Chapter 524: Yangcheng, Yangcheng

November 2, 2023, Thursday.

5:30 AM.

In Hong Kong in late autumn, the sky was still as dark as ink, and the whole city hadn't woken up yet.

The executive suite of the Four Seasons Hotel was quiet.

Accompanied by the crisp notification sound of a bank card deposit, Tang Zong lifted the quilt and got up cleanly.

He washed his face with cold water, changed into [Outfit - Infinite Vitality], and walked out of the room with light steps.

He walked through the corridor, and the elevator went straight down.

He stepped into the fitness center of the Four Seasons Hotel.

He put on his headphones, the music started, and he began his daily high-intensity workout.

Running, core, dumbbells... He could clearly feel the surging and billowing power brought by the [Advanced Body Optimization Potion] in his body, galloping incessantly with every breath and every muscle contraction.

Sweat slid down his clear jawline, the training clothes clinging to his body were soaked through with moisture, the muscle contours became clearer and smoother under the lights, and every inch was full of explosive power.

His whole body exuded a strong hormonal scent.

Attracting frequent side-glances from some young ladies who were also working out early in the morning.

The sky outside the window gradually brightened, and Victoria Harbour was shrouded in a thin mist.

One hour later.

Tang Zong slowly stopped his movements and returned to the suite on the 42nd floor.

He walked into the bathroom, and the cold water washed down from the top of his head, taking away heat and fatigue, leaving only extreme refreshment and an increasingly clear mind.

The water flowed over his mermaid line, which was as clear as a sculpture, outlining a breathtaking arc.

He had obtained the [Advanced Body Optimization Potion] for 5 days now.

Tang Zong felt his strength more and more.

Every muscle in his body seemed to have been re-sculpted, full of power and coordination, and even his entire mental state had reached an unprecedented peak.

"Flash!" The system light screen unfolded in front of him.

View personal information.

View personal information.

[Player: Tang Zong (82' Charm)]

[Role: Songmei Apparel - President]

[Height: 185CM, Weight: 80KG]

[Physique: 83, Stamina: 84, Agility: 78, Comprehension: 85]

[Asset Status:]

Balance: 101 million yuan (Investment fund 414.8 million yuan)

Height increased by another 1 cm, reaching 185.

Rongliu Capital was expanding in an orderly manner, coupled with the improvement of his body charm, finally bringing his charm score to 82.

It is worth mentioning that yesterday, the financing of Yimai Technology was officially completed, and he used the investment fund to pay 12.5 million US dollars, accounting for 2.5% of the shares.

Enter [Task Center] and view [Third Stage Growth Plan Task].

1. Branding: Establish a supply chain and OEM system to further deepen brand awareness. [Completed]

2. Performance Explosion: Continue to move upward and achieve a single-month sales volume of over 100 million. [Not Completed]

3. Capital Hunter: Please make effective investments in 3 companies with unicorn potential and successfully achieve equity appreciation [1/3]

[Yimai Technology] indeed possessed "unicorn potential," task progress +1.

And this trip to Yangcheng for "Zhi Lian Future" was verified by [Tang Zong’s Draft Paper], absolutely meeting the conditions.

All tasks had been more than half completed.

Next, besides continuing to look for investments in companies with "unicorn potential," the most important thing was to let "Songmei Apparel" achieve a single-month sales volume of over 100 million.

And November, which was this month, was the best opportunity.

For e-commerce, the transaction volume of Double 11 alone could be worth a month of normal sales.

Now that he had a flexible supply chain with 7-day quick response, as well as the self-owned brand [HEYISTUDIO], there was great hope for completing the task this month.

Breathing lightly, Tang Zong walked out of the bathroom and dried his body.

He changed into casual clothes.

Just walked out of the walk-in closet.

"Knock, knock, knock—" A knock on the door sounded.

He opened the door and saw Lin Mu and Shen Yu standing outside.

"Good morning, Tang Zong."

Both of them had obviously been meticulously groomed, with exquisite makeup and capable, appropriate commuting clothes.

Their standing posture was elegant and pleasing to the eye.

Tang Zong’s mood instantly brightened, and he smiled: "Come in."

The two nodded, walked in one after another, and two completely different perfume scents hit his nose, refreshing and alluring.

Breakfast, itinerary organization, packing personal items.

