novelraw Chapter 289: The Silver-Tongued Canary
Chapter 289: The Silver-Tongued Canary
When she realized that Zhang Lili was from Slover Trust, Zhao Yaqian smiled politely. “Hello, Sister Lili. Just call me Yaqian.”
With that, she proactively extended her hand for a handshake.
Since Zhang Lili was a friend brought by Lin Muxue and had mentioned helping her build connections, it was only natural to take the initiative. Over the past few months, Yaqian had made significant progress in her social skills, especially after experiencing a few high-profile events. She had become more considerate and tactful in her interactions.
Sensing Zhao Yaqian’s goodwill, Zhang Lili immediately relaxed and responded with a bright smile. “Alright then, Yaqian.”
Behind them, Chen Yue and Zhang Mengchu stood dumbfounded, their minds struggling to process the scene.
Zhang Lili had an exceptional aura. She appeared to be in her late twenties, wore elegant gold-rimmed glasses, and carried herself with poise and confidence—a quintessential corporate elite. She was clearly someone from a different social circle, the type they’d rarely have the chance to meet.
What shocked them even more was how respectful Zhang Lili was toward Zhao Yaqian, addressing her with deference as “Ms. Zhao.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lin Muxue’s sharp, confident gaze swept over the group, finally landing on the older Zhang Mengchu.
With a smile, she said, “You must be Ms. Zhang? Yaqian has spoken so highly of you. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. I’m Lin Muxue, Yaqian’s best friend.”
“Hello,” Zhang Mengchu replied, raising her brows slightly as she greeted her with a complex tone.Lin Muxue gave off an extraordinary vibe. She was wearing a Vacheron Constantin watch worth over 200,000 yuan, a designer outfit, and had arrived in a 1-million-yuan Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Combined with her confident and composed demeanor, it was clear she wasn’t an ordinary person.
Zhang Mengchu had encountered a few similar figures in her years of service—real high society elites, the so-called "White Rich Beauties."
She glanced at the seemingly naïve and unassuming Zhao Yaqian standing beside her and couldn’t help but gasp inwardly. This woman, who had once been an ordinary girl in their training class, had become so unfamiliar. What exactly had she gone through over the past few months?
Judging from her connections and behavior, Yaqian’s interest in the beauty industry might actually be serious. And what was this “trust” that Zhang Lili had mentioned?
Mengchu had far more exposure to different social strata than Chen Yue, including some well-connected clients, like a senior banking executive who had once explained trust funds to her. She understood that trusts were high-end financial tools commonly used by the wealthy to preserve and pass on their fortunes.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Lin Muxue turned her attention to Chen Yue. “And this is?”
Smiling, Zhao Yaqian introduced, “This is my friend from the beauty training program, Chen Yue.”
“Hello.” “Hello,” the two exchanged greetings.
Chen Yue instinctively avoided eye contact, unable to meet Lin Muxue’s piercing gaze. She felt uneasy, unable to fathom how Yaqian had befriended someone so commanding. Her eyes flitted toward the Mercedes parked by the curb, a hint of envy flashing in them.
Lin Muxue raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over Chen Yue from head to toe. Instinctively, lines of data seemed to form in her mind:
LV Flore Chain Bag: Crafted from Monogram canvas and pink calfskin, featuring a floral clasp, priced at 11,100 yuan.COACH Outlet Leather Pencil Skirt: Not exceeding 2,000 yuan.Shoes and Top: Regular high-end women’s wear, of decent quality but without discernible brands or prices.In short, this was a girl with limited means who loved to flaunt what she had—a little like Lin Muxue herself in her early post-graduation days. But now, as the evolved “Empress Muxue,” she was here to outshine her past self.
“It’s too hot outside. Let’s get in the car and head to the restaurant,” Lin Muxue said, clapping her hands lightly to signal the group. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novel⚑fire.net
Zhang Lili opened the rear passenger door and smiled. “Yaqian, you can sit in the front.”
“Thank you, Sister Lili,” Yaqian replied cheerfully.
All three women easily fit into the spacious rear seats. As Chen Yue settled into the soft, comfortable seat, she felt something pressing against her back. Lifting herself slightly, she retrieved an exquisite handbag.
Her eyes widened as she recognized the design and blurted out, “Hermès Birkin, black and silver?”
