Chapter 877: Miss Smile Who Questions Life |
In the wide, brightly lit hallway.
"Jianying? What are you doing?" Xu Feng saw him acting as if possessed and couldn't help tugging at him.
Tang Jianying's lips trembled twice, his voice sounding thin and unreal.
"Th-this is..."
Heaven help him.
Tang Jianying had enjoyed a bit of prestige lately because of his son and had seen more of the world. He had even met big shots like the mayor and Ouyang Xianyue in person and eaten with them. But he never dreamed—
That the legendary Director Jin would turn out to be his son's girlfriend.
And she came home to spend New Year's Eve and meet the parents properly.
This was not just casually dating.
"What are you standing there for? Hurry and carry the things inside, it's cold out; go in first!" Xu Feng glared at him and forcibly pulled the scene back on track.
She couldn't afford to think too deeply right now.
All along, she had assumed her son and Qing Ning were a couple.
They were close in business dealings, and both sets of parents tacitly acknowledged their relationship.
Now suddenly another woman had popped up, and judging by the fanfare, she was no ordinary person.
With Qing Ning's temperament, if she found out...
Just thinking about it made Xu Feng's scalp go numb. Her thoughts were in a whirl; she just wanted to steady the situation in front of her.
Secretary Jin had already stepped forward, her expression gentle and proper.
"Uncle, Auntie, work matters are for outside. Today is New Year's Eve. I came as Tang Song's girlfriend to your home to join you for dinner. Please don't treat me like an outsider."
Tang Song followed smoothly, "Dad, Mom, let's go inside."
"Yes, yes, come in, come in!" Tang Jianying finally snapped back to himself, hurriedly taking the things and forcing a smile, "Please come in, please come in."
The four of them entered.
Xu Feng bent to take a pair of new slippers from the shoe cabinet, her tone a little warmer than before.
"These are new, haven't been worn. I don't know if they'll fit, try them on."
"Thank you, Auntie." Secretary Jin accepted the slippers and smiled up at her, "If they're a bit big or small that's fine, just wear whatever's comfortable."
That smile, close up, made Xu Feng's chest flutter.
A girl whose name included 'smile' really did have a beautiful smile.
The way she changed shoes, her poise, that innate air of refinement...
Clearly someone raised very well.
Not at all like the county girls Xu Feng had grown accustomed to over the years.
Tang Jianying stood by holding the bags and couldn't help stealing a few more looks; the more he looked, the weaker his legs felt.
Secretary Jin finished changing and quietly followed Tang Song into the living room. She looked composed, but the fingers hanging by her side were slightly curled, the tips gently curling inward.
She didn't seem as calm inside as she appeared.
Tang Song set the things down.
Xu Feng finally found a chance to speak, a trace of complaint mixed with obvious nervousness in her voice:
"You child, why didn't you say anything in advance? You gave your father and me a fright."
"I just wanted to surprise you and Dad," Tang Song smiled, his gaze sweeping to his still-stunned father.
He knew very well what was happening.
Xu Feng was a typical housewife who watched domestic dramas and knew little about the business world, so she was simply bewildered and hadn't grasped what the name "Jin Meixiao" really meant.
But Tang Jianying was different.
He read the news, scrolled short videos, and discussed current affairs these past years; he knew of big companies and important people.
That's why he was so shocked.
Secretary Jin sat by the sofa, a bit apologetic in tone. "It was sudden, and a little presumptuous. I should have notified you first, but my schedule changed these days, so it had to wait until today. I hope I didn't disrupt your New Year plans."
"No, not at all." Xu Feng quickly waved her hand, "We're so happy you came."
Secretary Jin nodded slightly, her gaze indicating the gift boxes by her side.
"I brought a few small gifts. I wasn't sure what would be appropriate. It's not good to show up empty-handed the first time."
"Oh my, you came and brought so much, you're too polite."
Just as she finished speaking, Secretary Jin's eyes paused.
In a corner of the living room, a batch of gift boxes and bags had already been stacked.
The packaging was exquisite and plentiful.
They overlapped in type and quality with some of the gifts Secretary Jin had brought.
