand."
Then, she leaned against Qiuqiu's side, almost half-hanging on the girl.
The rich aroma of red wine mixed with Su Yu's unique, high-end perfume instantly enveloped Qiuqiu.
Su Yu's hand covered the back of Qiuqiu's hand, her slender fingertips lightly touching, patiently correcting her finger placement on the frets.
"Relax, don't be so stiff... here, press like this... at this moment... pluck like this..."
Qiuqiu never expected that a scene she wouldn't even dare to dream of had actually come true.
Her whole body was tense, her face flushed red.
As the guitar strings were plucked.
Su Yu's slightly husky heavenly voice, mixed with Qiuqiu's slightly trembling harmony, flowed slowly in the warm-as-spring living room.
The close physical proximity, the unintentional touching of fingertips, and the warm breaths intermingling near their ears...
What was even more overwhelming was that Tang Song was sitting on the sofa opposite.
His posture was lazy, holding a red wine glass, his gaze occasionally sweeping over their overlapping bodies.
Carrying a heart-palpitating warmth.
Qiuqiu's legs were trembling slightly, a warm current surging within her body.
Days repeated in anxiety and busyness, the future was gray and murky, with no light in sight.
He lightly tapped the rhythm with his fingers, his deep voice blending into their singing.
The sound of the guitar, the singing, echoed in the living room.
Accompanied by the occasional crisp sound of glasses clinking.
No stage grandeur, but possessing the most moving, earthly warmth of human life.
Time slipped away quietly amidst the fine, rising bubbles of champagne.
Just past midnight.
2024 had arrived.
"Happy New Year!"
Three glasses clinked crisply under the warm yellow light.
Su Yu tilted her head back and finished the red wine in her glass. A hazy drunkenness tinged the corners of her eyes, adding a lazy yet deadly charm to her.
She extended both hands towards Tang Song, coquettishly saying, "Husband, I'm so sleepy... I can't walk. Carry me back to the room."
Tang Song put down his glass, stood up, and effortlessly picked her up in a princess carry.
Su Yu nestled obediently in his arms, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall.
As they passed by Qiuqiu, she suddenly opened her eyes, a mischievous smile curling at the corner of her mouth. "Qiuqiu, want to continue 'seeing the New Year in' together?"
"Ah?!"
Qiuqiu trembled violently, her face instantly turning as red as if it would drip blood.
She shook her head frantically, stammering, "N-no... I... I'm sleepy! G-goodnight!"
After saying that, she lowered her head and fled towards her own guest bedroom as if escaping.
Behind her came the sound of Tang Song's steady footsteps and Su Yu's laughter.
The guest bedroom door was shut tightly.
Qiuqiu leaned back against the door, panting heavily, her heart about to leap out of her chest.
In the hallway, faint, intertwined subtle sounds from Tang Song and Su Yu could be heard.
They amplified infinitely in her mind.
As if possessed, she didn't immediately go to bed. Instead, she pressed her ear against the door panel.
Until a heavy door closing sound came.
Only then did Qiuqiu snap back to reality.
She slowly slid down along the door, sitting on the carpet.
Above her head, the [Dream Flower Seed] erupted with intense light, its branches and leaves wildly stretching out, a trace of blood-red color slowly expanding.
......
In the master bedroom, the lights were off.
Only the flickering golden light from outside the window illuminated the room in a patchwork of light and shadow.
"Riiip—"
The sound of fabric tearing rang out in the darkness.
Expensive fashion was torn apart, hanging on the post at the foot of the bed.
Su Yu leaned against the huge floor-to-ceiling window glass.
The cold glass, the burning chest.
It almost drove her mad.
She held Tang Song's neck tightly with both hands.
"Tang Song... you, you're leaving soon, right?"
"Yes."
Su Yu raised her head and bit his shoulder, using all her strength until she tasted blood:
"Then... don't waste a single second."
"Kill me... in your way..."
"I want you to leave me with pain that lasts for days even after you're gone."
"Let me remember you with every step I take."
Who knows how long it had been before everything finally fell silent.
Tang Song held the female star who had already fallen unconscious in his arms.
By the faint light, he looked at Su Yu's face, marked with tear tracks yet breathtakingly beautiful.
In the room, their breathing finally gradually calmed.
The Paris trip was about to end.
The story with the female star was also coming to a temporary pause.
Tang Song gently stroked her sweat-dampened long hair, his thoughts wandering in the deep night.
After returning to China, he still had too many things to do.
The assets and permissions inherited from reaching Charm value 90, and the final sprint for the [Final Stage Growth Plan Mission].
The expansion of [Songmei Apparel], the technological layout of [Xuanji Optical World]...
As he was now, he still hadn't reached the end.
Thinking and thinking, Tang Song slowly closed his eyes.
Amidst Su Yu's even breathing.
His consciousness gradually sank, and some suppressed, faint, seemingly illusory sounds began to appear in his ears.
The sounds drifted near and far, carrying a hint of pain yet mixed with an indescribable sweetness.
Gradually, they pulled forth clear images.
In a familiar room.
A sexy figure was curled up on the bed.
Her body trembled under the covers.
"Qiuqiu..."
Tang Song instantly realized she was having nightmares again.
Out of instinct, he softly called her name in his consciousness.
Hearing his voice, Qiuqiu's body on the bed stiffened violently.
Then she jolted awake, quickly sprang up from the bed, stood barefoot on the carpet, and looked at him in panic.
"**" Her voice was very small.
Using the dream's perspective, Tang Song saw her current appearance clearly.
She stood there, her face showing an abnormal flush, her body still trembling uncontrollably slightly. Her eyes were intertwined with extreme shame and panic.
This was not the same Qiuqiu from his memories, the one who had nightmares out of fear.
She wasn't wearing pajamas. Instead, she had on a man's white dress shirt.
The top two buttons were undone, the collar gaping open, revealing her delicate, deep-set collarbones and a large expanse of snow-white skin.
The hem of the shirt barely covered the tops of her thighs, completely exposing a pair of straight, long legs to the air.
Aloofness and sensuality.
Detachment and intimacy.
This extreme contrast created a top-tier visual impact.
Sensing his omnipresent gaze.
Qiuqiu's face instantly turned deathly pale.
She frantically tugged at the hem of the shirt, trying to cover herself, but it only made things more obvious.
"I... I didn't..."
"It's not stealing your clothes... I..."
"I just... I wasn't sneaking... I don't know..."
She defended herself incoherently, her voice trembling beyond recognition.
Like a little girl whose secret had been exposed, panicked and utterly mortified.