novelraw Chapter 359: The Reversal Between You and Me
Chapter 359: The Reversal Between You and Me
Guanhua Court Restaurant
"Come on, everyone, let's raise a glass and wish Xiaoying and Andrew success in their endeavors in China!"
"Wishing the two of them happiness and harmony!"
"Cheers!"
As Andrew listened to his girlfriend’s translation, he quickly stood up and smiled as he repeatedly said, “Thank you.”
Amid the crisp clinking of glasses, Xie Shuyu downed the remaining bit of red wine in her glass in one go. Then, she joined in the conversation with Andrew and Xie Chunyin, discussing Shanghai and their work, occasionally explaining things to the other relatives.
The main reason her parents had dragged her here today was that, among all the relatives present, she was the only one who could communicate fluently in English. Having previously worked in Shanghai, she was familiar with the environment. With her around, the atmosphere would naturally be smoother. Otherwise, leaving all the translation to Xie Chunyin alone would inevitably lead to some awkward moments.
Zeng Yan, full of smiles, eagerly added bits of information she knew—mentioning top consulting firms, Fortune 500 foreign enterprises, and client management roles—before going on to shower praise on her future son-in-law, Andrew.
From time to time, she even threw in a few phrases of "Chinglish" while chatting with Andrew, completely unconcerned about whether he actually understood.
Her family had poured so much effort into supporting their daughter, especially during these years of studying abroad. They had scrimped and saved to provide for her education. Now that she had finally made something of herself and even brought back such a wonderful boyfriend, Zeng Yan was overwhelmed with emotions.As the conversation progressed, she even began planning which nationality their future children should take and specifically sought Xie Shuyu’s opinion on the matter.
Not wanting to get dragged into yet another conversation about "marriage" and "having kids," Xie Shuyu casually brushed off the topic and stood up, heading toward the restroom.
As she walked away, Zeng Yan patted Xie’s mother’s hand and said earnestly, "Sister-in-law, you and my brother should try to persuade Xiaoyu. She really should consider finding someone. Having a partner in life is important; otherwise, she’ll be so lonely in the future."
Xie’s mother glanced at her and shook her head. "Our Xiaoyu has always been firm in her decisions. If you think you can convince her, go ahead and try."
Zeng Yan chuckled awkwardly. "Never mind, I’ll pass."
She had only wanted to use the topic as a way to boast about her daughter. Earlier, when she merely asked if Xie Shuyu had any plans for a relationship, she was met with an icy response. If she had to bring it up in person, she definitely wouldn’t dare.
—
Suddenly, a phone rang, vibrating intensely on the table.
"It’s Xiaoyu’s phone," Xie’s mother noted, glancing at the screen.
Incoming call: [@Tang Song]
She knew her daughter’s habit—anyone important to her had an "@" symbol in front of their name in her contacts, a system she had used since middle school. Typically, only immediate family and close friends received this special designation.
The fact that this was a man’s name, one she had never heard before, and that he was marked with an "@" immediately piqued her curiosity.
However, she had never been one to invade her daughter’s privacy, so she simply pressed the volume button to silence the call.
Soon, the phone stopped ringing as the caller hung up.
A few moments later—
"Buzzzz—"
The phone vibrated again.
[@Tang Song]
Zeng Yan, who was chatting, nudged Xie’s mother. "Sister-in-law, Xiaoyu’s phone is ringing again. You should answer it—she’s not at work, but what if it’s something urgent?"
"That’s true," Xie’s mother agreed, hesitating slightly before picking up the call.
A deep, magnetic voice came through the receiver.
"Hello, Shuyu-jie, I’m coming to Quancheng tonight to meet some friends. I heard from Sister Yourong that you’re at Guanhua Court Restaurant, and I’m on my way there now. I’ll be there in a few minutes. I really need to see you—I have something important to discuss."
Xie’s mother’s heart skipped a beat.
Her daughter… might be seeing someone?!
She had known Jiang Yourong for years—a university professor, mature and reliable. There was no way she would casually share their family dinner’s location with just anyone.
