Chapter 634: I Will Protect You

January 20, 2019, Major Cold.

Rongcheng.

The black Audi car drove on the quiet path by the Huanhua Creek.

Tang Song sat upright in the right rear seat, his posture elegant and straight, his hands crossed and held in front of him.

His gaze appreciated the winter scenery outside the window, which was desolate but not lacking in backbone, calmly.

Inside the car, the temperature was suitable, and the air was filled with a faint woody fragrance.

"Tang Song," a calm and magnetic voice came from his side, "My grandfather has already found someone to investigate all your information. I have also selectively revealed the association information between you and those capitals to him according to your instructions. I don't know what kind of judgment he will eventually make about you. So I hope that in the conversation later, you can be cautious."

"Mm." Tang Song nodded lightly, not surprised.

He turned his head slightly to look at Chairman Ouyang Chairman Ouyang Xianyue beside him.

At that time, she was just thirty-one years old, in the most beautiful years of a woman.

Wearing a coffee-colored double-breasted coat, paired with a simple white turtleneck knit sweater.

She not only retained the bookishness belonging to a top university graduate but also gradually began to exude that kind of dignified and luxurious radiance belonging exclusively to top-tier noble noblewomen.

In Tang Song’s gaze, there was no desire or amazement belonging to a young man, only absolute calmness like a chess player examining a chessboard.

Their gazes met in the air for a moment.

Chairman Ouyang Chairman Ouyang Xianyue let out a light breath, took the initiative to shift her gaze, and looked at the iron gate that was getting closer and closer.

"We’ll be there soon."

At this time, she was far from as calm and confident as Tang Song.

In the past two years, under Tang Song’s guidance, [Tang Yi Precision] not only miraculously came back to life but also rose strongly with a posture of near-barbaric growth.

It was now one of the leaders in the field of domestic precision manufacturing and was striding toward globalization.

This earth-shattering counterattack had long attracted high attention within the Chairman Ouyang family.

And not long ago, Tang Song privately revealed a piece of news to her.

America would conduct an all-around blockade on the domestic technology industry this year.

[Tang Yi Precision] must complete the acquisition of overseas core technology companies and internal industrial upgrading at all costs before this storm arrived, in order to obtain enough "wintering" capital.

And

However, in Xie Xie Shuyu’s view, dealing with this kind of "growth-type" company was actually more flexible.

It could both obtain technical dividends and be convenient for squeezing out space in terms of price.

After the pleasantries.

Fang Wang Zhiyuan didn't engage in too much commercial flattery, instead cutting directly to the point.

"President Xie, to be honest, before coming, our team had already conducted on-site visits and research on all [Weiguang Coffee] stores in North China and the Southwest."

He turned his tablet toward Xie Xie Shuyu; on the screen was a logical, illustrated PPT.

"We found that the biggest advantage of [Weiguang Coffee] lies in the 'high quality' and 'freshness' of its products. Especially your baked products and specialty dairy drinks, which have extremely high requirements for supply chain temperature control and delivery timeliness."

"And this is precisely what we at [Linglian Technology] are best at."

As he spoke, he swiped the screen, showing their fleet of 800 new energy cold chain vehicles, which was quite large, and their extremely professional AISaaS scheduling platform.

And finally, he gave a detailed cold chain logistics solution customized specifically for [Weiguang Coffee]. The AISaaS scheduling system could match the optimal route in real-time, reducing energy consumption by 20%;

Targeted at Weiguang’s customized solution, delivery time could be shortened by 30%, and costs could be lowered by 15%.

Hearing this, the excitement Xie Xie Shuyu always carried in her eyes ignited a trace of real excitement.

She never expected that the other party’s preparation would be so thorough!

This level of importance was simply treating [Weiguang Coffee] as a "model client."

However, her face still maintained that calm, slightly critical look.

After pondering for a moment.

Xie Xie Shuyu said unhurriedly: "President Fang, the plan is indeed very thoughtful, and the professionalism is beyond doubt. However, cost is always one of the core considerations for our chain brand."

Fang Wang Zhiyuan smiled upon hearing this: "President Xie, don't worry. If Weiguang is willing to sign a long-term exclusive strategic cooperation agreement with us, we are willing to lower the price by another 3% on the basis of the existing quotation! And we promise to set up a dedicated service team for you, responding 24 hours a day."

Hearing this, Xie Xie Shuyu’s heart jumped violently.

This price had already pierced her psychological bottom line, full of temptation that could not be refused.

