Chapter 556: Palace Intrigue: Partnering to Trap Zhuangzhuang!

1:50 PM

A black Mercedes business vehicle slowly came to a stop at the A Building drop-off zone.

The car door opened, and two men and one woman stepped out in calm, unhurried strides, entering the building.

Leading them was a handsome middle-aged man dressed in a dark gray double-breasted suit and black oxford shoes.

He carried a high-quality briefcase, his shoulders straight, his steps steady, radiating an air of distinction.

The financial center was far quieter than usual on the weekend.

Each step of his leather shoes struck the floor with a rhythm of absolute control.

Several white-collar workers in the lobby cast glances their way.

The assistant lawyer behind him quickened his pace and spoke to the building's front desk attendant.

Soon, the access gate unlocked.

The three passed through the turnstiles, entered the core elevator, and ascended directly to the 50th floor.

The metal elevator doors slid open on either side.

Luo Bin adjusted his cuffs and collar, then stepped forward toward the entrance of Rongliu Investment.

The office area was unusually quiet, with only a few employees on duty for special projects; the atmosphere was calm and efficient.

Staff waiting at the reception desk rose promptly. "Hello, Lawyer Luo."

"Hello." Luo Bin nodded, his tone gentle yet authoritative.

"Mr. Tang is waiting for you in his office. I'll take you there right away."

"Thank you for your trouble."

The corridor stretched long and silent, footsteps faintly echoing on the carpet.

Moments later, they stopped before the CEO's office door.

"Knock, knock, knock—"

"Enter."

The office door opened, and the three entered one after another.

Luo Bin's gaze immediately fixed on the tall figure behind the desk.

Dressed in a slightly casual suit, wearing square-framed glasses,

he appeared refined and elegant, yet carried an unmistakable edge.

"Long time no see, Luo Bin."

Luo Bin smiled, his voice warm and respectful: "Mr. Tang, it's been a long time."

The two shook hands firmly, their eyes filled with the warmth of reunion.

After brief pleasantries, Luo Bin concisely introduced the two assistants who had come with him.

In his experience, Tang Song was always goal-oriented and efficiency-driven; any unnecessary formalities wasted the other's precious time.

Both parties quickly sat down in the negotiation area.

At Luo Bin's signal, the two assistants efficiently retrieved the documents.

They laid them out on the table in clear categories, logical and instantly comprehensible.

"All the documents for SilentCrownSPVLimited." Luo Bin pushed a stack toward Tang Song. "Including the certificate of incorporation, articles of association, bank account authorization—everything executed as you requested."

Tang Song took them, lowering his gaze to read carefully.

SilentCrown

2

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) registered in the Cayman Islands in 2018, headquartered in New York.

He understood the advantages of this structure well: risk isolation, tax optimization, flexibility in capital operations.

Much of the assets he acquired at Charm80 were held through this SPV.

Including 5% equity in Smiling Holdings Group Limited and the Bombardier Global 7500.

Of course, given Smiling Holdings' scale, the equity could not be registered directly under his name.

Even though the Cayman Islands don't disclose shareholder information, determined parties could still trace the trail.

During his time with the 【Scholar Badge】, Tang Song studied vast amounts of financial knowledge and, after careful review, quickly grasped the operational logic.

This was, in fact, a nested SPV structure.

Beneath SilentCrown were two additional SPVs in BVI and Cyprus acting as buffers, completely severing traceability through local no-information-exchange treaties.

More crucially, before the transaction was completed, this SPV was held in trust by Kate Trust, with him merely as the beneficiary.

Now, with Charm80's conditions met, ownership of this SPV was officially transferred.

Exposure risk was extremely low.

Next, Tang Song received the documents related to the Bombardier.

Including: the Hong Kong aircraft registration certificate, third-party operating agreement, international airworthiness certification, and a series of other documents.

All procedures had been completed by Luo Bin's team.

The aircraft was parked at the Hong Kong Commercial Aviation Center; he could go inspect it anytime.

Tang Song's gaze settled on the aircraft photo in the documents.

Its streamlined fuselage gleamed with a cold metallic sheen under the sunlight; on the tail fin, the "SilentCrown" emblem shimmered faintly.

Majestic, luxurious, elegant.

The top-tier vehicle he'd bought in the game now appeared in his real life—he had to see it in person.

