novelraw Chapter 804: Jiang Yourong, Shen Yuyan, Su Yu
Chapter 804: Jiang Yourong, Shen Yuyan, Su Yu
Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Shen City, Nanshan District, JW Marriott Hotel.
“Ring—ring—”
The alarm went off for the third time.
Jiang Yourong finally stirred in a nest of warm, messy blankets, and reluctantly sat up in bed.
The quilt slipped off, revealing the loose camisole nightgown she wore underneath.
She let out a big yawn, raised her arms, and stretched.
“Mmm—”
As she stretched, the fabric of the nightgown tightened, tracing the rounded fullness of her curves.
That ripe, weighty flesh gave off a primitive, languid allure in the morning light.She turned off the alarm and checked the time on her phone.
07:55.
Almost eight.
Jiang Yourong rubbed her sore neck, and her mind slowly cleared from the fog.
Both body and spirit had been exhausted lately.
Daytime was spent coordinating intense technology transfer work, and nights were sacrificed to compiling materials for Director Jin’s “intelligence tasks.”
For someone used to the laid-back life of faculty—nine-to-five, sometimes only a few classes a week—this high-pressure pace at a major company was sheer torment.
But at least effort had its rewards.
Work was progressing smoothly. Director Jin hadn’t praised much, but she also hadn’t been angry with Jiang for that slip-up in Quancheng.
Within this giant enterprise, she’d managed to hold her ground through real competence.
She got up and headed to the bathroom.
As she brushed her teeth, she looked at herself in the mirror.
She instinctively pinched her lower belly.
?
The feel was different.
That soft, pinchable layer had noticeably tightened.
There was still some flesh, but it no longer sagged.
“Not bad, not bad!”
Jiang Yourong admired her reflection and swiveled her hips.
She definitely wasn’t fat now—at most a little fuller than in her youth.
She’d always carried more fat than a bone-thin beauty like Xie Shuyu; nothing to be done about that.
Once Tang Song got here, he certainly wouldn’t snidely call her fat anymore.
When she saw Director Jin on Friday, she’d give him a pleasant surprise!
Shen City had cooled down recently.
After washing up, she opened the wardrobe and pulled out a cashmere sweater Lele had mailed from Yancheng.
She put it on and checked herself in the mirror.
She tugged at the side of the sweater.
See? Being slim is great!
This sweater used to fit so tightly on her that it showed the outline of her undergarments.
Now it even seemed a bit large.
“Looks like I should go shopping for new clothes...”
Jiang Yourong thought happily, a small thrill in her chest.
Buying clothes was a woman’s instinct.
When she was a professor at Yancheng Normal University, the title sounded respectable and the social status stable, but an associate professor’s salary wasn’t generous for someone with a mortgage and a fondness for good food; purchases had to be calculated.
Now things were different.
She was Director of University Cooperation and Technology Transfer at Xuanji Optical World, and also the CEO’s technical assistant.
This was a genuine core management post, with an internal rank equivalent to VP.
Her contract pegged her annual salary to senior levels in big internet firms.
A base salary starting at two million yuan, not counting performance pay and year-end dividends.
Last month’s paycheck would arrive tomorrow.
Even though she’d worked less than half a month last month, signing bonuses and relocation allowances had already added a hefty sum.
Enough to stroll through the mall without worry!
In high spirits, Jiang began packing and preparing to leave.
The company did provide executive housing in Tang Yi Precision’s park.
The accommodations were very good; at her level she’d be assigned a standalone, fully-furnished two-bedroom with daily shuttle service.
But she still chose to pay for a hotel for now and planned to rent offsite later.
The reasons were practical.
First, unease.
She was planted by Director Jin—inserted to counterbalance Ms. Ouyang’s influence.
Living on Ms. Ouyang’s turf felt like living inside a control room, every move watched by the company. It offered no sense of security.
Second, work nature.
As Tang Song’s assistant at a world-class company like Xuanji Optical World, she’d inevitably be jetting around with the boss and visiting universities. The Tang Yi campus near the factories was too far from the city center.
But most importantly—she was lazy and enjoyed comforts.
The campus had no decent mall nearby; takeout options were poor.
City center life was delightful: morning tea in Yangcheng, Hong Kong-style shopping within reach.
For a seasoned foodie, convenience and enjoyment were paramount.
It so happened Assistant Shen had suggested co-renting.
And to encourage executives to settle near the new HQ, the company offered a housing subsidy of up to 10,000 yuan a month.
Split between two people plus that subsidy, a large flat would be affordable.
