novelraw Chapter 276: Wen Ruan and Shen Yuyan
Chapter 276: Wen Ruan and Shen Yuyan
June 27, 2023, Tuesday, Cloudy, 26~37°C
Yan City, Huayun Center, Building B, Light and Shadow Media Headquarters
The office area was shrouded in an oppressive tension. Employees sat at their desks, their faces solemn and their eyes filled with unease and anxiety.
In the WeChat workgroups, messages flooded in constantly.
Light and Shadow Media had been in business for 15 years and was considered the leader in Yan City’s advertising agency and sales industry.
However, its primary client base was still concentrated locally.
While it had branches and agencies in several first-tier cities, even the largest branch in Beijing only had a team of a dozen people—far from forming a scalable operation.
Their biggest growth goal was to expand outward.
The appearance of Meigou Tech had been an unprecedented breakthrough.
Landing a partnership with one of the top internet companies in the country was monumental.Not to mention the guaranteed annual sales revenue of at least 50 million yuan.
If the deal had been finalized, it would have greatly enhanced Light and Shadow Media’s reputation and credibility.
This was a milestone for the company’s growth.
Now, with the collaboration falling apart, the blow to the company’s leadership and shareholders was devastating.
The employees, too, sensed the brewing storm and the foreboding tension of impending turmoil.
“Tap, tap, tap—”
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the inner office.
Moments later, Sales Manager Liang Xiaoli jogged toward the main conference room, phone in hand, speaking with urgency and alarm.
"Director Wang, our two companies have worked together for six years without any issues. We’ve witnessed Chengyuan Real Estate’s rise firsthand. Please, I implore you to give us another chance!"
"The rebates and quotes we’ve offered are undoubtedly among the best in the industry. You know this."
"Please hold on! I’ll have President Zhang speak to you directly!"
…
Hearing Liang’s frantic conversation, several employees froze in shock.
Chengyuan Real Estate was a leading real estate company in Yan Province. With its mid-to-high-end housing projects and dedication to building its brand image, it spent tens of millions annually on advertising and operations.
Stable, long-term, and with quick payment cycles, it was one of Light and Shadow Media’s most important clients. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novｅlfire.net
The sudden severance of their partnership was a massive blow.
It could even lead to layoffs in departments like New Media Operations and Channel Sales.
Whispers of timid discussions began to ripple through the office.
"What’s going on with the company? I heard this morning that three outsourced media partners canceled their collaborations with us."
"That’s not all. Yesterday, three major media companies sent us notice letters saying they’re conducting performance assessments on us."
"I saw those notices too. If we fail to meet the conditions for agency contracts, like sales performance and client acquisition targets, the media companies might terminate our agreements based on the contract terms."
"Could Chengyuan Real Estate’s termination be because of this? If that’s the case, will other big clients follow suit?"
…
As a network advertising and media agency company, Light and Shadow Media’s most critical resources were its media partnerships.
These included advertising slots from major companies like Toutiao, Baidu, and Tencent.
Acting as an intermediary, they helped businesses place and manage advertisements on those platforms.
If these companies canceled Light and Shadow Media’s agency authorizations, their clients would undoubtedly reject the services provided.
For the moment, the entire company was shrouded in a heavy sense of gloom.
In the main conference room.
The company’s senior executives sat with furrowed brows and worried expressions.
Chairman and CEO Zhang Shun leaned forward, his elbows propped on the table. His pale lips parted slightly as he spoke in a heavy tone:
"Since Meigou Tech suddenly terminated their partnership with us yesterday, we have received cancellation notices from four major clients and seven media companies. What are your thoughts on this?"
Instantly, a cacophony of discussions erupted.
The contracts with these major clients were typically signed for short execution periods, generally on a monthly basis.
The terms only specified operational methods, media partners, and rebate ratios.
The actual collaboration involved account recharges and expenditures.
This setup allowed clients to switch media partners immediately if one underperformed.
As a result, their clients could cancel contracts at minimal cost, leaving Light and Shadow Media with no countermeasures—putting them in a highly passive position.
On the media side, however, there was no urgency. The agency agreements were signed annually, so any termination of Light and Shadow Media’s agency rights required reasonable and legitimate grounds, or the media companies would have to pay penalties as stipulated in the contracts.
“Ring, ring, ring—”
A sharp ringtone interrupted the room.
Seeing the caller ID, Zhang Shun’s fingers involuntarily clenched the A4 sheet of paper in front of him, crumpling it into a ball.
Taking a deep breath, he answered the call.
Zhang Shun’s voice immediately transformed into a bright and cheerful tone. "Hello, Director Xu! Long time no see. I was just thinking about inviting you for tea sometime soon."
But his smile froze in place moments later as his tone grew heavier.
"Jinxiu Commerce is one of Light and Shadow Media’s most important partners. Please trust that we will weather this crisis."
