Chapter 426: The Daily Life of a Beautician: Xiao Jing

Her phone kept vibrating.

Messages kept popping up in three WeChat groups.

Wen Wen Ruan could only keep thanking people in the groups.

None of these three WeChat groups had many members; the largest, "Entertainment Media Club," pulled together by Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan, had just over three hundred people.

Yet the weight of it was immense.

Everyone's background was anything but ordinary.

As messages piled up, some true heavyweights began to appear.

There were domestic giants like Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance, as well as well-known foreign firms like Deloitte, Sequoia, and TPG that Wen Wen Ruan recognized.

As she read the welcome messages, she felt nervous and uneasy, yet an indescribable sense of accomplishment and delight washed over her.

Everyone has vanity; it's just a matter of degree.

After years of work, Wen Wen Ruan naturally harbored competitive and comparative instincts.

At this moment, these "high-end" social circles amplified them, making her feel slightly dizzy.

After her emotions stirred for a while, Wen Wen Ruan picked up her phone and called Tang Song directly.

With her intelligence, she could easily guess who had arranged this.

But Tang Song had suddenly made such a big fuss without warning her beforehand, leaving her a little frightened.

She had only wanted to quietly be a lazy lover, enjoying life and love—she never imagined she'd rise so high.

"Duu-duu-duu—"

After a few rings, Tang Song's warm, pleasant voice came through the receiver: "Hello, Wen Ruan Wen Ruan."

Wen Wen Ruan licked her lips and suppressed her excitement: "I just got suddenly added to a group chat by Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan and Luo Bin—they said they wanted to help me. What does that mean?"

"Uh… so fast…" Tang Song paused, then continued: "I arranged it."

Wen Wen Ruan exhaled and joked: "Wow! Suddenly being so nice to me? You didn't do something wrong to me, did you? Or are you planning some new positions?"

Tang Song chuckled softly, his tone laden with meaning: "Sister, there still seem to be many positions on you that haven't been explored yet. Let's try them out properly another day—I'll prepare the props."

"Eww~ you pervert," Wen Wen Ruan's cheeks flushed slightly, her voice soft and sweet: "I'm not joking anymore—tell me the real reason!"

"Isn't this what I promised you originally? I'm just fulfilling my promise to you—don't overthink it."

"Promise…"

Tang Song's words instantly triggered Wen Wen Ruan's memories; her gaze grew distant.

After they had slept together, he had given her three choices.

Learning of Su Yu's existence, the overwhelming pressure and fear had forced her to climb upward.

She had chosen his third option.

He had indeed said he would help her fully develop her career, cultivate her leadership and team management skills, and introduce her to his connections in the entertainment and media industry.

He would help her expand her high-end social resources and even build her personal brand and visibility.

To become a true, genuine career-driven woman.

Now, recalling it, Tang Song was truly living up to his promise—without a trace of Fuyan.

The shareholding proxy at Star Cloud International, the presidency at Light & Shadow Media, the training in Mo Du, the professional assistant team, and now this high-end social circle—all of it.

Her social status and network resources were undergoing a leap forward.

She was being lifted by Tang Song to a height she could never have imagined.

This dog man really was sincerely adorable.

Boundless affection churned in her mind; tears welled in Wen Wen Ruan's eyes. "I understand. Thank you."

They chatted for a while longer.

Then they hung up.

Wen Wen Ruan calmed her emotions and called her father.

She told him she'd be coming home tonight.

Tomorrow she'd take over Yanbei Printing Factory; she needed to talk to him about some things in advance.

…

4:00 p. m.

Yisha Beauty Headquarters.

In the minimalist, Instagram-style office.

"Dong dong dong—" A soft knock came at the door.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian, who had been lounging in her chair playing with her phone, sat up straight and adjusted the papers spread before her: "Come in."

The door opened, and Liu Ying, the administrative supervisor, entered.

"Sorry to disturb you, Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Zong," Liu Ying placed the paper bag on her desk and beamed: "I went to a meeting at the President Qiaoxi branch today, and on the way back I passed a dessert shop that was running a promotion—I couldn't resist buying extra. Try some—I think this place is delicious."

