novelraw Chapter 225: What Does It Feel Like to Get Caught Pretending to Be Important?
Chapter 225: What Does It Feel Like to Get Caught Pretending to Be Important?
Basement Level 1, Bulgari Hotel
The black Bentley Flying Spur idled by the elevator, its engine rumbling with a deep, steady growl.
“Click—click—click—” The rhythmic sound of high heels echoed through the parking garage as Lin Muxue sashayed back after seeing Zhao Yaqian onto the elevator.
Instead of getting into the car right away, she leaned against it and took a quick selfie, only then sliding into the rear right seat, enjoying the privilege of her private chauffeur.
She pulled out her phone and entered a group chat.
The group had only four members: herself and three university classmates currently living in Shanghai.
One of them, Cao Jingsi, had been her roommate, though they hadn’t spoken in years—even deleting each other from WeChat.
The truth was, none of the four had a great relationship, but thanks to Xiaoxue’s efforts, they’d been brought together. Each was curious to see if she really had "made it."
Glancing at the chat history, Lin Muxue chuckled softly.
In a pleasant tone, she said to the driver, “Take me to the Shami Building on Imperial East Road. I had a bit too much to drink tonight, so could you take the scenic route along the Bund? I’d like some fresh air.”“Certainly, Ms. Lin!” The driver replied promptly.
The Bentley started up smoothly.
The scent of a premium fragrance filled the cabin. Lin Muxue crossed her legs, leaning back into the leather seat with a grin she couldn’t suppress.
She knew that Li Xinyi and the others had just finished dinner at a restaurant near the Bund and were now walking towards the bistro in the Shami Building.
It was the perfect time for the main character—her—to make her grand entrance.
As the car exited the parking garage, soft instrumental music played in the background.
Lin Muxue picked up the tablet in front of her, connecting it to her phone. She opened her cloud music app and searched for a playlist titled “Entrance.”
As the star of tonight’s show, her appearance naturally needed a fitting background score to enhance the "Empress Muxue" aura she envisioned.
Randomly selecting a song, she hit play.
“Dun dun dun—dun dun dun—”
An electrifying track blared through the cabin.
Up front, the driver, who had undergone professional training, involuntarily tightened his grip on the steering wheel, feeling a sudden surge of adrenaline.
Goodness! Isn’t this the theme song from The God of Gamblers? He felt an almost irresistible urge to stomp on the gas pedal.
Embarrassed, Lin Muxue hurriedly paused the music and resumed scrolling through her options.
The car crossed the Suzhou River, moving steadily forward.
The city lights danced against the car’s interior, illuminating Lin Muxue’s face as she finally settled on an elegant English ballad.
The gentle melody wafted through the Bentley’s high-end Naim audio system, wrapping the cabin in a serene ambiance.
Lin Muxue gazed out at the night scenery, her slightly tipsy expression tinged with a dreamy allure.
She wondered what surprise Tang Song had planned for tonight.
A handbag? Makeup? A dress? Jewelry?
Though the gift would undoubtedly be for Qianqian, she was eager to at least get a glimpse.
As the music played, the car turned onto Imperial East Road.
Lin Muxue straightened up, resting her right hand on the window armrest as she looked outside. From a distance, she spotted a few familiar figures by the roadside.
Her university classmates: Li Xinyi, Cao Jingsi, and Wang Mei.
“Driver, slow down a bit. I see some friends I’d like to greet.”
The car eased its speed as instructed.
Lin Muxue picked up her phone and dialed Li Xinyi’s number.
On the Sidewalk
“Sheesh, Lin Muxue is still such a poser after all this time,” Cao Jingsi snorted. “Talking about attending some Hermès private event. Most likely, she just found Roosevelt Club’s dinner prices too expensive and chickened out.”
“Heh, people like her are all over the place—vain, always trying to create some kind of persona.”
“Exactly. She even blocked us from her WeChat Moments. Isn’t it obvious she’s scared we’ll expose her embarrassing past?” Cao Jingsi scoffed, her disdain palpable.
Having been Lin Muxue’s roommate for three years, she knew her all too well.
Coming from a poor family, Lin Muxue used to work as a part-time model in college. At one event, a recruiter openly mocked her for her unfashionable and tacky outfit, leaving her humiliated. The story spread widely among their peers.
Though her looks were undeniably striking, it only made her the target of more ridicule from classmates who frequently brought up the incident to tease her.
Later, she bought a knockoff luxury outfit for another event, only to be publicly called out by a rich girl. The humiliation left her crestfallen for a while, after which she became obsessed with appearances.
