Chapter 595: Bathing in Glory

The suite’s living room was silent.

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

The wisps of steam from the tea were clearly visible in the shafts of light, rising slowly.

On the chessboard, a fierce, close-quarters battle had unfolded, with pieces interlocked in a complex struggle.

Tang Song’s movements and expression remained composed, as if he were taking a leisurely stroll.

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

"The center of the world is irreversibly shifting from the North Atlantic to the Western Pacific. In the coming decade, whoever masters the trade routes and technical standards connecting the Eurasian continent will become the true chess player of the next era."

Ouyang Chengping nodded thoughtfully at these words.

Ouyang Xianyue adjusted her scattered thoughts, and seeing that both men seemed lost in contemplation, she finally found an opportunity to remind them softly:

"Grandfather, Tang Song, the tea is at just the right temperature; it’s at its best now."

"Thank you, Sister Xianyue." Tang Song smiled, gracefully gesturing, "Old Master, please, have a taste first."

Ouyang Chengping set down his chess piece and picked up the Ru-kiln tea cup before him.

He first brought the cup to his nose and took a light sniff.

A clear, pure tea fragrance entered his nasal cavity, instantly clearing his mind, which was often clouded.

His eyebrows raised slightly, and he took a sip of the tea.

There was no astringency at all, only a smooth, mellow richness with a lingering sweetness.

The tea slid into his stomach, turning into a warm, moist flow that traveled slowly down his esophagus.

It felt as if his entire internal organs, often cold and weak due to his advanced age, had been ironed smooth.

It was extremely comfortable.

He then drained the remaining tea in the cup.

Perhaps it wasn't just psychological, but he felt his entire spirit and energy had been significantly bolstered.

He set down the cup, his cloudy eyes revealing pure surprise and admiration: "Good tea! Good pot!"

He looked at Tang Song, shaking his head and laughing: "In my life, I’ve had more than eight thousand pots of tea. But this is the first time I’ve had one that makes me feel so comfortable and refreshed. It seems you really are hiding quite a few good things, kid."

"As long as you like it, you can use it to drink tea every day."

Tang Song smiled, raised his own cup in a silent toast to the old man, and drank it down.

He savored it for a moment.

Looking at the now much more spirited Academician Ouyang, he felt deeply moved inside.

In fact, with the old man’s careful daily maintenance and his powerful willpower that far exceeded the average person,

at eighty-something years old, he shouldn't have been this weak.

But his life had been too "intense."

From the "Third Front Construction" wave in the sixties and seventies, where he took root in the deep mountains to build the first special alloy production line from scratch; to the peak of the Reform and Opening-up in the eighties and nineties, where he poured his heart and blood into catching up with the heaven-like technical gap with the Western world; to entering the new century, facing increasingly fierce international competition, he remained on the front lines of scientific research past the age of sixty, providing critical material support for the manned spaceflight project and the development of new-generation fighter jets—for decades, day after day.

He had burned his entire life and heart’s blood without reservation for the great rejuvenation of this country and nation.

His life was a living legend.

Even the current Tang Song admired such a person immensely.

And he felt a sincere joy in gaining the other party's recognition.

Ouyang Xianyue poured fresh tea for the two of them.

Then, she picked up a cup herself and took a light sip.

She was slightly startled.

As a seasoned tea connoisseur, she naturally knew that a top-tier Yixing clay pot could lock in fragrance without stifling the flavor, preserving the original essence of the tea to the greatest extent.

Its unique dual-pore structure could also absorb impurities and soften the tea’s texture, making it increasingly mellow.

The effect of the pot Tang Song had gifted was clearly far beyond the category of "good."

She looked at the tall, upright figure chatting and laughing with her grandfather, her eyes shining with brilliance.

With her temperament and keenness, she had naturally long since noticed the "special aspects" of Tang Song that couldn't be explained by common sense.

Not to mention how he "subdued" a woman as proud as Jin Meixiao at eighteen and founded [Smile Investment].

Just the precise, god-like foresight he displayed in that series of subsequent commercial layouts, always able to perceive the future a step ahead, was already beyond the explanation of mere genius.

And then there was the [Moonlight's Blessing] he once gave her.

Regarding these, she had never delved deep, nor did she wish to.

Deep in her heart, she had already developed a near-blind trust in this young man.

Watching her grandfather, who had been on the verge of exhaustion, now clearly more spirited, a strange expectation and vision suddenly rose in Ouyang Xianyue’s heart.

Perhaps what he said when introducing this [Dew Spring Pot] about it being "beneficial to the body" wasn't just a polite blessing.