They’d have companionship, mutual support, and could cover for each other in sensitive moments. Perfect.
Thinking of that brightened Jiang’s mood. Humming, she slipped into half-heeled pumps and walked out of the hotel in light steps.
She took a taxi straight to the Qianhai Innovation Center.
On the drive, she opened Shen Yuyan’s chat and typed: “Yuyan, you’re arriving in Shen City at noon, right? Want to come stay at the Marriott first? We can rest and then look at apartments together later.”
“Yu, yu, yu—”
[Shen Yuyan: “I’ll land at Bao’an around eleven and head to you by taxi. Let’s look at apartments together at noon, and if one’s good, I’ll move in right away.”]
Jiang blinked and replied: “What do you mean? You already picked one?”
[Shen Yuyan: “Mm, planning to surprise Professor Jiang. I promise you’ll like it.”]
[Shen Yuyan: (playful sticker)]
Jiang admired Shen’s efficiency—no wonder she was Tang Song’s assistant.
Compared to herself, dragging along from exhaustion, Shen had already arranged everything.
She felt a twinge of shame.
They exchanged a few more messages and finalized meeting details.
The taxi stopped in front of a modern tech complex at Qianhai Innovation Center.
Jiang took a deep breath, adjusted the strap of her shoulder bag, straightened her back, and walked briskly into the lobby.
The atmosphere here was nothing like the universities and institutes she knew.
The space was open and restrained, free of excess decoration.
Employees dressed with varied, tasteful styles—Silicon Valley minimalist casual, European refined business, and many tech staff in polo shirts and backpacks.
English, German, and Chinese intertwined naturally in the air, not as a forced international label but as a lived reality.
This was a true workplace of top global engineers, scientists, and business elites.
“Director Jiang, good morning.”
“Director Jiang.”
As she walked along the corridor to the executive floors, several colleagues with files paused to greet her respectfully.
Jiang smiled professional and warm, nodding in response.
Xuanji Optical World had passed its initial incubation stage and was now in a high-growth phase, its organization maturing.
The company used a typical “business group + central research institute” model:
Three business groups—X-Glasses BG, XOS BG, and XCloud & AI BG.
The central research institute extended a core line toward the future, continuously incubating validated yet not mass-produced cutting-edge tech.
Support departments included the President’s Office and the Ecosystem Strategy Department for strategic coordination.
This platform was crafted by Tang Yi Precision with global resources, dense talent, and patient capital.
Not a one-off deal, but a long-term play for the next decade or two.
Standing on such a top-tier platform, Jiang felt something like a restart.
Maybe what she truly craved wasn’t only a respectable academic title.
It was to stand at the frontier of industry, using technology, judgment, and execution to help shape the future.
The regret from missing out on Smile Investment still stung.
Now Xuanji Optical World was deeply cultivating AR, AI, and spatial computing—true future-facing hardcore fields.
They matched her identity as a tech expert and professor.
She passed through the busy, vibrant open office and stopped at the glass door marked “University Cooperation Office.”
This temporary office was about thirty square meters—not large.
She had already seen the real director’s office reserved for her at the new HQ.
That space was two or three times larger, with better furnishings and facilities.
Soon—this Friday—the company would hold a grand relocation ceremony for the new global headquarters.
By the weekend she could officially move into her own domain.
It signaled her position in the company was steadily solidifying.
She hung her bag on a coat rack and exhaled, finally releasing the tension.
Her eyes landed on the smart glasses lying quietly on the desk.
Xuanji·Xuanlight XG-1 (codename: Jade).
They looked almost like high-end prescription glasses—clean lines, no exaggerated futurism.
This was the flagship set to be released and one of the company’s most important engineering achievements.
Jiang reached out and put the glasses on.
Instantly, a single-eye microdisplay lit subtly at the lens edge.
Information didn’t leap into the view but floated at the periphery—stable, clear, unobtrusive to reality.
Exactly as the company’s core idea “Make AI Visible” meant.
Not to flaunt tech, but to make AI part of reality.
Jiang’s heartbeat quickened.
She could tell XG-1 wasn’t a passing concept product.
At product maturity and usability, it was at least six months to a year ahead of the industry—a pair of smart glasses people would really use daily.
The wind of opportunity was right here.
...
Just as freshly brewed coffee touched her lips, its aroma not yet spreading in her mouth,
“Ring—ring—”
Her phone vibrated on the desk.
Jiang glanced at the caller ID and straightened instantly.
[Shangguan Qiuyas]
She inhaled, steadied her breathing, and answered.
“Hello, Qiuyas?”
