Chapter 356: Overcoming from Below (Thanks to the Silver Alliance Donation from

The damp evening wind stirred the branches of the locust tree, rustling softly.

Shadows and light danced across the ground, mottled and shifting.

Tang Song's figure, bathed in the dim glow of the yellow lights, appeared soft and mysterious.

A subtle atmosphere hung between the two of them.

Xie Shu Yu's crimson lips parted slightly, her voice dry as she said, "So… you mean you're actually very wealthy, and now you want to invest in MicroLight Coffee, right?"

Tang Song smiled and said, "Yes. I remember you once said you wanted one day to turn MicroLight Coffee into a nationwide chain, establish multiple store formats, collaborate with famous IPs, and build your own supply chain system…"

"To achieve that goal, you'll need massive capital and resources."

"You also said that without backing from major capital, it would be nearly impossible."

Tang Song released her arm and stepped back half a pace, his voice confident and unflinching: "But I can help you do it."

Hearing those final words, Xie Shu Yu lifted her bright, intelligent eyes, gazing at him with complex emotion.

She was a rational, intelligent woman; from countless small details, she could tell Tang Song was not joking.

And after six months of contact, if she still couldn't read a person, she'd be a failure.

Wasn't that precisely why she'd once valued him so highly, wanting to bring him into MicroLight Coffee to fight alongside her? Because she'd seen his character.

"Actually…" Xie Shu Yu exhaled, "we both know how brutal the coffee industry is today. Even if you're willing to invest this much money, failure is still highly likely."

Only she fully understood MicroLight Coffee's dire situation.

Facing consumer downgrading and the crushing pressure of large chain brands, breaking through was extremely difficult.

It might even end in total loss.

That was also the main reason she struggled to raise funds.

"I know," Tang Song chuckled lightly. "But it doesn't matter—I'm willing to try. How about it? Will you accept my investment?"

"Huh~"

Xie Shu Yu's full chest rose and fell, her thoughts swirling in an instant.

After a moment, she shook her head and smiled: "I admit I'm a very pragmatic, worldly person—I wouldn't turn down an opportunity like this. I'm lucky to have met you and received your help."

Xie Shu Yu stepped forward half a pace and extended her hand toward him. "Thank you, Tang Song."

She wasn't foolish—she knew why Tang Song wanted to invest. It was because of her.

But she had no reason to refuse.

Nor would she pretend to be coy.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Shu Yu," Tang Song gently took her hand—it was soft, slender, and cool.

In contrast, Xie Shu Yu felt a warm current envelop her entire right hand—extremely comforting.

They held hands in silence for a moment, then mutually and seamlessly let go at the same time.

Xie Shu Yu looked up and asked, "What valuation are you planning to offer for the other two shareholders' equity? Do you need my help?"

"No," Tang Song said calmly. "I've already contacted them. They strongly disapprove of your future business plan and are afraid MicroLight Coffee will lose money, so their valuation is low—35 million, even lower than Yanjing Yanjing Tiancheng Holdings' offer."

Xie Shu Yu sighed. "They invested in MicroLight Coffee for its stable returns. When they heard my plan, they were terrified—and even sued me. But even at this valuation, they've made a fortune."

"Mm, doesn't matter. Since they don't believe in you, it's better they cash out early—save us trouble later."

"Thank you."

After subtracting bank liabilities, the current fair valuation should be over 40 million.

But even at 35 million, Tang Song would need to pay over 10 million upfront, plus additional funding later.

For an individual, this was a massive cash outlay.

It proved Tang Song's attitude toward her beyond doubt.

The evening breeze brushed her face. Xie Shu Yu unconsciously smoothed her hair, her voice turning gentle and tender.

The two walked slowly along the riverside sidewalk.

For the first time, Xie Shu Yu spoke to him as an equal, recounting MicroLight Coffee's development over the past few years.

She opened her first MicroLight Coffee in 2017.

In just two years, she expanded to four stores.

Later, she voluntarily sold 30% of her equity to bring on two shareholders.

One was the owner of a labor agency, who could help her secure more corporate clients.

The other was a senior executive at a real estate company, who could help her lease better locations.

At the time, the valuation was under 20 million.

Leveraging supply chain connections and exceptional management skills,

she finally covered Yan City's main CBDs by 2021. MicroLight Coffee had eight stores and gained considerable brand recognition locally, especially among white-collar workers.

