novelraw Chapter 297: Xiaoxue Melts Away
Chapter 297: Xiaoxue Melts Away
Fanfu Suzi’s company lounge was modest, barely twenty square meters—about the size of a bedroom.
Despite the limited space, it was well-equipped with minimalist furniture: stools, a dining table, a water dispenser, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
In one corner of the lounge, three women stood in a triangular formation, each wearing a different smile.
Nearby, Wang Ning swallowed nervously, his eyes darting between the three strikingly beautiful women of varied styles.
Even with the “campus belle” and “white moonlight” filters he had for Shen Yuyan, he had to admit that Lin Muxue was breathtaking.
Her height alone—around 173 cm—combined with high heels, made her nearly as tall as he was.
Her sharp features and bold makeup, paired with a fashionable and sultry office look, radiated a mix of elegance and allure.
Damn! Damn it! That f***ing Tang Song!
Of course, Shen Yuyan was no slouch either.
At 168 cm, her business attire and confident demeanor held their ground against Lin Muxue.Was it his imagination, or was there a subtle tension between the two?
Was this some kind of subconscious rivalry between beauties?
“Hehe, thank you so much for your thoughtfulness, Xiaoxue,” Shen Yuyan said earnestly. “It’s such a pleasure to have the chance to dine with talented professionals like you. I’m looking forward to it—please add me to the lunch list.”
Lin Muxue raised her eyebrows slightly.
Just as she thought, Shen Yuyan was far sharper than her naive bestie.
Her words were perfectly measured—tactful and hard to pin down.
As Lin Muxue opened her mouth to respond, Shen Yuyan gently took her arm, her smile bright and disarming.
“Oh, by the way, since it’s a group lunch, there must be a reimbursement policy or a budget, right? If you can’t make the call, I can ask Tang Song directly. We’d planned to have a meal together in Yan City to discuss financing—today’s lunch works perfectly. Of course, if your company’s policies are strict, I can pay for myself.”
A flicker of cunning passed through Shen Yuyan’s gaze before disappearing as quickly as it came.
Lin Muxue pursed her glossy lips, realizing that Shen Yuyan was no pushover.
“It’s just lunch. Of course, I can handle it,” Lin Muxue replied smoothly, glancing at Xu Qing. “And even for Qingqing’s sake, I wouldn’t let you pay.”
“Thank you, Xiaoxue,” Xu Qing said, her dark eyes wide with delight.
She couldn’t help but feel a bit flattered—this felt like a big deal!
At the same time, she was puzzled. Why had Lin Muxue’s attitude toward her shifted so drastically? The last time they’d met, she hadn’t been so friendly.
Was it because of Yanyan?
Shen Yuyan maintained her usual composure, her tone warm. “Thanks for the trouble, Xiaoxue. When you have time, let me treat you to a meal.”
“Sure. Let’s exchange WeChat contacts and keep in touch,” Lin Muxue said, taking out her phone.
“Absolutely. I’ve always been curious about the financial world, and I’d love to get to know brilliant people like you,” Shen Yuyan replied as she scanned the QR code, her smile fresh and genuine.
This wasn’t just small talk. Over the past two years of entrepreneurship, she had been striving to expand her social circle.
However, some circles were unreachable without the right credentials.
In the past, classmates like Lu Ziming had taken her to networking events and club gatherings, but she’d never been truly welcomed or integrated into those spaces.
Of course, her strongest curiosity lay with Tang Song.
A 24-million-yuan cash investment, his extraordinary poise, and the professional team he’d brought all intrigued her deeply.
Who exactly was he?
As the women chatted, Wang Ning stood awkwardly, his face flushed, wanting to join in but unable to find an opening.
Hey, hey, hey! I’m still here! Don’t you see me?
What about me, Yanyan? We came here together! Where am I supposed to eat lunch?
“Alright, I need to get back to work. Let’s catch up later,” Lin Muxue said.
“Bye, Xiaoxue.” “Goodbye.”
With a graceful wave, Lin Muxue’s wrist flashed with the brilliance of her Vacheron Constantin watch.
Her long, slender legs moved elegantly, the tight gray pencil skirt accentuating her perfect curves.
The rhythmic click of her heels against the floor created a mesmerizing melody.
Wang Ning stood frozen, his jaw slack, utterly captivated.
It was the first time he’d encountered such an alluring woman in real life.
If both the campus belle and this seductive goddess pursued him, how would he choose?
Damn it! Tang Song, you dog, you’re unforgivable!
