novelraw Chapter 157: Character Communication Card
Chapter 157: Character Communication Card
“Hello, Manager Wang, I am Tang Song.” Tang Song politely extended his hand to shake hers.
However, as they released their hands, he distinctly felt her finger deliberately slide across his palm.
His mouth twitched slightly, feeling a strange sensation.
He never expected that he would one day experience workplace harassment.
But this could be considered a testament to his charm, after all.
As a client relationship manager at Tiancheng Capital, she was also an executive and not lacking in appearance.
Wang Miao glanced at his long, slender fingers, her gaze sweeping over his well-proportioned and upright physique, her smile growing even warmer.
After chatting for a while and indirectly inquiring about his personal information, Wang Miao took out her phone and said, “I really admire young talents like you and have high hopes for your future. Let’s exchange contact information; perhaps we will have opportunities for collaboration.”
“Sure.” Tang Song didn’t refuse. Shimmer Coffee was seeking funding, and Tiancheng Capital was a significant target.
After adding each other on WeChat, Wang Miao returned to her seat, satisfied, but her gaze still occasionally swept in Tang Song’s direction.Xie Shuyu, who was chatting with Zhao Chengjun, noticed and pulled Tang Song’s arm, smiling as she introduced him, “Tang Song, this is Zhao Chengjun, the risk investment director of Tiancheng Capital.”
“Hello, Director Zhao.”
“Hello, your performance just now was outstanding.” Zhao Chengjun shook his hand, his eyes filled with appreciation. “With you and President Xie as such excellent management, I have great confidence in the future of Shimmer Coffee, which is what our VC values the most.”
Then he turned to Xie Shuyu, saying, “President Xie, let’s keep in touch. We will carefully review your company’s investment proposal and will need you to provide some more detailed financial data later.”
“Absolutely! Thank you for your recognition, Director Zhao!” Xie Shuyu’s face showed excitement, realizing that their performance today had exceeded expectations.
Warren Buffett once said that no matter how good a business model is, if it is poorly operated, it will eventually lose its competitive advantage. If there is any key factor, it is “people,” specifically, the management team of the company.
Shimmer Coffee did not have much competitive strength in its business model, and receiving a commitment from Zhao Chengjun largely stemmed from their impressive performance, leaving a very deep impression on him.
After chatting a bit about the coffee industry, they politely bid farewell as more and more people began to gather around.
On their way, Xie Shuyu tugged at his arm, saying, “Let’s go get some water first.”
“Okay.”
They stood by the water station, and Tang Song took a sip, his gaze surveying the venue.
Shen Yuyan was in the crowd, smiling and chatting with people from the investment firm while holding several copies of the business plan.
However, he did not see Lin Muxue.
“Little Song.” Xie Shuyu suddenly called out to him.
Tang Song turned to look at her. “What’s up, Sister Shuyu?”
Xie Shuyu took a sip of water and leaned closer, whispering in his ear, “Be careful of women in the finance world, especially those beautiful women who have reached high positions. They are not to be trifled with.”
After speaking, she glanced towards Wang Miao’s direction, “With your abilities, as long as you continue to work steadily, what you desire will gradually come to you.”
The quickest way to ruin a young person is to let them take a shortcut.
She did not want this excellent young man to be ruined.
“I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Sister Shuyu.”
Tang Song pursed his lips; this was the first time Xie Shuyu had come this close to him.
Her caring and concerned tone, coupled with her mature and magnetic voice, made him feel at ease.
He could vaguely sense her breath, the faint scent of her perfume lingering in his nostrils.
Although Manager Wang had a good figure and appearance, she paled in comparison to Xie Shuyu.
If he were to be tempted, he would definitely prioritize pursuing this once-desired, elusive older sister.
An excellent partner is also an important reflection of personal charm.
If he could conquer the strong woman that is Xie Shuyu, the boost to his charm score would be formidable.
Moreover, if he could obtain Secretary Jin at this stage, his charm score would likely skyrocket to 60 or 70.
…
Shen Yuyan, having encountered setback after setback, returned to her seat with a grave expression.
