In the small hospital room, orderly footsteps sounded.

The four special guards from Shengtang Security who had greeted everyone automatically took their positions.

Two stood by the door of the ward, while the other two positioned themselves not too close, not too far, flanking Cheng Qiuqiu and her mother from behind.

That move instantly made Zhang Zhanpeng and the others too afraid to take a breath.

Zhou Yan swallowed, staring at the dark-clad group, forcing down his panic as he painfully forced out, “Director Luo, hello. I didn’t expect to meet you here…”

Zhao Manlin forced a stiff smile as well. “Director Luo, I’ve long heard of your reputation…”

Luo Bin raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over them before turning to Qiuqiu. “Miss Cheng, these three are…?”

With his sharp perception, just from their guilty and fearful expressions he could deduce plenty. Yet he didn’t rush to respond or make declarations;

he handed the floor to his clients.

Immersed in the “ultimate happiness” of being guarded by Tang Song, Qiuqiu didn’t have time to reply.

Li Meihua beside her had already fully reacted. The faint fear that had been on her face drained away and her cheeks flushed with righteous anger;

she straightened her back.

Pointing at Zhao Manlin and Zhang Zhanpeng opposite, she said loudly and with conviction, “Lawyer Luo! Let me tell you! This woman dressed up all proper is the head—what do you call it—vice president of Xuyuan Real Estate! That bespectacled man is their lawyer! And that fat black fellow over there—he runs that Lion Security and sent a bunch of thugs to try and ruin me!”

At this moment she didn’t know what kind of deity her daughter had hooked up with, or who this “President Tang” really was, but with such a powerhouse legal team and four burly black suits backing them, the ferocity and grit bred into Sichuan women flared up in her completely.

Hearing Li Meihua’s accusations, Zhao Manlin couldn’t be bothered with appearances anymore. She bowed slightly, “Director Luo…there must be some misunderstanding. I came today specifically to handle this. Xuyuan Real Estate is willing to take responsibility…”

Before she could finish, Luo Bin raised a hand and interrupted. A slim, capable-looking female lawyer from behind him immediately stepped forward, took a thick contract and a Montblanc pen from her briefcase, and handed them over.

Luo Bin took them casually and placed them on the nearby table. His tone was calm and professional. “Miss Cheng, Ms. Li, this is our Power of Attorney for Legal Representation. Please review and sign. After signing, you won’t need to worry about this matter any longer;

all subsequent affairs will be handled by our Quan Jing Law Firm.”

Li Meihua didn’t even glance at the contract;

she took the pen from the female lawyer. “Director Luo! We absolutely trust you! No problem! I’ll sign right away!”

Cheng Qiuqiu pressed her lips together and nodded.

Under the professional guidance of the female lawyer, Li Meihua cautiously signed her name in the client section.

When her pen lifted, Luo Bin finally turned to look at the three faces opposite, pale as dust.

He nodded to the bespectacled female lawyer before him. She stepped forward, opened her folder, and spoke in a composed, professional voice, “Hello. I am Gao Fei, a partner attorney at Quan Jing Law Firm. I will be specially responsible for handling Ms. Li Meihua’s personal injury claim.”

“First, regarding Lion Security and its legal representative Mr. Zhang Zhanpeng: for the bodily harm inflicted on our client Ms. Li Meihua by your security personnel at the rights-protection scene, this afternoon we will formally file a civil lawsuit in court. The claims include but are not limited to full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, nutritional costs, and compensation for emotional distress.”

She paused, then looked at Zhang Zhanpeng. “Additionally, after taking this case we conducted a preliminary background check on your company’s business and tax records. According to our data, your company officially registers and certifies only eighteen security personnel. Yet the number of people you actually hire and dispatch for large public events frequently exceeds one hundred. This not only flagrantly violates the Security Service Management Regulations, but also suggests long-term large-scale tax evasion. Our preliminary estimate of the tax-related amount exceeds two million yuan. The materials mentioned, together with site surveillance, injury appraisals, and police reports, will be submitted within three days to the Rongcheng Public Security Administration, the Tax Investigation Bureau, and the Labor Inspection Division of the Human Resources Bureau.”

