novelraw Chapter 817: Secretary Jin Is Angry
Chapter 817: Secretary Jin Is Angry
At a little past six in the morning.
China Resources Shencheng Bay Yuefu, Unit 3601, Building 2.
Inside the guest bedroom.
Thick, curly eyelashes fluttered slightly, and Lin Muxue slowly opened her eyes.
A hangover-like sense of confusion washed over her. Her mind was foggy for a moment before she finally regained a sliver of clarity.
Jet lag was truly not a simple matter.
After landing from London yesterday, to forcibly reset her biological clock, she had stubbornly kept her eyelids open and refused to sleep. She persisted until 8 PM before finally succumbing to the overwhelming drowsiness that threatened to drown her, collapsing onto the bed and falling into a deep sleep.
She had woken up intermittently several times in between. In that half-dream, half-awake state, she couldn't even tell what day it was, and her body felt like it was floating in the clouds, heavy yet unreal.
But thankfully, being young and vigorous, her adaptability was very strong. She had managed to overcome it after all.
She wasn't in a hurry to get up. Instead, she turned her head and stared blankly at the somewhat unfamiliar luxurious guest bedroom for a while.This was Wen Ruan's home in Shen City. She had already taken a tour when she arrived yesterday.
This was the China Resources Yuefu located in the prime location of Shencheng Bay. A nearly three-hundred-square-meter large flat with an extremely minimalist, high-end grey decor style and incredibly luxurious supporting facilities.
It was said to be an accommodation directly arranged by the [Tangjin Family Office]. Although the property was nominally registered under a trust fund, in essence, it would be Wen Ruan's private asset from now on.
Just from this point alone, one could see Wen Ruan's current identity and status within the Tangjin System.
And Qianqian too, she had now entered the Smile Charity Foundation as an honorary vice-chairwoman.
Both of them could be said to have officially entered the inner circle.
Regarding this, Lin Muxue couldn't help but feel a bit envious in her heart.
But she also knew that Wen Ruan and Zhao Yaqian could be considered the earliest "girlfriends" to follow Tang Song.
It was also somewhat reasonable.
Fortunately, Tang Song was now cultivating her too. Perhaps one day she could also enjoy such treatment.
She threw off the covers and got out of bed.
Slipping on her slippers, she opened the guest room door.
Outside the window was the magnificent seascape of Shencheng Bay and the silhouette of the Spring Bamboo Shoot building.
Subtle morning light gilded everything with a golden edge. The air seemed to carry the faintly salty scent of the sea breeze, something you could almost breathe in.
"I, Empress Muxue, have finally... returned!"
"Mmm—"
Lin Muxue lazily raised her arms and stretched out in a big, satisfying yawn.
With her movement, the thin straps of her silk nightgown tightened slightly, perfectly outlining her superior, curvaceous figure with its prominent front and back.
Her pair of straight, long legs tensed, even her toes curling up contentedly.
Her whole person exuded the uniquely alluring charm of someone who had just woken up.
Recalling the experiences of the past half-month or so felt like a long period of cultivation.
From the initial trepidation and walking on thin ice when facing Director Jin, to later being forced to undergo high-intensity "butler-style training" in London...
She felt as if she had been thrown into an alchemy furnace and remolded.
The benefit was that her progress was truly immense.
To say it out loud, she was a core assistant talent personally hand-trained by Ms. Smile herself!
This could be considered a layer of genuine gold plating.
When she was finally leaving, even Director Jin had unprecedentedly praised her and gifted her a rather expensive present.
Thinking of this, the gloom in her heart was swept away.
She walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window.
After doing a few calisthenic exercises, Lin Muxue was finally fully awake.
She couldn't help but start to fantasize about the wonderful life ahead.
Compared to the suffocating, high-pressure environment of staying by Director Jin's side where even breathing had to be calculated, being able to return to the country and stay with Tang Song, even if it was work, felt practically like a vacation!
However, she couldn't let her guard down either.
Lin Muxue's gaze instantly turned sharp.
Tomorrow, that is Friday, was the official inauguration ceremony for the global headquarters of [Xuanji Optical World].
For Tang Song, this was a major event marking his official step into the public eye.
As his "biological" personal assistant, and with the scheming Shen Yuyan watching like a tiger eyeing its prey by her side, she naturally had to show some real skill and perform well.
"Hmph hmph~"
A confident smile tugged at the corner of Lin Muxue's mouth as she placed her hands on her hips.