She picked up her coffee, took a light sip, and continued: "I have felt President Fang’s sincerity, but changing a core supplier is not a small matter after all. I still need to discuss it with the company’s other investors before I can give you a final answer."

Hearing the words "investors," Fang Wang Zhiyuan’s eyes flickered.

He took the opportunity to ask: "By the way, President Xie, as far as I know, [Weiguang Coffee]’s Series A financing scale is very large and very successful. I wonder if it’s convenient to reveal which institution has such a good eye?"

Xie Xie Shuyu pondered for a moment, finally shaking her head, a smile of apology on her face: "The investor is an independent investor. Because a confidentiality agreement was signed, it’s not convenient to disclose the specific amount and valuation to the public for the time being."

After the words fell, her eyes were calm, without much explanation. In fact, this 40 million Series A financing, along with Tang Song behind it, had always been her most secret trump card.

To date, there had been no public promotion.

This was entirely her strategic consideration.

She didn't want to let competitors know her capital reserves and expansion rhythm too early.

Moreover, the 40 million cash flow brought far more than the numbers themselves.

Relying on strong capital and the excellent cash flow of Weiguang Coffee itself, she had successfully pried several times that amount in low-interest credit loans from banks.

This was her true confidence in daring to expand rapidly and open stores densely.

Of course, all of this was rooted in Tang Song’s unconditional trust.

He didn't interfere with any of her decisions, nor did he require an immediate start of industrial and commercial information changes.

If it were any other investment institution, facing her such aggressive, high-leverage expansion plan, they would have long ago activated gambling agreements and regulatory clauses.

And all of this was her most important commercial secret.

She hoped even more that after she stood firm in the Southwest region and completely ran through the successful store model, she would then detonate the brand volume through a concentrated media marketing campaign.

Preparing the most perfect paving for the next Series B financing.

Hearing Xie Xie Shuyu’s watertight answer, Fang Wang Zhiyuan bit his lip.

He raised his head, looked into her eyes, and said earnestly: "President Xie, to be honest, we at [Linglian Technology] are also preparing for a new round of financing recently."

"We are very optimistic about the future development potential of [Weiguang Coffee], and we extremely hope to have a deeper binding with an excellent brand like yours."

"So if there is a suitable opportunity in the future, I wonder if President Xie can help introduce this investor of your company?"

"Being able to introduce a top-tier individual investor with strength and vision like him will not only inject powerful momentum into the development of [Linglian Technology] but also make our cooperation with [Weiguang Coffee] even closer."

"When the time comes, everyone will be one of our own. Linglian will naturally also exhaust all resources to go all out to escort the cold chain logistics system of [Weiguang Coffee] nationwide."

Hearing these words, Xie Xie Shuyu’s eyes moved instantly.

She finally understood the true intention of the other party’s visit this time.

No wonder they would give such huge discounts and support; it turned out they were aiming at the capital behind her.

It was reasonable to think so; the recent series of cost-insensitive expansion moves by [Weiguang Coffee] had long attracted widespread attention in the industry, naturally making companies like [Linglian Technology] that continued to need capital investment feel tempted.

Subsequently, she immediately realized the tempting possibility behind this proposal.

If Tang Song really invested in [Linglian Technology], then [Weiguang Coffee] would be equivalent to owning a semi-self-operated cold chain logistics system.

This would completely solve the biggest shortcoming in her heart.

However, this huge temptation was soon replaced by the calmness of reality.

Regarding this, she actually didn't have much confidence.

Because unlike Weiguang Coffee, [Linglian Technology] needed a larger volume of capital, often at the level of hundreds of millions.

The reason Tang Song invested in her in the first place was largely out of the "personal friendship" between the two, not because he really took a fancy to the highly competitive chain coffee industry.

He had already invested a full 40 million for her.

If she were to be ignorant and ask him to invest in a heavy-asset company with a scale of hundreds of millions for the sake of her own supply chain—they weren't husband and wife, and even if they were, such frequent demands would eventually wear down that precious relationship.

At the time of parting, Fang Wang Zhiyuan opened his briefcase.

He took out a thick business plan and handed it to her.

"President Xie, this is the latest BP of our [Linglian Technology]. If there is an opportunity, I really hope you can let your investor take a look. I firmly believe that our company possesses all the potential to become an industry unicorn, currently only lacking some key capital support."

Xie Xie Shuyu was silent for a moment, finally taking it and nodding. "Okay, President Fang, if there is an opportunity, I will help you convey it."

Watching Fang Wang Zhiyuan’s expectant back disappear at the door.

