The private room in the club was filled with a tranquil and solemn atmosphere.

Soft lighting fell upon the silver-white cheongsam, accentuating Ouyang Xianyue's voluptuous and graceful figure.

The subtly embroidered orchid patterns shimmered faintly in the light and shadow, gently floating with her breathing.

Her gaze was calm and profound as she quietly observed Xie Shuyu sitting opposite her.

She was beautiful, and gentle too.

But at this moment, Xie Shuyu felt her world had become exceptionally quiet,

with only one thought in her mind.

She must be dreaming!

Yet the slight pain on the tip of her tongue, the lingering sandalwood fragrance in her nostrils, and the warm-feeling ink wash painting in her palm

all clearly reminded her that this was real.

Not some absurd hallucination after being "teased" by Tang Song,

but... but how could this be possible?

If she could accept the identity of Chairman of Rongliu Capital,

after all, he had already demonstrated immense wealth.

But this was Ms. Ouyang!

Although top entrepreneurs like her basically had no gossip circulating about them,

Xie Shuyu had still heard some information about Ms. Ouyang,

especially since her close friend Meng Ran had mentioned this legendary woman to her more than once.

Ouyang Xianyue was already 36 years old this year.

She had been married before, her husband also coming from an extraordinary background as the chairman of Xinkaihang Electronics, the predecessor of Tang Yi Precision.

Later, her husband passed away unexpectedly, and to protect the jobs of thousands of employees and fulfill her husband's dying wish,

she, as a woman, resolutely took over the nearly bankrupt Xinkaihang.

No one expected that she would actually achieve great success.

With her swift and decisive execution, astonishing business acumen, and nearly demanding sense of responsibility,

she set new benchmarks in domestic substitution, employment stability, and social responsibility.

Nowadays, she was recognized by capital, industry, and government as the "representative female entrepreneur."

Every public appearance she made was headline news in financial media.

Every speech she gave could spark profound discussions within the industry,

a truly respected lady.

So everyone respectfully addressed her as "Ms. Ouyang."

But such a lady would actually have ambiguous relations with Tang Song?

This seemed utterly unreal no matter how you looked at it.

Just as she was feeling unsettled,

Ouyang Xianyue's slender, snow-white fingers gently brushed over the ink wash painting.

Her voice was clear and moist like the wind, her tone unhurried:

"I've always loved Meng Haoran's poem 'The Imperial Examination Steed Neighs.' Thin clouds faint, the Milky Way barely bright, sparse raindrops pattering on parasol leaves. The artistic conception is lofty and pure. So, I also like your name—Shuyu (Sparse Rain)."

Xie Shuyu suddenly snapped back to reality.

Forcing herself to regain composure, she tried hard to suppress the churning emotions in her heart.

"Thank you, Ms. Ouyang. Actually, this poem is also the source of my name."

After saying this, she seemed to recover some of her composure.

Slightly bowing, she showed a proper smile, "I really like this calligraphy and painting, thank you for your gift. I will treasure it carefully."

"As long as you like it." Ouyang Xianyue pursed her lips in a light smile, elegant to just the right degree.

Tang Song, watching their interaction, had flickering eyes and flowing thoughts.

The Ouyang Xianyue he saw today seemed somewhat different.

Not just because of this sexy cheongsam.

But also her meticulously done makeup, accessories, even her perfume.

Moreover, in every smile and gesture, she unabashedly exuded the top-tier feminine charm of a woman her age.

This was subtly different from the restrained, elegant noblewoman from before.

In his memory, this was the first time he had seen such an Ouyang Xianyue.

He had to admit, she was indeed very alluring.

Collecting his dirty little thoughts,

the corners of Tang Song's lips lifted slightly as he spoke at the right moment: "Your calligraphy is truly beautiful, and has great character. I like it very much too. How about giving me a piece later?"

Hearing this,

Ouyang Xianyue's eyes instantly rippled with dazzling laughter, "I actually... had already prepared a piece for you. After dinner, I'll personally give it to you."

Her gaze flowed like water waves, quietly looking at Tang Song,

her body emanating a noblewoman's aura steeped in years and power,

magnificent and exquisite.

This subtle temptation made Tang Song's little heart accelerate uncontrollably again.

"Good, thank you then."

