Chapter 424: The Canary and Secretary Jin

In the lively private room.

The air floated with a faint scent of perfume and the lingering aroma of food.

Scattered cups and dishes remained on the dining table, reflecting a soft halo under the lights.

Zhang Shen Shen Huijuan stood up and said, "It's getting late, so let's call it a night for now. Han Han Yajing and the others just arrived in Yancheng today; they need a good rest tonight."

"Yes, it's time to disperse. Everyone get to bed early tonight; tomorrow we'll go out shopping together."

"This meal was truly sumptuous today. Thank you, Shen Shen Huijuan."

Everyone laughed and chatted for a while.

Wu Wu Wu Wenhao strolled over to stand beside Tang Song and whispered, "Mr. Tang, shall I arrange a car or a designated driver for you?"

"No need. Sister Sister Sister Qingqing will drive me back."

"That's good then. Stay safe on the road."

Leaving the restaurant's private room, they came to the elevator lobby.

Han Han Han Yajing seemed very reluctant to part; holding Tang Song's arm, she kept talking about things from Xu Qing's childhood.

It was extremely amusing, practically like a Crayon Shin-chan movie.

It made Tang Song laugh until he was bent double.

Beside them, Xu Qing's face turned deathly red as she kept trying to explain herself.

After chatting for a full ten-plus minutes, Han Han Han Yajing smiled and said, "Drive carefully on your way home, and let us know when you arrive."

Xu Qing hugged Ms. Han somewhat reluctantly. "Mom, are you really not going to stay at my place? The house Yan Yan and I rented is quite large."

"I won't go today. I haven't gathered with these old sisters in several years. Tonight we'll all stay together and have a good long chat!" Han Han Han Yajing's face glowed with health and vitality, radiating high spirits.

"Alright, then we'll be off."

Tang Song smiled and said, "Goodbye, Auntie."

Han Han Han Yajing acknowledged him, then nudged her daughter. "Tang Song drank quite a bit of wine tonight; take good care of him when you get back. If needed, cook some hangover soup or something."

"Oh my!" Xu Qing's ear tips turned slightly red as she muttered softly, "I'm not a nanny..."

Of course, the most critical point was that she simply didn't know how to cook!

Let alone hangover soup; even stir-frying a simple home-cooked dish was a struggle for her.

"You child, how can you speak like that? Taking care of your own boyfriend is only proper!" Han Han Han Yajing hurriedly winked at her daughter.

With such an excellent son-in-law, if she let him slip away, it would become a lifelong regret.

This was what she worried about most right now.

After all, the two had only just gotten together, and the future held too many uncertainties.

Xu Qing blushed and let out an "Oh," saying nothing more.

Even now, she was still very unaccustomed to calling Tang Song her "boyfriend"; it just felt strange.

The white Bentley Continental GT slowly drove out of the underground parking garage.

Yancheng's bustling night scenery rushed toward them.

Xu Qing gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands; while waiting at the traffic light, her gaze instinctively drifted to the passenger seat.

The evening breeze slipped through the gaps in the car window, gently brushing against him and stirring his jet-black hair.

The ambient lighting inside the car emitted a soft, warm glow, coating his handsome profile with a hazy and enchanting halo.

The top two buttons of his shirt were already undone, revealing a section of smooth collarbone; the lines of his muscles were faintly visible, exuding a casual yet unintentional sexiness.

At this very moment, sitting in the driver's seat of the Bentley Continental and looking at the god-like man Tang Song beside her, Xu Qing felt a sense of unreality.

It was as if she had truly entered a fictional world from a novel.

"What's wrong?" Tang Song turned his head to look at her, his voice gentle and full of magnetism.

"N-nothing." Xu Qing's face flushed slightly as she said, "I'm taking you to Yanjing Yanjing Yanjing Tiancheng, right?"

Looking at her pretty face, Tang Song smiled lightly and shook his head. "No."

"Then where are you going?"

"Beicheng Garden."

"Ah!" Xu Qing's hand gripping the steering wheel suddenly tightened. "Y-you... why are you going to my house?"

"To sleep with you." Tang Song leaned his body toward her, his breath carrying the scent of alcohol wafting onto her face, quickly dyeing her earlobes red.

Xu Qing stammered, "No... I'm still... hurting a bit down there, and I have to accompany Mom shopping tomorrow."

Tang Song smiled, not arguing with her, and gently lifted the hem of her skirt, placing his hand on her bare thigh.