Moreover, Rongliu Capital was about to inject another ten billion U. S. dollars; he needed to go to headquarters personally to complete the entire process.

Hong Kong was unavoidable.

But there was no rush—transferring ten billion in cash wasn't simple and would take several days to process.

Now that Songmei Apparel's branding was on track and the first batch of clothing was being manufactured, he had temporarily found some free time.

Perfect—he could make a trip to Shencheng to surprise Bai Yueguang.

Then from Shencheng to Hong Kong; after finishing matters there, he'd accompany Wen Wen Ruan to Yangcheng.

Of course, before that, he needed to settle matters in Yancheng first.

After completing the assistance work, Luo Bin's two assistants rose to leave.

Luo Bin leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees. "Mr. Tang, there's one other very important matter—

You need to promptly appoint someone to the special advisory seat of the Tang Jin Family Office."

His pace was even, yet carried a subtle urgency.

Tang Song raised an eyebrow, instantly sensing something amiss. "Is there a problem?"

Luo Bin nodded. After a pause, his expression turned slightly resigned. "Madam Lady Lady Ouyang has again proposed the motion to admit Miss Su Yu into the family trust. This time, she invoked her status as a 'strategic partner' to bypass Director Jin, and a dispute arose between them.

Moreover, in recent closed-door meetings, the two sides have developed major disagreements over investment direction.

If you don't intervene, the situation will only grow more complicated."

Hearing this, Tang Song immediately felt a headache coming on.

With his current insight and agility, he instantly deduced the root cause.

The feud between Jin Mi Shu and Su Yu had festered for a long time; now, it had essentially erupted into open hostility.

For someone as fiercely proud as Jin Mi Shu, allowing Su Yu into the Tang Jin Family Office was utterly unacceptable.

And during the year-plus when he had "doted" on Su Yu, it coincided precisely with the recruitment of Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue and the development of Tang Yi Precision.

Back then, Su Yu was often by his side and even participated in many key investments.

As a result, her relationship with Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue grew exceptionally close.

Meanwhile, Lady Lady Ouyang was also Su Yu's fan—of her music and films.

Now, Lady Lady Ouyang's renewed push to bring Su Yu into the family trust likely wasn't driven purely by sentiment, but more by a power-balancing maneuver.

After all, Jin Mi Shu essentially represented him, controlling the entire family office and maintaining an extremely close relationship with Anne Kate.

He had vanished for a year.

Lady Lady Ouyang, from a privileged background, must have recognized the latent risks.

She wanted to dismantle this unhealthy, centralized monopoly.

Three women, one drama; three women standing atop the world? That's a grand palace intrigue.

Seeing even the usually rational and sharp Luo Bin wear such an expression, he knew how difficult this was.

And now this newly emerged "seat" represented, in some sense, his own will—and could indeed suppress the conflict.

But favoring either side might bring fire upon himself.

"Do you have any recommendations for the candidate?"

Tang Song finally turned his gaze to this senior lawyer, full of trust and encouragement.

Luo Bin had now officially rejoined his team; from now on, he would serve as his personal lawyer and play an extremely vital role by his side.

He was no longer the "Dream Tang Song," unable to directly suppress Jin Mi Shu and the others.

He hoped this lawyer could offer some sound advice.

Hearing Tang Song's words, Luo Bin's face showed signs of inner struggle.

After a moment, he sat upright, his voice low and cautious: "Mr. Tang, your decisions have always been precise and correct. This matter is of great importance—the candidate must be chosen by you. I will fully support you."

The two men locked eyes.

The atmosphere instantly grew heavy as a taut string.

Luo Bin cleared his throat and lowered his head, silently organizing the documents beside him.

What a joke!

In this kind of conflict, if I get involved, no matter which side I support, I'll offend the other.

Haven't you noticed that Wu Wu Kezhi and Zheng Zheng Zheng Qiudong have both gone into hiding?

Yuhua District, Yunhui Sports Club.

VIP private clay court; the air is filled with the fresh scent of soil and sweat.

"Smack!"

The ball lands heavily and bounces straight into the fence.

Wen Wen Ruan puts down her racket, shakes her head gently, and smiles at the corner of her lips, "Yao Yao Lingling, you're zoning out again."

Yao Yao Yao Lingling blushes and waves her hands frantically: "Sorry, Wen Wen Ruan sister, I just—your movements looked so masterful, I got distracted."