For this young man to have gotten that information from her, and to be marked as an important contact, their relationship couldn’t be simple.
Oh, this was wonderful! Finally, the iron tree was blooming!
Maybe, just maybe, she’d get to hold a grandchild in the near future!
Grinning ear to ear, Xie’s mother cheerfully replied, "You’re looking for Xiaoyu, right? She’s in the restroom right now. I’ll have her call you back when she gets back!"
On the other end of the call, Tang Song paused for a moment before responding, "Oh, alright. Thank you."
"You’re very welcome!"
After hanging up, Zeng Yan immediately asked, "Sister-in-law, whose call was that? You look so happy!"
"It was a friend of Xiaoyu’s," Xie’s mother said with a bright smile. "He said he’s coming over to meet her and will be here at Guanhua Court soon."
"Oh?" Zeng Yan raised an eyebrow, immediately picking up on the key detail. "A guy?"
"Mhmm, yes!"
The moment she confirmed it, curiosity spread through the table like wildfire.
"Su’e, is Xiaoyu dating someone?"
"What’s going on? Is her boyfriend coming to join us for dinner?"
"No way! My sister has a boyfriend?"
Xie’s mother quickly waved her hands. "Don’t start jumping to conclusions. If Xiaoyu hears this, she’ll be upset!"
—
At the same time, the sound of running water filled the restroom.
Xie Shuyu washed her hands, adjusted her outfit and hair in the mirror, then walked toward the banquet area.
As soon as she stepped through the entrance, the chatter at the table instantly died down.
Xie’s mother quickly stood up and said, "Xiaoyu, a young man named Tang Song called you just now. He said he’s coming to Guanhua Court to see you."
"Uh…" Xie Shuyu froze mid-step, her pace instinctively quickening as she reached for her mother’s phone.
"He called once, but I didn’t answer," Xie’s mother explained. "Then he called again, and I picked up because I thought it might be urgent."
"I see." Xie Shuyu nodded. "I’ll call him back."
She stepped out of the banquet hall once more.
"Beep… Beep…"
The call barely rang twice before it was answered.
"Hello, you’re coming to Guanhua Court? When?"
"Almost there, about three minutes away. Is this a good time for you? I wanted to talk about the Shimmer Coffee financing. If you're busy, we can meet tomorrow instead."
Xie Shuyu hesitated for a moment before lowering her voice. "It’s fine. I’ll come down and meet you at the east entrance."
"Alright. See you soon."
"Bye-bye."
Hanging up, she caught sight of her reflection in the floor-to-ceiling window. Unexpectedly, a wave of excitement surged through her.
It was sudden, overwhelming, and seemingly without reason.
She had always been confident and resilient, believing she could overcome any challenge. Yet, the struggles with Shimmer Coffee’s financing had left her feeling defeated and lost.
Coming back home—to Quancheng, to her parents and friends—was meant to be a time for healing.
And now, hearing that Tang Song had come specifically to see her, she suddenly felt… alive again.
—
Back at the table, as she met the curious gazes of her relatives, her slight smile faded.
She grabbed her bag and said softly, "A friend is coming. I’ll be stepping out for a bit."
Xie’s mother quickly suggested, "Why don’t you invite your friend up here to join us?"
Zeng Yan chimed in, "Yeah, Xiaoyu. If he’s your friend, let’s add a few more dishes and have him eat with us."
"No need," Xie Shuyu replied calmly, shaking her head.
Her relatives all gathered here—bringing Tang Song into this? That would be… inappropriate.
Before leaving, her mother grabbed her hand. "Are you coming back later?"
"I’ve already eaten, so I won’t be back," Xie Shuyu said, handing over her BMW keys. "Mom, you can drive Dad home later. I’m heading down now. Bye!"
Hearing that it might be her boyfriend, everyone was eager to see for themselves.
As Xie Shuyu strode out of the private dining room, her long legs moving gracefully, the relatives exchanged glances before starting to chatter again.
