Full charm points, inherit game assets

Chapter 645 School Anniversary
The bedroom lights were turned back on, casting a warm yellow glow over Tang and Song.

Instead of immediately checking the newly triggered task, he clicked on the video again, which had a rough, dated look.

Quietly watching myself in the video, a self that is both familiar and unfamiliar.

At eighteen, he was full of vigor and his eyes were filled with undisguised longing for the future.

Around me were noisy classmates, full of good-natured teasing;

Outside the window, the summer sun shines so brightly it's almost blinding.
In my heart, I dreamed of the wonderful life at university.

At that time, he firmly believed that he would get better and better, and that one day he would meet his white moonlight at the agreed-upon peak.

It was precisely because those memories were so beautiful that when he later left the capital, said goodbye to his beloved, and his life hit rock bottom, seeing Deng Yazhi's graduation photo on her WeChat Moments caused him such excruciating pain.

The feeling of helplessness, of having his dreams utterly crushed by reality, almost consumed him.

Fortunately, the dream came true, and the game assets became a reality.

just now……

The once unattainable ideal has returned to his side.

Those seemingly unrealistic teenage boasts are gradually becoming reality.

He has even far exceeded his own boldest expectations from back then.

Tang Song let out a long breath, a huge, almost scalding feeling of emotion and pride welling up inside him.

"Buzzing—"

[Deng Yazhi: "For the past few years, I've really wanted to see our old friends again and see how they're doing. But everyone's so busy, and we're all scattered all over the country, so it's not easy to meet up. Seeing you today really brings back so many memories. It's amazing how well that little Song has become. I'm so happy for you! You truly are someone I had high hopes for!"]

Tang Song looked at her still cheerful and straightforward writing and a warm smile appeared on his face.

She typed a reply: "Thank you, Duck. It was a pleasant surprise to meet you today, and I'm very grateful that you kept these precious photos and videos."

[Deng Yazhi: "I often look back at our old stuff, it really brings back so many memories. Oh well, I have to go now, my boss is chasing me for the manuscript again, I need to get to work. You get some rest, see you tomorrow."]

Tang and Song Dynasties: "See you tomorrow."

Tang Song put down his phone and lay back on the headboard, lost in thought.

After a long while, his eyes regained their calm and depth.

Open the system interface to view the task details.

This branch task is not as simple as it seems.

The task description uses phrases like "implementing a strategic investment intention" and "shaking up the local industrial landscape".

This is no longer something that can be accomplished simply by signing an investment contract or donating a school building.

Jinan, after all, is an independent economic entity with a population of millions.

To truly "shake" its industrial landscape, what is needed is not only massive amounts of capital, but also top-level strategic design, enormous resource integration capabilities, and the political wisdom to engage in in-depth negotiations with local governments.

Every step of this process is fraught with challenges and uncertainties.

But it is precisely because of this that one can better improve one's abilities and perspective.

He is now standing at the crucial threshold of the "Charming 90s" transformation.

Indeed, a real, high-level "political-business battle" like this is needed to improve one's abilities and perspective.

Moreover, "giving back to one's hometown" is probably the ultimate romantic fantasy that every ambitious man has ever dreamed of.

The immense sense of accomplishment from personally transforming one's homeland is undoubtedly unparalleled.

This is not just about completing a task, but also about fulfilling a dream I once had.

Tang Song's lips curled up slightly, and his eyes shone with youthful vigor.

He picked up his phone again and dialed Shen Yuyan's number directly.

"Beep beep beep—" The phone rang a few times and was quickly answered.

On the other end of the line, Shen Yuyan's sweet voice, deliberately lowered, immediately came through: "Hello... Mr. Tang, is it because you need me to handle some 'special' personal matters for you that you're calling me so late?"

Tang Song chuckled lightly, not responding to her teasing, and said directly, "Shirley, inform Chen Weitian of Rongliu Investment and have him organize an investment team of about five people, focusing on semiconductor materials and new energy hardware. Team members should have relevant industry backgrounds and experience in dealing with government-guided funds. Have them come to Quancheng tomorrow afternoon to report to me in person."

Shen Yuyan on the other end of the phone was visibly taken aback for a moment, then her voice instantly became professional and capable: "Okay, Mr. Tang! I've got it!"

"Hmm." Tang Song paused, then continued, "Also, regarding tomorrow's meeting with Mayor Li, I plan to spearhead the establishment of an industry fund in Jinan. Shirley, please make the necessary preparations. You will also be responsible for the initial coordination work for this project in the future."

"...Yes, thank you for your trust, Mr. Tang. I will not let you down."

Tang Song could clearly hear Shen Yuyan's rapid and disordered breathing.

