novelraw Chapter 820: Breakdown
Chapter 820: Breakdown
Futian CBD, Smile Holdings (Shen City) branch.
Inside the director's office.
The massive curved floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the entire Shencheng Bay and the Hong Kong skyline.
The interior was dominated by cool grays, ivory whites, and dark walnut wood, with clean lines and no superfluous decorations.
Secretary Jin sat behind the desk.
A pair of black-framed non-prescription glasses rested on the bridge of her nose, concealing those clear, spirited eyes.
She held a black-gold fountain pen in her hand, its nib hovering over a fully encrypted English document, her gaze calm and focused.
International Affairs Assistant Sarah stood before the desk, her voice low and solemn: "The situation in Zurich is getting out of control, but not in the way we initially anticipated."
Secretary Jin didn't look up. "Speak."
Sarah quickly reported:"In the past 72 hours, under Miss Annie's instructions, Crown & Co. (Crown Bank) has completed the cross-continental transfer of three large anonymous asset packages via routes we haven't fully tracked. The total amount is estimated to be in the range of 5 billion Swiss francs."
"Simultaneously, in her capacity as the bank's Managing Partner, she swiftly signed two key agreements: one is a secret full-discretion trust cooperation with the [Italian Gigli Family]; the other is a formal admission letter submitted to the [Geneva Family Office Alliance]. This indicates she is attempting to extend the bank's reach into Europe's most elite ancient wealth circles."
Sarah paused, her tone growing even graver:
"Intelligence confirms that the second-in-line heir of the Kate Family, [Jonathan Kate], has personally flown to Geneva, clearly targeting this matter."
"Additionally, the family private equity division of Bank of America Merrill Lynch has suddenly initiated a re-evaluation of the series of products under the [Tang Jin System Funds] and is investigating the hidden penetration paths behind them. Clearly, they have become alert."
"The power dividends of Crown Bank are being cashed in frantically by Miss Annie. Various factions within the Kate Family have also begun repositioning their forces around it. And we have yet to make contact with the core circle."
Secretary Jin finally put down the pen, removed her glasses, and remained silent for a moment before speaking. "...She's trying to slip the leash. Smart, but too hasty."
Sarah instinctively asked, "Should we intervene and call a halt? Or, on a public level, temporarily draw a line with Crown Bank to mitigate risk?"
"Neither." Secretary Jin shook her head faintly, stood up, her fingers brushing over the document as she pondered. "The problem isn't the bank, but the speed. Annie's current actions essentially involve trading bank power for inheritance leverage. But she hasn't yet learned what a chaebol heir must understand. We'll cool things down for her first."
Sarah's eyes lit up, and she nodded gravely. "Then I'll go contact the foundation advisory team in Washington now."
Secretary Jin gave a slight nod, tacitly approving the plan.
The current Annie Kate was at the brightest moment of her life.
Ambition suppressed for too long, once it finds an outlet, can easily turn into an uncontrollable runaway horse.
Annie was eager to prove to the entire Kate Family that she was no longer the "alternative" who needed to rely on external forces, but the "sovereign" holding an independent capital system.
The best heir.
But her every move was filled with haste and greed.
This easily triggers uncontrollable internal backlash, even actions targeting her.
And for the complex game involving gray areas and family inheritance rights, [Tang Jin] could not, and should not, directly intervene to control it.
To truly control the situation, a gradual, long-term approach was needed.
With the soft sound of Sarah closing the door, the office returned to quiet.
Secretary Jin sat back down in her chair, habitually twirling the black-gold fountain pen in her hand.
"Knock, knock." A knocking sound.
"Come in."
Shangguan Qiuyas stepped in, her expression somewhat subtle. She glanced at her boss's face before reporting:
"Director Jin, just received confirmed news. Miss Su Yu's motorcade has arrived at Shencheng Bay. She didn't go to see President Tang. Instead, she went directly to the 22nd floor of Qingning Tech Tower."
Upon hearing this, Secretary Jin's pen-twirling hand paused slightly.
A meaningful, relaxed smile appeared on her face.
"Finally can't sit still anymore, huh."
She murmured softly, as if she had long anticipated this moment.
