Chapter 667: Bathed in Glory

The suite's living room was steeped in silence.

Sunlight spilled over the eaves outside the window, bathing the entire room in warmth and brightness.

Wisps of steam rising from the tea soup were clearly visible within the pillars of light, drifting slowly upward.

On the chessboard, a fierce close-quarters battle had already unfolded, with pieces interlocked in a complex and intricate pattern.

Yet Tang Song's movements and demeanor remained composed, as if he were strolling leisurely through a courtyard.

"The electric vehicle supply chain in Southeast Asia, the sovereign wealth funds of the Middle East, and the lithium resources of Latin America—these will all be key nodes in our construction of the 'Pan-Asian Economic and Technological Internal Circulation'."

"The center of the world is irreversibly shifting from the North Atlantic toward the Western Pacific. In the coming decade, whoever controls the trade routes and technical standards connecting Europe and Asia will become the true chess master of the next era."

Hearing this, Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Chengping nodded thoughtfully.

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue steadied her turbulent thoughts; seeing that both men seemed lost in contemplation, she finally found an opportunity to remind them gently:

"Grandfather, Tang Song, the tea soup is at the perfect temperature; this is when its flavor is at its best."

"Thank you, Sister Lady Ouyang Xianyue." Tang Song smiled, gesturing elegantly with his hand. "Old Sir, please taste first."

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Chengping set down the chess piece in his hand and lifted the Ru kiln teacup before him.

First, he brought the cup to his nose and took a light sniff.

A clear and pure tea fragrance drifted into his nasal passages, clearing his mind, which was often somewhat clouded.

His eyebrows rose slightly as he took a small sip of the tea soup.

There was not a hint of astringency; instead, it was smooth and mellow, with a lingering sweetness.

The tea soup slid into his stomach, transforming into a warm, moist current that flowed slowly down his esophagus.

It felt as though his internal organs, often feeling cold and weak due to his advanced age, had been pressed smooth by a hot iron.

He felt utterly comfortable.

Immediately after, he drained the remaining tea soup in one gulp.

Whether it was a psychological effect or not, he felt his entire spirit and vitality significantly boosted.

He set down the teacup, pure surprise and admiration shining in his cloudy eyes: "Excellent tea! Excellent pot!"

He looked at Tang Song, shook his head with a laugh, and said: "In my life, I have brewed and drunk no less than eight thousand pots of tea. But today is the first time I have ever drunk tea that makes my whole body feel so comfortable and my mind so clear. It seems you really are hiding quite a few treasures up your sleeve, young man."

"I'm glad you like it; you can use it for your daily tea drinking from now on."

Tang Song smiled, lifted his own teacup, toasted the old man from across the table, and drained it in one go.

He savored the flavor carefully for a moment.

Looking at Academician Lady Ouyang opposite him, who now appeared much more spirited, his heart was filled with emotion.

In fact, given the meticulous care this elder usually took of himself and his willpower far surpassing that of ordinary people,

at over eighty years of age, he should not have been so frail.

But his life had been truly "burned" to the extreme.

From the 1960s and 70s, during the tide of the "Third Front Construction," taking root in deep mountains and personally building the first special alloy production line from scratch; to the 1980s and 90s, at the crest of the reform and opening-up wave, pouring his heart and blood into closing the technological chasm with the Western world that seemed like an impassable moat; and then into the new century, facing increasingly fierce international competition, even past the age of sixty, he still fought on the front lines of scientific research, providing the most critical material support for the manned spaceflight program and the development of new-generation fighter jets, day after day for decades.

He had burned his entire life and blood without reservation for the great rejuvenation of this nation and people.

His life itself was a living legend.

Even the Tang Song of today still held immense admiration for such a figure.

And he felt genuine joy at having gained this person's recognition.

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue refilled the tea for both men.

Then, she lifted a cup for herself and took a delicate sip.

She was slightly stunned.

As a seasoned tea connoisseur, she naturally knew that a top-tier purple clay teapot could lock in fragrance without stifling the aroma, preserving the tea's original flavor to the maximum extent.