……

Zhende Hotel, Room 706 (Standard Room)

The room was brightly lit, and the air was filled with the unique aroma of coffee and instant noodles, typical of those who work overtime.

Deng Yazhi rubbed her sore eyes and her fingertips flew across the keyboard of her laptop.

On the screen was a press release about tomorrow's school anniversary celebration.

She is finalizing the wording of the section about "distinguished alumni returning home".

"Yazhi, I can't take it anymore!" A girl with her hair in a bun next to me wailed. "How many drafts has this already? How much more do they want to revise?!"

Deng Yazhi didn't even look up, her eyes glued to the "core points of the report" document from the Municipal Party Committee's Publicity Department on the screen.

While comforting her, she said, "Xiaonan, hang in there a little longer. That's just Director Liu's style; he's notoriously 'allergic to the first draft.' Write down his comments first, and I'll help you revise it after I finish going through this draft."

She was already used to this intense torture.

From a contract worker in another city to passing the exam to get a permanent position at Quancheng TV Station, which she had always dreamed of, she cherishes this hard-won job more than anyone else.

“Okay…” Sun Xiaonan sighed.

Time slipped away little by little amidst the tapping of the keyboard and the occasional sigh.

Half past eleven in the evening.

The two finally sent the revised press release and documentary script to Director Liu's email address.

Deng Yazhi slumped back in her chair with a sigh of relief and stretched out a big yawn.

Sun Xiaonan, who had just finished washing up in the bathroom, suddenly stopped in her tracks as she passed Deng Yazhi's computer.

"Yazhi! Who is this handsome guy?! Is he a newly debuted star? His aura is amazing! Broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs... Wow, he's my type! Wait, is this him in high school? He was handsome then too! But... he's even more stunning now!"

As she spoke, she practically pressed her face against the screen.

Seeing her colleague's infatuated expression, Deng Yazhi immediately showed an extremely proud look and proudly raised her chin: "Handsome, right? He's my high school classmate, Tang Song. The picture on the right is one I just took of him downstairs tonight."

"Your classmate?!" Sun Xiaonan's eyes widened instantly. "Really?! Quick, send me his WeChat! I need his contact information!"

Deng Yazhi laughed and pushed away her head that was leaning in. "Don't even think about it. He's already taken. Back in high school, he was a couple with the top student in our class."

"Huh? They're boyfriend and girlfriend now?"

Deng Yazhi hesitated for a moment, but still told the truth, "This... I don't know."

She had been working in other provinces before, and only this year did she pass the exam to join the city's television station and return to her hometown of Jinan.

I was so excited at the time that I even posted that high school graduation photo that I had treasured for many years on my WeChat Moments.

I'm thinking I must find some time to see these old classmates and see how they've all changed.

I even wanted to take another photo of them to create a fun comparison.

However, due to being too busy with work, this plan has been put on hold.

Therefore, she really didn't know what the current situation was between Tang Song and Liu Qingning.

Sun Xiaonan's eyes lit up instantly, and she continued to ask, "Then there's still a chance! By the way, what does he do for a living? Is he also developing his career in Jinan?"

Deng Yazhi shook her head. "He majored in computer science and is a programmer. He used to work for a big company in Beijing, but later returned to Yancheng. He should still be in Yancheng now."

"A programmer? That's not bad! They earn a lot!" Sun Xiaonan exclaimed excitedly. "Will he come to the school anniversary celebration tomorrow too?"

"Come on, she's very loyal, so you'd better stop messing with her."

"Oh, just leave it at that. Tell me quickly, what's the situation with this Tang and Song? Let me get some information about the enemy beforehand."

Deng Yazhi smiled, a hint of reminiscence flashing in her eyes, and began to describe the Tang and Song dynasties as she saw them.

She only ended up in the same class as Tang Song after the division into arts and sciences tracks in the second half of her first year of high school.

Back then, Tang Song was sunny, cheerful, and handsome, full of youthful charm, the kind of guy that would make girls take a second look.

Starting in his senior year of high school, in order to be in the same city as Liu Qingning, he seemed to become a different person, studying desperately.

Unfortunately, the gap in talent was ultimately insurmountable, and he fell far short, ending up at Yancheng University of Science and Technology, regrettably missing out on his dream.

During university, I seemed to become a different person; I became quiet and reserved, unkempt, and lost contact with many classmates.

At the time, Deng Yazi was worried about her old classmate's mental health, so she went to see him several times.

After they started working, the two rarely kept in touch.

But she also knew that Tang Song was still following in Liu Qingning's footsteps and had run to the capital.

As she spoke, she clicked on the "interview video" from seven years ago in her cloud drive.

