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Chapter 683 Make him contact me

In December in Chengdu, the sky was overcast and cold, and the air was damp and warm.

In the morning, Tang Song and Xie Shuyu went to Kuanzhai Alley in Qingyang District.

There was no driver or assistant.

Tang Song held Xie Shuyu's hand, like an ordinary tourist couple, strolling on the smooth bluestone path.

The streets and alleys are crisscrossed, and red lanterns hang among the green tiles and gray walls.

The air was filled with the aroma of roasted tea, the sweet scent of candied fruit, and the excited chatter of tourists.

The bustling crowds and the lively atmosphere of cooking intertwined.

At first, Xie Shuyu felt a little uncomfortable.

She still habitually straightened her back, maintaining her dignity and composure.

It had been many years since she had been able to break free from the constraints of the workplace and her identity, and simply and carefree have fun in the bustling streets.

Especially since she had a boyfriend with her.

This experience was both unfamiliar and subtle to her.

But when Tang Song slightly turned his body to shield her as she passed through the bustling crowd;
When he casually used a story he had just looked up on his phone to explain the origin of the ancient archway in front of her;
When the syrup from "Three Great Cannons" splashed onto the stone slab, and glistening sugar specks landed on his smiling face;
...

The tension that had been building in Xie Shuyu's heart for so long finally began to ease little by little.

For the first time, she truly experienced the ease and joy of being "cared for".

It made her feel immense warmth in the damp, cold winter air of Chengdu.

Following the online guide, Tang Song enthusiastically took her to People's Park.

I sat down under the open-air bamboo grove at "Heming Tea House" and, like the locals, ordered a pot of the most authentic covered-bowl tea.

The bamboo chair was simple, and the tea had a light, delicate aroma.

The old man at the next table was telling stories in his local dialect, covering a wide range of topics.

...

At lunchtime, they turned into a private restaurant next to the red walls and bamboo shadows of Wuhou Temple.

A typical courtyard house in western Sichuan.

Rosewood tables and chairs, a small bridge and flowing water in the courtyard.

Quiet and peaceful, without any extravagance, yet exuding elegance in every corner.

The two sat facing each other, savoring the exquisite and creative Sichuan dishes.

Even Xie Shuyu, who is usually very efficient, couldn't help but slow down her chopsticks.

In the afternoon, they strolled into Jinli.

On the quaint streets, lanterns hang high, and the shouts of vendors fill the air.

Sugar painting, shadow puppetry, and face-changing mini-opera stage all carry the charm of old Chengdu.

Tang Song stopped in the crowd and casually bought a string of crystal-clear candied hawthorns.

He handed the candied hawthorn to the female CEO.

Xie Shuyu initially wanted to refuse, but ultimately took a small bite.

"Crunch—" The sugar shell shattered, and the familiar sweet and sour taste filled the mouth.

She couldn't help but smile, her expression softening more than ever before.

At this moment, the dignified female CEO seemed to have returned to her girlish self.

"Buzzing—"

My phone in my pocket started vibrating violently at an inopportune moment.

[Assistant - Xiaomin]

Xie Shuyu quickly composed herself and answered the phone, "Hello, Xiaomin."

"Okay, notify the marketing department immediately, and have them send the latest competitor analysis report for East China to my email before the end of the workday."

"Okay, I understand. I need to discuss the change of packaging supplier with Director Wang and the others again..."

She walked along while quickly arranging the work.

Just before hanging up, Xiaomin couldn't help but remind him, "By the way, Mr. Xie, there's a collaboration meeting at 2 PM this afternoon hosted by [Shuxian Supply Chain]... You... are you really not going? Mr. Chen's assistant just contacted me, and his tone wasn't very friendly."

Xie Shuyu stopped in her tracks, pursed her sweet-smelling lips, and said, "I'm not going."

She only noticed it when she hung up the phone.

My WeChat is overflowing with unread messages, including several from newly contacted suppliers.

In that instant, the familiar work pressure surged back.

She thought of the pressure from Zhongshu Group, the pressing issue of replacing suppliers, and Linglian Technology's tempting yet unresolved financing proposal…

She looked up at Tang Song, her lips moving slightly: "I—"

Before she could even open her mouth, Tang Song reached out and put his arm around her waist, interrupting her, "We agreed not to talk about work today. What? My girlfriend, are you trying to go back on your word?"

