Chapter 573

The welcoming applause slowly died down.

Just as Wen Ruan’s inner storm was raging, Jin Meixiao’s gaze calmly moved away from her and swept across the room again.

Afterward, she sat down elegantly, her back straight, her hands slightly folded on the table; every movement was impeccable.

"Let’s begin."

Her voice was calm and pleasant, echoing clearly in everyone’s ears through the embedded microphone system.

However, when the words fell, Ouyang Xianyue on the opposite side did not seem to have any intention of entering the agenda immediately.

Instead, she turned slightly to face the entire room.

She took the initiative to speak in a voice that was gentle yet equally full of weight:

"Before we begin today’s agenda, I think we should first let everyone formally get to know our new partner. I presume you have all received the email information; starting today, Ms. Wen Ruan will formally join our Advisory Committee and become one of its core advisors."

She cast a look of reassurance and goodwill toward Wen Ruan, who was still looking slightly nervous beside her.

Then she turned her gaze toward the area behind her where the Advisory Committee was seated.

"Now, let the members of the Advisory Committee introduce themselves."

Wen Ruan immediately sat up straight, her expression becoming serious and earnest.

Ouyang Xianyue and Luo Bin had previously given her some introductions to [Tang Jin].

She knew that the core circle of the entire Tang Jin was divided into three major sectors: the Family Council, the Executive Committee, and the Strategic and Risk Advisory Committee.

Jin Meixiao and Ouyang Xianyue were both members of the Council.

Jin Meixiao was the Chair of the Executive Committee.

And although Ms. Ouyang was the Vice Chair, she concurrently served as the Chair of the Advisory Committee.

As for her, in addition to sitting in with the [Special Advisory Seat], she would also join the Advisory Committee as an advisor in the media field.

Jin Meixiao’s eyes narrowed imperceptibly.

Her gaze glanced lightly at Ouyang Xianyue, who was "asserting her sovereignty" calmly across from her, but she did not say anything more.

Zheng Qiudong, who was sitting opposite, chose to be the first to stand up after glancing in Director Jin’s direction.

He faced Wen Ruan with a warm and professional smile: "Welcome, Wen Ruan. I am also a member of the Advisory Committee, Zheng Qiudong, primarily responsible for human capital strategy and global organizational structure planning."

"Thank you, Director Zheng."

Immediately after, Luo Bin also stood up.

He nodded slightly toward Wen Ruan and said: "Welcome, Wen Ruan. Luo Bin, I am primarily responsible for global legal compliance and transaction structure risk assessment."

They had all dealt with Wen Ruan before, but their attitude this time was exceptionally solemn.

Because they all knew that Wen Ruan was attending this time as a "representative of Tang Song."

Her arrival injected new variables into this turbulent family.

Wen Ruan hurriedly responded: "Thank you, Attorney Luo."

Subsequently, other members of the Advisory Committee began to stand up one after another to give brief self-introductions.

Wen Ruan’s eyes were almost overwhelmed, and her inner shock was beyond measure.

She didn’t recognize most of them, but everyone’s background was terrifyingly impressive.

There was the gray-haired former Chief Economist for Asia at Goldman Sachs, responsible for "global macroeconomic strategic risk";

There was a top scholar from Harvard Business School responsible for "investee company operations and integration risk";

There was even a sharp-tempered geopolitical risk advisor who was said to be former Mossad—these people were all existences she could only look up to in financial news and top-tier forums in the past.

And now, they had all become her "colleagues."

Or even—one could say, her "subordinates."

Because she knew very well that her "Special Advisory Seat" was a core committee member on par with Zheng Qiudong and Luo Bin, with power superior to other ordinary advisors.

At this moment, she also understood Ms. Ouyang’s words from before.

Entering the family office.

Meant that she had obtained a "status" recognized by the entire system.

It could even influence the direction of this massive institution to a certain extent.

This realization made Wen Ruan feel immense pressure while also touching the contours of power for the first time.

