12dz Chapter 874: Endurance
Chapter 874: Endurance
The living room fell into immediate, suffocating silence.
The scene before him stunned Tang Song for a moment, leaving him unable to react.
The next second.
"Boom—"
A muffled thud.
Secretary Jin lunged forward and shoved Su Yu down onto the carpet.
Her normally composed, cool eyes were visibly thrown off balance now.
She raised the back of her hand and, almost instinctively, dragged it hard across her lips, leaving a conspicuous red mark across her fair skin.
"Su Yu." Her voice was low and full of rage, "Do you really think I won't teach you a lesson?"
"Haha..." Su Yu pushed herself up onto one hand on the carpet, her shoulder trembling slightly from suppressed laughter, "Sorry, my neck felt a little sore just now so I moved without thinking. Who knew we'd run into each other like this?"As she spoke, she lifted her chin.
Her amber eyes held not an ounce of remorse, only the smug satisfaction of having succeeded.
"You are... absolutely sick! Unreasonable!" Secretary Jin's face flushed, she almost spat out a curse.
Her chest heaved violently, fury deepening in her gaze.
Su Yu didn't care in the slightest.
She stayed seated on the carpet, tilting her head back slightly.
Watching this woman—driven to complete loss of composure and cursing—filled Su Yu with an indescribable thrill.
After all these years.
She had finally seen Jin Meixiao in a state of desperate anger with her own eyes.
This round, she had won, hands down.
The sting of that earlier slap and the resentment and rage she had accumulated over the years were finally vented in full.
Seeing the situation verge on a full-blown explosion, Tang Song finally snapped back to his senses and stepped forward, grabbing Secretary Jin in a tight embrace.
"All right, Smile. You know Su Yu's personality, don't get worked up with her. At the root, this was my fault, I'm sorry."
Secretary Jin was held fast against him, unable to break free.
Suddenly she turned her head and bit down on Tang Song's shoulder.
Through the thin shirt the bite was hard enough to make Tang Song's eyelid twitch, but he forced himself not to pull away.
After venting, she said nothing further.
She pushed Tang Song away and turned to leave.
Her high heels struck the carpet without their usual elegant rhythm.
She pushed him aside with a cold face and strode briskly toward the master bathroom.
"Bang—!"
The master door slammed shut.
Silence returned to the living room.
Looking at that tightly closed door, Tang Song—who had never seen Secretary Jin so enraged—felt a dull headache coming on.
After all, everything today had ultimately been a situation he himself had helped create.
Su Yu slowly rose from the carpet, patting her skirt, then walked over and wrapped her soft arm around his neck.
"Song, are you worried? Or scared?"
"Neither, just a bit concerned," Tang Song sighed.
"Heh." Su Yu smiled lightly, rose onto her toes, and brushed her lips against his, "Don't be afraid of her. A Jin Meixiao who is always rational, always perfect, and never loses her temper—that's the truly terrifying one. The way she is now is actually better."
Tang Song's eyes flickered, seeming to understand Su Yu's meaning.
They shared a tender kiss for a moment.
Su Yu’s gaze shifted, "Come on, shall we go shower next door together? I'll help scrub the writing off your body, and give you a proper comforting."
She swayed slightly, her expression relaxed and enticing, but never vulgar.
Tang Song's heart rate jumped a few beats.
Facing the star who seemed like a succubus, his Adam's apple bobbed and he suppressed the agitation, lowering his voice, "Not tonight. Another day."
Saying he wasn't moved would be a lie.
But the survival instinct outweighed desire.
Secretary Jin had already been severely provoked today.
Especially after Su Yu's little "sneak attack."
They still had to go see his parents later.
If he went into the shower now with the starlet and things escalated, the scene afterward could truly blow up.
Su Yu bit his chin with mild displeasure and hummed.
"I knew you'd say that."