Xie Chunyin quickly walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, pressing her gaze tightly against it to look downstairs. After a moment, she suddenly exclaimed in excitement, “My sister just stepped outside! She’s waiting by the entrance—he should be arriving any minute now!”
Hearing this, Xie’s mother couldn’t sit still anymore. “Let me take a look at what he looks like. His voice sounded very young over the phone.”
After all, this was her own daughter—how could she not be curious?
That said, she understood her daughter’s personality well and had always refrained from interfering too much in her personal matters.
Soon, several other relatives got up from their seats and gathered by the window.
“I want to see too! Shuyu is so outstanding—whoever she’s dating must be just as impressive!”
“Maybe he’s a big shot, a billionaire even.”
“Whether he’s rich or not doesn’t matter—what’s important is that he’s a decent person.”
—
The sky was overcast, draped in a heavy gray veil.
A black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided smoothly along the winding road, slipping silently into the night.
Soon, the gentle flow of a nearby river came into view.
Guanhua Court Restaurant was nestled beside a clear, tranquil river, not far from the Garden Expo Park. Surrounded by lush greenery and wide, well-paved roads, the environment was pristine.
Tang Song glanced at the navigation app—only a few hundred meters remained to his destination.
He tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, his eyes alight with anticipation and excitement.
This time, he would completely change Xie Shuyu’s impression of him.
He wasn’t just here as a friend. He was here as an investor, stepping into the future of Shimmer Coffee alongside her.
And from this moment on, their relationship would undergo a fundamental shift.
The car made a smooth turn, rolling onto Binhe Road.
Through the front windshield, Tang Song’s gaze fell upon the figure standing on the sidewalk.
Under the soft glow of the streetlights, Xie Shuyu’s silhouette appeared even taller and more elegant.
Her long, jet-black hair had a slight curl, cascading smoothly over her shoulders.
She stood with her head slightly lowered, her left hand resting on her right arm, an LV Gilded Sahara handbag slung over her shoulder.
The hem of her A-line skirt fluttered gently in the evening breeze, accentuating her cool and refined aura.
Beneath the skirt, her long, fair legs were pressed together, exuding an understated elegance and allure.
Looking at her now—this familiar yet breathtaking figure—Tang Song’s heartbeat quickened.
Xie Shuyu… Xie Shuyu…
—
The bright headlights swept across the curb, casting an elongated shadow of her figure onto the ground.
Xie Shuyu narrowed her eyes slightly and shifted her position.
As she lifted her gaze, she saw a Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly approaching.
The tires rolled over the pavement with a faint, crisp sound.
Under the streetlights, the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament gleamed with a soft golden luster, as if it were plated with a thin layer of brilliance.
The car’s grand and imposing body, complemented by its intricate chrome detailing, outlined an aura of absolute luxury.
She was no stranger to the Phantom.
Upon spotting the "Yan A" license plate, a flicker of thought crossed her mind.
She had encountered many wealthy and powerful individuals—some of whom drove Phantoms.
Typically, such individuals had assets in the billions or were the heads of large conglomerates, purchasing the vehicle under their company’s name for tax purposes.
Just as she was lost in thought, a subtle braking sound rang out, and the Rolls-Royce came to a steady halt beside her.
Xie Shuyu instinctively took half a step back, her eyes shifting toward the backseat of the car.
However, due to the privacy glass, she couldn’t make out anything inside.
"Click."
The driver’s door opened.
A tall and poised figure stepped out with fluid, confident movements.
Her steps were light yet steady as she walked around to the rear passenger door, reaching out to grasp the handle before smoothly opening it.
The entire sequence was seamless, her actions carrying an effortless grace.
Her composed and solemn demeanor, set against the night, exuded a unique and captivating charm.
As the coach-style rear door swung open, the luxurious interior of the Phantom was gradually revealed.
And then, seated inside, a figure slowly came into view.
A black silk dress shirt paired with impeccably tailored black trousers, highlighting his tall and athletic build.