The entire process was efficient and orderly with the cooperation of the two assistants.

At 7:50 AM, everything was ready.

Accompanied by the two, Tang Zong took the exclusive elevator directly to the hotel lobby.

A black Rolls-Royce Phantom was waiting at the entrance.

The car drove steadily toward West Kowloon Station.

On the way, Lin Mu reported concisely on today’s weather in Yangcheng, traffic conditions, and some necessary precautions.

For this trip to Yangcheng, Lin Mu and Shen Yu would not accompany him.

Mainly because they both had work to deal with—Lin Mu, besides participating in the company’s structural adjustment, also needed to coordinate the private jet to prepare for its future use.

Shen Yu had to participate in fund coordination and report to Tang Zong in real-time. "Tang Zong, goodbye."

"Tang Zong, have a safe trip."

"Bye-bye." Tang Zong waved at the two, took his suitcase, and turned to walk into the passage.

After staying in the exclusive waiting room for a while, he boarded the business class train to Guangzhou South.

The train started, and the scenery outside the window retreated rapidly.

The morning mist of Victoria Harbour, the mountains of the New Territories, the skyline of the Shenzhen River with its distinct cold and warm sides, and then the plains, ridges, and fish ponds of the Pearl River Delta...

10:00 AM.

The train arrived at Yangcheng East Station on time.

Just after walking out of the VIP exit, he saw a woman holding a pick-up sign with his name on it, looking to be in her mid-thirties, wearing a capable suit skirt.

Seeing Tang Zong’s figure, the woman walked up quickly, with a professional smile on her face: "Hello, Mr. Tang, I am your reception consultant in Yangcheng, Zhao Fei."

"Hello."

Then, she naturally took the suitcase from Tang Zong’s hand.

She led him out of the passage and got into a Toyota Alphard that had been waiting for a long time.

The car was fragrant, and the aviation seats were wide and soft.

Zhao Fei sat in the passenger seat and turned back to confirm: "Mr. Tang, we are leaving for Baiyun Airport now, right?"

"Yeah."

Tang Zong leaned on the back of the chair, thinking of the big sister he was about to meet, and the corners of his mouth rose.

The car drove steadily out of the high-speed rail station, and the scroll of Yangcheng slowly unfolded before his eyes.

The CBD with high-rise buildings, arcade old streets, tin-roofed shops, tea houses with traditional Chinese character plaques—prosperity and city life intertwined here.

Entering the airport area in Baiyun District, the city landscape gradually became open, with ponds, fish sheds, banana forests, and village houses with white walls and black tiles... At this moment, he finally saw with his own eyes the Yangcheng full of fireworks and life texture that Zhang Yan wrote about.

Then, Tang Zong couldn't help but light up his phone screen and open an email.

The sender was Zheng Qiudong, and the attachment contained Zhang Yan’s resume.

Yancheng Agricultural University, Imperial Capital Gaosi Education, Yangcheng Cultural Media, Siyuan Culture, Shuocheng Technology, and her current address: Lanxinyuan Community, Liwan District.

Just like the scattered thoughts she once wrote in her QQ messages.

Her luck always seemed to be very bad.

It had only been two or three years since graduation, but she had already changed four companies, and every departure was accompanied by industry turmoil or the company’s own predicament.

Tang Zong closed his phone screen and closed his eyes lightly, as if to perceive something.

Yangcheng Baiyun International Airport.

At 11:25 AM, the flight information from the Imperial Capital lit up on the screen.

Tang Zong stood beside the VIP exit for domestic arrivals, his eyes bright, quietly watching the passengers walking out of the passage one after another.

Soon, a tall and plump figure appeared in his line of sight.

She was wearing a pair of wide Dior sunglasses, her red lips were full, and she was stepping on thin high heels.

Inside, she wore an off-white tight-fitting long dress, and outside, she casually draped a loose camel-colored suit jacket.

The knitted dress perfectly fit her body, outlining her standard Korean-manga figure to the fullest.

The breathtaking arc of her chest and the perky hip line formed an exaggerated and alluring curve.

Her expression was lazy and alluring, and her whole body exuded a sense of relaxation that belonged to a mature royal sister, with ease and grace.

Every step she took carried a rhythm that made one’s heart beat faster... Many men around were secretly sizing her up.