Post-graduation, rumors circulated that she’d landed a high-paying finance job and was living the high life.
But they didn’t believe it for a second.
From what they remembered of Lin Muxue’s abilities in college, she’d be lucky to manage accounting, let alone finance.
As the three continued their tirade, Li Xinyi’s phone suddenly rang.
Seeing the caller ID, she raised a finger to her lips for silence. “It’s Lin Muxue.”
She answered cheerfully, “Hey, Muxue! Where are you? We’re almost at Cofo Bistro.”
“Oh?” Lin Muxue’s voice sounded faintly amused. “I’m in the car. Can you see me?”
Turning back toward the street, Li Xinyi scanned the road and spotted a black Bentley slowly approaching.
The other two, curious, also turned to look.
Night had fallen, and the streets were bathed in neon light.
The black Bentley rolled forward, its polished surface reflecting the glow of streetlights and blending seamlessly into the tranquil urban backdrop.
The iconic winged badge on its hood gleamed like the brightest star in the night sky.
The tires whispered across the damp pavement before the car came to a smooth stop beside them.
The rear window slowly descended, revealing the interior.
First came the sound of elegant, high-quality music. Then a familiar yet transformed face came into view.
Lin Muxue.
Her look was striking—delicate earrings, a dazzling gemstone necklace, a high-end designer outfit, and an Hermès Birkin bag perched on her lap. The luxurious interior of the Bentley framed her like a scene from a movie.
Soft, amber light from the streetlamps spilled through the car window, casting a warm glow on her poised, refined expression.
In that moment, she radiated elegance, sophistication, and a hint of aloofness.
Li Xinyi and the others froze on the spot, stunned.
Cao Jingsi bit her lip, her voice trembling with disbelief. “Lin Muxue!?”
It had been two years since she’d last seen her old roommate, and while the face and figure were familiar, it was almost impossible to reconcile this composed, high-class woman with the frugal, timid girl she used to know.
Lin Muxue gave a faint smile, nodding gracefully. “Long time no see.”
Then she spoke to the driver. “Please wait here.”
The door clicked open, and Lin Muxue stepped out.
Her silk-stockinged legs touched the pavement as she elegantly stood, the hem of her dress and waves of her hair swaying in the soft breeze.
Tilting her head slightly, she scanned her old classmates with a calm gaze. “It’s been over two years, but it seems you haven’t changed much. Jingsi, you’re still sentimental—still carrying your Prada bag, I see.”
She casually flipped her long, wavy hair over her shoulder and adjusted the Hermès Birkin hanging on her arm.
【Come on, all three of you at once! I don’t have all day!】
【Who said we’d meet as equals? I need you to look up at me from the bottom of the mountain!】
A sharp car horn blared from the road, snapping them out of their daze.
Cao Jingsi opened her mouth but couldn’t form a single word.
Her heart felt like it was being gripped by an invisible hand, each beat filled with anxiety and tension.
It was as though she had taken a critical hit, her composure left in shambles.
Though her family was well-off, and she enjoyed a vibrant life as a flight attendant, luxury items like Hermès or Bentley were worlds beyond her reach.
Seeing Lin Muxue emerge from such a car, adorned in top-tier designer brands, filled her with an unsettling mix of jealousy and inadequacy.
“You’ve changed so much, Muxue,” Wang Mei said, swallowing hard, her expression full of envy.
Lin Muxue chuckled lightly. “It’s nothing, really. Life’s been pretty good since graduation.” She glanced at her watch. “Come on, let’s head to the bistro and catch up over drinks.”
She swept her gaze over the three of them one last time before heading toward the entrance of the Shami Building.
Li Xinyi, Cao Jingsi, and Wang Mei exchanged uncertain glances, their lips tightly pressed together.
From the looks of things, Lin Muxue’s success seemed very real.
And tonight, it was painfully clear just how far apart their lives had diverged.
At Cofo Bistro, Second Floor of the Shami Building
The soft melodies of folk music lingered in the air, accompanied by the warm glow of yellow light filtering through ornate glass lampshades.
The bistro’s refined decor exuded a sense of relaxation, making it an ideal escape for the many office workers unwinding there over drinks and conversation.
Li Xinyi led the group to a table by the window. Adjacent to the table was a small balcony, offering a direct view of the Shami Building’s exterior, showcasing a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.
After taking a moment to admire the surroundings, they ordered a few bottles of wine and some small plates.
Li Xinyi pointed to a man singing in the bar, her tone slightly smug. “That’s my friend, Ah Xing. He’s an independent musician and one of this place’s co-owners. That’s how I got such a great spot on a Saturday night.”
