novelraw Chapter 298: They’re All Full of Contrasts
Chapter 298: They’re All Full of Contrasts
Beicheng Garden Residential Complex.
“Creak—” The door was yanked open.
Humming a tune, Xu Qing walked in. It was already close to 8 PM, and the living room was dimly lit. She changed into her slippers absentmindedly, hung her bag on the rack, and flicked on the light.
Xu Qing, still engrossed in her phone, shuffled into the living room in her slippers. Just as she was about to collapse onto the plush sofa, a sudden scream escaped her lips.
“Ahh! Yan Yan, what are you doing?! Sitting here in the dark with your hair all disheveled—you nearly scared me to death!”
Patting her chest to calm down, Xu Qing stomped over and gave her best friend’s leg a firm slap. She thought Yan Yan was deliberately pretending to be a ghost to spook her—it wouldn’t have been the first time. After all, Xu Qing had always been timid since childhood.
“Qingqing.” Shen Yuyan turned her head slightly, her voice low and muffled. “You’re back.”
Xu Qing froze, then leaned closer to take a whiff. Wrinkling her nose, she asked, “Have you been drinking? Did you have a drinking party?”
She knew her best friend didn’t particularly like alcohol, but after starting her own business, Shen Yuyan occasionally had to drink at social events. Sometimes, she’d overdo it.
As she spoke, Xu Qing headed to the water dispenser to pour her friend a glass of warm water. Then, her eyes landed on the trash can next to the table, where an empty sparkling wine bottle lay discarded.“Qingqing, I really regret it,” Shen Yuyan muttered as she leaned to her right, collapsing directly onto her best friend. Her eyes stared blankly ahead.
Xu Qing looked at her, her mouth opening as if to ask what she regretted, but the answer dawned on her quickly.
“Is this about Tang Song’s investment?”
“Yeah, I feel terrible, but I don’t know what to do.” Shen Yuyan wrapped her arms around Xu Qing’s shoulders, burying her head in her friend’s neck.
That afternoon, she hadn’t been able to focus on work at all and had spent hours at home in a daze. She hadn’t even had dinner, opting instead to down a bottle of 15% sparkling wine on an empty stomach. Yet, it hadn’t eased her inner turmoil.
Xu Qing patted her friend’s head in consolation. “I think you’re just overthinking things. You’ve already secured a ¥7 million angel investment for Youjie Domestic Services. Isn’t that good enough? Sure, Gongying Technology might have some hidden motives, but as investors, they also want the company to succeed. The cooperation agreement can definitely be negotiated further. Don’t worry so much.”
Despite her cheerful and optimistic nature, Xu Qing was no fool. She had sharp emotional and intellectual intelligence, which had enabled her to juggle three years in legal affairs while also publishing a moderately successful novel on the side.
Everything Shen Yuyan was concerned about had crossed Xu Qing’s mind too. But as far as she was concerned, her best friend had achieved her goals and seen her net worth skyrocket. The source of this content ɪs novel★fire.net
After all, Shen Yuyan’s 26% stake in Youjie Domestic Services was now worth ¥5 million. In just over two years of entrepreneurship, she had turned an initial investment of just over ¥100,000 into this. That was nothing short of miraculous.
“Hah…” Shen Yuyan, still lying on Xu Qing’s shoulder, shook her head. “Qingqing, you don’t understand. It’s not the same at all. Tang Song…”
She trailed off, exhaling a breath heavy with the scent of alcohol onto Xu Qing’s ear.
“They made ¥14 million in profit last year,” she continued. “Even though they have patents and technology, Gongying Technology doesn’t own its own factory. Their current valuation is based on a price-to-earnings ratio of 20 times—roughly ¥300 million. Their external investment of ¥6 million is actually a significant strain on them.
“To them, this money matters a lot, and they’re going to scrutinize Youjie Domestic Services even more closely. At first, I thought that was a good thing since we need their app for promotion. But now, I think their intentions aren’t so simple. Getting the money isn’t easy, and they’ll definitely pull more tricks later.
“And Tang Song… Tang Song…”
Biting her lower lip hard, Shen Yuyan let tears roll down her cheeks.
Xu Qing panicked immediately and wiped her friend’s face with her own sleeve. “Don’t cry, Yan Yan! If you keep this up, you’ll make me cry too!”