Wen Ruan didn't care at all, her gaze quickly crossed the crowd, and the moment she made eye contact with Tang Zong, she took off her sunglasses, and a bright smile bloomed on that charming face.

She didn't run, still maintaining that composed pace, walking straight toward him.

High heels tapped on the smooth ground, making a crisp "da, da, da" sound.

Every step seemed to step on Tang Zong’s heartbeat.

Wen Ruan stood still in front of him, tilting her head slightly, smiling: "Mr. Tang, are you waiting for me here?"

"Of course I'm waiting for you, my Miss Wen."

"Pfft—" Wen Ruan chuckled, opened her arms, and threw herself into his arms without hesitation.

A muffled "bang" sound.

The oppressive fullness hit his chest solidly, warm and fragrant, almost making one drown instantly.

Wen Ruan hugged Tang Zong tightly, burying her cheek in his neck, greedily sniffing the scent on him.

"I've been so busy lately that my bones are almost falling apart. Quick, be a human pillow for your sister for a while, let sister recharge."

Tang Zong took a deep breath, and between his breaths was the unique, rich fragrance of sandalwood and roses on her.

The two hugged like this in the bustling arrival hall, regardless of others.

Not far away, assistant Wang Dandan stopped her steps sensibly, carrying the suitcase and handbag, lowering her head and waiting quietly.

Tang Zong pinched her soft waist and whispered: "Did you miss me?"

Wen Ruan exhaled like an orchid in his ear, her voice soft and charming: "Not just missing your person, but also missing this mouth of yours—"

She exerted a slight force on the word "mouth," making Tang Zong’s eyes twitch, and his fingers tightened subconsciously on her waist.

Wen Ruan let out a low hum like a cat: "Is the hotel booked?"

"Booked."

"Is the bed big enough?"

"Big enough."

"Is the soundproofing good?"

"Very good."

"Ah? Then it's no fun~~"

"However, as long as sister shouts loud enough, no soundproofing will matter."

"Don't worry about that, sincerity might not be exchanged for sincerity, but here with sister, effort can definitely be exchanged for sound, you have to work hard~~"

After a long while.

Noticing that the gazes around were becoming more and more dense, the two slowly separated.

Tang Zong nodded to Wang Dandan who was walking over.

Wen Ruan took his arm, and her whole person stuck to him intimately.

The two walked out side by side.

One was handsome and tall, the other was plump and alluring, attracting passersby to look back one after another.

Sitting in the comfortable back row of the Alphard.

Wen Ruan casually took off her coat, revealing the knitted dress that showed her figure advantages to the extreme, lazily stretched, and the exaggerated curves stretched out in the wide carriage.

Tang Zong turned his head, looking at her peach blossom eyes that were watery, his brows and eyes smiling.

In a strange city, reuniting with his beloved girlfriend, there was always a joy intertwined with stability and expectation.

Looking at each other, Wen Ruan blinked playfully.

Her slender fingers began to draw circles in his palm unhurriedly.

"Tonight, I have a dinner appointment with an old classmate of mine. He is now a core backbone of 'Zhi Lian Future,' and we can first understand some internal situations of the company from him."

"Yeah, the development prospects of this company are very good. The combination of AI and internet marketing can lay a solid foundation for the future digital transformation of Nebula International."

"I have already formed a special team here, and we can go for a field trip tomorrow. If everything goes well, we can officially start due diligence next week."

Along the way, the conversation between the two always revolved around work.

But the air was full of tacit ambiguity and the heat about to burst out.

12:30 PM.

The Toyota Alphard stopped slowly in front of the main entrance of the West Tower of the International Financial Center.

The hotel butler in uniform smiled and stepped forward, gently opened the car door, and bowed to greet: "Distinguished Mr. Tang, Ms. Wen, welcome to the Four Seasons Hotel."

The two got out of the car and, accompanied by the concierge team, took the elevator directly to the 70th-floor sky lobby.

Exclusive rest area.

The executive manager took a tablet to check them in and offered welcome champagne.

After signing and confirming.

Accompanied by the butler, they took the exclusive elevator directly to the 97th floor.

The double doors of the presidential suite opened slowly.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of the 7-meter high living room framed the Yangcheng Tower and the panoramic view of the Pearl River, and the coffee table was set with handwritten welcome cards, seasonal fruits, hotel-customized chocolate sculptures...