The current Empress Muxue, having experienced "calamity," had lived out a second life!
This time, I will take back everything that belongs to me!
After spending some more time touring the living room, feeling the luxury of this top-tier mansion, Lin Muxue took out her phone, reported her situation to Tang Song, and chatted for a bit.
In high spirits, humming an unknown little tune, she finished washing up, changed into a comfortable set of silk loungewear, and lazily leaned back on the soft cloud-like sofa in the living room.
Just as she was about to pick up her phone to order breakfast delivery from a five-star hotel...
The sound of a door opening rang out, accompanied by familiar footsteps.
Hearing this, Lin Muxue instinctively looked up.
She saw a tall, voluptuous figure walk in.
Wen Ruan was wearing a set of workout clothes that outlined an exaggerated, rule-breaking Korean comic-book physique.
A full E-cup bust, a waist with visible abs, and a pair of perfectly round, perky, peach-shaped buttocks.
Her skin glowed with a healthy blush after exercise.
A few strands of hair were damp with sweat, clinging to her slender neck, radiating heat.
As she walked, she casually let down her tied-up long hair.
Her thick, waterfall-like brown hair cascaded down, adding a touch of mature, post-workout sensuality.
"Morning, Xiaoxue."
"Morning, Wen Ruan Jie."
Looking at Wen Ruan's bursting, voluptuous curves and defined lines, Lin Muxue secretly clicked her tongue in amazement.
This physical fitness was way too insane!
She had just flown back with me from London yesterday, hadn't even adjusted to the time difference, and yet she still had the energy to go for a morning workout today?
And she looked so energetic too.
Simply outrageous!
"How was it? Sleep well?"
Wen Ruan walked up with a smile, picked up a glass of water from the table, and took a sip.
"Very well. The bed was extremely comfortable, slept straight through till morning."
"You're welcome to come often in the future. Even if I'm not here, there's still a roommate here, you know."
"Oh? The one in the second bedroom?" Lin Muxue asked curiously, "I forgot to ask yesterday, who is it?"
"Zhang Yan."
"Zhang Yan?" Lin Muxue blinked in confusion.
"You don't know her? Oh, right, I don't think I've heard Zhang Yan mention you either."
Wen Ruan looked at her with a knowing smile, a hint of playful meaning in her tone, "I'll introduce you two another day. She's a good girl, one of our own."
Seeing Wen Ruan's "you-know-what-I-mean" expression, Lin Muxue had a sudden flash of insight. "She... could she also be...?"
"Of course." Wen Ruan shrugged, speaking as if it were perfectly justified, "Otherwise, why would I let her sleep next door? That would just be asking for trouble. You know how it is with that guy Tang Song... the *movements* are especially loud."
Hearing these brazen words, Lin Muxue's gaze couldn't help but sweep over Wen Ruan's body as she teased, "Wen Ruan Jie, President Tang shouldn't bear the blame for this pot. I think the main issue is that *your* movements are pretty big, right?"
One could imagine, facing a "devilish physique player" like Wen Ruan who worked out regularly and had extreme stamina, Tang Song would definitely go all out.
That scene must have been quite spectacular.
Hearing this slightly provocative tease, Wen Ruan was first taken aback, then let out a "pfft" and laughed, her body shaking with mirth, causing a large wave of movement across her chest.
She walked up to Lin Muxue, reached out a finger, and gently hooked her chin.
A pair of peach blossom eyes brimming with allure, she teased in that uniquely lazy, mature-woman voice, "Oh? Left Director Jin's side and your tongue has gotten so sharp? That makes sense, though. After all, your President Tang's tongue skills are also quite impressive, definitely much more so than yours, at the very least."
As she spoke, she rubbed the pad of her thumb ambiguously against Lin Muxue's red lips, carrying an extremely obvious tone of teasing and implication.
Lin Muxue's face flushed red, but she couldn't suppress her curiosity and asked, "Tang Song's... that... you've tried it?"
"Of course." Wen Ruan leaned close to her ear, her breath as fragrant as orchids, whispering in a low voice, "********"
*Sizzle—*
Lin Muxue abruptly clamped her legs together, her whole body as if struck by an electric current.
Her mind was filled with Wen Ruan's just-spoken, extremely explicit description.
Oh my god!
Tang Song he... he actually does that?!
He doesn't mind?!