Wen Wen Ruan brushes aside the stray strands of hair on her forehead, blinks once, and teases with a sisterly tone: "Such a sweet mouth. Come here, let your sister reward you."

Mua! (*3)

"Okay!" Yao Yao Yao Lingling laughs brightly and actually leans her face forward.

The next second, Wen Wen Ruan taps her firm buttocks with the racket, winking mischievously at her.

"Ah! Wen Wen Ruan sister, you're so mean!"

Yao Yao Yao Lingling clutches her butt, laughing breathlessly.

The two of them volley back and forth, playing wildly on the court.

A curvaceous figure with full bust and hips, dressed in a black sports bra and three-quarter pants, fair skin, and sultry eyes—radiating confidence;

A youthful, agile form with toned muscles, slender waist and rounded buttocks, her laugh like a chilled soda on a summer day—full of vitality.

The scene is like a dynamic painting, brimming with energy and subtle, sensual tension.

Fortunately, this is a private club's exclusive court, and no one has come to disturb them.

After a short rest, the tennis match resumes.

Wen Wen Ruan serves, tilts her head slightly, her hair fluttering in the breeze, the lights outlining the smooth lines of her shoulders and neck.

"Smack!"

Though her ball speed doesn't match a professional's, it's precise and oppressive.

Her movements are fluid and graceful, her muscle coordination exceptional—sexy yet powerful, like a queen on the court.

Yao Yao Yao Lingling grips her racket, facing the older woman, her eyes filled with unmistakable admiration.

Her tennis skills are actually decent; she often played matches in college, and many boys couldn't beat her.

But against this older sister, she feels completely suppressed, unable to unleash anything.

Of course, a big reason is that the other woman's E-cup breasts are simply too conspicuous.

It contrasts sharply with her own tiny A-cup, making her feel inferior.

"Smack!"

Wen Wen Ruan scores easily again.

She shakes the damp strands from her forehead and walks toward the court's edge.

She picks up two bottles of mineral water and, on her way back, casually hands one to Yao Yao Yao Lingling.

"Drink some water, take a break."

"Thank you, Wen Wen Ruan sister," Yao Yao Yao Lingling accepts it carefully.

She's kept in touch with Wen Wen Ruan all along, occasionally playing Honor of Kings together; now, thanks to Wen Wen Ruan's help,

she's reached the Honor rank.

With the weather cooling down, she casually invited Wen Wen Ruan to play tennis or badminton during their last game.

And now she's been brought here—to a high-end private sports club.

According to what she found online, the membership fee alone costs several million.

The facilities here are beyond reproach.

Built to European clay-court standards, surrounded by fences, with a constant indoor temperature of 24°C.

It's unquestionably the most luxurious court she's ever played on in her life.

"Don't be so formal," Wen Wen Ruan pats her shoulder. "Your physical condition is actually excellent—solid footing, good rhythm. You're perfect for tennis."

"Thank you for the compliment, Wen Wen Ruan sister!" Yao Yao Yao Lingling beams, her smile infectious.

She really does have solid footing—but mainly because her chest is small and her thighs and butt are thick, earning her the nickname "born with a fitness saint's body."

Seeing her smile, Wen Wen Ruan feels cheerful and laughs: "Keep practicing. We can be long-term training partners. Great for fitness and shaping your body. And someday, we can even form a doubles team."

Yao Yao Yao Lingling nods excitedly: "I'll work hard! Not just in Honor—I'll aim to become your doubles partner on the court too!"

Wen Wen Ruan notices her playful expression and smirks mischievously: "Of course, when I say 'playing tennis,' I mean actual tennis—don't get any wrong ideas, okay~?"

"Ah!" Yao Yao Yao Lingling's cheeks burn crimson. "I didn't think anything wrong!"

Wen Wen Ruan can't help laughing. "So adorable—you blush just from teasing you. Hahaha."

Then, a thoughtful glint flashes in her eyes.

The reason she's been so kind to Yao Yao Yao Lingling isn't just because she's likable and shares her interests—Tang Song is also a major factor.

Otherwise, how could a board member of Xingyun International Group possibly have time to run a side account just to help a newbie climb Honor ranks?

Isn't it more fun to play in the Peak matches?

But her man is a playboy, always "flirting with every flower and grass" outside.

And he always makes her take the blame.

