novelraw Chapter 343: My Cat Can Cook! Xu Qing: Meow Meow Meow
Chapter 343: My Cat Can Cook! Xu Qing: Meow Meow Meow
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three were warmly invited by the organizers to sit in the front row.
Lin Muxue maintained a faint smile at the corners of her lips, presenting a poised demeanor that was perfectly on point, though internally, she was practically bursting with excitement.
She couldn’t help but wish she could write an English reading comprehension passage right there and then.
For as long as she could remember, these recent days had undoubtedly been her most triumphant.
At work, all her colleagues treated her with the utmost courtesy, and Tang Song, her boss, rarely meddled in her affairs.
Her social circle was now filled with business elites. She drove a Porsche 911 worth 2 million yuan, dressed head-to-toe in luxury brands, and was an object of envy wherever she went.
The life she had once dreamed of had materialized, far exceeding her wildest expectations.
To say she wasn’t feeling a bit smug would be a lie.
While she dared not provoke women like Qianqian or Wen Ruan—Tang Song’s official girlfriends—she had no qualms about asserting her presence around someone like Shen Yuyan, who seemed like a potential competitor.
From what she had pried out of Xu Qing, Shen Yuyan had once been the campus belle of Yan City University of Technology.However, her relationship with Tang Song was reportedly distant.
It was precisely for this reason that Lin Muxue felt emboldened to come here and show off, intending to put Shen Yuyan in her place.
Recalling Shen Yuyan’s earlier expressions and glances, Lin Muxue lightly crossed her legs, a wave of excitement coursing through her.
The Create·Merge Networking Event soon officially commenced.
Given its small scale, the atmosphere was notably relaxed and informal.
The venue felt more like an artistic café, with guests seated on sofas and tables adorned with wine and fruit platters.
“The Yan City Entrepreneurship and Employment Incubation Base has always been a solid support system for entrepreneurs, offering comprehensive assistance…”
“We focus on Yan Province’s financial markets, providing insights into the latest financial policies and investment trends…”
The base manager, Li Shutong, stood on stage delivering an enthusiastic opening speech. He soon transitioned to introducing several high-profile guests present.
“Besides local investment firms like Tiancheng Capital, we’re also honored to welcome Slover Trust, a global financial institution!”
With a smile, Li Shutong gestured toward a direction in the first row. “And representing them are Ms. Lin Muxue, a senior assistant to the committee, and Katia, their risk management director.”
Amidst applause, Lin Muxue, dressed in a perfectly tailored professional outfit, gracefully stood and greeted the audience with a smile.
“Clap clap clap—” The hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.
As this event was a non-commercial networking session hosted by the entrepreneurship and employment base, most companies sent non-core executives, such as department directors or investment managers.
It was precisely due to Lin Muxue’s presence that she received such respect and warm treatment from the organizers.
The audience buzzed with discussions about Slover Trust.
A global foreign trust company headquartered in Hong Kong, Slover Trust boasted an elite team of trust experts, financial analysts, legal advisors, and tax consultants, with members hailing from institutions like Kate Fund and Jingwu Capital…
Listening to the murmurs around her and observing the radiant Lin Muxue in front, Shen Yuyan, seated in the back rows, maintained a faint smile, though her emotions churned. Updates are released by novel⁂fire.net
When they first met at Fanfu Suzi Media, Lin Muxue hadn’t left much of an impression.
Back then, her demeanor was understated, save for the deliberate display of a professional aura and luxury attire.
But now, Lin Muxue had undergone a dramatic transformation—her confidence had grown exponentially.
Those connections Shen Yuyan cautiously worked to establish were now the ones vying to associate with Lin Muxue.
This stark contrast underscored the disparity between their positions.
Proud and ambitious as she was, the gap between their statuses gnawed at her.
Still, it made sense—she was a regular entrepreneur hustling for funding, while Lin Muxue represented an international trust firm and was accompanied by a representative from Kate Fund.
Shen Yuyan was well aware of Kate Fund’s significance, as her previous employer, a Fortune 500 company, counted it as its fourth-largest shareholder.