“Good morning, Yourong. You’re at the office now, right?”
The voice was calm and crisp as always, with no extra emotion.
“Yes, I’m in the office. Is something up?” Jiang felt a pang.
“There’s been an urgent schedule change that you need to be informed of immediately. You’ll receive an official email from Administration shortly.
Tomorrow morning, Ms. Ouyang and President Tang will go to Mission Hills Golf Club in Dongguan for an event.
To allow management to have an informal, in-depth interaction with President Tang—the new CEO—most core executives at VP level and above will attend to accompany him.”
Jiang’s grip tightened on the phone.
Dongguan? Mission Hills? Ms. Ouyang and Tang Song?
Another task was starting.
She knew the meaning behind such an arrangement all too well from her time around Director Jin.
Top-level power plays never name names directly.
But those chosen quickly felt the pressure.
Jiang inwardly groaned, outwardly composed: “Understood. What do I need to do?”
“You’re familiar with the company’s operations and senior executives now. Your task is to stay beside President Tang the whole time, provide technical support and on-site recording.”
Shangguan paused, then added: “So you need to go to Yangcheng tonight and meet President Tang. Tomorrow morning you’ll depart with him from Yangcheng to Dongguan.”
Jiang sprang to her feet, her chest heaving.
Tonight? Go to Yangcheng to accompany Tang Song?
His imposing figure flashed in her mind.
“All right, I understand.” She kept her voice steady.
“If anything comes up, contact me anytime. Director Jin will be back in Shen City the day after tomorrow; he may speak with you in person.”
“Okay, thank you, Qiuyas. I got it.”
After hanging up, Jiang patted her chest and felt her heart skip two beats—equal parts anticipation and nervousness.
She looked at the XG-1 on the desk and took a breath, suppressing the unruly, warm daydreams.
Around ten, Administration’s official email arrived on schedule.
It listed itinerary, dress code, and the participating executive list in clear detail.
She promptly confirmed.
After a moment’s thought, she opened Tang Song’s WeChat and wrote: “President Tang, I just received notice that tomorrow we’re heading to Mission Hills in Dongguan. For convenience, I’ll go to Yangcheng tonight and accompany you for departure tomorrow morning—does that work?”
After a while,
“Yu, yu, yu—”
[Tang Song: “Thanks for your effort, Professor Jiang. No rush. I’m on the plane and staying tonight at the Four Seasons in IFC. Come later; as long as you make tomorrow’s event it’s fine.”]
Jiang replied quickly: “Got it.”
Once decided, she couldn’t sit still.
She packed quickly, briefed her deputy, and left the office early in heels.
Back at the JW Marriott, she opened the wardrobe and began selecting her outfit for tomorrow.
Too plain would be inappropriate; too flashy would seem indecent for her figure.
Besides, she’d slimmed recently; suits that once barely fit now felt off.
She’d planned to wait until the tenth when payroll hit to buy more clothes, but stared and gave up.
Fine.
I’ll go to the mall at noon and buy an outfit.
This was her first time attending an important company-level event as a core executive.
Thankfully, Shen City, Yangcheng, and Dongguan were within an hour’s circle in the Greater Bay Area. Plenty of time.
Shortly after noon, Jiang walked into the JW Marriott lobby with her bag.
She immediately spotted a striking figure in the seating area.
Too noticeable to miss.
Shen Yuyan wore a black tailored suit with a glossy champagne silk blouse beneath—open at the collar—projecting a cool, elite sensuality.
A wide Gucci sunglass perched on her face, legs crossed, posture lazy and confident.
Even sitting quietly, she drew frequent glances.
“Yuyan!” Jiang called, smiling as she approached.
“Yourong, long time no see.” Shen removed her sunglasses, revealing bright, curved almond eyes that lit her whole face.
She stood and sized Jiang up with a familiar, friendly teasing tone: “Oh? You look a bit slimmer. But you look more competent—like a female scientist with an icy vibe.”
“Haha, I’m tired-slim! Been working nonstop to meet deadlines,” Jiang laughed helplessly but happily.
“That means things are moving forward.” Shen smiled. “Let’s go—the car’s waiting. We’ll head over and settle in, then have lunch there.”
“Okay.” Jiang nodded. “I’ve been staying in hotels lately, convenient but not stable. I want to lock down a place.”
They walked out together and got into a black Alphard waiting at the curb.
The city noise fell away as they merged onto Shen City’s main road.
They chatted briefly about recent work rhythms.
Unable to hold back curiosity, Jiang asked, “By the way, which complex did you pick? Is it close to the company?”