She may be strong-willed, but she's a graduate of a top university and has lived to thirty—she's no fool.

Su Yu and Jin Meixiao are already fighting, and Liu Liu Liu Qingning is watching like a hawk.

She's working hard to solidify her own base.

She communicates regularly with Xie Xie Shu Yu at work and maintains close ties with Yao Yao Yao Lingling in her personal life.

Notably, she once tentatively reached out to Xiao Jing—only to find the girl was utterly bizarre, even suggesting she join her for a date with Tang Song.

It left her utterly bewildered.

Nothing like Yao Yao Yao Lingling, who's so sweet, obedient, and deeply admires her.

As if remembering something, Wen Wen Ruan glances secretly at Yao Yao Lingling.

Tang Song has somehow developed a strange habit of spanking—Yao Yao Lingling, in this regard, has a natural advantage.

Just then—

"Ding ding ding—" The phone on the rack by the court rings.

Wen Wen Ruan quickly suppresses her thoughts, picks up the phone, glances at the screen, and freezes.

【Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan】

"Yao Yao Lingling, I need to take this call."

Wen Wen Ruan waves to her, walks toward the court's edge, and answers: "Hello, Mo Sister Xiang Wan sister?"

"Wen Wen Ruan, are you free to talk?" Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's voice, low and melodious, comes through the line.

"Yes." Wen Wen Ruan sits on a wicker chair beside the court, holding the water bottle, her tone calm but instinctively lowered.

"There's something important I want to warn you about in advance—so you can prepare mentally." Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's voice hesitates slightly, as if carefully choosing her words.

"What is it?" Wen Wen Ruan's expression hardens, her gaze instantly darkening.

Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan represents Su Yu. If she contacts her outside work hours, it must be personal.

"Have you heard of the 'Tang Ling Family Office'?" Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan probes cautiously.

"Of course." Wen Wen Ruan pauses, then replies gravely. "It's currently the most mysterious and largest consolidated family office in China. Behind it are Tang Yi Precision, Smile Holdings. Online information is scarce, but rumors say its members are top-tier billionaires."

After learning of Ling Meixiao's existence, she'd researched extensively.

Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan whispers: "It is a consolidated family office—but likely very different from what you imagine. Globally, true 'family offices' are exceedingly rare. They serve only the wealthiest families. But Tang Ling has surpassed even that."

Wen Wen Ruan holds her breath, listening intently.

As Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan speaks, the veil of mystery around Tang Ling slowly lifts before Wen Wen Ruan.

Currently led by Ling, the decision-making committee includes Lady Lady Ouyang Nükui of Tang Yi Precision, Wu Wu Kezhi of Jingwu Capital, Anne Kate, and others—all core stakeholders.

It's not merely a wealth management platform—it's a colossal financial hub and strategic control tower.

The assets it controls internally are an astonishing figure.

If compared to an organization, it resembles a global, invisible financial conglomerate.

Wen Wen Ruan exhales softly, sincerely: "That's beyond my imagination!"

Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan isn't the type to exaggerate. If she describes it this way,

Tang Ling is certainly far more complex than it appears.

At the mention of a conglomerate, her mind instantly flashes to Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Rockefeller, Kate—she'd never imagined such a behemoth lurked right beside her.

"Wen Wen Ruan, have you ever wondered why it's called 'Tang Ling'?" Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's voice grows quieter.

Wen Wen Ruan's heart jolts violently, her throat tightening. "I read online it's because of Tang Yi Precision and Ling— isn't that right?"

She'd already sensed what was coming—but still couldn't believe it.

"Heh. That's just the public story. This 'Tang' refers to—Tang Song."

Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's voice is clear, decisive, unwavering.

Wen Wen Ruan feels as if struck by lightning, leaping abruptly from her chair.

"Th-this—" she mutters, hands clenched, her cheeks flushed crimson.

"You heard right." Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan continues calmly. "This office was originally established around Tang Song as its core, to serve him. Of course, Ling is indeed Ling, but the true founder is Tang Song."

Wen Wen Ruan's breathing grew frantic, her chest heaving wildly, her grip on the phone tightening violently.

Many accumulated doubts had finally been resolved.

In other words, world-renowned elite enterprises like Tang Yi Precision, Jingwu Capital, and Weixiao Holdings had all been brought together under his control.

My god! What kind of monster is this?!