Just as the introduction session of the Advisory Committee ended and the room returned to silence.

Director Jin put down the water glass in her hand, making a crisp sound.

Everyone’s attention was instantly drawn to her again.

She did not look at the agenda document in front of her, but instead swept her cold gaze slowly across the room.

"Next, we enter the formal meeting." Her voice was not loud, but it seemed to carry a power that could penetrate the heart, "Recently, the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet reduction process has been more aggressive than we expected; the structural inflation brought about by the European energy crisis has also shown no signs of easing—but chaos often also means opportunity."

She cast her gaze toward a middle-aged German man wearing glasses in the outer seating area.

"Stefan, let’s start with 'Project Atlas'."

The person called Stefan, the head of Tang Jin’s European office, stood up immediately.

On the giant screen in the conference room, a complex dynamic map containing global shipping routes and industrial chain distributions lit up.

"Okay, Mira. Currently, through our infrastructure fund, we have completed the acquisition of controlling or priority usage rights for a total of seven deep-water ports and eleven inland logistics hubs surrounding three emerging manufacturing core areas: Guadalajara in Mexico, Haiphong in Vietnam, and Batam Island in Indonesia—"

Wen Ruan, sitting in her seat, listened with a racing heart.

She was not a novice, after all; she had been in the media field for many years and was now a director of Nebula International Group.

Naturally, she had a basic understanding of the global macroeconomic situation.

This so-called "Project Atlas" was essentially a hedging strategy that [Tang Jin] had been laying out for three years, aimed at the "decentralization" of the global supply chain.

This was no longer just a simple commercial investment; it was practically placing pieces on the great chessboard of the world.

Silently invading the throat of future global trade.

For the first time, she realized so clearly that when the scale of capital becomes large enough.

What it pursues is no longer simple financial returns, but a form of invisible power capable of influencing the world order.

After Stefan’s report ended, Director Jin nodded slightly and then threw out the first topic:

"Does anyone have any thoughts on the next phase of 'Project Atlas'?"

Ouyang Xianyue was the first to speak, her voice graceful yet sharp: "Ports and logistics alone are just channels. Only by building our own industrial parks and keeping technical standards, production processes, and even labor agreements in our own hands can we truly turn this supply chain into our moat."

"I hold a dissenting opinion." A member of the Executive Committee retorted: "Ms. Ouyang’s vision is grand, but I personally believe the timing is not yet ripe. Large-scale heavy asset investment will greatly increase our operating costs and geopolitical risks—I suggest continuing to penetrate and control through the existing light-asset model."

Subsequently, several other executives stood up to speak, some in support, some in opposition.

The atmosphere in the conference room instantly became somewhat subtle.

Wen Ruan could clearly feel that this was not a simple dispute of opinions, but a direct collision between two forces within the family office.

Finally, Director Jin spoke slowly: "On this matter, let the Advisory Committee first produce a detailed risk assessment report. We will conduct a final vote at the next annual meeting."

With a final word, she ended the debate.

For the next hour, the meeting proceeded efficiently and precisely.

The restructuring plan for the European carbon credit fund, Zenith Capital, was finalized; the investment portfolio in the North American semiconductor sector was reviewed..."

No one said a word of nonsense, and no one dared to be the least bit slack.

Finally, when all regular agenda items were about to end, Ouyang Xianyue pressed the microphone switch in front of her.

The crisp "beep" instantly attracted everyone’s attention.

She did not speak immediately, but first cast her gaze toward Mo Xiangwan in the second outer circle and nodded slightly at her.

Mo Xiangwan understood and slowly stood up from her seat.

Ouyang Xianyue said in an unhurried voice:

"As our most important layout in the pan-entertainment media track, the future globalization strategy of [Tang Zong Entertainment] is crucial. At the same time, we are also actively promoting the strategic upgrade of another core asset, [Nebula International]. I believe that Ms. Mo Xiangwan, as the core executor of Tang Zong, is very necessary to sit in on our meetings so that our future decisions can be closer to the front line and have greater execution efficiency."