Shangguan Qiuyas hesitated slightly. "Director Jin, should we have Ying Xue go over to intervene? Su Yu's personality is too uncontrollable. If she says something she shouldn't and genuinely provokes Miss Liu, it might affect President Tang's mood..."
"No. Whatever happens, do not interfere."
"Understood." Shangguan Qiuyas nodded.
Secretary Jin swiveled her chair, her gaze passing over the layers of skyscrapers towards the southeast, where Shencheng Bay was bathed in sunlight.
Her gaze was deep and far-reaching.
Su Yu's proactive move was not only within her expectations but also a move she was happy to see.
If she really wanted to eliminate Liu Qingning, the most unstable factor affecting Tang Song's emotions, she had far too many methods.
She could even easily dismantle Liu Qingning from the core.
But if she did that, then she wouldn't be Liu Qingning anymore, and she wouldn't be Tang Song's Bai Yueguang anymore.
She was more clear-headed than anyone, and understood him better.
In Tang Song's growth and personality formation, the existence of each person had its unique anchoring significance.
It was precisely these people, these intricate relationships, that together constituted the complete Tang Song of today.
Even she herself was only a part of it.
In fact, over these past years, she had never truly intervened in the trajectory of Liu Qingning's life.
She had merely guided her growth appropriately, making her more outstanding, more resilient.
Giving her the capability to take over [Qingning Technology] in the future, to dilute the weight of [Tang Yi Precision].
This was a long-term move.
And to truly achieve this, Liu Qingning must cross the final and most difficult hurdle—
Emotionally, complete the desensitization and nirvana of self-awareness.
And the most suitable person to play this "villain" was undoubtedly Su Yu.
She had been deliberately sharpening Su Yu as this blade over the years, with surprisingly good results.
Whether it was Wen Ruan, Zhao Yaqian, or Ouyang Xianyue.
Su Yu could make them yield on an emotional level, while not excessively disrupting the overall situation.
Next, it was Liu Qingning's turn.
"You'd better not disappoint me, Su Yu."
Secretary Jin chuckled softly, a flicker of anticipation in her eyes.
As her thoughts flowed, her mind drifted to another direction.
Regarding Ouyang Xianyue and Annie Kate.
In essence, these two women were, in her eyes, actually the same type of people.
Power chasers and exquisite egoists.
Only, one was deeply versed in the subtle strategies of Eastern power dynamics, wrapping desires in the velvet of family, propriety, and the greater good, emphasizing balance and face.
While the other believed in the bloody laws of Western capital, advocating for naked plunder and conquest, believing in "leverage equals truth."
And unlike the Eastern rules emphasizing "balance, face, long-term."
In that purely capitalist jungle of the West, the transfer of power never considered seniority or hierarchy.
When the interests are vast enough to reshape the family landscape.
So-called blood ties and glory are merely fragile fig leaves used to whitewash greed.
Annie was the sharp blade Tang Song personally inserted into the fortress of old Western wealth, and also an external counterweight he used to balance the internal structure.
The Annie of the past was still manageable because she was young and situated within the more complex, vast, and cold-blooded power structure of the Kate Family, merely a pawn that could be sacrificed at any time.
But now it was different.
With Tang Song's indulgence and the immense confidence provided by [Crown Bank], "Little Annie of Manhattan" was starting to show her teeth and becoming increasingly difficult to control.
But this also proved that Tang Song's maneuver was effective, even for her.
It must be said, "he" was indeed a cold-blooded person, though it was better this way now.
Secretary Jin couldn't help but think of the scenes in the dressing room that morning.
She lightly licked her lips, a smile full of anticipation appearing on her face.
There was only one month left until the Spring Festival.
......
3:15 PM.
22nd floor, Qingning Tech Tower.
"Ding—"
With a soft chime, the elevator doors slid open.
Liu Qingning adjusted her somewhat stiff shoulders and stepped out.
Walking along the corridor with its thick carpet, she arrived at the Sky Garden Tea Lounge.
This was a private leisure area specifically provided for company executives and clients.
Usually, the air here was always filled with the aroma of expensive coffee beans and the low hum of business conversations.