Following her line of sight, Xu Feng explained:
"Oh, those were from Xianyue... Ms. Ouyang, actually. She sent them this afternoon. Also a big pile, just arrived. Little Song, remember to thank them later."
Tang Song's heart gave a small jump.
He glanced at that pile of boxes, then at the ones Secretary Jin had brought, mentally comparing them.
The categories were very similar; some were even the same series.
He absolutely did not believe it was a pure coincidence.
Secretary Jin's gaze withdrew from the boxes; her expression remained calm, but her fingertip lightly tapped her knee.
It looked as if she was quietly taking mental notes.
Unaware, Xu Feng turned and called, "By the way, the pot's still simmering on the stove. Most of the other dishes are ready. Smile, sit down and have some tea first; your uncle and I will finish up and we'll start dinner soon!"
"Okay, thank you, Uncle and Auntie." Secretary Jin nodded politely.
Xu Feng and Tang Jianying went into the kitchen, one after the other.
The door hadn’t fully closed when the smile on Xu Feng's face vanished.
She grabbed Tang Jianying's arm and lowered her voice.
"Is Qing Ning definitely at Quancheng TV tonight?"
"Ye—yes, she said so herself, and she posted it on her Moments."
"Then that's good." Xu Feng cast a glance toward the living room and lowered her voice even more, "What is that brat up to? Qing Ning was over yesterday making dumplings with me, and today... ugh, this really shakes us up."
"Now's not the time to talk about this!" Tang Jianying's face flushed; he pressed his voice lower.
Xu Feng frowned and pressed further, "From your reaction earlier, do you know what this woman's background is? A director?"
Tang Jianying took a deep breath.
He checked that the kitchen door was firmly shut and then spoke solemnly in a low voice, "She is Director Jin from Smile Holdings."
"Smile Holdings...?" Xu Feng frowned, muttering under her breath, "That name sounds familiar."
"You watch too few of those soap operas!" Tang Jianying was so anxious his face reddened; his voice rose a little and he quickly suppressed it, "Little Song used to work in the Imperial Capital at Meigou Technology, remember?"
"Of course I remember."
"Meigou Technology is a subsidiary under Smile Holdings!"
"Ah?" Xu Feng was stunned, "So... it's that Smile Holdings!"
She knew Meigou Technology — her son worked there for three years; she'd mentioned it to relatives. She knew it was a very large company backed by a group called Smile Holdings, known to be powerful worldwide.
"So, she's someone from that group...?" Tang Jianying's tone trembled as he spoke each word: "She's the founder! The boss! The biggest one! Smile Holdings' name came from her! Tang Yi Precision has Smile Holdings as a shareholder too!"
He handed over his phone right away.
"Look for yourself!"
On the screen was an encyclopedia entry. At the top was a photograph.
Smiling, striking features, noble bearing.
Exactly the same young woman who had just sat in their living room, holding a teacup and smiling at them.
Below was a long, dense list:
Founder and executive director of Smile Holdings, controlling and invested enterprises in more than forty countries, businesses covering finance, technology, consumer goods, medicine, energy...
Harvard degrees in economics, psychology, and mathematics...
Further down, "2018 Global Entrepreneur of the Year," "Time's Most Influential Person," "Forbes cover figure"...
Xu Feng couldn't make heads or tails of many of the business terms.
But one title stabbed her eyes.
The richest woman in the world.
Xu Feng's hand trembled; her phone almost slipped.
Her mouth opened; something felt lodged in her throat, and she couldn't make a sound for a long moment.
The richest woman in the world?
She didn't understand all those confusing business terms, but she understood those two words too well.
Her son's girlfriend... was the richest woman in the world?!
Outside the kitchen, the clay pot simmered and gurgled quietly. Steam crept through the door's crack, carrying the aroma of food, warm and comforting.
But Xu Feng felt dizzy; her legs weakened and she gripped the stove to steady herself.
Her face flushed, her body even trembled slightly.
"What does this mean for our family graves... what a huge stir this could cause..."
Tang Jianying was equally agitated; he swallowed and whispered, "Yes... do you think Little Song could suddenly be this powerful because Director Jin is backing him?"
Xu Feng suddenly looked up at him.
The couple exchanged a glance and countless scenarios flashed through their minds in an instant.