She paused and looked at Director Jin, "I propose to add Mo Xiangwan as a permanent advisor to the Advisory Committee. I think there should be no controversy about this, right?"

Previously, Ouyang Xianyue had proposed many times to let Su Yu herself join the family office, but every time it had been forcefully vetoed by Director Jin for various reasons.

But this time was different.

Mo Xiangwan’s addition was something Tang Song had personally promised before leaving Yancheng.

Their eyes met, and it seemed as if electric sparks were flashing in the air.

As she expected, Jin Meixiao was silent for a moment, but finally nodded slowly.

Her voice betrayed no emotion: "Of course, I have no objection."

Subsequently, Wu Kezhi, Wen Ruan, Zheng Qiudong, and others at the oval conference table began to express their positions.

This supplementary motion was formally passed without controversy.

Ouyang Xianyue nodded with satisfaction, leaning forward slightly, her expression becoming more solemn.

"I am very happy that our Advisory Committee can welcome two new members today—Wen Ruan of [Nebula International] and Mo Xiangwan of [Tang Zong Entertainment]."

They are both top elites in the media and entertainment field.

Since the talent is in place, I believe the matching capital and strategy must also follow immediately.

I propose that the family office take the lead in establishing a cultural industry fund with an initial scale of 10 billion US dollars to strategically integrate these two core cultural and entertainment assets within our system—"

Along with her narration, a massive global business ecosystem map appeared on the giant screen behind her, with [Tang Zong Entertainment]’s content matrix and [Nebula International]’s channel network as the dual cores.

Ouyang Xianyue had a calm smile on her exquisite face, her demeanor elegant, and her voice gentle.

According to her proposal, this industry fund had two core missions.

On one hand, it would promote [Tang Zong Entertainment]’s core IP content to complete a global narrative reconstruction, accelerate the global media channel acquisition of [Nebula International Group], and push for its listing.

On the other hand, it would accelerate the development of technologies like AI and AR in entertainment content.

Ouyang Xianyue’s voice slowly stopped, and the conference room fell into an oppressive silence.

In fact, this was not the first time a similar proposal had been made.

Luo Bin and Zheng Qiudong exchanged a knowing look almost at the same time, then lowered their heads simultaneously, pretending to be busy flipping through the documents in their hands.

Annie Kate’s face revealed an undisguised, excited smile, as if she were looking forward to a good show.

Wen Ruan’s heart was pounding, her full breasts beneath her silk shirt rising and falling violently, and her palms were sweating from nervousness.

Ouyang Xianyue’s proposal was indeed tempting; for her, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

But she also knew that once it involved Su Yu and [Tang Zong Entertainment], it was equivalent to directly touching Director Jin’s reverse scale!

What she feared most now was being caught in the middle of these two forces, torn between them.

Offending either side was something she could not afford.

However, to everyone’s surprise, Director Jin did not show any displeasure this time.

Instead, she smiled and nodded, casting her gaze on Wen Ruan.

"Wen Ruan, you are one of the core parties involved in Ms. Ouyang’s proposal. As a 'Special Advisory Seat,' your opinion is very important to the Executive Committee. We would like to hear your thoughts first."

A subtle change appeared on Ouyang Xianyue’s face, which was usually calm.

Because this was supposed to be her line.

According to her script, she should have been the one leading, guiding Wen Ruan and Mo Xiangwan to speak, thereby further establishing her side’s dominant position in this new plan.

Everyone’s gaze focused on Wen Ruan like a spotlight.

Looking at Ouyang Xianyue’s expectant eyes, and then at Director Jin’s half-smiling gaze that seemed to see through everything, Wen Ruan’s eyelids twitched wildly. She opened her full lips, feeling her throat extremely dry.

Her mind raced.