Shen glanced at her and smiled without answering directly: “Don’t worry—you’ll see. The location, environment, and convenience should exceed your expectations.”
The car threaded through traffic.
About twenty minutes later traffic slowed, turning into a quieter area.
Not far off stood the silhouette of the Wanxiang City mall, and in the distance the futuristic outline of Xuanji Optical World’s new HQ came into view.
The car stopped at the elegant entrance of a residential complex.
Jiang stared at the facade, stunned: “China Resources City—Runxi Phase One?”
She’d heard that name from real estate listings and agents many times.
“Yes, this is it.” Shen took the small suitcase from the driver and said casually, “Shall we, Yourong?”
She linked arms with Jiang and they entered the complex.
Inside it was orderly and serene; landscaping and circulation clearly well designed.
Soon they reached a prime building.
The first-floor lobby was bright and spacious.
The property manager greeted them and bowed slightly to Shen.
After a brief, polite verification, the manager handed an activated access card and an envelope with property contact information.
They took the elevator, swiped the card, and the 52nd floor lit up.
Jiang’s heart skipped.
The broker had mentioned that this building rose to 60 floors, mostly large single-level flats.
High-floor units with views were scarce and rented for over 35,000 yuan a month.
“Ding—”
The elevator doors opened.
Only one residence occupied the whole floor.
The corridor was quiet and private.
Shen stood before the door and smoothly entered the code.
“Beep—”
The electronic lock confirmed and the heavy armored entry door opened.
Pushing it open revealed a gigantic horizontal living room of fifty to sixty square meters—suddenly the space expanded before them.
Transparent and vast, the scale was instantly apparent.
Shen inhaled deeply at the foyer.
In that instant, a feeling of security and thrill rose in her chest.
This was Tang Song’s “golden house” for her.
Although he called it a temporary stay, she knew well that if she wished, it could become a long-term home.
It was a 175-square-meter luxury four-bedroom single-level flat.
Minimalist modern style, restrained and high-end color palette, clean sharp lines—every detail tasteful rather than flashy, revealing cost and aesthetic in every corner.
From the floor-to-ceiling windows, the city skyline stretched out.
Wanxiang City’s bustle sat nearby, while far-off Shencheng Bay glittered under the sun; the sea and sky met cleanly and wide.
To the side, the silhouette of Xuanji Optical World’s HQ was visible.
An open kitchen flowed into an island bar, with built-in appliances from top brands.
All furnishings were understated yet exquisite—an ambience found only in truly high-end residences.
Jiang stood frozen, understanding what such a flat implied.
Having decorated a home herself, she knew the level here was not something money alone could casually buy—location, area, and finish were top-tier.
She walked around the living room, ran her fingertips across the leather sofa arm, and finally couldn’t help asking:
“Yuyan... rents like this—what would it be monthly?”
Shen walked to the island, turned, and smiled: “Zero.”
“Huh?” Jiang paused, thinking she misheard. “What do you mean? No rent?”
“Mm.” Shen nodded and looked her straight in the eye. “This is Tang Song’s place. He gave it to me.”
“A place this big, I’d feel lonely living alone. And being new in Shen City, it helps having a friend and colleague like you here—to watch out for each other.”
“Tang Song’s house... given to you...”
Jiang stood momentarily speechless.
Looking at Shen—more composed, confident, and dazzling than before—things suddenly made sense without being said.
In adult terms, “giving a house” spoke volumes.
She and Tang Song were that kind of relationship.
It wasn’t surprising.
A beautiful, capable assistant and a young, powerful, wealthy CEO—such pairings easily invite speculation.
No wonder she became Xuanji Optical World’s Chief Ecosystem Officer.
Then—Jiang’s thoughts shifted.
She glanced at herself.
Now she was his technical assistant too.
The thought flashed and she immediately looked away.
A subtle, strange sensation crawled up her spine, tinting her cheeks.
“So? Yourong, want to move in? There are plenty of rooms. I’ll take the master; you can pick one of the three bedrooms.”
Shen still smiled brightly, her gaze clear but deep—she seemed to see right through Jiang’s hesitation and wavering.
Jiang felt guilty under that look and turned her eyes away.
“This... it’s too valuable. I should at least pay some rent—I can’t accept it without feeling awkward.”
“Don’t be silly, Yourong.” Shen stepped forward and took Jiang’s hand warmly. “From now on we’re friends, colleagues, and both people close to Tang. Standing on the same line, we should watch out for each other and share his burdens.”
“You agree, right?”
