The villa was extremely quiet.

Xu Qing's carefree laughter seemed particularly abrupt.

Ouyang Xianyue, who was brewing tea, paused the movement of her fingertips, almost losing her composure.

Had she overacted?

She had read Xu Qing's novels, so naturally she knew what kind of scenes and what kind of character archetypes would most hit the fantasy sweet spot for her.

From the specially hand-written gilt-edged invitation to the deliberately crafted classical Eastern scene at this moment, even her every movement, makeup, and accessories were tailor-made to fit the perfect image in the other party's mind.

And yet, the other party's first reaction upon seeing her was... grinning like a fool?

The corner of Ouyang Xianyue's eye twitched almost imperceptibly, but she adjusted her emotions in an instant.

She set down the tea set, straightened her sleeves, and stood up gracefully, turning to look at the person at the door, her tone warm and smiling. "Hello, Qingqing."

Xu Qing shuddered all over, snapping out of her wild mental theater with a jolt.

She quickly covered her mouth, her face instantly flushing crimson, wishing she could dig a hole right there and crawl into it.

Oh no, oh no! Has the 'powerful female lead experience card' expired already?!

To lose composure and act like a fangirl in front of a big shot!

x(>x<;)

"H-Hello, Ms. Ouyang!" Xu Qing stammered, bowing so deeply it was practically ninety degrees in her nervousness. "Just now... I was just too happy to see you, I couldn't help laughing, I'm really sorry!"

"Hehe, it's fine. This is a private residence, not the company, no need to be so formal about etiquette." Ouyang Xianyue's expression was gentle, her voice full of a reassuring sense of tolerance. "Come in and sit. It's cold outside, and the tea has just finished brewing."

Xu Qing instantly felt as if granted a great pardon, the tense nerves in her body relaxing by more than half.

Listen to that tone! That sense of tolerance!

It's just like coming home, so incredibly safe and secure!

She hurriedly took off her shoes, walked cautiously to the opposite side of the low table, and, imitating Ouyang Xianyue's posture, somewhat clumsily knelt and sat down on the cushion.

Her legs were pressed together, her hands placed properly on her knees, her back ramrod straight, looking exactly like an elementary school student listening attentively in class.

Ouyang Xianyue sat back down, her fair hands lifting lightly, the movements of brewing tea flowing smoothly without the slightest hint of stiffness.

Boiling water poured into the purple clay teapot, wisps of steam carrying the clear, refreshing aroma of tea dispersing into the air.

She picked up a cup of clear, translucent tea soup and gently pushed it in front of Xu Qing.

"Try it. This is newly harvested Wuyi Mountain White Cockscomb. Warm yourself up, dispel the chill."

"Th-Thank you, Ms. Ouyang. Your tea-brewing movements are truly elegant." Xu Qing took the teacup with both hands, flustered enough to stammer a bit.

"Don't be nervous, just treat it like your own home."

"Mhm, mhm."

Xu Qing picked up the teacup with both hands, took a careful sip, and her eyes lit up. "It's delicious! Sweet, with a fresh, leafy fragrance!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she wanted to bite her own tongue off.

Oh no, oh no, she'd revealed her true colors with the first sentence, the elegant lady persona she'd just established completely collapsed.

What the heck 'fresh, leafy fragrance'!

Xu Qing, you're a great writer! Where's your vocabulary?!

Her brain whirred into overdrive, and she quickly tried to salvage the situation with a serious air: "Ahem, I mean, as the saying goes, 'The lingering tea aroma reveals refined taste, the lasting sweet aftertaste fills the mouth with spring.' This tea is truly top-grade!"

Ouyang Xianyue smiled gently, as if not noticing her embarrassment and panic. "It seems it suits your taste. That's good."

She also picked up a small tasting cup and took a light sip. Her thick, lowered eyelashes cast faint shadows on her fair cheeks.

That unhurried, composed demeanor was like a scroll of a quietly flowing, timeless masterpiece painting of a noble lady.

Holding her teacup, Xu Qing couldn't help but secretly glance at the person opposite her.

Up close, she could see more clearly.

Ouyang Xianyue possessed an extremely unique kind of beauty.

It was the richness and mellowness precipitated by the years.