The butler introduced synchronously: "Mr. Tang Zong, the suite has been adjusted to a constant temperature of 24°C for you in advance, and the fragrance system has also chosen the cedar wood tone you prefer. Ms. Wen, for the SPA service you booked, we have reserved the best river-view private room in the 100th-floor spa center for you—"

Then, the butler gave them a brief space tour.

"Bang" sound, the heavy door closed.

As soon as Tang Zong turned around, he was pulled over by Wen Ruan and pressed directly against the cold floor-to-ceiling window of the room.

The hot red lips instantly covered his, lingering and deep.

This kiss was full of longing for reunion and undisguised desire, intense yet tacit.

Outside the window was the most magnificent city skyline in all of Yangcheng; the Pearl River meandered beneath their feet like a jade belt, and not far away, the beautifully lined "Little Waist" Guangzhou Tower looked across the river at the East and West Towers,

forming a picture with a strong sense of the future.

For a long time, until Wen Ruan was somewhat out of breath, she pushed him away gently and licked her lips that were kissed red and swollen. Wen Ruan’s eyes flowed, carrying a hint of a sly smile: "Let sister fill her stomach first, and then... come back to fill you."

"Let's go, Zhuangzhuang!" Tang Zong patted her plump buttocks not too lightly, the sound crisp and elastic.

Wen Ruan pinched his lower abdomen angrily: "Just called me sister, now that I won't give it to you, I've become Zhuangzhuang? Men are really big pig trotters!"

After saying that, she laughed first.

She took Tang Zong’s hand and pulled him out of the room.

Due to her previous work nature and love for travel, Wen Ruan was no stranger to Yangcheng.

Especially in Tianhe District, where the Nebula International branch was located, she was very familiar with it.

The two took a car through several bustling blocks, turned into a tree-lined old street, and arrived at a private kitchen restaurant called "Wenyue Mansion."

The restaurant was hidden in a red-brick small western-style building from the Republic of China period, with several osmanthus trees planted in the courtyard.

In late autumn, a faint sweet fragrance floated in the air.

The dishes were served quickly.

Crispy-skinned and tender roast goose, steamed star grouper with just the right heat, and a pot of old fire soup with plenty of ingredients, slow-stewed for four or five hours.

Wen Ruan left a bowl of soup for Tang Zong, served herself a bowl, blew on the heat, took a slow sip, and narrowed her eyes comfortably.

"Taste it quickly, the old fire soup here is the most nourishing. Especially helpful for your next 'physical work.' Otherwise, when the time comes, someone who doesn't know how to restrain themselves might have to kneel and beg for mercy."

She blinked playfully at Tang Zong, and under the table, her foot rubbed against his lower leg lightly.

Tang Zong’s throat moved, a burst of fire.

Then, he said two words silently with his mouth shape: "Slut."

Wen Ruan covered her mouth and chuckled, her charming eyes like silk as she licked her lips, her plump body shaking lightly.

It had to be said, the big sister really had taste.

After lunch, Wen Ruan refused Tang Zong’s request to go straight back to the hotel.

Instead, she pulled him to stroll through an old street area.

In late autumn in Yangcheng, the sun was still warm and pleasant.

They walked through rows of red-brick western-style buildings full of history, stepping on the mottled stone slab road.

Not far away came the crisp sound of mahjong colliding, and the mixed fragrance of herbal tea shops and beef offal shops floated in the air.

Feeling the unique, relaxed, and pragmatic humanistic atmosphere of this city, Tang Zong’s mood also became exceptionally calm.

I don't know when, the two arrived at Taikoo Hui.

Wen Ruan bought a bottle of iced noble rot sweet white, and pulled Tang Zong into the La Perla (luxury lingerie brand) specialty store next door.

Bought several sexy nightgowns and underwear that Tang Zong liked.

After 3 PM.

The two returned to the hotel suite with several shopping bags.

"Flash—"

The heavy electric curtains closed slowly.

The light in the room dimmed rapidly, falling into a warm and private twilight.

Tang Zong, who had finished washing, walked out of the bathroom and saw Wen Ruan who was turning on the bedside lamp.

She bent over, the dress on her body tightened perfectly, from her slender waist to her perky plump peach buttocks, outlining an extremely exaggerated curve, full of breathtaking visual tension.