"Even if we lose our agency rights for the media platforms you require, we can still operate through other media companies as intermediaries. You know my reputation and connections; the pricing will remain the same."
"Alright, I understand."
"Director Xu, we’ve always had a great personal relationship. Could you be honest with me—why are you canceling the collaboration?"
"Not convenient to say? I see. Thank you."
After ending the call, Zhang Shun was drenched in sweat.
The most terrifying part was the uncertainty.
At this point, they still had no clue about the source of the issue.
"President Zhang, I believe yesterday’s fallout with Meigou Tech must have been orchestrated," said Li Xuechao, the brand director. "They might have just used Wen Ruan’s absence as an excuse."
Since the debacle with Meigou Tech, Liu Chuanzheng had found himself in an extremely awkward and humiliating position.
His reputation in the company had been thoroughly tarnished.
Forget about a promotion to vice president—whether he could continue as the branch manager was now uncertain.
Li Xuechao, who oversaw the company’s branding efforts and frequently traveled to Beijing, had a good personal relationship with Liu Chuanzheng. This was why he chose to speak up and subtly defend him.
Zhang Shun tapped the table with his fingers, his gaze shifting as he mulled over Liu Chuanzheng’s future in the company.
“Knock, knock, knock—”
The conference room door was rapped lightly.
The CEO’s assistant entered briskly. "President Zhang, Director Bai from Smile Capital has arrived! He’s waiting in the reception room."
In an instant, the sound of chairs scraping back and people standing up filled the room.
Everyone got to their feet.
Following Zhang Shun’s lead, five board members briskly walked toward the reception room.
“Director Bai! Good afternoon!”
“Lawyer Zhao.”
“Manager Wang.”
After the customary pleasantries, everyone settled onto the sofas.
Zhang Shun clasped his hands together, visibly tense, and said, “Director Bai, regarding the recent changes with our clients and media partners, I believe your company is already aware. Given that we are currently at a critical stage of negotiations, could Smile Capital assist us in mediating with the media companies to resolve these issues?”
Smile Capital had shown great interest in Light and Shadow Media, with plans to invest through equity acquisition and capital expansion.
Negotiations had already reached a pivotal point, and Zhang Shun could sense the sincerity in their approach.
This confidence was why he brought up the idea. With Smile Capital’s extensive network and influence, the current troubles could be resolved effortlessly.
This confidence had been the main reason he managed to stay composed thus far.
Hearing this, Bai Sheng replied calmly but firmly, “President Zhang, we’re here for two reasons.
“First, we have decided to suspend the equity acquisition and investment in Light and Shadow Media.”
“What?!” Zhang Shun’s face turned pale, his brows twitching violently. “Director Bai, our company has been in operation for 15 years and has overcome countless challenges. This issue is relatively minor. Please give me a week to stabilize the situation and ensure it doesn’t impact our collaboration.”
To Zhang Shun, being recognized by a top-tier investment firm like Smile Capital was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Not only could he cash out at a high valuation, but he would also gain the backing of Smile Capital’s ecosystem.
However, Bai Sheng shook his head. “The decision has already been made. Of course, this is only a suspension. The investment committee will need to reassess.
“The second matter concerns a recommendation for Light and Shadow Media to conduct a thorough investigation into Liu Chuanzheng, the general manager of your Beijing branch, for negligence and illegal activities in his role.”
At this, Lawyer Zhao, seated beside Bai Sheng, unfolded a document and placed it on the table.
“During our legal risk assessment of your company, commissioned by Smile Capital, we uncovered several issues:
“Over the past three years, Liu Chuanzheng has repeatedly received substantial transfers from Huiguang Media under the guise of consultancy services.
“The legal representative of Huiguang Media is his cousin, and the company’s business involves advertising sales, with an agency contract in place with Light and Shadow Media.
“Based on testimony from a former employee who left your company, we contacted Liu Chuanzheng’s ex-wife, who confirmed that the company was a vehicle for illicit financial transactions involving Light and Shadow Media’s client resources.
“Furthermore, Liu has also repeatedly sold branch office assets, including photography and office equipment, at below-market prices.”
Bai Sheng’s expression grew even more severe. “These actions constitute embezzlement. Additionally, according to your company’s internal plans, Liu Chuanzheng is slated to assume the role of vice president at headquarters next month. This represents a significant risk and liability, making it impossible for Smile Capital to invest in such a company.”
Zhang Shun’s face turned dark as he stared at the documents before him, his expression grim.
As the long-standing head of the company, Zhang Shun was well aware of internal issues, especially with branch managers.
Instances like fabricated expense reports and kickbacks were not uncommon.
Under normal circumstances, as long as Liu Chuanzheng continued to bring in clients and profits, Zhang Shun was willing to turn a blind eye.