Its unique dual-pore structure could also adsorb impurities and soften the texture of the tea soup, making it even more mellow.

Yet the effect of the pot Tang Song had gifted clearly far exceeded the category of merely "good."

She looked at the tall figure opposite her, who was chatting and laughing with her grandfather, her eyes sparkling with brilliance.

With her nature and acuity, she had naturally long ago noticed those "special qualities" about Tang Song that could not be explained by conventional logic.

Not to mention how, at the age of eighteen, he had "tamed" a proud and arrogant woman like Jin Meixiao to found [Smile Investment].

Merely the god-like precision of his forecasts displayed in his subsequent series of business layouts—always able to foresee the future one step ahead—had long since exceeded what could be explained by genius alone.

And then there was the [Moonlight's Protection] he had once given her.

Regarding these matters, she had never investigated deeply, nor did she wish to.

Deep in her heart, she had developed a kind of blind trust toward this young man.

Watching her grandfather, who was sipping tea and whose spirits had clearly improved, a nameless hope and reverie suddenly rose in Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's heart.

Perhaps when he previously introduced this [Sweet Dew Spring Pot] and said it was "beneficial to the body," it was not just a polite blessing.

And then there was the sentence he spoke before entering here, identical to what he had said five years ago: "Don't worry, I've got everything covered."

As a top graduate of the Precision Instruments Department and the ruler of a vast technological empire built on rigor and science,

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue was an absolute atheist.

But at this moment, facing her grandfather whose lamp of life was about to run out of oil,

she still hoped Tang Song could, just as in the past,

bring a miracle.

The game of chess continued intermittently for a long time.

Approaching noon, the old man's spirits were clearly flagging, and his hand began to tremble slightly as he placed his pieces.

Finally, during the endgame phase, Tang Song seemingly carelessly made a wrong move and voluntarily resigned.

Thus ending this match that had no winner or loser from the start.

"Old Sir, your chess skills are undiminished from your prime; your style remains as impressive as ever." He smiled as he stood up. "This time, I lost. Let me go back and study the chess manuals more thoroughly, and I will come to seek your guidance again in the future."

"You ah—"

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Chengping clearly saw through his little scheme but only shook his head with gratification and laughed heartily.

Lunch was very simple, served in the small dining room just outside the suite.

It consisted of several light dishes carefully paired by a top nutritionist, along with a pot of warm medicinal soup.

During the meal, Academician Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Chengping did not speak much, merely watching Tang Song and his granddaughter quietly.

From time to time, a gratified smile would appear on his face.

For him, being able to see the two young people he admired most sitting together in such a harmonious posture within his lifetime was already the greatest comfort.

Of course, if the two of them could eventually walk down the aisle together, that would leave him with no regrets whatsoever.

However, he also knew clearly that matters of the heart cannot be forced.

The age gap between the two was too large, and his granddaughter had been married before, so in reality, it was not quite suitable.

After finishing the meal, Tang Song took the initiative to stand and bid farewell.

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Chengping grabbed his arm; that withered hand was unexpectedly strong at this moment. "When you have time in the future, come back and visit. This old skeleton of mine might just... at any moment..."

"That won't happen." Tang Song immediately interrupted him, his voice sincere and firm: "A national scholar like you must continue to watch us, the younger generation, make contributions to our China. I believe that in another five years, you will definitely witness with your own eyes an unprecedented prosperity for the Chinese nation. We will completely break through the Western blockade and achieve true surpassing in every field!"

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Chengping looked at him, vibrant and full of life, and remained silent for a long time.

Finally, he heavily patted Tang Song's shoulder, something seeming to burn within his cloudy eyes: "Then I shall hold on for a few more years!"

At the moment of parting,

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Chengping's orderly brought out a scroll of calligraphy that had long been mounted and solemnly handed it to Tang Song.

On it were four large characters in running script, vigorous and powerful, with the force of the brush penetrating the back of the paper.

[Ride the Wind and Break the Waves].

The inscription bore Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Chengping's signature and seal.

The black Audi A8L slowly drove away from the solemn sanatorium.

Inside the quiet carriage,

Tang Song leaned against the seat, holding that scroll of calligraphy in his hands, his gaze lowered, silent and wordless.