Gazing out the window at the blurred night scenery, feeling the warm and delicate texture beneath his palm, he comfortably narrowed his eyes.

Xu Qing forcefully pressed her legs together, patted Tang Song's paw, and muttered complaints for a while.

Blushing, she unlocked her phone and left a message on her best friend's WeChat: "Yan Yan, Tang Song is coming to my place to sleep tonight."

When the meal was more than halfway finished, Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan had already left early using the excuse of feeling unwell.

The two had just broken through to a new level in their relationship; in truth, she also quite wanted to spend a bit more time with Tang Song.

"It's green." Tang Song pinched her to remind her. "Focus on driving."

"You bastard, don't move around randomly!" Xu Qing spat out a curse, hurriedly releasing the brake.

The night curtain was like ink.

Neon lights cast mottled shadows on the windshield, like a silent fireworks display.

In the quiet cabin, Xu Qing's shy and annoyed shouts occasionally rang out, along with Tang Song's teasing voice.

Nearly twenty minutes later, the Bentley Continental parked in the surface lot outside Beicheng Garden.

It was 9 PM; the temperature was just right, and the breeze was gentle.

Tang Song held Xu Qing's hand, walked two laps around the residential compound, and then took the elevator straight to the 12th floor.

Opening the door.

"Yan Yan, I'm back!" Xu Qing shouted loudly inside, her dark eyes darting around before she smiled cheerfully. "Oh my, there aren't any slippers for you here; how about you wear mine?"

Speaking thus, Xu Qing picked up a pair of pink and tender cartoon slippers from the shoe rack and winked playfully at Tang Song.

She really wanted to see what Tang Song would look like wearing her size 37 slippers.

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Tang Song speechlessly pinched her cheek. "Forget it; I'd rather go barefoot."

"Put them on so I can see; I promise I won't take a photo!"

Just as the two were flirting, a series of "tap-tap" footsteps approached.

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan, wearing yoga clothes with her hair tied in a bun, walked over, carrying a plastic bag in her hand.

The form-fitting yoga clothes clung to her graceful figure, outlining sexy and enchanting curves.

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan smiled and said, "I just went downstairs to buy slippers and toothbrushes; here they are for you."

"Wow, Yan Yan, you're so good!" Xu Qing pounced directly onto her, rubbing her face against her best friend's like a Husky.

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan pushed her away with a face full of disgust. "Alright, alright, hurry up and go wash up."

"Give me a kiss, baby, mua~"

Watching the two best friends embracing, Tang Song felt a certain restlessness in his heart.

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan and Xu Qing from their university days could be considered a symbol within his memories of youth.

Every time he saw the two of them together, all sorts of strange thoughts would arise.

After changing into slippers and simply washing up.

Tang Song entered Xu Qing's bedroom for the first time.

Many posters were pasted on the white walls: some were anime-style, others were of real-life stars like Su Yu, and there was even a group photo of her and Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan.

The bed was piled with various plush toys; the desk was placed by the window, with a computer on its surface and stacks of comic books and novels beside it.

The desk drawer was half-open, revealing scattered stickers, a journal, and colored pens inside.

At a glance, it looked slightly messy, yet exceptionally cozy.

Tang Song plopped down onto the bed and beckoned to Xu Qing. "Sister Sister Sister Qingqing, come here."

Xu Qing instinctively shrank back, her gaze dodging as she asked, "What for?"

"Hurry up! Be obedient!" Tang Song's voice became slightly stern.

"Why are you being so fierce! Really!" Xu Qing stamped her foot with a flushed face, then obediently walked over.

As soon as she drew near, her body was suddenly embraced by Tang Song and pulled down onto him.

Tang Song held her fragrant and soft body, moved his hands upward, and smiled. "This time it's even more exaggerated; padding up to deceive guests, is it?"

"Oh my, let go!" Xu Qing twisted her body in shy annoyance. "We girls are all like this; this is normal styling!"

Tang Song lowered his head slightly and gently kissed her scorching earlobe.

Soon, Xu Qing's body went soft.

Tang Song whispered, "Sister Sister Sister Qingqing, do you still have the clothes you wore during your school days? Change into them, okay? I want to relive those times."

Xu Qing shivered and stammered, "Y-you... why are you getting straight to smut as soon as we start? So improper!"

"Pfft—, then let me rephrase." Tang Song intensely felt her heartbeat, looked into her dark and bright eyes, and said, "Student Xu Qing, shall we play a game of role-playing?"

"You big rascal!"