Now, her total assets—including cash, real estate, and company equity—were nearly 40 million.

For a 32-year-old woman who started from nothing, this was undeniably a tremendous success.

She carried her own pride and ambition; though uncertain about the future, she never lacked the courage and confidence to fight for it.

It was nearly 9 p. m.

The two returned to the outdoor area of Guanhe Guanhe Yayuan's Chinese restaurant.

Seeing Liu Liu Liu Jia Yi still silently standing by the car, Xie Shu Yu's gaze flickered, but she said nothing.

"Let's go, Shu Yu. I'll drive you home."

"Thank you for the trouble."

A faint fragrance filled her nostrils, relaxing her mind.

As the heavy Rolls-Royce door slowly closed, Xie Shu Yu leaned back against the soft leather seat and took a deep breath.

She couldn't help but glance sideways.

Her eyes met a pair of bright, deep ones.

Looking at her fair, radiant face, Tang Song smiled and asked, "Shu Yu, which neighborhood do you live in?"

"Yuxiu Garden, Xiangdu District."

"Got it. I'll remember."

Xie Shu Yu's expression remained calm, but her heart suddenly quickened.

Soon, the car smoothly accelerated, merging into the night along the riverside road.

…

Twenty minutes later, the car stopped outside the southern gate of the neighborhood.

They got out, passed through the gate, and walked toward Building 3.

Along the way, Tang Song curiously observed the surroundings.

When his parents helped him look for houses, besides his hometown county, they'd researched many properties in Quancheng and Yan City.

Yuxiu Garden was a well-known upscale residential area in Quancheng—he'd heard of it before.

With a 40% green coverage rate, all villa-style buildings, large units, central water features, and private clubs,

its prices were steep—any unit cost around 2 million.

"I'm here," Xie Shu Yu pointed to the entrance of Unit 1, watching him calmly. "I have a question—would it be inappropriate to ask?"

Tang Song raised an eyebrow. "About my source of funds?"

Xie Shu Yu replied frankly, "Yes. Zi Ming told me your hometown is Jing County—you're not from a wealthy family."

She knew some of the local elites in county towns.

Jing County, as far as she knew, had many, even some with assets in the hundreds of millions.

Most were local manufacturers, large trading companies, or real estate developers.

But according to the information she'd gathered, Tang Song didn't fit any of those categories.

The only other possibility she could imagine was some cryptocurrency windfall.

That was her biggest mystery—and she desperately wanted an answer.

Tang Song fell silent for a moment, then said, "I started my business in college. I've been involved in many industries and fields. All the assets I own now were earned through legitimate effort."

The livestream e-commerce explanation was meant to convince his parents and relatives that he'd become successful.

But it wouldn't work for Xie Shu Yu.

She was based in Yan City; their lives would be closely intertwined.

Beyond the upcoming multi-million investment, there would be ongoing resource support for the café—eventually, she'd uncover the truth.

Besides, he wasn't lying.

In the game, he had indeed begun his struggle in 2016.

Everything he possessed now was game-derived wealth.

After hearing Tang Song's explanation and studying his expression, Xie Shu Yu's eyes flickered. She whispered, "I see. Thank you for clearing that up."

"Shu Yu, I'll go over the exact investment agreement details with you once I return to Yan City. You can rest assured—there won't be any betting agreements or buyback clauses."

"Mm." Xie Shu Yu nodded. "Tang Song…"

At that moment,

"Ding ling ling—" A sharp phone ring cut her off.

Xie Shu Yu pulled out her phone, checked the screen, and answered, "Hello, Mom? What's wrong?"

"I've already arrived at the neighborhood. I'm heading home. What are you imagining?"

She looked up at Tang Song, her expression unnaturally stiff. "No, you've misunderstood."

"I'm hanging up. No more nonsense."

Tang Song's ears were sharp, and with the distance so close, he caught fragments of the conversation through the receiver, his expression turning peculiar.

It must have been when I appeared beneath the restaurant earlier, hugging Xie Shu Yu, and her family saw it.

They thought we were a couple, and even asked her if she was coming home tonight.

He tossed the phone back into his bag.

Xie Shu Yu adjusted her composure and smiled: "It's late. You should head back to Jing County, byebye."

"Byebye."

Tang Song waved, about to turn away, when he suddenly froze.