Beside him, Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue wore a smile on her lips, looking at him with gentle eyes.

Returning to the Tingzhu Liu Xuan courtyard where Tang Song resided,

the two did not enter the room but instead stood side by side beneath the tall red maple tree in the courtyard.

They began to chat.

Tang Song, having just received the third complete segment of memory, felt myriad emotions swelling in his heart.

He and Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue talked about the technological blockade of 2019, the capital frenzy of 2020, the technological breakthroughs of [Tang Yi Precision], and finally, they discussed that first meeting in 2017, which was filled with a sense of fate.

"Speaking of which, you might not believe it." Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's voice was very light, like wind brushing against maple leaves. "The first time I saw you, I felt a sense of déjà vu, as if you were an old friend I had known for a very long time."

Tang Song blinked. "I have that same feeling; perhaps we knew each other in a past life?"

Hearing his words,

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue burst out laughing with a "pu" sound.

She tightened her coat around herself and stood casually beneath that maple tree.

In late November, the red maple leaves displayed a brilliant orange-red hue.

The afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting mottled light and shadow upon her magnificent face.

It made her entire person appear even more noble and dignified.

She turned around to look at him, her eyes carrying a hint of cunning and tenderness belonging to a mature woman.

"Then what do you think our relationship might have been in our past life?"

Their eyes met.

Tang Song's heart stirred slightly; from her seemingly playful gaze, he seemed to discern something more.

He took two steps forward, standing less than half a meter before Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue.

He could clearly breathe in the unique, rich fragrance mixing tea scent and body warmth from her, and he could see the fine downy hairs on her face.

A moment passed.

The corner of Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's eye twitched, and she feigned nonchalance: "Why have you gone silent?"

A gentle smile appeared on Tang Song's face. "One must always look a little longer. What if, in a past life, you were also someone extremely important to me?"

As he spoke, he suddenly reached out, his fingertips deftly plucking a maple leaf drifting down from a branch.

Casually, he tucked it into her pinned-up raven-black hair.

His slender fingers slid down along her temple, brushing over her shoulder line and spine with a touch so faint it was almost imperceptible.

"Thump-thump."

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's heart began to pound uncontrollably. She plucked the maple leaf from her hair and, in the same motion, swept a stray lock of hair over her left shoulder.

She rested one hand on her other arm, lowering her gaze slightly, using this posture to mask her potential loss of composure.

Soon, Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue lifted her head again. "Enough. I won't joke with you anymore."

In that instant, she seemed to regain the demeanor of a noble lady.

Elegant, reserved, mature, and dignified.

She pressed her rosy lips together and looked at Tang Song.

Regarding the Tang Jin Family Office, as well as the future positioning of Tang Zong Entertainment and Su Yu, and even Liu Liu Liu Qingning's future.

There were still many matters she wished to discuss openly and frankly with the man before her.

Essentially, she had always regarded herself as Tang Song's "Dao Protector."

The reason she had instigated internal strife was merely to prevent overseas capital, represented by Jin Meixiao, from potentially striking back in the future.

After all, the current Tang Song was, emotionally speaking, an outright "scumbag."

No woman could possibly remain entirely indifferent to that.

Much less a proud woman like Jin Meixiao.

Now, after a brief period of interaction, she had come to understand the tremendous transformation that had occurred in Tang Song.

She had also met with her grandfather.

Therefore, she wanted to have a deep conversation with him.

Just then.

Tang Song's hand reached out again, and this time, his target was actually her neckline.

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's eyelids twitched violently, and she instinctively stepped back half a pace.

A trace of panic and shy anger crept into her voice: "You—"

"Don't worry, I'm just looking at your necklace."

Tang Song's fingers irresistibly parted the exquisite neckline of her dress, his cool fingertips grazing the delicate, warm skin of her collarbone.

He precisely hooked out the jade pendant of [Moon's Protection], which she had always worn close to her body.

Accompanying this was a rich, warm fragrance.

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue held her breath; a faint blush floated across her magnificent face for the first time.

This sensation was even stronger than the shoulder massage last time, and far more dangerous.

