Full charm points, inherit game assets

Chapter 634 Loyal Xiao Jing, the Unusual Movements of the White Moonlight
Building T5, No. 1 Shencheng Bay.

Liu Qingning slowly slumped onto the sofa, clutching the warm, smooth [Green Gourd] in her hand, as if all her strength had been drained away.

She barely slept a wink last night.

He lay on the bed, replaying every detail of his meeting with Su Yu in the darkness over and over again.

Su Yu's face, so perfect it seemed unreal; her words, seemingly gentle yet actually laced with wit; and that glaring photo of Tang Song and Jin Meixiao standing together.

Jealousy, fear, and a deep sense of betrayal churned within her, forming a storm she could barely control.

She knew that the predecessor of Smile Holdings started in the second half of 2016, which was when they had just entered their freshman year of college.

Tang Song and Jin Meixiao actually knew each other back then.

And we've worked together in such a close way for so many years.

She was no stranger to Jin Meixiao; in fact, she knew her very well. She had previously learned about her from various financial reports and internal documents, and later gained a deeper understanding of her after joining Qingning Technology.

Both are so-called "genius girls," but one comes from a prestigious family, attends an Ivy League school, and holds two degrees from Harvard. Before she was even twenty, she was able to make waves in the international financial market.

And what about her?
She was just a "test-taker" from a small town.

With talent and hard work, he was admitted to a prestigious university in Beijing, participated in an entrepreneurship competition, and cautiously began his life, striving to climb higher.

From any perspective, Kim Mi-so is like a "perfectly evolved version" of herself.

She... was simply no match for him.

That's why she said the words "break up" in the video early in the morning.

It was neither a test nor a joke.

Rather, she genuinely wanted to give it a try.

She wanted to force herself into this outcome to see if she could handle it.

She is an extremely decisive person who is used to mathematics and programming, and always tries to solve problems in the most rational way, even if it brings great pain.

But when such a scenario actually occurred, she realized that she simply couldn't handle it.

Previously, the two were just ambiguous friends, and that feeling was restrained and deeply buried, allowing her to remain clear-headed.

But when they actually became a couple, and when the emotions that had been suppressed for more than a decade erupted like a volcano.

She was already deeply involved and unable to extricate herself.

If she were to truly give up completely this time, it would mean that she would lose completely to the inexplicably appearing Jin Meixiao and to the radiant Su Yu.

This also means that she will lose him forever.

Therefore, she could only awkwardly use a clumsy joke to cover up her disastrous "stress test".

...

The sky outside the window was gradually tinged with the light of dawn.

"Miss Lime, breakfast is ready. Would you like to eat it now?"

Suddenly, Aunt Mei's voice came from behind her, interrupting her thoughts.

Liu Qingning snapped out of her daze, shook her head blankly, and said in a hoarse voice, "I don't have much of an appetite right now, I don't want to eat."

"Are you feeling unwell? You look terrible." Aunt Mei approached with concern. "Should I contact your private doctor?"

"It's okay, I just didn't sleep well last night."

Liu Qingning stood up and walked straight towards the bedroom.

Return to the room.

She didn't turn on the light, but simply walked to the bedside and sat down.

After a long while, I took out my phone and opened QQ Space.

In the photo album, photos bearing the marks of their time lie there quietly.

He appears in almost every part of it.

Playground, classrooms, dormitories, grove of trees, canteen...

She just kept watching, and her eyes welled up again, tears rolling down her cheeks.

After a long while, she slowly closed her eyes.

It felt like I had returned to my carefree teenage years.

She didn't know how much time had passed, but when she opened her eyes again, all the vulnerability and sadness in her eyes had faded.

Instead, a cold flame appeared.

She went into the bathroom and let the cold water run down her head.

Then, I went back to bed and drew the curtains.

I forced myself to fall asleep.

When she woke up again, it was already past ten in the morning.

Sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains, casting a bright patch of light on the floor.

She went into the living room and said to Aunt Mei, who was cleaning, "Aunt Mei, I'm hungry."

