Full charm points, inherit game assets

Chapter 684 Approximately the same age

The sky outside the window was gradually darkening.

As the end of the workday approached, the number of customers in the flagship store increased.

Tang Song hung up the phone and put it back on the table.

His expression was calm, but the coldness in his eyes did not dissipate.

Given his current mindset and status, he wouldn't normally seek out Ouyang Xian Yue for something like this.

After all, the business world is like a battlefield.

【Weiguang Coffee】is currently experiencing rapid growth.

Capital clashing and interests clashing are perfectly normal.

Zhongshu Group's plan is simply to take advantage of Weiguang Coffee's weak background and seize its profits.

As long as he personally endorses the company and reveals the background of Rongliu Capital, all the troubles will disappear.

But the person Meng Ran just mentioned, Chen Hao from [Shuxian Supply Chain], really made him feel very uncomfortable.

Especially since he had just taken the final step with this female CEO.

Hearing this kind of news would naturally make one unhappy.

If you're unhappy, then you should try to be open-minded.

Just then, a uniformed shop assistant carefully walked over and placed the tray on the table.

"Mr. Xie, Mr. Tang, your dinner is ready."

"Thank you." Tang Song nodded.

Following that, several exquisite light meals newly launched by the flagship store were served one after another.

Golden brown steak rolls, fresh quinoa salad, panini, and two uniquely presented desserts.

The reason they traveled all this way was because Xie Shuyu wanted to show him the new dishes.

After all, he is a major shareholder of the company.

As the waiter appeared, Meng Ran and Xie Shuyu gradually recovered from the shock of the phone call.

Meng Ran swallowed hard and tentatively asked, "Tang Song, who is this 'Chen Jingsong' you mentioned on the phone just now?"

Tang Song nodded slightly and said calmly, "Chen Jingsong is the chairman of Zhongshu Group."

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Meng Ran's expression instantly became incredibly interesting.

Holy crap! It really is him!
With her keen eye for people, she could naturally tell that Tang Song's words were not just empty boasting.

Moreover, he has no need to do so.

After all, this kind of thing can't be faked.

But... this is just too outrageous!
She knew Tang Song was very rich; after all, he was a tycoon who could casually take out 40 million yuan in cash to invest in a Series A coffee shop.

But having money doesn't mean having power.

Especially in Chengdu, facing a deeply entrenched "local tyrant" like Chen Jingsong and the Zhongshu Group, whose political and business connections are deeply intertwined.

Pure money isn't necessarily the best tool.

Unless... unless he also has a strong official background here.

This could arouse Chen Jingsong's apprehension.

Xie Shuyu had obviously guessed this as well. She took a deep breath and slowly suppressed the huge turmoil in her heart.

He asked in a low voice, "Tang Song, do you know Chen Jingsong?"

"I don't know it." Tang Song shook his head slightly and placed a quinoa salad in front of her. "I had never even heard of this name before today."

Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran were both stunned.

Tang Song looked at the female CEO's somewhat bewildered and complicated eyes, and smiled faintly: "But that's not important. What's important is that he will recognize me."

There seemed to be a faint electric current flashing in the air.

Meng Ran's breathing became slightly sluggish.

Xie Shuyu felt an indescribable flutter in her heart.

At this moment, Tang Song's expression was calm, but his aura was exceptionally powerful.

It was as if everything was within his expectations, and everything would proceed according to his rhythm.

Confident, composed, and elegant.

It exudes unparalleled charm.

Xie Shuyu pursed her lips tightly, and her body reacted instinctively.

She knew very well that this was an immense attraction and temptation, both physiologically and psychologically.

A moment of silence fell over the booth in the corner.

soon.

"Buzz-buzz-buzz-buzz-"

Tang Song's phone, which was on the table, began to vibrate wildly.

The screen displayed an unfamiliar Chengdu local number, a very attractive number with a string of 8s at the end.

Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran immediately sat up straighter.

Their eyes were fixed on the constantly flickering screen, and even their breathing became a little rapid.

They immediately realized that this was probably a call from Chen Jingsong himself.

Less than five minutes had passed since Tang Song finished making the call to "Secretary Chen".

The shock they felt at this efficiency was indescribable.

