Chapter 529: Celestial Combat, Dungeon Cleared

The warm sensation from her fingertips vanished abruptly. Taking advantage of Tang Song's momentary distraction, Anni slipped out of his grasp like a silver fish.

She took a half-step forward, her full curves pressing in with a faint, cool fragrance.

Her gaze was sharp and confident. "Song, are you afraid of losing to me?"

Her tone was provocative, her voice as smooth as melted dark chocolate, as if victory were already in her grasp.

Tonight, she was exceptionally pleased and excited.

Her most frequent contact with Tang Song had always been his state within the dream—that calm, arrogant, and mysterious man.

It was precisely this image that had planted the seeds of affection and a desire for conquest deep within her heart.

However, a few days ago at Suhe Bay, although Tang Song had appeared more "human," for Anni, who craved stimulation, such gentleness became tiresome after a while.

But now, looking at the Tang Song before her, who had returned to his cold and composed demeanor, the instinctual desire for a challenge deep within her was thoroughly ignited.

What she craved most was to conquer Tang Song in this state.

To make him bow at Ms. Anni's feet and lick her thighs.

Just imagining this scene was enough to make her heart race and leave her unable to restrain herself.

It could even be said that her interest in inheriting the Kate family assets was currently not as intense as her obsession with Tang Song.

Hearing Anni's words, Tang Song turned his head slightly.

Through the glass window, across layers of crowds, he looked into the main venue at the clearly visible 【Test Subject (Shen Yu Yan)】 and the barrage of comments constantly refreshing above her head.

At this moment, Shen Yu Yan was standing in the VIP area, facing Ren Ren Mingyuan, Wang Wang Yu Bo, and the others.

Even though her smile was as gentle as a spring breeze, she radiated a condescending aura, majestic and imposing.

If in the past, Tang Song's interest in the school beauty Shen was mostly about her body, combined with the filter of youth and his ties to Xu Qing.

But after experiencing the 【Shen Yu Yan's Whisper】 dungeon, he had glimpsed her complex inner world.

He began to realize that this interesting soul was clearly more attractive.

Withdrawing his gaze, Tang Song turned to look at the beautiful, aggressive face of the "foreign mare," his tone calm and indifferent: "Then go ahead and try."

Anni's eyes lit up, her body leaning forward until her high, straight nose almost touched his bridge.

"Just testing isn't very interesting. Perhaps we should make a bet, how about it?"

Her voice was low, soft, and extremely seductive.

"Oh?" Tang Song raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What's the stake?"

"If I win, you must come to my room tonight and lick my legs until I say stop." Anni exhaled like an orchid, her warm breath mixed with the fragrance of champagne.

Seeming to have thought of an exciting idea, her eyebrows arched slightly, her eyes flashing with dangerous and charming light.

Tang Song wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer with a slight force. "And if you lose?"

Anni licked his face lightly, saying slowly in a magnetic voice: "If I lose, I am yours to dispose of. You can make me do anything, and Ms. Anni will cooperate with you, my—Master."

She deliberately drew out the final syllable, carrying a hint of seduction and playfulness.

After finishing, she wiggled her body, deliberately pressing close to Tang Song to feel his suddenly rising body temperature.

"Oh~" Annie widened her eyes, a victorious smile curling the corners of her lips, "I told you, you really are obsessed with my body. Don't resist, darling."

Tang Song took a deep breath, struggling to suppress the fluctuations in his heart.

Even in the 【Observer】 state, facing the mature, hot body and bold teasing of the "tall mare," he still felt a tremor that was hard to ignore.

He really hadn't "eaten meat" for too long.

Looking at Annie's long, toned, and beautiful legs, Tang Song said with a hint of fire in his voice: "This is an interesting gamble; I agree."

"Excellent!" The excitement in Annie's eyes grew more intense as she pushed Tang Song's embrace away with force, "Then, let's see who the true winner is next."

The crystal chandelier cast diamond-like halos on her blonde hair, making those light-colored eyes look even more like a snow leopard on the hunt.

Then, she turned around directly, her high heels making crisp "click-clack" sounds on the floor, every step filled with an aggressive aesthetic.

A look of appreciation flashed in Tang Song's eyes.

He had to admit, Annie Kate was indeed a very charming woman.

In fact, the game characters he had come into contact with so far, regardless of gender, were all very charming.

It was just that because Annie was exceptionally bold and open, and most liked to "break the rules," she counted as the character he had the most contact with.

