novelraw Chapter 245: The Center of Attention
Chapter 245: The Center of Attention
Looking at He Xiaohui before her, Lin Muxue's mind flashed back to scenes from their high school days.
"Xiaoxue, those Nike sneakers of yours are fake! The logo's wrong and the craftsmanship is terrible! Probably cost less than 50 yuan, right?"
"This chocolate was brought back from Modu by my cousin. Here, everyone gets a piece... Oh... sorry Xiaoxue, we just ran out... Zhang Wen, how does it taste?"
"Who used up my moisturizer? It must be you, Xiaoxue! You're the only one in our dorm who doesn't have any!"
"Haha, Shen Kaihang confessed to you again?... Stop pretending! Wanna bet? I'll definitely have a much better life than you in the future! And my boyfriend will be way more impressive than yours!"
...
Back then, Lin Muxue never understood why some classmates would inexplicably isolate, spread rumors, and bully her.
She never provoked anyone and always tried hard to please them.
But as she gained more life experience and met more people, she gradually understood.
Some people simply couldn't stand others doing better than them - textbook jealous personalities.Like He Xiaohui.
Lin Muxue was prettier, had a better figure, and the boy He Xiaohui liked from the next class often slipped snacks to Lin Muxue.
And then there were those former classmates now stirring up trouble in the group chat.
Thinking of this, Lin Muxue smiled at Chen Siyue's camera and gave a slight nod. "I suppose many of our former classmates are watching the livestream? Good evening, everyone."
Though her tone was calm, her eyes shone with unmistakable confidence. Combined with her luxury attire, she exuded an aura of sophistication and intelligence that painfully stung certain people's hearts.
The livestream's atmosphere reached another climax.
Seeing He Xiaohui's speechless expression and Chen Siyue's envious gaze filled Lin Muxue with immense satisfaction.
She might not be particularly extraordinary, but she'd mastered the art of showing off.
Just by imitating 40-50% of Qin Yingxue and Mo Xiangwan's demeanor, she could easily command attention.
Chen Siyue composed herself and glanced at the livestream, her expression freezing in shock.
Viewership had surpassed 1,000, with countless gifts pouring in.
This was the peak moment of her content creation career.
"Thank you everyone for the likes and gifts! Thank you [Silent] for the Douyin No.1 gift! Thank you [Cold Rain Night] for the Cloud Realm gift!" Chen Siyue said enthusiastically.
Comments flooded the stream:
["Damn, she seems really impressive!"]
["Stunning figure with amazing presence! This Lin Muxue is truly outstanding - probably the most remarkable subject Siyue's ever featured in her blind box series!"]
["Trust committees are usually the highest decision-making bodies in trust funds. A senior secretary like her wields significant power, equivalent to a company's board secretary."]
["I don't know about trusts, but I know fashion. That's a Vacheron Constantin Overseas watch, Hermès Birkin bag, and Valentino shoes..."]
...
Reading these comments, Chen Siyue blinked and couldn't help but examine Lin Muxue's outfit more closely.
Seeing her on Douyin before, Chen Siyue had assumed everything was counterfeit. Only now in person could she truly appreciate the refinement and elegance.
Of course, the biggest factor was Lin Muxue's breathtaking entrance and demeanor.
In this setting, Chen Siyue couldn't imagine Lin Muxue wearing knockoffs.
This former classmate had clearly made it big.
Whether through luck or attaching herself to a wealthy partner, Chen Siyue grew even more excited about the video's potential.
Footsteps approached as Li Da, dressed formally in slacks and leather shoes, walked over. "Um, Muxue, should we head to the restaurant? Standing here isn't ideal."
His gaze burned as he took in Lin Muxue's elegant, fashionable appearance.
The current Lin Muxue was irresistibly attractive, making him eager to get closer - he'd happily be her backup option.
Lin Muxue subtly distanced herself from Li Da with a glance.