Her skin was fair and delicate, her lines full and rounded, her whole body exuding a soft yet inviolable noble grace.

Like a flawless white jade Guanyin statue.

Plus, her simple, elegant traditional Chinese attire at the moment, and those seemingly low-key but actually extremely expensive accessories on her wrist...

This was practically the most divine living template for a "wealthy matriarch" in the web novel world!

Looking and looking, Xu Qing's big, dark eyes darted around.

She felt the inspiration for her next novel was already erupting like a volcano.

Before, her horizons were too limited, poverty had restricted her imagination; she hadn't dared to touch true high-society themes.

But this close contact with Ms. Ouyang was simply a perfect, delivered-on-a-platter opportunity for field research.

She had to take this chance to secretly observe and properly seek advice.

Later, she could directly transplant these details into her new book, using Ms. Ouyang as the prototype to shape a behind-the-scenes big boss or an earth-mother type female lead.

That texture! That sophistication!

Her results would absolutely take off on the spot, reaching new heights!

(^∇^)

Just as she was staring intently, her mind frantically outlining a new plot, her gaze happened to meet Ouyang Xianyue's lifted eyes.

Xu Qing's face flushed "whoosh" red, and she quickly lowered her head, staring fixedly at the teacup in her hands.

"Actually, I've loved reading since I was little," Ouyang Xianyue's voice came slowly, pleasant like a mountain stream. "Whether it's classical poetry and prose or modern and contemporary essays and miscellaneous writings, I've dabbled in them all. So, I naturally have a bit of fondness for writers and screenwriters like you who work with words."

Hearing such sincere praise from a top-tier big shot made Xu Qing feel even more guilty.

She waved her hands repeatedly. "You're too kind, I actually don't know that much either..."

Heaven knows how panicked she was inside.

The stuff she wrote—those female-oriented Mary Sue stories, domineering CEO forced love sweet romances—relied entirely on all sorts of cliché tropes. In front of someone with real literary depth, it was really not presentable.

Even the scripts for those three somewhat popular short dramas were cheesy and over-the-top.

If it weren't for Sister Su Yu being kind enough to stuff her with the title of 'special guest screenwriter' for *Voice of the Deep*, giving her a layer of gilding...

She wouldn't dare to truly claim that lofty hat of "writer" with a thick skin right now.

Next, Ouyang Xianyue casually chatted about her views on several classic literary works.

Her tone was gentle, without the slightest hint of showing off, yet every word was a gem.

Xu Qing listened while sitting on pins and needles, responding extremely awkwardly.

No matter how much she racked her brains, she couldn't conceal the thinness of her knowledge.

It was true she studied at a college of arts and law, but her major was law!

She did have some literary cultivation, but it was only enough to support her writing web novels. How could she sit and discuss profound topics with a true literary connoisseur who had been immersed in literature for years?

Fortunately, Ouyang Xianyue soon steered the conversation back to novels.

Xu Qing secretly breathed a sigh of relief, a thin layer of cold sweat having broken out on her back.

"Speaking of which, I had never read web novels before," Ouyang Xianyue set down her teacup, looking at Xu Qing with deep, gentle eyes, her tone even. "Your book, *Entered the Wrong Room*, was the first one I read."

"Pfft—Cough, cough, cough, cough!!!"

Xu Qing, who had just taken a small sip of tea to mask her awkwardness, immediately lost her composure on the spot.

A mouthful of tea shot straight into her windpipe, making her cough earth-shatteringly, tears instantly welling in her eyes.

She widened her teary eyes, looking at the graceful, noble lady before her.

Her voice trembled. "You... you read my novel?"

Help!

This was practically a public execution!

That novel of hers, *Entered the Wrong Room*, was packed with countless private headcanons and cringey, try-hard cool scenes about Tang Song and various characters!

All those interactions that made you want to curl your toes in embarrassment, those brain-dead domineering CEO try-hard scenes, even all sorts of borderline suggestive descriptions...

That kind of stuff was read by Ouyang Xianyue, standing at the pinnacle of the business world?!

This was ten thousand times more embarrassing than reading a diary out loud in public!

Ouyang Xianyue handed over a soft silk handkerchief, her eyes holding a bit of elder-like tolerance and amusement.