She had mentioned before that the black-and-silver color scheme was her favorite when admiring Yaqian’s sakura-pink Birkin. This was the truth—this bag had always been her dream bag, and now it was right in front of her.
It was stunning.
From the driver’s seat, Lin Muxue turned and said, “Oh, sorry, I forgot it was back there. That’s my bag. Funny coincidence, Yaqian—we’re both carrying the same style today.”
As she spoke, Lin Muxue reached for the Birkin bag in Chen Yue’s hands and gave it a gentle tug—but it didn’t budge. Lin Muxue’s brows arched slightly as she reminded her, “Be careful, Yueyue. Don’t pull too hard.”
This was her most expensive handbag, one she treasured deeply. She rarely even dared to carry it while shopping, for fear of damaging it.
Hearing her mildly serious tone, Chen Yue’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly released the bag. “I’m so sorry!” she blurted out, still shaken by her earlier excitement. Fortunately, as a beautician, she didn’t wear long or embellished nails. If she had scratched the bag—a Birkin with this black-and-silver color scheme, worth at least 160,000 yuan even second-hand—her entrepreneurial dreams would have instantly crumbled.
Lin Muxue carefully placed the bag on the armrest, fastened her seatbelt, and started the car. Soon, the silver Mercedes S-Class smoothly rolled forward.
Chen Yue’s gaze shifted repeatedly between the black-and-silver Birkin on the armrest and the sakura-pink one in Zhao Yaqian’s lap. Her heart raced, and her head buzzed as a startling realization dawned on her.
She had been skeptical, even critical, of Yaqian’s Hermès bag. But for Lin Muxue, with her polished elegance and indisputable refinement, no such doubts could arise. This only led her to the inevitable conclusion—Yaqian’s bag must also be genuine.
An overwhelming sense of disbelief surged through her, leaving her vision blurry.
Sitting beside her, Zhang Lili noticed Chen Yue’s slightly trembling hands and gave her a curious glance. Then, she pulled a paper invitation from her bag and handed it to Zhao Yaqian in the front passenger seat.
“This is tonight’s event information. It’s organized by the Yan Provincial Medical Aesthetics Association. The association’s executive vice president, Wang Yu, is a family friend of my mom’s. Besides many beauty industry enterprises, there will also be well-known experts and professors in medicine and aesthetics. For you, it’s a great networking opportunity.”
“Thank you, Sister Lili.” Zhao Yaqian didn’t know much about the Yan Provincial Medical Aesthetics Association, but the name alone suggested it was prestigious.
“You’re welcome. It’s no big deal for me.”
Hearing their conversation, Zhang Mengchu’s eyes widened in shock. “Wait… this is an event hosted by the Medical Aesthetics Association?”
Zhang Lili chuckled. “Of course it is. Ms. Zhang, are you interested in attending?”
“Th-thump… th-thump…” Zhang Mengchu’s heart raced, her mouth dry as she stammered, “C-could I… also attend?”
As a teacher at Excellence Training School, she was well aware of this organization. Large beauty enterprises were typically members, and its more than 50 vice presidents were all influential figures. The association was not only a platform for resource integration but also a leader in setting industry standards and norms.
For anyone in the beauty industry, being invited by the Medical Aesthetics Association was both an honor and a chance to build connections and expand their professional network. If she could join the association and participate in a few events, her career and future would undoubtedly benefit immensely.
“Of course,” Zhang Lili replied readily.
Listening to the exchange, Lin Muxue couldn’t resist letting her penchant for showing off resurface. Her lips curled upward as she remarked, “Lili’s no ordinary professional. Her mother is the deputy chief physician at the Provincial People’s Hospital, and her father is a senior executive at a local bank. They’re major players here in Yan City.”
In truth, Slover Trust was indeed impressive. Lin Muxue had discovered that everyone there was highly talented, eloquent, and deeply connected—she absolutely loved it. Nowadays, her days were spent learning vocabulary and making friends. Thanks to her unique status, she quickly formed close bonds with colleagues like Zhang Lili, often meeting up privately.
Covering her mouth with a laugh, Zhang Lili added, “That’s a bit much, but yes, my family does have some connections. If you ever need help, Yaqian, just let me know.”
“Mm-hmm.” Yaqian stuck out her tongue and grinned brightly. She was simple and genuine—when others extended kindness to her, it genuinely made her happy. For instance, when Qian Lele had given her croissants earlier, she had immediately reciprocated with a lipstick she happened to have on hand.