This pendant had never left her side since it was gifted to her three years ago.

Most of the time, she wore it against her skin; it had long become a part of her body.

Now, watching him pinch that [Moon's Protection] between his fingertips and toy with it.

It gave her the absurd illusion that he was touching her most private skin.

Tang Song, however, seemed not to notice her abnormal reaction at this moment.

He merely lowered his head, focusing intently on the crescent moon carved meticulously from a single piece of mutton-fat white jade.

After three years of day-and-night nurturing by Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue, it had long shed its initial coldness.

The jade quality appeared increasingly warm and fine, breathtakingly beautiful.

This [Moon's Protection] was a physical item reward he received at the end of 2020, after completing all character cultivation plan tasks for [Precision Queen - Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue].

Item Type: Protection/Bond.

Not only did it grant a luck attribute bonus, but long-term wearing of this jade pendant could calm the mind and concentrate the spirit.

It slowly enhanced mental resilience and stress resistance.

Simultaneously, when the character [Precision Queen - Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue] wore this prop and approached him, a special bonding effect would be triggered.

It could make the other party feel a deep sense of trust and spiritual closeness.

Making them more easily influenced by his emotions.

Tang Song released his hand.

The jade pendant fell naturally, landing on the high, swelling curve lifted by her bosom, trembling slightly.

Like a crescent moon sinking into a quiet canyon.

Seemingly to break this atmosphere that was too ambiguous, and too dangerous.

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's throat moved, and she spoke: "I like this pendant very much. I feel much more relaxed working while wearing it, so I've always kept it on."

"Mm." Tang Song's gaze lingered on the curves before her for a moment before slowly rising to meet her eyes. "It's very beautiful, and suits you well."

"...Thank you."

Tang Song looked at the mature, magnificent noble lady before him.

He stepped forward and extended his arms.

—

Pulling her soft body into his embrace.

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue froze on the spot, her plump yet slender body tensed like a fully drawn bow.

Her face was filled with shock and shy anger.

Immediately after, Tang Song's gentle and magnetic voice sounded beside her ear:

"Lady Ouyang, remember to ensure the old master uses that [Sweet Dew Spring Pot] I sent every day to drink water and tea."

"Don't worry too much. He is a man who has shouldered the heavens for this nation; his willpower is stronger than all of ours. I believe he will gradually recover."

"You must also take care of your own health; do not burden yourself with excessive worry."

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's body gradually softened.

Her dazed gaze passed over Tang Song's shoulder.

In the afternoon sunlight, the wind blew, and fiery red maple leaves spiraled down to the ground.

Just then.

A crisp system notification sounded in Tang Song's ear.

"Ding! Congratulations, Player. Character Interaction Task [Visit and Solace] completed."

"Ding! You have obtained [Character Interaction Gift Pack * 1]."

Tang Song felt the warm, fragrant embrace of the noble lady.

He opened the System Warehouse.

Selected [Character Interaction Gift Pack] and used it immediately.

[You have obtained Attribute Rewards: Constitution +2, Stamina +1]

[You have obtained Special Item: Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's Soul Tribute]

Immediately, Tang Song felt a gentle yet powerful warm current surge instantly into his limbs and hundred bones.

His Constitution and Stamina received another significant boost.

Then, his gaze fell upon the second reward.

In the warehouse, an item shimmering with red light appeared there.

[Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's Soul Tribute]: After use, you will receive the sincere blessing and praise of the game character Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue, randomly obtaining one skill mastered by the other party.

[Note: Standing behind him, bathed in glory.]

Previously, he had received [Su Yu's Soul Tribute] twice.

He hadn't expected to receive Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's this time.

His arms involuntarily tightened slightly, causing Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue to instinctively emit a low "hmph" with a nasal tone.

Only then, as if waking from a dream, did she gently extricate herself from his embrace.

"Thank you for your concern; I will take care of my health." She tucked her hands into her coat pockets, rapidly recomposed all her emotions, and restored that calm, dignified demeanor. "By the way, I have an important online meeting this afternoon, so I must leave now. Goodbye."