Only then did Ouyang Xianyue turn to the still slightly awkward Xie Shuyu and say: "Shuyu, this painting uses handmade rice paper that easily absorbs moisture. Please put it in that wooden box over there first, it's what I prepared."

"Okay."

Xie Shuyu quickly responded, carefully rolling up the painting and placing it in the carved sandalwood box.

Her movements were cautious, her expression still carrying tension.

Watching this scene, Ouyang Xianyue's smile deepened slightly.

"Let's go, I'll take you to try the private dishes here."

After speaking, she elegantly turned and personally led the way in front,

guiding the two around a screen into the connected private dining room.

As the three took their seats,

several servers wearing Hanfu quietly pushed the door open.

A soft clinking of porcelain followed, and the air filled with warm aromas.

These were seasonal private banquet dishes from Sichuan province.

Golden soup fish maw with bamboo fungus, stone pot oxtail stew, cold tossed shadow beef, spicy crab claws, silver thread tofu pudding, green peppercorn sea bass...

Each dish was exquisitely presented, with modest portions but exuding sophistication everywhere.

Ouyang Xianyue said softly: "They serve the most authentic reformed Sichuan cuisine here. I heard you don't eat much spicy food, so I specifically asked the chef to adjust the flavors—keeping the aroma but reducing the heat. Light yet not losing flavor, you should like it."

Her tone was extremely natural,

but it made Xie Shuyu feel overwhelmingly honored. "You're too kind, thank you."

She never expected that Ms. Ouyang, who handled numerous affairs daily, would investigate in advance and even remember her taste preferences.

Clearly, she had investigated her beforehand.

Thinking this, her heart suddenly skipped a beat.

She subconsciously glanced at Tang Song beside her.

If Ms. Ouyang and Tang Song really had that kind of ambiguous relationship,

then what position was she here in today?

Tang Song's girlfriend?

If so, then would Ms. Ouyang... possibly...

Just then,

a piece of sea bass with all fine bones removed appeared on her plate.

Tang Song's magnetic voice sounded by her ear: "Shuyu Sister, try this green peppercorn sea bass. It's very tender and not spicy, should suit your taste."

"Um... okay..."

Xie Shuyu gently picked up the fish piece with her chopsticks, lifting her head to secretly glance at Ms. Ouyang opposite.

The female entrepreneur in the silver-white cheongsam was lowering her head, holding a soup bowl, elegantly taking a small sip.

Light fell on her profile, her skin delicate, her brows and eyes serene.

The corners of her mouth held a faint, elusive smile, seemingly indifferent about this scene.

Only then did Xie Shuyu relax, putting the sea bass piece into her mouth.

The fish was tender and fresh, bursting with numbing aroma.

"It's really delicious," she said sincerely.

Before she could put down her chopsticks,

she saw Tang Song pick up another plump piece of fish belly and directly place it on Ouyang Xianyue's plate.

"Ouyang, you try some too."

Ouyang?!

Xie Shuyu's hand trembled, almost dropping her chopsticks.

She looked up in shock, barely believing her ears.

Tang Song actually directly called her "Ouyang"?!

This wasn't just presumptuous.

In their social circles, forms of address themselves defined status.

And Tang Song's tone without any honorific was almost like addressing an ordinary friend.

She immediately looked at Ms. Ouyang opposite.

But she saw not the slightest anger on the other's face—instead, a touch of touching shy smile appeared as she picked up the fish and took a small bite.

Xie Shuyu's woman's intuition told her:

the relationship between these two was more special than she had imagined.

The dinner slowly unfolded in this ambiguous yet restrained atmosphere.

Ouyang Xianyue very naturally chatted with Xie Shuyu about Weiguang Coffee.

From new product development, supply chain systems, to brand value building and membership system optimization.

Her tone remained unhurried, without any condescending air.

Instead, she discussed future strategies for new consumer brands with Xie Shuyu from a senior expert's perspective.

The more Xie Shuyu listened, the more she admired.

She was naturally intelligent and sharp, able to appreciate the depth of this female entrepreneur's thinking.

Ms. Ouyang's perspective on problems was completely from a "top-level design" viewpoint.

Every sentence was like a finishing touch, both suggestion and direction.