In the scene, a young boy sits at his desk, being teased by his classmates to answer his expectations for the future.

Deng Yazhi looked at the screen and sighed softly.

Over the years, she has also learned about the current situation of some of her high school classmates on and off.

Aside from Liu Qingning, that "freak" who seems to have an unstoppable run, the one who's doing the best is probably Sun Jiayue, who works in the fundraising department of a decent financial company in Shanghai.

And even more...

Some people went straight into society after failing the college entrance examination. Now they work on various construction sites, their skin is tanned dark, and they no longer look like they used to be.

Some people get into good universities, but after graduation they are still ordinary office workers, struggling in big cities.
Some people are already married with children, and their WeChat Moments are now filled with pictures of their kids and links to Pinduoduo (a Chinese e-commerce platform).

It should be noted that the young man Ling Yunzhi once promised to be the best in the world.

At the age of seventeen or eighteen, they are at the most youthful and impetuous.

Who hasn't made those seemingly unrealistic, grand promises to the future?
But looking back now, what we feel more is a sense of regret and helplessness after our edges have been worn down by reality.

After all, ideals are often lofty, while reality is harsh.

How many people can truly become the person they most wanted to be when they were young?
For example, although she pretended to be relaxed and boasted to Tang Song that she was a reporter from the city TV station, she was actually just doing odd jobs like coordinating and running errands with the program team.

Currently, he's just an insignificant nobody at the station.

……

November 20, 2023, Monday, sunny, 4~19℃.

Six o'clock in the morning.

A thick fog blanketed the entire county town outside the window, the grayish-white mist enveloping it.

Deng Yazhi and Sun Xiaonan were awakened by a piercing alarm clock and struggled to sit up in bed.

After washing up and changing into the prepared black women's formal attire, I grabbed my bag and went downstairs.

After a quick breakfast at the hotel restaurant, I rushed off to school.

Banners were hung outside the campus, a red carpet was laid out at the school gate, and security and etiquette teams were lined up in an orderly manner.

Signing in, receiving media passes, filming footage of the school gate, and randomly interviewing several students and retired teachers who had been pre-arranged by the school…

Completed work tasks.

Deng Yazhi took her DSLR camera and began taking photos casually on campus.

Returning to her alma mater, the familiar yet unfamiliar environment made her feel as if she were seeing herself again, wearing a school uniform and running in the sunlight, which inevitably brought back some emotions.

It was exactly 8:00 AM.

The main crew of the program finally arrived in a grand procession from Jinan city.

The leader was Liu Jianjun, the chief producer and deputy director of the news center of the "Quancheng Observation" program.

He was in his early fifties, slightly overweight, with a serious expression and impeccable attire. He first glanced at the footage shot by Deng Yazhi and Sun Xiaonan, then gave them a few stern instructions.

Then he turned around and chatted with the host Xie Xuan and the chief cameraman about today's interview and filming process.

It was at this moment that Deng Yazhi caught a name in their hushed conversation that made her heart skip a beat.

Today, Mayor Li Jiping actually came to the scene in person.

She and Sun Xiaonan exchanged a glance, both seeing undisguised shock in each other's eyes.

No wonder the station went to such lengths this time, with even Director Liu and the station's mainstay Xie Xuan personally taking charge!

When they arrived at the square in front of the main venue, it was already bustling with activity.

The etiquette students invited by the school, dressed in bright red cheongsams, lined up neatly on both sides of the red carpet.

Outside the square, you could even see uniformed police officers and plainclothes security personnel patrolling discreetly.

This clearly exceeds the security level that should be expected for a typical middle school anniversary celebration.

Accompanied by festive drumbeats, luxury cars with local license plates began to drive into the open space in front of the venue.

Soon, an even bigger commotion than before came, attracting her attention.

A black Bentley slowly drove up.

The car door opened, and two figures stepped out of the car with great confidence, surrounded by school leaders.

Sun Xiaonan whispered in admiration, "That must be Li Yunfan, the CEO of Maixiangyuan, right? He has such a commanding presence. Who's that handsome young man next to him? Is he his assistant?"

“No.” Deng Yazhi shook her head. “That’s our senior, Zhao Rui, a top student from Tsinghua University. I heard he was promoted to VP of the investment banking department at CICC this year and led the IPO of a company.”

"Wow, that's amazing! He's a true prodigy. He's not even thirty yet, and his annual salary is probably over two million, right?"

"Yes, he was two years ahead of us and was also the top scorer in the college entrance examination that year."

Deng Yazhi's tone was filled with complex emotions.

Their graduating class had only been out of university for a little over three years, and very few of them had made it big, with even fewer outstanding alumni being invited back.