Xie Xie Shuyu took out her phone, found the phone number of the cooperation contact person at [Shuxian Supply Chain], and dialed it directly.

She made an appointment for a visit and meeting in the afternoon concisely.

No matter what, the cooperation with [Shuxian] must be terminated immediately.

Compared with it, this [Linglian Technology] was much, much better in terms of professionalism and sincerity.

And they both belonged to the Southwest region.

Biting her lip, Xie Xie Shuyu took out her phone, clicked on Tang Song’s WeChat, and left a message: "Have you decided when you are coming to Rongcheng?"

After a while.

"Buzz buzz buzz—"

[Tang Song: "I’m busy right now, I’ll call you later to talk."]

Xie Xie Shuyu simply replied with an "Okay," then put down her phone and let out a long breath.

She was indeed a top-tier beauty, and her appearance and temperament were somewhat similar to Su Yu before she became a diva—his expression couldn't help but change slightly.

President Tang’s meeting with Ms. Chairman Ouyang in Rongcheng this time was already the focus of attention.

Not only was Director Jin in New York watching at all times, but all their core members were also waiting for the result of this meeting.

Including Su Yu, who was in Jiangcheng not far away.

Last night, he himself had eaten with Mo Mo Xiangwan and Su Yu.

I hope President Tang can handle the matter between Ms. Chairman Ouyang and Su Yu well.

Thinking of this, Luo Bin couldn't help but feel a headache.

It had to be said that President Tang had really too many women.

As the chief legal advisor of the Tang Jin Family Office, he really didn't want to get involved in these messy "harem"

fights, but he really couldn't hide.

Last time he helped Ms. Chairman Ouyang give a gift to Supervisor Tian Kui, he was "knocked" by Director Jin in the capital.

This time he was caught by Su Yu in Jiangcheng, he was really afraid of being forced to take a side.

So, when President Tang’s "firefighting" call came this morning, he almost volunteered without hesitation and led the team to Rongcheng personally.

Taking the opportunity to help this Miss Cheng to temporarily escape.

Sigh—

Walking on thin ice!

Jiangcheng, filming base.

In the afternoon, there was still a trace of mountain city fog in the humid air.

On the filming site, a high-intensity action scene had just ended.

In Su Yu’s eyes, which were as hot as fire because of the play, all the emotions belonging to the character faded away instantly, returning to calmness.

She didn't stay on the scene for long, walking straight toward an independent lounge not far away.

"Bang—"

The door was closed, isolating all the noise from the outside world.

Su Yu fell heavily into the soft sofa, letting out a long breath.

Cheng Cheng Xiaoxi followed in quickly, placing a cup of honey pomelo tea at the right temperature beside her hand.

Then she reported in a low voice: "Sister Yu, the news just received from Mo Mo Xiangwan’s side. Lawyer Luo left Jiangcheng with his team yesterday morning and headed to Rongcheng."

"Mm." Su Yu responded faintly, drinking a sip of tea.

Cheng Cheng Xiaoxi continued: "He was entrusted privately by President Tang to go there to help Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu, a designer at Songmei Apparel, and her mother, handle some legal disputes."

"Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu—"

Su Yu murmured this name in a low voice, ripples appearing in her cold amber eyes.

Cheng Cheng Xiaoxi understood immediately, unlocked her phone, and handed it over.

On the screen was a piece of organized information.

Su Yu took the phone, flipping through the unfinished building incident involving Li Li Meihua simply, her gaze slightly condensed.

She naturally knew Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu.

She first noticed her on the fan forum, where she posted a cheering photo with Tang Song. (Chapter 223)

Later, seeing the familiar ID on Opening Xiaohongshu, she added the other party as a WeChat friend.

And they had always kept in touch.

This was a real fan, and an extremely hardcore one at that.

She even agreed with the other party to "meet in person" when she went to Yancheng in the middle of next month.

Her initial thought was just to plant an "informant" of her own inside [Songmei Apparel].

She didn't expect her relationship with Tang Song to be simple.

To be able to make Tang Song pay attention to her family changes from thousands of miles away, and even spare no effort to use Luo Bin to go out personally.

This treatment was extremely rare.

It was enough to see that Tang Song’s feelings for her were very unusual.

Subsequently, her gaze fell on the photo of Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu wearing a purple cheering outfit in the data, feeling slightly distracted. Noticing her gaze, Cheng Cheng Xiaoxi said in a low voice: "Sister Yu, this Cheng Qiuqiu is not only your hardcore fan, but she also looks quite like you. To be precise, she looks like you when you were twenty—when you were still in the Echo girl group, very beautiful."