Meanwhile, both Zhang Mengchu and Chen Yue licked their dry lips, their heads involuntarily lowering. They had initially thought Zhang Lili was just a regular employee. Now, realizing her family background, they were overwhelmed.
A deputy chief physician and a bank executive—these were people of high social standing in the local community, with extensive networks that they themselves could never hope to access. And yet, someone like that was treating Yaqian with such respect. What exactly was Yaqian’s situation now?
But with so many people in the car, neither of them dared to ask directly. They could only sit nervously in the back, consumed by their thoughts.
Through the rearview mirror, Lin Muxue noticed their expressions. Her grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly as a gleeful smile danced on her lips. Looking at the wide, sunlit road ahead, her mood soared.
The car eventually pulled up outside a high-end western restaurant in the city center. The restaurant exudes sophistication, with spacious and comfortable interiors, glittering crystal chandeliers, bright floor-to-ceiling windows, pristine white tablecloths, elegant tableware adorned with fresh flowers, and courteous, attentive staff.
The table’s meticulous presentation matched the restaurant's elegant ambiance. Seated at the reserved table, the five women still felt the weight of the earlier interactions—particularly Chen Yue and Zhang Mengchu, whose expressions remained slightly strained.
The starters were served quickly: bread rolls, Caesar salad, and Spanish chorizo. Then came a parade of main courses—French foie gras with caviar, Burgundy-style beef stew, steak, lobster, and meat sauce pasta.
Despite being on a diet, Zhao Yaqian couldn’t resist the tempting spread. Smiling brightly, she indulged enthusiastically. A little splurge wouldn’t hurt, she thought—she could just skip dinner later. Besides, steak was her absolute favorite.
As they ate, Zhao Yaqian and Lin Muxue began a discussion with Zhang Mengchu about the current state of the beauty market, its scale, and consumer demands. Yaqian had previously commissioned a professional research report on the industry and read through it multiple times. This meeting was her opportunity to clarify any lingering questions and strategize her direction with Lin Muxue’s input.
As the meal neared its end, Lin Muxue shifted slightly in her chair, elegantly opened her handbag, and retrieved a business card, which she handed to Zhang Mengchu.
“Ms. Zhang, this is my contact information. Let’s connect on WeChat.”
Mengchu accepted the card with a serious demeanor and glanced at the title printed on it:
Lin Muxue, Senior Assistant to the Trust Committee, Slover (HK) Trust.
Although Mengchu wasn’t deeply familiar with financial institutions, the title alone was impressive, especially since it belonged to an international firm.
Chen Yue, sitting nearby, couldn’t help but steal a glance at the card. A sense of awe and intimidation crept into her heart, coupled with envy and jealousy she could barely suppress.
After hesitating for a while, Chen Yue finally blurted out, “Yaqian, earlier you mentioned signing a trust. Were you referring to this company?”
The word “trust” immediately brought Zhang Lili’s earlier comments to mind. Although Chen Yue didn’t fully understand the concept, everything seemed to indicate that Slover Trust played a pivotal role in Yaqian’s transformation. After all, both Lin Muxue and Zhang Lili worked there.
She felt restless, desperate to uncover what had happened to Yaqian.
Yaqian nodded gently. “Yes, it’s this company. Remember I told you my boyfriend would handle the funding?”
“What do you mean?” Chen Yue asked blankly.
Next to her, Zhang Mengchu’s eyelids twitched. “Wait… I’ve heard about this. For wealthy individuals, trusts are a financial management tool—a way to invest money while designating beneficiaries who receive the returns. Are you saying… your boyfriend made you the beneficiary?”
“Mm-hmm,” Yaqian confirmed with a nod.
Lin Muxue patted Yaqian’s leg lightly and chimed in with a smile, “This family trust was established to secure Yaqian’s future life and career. She’s interested in the beauty industry and is currently conducting market research. Once her plans are in place, our company will help her execute them and provide ample financial resources.
“But since Yaqian is still young, she’ll need guidance from someone trustworthy in the industry. Ms. Zhang, as Yaqian’s former instructor, she holds you in high regard. Would you be interested in making a career move?”
Having said her piece, Lin Muxue leaned back confidently. Driving the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and bringing Zhang Lili along were deliberate moves to bolster her friend’s credibility while showcasing her own resources.