Their son had been raised under their eyes. They knew his temper and ability better than anyone.
No matter how clever or promising he had been before, he wouldn't suddenly skyrocket to the kind of status they dared not even imagine in such a short time.
Of course, Ouyang Xianyue had also visited and given some explanations before, saying Tang Song's identity was special and many things were for national tech development, not to be revealed.
But that explanation had always felt a little hollow to them.
Now it was different.
Everything seemed to close in a loop.
If the person standing behind their son was Director Jin of Smile Holdings, then many previously puzzling matters had answers.
No wonder he brought her home so formally today.
In terms of status, even Ouyang Xianyue might seem a step down to their most basic understanding.
But before they could even fully recover from the shock, another more dangerous question popped up.
Tang Jianying swallowed and asked, "What about Qing Ning? We never heard of this. Is it just a coincidence? Little Song wouldn't... be two-timing, would he?"
As soon as those words came out, Xu Feng was fully awake.
Her flushed face hadn't faded, but her heart tightened.
The crucial thing was, Director Jin's identity was not ordinary.
If there was anything unclear in between...
This wouldn't be an ordinary lovers' dispute.
This could be a major event.
The more Xu Feng thought, the more anxious she became; her breath quickened.
Of course she worried about Qing Ning. Emotionally, she favored the girl who had known them for years and was close to the family.
But on the other hand was a stunning, accomplished female billionaire.
And judging by everything, their son might have been heavily supported by her over the years.
This was like a golden phoenix descending from the sky!
How could she choose?
Thinking this through, Xu Feng gritted her teeth, straightened up, and fixed her expression.
"We'll talk about these things later. For tonight, she came, sat at the table—she's my daughter-in-law."
Having said that, she pushed Tang Jianying.
"Go, bring the dishes. I'll go inside and prepare a few things."
....
A few minutes later.
The table was piled high.
Clay-pot braised ribs, braised carp, crispy roast chicken, fried lotus root pockets, cold shredded salad... and neat plates of freshly cooked dumplings arranged on the big white porcelain plate, steaming hot.
The table smelled delicious, steam rising.
The TV was on again; pre-show specials before the Spring Festival Gala played, hosts' voices, laughter, and background music mixing with the aroma of the food.
The New Year's Eve atmosphere thickened all at once.
Xu Feng and Tang Jianying were extremely enthusiastic.
Their long-unseen son was slightly sidelined.
All their attention focused almost entirely on Secretary Jin.
Pouring tea, handing drinks, asking if she was cold or comfortable.
Xu Feng kept serving her, chopsticks hardly stopping.
"Here, Smile, try this lotus root pocket. I fried them all afternoon. And this fish, few bones, don't worry."
"Smile, your work must be busy. Take care of your health..."
"When Little Song was little he was so naughty. One year he set off firecrackers and blew up the neighbor's chicken coop..."
Secretary Jin listened quietly.
When Xu Feng served her, she accepted. When asked a question, she answered carefully, her speech measured and gentle; the smile on her face was always just right, not a hint of insincerity.
Occasionally, she naturally served two chopsticks of food back to Xu Feng and Tang Jianying and asked about their health and routines.
Small actions, but comfortable.
When stories turned to Tang Song's childhood mishaps, she would slightly turn her head to glance at him, a teasing smile in her eyes and a girl's shy flutter at learning her lover's past.
That effortless sense of proportion eased Xu Feng and Tang Jianying's tension bit by bit.
The dishes slowly diminished, drinks were refilled.
Outside, distant firecrackers popped in scattered bursts, muffled and irregular.
The room was warm.
Lights, hot food, the Spring Festival Gala on TV, the parents' chatter...
All mixed together, making the moment particularly real and warm.
......
"Uncle, Auntie, I'm going to the bathroom. You two continue chatting."
Secretary Jin put down her chopsticks and stood, politely nodding as she rose.
"Over there." Xu Feng pointed kindly.
Once her figure disappeared at the end of the corridor,
the smile on Xu Feng's face immediately fell away.
She set down her chopsticks and grabbed Tang Song's arm.
"What are you doing, Mom—"
"How can you still ask?" Xu Feng lowered her voice, agitated, "What is going on?!"