After the Xu An incident and using Li Da's harassment as an excuse to have Tang Song pretend to be her boyfriend, she wasn't taking chances.
Especially since this was being livestreamed, and Tang Song knew her Douyin account. Getting misunderstood would be disastrous.
Mao Wenqiong nodded in agreement. "Xiaoxue, you're busy with work, and Siyue just arrived in Yancheng. Let's go eat."
Lin Muxue nodded gracefully. "Let's go then. There's a nice Italian restaurant nearby. The owner is a friend of my colleague - I've already reserved a table."
During lunch conversations, she'd discovered her company was a treasure trove.
Every employee was talented and pleasant to talk to.
Their connections, influence, and social circles far surpassed hers.
When she mentioned meeting classmates, several local colleagues immediately recommended high-end restaurants with excellent environments and service, even securing reservations and discounts.
"That's great! Let's go, Muxue!" Li Da eagerly gestured. "I drove here in a 7-seater Buick GL8. Plenty comfortable for five."
Mao Wenqiong whispered, "I'll take the back row."
"No need, Wenqiong. Ride with me." Lin Muxue arched an eyebrow at the fawning Li Da.
Today, "Empress Muxue" arrived in her "imperial weapon" - a Bentley. How dare he interfere with her moment to shine!
He was practically asking for death!
Reading web novels was one of her few hobbies, picked up from male classmates in high school.
She read both male and female-oriented stories, especially enjoying tales of showing off and revenge.
Incidentally, that "Mortal World Cultural Media Co., Ltd." specialized in short dramas and had adaptation rights for many web novels - somewhat aligning with her interests.
She hoped to impress Tang Song through this opportunity.
Mao Wenqiong nodded quickly. "Oh, okay. Thanks, Xiaoxue."
Li Da awkwardly said, "Alright then."
Scanning the buzzing livestream and group chat, He Xiaohui's lips twitched as she watched the center-of-attention Lin Muxue.
Unable to resist, she said, "Xiaoxue, is that your two-seater Porsche 718?"
Lin Muxue chuckled lightly. "I've upgraded."
"Oh?" He Xiaohui perked up. "What a coincidence! I've always liked the 718 and wanted to test drive one. Maybe my boyfriend will buy one someday."
Chen Siyue, still livestreaming, brightened and adjusted her camera. "Xiaoxue, our viewers are curious what a financial executive like you drives. Mind showing us?"
Lin Muxue suppressed a smirk. "Fine, but no license plates. I don't want unnecessary attention."
Her previous Porsche 718 had been rented, which was why she never showed plates on Douyin.
Besides, this Bentley belonged to Tang Song. Showing off was one thing, but she wouldn't cause him trouble.
"Got it. I'll be careful with the camera," Chen Siyue assured.
Exiting Chengyuan Building's entrance, humid air greeted them.
The four followed Lin Muxue toward the parking lot.
Chen Siyue kept her camera trained on Lin Muxue as the stream filled with adoring comments.
He Xiaohui burned with jealousy.
Yet she had to admit Lin Muxue looked even more stunning in person than on Douyin.
Her slender waist and perfectly rounded hips.
A waterfall of hair cascading down her back, strands dancing in the AC breeze, carrying a pleasant fragrance.
Long, smooth legs accentuated by her swaying pencil skirt.
From behind, she resembled a blooming rose in an urban jungle, radiating captivating charm.
Li Da swallowed hard, staring dazedly at her retreating figure.
Click-clack— Her heels tapped on stone as Lin Muxue paused and turned with a smile. "We're here. Mind the camera angle, Siyue."
The group froze, then followed her gaze to the car before her.
Bathed in sunset glow, a glacier white Bentley Continental GT rested peacefully in its spot.
Its flawless paint reflected surroundings like a mirror - pure and noble, shifting between silver highlights and twilight hues like a massive, sculpted ice crystal.
The muscular side profile exuded grandeur.