As the lounge quieted once more, Shen Yuyan turned to Xu Qing with a serious expression.
“Qingqing, do you still have the business card Xiaoxue gave you earlier?”
“Uh… Let me check,” Xu Qing said, wriggling back to her desk.
After rummaging through her bag for a while, she pulled out a meticulously crafted card that had been sitting in the inner pocket for half a month.
Returning to the lounge, she handed it to Shen Yuyan.
Lowering her gaze, Shen Yuyan examined the card. Its golden text, embossed on a matte black background, outlined elegant letters that seemed almost alive with brilliance.
[Slover (HK) Trust – Senior Assistant to the Trust Committee, Lin Muxue…]
Xu Qing glanced at the card and explained, “The Trust Committee is the highest governing body in this type of company, equivalent to a board of directors. This assistant position isn’t just any role—it’s basically mid-to-high-level management.”
As a legal professional, Xu Qing had interacted with clients from banks and trusts before and knew a bit about the industry.
Shen Yuyan gently rubbed the embossed card between her fingers and asked, “Have you looked into this company? What’s its background? Is the whole due diligence team from them?”
“Uh…” Xu Qing blinked her wide, innocent eyes. “No idea. You know how busy I usually am.”
In truth, she had been more preoccupied with fantasizing about scenes of Liu Ruyan being humiliated in her novel. As Miss Xu Qing, she had no time to research such things.
Knowing Lin Muxue had a higher status than herself was enough—details could always be made up in her story.
Shen Yuyan didn’t press further. She leaned back on the high stool, pulling out her phone to search.
The company’s website was entirely in English, but that posed no challenge for her.
She had started working at a Fortune 500 multinational company as an HR professional during her senior year of college and had developed excellent English skills.
Soon, her expression became dazed and unsettled.
Slover Trust was a global private trust company headquartered in Hong Kong. It managed over $1.5 billion in funds and boasted an elite team of seasoned trust experts, financial analysts, legal advisors, and tax consultants. Its members hailed from renowned organizations such as Kate Fund and Jingwu Capital, with a portfolio of investments in cutting-edge industries, including several prominent unicorn enterprises in both China and abroad.
Shen Yuyan’s lips trembled, her grip on the phone tightening.
Her experience working in a multinational corporation and her two years of entrepreneurship had given her a rudimentary understanding of capital markets.
The Kate Fund, for instance, was the fourth-largest shareholder of her former employer, a Fortune 500 giant—a true top-tier financial consortium.
Among Slover Trust’s collaborators, she also spotted familiar names like Smile Capital and Tang Zong Entertainment Group.
“Yanyan, are you okay?” Xu Qing nudged her shoulder, her voice tinged with concern.
“I’m fine.” Shen Yuyan’s gaze flickered intensely as she forced out the words.
Her knowledge made her acutely aware of what such a trust company represented.
Although $1.5 billion paled in comparison to larger financial institutions, Slover Trust was a private entity that didn’t raise funds publicly.
Moreover, its corporate partners were among the most prestigious financial institutions worldwide.
The ecosystems, interest networks, and influence it embodied were beyond the imagination of ordinary people.
Lin Muxue was an assistant to the Trust Committee of such a company?
This easily placed her among the most influential people Shen Yuyan had ever encountered.
What left her even more conflicted was the question of whether the entire due diligence team was from Slover Trust.
What was Tang Song’s connection to this company?
Had he merely borrowed their team temporarily, or could he truly sway the company itself?
Judging from Lin Muxue and her team’s demeanor, the latter seemed far more likely.
Tang Song.
$1.5 billion private trust.
A $20 million investment.
Kate Fund.
Smile Capital.
Jingwu Capital.
The names swirled through her mind like a whirlwind.
Shen Yuyan felt completely overwhelmed.
“Yanyan!” Guo Liyuan emerged from the conference room, her radiant smile lighting up her face as she approached. “I’m done here. Let’s go discuss your company’s advertising needs—I can promise you’ll get cost prices!”
As the general manager, she didn’t need to stay by the team’s side constantly. The materials were ready, and her presence would only be required for specific coordination points.
Seeing her old friend’s bright smile, Shen Yuyan forced a smile in return. “Thank you, Yuan Yuan.”
Although she had already regretted losing Tang Song as a potential investor and business partner, she had no idea his connections were so vast.
The loss was far greater than she had ever imagined.
It was clear that Fanfu Suzi would thrive, while her own path remained fraught with challenges and the constant risk of failure.
12:00 PM.
“Wow! This is amazing!”