"What do you mean?"
"What else could it be?" Xu Feng's voice nearly broke from anxiety, "Have you broken up with Qing Ning?"
Tang Song pressed his lips together.
As expected, this had to come.
He had long anticipated that this hurdle would be faced tonight.
That's why he didn't tell the family in advance.
Some matters couldn't be explained.
He had many women around him; his parents would find out sooner or later.
Rather than dragging it out, he would use Secretary Jin’s visit to present the core truth.
"No." Tang Song said quietly, his tone calm.
"No?!" Xu Feng's eyelids twitched, "You didn't break up, and you brought Smile home for New Year's? What do you intend!"
Tang Jianying couldn't sit still either and frowned, "Little Song, you acted badly here. If Qing Ning finds out, how will we explain..."
"She knows." Tang Song cut his father off directly.
"Ah?"
"What do you mean?"
Xu Feng and Tang Jianying both froze.
"My meaning is..." Tang Song hesitated, then forced himself and said, "They are both my girlfriends. And they know about each other and have no objections."
The laughter and applause on the TV seemed to recede in that instant.
Xu Feng and Tang Jianying stiffened as if frozen.
What kind of fairy tale was this?!
How could this be possible?
A few seconds later, Xu Feng finally seemed to digest the statement, taking a deep breath.
"What?! You mean Qing Ning knows? Smile knows? And they both... both agree?!"
"Yes." Tang Song nodded, "That's basically it."
Tang Jianying's face became a complex tangle of emotions.
Shock, incredulity, broken worldviews, and a dazed sense of "what kind of abnormal godly skill did my son cultivate?"—all mixed together.
"You—" He opened his mouth but couldn't form a full sentence.
What an absurd, magical plot!
That's Director Jin and Qing Ning—this was outrageous!
Xu Feng was similarly stunned.
This outrageousness clashed severely with her decades of traditional values.
If her son had brought home messy lovers, she'd be the first to object.
But instead,
one was Liu Qingning, the girl they already accepted, raised nearby, known and trusted.
The other was the world's richest woman, Jin Meixiao, who had just sat opposite, calmly eating the lotus root pockets Xu Feng had made, smiling politely, with no visible faults.
And both knew and agreed to the arrangement.
She didn't even know whom to be angry at.
A hard lump of emotion lodged in Xu Feng's chest.
Her face changed, folded into a painfully awkward mix.
"You child... aren't you afraid this will blow up someday?"
"No." Tang Song's tone was firm. "Mom, I know what I'm doing. Their relationship is more stable than you think."
Xu Feng stared at him for a long time.
She knew her son very well.
She also knew Tang Song wouldn't lie about this.
If he brought her home, he was prepared.
"Are you really sure?" Her tone softened a little, but worry still glinted in her eyes.
"Yes, really sure." Tang Song answered seriously. "Don't worry, Mom. I brought Smile home tonight to meet you and Dad. We'll tell you the rest slowly later; there's no rush."
Xu Feng looked at him deeply and finally sighed, not pressing further.
She wasn't truly convinced by his absurd words.
She simply knew some things couldn't be untangled at the dinner table.
Besides, this "billionaire daughter-in-law" was too precious to let go.
She couldn't find a single flaw after more than an hour of contact.
Just then, footsteps and the sound of the corridor door closing signaled Secretary Jin's return.
The previously conflicted Xu Feng and Tang Jianying snapped their posture into cheerful smiles.
Their expressions shifted back to hospitality in a blink—professional speed.
Tang Song's mouth twitched.
No wonder they were his parents.
Their bottom line for his playboy behavior was remarkably flexible.
......
After dinner, the family moved to the sofa to watch the Spring Festival Gala.
A language-themed segment played on TV, audience laughter and applause rolling in waves.
Phone dings and notifications sounded intermittently—greetings for the New Year.
Secretary Jin sat next to Tang Song, cradling a steaming cup of tea, a faint smile at her lips.
The coffee table held nuts and sweets.
Tang Jianying sat peeling peanuts, commenting occasionally.
Suddenly, Xu Feng seemed to remember something and slapped her thigh.
"Oh! I almost forgot the proper thing!"
She hurried to the bedroom, and Tang Song vaguely guessed what she was up to.