When discussing brand long-termism and cash flow management,

Ouyang Xianyue gently raised her glass to clink with Xie Shuyu's, her gaze gentle yet powerful.

"You starting from scratch and growing Weiguang Coffee to its current scale is itself remarkable.

Entrepreneurship doesn't rely on inspiration, but sustained rationality.

You have this quality;

we're actually similar types of people."

Xie Shuyu paused for a moment, deeply moved inside.

She said seriously: "Thank you for your encouragement, Ms. Ouyang. I will continue working hard and not disappoint your expectations."

Tang Song smiled and casually added: "I have this feeling too. Shuyu Sister's working style actually resembles yours from before."

Ouyang Xianyue's eyebrows lifted slightly, her gaze carrying a hint of playfulness. "Oh? You mean she's like my younger self? Hehe... are you reminding me I'm getting older?"

Xie Shuyu instantly felt tense.

Tang Song detected the slight teasing in her tone, calmly looking into her eyes.

He smiled faintly: "Of course not. You're at your most charming age now, still very young. I meant that courage facing difficulties without retreating, and logical approach to work."

Ouyang Xianyue pursed her lips in a light smile. "Alright, thank you for the compliment."

The atmosphere became gentle and relaxed again.

Xie Shuyu also relaxed.

The dining table lighting shifted, reflecting on their three faces.

Soon, under Ouyang Xianyue's guidance, the conversation became more personal.

She put down her wine glass, seemingly casually asking: "Shuyu, I remember your birthday is February 1991, right?"

"Um, yes."

"Then... we actually belong to the same generation." Ouyang Xianyue glanced at Tang Song beside her, her tone carrying a trace of nostalgic sentiment. "When I was in university, the hottest TV dramas were 'Struggle' and 'Soldiers Sortie,' and what we listened to on MP3s were still Stefanie Sun. Back then, Taobao was just emerging, without Tmall yet. Nokia was still the dominant force in the mobile phone industry, everyone wanted an N95..."

Her words immediately evoked Xie Shuyu's youth memories.

The two began chatting back and forth about the anime, celebrities, and popular culture of their generation.

Ouyang Xianyue's conversation was elegant, her social boundaries just right.

She knew when to listen, when to respond, transitioning topics naturally,

her tone soft yet with some humor.

Xie Shuyu was also skilled in social settings, sharply capturing the emotional rhythm in her words and smoothly responding.

The more they talked, the more they clicked.

During this process, Xie Shuyu also successfully helped her best friend Meng Ran obtain Ouyang Xianyue's autograph, complete with personal dedication.

Tang Song listened with great interest on the side.

As if following their descriptions, he could feel bits and pieces of that era related to them.

He looked at these two equally mature and radiant beauties opposite him.

One was a female entrepreneur who had weathered storms yet remained composed.

The other was an entrepreneurial woman who started from nothing and forged ahead ambitiously.

And indeed, they could be considered peers.

Both in their thirties.

Soon, Tang Song thought of Wen Ruan and Jiang Yourong, who were also slightly older.

His gaze uncontrollably fell upon Ouyang Xianyue.

Her figure was neither Wen Ruan's nearly exaggerated perfect hourglass type, nor Jiang Yourong's simply fleshy plumpness.

But rather a just-right fullness, full of Eastern classical charm.

No obvious muscle lines could be seen on her body, nor excess fat around her waist.

Her whole person presented smooth, rounded curves like pearls and jade.

Once again, Tang Song had extremely wicked thoughts about this "widow" he had cultivated in his game.

His throat slightly moved as he struggled to suppress his surging emotions.

As a standard Old Hand,

back when selecting and cultivating characters in the game, besides ability ratings, what he valued most was appearance.

So, including Secretary Jin, Su Yu, Ouyang, Annie, Mo Xiangwan—all female characters

without exception were pleasing to the eye top-tier beauties.

After all, when playing games, you naturally seek maximum enjoyment.

And now, this fully dressed-up, shed-all-restraint, full-powered "SSR complete form" Ouyang Xianyue before him,

radiated charm that no man could resist.

He was certainly no exception.

Just then,

Ouyang Xianyue's gaze suddenly looked over, colliding with his burning stare.

Tang Song's eyes slightly twitched, using eating as cover to conceal his loss of composure.