However, Tang Song did not answer the phone.

He simply picked up a delicate beef panini from the table and slowly took a large bite.

The slightly charred bread made a crisp "crunch" sound, and the semi-melted cheese inside combined perfectly with the savory ham.

He exclaimed sincerely, "Mmm, it's delicious, the ingredients are of very high quality."

Then, he pushed another plate of smoked salmon rolls in front of Meng Ran, who looked nervous.

A gentle smile appeared on his face: "Come on, our future COO, try it out and give us your feedback on our new product."

Meng Ran took it subconsciously, her gaze still involuntarily drawn to the phone screen.

Xie Shuyu, standing beside her, pursed her lips and reminded her, "Tang Song... on the phone..."

Tang Song took another bite of panini. "No rush, let's eat first."

Meng Ran's eye twitched, and she couldn't help but look at her best friend.

Good guy!
Xiaoyu! What kind of boyfriend did you find?
What kind of powerful background and influential connections must this person have?!

Chen Jingsong took the initiative to call, but he just left it hanging!

Xie Shuyu's throat bobbed, and there was a hint of confusion in her eyes.

The reason she didn't seek help from Tang Song immediately was...

Besides her inherent strong will and independence, it was also because the Zhongshu Group put enormous pressure on her.

The deeper she delved into the business, the more she understood just how complex things really were.

Government capital, industry associations, upstream and downstream relationships...

It was a net that could penetrate every nook and cranny.

This was a rare business predicament for her in her many years in the industry.

It takes a tremendous amount of energy and effort to get through it.

But Tang Song tore everything apart with just one phone call.

Previously, she had also made some speculations about the source of Tang Song's wealth.

After all, Tang Song worked at [Meigou Technology] for three whole years after graduation.

Those three years also happened to be the golden period when [Meigou] leaped to become a global cross-border e-commerce unicorn.

Options cashing, capital myths, the birth of internet tycoons...

He may be one of the people who reached the pinnacle of that wave.

Tang Song didn't tell her the specifics, so she didn't ask.

Just like how she never fully disclosed her own assets, real estate, and savings to Tang Song.

In her view, adults' relationships should retain a certain degree of independence and privacy.

But now it seems... I underestimated him.

After a moment of silence, the phone on the table started vibrating again.

It was as if it was issuing an urgent urging.

Tang Song still didn't answer the phone; instead, he put it on silent.

Xie Shuyu and I enjoyed quinoa salad and steak rolls together.

……

The headquarters building of Zhongshu Group, 17th floor.

Outside the glass wall of the conference room, night had fallen.

The "Southwest China New Consumer Brand Supply Chain Collaboration Conference," personally chaired by Chen Hao, has finally come to a close.

This was his first major meeting since taking office as General Manager of [Shuxian Supply Chain].

The afternoon of presentations and Q&A sessions allowed him to make a grand appearance in front of numerous suppliers and subordinates.

This meeting was not just a business meeting, but also the starting point for him to re-establish his position within the group.

【Zhongshu Group】is a typical regional holding giant.

The system is complex and has a strict hierarchy.

In addition to [Shuxian Supply Chain], which is responsible for the fresh food cold chain.

The company also owns [Shutong Logistics], which controls a large amount of core warehousing resources; [Shushang Real Estate], which owns numerous commercial real estate properties; and [Shuwei Food], which provides semi-finished products to countless catering brands, among others.

It can be said that it is like an invisible net, covering the entire consumer industry in Southwest China.

Before being transferred to [Shuxian], he was one of the heads of [Kayu Shiguang], a chain coffee brand under the group.

During his two years in office, the domestic new consumer coffee industry was booming.

Brands such as Luckin Coffee and Kudi have emerged one after another.

【Coffee Time】has been completely squeezed out, with a vague positioning, poor competitiveness, and bad reputation.

Currently, half of the 21 stores are operating at a loss.

It became a "hot potato" that all departments within the group avoided at all costs.

It is also an indelible stain on Chen Hao's resume.

If he can lead this collaboration with [Weiguang Coffee] and successfully integrate the assets of [Kayu Shiguang]'s 21 stores into the highly promising [Weiguang] brand system through "cross-shareholding", then...