Jiang pressed her lips together and nodded: “Okay, then... I’ll trouble you.”
Shen’s face blossomed into the brightest smile—like a spring flower, radiant but not ostentatious.
Although they hadn’t known each other long, Shen had quickly sensed that Jiang’s relationship with Tang Song wasn’t entirely simple.
More importantly, Shen knew of Jiang’s background.
Jiang had been placed by Director Jin—linked to Smile Holdings and originally assigned into the company on Jin’s arrangement.
In the Tangjin network, Director Jin’s meaning and influence were clear to Shen.
Shen understood that to survive and climb this intricate network she must pick a side.
At least outwardly she needed to be obedient, restrained, and genuinely useful—both before Tang Song and within Director Jin’s view.
As for the future—who could say?
...
Meanwhile in Shen City,
A black chauffeured car glided smoothly along the expressway from the airport to OCT Swan Castle.
Inside, temperature steady and silent, Su Yu reclined against the plush leather airplane-style seat, velvet mask on, eyes half-closed as if resting.
“Yu, yu, yu—”
A sudden phone vibration broke the calm.
Assistant Cheng Xiaoxi grabbed the call and, listening, grew serious.
“Mm... mm... okay... I understand. Suppress the heat for now.”
After hanging up, Cheng leaned over and quietly reported to Su: “Yu-jie, PR monitored an urgent public opinion spike. A batch of scandalous releases about Bei Yuwei suddenly appeared online. So far only obscure marketing accounts are pushing it, heat hasn’t risen, but...”
Cheng lowered her voice: “From our initial tracing, these are bought articles, deliberately trying to bind her.”
Su Yu turned her head from the window’s streaking light without removing her mask, and the amber in her eyes flashed with a chilling glint.
“Who?”
“Not confirmed, but highly likely Zhou Ran.”
Cheng explained quickly: “Based on sources near Bei Yuwei, Zhou Ran is the younger son of Hengke Group Chairman Zhou Lingjun. He currently oversees Hengke’s entertainment division and has been aggressively pursuing Bei Yuwei.”
“He’s also invited to tomorrow’s event at Mission Hills. Just now he pressured the production team and demanded Bei Yuwei accompany him.”
“Hengke Group?”
Cheng pulled up staff files on a tablet and briefed crisply: “Hengke is headquartered in Dongguan, started in property and industry, and has diversified into cinemas and film investment. They have deep local roots and are a major shareholder of the Fingertip Starlight base. Zhou Lingjun is low-key, but his son Zhou Ran is showy in the circle...”
A sarcastic chuckle escaped Su beneath her mask. “Tell PR to make that nonsense vanish from the internet within half an hour.”
She reached for her perfectly manicured hand: “Give me my phone.”
Cheng unlocked and handed over her personal phone.
Su dialed quickly.
A few rings later, Secretary Chen’s professional voice came through: “Miss Su, hello.”
“Secretary Chen, a small matter—may I trouble you?”
Su leaned back and idly twirled a strand of hair, her voice unreadable.
“Please go ahead.”
“Tomorrow Tang Song will be at Mission Hills in Dongguan for the event and to sign Bei Yuwei, right?”
“Yes, that’s on the itinerary.”
“Check whether a guest named Zhou Ran from Hengke Group is on the invited list.”
“Please wait.” After a pause the reply came: “Yes. He was invited in Hengke Group’s name. Zhou Ran, who heads Hengke’s entertainment division, will attend with his father, Chairman Zhou Lingjun.”
Su’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I don’t want him there. Remove his name from the final admission list, but don’t notify him in advance.”
She paused and added with a playful tone: “I mean—let him arrive at the gate and be refused with politeness. That would be fun.”
Secretary Chen hesitated: “Miss Su, I can formally notify the organizer now and remove his invitation—that would be more procedural...”
“No.” Su cut in softly but with an invisible pressure. “I want that effect. Do I need to call Ms. Ouyang myself?”
“No need, Miss Su. I’ll handle it.”
“Good.” Su’s tone smoothed, satisfied. “Thanks, Secretary Chen.”
“You’re welcome.”
After hanging up, Su handed the phone back to Cheng, slipped her sunglasses back on, and reclined.
The glaring late-afternoon light of Shen City played across her flawless profile like a flickering film.
Her amber gaze seemed to pierce the glass and settle on an eastern direction.
[Hua Run Shencheng Bay Yuefu]
The family office had placed Wen Ruan in a home in Shen City.
And someone else was there—Zhang Yan.
Su Yu’s lips lifted slightly.
I must go see you.