November 7, 2023, Tuesday, cloudy turning to light rain.

At 6:50 in the morning, the sky was just brightening.

In the bathroom of the presidential suite at the Four Seasons Hotel, steam filled the air.

Tang Song stood under the showerhead, letting the warm water cascade over his sharply defined body.

The steam rose, and his slightly heated muscles pulsed with a powerful vitality.

He closed his eyes as the scene from last night under the dim streetlamp in Lanxin Garden Community uncontrollably replayed in his mind.

The first kiss was indeed wonderful.

Zhang Yan’s first kiss gave him an unprecedentedly deep and profound feeling.

When he told her “I like you too” yesterday, it was not a manipulative phrase but the most honest feeling in his heart at that moment.

Reflecting carefully now, this emergence of emotion was actually not hard to understand.

More than ten years of unrequited emotional projection, pure to the point of humble gazing, and remembering every tiny detail related to him...

This feeling of being cherished and valued for a long time and with sincerity could strike anyone’s heart in an instant.

After reuniting, the unpolished mix of timidity and bravery she carried was like a clear mirror, reflecting back the boy he once was.

Being with her felt easy and natural.

It seemed to effortlessly bring back those carefree days of the past.

From her, he could clearly feel the purest form of “being needed” and “being looked up to.”

That feeling gradually intensified and, on this ceremonial night, exploded completely with her confession and that tender kiss.

The shower gradually ceased.

Director Wen hurried out of the bathroom, water droplets sliding down his toned abs like butterflies.

He dressed in the wardrobe and casually picked up his phone.

The screen showed a few unread messages.

None from Lingling, none from Qiuqiu, and none from Zhang Yan.

[Hua Houjing: “Morning, Boss. You and Luna will depart immediately and should meet you after 10 a.m. All materials for the ‘Smart Chain Future’ project have been prepared, looking forward to the upcoming work! Fighting!”]

Notably, the scheming Campus Belle Shen posted a selfie there.

Her tight sportswear outlined her sexy curves, exuding a fragile charm.

The Smart Chain Future project had passed Director Wen’s draft paper approval, so he would definitely invest.

Since I can stay in Yangcheng, Zhang Yan’s usual assistant can replace me throughout, reporting in real-time, which also fulfills the system task requirements.

I replied to everyone’s messages and chatted briefly.

Seeing the time was tight, he then walked back to the master bedroom with heavy, slow steps.

Big Sister Wen Ruan was still lying on the bed, covered only by a thin silk quilt.

The quilt clung tightly to her body, outlining a tantalizing curve from her perky peach-shaped hips to her long, strong legs, stirring one’s blood.

Tang Song walked over, bent down, and whispered in her ear: “Zhuangzhuang, don’t forget what you promised me.”

Wen Ruan lazily opened her eyes;

those peach blossom eyes, just awakened, were full of languid charm.

She rolled her eyes at him without much affection but stretched out a strong white leg to gently kick him, “Bastard~”

Then, savoring the moment, she licked her full red lips with her tongue.

Last night, Tang Song had almost obeyed her every word out of guilt. For more chapters visit novᴇlfire.net

Wen Ruan had taken over as “head coach” and started training him. Tang Song behaved very well—obedient and hardworking—letting her enjoy herself thoroughly.

It just strained his waist a bit.

Tang Song smiled and lightly patted her peach-shaped hip on the firm thigh.

“I’ll go get breakfast. This morning, we still need to visit Smart Chain Future to sign the TS.”

Wen Ruan hummed twice, turned over, and wrapped herself into a cocoon with the quilt, seemingly to protect her bottom from another “raid.”

Footsteps faded away.

Wen Ruan lay on the bed a while longer before lazily sitting up.

Her naked, full body swayed slightly under the warm light, making a soft “duang duang” sound.

She grabbed the phone beside the pillow and opened WeChat, noticing a new friend request.

She casually picked up the phone again and opened WeChat.

There was a new friend request.

The nickname was “Breathing in Smiles,” with a note: Zhang Yan.

Wen Ruan sighed softly and accepted.

She rarely saw Tang Song care so much about a person or a matter, which proved Zhang Yan’s special place in his heart.

After all, a girl harboring a crush for over ten years from her youth—

Even for a philanderer like him, such a story carried immense emotional weight.