Most of those who received a grand reception were business tycoons in their forties and fifties, like Li Yunfan.

On the contrary, the heights reached by Zhao Rui, a peer of similar age, were more shocking to her.

It was a real sense of gap between peers that was difficult to overcome.

Presumably, even Liu Qingning, who is engaged in AI startups, is somewhat behind the other party.

Sun Xiaonan looked at Zhao Rui, who was being fawned over by everyone, and clicked her tongue. "Sure enough, power and status are a man's best disguise. Look at Zhao Rui, he's tall and handsome, a young and dashing financial elite, he's practically a male protagonist from a novel!"

Upon hearing this, Deng Yazhi couldn't help but chuckle: "Hehe, what? You've suddenly changed your mind? You don't like our Tang Song anymore?"

"Hehe, not really." Sun Xiaonan stuck out her tongue. "I was just expressing my feelings."

They all work within the system and have a deeper understanding of the halo that comes with status.

She also knew that she wouldn't even have the chance to interact with such a person, let alone fall in love with him.

While they were secretly sighing.

Two understated black Volkswagen Magotans slowly drove into the square.

"The county leaders have arrived!"

A hushed reminder immediately rang out from the crowd.

A group of school leaders and local entrepreneurs immediately rushed forward with tense expressions.

Under Director Liu's arrangement, Xie Xuan immediately went into battle mode, leading the cameraman and sound engineer to meet them.

At this point, Deng Yazhi and Sun Xiaonan, the two "nobody" who were in charge of "odd jobs," were completely idle.

I could only stand on the periphery of the crowd, watching from afar this lively scene belonging to successful people.

After a while, the scene gradually calmed down.

Sun Xiaonan suddenly remembered something and nudged Deng Yazhi's arm, "By the way, when is your classmate Tang Song coming?"

"Let me ask," Deng Yazhi said, taking out her phone from her pocket and sending a WeChat message to Tang Song.

Actually, after the school anniversary celebration officially started, everyone would sit separately according to the arrangement, and afterwards, as a reporter, she would be busy again.

She genuinely hoped to have a few words with her long-lost classmate before that happened.

"Ding-dong-"

[Tang Song: "We just set off; it will take about ten more minutes to arrive."]

Deng Yazhi quickly replied, "Okay, see you later."

Sun Xiaonan, who was secretly watching from the side, immediately brightened up: "Wow! Ten minutes! I'll be able to see my idol soon! Yazhi, do you think I should touch up my makeup?"

“…Fill your head my foot.” Deng Yazhi rolled her eyes at her.

Just then, Director Liu's voice suddenly came from not far away: "The municipal government's motorcade is almost here, everyone be alert! Deng Yazhi, you stay with Xie Xuan, pay attention to your position, and don't get in the shot!"

"Ok!"

Deng Yazhi's heart tightened, and she quickly ran over.

Sun Xiaonan also hurriedly put away her infatuated expression and followed behind her, pretending to be professional.

The mayor would certainly not give an interview casually in such a setting.

The television station's goal was primarily to capture footage of the leaders' visit and guidance, as well as to conduct brief interviews with the relevant leaders from the municipal publicity department who accompanied them.

However, the ceremony must be conducted in the most solemn manner possible.

As time ticked by, the news that "municipal government leaders will be arriving soon" quickly spread among the crowd.

The relaxed conversations that had been taking place in the square gradually faded away.

County official Zhang Chengming, No. 1 Middle School principal Liu Zengyin, and local entrepreneurs like Li Yunfan, who wield considerable influence in the business world, all abandoned their usual casualness, their faces showing a mixture of tension and anticipation, and they frequently adjusted their collars.

Accompanied by the deep roar of engines, two black Audi A6Ls and a Buick GL8 slowly drove into the square.

All eyes turned to the Audi "Number 1" in the middle.

"Click."

The sound of doors opening began to ring out.

Deng Yazhi, who was not far away in the crowd, couldn't help but hold her breath.

Immediately, familiar figures appeared one after another in sight.

Chen Jianguo, Director of the Municipal Development and Reform Commission; Lin Haisheng, Deputy Director of the Publicity Department; Wang Tao, Secretary of the Government Office; and Mayor Li Jiping.

Mayor Li was dressed in a dark executive jacket and had a steady figure.

His face was expressionless; he simply glanced calmly at the scene, exuding a powerful aura of authority without being angry.

At that moment, Deng Yazi's heart raced uncontrollably.

Since joining Quancheng TV, she has never met so many core leaders of the municipal government at once.

In particular, the renowned Mayor Li is even more intimidating than the rumors suggest.