"But... there are a few very important things that need to be taken care of..."

"What could be more important than me?" His eyes held an irresistible seriousness.

Xie Shuyu was taken aback, her eyes wavering.

After struggling for a moment, he let out a long breath.

Then I put my phone on silent.

"Let's go."

Something inside her seemed to have been broken.

……

After leaving Jinli, they took a car to Sichuan University's Wangjiang Campus.

The two walked one after the other on the sycamore-lined avenue, golden sycamore leaves falling to the ground.

Stepping on it produces a soft, soothing "rustling" sound.

Xie Shuyu put her hands in her coat pockets and walked with light and graceful steps.

Looking at the old-fashioned teaching building and the young faces, a nostalgic smile appeared between his brows.

Suddenly, there was a "whoosh" sound.

A large handful of yellowed sycamore leaves fell from above her head, falling like rain.

Xie Shuyu turned around and saw Tang Song standing under the tree with a mischievous smile on his face, clapping his hands at her.

"Stop it, the leaves are dirty, these are clothes I just washed."

She glared at him, but couldn't help but smile.

Tang Song smiled and stepped forward, gently embracing her from behind.

He rested his chin on her shoulder, inhaling the delicate fragrance of her hair, and feeling the graceful figure of the female CEO in his arms.

With a slight exertion of his arm, he lifted her up amidst her gasp of surprise.

"Hey! If you keep doing that, I'm going to get angry!"

"Then be angry, let me see how cute you are when you're angry."

"you……!"

"Hahaha--"

The sounds of laughter and playfulness spread along the quiet sycamore-lined avenue.

"Thud—" A cool sensation hit her burning cheek.

Her long eyelashes fluttered.

Xie Shuyu raised her head.

“Da, da da—”

Sparse raindrops began to fall from the gray sky.

The water splashed onto the withered yellow sycamore leaves and the cold stone pavement, creating small ripples.

A light cloud hangs over the Milky Way, a sparse rain drips from the paulownia trees.

The poem from which her name comes suddenly popped into my mind.

At that moment, she felt as if she had truly returned to her university days.

Back then, she was just like this, on a drizzly afternoon.

I walked alone on the tree-lined avenue of Jinling University, which was filled with plane trees.

Raindrops dampened her hair, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass.

She pondered the topic of her graduation thesis, contemplating a future that seemed both uncertain and full of hope.

Like any ordinary girl, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of man I would marry in the future.

She couldn't help but turn around and look at the figure who had also stopped walking.

In that moment of distraction.

Tang Song suddenly opened his arms and hugged her.

Eye contact.

Cold raindrops slid down between the two of them.

Breathing overlapped at this moment.

"It's raining, we need to leave quickly," Xie Shuyu whispered.

Tang Song did not answer, but simply moved his cheek closer.

Xie Shuyu's heart pounded violently.

As the drizzle fell, she tiptoed slightly and kissed his lips.

……

at the same time.

Hema Fresh Southwest Regional Headquarters Office.

The atmosphere was serious and tense.

Meng Ran wore a perfect professional smile as she accompanied a group of middle-aged men in formal attire, exuding a powerful aura.

While introducing operational data from time to time, they guided them on a tour of the spacious office area.

But her mind was not on this at all.

He frequently raised his wrist to look at his phone screen.

There was no phone call, nor a reply on WeChat.

My best friend Xie Shuyu seems to have vanished into thin air; she's completely disappeared.

I glanced to the side and saw those figures surrounded in the center.

Meng Ran was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

This afternoon, several leaders from [Shuxing Development Investment Group] suddenly came to their company to inspect the project.

The main reason is that Hema Fresh plans to build a high-standard smart warehousing center in Chengdu, which will serve the entire southwest region.

This project, in terms of both its investment scale and strategic significance, is enough to attract the attention of provincial leaders.

Shuxing Development Investment Group is a provincial-level investment platform under the background of the Sichuan Provincial Government. It manages state-owned assets worth hundreds of billions of yuan and is the "sugar daddy" of countless local enterprises.