If I told Ling Meixiao and Su Yu that I'd pinned him down and rubbed against him, it'd be—

Oh my! Just thinking about it feels thrilling!

This sense of accomplishment, this emotional value—shot straight to the heavens in an instant!

Luckily, Zhuang Zhuang has strong resilience and has been shocked many times before.

If she'd known all this while still with Qiu Yi, she'd have been terrified into shock.

After a long silence,

Wen Wen Ruan took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "Xiang Wan-jie, you told me this because you hope I—"

Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's voice was soft, yet edged with hidden sharpness: "Due to special circumstances, Tang Song is temporarily away from the Tang Ling family office. Currently, Ling Meixiao is managing all affairs. But recently, he intends to place a trusted person into the family office to convey some of his wishes."

Wen Wen Ruan's mouth went instantly dry, her heart pounding like a drum. "You mean—?"

Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's tone was firm, continuing: "Yes. The importance of this position doesn't need me to elaborate—you, with your insight and experience, surely understand."

Once you enter Tang Ling, it means you've truly entered his core circle and gained a platform to speak directly with Ling Dong.

Tang Song will soon go to Xiangjiang, and since Xiangjiang is so close to Shencheng, he won't miss the chance to see Liu Liu Liu Qingning.

Wen Ruan Wen Ruan, are you going to let this opportunity slip through your fingers?

Ultimately, this is the family office centered around Tang Song.

Are kings and generals born to rule?

Wen Wen Ruan's eyelid twitched. This sounded like she was being urged to "stage a coup."

Although Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's tone was gentle and restrained, the information and intent in her words carried a distinct air of conspiracy.

She vaguely sensed something was off, but couldn't quite pin it down.

"Xiang Wan-jie," Wen Wen Ruan bit her lip, finally speaking, voice tense: "This matter is too big—I need time to think it through."

"I understand. You're absolutely right," Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan didn't press further; her voice carried a hint of admiration. "Think carefully. I trust you know your own mind."

"Thank you, Xiang Wan-jie. Goodbye."

The moment she hung up, she exhaled sharply, her entire body feeling drained, collapsing back into the rattan chair.

She unconsciously curled her toes, her gaze flickering uncertainly.

Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's words were indeed compelling.

Of course, she had no ambition for Tang Ling's vast wealth—her current financial situation had already granted her complete wealth freedom and dual triumphs in fame and fortune.

It was because Tang Song's family office represented the gateway to his future family legacy.

It involved his descendants.

Moreover, if he chose her, it would prove her worth in his eyes.

No matter how open-minded a woman is, when it comes to love, she inevitably becomes a little selfish.

Just then,

"Ding ling ling—" The phone rang again.

It was an unknown number from Shencheng.

Wen Wen Ruan's heart skipped a beat—Shencheng made her think of Liu Liu Liu Qingning.

After a moment's hesitation, she answered: "Hello?"

A low, clear, magnetic female voice emerged from the receiver, radiating a unique mature presence: "Hello, Wen Wen Ruan. I'm Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue."

"Ah?!"

Wen Wen Ruan's peach-shaped buttocks, still seated, bounced up again with a "Duang~."

Her voice involuntarily rose in excitement: "Hello, Lady Lady Ouyang Nükui."

"Good afternoon. Did I interrupt you?"

"N-no, not at all—it's an honor to speak with you," Wen Wen Ruan quickly steadied her emotions, forcing calm. "May I ask, why are you calling me—?"

A soft laugh came from the other end: "I've always wanted to find a time to meet you in person and talk. But I've been too busy, and I worried that reaching out suddenly might cause you to misunderstand. Today I'm calling because—"

"There are things I want you to hear directly from me."

Wen Wen Ruan unconsciously held her breath. "Please, I'm listening."

Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's voice was calm and unhurried, each word as precise and polished as a finely calibrated instrument:

"Wen Wen Ruan, I've been watching you. You're intelligent, clear-headed, and remarkably retain your purity."

"Many become greedy because of intelligence, distant because of clarity, fragile because of purity. But you haven't. That's rare—and precious."

"I simply wanted to tell you personally—I admire you. Sincerely, earnestly admire you."

"And I hope that, at some important moment in the future, we'll have the chance to work side by side."

Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's blunt admiration was like a giant vat of ultra-concentrated soul soup—suddenly drowning poor Zhuang Zhuang.