If Yaqian was to thrive in the beauty industry, she would need more than Muxue’s limited expertise in finance. A capable assistant team was essential, starting with someone like Zhang Mengchu—a professional with industry knowledge, connections, and a reliable work ethic.
During their earlier conversations, Muxue had assessed Mengchu as dependable, which was why she extended the offer. She believed any smart individual who saw what they brought to the table wouldn’t refuse.
After hearing Lin Muxue’s proposal, Mengchu felt her mouth go dry. She took a large sip of water, her eyes flickering with thought, before nodding firmly. “I’d be honored. I’ve always admired Yaqian. Honestly, I don’t think I’m cut out for the training school. I’d like to explore new opportunities.”
Years of navigating the workforce had honed Mengchu’s intuition and judgment. She was confident that Yaqian and Muxue weren’t deceiving her. More importantly, the sheer financial capacity and influence it took to establish a family trust for a girlfriend spoke volumes.
Beaming with excitement, Yaqian raised her glass of lemon water. “Thank you for trusting me, Ms. Zhang.”
Mengchu hurriedly clinked glasses with her, blushing slightly. “Just call me Mengchu.”
Watching their interaction, Chen Yue sat there dumbfounded. A family trust set up by a boyfriend? A beneficiary receiving endless financial resources? Securing both life and career? What was all this?
Earlier, she had sincerely invited Mengchu to start a business together, only to be met with a near-immediate refusal. Throughout their conversation, Mengchu had repeatedly expressed satisfaction with her current teaching job. And now, she suddenly wanted to venture out?
Gritting her teeth, Chen Yue lowered her head and opened her phone to search. Within moments, key information began flooding her mind.
Her complexion grew paler by the second, her hands trembling as she clutched the phone.
A family trust, she learned, was a financial product in which the trustee managed a sum of money on behalf of the grantor, distributing returns to designated beneficiaries (typically family members). These funds were entirely isolated assets, and many domestic and international tycoons used this mechanism to secure their families’ futures.
To be named a beneficiary meant receiving a constant stream of income, potentially for life.
Yaqian’s boyfriend… set up a family trust for her? And made her a beneficiary?
“An offshore trust… with Slover (HK) Trust as the trustee?”
Chen Yue slowly lifted her gaze to Zhao Yaqian, taking in her immaculate makeup, luxurious attire, dazzling accessories, and the iconic Hermès bag. The image of Yaqian’s boyfriend flickered in her mind, adding another layer of disbelief.
Chen Yue’s lips quivered as if she wanted to say something, but her expression froze, and no words came out.
She and Yaqian weren’t so different in many ways: both were pretty, with good figures, but came from modest backgrounds and only had a high school education. While Yaqian was taller with a slightly better physique, she was also less sharp and emotionally clumsy. All things considered, Chen Yue had always thought of herself as being on equal footing—or even slightly better.
Yet, after "selling herself" for eight months and receiving 200,000 yuan, Chen Yue now felt utterly cheap compared to Yaqian.
In an instant, it was as though her heart had been pierced by a blade.
Deep down, she knew that her current situation was the result of her own choices. Once certain decisions are made, they can never be undone.
She had experienced five-star hotels, luxury cars, high-end restaurants, and carried an LV bag. Those fleeting pleasures had swallowed her whole, leaving her unable to return to her old, simpler life. She also couldn’t bring herself to embrace a normal career as a beautician.
If she left Mr. Guo, it wouldn’t be long before someone else—perhaps Mr. Li or Mr. Wang—would lure her back into the same arrangement.
The dream of opening her own beauty salon was little more than a consolation prize after being discarded by Mr. Guo. She was grasping at straws, imagining that this money might change her life. But she knew the odds weren’t in her favor.
After all, she was just a rookie with half a year of experience. That was why she’d hoped to bring in someone as seasoned as Zhang Mengchu to boost her chances of success.
Did I really make the wrong choice?
The question burned through her thoughts. If she had stayed true to herself back then, would she now be living a life like Yaqian’s?
Once regret takes root, it becomes a poison, gnawing relentlessly at the soul.
Nightfall at the Hilton Hotel, Chang’an District
Inside the brightly lit multifunctional center, the 2023 Medical Aesthetics New Horizons Salon was in full swing. Organized by the Yan Provincial Medical Aesthetics Association, the mid-sized event focused on the niche topic of "light medical aesthetics." It aimed to foster understanding and collaboration among members, as well as promote knowledge sharing and experience exchange.