After hearing the whole story, Xu Qing understood what her best friend meant. Compared to Gongying Technology, Tang Song wielded control over a $150 million trust. And this wasn’t just any trust—it was a single-fund trust that didn’t seek external investment.
Both of them understood the immense power this represented. Many publicly listed companies couldn’t match that kind of cash flow.
After much effort, Xu Qing finally calmed her friend down. Hugging her tightly, she reassured her, “Yan Yan, don’t you remember? After the financing is done, I’ll get a 2% stock option. Even if it’s based on a valuation of ¥30 million, I still won’t have the ¥600,000 to cash it out. Aren’t you optimistic about the future of short video dramas? Let’s pool our money together later—we’ll split that equity evenly.”
“No way,” Shen Yuyan said, shaking her head vehemently. “This is yours. It’s your future. If the money isn’t enough, I’ll lend it to you.”
From being a company’s deputy general manager when she started her business to becoming its CEO now, Shen Yuyan had never skimped on her own salary since the company started making a profit. With her current monthly salary of ¥25,000 and her decision not to buy a car, a house, or travel, she had managed to save a significant amount.
By the time Xu Qing’s stock options matured, Shen Yuyan was confident she could scrape together the necessary funds.
“Yan Yan.” Xu Qing pursed her lips, her eyes reddened with emotion.
The two best friends in the living room suddenly burst into tears as they embraced. In the end, it was Shen Yuyan who started comforting Xu Qing, telling her not to cry.
The storm passed, and calm returned.
Now, the two sat in the living room, munching on fruit while watching a variety show. After venting her pent-up emotions, Shen Yuyan felt significantly lighter.
Xu Qing’s big, dark eyes darted around as if a lightbulb moment had struck her. With excitement, she exclaimed, “Yan Yan, you’re so silly! Tang Song isn’t going to only invest once in his lifetime. With his capabilities, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future!”
Shen Yuyan shook her head calmly. “The internal conflicts at Youjie Domestic Services have already been laid bare in front of him. And since I already turned him down once, the opportunity for his investment is gone.”
In truth, Shen Yuyan wasn’t particularly close to Tang Song. They had only met a handful of times. Why would someone she rejected bother cleaning up her mess again?
If the roles were reversed, she certainly wouldn’t. If an investor's goodwill was met with resistance from the founding team, she’d gladly watch them fail, relish their regret, and move on.
Just as she was doing now.
With that thought, Shen Yuyan let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Unless I could cash out of Youjie Domestic Services and find a new entrepreneurial path. But that’s easier said than done. Without resources, connections, or experience, the chance of failure is almost 100%.”
Xu Qing’s eyes lit up with a mischievous glint. “Yan Yan, I think you’ve backed yourself into a corner. Why do you have to cling so hard to this whole ‘entrepreneurship’ thing? Wouldn’t it be better to cozy up to Tang Song and let him help you take off?”
Although Xu Qing hadn’t spent much time with Tang Song, she found him to be a great person. She was sure that following him wouldn’t lead to any losses.
He was kind, generous, tall, and good-looking. He had even gifted her things and gone out of his way to agree to two separate investment proposals. If not for these gestures, Xu Qing, the great Miss Xu, would never have agreed to let him take private photos of her.
Speaking of which, didn’t they agree to book a room after the investment deal was settled?
What to do? How embarrassing! Should she write a risqué story to relax afterward?
Hearing Xu Qing’s suggestion, Shen Yuyan’s eyelid twitched, and her heart skipped a beat. Images of Tang Song walking out of the elevator earlier that morning flashed through her mind.
Licking her slightly dry lips, Shen Yuyan blushed and stammered, “That… that doesn’t seem right.”
“What’s so wrong about it? If you don’t take the chance, someone else will. Take Little Xue, for example. Look how smug she is—some finance executive who’s always flaunting high-end business events and luxury goods in her friend circle. You’ve got so much wit and charm; why not find a way to get closer to Tang Song? Better yet, crush Little Xue while you’re at it. That’d be so satisfying!”
As she spoke, Xu Qing couldn’t help but smirk slyly, her eyes twinkling.
She had spent her afternoon off finishing her latest novel update, which featured a dramatic showdown between Xu Yanqing and the story’s antagonist, Liu Ruyan, at a due diligence meeting. But her imagination only went so far. Without as much cunning as her best friend, she ended up relying on the male lead for the climax.