But at this moment, it was unusually quiet, clearly having been cleared.
Just as she stepped out of the elevator lobby, a figure in professional attire came forward to greet her.
"President Liu, hello." The other party gave a slight bow, a proper, respectful smile on her face. "I am Su Yu's personal assistant, Cheng Xiaoxi. You can call me Xiaoxi."
"Hello, Xiaoxi." Liu Qingning nodded, responding politely.
Cheng Xiaoxi made a "please" gesture, pointing deeper into the corridor. "Sister Yu is already waiting for you in the 'Listening to the Sea' private room inside. Please follow me."
"Thank you."
Liu Qingning gripped her phone tightly and followed behind Cheng Xiaoxi.
With each step, she could clearly feel her heartbeat accelerating.
Unlike the despair of facing an unbeatable romantic rival during their last meeting, her mood this time was even more complex.
The reason was naturally Su Yu's long letter.
Emotionally, this was a woman who was not the slightest bit inferior to her, perhaps even more infatuated and fanatical.
Facing such a person, the psychological pressure was undoubtedly immense.
But simultaneously, deep inside, there was an uncontrollable yearning.
She wanted to see Su Yu.
She wanted to talk about Tang Song, about that unbelievable "parallel world" mentioned in the letter.
Passing through a long corridor with scenic views, Cheng Xiaoxi stopped in front of a frosted glass door and gently pushed it open.
"President Liu, please enter."
Liu Qingning took a deep breath and walked into the quiet private room.
The afternoon sun poured in unreservedly through the floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the entire space in a warm golden hue.
A figure stood sideways to the entrance, gazing out at the sparkling sea in the distance.
She wore an extremely simple, moon-white silk blouse, paired with black high-waisted wide-leg trousers with excellent drape.
The simplest black and white combination, yet on her, it exuded an indescribable sense of sophistication and cool elegance.
That starlight emanating from her bones was enough to make one hold their breath, even from the back.
Hearing the movement, she turned around.
Light and shadow played across her breathtakingly beautiful face.
"Good afternoon, Qingning."
"Good afternoon, Su Yu." Liu Qingning's voice was somewhat tense.
Their gazes met in the air.
There was no sword-drawn hostility of enemies, nor any false, polite small talk.
Only a complex and subtle feeling, as if they were examining each other while also confirming something.
A few seconds later.
Su Yu broke the silence first, smiling, "Don't just stand there, shall we sit and talk?"
"Mm." Liu Qingning nodded, sitting down on the rattan leisure chair opposite Su Yu, her posture somewhat stiff.
"What would you like to drink?" Su Yu asked casually.
"Milk tea."
"Hehe." Su Yu covered her mouth with a light laugh, her amber eyes curving into crescents, a trace of long-lost nostalgia and playfulness in her gaze. "That's good. Speaking of which, to maintain my figure and skin condition, as an artiste, I haven't dared touch this kind of 'happy water' for a long time. But..."
She blinked, like a little girl about to do something mischievous. "Since we're on your turf, let's indulge just this once."
She turned her head towards the door. "Xiaoxi, two cups... full sugar, no ice."
"Okay, Sister Yu." Cheng Xiaoxi understood implicitly, quickly left, and closed the door.
With a soft "click."
The vast Sky Garden private room was left with just the two of them.
The air was filled with the tranquility of the afternoon.
Su Yu turned her face slightly, looking out the window at the sparkling sea.
"The scenery here is really nice. Back when we were choosing the location, I accompanied him to look at it too. It's just that at the time... I didn't know that the future name of this building would be 'Qingning'."
Liu Qingning pursed her lips, her hands on her knees tightening slightly. "The location here is indeed very good."
"How have you been lately? Has your migraine improved?" Su Yu turned her head, asking with concern.
"It's much better now." Liu Qingning shook her head, politely asking in return, "And you? Have you been busy with work lately?"
Su Yu leaned back in her chair, her entire body displaying an extremely rare sense of relaxation:
"I am now capital in the truest sense. No one can force me to accept endorsements I don't want. Lately in Paris, I've actually spent more time playing, relaxing."