Xu Qing hurriedly took it, wiping her mouth and tears haphazardly, her head almost hanging down to her chest.

Any 'powerful female lead' persona, any 'graceful lady' demeanor, was all gone.

Well, that's it. Her underwear had been seen through.

"Don't be nervous, and don't worry. I'm not as old-fashioned as you think," Ouyang Xianyue's tone was uncharacteristically playful. "I genuinely found it very interesting."

She paused, her gaze shifting.

"Especially the male lead, Tang Song—hmm, that name has a lot of flavor. I really like his character design and story."

Xu Qing's ears perked up quietly.

"And the female lead, Xu Yanqing. She has both the excellence and intelligence of a career woman and the particular cuteness of a girl, and she's brave and sincere in love. I think... this character must be based on you yourself, right?"

Xu Qing suddenly looked up, her heart pounding like a drum.

Holy crap! Ms. Ouyang's insight is spot on!

"Before, I only read the book. Today, seeing you in person, I'm convinced. Only a girl like you, Qingqing, full of spirit, sincerity, and loveliness, could write such a vivid and interesting story."

Xu Qing's face felt a bit hot, but the corners of her mouth were already uncontrollably curling up wildly.

(/▽＼)

"N-Not really..." She waved her hand, trying to be modest. "I just wrote it casually. Web novels, you know, have the pressure of daily serialization, many details don't have time to be polished."

"You wrote this well just by writing casually?" Ouyang Xianyue raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone carrying just the right amount of amazement. "Then if you seriously put your mind to it, wouldn't you be going for literary awards?"

Xu Qing's mouth finally couldn't help but split into a grin. She was so thoroughly praised she lost all sense of direction, and even her previous awkwardness and nervousness vanished into thin air.

For the next half hour, the atmosphere in the tea room became extremely harmonious.

Just as the invitation said, Ouyang Xianyue was truly enjoying tea and conversation with her, listening to the wind under the eaves, chatting idly about writing.

Not only did she not have the slightest air of a superior, her words were also full of appreciation and recognition for Xu Qing's talent.

This feeling of "Bo Ya meeting Zhong Ziqi"—a soulmate connection—made Xu Qing feel like she was walking on air. After a few cups of hot tea, her speech lost its initial restraint. She began to chatter away, sharing the mental journey of her creative process, and even boldly complained about several moments when writer's block had driven her to the brink of collapse.

Speaking excitedly, she gesticulated wildly, almost knocking over the teacup beside her.

Ouyang Xianyue wasn't annoyed, just smiling as she refilled her tea, her eyes always holding an unfading tolerance.

Unconsciously, three rounds of tea passed.

Ouyang Xianyue set down her teacup and suddenly changed the subject.

"Qingqing, I particularly like the grand finale in your novel. On the boundless blue sea, a superyacht isolated from the world, a proposal of the century. That is romance in its purest form, very cinematic."

Hit right on her sweet spot, Xu Qing immediately forgot about modesty and responded with a bit of smugness. "Right? I think that part is written especially well too, the emotions just shoot straight up!"

Ouyang Xianyue sighed softly, her tone carrying a sense of feeling indignant on her behalf. "Yes. But I saw in the comment section, it seems quite a few readers were leading the narrative, saying the yacht scene you wrote was too exaggerated, unrealistic, and speaking particularly harshly."

Mentioning this, Xu Qing's anger instantly flared up. "Exactly! It infuriates me! But... I really haven't seen that kind of superyacht with my own eyes either, I could only rely on research and imagination... So it's not easy to directly refute them head-on..."

Her voice gradually trailed off, tinged with a hint of guilt.

Ouyang Xianyue looked at her, as if suddenly thinking of something, and suggested with a smile. "By the way, doesn't Tang Song just happen to have a brand new private yacht in Monaco? It's about to be delivered and inspected soon. Why don't you go with him to take a look? You can take some actual photos to fiercely counter those haters leading the narrative, and also seize the chance for field research, accumulating real material for the upcoming side stories. The side stories... could write about the romantic story of the male and female leads on the yacht. How wonderful."

Xu Qing's eyes instantly lit up, but then she shrank her neck a bit guiltily.