Doesn't that mean... I have a chance too?
Ever since she first started liking Tang Song, Empress Muxue had harbored a grand dream.
That was to press his face down and rub it against her body fiercely.
It was just that, all along, facing her boss Tang Song, she had held a bit of small reverence, not daring to be too presumptuous.
But now, Wen Ruan Jie had already paved the way, proving that this path was passable!
Perhaps one day, she could get a taste too!
Thinking of this, Empress Muxue instantly conjured up two world maps in her mind.
"By the way, Xiaoxue." Wen Ruan plopped down on the sofa next to her, very naturally wrapping an arm around Lin Muxue's slender waist, adopting the posture of a good girlfriend sharing gossip, "Where is your President Tang now? Did you ask? Tomorrow is the big day for [Xuanji Optical World], he should be returning to Shen City today, right?"
"He... is in Shen City." Lin Muxue answered instinctively.
"Ah? He's already in Shen City?" Wen Ruan blinked, her face showing surprise and a hint of displeasure at being kept in the dark. "I asked him yesterday afternoon, and he said he had an event in Dongguan and might stay overnight. This guy, his schedule changes so fast?"
"It was a last-minute change yesterday. I only got the notification this morning." Lin Muxue hesitated for a moment, then lowered her voice, "He stayed at the Shekou Hillside Villa last night. It's one of Ms. Ouyang's private residences."
"Huh?" Wen Ruan's eyes instantly widened, her expression instantly shifting to one of nosy, gossipy excitement.
As Su Yu's close friend, she was one of the few insiders aware of certain subtle maneuvers and intentions recently shown by that "Precision Queen," Ouyang Xianyue.
Moving this fast? Already directly entering the inner circle, staying at her home?
This progress... could something have already happened?
Her eyes darting around, the corner of Wen Ruan's mouth uncontrollably lifted into a gleeful, schadenfreude-filled smile.
In her heart, she was quite looking forward to that always-pretentious Ms. Ouyang making some big waves.
That way, she, this frequently scapegoated Zhuang Zhuang, could be liberated.
Come to think of it, ever since Tang Song and Su Yu's relationship became completely clear, plus with a heavyweight player like Ouyang Xianyue subtly entering the fray...
The pressure she bore on her side had indeed been dispersed quite a bit.
The current struggle landscape seemed to be more concentrated on the subtle games of chess and alliances among the top few players.
*Ding ling ling—*
Just as Wen Ruan's internal theater was rapidly unfolding, her smile growing increasingly mischievous...
A crisp ringtone from a phone broke through the amorous thoughts and gossipy atmosphere permeating the living room.
The caller ID on the screen showed [Shangguan Qiuyas].
Lin Muxue hurriedly picked up the phone, answered the call, and tried her best to make her voice sound steady and professional, "Hello? Assistant Shangguan, good morning."
......
Shencheng Bay No. 1, Tower 8.
Morning sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows into the dining room.
Secretary Jin sat at the head of the long dining table, eating breakfast at a leisurely pace.
She wore a silk morning robe, her long hair was tied up, and her beautiful face carried a trace of indifference.
*Tap tap tap—* Footsteps sounded.
Shangguan Qiuyas quickly approached. "Director Jin, I've already communicated with Assistant Lin. I will go meet up with her shortly and head to the Shekou Hillside Villa. Also, President Tang did indeed stay there last night."
"Hmm." Secretary Jin responded indifferently, her expression showing no ripple.
Shangguan Qiuyas paused, then continued reporting, "Also, Ms. Anne Kate sent an urgent email this morning. She said that because the bank's audit work is at a critical stage and is quite busy, she may not be able to attend tomorrow's [Xuanji Optical World] inauguration ceremony. She said... she would have to wait until after President Tang's birthday banquet to fly to Shen City."
"Heh. She truly hasn't changed a bit."
Shangguan Qiuyas stood quietly to the side, not responding.
Actually, she could understand that Ms. Kate's concerns.
After all, the commotion caused by the [Crown Bank] was simply too big.
For this ceremony, because President Tang was making his official public appearance, core figures from within the Tangjin System would all be present.
Once Anne Kate showed up, she would inevitably become the target of everyone's attention.
Wu Kezhi, Luo Bin, Ms. Ouyang, and others all had quite significant opinions about this Ms. Kate who had secretly set up a "private bank" behind everyone's backs.