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's eyes lit up as she happily took the bag: "Thank you, Sister Ying! Wow! Macarons! I haven't had any in ages!"

As she spoke, she eagerly picked one up, took a small bite, and her eyes curled into crescents: "So good!"

Liu Ying covered her mouth and giggled: "Glad you like it—I'll bring you some next time."

"No, no, just once in a while is enough—I dare not eat too much." After eating one macaron, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian resealed the bag and licked her lips.

She loved sweets, but lately, due to dance practice, she had been deliberately controlling her diet.

Even her favorite steak and skewers were off-limits.

"So disciplined—no wonder you're in such great shape," Liu Ying sat down on the chair beside her. "By the way, Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Zong, your hometown is Decheng in Shandong Province, right?"

"Mm-hmm, yes."

"My hometown is Dongchang in Shandong too—we're practically countrywomen, not far apart."

Hearing this, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's face instantly brightened; she switched to her hometown dialect and chatted with Liu Ying about their hometown.

It had been over half a year since she'd left home; of course she missed it.

Luckily, Tingzi was in Yancheng, so she had at least a relative nearby in daily life.

Listening to Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's words, Liu Ying's gaze flickered slightly.

In fact, many people in the company were extremely curious about this new shareholder.

After all, she had previously been just an ordinary beautician at Yisha Beauty Salon, and she was only nineteen this year—she hadn't even attended university.

From Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's account, Liu Ying had roughly figured out her background.

She wasn't some rich, beautiful girl playing at a humble life—she was just an ordinary girl from a small county.

She'd met too many like her; many of Yisha Beauty's lower-level staff were exactly like this.

Looking at Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's sexy, stunning appearance, a natural suspicion formed in her mind.

She must've just been lucky—hooked up with some wealthy, powerful man.

After chatting for a while,

Liu Ying checked the time and stood up: "Almost five. There's a Shandong restaurant nearby—super authentic. Let's grab some drinks and dinner together after work, okay?"

As one of the company's owners, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian naturally didn't have to clock in or out.

To avoid traffic, she usually left around five.

Liu Ying had originally been on an out-of-office assignment, but to curry favor with Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian, she'd gone out of her way to buy dessert and come over—joining her for an early departure didn't matter.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian shook her head and smiled: "Next time—I've already made plans with my boyfriend tonight."

"Alright then. I remember you live downtown, right? I'm heading that way—I'll drive you."

Seeing Liu Ying's enthusiastic offer, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian couldn't keep refusing. She nodded: "Then I'll trouble you, Sister Ying."

"Nonsense, don't be formal—we're countrywomen. When you're away from home, you've got to look out for each other," Liu Ying laughed cheerfully, her eyes flickering slightly.

Having worked in the workplace for years, she understood Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's personality clearly.

Simple-minded, a bit naive—someone very straightforward.

Combined with her status and wealth, she was definitely an excellent person to befriend.

So far, two Yisha Beauty branches have been renovated—their qualifications and equipment are ready, and staff recruitment and training are underway.

Next, they'll establish a "Concierge Center" department, serving as a support unit for the light medical beauty projects.

Many people in the company are eyeing the department manager position.

Given Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's personality, once they're closer, Liu Ying was confident she could "con" her into helping her get promoted and raise her salary.

Even further, she might get some other benefits.

…

Both women tidied up their things and walked out together.

While waiting for the elevator,

Liu Ying kept lavishing praise on Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian, making her blush.

They stepped into the elevator one after the other.

Eyes quickly focused on Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian.

A beautiful girl, 1.8 meters tall, with a sexy, fiery figure and radiant skin—she stood out anywhere.

Some men were even tempted to approach her.

But seeing the luxury items she wore everywhere, they instantly lost their courage.

Some people just look "expensive"—they're not from the same world.

"Ding—" The elevator doors slowly opened.

They stepped out with the crowd.

Liu Ying talked about amusing stories from the company, subtly slipping in some "personal agendas."

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian carried her LV Carryall, smiling amiably as she listened without saying a word.

Although she didn't fully understand social nuances, she had a good best friend.