But now, with the company teetering on the brink of disaster and relying on Smile Capital’s assistance, these issues had come to light at the worst possible time.
Coupled with the collapse of the Meigou Tech deal due to his conflict with Wen Ruan, Zhang Shun’s simmering frustration erupted like a volcano.
Liu Chuanzheng! Go sew some shoes for a living, you fool!
“Director Bai, please rest assured. I have zero tolerance for corporate parasites like this. He will face legal consequences, and I will conduct a thorough investigation from top to bottom to ensure such problems never happen again. I hope Smile Capital will recognize our efforts and sincerity!”
Bai Sheng gave them a meaningful look before nodding calmly.
The acquisition would undoubtedly continue, but the valuation and conditions would be far less favorable than before.
The Calm Before the Next Storm
Light and Shadow Media was only in the early stages of this storm. Greater waves of turmoil were inevitable, and the company was powerless to resist—they could only wait for the eventual reckoning.
11:00 PM
Fengda International Hotel, Premium Suite
The rhythmic "tap, tap, tap" of typing filled the quiet room.
June 27, 2023
A Brief Day
This morning, we woke up early, as if afraid that sleeping longer would deprive us of time together.
We went for a jog through the streets of Beijing and spent 40 minutes working out in the hotel gym.
Afterward, we wandered into a nearby alley and found a small, clean eatery where we enjoyed bowls of tofu pudding, sugar cakes, and soup dumplings.
Later in the morning, he took me on a city walk through Beijing’s streets. We strolled from Wudaoying to Jianchang, from Guozijian to Fangjia, and finally ended up at Beiluoguxiang.
There were so many fascinating little shops along the way.
Hidden cafes in the alleys, artisan boutiques brimming with artistic charm, nostalgic vintage stores, romantic bookstores...
He was very familiar with these places and spoke of them with nostalgia.
I knew he had likely come here with other women before, but I was still happy.
At noon, we went to Temple for tea and ate at TRB Hutong, chatting about the décor around us.
In the afternoon, with the heat becoming unbearable, we escaped into a cinema to watch a movie.
He chose an obscure suspense film. Since it was a weekday, we had the entire theater to ourselves.
We didn’t need to lower our voices while discussing the plot, and we could even cuddle and steal kisses.
The movie was terrible, though, so we spent most of the time being affectionate.
In the evening, I took him to a snack street I used to frequent.
We strolled and snacked, then found a quiet bar afterward.
With a few bottles of beer and some appetizers, we sat quietly, listening to the music and talking about shared interests—music, fitness, cars, and gadgets.
I’ve always dreamed of having a boyfriend who could drink and chat with me.
On the way back, he held my hand and talked about wanting to row boats at Beihai Park, cycle along Chang’an Street, and watch the sunset at Jingshan Park...
After saving the diary entry, Wen Ruan closed her laptop.
She stood up and stretched, the soft fabric of her nightwear tracing a dramatic curve against her figure.
Outside the window, the city’s nightscape was tranquil yet dazzling, leaving her momentarily lost in thought.
Returning to this city where she had lived for many years, the oppressive and painful memories had all vanished, leaving only fondness and appreciation.
The feeling of being in love was truly wonderful—it smoothed over scars that had lingered in her heart for years.
Tiptoeing into the bedroom, she saw that Tang Song was already fast asleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically with his breathing.
Wen Ruan slipped under the blanket, turned to her side, and quietly watched him in the warm light of the bedside lamp.
Her heart overflowed with sweetness and a sense of security.
She wished this day could last forever.
June 28, 2023, Wednesday, Overcast with Thunderstorms, 22~30°C
Fengda International Hotel, 12th Floor, Deluxe King Room
"Ring, ring, ring—"
The incessant ringing of a phone broke the stillness.
Shen Yuyan bolted upright from bed, rubbing her throbbing temples.
Since Sunday, she had been plagued by restless sleep and vivid dreams, leaving her utterly drained.
She glanced at the phone screen before answering it, her voice weary. “Hello, what’s up, Qingqing?”
“Yanyan, this isn’t like you! Still in bed this late? Don’t tell me you were out partying last night?”
“Can you talk properly for once?”
“Hehe, alright, alright. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve sent you the documents you asked for. Make sure you check your email.”
Xu Qing paused briefly, then added playfully, “Oh, and don’t forget to bring back some of those Beijing delicacies before you head home this afternoon!”
“They’re already bought. Don’t worry. Alright, I’m hanging up. Bye.”
“Muah! Love you, bye-bye~”
Ending the call, Shen Yuyan opened WeChat.
[Xu Qing: Tang Song Company Overview.pdf]
“Ugh...” A sigh escaped her lips, filling the room.
That period had coincided with her hectic scramble for funding, leaving her both physically and mentally exhausted.
When Qingqing mentioned that a college classmate had agreed to invest, Shen Yuyan trusted her but never really treated him like an "investment savior."
