38: Chapter 39 Shen Nian's Provocation

"Miss Yin, you are too kind. It is our honor to have you here to provide guidance," Shen Nian said with a smile, leading the two towards the observation shed. "The test is about to begin. It's windy outside, so let's go inside and watch. Chairman Yu, Miss Yin, please, this way."

Inside the observation shed, seats and display screens had already been prepared. Shen Nian's professional team began to bustle about, preparing the drone prototype and calibrating the equipment. Shen Nian personally explained the technical highlights of the improved prototype and the focus of this test to Yu Bo and Yin Tianxue.

Her explanation was professional, clear, and full of passion. Her gaze fell mostly on Yu Bo, but she would also turn to Yin Tianxue at appropriate times to ensure both "investors" could keep up. Her body language was expressive; when she reached key points, she would unconsciously step forward, gesturing in the air. Her full chest rose and fell slightly with her movements, forming a breathtaking curve wrapped in her tight-fitting work jumpsuit.

Yin Tianxue listened quietly, her gaze occasionally sweeping over Shen Nian's curvaceous figure before glancing at Yu Bo beside her. Yu Bo listened with great focus, occasionally raising professional questions to discuss with Shen Nian. His eyes were clear, his attitude upright, and he appeared entirely like a professional investor, seemingly oblivious to the feminine charm that Shen Nian exuded at every moment.

The slight discomfort Yin Tianxue had felt after seeing Shen Nian's meticulous dressing eased a little. At least for the moment, Yu Bo's performance was beyond reproach.

The test began. The improved drone prototype maneuvered flexibly through a complex simulated obstacle environment, autonomously avoiding obstacles, accurately identifying targets, and completing a series of high-difficulty maneuvers. Data was displayed in real-time on the screens, and the various indicators had indeed improved significantly compared to before.

Shen Nian and her team appeared very excited. During a break in the testing, Shen Nian walked up to Yu Bo and Yin Tianxue, her face flushed with excitement and her eyes shining brilliantly: "Chairman Yu, Miss Yin, did you see that? This is our latest achievement! Stability, intelligence, environmental adaptability—everything has taken a huge step up! I am confident that in this niche field, we already have the strength to compete with international top-tier products!"

Her confidence and sense of accomplishment were overflowing. That passion and dedication for her career, radiating from the inside out, made her whole person glow, full of a unique charm.

Yu Bo nodded, his eyes showing approval: "It is truly excellent. CEO Shen, the team has worked hard. This speed of progress exceeds my expectations."

"It is mainly because of Chairman Yu's funding and support, which gave us the confidence to go all out," Shen Nian said with a smile, looking at Yu Bo with burning eyes, the admiration and reliance in her gaze undisguised.

Yin Tianxue took all of this in. She had to admit that Shen Nian was full of charm while working. And Yu Bo's recognition of Wing Flight's technology and team was beyond reproach. However, the way Shen Nian looked at Yu Bo—aside from gratitude towards an investor and recognition of a business partner—seemed to contain something else, something more personal. Was it admiration? Was it reliance? Perhaps… there was also a trace of unfully concealed affection that transcended business cooperation?

The test concluded successfully. Shen Nian invited Yu Bo and Yin Tianxue to sit at a nearby tea house to report in detail on the next stage of R&D and business plans.

In the tea house, Shen Nian resumed a more business-like demeanor, but that confidence and brilliance radiating from within did not fade. She spoke eloquently, her plans for the future clear and bold. Yu Bo listened intently, occasionally exchanging glances with Yin Tianxue.

Although Yin Tianxue was still physically exhausted, she was focused and provided several insightful suggestions, which made Shen Nian's eyes light up. The look she gave Yin Tianxue now held a bit more genuine respect and curiosity.

"Miss Yin, your insights into the hard tech industry are truly profound," Shen Nian praised sincerely.

"CEO Shen, you are too kind; I only know a little bit," Yin Tianxue said in a flat tone.