As she spoke, a bright, captivating smile appeared on Su Yu's face.
She began sharing anecdotes with Liu Qingning in a light, leisurely tone—about feeding pigeons by the Seine, daydreaming in Left Bank cafes, and the inspiration for new songs that had recently surged forth.
And so, the two of them drank their full-sugar milk tea, chatting about life, work, and music.
With that letter as a foundation, plus this candidness, the atmosphere finally became more familiar.
Strictly speaking, this was only their second real meeting.
In Liu Qingning's eyes, the other had originally just been a distant and unfamiliar name.
Only at this moment did this Su Yu, who could laugh, loved milk tea, and occasionally complained, gradually come to life, becoming approachable and relatable.
The sky outside the window darkened slightly, the sunlight turning into a deeper orange-red.
After finishing a cup of milk tea.
The topic naturally shifted to the [Moonlight Trust].
Liu Qingning took a deep breath and proactively asked, "Su Yu, those Qingning Technology shares you hold under your name... did he give them to you?"
Su Yu blinked those amber eyes, admitting frankly:
"Yes. Back during the early acquisition of that core algorithm company, I accompanied him flying to Silicon Valley to negotiate it. At that time... I was very favored. Although he appeared very aloof and indifferent in work and interactions, as soon as I wanted something, he was like a different person. Oh, to use that woman Jin Meixiao's sharp tongue, he became 'intellectually impaired', willing to go to any lengths to get it for me."
Liu Qingning was slightly taken aback, a flash of thought crossing her eyes.
"Actually, even back then, I felt he was very split." Su Yu's voice softened. "On the surface, he was an emotionless capital tycoon, but if I just acted spoiled or even casually mentioned something, he would stay up all night to help me realize it. He gave me many clothes, all personally 'designed' styles. And those songs, those drama scripts..."
"...He." Liu Qingning's chest rose and fell gently. "It seems he really did like you a lot."
Su Yu smiled, her eyes somewhat dazed. "I'm not stupid, nor truly crazy. I can feel what genuine affection is."
Liu Qingning took a deep breath. "So... this is what you meant... the two states of him coexisted?"
"Mm." Su Yu's tone grew even softer. "There are many more details that others don't know."
"For example, sometimes when I was unhappy, feeling down, he would tell me jokes, tease me until my mood recovered, only then ending the chat. For example, knowing I controlled my diet to maintain my figure, sometimes getting so hungry in the middle of the night I felt faint, he would remotely order food, sending me my favorite late-night snacks, along with warm-hearted messages..."
"Actually, during those two years, he was far from as cold as he appeared on the surface."
Su Yu's voice was very light, her gaze drifting into the void, as if looking back at a magnificent yet distant dream:
"In that world I couldn't see, he was like the most dedicated 'raising game player'. He didn't just give me resources, plan my career, making the works in his hands reach the pinnacle. What he cared about more was my mood, my state, every subtle shift of my joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness."
She turned her head, looking at Liu Qingning, her eyes clear. "So, Qingning, do you understand? What I liked was never some capital tycoon. From beginning to end, it was that 'Tang Song', the Tang Song by your side."
The intelligent Liu Qingning, combining the contents of the letter, quickly understood the meaning behind Su Yu's words.
From Su Yu's perspective, Tang Song was indeed split, possessing two different sides.
And that gentle, emotional soul was precisely the Little Song she was familiar with.
Her heart was in turmoil.
Because she knew that what Su Yu said was most likely the truth.
Having been with Tang Song for so many years, she was one of the people who knew him best.
She didn't believe that the youth who once climbed a wall to buy her a roujiamo would suddenly have a drastic change in temperament after high school graduation, shutting her out of his real life.
Su Yu moved her rattan chair, sitting down beside her.
"Qingning, you're a programmer, a logical, meticulous academic achiever. You should be better at reasoning than I am. So, let me ask you—"
"If Tang Song was just Tang Song."
"No me, no Jin Meixiao, none of those sudden wealth and power. In that most original, most ordinary script... what do you think the ending between you and Tang Song would be?"
Liu Qingning struggled, hesitated, and finally raised her head, her gaze firm. "I definitely would have been with him much earlier. For example, in university. My feelings for him were never shallow."