And the reason she finally relented wasn’t just because she was “conquered”;

it was mainly that Zhang Yan’s appearance gave her new ideas.

Now, caught between Su Yu, Liu Qingning, and Jin Meixiao, like a sandwich filling suffering pressure from both sides,

Introducing Zhang Yan, who seemed harmless yet attracted Tang Song fully, might be a clever move.

Of course, before that, she needed to get in touch with this “reverse white moonlight” and see if she had untapped potential.

Wen Ruan’s mouth curled into a smile as she opened the chat window.

Her fingers danced quickly across the screen.

...

Lanxin Garden Community.

“Ding dong—”

The WeChat notification sound broke the morning silence.

Zhang Yan, lost in thought, jolted awake and quickly grabbed her phone.

First came the friend request approval notification, then a message.

[Wen Ruan: “Hello, Zhang Yan, I am Wen Ruan from Xingyun International Group. Tang Song has told me about your situation, so don’t worry or feel pressured. You’re welcome to come to Xingyun International anytime. Sister’s got your back (#smile)!”]

Reading those warm, slightly playful words, Zhang Yan felt flattered.

Originally, she had been extremely nervous, after all, she was asking for help.

She hadn’t expected such an important leader in the group to be so... approachable.

After much consideration, she cautiously replied, “Hello, Director Wen, thank you so much. I will work hard and not let you down.”

[Wen Ruan: Playful (emoji)]

[Wen Ruan: “Honestly, no need to be so formal. By the way, how is your aunt doing? I’ll be staying in Yangcheng for a while;

if you need anything, just let me know anytime.”]

Zhang Yan blushed at Wen Ruan’s enthusiasm, typing and deleting messages repeatedly before finally sending, “Everything is fine, thank you very much.”

Just as she was about to put the phone away, Wen Ruan sent another message.

They chatted “struggled” for more than ten minutes.

When Wen Ruan finally said, “I’m going to eat now, bye,” Zhang Yan sighed in relief.

However, her fondness for Director Wen had already reached its peak.

Later, Wen Ruan directly called her “Sister Zhang Yan” and showed genuine concern for her and her mother, offering many comforting words that felt sincere.

Zhang Yan had never before experienced such unconditional kindness from a “stranger.”

Just as Lulu said, she was indeed a very warm person.

People around Tang Song were truly very good.

Then she returned to the WeChat main screen and opened the pinned chat window.

It showed a few brief, intimate messages from Tang Song last night after he returned.

Looking at those affectionate, natural words, Zhang Yan could no longer stay calm.

She quietly pinched her thigh, feeling the clear pain, repeatedly confirming this was not a dream.

Tang Song not only responded to her confession but also... kissed her lips.

Her fingertips uncontrollably lightly touched her own lips, the warm, soft sensation seeming still vividly present.

She felt ignited, unable to sit still, burying her face in the pillow, her body trembling slightly with excitement.

“Meow meow~~”

The neglected Juzi rubbed her head against Zhang Yan repeatedly, loudly protesting.

Only then did Zhang Yan wake from her dreamlike state, hurriedly getting up, hugging Juzi as he circled the small room several times.

Her steps quickened as she rushed to the kitchen, skillfully cooking and also preparing an extra meal for Juzi—a piece of chicken breast.

Steam rose from the pot, and the aroma filled the small space.

Her heart, unsettled by happiness, gradually grounded itself.

After breakfast, she video-called her mother.

She quickly tidied up, changed into clean clothes, said goodbye to Juzi, and headed to the company.

The usually suffocatingly crowded subway car felt less unbearable today.

She stood among the crowd, a silly smile unbeknownst even to herself occasionally appearing on her face, gazing absently at the rapidly passing scenery outside the window.

She got off at Nongjiangsuo Station, walked to Huiming Building, and took the elevator directly to the seventh floor.

When the elevator doors opened, Zhang Yan took a deep breath and stepped into the familiar office.

This was probably her last day at the company.

Though there was some reluctance in her heart, there was more anticipation for the future.

Her life had never seemed so bright and sunny.

“Good morning, Brother Wang.”

“Hey, morning, Zhang Yan.”

“Sister Chen, good morning.”

This time, she didn’t lower her head and rush to her workstation as usual.

Instead, she actively greeted colleagues along the way.

This small change enveloped her in a confident glow.