As a flight attendant for a business class airline, Li Xinyi had access to a higher social circle. Ah Xing, a small-time singer with a released album, had even initiated a WeChat exchange with her.
Cao Jingsi and Wang Mei offered a few words of flattery, making Li Xinyi beam with pride.
Leaning back in her chair, Lin Muxue smiled faintly. “Ah Xing? Never heard of him. But yesterday, I did attend the opening ceremony of the Shanghai International Film Festival. I even ran into a few singers—sitting right next to me.”
With that, she opened a selfie on her phone.
The photo showed her seated at the Golden Phoenix Gala venue, surrounded by several familiar faces.
Wang Mei gasped, covering her mouth as she exclaimed two names aloud—both were recognizable third-tier celebrities with a decent level of fame.
Li Xinyi and Cao Jingsi’s eyes widened. No matter how they looked at it, the photo didn’t seem edited.
They knew about the Golden Phoenix Gala, of course—it had dominated trending searches online, largely due to “Su Yu.”
They just hadn’t expected that their old classmate had actually been there in person!
Lin Muxue continued to casually drop tidbits about her time at the Hermès fashion show. By then, their food and drinks had arrived.
The ever-keen Wang Mei stood up, holding a bottle of plum wine, her tone flattering. “Muxue, you should try this plum-infused tea wine—it’s delicious!”
During their university days, Wang Mei had no real conflicts with Lin Muxue. Seeing how much her old classmate’s life had improved, her first instinct was to try and reconnect.
“Thanks.” Lin Muxue nodded lightly, swirling her glass before taking a small sip.
The wine’s blend of tea and plum aromas danced on her palate, sweet and refreshing. It really was quite good.
Noticing her classmates’ shifting attitudes, Lin Muxue pulled out her phone and snapped a few photos, posting them to her Moments.
Caption: “Catching up with old university classmates at a cozy bistro. Reminiscing about the good old days.”
In the past, she had always restricted these classmates from viewing her posts to avoid exposing her less-than-genuine high-society image.
This time, however, she included a broader audience in her settings—enough to let most of her contacts see.
Setting her phone down, Lin Muxue sipped the plum wine while casually inquiring about other classmates’ lives.
The cabin crew program they’d studied in university was heavily skewed towards women, with male students making up only about 10%.
Due to some awkward and humiliating experiences in her college years, Lin Muxue had rarely stayed in touch with her classmates. She knew very little about what they had been up to.
She listened with mild interest as her classmates filled her in, occasionally chiming in with a polite comment or two.
For the first time, Lin Muxue felt fully in control of the conversation, no longer at the mercy of her classmates’ judgment. The tables had turned, and she relished every moment.
At Dongjiang Food Stalls
“Clink~” Beer bottles touched as Tang Song and Li Zhixi toasted.
Tang Song tilted his head back, gulping down an entire bottle in one go. Thanks to his Alcohol Resistance Potion, these beers were no different than soda to him—no buzz, just refreshment.
On the other hand, Li Zhixi’s cheeks were flushed from mild intoxication. Smiling brightly, he said, “You probably don’t know this, but back in school, I had a crush on Qiu Yu. You know, since we’re both from Su Province. The reason I eventually got into her company was because I stayed in touch with her.”
Tang Song raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Huh... that’s the first I’ve heard of it. You’re quite the stealthy type.”
“Well, she had big ambitions and wasn’t interested in me, so I eventually gave up,” Li Zhixi admitted with a sheepish grin.
After reminiscing a bit about youthful crushes, Li Zhixi glanced at his watch and stood up.
“We’ve had enough food. Let’s go! I’ll take you to the Bund—it’s gorgeous at this hour!”
“Let’s do it! I’ve never strolled around there,” Tang Song said, slinging his backpack over his shoulder as he followed Li Zhixi down the street.
The Bund was only a few hundred meters away, so they reached it quickly.
Crossing two intersections, they were met with a moist river breeze.
The shimmering surface of the Huangpu River reflected the dazzling lights from both banks, like countless ribbons of light swaying gently. The sight was breathtaking.
Towering skyscrapers loomed against the cloudy sky, their grandeur a testament to the city’s might.
As they strolled along the riverside, Li Zhixi pointed out landmark buildings. “That’s the Shanghai Tower, the tallest in China at 632 meters. Over there is the World Financial Center...”
Tang Song’s gaze followed the direction of Li Zhixi’s finger, his eyes darting between the skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. The urban vibrancy and allure of this metropolis were palpable.
He felt his heart swell with emotion.
The neon lights of Shanghai, this bustling human world—it all soothed the soul.