Others, like Zheng Zheng Qiudong, Mo Sister Xiang Wan, and Luo Bin, were still somewhat reserved when facing him, clearly deeply influenced by his past image.

Annie's figure disappeared at the doorway.

Tang Song turned around, looked in Shen Shen Yu Yan's direction, and lowered his head to take a sip of wine.

This time... will you still choose wrong?

Shen the Campus Belle.

"President Ren, we are alumni, after all; we should interact more when there's a chance in the future. I believe we will still be in contact frequently from now on."

Shen Shen Yu Yan's lips curled slightly, her tone soft yet carrying a hint of deeper meaning, her gaze flowing like water.

Immediately, she turned her head slightly to look at Wang Wang Yu Bo, "And Chairman Wang, I wish you a pleasant evening."

After saying this, Shen Shen Yu Yan casually picked up a glass of red wine from a passing waiter's tray.

Tilting the glass slightly, the red liquid shimmered with an alluring luster under the lights.

After taking a light sip, the bright wine stained her lips, adding a bewitching color to her already exquisite face.

"Yi..." Wang Wang Yu Bo put the wine glass in his hand down heavily, stood up, and walked forward a few steps.

He said in a low voice: "Shen Shen Yu Yan, do you find this interesting?"

As Tang Song's assistant, Shen Shen Yu Yan was watched by many in the venue, and occasionally people would come to socialize or greet her.

Yet she chose to stand by the table of Gongying Technology; whenever someone came, she would take the opportunity to chat with them about Gongying Technology, supplementing her previous questions.

Among them were also some institutional representatives interested in participating in Gongying Technology's Series C round.

This superb "green tea" tactic was performed to the fullest by her, making Wang Wang Yu Bo and the others grit their teeth in frustration, yet they were helpless.

When they were in the same camp before, they didn't feel much, but now that they were truly opposed, they knew just how "vengeful" this woman was.

Shen Shen Yu Yan blinked, revealing an innocent expression, her tone as gentle as a spring breeze: "Chairman Wang, did you misunderstand something? I just simply wanted to come and chat with friends, and by the way, comfort your team. After all, everyone has collaborated before, so we can be considered old acquaintances, right?"

Wang Wang Yu Bo clenched his fists, looked at her, and lowered his voice: "Shen Shen Yu Yan, do you think you can keep going like this just because you're smug now? One day, you will kneel and beg me!"

Shen Shen Yu Yan's gaze darkened, the red wine glass in her hand swaying gently, when suddenly she applied a slight force; a streak of bright red wine stain detached from the rim of the glass just right and accidentally landed on Wang Wang Yu Bo's clothes.

"Ah, I'm so sorry, Chairman Wang." Her voice was gentle and apologetic, a faint smile hanging on the corners of her lips, "You were standing too close to me, I accidentally bumped and spilled a little—"

Wang Wang Yu Bo looked down at his soaked hem, his gaze instantly becoming more sinister.

He slowly raised his head, anger burning in his eyes, as if he would explode in the next second.

Bullet screen: 【Come on! You idiot! Do it! Let's see if you dare!】

Just as this tense atmosphere reached its peak, the surroundings suddenly became quiet.

It seemed as if an invisible pressure was shrouding the area.

Shen Shen Yu Yan's keen perception immediately captured this change.

She only felt a chill rise from the bottom of her heart, like prey being locked onto, her heartbeat suddenly accelerating.

She subconsciously turned her head and met Annie's light-colored eyes.

The people chatting stopped their words one after another, watching this blonde beauty who had suddenly entered their line of sight with some awe and curiosity.

"Ms. Kate!"—

Someone smiled and stepped forward to greet her.

Annie, however, did not make any response, just continuing forward with her long legs.

Every step was filled with aggression and elegance, making it impossible for people to ignore her presence.

Shen Shen Yu Yan hurriedly went up to meet her, a respectful yet slightly excited smile appearing on her face: "Ms. Kate, hello."

"Shirley." Annie's voice was lazy and magnetic, with no joy or anger detectable, "I have something I'd like to chat with you about privately, is that okay?"

"Of course!" Shen Shen Yu Yan was flattered, her tone revealing excitement that she couldn't hide, "It's my honor."

"Let's go." Annie raised her chin slightly and turned to leave, her movements crisp and decisive, giving no one a chance to interrupt.

Throughout the whole process, she didn't look at Wang Wang Yu Bo and the others straight on even once, yet it made them stand with their eyes lowered subconsciously, not daring to make any move.