His gaze fixed on this composed and radiant female CEO.

"What's wrong?" Xie Shu Yu seemed to sense something; her eyes trembled slightly as she placed her backpack in front of her, masking her inner fluster.

"Shu Yu-jie…" Tang Song took a deep breath, then suddenly wrapped his arms around her slender waist.

Since they were both wearing thin clothing, Tang Song could clearly feel her firmness.

Like Xiao Jing, this female CEO was a textbook example of a slender frame bearing abundant fruit.

And she was even slimmer and taller, making the embrace more intensely striking.

Their faces slowly drew closer.

Xie Shu Yu could clearly feel his breath—fresh, tinged with alcohol, and strangely pleasant.

This was the first time she had seen Tang Song's face so closely.

Smooth skin, jet-black hair, thin lips, a high, straight nose.

He was an extremely handsome young man, and with his piercing, assertive gaze, he radiated charm and sexual tension.

Xie Shu Yu's body instinctively reacted; her heart began pounding wildly.

Her body and genes called out—this man would give her superior chromosomes.

Recalling every moment since they'd met, Xie Shu Yu's mind swayed.

At first, he was just an ordinary tech nerd, unremarkable in every other way; only because of Lu Lu Lu Ziming's introduction and their shared hometown connection did she invite him to work as a part-time programmer at MicroLight Coffee.

Later, as he changed, she came to see him as an outstanding young talent, admiring him, wanting to cultivate him, help expand his social circle, and bring him into her team.

Then, when she learned of his position as CTO of Jinxiu Trade, she regretted losing the chance to recruit him.

During their interactions, she had experienced physical reactions and daydreams.

But she always attributed them to age and hormones—temporary impulses, especially since she'd been in her ovulation period at the time, and afterward she deliberately kept her distance.

Yet the previous embrace, and this close contact now, left her utterly certain: this attraction transcended time and place.

With both psychological and physiological allure, she felt not the slightest trace of dislike.

This had never happened before—and it was intensely powerful.

"Gul—" Her throat rolled.

A faint blush spread across her composed face.

Xie Shu Yu's skin was very pale; her slight embarrassment, paired with her elegant and radiant features, was especially intoxicating in the dim light.

Breathing in the warm scent of her skincare products, Tang Song could no longer suppress his restless heart.

His fingers brushed her waist, barely a handful, then traced downward toward her full, crimson lips.

Xie Shu Yu's head tilted slightly.

Soft, smooth skin met his touch—he successfully kissed the corner of her lips and her chin.

The female CEO didn't immediately push him away; instead, her body tensed as she raised a hand to press against his lips.

After a moment, her voice was dry: "I'm not doing this because you're going to invest in me."

"I know." He kissed her slender fingers, gazing at the cold, composed CEO in his arms; a tremendous sense of accomplishment surged within him.

Unlike Wen Wen Ruan, this older sister had always treated him with the posture of a senior, a mentor.

That was clear from how she addressed him—until now, she'd always called him "Xiao Song."

But after this meeting, she had quietly switched to "Tang Song."

It was a psychological climb, a conquest.

Filling the void, conquering the ice queen, overthrowing from below—it was an exquisite sensation!

Feeling the warmth on his fingers, Xie Shu Yu lowered her gaze and whispered: "I'm going back now. Bye."

"Bye." Tang Song released his left hand, then kissed her fair cheek.

Xie Shu Yu's eyes trembled; she turned stiffly and strode toward the unit entrance.

Her graceful figure, her flying hair, looked elegant and alluring in the night.

Watching her vanish from sight, Tang Song turned away, humming a tune as he walked out.

He wasn't impatient with this female CEO—he showed ample patience.

But given Xie Shu Yu's temperament and personality, allowing him to embrace and kiss her was more than enough to reveal her feelings.

Too bad Wen Wen Ruan wasn't here—if she were, tonight I'd be standing again.

Speaking of which, Wen Wen Ruan is flying to Mo Du first thing tomorrow.

She'll be receiving Tang Zong Entertainment's assistant team and undergoing short-term management training; chances are, Su Yu will show up too.

I hope both she and Su Yu can stay calm.

But Wen Wen Ruan probably won't stand a chance against Su Yu—she'll likely be bullied.

He'd already prepared himself: if this big sister suffered any injustice, he'd take the high-speed train over to comfort her in person.