And there was that sentence he said before entering: "Don't worry, everything is with me," exactly the same as five years ago.

As a top graduate from the Department of Precision Instruments, managing a massive technological empire built on rigor and science,

Ouyang Xianyue was an absolute atheist.

But at this moment, facing her grandfather who was about to run out of oil,

she still hoped Tang Song could be like he was in the past.

Bringing a miracle.

The game of chess continued intermittently for a long time.

As noon approached, the old man’s energy was clearly flagging, and his hand began to tremble slightly as he placed his pieces.

In the end, during the endgame phase, Tang Song seemingly inadvertently made a wrong move, voluntarily resigning the game.

Ending this match that had no winner or loser to begin with.

"Old Master, your chess skills are as good as ever, your style remains unchanged." He stood up with a smile, "I lost this time. I’ll go back and study the chess manuals carefully, and come back to ask for your guidance in the future."

"You..."

Ouyang Chengping clearly saw through his little trick, but just shook his head with gratification and laughed.

Lunch was very simple, in the small dining room in the outer suite.

A few light dishes carefully paired by a top nutritionist, and a bowl of nourishing medicinal soup.

During the meal, Academician Ouyang Chengping didn't say much, just quietly watching Tang Song and his granddaughter.

Occasionally, he would reveal a gratified smile.

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

Of course, if they could eventually end up together, there would be no regrets at all.

However, he also knew that matters of the heart could not be forced.

The age gap between them was too large, and his granddaughter was divorced, so it wasn't really appropriate.

After the meal, Tang Song took the initiative to stand up and say goodbye.

Ouyang Chengping grabbed his arm, his thin, dry hand surprisingly powerful at that moment, "Come back and visit when you have time. This old bone of mine, who knows when..."

"That won't happen." Tang Song interrupted him immediately, his voice sincere and firm: "A national scholar like you must continue to watch us juniors contribute to our China. I believe that in five years, you will definitely see the unprecedented prosperity of the Chinese nation with your own eyes. We will completely break through Western blockades and achieve true transcendence in every field!"

Ouyang Chengping looked at his vibrant face, speechless for a long time.

Finally, he patted Tang Song’s shoulder heavily, his cloudy eyes seemingly burning, "Then I’ll hold on for a few more years!"

At the moment of parting.

Ouyang Chengping’s attendant brought out a scroll of calligraphy that had already been mounted and handed it to Tang Song solemnly.

On it were four large, cursive characters, written with dragon-like flair and strength that pierced through the paper.

[Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves].

Signed and sealed by Ouyang Chengping.

The black Audi A8L drove slowly away from the solemn nursing home.

Inside the quiet car.

Tang Song leaned back in his seat, holding the calligraphy, his gaze lowered, silent.

Beside him, Ouyang Xianyue smiled, looking at him with soft eyes.

Returning to the Tingzhu Pavilion courtyard where Tang Song was staying.

The two didn't go inside, but stood side by side under the tall red maple tree in the courtyard.

They began to chat.

Tang Song, having just received the third complete memory fragment, was filled with emotion.

He talked with Ouyang Xianyue about the 2019 tech blockade, the 2020 capital frenzy, the technical breakthroughs of [Tangyi Precision]—and finally, they talked about their fated first meeting in 2017.

"You might not believe it if I say it." Ouyang Xianyue’s voice was very light, like the wind brushing past maple leaves, "The first time I saw you, I felt like I knew you, like an old friend I’d known for a long time."

Tang Song blinked, "I have that feeling too. Perhaps we knew each other in a past life?"

Hearing his words,

Ouyang Xianyue let out a "pfft" laugh.

She tightened her coat, standing casually under that maple tree.

The red maple in late November had leaves showing a gorgeous orange-red.

The afternoon sun passed through the leaves, casting mottled light and shadow on her beautiful face.

It made her appear even more noble and graceful.

She turned around, looking at him, her eyes carrying some playfulness and gentleness belonging to a mature woman.

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

Their eyes met.

Tang Song’s heart stirred; he seemed to see something in her seemingly joking eyes.

He took two steps forward, standing less than half a meter in front of Ouyang Xianyue.

He could clearly breathe in the unique, rich fragrance of tea and body scent mixed on her, and could see the tiny fuzz on her face.

A moment later.

Ouyang Xianyue’s eyelid twitched, and she feigned ease, "Why aren't you speaking?"

A gentle smile appeared on Tang Song’s face, "One must always look more closely; what if, in a past life, you were also a very important person to me?"