Based on the results of the recent interactions, the outcome of this roadshow did not seem promising.
However, the organizer, “Yan City High-tech Zone Financial Service Platform,” would promote the roadshow to the public, and many individual investors would see them, retaining some hope.
Seeing her partners without much emotional fluctuation, Shen Yuyan couldn’t help but sigh, feeling somewhat weary.
When she initially chose to partner with Zhang Tianqi and Hou Shaoyuan, she had been attracted by their networks and wealth.
However, the drawbacks were gradually becoming apparent; the core team was not cohesive, and each had a different mindset regarding interests.
Once Youjie Housekeeping got on the right track, their goals had been achieved.
Zhang Tianqi aimed to steadily consolidate their current business circle, gradually developing.
Hou Shaoyuan was primarily focused on his own company and was not very attentive to Youjie Housekeeping.
While she wanted to quickly expand and break out of the comfort zone, emerging as a true industry leader. The rightful source is Nov3lFɪre.ɴet
The differing frequencies of the three major shareholders were currently the biggest issue.
“Buzz buzz—,” her phone vibrated in her pocket.
【Qingqing: “It was just a chance encounter. I was just asking casually; why do you want to know?”】
Shen Yuyan replied, “It’s nothing; you carry on with what you’re doing.”
At that moment, the host stepped onto the stage again, her voice clear as she announced, “Next, please move to the banquet hall, where the organizer has prepared a lavish buffet for everyone. Wishing you all fruitful discussions.”
Following the crowd into the resplendent banquet hall.
Stepping onto the soft, dark carpet, Shen Yuyan surveyed her surroundings.
The hall covered over 500 square meters, with a super high ceiling, appearing grand and imposing.
The massive crystal chandeliers sparkled like stars in the galaxy, while the walls displayed various decorations and paintings.
Rows of long tables were filled with a variety of delicacies and wines.
Business elites in suits wandered among them, some discussing loudly, while others whispered quietly.
Official media were also present to film and interview.
Surrounded by this scene, Shen Yuyan took a deep breath, her gaze a bit dazed.
She enjoyed such grand occasions, craved to be the center of attention, and longed to stand at the highest position.
Her inner ambition instantly revitalized her previously low spirits.
Glancing at Tang Song, who navigated the crowd with ease, Shen Yuyan’s gaze flickered slightly.
She casually picked up two glasses of champagne from a long table and said to Wang Ning, “Let’s go greet Tang Song.”
Wang Ning looked a bit awkward, but seeing the hopeful expression on his goddess, he couldn’t refuse and could only brace himself, “Okay.”
Shen Yuyan nodded and directly stepped forward.
Seemingly sensing the gaze beside him, Tang Song turned and looked over.
Their eyes met, and Shen Yuyan’s face blossomed into a brilliant smile as she stopped about half a meter in front of him.
Her voice was crisp as she said, “Hello, Tang Song. I don’t know if you remember me; we’ve met at Lu Ziming’s birthday party twice.”
Tang Song’s gaze swept over her pure and beautiful face and graceful demeanor.
For a moment, it felt as if he were seeing the campus goddess surrounded by admirers.
After a brief moment of distraction, Tang Song quickly came to his senses, replying joyfully, “Of course, I remember. In our year, there are probably not many people we don’t know. Hello, Shen School Belle.”
Shen Yuyan chuckled softly, “You can just call me by my name; it feels strange to hear that after three years since graduation.”
“Ha ha, hello, Yuyan.”
Wang Ning, behind them, looked at the exceptionally outstanding Tang Song, feeling overshadowed in every way, and his heart was quite uncomfortable.
Clenching his teeth, he said in a complex tone, “Tang Song, long time no see! When did you come back to Yan City? It seems you’re doing quite well now.”
Tang Song glanced at him, nodding calmly, “I’ve been back for a while.”
Wang Ning’s expression changed. He didn’t expect Tang Song to be so dismissive, and the perfunctory attitude made him feel somewhat embarrassed.