The people here were genuinely drawn to the unparalleled capital ecosystem and influence behind Slover Trust.
Thinking of the cold receptions and mockery she endured earlier, and seeing Lin Muxue now basking in glory, Shen Yuyan felt a tangle of emotions suffocating her.
The event progressed with microphones occasionally passed around for attendees to share their thoughts.
But Shen Yuyan had little interest in the discussions, clapping politely from time to time.
8:00 PM
The guest-sharing session concluded, and the event shifted into a free networking phase.
Lin Muxue leaned slightly toward Zhao Chengjun, whispering, “Mr. Zhao, I’m primarily here to discuss Shimmer Coffee with you today. Would now be a good time?”
Raising his brows, Zhao Chengjun replied with a friendly smile, “Of course.”
After a brief exchange, the two moved to a window-side discussion area, where others tactfully avoided interrupting them.
Sitting upright, Lin Muxue began inquiring about Tiancheng Capital’s due diligence on Shimmer Coffee.
She couldn’t help but reflect on her journey—from greeting guests at investment roadshows to now engaging with Zhao Chengjun as an equal.
This sense of achievement filled her with satisfaction.
Since Tiancheng Capital’s investment committee had already decided against Shimmer Coffee, Zhao Chengjun candidly explained the project’s internal disputes, funding risks, and their reasons for withdrawing.
By the end, Zhao Chengjun earnestly noted, “Beyond these risks, market dynamics have also diminished our confidence in Shimmer Coffee. For instance, Luckin Coffee recently dominated the domestic market. The rapid expansion of top-tier brands has made prime locations increasingly scarce, with rising rental costs…”
While Lin Muxue didn’t fully grasp the intricacies, she diligently noted them down.
These would be great talking points when she discussed her work with Tang Song later.
After exchanging contact details, Lin Muxue stood, feeling immensely content.
Scanning the room with sharp eyes, she soon spotted Shen Yuyan seated nearby.
Surrounded by several men, Shen Yuyan exuded a pure and sweet charm. Her graceful figure, glowing complexion, and natural elegance easily drew attention.
She embodied the essence of a youthful first love while exuding a touch of maturity and poise—a natural magnet for male gazes.
Smiling confidently, Lin Muxue approached her.
Noticing Lin Muxue’s approach, Shen Yuyan pursed her lips and immediately lit up with a warm, enthusiastic smile.
Standing up, she affectionately grabbed Lin Muxue’s arm.
“Xiaoxue! I didn’t expect to see you here. What a lucky day! I’ve been meaning to invite you to dinner, but you know how hectic things are at a startup—always on the move.”
She then began inquiring about Lin Muxue’s recent life and work with genuine concern, as if they were old friends.
This disarming approach left Lin Muxue slightly uneasy. As the saying goes, you don’t hit someone wearing a smile. She could only reciprocate with polite responses.
Listening to their exchange, Hou Shaoyuan, seated nearby, rose with a thoughtful glint in his eye.
He warmly offered, “Why don’t we all sit down? Ms. Lin, you can take my seat! Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself—I’m Shaoyuan, Yuyan’s close friend and business partner. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Thank you.” Lin Muxue nodded gracefully and took a seat. Her long, slender legs tilted slightly, accentuating the alluring curve of her waist. She exuded both an icy elegance and a magnetic sensuality.
In an instant, she replaced Shen Yuyan as the center of attention within the small circle, drawing a crowd around her.
What followed was a stream of introductions and attempts to strike up conversations.
“Hello, Ms. Lin, I’m Li Mingqi from Juchuang Media.”
“Hi, I’m from Tengju Ventures…”
Lin Muxue maintained a polite smile, responding with an air of effortless calm.
Before long, the discussion revolved entirely around her.
Having diligently studied at Slover Trust and recently pored over numerous company reports, Lin Muxue spoke fluently about global financial market fluctuations and the impacts of AI and big data analysis on optimizing risk management models.
Even though much of it was high-sounding fluff, her polished delivery, peppered with professional English terms, lent her a sophisticated aura.
One had to admit, Lin Muxue had a natural flair for putting on a show.