A moment later, she spoke with difficulty: "The grand blueprint proposed by Ms. Ouyang is very shocking and full of promise. But to be honest, I have just joined, and I am very unfamiliar with the overall strategy and investment logic within the family office, and I have never been exposed to the investment field. I am afraid I cannot provide valuable opinions with sufficient strategic depth."

She lowered her posture, trying to use her status as a "newcomer" to avoid this clash of titans.

Just as she was preparing to face the "pressure" that would follow.

Director Jin suddenly chuckled, "That’s true, it is indeed a bit difficult for you. Ouyang’s concept is very brilliant, and I completely agree." The entire conference room instantly fell into an strange silence.

Zheng Qiudong and the others subconsciously raised their heads, casting surprised looks at Director Jin.

Wen Ruan blinked her charming big eyes, her heart jolting, feeling as if her brain had gone "poof."

(O_O)?!

What the hell, she just agreed like that?!

She really couldn’t react in time.

She had clearly heard Ms. Ouyang and Luo Bin say before that Director Jin’s attitude toward Su Yu was extremely tough, not only refusing to let her enter the family office but also intentionally suppressing her in every aspect, from resources and channels to agenda arrangements.

And it was precisely because of this that Tang Zong Entertainment and Nebula International Group had never been able to truly complete their international layout over the years.

Director Jin interlaced her fingers and rested them quietly on the table.

Her gaze was clear and bright, carrying an undeniable certainty.

"However, as Wen Ruan said, she has not engaged in professional investment management, and neither has Xiangwan. For a plate of this size,

it would be somewhat risky to hand it over entirely to them to lead."

She paused slightly, the corners of her lips curling into a subtle arc.

"Coincidentally, I have been very interested in cultural entertainment and media recently, and I even watched some interesting short dramas and novels a while ago. Since that’s the case—then I will personally serve as the person in charge of this cultural industry fund."

In an instant, the air around the conference table seemed to freeze.

Zheng Qiudong’s eyes flickered, instantly capturing the meaning behind it.

Luo Bin pushed up the glasses on the bridge of his nose but did not speak.

Ouyang Xianyue’s expression remained graceful, but her slender fingertips paused lightly on the folder.

In the brief silence, Annie suddenly spoke, her tone carrying her usual casualness and arrogance:

"Oh, this is getting more and more interesting. Speaking of which, my personal family fund actually has some layouts in the cultural entertainment and media sector, including film and television copyright libraries and cooperation with streaming media. Since you, Mira, have decided to play yourself, then I am very willing to join this Game as well."

Ouyang Xianyue raised her eyes slightly, looking at Annie, her smile gentle and appropriate, "Annie’s joining will naturally allow this fund to function better. Thank you."

Wen Ruan swallowed, sitting stiffly there, her plump peach-like buttocks shifting back and forth.

Director Jin didn’t play by the rules and directly snatched Ms. Ouyang’s script.

What kind of waves this would stir up next, she had no idea.

Quancheng, Jingxian No. 1 High School.

Mayor Li Jiping had left shortly after the ceremony began to prepare for the formal docking with Rongliu Capital in the afternoon.

At noon.

The 50th-anniversary celebration ceremony concluded successfully amidst enthusiastic applause and the stirring school anthem.

Tang Song was immediately surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd.

His former teachers surrounded him, reminiscing with emotion about his "interesting stories" from back then;

Distinguished alumni attending the celebration tried every possible way to get familiar with him:

Local entrepreneurs respectfully handed over their business cards...

In the moment of taking a group photo with school leaders and teachers.

A crisp system notification sound reached Tang Song’s ears:

"Ding! Congratulations to the player, [Partner - Wen Ruan] cultivation plan Task 3 [Emerging] has been completed."

"[Partner - Wen Ruan] growth progress +15%."

"[Partner - Wen Ruan] obtained [Special Item Pack * 1]."

Tang Song’s movements paused, and a look of deep joy flashed in his eyes.

It seems the big sister far away in Singapore has had quite a harvest today.