Noticing this scene,

the corners of Ouyang Xianyue's mouth revealed a meaningful smile.

...

The dinner gradually approached its end.

Bamboo shadows outside the sandalwood window gently swayed in the night.

Ouyang Xianyue elegantly wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin, her posture as composed as ever.

She turned to Xie Shuyu, her tone gentle yet carrying an undeniable meaning:

"Shuyu, besides Sichuan cuisine, the private chef here also makes very authentic Suzhou-style desserts. Especially that 'Euryale Ferox Rice,' a light sweet soft cake airlifted from Gusu, perfect for relieving spiciness. I'll have Secretary Chen take you to the kitchen to personally select some to try, and also pack some for your good friend Meng Ran to take back."

Her words were thoughtful and thorough,

making it impossible to refuse.

"This... this is too much trouble for you..."

"No need for formalities with me." Ouyang Xianyue patted her hand, then gave a meaningful glance to Chen Jing who understood.

Secretary Chen comprehended, saying warmly: "President Xie, please come this way."

The door gently opened, light gathering into a soft halo behind Xie Shuyu

as her figure slowly disappeared through the doorway, the entire room's atmosphere changed accordingly.

Ouyang Xianyue turned to look at Tang Song opposite.

Those gentle, beautiful eyes rippled with complex, hard-to-describe light.

The two looked at each other for a moment.

Ouyang Xianyue spoke first: "Let's go, I'll take you to get that calligraphy piece I'm giving you."

"Mm."

Tang Song stood up, smoothly gently pushing his chair back.

The two quietly walked through the long corridor,

arriving at a quiet room at the end of the second floor.

It was an extremely minimalist painting studio, with many small ink wash works hanging on the walls.

A desk held cinnabar, ink sticks, and rice paper.

Ouyang Xianyue walked to the table, her slender hand gently stroking the already mounted scroll,

fingertips releasing faint ink fragrance.

"My painting skills are crude, just casual freehand. I don't know if... you'll like it."

Her tone seemed somewhat nervous and apprehensive, but her surface remained composed and elegant.

Tang Song took it;

it felt slightly heavy in hand.

He slowly unrolled the scroll.

A familiar figure appeared before him.

It was from a few days ago, in that courtyard called Jinli Villa, under that fiery red maple tree, when he reached out to brush fallen leaves from her shoulder.

The ink wash brushstrokes were freehand yet vivid.

With just a few strokes, it vividly captured the gentleness and focus he showed at that time.

And in the blank space of the scroll,

she had inscribed a short poem in her naturally elegant running script:

["The crescent moon veils maple shadows, wind rises with layered meaning. If this life were but a dream, why not share the autumn red together?"]

Tang Song stared at the poem, his pupils slightly contracting.

With Tang Song's current cultivation and sharpness, he naturally understood the hidden meaning.

It was an emotion suppressed for too long, gently opening a crack beneath the rational shell.

One could say both restrained and bold.

Tang Song's fingertips gently stroked,

as if able to feel the burning temperature hidden between the lines.

Which meant... this always reserved noblewoman Ouyang Xianyue was actually confessing to him?!

Or perhaps not exactly "confessing," but "testing"?

He lifted his head to look at Ouyang Xianyue.

She stood before the desk, light slanting on her neck.

Light and shadow flowed over her cheongsam's satin surface, the orchid patterns between her collar seeming illuminated by the night.

Her posture remained dignified, her smile faint.

As if completely unaware of the emotions implied in this poem.

The two stood quietly, looking at each other.

The air seemed to grow moist.

After a moment, Tang Song slowly exhaled, breaking this heart-palpitating silence.

"The painting is excellent, I like it very much. This poem... did you write it yourself?"

"Mm." Ouyang Xianyue gently nodded, her gaze calm as water. "What do you think of my writing?"

"The characters have great strength, the brushwork restrained, yet hiding barely noticeable sharpness. But the imagery in the last two lines, I don't quite understand yet."

"Oh?" She tilted her head, chuckled lightly, her tone neither hurried nor slow. "Actually, it's quite simple."

She extended her green onion-like finger, lightly pointing at the scroll.

"'If this life were but a dream' speaks of life being like a dream, gatherings and partings like smoke. And 'why not share the autumn red'..." She lifted her deep eyes, looking at Tang Song without avoidance, her voice light as a whisper: "...naturally speaks of the tree full of red leaves. Such beautiful scenery, if we could appreciate it together, why not?"