Xiao Xue often instilled in her the idea that the relationship between colleagues and friends should be clearly distinguished.

Now she was a shareholder and boss of the company; she needed to be especially careful when interacting with these colleagues in this capacity.

After walking only a few steps, a tall, slender figure suddenly blocked their path.

Liu Ying instinctively cut off her words, looked up, and froze slightly.

He was an extremely handsome young man, wearing impeccably tailored clothes, with an outstanding physique and aura, looking like a male celebrity.

Especially his eyes—deep and bright—giving him an air of mystery and sharpness.

As she was stunned, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian beside her let out a delighted cry and rushed forward.

In the bustling lobby of the office building, she tightly embraced the young man before her.

"Big Brother Song, why did you suddenly show up? Did you come to find me?"

"Of course I did." Tang Song held the beautician's slender figure, his gaze brimming with affection, "I'm taking you out for something delicious, and we'll watch a movie tonight."

"Ah! Great! Mua~mua~" Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian kissed Tang Song several times, her face flushed with delight, then turned and said, "Sister Ying, my boyfriend came to pick me up—I won't trouble you anymore."

"Oh, uh… okay."

Their eyes met; Tang Song gave her a slight nod, polite yet distant.

Liu Ying's eyelid twitched, her eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

"Then we're off, bye, Sister Ying." Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian waved, clinging to Tang Song's arm.

"Bye." Liu Ying exhaled deeply and followed the two out of the office building's main entrance.

Watching that exceptionally outstanding figure, her heart ached bitterly.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's boyfriend looked like THIS?!

Nothing like the image she'd imagined.

Under her gaze, a majestic Rolls-Royce pulled up beside them.

The rear door opened, revealing its luxurious, exquisitely crafted interior.

Immediately, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian and her boyfriend got in.

Only long after the Rolls-Royce Phantom vanished from sight did Liu Ying slowly come back to herself.

A fine layer of sweat had somehow formed on her forehead.

Her previous disdain and petty thoughts toward Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian vanished instantly.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian might be simple, but the person behind her was certainly not someone she could afford to provoke.

…

"Ishia Beauty's current plan is to first launch a light medical aesthetics transition project, such as: skin barrier repair, micro-needle sculpting, and mesotherapy—all of which can seamlessly connect with our previous traditional services and are more easily accepted by customers…"

"Yu Rong's network is extensive; we've already established green referral channels with several top-tier hospitals in the city…"

In the quiet cabin, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian held Tang Song's hand, her eyes sparkling as she chatted with him in a sweet, girlish tone about her work.

In fact, she wasn't slacking off at the company—she was genuinely serving as a "supervisor."

After investing 40 million Zhao Yuan, she needed to clearly understand how and where that money was being spent.

Although Juqing Juqing Juqing Hui Jin had a complete post-investment management team, she was also making efforts to follow up.

Tang Song turned to look at her, listening quietly, his eyes filled with emotion and affection.

She had truly matured a great deal and was changing bit by bit.

Yet from her, he could still see the shadow of her former self.

That adorable little girl who had once road-tripped with him.

Saying "fill up with 95 octane," saying "wait till I get paid," saying "thank you, Big Brother Song," saying "my programmer friend," saying "heartless boss…"

Perhaps for a while, faced with his family trust and luxury mansion, the beautician had twisted her attitude and perception of him.

But as they spent more time together, as she grew, as she gradually accepted everything happening around her…

She still returned, slowly, to her true self.

Just as he was now.

"Mr. Tang, we've arrived."

From the front seat, Liu Liu Liu Jia Yi's crisp voice rang out.

Tang Song pulled his wandering thoughts back, squeezed the full, smooth stem of the wine glass, and smiled, "Let's go, Qian Qian—let's eat something delicious."

"Mm-hmm." Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian beamed and nodded, following Tang Song out of the car.

Soon, a familiar scene appeared before them.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian blinked, surprised: "Big Brother Song, this is… Yunsheng Plaza? We're eating here tonight?"

"Mm." Tang Song strolled to her side, took her slender hand, and walked forward.