Previously, through exclusive interviews in various top-tier magazines like *First Financial* and *Fortune*.

Wen Ruan had already successfully gained considerable fame in China’s media and business circles.

And now, she had stepped directly into the highest-level meeting of the [Tang Jin Family Office].

Not only had she formally come into contact with those game characters, but she had also expanded her connections and circles to the very top of the world in one fell swoop.

[Task 3: Emerging] could be considered perfectly achieved as a matter of course.

Making an excuse to go to the restroom, Tang Song found a relatively quiet corner, opened the system interface, and entered the [Partner] module.

In the center of that alluring portrait card of [Wen Ruan].

A gift bag emitting a soft golden light was floating quietly.

Select [Special Item Pack], open immediately.

"Ding! [Partner - Wen Ruan] obtained special item reward [Wen Ruan’s Whisper]."

[Wen Ruan’s Whisper]: A pair of custom-made earrings with a minimalist design, inlaid with tiny black diamonds. When the partner Wen Ruan wears these earrings and communicates privately with others, she can more keenly capture the other party’s true intentions and emotional fluctuations behind their words. (Agility +2, Insight +1)

[Attached Special Effect: Voice of Enchantment (Her voice will carry an imperceptible charm. When she whispers to a specific target, the other party will be more likely to feel closeness and trust toward her)]

[Note 1: Some words are most weighty when whispered close to the ear]

[Note 2: As a partner item, it might have unexpected effects in bed]

Looking at the reward details, Tang Song’s eyes brightened.

It was actually an item with special effects, and the attribute bonuses were also very impressive.

Seeing the suggestive notes below, Tang Song almost instantly imagined a series of vivid scenes.

If the big sister’s already magnetic and alluring mature-woman voice, while wearing these earrings, leaned close to his ear and whispered that kind of dirty, flirtatious trash talk... hiss, Tang Song felt a rush of heat go straight to his head.

No, he must arrange a practical drill for Zhuangzhuang as soon as he gets back!

Forcibly collecting his thoughts.

Click on the big sister’s portrait card.

[Partner: Wen Ruan (29 years old)]

[Role: Nebula International Group - Director]

[Height: 171 cm, Weight: 66 kg]

[Constitution: 78, Stamina: 79, Agility: 72, Insight: 81]

[Growth Progress: 80%]

[Task: Queen’s Scepter]

[Task Content: After successfully contacting other game characters and gaining a certain degree of fame and connections, "Partner - Wen Ruan" already possesses the preliminary ability to play in high-level games. Please push her to formally take office as the Chairwoman of Nebula International Group, lead the completion of the group’s global mergers and business restructuring, and prepare sufficiently for the final listing. At the same time, obtain the status of "Visiting Scholar" at a world-famous university to enhance her international vision, connect with top global teams, and accumulate overseas academic connections.]

[Task Reward: Growth Progress 15%, Partner Gift Bag * 1]

[Task Progress: Not Completed]

Looking at the new task content, a thoughtful look appeared on Tang Song’s face.

This task was very difficult compared to the previous ones.

Especially leading the global restructuring and listing of a media company, the pressure was definitely not small for the big sister at the moment.

But fortunately, she had successfully entered the [Tang Jin Family Office] now.

Under the circumstances of being able to use this massive resource, everything would be much smoother.

As for that "Visiting Scholar" status, it should also be paving the way for her future path as the [Media Queen].

This was not just a simple academic improvement.

In Europe and America, a "Visiting Scholar" at a world-class university was itself a symbol of extremely high academic and social status.

Later, when Tang Song checked the big sister’s academic qualifications, he would also feel respect for the Visiting Scholar Zhuangzhuang.

He chuckled.

Subsequently, Tang Song thought of Little Xue far away in London.

Speaking of which, one of her core purposes for going to London this time was to attend the alumni association of Imperial College London’s Global MBA.

Calculating the time difference, it seemed the date was today.

He wondered what kind of performance that vanity-filled fake socialite friend would have in such an occasion?