As he spoke, he suddenly reached out, his fingertips nimbly pinching a maple leaf that had drifted down from a branch.

He casually tucked it into her black hair that was pinned up.

His long fingers slid down her temples, brushing over her shoulder line and back as if by accident.

"Thump."

Ouyang Xianyue’s heart began to beat wildly uncontrollably. She plucked the maple leaf from her hair, taking the opportunity to tuck a stray lock of hair behind her left shoulder.

With one hand resting on the other arm, her gaze lowered slightly, using this posture to hide her possible loss of composure.

Soon, Ouyang Xianyue looked up again, "Alright, I won't joke with you anymore."

In this instant, she seemed to have regained the demeanor of a noblewoman.

Elegant, reserved, mature, and poised.

She pursed her rosy lips, looking at Tang Song.

Regarding the internal power struggles of the [Tang Gold Family Office], the positioning of [Tang Zong Entertainment] and Su Yu, and even the future of Liu Qingning,

she had many things she wanted to discuss openly and honestly with the man before her.

Essentially, she had always considered herself Tang Song’s "protector."

The reason she had stirred up internal strife was merely to prevent the overseas capital represented by Jin Meixiao from potentially biting back in the future.

After all, Tang Song was an out-and-out "scumbag" in terms of emotions.

No woman could possibly not care.

Let alone a woman as proud as Jin Meixiao.

Now, after a short time together, she had learned of the massive transformation that had occurred in Tang Song.

And he had met her grandfather.

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

At this moment.

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

Ouyang Xianyue’s eyelid twitched violently, and she instinctively took half a step back.

Her voice also carried a trace of panic and shame: "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 brushing over her delicate, warm collarbone skin.

He precisely hooked out the [Moonlight's Blessing] jade pendant she had been wearing close to her body.

Accompanied by a rich, warm fragrance.

Ouyang Xianyue held her breath, a faint blush appearing on her beautiful face for the first time.

This feeling was even more intense and dangerous than the shoulder massage last time.

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

Most of the time, it was worn close to her body, having long since become a part of her.

Watching him toy with the [Moonlight's Blessing] between his fingertips now,

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

Tang Song, however, didn't seem to notice her abnormal reaction at this moment.

He just lowered his head, focusing on the crescent moon carved from a whole piece of mutton-fat white jade.

After three years of Ouyang Xianyue’s day-and-night nourishment, it had long since shed its initial coldness.

The jade quality appeared increasingly warm and delicate, beautiful beyond compare.

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

Item type: Protection/Bond.

Not only did it have a luck attribute bonus, but wearing this jade pendant for a long time could calm the mind and spirit,

slowly improving mental resilience and stress resistance.

At the same time, when the character [Precision Queen - Ouyang Xianyue] wore this item near him, a special bond effect would be generated.

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

Making them more easily influenced by his emotions.

Tang Song let go.

The jade pendant fell naturally, landing on the high, towering curve supported by her chest, trembling.

As if a crescent moon were sinking into a quiet canyon.

Seemingly to break this overly warm and overly dangerous atmosphere,

Ouyang Xianyue’s throat moved, and she opened her mouth: "I like this pendant very much; I feel like wearing it makes work much easier, so I’ve been wearing it all the time."

"Mm." Tang Song’s gaze lingered on the curve of her chest for a moment before moving up to meet her eyes, "It’s very beautiful, and it suits you very well."

"Thank you."

Tang Song looked at this mature, beautiful noblewoman.

He stepped forward and stretched out his arms.

He pulled her soft body into his embrace.

Ouyang Xianyue froze in place, her plump and slender body taut like a fully drawn bow.

Her face was full of shock and shame.

Immediately after, Tang Song’s gentle and magnetic voice sounded in her ear:

"Ouyang, remember to let the Old Master use the [Dew Spring Pot] I sent to drink water and tea every day."

"Don't worry too much; he is a man who has carried the sky for this country, and his willpower is stronger than all of us. I believe he will get better bit by bit."

"You should also take care of your own health and not worry too much."

Ouyang Xianyue’s body gradually softened.

Her dazed gaze crossed Tang Song’s shoulder.

In the afternoon sun, the wind blew, and red maple leaves spun as they fell.

At this moment.

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

"Ding! Congratulations to the player, the character interaction task [Visit and Consolation] has been completed."

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

Tang Song felt the warm, fragrant embrace of the noblewoman.

He opened the system warehouse.