Aunt Mei was taken aback, but her face immediately lit up with a relieved joy, and she quickly put down what she was doing.

"Oh, what would you like to eat? I'll make it right away!"

"No need to trouble yourself, Aunt Mei. Just reheat the porridge and snacks from this morning; I'm very hungry."

"Okay, please wait a moment." Aunt Mei nodded immediately, turned around and went into the kitchen, busily getting to work.

Soon, plates of exquisite and plentiful breakfast were served again.

I finished my breakfast quickly.

Liu Qingning went to the study and sat down at the desk.

First, I turned on my computer and calmly entered keywords such as "Smile Holdings", "Jin Meixiao", "Tangyi Precision", and "Tang Jin Family Office" into the search box.

I re-examined all the publicly available information I could find.

He then picked up his phone and swiped his finger across the screen.

I found a contact and dialed them directly.

The call was quickly answered.

"Hey! Mr. Liu!"

"Lili, is now a convenient time to talk?"

"Wait a moment..." A series of hurried footsteps and suppressed breathing came from the receiver. After more than ten seconds, Huo Lili said nervously in a low voice, "President Liu, is there something you need from me?"

"Lili, do you still plan to change jobs?"

"Of course I want to. Mr. Liu, I don't have many friends in Shenzhen, and I've always wanted to continue working with you!"

"That's perfect. There's a position at Qingning Technology that's a good fit for you. Please send me a revised resume."

"Ah! Okay, I'll get right on it! Thank you so much, Ms. Liu! Thank you so much!"

"Don't be so polite. I personally brought you to Shenzhen, so naturally I have to take responsibility for you."

After hanging up the phone, her fingers didn't pause for a moment.

Huo Lili was an old employee whom she personally recruited from Beijing and brought to Shenzhen.

I had previously made several subtle requests to continue working with her after she left Century Wisdom.

But at that time, Liu Qingning had just been parachuted into [Qingmi AI]. As a newcomer, she only hoped to achieve results to prove herself to Tang Song and others.

If you rush into forming cliques and establishing your own faction, you will definitely be seen by those with ulterior motives as blurring the lines between public and private interests and undermining the stability of the company's existing team.

But now, things are different.

She immediately dialed the second number, Li Ziying.

The moment the call connected, the seriousness on her face vanished, replaced by the relaxed smile that comes with best friends.

"Hey? Ziying, where have you been having fun lately?"

"Just arrived in Sydney two days ago, and I'm just spacing out here at the Opera House. What's up, my busy man?"

Li Ziying is her core entrepreneurial partner at Century Wisdom, responsible for data business, and is extremely capable.

After cashing out and leaving the market with her, we embarked on a round-the-world trip.

"Ziying, have you had enough fun?" Liu Qingning's tone was teasing. "I remember you've always wanted to delve into the application of AIGC in the business field, right? Qingmi AI is building a new commercial data team. Interested in coming over and working alongside me?"

On the other end of the phone, there was a long silence from Li Ziying, filled with immense surprise, and rapid breathing.

...

"Hey? Shuangshuang, didn't you say before that you wanted to compete for a position in the [Xuanji Light Realm] from within Tangyi Precision, but you didn't have enough qualifications?"

"Now, the opportunity has come. You should submit your internal transfer application now, and I'll take care of the rest."

"Why are you being so polite with me? I've always looked forward to the day when we could actually work together on a project."

"Bye, I'm hanging up now."

One phone call after another was made.

Liu Qingning maintained a smile throughout her conversations with her former colleagues and classmates who were close to her and highly capable.

Before meeting Su Yu and uncovering the truth, although she knew that Qingning Technology was co-founded by Tang Song, she subconsciously felt that she was more like a "professional manager" or "nominee" entrusted with important responsibilities.

But now, with her intelligence and IQ, she has naturally connected all the clues.

This company was created entirely during the Tang and Song dynasties.

Moreover, the name "lime" is deliberately chosen, and its meaning is self-evident.