At the end of the day, he was just a mortal man, enamored by the decadence of nightlife, the glow of the city, and the joy of indulgence. He also aspired to reach greater heights in life.
“Click!” Li Zhixi pulled him into a photo by the river.
Then, scrolling through his gallery, Li Zhixi handed his phone to Tang Song. “Check this out. This is Zhang Xi, a girl from my company’s sales department.”
Tang Song looked at the screen.
The photo showed a girl in her early twenties with a low ponytail, tall and slim with clean, elegant features. Her lively expression suggested she was outgoing and cheerful.
“What do you think, Brother Song? Isn’t she gorgeous?” Li Zhixi grinned. “In my opinion, she’s just as good as Qiu Yu.”
Back in college, Qiu Yu had been the standout girl in their program, so Li Zhixi’s instinct was to compare her to others.
Tang Song nodded. “Yeah, she’s very pretty. You should go for it. When you two get married, don’t forget to send me an invitation.”
To be honest, Zhang Xi was indeed attractive—she’d have been a popular girl in any university setting.
Li Zhixi put his phone away, glancing at the luxury cars passing on the road behind them and the towering skyscrapers across the river. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the Nov3lFɪre.ɴet
He sighed deeply. “So many people work hard for the chance to live here, but how many can actually settle down in Shanghai? I asked Zhang Xi indirectly once, and she said she’d like to live in either Shanghai or Suzhou. That means if I want a future with her, I’ll need to plan on buying a house in Suzhou. It’s tough!”
“Keep it up, Zhixi. You’re working hard—who knows, you might end up staying in Shanghai after all,” Tang Song said, patting him on the shoulder.
Tang Song had no doubt that he’d have significant business interests in Shanghai in the future. Helping out an old classmate like Li Zhixi would be a simple favor for him but a life-changing opportunity for Li.
“Haha, I’ll take that as a blessing from Brother Song!” Li Zhixi chuckled before adding, “I wish you all the best with your business ventures too! And find yourself a beautiful girlfriend to complete the picture!”
“Uh...” Tang Song resisted the urge to tell him that he already had several girlfriends. For Li Zhixi’s sake, he chose to stay quiet—no need to provoke the same envious reactions he’d gotten from Lv Kai in the past.
Li Zhixi then led him out of the Bund, and under the glow of the city lights, they strolled leisurely down the streets.
“That’s Imperial East Road over there,” Li Zhixi pointed out. “It’s one of Shanghai’s 64 historic streets that will never be widened. Many of the buildings have significant historical value.”
As they continued their walk, the city’s rich history and vibrant modernity blended seamlessly around them, offering a perfect end to the evening.
At Cofo Bistro
“Hello, ladies! Good evening! I’m He Xing, Xinyi’s friend. Just call me Ah Xing. Welcome to our little bistro,” he said with a friendly smile.
Ah Xing wore a loose printed cotton shirt paired with washed denim jeans, his outfit giving off a casual and trendy vibe.
Wang Mei gave him a thumbs-up, praising, “Ah Xing, your folk song earlier was amazing!”
Li Xinyi added with a proud smile, “Of course! He’s a professional singer.”
“Oh, don’t flatter me—I’m just a struggling artist,” Ah Xing replied modestly before sliding into the seat beside Li Xinyi. His gaze soon fell on Lin Muxue, seated across from him.
He had a good eye for details, and from her elegant outfit and accessories, he could tell she wasn’t just anybody.
She stood out far more than the three flight attendants, not only in looks and figure but, most importantly, in her aura—cool, refined, and intellectual.
Immediately intrigued, he turned his full attention to her.
Noticing his expression, Li Xinyi felt a subtle pang of jealousy. Her tone became slightly stiff as she explained, “She’s a university classmate—Lin Muxue. She’s here in Shanghai for an event, so we’re meeting up.”
“Oh? Lin Muxue? What a beautiful name,” Ah Xing said, scooting his chair slightly closer, clearly about to continue his attempt to charm her.
But just then, a deep, magnetic male voice interrupted.
“Good evening, Xiaoxue. Mind if we join you for a drink?”
Everyone looked up to see a young man wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap standing nearby.
“Xu An?” Lin Muxue’s eyebrows arched slightly, surprise flickering across her face.
Smiling, Xu An removed his sunglasses and gave her a playful wink. “What a coincidence. I was dining nearby with friends and saw your post on Moments, so I figured I’d drop by.”
Li Xinyi’s gaze shifted, and she quickly chimed in, “Muxue, is he your friend? Why not have him join us for a drink?”
“Sure, have a seat,” Lin Muxue said calmly, though internally, she couldn’t resist a slight urge to flaunt.