Shen Shen Yu Yan smiled, nodded at Wang Wang Yu Bo and the others, and followed quickly.

At the edges and corners of the main venue hall, many seats were scattered; these places were mostly set up for the convenience of communication and discussing cooperation.

For example, Wang Wang Yu Bo and Ren Ren Mingyuan and others were just in such a place, discussing something in low voices.

This was also one of the reasons Shen Shen Yu Yan wanted to go over and show off.

The two finally stopped at a location near the side hall.

This place was relatively quiet, the lighting soft, giving people a sense of privacy.

"Sit." Annie gestured casually, then sat down directly, her legs crossed, her posture lazy yet exuding an inviolable majesty.

Shen Shen Yu Yan smoothed her skirt, sat down in the opposite seat cautiously, and tried to calm her emotions.

Keeping a proper smile on her face: "Ms. Kate, is Tang Zong not with you?"

"Song is chatting with someone in the negotiation room; he doesn't have time right now," Annie said nonchalantly.

"Um, okay." Shen Shen Yu Yan held her hands in front of her, trying to make her gaze as sincere and bright as possible, "If you have anything, just give the order."

Annie narrowed her eyes, examining Shen Shen Yu Yan carefully.

Finally, her gaze rested on Shen Shen Yu Yan's face, a meaningful smile curling the corners of her lips: "What an interesting girl; you performed well, and you are also very excellent."

Shen Shen Yu Yan's heart skipped a beat, but she remained calm on the surface, smiling humbly: "Thank you for your praise, I am just doing my duty."

Annie raised an eyebrow, "I don't like people who are too humble. Song's taste has always been good; the woman he brings in personally naturally wouldn't be an ordinary person."

Hearing this, Shen Shen Yu Yan's fingers tightened slightly, clenching her palms hard, "Okay, Ms. Kate."

A thin layer of excitement that she couldn't suppress rose on her face.

The affirmation and recognition from Annie Kate were undoubtedly a huge encouragement to her.

Sensing her emotional fluctuation, the smile on Annie's face grew richer.

She casually beckoned to a waiter not far away, and a moment later, a crystal-clear champagne glass appeared at her fingertips.

"Come on, Shirley," she gently swayed the wine glass in her hand, the amber liquid refracting a charming luster under the lights, "let's toast to this pleasant conversation."

Shen Shen Yu Yan hurriedly raised her own wine glass, her movements elegant and cautious.

"Clink~~"

The tart red wine slid into her mouth, but Shen Shen Yu Yan only felt it was exceptionally wonderful.

Upward social climbing had always been her goal, and being able to communicate with a top-tier power broker like Annie Kate, who stood at the pinnacle of power, was undoubtedly a rare opportunity in her life.

At the very least, her name would appear in the other party's memory.

In the future, when attending events, she could even use this as a talking point to show her uniqueness.

Annie took a light sip of champagne, then asked nonchalantly: "I heard Song mention that you are an entrepreneur? Which industry specifically?"

Shen Shen Yu Yan quickly put down her wine glass and sat up straight, "Yes, after I graduated from university, I first worked at P&G for over a year, then partnered with alumni to found a housekeeping company—"

The reason she specifically mentioned her previous work experience at P&G was because the Kate Foundation itself was one of P&G's major shareholders. Seeing a hint of interest appear in Annie's eyes, Shen Shen Yu Yan continued to recount her entrepreneurial experience in a soft but firm voice.

She did not exaggerate, nor did she deliberately play up the hardships, but instead clearly expounded on her philosophy, the team's growth, and her planning and development.

Although for a big shot like Annie Kate, a startup housekeeping company might not count as a particularly dazzling achievement.

But for Shen Shen Yu Yan, starting from scratch to build an enterprise and walking step by step to today was always the thing she was most proud of.

Time passed bit by bit.

More than half of the wine in both their glasses was gone.

A faint smile rose on Annie's lips, her tone mixed with a bit of approval: "Um, I can see that you are a woman with ambition and execution. I appreciate this quality, and I am also optimistic about your future."

"It's my honor to tell you about this experience."

"Shirley, what is your plan for your own future?"

Shen Shen Yu Yan paused, her gaze subconsciously seeking Tang Song's figure, but there was no result. She thought for a moment and said: "That depends on Tang Zong's wishes; I hope to keep learning by his side."

Hearing this, Annie raised a smile of interest: "Interesting. Then, what if I give you a bigger opportunity?"