Secretary Jin elegantly wiped her mouth and said casually, "By the way, the matter I asked you to investigate, do you have results yet?"
"Yes, I do." Shangguan Qiuyas immediately opened her briefcase, took out a tablet, pulled up a detailed, encrypted file, and handed it over with both hands. "This is the complete profile of that Ms. Zhang Yan. She is currently in Yangcheng. Her mother was recently arranged by people from Ms. Ouyang's side to work in the local community, with favorable treatment. Additionally, there are indications that Ms. Ouyang has already sent people to make contact with Zhang Yan's father, with unclear intentions."
Secretary Jin took the tablet, her slender fingers sliding across the screen, quietly browsing through it.
The light in her eyes gradually deepened.
Until she flipped to the part of the file concerning "Jing County, Dongzhang Village."
Observing her boss's expression, Shangguan Qiuyas said in a low voice, "There's one more thing, something we just found out. President Tang's father was appointed as an honorary consultant at a new factory of Tang Yi Precision in Jing County. The news was announced yesterday. This matter should be Ms. Ouyang's handiwork. The method is the same as when she arranged for Liu Qingning's father."
Hearing this, Secretary Jin's sliding fingertip suddenly halted.
"During Ouyang's inspection trip to Quancheng some time ago, did she go to Jing County?"
"Yes. Travel records show she stayed there for a full 12 hours, nominally to inspect the site selection for a supporting factory. But for about 4 hours, her whereabouts were blank, said to be resting."
"Resting?" Secretary Jin slapped the tablet heavily onto the table, the cold sneer at the corner of her mouth instantly widening. "Very good, Ouyang Xianyue. I never expected you to still harbor such wishful thinking!"
This was the first time Shangguan Qiuyas had seen Director Jin use such an undisguised, aggressive tone when talking about Ms. Ouyang.
The aura that erupted in that instant made her tremble with fear, not even daring to breathe loudly.
Secretary Jin abruptly stood up, the chair scraping against the floor with a sharp sound.
She didn't look at the documents again, but strode towards the dressing room, her tone icy,
"Prepare the car. I will personally deliver the clothes to President Tang today."
"And? Isn't the preparatory meeting for the Pan-Entertainment Industry Fund also scheduled to be held at the hillside villa today? As the fund's responsible person, how could I not attend such an important meeting?"
After saying this, she headed straight for the bedroom.
Shangguan Qiuyas stood in place, taking a deep, cold breath.
She lowered her head to look at the "Jing County" displayed on the tablet, recalling Director Jin's words just now, "wishful thinking."
A chilling thought jumped into her mind—
Could it be that Ms. Ouyang... under the guise of an inspection, secretly went to meet President Tang's parents?!
As soon as this thought emerged, she instantly understood why Director Jin was so furious.
Within the core circle of the Tangjin System, there was an unwritten rule:
Absolutely do not interfere with President Tang's private life, absolutely do not privately contact his family.
This rule was personally set by Director Jin.
She herself led by example.
For so many years, apart from arranging security personnel to protect them covertly, she had never initiated contact herself.
But now, from Ms. Ouyang's contact with Liu Qingning's and Zhang Yan's family members, combined with her various anomalies...
One could naturally guess that she was secretly targeting the home base!
This was Director Jin's bottom line!
.......
8:30 AM.
Shekou Hillside Villa.
Inside the second-floor master bedroom's walk-in closet, soft sensor lights turned on.
Ouyang Xianyue had finished washing up.
She changed into a set consisting of a white silk blouse, paired with a light grey cashmere pencil skirt.
It retained the high-end comfort suitable for home while not losing the dignified respectability needed for receiving guests.
She stood in front of the huge full-length mirror, looking at her reflection, and let out a long sigh.
Last night, lying in the bed next to Mo Xiangwan's, she had tossed and turned, suffering from severe insomnia.
Her mind was filled with the wild cursive brushstrokes in the study, the phrase "Jade-Unhooking Hook," and Tang Song's large hand slipping into the cheongsam.
It wasn't until three or four in the morning that she managed to fall into a shallow sleep amidst the lingering restlessness.
That's why she got up exceptionally late today.
And now, after waking up...
Looking at the woman in the mirror with not a hair out of place.
It was as if the wanton woman from last night in the study, lost in passion, almost kneeling and begging for intimacy, was not her, but merely a phantom ignited by desire.
She had once again become that elegant, dignified, flawless Ms. Ouyang.