Hearing this, the muscles on Zhang Zhanpeng’s face spasmed;

he looked as if his throat had been squeezed and he stopped breathing for a moment.

His Lion Security was essentially a shell company skating along the legal edge—temporary labor, daily pay, no contracts, no insurance—costs squeezed down to the bone, taking on developers’ dirty work. There were many illegal gray-area operations inside. Now a top-tier law firm had him in their sights;

even his underwear would be stripped clean. Not just the company—he himself could end up behind bars.

Li Meihua watched his terrified face and felt vindicated, shooting him a triumphant glare. Ever since she began defending her rights in April, she had been the “thorn” among the owners and had been threatened and bullied by Lion Security—blockades, water thrown, loudspeakers stolen. Today, finally, it was their turn to be afraid. Truly satisfying.

Another male lawyer stepped forward. “I am Dai Xi, senior partner at Quan Jing. I will be specially responsible for the Harmony Elegant Residence purchase contract dispute.”

He nodded politely to Zhao Manlin and Zhou Yan across from him, his tone courteous but unyielding. “President Zhao, Lawyer Zhou, after filing and verifying documents at the Rongcheng Real Estate Registration Center, we found that before your company signed the purchase contract with Miss Cheng Qiuqiu, the land in question had already been mortgaged to West Trust, and you failed to perform the statutory duty of disclosure. According to Article 406 of the Civil Code and Article 9 of the Supreme Court’s Judicial Interpretation on Commercial Housing Sales, this constitutes deliberate concealment of mortgage facts. We have the right to claim contract rescission, return of paid purchase funds with interest, and compensation up to no more than double the amount already paid.”

When they heard that compensation proposal, Li Meihua and Cheng Qiuqiu were stunned.

Li Meihua inhaled sharply, her hand trembling so the pen almost fell. She had paid the full purchase price of two million yuan. That meant, if the compensation Dai mentioned held, not only would they get their money back but they could receive nearly another two million as compensation—four million in total!

Thinking of that huge sum made Li Meihua tremble with excitement.

Zhao Manlin kept her lips tight, silent. Zhou Yan, the legal consultant beside her, broke into a cold sweat;

his Adam’s apple bobbed.

In China’s stalled real-estate projects, land or construction mortgages are commonplace—an industry “unwritten rule” to speed capital flow. The purchase contract rarely, if ever, explicitly states “this land is mortgaged.” In reality, few buyers sue on that basis to demand heavy punitive compensation. Ordinary homeowners often can’t bring such suits: expensive lawyers, long cycles, burdens of proof, and doubtful enforcement. It costs enormous time and effort for uncertain results.

Quan Jing, however, is different. They are a top “red-circle” firm with the most powerful litigation team and evidence network. They don’t lack time or resources;

they could treat Xuyuan Real Estate’s case as a precedent to bring other owners forward. Class actions, media exposure, government summons… Xuyuan, currently trying to “self-rescue,” cannot bear it.

Zhao Manlin drew a deep breath, voice dry. “Director Luo, Lawyer Dai, I think…there’s no need to go that far. We…we are willing to settle.”

She glanced at a subdued Li Meihua, then looked toward the attractive Cheng Qiuqiu. She bowed solemnly. “On behalf of Xuyuan Real Estate, I apologize sincerely for our company’s previous negligence and for all the trouble and harm caused to both of you. Regarding compensation and refunds, we can sit down and discuss them properly.”

After speaking, she raised her head and looked at Cheng Qiuqiu with an imploring expression.

Cheng Qiuqiu did not answer immediately;

she directed the question toward the imposing lawyer beside her.

A flash of appreciation crossed Luo Bin’s eyes. He slowly said, “President Zhao, to protect both parties’ legal rights and avoid unnecessary ambiguity and disputes during subsequent legal procedures, please have your legal representative or authorized decision-maker contact our team directly.”