Not only can it instantly revitalize this bad asset, but it can also completely rid itself of the stain of failure.

He turned his career around in one fell swoop.

Moreover, there's Xie Shuyu, the founder of [Weiguang Coffee].

Beautiful, elegant, rational, sexy…

That unique temperament, which concealed a sharp edge beneath its dignified appearance, filled him with a strong desire to conquer.

Thinking of this, the corners of his lips unconsciously turned up slightly.

The meeting ended.

The conference room door was pushed open, and the air still carried the aroma of tea and coffee.

Chen Hao was surrounded by executives from several core suppliers.

With a polite smile and eloquent speech, he exuded the air of a spirited young CEO.

While exchanging pleasantries, he took the opportunity to invite several representatives from the partners to dinner that evening.

At the opportune moment, he jokingly said, "Actually, I had originally invited Mr. Xie from [Weiguang Coffee] to come along, hoping to introduce everyone. Unfortunately, Mr. Xie is busy, or perhaps he felt that our Shuxian is not up to par."

As soon as he finished speaking, the suppliers burst into knowing laughter.

The atmosphere was relaxed, yet undercurrents were subtly present.

Within this circle, everyone can hear the "warning" behind these words.

Just then, the sound of hurried high heels came from the side front.

The female secretary, dressed in an office lady suit, rushed over, looking somewhat unwell, and clutching her phone tightly in her hand.

"Mr. Chen, it's the chairman on the phone."

Chen Hao raised an eyebrow, casually took the phone, smiled and apologized to the person next to him, then quickly walked to the side of the corridor.

She said in a light tone, "Hey, Dad? Are you done? My meeting just ended, and it went very well—"

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a deep, angry roar from the other end of the phone: "Shut up! I wasn't asking about the meeting!"

Chen Hao's smile froze instantly.

He immediately sensed something was off about his father's tone, and his face darkened.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

Chen Jingsong on the other end of the phone seemed to be struggling to suppress his emotions. "I'm asking you, what's the deal with 'Weiguang Coffee'?" "Weiguang Coffee?" Chen Hao was taken aback, a sense of foreboding washing over him. "What do you mean? It's a collaborative project with Shuxian. I got it through Secretary-General Zhao of the Provincial Catering Association..."

Before she could finish speaking, Chen Jingsong interrupted her again with a deep, cold voice, "Don't think I don't know anything! You changed the supply price for [Weiguang Coffee] in the internal ERP system, adding two percentage points, didn't you? And you deliberately put the supply chain transportation at the lowest priority, causing multiple delays, didn't you?!"

“Yes.” Chen Hao quickly explained, “But Dad, I did this just to put some pressure on the other party and hopefully push forward the cross-shareholding plan of [Coffee Time]. I’ve discussed this idea with Vice President Zhao of the group before, and it’s feasible.”

"Did you orchestrate this whole thing?"

"Yes……"

A heavy hissing sound came through the receiver.

Chen Hao tensed up instantly, realizing something was wrong. "Dad, what...what happened?"

"You! Right now! Immediately! Contact Xie Shuyu of Weiguang Coffee and make sure she understands, no matter what method you use or what cost you have to pay! If you can't do it..."

Chen Jingsong was silent for a moment, then said slowly and deliberately, "Then get out of the country and don't stay with Zhongshu Group!"

Chen Hao's expression froze instantly. "Why...why? Dad! Xie Shuyu...I checked her background, she should...she should..."

"Shut up! You idiot! Do you know who just called me?"

"Who...?" Chen Hao's voice trembled slightly.

Immediately afterwards, an unbelievable name came through the receiver.

Chen Hao's mind went blank with a "buzz".

How...how is this possible?!
The call was hung up.

Chen Hao remained rooted to the spot, his phone still pressed against his ear.

Half a minute later, his hands began to tremble uncontrollably.

His face was deathly pale.

……

Weiguang Coffee Flagship Store.

Outside the window, the city of Chengdu boasts a vibrant and dazzling night view.

Inside, the air is filled with the rich aroma of coffee and delicious food.

Xie Shuyu and Meng Ran sat side by side opposite Tang Song, but neither of them was thinking about eating.