She paused, then seemed to think of something, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"But that's okay. Wen Ruan will arrive in Jing County tomorrow. Come find me at the hotel, the three of us together—how about that? This time I'll help teach her a lesson. You know I'm quick on my feet—this will be fun."
Tang Song's body tensed instantly. Facing the smooth-talking star, his palm involuntarily tightened.
"…Fine."
"Good, it's settled. You have to come tomorrow." Su Yu leaned close to his ear, breath warm, "If you don't show, I might do something overboard to your Sister Wen Ruan."
Tang Song tightened his grip; Su Yu trembled slightly from his hold and laughed even more gleefully.
A moment later, Su Yu stepped into the guest bathroom.
She didn't close the door.
Tang Song stood in the living room, his view unobstructed.
With her back to him, Su Yu began undressing.
She revealed large swaths of dazzlingly pale, delicate skin, a deep spine groove, and seductive waist-to-hip curves.
She glanced back, winked at Tang Song, and strutted her long, straight legs into the frosted glass shower.
Water soon began to roar inside.
Her exquisite silhouette rippled sensually against the frosted glass, hazed by steam, an almost lethal temptation.
Tang Song stood rooted for a while, then pressed his forehead and turned to the other bathroom.
The benefit of a presidential suite was how spacious it was.
More bedrooms, more bathrooms.
Under the cascading shower, water traced lines down the skin.
Tang Song stood under the showerhead, wiping the marks on his face and body, but his mind remained noisy.
That earlier scene replayed over and over.
Especially the kiss between Secretary Jin and Su Yu.
That instant was indescribably beautiful.
Truly... exhilarating!
...
After a quick shower.
Tang Song dried his hair and picked up his phone.
They had been playing truth-or-dare for over two hours and he hadn't touched his phone—unread messages were stacked up.
Besides work, most were from his wings.
After all, tonight was New Year's Eve.
The most messages came from his older sister.
[Wen Ruan: "Made home safely, already got Mom's dumplings—pork and scallion. Smells amazing."]
[Wen Ruan: photo.jpg]
[Wen Ruan: "How's it over there?"]
[Wen Ruan: "Is Jing County stable?"]
[Wen Ruan: "I heard from Zhang Yan that Director Jin also arrived in Jing County, right?"]
[Wen Ruan: "No reply for so long—did you run into a battlefield? (#mischievous)"]
[Wen Ruan: "What's the situation in Jing County? Director Jin probably doesn't know I'm in Yancheng yet, right? I'll go to Jing County tomorrow afternoon, will Director Jin object?"]
Tang Song smiled at the thread.
He remembered Wen Ruan had just returned to the country last night; after a sleep she had only now truly arrived in Yancheng.
He decided to call her by video.
"Ring ring ring—"
It rang a few times and connected quickly.
The sexy older sister popped up on screen.
She was curled up on a couch, wearing a white cropped top that revealed a slice of tight, impressive abs, and tight jeans that hugged her curves.
A stunning figure.
Her thick, soft hair lay lazily on her shoulders, radiating a cozy, domestic charm.
Their gazes met across the screen.
Wen Ruan blinked her large, flirtatious eyes and sat up straighter.
Teasing, she said, "Finally got time to answer me? What, did Director Jin and Su Yu sit you down and keep you busy?"
"All good, all good." Tang Song coughed, keeping his expression calm.
"Wait, something's off!" Wen Ruan suddenly leaned forward, staring a few seconds, "You just showered at this time?"
"Yeah, what's wrong with that?"
"Nothing wrong, of course." Wen Ruan's eyes curved with meaning, "I'm just curious—who are you with right now? Judging by the decor it looks like a hotel. Don't tell me... you just finished exercising?"
Tang Song's mouth twitched, "Absolutely not. That's slander."
"Is that so? I don't believe you." Wen Ruan smiled, "Unless... show me a selfie."
"Huh?" Tang Song raised an eyebrow, "Sis, aren't we on video already? Why a selfie?"