Zhao Manlin pressed her dry lips together. With no room to maneuver, she reluctantly nodded. “I understand, Director Luo.”

“Then…please.” Luo Bin made a gesture of invitation;

his tone was flat but forced, carrying the unmistakable intent to remove them.

As soon as he finished, the two black-suited guards by the door stepped forward half a pace, one left, one right, clearing the path to the exit. Cold gazes swept over them.

Zhao Manlin and the others dared not linger any longer;

heads down, they hurried out of the ward.

The room finally returned to silence.

“Oh Director Luo! Lawyer Luo!” Li Meihua could no longer contain herself—excited, she grabbed Luo Bin’s hand. “Thank you…thank you so much! You really are our family’s great benefactors!”

She babbled a torrent of thanks, then carefully asked, “Will they really pay? That double compensation Dai mentioned—nearly four million—can we really get it back?”

Despite her awe of the imposing lawyer, the nearly two million of her hard-earned money was what concerned her most.

Luo Bin gave a reassuring smile. “Rest assured, this will absolutely be fine. Now, to better control the initiative, please recount the entire detailed course of events from purchase to your rights-protection injury—don’t leave out any details.”

The two lawyers immediately moved forward. One turned on a professional voice recorder;

the other took out a notebook, ready to make the most detailed record.

Li Meihua straightened and began pouring out all the grievances of the past half year. Luo Bin’s gaze, however, returned to Cheng Qiuqiu.

He subtly appraised her. Truly a top-tier beauty, and her looks and temperament bore some resemblance to the younger Su Yu before she became a diva.

His expression shifted slightly.

President Tang’s visit to Rongcheng to meet Ms. Ouyang had already drawn public attention. Not only was Director Jin in New York watching closely, but all their core members were waiting for the result of this meeting, including Su Yu, who was not far away in Jiangcheng. Last night he had even dined with Mo Xiangwan and Su Yu. They all hoped President Tang would handle matters with Ms. Ouyang and Su Yu properly.

Thinking this, Luo Bin felt a headache coming on. Tang Song truly had too many women. As chief legal counsel for the Tangjin Family Office, he really didn’t want to get involved in this messy harem-like squabble, but he couldn’t escape it. Last time he helped Ms. Ouyang deliver a gift to Tian Jing, Director Jin had summoned him to the Imperial Capital for a scolding. This time in Jiangcheng, being caught by Su Yu, he feared being seen as taking sides. So when Tang Song called this morning to “put out the fire,” Luo Bin volunteered without hesitation and personally led the team to Rongcheng—using the chance to help Miss Cheng to temporarily remove himself from the mess.

Tread carefully indeed.

...

Jiangcheng, film studio.

In the afternoon, the humid air still carried a touch of mountain mist. The film set had just finished a high-intensity scene.

Su Yu’s eyes, still burning hot from being in character, instantly calmed and lost all of the role’s emotions. Without lingering at the scene, she headed straight for the nearby private lounge.

Bang—

The door closed, shutting out all the external din.

Su Yu flopped heavily onto the soft sofa and exhaled a long breath.

Cheng Xiaoxi hurried in and placed a cup of honey grapefruit tea at just the right temperature by her side, then lowered her voice to report, “Sister Yu, news from President Mo just came through: Lawyer Luo Bin left Jiangcheng this morning with his team and has gone to Rongcheng.”

“Mm.” Su Yu replied lightly and sipped her tea.

Cheng Xiaoxi continued, “He went on President Tang’s private commission to help Songmei Apparel’s designer Cheng Qiuqiu and her mother with some legal disputes.”

“Cheng Qiuqiu…”

Su Yu murmured the name, a ripple appearing in her cool amber eyes.

Cheng Xiaoxi unlocked her phone and handed it over. The screen displayed a compiled dossier.

Su Yu skimmed the file on Li Meihua’s stalled building case, her brow tightening slightly.