Between the two, Xie Shuyu's phone, which had been kept silent, had its screen constantly lighting up and dimming, like a carousel.

The caller ID displayed familiar yet heavy names.

[Chen Hao from Shuxian Supply Chain], [Zhao Ying, Deputy Secretary-General of the Provincial Catering Association], [Wang Chengyong, Regional Sales Director of New Hope Dairy]... and several unfamiliar numbers she hadn't saved.

In addition, the red dot on WeChat was constantly flashing.

Chen Hao offered a humble apology.

Other suppliers who had previously shirked their responsibilities to her also sent enthusiastic invitations to collaborate.

All of this happened within a single hour.

Xie Shuyu pursed her lips and, as Tang Song had instructed, "concentrated" on her meal without making any response.

The shock in my heart was hard to calm down.

Over the years of entrepreneurship, she has always relied on herself to knock on doors, negotiate, and persevere.

She's used to both the cold shoulder from investors and the suppression from rivals.

After all, starting a business is inherently difficult and fraught with obstacles.

But at this moment, for the first time, she truly felt a sense of being "protected".

"call--"

Meng Ran let out a long breath, and just as she picked up the fork, her hand froze again, and her eyes widened.

Xie Shuyu's phone screen lit up again; it was a text message from an unknown number.

[Mr. Xie, hello. I am Chen Jingsong from Zhongshu Group. My son's misbehavior has caused your company great trouble, for which I sincerely apologize. Please rest assured that we will make up for all losses and show our utmost sincerity in hoping to gain your and Mr. Tang's understanding.]

The air suddenly solidified.

Xie Shuyu stared blankly at the screen, her fingers trembling slightly.

Meng Ran's fork fell onto the plate with a "clatter," splashing some cream sauce.

Her lips parted slightly, but she couldn't speak for a long time.

He just stared blankly at Tang Song, who was elegantly sipping his coffee, his eyes filled with instinctive awe.

Good guy!
Just how much official power did this involve?!
"clatter--"

Tang Song put down his coffee cup and gently wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Looking up at the female CEO opposite him, he smiled and said, "The matter should be resolved soon. Mr. Xie must be tired after a long day. My friend has a detached house by the Huanhua Creek. The environment is fantastic. Would you like to stay there tonight?"

It's simply inconvenient to stay at her best friend Meng Ran's house.

Xie Shuyu was also a little reserved.

Once we get there, it will be his territory.

He wanted to see what kind of breathtaking charm this dignified and composed female CEO would display in front of him after completely letting down her guard.

Their eyes met.

Xie Shuyu looked into his deep, almost piercing eyes and listened to his seemingly inquiring but actually irrefutable invitation.

My heart skipped a beat.

She opened her mouth, her voice dry, and said, "Okay."

……

at the same time.

On the banks of Huanhua Creek, inquire about the moonlit courtyard.

Ouyang Xian Yue ended the video conference with the European headquarters of Tangyi Precision and went to the tea table by the window.

I picked up the tea, which had gone cold, and took a sip.

Her gaze was fixed on the century-old ginkgo tree in the courtyard, her fingers unconsciously stroking the jade pendant on her chest.

After a while.

She sighed and strolled into the study connected to the tea room.

Spread out the Xuan paper, pick up the brush, and begin to paint with ink.

The brushstrokes danced across the pristine white paper, the ink varying in shades.

With just a few strokes, a tall and upright figure is sketched.

Just a few days ago, under the red maple tree at Tingzhu Pavilion, Tang Song reached out to brush the fallen leaves from her shoulder, his eyes filled with a gentle smile.

She was 29 years old when she met him, while he was only 19.

She was even still wearing the wedding ring that symbolized another chapter in her life.

Throughout our time together.

She never dared to imagine that she would stand beside him in that capacity.

She is an extremely intelligent woman who is also very good at examining herself.

She knew that she might have admired him all these years.

However, this emotion was suppressed by strong inner rationality and the shackles of being an "elder".

But this time, Tang Song changed, especially his attitude towards himself.

This caused ripples to appear on the once still lake in her heart.

That's why I started making excuses for myself.

But I always feel that if we really end up going down that path...

There will be an indescribable, immoral sense of shame in one's heart.

Looking at the familiar yet slightly unfamiliar figure in the painting.