Su Yu raised her head abruptly, her eyes a bit red, her voice cold: "What do you mean? Are you saying I’m old? He wants to find someone who looks like me to replace me?"

"No! No!" Cheng Cheng Xiaoxi was so scared her face turned pale, hurriedly explaining: "Sister Yu, I meant that looking three-tenths like you is already a peerless beauty in the world! You were much more beautiful back then, whether it’s temperament, looks, or figure, all better! I meant that President Tang looking at her differently might be because she looks a little like you, making President Tang recall the beautiful past between you two. Not to mention, you are even more so now!"

The madness in Su Yu’s eyes gradually fell, she lowered her eyelids, falling into deep thought.

Does he like Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu because she looks like the past me?

Is that so?

Just at this moment.

"Ding-dong—" A WeChat notification sounded.

[Sister Mo Mo Xiangwan: "President Tang has arrived in Rongcheng, Ms. Chairman Ouyang is picking him up at the airport. Regarding the new fund and Tang Zong Entertainment, don't worry, Ms. Chairman Ouyang will handle it well."]

Su Yu bit her lip, only replying with the word "Mm," and fell into deeper silence.

The news that Jin Meixiao was about to serve as the head of the Tang Jin Family Entertainment Fund, and that next month, Tang Song was going to fly to New York personally to meet that woman—all these gave her unprecedented immense pressure, making her emotions extremely unstable recently.

So just because of Cheng Cheng Xiaoxi’s one sentence, she lost control a bit.

Next month is her birthday...

Tang Song goes to see Jin Meixiao first, will he find a Cheng Cheng Qiuqiu who looks especially like the past me? Will he, like his 2018 birthday, suddenly lose interest in me without warning, and then, abandon me?

Su Yu’s eyes began to shake violently. "Cheng Xiaoxi!"

"He—here, Sister Yu, what are your orders?"

Su Yu raised her head, her hair sliding down, and a heart-palpitating, crazy light appeared on that perfect, almost unreal face.

"You contact the publicity team now, and help me release a dynamic on the whole network tomorrow night."

"What dynamic?"

"Christmas next month, is my birthday. I plan to draw two luckiest 'Koi' from my fans and invite them to fly to Paris, France, with me to spend a romantic day."

"Air tickets, hotels—all expenses will be borne by me."

She paused and said slowly: "Two fans, one male and one female, one spot each."

Cheng Cheng Xiaoxi was startled by this sudden decision and hurriedly said: "Sister Yu, this is inappropriate. Should we ask Mo Mo Xiangwan for her opinion first?"

A female fan would be fine, but a male fan—that would be a big problem.

If President Tang found out about this, things would be troublesome.

"Just release it!"

"O—okay!"

Su Yu looked at the gray sky outside the window, her eyes carrying a trace of vague madness.

Tang Song was no longer the Tang Song of the past, but in this world, only she loved the current him the most, or rather, him at any time.

She believed that as long as Tang Song still cared about her, he would definitely come to participate in this event.

Then, he would be that destined "Koi."

If he didn't show up, then she would just "officially announce" it! Expose more information about her mysterious boyfriend!

She wanted him to spend her birthday with her, to have the most romantic birthday.

She wanted to have him!

The plane descended slowly, passing through thick clouds.

Below, the vast plains of Rongcheng and the crisscrossing city veins gradually became clear.

Tang Song closed his computer and cast his gaze outside the window.

Regarding this city, he was both strange and familiar.

In his memory fragments, [Dream Tang Song] had been here with Secretary Jin and Chairman Ouyang Chairman Ouyang Xianyue.

It was just that those memories, although clear, were because of that special state of near "divinity" at the time, leaving him with no emotional touch for the city of Rongcheng itself.

And now, this Rongcheng, which was bathed in the winter sun and was lively and real, was waiting for him to explore personally.

This time, he came alone.

Shen Yu was in Island City, looking for more unicorn investment opportunities for his [Capital Hunter] task; Lin Lin Muxue was handling Gao Gao Mengting’s property matters, and by the way, helping herself choose a property.

Moreover, this Rongcheng trip was indeed not very suitable for bringing these two assistants.

After all, there were a female president and a designer here, two people who also needed him to spend a lot of energy to accompany and soothe.

Ten minutes later.

Accompanied by the flight attendant’s gentle reminder, the plane landed steadily at Rongcheng Shuangliu International Airport.

Tang Song didn't carry any checked luggage, only carrying a simple briefcase, and walked out of the business class first.