After over an hour of speeches and presentations, attendees moved to the banquet hall. Small groups formed, engaging in low-key discussions or animated conversations. Everyone, regardless of gender, was dressed formally and elegantly.
Even Zhao Yaqian and Lin Muxue had changed into business-style skirt suits, adding to their polished image. Accompanied by Zhang Lili, the trio navigated the various cliques, quickly exchanging contact information with many attendees.
“Xiaoxue, I know this Fengyi Beauty Salon!” Yaqian exclaimed excitedly. “They used to have a branch near the Yizi Beauty Salon I worked at. It’s because their business was so good that Yizi eventually shut down.”
Reflecting on her first job, Yaqian couldn’t help but feel nostalgic.
“Don’t worry,” Lin Muxue replied, lightly clinking her wine glass against Yaqian’s. “Your future business will be much bigger than theirs. Who knows—maybe one day you’ll hire your former coworkers. That’s when you’ll truly have your moment.”
Hearing this, Yaqian’s face lit up with excitement as she began to imagine the possibilities. Back at Yizi Beauty, she had only been a beauty assistant, running errands for Ms. Li and the others. All her coworkers had more experience than her.
If she could build her career in the beauty industry and cross paths with those old colleagues again… the thought filled her with giddy anticipation.
As the two chatted in low voices, a mature female voice interrupted them.
“Excuse me, would you mind if we talked for a moment?”
Turning around, the group saw a well-preserved woman in her forties. Her figure was slim and balanced, and while fine lines marked her face, her skin radiated health. She exuded a poised and graceful maturity.
The group responded politely.
The woman handed over a few business cards with a slight smile. “I heard you’re with an investment firm. Since you’re attending this medical aesthetics gathering, I assume you have some interest in this field? Our company is transitioning into dual-beauty services. Perhaps you’d like to learn more?”
Yaqian quickly reached out and accepted a card, glancing down at it.
[Yisha Beauty, General Manager: Zhang Yurong...]
Seeing the name on the business card, Zhao Yaqian’s eyes widened in shock.
Isn’t this my former boss?
Although she’d never met her in person, the name was unmistakable. Back when she was still in the company’s main group chat, Zhang Yurong would often assign tasks and occasionally send small red envelopes to employees.
Who would have thought I’d meet her in person today?
Beside her, Lin Muxue was also momentarily stunned as she glanced at Zhang Yurong. After all, she had been a customer at Yisha Beauty Salon, and it was there that she met Zhao Yaqian—her close friend, whose life trajectory had since changed.
Now, the three of them were reunited at a salon event, but this time, she and Yaqian were being approached as representatives of an investment firm. The irony of the moment struck Lin Muxue deeply, filling her with an odd sense of reflection.
She glanced at Yaqian, who looked equally astonished. For her friend, this encounter must have been even more profound.
At the Fengda International Hotel in a private office suite:
“Ding! Congratulations, Player. Companion [Zhao Yaqian] has completed Growth Plan Task ③: [The Canary’s Ambition].”
“Companion [Zhao Yaqian] growth progress +10%.”
“Companion [Zhao Yaqian] comprehension +1.”
*“Companion [Zhao Yaqian] has received [The Canary’s Skill Pack 1].”
Tang Song paused what he was doing, his eyes lighting up with delight.
“Excellent! Yaqian’s Task ③ is finally complete!”
He opened the system interface and entered the [Companion] module. At the center of Yaqian’s illustrated character card floated a golden gift box.
Selecting [The Canary’s Skill Pack], he opened it immediately.
“Ding! Companion [Zhao Yaqian] has gained the skill reward: [Silver-Tongued].”
[Silver-Tongued]: An active skill that greatly enhances the partner’s tongue flexibility, strength, control, and sensitivity. This allows effortless movement in all directions and seamless coordination with other oral muscles, enabling the partner to better express their affection.The system’s display shimmered, and Yaqian’s character card glowed faintly.
An anime-style version of a beautician appeared on the screen. Holding a sparkling wine glass, the character winked playfully before extending a rosy tongue. She performed a series of intricate and impressive tongue movements—twists, curls, and licks—like a graceful tongue yoga routine. Her gestures exuded a bewitching charm, radiating irresistible allure.
“Tch!”
Tang Song shot up from his office chair and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, his gaze alive with barely contained excitement.
“Yaqian’s life just got even better!”