Of course she knew Cheng Qiuqiu. She had first noticed her on a fan forum when Qiuqiu posted a support photo with Tang Song (chapter 223). Later, seeing the familiar ID on Xiaohongshu, she had added her on WeChat, and they’d kept in touch. Qiuqiu was a true fan—an extremely die-hard one. They had even arranged to meet in person when Su Yu visited Yancheng next month. At first Su Yu only intended to place an “informant” inside Songmei Apparel. She never expected Qiuqiu’s relationship with Tang Song to be complicated enough to get his attention from afar, even to the point that he sent Luo Bin personally.

That level of treatment was rare—enough to show Tang Song’s feelings for her were extraordinary.

Her gaze landed on Qiuqiu’s photo in the dossier, where she wore a purple support shirt;

she stared for a moment, slightly absentminded.

Cheng Xiaoxi whispered, “Sister Yu, Qiuqiu isn’t just your hardcore fan—she actually looks quite like you. More precisely, she looks like you at twenty, when you were in Echo. She’s very beautiful.”

Su Yu snapped her head up, eyes reddening. Her voice was ice-cold. “What do you mean—are you saying I’ve aged? Is he finding someone who looks like me to replace me?”

“No! No!” Cheng Xiaoxi turned pale and hurried to explain, “Sister Yu, I meant that three parts like you would already be a breathtaking beauty! You are more beautiful now—your temperament, face, and figure are even better. I meant…President Tang might be paying special attention to her because she reminds him of the beautiful times you shared. And especially compared to you now!”

The madness in Su Yu’s eyes gradually subsided. She lowered them and fell into thought.

Does he like Cheng Qiuqiu because she reminds him of the former me? Is that it?

At that moment, a WeChat chime rang.

Message from Xiangwan: “President Tang has already arrived in Rongcheng. Ms. Ouyang is picking him up at the airport. Don’t worry about the new fund and Tang Entertainment—Ms. Ouyang will handle it.”

Su Yu pressed her lips and only typed “Mm,” then sank into deeper silence.

The news that Jin Meixiao might become head of the pan-entertainment fund at the Tangjin Family Office, and that next month Tang Song would personally fly to New York to meet that woman—all of it pressed down on her, making her emotions unstable. Just now, a single comment from Cheng Xiaoxi had almost pushed her over the edge.

Next month is her birthday…

If Tang Song goes to see Jin Meixiao first…if he had found someone who looks like the old her—would he, like on her 2018 birthday, suddenly lose interest in her without warning and abandon her?

Su Yu’s gaze began to shake violently.

“Xiaoxi!”

“Y-yes, Sister Yu. Anything you need?”

Su Yu lifted her head, hair sliding aside. Her nearly unreal perfect face flickered with a chilling, frenzied light. “Contact the PR team now. Tonight post one update across all platforms.”

“What update?”

“For next month’s Christmas—my birthday—I plan to pick two luckiest fans from my followers, invite them to travel with me to Paris in France to spend a romantic day together. Airfare, hotel—everything covered by me.”

She paused and said slowly, “Two fans—one male, one female. One slot each.”

Cheng Xiaoxi was startled by the abrupt decision and hurriedly protested, “Sister Yu…this isn’t appropriate…shouldn’t we ask President Mo’s opinion first?”

A female fan would be okay, but a male fan…that would be a problem. If President Tang found out, trouble would follow.

“Post it as is.”

“All right…okay!”

Su Yu looked out at the gray sky, her eyes carrying an indistinct madness. Tang Song was no longer the same man he once was, but in this world there was only the man she loved now—or at any time. She believed that as long as Tang Song still cared for her, he would come. Then he would be the fated “lucky fan.” If he didn’t show up…she would publicly announce more details about her mysterious boyfriend! She would make him spend her birthday with her—make it the most romantic birthday. She would make him pay.

...

The plane descended slowly through thick clouds.

Below, Rongcheng’s broad plains and crisscrossing urban veins gradually came into view.

Tang Song closed his laptop and looked out the window. The city felt both unfamiliar and familiar. In his fragmented memories, the virtual “Dream Tang Song” had come here with Secretary Jin and Ouyang Xianyue. But those memories, clear as they were, were colored by a near-divine state at the time and left no emotional impression of the city itself.