Sure enough.
Not long after, Xu Feng returned quickly, holding a red envelope.
It wasn't big, but it was thick and substantial; its corners were smoothed flat—clearly prepared beforehand.
She came to the sofa, bent down, and shoved the thick envelope into Secretary Jin's hands.
"Here, Smile, take this. It's a meeting gift. By our old custom, a daughter-in-law visiting for the first time must be given one."
The words "daughter-in-law" hit Secretary Jin; her pupils trembled sharply.
She looked down at the red envelope.
It was ordinary—like those bought at stationery stores, gold-stamped.
But the hand holding it trembled slightly.
Clearly, she was deeply moved.
She looked up, shy and touched for the first time.
"Thank you, Auntie. I accept it."
Tang Song watched the scene, feeling a surge of indescribable joy and excitement.
Seeing her accept it, Xu Feng beamed and sat down beside her, launching into casual family chatter.
Her eyes, however, stayed fixed on this "sudden daughter-in-law"; the longer she looked, the more fond she became, reluctant to look away.
After a while she asked, "By the way, Smile, where are you staying these days?"
Secretary Jin paused with the red envelope in hand, lips curving slightly, "At the Yunzhen Hotel in Quancheng."
Tang Song froze a bit at that and his heart skipped.
Secretary Jin clearly had a house in Jing County but deliberately said she was staying at a hotel in Quancheng—clearly intentional.
"Ah? That's far," Xu Feng fretted. "On New Year's Eve that back-and-forth is unsafe."
"It's fine, Auntie." Secretary Jin's tone was gentle. "It's just over an hour by car. There's almost no traffic on New Year's Eve."
Xu Feng hesitated, testing the waters, "Why don't you stay here tonight? Who stays at a hotel on New Year's Eve? We have plenty of rooms. Don't make a fuss. Tomorrow is Little Song's father's birthday; it would be nice to celebrate together."
A faint blush rose on Secretary Jin's cheeks.
She lowered her eyes, hesitating just the right amount in her tone.
"Would that be too much trouble? I shouldn't impose, I should go back."
"It's no trouble! Don't be silly." Xu Feng immediately waved, her tone decisive. "If you go back alone, we won't be at ease. On New Year's, guests should stay with family."
She discreetly kicked Tang Song.
Tang Song promptly chimed in, "Smile, stay the night. Celebrate the New Year together."
Secretary Jin bit her lip, looked at Xu Feng and Tang Jianying, and after seeming to weigh it in her heart, reluctantly nodded.
"Alright... then. Sorry for the trouble."
"That's how it's done!" Xu Feng bloomed with joy and jumped up. "I'll get fresh bedding and check—"
"Mom, don't make such a fuss," Tang Song said. "She can stay in my room."
Tang Jianying's teacup hung suspended in his hand.
Xu Feng opened her mouth to object, but the words stuck in her throat. The two of them exchanged a look, then turned to Secretary Jin.
Her eyes flickered; she bit her lip. "Isn't that... not very appropriate?"
Tang Song took her hand. "It's settled. The other rooms have been empty since renovation and weren't tidied. My room is clean and convenient."
Secretary Jin was silent for two seconds, then softly said, "Okay. I'll listen to you."
Seeing the iron-willed, commanding Director Jin from the news and TV adopt this slightly dependent, small-daughter posture bewildered Tang Jianying.
He couldn't figure it out.
How did his son have such ability?
On the other side, Xu Feng was busy collecting new toothbrushes, cups, towels, and pillows.
Around ten at night.
Xu Feng and Tang Jianying, yawning in tandem, withdrew to the master bedroom.
The living room fell quiet.
Only Tang Song and Secretary Jin remained.
Tang Song's gaze warmed.
The smile on Secretary Jin's face settled into a look he knew well.
She turned her head toward him, a hint of ambiguity in her eyes.
"What's wrong? You keep staring at me."
"Shall we sleep?" Tang Song said softly.
"Aren't we supposed to stay up and see in the New Year?" She feigned puzzlement and glanced at the TV.
"This year's Spring Festival Gala is so boring, not one ten-thousandth as good as you." Tang Song leaned closer, speaking plainly, "I want to see the New Year with you."