Although the male lead she shaped in her novel was practically the female lead's simp, in reality, the positions were completely reversed.

For her to bring it up directly would be too embarrassing.

She might even be blackmailed by Little Song into playing some new games.

Ouyang Xianyue continued to guide her persuasively, her tone full of an elder's expectations.

"Qingqing, with your talent and current fame, you'll inevitably attend various high-end film and television promotional events in the future, coming into contact with all sorts of industry celebrities. You should travel to different parts of the world more, feel different cultures, experience new things. Only then can you broaden your thinking and horizons."

"Keeping you confined to a small place is too wasteful of your talent. I believe your future is absolutely limitless, and I very much look forward to seeing your new works with a grander vision."

With this mouthful of rich, high-grade motivational talk poured down, the timidity in Xu Qing's heart was instantly suppressed.

Yeah!

What she wrote before was indeed a bit Mary Sue, a bit tacky.

Now she's at least a person of some standing; in the future, she definitely has to write some more sophisticated, more realistic masterpieces.

And she's never even left the country in all her life.

If she could go to Europe with Little Song, on a yacht...

Directly recreating the plot from her novel in reality!

Just thinking about it feels incredibly satisfying!

Then, she could slap those haters in the face with a few stunning high-definition photos, and also do field research to accumulate material...

But then again, worries surged up.

The only problem now was, her workaholic best friend definitely wouldn't accompany her.

If it was just her accompanying Little Song, and over there they ran into Luna or Xiao Jing, and on the vast, empty sea with no one around, wouldn't she be crying to the heavens with no answer, crying to the earth with no relief?

Letting them and Little Song team up to play all sorts of embarrassing games?

That mental image was too beautiful; she didn't even dare to imagine it.

Xu Qing thought and thought, becoming more and more conflicted, biting her lip. "I... I'll go back and discuss it with Tang Song."

Ouyang Xianyue keenly caught the hesitation in her eyes and asked softly, "Qingqing, do you have some concerns? If there's any trouble, you can say it directly. It's fine."

Xu Qing hesitated for a moment, then, blushing, confessed her thoughts to her newly recognized "soulmate." "Actually, it's nothing... It's just that I, this person, prefer quiet. Field research, outlining plots, all require absolutely quiet environments. If... if too many people go, chattering noisily, then I don't want to go anymore."

"I see."

Hearing this sentence, an extremely bright light shot out from Ouyang Xianyue's originally calm, phoenix-like eyes.

What a perfect shield and candidate!

Her full chest rose and fell slightly. She lifted her teacup and gently clinked it against Xu Qing's.

"I understand completely. Artistic creation is most averse to noise and disturbance. However, your concern is actually unnecessary."

Ouyang Xianyue began to systematically help her clear potential obstacles.

"During this period before the New Year, everyone is busy to the point of not touching the ground. For example, Tian Jing, she will be busy next with the in-depth collaboration between 【Jingyi Asset Management】 and 【Tang Jin Family Office】. The project scale is huge; she simply can't get away."

"Another example, Lin Muxue. Although she is Tang Song's personal assistant, she is also the chief assistant of 【Rongliu Capital】. There's a billion-level investment case for the *Western Photovoltaic New Energy Industry Cluster* in Chang'an City. Before the New Year, she needs to go there on behalf of Tang Song to oversee the progress. Similarly, she can't be in two places at once."

Ouyang Xianyue listed off the two biggest "antagonists" Xu Qing feared in her novel in one breath, pinning them all to their workstations.

The gloom in Xu Qing's mind instantly cleared.

There's such a good thing?!

Isn't this an exclusive 「Overseas Romantic Dungeon」 opened just for me and the male lead?!

"Great! Then I'll talk to him about it later!"

Ouyang Xianyue picked up her teacup, took a light sip, and suddenly, as if remembering something, said casually.

"Speaking of which, Qingqing, I actually quite want to take a vacation myself, go out for a trip. I've been busy non-stop recently, haven't truly relaxed in a long time. How about this: you discuss this matter with Tang Song first. If you two can make the trip, I might also follow along for a trip."

Xu Qing's eyes instantly widened into circles, surprise written all over her face.

Oh my god!