The two wrestled on the bed for quite a while; Xu Qing shyly covered her face and whispered, "You go out first; there are too many clothes, I need to look for them properly."

Doing that thing with Tang Song was truly comfortable, especially with the added role-playing, which left her slightly captivated.

Moreover, she had written this very plot in her novels and fanfictions before.

After all, in the novel, Xu Xu Xu Yanqing and Tang Song were alumni.

Now that Tang Song had said so, it directly made her immerse herself in the scenario.

Thinking about it made her feel a little excited.

"Then hurry up." Tang Song kissed her on the cheek, got up, and walked out of the bedroom.

He had just arrived in the living room.

Shen Yu, who was sitting on the sofa playing with her phone, immediately lifted her head, smiled brightly, and waved, "Hello, why did you suddenly come out?"

"Sister Sister Sister Qingqing is changing clothes; she was embarrassed to let me watch." Tang Song shrugged and casually sat down opposite her.

Shen Yu's eyes sparkled as she pursed her lips in a light smile, placing the fruit platter in front of him.

Standing up, she said, "What would you like to drink? I'll get it for you."

"Iced Coke, thanks."

"Coming right up!" Shen Yu snapped her fingers crisply, took graceful steps to the refrigerator, and asked, "Red can or blue can?"

"Red can." Tang Song replied offhandedly, then lifted his head to admire the graceful figure of School Beauty Shen.

The soft lighting intertwined with the pale blue glow emanating from inside the refrigerator, falling upon her.

It outlined her perfect S-curve figure with breathtaking arcs.

Her fresh and atmospheric features, rosy and delicate skin, combined with a slight sheen of sweat, exuded a healthy and captivating charm.

As expected of the school beauty from back in the day; her figure and looks were truly top-tier.

The refrigerator door was gently closed, and Shen Yu swayed her sexy waist as she approached Tang Song.

"Da—" The tab was pulled open; Shen Yu kept an elegant curve in her waist and back as she bent slightly, placing the opened Coke in front of him.

Breathing in her faint fragrance and looking at the deep, fair valley of her cleavage, Tang Song's eyes flickered slightly.

Dressing like this late at night, plus wearing light makeup, it was obvious that School Beauty Shen had dressed up specially.

"Thanks, Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan." Tang Song picked up the Coke, took a sip, and leaned back comfortably on the sofa.

Shen Yu sat down directly beside him, resting her hands naturally on her legs; as she turned sideways, her hair strands lightly brushed against his arm, bringing a faint, almost imperceptible tickle.

"I only found out today that you actually invested 116 million in the Yannan Film and Television Base. That's truly impressive; to be honest, it scared me at the time, after all, that's over a hundred million in cash flow."

As she spoke, she leaned forward slightly, her eyes shining with admiration and surprise. "Just as we discussed before, the short drama market is a vast blue ocean; investing in a short drama base is definitely a good choice." Tang Song lowered his head with a smile, his tone casual.

"Mm-hmm, so it shows you have boldness." Shen Yu tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, looked at Tang Song, and said, "However, if we're talking about the hottest field right now, it should be AI. Since you come from a programming background, have you considered laying out plans in this field for the future?"

"Of course; AI is developing very rapidly and has already factually changed our lives." Tang Song looked at her with a smile. "In fact, most investors are focusing on this direction, and I am no exception."

The "enterprises with unicorn potential" described in the 【Growth Plan Mission】 were actually very difficult to secure.

And this emerging field of AI was undoubtedly the best choice.

Especially AI enterprises focused on a specific vertical domain or industry; they absolutely had the potential to become unicorns.

Currently, he was already meticulously researching knowledge in this area, and afterward, he would focus heavily on corporate financing in this direction.

"Mm-hmm, just as I thought." Shen Yu pursed her full, moist lips, leaned her body forward a bit more, and began discussing the current status and prospects of AI with him.

It was evident that she had indeed put in some effort.

From existing mature application scenarios to emerging breakthrough applications, she spoke with great authority.

Perhaps feeling a bit thirsty, Shen Yu naturally reached out, picked up the Coke beside Tang Song, and took a small sip.

Not a single mistake, every single character of content is being checked!

The cold Coke slid down her throat; she satisfiedly licked the liquid remaining on her lips, then, as if realizing her action, a faint blush appeared on her face.

"Sorry, I drank your Coke." She smiled with a hint of apology. "You don't mind, do you?"

Tang Song looked at her fresh and pretty face, shook his head with a smile, and said, "It's fine, help yourself."