Hearing this, Shen Shen Yu Yan's heart trembled violently, her pupils contracting suddenly.

Bullet screen: 【A bigger opportunity?!】

【What does that mean? She wants to give me an opportunity?!】

【Does she have her eye on me?!!!】

【Is she testing me? Or does she really want to poach me?】

With her intelligence and keenness, she could naturally see Annie's subtext.

It was also because of this that her heart was so shocked.

An invitation from Annie Kate, Chair of the Global Strategic Committee of Jingwu Capital, a top-tier socialite from the Kate consortium.

The weight represented by her invitation was inestimable.

"Ms. Kate, what do you mean?" Shen Shen Yu Yan struggled to maintain her outward composure.

Annie leaned back in her chair, her long legs crossed, her light-colored eyes looking straight at Shen Shen Yu Yan, carrying a kind of unrefusable confidence and temptation.

"Join my team and become my work assistant. You should be very clear about the platform and resources I can provide you: Wall Street, JPMorgan Chase, NASDAQ, Silicon Valley, the Davos Forum..."

These terms were like heavy hammers, striking Shen Shen Yu Yan's heart.

Making her breathing rapid and unable to control herself.

Her throat tightened, and she subconsciously took a sip of wine; the tartness of the red wine suddenly became exceptionally obvious.

【She wants me to be a work assistant? An assistant to 'Kate'?!】

Annie smiled and added: "As far as I know, you are only temporarily guest-starring as Song's assistant, and your performance has gained my recognition, which is why I am inviting you proactively."

Shen Shen Yu Yan's hand gripped the wine glass hard, and she opened her mouth with difficulty: "Thank you—your recognition, I..."

"OK, Now—" Annie suddenly raised her wrist, glanced at her watch, and said unquestioningly: "You only have one minute to consider. Of course, this depends on whether you are smart enough and ambitious enough to seize this opportunity."

"Thump, thump, thump—" Her heartbeat was like a drum.

Shen Shen Yu Yan's gaze flickered, her heart in a fierce internal battle.

Her brain frantically analyzed every word and every micro-expression of Annie, trying to capture the other party's true intent from them.

However, no matter how she interpreted it, those words were like an invisible net, firmly shrouding her within it.

Overhead, bullet screens bloomed like fireworks:

【Is it true that she said she appreciates me?】

【No, how could such a big shot favor me for no reason?】

【What exactly does she want? My ability? Or my influence on Tang Song?】

【But no matter which one, a big shot like her wouldn't tease me with this kind of thing.】

【Jingwu Capital, Kate Consortium, one step to the sky!】

【But what is the price?】

【What if this is a trap? Could it be some kind of layout targeting Tang Song?】

Time seemed to be stretched, every second so heavy it was suffocating.

"30 seconds left." Annie's voice sounded again, cold and calm, yet like a sharp blade cutting through the air.

Shen Shen Yu Yan's body began to tremble.

Scenes appeared in her mind:

In order to get her into her dream school, her father humbly bowed his waist to hand over a crumpled envelope.

Helping her mother move a stool at the breakfast stall, being mocked by passing classmates.

Even though she was number one, she was asked by the teacher to give up her competition spot to the daughter of a leader.

Running around to secure a client, being made difficult for or even humiliated by investors for various reasons.

【Every scar is teaching me to recognize the rules of this world】

【And power is the best painkiller】

The sound of kneading dough at 3 AM, the overturned soy milk bucket, the torn-up test papers, the business plan thrown on the ground, being driven out of the Park Hyatt club by Wang Wang Yu Bo in a dejected state, the soon-to-be-shattered Youjie Housekeeping...

At the very, very end.

Her eyes reflected the bustling and prosperous "Investor's Night" main venue.

In her mind appeared the conversation she had with Tang Song before walking in here:

"Are you sure you won't regret it this time?"

"Absolutely not!"

"Very good, Assistant Shen."

"Thank you, Tang Zong, for giving me a chance to regret; I won't let you down again."

"I believe in you, and besides, this is the last chance."

Those unforgettable scenes receded like the tide.

Shen Shen Yu Yan looked at Annie Kate in front of her and suddenly smiled.

【Are you crazy? Shen Shen Yu Yan! That's Kate! How many people would break their heads just to get close to her!】

【No, this is the real me】

【Even if I have been crushed by reality, there still remains a trace of my own self-esteem and pride in my bones】

【If I lose even this, then I will look down on myself】

"Ms. Kate, thank you very much for your trust and appreciation, but I'm sorry, I still hope to keep learning from Tang Zong."