Soon they reached the familiar entrance of the pedestrian street.

The street bustled with people, noisy and lively, mixed with various music.

Walking a while along the smooth blue stone pavement, the shop once occupied by Yizhi Beauty appeared before them.

But now it had been replaced by a trendy fashion brand store, its signboard strikingly unique.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian stared at the familiar yet alien streetscape, feeling slightly dazed.

Since Yizhi Beauty vanished, and because she lived far away, she had never come back here.

This was her first job after graduating from training school, filled with deep memories.

Returning here now felt like stepping out of another lifetime.

She took a deep breath, glanced at Tang Song beside her, tugged his hand, and beamed: "Big Brother Song, can we go inside and browse?"

"Sure! Let's go!"

Entering the trendy fashion store, the voice "Welcome!" echoed beside them—familiar somehow.

"What are you looking for?"

A figure walked over from the side.

A man around forty, with tattoos and an earring, dressed fashionably, quite handsome.

Their eyes met; all three froze.

"Qian Qian?"

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian blinked in surprise: "Director Li? What are you doing here?"

Li Wen smiled awkwardly: "Heh, after Yizhi Beauty went under, my friends and I pooled some money and took over this shop to open a clothing store. And you, Qian Qian? Are you still…?"

He was about to ask about her current situation when he suddenly noticed her outfit and accessories.

All luxury brands; the watch on her wrist was Hermès.

Most importantly, her overall aura—especially "expensive."

Nothing like the former beauty assistant Qian Qian.

It felt like she'd flown from a sparrow to a phoenix.

He then turned to the young man beside her.

He had to admit—he was genuinely handsome, with about a third of the charm he'd had in his youth.

Huh?

Why did this kid seem familiar?

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian smiled faintly: "I'm still in the beauty industry, but I'm no longer a beautician. By the way, did your boss ever pay you the wages he owed?"

"I knew him for years—I nagged and wheedled until he finally paid me half." Li Wen pointed to Tang Song beside him and asked, "Is this your boyfriend?"

"Yes!" Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian beamed at her boyfriend.

"Director Li, long time no see." Tang Song smiled and extended his right hand.

Li Wen instinctively shook it, astonished: "Have we met before?"

"Of course. I remember you vividly—you gave me a micro-parted undercut, but ended up giving me a traitor's bowl cut."

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian burst out laughing.

Li Wen's mouth twitched, embarrassed: "Well… horses stumble sometimes. Look, I've even switched industries now! Come on, pick out any clothes inside—I'll give you 40% off!"

The three chatted briefly.

Tang Song didn't tease him further, instead taking Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's hand and strolling through the store.

That bowl cut had been a disaster, but it had brought him a wave of traffic and connected him with Yao Yao Yao Lingling, his junior.

A small, memorable story.

They browsed briefly.

In the end, they bought only one pair of red-and-white color-matched baseball caps.

After discount, they cost 120 Zhao Yuan.

Stepping out of the store, they walked to the end of the pedestrian street, turned left 300 meters, and arrived at the familiar handmade skewer shop.

Since it was dinnertime, the shop was already crowded, with only one table left.

Breathing in the familiar aroma, Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's nose twitched excitedly as she picked skewers from the glass bowl.

"I haven't had juicy sweet potato skin in ages—I need three."

"I want starch sausage and Wang Zhongwang, quail eggs, lamb skewers, tofu skin with cilantro, potato towers… Big Brother Song, do you eat pork belly?"

"OK! Then let's get five skewers!"

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian seemed to have entered her own domain, revealing the lively and cheerful demeanor expected of a girl her age.

Soon, the glass bowl in her hand was packed full.

The bald shop owner calculated with his calculator.

Total: 38 skewers, 153 Zhao Yuan.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian swiftly scanned the payment code, then turned to sneakily complain to Tang Song, saying several skewers at this shop had increased in price and their portions had shrunk.

They ate their fill of fried skewers.

The two strolled leisurely around Yunsheng Plaza to digest their meal.

Nightfall quietly descended; the first lights glowed, and neon halos enveloped them.