This should have been the ultimate romance in the world.

But behind this romance, the stories of Su Yu and Jin Meixiao also come to light…

Those powerful rivals she couldn't defeat, rivals so formidable they drove her to despair.

Since I can't let go of that twelve-year-long relationship, and since I can't go back to the starting point where I can pretend that nothing ever happened.

Then we have no choice but to charge forward.

She must take the initiative to seize the position that rightfully belongs to her and defend the honor that bears her name.

……

imperial capital.

The VIP reception room on the top floor of the headquarters of Smile Holdings.

Xiao Jing sat upright on the soft sofa, her hands neatly placed on her knees, her back ramrod straight, like a primary school student waiting to be called on by the teacher.

In those bright, expressive eyes, there was tension, trepidation, and shame...

And a hint of morbid excitement.

There was a knock on the door of the reception room.

Immediately afterwards, Shangguan Qiuyue walked in. "Xiaojing, Director Jin has finished his work. I'll take you there."

"Oh, oh! Thank you, Sister Shangguan."

Xiao Jing quickly stood up, first straightened her clothes in front of the glass window, and then followed Shangguan Qiuyue outside.

Today, in order to make a better impression on Director Kim, she specially changed into "Director Kim's outfit".
Light gray suit jacket, silk shirt, midi skirt, stockings, nude high heels...

Even the hairstyle was copied.

Walk through that familiar, busy corridor.

She arrived outside the executive director's office. "Knock knock knock—" Shangguan Qiuyue gently knocked on the door.

"Enter."

A clear, cold, and echoing female voice came from inside. The tone was calm, yet it made people involuntarily tighten their shoulders and backs.

"I'll wait for you outside." Shangguan Qiuyue turned around and gave Xiaojing a meaningful look before turning away and disappearing into the light and shadow of the corridor.

Xiao Jing's throat bobbed involuntarily as she slowly pushed open the door.

This was the second time she had stepped into Director Kim's "divine domain".

But unlike last time, she came as a promising "employee" to participate in the training.

Now, she comes to "pay homage" to the real "Empress" as a "newly appointed concubine" who has learned a shocking secret.

It was still that familiar, sophisticated, and luxurious office.

The air was filled with a faint aroma of white tea, elegant and restrained, just like Director Kim himself.

Sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, reflecting the magnificent city skyline outside.

She stood in the center of the office.

She has a tall and slender figure, sharp shoulders, a slim yet powerful waist, and a smooth curve in her hips, as if sculpted by an artist.

Unlike his previous dignified and capable demeanor, Director Kim appeared more "down-to-earth" today.

She was wearing a loose silk shirt with the neckline slightly open, revealing her delicate collarbone.

Her thick, long brown hair was casually piled up at the back of her head, with a few stray strands falling on either side of her face, adding a touch of softness to her exquisitely beautiful features.

Those clear, spring-like eyes quietly fell upon Xiao Jing.

There was no threat, yet it made one's heart tighten.

Xiao Jing lowered her gaze slightly, not daring to meet his eyes.

~o_o~
[How terrifying! This is definitely Empress Hancock unleashing her Conqueror's Haki! I feel like I'm about to be petrified by her Love-Love Fruit and then brutally suppressed!]

Her face flushed slightly, and she bowed respectfully: "Director Jin... it's a pleasure to see you again."

"Hello, Xiaojing." Secretary Jin's voice was gentle, with a clear sense of propriety. "I heard from Shangguan that you want to discuss something with me in person?"

"um, yes."

"sit."

The two sat facing each other, a wisp of steam rising from their white porcelain teacups.

Xiao Jing straightened her chest and silently repeated Tang Song's instructions to her in her mind.

Then, mustering his courage, he raised his head and clearly stated his personal desire to join [Dejurenhe].

Smile Holdings is not only a shareholder of Tangyi Precision, but also a major shareholder of Dejurenhe. Her personal personnel are all with Smile Holdings.

This "job hopping" is actually more like a reasonable internal transfer.