The people around her played along, nodding and agreeing, further boosting her confidence.
She worked hard to maintain her composed demeanor, drinking water in silence whenever a topic arose that she didn’t fully understand.
Image! Image! Image!
Important things must be emphasized thrice!
She had come here to leave an impression on Shen Yuyan, to flaunt her status. She had to uphold her lofty demeanor.
Hou Shaoyuan, standing nearby, found his gaze increasingly captivated by Lin Muxue.
Her poised and refined demeanor was the epitome of a high-achieving, well-educated woman from the financial world—a perfect combination!
Observing her up close, her unique charm became even more evident.
Whether it was her beauty or her figure, she was undoubtedly top-tier, easily rivaling Shen Yuyan.
However, what truly elevated Lin Muxue was the air of status and unattainability she carried, embodying the quintessential "high mountain flower" that provoked both admiration and curiosity.
Hou Shaoyuan felt a surge of heat within.
Meanwhile, Shen Yuyan clenched her hands tightly, once again struck by the stark disparity.
Though both women were using their beauty and charm to shine, their receptions couldn’t have been more different.
The same female leaders who had mocked her earlier were now nodding in deference to Lin Muxue, their tones dripping with admiration.
Still, Shen Yuyan kept up her bright smile, even chiming in from time to time.
She was pragmatic enough to maintain her composure in such situations.
The gap between her and Lin Muxue was undeniable.
9:00 PM
Katia and Zhang Lili had left earlier, and the event was drawing to a close.
Surrounded by the organizers, Lin Muxue walked out of the venue. She glanced back at Shen Yuyan and extended an invitation.
“Why don’t you ride back with me?”
Shen Yuyan hesitated briefly before replying, “No need. I live in Yuhua District, which is quite far from Lanfeng International Apartments.”
“Heh, alright then. Let’s catch up another time.” Lin Muxue shook her head and strode towards her Porsche 911, gracefully gripping the door handle.
The car lights flickered as it unlocked. Lin Muxue retrieved a pair of flats from the front trunk and swapped out her heels.
Under the light, her full hips and slender waist outlined a breathtaking silhouette.
Her exposed calves were fair and sleek, exuding a soft, radiant glow.
The Porsche 911 added to the allure, attracting numerous admiring gazes.
Standing beside Shen Yuyan, Hou Shaoyuan inhaled deeply, unable to suppress his growing excitement.
Finally, he spoke up. “Muxue, it’s a pleasure meeting someone as exceptional as you. Mind if I add you on WeChat? Maybe I could join your gatherings sometime.”
Lin Muxue raised her brows, her eyes glinting with amusement as she glanced at him. “Why don’t you ask Yuyan for my WeChat card later?”
Her emotional intelligence was sharp; she easily discerned Hou Shaoyuan’s interest in Shen Yuyan and the subtle shift in his attention toward herself. She found it delightfully amusing.
With that, she climbed into the car, leaving Hou Shaoyuan awkwardly standing there.
“Vroom—” The matrix headlights illuminated as the tires scraped against the ground. The Porsche 911 glided out of the parking lot.
Inside the car, upbeat pop music filled the cabin.
Lin Muxue gripped the steering wheel, her eyes sparkling with confidence.
Yet, beneath her many achievements lay a quiet fear.
Unlike self-made women like Xie Shuyu or Shen Yuyan, who possessed genuine talent and entrepreneurial skill, Lin Muxue’s background—a vocational school graduate who had worked as a promotional model and receptionist—felt hollow by comparison.
She wasn’t Tang Song’s girlfriend, after all.
The more she gained, the more she feared losing it.
This was why she was so eager to suppress Shen Yuyan—not just for the dopamine rush of showing off, but also to bolster her own sense of security and confidence.
Exhaling deeply, Lin Muxue gently pressed the accelerator, immersing herself in the thrill of the engine’s roar.
Beicheng Garden Residential Complex
“Yuyan, you don’t look too well. Are you feeling unwell?”
“Maybe it’s because I had a drink on an empty stomach. It’s no big deal; I’ll rest when I get home.”