He watched Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian's refined, three-dimensional profile, breathed in her faint fragrance mixed with the complex aroma of fried skewers.

He couldn't help leaning closer and gently kissing her cheek.

When the esthetician looked over, he grinned and said, "I love you."

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian bit her lower lip, a shy, sweet blush spreading across her face.

In the night, her smile gradually bloomed, more brilliant than the neon lights.

…

In the end, since there were no good movies at the cinema, they chose the multimedia room at Yanjing Yanjing Yanjing Tiancheng.

They returned to the large flat.

Zhao Zhao Zhao Yaqian sniffed her own scent and decided to shower first.

She'd gotten too excited eating the skewers; sauce had splattered on her hair and clothes.

After all, there was a good chance they'd start watching a game while watching the movie.

To give her beloved boyfriend a wonderful experience, she had to wash herself until she smelled sweet.

She took a bottle of whiskey and cut up a fruit platter.

Tang Song leaned back on the massage chair in the multimedia room and pulled out his phone to check.

There were already several unread messages.

One was from Xiao Jing, just sent—a voice message.

He tapped play; Xiao Jing's sweet voice came through the earpiece: "Big Brother Tang Song, are you free for a video call? I have something I want to tell you."

He instinctively glanced at the door, remembered the esthetician was showering, and sent a video invitation directly.

Soon, the call connected; Xiao Jing's sweet face appeared on the screen.

She wore a sexy spaghetti-strap top, revealing a small portion of her full, exceptionally fair chest.

"Good evening, Xiao Jing. Have you eaten?"

Xiao Jing replied sweetly: "Mm-hmm, already ate."

They exchanged a few words of concern.

Tang Song asked curiously: "What's this thing you want to tell me?"

"It's like this: when I got off work today, I received notice that after this week's training, because of my outstanding performance, I've been given a chance to meet Director Jin. I'm so excited."

"Oh? That's great news. Xiao Jing, you're amazing—keep it up." Tang Song raised his eyebrows, his breathing quickening slightly.

According to Tang Song's current speculation, it was nearing April, and since he'd been lingering in Jinxiu Commerce, Jin Mi Shu had grown restless and decided to invest in Jinxiu Commerce.

To say Jin Mi Shu didn't know about Xiao Jing's relationship with him was pure nonsense.

Given Jin Mi Shu's temperament and methods, Xiao Jing might well be manipulated and emotionally abused.

How pitiful!

Tang Song was just about to express concern.

Xiao Jing suddenly blushed, knelt on the bed, and said earnestly: "Because I was so excited, I just smoked and drank alcohol. Big Brother Tang Song, I'm sorry—I've disappointed you, and I didn't keep my promise to you. Please punish me!"

"Uh… how do I punish you?" He was too far away; he couldn't possibly take a high-speed train tonight to spank her butt.

Xiao Jing bit her lip and whispered: "Big Brother Tang, you decide—I'll carry it out myself."

(⊙o⊙)…

Tang Song's eyebrow twitched; his mouth widened further.

Damn! Xiao Jing, you really know how to stir things up!

Looking at his sweet, obedient girlfriend on the screen, Tang Song silently opened his foldable phone, making her image clearer.

He took a deep breath and said solemnly: "Xiao Jing, you've disappointed me terribly. Start spanking yourself—I'll tell you when to stop."

"Yes, Big Brother Tang."

Xiao Jing quickly propped up her phone, freed both hands, and adjusted her position.

"Slap—"

"I'm sorry! I'll never do it again! Please forgive me!"

"Slap—"

"Oh my god!"

…

After a while, Tang Song whispered: "Stop."

Xiao Jing gave herself two more slaps before reluctantly stopping. "Please continue."

"Do you remember how I treated you on Happy Qixi?"

Xiao Jing licked her lips, shyly and obediently: "I remember."

"Then begin."

Xiao Jing said "Yes," and slowly reached down between her legs.

Watching the breathtaking scene on video, Tang Song's heart surged.

He'd almost forgotten—Xiao Jing was a pure little pervert.

Even if Jin Mi Shu tried to manipulate her, she probably wouldn't be afraid.