"Too crazy..."
Now, in the calm of the morning, recalling last night's state.
Even she found it hard to believe.
The loss of control and the craving back then were practically challenging all the cultivated restraint of her entire life.
She didn't even dare to think about how Tang Song viewed her in his heart.
However...
Thinking of the substantial, though not completely verbalized, tacitly understood relationship between her and Tang Song now...
Her heart felt as if lightly scratched by a cat's paw, itchy.
For some reason, at this moment, like a young girl with a spring heart, her first thought after getting ready was to see him immediately.
She gave herself one final check in the mirror, confirming there were no flaws, before pulling open the closet door and walking out elegantly.
Secretary Chen had long been waiting quietly outside.
"Ms. Ouyang, several breakfast options have been prepared. There is the bird's nest congee and pastries you usually have, as well as an English breakfast and fresh juice. Would you prefer to have it in the bedroom or downstairs in the dining room?"
Ouyang Xianyue didn't answer directly. Instead, she asked casually, "Where is Tang Song?"
"President Tang woke up very early." Secretary Chen pointed in the direction outside the floor-to-ceiling window. "He worked in the study for over an hour, and is currently doing his morning exercises downstairs."
"Oh?"
A trace of curiosity appeared on Ouyang Xianyue's face as she stepped over to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.
Through the thin gauze curtains, her gaze fell on the private garden downstairs.
With just one glance, her vision was glued, unable to look away.
The morning sun pierced through the thin mist, spilling onto the emerald green lawn in the courtyard.
A tall, straight figure stood in the center of the verdant grass.
He wore a simple dark-colored tracksuit, his posture relaxed as he practiced Tai Chi.
His movements were fluid and steady, like floating clouds and flowing water, yet subtly powerful. Every transition and connection carried a unique sense of rhythm.
The morning light outlined his clear silhouette. When his arms stretched, the faint outline of well-proportioned muscles was visible beneath the fabric.
That overflowing vitality, that unique male hormone-fueled energy of youth, that composed aura of control between movement and stillness...
On this cool morning, it burned her vision like the scorching sun.
Ouyang Xianyue's fingers resting on the window frame unconsciously tightened.
The palpitations in her heart that she had just suppressed last night surged forth once again.
But this time, she did not lose control.
With just one breath to adjust, she regained her composure.
She turned around, her back to the window, and instructed calmly, "Secretary Chen. Please go invite President Tang to come up. Come directly to the third-floor study. There is business to discuss."
"Yes." Secretary Chen immediately nodded.
Once the door closed, separating inside from outside...
Ouyang Xianyue slowly turned back around and approached the window again.
Through that layer of thin, white window gauze.
She stared at the man downstairs.
Soon, Secretary Chen descended the steps, approached Tang Song who was finishing his movements, and conveyed the message in a low voice.
The next second.
Tang Song's movements paused slightly.
As if sensing something, he looked up without warning.
Those deep, bright eyes, passing through the glass and thin gauze, accurately and directly met her gaze at the window.
Ouyang Xianyue's heart inexplicably skipped a beat. She immediately took a step back to the side, completely hiding herself within the shadow of the curtains.
She steadied herself, then turned and walked quickly towards the third-floor study.
The study had already been tidied up to its original, impeccable state.
The spilled ink from last night, the scattered rice paper, the ambiguous atmosphere... all traces of the madness had vanished without a trace.
As if that intense entanglement had never happened.
Only the faint scent of incense lingered in the air.
She stood quietly for a moment, calming her slightly disordered breathing caused by that brief eye contact.
Until steady, familiar footsteps sounded from the corridor outside the door.
Approaching from afar, finally stopping right outside.
"Please come in." Her voice showed no trace of fluctuation.
The door was pushed open, and Tang Song walked in, bringing with him the fresh scent of grass and trees from the garden and the warm vitality after his morning workout.
"Good morning, Tang Song."
Ouyang Xianyue turned around, a perfectly appropriate, amiable smile on her face.
"Morning..." Tang Song looked at her, a flicker of amusement passing through the depths of his eyes. He deliberately paused before using that address with special meaning, "Madam."
This form of address made Ouyang Xianyue's heart tremble almost imperceptibly.
It both acknowledged the new connection established by last night's intimacy and precisely reminded her of her status, intertwining taboo and intimacy.