Shen Yu covered her mouth and laughed lightly, just about to say something.

"Ding-ling-ling—" The phone ringtone suddenly sounded.

Taking out his phone to check, Tang Song turned his head and said, "Sister Sister Sister Qingqing should be done changing; let's chat another time."

"Mm, bye-bye, goodnight."

"Goodnight." Tang Song paused, picked up the Coke on the table, drained it in one gulp, stood up, and walked toward the bedroom.

Watching his departing back, Shen Yu pinched her own thigh, her eyes full of struggle.

Ever since she learned Tang Song was coming tonight, her heart had been pounding wildly.

In the end, she had put on makeup and changed clothes, sitting in the living room simply to show herself off.

She believed that with Tang Song's IQ and EQ, he absolutely knew what she was doing.

Then, thinking of her best friend in the room, intense shame and self-blame made even her breathing become heavy.

"Creak—" The room door was gently opened.

A crisp voice suddenly came to his ears: "Hello, student Tang Song, I am Xu Qing from the School of Literature and Law."

Tang Song paused for a moment, looking toward the bed in the bedroom.

Xu Qing, having changed into clothes from their university days, knelt quietly there, wearing an obedient hairstyle, her expression playful and cute.

Her entire being radiated the aura of youth.

It was as if it pulled Tang Song's thoughts back to their campus days.

Combined with Shen Yu's teasing just now, Tang Song felt his whole body heating up.

Noticing his gaze, Xu Qing blinked and said with a flower-like smile, "Student Tang Song, would you like to study with me?"

Taking a deep breath, Tang Song immediately started unbuttoning. "Of course!"

"Aiya!" Xu Qing held the book in her hand up to cover her face. "Aren't you supposed to be studying, classmate? Why are you suddenly taking off your clothes?"

It had to be said that Xu Qing was indeed a little drama queen.

Once she got into character, her role-playing was remarkably convincing, exactly like her student-era self.

Tang Song casually tossed his shirt aside, pushed Xu Qing directly onto the bed, and said, "Let's learn some new knowledge."

"You... you..." Xu Qing acted extremely frightened. "You hooligan, you can't... don't... wu..."

Soon, chaotic sounds filled the room.

Xu Qing, who was struggling desperately, was suppressed bit by bit, gradually beginning to sob in a low voice.

Occasionally, a cry would come: "Sister Yan Yan, save me!"

In the hallway of the living room, Shen Yu's eye twitched wildly; listening to the sounds coming from the room, she was completely numb.

Why did it feel like her best friend was undergoing torture?

Did it need to be this exaggerated?

September 4, 2023, Monday, Sunny, 23–31°C.

"Ding-ling-ling— Ding-ling-ling—"

The alarm clock sounded particularly piercing in the quiet bedroom.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian frowned, reached out groggily, fumbled around the pillow for a while, grabbed her phone, and pressed the stop button.

After turning off the alarm, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian rolled over.

A pair of long, plump, slender legs were exposed, with smooth lines and skin as white as snow.

It made the entire bedroom seem a bit brighter.

After lying on the duvet for a while, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian sat up and stretched.

Barefoot on the floor, she went to the walk-in closet and changed into sportswear.

Coming to the balcony, she watched a TV drama on her tablet while power-walking on the treadmill.

Finishing her workout, she stepped onto the scale to weigh herself.

【63kg】

The dance and yoga practice during this period had allowed her to successfully lose two kilograms.

Her body had become light and coordinated, and her posture was becoming increasingly graceful.

Looking at the elegant and upright figure in the floor-to-ceiling mirror, a proud smile appeared on Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's face.

It had to be said that practicing dance could indeed change a person's temperament.

Besides that, she was also following Tang Song's requirements.

Learning social etiquette norms and cultivating her artistic aesthetic.

After warming up, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian laid out her yoga mat and began practicing yoga facing the morning sun.

In the past, she could never learn it no matter what, but now, constantly receiving positive feedback, her enthusiasm was abundant, and she learned particularly quickly.

She could perform various movements smoothly, and the aesthetic quality was also very good.

"Good morning, Qian Qian."

"Tingzi, morning." Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian stopped her movement and greeted her with a smile.

He He He Liting asked with a smile, "I'll make breakfast; what would you like to eat?"

"A sandwich is fine."

"OK." He He He Liting made a gesture, walked into the kitchen, and began busying herself.

While cooking, she checked the view and like data for her video from yesterday on her phone.