Her words were watertight,

as if Tang Song had simply overthought it.

But her eyes clearly carried thought-provoking ripples.

Tang Song's heart felt like gently brushed by a feather, itching and tingling.

He couldn't help following her words to ask further: "So that's it. Then who do you hope to appreciate it with?"

"Perhaps within the painting, or perhaps outside it? What do you think?"

Ouyang Xianyue's lips curved upward, closing without further words.

Her fingers slowly slid, brushing over the figure under the red maple tree in the painting.

Rationality like a mirror, affection like mist.

The air seemed to freeze in that instant.

Tang Song's eye corners twitched.

Goodness! Miss Ouyang, you're truly cultured!

This was his first time dealing emotionally with a woman of this caliber.

Her every sentence was like Tai Chi pushing hands—seemingly soft and powerless, but actually concealing sharpness.

She could always toss every question back to him in an even more ambiguous way.

Especially with Ouyang Xianyue's special identity and that unique mature noblewoman temperament,

making even him feel repeatedly captivated.

But this also stirred some wicked desire to conquer within him.

He pursed his lips, taking the initiative: "This calligraphy piece, you seem not to have signed it yet?"

"Mm." Ouyang Xianyue's eyes shifted. "I've been hesitating, not knowing how to sign it most appropriately? Also... not sure where to sign."

Tang Song's breathing slightly quickened.

He stepped forward, standing at her side, pointing to a blank space on the scroll.

"I think here is perfect. Just write 'Ouyang' two characters."

Ouyang Xianyue lowered her eyes, her fair hand picking up a purple hare hair brush, dipping it in ink.

The brush tip hovered above the rice paper, ink about to drip, yet she delayed without writing.

She slightly turned, as if contemplating, or perhaps waiting.

"I still can't accurately determine the signing spot. How about... you help me point it out more carefully?"

Her voice was very light, carrying just the right amount of difficulty.

Tang Song stepped forward again, almost standing behind Ouyang Xianyue,

enveloping her entire person within his aura and shadow.

His gaze couldn't help falling upon her hip curves that appeared even rounder due to her forward-leaning posture, and the waist outlined by her cheongsam.

That unique mature noblewoman's full yet forbidden sexual charm rushed toward him,

like a juice-rich peach.

He couldn't help taking a deep breath.

His nostrils filled with her unique rich fragrance.

His heartbeat grew faster and faster, faster and faster.

The room fell into unusual quietness.

Tang Song reached out, gently covering her brush-holding hand from behind.

Where his hand touched was delicate skin warm as jade,

cool, yet incredibly soft.

"Here—"

He guided her hand, slowly moving toward that already chosen blank space.

With this movement, his body inevitably made substantial contact with her plump soft back.

Ouyang Xianyue's body instinctively leaned forward, but her hand under his guidance slightly exerted force, seemingly wanting to maintain stability.

And accompanying this action, her rounded hips wrapped in cheongsam pressed back against him neither lightly nor heavily.

In that instant,

Tang Song felt all blood in his body "boom" rush to his head,

immediately having a strong reaction.

Yet, Ouyang Xianyue in his arms seemed completely unaware of all this.

Her entire attention seemed concentrated on the brush tip.

Steadily, she elegantly wrote the graceful "Ouyang" two characters on that blank space.

Tang Song looked at this noblewoman from the side-back, feeling her body's heat and fullness, a strange thrill rising in his heart.

Just like when he first saw her in the Dream.

She was like a scalpel wrapped in velvet.

And now, after years of experience and power immersion,

this scalpel had become more elegant and magnificent.

Also more irresistible.

Recalling his recent interactions with Ouyang Xianyue and her performance today,

Tang Song even couldn't help wanting to say to himself: I'm truly amazing!

Such a woman was actually cultivated by his own hands.

If not for the nearly "divine" special state enhancement of the Dream System,

Ouyang Xianyue could absolutely manipulate him at will.

No wonder Secretary Jin was so wary of her.

No wonder that "Dream Tang Song" back then deliberately provoked their relationship to maintain subtle balance.

She was too smart, too experienced, and too understood the power of boundaries.