Secretary Jin's eyelashes fluttered; her rosy lips curved.
That smile was slight, but held a soft, inexplicable pleasure.
"Flatterer."
"Of course I'm sweet. Want to taste it yourself?"
She smiled without answering and stood up. "I'll go wash up first. You wait fifteen minutes before coming in."
With that, she walked into the guest bedroom and gently closed the door.
This house had four bedrooms, two living rooms, and three bathrooms; Tang Song's guest room also had a private bath.
He was alone in the living room.
The Spring Festival Gala on TV drifted in the background, but his mind couldn't focus on a single word.
Fifteen minutes passed.
Tang Song rose and strode to the guest room, his heart pounding wildly.
When he pushed the door, his breath stopped for a moment.
The bedside lamp was on.
Warm yellow light spilled over half the room, bathing everything in a soft glow.
Secretary Jin sat on the edge of the bed.
She had removed her makeup; thick, soft hair tumbled down over her shoulders and back like a shimmering ribbon.
She wore one of his linen shirts from home.
Light gray, oversized—just the kind he usually threw on at home.
On her, it transformed.
The hem barely covered the top of her thighs; the loose neckline exposed a strip of fair, delicate collarbone and shoulder.
The sleeves had been casually rolled twice, piled at her wrists, revealing a small section of fair forearm.
She sat with one leg casually draped over the other, barefoot; her slender, pale ankles looked exquisite under the light.
She was languid, seductive, and noble.
With all shields down, only a vivid, living woman remained.
Hearing the door, she turned her head.
No makeup. Long hair. His shirt.
The warm light softened her face, making her eyes seem even clearer and dewier, like a deep pool reflecting light.
"I didn't bring pajamas." She tilted her chin slightly, indicating the shirt, "I rummaged through the wardrobe and grabbed something. I'll use your shirt for now. The fabric is comfy. You don't mind, do you?"
"I don't mind." Tang Song stared at her, his Adam's apple bobbing. "You look... very beautiful like this."
Secretary Jin tilted her head at his hungry look and curved her lips, "Aren't you going to wash up? The water's still hot."
"Oh, I'll go now." He nodded but couldn't stop his gaze lingering on her long, fair legs, then reluctantly went to the bathroom.
He brushed his teeth and washed his face at record speed and changed into pajamas.
When he returned, Secretary Jin was already lying in bed.
The blanket covered only to her waist.
Her chest rose in a breathtaking curve, making her seem both slender and soft.
Her thick hair spilled onto the white pillow; the light fell on her serene profile, lending an almost unreal tenderness.
Tang Song climbed in, lifting the cover to lie beside her.
Her warmth and faint scent drifted into his nose.
His heart, already restless, raced faster.
With a small sound, Secretary Jin turned toward him.
Their faces were so close they could count each long, thick eyelash.
Her eyes shone as she studied him silently.
Tang Song couldn't hold back; he reached out and lightly stroked her face.
His fingertips traced her elegant nose, the soft corner of her eye, and the fine cheek.
After all, she was the "ideal type" he had recruited through the system.
That attraction, from game to reality, had never waned—if anything, it had grown stronger.
Suddenly he felt a light sting on his finger.
Secretary Jin bit his fingertip, a rare sultry expression in her brows and eyes; three parts casual, seven parts deliberate.
A fire ignited in Tang Song's eyes.
He moved forward, pressing closer.
In the dim light they stared at each other, quietly dangerous.
Secretary Jin released his finger and softly spoke, "Song."
"Here."
"Are you feeling impulsive now?" Under the covers, her knees moved faintly forward, "I think... I can feel it."
Tang Song's breathing deepened.
"But you have limits, right? You can't actively do anything beyond the boundary to me."
Tang Song pursed his lips and said nothing.
Silence itself said everything.
The system had only unlocked communication permissions.
Normal interactions, normal solitude, social-range intimate contact were allowed.
If he took another step forward, he'd cross that boundary.
He'd been restraining himself.
Even until now, he hadn't kissed her first.
"Interesting." Secretary Jin moved slightly; they were almost pressed together and their breath mingled.
"How is it interesting?"