Now this Rongcheng, bathed in winter sunlight and vivid with life, waited for him to explore it in person.

This time he came alone.

Shen Yuyan was in the island city scouting unicorn investment opportunities for his “Capital Hunter” task;

Lin Muxue was handling Gao Mengting’s real estate matters and helping pick a property for herself. It also wasn’t appropriate to bring those two assistants to Rongcheng—there were a female CEO and a designer here who would require significant time and attention.

About ten minutes later, with the gentle reminders of the flight attendants, the plane landed smoothly at Rongcheng Shuangliu International Airport.

Tang Song had no checked luggage;

he carried only a minimalist briefcase and exited the business cabin first. As he stepped off the jet bridge, the mingled smell of jet fuel and the airport’s bustle hit him.

Under the vast glass dome the light was bright, filled with the busy, energetic vibe of a modern city.

Following the VIP guidance signs through a quiet internal corridor, he entered the arrivals hall and saw the figure waiting at the exit.

A mid-aged woman in a sharp black professional suit stood there. Around forty, she held a white pick-up sign with his name written in elegant handwriting. Plain-looking but with excellent bearing, upright and focused like a silent pine—Chen Jing, Ouyang Xianyue’s personal secretary.

She was someone he remembered having appeared in his memories.

As they drew closer, Chen Jing offered a flawless professional smile and bowed slightly. “Mr. Tang, hello. Welcome to Rongcheng.”

“Hello, Secretary Chen. Thank you for your hard work.”

“Please, Mr. Tang. I’ll take you through. Ms. Ouyang is waiting over there.”

“Mm.” Tang Song nodded lightly, but his heart suddenly began to accelerate.

Ouyang Xianyue. Finally they would meet.

He had developed deeply complex emotions toward the characters he cultivated in the game. Ouyang Xianyue was undoubtedly one of the most special.

In reality she was a prominent thirty-six-year-old socialite. He wondered how she would regard the man he was now.

With his heartbeat pounding, Chen Jing led him through a private VIP passage and straight to a quiet VIP parking area on the first floor. It was unusually calm, as if another world compared to the arrival hall above.

A black Audi A8L sat in the most conspicuous spot, its body reflecting a deep sheen under the lights.

As Tang Song’s silhouette approached, the rear passenger door slowly opened from the inside.

First to appear was a long, shapely leg wrapped in nude stockings, stepping out in a pair of sleek, textured black high heels, landing steadily on the ground.

Tap.

The sound struck Tang Song like a plucked heartstring.

Chen Jing instinctively retreated a few steps and lowered her head, holding her breath.

Then a familiar yet strange figure emerged. Superb bone structure, fair skin. A waist like a willow with shoulders as straight as a pine. As she moved, a champagne-colored cashmere coat flowed off her, revealing a bespoke velvet dress underneath. The cinched waist perfectly outlined a mature thirty-six-year-old figure—slender and toned with no trace of excess fat.

Her mid-length black hair was pinned back, revealing a smooth forehead and a long graceful neck. She exuded an intoxicating, refined charm.

Their gazes met in the air.

Her eyes showed neither agitation nor surprise, only gentle ripples—like a longtime confidante, sister, or elder. They held each other’s gaze for a moment.

She stepped forward in those perfectly sheathed legs, a little quicker than usual, and they stood facing each other.

Ouyang Xianyue’s face finally opened into a gorgeous yet restrained smile. Seeing the man before her—handsomer than in memory—she looked briefly stunned, then reached out her hand. “Tang Song, it’s…been a long time.”

Her voice was clear, tempered by time into a warm rasp—very pleasant.

Light and shadow fractured in his pupils. Virtual and real worlds converged in that instant. The “Precise Queen” from the game had manifested before him, living and palpable. A wave of indescribable flutter mixed with reunited joy surged up from his depths.

Tang Song gently opened his arms and gave her a sincere embrace. An exquisite, refined scent—subtle white tea with tranquil woody undertones—immediately washed into his nose, soft and rich, warm and undeniably real.