Most importantly, the leaders who came this time were changed at the last minute, and Director Qian Weiguo was the one leading the group.

He has an even more important identity.

He is a director representative dispatched by [Shuxing Investment] to [Zhongshu Group].

As a shareholder director representing the interests of state-owned assets, he wields significant influence on the board of directors of Zhongshu Group.

After the inspection, these leaders will visit and experience the physical stores.

That store is located on the basement level of Yintai Center, and it is also Hema's largest flagship store in Southwest China.

It's very close to the [Weiguang Coffee] flagship store.

In fact, it was she who helped Xie Shuyu choose that place to open her shop.

Her original plan was to have Xie Shuyu and Tang Song rush over immediately and then bump into Director Qian at the store.

Then, it would be natural to introduce them to each other.

I'd like to mention the collaboration between Weiguang Coffee and Shuxian Supply Chain, as well as some "minor issues" encountered along the way.

【Weiguang Coffee】is now considered a well-known new consumer brand in Sichuan Province.

As the founder, Xie Shuyu was fully qualified to get acquainted with someone like Qian Weiguo, not to mention the wealthy Tang Song.

If we can get in touch with this person, we might be able to mediate and resolve the conflict with the Zhongshu Group through Director Qian.

After all, even Chen Hao.

If they want to take over Zhongshu Group smoothly in the future, they will also need the support of Director Qian.

She knew very well that the local power, Zhongshu Group, had deep roots in Chengdu.

Most of the core supply chain resources are inextricably linked to them.

When one's strength is not yet powerful enough to shake the rules, the best choice is never "confrontation," but rather "turning enemies into friends."

Although [Weiguang Coffee] can choose to "decouple" with confidence, it will inevitably come at a huge cost and may even affect the quality of the product.

Now, she has made up her mind to switch jobs and become the COO of [Weiguang Coffee].

Naturally, we hope that this company's future will be more stable and smooth.

At this moment.

The crowd began to move out; the leaders were heading to the physical stores.

Reluctantly, Meng Ran put away her phone and quickly followed after him.

She couldn't help but feel a little resentful towards her best friend, thinking, "You're such a disappointment."

This silly girl!
You're usually so dedicated to your work, but how come you become so unreliable when it comes to dating!

……

For the next hour or so...

Meng Ran forcibly suppressed all her selfishness and anxiety.

Accompanying Qian Weiguo and his entourage, they inspected the operation of offline stores and introduced the latest achievements of "Hema X Member Store".

They also answered the questions raised by the leaders from a professional perspective.

The entire process was flawless and impeccable.

After finally seeing all the leaders off respectfully into their cars, they watched as the black Audi A6Ls slowly disappeared into the traffic.

Meng Ran felt a pang of melancholy.

She glanced at her direct supervisor.

In the end, he didn't mention that he was leaving the company.

Let’s wait a little longer.

Let's see if there are any other opportunities to get to know Director Qian again and deepen our relationship.

After all, she had worked very hard to get this connection today.

It would be such a pity for Weiguang Coffee, which is still in trouble, to shut down just because of my resignation.

Moreover, tomorrow is the brand private sharing session hosted by CBN (China Business Network).

Her presence as a regional executive at Hema Fresh undoubtedly carries more weight and will better help Xie Shuyu establish herself in the market.

After all, those attending tomorrow will not only be dairy giants and supply chain leaders from the Southwest region.

Furthermore, there are partners from several top fintech companies in Beijing and Shanghai.

That was a truly high-level game.

Just as she was feeling troubled.

"Buzz buzz buzz—" The phone suddenly vibrated.

[Light rain]

The phone finally rang, and the screen displayed the name "Xiaoyu".

Meng Ran strode to a corner, pressed the answer button, and her voice was filled with barely suppressed urgency: "Hello?! Xie Shuyu! Where have you been?! You're not answering your phone or replying to your WeChat messages. I thought you'd been kidnapped!"

Xie Shuyu's deep voice came through the receiver: "Sorry, Ranran, my phone has been on silent."

"You!" Meng Ran was furious. "Then where are you now?"