Wen Ruan licked her full red lips seductively, her gaze provocative, "That's not the kind of selfie I want."
She trailed a hand down her torso to the waistband of her jeans, curling a finger at it.
Tang Song understood immediately, sliding the camera down to reveal his robe slightly open.
Wen Ruan's eyes brightened; a smile spread like a cat that had sniffed something tempting.
"Aha—so lively. I guess I misread you. Must be Director Jin—you wouldn't dare cheat with Su Yu, right? Coward."
"Say, sis, are you horny again?" Tang Song watched her, voice lowering.
"Yes. Want me to scratch you?" Wen Ruan hooked a finger on her shirt and jerked it upwards, flashing a large patch of pale skin.
"Just you wait, I'll teach you a lesson tomorrow." Tang Song's breath grew heavier, instantly fired up by his sister's tease.
"Ting, you only dare act tough over video." Wen Ruan dropped the shirt, "When I'm there in person, with Director Jin and the star around, can you still pay attention to your little wife? You might get pinned down and bullied to tears."
"Well... I might end up pinned by Su Yu. But I'll be on top of you both."
"Heh, dream on, stinky brother." Wen Ruan rolled her eyes but her cheeks flushed.
"You didn't seem upset that day—you were more excited than me."
"You—" Wen Ruan's composure faltered, "I'm at home, someone might come in. Can you tone it down?"
"At home, huh." Tang Song dragged the word out, "Even better."
"Screw you!" Wen Ruan grabbed a throw pillow and pretended to hurl it at the camera but burst into laughter.
After some back-and-forth, Wen Ruan got serious, "One more thing."
"What?"
"Tomorrow is Uncle's birthday, right?"
"Yes."
"Since I'm going to Jing County, I might not be able to visit then, but I'll send a gift." She paused, serious, "Please deliver it for me tomorrow, and if possible let Uncle and Aunt know my name. If it's inconvenient, never mind."
Tang Song looked at her, warmth flooding him, "Thanks, sis. You're the best."
Wen Ruan chuckled, "You just talk sweet. Okay, I'll let you go. I just got home and need a nap to adjust the time. Early wishes—Happy New Year, bye."
"Bye, Happy New Year, mua."
The video ended.
The screen went dark.
Tang Song stared at his phone, a smile still tugging at his mouth.
He had to admit—having an older sister like Wen Ruan, both considerate and teasing and willing to shoulder pressure for him, made him feel at ease.
Compared with the earlier combustible scene, this was like a mental massage.
He dressed and left the guest bedroom.
The bathroom beside the living room was silent—no water.
Su Yu had come out.
Tang Song scanned the suite and couldn't find the star.
His expression froze as he looked toward the master door.
No way.
She went inside?
To look for Secretary Jin?
(°口°)!
Tang Song inhaled and crept toward the door.
He tilted his ear to listen.
No sounds of things being thrown, no obvious argument—at least... no fighting.
He leaned on the doorframe, his half-relief slowly ebbing away.
If they hadn't come to blows,
then what exactly were they doing in there?
...
Inside the master bedroom.
The walk-in closet lights glowed bright; the air still held the dampness of hot steam.
Both Secretary Jin and Su Yu were wrapped in towels.
One stood in front of the mirror, hair half-wet, expression cool as she methodically organized skincare products.
The other leaned against the wardrobe, shoulders pale, eyes shifting, as if a flower had just risen from the steam—unreasonably beautiful.
They were separated by a distance neither too near nor too far.
They tacitly kept silent.
Finally, Secretary Jin spoke first.
"If there's nothing else, you can leave."
Her voice was flat, as if devoid of emotion.
"Can't I chat with you if there's nothing else?" Su Yu lounged against the wardrobe, voice lazy, "You were the one who approached me to ally against Ouyang Xianyue. Now you turn your back on me?"
"I'm not in the mood to discuss this."