“Should I get you some medicine…?”
Shen Yuyan smiled and shook her head gently. “No need, I have stomach meds at home. Goodnight, and take care on your way back.”
She turned and entered the building.
Inside the empty elevator, Shen Yuyan lowered her gaze, her lips pressed tight.
Replaying the events of the day in her mind, a wave of frustration and despondency washed over her.
Her struggles with Gongying Technology, the setbacks in acquiring new clients, and the uncertain future loomed over her.
Meanwhile, Guo Liyuan’s Fanfu Suzi was thriving, simultaneously producing five short dramas.
Adding to her anguish was the sting of Lin Muxue’s flaunting. She felt like she was about to break.
“Ding—” The elevator doors opened.
Standing in the hallway, Shen Yuyan spaced out for a while before taking out her phone and opening WeChat.
Scrolling through her contacts, she stopped at Tang Song’s chat window.
After hesitating, she typed a message:
“Tang Song, are you still busy lately? Long hours can be so draining. If there’s anything troubling you, feel free to vent to me—even if it’s just a little rant. (#Cheerful)”
After sending the message, she chuckled self-deprecatingly and muttered, “Pathetic.”
Biting her lip hard to hold back tears, she widened her eyes, determined not to let them fall.
“Phew—” She exhaled deeply, unlocking her apartment door.
Switching into slippers, she slumped onto the sofa and leaned back lazily, staring blankly at the ceiling.
“Dingdong—” A WeChat notification suddenly chimed.
Shen Yuyan jolted upright, quickly grabbing her phone.
【Tang Song: "Finally wrapped up most of the work. Been busy with company matters these past few days. No unhappy things, but there is something I’d like your opinion on."】
“Thump-thump, thump-thump—”
Shen Yuyan’s lips trembled, and her grip on her phone tightened.
He replied so quickly?! And with so many words!
She swiftly typed into the input box: “Hey! Finally done with work? You want to ask me for advice? Well, I’ll make sure to give it my all and be helpful! (#Determined)”
She followed it up with a meme.
A rosy blush spread across her cheeks.
See? He’s engaging with me again. No matter what, Tang Song hasn’t truly cut me off.
At worst, he’s sometimes slow to reply on WeChat and doesn’t say much.
But they were still friends, bound by their shared alma mater.
Compared to the ruthless capitalists and snide, backstabbing women outside, Tang Song was downright adorable.
Shen Yuyan indulged in this self-PUA, gradually reviving her previously bruised heart.
“Buzz, buzz, buzz—”
【Tang Song: "I’m planning to visit my hometown in a few days and want to bring some gifts for my parents. Any recommendations?"】
Shen Yuyan gasped softly and immediately replied: “Oh, that’s important! Let me think about it carefully. How old are your parents, and what are their preferences?”
“Tap, tap, tap—”
In the quiet living room, the sound of her fingers tapping the screen echoed nonstop.
As Tang Song continued replying, Shen Yuyan felt light and giddy.
The curt Tang Song of the past few days had suddenly become so conversational! Even discussing his parents with her—it felt like a privilege.
The two chatted intermittently for a while, lifting Shen Yuyan’s spirits completely.
She smiled as she messaged: “I won’t bother you anymore for now. I’ll make a recommendation sheet later, and you can pick from it.”
【Tang Song: Thank you.gif】
Seeing the meme he sent, Shen Yuyan couldn’t help but giggle, a bright smile spreading across her face.
Now she realized that Tang Song had genuinely been busy, and her earlier resentment was misplaced.
Thank goodness she reached out first today, or she wouldn’t have had the chance to offer advice.
Just then, a cheerful voice called out, “Yanyan! When did you get back?”
“Thump-thump-thump—”
Xu Qing trotted into the living room with a grin. “Look at my new cat-girl cosplay outfit! Isn’t it pretty? And this scar-makeup mask—isn’t it so edgy!”
With a playful jump, her cat ears bobbed, her lace skirt swished, and the little bell on her tail jingled melodiously.
The look was a mix of cute and sultry.
“Guess what? I snagged it in a group-buy deal—only 200 yuan for the whole set!”