She sat at her desk, and Lulu immediately approached, surprised as if discovering a new continent.

“Zhang Yan! Why are you so happy today?”

Zhang Yan pursed her lips, leaned close to Lulu’s ear, and whispered in a voice only they could hear, “Lulu, I’ve decided to join Xingyun International Group. We’ll be colleagues again.”

“Wow—” Lulu couldn’t help but cheer loudly.

Seeing the curious looks from surrounding colleagues, she quickly covered her mouth exaggeratedly.

Excitedly grabbing Zhang Yan’s arm, she whispered, “That’s great! I knew you’d come around! We’ll both be at big companies now! Singing the song of freed serfs, hehe!”

She began happily envisioning their life after joining the new company.

“We should resign together! Though handing over might be tricky.” Lulu analyzed quietly, “You resign first since your aunt needs you. My offer starts next Monday, I can delay for two days, no rush.”

Though Shucheng Technology was in crisis and planning layoffs to survive, for the same department and position, it was best to stagger resignations to avoid the company blocking people.

“Thank you, Lulu.”

“Also, confirm your offer quickly. Get things settled. Don’t be shy about asking about the position or salary!”

Zhang Yan nodded quietly without further words.

She submitted her resignation on DingTalk and started organizing her project handover.

...

At 9:50 a.m.

Xingyun International Group, Yangcheng branch.

The temporary board office was filled with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

“So, the core dispute over the TS terms mainly centers on the board seats, but our sincerity is strong;

they should have no objections...”

“Mm, Xingyun International is about to go public. Being acquired by us now benefits them greatly;

they definitely won’t refuse.”

Wen Ruan lounged lazily on the sofa, raising her wrist to check the time.

“Let’s be clear,” she extended a slender finger with crimson nail polish and lightly tapped his lips, “You promised me you’d sleep with me tonight.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll finish the task and make the boss satisfied.”

“Hmph~”

At that moment, a knock sounded.

“Director Wen, the distinguished guests have arrived,” assistant Wang Dandan’s voice came from outside the door.

Wen Ruan straightened up, restored a serious demeanor, and calmly said, “Please come in.”

Tang Song’s heart stirred slightly, a bright smile lighting his face as he looked toward the door.

“Oh—” The heavy office door slowly opened.

“Da, da, da...”

Accompanied by the crisp and rhythmic clicking of high heels,

Two tall, beautiful figures appeared one after the other at the doorway.

Lin Muxue walked ahead, her makeup exquisite, lips fiery red.

She wore a sharply tailored white suit skirt with a black silk camisole underneath. The simple black and white combination looked exceptionally striking.

Following closely was Shen Yuyan, wearing a soft light khaki fitted dress with a matching short coat.

She looked gentle and intellectual, like a warm cup of milk tea.

“President Tang, Director Wen,” they greeted in unison.

Having not seen each other for some time, these two originally opposing assistants seemed to have developed a subtle and special tacit understanding.

Standing side by side, one dazzling and radiant, the other gentle and refined, they formed a visually stunning and pleasing scene.

“Luna, Shirley,” Tang Song smiled and waved to the assistants. “Thank you for coming so early.”

To attend this important TS signing meeting on time, they had left Hong Kong at dawn and rushed all the way to arrive just now.

Lin Muxue’s gaze softened instantly upon seeing Tang Song. “It’s our duty.”

Beside her, Shen Yuyan wore a flawless smile. “It’s our honor to participate in such an important decision immediately.”

After brief pleasantries, the four took their seats.

Lin Muxue and Shen Yuyan immediately entered work mode, reporting concisely on their tasks in Hong Kong.

Wen Ruan slightly raised an eyebrow.

She instinctively glanced at Tang Song beside her.

She wasn’t familiar with Shen Yuyan but had dealt with Lin Muxue several times and chatted quite a bit on WeChat.

This meeting clearly showed that this sharp, vain female assistant had matured and become much more reserved.

Shen Yuyan was also more composed and capable than Wen Ruan had remembered, with excellent temperament.

These two outstanding assistants...

No doubt, Tang Song was quite the man with taste!

At that moment, another knock sounded.

Assistant Wang Dandan pushed open the door, reminding, “Director Wen, President Tang, it’s about time. The cars are waiting downstairs.”

“Okay.” Wen Ruan nodded and stood up.

The group left the office and took the elevator down to the B1 parking level.