The front grille's intricate chrome detailing screamed luxury.
Silver wheels with exquisite patterns shone brilliantly against the white body. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novel⟡fire.net
"A Bentley?!" He Xiaohui gasped, eyes wide.
Chen Siyue stared at the exploding livestream. "A Continental GT!"
Lin Muxue raised the corners of her mouth and grasped the driver's door handle.
Click— The car unlocked with a flash of lights.
Bending slightly, she retrieved a pair of flats from inside.
"I'll send the restaurant address to the group chat. It's just over two kilometers away. See you there." Storing her heels, Lin Muxue waved at Mao Wenqiong. "Hop in, Wenqiong."
Resting her pale arm on the window, her posture elegant beside the Bentley, she looked every bit the noblewoman.
Mao Wenqiong, flushed, approached the car nervously.
He Xiaohui bit her lip hard, trembling with envy.
She'd come to Yancheng hoping to humble Lin Muxue, only to become the fool instead.
Seeing her former rival living so lavishly was gut-wrenching.
She couldn't fathom how Lin Muxue achieved this.
Must be some wealthy sugar daddy! Some old man's mistress!
A decrepit sixty-something? A greasy, balding middle-aged fatty?
The thought spurred her to ask, "Xiaoxue, where's your boyfriend? Invite him to dinner! I'm curious what he's like."
Pausing before entering the car, Lin Muxue smiled faintly. "He's busy."
As if someone like Tang Song would meet the likes of you! Dream on!
Feeling Lin Muxue's disdain, He Xiaohui snapped, "Surely he'll show up sometime while we're here?"
Chen Siyue checked the heated livestream discussion. "Yeah, Xiaoxue. We won't film him, just want to meet him. Let me describe him to satisfy our viewers. They're dying to know what kind of man could match someone like you."
Lin Muxue pursed her lips. "He's truly exceptional. If anything, I'm the one who might be unworthy. Weren't you coming to film at my place this Saturday? You might meet him then."
With that, she entered the car and shut the door firmly.
"Let's head out," Chen Siyue told her audience, flipping the camera.
In just over ten minutes, she'd received more gifts, comments and likes than ever before.
This Lin Muxue feature would undoubtedly be her most viral yet.
Li Da, snapping out of his daze, walked dejectedly toward his Buick GL8.
He Xiaohui stomped after him, inwardly cursing, "Think you're hot shit just because you bagged some rich old man? Pah! Temporary success!"
Vroom— The engine growled powerfully like a beast awakening.
Tires rolled with slight friction sounds.
Lin Muxue reclined in the seat, hands on the wheel, legs rubbing slightly, cheeks faintly flushed.
No matter how she pretended or how her mindset changed, she couldn't suppress her restless heart.
...
Across the parking lot, behind floor-to-ceiling windows:
Tang Song withdrew his gaze and sipped his coffee.
Dressed simply in a white tee, jeans, black-framed glasses and baseball cap, he appeared low-key.
Setting down his cup, he said to Zhang Chengyuan, "Tell me about Lin Muxue's performance at the company today."
"Right!" Zhang Chengyuan launched into a detailed account.
Tang Song listened quietly, eyes thoughtful.
The passive skill from [Observation and Control] was crucial.
Completing the mission required monitoring her transformation, hence his presence today to witness her reunion with former classmates.
Truth be told, Lin Muxue had pleasantly surprised him.
This amusing "fake socialite" friend seemed genuinely evolving - and rapidly at that.
After discussing Lin Muxue's performance, Tang Song tapped the glass table rhythmically.
"Also, I'll be joining the due diligence on Mortal World Cultural Media. Send all investigation materials and progress to my email, and add me to the Teams group."
"Understood." Zhang Chengyuan nodded firmly. "Any feedback on my proposed due diligence team, Chairman Tang?"
Glancing at the document, Tang Song smiled. "Add Lin Muxue."