Secretary Kim listened calmly and patiently, without interrupting or agreeing.

Only after she finished speaking did she smile faintly and ask casually, "You should know that Zheng Qiudong's team consists of top consultants poached from McKinsey and Bain. In your opinion, what are your advantages compared to them?"

Xiao Jing froze instantly, seemingly unable to process what was happening.

What?! (ω)!

This isn't like the script!

She thought it would be a reprimand from the "first wife" to the "second wife," but it suddenly turned into a serious HR interview!

In terms of professional competence, even ten of them tied together couldn't compare to the true elite talents at Dejurenhe!

The problem is... Xiao Jing is here to get in through connections!

When Tang Song arranged this matter, he made it clear that she wouldn't need to handle any actual business...

Secretary Kim remained silent, her clear eyes seemingly able to see through everything.

She naturally exuded a suffocating, absolute tranquility befitting the pinnacle of power.

Under immense pressure, Xiaojing's mind raced, and she finally said somewhat hesitantly, "In my role in the HRBD at Tangyi Precision, I'm primarily responsible for talent strategy and organizational development. In this process, I... I've come to deeply understand the importance of high-end talent to the group's ecosystem, and I've also gained some experience in cross-departmental coordination..."

Her voice trailed off as she spoke, and even she herself felt that her reason was far-fetched.

“Really?” Secretary Jin gently interrupted her. “As far as I know, your greatest achievement at Tangyi Precision was successfully promoting the ‘Afternoon Tea Break Variety Optimization’ and ‘Office Pet-Friendly Day’ projects. That’s certainly… very ‘creative’.”

"Here…"

Xiao Jing's cheeks flushed bright red in an instant.

[I'm doomed! I've definitely been bullied by the main wife! Is Director Kim going to spank me?!]

[How terrifying! Lord Tang Song, save me!]

She looked up at Director Jin's stunningly beautiful face and his "cartoon hand" style, which was completely different from Tang Song's.

She was trembling with fear.

(ω)
Seemingly noticing her distraction, Secretary Kim's tone remained calm, but carried an undeniable pressure:

"Internal job transfers within the group are never arbitrary. Xiaojing, think carefully about what your real strengths are."

Looking at the powerful, confident, and aggressive Empress before him, and at her eyes that seemed to pierce through his heart.

Xiao Jing's clever little mind suddenly had a flash of inspiration, and she seemed to finally understand the real test question of this "interview".

She quickly stood up, bowed, and said, "I think my biggest advantage is that I understand your needs better than they do, and I'm also more... loyal!"

Secretary Kim's brows and eyes finally relaxed, and a subtle smile appeared in her eyes.

She stood up, walked to Xiaojing's side, and reached out to smooth the wrinkles in her collar, her movements as natural as those of sisters who had known each other for many years.

"Very good. From now on, you must report to me immediately about anything that happens around you."

[Oh my god, I got touched! This hand is so gentle and smells so good...]

“Okay…okay, I understand, Director Kim.”

"In private, you can call me 'Sister Smiling'."

“…Sister Smiling.”

"Wait a moment." Secretary Kim chuckled, walked to her desk, took out a beautifully wrapped small blue gift box from the drawer, and handed it to her. "I didn't give you a gift for your birthday last week, so this is my way of making up for it."

"Thank you, Sister Jin...Smiling Sister." Xiao Jing quickly accepted it with both hands, her face flushed with excitement.

【Wow! Is this what palace intrigue is like? It feels...it feels even more exciting than in anime! I actually survived! And...I even received a reward from the Empress! (▽)】

[Does this mean I'll be able to hang out with Director Kim from now on? Hehehe~]

While she was lost in thought.

Secretary Kim extended her perfect "cartoon hand" and took her hand. "Sit down and tell me about you and Tang Song."

Xiao Jing felt the warm, smooth, and jade-like texture in her hands, and her eyes lit up with excitement.

As a professional hand fetishist, she simply couldn't refuse, and even couldn't help but squeeze back slightly.

