...

At exactly ten o’clock in the morning, the ceremonial cannons fired in unison.

The 50th anniversary celebration of Jing County First High School began gracefully with the stirring school anthem.

Ribbons flew, the red carpet extended, and the square resonated with the sound of drums and music.

Alumni from various circles, entrepreneurs, and some student and teacher representatives gathered together.

It was enthusiastic and solemn.

"Distinguished leaders, guests, dear teachers, and students, good morning!"

The host’s vibrant and passionate voice echoed in every corner of the venue through the sound system.

After a warm and enthusiastic opening speech,

the introduction segment officially began.

"First, let’s give the warmest applause to welcome the Mayor of Quan City, Mr. Li Jiping, to our school for guidance!"

Thunderous applause erupted instantly from the crowd.

After introducing several other important leaders in attendance,

the host’s voice paused, unconsciously raising several tones, filled with irrepressible excitement and pride:

"Next, we want to welcome a distinguished alumnus of Jing County First High School! He is also the Chairman of Rongliu Capital, a top global private equity institution! And he is our most important strategic partner for future industrial upgrades in Quan City! Let’s give the warmest applause to welcome—Mr. Tang Song!"

Under the gaze of the entire crowd, Tang Song slowly stood up in the guest section on the podium.

In the spotlight, his handsome features, elegant and upright posture, and refined demeanor instantly triggered a series of screams in the student formation below.

The applause from the audience was even more enthusiastic and lasting than before, almost lifting the roof of the entire auditorium.

Then, the host, with the same ceremonious tone, introduced Liu Qingning from Qingning Technology.

Tang Song was sitting on one side, and he exchanged glances with his first love, who had swapped out her school uniform for a beige professional suit.

In Liu Qingning’s always clear and determined eyes, a gentle smile spread, enough to melt the entire winter.

In the familiar campus of First Middle School that carried all their youth;

On the eye-catching stage of the school anniversary;

The youthful promise about "meeting at the peak."

At this moment, in the most romantic way, was perfectly fulfilled.

...

In Singapore, at the TY Precision branch.

Wen Ruan stood in the spacious and bright lounge, overlooking the cityscape outside that resembled a delicate model, and the shimmering Malacca Strait in the distance.

Her heart was far from being as calm as the scenery before her.

It ultimately came to this day.

The "special consulting spot" she initially sought out actively has now become a foregone conclusion, and she was unable to back out.

She could only bite the bullet, hoping nothing out of control would happen later in the meeting room.

That detestable man must be sweet-talking with Liu Qingning back home now.

Poor Zhuangzhuang, traveling all the way to Singapore to take over!

(＞＜)

"Creak—" the door of the lounge was opened.

Behind her came Ouyang Xianyue’s calm voice like still water: "Nervous?"

Wen Ruan quickly turned around and saw Miss Ouyang walking gracefully toward her.

Today, she wore a simple white silk jumpsuit, making her appear even more elegant and noble.

"A little." Wen Ruan admitted, her chest rising and falling slightly.

Ouyang stepped forward and stood beside her, her gaze also looking out the window.

In a flat tone, she said, "You don’t need to be nervous. Remember, you’re standing here today because Tang Song chose you. To some extent, every opinion you express represents his will. It’s your right and your weapon, no burdensome thoughts necessary."

Wen Ruan’s eyelids twitched, and she could only nod lightly.

The two chatted softly in the lounge for a while.

Then the door was pushed open again, and Mo Xiangwan, dressed in a smart women’s suit, also entered.

"Miss Ouyang, Wen Ruan."

"Sister Xiangwan."

Mo Xiangwan approached and affectionately patted Wen Ruan’s arm, complimenting her makeup and outfit for today.

Then, turning the conversation around, her eyes full of encouragement: "Congratulations, Wen Ruan. Don’t underestimate yourself; today you are the main character."

After hearing this, Wen Ruan felt speechless.

Goodness, you are all taking turns brainwashing me!

I am just a "special consultant," at most here to listen to all the big shots’ opinions and convey the information to Tang Song.

Asking me to directly challenge Chairman Jin, I... I can’t do it!

(ಥ_ಥ)

After a while, the three left the lounge and headed by car to the top floor of a landmark building at Marina Bay.

This also happens to be one of the most important branches of the Tang Jin Family Office.

Wen Ruan followed behind Ouyang Xianyue, passing through a silent corridor adorned with black walnut and metal lines.

The footsteps were absorbed by the thick handcrafted carpet, leaving only the increasingly clear sound of her heartbeat.

At the end of the corridor, two heavy frosted glass doors without any visible handles silently slid open as they approached.

At that moment, Wen Ruan’s breath caught for half a second.

Inside was a massive circular meeting room, nearly 300 square meters.

No excess decorations, solemn and silent.

The distinctive scent of top-level power, a mix of high-end leather, tranquil wood fragrance, and faint disinfectant, was clearly in the air.

The very center featured a huge oval conference table.

The tabletop was mirror-smooth, with only the simplest simultaneous interpretation equipment and embedded information terminals set upon it.

Anne Kate leaned lazily against the chair back, conversing in low tones with Wu Kezhi beside her, her golden hair striking under the lights; on the other side, Zheng Qiudong sat upright, subtly exchanging looks with Great Lawyer Luo Bin.