Currently, the company team had completed the preliminary planning for the clothing brand.

The brand name is tentatively set as 【heyistudio】.

The target audience is young, fashionable women who pursue individual expression, with a mid-to-high-end positioning.

The brand department has already begun forming, and employee interviews will commence sequentially this week.

I heard that President Gao's junior female classmate, who is also the designer of the company logo, will be joining the staff in the coming days.

Regarding the women's clothing brand incubated using herself as an "IP," He He He Liting attached extreme importance to it, devoting herself wholeheartedly to her work every day.

After finishing breakfast.

They simply tidied up, changed clothes, and the two companions went downstairs together.

They got into the specialized car that had been booked in advance.

The car first stopped at Yunxi Skyscraper, then proceeded to the headquarters of Yisha Beauty Industry.

Walking through the company's main entrance.

The receptionist administrator hurriedly stood up. "Good morning, Zhao Zong."

"Morning."

"Good morning, Zhao Zong."

Along the way, employees they encountered occasionally greeted her.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian always wore a bright smile on her face, earnestly responding to everyone.

She opened the door to the white office.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian first watered the potted plants, took a few photos, and shared them with Tang Song.

Then she sat down in front of the computer, browsing documents in her work email and reviewing application information in the system with a professional demeanor.

Nowadays, Yisha Beauty Industry was undergoing a comprehensive transformation toward "light medical aesthetics."

After all, she was now a supervisor and chief beauty consultant of Yisha Beauty Industry; although she wasn't responsible for specific management, it was best for her to appear frequently, while also keeping an eye on the company's capital flow.

Moreover, she also needed her own social circle.

Currently within the company, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian had already formed good relationships with a few colleagues.

This was also a form of recognition of her social identity, making her feel happy and live a more fulfilled and satisfied life.

"Buzz buzz buzz—" The mobile phone on the desk began vibrating frantically.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian released the mouse, picked up the phone, and took a look.

【Sister Smile】

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's heart skipped a beat; she hurriedly answered the call, her voice slightly nervous. "Hello? Sister Smile."

"Good morning, Qian Qian." A pure and clear voice came through the receiver, seemingly devoid of any impurities, very pleasant to hear.

"Good morning! Is there something you need from me?"

"Before the Mid-Autumn Festival, I'm going to make a trip to Yancheng and want to meet with you for a chat."

Hearing this, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian stood up directly from her chair, took a deep breath, and said, "Okay, then... by that time, do I need to bring Seeing Xiao Xue along?"

"Lin Empress Mu Xue? Hehe, as you wish."

"Then..." Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian pressed her lips tightly together, momentarily at a loss for words.

The voice on the other end of the line paused briefly before continuing, "Don't be nervous; I'm not coming specifically to find you, but just happen to have some matters I want to discuss with you while I'm passing through."

"Oh, oh, okay."

"That's it then, bye-bye."

"Bye-bye."

She hung up the phone.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian sat in her chair, her full bosom heaving up and down, her mind feeling dizzy and confused.

She had been hiding a secret in her heart that she hadn't told Tang Song.

Previously, when transferring the property at Anjia Real Estate, she later went to the agent to get the property deed, where a woman named Sister Sister Shangguan Sister Sister Shangguan Sister Shangguan Shangguan Qiuya, acting as the original owner, had met with her.

Through that person, she learned of the existence of 【Smile】.

According to Sister Sister Shangguan Sister Sister Shangguan Sister Shangguan Shangguan Qiuya, that person was Tang Song's legitimate girlfriend and currently lived in the Imperial Capital.

Then, in a muddled way, she had established contact with this Sister Smile and was informed that their affairs could not be let known to Tang Song.

Although they didn't talk often, every time Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian spoke with her, she felt immense pressure.

Most of the time, it was 【Smile】 asking questions, inquiring about the process of her interactions with Tang Song.

It was precisely because of 【Smile】's existence that she had taken the initiative to lay things out with Seeing Xiao Xue, pushing their relationship a step further, and even dragging her along to play three-person basketball.

Gritting her teeth, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian quickly rallied her spirits.

The Seeing Xiao Xue of today was already a financial elite in name and reality, and the people she interacted with were all major figures.

When 【Smile】 truly arrived in Yancheng, she would take Seeing Xiao Xue along to meet this so-called legitimate girlfriend.

With such a formidable teammate as Seeing Xiao Xue by her side, she didn't need to worry too much.

(End of Chapter)