Secretary Kim frowned but didn't say anything.

The two sat down on the sofa again.

As Xiaojing felt Director Jin's hand, she shyly began to recount her "little stories" with Tang Song.

At the same time, she couldn't help but look down at her chest guiltily.

There, a tiny recording device was tucked inside, its constant heat sending shivers down her spine.

(…)
This was a "task" given to her by Lord Tang and Song, who said it was to preserve evidence for future "review and learning".

But she always felt that this was more like a manifestation of the perverted and perverse tastes of the Tang and Song officials.

Now, on the surface, he has become Director Jin's "dog," but in secret, he still obeys Lord Tang Song's orders with absolute loyalty.

It's like—the legendary "master's mission".

I wonder if Lord Tang Song will become even more ruthless if this mission is successfully completed.

Send her to the "wilderness," "quiet streets," "office"...

Or they might do something even more perverse and shameful.

Thinking of this, Xiaojing couldn't help but squeeze her legs, which were covered by stockings, together, and her cheeks flushed sickly.

……

11 o'clock in the morning.

There was another gentle knock on the office door.

Shangguan Qiuyue pushed open the door and entered, walked to the desk, and reported in a low voice:

"Director Jin, Tian Jing has already left."

"Hmm." Secretary Jin looked up. "Any new developments with Liu Qingning?"

Shangguan Qiuyue's expression instantly turned serious. "Just as you predicted, Liu Qingning took the initiative to contact Yingxue and made several suggestions regarding personnel changes at Qingning Technology."

In addition, she hoped that Yingxue would help her good friend Liu Shuang from Tangyi Precision to compete for a position in the [Xuanji Light Realm] project team.

Yingxue followed your instructions completely, cooperated with her probing, and agreed to her request.

"very good."

Secretary Kim slowly stood up, walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, and looked down at the city landscape below, which resembled a chessboard.

Her full lips curved into a perfect arc.

After a moment of silence, she spoke again: "We can contact Professor Wang now. Qingning is still too young and needs her teacher to help her."

Shangguan Qiuyue immediately bowed and replied, "Okay, received."

Looking at Director Jin's breathtakingly beautiful back view, Shangguan Qiuyue felt a strong sense of awe and admiration.

She worked alongside Director Kim for seven years and witnessed firsthand how she arranged everything step by step.

First, he cleverly arranged for Professor Wang Chang, a highly respected professor at the Imperial University, to meet Liu Qingning as her "mentor." He took her to participate in competitions, encouraged her to start her own business, and subtly guided her every step of growth while accurately grasping all her thoughts and feelings.

Later, he strongly advocated moving the headquarters of Qingning Technology from Beijing to the distant city of Shenzhen to promote closer cooperation between Qingning Technology and Tangyi Precision.

And now, through the project [Xuanji Light Realm], the two have officially begun to have in-depth business interactions.

Every step was carefully considered and interconnected.

Director Jin once said that Liu Qingning is very similar to her in terms of her core values.

Pride, intelligence, rationality, and an innate, relentless competitive spirit.

Now, this once proud "white moonlight" has passively accepted President Tang's "affection," and her heart is filled with resentment and a sense of crisis.

Such a person, when subjected to tremendous stimulation and given sufficient power, will absolutely unleash unimaginable energy.

Compared to Tian Jing, who only wanted to be a "couch potato," Liu Qingning was the most suitable person to fight for control of Tangyi Precision.

Shangguan Qiuyue knew about Director Jin's concerns and fears.

Ms. Ouyang's background is too complicated. She has been married before and has a huge family connection.

No one can guarantee that this powerful "ally" will not remarry in the future, or bring other people or their descendants into the core of the Tang Jin family office.

Even if she stops having children, she still has a huge "family" power behind her.

Given the other party's influence and Tangyi Precision's current strategic position, it will ultimately be a huge hidden danger in the future.

Appropriate weakening is necessary, but it's crucial not to truly anger Ms. Ouyang; Liu Qingning is the best candidate for this.

(End of this chapter)