"Just arrived at the Yintai Center flagship store of Weiguang Coffee."

Meng Ran felt like she couldn't catch her breath. "Oh my goodness! Director Qian and the others just left two minutes ago!"

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone.

"...I'm sorry, Ranran."

Hearing her apology, which was full of exhaustion and regret, all of Meng Ran's anger instantly turned into helplessness.

She sighed and softened her tone, saying, "Never mind, things are already like this. I'm here in Block B of Yintai Center now. Don't move, I'll come find you."

"it is good."

Xie Shuyu's voice was very soft, and you could tell she was very disappointed.

Meng Ran paused, then asked, "By the way, have you told Tang Song about this?"

"Not yet. The main reason I came to the flagship store for dinner tonight is to talk to him and, incidentally, about the supply chain in the Southwest region. After all, he is now a major shareholder of the company, and according to procedure, we need his approval."

"Okay, I got it, bye."

After hanging up the phone, Meng Ran gave a brief explanation to her colleague beside her.

He picked up his bag and left.

After turning a corner, we passed through the connecting corridor inside the mall.

Soon I saw that familiar storefront.

As she pushed open the door, she glanced around and saw her best friend sitting alone in a booth by the window.

"Ranran, you're here."

Meng Ran walked over and plopped down in the seat next to her.

She said irritably, "Miss Xie, I'm really fed up with you. You missed such a good opportunity! I was so anxious I almost wet my pants!"

"I know I was wrong today."

Xie Shuyu lowered her head, her voice offering no explanation.

She spent the whole day immersed in a long-lost sense of ease and joy.

The hustle and bustle of Kuanzhai Alley, the covered-bowl tea in People's Park, the candied hawthorns in Jinli, the drizzle and embrace under the plane trees at Sichuan University…

Those tender moments made her feel as if she had stepped into a completely different life.

Especially after she silenced her phone, she really didn't think about anything.

Forget about work, forget about troubles, and just immerse yourself in the warmth and comfort of love.

But ultimately, we still have to face reality.

As Meng Ran said, she did indeed miss a golden opportunity.

Regret, anxiety, self-blame, and helplessness surged into my heart like a tide.

For her, who has always regarded her career as the highest pursuit in life, this blow was particularly heavy.

Seeing her best friend's disappointed expression, Meng Ran's anger completely dissipated.

She gently comforted him, "It's alright, it's alright. Maybe there will be other opportunities in the future. Besides, I've got Director Qian's office contact information, there'll always be a way."

"Hmm." Xie Shuyu sighed.

Meng Ran glanced around and asked, "Where's Tang Song?"

"over there."

Meng Ran looked in the direction her best friend pointed and was slightly taken aback.

Not far away, behind the bar, Tang Song was making coffee himself.

He was wearing a simple white shirt, with the cuffs casually rolled up to his elbows, and his smooth arms looked exceptionally clean under the light.

With focused expressions and elegant movements, they were a pleasure to behold.

Soft light shone on him.

He exudes a strong aura of asceticism.

Meng Ran smacked her lips.

Okay, this damn male stunner.

If it were me, I would love to have such a perfect boyfriend.

Forget about work, they'd probably forget even their own last name.

I have to say, my best friend is really eating well!
Then, she lowered her voice and asked tentatively, "Xiaoyu, what are you planning to do about what happened this morning?"

Xie Shuyu's brow twitched almost imperceptibly. "Ranran, don't get involved in this matter, and don't say anything carelessly. I never planned to get married in the first place, you should know that."

Meng Ran was stunned for a moment, then understood what she meant.

As a close friend from university, she naturally knew Xie Shuyu's personality.

She's a typical career-driven woman, even more hardworking than her.

She lacked confidence in marriage and had never seriously considered dating.

I initially thought she had finally come to her senses after finding a boyfriend, but it turns out she's still the same.

“But…” Meng Ran couldn’t help but feel indignant on her behalf, “Even so, shouldn’t he have gone to have breakfast with another woman the morning after you slept together for the first time? That’s just too much!”

Xie Shuyu tightened her fingers slightly.

She realized that she seemed to actually care a little now.

The two were silent for a while.