If it weren't for those complex AI technologies, that mountain of papers and code, if it weren't for the high-pressure environment of Professor Wang Chang's lab,
Her university life would have been much more relaxed, and she wouldn't have thought so far ahead.
Probably like her good friend Liu Shuang, having a sweet romance.
If Tang Song was just an ordinary university student, they would have had more time to chat, video call.
With the deep feelings accumulated during high school, everything would have proceeded logically, naturally.
"Yes." Su Yu's voice sounded softly by her ear, as if weaving a beautiful dream. "You would have been his only girlfriend. With the dual blessings of childhood sweetheart and Bai Yueguang, he would have loved you deeply, cherished you in the palm of his hand."
"You would have walked hand in hand by Weiming Lake, wandered together through the streets and alleys of Imperial Capital, Yancheng, Quancheng. After graduation, he would have stayed in Imperial Capital for you. You would have rented a small apartment, cooked together, watched movies, laughed and quarreled in that rented room... just like countless ordinary young couples in this world."
Liu Qingning subconsciously bit her lip, glistening tears trembling between her eyelashes.
This was the biggest regret in her heart. The hurdle she couldn't overcome no matter how hard she tried.
Yes!
If not for those sudden "miracles", if not for being forcibly pushed onto the fast track by fate,
Given her relationship with Tang Song, this should have been the direction of their story.
Following Su Yu's words, she greedily continued imagining.
She would work hard, strive for a household registration through points, ensuring their feelings weren't scattered by money, allowing them, these small-town youths, to truly change their fate...
This was the future she had planned in her diary since high school.
However, just as she was completely immersed in this perfect script,
Su Yu's tone suddenly shifted. "But, Qingning. What if he couldn't keep up with your pace?"
Liu Qingning abruptly raised her head, looking at Su Yu in shock and bewilderment.
"You were the top science student in the entire county, the pride of Imperial Capital University, someone fought over by top tech companies even before graduation. There was a gap between you, and it was very, very large. That proud, excellent, broad-minded you, could you truly understand the silent him behind you?"
Her words were like a bucket of ice water poured over her head.
Completely jolting Liu Qingning awake from the warm fantasy.
She thought of the content in Su Yu's letter, and also that unavoidable real past.
Actually, even in the real world, they had indeed undergone a long, silent "detachment and letting go".
During the four years of university, she had new circles, saw a broader world. Her thinking and horizons were rapidly expanding.
And that "ordinary" Tang Song was, in fact, gradually drifting apart from her.
Until November of the year before last, when she decided to leave Imperial Capital for Shen City, their farewell on the day of Lidong.
Placed in another "parallel world", even if she and Tang Song had gotten together early on, what about later?
Liu Qingning's mind raced frantically, her face gradually turning pale.
She tried to refute, tried to tell herself "love can conquer all".
But reason told her—
Not necessarily.
If she hadn't experienced this current "capital beating" and "rival's wake-up call",
That smooth-sailing, pampered and praised pride of heaven, Liu Qingning, would have been utterly incapable of empathizing with Tang Song's complex emotions.
She wouldn't have been able to see his inferiority and fragility, nor understand the mountain of pressure behind his silence.
She would only have stood high up as before, naturally shouting "you can do it" to him, then striding forward, expecting him to catch up from behind.
This wasn't to say she didn't love Tang Song.
It was because she didn't understand.
"I think your relationship wouldn't have been as smooth as you imagine. He might ultimately choose to silently let go, to preserve that last shred of dignity."
"No!" Liu Qingning raised her head sharply, her eyes stubbornly fixed on Su Yu. "We might have gone through ups and downs, breakups and reconciliations, but I would never let go! I would hold onto him tightly! Hold onto him and never let go!"
"I know, and I believe you would." Su Yu looked at her, a complex glint flashing deep in her eyes. "But what if... you discovered he met someone more suitable?"
"More suitable?" Liu Qingning murmured, her eyes confused.
"Yes. Someone ordinary, yet not ordinary." Su Yu's voice carried a certain mesmerizing power:
"She deeply loves Tang Song, willing to sacrifice everything for him; she also looks up to Tang Song, would strive for him, chase after his shadow."