Three black business cars waited. The Xingyun International Yangcheng branch due diligence team was fully assembled.

Everyone boarded the vehicles in turn. The convoy smoothly left R&

F Yingkai Plaza, merging into the continuous traffic of Zhujiang New Town, heading toward the Tianyu Business Building in Yuexiu District.

At 10:30 a.m.

Smart Chain Future headquarters meeting room.

The atmosphere was tense and solemn.

At the long rectangular table, on one side were Tang Song and the investment team led by Xingyun International;

on the other, the core executives of Smart Chain Future led by founder and CEO Li Hao.

The TS signing meeting officially began.

...

At 1 p.m.

Seeing Zhang Yan return from the restroom, Lulu whispered, “Fatty Bai is at the company!”

“Mm.” Zhang Yan nodded and walked straight into a simple glass partitioned office.

“Knock, knock, knock—”

“Come in.” Inside, Bai Rui had obviously seen her, his voice somewhat impatient.

Zhang Yan took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

Bai Rui leaned back in his chair without looking up. “What’s the matter? Speak.”

Clearly, Zhang Yan’s tough attitude over the phone had thoroughly angered him.

Zhang Yan pursed her lips, summoned courage, and looked at him calmly. “Director Bai, I submitted my resignation on DingTalk this morning. Please approve it.”

Bai Rui raised his eyelids and glanced at her coldly. “I know.”

“My work has been handed over to Zhang Lulu. I want to complete the resignation process today because I have to go to the hospital this afternoon.”

Bai Rui chuckled, put down his phone, leaned forward, and examined her with a scrutinizing gaze.

After a moment, he said slowly, “That won’t do. The clients you manage are quite important. According to company policy, I have to give you a one-month handover period.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yan’s expression changed. “The company’s resignation process isn’t that complicated, is it?”

“I’m fully following labor contract law. Employees must give thirty days’ notice before leaving. Any problem? If you’re not satisfied, you can apply for labor arbitration, right?”

He emphasized the arbitration part mockingly.

Zhang Yan’s lips trembled as her heart sank bit by bit.

What he said was indeed correct.

But in reality, most companies negotiate a reasonable resignation date once the handover is completed for a smooth departure.

Especially for a company like Shucheng Technology undergoing massive layoffs, they would rather employees resign voluntarily.

Obviously, Bai Rui was deliberately making things difficult using the rules.

Seeing her anger-restrained but silent look, he felt a surge of satisfaction.

He opened a drawer, took out a document, and tossed it on the desk.

“This is the ‘Mutual Termination of Performance Agreement.’ Sign this and apologize for your absenteeism last Friday and yesterday. I’ll approve your resignation immediately.”

When hiring subordinates, his basic criterion was whether the personality was obedient and compliant.

Those who seemed “troublesome” were screened out during interviews.

He wanted “tool people” who could be manipulated and were diligent and willing.

Zhang Yan was the most honest, hardworking one in his department.

So he assigned her all the tough jobs without guilt.

Now, with the company in “crisis,” to keep her position and salary, she had to “show performance” in front of the boss.

Having employees give up performance bonuses, endure hardships with the company, and cut staff appropriately was his way to win merit upward.

Considering Zhang Yan and Lulu’s frequent leave requests and sudden tough stance, he was sure they had found new jobs.

As long as he blocked them on the resignation process, they would eventually submit.

Zhang Yan’s gaze fell on the so-called “agreement.”

Her beautiful apricot eyes showed clear calm and determination.

From childhood till now, she had lived in the shadow of inferiority.

Her early inferiority came from being “abandoned” by her parents, living under others’ roofs, even needing to look at her aunt’s face to eat.

Later, inferiority came from the radiant Liu Qingning and her long, hopeless crush on Tang Song.

She was used to yielding and enduring.

But now... it was different.

She could support herself with her own hands in this huge city and even feed a greedy cat named Juzi.

The boy she had admired for over ten years had responded to her confession and given her a kiss more beautiful than any dream.

Her heart had never been so full of a great and solid happiness.

Looking at Bai Rui seriously, she said, “My performance and travel reimbursements total eighteen thousand three hundred twenty-seven yuan. That is what I deserve. I won’t give up a single cent, and I won’t sign this agreement.”

“As for arbitration, I will definitely go.” She paused and her tone became even clearer and stronger.