"Why?" Su Yu's eyes curved, a light smile teasing, "Because you accidentally kissed me in front of Tang Song and feel ashamed? Can't get past it?"
Secretary Jin paused with a serum bottle in hand.
"Heh, I simply dislike you."
"If you really only disliked me," Su Yu stepped forward slowly, "then right now you must be thinking about how to deal with me next. Maybe you've already started threatening me."
Secretary Jin said nothing.
In the mirror, their reflections overlapped, one before the other.
Su Yu moved closer and stared at Jin Meixiao's calm, unruffled eyes in the glass, "Now I actually believe it."
"Believe what?" Secretary Jin didn't turn, squeezing lotion into her palm and spreading it.
"Believe what you said before." Su Yu studied her, "Believe that you... would never betray him."
Secretary Jin's motion in the mirror finally halted.
After a few seconds she said, coolly, "Is this why you've been probing me all day, even resorting to such despicable tricks to provoke me?"
"Not entirely." Su Yu stepped forward until she was behind her, "I did want to see you completely lose it. Honestly... it felt pretty good."
Secretary Jin's brows tightened, "Stay away from me."
Su Yu didn't yield. She smiled softly,
"Heh, kissed me and now won't acknowledge it? People online say that locking eyes with me for ten seconds will make anyone fall in love, regardless of gender. Did even always-rational Miss Smile get taken in?"
"Can you stop being so disgusting?"
"Say whatever you want. After all these years, I'm immune to your insults."
"Before." Secretary Jin began, paused, glanced at that infuriatingly beautiful face in the mirror, then sighed softly, "Forget it, never mind."
Both fell silent. Only the faint clinking of cosmetic bottles broke the stillness.
Su Yu didn't leave or speak. She stood quietly, watching the skincare routine.
Secretary Jin's movements were deliberate, as if the person beside her didn't exist.
After a while,
Su Yu reached out and picked up a soft foundation brush from the vanity.
"Let me. I'm a pro at makeup, you know."
Secretary Jin glanced at her in the mirror, eyes flickering, but she didn't stop her.
Su Yu first tucked the damp stray hair behind Jin's ear, then dipped the brush in foundation and swept it across her face with skilled, gentle strokes.
When she did this her expression was focused and earnest.
Gone was the earlier outside madness, gone the usual laziness.
In the mirror, the two stunning women stood so close their breaths intertwined, like they were overlapping.
"Jin Meixiao."
Su Yu dipped some concealer and suddenly asked.
"I've always been curious about something."
"Hm?"
"Why do you trust him that much? I know about your past. In 2016 you happened to meet in Quancheng. Then you bet your whole fortune on a man with nothing. Over the years, even now, you calmly accept so many women around him, even tolerate my outrageous actions today."
"I don't believe mere career support or mutual trust built over the years could make such a proud woman develop such deep, devoted feelings for a man."
Hearing this, Jin Meixiao's gaze finally stirred visibly.
After several seconds she slowly spoke:
"I said before, my relationship with him is not as shallow as you think. His meaning to me is far beyond what you can grasp by the word 'love.'"
Su Yu stared, "Is it because of his secret? Because of those miracles that began showing on him since 2016?"
"Su Yu!" Secretary Jin suddenly lifted her eyes, solemn and icy, "There are things you should not pry into, nor try to test. It will not end well for you."
Su Yu's breath caught under that look.
At that moment she instinctively sensed a genuine danger.
"I know." Su Yu exhaled lightly, the probing in her eyes vanishing, "On this matter I'm more worried about him than you are, and I won't go poking around recklessly."
She lowered her head and continued to apply makeup at the outer corner of Secretary Jin's eye.
Her movements did not falter after that stern warning; if anything, they grew even more natural.
That loose thread of anxiety within her chest finally settled.
Her recent reckless provocations weren't just for venting or revenge.
There was a deeper, less convenient reason:
It was a test.
