novelraw Chapter 210: Smart Home Systems
Chapter 210: Smart Home Systems
Yancheng University Student Entrepreneurship and Employment Incubation Base
“It’s a great honor to share the entrepreneurial journey of Ujie Housekeeping with you today... We must clearly define our market positioning and precisely understand user needs...”
On the small stage at the front, Shen Yuyan stood behind a dark wooden podium, poised and elegant.
A few wisps of hair framed her fresh, fair face, her bright eyes captivating as her warm and soothing voice filled the hall, drawing the undivided attention of the audience.
The morning session consisted mostly of opening speeches, leadership addresses, and experience-sharing discussions.
As a prominent figure in Yancheng’s student entrepreneurship scene, Shen Yuyan had maintained close ties with the incubation base. During the early days of her business, she received substantial support from official channels.
Now, Ujie Housekeeping had achieved stable profitability, secured a steady customer base, and was actively seeking funding—an exemplary success story in the startup community.
She had been invited by the base’s leadership to share her experiences, an opportunity she eagerly embraced. After all, the audience included several investment institutions, making it a rare chance to promote her company.
---
5:00 PM.As the day’s activities paused, the attendees moved to the second-floor banquet hall for a dinner networking session.
Seated near the center, Shen Yuyan chatted with a few acquaintances while discreetly scanning the room, strategizing how to approach the investors.
“Tap, tap, tap,” footsteps approached.
A familiar, gentle voice spoke, “Let’s sit here.”
Turning to the source, Shen Yuyan saw Gao Mengting and a few of her peers joining the table.
Gao Mengting, poised and confident, greeted the group warmly and introduced herself.
“We at Somay Apparel are entering a period of rapid expansion. If any of you know talented livestream hosts, I’d love your recommendations,” she said with a composed smile, standing to distribute business cards.
Her graceful demeanor and sincere tone left a positive impression.
Accepting a card, Shen Yuyan reciprocated, handing over her own:
[Somay Apparel Trading Co., Ltd. | Vice General Manager | Gao Mengting]
Shen was no stranger to the former vice president of Yancheng University’s student council. As the former president of her own university’s student council, their paths had often crossed, and they shared several mutual acquaintances.
However, the Gao Mengting before her seemed markedly different—her demeanor exuded maturity and confidence.
---
A Familiar Face
“Yuyan! Yuyan!”
A voice interrupted Shen Yuyan’s thoughts. Turning, she saw a familiar figure.
Smiling, she greeted, “Meng Li, you’re finally here.”
Meng Li, a close college friend and roommate, grabbed her arm enthusiastically. “I’ve been busy hosting VIPs in the East Hall all day. I came as soon as I was free—there’s someone I want you to meet. It’s about your company’s financing, and I promise they’re reliable.”
Shen Yuyan’s eyes lit up. Meng Li worked for one of the event’s co-organizing units, lending credibility to her suggestion.
Taking a deep breath, Shen adjusted her hair and collar before following Meng Li out of the banquet hall.
After a short walk, they stopped in front of a private lounge.
“Knock, knock.” Meng Li gently tapped the door.
“Come in,” a steady male voice called from inside.
Entering the spacious, well-lit lounge, they saw two formally dressed men seated on a sofa, sipping tea.
One was the base’s operations manager, Li Shutong, while the other was a young man, not yet 30, with a polished and confident demeanor. Thɪs chapter is updated by noveⅼfire.net
Shen Yuyan felt a faint familiarity with the latter but couldn’t quite place him.
After exchanging greetings with Li Shutong, he excused himself, leaving the three alone in the room.
The young man stood and greeted her with a dazzling smile. “Hello, Shen Xiaohua, long time no see.”
Shen Yuyan froze momentarily, then nodded politely. “Hello.”
Meng Li chuckled. “Looks like Yuyan doesn’t remember you! Let me introduce you—this is our senior, Ren Mingyuan, from three years ahead of us.”
Ren Mingyuan’s sharp gaze softened. “That’s understandable. When Shen Xiaohua was a freshman, I was already in my final year starting my business. We only met briefly during events.”
“Ah, Senior!” Shen Yuyan smiled lightly. “Let’s drop the formalities—I’ve graduated for three years now. Just call me by my name.”
“Sure, Yuyan,” Ren replied smoothly, gesturing for them to sit. “I’ve heard about Ujie Housekeeping and thought this would be a good opportunity to connect. Let’s talk.”
---
An Opportunity
As they settled in, Ren poured tea for them and began sharing his story.
He had studied IoT Engineering at Yancheng Science and Technology University and started a smart home venture with his peers during his senior year.
Their company rode the wave of explosive market growth in the smart home sector, particularly from 2020 onward. They eventually secured capital, moved operations to Beijing, and established their own product line and sales channels.
Last year, the company achieved profits exceeding 10 million yuan.
Listening intently, Shen Yuyan felt a surge of admiration and envy. This was the kind of success she dreamed of—visionary entrepreneurship backed by teamwork and capital.
Taking a sip of tea, she asked cautiously, “Senior, what are you suggesting?”
Ren smiled confidently. “I’m currently the Vice President of our company, overseeing strategic investments. Housekeeping services are a direct touchpoint with households, and your company relies heavily on reputation-based marketing.
“I want to invest in Ujie Housekeeping and establish a partnership. Together, we can create complementary services, collaborate on marketing, and enhance user loyalty. As your company grows, it can help expand the reach of our smart home products.”
Hearing this, Shen Yuyan’s grip on her teacup tightened, excitement flickering in her eyes.
---
At Qingxin Jiayuan
Meanwhile, Tang Song gave his old apartment a final check before meticulously cleaning it.
He snapped a photo and sent it to his landlord, Lu Ziming, with a message:
“Ziming, I’ve moved out today. The apartment is empty now. I’ve left the keys, water card, and electricity card in the master bedroom drawer. Check it when you’re free. By the way, are you free tonight? Let me treat you to dinner.”
Minutes later, his phone buzzed with an incoming call.
“Hey, Old Song,” came Lu Ziming’s familiar voice.
“Hey, Ziming. So, dinner tonight?”
After a brief hesitation, Lu Ziming replied, “Sure, but I’ve got a favor to ask. Could you bring Tian Jing along? My sister works in Zhongcheng Group’s sales department and wants to meet her—just to make friends.”
Tang Song instantly understood. Tian Jing’s father was a director at Zhongcheng Group, and knowing her could be a massive career boost for employees.
“Got it. I’ll ask her if she’s free tonight.”
“Thanks, Old Song!”
Tang Song quickly messaged Tian Jing.
---
[Tian Jing]: “Of course! Just send me the address, and I’ll head there after work.”
Tang Song smiled, replying: “I’m nearby. I’ll pick you up after work.”
---
5:50 PM.
Tang Song parked his Wuling Hongguang near Linjin Tower and sent Tian Jing a photo of his location.
As he waited, the setting sun cast a warm orange glow on his figure, making him stand out in his sleek, casual outfit.
Not long after, a cheerful voice called out, “Tang Song!”
Turning, he saw Tian Jing approaching with her signature twin ponytails and a radiant smile.
Leaping forward, she wrapped him in a tight hug, her sweet voice ringing out, “I missed you so much! I brought you tons of gifts from Spring City—they’re at my place. I’ll give them to you later tonight!”
From nearby, a stunned Guo Peng—a coworker—watched the scene unfold, his face frozen in disbelief.