…

"Squeak—" The front door slowly opened.

Xie's father and mother, seated in the living room, instantly stood and hurried over.

"Li Xiaoyu, was it your boyfriend… uh… your friend who dropped you off?"

"Mm." Xie Shu Yu answered absently as she changed her shoes.

"Why didn't you invite him in? Your mom started cleaning the room as soon as she got home, and I bought peanuts, candies, and cut up fruit."

"Yeah, that's a bit rude."

Xie Shu Yu pressed her lips shut, tossed her bag onto the shoe rack, and shuffled into the living room in her slippers.

"All our relatives saw it—the boy hugged you for a long time downstairs. What are you going to say about it?"

"Yeah, let's get our stories straight."

Hearing her parents' endless nagging, she sighed: "Alright, Dad, Mom—you're both old enough. Stop worrying about my life."

"Hey! Hey! We're not worrying—we know you've got your head on straight." Xie's mother grabbed her daughter's arm, voice tense: "I just want to ask one thing—where's that boy from?"

Xie's father also looked over with concern.

They'd previously accepted their daughter might never marry, because it meant she could live with them, and their family could stay harmonious.

If she married far away—or abroad—they'd truly miss her.

Xie Shu Yu stopped walking, paused a moment, then said: "From Jing County. He's also developing in Yan City now. He came to me to invest in my company."

"From Jing County!? That's wonderful! Our family home is still there!"

Xie's mother was overjoyed, slapping her husband's back hard—"thump, thump."

Xie's father ignored the pain, his voice booming: "So he's an investor? We've got to keep this relationship good. Once you're both in Yan City, support each other. We don't need to worry about anything here—if you need us, your mom and I will come over anytime to take care of… you."

He'd originally meant to say "grandchild," but considering his daughter's feelings, he softened it.

"Oh, now your company's future is settled—we can finally rest easy." Xie's mother picked up a glass of water from the table and handed it over. "Here, Li Xiaoyu, your lips are dry—drink some water."

Xie Shu Yu's lips twitched; she took the glass and drank deeply. "Alright, I'm exhausted. I'm going to shower and sleep."

"Go on, go on."

"Bang—click."

Locking the bedroom door from the inside, Xie Shu Yu sat in silence for a while, then peeled off her slightly "soiled" clothes and stepped into the bathroom.

"Splish-splash"—warm water gushed from the showerhead.

It streamed down her jet-black hair, over her fair skin and graceful curves, pooling on the tiles.

Xie Shu Yu turned to face the mirror, gazing at her naked reflection.

Her smooth skin shimmered with a matte glow under the light; her tall, upright figure resembled a white poplar—narrow waist, full chest, long legs.

At 32, she was no longer young, but she cared deeply for her appearance—maintaining skincare, dieting, and sugar control meticulously; her skin and figure remained excellent.

She pinched her waist, then touched the corner of her lips.

Xie Shu Yu's mind replayed every moment from earlier.

For the first time, she seriously examined her own heart.

She'd weathered many storms, seen many handsome men—even celebrities.

But previously, she'd never felt any romantic interest in such young, attractive men.

In her heart, career had always outweighed love.

But with Tang Song, it seemed different.

This could be attributed to sexual attraction, combined with deep admiration, sparking her… fondness.

And tonight, seeing him step out of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, he had profoundly shaken her, shattering her inner defenses completely.

In other words, she had fallen for him.

She was a rational person—she always faced her inner self honestly.

So, was Tang Song right for her?

The answer was yes.

A young, handsome billionaire, confident and composed, tall and imposing, who had previously collaborated closely with her and was about to become a shareholder of Microlight Coffee.

Moreover, he was a native of Quancheng, so they knew each other well and were highly reliable.

In the future, if she wanted to have children, she wouldn't have too many reservations.

From every perspective, he was an ideal partner.

The only problem was that such a man would surely be beyond her control—perhaps she would end up being controlled by him instead.

Love is a game of strategy; the loser is destined to make concessions.

She wasn't ready to lose, and she certainly didn't want to lose to another woman.

…

After showering, she dried her hair.

Xie Xie Shu Yu leaned back against the headboard, wearing a silk robe, and checked the time.

【22:10】

After hesitating for a moment, she opened WeChat and left a message for Tang Song: "Let me know when you get home."