She couldn't help but mutter to herself:
"How do you really see me?"

"If I really take the initiative... wouldn't you think I'm shameless?"

...

At this moment.

"Boom boom boom——"

A soft knock sounded on the door.

Ouyang Xian Yue immediately composed herself, regaining her calm and dignified demeanor. "Please come in."

Immediately afterwards, Secretary Chen Jing tiptoed in, carrying a dark blue folder.

She bowed respectfully and said in a low voice, "Ms. Ouyang, the matter Mr. Tang instructed has been taken care of."

"Ah."

Then, Chen Jing handed over the folder in her hand and continued, "In addition, this is all the background information about that Miss Xie Shuyu and [Weiguang Coffee]."

Ouyang Xianyue took the folder and casually opened it.

On the first page, a passport photo immediately caught her eye.

The woman in the photo has delicate features, a dignified demeanor, and a professional smile on her lips.

She is indeed a mature and beautiful woman.

Looking at Xie Shuyu's photo, Ouyang Xianyue subconsciously stroked her smooth cheek with her fingertips.

She has always maintained her skin and physical condition very well.

She was very confident that her looks and temperament were no worse than the other person's, and might even be better.

However, Xie Shuyu is really thin, which is completely different from my own slightly plump figure.

I wonder which he prefers, Tang or Song?
She immediately realized her lapse in concentration, quickly regained her composure, and continued reviewing the documents.

More than ten minutes later.

She casually closed the folder and asked indifferently, "How are the arrangements going with Lin Muxue?"

Secretary Chen quickly replied, "I've already finalized the details with the real estate agent in Shanghai for that apartment. We'll be handling the final property transfer procedures next week."

"You will personally oversee this matter and make sure nothing goes wrong."

"Ok!"

Ouyang Xian Yue nodded, picked up the brush again, and began to inscribe poems on the painting.

Meanwhile, Secretary Chen continued to report on the latest developments regarding the [Xuanji Light Realm].

That apartment in the Lujiazui IFC was nothing more than a tiny fraction of her vast assets, something she could simply give away as a favor.

Her real purpose was nothing more than to win over Tang Song's personal assistant.

She had already investigated Lin Muxue's character.

In fact, the investigation was already thorough when Zhao Yaqian signed the contract to become a beneficiary of [Juqing Huijin].

Despite some flaws, he is generally a "safe" person.

To Ouyang Xian Yue, whether Lin Mu Xue was high-profile and greedy or vain, it didn't matter much.

As long as she is loyal to the Tang and Song dynasties, she is a "good person".

It is someone who can be united with.

Offering favors and introducing her to connections from her hometown is a way to forge a deeper bond of mutual benefit with her.

...

"...Ms. Wen Ruan has completed the internal integration of [Nebula International Group]. In a while, she will officially assume the position of Chairman of the Group and participate in the work of [Xuanji Light Realm], having more contact with Ms. Liu Qingning. In addition, she recently went on a business trip, and in addition to her assistant, she also brought Zhang Yan with her. She is Mr. Tang's junior high school classmate, and it seems that she intends to involve her in the project."

“Oh?” Ouyang Xian Yue paused slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, “Wen Ruan will be frequently traveling between Shenzhen and Yancheng, and staying in hotels all the time is neither convenient nor safe.”

Make a note of this: in the Tang Jin family office, apply for a property for Wen Ruan, and register it directly in her name.

In addition, she will be provided with a private car and a full-time driver in Shenzhen.

She was, after all, a woman of the Tang and Song dynasties, and had already entered the family's decision-making committee. Such treatment was what she deserved.

I believe Director Kim will have no objections either.

"Okay! Understood!"

Secretary Chen immediately nodded in agreement, then turned around and quietly left the study.

Until her figure completely disappeared.

Ouyang Xianyue put down her brush and picked up the file about Xie Shuyu again.

This time, she didn't look at those business resumes.

Instead, it slowly landed on the "Date of Birth" column.

32 years old, almost 33.

Her eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.

33 years old... that's 34 in the traditional Chinese age reckoning... and after the New Year, it'll be 35 in the modern age reckoning...

At this age, they seem to be around the same age as me.

(End of this chapter)