It was, after all, a key scene for the main antagonist, with much more story to unfold.
If Yan Yan had a real-life showdown with Little Xue, filled with strategic twists, Xu Qing could just copy the drama straight into her novel!
“Qingqing,” Shen Yuyan called softly.
Xu Qing blinked and snapped out of her daydream. “What’s up?”
Pressing her lips together, Shen Yuyan suddenly asked, “Do you like Tang Song? What are your plans for the future?”
“Ah!” Xu Qing jumped up from the sofa like a startled cat, her face flushed. “What nonsense are you spouting? Why would I like him? He has… he has…”
After stammering for a while, she pouted and said, “He has a girlfriend, okay? Her name’s Xiao Jing, and she’s a White Rich Beauty.”
Xu Qing often chatted with Xiao Jing and was aware of the progress in their relationship. Although they were still in a somewhat ambiguous phase, they were practically a couple. After all, Xiao Jing let Tang Song touch her chest and butt freely.
Xiao Jing was just playful and wanted to experience the romantic drama of 2D anime-like relationships. She even hoped for some turbulence in their relationship, like a rivalry with other women.
Otherwise, with her headstrong personality, she probably would’ve outright claimed Tang Song by now.
As for Xu Qing, the great Miss Xu? She was a law graduate with a solid moral compass! She’d only ever imagined Tang Song as the male lead in her novels.
“Xiao Jing…” Shen Yuyan repeated the name thoughtfully.
Her mind wandered to her encounter with Wen Ruan at the Imperial Hotel.
Were both of them his girlfriends?
It wasn’t surprising—calling someone like Tang Song a "promising young talent" would actually be an understatement.
Compared to him, those alumni who had once seemed exceptional now fell several leagues behind. He was young, handsome, fit, highly capable, and carried a poised demeanor. With such immense power and influence, how could he not attract countless admirers?
What a pity she hadn’t noticed him back in university.
What kind of person had he been during their college days? How had he risen to such heights?
Lanfeng International Apartments.
On a desk by the window lay an unfinished book, its pages fluttering slightly under the air conditioning’s breeze. A long, clean hand pressed the pages down gently.
After finishing his work emails, Tang Song sat at the desk. His eyes fell on the book’s cover—it was a well-known textbook titled Finance. It systematically introduced the fundamental concepts of finance, financial markets, institutions, and investment theories. A beginner's guide to finance, it was on his reading list, part of his preparation to use a 【Learning Card】 later.
However, this particular copy belonged to Lin Muxue.
On one corner of the desk sat a three-tier bookshelf filled with finance-related books. Tang Song flipped through Finance casually. The pages were marked with neat notes and highlighted text written in delicate handwriting. Nearby lay an English textbook, worn from frequent use. Sticky notes with key vocabulary terms were scattered across the desk.
It was clear that Xiao Xue cherished her job at Slover Trust and was taking her studies seriously. This didn’t surprise Tang Song.
Being selected by the system during the 【Lucky Badge】 period and triggering 【Low Whispers of Humanity】 was proof of her unique qualities. With a million-yuan annual salary and a high social status, the job represented an irresistible lure for a former “fake socialite.” Any reasonably intelligent person would seize such an opportunity.
Tang Song admired Xiao Xue—not just for her beauty, but because she was genuine in her own way. She had her small schemes but was also sensible and well-behaved. He didn’t treat her the way he did Zhao Yaqian or Wen Ruan because he wanted to observe how this “fake socialite” would transform.
“Ding-dong—” His phone vibrated on the desk.
Tang Song glanced at the screen.
【Shen Yuyan: “I was going through some old photos on my computer and came across a group shot from Lu Ziming’s birthday party. No wonder I didn’t notice you back then—you were way too low-key! (#Haha)”】
【Shen Yuyan: Group Photo.jpg】
Raising an eyebrow, Tang Song tapped on the image.
It was taken during Lu Ziming’s birthday in the winter of 2018. Tang Song, as his roommate, had tagged along.
In the photo, he sat in a corner of the venue on a worn-out sofa, dressed in a dark gray sweatshirt and sweatpants that were neither new nor stylish. His face bore a reserved, shy smile, unshaven stubble, and messy, unstyled hair. Perched on his nose was a pair of silver full-rim glasses.