Xu Qing exclaimed as she opened her boxed lunch, nearly drooling at the sight.
The packaging was sleek and upscale, and the meal was a feast for the senses with vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and perfectly balanced flavors: three meat dishes and two vegetables.
The fresh fruit was delicious, and the drinks were freshly squeezed juices.
Even the appearance screamed sophistication.
This was the first time Xu Qing had ever seen a boxed lunch of such high quality.
She picked up a piece of braised abalone pork and followed it with a bite of Longjing shrimp. Her eyes instantly curved into crescent moons as she swayed happily, her little feet tapping and hips wiggling in delight.
“Qingqing, mind your manners!” Shen Yuyan chided softly from across the table.
“Mm-hmm.” Xu Qing nodded absentmindedly, too absorbed in enjoying her meal to care about anything else.
Meanwhile, Shen Yuyan’s gaze flickered as she watched Tang Song conversing with Fanfu Suzi’s upper management.
In such a setting, there was no chance to have a private conversation with him. She would have to find another opportunity.
Just then, a boxed lunch was placed on the seat beside her.
Lin Muxue elegantly sat down, greeting them with a warm smile.
After the initial pleasantries, Lin Muxue initiated a conversation about Yan City University of Technology.
Buoyed by the delicious food, Xu Qing was in high spirits and shared several amusing stories from their university days.
As Lin Muxue listened, her eyes brightened when she noticed there weren’t many anecdotes involving Tang Song.
This was better than she had anticipated.
At most, these two women were merely his college classmates. They didn’t seem to have been particularly close during university.
It was likely nostalgia that had motivated Tang Song’s investment in Xu Qing’s Fanfu Suzi Media.
Moreover, from today’s brief interactions, it was clear their relationship with Tang Song wasn’t nearly as close as hers.
After all, hadn’t she, Xiaoxue, played basketball with Tang Song? Surely she ranked ahead of them!
As lunch wound down and the room began to empty, Shen Yuyan took a sip of fresh juice and smiled at Lin Muxue.
“Xiaoxue, is your entire due diligence team from Slover Trust?”
“Of course,” Lin Muxue replied, raising an elegant eyebrow. “Director Tang personally selected them. They’re all top talents, many of whom were assigned by our Hong Kong headquarters.”
Shen Yuyan pursed her lips, her curiosity growing. “Oh? Tang Song personally chose them? Does he have a partnership with your company?”
Hearing this, Xu Qing also looked up, interest sparking in her eyes.
Lin Muxue’s lips curled into a subtle smile as she feigned nonchalance. “Director Tang is a member of our Trust Committee and the actual controller of the company. Aside from him, the committee includes Ms. Kate from the Kate family and Lawyer Luo Bin, the managing partner of Quanjing Law Firm.”
As she spoke, Lin Muxue’s gaze swept between Shen Yuyan and Xu Qing, keenly observing their reactions.
Beneath the table, her legs pressed tightly together as a wave of satisfaction washed over her.
After all, hadn’t she just revealed her position as the Senior Assistant to the Committee?
In other words, she, Xiaoxue, was a trusted confidante of these three towering figures.
In the future, she would directly report to Anne Kate and Luo Bin!
Bow before me! You two combined aren’t even in my league!
Xu Qing’s eyes lit up.
Tang Song was the actual controller of this international financial firm?
What a stroke of genius! After all, her novel’s male protagonist was also an executive in Greater China for a global capital firm.
This was a perfect fit, sparking a flood of creative inspiration.
Shen Yuyan, however, froze, her mind swirling in disbelief.
She turned to stare blankly at Tang Song’s calm profile.
Tang Song. Tang Song.
She didn’t know who Anne Kate was, but she knew of Luo Bin.
As the legal advisor to Smile Group, he frequently appeared in the news and was closely associated with her idol, Jin Meixiao.
Anyone who paid even a little attention would have a lasting impression of him.
So, it turned out there was someone of this caliber right beside her all along.
A tidal wave of emotions surged within Shen Yuyan.
No wonder she had felt so uneasy when she invited him to dinner at Beicheng Garden that day.
She hadn’t just turned down an investment opportunity—she had declined something far more significant.
Clack, clack, clack—
The sound of typing on laptop keyboards echoed incessantly.
In the conference room, the blinds were drawn, and the lights blazed brightly.
The due diligence team sat around a long table, surrounded by stacks of project documents, charts, and draft reports.
The atmosphere was one of focused professionalism and seamless collaboration.