But not a trace showed on her face. Instead, she smiled elegantly, her gaze calm as she met his eyes, responding in a tone that both accepted and maintained a subtle sense of distance,
"If you are willing to address me as such... very well, Sir."
She deliberately emphasized the two words "Sir."
Like an elegant counter, she caught his probe while using this equally intimate and playful form of address to rebalance the atmosphere between them through words.
Their gazes met quietly in the air.
Ouyang Xianyue smiled without speaking.
Tang Song could clearly feel that, without the influence of [Desire's Echo], the noble lady had returned.
Graceful, reserved, inscrutable.
This was the real Ouyang Xianyue, the "Precision Queen" who wrapped all emotions and desires within a gorgeous shell.
An even stronger desire to conquer surged forth.
Tang Song's hand naturally, gently rested on the side of her full, soft waist.
Through the silk blouse, he could feel the warm skin and supple curves beneath. His fingers exerted slight pressure.
"I heard from Secretary Chen that Madam called me here on business?"
Ouyang Xianyue's body stiffened imperceptibly for an instant, but the smile on her face remained unchanged.
"Mmm." Her voice was steady. "It's about that matter we agreed upon before I came. Last night, because... it wasn't convenient, I didn't give it to you."
"Oh? The custodial agreement." Tang Song suddenly remembered, almost having forgotten the legitimate reason for last night's invitation.
This 8% stake in [Tang Yi Precision] was also one of the rewards from reaching "Charm 90."
"Mmm." Ouyang Xianyue gave a slight smile and turned gracefully.
Her full waist and hips rotated within Tang Song's palm.
Bringing a wave of friction and pressing sensation that made one's mouth dry.
She walked with composed and elegant steps towards a corner of the study. Raising her slender hand, she moved aside a landscape painting of profound artistic conception hanging on the wall, revealing a precision safe embedded in the wall behind it.
She entered the code, turned the dial.
Throughout the process, there was not the slightest hint of avoidance or secrecy.
*Click—*
A dull yet solid, light sound. The heavy alloy door opened in response.
She took out a document folder from inside, turned around, and slowly walked back to stand before Tang Song.
Holding the folder flat with both hands, she presented it solemnly, her voice gentle and clear, "Sir, this is the contract we established back in 2019. Now, returning it to its rightful owner, it can be considered returning the jade intact."
"Thank you for keeping it safe for me all these years." Tang Song took it. His fingertips could feel the characteristic weight and slight coolness of the paper.
"This was your trust in me," Ouyang Xianyue released her hands, her gaze calm as she looked at him, "and my honor."
As her words fell, she suddenly took half a step forward. Her full, warm body leaned in slightly. A soft, brief kiss landed on his lips, like a dragonfly skimming the water, touching and parting in an instant.
By the time Tang Song regained his senses, she had already gracefully retreated half a step, as if that fleeting intimacy had never happened.
Only a shimmering, rippling light danced in the depths of her eyes, adding a touch of vivid, alluring color to her graceful face.
She looked at him, her tone shifting into moving reminiscence,
"Back when you entrusted this agreement to me, you said something that I still remember vividly to this day."
"I think, over these seven years, I have not failed the heavy trust you placed in me back then, have I?"
Her words fell, but she did not immediately look away. Instead, she gazed at him quietly. Those calm phoenix eyes clearly reflected his reflection.
"No." Tang Song looked at her, his eyes becoming exceptionally deep and serious. Without blushing or his heart racing, he responded, "You have done exceptionally well, even exceeding my expectations. What I said back then was also what I truly felt in my heart."
Tang Song was no longer passive. He actively moved closer, leaning down slightly.
The distance between them gradually closed, their breaths intertwining.
Ouyang Xianyue's red lips parted slightly, as if she had a thousand words, but in the end, they only turned into a soft exhale.
Her hand gently rose. Her fingertips first landed on his cheek, feeling the warmth of his skin, then slowly slid down to his chest beneath the shirt, the place where his heart was.
She pressed down slightly, as if pushing away, yet also like an invitation.
Looking at the dazzlingly beautiful, noble lady before him who knew when to advance and retreat, Tang Song couldn't help but feel a myriad of emotions in his heart.
Ouyang Xianyue was truly too formidable.
With a kiss and a piece of shared memory, she had imbued the cold act of handing over an agreement with intense, private emotional color.
Yet, she perfectly retained her own reserve and grace, never appearing cheap or eager.
Instead, she cleverly returned the pressure of choice and advancement to his hands.