"Goodbye." Tang Song nodded slightly.

Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue turned lightly and walked outward.

Her back remained straight and noble, though her footsteps were slightly disordered.

After walking out of the entire courtyard and sitting inside the Audi.

Only after sitting in that Audi A8L, which had been waiting for quite some time, did she slightly recover her senses.

She suddenly realized that regarding the internal power struggles within the [Tang Jin Family Office], concerning [Tang Zong Entertainment] and Su Yu, and regarding Liu Liu Liu Qingning—all those most important official matters she had originally planned to discuss openly and deeply with Tang Song—she had forgotten to mention a single one!

[Oh my god! What am I doing?!]

Almost instinctively, she wanted to speak up and instruct the driver to stop the car.

But the words reached her lips, only for her to press her rosy mouth tightly shut again.

Her gaze involuntarily fell upon the [Crescent Moon's Blessing] at her chest.

Her fingertips gently stroked it.

Perhaps, the matter could be solved in a different way.

On the other side.

Watching Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's figure disappear at the end of the courtyard, Tang Song withdrew his gaze.

His eyes returned to the system light curtain.

He selected [Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue's Soul Tribute] and used it immediately.

[Filtering skills for character "Precision Queen - Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue"...]

[You have obtained the "Calligraphy Skill".]

[This skill will be "awakened" after you enter the dream tonight.]

It's actually the Calligraphy Skill?

A spirited smile spread across Tang Song's face.

He was, in fact, very interested in "calligraphy."

Moreover, it was a skill for cultivating the body and mind, capable of elevating one's perspective, temperament, and inner depth.

Returning to the study, he first solemnly unfurled the scroll gifted by Academician Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Chengping upon the massive writing desk.

He gazed at the four large characters, written with dragon-like vigor and force penetrating the back of the paper.

Then, he spread out a fresh sheet of Liu Xuan paper, picked up a prepared purple-hair brush from the brush washer, and began to imitate them.

The characters he wrote were fairly beautiful, yet ultimately lacked that true bone structure infused with essence, energy, and spirit.

Just then.

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

[Sister Shu Yu]

Tang Song's lips curved upward as he answered, "Hello? President Xie, finally remembered you have an investor like me?"

From the other end of the line came Xie Sister Shu Yu's voice, slightly weary yet still capable: "Sorry, there's just been too much going on these past two days; I just finished a conference call with several suppliers. What about you? When does your flight arrive in Rongcheng? I'll pick you up at the airport."

Tang Song replied directly, "I've already arrived in Rongcheng."

According to their prior agreement, he was supposed to arrive at least one day before the Private Gathering began.

However, due to the two "private matters" involving Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu and Lady Ouyang Lady Ouyang Xianyue, he hadn't informed her in advance.

He feared something might go wrong otherwise.

On the other end, Xie Sister Shu Yu was clearly stunned for a moment, then asked in a lowered voice, "Oh? Then... where are you staying tonight?"

Tang Song's eyebrows rose slightly; he keenly sensed something was amiss.

Based on his understanding of this female CEO, she was a woman who placed extreme importance on personal boundaries.

Asking this must have a purpose.

He chuckled lightly and said, "Not sure yet. Why? Does Sister Shu Yu have some good recommendations?"

On the other end, silence instantly fell for a brief moment.

After a long pause, Xie Sister Shu Yu said, "I'm still staying at my friend Meng Ran's place. As I mentioned before, she's a senior operations executive for Alibaba's Hema Fresh in the Southwest region; her personal capabilities are exceptionally outstanding. I intend to invite her to serve as the COO of our [Glimmer Coffee]."

She paused again, then slowly continued, "Why don't you come stay at my place tonight? You can meet Meng Ran while you're at it, we'll have a meal together, and see if you can help me poach this top-tier talent."

Stay together?

Hearing the female CEO's sudden, bold invitation.

Tang Song tightened his grip on the brush, his heart skipping a beat instantly.

After a moment of silence, he said in a serious tone, "That's possible, but... I have a question?"

"Oh? What question?" The female CEO's voice clearly carried a hint of nervousness.

"How is the soundproofing in your friend's apartment?"