As soon as he walked out of the boarding bridge, the noise peculiar to the airport, mixed with the smell of aviation fuel, rushed toward him.

Under the huge glass dome, the light was bright, full of the busy and vibrant atmosphere unique to a modern metropolis.

Following the VIP guidance signs, passing through the internal corridor of the security check, just as he arrived at the hall, he saw the figure waiting at the exit.

That was a middle-aged woman wearing a standard black professional suit.

About forty years old, holding a white pick-up sign with his name written in elegant handwriting.

Her looks were ordinary, but her temperament was excellent, her posture straight, her expression focused, like a silent pine tree.

It was Chairman Ouyang Chairman Ouyang Xianyue’s private secretary, Chen Gong.

She could also be considered someone who had appeared in his memory.

As the distance drew closer.

Chen Gong’s face bloomed with an impeccable professional smile, bowing respectfully: "Mr. Tang, hello, welcome to Rongcheng."

"Hello, Secretary Chen, thank you for your hard work."

"Please, Mr. Tang, I’ll take you over. Ms. Chairman Ouyang has been waiting for you here."

"Mm." Tang Song nodded lightly, but his heart suddenly started beating faster.

Chairman Ouyang Chairman Ouyang Xianyue.

Finally going to see her.

He had extremely deep and complex feelings for every character he had cultivated in the game.

And Chairman Ouyang Chairman Ouyang Xianyue was undoubtedly a very special one among them.

This Ms. Chairman Ouyang had a prominent and special status.

In reality, she was a 36-year-old noblewoman.

I wonder how she would view the current me?

Accompanied by the heartbeat.

Tang Song, led by Chen Gong, passed through an internal VIP passage and came directly to a VIP parking lot on the first floor.

It was unusually quiet here.

Compared to the noise of the arrival hall upstairs, it was like two worlds.

A black Audi A8L was parked quietly in the most conspicuous position, the car body reflecting a deep luster under the light.

As Tang Song’s figure gradually appeared.

The rear door of that Audi was pushed open slowly from the inside.

First to emerge was a slender lower leg wrapped in flesh-colored silk stockings, with a pair of black high heels that were simple yet extremely textured on her feet, landing steadily on the ground.

"Tap."

A light sound, like knocking on Tang Song’s heartstrings.

Chen Gong stepped back a few steps subconsciously, holding her breath.

Immediately after, a familiar yet strange figure walked out slowly.

Superior bone structure, fair skin.

Willow-like waist, yet shoulders and back straight as a pine.

With her movements, the champagne-colored wool coat slid down like water, revealing a high-end velvet dress inside.

The waistline was cinched just right, perfectly outlining her 36-year-old mature, plump, yet not a trace of fat, slender figure.

A head of black, soft, medium-length hair was coiled behind her head, revealing a smooth, full forehead and a graceful, slender neck.

She exuded a mellow and charming style.

Their gazes collided in the air.

There seemed to be no excitement or surprise in her eyes, only gentle ripples.

Like a long-lost confidante, sister, or elder.

The two stared at each other like this for a moment.

She moved her slender beautiful legs perfectly wrapped in flesh-colored silk stockings, taking the initiative to walk over, her pace slightly more hurried than usual.

The two figures stood opposite each other.

A magnificent yet restrained smile finally bloomed on Chairman Ouyang Chairman Ouyang Xianyue’s face.

Looking at the figure in front of her who was even more handsome than in her memory, her gaze was slightly distracted for a moment.

Only then did she take the initiative to reach out her hand. "Tang Song, it’s really been a long time."

Her voice was clear, yet carried a warm hoarseness after the polishing of time.

Very pleasant to hear.

Light and shadow were chaotic in his pupils.

Virtual and reality intersected at this moment.

That [Precision Queen] in the game appeared in front of him truly and vividly.

An indescribable agitation, mixed with the joy of a long-lost reunion, surged up from the deepest part of his heart.

Tang Song opened his arms gently and gave her a sincere hug directly.

An extremely high-end scent, mixed with faint white tea and deep woody notes, instantly rushed into his nasal cavity.

Soft and plump, warm and real.

"Here."

"If one day I, Lin, start to get fat, become unkempt, become no longer 'wise,' and am no longer the me I am now, how would you look at me?"

His voice remained calm, without any ripples.

Secretary Jin tilted her head slightly, looking at his side profile, which was somewhat blurred in the light and shadow.

A moment later, a perfect smile appeared on her beautiful face.

"I will protect you."