Without waiting for a reply, Xu Qing dove into Shen Yuyan’s arms, rubbing her cheek against her chest.
Looking up, she mimicked a sweet, obedient cat-girl voice, “Thank you, Yanyan, for covering the equity incentive payment for me! I promise I’ll pay you back double! Meow~”
Xu Qing’s savings amounted to only 80,000 yuan, and with her family just having bought a new house last year, she couldn’t spare much.
Thankfully, her bestie not only secured her a 2% equity share but also covered the cost.
As a self-proclaimed money-lover, Xu Qing felt incredibly touched.
Her cosplay outfit had just arrived today, and she dressed up specifically to butter up her friend and express her gratitude.
“Paying me back double is unnecessary. How about washing my underwear and socks for a month? Oh, and cooking for a month too.”
“No way! I’m just cosplaying! Did you really take me for a cat-maid?” Xu Qing shook her head vigorously, her lips pouting high.
Hearing this, Shen Yuyan blinked and suddenly pinched Xu Qing’s chin.
Looking at her adorable and slightly mischievous outfit, Shen Yuyan felt her heart skip a beat.
“Fine,” she said with a sly smile. “How about you act as a cat-girl, and I’ll take a little video? Then you can skip the chores.”
Xu Qing: (O_o)??
“Huh? A video? That sounds creepy! No way!”
“Well then, you can obediently serve me for a month, Qingqing. Don’t forget I’m putting up 300,000 to 400,000 yuan for you! That’s my hard-earned money!”
“This…”
Shen Yuyan pinched her cheek playfully. “Come on. Don’t you always call yourself a professional cosplayer? Show me your skills.”
Xu Qing’s dark eyes darted around.
Suddenly, she dropped to the floor, clutching her chest with both hands, and exclaimed pitifully, “Master, are you trying to sell me off? Please, no!!”
Shen Yuyan twitched at the corners of her eyes. This bestie of hers was too much.
Moments ago, she seemed reluctant, and now she was fully in character.
Picking up her phone, Shen Yuyan hit record. “Qingqing, from now on, all the housework is yours. If you don’t do a good job, I’ll keep punishing you.”
Xu Qing rested her hands on Shen Yuyan’s knees, putting on a pitiful face. “Please, Master, don’t punish me anymore. I’ll do my best to complete all the tasks! Meow, meow, meow~~”
Her pretty face, immersive acting, and scar makeup made for an amusing sight.
Yanjing Tiancheng, Luxury Flat
“Alright, Mom. I got it. Don’t worry, my driving’s great now—I can handle the highway just fine.”
“What car? Haha, you’ll see when I get back.”
“I’ll head out as soon as I wrap things up here. Don’t worry.”
“Mm-hmm, you and Dad should sleep early.”
Hanging up the call, Tang Song leaned back in his seat, stretching with a relaxed smile on his face.
Ever since his parents heard he was coming home, they had been unusually attentive. His mother, in particular, had called him several times over the past two days. It was clear they were delighted.
“Dingdong—” A WeChat notification popped up.
He glanced at his phone.
【Shen Yuyan: "Tang Song, I forgot to tell you—we just adopted a stray cat that can cook. When are you coming to Beicheng Garden to visit? I’ll have it make you something delicious."】
Reading the message, Tang Song chuckled as he replied: “A cat that can cook? I’d like to see that!”
Though he played along, he knew what she was up to. Shen Yuyan was trying to bridge the distance between them quickly.
The so-called stray cat was just a joke, like the old saying about “cats that can do backflips.”
He vaguely recalled an anime he once saw called The Cat Who Does Housework. Clearly, she’d drawn her inspiration from something similar.
“Buzz, buzz, buzz—” His phone vibrated.
【Shen Yuyan: Cat.video】
Seeing the actual video, Tang Song was momentarily stunned. He clicked play.
To his surprise, a "cat" actually appeared on the screen.
A peculiar heat surged in Tang Song’s chest.
After all, guys have a soft spot for adorable things—and he found himself particularly keen on adopting this “poor, bullied kitty.”