She knew the state of Youjie Domestic Services all too well—it wasn’t a trendy sector, nor did it have an exciting narrative to pitch.
For Tang Song to agree to invest without fully understanding the situation, it was clear he was interested in either her or Xu Qing personally.
Just like Hou Shaoyuan.
At the time, her primary concern had been analyzing how Tang Song’s involvement would impact Youjie Domestic Services’ equity structure.
Looking back now, she felt nothing but embarrassment.
24 million yuan in funding, a professional investment team.
These were clear indicators that Tang Song was nothing like Hou Shaoyuan, a mere scion of minor wealth.
I was so naive, truly!
I should have investigated him sooner. I should have learned more about him. I should have valued his investment commitment more!
She sat at her desk, opened her laptop, and clicked on the PDF file Xu Qing had sent.
The moment she read the first line, her heart began to race wildly.
"Songmei Fashion Trade Co., Ltd."
She read the name several times over, her expression growing more pained with each repetition.
Her breathing quickened, and a buzzing sound filled her mind.
"Gao Mengting! It’s her company!"
Scenes from her time at the startup incubator came rushing back:
The Bentley Continental,Songmei Fashion Trade Co., Ltd.,The title of Vice General Manager.Shen Yuyan clenched her teeth, her breaths coming fast and uneven.
So, she had hitched a ride on Tang Song’s fast track!
9:00 AM
Closing her laptop, Shen Yuyan got up and absentmindedly went through her morning routine—washing up, applying light makeup, and slipping into casual attire.
She headed downstairs toward the buffet restaurant, her mind racing with thoughts.
Based on the data Xu Qing had sent her and the information she had just uncovered...
A Moment of Unexpected Rivalry
Songmei Fashion’s development had been exceptionally smooth. With a high-end independent office in Yunxi Tower, the company was now aggressively expanding its team.
Their live-streaming e-commerce business was thriving, and sales from their Douyin store were booming.
Gao Mengting. Guo Liyuan.
Songmei Fashion. Fanfu Suzi.
Live-streaming e-commerce. Online short dramas.
Two women who had once been overshadowed by her brilliance were now far ahead of her.
They had positioned themselves in the hottest industries, backed by capital support from Tang Song, with limitless futures ahead.
It was clear that their successes would only leave her further and further behind.
Regret, mixed with bitterness, gnawed at her heart.
She had once been offered a chance to reverse her life and leap across social strata—but she had missed it entirely!
Tang Song. Tang Song.
Do I still have a chance with you?
As she stepped out of the elevator and turned down the corridor, Shen Yuyan’s gaze swept across the lobby, only to freeze in place.
In the lounge area, seated on the sofa, was a tall and handsome young man with an exceptional presence.
He was the type that would stand out in any crowd.
But what truly caught her off guard was how familiar he was—he was the person she had been longing to see day and night.
Tang Song!
What was he doing here?
Her heart raced as she quickly retreated to the elevator hall.
Facing the mirrored metal surface, she adjusted her hair, ensuring it framed her face perfectly.
She exhaled a breath onto her palm to confirm there was no bad odor, then studied her reflection.
Though tempted to head back upstairs to redo her makeup, she worried about missing this rare chance encounter.
Taking a deep breath, she composed herself, straightened her back, and strode confidently toward the lounge area.
The rhythmic click of her heels on the floor caught Tang Song’s attention, and their eyes met.
Shen Yuyan greeted him with a bright, fresh smile. “Tang Song! I didn’t expect to run into you here. It seems we’re really fated to meet, don’t you think?”
Startled by the sudden appearance of Shen Xiaohua (the campus belle), Tang Song nodded. “Good morning, Yuyan. Are you staying here too? Visiting Beijing for business?”
His mind quickly recalled that Xu Qing had mentioned Shen Yuyan was in Beijing to sign an investment deal.
It hadn’t occurred to him that she would also be staying at Fengda International Hotel.
Now that he thought about it, it did seem like quite the coincidence.
“Mm-hmm,” Shen Yuyan said, brushing her hair back to fully reveal her delicate features. “I’m staying on the 12th floor. By the way, have you had breakfast—”
Before she could finish her sentence, a rich, magnetic female voice sounded from behind her.
“Did you run into someone you know?”
Shen Yuyan froze momentarily, then turned around in surprise.
Approaching them was a woman in a white dress, exuding a mature, sensual elegance.
Her graceful demeanor and curvaceous figure added to her charm, making her an undeniably captivating presence.
Their eyes met.
Shen Yuyan’s gaze flickered as a storm brewed in her mind.
Who is she?
Looking at Shen Yuyan’s sweet and innocent face, then glancing at Tang Song, Wen Ruan raised her brows slightly.
She gently took hold of his arm and spoke in a soft, tender voice, “Song, I’ve finished shopping. We should head out now.”