Just as she and Ouyang Xianyue privately feared.
Jin Meixiao was the kind of woman with extreme control, brilliant intellect, who firmly commanded the entire Tangjin System and even managed a massive overseas capital network.
Would she ever truly submit to being under Tang Song?
How much could she tolerate Tang Song's openness toward many women?
The old Jin Meixiao had been so calm, so rational.
Even the calculating Ouyang Xianyue's hidden worldly desires were easy for Su Yu to read.
But Jin Meixiao was different.
She was flawless.
Now she was about to meet Tang Song's parents, essentially cementing her position as the official wife.
So Su Yu had to court disaster.
She had to provoke her, force her to the edge, tear open that too-perfect shell, and see the enemy's true face.
Everything that happened today had shown Su Yu many things she had never seen before.
Thinking this, Su Yu's lips curved faintly.
"All right." She finished and looked at the reflection of that exquisite face, "That's enough for today. I won't interfere with your plans. Happy New Year, Director Jin."
Through the mirror, Jin Meixiao looked at her with a complex expression for a moment, then returned to calm.
"Happy New Year."
Su Yu turned and briskly opened the closet door, leaving.
At that same time.
Outside the master bedroom door.
A pleasant system chime suddenly sounded in Tang Song's ear:
"Ding! Congratulations, player, special task [Warm Guy’s Spring Festival Challenge] completed."
"You gained reward [Durability +50]."
"You gained attribute rewards [Stamina +1] [Physique +1]."
"Little Raincoat, who has been tirelessly on the front lines, is extremely satisfied with the punchy, spectacular performance between the Secretary and the Star—it's even laughing so hard it can't close its canopy."
"You received an extra reward [Durability +30]."
"However, for your entire performance as a warm guy—timid, constantly fetching water—Little Raincoat expresses great disdain."
"You received an extra penalty [Durability -10]."
[Current Durability: 70/70]
Reading this snarky, zigzagging settlement on the system panel, Tang Song's mouth twitched.
As expected of Little Raincoat.
Giving rewards with a side of mocking him—cheap but practical.
Before he could continue grumbling inwardly,
a change surged through his body.
A scalding, roaring force erupted deep in his spine, exploding into countless fine, burning warm currents that shot through his bones, muscles, and veins, racing outward to every limb.
Bones, muscles, breathing, heartbeat...
Everything tied to "stamina" was reorganized, reforged, and elevated in that instant.
Tang Song felt his whole state launch to a new level.
His body felt lighter, his strength steadier.
The system display flickered again.
[Your stamina has broken through 90. You have gained improved physical recovery rate and more stable sustained output.]
[You have awakened the passive skill — "Tenacious Constitution"]
[You have awakened the active skill — "Tidal Rhythm"]
[Tenacious Constitution]: Your body’s recovery efficiency, fatigue resistance, and continuous combat stability are greatly enhanced. Whether high-intensity work, prolonged exercise, or long rounds of intimate matches, you will have stronger endurance and steadier performance.
[Note: True masters never collapse during overtime or extra rounds.]
[Tidal Rhythm]: While participating in ball games, you can more accurately sense and guide opponents' sensory rhythm, reducing your stamina consumption by 30% and granting opponents a progressively intensifying, continuous ultimate experience.
[Note: A true master always controls the rhythm. No matter how long the match lasts or how many opponents there are, you will dominate the field.]
...
Reading through the cascade of rewards, Tang Song's smile broke wide.
No wonder it's stamina 90.
This upgrade was not an ordinary "+1."
Although it lacked the mind-bending leap of reaching comprehension 90, this change was more immediate and brutal.
His body felt completely recalibrated.
More energy, faster recovery, even steadier breathing.
He slowly exhaled, a flame seeming to simmer in his chest.
That deep, bone-level fullness even gave Tang Song a wild impression:
He felt like he could take on ten older sisters at once!