He did indeed look unremarkable.
In contrast, Shen Yuyan and Xu Qing were in the center of the crowd, fashionable and radiant. Around them were a group of trendy young people.
Tang Song chuckled at the sight of the glasses in the photo. He had mild nearsightedness of around 100 degrees in each eye, along with some astigmatism. While it didn’t affect daily life, prolonged screen time could be tiring. The glasses were a gift from his “White Moonlight” during his sophomore year. At the time, he thought they were trendy and wore them often, though he had lost them during a move.
He replied, “Four years have flown by; the change is indeed significant.”
“Buzz, buzz, buzz—” A response came quickly.
【Shen Yuyan: “You’re like a whole new person now, while I feel like I’ve been standing still this whole time.”】
【Shen Yuyan: “(#CoveringMouthLaugh) Still as beautiful as ever, hehe.”】
【Shen Yuyan: Selfie.jpg】
Tang Song opened the image to find a pseudo-natural makeup look—flawless skin, a sexy camisole, and a face radiating purity and charm. The once-unapproachable campus belle was now presenting herself to him in an entirely different light.
He exhaled deeply, his emotions complicated.
“Click.” The sound of the door opening pulled him from his thoughts.
The rhythmic "click-clack" of high heels on the wooden floor grew closer. Lin Muxue entered, carrying a bag of fruit and drinks.
She wore a brightly colored, stylish dress of exquisite fabric that perfectly showcased her elegant figure.
As Lin Muxue moved, the hem of her dress swayed gently, faintly brushing against her long, slender legs. The dress subtly outlined her figure from her hips to her knees, exuding a restrained sensuality.
Her straight legs were adorned with ultra-thin stockings, accentuating their graceful curves from thighs to calves. The firmness of her muscles and the smoothness of her skin were highlighted by the sheer material.
Dressed like this, paired with her deliberate composure, Lin Muxue appeared especially elegant and dignified, yet undeniably alluring.
Noticing Tang Song’s gaze, her legs instinctively felt weak. Memories of the wild moments earlier that day flashed vividly in her mind.
She opened a bottle of iced lemon tea and gently placed it before him. “This is really refreshing. Try it.”
“Thank you, Xiao Xue.” Tang Song took the lemon tea, sipping it. The icy, tangy flavor instantly rejuvenated him.
Lin Muxue licked her lips and took the initiative to stand behind him, gently massaging his shoulders and back.
In a soft voice, she asked, “Tang Song, are you planning to head back to Yanjing Tiancheng tonight?”
It was just past 9 PM. She had deliberately gone out to buy snacks, hoping to keep him around longer—ideally, for the night.
Tang Song’s lips curled into a smile. He patted her soft hands and stood up from his chair. Lin Muxue, in her high heels, looked even taller and more graceful.
“Xiao Xue, I have a question for you.”
“Go ahead.” A faint mist formed in her eyes as she gazed at him.
“Why didn’t you ‘draw a map’ during the basketball game today? Don’t tell me you were worried about your family court—at my place, you weren’t like this,” Tang Song teased, gently pinching her soft, fair chin.
Locking eyes with him, Lin Muxue’s face flushed a deep red, utterly mortified.
This embarrassing incident was something she truly couldn’t live down. After hesitating for a moment and feeling the slight pressure from his fingers, she whispered, “I looked it up. It’s not a condition, just a type of constitution. To avoid it… you just have to empty yourself beforehand and not drink water.”
“So that’s it.” Tang Song nodded in understanding.
No wonder Lin Muxue hadn’t taken a single sip of water during the game and had made a special trip to the restroom.
She smiled awkwardly, then added in a hushed voice, “My period ended two days ago. It’s my safe period, so I didn’t take any pills.”
Hearing this, Tang Song took a deep breath, his senses filled with the lingering fragrance of her freshly showered skin. He handed the lemon tea back to her, his smile deepening. “Xiao Xue, I want to see you draw a map.”
“Uhh…” Lin Muxue opened her mouth but, looking into his eyes, couldn’t bring herself to refuse.
Forget it. If she had to embarrass herself, so be it. She’d already lost all face anyway. As long as he stayed the night, it would be worth it.
“Gulp, gulp—”
She quickly finished the entire bottle of lemon tea. She had been genuinely thirsty, having refrained from drinking water for hours to maintain her composure.