"You." She tilted her face up; her soft lips carried a mischievous smile as she lightly passed over his nose, "This is interesting."
Tang Song grabbed her slim waist with force.
"Not interesting at all. I'm very fired up!"
Seeing her and Su Yu's earlier clash had already ignited his emotions.
Then his stamina had broken through to 90, leaving him overflowing with energy and nowhere to release it.
"Then..."
Secretary Jin exhaled sweetly and slid a hand under his pajama hem, her fingertips landing on his hard abs.
"What if I take the initiative?"
"Okay." The two-syllable answer came almost immediately, a little dry.
But she suddenly stopped.
"Shh, don't make a sound."
Secretary Jin picked up her phone from the bedside.
Her long fingers tapped the screen, dialing a number with calm confidence.
Then she put the call on speaker, in front of Tang Song.
"Du-du—"
The call was answered after two rings.
"Hello? My dear Miss Smile." Su Yu's peachy, seductive signature voice came through the line. "Calling so late... missing me in the long night?"
Hearing that voice, Tang Song's eyes widened.
Secretary Jin! What are you doing?!
She didn't look at him.
Her hand remained on his stomach, fingertips drawing small, slow circles, her tone neutral:
"Not missing you. I just wanted to tell you that I'm having a pleasant New Year's Eve. As your future rival in the main palace, I even received an auntie's red envelope—8,888. Nice number."
Silence fell on the other end.
The previous languor and teasing vanished instantly.
After a long quiet, Su Yu let out a dry laugh laced with coldness.
"Oh? Congratulations. You've basically secured the main seat."
"Thanks."
Secretary Jin's tone was gentle, full of smiling politeness, as if making small talk.
At the same time, the hand on his abdomen slowly moved down, tracing along taut muscle lines.
Every inch downward made Tang Song's breathing heavier.
From the handset came Su Yu's sudden change in tone: "Is he beside you? What are you doing to him?"
Secretary Jin ignored it.
She spoke slowly, savoring every word:
"I'm staying in his house tonight, in his room. I'm calling to wish you a happy New Year."
Her fingers hooked the edge of his pajama bottoms and lightly tugged.
The tip of her finger was cool and delicate.
Tang Song's heavy breathing was clearly transmitted through the speaker.
"Jin Meixiao, you shameless—!!"
Su Yu exploded in an enraged shout through the speaker and then slammed the phone down with a "click."
The call ended.
The room fell quiet again.
Only their ragged breathing broke the silence.
Secretary Jin lifted her head slightly; a faint flush stained her pretty face, but the light in her eyes glinted with pride.
It was the composed satisfaction of someone who had seized control.
"Secretary Jin, you..."
"Shh—"
She lifted her other hand and placed a fingertip on his lips.
Then, one hand continued its previous movement.
She leaned close and breathed in his ear; warm breath brushed his ear.
Her voice was elegant and lethal in its softness:
"Let me feel with my hand... how much you love me."
Tang Song's breathing fell into chaos.
But not long after, Secretary Jin's expression shifted.
First surprise, as if she had touched something unexpected.
Then a puzzled blink; a faint crease between her brows, an unusual uncertainty flashing in her calm eyes.
After that, those clear eyes ignited with a rising competitive hunger.
Without a word she flipped over and pressed down on him.
Her kisses landed suddenly—staccato, urgent, and unwilling to yield.
Tang Song groaned and clasped her waist.
Still, it wasn't enough.
Secretary Jin straightened a little to catch her breath.
The warm light fell on her slightly flushed face, on those eyes burning with unwillingness.
She reached for his shirt and undid the first button.
The second.
The third.
The linen slid off the shoulder line, revealing vast expanses of porcelain-like skin.
Delicate collarbones, a flowing waist line gleamed honey-gold in the warm light.
Perfect proportions lay exposed without ornament.
She leaned down, then whispered fiercely, with a stubbornness that couldn't bear to lose:
"I don't believe you can last long."
After that hard-edged challenge, she lowered her head again.
For a while.
Miss Smile, drunk on her urge to win, finally began to question her life choices.
Outside, fireworks exploded.
"Crack—pop—boom—"
Shards of light streamed through the curtains, the ceiling flickered in multicolored sparks.
The New Year had arrived.