"Mayor! Welcome to our county! All the cadres and people of Jingxian have been eagerly awaiting your visit!"

"Mayor Li, hello! I am Liu Zengyin from Jingxian No. 1 Middle School. We, the entire faculty and students, are truly honored that you could take time out of your busy schedule to attend our school's anniversary celebration!"

"Mayor Li, I am Li Yunfan from Maixiangyuan and also an alumnus of Jingxian No.1 Middle School. Welcome!"

...

A series of humble yet warm greetings rose and fell.

Mayor Li Jiping simply nodded slightly, shook hands with each of the main leaders, and said a few words of encouragement in a calm and unhurried tone, congratulating Jingxian No. 1 Middle School on its 50th anniversary.

The flashes were rapid, and the red lights on the cameras kept flashing, creating a grand and enthusiastic atmosphere.

The atmosphere at the scene reached its peak at this moment.

Sun Xiaonan nudged Deng Yazhi's arm from behind and whispered, "Why aren't the city leaders going in yet? It's so cold outside. Also, judging by the time, your classmate Tang Song should be here soon."

Hearing this, Deng Yazhi was also stunned.

Indeed, in principle, since the leaders of the municipal government have arrived, the county party committee and the school, as the hosts, should immediately welcome the distinguished guests into the VIP room of the main venue to rest.

Everyone had been waiting outside in unison, wasn't it all to welcome the mayor?

Why aren't you going in yet?

Just as she was filled with doubt, her secretary, Wang Tao, quickly approached Mayor Li and whispered a few words in his ear.

Immediately afterwards, Mayor Li not only showed no intention of moving, but turned around and turned his gaze to the end of the red carpet, even revealing a warm smile on his face.

This unusual action was like a silent command.

Everyone present who was "observant" turned around.

For a moment, in the eyes of Deng Yazhi, Sun Xiaonan and others, an extremely bizarre scene appeared on the square.

The leaders of the municipal government, the county party committee, and the school all stopped talking at the same time, as if they were waiting for the arrival of some important person.

The previously noisy crowd gradually quieted down.

The atmosphere became tense at a visible speed.

Deng Yazhi was stunned for a moment, unable to react.

Just then, a slight commotion suddenly came from the other end of the square, outside the cordon.

A black, solemn Rolls-Royce Phantom appeared silently at the end of the red carpet.

The heavy yet streamlined body gleamed with a cool sheen under the early winter sun, and the Spirit of Ecstasy on the hood shone brightly.

It drove smoothly all the way without the slightest hesitation, stopping precisely opposite Mayor Li and the group of leaders.

The passenger door opened first.

A tall and capable figure walked out from inside.

Today she was wearing a well-tailored gray women's suit, her long hair was neatly pinned up, and she wore an impeccable professional smile. She quickly walked around to the back seat and respectfully opened the rear passenger door.

A pair of gleaming black leather shoes stepped out first.

Immediately afterwards, a handsome and dashing figure appeared in everyone's sight.

He wore a custom-made dark blue suit, the top-quality fabric shimmering in the sunlight.

The suit fit his body perfectly, and in the sunlight, he looked like a drawn sword, full of power and elegance.

He simply raised his head slightly, without making any extra movements, yet he exuded an aura that was impossible to ignore.

Everyone's attention was instantly drawn to it.

Even Mayor Li Jiping paused almost imperceptibly for a moment.

Immediately afterwards, Liu Qingning, dressed in a beige business suit, stepped out from the other side of the rear door. However, she did not try to steal the spotlight; she simply stood there quietly watching Tang Song.

Just then, Shen Yuyan stepped forward at the opportune moment and said in a perfectly timed voice, "Mayor Li, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Tang Song, the chairman of Rongliu Capital."

"Hello, Mayor Li." Tang Song smiled confidently and extended his right hand.

Li Jiping stepped forward, grasped Tang Song's hand tightly, and said in a loud and sincere voice, "Hello, Chairman Tang! I've been looking forward to meeting you for a long time! Everyone says that Jingxian County is a place of outstanding people and beautiful scenery, and seeing you today, I can confirm that it truly lives up to its reputation!"

"Click - click -"

The sound of camera shutters clicking could be heard all around.

Sun Xiaonan's mouth unconsciously formed an "O" shape as she looked at the male god who stepped out of the Rolls-Royce Phantom and was personally received by the mayor. Her face flushed and her body trembled slightly.

Deng Yazhi stood there stunned, her hand instinctively holding up her DSLR camera, but she completely forgot to press the shutter.

She felt as if her brain had been struck by lightning.

This...this is...the Tang and Song dynasties?!

(End of this chapter)