"Most importantly, she would carefully protect his sensitive self-esteem when he's upset, tired; she would give him all her gentleness and tolerance."
"When you secretly discover that with her, Tang Song is happy, relaxed, doesn't have to bear such great psychological pressure, can laugh as happily as the youth he once was..."
Goosebumps rose all over Liu Qingning's body.
The tears that had been welling up in her eyes actually stopped at this moment.
An unprecedented panic washed over her.
She had never thought about that potential "third party".
But if... when such a future truly arrived.
If Tang Song really met a girl who could give him ordinary happiness, while all she gave him was pressure.
She probably... really would let go.
The words she once said to Teacher Wang Chang echoed in her ears again: "If he could meet someone more outstanding, if he could live a happier life, then I could actually accept it too."
This sentence wasn't just a pleasant lie.
In her heart, Tang Song, this best friend, was truly very important.
Important enough that if her "holding on" was hurting him, and letting go could bring him happiness,
She would choose to step aside.
Looking at the teetering Liu Qingning.
Su Yu didn't say anything more. Instead, with gentle movements, she took out a developed photograph from the bag beside her.
Sliding it lightly across the tabletop towards Liu Qingning.
Liu Qingning lowered her head.
The photo's background was a somewhat old-looking teaching building, the main building of the Computer Science Department at Yanke University.
That was Tang Song's alma mater.
In the center of the frame was a delicate-looking girl, appearing to be just starting university.
She wore a brand-new white sweater that didn't quite fit, standing somewhat awkwardly yet full of hope in front of the teaching building.
"Zhang Yan..."
Liu Qingning's pupils contracted slightly, subconsciously murmuring the name.
"It seems you know of her." Su Yu's voice was gentle.
"She..."
Liu Qingning abruptly looked up at Su Yu, her heart suddenly beginning to beat wildly out of control.
Scenes began flashing back.
The figure occasionally appearing around Tang Song during high school.
She had always known that this junior high deskmate liked Tang Song.
She had even run into her twice in Imperial Capital.
Even recently, she saw her again at [Xuanji Optical World]. Now she was a mid-level manager at [Nebula International Group].
She also vaguely guessed that Zhang Yan might have some unclear relationship with Tang Song and Wen Ruan.
It's just that, back then, she couldn't be bothered with these things, given the pressure from Director Jin and Su Yu above.
It was the same mindset as when she received Liu Shuang's message—Who cares?
But at this moment.
Combined with Su Yu's earlier setup about "ordinary happiness", and looking at this photo.
"She is the person I mentioned." Su Yu's voice was calm and gentle. "Starting from three years as junior high deskmates, to separating in high school. A full ten years, she was like a shadow, always in the corner you couldn't see, gazing up at, chasing after Tang Song's back."
"Only back then, your radiance was too dazzling, so dazzling it obscured everything, making her seem so insignificant."
"In high school, to chase Tang Song's shadow, she repeated a year, got into Yancheng Agricultural University, just to be closer to him. Back then, she would often take the bus to Yanke University to secretly see him."
"After university graduation, she also followed Tang Song's footsteps to Imperial Capital."
"Qingning, do you remember? You helped Tang Song rent a 13-square-meter secondary bedroom in Tian Tong Garden West Zone One."
"And she rented a semi-basement room in the same residential area."
"Until later, after losing her job, her father went to Imperial Capital to find her once, and only then did she leave Imperial Capital for Yangcheng..."
Liu Qingning's face was deathly pale, her fingers digging into the armrest of the chair.
Su Yu didn't stop, continuing to outline Zhang Yan's story.
Starting from junior high graduation, a full ten years of silent watching; those invisible messages and shares on QQ.
And that set of *Dragon Ball* manga representing all her courage.
Until October 31, 2023, she finally collected the complete set. Using this as an excuse, mustering the courage accumulated over ten years, she confessed to Tang Song...
Liu Qingning's body began to tremble uncontrollably.
Scalding tears burst from her eyes like a breached dam.
Suppressed sobs gradually turned into uncontrollable weeping.