Like precision components in a machine, each member fulfilled their role while working in perfect harmony, driving the team’s high efficiency.
Lin Muxue moved gracefully through the crowd alongside Zhang Lili, her expression poised and composed.
As a project coordinator, she and Zhang Lili acted as the team’s “lubricants,” facilitating communication between team members and the target company to ensure timely information exchange and feedback.
Of course, since Lin Muxue had only joined the company less than a month ago, her role was largely observational—she was here to "coast" and gain exposure to the workings of true financial elites.
Even if she didn’t understand much, she was deeply impressed.
Emma (Zhang Minhui), who was responsible for data collection and analysis, deftly worked with professional statistical software, swiftly cleaning, organizing, and analyzing data.
The financial analyst Alex (Zhao Yuguang) and his team worked meticulously, examining financial statements to assess the company’s financial health, profitability, and solvency. They identified potential issues and risks in the financial reports and proposed corresponding solutions or suggestions.
Meanwhile, the project leader, Geraint (Liu Zhengping), sat beside Tang Song, consolidating charts and data provided by the team. With concise, precise language, he delivered analyses and summaries.
After delivering a few documents and wandering around for a while, Lin Muxue returned begrudgingly to stand behind Tang Song.
Forget it. I’ll take it slow and steady.
In the realm of finance, she was still a rookie in the "starter village." Communicating with these professionals was nearly impossible.
I’ll memorize the jargon and knowledge bit by bit. There’s no rush to put on airs just yet.
“Director Tang, have some hot water.” Lin Muxue leaned slightly, placing a cup by Tang Song’s side with practiced grace. Her movements were gentle and noiseless, exuding professionalism.
Tang Song took a sip, the temperature just right.
“It’s almost 6 PM. The meals we ordered have arrived. Would you like to eat now?”
Tang Song glanced at the time and shook his head. “In 10 minutes. I’ll eat with everyone else.”
“Understood.”
Standing up, Tang Song stretched his shoulders and stepped out of the conference room. Pulling out his phone, he checked his unread messages.
One particular notification caught his eye:
"[China Merchants Bank] Your account ending in 3866 received a transferred payment of ¥8000 at 17:30 on July 5th for part-time work."
Tang Song paused briefly before realizing the source. It was his part-time payment from Shimmer Coffee.
That female CEO really treated him well.
Throughout June, she hadn’t assigned him any work, yet his payment arrived on time.
Staring at the message, the image of Xie Shuyu resurfaced in his mind.
Graceful, elegant, stylish, and poised, with a sharp, clean presence—she was the epitome of a "beautiful CEO" straight out of a TV drama.
The first time he met her, she had left an indelible impression.
She was the first woman he found himself drawn to after leaving behind his "white moonlight."
Of course, if it could be called “liking,” it was mostly about her beauty—combined with her wealth.
What man wouldn’t entertain a few fantasies?
Initially, he agreed to the part-time contract hoping for more opportunities to interact with her and improve her impression of him.
Pulling himself back from these scattered thoughts, Tang Song opened Xie Shuyu’s chat window and sent a message:
"Sister Shuyu, how is Shimmer Coffee’s financing progressing?"
After a while, his phone vibrated.
"[Xie Shuyu: 'There have been some minor bumps, but it’s progressing steadily.']"
Tang Song’s gaze flickered slightly as he read the reply.
Since the private banking event, her attitude toward him had subtly shifted.
What was once enthusiastic appreciation had become distant professionalism.
In the past, she had expressed admiration openly, gifting him a phone, giving him red envelopes, and introducing him to her network.
Now, her demeanor felt somewhat formal and detached.
After pondering for a moment, Tang Song’s face lit up in understanding.
She must have learned about his role as CTO at Jinxiu Commerce and his connection with Xiao Jing.
Realizing her support would no longer benefit him and that he wouldn’t likely join Shimmer Coffee, she had naturally cooled off.
Still, this deliberate distancing didn’t quite make sense. Logically, she should have sought to maintain a good relationship with him.
Sighing, Tang Song dismissed the thought.
The due diligence on Fanfu Suzi was a valuable exercise for him.
Once Shimmer Coffee’s financing was complete, he could enter as an investor instead.
7 PM.
A black Mercedes business vehicle cruised along a main road in Yan City.
The car’s interior was silent, but Lin Muxue occasionally stole glances at Tang Song.
Her period had just ended yesterday, and she was now in her "safe period."
I wonder when I’ll get another chance for a ‘friendly match’ with him.
Unfortunately, the due diligence work had kept them busy, and she couldn’t use drinking as an excuse.