Tang Song leaned in and kissed her moist, supple lips deeply.
Lin Muxue let out a soft “Mmm,” wrapping her arms around his neck. She adored being kissed by Tang Song. It was something she immersed herself in fully, savoring every moment.
Rip! The sound of stockings tearing filled the room as they left tempting marks on her skin.
Tang Song gave Lin Muxue a gentle pat, leaned close to her ear, and whispered something softly.
Her cheeks flushed crimson as she nodded and obediently walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.
Her graceful neck, well-proportioned shoulders, slender waist, and rounded, firm hips—all in perfect golden proportions—exuded an irresistible charm under the night lights.
“Ding-dong—” The phone on the desk lit up again.
Tang Song glanced at it.
It seemed Shen Yuyan had sent a voice message after he hadn’t replied for some time. He clicked play.
A fresh, sweet voice came through the receiver: “The due diligence team from Slover Trust today was truly impressive. I didn’t realize such a powerhouse was right by my side—my friend and even my schoolmate! Honestly, I’ve been kicking myself for not holding my ground back then and bringing you in as an investor.”
“Sigh, the company is a mess right now. When I get a chance, I’ll fill you in on all the drama.”
“Anyway, work is work, but we’re still friends. I hope you won’t hold a grudge against this short-sighted little woman. I’m really sorry again.”
Tang Song shook his head, typing back a reply: “It’s not your fault, so don’t worry about it.”
Hearing Shen Yuyan’s voice, Lin Muxue’s eyes flickered. Her elegant, poised figure slowly bent down.
Softly, Lin Muxue murmured, "**."
Hearing the name she used, Tang Song’s lips twitched slightly. Without a word, he tossed his phone onto the desk.
The city lights sparkled like stars, casting faint halos through the sheer curtains. The screen of the phone on the desk lit up intermittently. Apart from Shen Yuyan, Tang Song glimpsed notifications from Xu Qing and Zhao Yaqian.
But at this moment, he had no intention of replying.
Since the game had become reality, his actions couldn’t entirely be blamed on him. It wasn’t just he who had changed—everyone who came into contact with him was also transforming.
Take, for instance, these two women he had once met at an investment conference.
The once-elegant and aloof Lin Muxue and the slightly detached “School Belle Shen” had both undergone striking contrasts.
“I want to go to the bathroom.”
“Mhm.”
“Tang Song… my dress is brand new.”
“It’s okay. I can always buy you another.”
Soon, Tang Song found himself gazing at a world map.
July 6, 2023, Clear Skies, 27–41°C.
Oasis View Garden Residential Complex.
A black BMW 330i parked neatly in its spot. Wen Ruan stepped out of the car, carrying her LV Speedy 35 handbag, and headed toward the building.
In her Bluetooth earbuds, Su Yu’s Love of Song played softly.
She had always been a fan of Su Yu’s music. Back when she first heard this song, she simply thought it sounded great. But now, knowing the truth and reading the lyrics again, there was an uncanny sense of familiarity.
Was this really just about expressing one’s musical stance?
This was clearly a confession—to “Song”!
Of course, Tang Song was now her man, so the song felt even more meaningful when she listened to it.
“Ding—” The elevator doors slid open slowly.
Wen Ruan stepped out just as the Bluetooth headphones signaled an incoming call. She tapped the touch module to answer. “Hello?”
Lately, her phone had been buzzing nonstop—calls from former colleagues, people from Xingyun International Group, and Quanjing Law Firm.
A deep, magnetic voice came through her earbuds. “Hello, Ms. Wen Ruan. I apologize for disturbing your rest. This is Zhen Yu from Tang Zong Entertainment.”
The moment she heard “Tang Zong Entertainment,” Wen Ruan’s expression stiffened. “Hello, Ms. Zhen. How can I help you?”
“Please, just call me by my name,” Zhen Yu replied smoothly. “I’m Ms. Su’s assistant. I just arrived in Yan City today, and there are some matters I’d like to discuss with you in person.” She paused briefly before continuing. “I understand your busy schedule, and I have a few things to handle myself. Would the weekend work for you?”
“Ms. Su…” Wen Ruan exhaled deeply and spoke firmly, “Sure!”
Su Yu, huh? No problem at all! It’s just Su Yu!
I’m not afraid of you…