“I have screenshots and saved all my attendance records, all overtime proofs, the company’s promised performance calculation methods, my evaluation report, and related chat records... I have organized all the materials.”

Her speech was not fast, but every word hit like a stone thrown on the ground.

Bai Rui’s expression grew uglier.

He never expected the most honest and obedient Zhang Yan in his department to be so troublesome.

“Do you really think highly of yourself?!” Furious, he slammed the desk, stood up, and raised his voice, “Let me tell you, Zhang Yan! The company has been good to you. Now the company is in trouble, and instead of pulling together, you’re stabbing us in the back?”

His loud voice immediately drew attention from passersby.

Several pairs of eyes turned toward the office.

Faced with his roar and the gazes, Zhang Yan’s expression tightened but she mustered courage and said, “If it’s truly about pulling together, Director Bai, would you voluntarily ask for a pay cut and give up all your performance bonuses this year?”

Bai Rui’s face twitched, and his eyelids fluttered, “You...”

Zhang Yan pursed her lips and stopped arguing. “Director Bai, I have something at the hospital this afternoon. I’m leaving now.”

With that, she turned and walked out of the office.

Back at her desk, in front of everyone, she submitted an afternoon leave request on DingTalk, grabbed her bag, and said goodbye to Lulu.

Under the stunned eyes of all colleagues in the office area, she left the company.

Her steps quickened, as if shedding an invisible shackle.

At 2:30 p.m., special care ward.

The attending physician entered the ward with a smile, holding a stack of reports just received from the lab.

“Yesterday’s test results are out, and the situation is better than we expected. The tumor shows signs of transformation but is not highly malignant, and no distant metastasis was found. All bodily functions are within normal range, fully meeting the CAR-T treatment inclusion criteria.”

Hearing this, Zhang Yan and Zhou Hui’s anxious hearts finally settled.

Zhang Yan’s eyes moistened, almost moved to tears.

The doctor gave some final instructions and then left.

Zhang Yan sat beside her mother’s bed, peeling an apple while pondering how to resign smoothly from the company.

At that moment, the phone rang suddenly.

On the screen flashed two characters—[Director Wen].

Zhang Yan quickly put down the fruit knife and answered, “Hello, Director Wen?”

On the other end, Wen Ruan’s sisterly and charming voice sounded with a smile: “Zhang Yan, I just finished my work here. I saw your phone’s location;

you’re near the Zhongshan University Affiliated Hospital. If you don’t mind, I want to come see your aunt and also... officially meet the talent joining our company.”

This was the first time Zhang Yan heard her voice—very pleasant and especially warm.

She almost instinctively stood up straight. “Th-That’s so kind of you. I should be the one to visit you.”

“No need for such formality. I just want to see you, is that okay?”

Zhang Yan was silent for a moment, then said, “Okay! Thank you so much for the trouble.”

After hanging up, Zhou Hui curiously asked, “Yuyan, who’s coming?”

Zhang Yan took a deep breath, trying to calm her pounding heart, and whispered, “Tang Song introduced me to a new job, a major leader in the company and a good friend.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Hui struggled to sit up, “How can we let someone come see an old woman like me? Should we go...?”

“It’s okay, Mom.” Zhang Yan gently stopped her, softly comforting, “Don’t move around. She’s a big leader and just passing by to visit.”

Though she said this, her own heart was in her throat.

Less than ten minutes later, the phone rang again.

Wen Ruan had already arrived at the rest area outside the special medical center.

After telling her mother and the nurse once more, Zhang Yan, full of mixed emotions, hurried out of the ward.

She arrived at the familiar rest room and pushed open the heavy glass door.

She immediately saw the figure standing beside the sofa, accompanied by a female assistant.

Zhang Yan’s throat moved as she glanced at Director Wen with some surprise.

The Wen Ruan in front of her was both the same and different from the photos she had seen in the news.

She wore a black backless knit top that perfectly outlined her proud curves.

Her face bore only light nude makeup, but her skin was fair and tight, and her features were soft yet imposing.

Her dark brown wavy hair was casually tied into a high ponytail, making her look both capable and vibrant.

Unlike the cold image in magazines, she seemed like a kind big sister.

She stood casually, yet radiated an indescribable aura filled with mature feminine charm.

In front of her, Zhang Yan felt like an underage girl.