"Vibrating—vibrating—vibrating—"

【Little Song: "Five minutes to home. Thanks for your concern, Xie Shu Yu-jie. I know you've been feeling down lately—get some rest early tonight and have sweet dreams."】

Xie Xie Shu Yu crossed and rubbed her long legs together, then typed back with a cheerful mood: "Mm, goodnight."

【Little Song: "Goodnight (#hug)."】

Looking at the message and that emoji, Xie Xie Shu Yu's lips unconsciously curled upward, and she let out a soft laugh.

Immediately afterward, she realized what she'd done and rubbed her cheeks.

Staring blankly at the chat interface for a while, Xie Xie Shu Yu opened his main profile and changed his nickname to "Tang Song."

After finishing that, she opened Moments and scrolled aimlessly.

Soon, a post caught her eye.

【Light & Shadow Media - Wen Wen Ruan: "Traveling to Modu next week, not in Yancheng. For work matters, please contact my assistant directly at 139…"】

Looking at this post, Xie Xie Shu Yu's gaze flickered.

Due to the failed financing, the original marketing plan and ad campaign had changed; earlier, she had specifically contacted the lead, Wen Wen Ruan, to revise the requirements.

She had always admired Wen Wen Ruan—otherwise she wouldn't have entrusted her with planning for over a year.

Then she suddenly learned that this former planning team leader had become the Executive Director and CEO of Light & Shadow Media.

This dramatic shift in status and position was somewhat similar to Tang Song's.

Both had shaken her deeply.

After thinking it over, she left a comment below: "Wishing you all the best."

They had known each other for over a year; though they'd had minor disagreements, their personal relationship remained good.

Once financing succeeds and the business expands, they will certainly need deeper, more comprehensive collaboration with Light & Shadow Media.

Maintaining good relations is essential.

…

August 7, 2023, Monday, cloudy.

Modu, Hongqiao International Airport.

Wen Wen Ruan, carrying an LVSPEEDY35 and a suitcase, stepped out of the VIP arrivals corridor.

She quickly spotted Teacher Jiang Jiang Jiang Yiran, her college roommate and close friend, holding up a sign.

They hadn't seen each other in two years; her condition had visibly declined, yet her attire remained stylish and elegant.

In fact, Teacher Jiang Jiang Jiang Yiran had been the best-off among them in their dorm.

Born into wealth, after graduating with her master's, her family used connections to pave her path.

She and her husband ran a small trading company in Modu, just in time to ride a wave of prosperity, earning a fortune.

But due to her hectic work schedule, she was often powerless to act—she was the only one absent from Sun Sun Sun Simin's wedding. (Chapter 281)

This trip to Modu, besides Su Yu, Teacher Jiang Jiang Jiang Yiran was the person she most wanted to see.

Wen Wen Ruan stopped before her, set down her suitcase, and smiled. "What? Don't you recognize me?"

Teacher Jiang Jiang Jiang Yiran hissed, eyes wide. "I've seen your photos, but your transformation is insane! Your skin's better than it was back in college! Just like Damn Damn Minmin said—you've definitely been thoroughly pampered by your boyfriend!"

"Get lost," Wen Wen Ruan laughed, giving her a light slap on the butt. "Let's go. I got up at five this morning—I'm exhausted."

"Haha, I've seen your boyfriend's photo—he's hot! Tell me all about his bedroom skills later."

"Hmm, that's a secret—and I'm afraid you'd be scared."

…

The two teased each other as they walked to the parking lot.

Just then.

"Ding-ding-ding—" Her phone rang.

Wen Wen Ruan pulled out her phone and her heart immediately rose.

So soon?

I've only just arrived in Modu! Give me a moment to breathe, Su Yu—surely not this urgent!

She answered the call. "Hello, Xiang Wan-jie."

"Wen Wen Ruan, you've landed, right?" came the familiar voice.

"Yes, I just met up with a friend."

"Well, Su Yu had an emergency this morning and went to Shencheng—she won't be back today, probably not until the day after tomorrow. She's not ignoring you; this matter is truly critical. I've already arranged your assistant team—come to the company when you arrive."

"Understood, thank you, Xiang Wan-jie."

"I won't keep you then. Bye."

After hanging up, Wen Wen Ruan exhaled deeply.

At the same time, she was curious—what had happened in Shencheng to make Su Yu so urgently dispatched?