She bent her waist, her tone firm and sincere.

"Oh?" Annie narrowed her eyes, a hint of thought flashing in her light-colored eyes, "Can you tell me the reason? Or is it that..."

"You think Song can better satisfy your ambition?"

Shen Shen Yu Yan shook her head gently, "Ms. Kate, I admire you and everything you represent very much. But I have already made my choice, and I believe my decision can lead to a further place."

Annie said meaningfully: "Are you sure? My invitation is not common; you are one of the very few."

Shen Shen Yu Yan smiled slightly, "Thank you for your understanding; no matter what the future holds, I will not forget this scene today. Your invitation is also a great honor for me."

【She has been testing me, shaking me】

【What exactly is her relationship with Tang Song?!】

Annie looked at her with an oppressive gaze, and after a long time, she slowly opened her mouth, "It seems you are even more interesting than I thought."

Just at this moment, the door of the side hall not far away was pushed open.

A tall and straight figure appeared at the doorway.

Shen Shen Yu Yan's eyes lit up, she stood up elegantly, and bowed slightly to Annie to show her respect, "Sorry, Ms. Kate, I have to go continue my work."

After saying this, she walked quickly toward Tang Song.

Annie watched her back, a meaningful smile curling the corners of her lips.

She lowered her head and gently swayed the wine glass, the amber liquid reflecting the complex emotions flowing in her eyes—there was appreciation,

and also a bit of playfulness.

"Tang Zong." Shen Shen Yu Yan called out softly, a hint of respect and expectation in her tone, "You've come out."

Tang Song nodded slightly, his gaze landing on her gently: "Let's go, accompany me to meet the management of Yimai Technology."

"Okay!" Shen Shen Yu Yan responded quickly, her voice crisp and firm.

Immediately, she looked around, leaned forward slightly, and lowered her voice: "Tang Zong, Ms. Kate just asked me to chat,

inviting me to work for her, and the conditions offered were excessively good. However, I refused."

She was a smart person and could naturally see that Annie Kate was shaking her.

And she was just an insignificant little person,

Thinking it over, the only one worth the other party's effort could be Tang Song.

What worried her most was whether the other party's move was to target Tang Song.

For this noble lady from a top-tier consortium family, she felt both respect and fear in her heart; at this moment, she was more worried about Tang Song. Listening to Shen the Campus Belle's "little report" filled with schemes, and looking at her fresh and pretty face, Tang Song's lips curled slightly, "I know; you don't need to worry about this matter, I will chat with Annie privately later."

"That's good, I hope this matter doesn't bring you any trouble."

Tang Song reached out, gently patted her waist, and said in a relaxed and intimate tone: "Next, I plan to participate in Yimai Technology's B+ round of financing. Assistant Shen, listen carefully, remember carefully; I plan to leave this matter for you to be responsible for."

Hearing this, Shen Shen Yu Yan was stunned at first.

Her eyes began to moisten, and ripples stirred in her heart.

At this moment, her status was still just a temporary "special assistant."

Once the "Investor's Night" event ended, she would very likely be beaten back to her original form, everything returning to zero.

Her future status and whether she stayed or left still depended on Tang Song's arrangements.

It was precisely because of this that the invitation Annie Kate had just thrown out seemed so tempting.

However, this short sentence from Tang Song instantly stabilized her heart.

Tang Song's attitude clearly told her.

From this moment on, she would no longer be just a temporary role, but would be entrusted with more important tasks, becoming a key link in his layout.

Bullet screen: 【Success, I have gained his recognition】

It was not charity, nor was it pity, but true recognition.

"Whoosh!" The light blue system interface appeared again, and the character bullet screens and outlines slowly disappeared.

The background image changed, and lines of text jumped out.

Shen Shen Yu Yan's character model stood in the center of the screen, the magnificent party scene, men and women in suits and dresses surrounding her,

the brilliant lights, the dazzling stage 【Special Event Instance—Shen Shen Yu Yan's Whisper, Cleared】

【Evaluation settling—】

【Observer (Tang Song)'s evaluation is: SSS (Perfect)】

【Test Subject (Shen Shen Yu Yan)'s performance evaluation is: SSS (Perfect)】

【You have gained "Charm +1"】

【You have gained "Insight +1"】

【You have gained "Language—French Proficiency Skill"】

【You have gained "Limited Outfit—Autumn Encounter"】

【You have gained the special item "Secretary Jin's Plot Easter Egg"】