The expected warm and pleasant reunion scene among old classmates was not happening; Shen Yuyan suddenly realized something.
Quickly handing a glass of champagne to him, she said, “It’s great to run into an old classmate here; let’s toast.”
“Thank you.” Tang Song took the transparent glass and gently clinked it with hers before tilting his head to take a sip.
Seeing Shen Yuyan being so proactive, Tang Song felt quite emotional.
This marked the first genuine exchange between them.
In the past, he had not been particularly noticeable, whether in school or at birthday parties, he could only be an inconsequential supporting character and naturally had no chance to enter her social circle.
He could only make small talk with her through the commotion, saying a few words
alongside others.
After chatting about school and the roadshow for a bit, Shen Yuyan glanced at the awkward Wang Ning, pulled out a business card from her pocket, and handed it to him, saying, “This is my business card. It has my WeChat QR code on it. If you have time, we can exchange experiences about financing and entrepreneurship.”
Tang Song’s performance today left a very deep impression on her.
Making friends with such an outstanding person could only bring her benefits.
Tang Song smiled as he accepted the card, looking at her pure and beautiful face, and said, “Sure.”
“Well, I won’t disturb you any longer. Bye-bye.”
“Goodbye.”
Watching Shen Yuyan’s graceful figure walk away, Tang Song looked down at the shiny card in his hand and tucked it into his pocket.
“Was that girl just now your friend?” The magnetic voice of Xie Shuyu rang in his ears as she walked over, her body carrying a hint of red wine fragrance.
“She’s a university alum, I guess we’re acquainted.”
“She’s quite an outstanding girl.” Xie Shuyu smiled and patted his shoulder.
Just as she was about to tease him, a male voice interrupted, “Shuyu, how come you ran over here in the middle of drinking?”
At that moment, a middle-aged man approached.
In his early forties, dressed sharply, with defined features and bright, deep-set eyes, he exuded the charm of a successful person.
Xie Shuyu smiled, saying, “I’m sorry, Director Xu, I had a couple of drinks on an empty stomach and felt a bit unwell, so I’m taking a break.”
Director Xu’s gaze fixed on Xie Shuyu, “There’s a separate lounge in the banquet hall; let me accompany you to rest a bit and have some food. I didn’t attend this afternoon’s roadshow, so let’s have a good chat.”
Xie Shuyu’s expression paused for a moment as she gently wrapped her left arm around Tang Song’s, softly saying, “We were just going to eat; why don’t you join us, Director Xu?”
Seeing their arms intertwined, Director Xu pursed his lips, saying, “Then never mind; you two go ahead. We can chat later.”
After watching Director Xu leave, Xie Shuyu smiled and explained, “He is Xu Desheng, the marketing director of Rongxin Venture Capital. The reason our company successfully passed the preliminary selection is largely due to his recommendation. It’s not always easy to say certain things, so I had to use you as a shield. Hope you don’t mind.”
Tang Song looked at the elegant and intelligent female president, smiling, “I understand; I don’t mind.”
Xie Shuyu slowly released his arm, playfully saying, “Let’s go; I’m really hungry. Let’s grab something to eat first, and later I’ll introduce you to some friends. Help me fend off some drinks too.”
“Okay.”
Although it was just an exchange banquet, the food was lavish.
There was a wide array of seafood, meat, salads, fruits, and more.
After finishing dinner, Xie Shuyu took him around the venue, introducing him to several people like a mentor guiding a junior.
They met familiar startup teams and leaders from investment firms.
At 9 PM.
The female assistant drove a BMW 7 Series out of the Ding Stone Commercial Center.
Xie Shuyu squinted her eyes against the backseat, leaning slightly, a faint blush on her fair face.
Tang Song, concerned, asked, “Are you okay, Sister Shuyu?”
Xie Shuyu turned her head and smiled at him, “I’m fine; I’ll just take a nap when I get back. You wait a moment.”
Then she took her phone out of her bag, operated it a bit, and continued, “Check your WeChat and receive the money.”
Tang Song was taken aback, unlocking his phone and seeing a message.