"No way!" Meng Ran slammed her hand on the table, lowering her voice, "I still think he's a total jerk! Since he's not going to take responsibility for marriage, he should at least share more of the trouble and pressure with you in your career! You're just too strong-willed and have too much pride. Like that mess with [Shuxian], you could just dump it on him, since he's the major shareholder anyway. And let him know how many people are eyeing a beautiful woman like you, make him nervous!"

Before the words were finished, a steady sound of footsteps approached.

"What are you talking about? Why are you so excited?"

Tang Song walked over carrying two cups of coffee.

Meng Ran's eyes flickered, and she put on a frustrated expression. "I was just complaining about your boss, Mr. Xie! This afternoon, Director Qian from [Shuxing Investment] came to inspect our store. I was planning to introduce him to Xiaoyu to see if we could solve [Weiguang Coffee]'s current big problem. But what happened? Your boss, Mr. Xie, didn't answer my calls or reply to my WeChat messages, and we completely missed the opportunity!"

Tang Song raised an eyebrow slightly, and asked in surprise, "Oh? What big trouble?"

Meng Ran looked somewhat excited and was about to speak.

Xie Shuyu raised her hand to interrupt her, "Let me explain."

Tang Song sat down in the booth and quietly looked at the female CEO opposite him.

After a moment's thought, Xie Shuyu said, "It's still about the supply chain. The Southwest region is our second core market after North China. To ensure product quality, we definitely need to use the best raw materials. Our previous partner was [Shuxian Supply Chain], recommended by the Provincial Catering Association..."

Then, she explained in a clear and logical manner.

The issues surrounding Shuxian, the control exerted by Zhongshu Group behind Shuxian, its high dependence on the supply chain, and the "equity investment conditions" proposed by Zhongshu Group.

Finally, she couldn't hold back any longer, her eyes turning serious as she said, "[Zhongshu Group] is a true local giant, backed by state-owned assets, and practically controls the entire warehousing, logistics, and supply chain in the Southwest region. The conditions they've offered are clearly an attempt to take advantage of us, and I can't possibly agree to them."

Meng Ran hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help but interject, "Also, Chen Hao, the general manager of [Shuxian], is the son of the chairman of [Zhongshu Group]. He is clearly interested in Xiaoyu, and the so-called cross-shareholding and Series B financing are probably related to this."

"Ranran." Xie Shuyu frowned. "Don't talk nonsense. We've only met once."

Meng Ran didn't interrupt, but just stared intently at Tang Song.

She wanted to see it.

Faced with a behemoth like [Zhongshu Group], with such a powerful background.

What would the Tang and Song dynasties have done?
If he truly cares about Xiaoyu and the company she painstakingly built, he should stand up for her no matter how difficult it is.

We can't just back down now, can we?

However, Tang Song showed no sign of panic or worry.

He pushed the steaming coffee in front of Xie Shuyu.

He reached out and gently brushed the stray hairs from her ear.

"Okay, I understand. I'll handle this."

Meng Ran was taken aback and instinctively wanted to ask, "What do you plan to do?"

But then I noticed that the lazy, gentle smile on Tang Song's face had disappeared.

His entire aura became somber and cold.

This invisible pressure made her words stuck in her throat.

Then, Tang Song picked up his phone, found a contact, and dialed the number directly.

"Dudu-"

The call was answered almost instantly.

Without any pleasantries, he said directly, "Secretary Chen, it's me."

"You know [Zhongshu Holding Group Co., Ltd.], right?"

“A coffee company I personally invested in, [Weiguang Coffee], has recently encountered some operational obstacles from Zhongshu in the Southwest market.”

"...Okay, then let Chen Jingsong contact me directly."

Listening to Tang Song's brief phone call, especially the last sentence that directly named him.

The two people opposite were startled.

Xie Shuyu froze for a moment, her fingers stiffly gripping the cup.

Meng Ran's expression changed drastically, her eyes filled with disbelief.

She had naturally heard of Chen Jingsong's name.

He is the vice president of the provincial catering association, the chairman of Zhongshu Group, a prominent figure in Sichuan's business community, and also Chen Hao's father.

Tang Song actually used such an almost commanding tone to make the other party contact him first?!

(End of this chapter)