This exquisite control and ultimate restraint over atmosphere and emotion were absolutely top-tier.
Even more outstanding than Secretary Jin.
If not for the boost of [Desire's Echo], relying solely on himself, he probably wouldn't have been able to penetrate and touch the real core hidden beneath her layers of wrapping in such a short time.
Wanting to manage such a top-tier noble lady in real-world contact—one who was highly skilled, deeply connected, well-versed in the art of Machiavellianism, and incredibly strong-willed...
Was undoubtedly extremely difficult.
Tang Song leaned close to her ear and said, "In this regard, Ouyang, you have always been the person I trust the most, bar none."
Ouyang Xianyue's phoenix eyes were instantly illuminated by these words, tinged with an indescribable hint of a smile.
As her gaze flowed, peerlessly elegant and charming, it was the most mellow charm precipitated by time.
Tang Song lowered his head and captured her slightly upturned red lips.
His hands naturally caressed her full, juicy body, feeling that unique aura belonging to her.
Ouyang Xianyue did not resist, but she was also completely different from last night's passionate state. Instead, she accepted and responded to this kiss with a calm, even somewhat scrutinizing demeanor.
She was like the most precious, tightly stretched silk. Seemingly pliant, yet possessing her own tension.
Conquering her was not about brutally tearing, but about using sufficient patience, strength, and understanding within the boundaries she tacitly allowed, letting her gradually relax that tightly strung string, finally completely unfold and bloom within his palm.
At the same time, Tang Song silently recited in his heart, "Secretary Jin, I'm sorry!"
After all, he had said more than once that Secretary Jin was the person he trusted the most.
......
An unknown amount of time passed.
*Knock knock—* A restrained yet clear knocking sounded at the door.
Ouyang Xianyue's body stiffened imperceptibly. Rationality instantly returned.
She gently retreated half a step, her voice regaining its steady, magnetic quality, "Come in."
Tang Song also immediately straightened up, adjusting his breathing without showing any outward sign.
Secretary Chen pushed the door open and entered, not looking around, only her tone was a fraction faster than usual, "Ms. Ouyang, President Tang. Assistant Lin Muxue has arrived, saying she is here to deliver a change of clothes for President Tang."
Tang Song took the opportunity to explain, "It's the suit Smile had custom-made for me in London, said to be a birthday gift. Luna contacted me this morning. I didn't expect them to deliver it so early."
Secretary Chen immediately added, "Assistant Shangguan Qiuyas from Director Jin's side is also with her."
Hearing the four words "Shangguan Qiuyas," Ouyang Xianyue's movements as she adjusted her cuffs paused slightly. A gleam of understanding flashed in the depths of her eyes before returning to normal.
"Have their car drive directly into the underground garage and take the private elevator."
"Yes." Secretary Chen quickly left.
"Smile is always so thorough." Ouyang Xianyue turned to look at Tang Song, the corners of her lips curved in a smile, gentle and appropriate, not a hint of jealousy detectable. Instead, it carried the praise of an elder, "Considering every aspect for you."
Tang Song nodded somewhat guiltily, after all, he had just been apologizing to Secretary Jin in his heart.
"Let's go, we should go down."
Ouyang Xianyue elegantly made a "please" gesture, resuming the posture of the hostess.
The two walked out of the study and headed downstairs.
They arrived at the spacious, high-ceilinged living room on the first floor.
That physical intimacy had completely vanished, replaced by a perfectly appropriate social distance.
The two sat side by side, half a person's space between them, impeccably dressed, posture upright.
But their occasionally meeting gazes carried a secret palpitation and aftertaste that only they could understand.
Like undercurrents beneath a calm sea.
They waited for three or four minutes.
*Ding—*
A crisp sound. The elevator doors not far away slowly slid open to both sides.
Tang Song had originally thought he would see Lin Muxue carrying large and small bags.
But the moment the door gap widened, his pupils constricted slightly, and he stood up almost simultaneously with Ouyang Xianyue.
In the center of the elevator car.
A sexy, graceful figure stepped out first, wearing a white-colored suit, her posture straight and tall.
Thick, brown hair cascaded down like a waterfall, swaying gently with her steps.
That exquisitely beautiful face wore a perfect smile that was heart-stopping.
She didn't look at the nervous Chen Jing beside her.
Those cool, intelligent and extremely pressuring eyes immediately locked onto Ouyang Xianyue.