After Xu An sat down, she raised her glass and asked casually, “Not filming lately?”
Shrugging, Xu An poured himself a glass of red wine and replied in a lighthearted tone, “Had an audition today for Chasing the Sunset. I landed a supporting role—not the lead, but it’s a major production.”
“Chasing the Sunset?” Li Xinyi’s eyes lit up with excitement. “You mean the movie with Li Chengyang and Song Shiyu?”
“Exactly, that one.” Xu An raised his brows with a proud grin.
The film, based on a bestselling novel, was a highly anticipated project. Li Chengyang and Song Shiyu were two of the hottest idols at the moment, and the movie’s production had been all over the internet.
Wang Mei, clearly intrigued, exclaimed, “No wonder you looked familiar—are you an actor?”
“Yep. I’m currently playing the second male lead in Plum Blossoms Before Snowfall, which is airing now.”
“No way!” Wang Mei stood up in shock. “I’ve watched commentary videos about that drama—you’re Zhang... Zhang...”
“Zhang Chengjun,” Lin Muxue interjected with a soft chuckle.
“Yes! Zhang Chengjun!” Wang Mei clapped her hands, her face full of excitement.
Learning that Xu An was a legitimate actor and public figure made Li Xinyi and Cao Jingsi’s views on Lin Muxue shift dramatically.
Their university classmate had clearly climbed high in life—her social circle alone was leagues above theirs.
“Ding ding ding—” The sound of clinking glasses rang out as the atmosphere grew warm and lively.
Lin Muxue alternated between glancing at her classmates, now visibly uneasy and nervous, and the dazzling night view outside.
Her heart felt light and unburdened. A longstanding chip on her shoulder had been lifted, leaving her mind open and free.
As the soft music in the bistro played again, Lin Muxue, slightly tipsy, carried her crystal wine glass and her Hermès bag to the small balcony.
She gazed at the blend of old-fashioned red-brick buildings and neon-lit skyscrapers outside—a scene that melded modernity with vintage charm.
Behind her, the sound of footsteps approached.
Ah Xing appeared with a tray in hand. “The view on this street is amazing. It’s a great place for a drink. Muxue, you absolutely must try our house-made yuzu wine,” he said, opening a bottle of the yellow-hued fruit wine.
Xu An raised a brow and extended his glass. “Let me try it too.”
He had come here with a clear goal in mind—to leave a lasting impression on Lin Muxue.
After all, she had connections to executives at Tang Zong Entertainment. Winning her over could secure his career trajectory.
Taking a sip of the chilled yuzu wine, Xu An remarked softly, “By the way, Xiaoxue, I’m also a singer. My album will be out next year. If you have a favorite song, I can sing it for you right here.”
“Thanks, but no need. The song playing now is lovely,” Lin Muxue replied, her tone indifferent as she leaned lightly against the black railing of the balcony.
「♪ BGM: Who stole my heart, leaving me unable to tell night from day...」
The fitted black off-shoulder dress she wore accentuated her graceful curves, showcasing her figure beautifully.
The hem of her dress fluttered gently in the night breeze, making her look like a black blossom swaying in the moonlight.
The Streets Near Shami Building
Hands in their pockets, Li Zhixi and Tang Song strolled leisurely down the vintage street.
The dim, amber glow of the streetlights stretched their shadows long across the pavement.
“People say this is one of the most beautiful roads in Shanghai,” Li Zhixi said, his tone wistful. “It’s a blend of history and modernity, leading straight to the Bund and the Huangpu River... That building over there is the Shami Building. It’s over a hundred years old...”
As he spoke, he tilted his head to admire the stunning Baroque-style architecture of the building.
But then, his expression froze.
A deep flush spread across his face as he vigorously patted Tang Song’s shoulder.
“Look! Up there on the second-floor balcony—absolute stunner! Damn, she’s a total goddess, like a celebrity!”
Hearing the mention of a beautiful woman, Tang Song paused mid-step, curious. He followed Li Zhixi’s gaze.
Amid the intricate curves of the building’s sculpted facade stood a strikingly alluring figure.
She leaned casually against the railing, her slender fingers holding a wine glass, her expression cool and indifferent.
Standing beside her were two men, one of whom looked particularly familiar.
Apparently catching something in her peripheral vision, Lin Muxue glanced downward.
Her gaze locked with Tang Song’s.
Her composed expression instantly shattered.
Frozen in place, she stared blankly at the man who had suddenly appeared below.
What does it feel like to be caught in the middle of pretending to be impressive? Asking for a friend… and it’s urgent!