As for joking about "fixing computers" or "unclogging drains," that was even more ridiculous.
Their statuses were worlds apart—how could she possibly direct her boss to do chores?
Noticing her gaze, Tang Song suddenly asked, “Xiaoxue, you’ve moved, haven’t you?”
“Yes, I’ve relocated to Lanfeng International Apartments,” Lin Muxue quickly straightened up. “The company has a partnership with them, so the rent is quite favorable, and the living environment is excellent.”
“Lanfeng International…” Tang Song murmured, seemingly lost in thought.
He recalled that the transfer of shares for his five-star hotel investment was still in progress. He wondered when the process would finally be complete.
Watching Tang Song’s handsome profile, Lin Muxue’s thoughts wandered. Memories of playing basketball with him resurfaced—the image of his toned, muscular frame lingering in her mind.
Subconsciously, she pressed her knees together.
The events unfolded in a cascade of escalating tension as Lin Muxue, seemingly emboldened by the moment, ventured to say, “Director Tang, since you’re interested, why not visit my place? The décor and amenities are really top-notch.”
Then, as if realizing the weight of her offer, she quickly added, “Of course, only if your schedule permits. I’m always available.” Follow current novᴇls on nοvelfire.net
Tang Song raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint smile. “Sure, let’s check it out.”
“Great!” Lin Muxue’s heart raced, her cheeks flushed with excitement as a mix of anticipation and nerves took hold. A momentary urge to visit the restroom struck her, but she held her composure, maintaining an outward elegance.
The black Mercedes soon made a turn toward Lanfeng International Apartments.
With facial recognition, they passed through the electronic gates, took the elevator straight to the 20th floor, and walked down a brightly lit corridor.
At apartment “2002,” Lin Muxue’s fingers trembled slightly as she pressed against the fingerprint lock.
The door clicked open slowly.
Tang Song stepped inside, his gaze briefly landing on a pair of men’s slippers by the entrance.
Lin Muxue immediately explained, “These are brand new, never worn. I got them thinking you might use them if you ever visited.”
“Thanks.” Tang Song nodded, slipping them on. The size fit perfectly.
The living room was spacious and exquisitely furnished.
Solid wood composite flooring, a multilayered ceiling with an opulent crystal chandelier, leather sofas, wool carpets, a marble TV backdrop, an open kitchen equipped with high-end imported appliances—it was akin to a five-star hotel.
The location was equally prime, situated near a subway station and surrounded by bustling commercial districts.
After taking a seat on the fabric sofa, Tang Song casually observed the surroundings while Lin Muxue excused herself.
“I’ll go change. I’ve been wearing these all day, and they’ve picked up a smell.”
“Go ahead.”
As Tang Song waited, the soft sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence.
Looking up, he saw Lin Muxue walking toward him with a light smile.
She had changed into a black mini-dress that clung tightly to her figure, showcasing her fair, flawless skin. Her long legs were wrapped in sheer black stockings, and the gap between the skirt and stockings created a tantalizing “absolute territory.”
It was evident she had rushed through changing; her dress still bore a few creases.
Noticing Tang Song’s gaze, Lin Muxue remained composed. She crossed her right leg over her left, subtly shifting in her seat.
Tang Song’s eyes twitched at the deliberate move.
Xiaoxue, you sure rushed that outfit change. Did you even have time for proper layers?
“Director Tang, you’ve been sitting all day. You must be tired. Would you like me to massage your back?” Lin Muxue leaned forward slightly, her C-cup curves swaying dangerously.
“Well, if you insist. Thank you, Xiaoxue,” Tang Song replied politely, unable to refuse his assistant’s enthusiastic offer.
“The sofa doesn’t give enough room for someone of your height. Let’s move to the bedroom,” Lin Muxue suggested, standing gracefully with a radiant smile.
Her provocative attire contrasted starkly with her poised demeanor, creating an alluring effect.
The bedroom was immaculate, exuding a cozy, lived-in atmosphere.
Tang Song lay face down on the bed while Lin Muxue’s soft hands began working on his back.
The faint scent of her perfume mixed with her natural warmth, enveloping him in an enticing fragrance.
After a while, as Tang Song’s gaze wandered, he reached out impulsively to touch the “absolute territory” before him.
Lin Muxue let out a small gasp. “Tang Song, you…”
Looking up into her eyes, Tang Song flashed a dashing smile. “One night stand. Yes or no?”
“Emm… Yeah.”
Soon, Xiaoxue melted into water.