It seemed that she noticed the gaze behind her, and Wen Ruan’s movements slowed by half a beat.

She turned around slowly and sat down on the smooth, black-lacquered nightstand, her fingertips brushing against the slightly curled long hair by her ear, whether intentionally or not.

Her plump and healthy legs were elegantly crossed, shining with ivory-like luster under the warm yellow light.

Tang Zong’s breathing gradually became rapid, fire ignited in his eyes, and his voice was low and carried a commanding meaning: "Ruanruan, come here."

Wen Ruan’s red lips parted slightly, not only did she not move, but she hooked her fingers at him lightly: "You, come here."

The "deng, deng, deng" footsteps were exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

Just as he reached out to touch her, Wen Ruan suddenly lifted her foot, kicked his lower abdomen lightly, borrowed force to jump backward, and rolled directly into the soft bedding.

A joyful chuckle sounded.

She stretched out on the soft mattress like a beauty snake, continuing to hook her fingers at him: "Come here~"

Tang Zong raised his eyebrows: "I think your butt is itchy again, right?"

"Hmph." Wen Ruan gave him a charming white look: "I don't know who you learned these bad habits from, let's say first, I still have to do spa and see old classmates tonight, if you dare to beat me swollen, I will bite you!"

Tang Zong’s eyes lit up: "Then I must beat you swollen!"

"Go to hell!" Wen Ruan laughed and grabbed a pillow, smashing it at him fiercely.

Tang Zong caught it neatly and pounced on the bed.

Wen Ruan dodged with a donkey roll, got up from the other side of the bed, and used the pillow as a weapon again to confront him.

The big sister worked out all year round and had system plug-ins, her figure was flexible and strong.

The large bed became their battlefield, chasing and fleeing, pillows and laughter flying together.

In the end, Tang Zong pressed her firmly under him at the edge of the bed.

Wen Ruan’s struggle lasted symbolically for a few seconds before being completely suppressed.

Healthy white skin was exposed in the tearing, making Tang Zong dizzy in the dim light.

Messy sounds rang out.

The air in the bedroom gradually became sticky and humid.

"Ouch! Tang Zong! You're for real!"

"Don't, don't, don't! Don't hit! I was wrong, okay."

"Damn it, you bastard!"

"I'm angry! I'm very angry!"

Outside the window, the afternoon Yangcheng was a scene of laziness and tenderness.

The breeze blew over the Pearl River, carrying moist water vapor.

It blew slowly over the courtyards of the red-brick western-style buildings in Dongshankou, swept over the simple red walls and yellow tiles of the Peasant Movement Institute, passed through the bustling streets below, and finally blew into the window of the Huiming Building that was shining with white light.

7th floor, Shuocheng Technology.

"Knock, knock, knock—"

The desk was tapped impatiently by knuckles, startling Zhang Yan from a short nap.

She sat up straight abruptly, her face still carrying the red marks from resting on her arms, her eyes full of embarrassment and shame at being caught.

"Zhang Yan, have you finished organizing the materials?" Director Bai Rui’s voice sounded in her ear, carrying a hint of displeasure.

"Almost, almost," she hurriedly lit up the computer screen, her voice weak: "There is still some content that needs to be confirmed by the other party; I sent an email in the morning, and there is no reply yet."

"Then hurry up and urge them actively, what are you stunned for?"

"Oh, okay." Zhang Yan responded weakly, opening WeChat in a flurry, and started leaving messages for the other party.

These past two days, because of worrying about her mother, she often suffered from insomnia at night, so she was always sleepy during the day.

Bai Rui muttered a sentence and then turned and left.

Lulu beside her said angrily: "This fat white guy is really disgusting! He just thinks you are easy to bully! Obviously, your main job was completed long ago,"

"and he still insists on giving you all these miscellaneous tasks of organizing materials. If this isn't bullying an honest person, what is?"

"It's okay, Lulu, it's really my problem, sleeping during work hours—"

"What's wrong with sleeping? You have accumulated more than a hundred hours of compensatory leave from overtime, and every time you ask for leave, you still have to be made difficult by him for half a day!"

Zhang Yan pursed her somewhat dry lips, her gaze lowered, and she said nothing more.