After the tea meeting, it was near dusk. Shen Nian looked at the sky and naturally suggested: "Chairman Yu, Miss Yin, there is a good private restaurant nearby with a quiet environment and fresh ingredients. Since the test went well today and it is rare to have you both together, why don't I play host and have a casual meal together to celebrate?"

Yu Bo looked at Yin Tianxue, asking for her opinion with his eyes. Yin Tianxue pondered slightly and nodded. Professionally, Shen Nian was an important partner, and celebrating the test's success was only natural; personally, she also wanted to observe Shen Nian more, especially in a more private dinner setting.

"Then we will trouble you, CEO Shen," Yu Bo accepted.

"It's no trouble at all; it is my honor," Shen Nian smiled brightly and drove ahead to lead the way.

The restaurant was located in a renovated old courtyard in the suburbs, quiet amidst the noise, with simple yet elegant decor and very private dining rooms. Shen Nian was clearly a regular; she familiarly arranged the dishes and ordered a bottle of red wine with a smooth taste.

During the meal, Shen Nian did not talk much about business anymore but chatted about lighter topics, such as the food in Jiangzhou, recent art exhibitions, and even shared some interesting stories from when she studied abroad. She was witty and knowledgeable, able to keep up with Yu Bo's topics on economics and technology trends, while also being able to chat with Yin Tianxue about luxury goods and fashion trends. She was no longer the aggressively professional presenter from the afternoon, but instead displayed the composure, wisdom, and charm of a mature woman, refined by the years, in just the right way.

Every move, every smile of hers carried a meticulously polished elegance and charm. The curve of her wrist when pouring wine, her slender fingers when picking up food, the graceful neck line revealed when she tilted her head to listen, and even the natural charm that flowed in her eyes when she chuckled at an interesting topic… it was all like a meticulously painted fine-brush painting, every stroke delicate and moving, yet harmonious as a whole, without appearing deliberate.

Yin Tianxue ate quietly, occasionally participating in the conversation, observing calmly. She had to admit that Shen Nian was a high-level opponent. She knew how to demonstrate value, how to create a comfortable atmosphere, and how to make people appreciate her, or even… be attracted to her, without them realizing it.

During the meal, Yu Bo got up to go to the restroom.

In the private room, only Yin Tianxue and Shen Nian were left. Soft music flowed in the air.

Shen Nian picked up her red wine glass, swirled it gently, and let her gaze fall on Yin Tianxue's cold and stunning profile. She suddenly spoke, her tone carrying a bit of curiosity and just the right amount of familiarity: "Miss Yin, excuse me for asking, but how long have you and Chairman Yu… known each other?"

Yin Tianxue looked up at her, her expression calm: "We haven't known each other long."

"Not long?" Shen Nian raised an eyebrow slightly, a flash of surprise in her eyes, which immediately turned into a smile. "Then your relationship must be very good. I can tell that Chairman Yu cares about you a lot; the way he looks at you is different." She paused, her tone becoming more casual, as if it were just idle chatter between Best Friends. "So… do you have any plans to get married? With such an excellent man as Chairman Yu, Miss Yin, you really need to hold on tight."

Yin Tianxue met her gaze and clearly saw the fleeting, imperceptible probe in the depths of her eyes, and… a trace of well-hidden nervousness. She put down her chopsticks, picked up her napkin to wipe the corner of her mouth, and her tone remained flat: "As for matters of the heart, let nature take its course. When it's time to get married, we naturally will."

Shen Nian leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table and supporting her chin. Her bright eyes watched Yin Tianxue, shimmering with a strange light, mixed with admiration, testing, and a trace of unmasked sharpness belonging to a competitor.

"Let nature take its course… that's nice," Shen Nian repeated the phrase, her red lips curling into a charming arc. Her voice lowered, carrying a kind of near-innocent cunning and provocation. "Then, in that case… before Chairman Yu and Miss Yin 'let nature take its course' to marriage, am I… also considered to have a chance to compete with you, Miss Yin?"