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

[You have received attribute rewards: Constitution +2, Stamina +1]

[You have received a special item: Ouyang Xianyue’s Soul Tribute]

Immediately after, Tang Song felt a gentle and powerful warm current rush into his limbs and bones.

His Constitution and Stamina were significantly improved again.

Then, his gaze fell on the second reward.

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

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

[Note: Bathing in glory behind him...]

He had previously received [Su Yu’s Soul Tribute] twice.

He didn't expect to receive Ouyang Xianyue’s this time.

His arms couldn't help but tighten, and Ouyang Xianyue let out a low "hum" with a nasal sound.

Only then, as if waking from a dream, did she gently break free from his embrace.

"Thank you for your concern; I will take care of my health." She tucked her hands into her coat pockets, quickly reorganizing all her emotions, and returned to that unflappable, noble posture, "By the way, I have an important online meeting this afternoon, so I’ll leave first. Goodbye."

"Goodbye." Tang Song nodded slightly.

Ouyang Xianyue turned gently and walked away.

Her back remained tall and noble, only her footsteps were slightly disordered.

After walking out of the entire courtyard and sitting in the Audi car.

After sitting in the Audi A8L that had been waiting for a long time, she finally calmed down.

She suddenly remembered that regarding the internal power struggle of the [Tang Gold Family Office], regarding [Tang Zong Entertainment] and Su Yu, and even Liu Qingning—those most important public matters she had originally intended to discuss openly and deeply with Tang Song, she had forgotten to say a single one!

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

She almost instinctively wanted to open her mouth to signal the driver to stop.

But the words reached her lips, and she bit her rosy lips tightly again.

Her gaze fell involuntarily on the [Moonlight's Blessing] on her chest.

Her fingertips stroked it gently.

Perhaps, there was another way to solve the matter.

On the other side.

Watching Ouyang Xianyue’s back disappear at the end of the courtyard, Tang Song withdrew his gaze.

His gaze returned to the system light screen.

Selected [Ouyang Xianyue’s Soul Tribute] and used it immediately.

[Character "Precision Queen - Ouyang Xianyue" skill filtering...]

[You have obtained "Calligraphy Skill"]

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

Calligraphy skill?

A spirited smile appeared on Tang Song’s face.

He was actually quite interested in "calligraphy" himself.

And it was also a skill for self-cultivation, which could enhance his perspective, temperament, and foundation.

Returning to the study, he first unfolded the calligraphy scroll gifted by Academician Ouyang Chengping on the massive desk.

Staring at the four large, dragon-like characters that pierced through the paper.

Then, he spread out a new sheet of rice paper, picked up the purple-tipped brush prepared in the brush washer, and began to imitate it.

The characters he wrote were quite pretty, but they ultimately lacked that true spirit and backbone.

At this moment.

"Ding-a-ling—" The phone rang suddenly.

[Sister Shuyu]

Tang Song raised the corners of his mouth and answered the phone, "Hello? CEO Xie, finally remembered you have an investor like me?"

On the other end of the phone came Xie Shuyu’s slightly tired but still capable voice: "Sorry, there have been too many things these past two days; I just finished a conference call with several suppliers. How about you? What time is your flight to Rongcheng? I’ll pick you up at the airport."

Tang Song said directly: "I’m already in Rongcheng."

According to their previous agreement, he would arrive at least one day before the private meeting started.

However, because of these two "private matters" with Qiuqiu and Ouyang Xianyue, he hadn't told her in advance.

He was afraid of complications.

On the other end of the phone, Xie Shuyu was clearly stunned for a moment, then asked in a low voice: "Oh? Then—where are you staying tonight?"

Tang Song raised his eyebrows, keenly sensing that something was wrong.

Based on his understanding of this female CEO, she was a woman who paid extreme attention to personal boundaries.

Asking this must have a purpose.

He smiled and said: "Not sure yet. Why? Does Sister Shuyu have any good recommendations?"

On the other end of the phone, there was a brief silence.

After a long while, Xie Shuyu said: "I’m still staying with my friend Meng Ran; I told you about her before, she’s a senior operations executive for Alibaba’s Hema Fresh in the Southwest region, and her personal ability is extremely outstanding. I intend to invite her to be the COO of our [Micro-Light Coffee]."

She paused again, then said slowly: "Why don't you come stay with me tonight? By the way, meet Meng Ran, have a meal together, and see if you can help me poach this top talent."

Stay together?

Hearing the female CEO’s sudden bold invitation.

Tang Song’s hand holding the brush tightened, and his heart skipped a beat.

After a moment of silence, he said seriously: "I can, 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?"