Just then, the phone screen lit up.

A message popped up.

[Shiguang Bookstore: "Hello beauty, that 2009 edition of "Dragon Ball" by Qiongdao Photography and Art Publishing House that you have been looking for, we just received a batch, and among them are exactly volumes 11, 21, 33, and 34, all in very new condition."]

Zhang Yan’s heart shrank suddenly, her hand trembling slightly as she quickly replied: "Volumes 33 and 34, please, please help me save them, I will go pick them up immediately after work!"

[Shiguang Bookstore: "Okay, no problem."]

Lulu beside her said in surprise: "Wow, so you can collect a set soon, it's really not easy, has it been 4 months?"

Zhang Yan exhaled lightly and nodded, not saying much,

but her heart started to beat wildly.

After all, it had been a long time; the 2009 edition of "Dragon Ball" was mostly a reprint or a specific publisher version, and the initial circulation was not large.

Now, wanting to find a complete 34-volume set in brand-new condition in the second-hand market was even more difficult, mostly consisting of single volumes or scattered volumes.

For this, she almost spent some time every weekend going to second-hand bookstores in every corner of Yangcheng to look for them.

She would also add the boss on WeChat and beg the other party to please keep an eye out for her.

Back and forth, just buying these comic books had already cost her nearly 1600 yuan.

In fact, she also knew that the simplest and fastest choice was to buy a set directly online.

But she always felt that it wasn't sincere enough.

This matter should be like in the comics, experiencing all kinds of hardships, and only then could one gather the dragon balls and make that one, most important wish.

Thinking of the last two comic books she was about to get, Zhang Yan’s originally gloomy mood was instantly lit up.

Her whole person seemed to be injected with infinite power, and she started to handle the work at hand efficiently.

Soon she finished the work and sent it over.

Time passed bit by bit.

Near 6:00 PM, Zhang Yan packed her things and was about to get up to get off work.

Director Bai Rui’s voice sounded again: "Wang Wenying, Zhang Yan, Li Zhengming, you three come here, let's have a short temporary meeting."

Zhang Yan’s heart "thumped," but she still bit the bullet and followed her colleagues into the conference room.

This so-called "short meeting" ultimately lasted a full forty minutes.

This was also the longest 40 minutes she had ever spent.

When the meeting ended, the sky outside the window was already pitch black.

Bai Rui called her again just as she was about to get up: "Zhang Yan, you recorded the meeting content just now, right? How about this, work hard tonight, go coordinate with the marketing department, organize the first draft, and then send it to me."

Zhang Yan looked at the leader, finally summoned the courage, took a deep breath, and said: "Director, I—I have something to do tonight."

"It's just half an hour's work, very fast, leave after you finish."

The words of refusal rolled and rolled on Zhang Yan’s tongue, but looking at the director’s unquestionable eyes, they were swallowed back down in the end.

And this coordination process was far more troublesome than she had imagined.

By the time she finished everything, it was already 7:50 PM.

Zhang Yan sent the email numbly, grabbed her backpack, and rushed out of the office without looking back.

She ran to the subway station, looking anxiously at the flashing station signs in the stuffy carriage.

After transferring to a subway and riding a shared bike in the night, she finally reached her destination.

The bike stopped slowly at a street corner.

Looking at the rolling shutter door that had already been pulled down in front of her.

She looked at the time.

[21:11]

She just stood outside the door, her hands still on the handlebars, dazed for a long, long time.

In fact, she knew from the beginning that she probably wouldn't make it.

It was just that she kept forcing herself not to look at the time, holding onto that faint, unrealistic hope—what if, what if the boss rested late today?

From July 2, 2023, when she knew he left the Imperial Capital and returned to Yancheng, until today, it had been exactly 4 months.

On July 8, she bought the 16th volume of the "Dragon Ball" complete edition.

And then bit by bit, she gathered up to 32 volumes.

As long as she gathered these last two volumes, she could summon the courage to complete that wish that had been buried in her heart for a long, long time.

In the sky, fine rain had started to fall at some point.

The bustling night of Yangcheng blurred around her.

Zhang Yan turned around, got back on the shared bike, and rode back toward the subway station she came from.

She thought, perhaps, just like the story in "Dragon Ball."

One always has to go through enough hardships, and only then will the wish made at the end seem more precious.