With this big shot along, not only would Little Song not dare to mess around, even if Luna and Xiao Jing really came looking, there would be a powerful backer to hold the fort!

This is practically activating an invincibility buff directly!

"Really? Sister Xianyue, you'll go too?"

"Of course it's true." Ouyang Xianyue nodded with a smile, her tone carrying just the right amount of teasing. "I believe you can definitely persuade Tang Song. After all, he likes you so much. It's best to go before the New Year. After the New Year, there will be more travelers, which would be less peaceful. Don't you think?"

"Hehe, that's true!" Her tail was practically wagging from the praise, and she immediately patted her chest to guarantee. "I'll talk to him later, I promise to handle this matter clearly and properly!"

"Hehe, good." Ouyang Xianyue looked at her lively, jubilant appearance, the smile in her eyes deepening. "Also, from now on in private, there's no need to be so formal with the address. Just call me sister."

Xu Qing was stunned for a moment, then quickly called out crisply. "Thank you, Sister Xianyue!"

Didn't get a godmother, but got a sister instead.

I really am the chosen one! A proper female lead novel script!

(^▽^)

.......

After finishing tea, it was nearly noon.

Xu Qing was naturally invited by Ouyang Xianyue to stay and have a simple meal at the villa.

It was called a "simple meal," but when the dishes were served one by one, Xu Qing's eyes nearly popped out of her head.

Golden soup Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, braised sea cucumber with scallions, steamed red spotted grouper, charcoal-grilled snow crab...

Every dish was exquisite like a work of art, even the decorative carvings on the side were lifelike, making one reluctant to pick up the chopsticks.

Even the concluding dessert was her favorite Mango Pomelo Sago. On the velvety mango puree, fine, edible gold leaf was sprinkled, pulling the luxury factor straight to the max.

Xu Qing completely let herself go, eating until her mouth was greasy. In the end, she even let out several satisfied burps without any regard for image, causing Ouyang Xianyue to cover her mouth with a light laugh.

At the time of parting, Ouyang Xianyue had someone bring over an exquisitely carved rosewood brocade box and gently handed it to her.

She only said it was a small trinket she wore when she was young, just a meeting gift.

Xu Qing, feeling incredibly honored, opened the box.

On the yellow brocade lay a pure gold hairpin.

The pin head was carved with a phoenix about to take flight, holding in its beak a lustrous, radiant top-grade eastern pearl the size of a thumb.

This craftsmanship, this texture, this patina...

Even if Xu Qing knew nothing about antiques, she could tell at a glance that this was definitely an old piece with history.

Maybe even an antique!

Receiving a gift of this level for the first time, Xu Qing was so happy she felt like ascending to heaven on the spot.

Her fondness for Ouyang Xianyue directly maxed out, breaking through the stratosphere.

When leaving, she was reluctant to part, looking back every few steps. The way she looked at Ouyang Xianyue was even more affectionate than looking at her own mother.

Returning to her residence at Huarun City Runxi.

Xu Qing didn't even have time to change her shoes. Hugging the brocade box, she rushed into the bedroom and locked the door.

Holding that gold hairpin, she excitedly rolled around on the bed for a while, then tried putting up her hair in front of the mirror, cosplaying an ancient wealthy young lady, having a great time.

But once the excitement wore off, a new problem immediately hit her.

How on earth should she bring this up with Little Song?

Getting him to agree to take time before the New Year to go to Monaco to inspect the yacht, and only take her alone, not bringing anyone else—this mission's difficulty level is a bit high, isn't it?

Xu Qing instantly panicked again, couldn't help but want to back out.

But thinking of Ouyang Xianyue's eyes full of trust and appreciation, thinking of how readily she had already agreed...

The words were already out. If she couldn't even handle this little thing, that would be too embarrassing.

Miss Xu Qing, in this lifetime, even if she were to die poor or starve to death, absolutely cannot lose face this badly!

Fine!

It's just begging Little Song! At worst, I'll go all out!

Only... this time, wanting Little Song to agree probably isn't something that can be achieved by just sending a few cosplay photos and acting cute.

Somehow, her best friend's wild words from this morning popped into her head again:

"Is it you on top, or me on top?"