【Xie Shuyu: ‘Transfer 10,000.00 yuan’, please accept.】
“That’s too much; I thought we agreed on double pay,” Tang Song was about to decline.
Xie Shuyu directly held his hand, shaking her head, “Take the money. Otherwise, I’ll feel guilty tonight. Your performance tonight far exceeded my contribution.”
She was probably a bit tipsy, her speech and actions had become much more casual, with the scent of red wine lingering around her.
Feeling her cool, delicate hand and seeing her moist lips and dignified face, Tang Song’s heart skipped a beat.
He didn’t expect the usually refined and elegant Xie Shuyu to have such a carefree side.
Xie Shuyu shifted closer to him, extending her long finger to help him accept the transfer. “Your part-time salary has increased to 8,000 yuan starting this month.”
Pausing, she explained, “After all, the company is not just mine; there are two other shareholders. This amount is already the upper limit for a part-time job.”
Breathing in the mature fragrance with a hint of wine from her, Tang Song sincerely said, “Thank you, Sister Shuyu. The mini-program only needs normal iterations; the work is very light. Actually, 3,000 yuan is enough.”
With his current worth, this part-time salary was hardly significant. Accepting this part-time job was more about having more opportunities to interact with the elegant and intelligent female president.
“This is what you deserve.” Xie Shuyu sat up straight, pushing her loose hair back behind her ear, and fell silent, simply looking at him with her bright, watery eyes.
She never mentioned formally inviting him to join Shimmer Coffee.
The company was in a critical phase of financing, and the other two shareholders already had reservations. She also didn’t have a suitable position for Tang Song at the moment.
Furthermore, Jinxiu Commerce had caught the eye of Smile Capital, with a bright future ahead. Comparatively, she currently couldn’t offer him attractive enough incentives.
The reason for offering him such a high part-time salary, besides genuinely appreciating him, was that she didn’t want Tang Song to make any wrong decisions for the sake of money.
Like the shortcuts that Manager Wang might offer.
With his current salary, combined with this part-time fee, he could live comfortably in Yan City.
Once her company finished financing and expanded massively, she could bring him on as an executive and offer stock options. He would definitely be tempted.
Lost in these thoughts, Xie Shuyu slowly closed her eyes.
Tang Song sat quietly in the backseat, appreciating the slightly tipsy female president, feeling her unique other side.
The atmosphere in the car was quiet and warm.
Uncertain how much time passed, the female assistant gently reminded, “President Xie, we’ve arrived.”
Xie Shuyu opened her eyes, glanced around at the familiar surroundings, and softly instructed the assistant, “Xiao Min, just drive Tang Song home. Come pick me up tomorrow morning.”
“Okay, President Xie.” The assistant, Li Xiaomin, nodded quickly.
Xie Shuyu opened the car door and waved at Tang Song, “Goodbye.”
“Goodbye.”
Watching Xie Shuyu’s graceful and sexy silhouette disappear into the entrance hall, the BMW car slowly started.
Li Xiaomin asked, “Tang Song, which neighborhood do you live in? I’ll navigate.”
“Yanjing Tiancheng.”
“Uh…” Hearing the name of the neighborhood, Li Xiaomin’s mouth dropped open in surprise, but she didn’t say anything more, accelerating out of the underground parking garage.
After about ten minutes.
The car came to a stop outside the southern gate of the neighborhood.
Tang Song thanked her and got out of the car.
Returning to his spacious apartment, he loosened the collar of his shirt, opened a bottle of Coke, leaned back on the soft sofa, and gazed out at the city nightscape.
“Swish!” The system interface unfolded before his eyes.
【On May 18, 2023, at Ding Stone Commercial Center, you successfully participated in an investment roadshow as a regular employee of Shimmer Coffee.】
【You made thorough preparations in advance, dressed appropriately, expressed yourself confidently, performed excellently, built connections after the event, and demonstrated good communication and interpersonal skills…】
【You successfully completed the side task “Investment Negotiation Meeting.”】
【You have obtained a special item: “Character Communication Card.”】