Xu Qing shuddered violently, covering her burning cheeks with both hands.

Damn that Little Song!

If she took the initiative to go to him with this request, he would definitely take the chance to blackmail her into some weird conditions, right?

Wuwuwu…..

What to do, what to do, what to do!

Could it really be that she has to play the stacking game with Yanyan?

They've been best friends for so many years, closer than real sisters, and have already been completely open with each other countless times.

But if she were to play multiplayer games with her and Little Song together...

That would really be...

......

Thinking and thinking, Xu Qing only felt her body getting hotter and hotter, a tingling numbness spreading.

Not good!

Qingqing is going bad!

4:00 PM.

Xuanji Optical World, core optical laboratory.

Tang Song pointed at several sets of complex curves on the display and exchanged a few words with several core scientists regarding the refractive index test data of the optical waveguide lenses.

After confirming the final optimization plan, he ended the conversation.

Almost simultaneously, his phone vibrated lightly in his pocket.

Tang Song took out his phone and glanced at it.

【Luna: Group photo jpg】

Opened it.

The photo slowly loaded.

A group photo of Wen Ruan, Lin Muxue, Zhao Yaqian, and Tian Jing.

The background was a castle-style manor, milky white stone walls, dark green shutters, and in the distance, a French garden still neatly manicured in winter.

Calculating by time difference, the local time was just after 10 AM.

The morning light in Nice was soft and warm, spilling onto the four women of different charms. The scene was as beautiful as an oil painting.

Tang Song zoomed in on the photo with two fingers, looking at each one carefully.

Wen Ruan stood in the middle, wearing a lazy beige knit sweater, one arm around Luna, the other resting on Qianqian's shoulder, smiling with captivating charm.

Xiao Jing was squatting in the front, making a peace sign, a sweet, clean smile on her face.

Looking at this harmonious "harem team-building photo," Tang Song's eyebrows and eyes involuntarily curved into a smile.

These were his four "official partners."

It seemed they were getting along quite well during this manor trip.

He saved this precious group photo and typed a reply: "So beautiful. Have fun, be safe. Don't forget to take lots of photos and videos for me."

Just a few seconds after sending the message, "Buzz buzz buzz—" the phone vibrated again.

It was a selfie sent by Luna.

Tang Song was just about to reply when a series of crisp system notification sounds rang out in succession:

"Ding! Congratulations, player. 【Partner - Lin Muxue】 Cultivation Plan Task ③ 【Assistant Advancement】 has been completed."

"Ding! 【Partner - Lin Muxue】 Growth Progress +15%!"

"Ding! 【Partner - Lin Muxue】 has obtained 【Agility +2】."

"Ding! 【Partner - Lin Muxue】 has obtained 【Physique +2】."

Tang Song's movements paused, surprise flashing in his eyes.

Luna's Task ③ was finally completed.

This meant the fourth qualified partner had officially appeared, and he had unlocked a new partner slot!

"Swish!"

A pale blue system light screen unfolded before his eyes, lines of text jumping out.

【January 25, 2024. "Lin Muxue," under your comprehensive guidance, resource allocation, and careful cultivation, has exceeded 60% Growth Progress, reaching the qualified standard.】

【In her long journey of growth, she transformed from that "fake socialite" who only knew how to arm herself with luxury goods, step by step, into a personal assistant capable of holding her own. She learned to assess situations, learned to restrain desires, learned to find her own position within complex power networks. But what remained unchanged was her passionate, obsessive affection for you. Every step of her growth bears your imprint.】

【You have received sincere feedback from "Partner - Lin Muxue." Comprehension +1.】

Tang Song felt a flash of inspiration explode in his mind.

It was like a bucket of extremely pure glacial meltwater being poured over his head on a stuffy summer afternoon. An indescribable coolness and clarity instantly swept through his entire brain.

The slight mental fatigue accumulated over the past few days was swept away.

Before he could even savor the feeling carefully, the system light screen flashed again.

【Your Comprehension has broken through 90. Thinking speed, information processing ability, and frequency of inspiration bursts have achieved a new leap.】

【You have obtained "Badge - Memory Palace."】

【You have awakened the passive skill "Brainstorm."】

【You have awakened the active skill "Dream Link."】