Underneath his jet-black, slightly tousled hair, sharp and well-defined facial features flickered under the streetlights.
As his polished leather shoes stepped onto the concrete pavement, a crisp "tap tap" echoed through the air.
With an air of effortless grace, he rose to his full height—standing there in the night, his smile directed at her.
Xie Shuyu froze, her lips parting slightly.
Tang Song…? Tang Song?!
"Thump, thump, thump—"
Her heartbeat pounded in her ears.
Tang Song watched as the elegant CEO beauty stood there, her expression utterly stunned. His lips curled into a smirk.
This moment—this scene—was strikingly similar to the past.
Only this time, their roles had reversed.
Back then, he had been sitting inside a café, watching as a BMW 7 Series pulled up outside.
Watching as Xie Shuyu stepped out, poised and composed.
Watching as she exuded confidence and beauty, her presence commanding attention.
Watching as she walked up to him, standing right before him.
And at that time, he had worn the exact same expression.
For Tang Song, perhaps the true meaning of success was to redeem past regrets—to turn unfulfilled desires into reality.
This held true for gaming, for family, and for women.
"Bang!"
The backseat door closed, and Liu Jiayi stepped to the side of the car, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings.
Xie Shuyu’s eyelashes fluttered. In a soft voice, she said, “Little Song, you…”
At this moment, her shock was indescribable. Yet, due to her usual grace and self-control, she managed to maintain a semblance of composure.
Tang Song’s smile widened. "Shuyu-jie, good evening. You look stunning tonight."
He stepped forward, closer—so close that he could breathe in the deep woody scent and faint jasmine fragrance lingering on her skin.
"Good evening." A faint blush rose on Xie Shuyu’s cheeks. She instinctively avoided his gaze, shifting her focus to the Rolls-Royce beside them. "What’s with the car?"
"That doesn’t matter."
No—it mattered a lot!
Xie Shuyu opened her mouth, but in the end, didn’t voice her thoughts. Somehow, Tang Song felt different now.
There was an undeniable aggressiveness about him.
In truth, she had sensed it the last time they met—that unexpected hug had left a deep impression on her.
“I heard from Sister Yourong that you’ve been in a terrible mood after the failed financing attempt, so I wanted to check on you. Are you alright?”
Xie Shuyu’s gaze flickered, and she replied softly, “It’s not as bad as she made it sound. I’m fine. But… thanks for your concern.”
"That’s good."
Tang Song’s eyes lowered slightly as he studied the graceful and captivating CEO beauty before him.
Her features were striking, her complexion fair, her hair thick and lustrous.
Mature, elegant, and poised—there was an undeniable intelligence in her presence.
A woman like her…
She awakened an overwhelming desire—to conquer.
Tang Song took a deep breath, unable to suppress the surge of excitement within him. He spread his arms and pulled the tall, elegant CEO beauty into a firm embrace.
A deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment washed over him once more.
Feeling the strong, secure hug and catching the faint scent of alcohol on him, Xie Shuyu’s eyes widened in shock, her body gradually softening in his arms.
"H-He hugged her?!" Xie Chunyin blurted out in disbelief. "Is he my sister’s boyfriend? He’s… he’s so handsome!"
She wasn’t sure how to describe him exactly, but her first impression was that he had presence—a natural elegance and charisma that set him apart.
Her words snapped the others by the window out of their daze. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs noveⅼfire.net
The scene that had just unfolded played on repeat in their minds—
The majestic Rolls-Royce, the cool and beautiful female driver, and the tall, striking young man.
"This guy looks really impressive."
"Of course! That’s a Rolls-Royce Phantom! Over ten million yuan! I’ve only ever seen it in short videos!"
"Hiss— That expensive? Xiaoyu is amazing! She found herself such an incredible boyfriend!"
"Su’e, when did Xiaoyu start dating? How come she never mentioned it?"
Hearing the murmurs around her, Xie’s mother took a deep breath, a smile of excitement blooming on her face.
"I’m not sure either. You all know Xiaoyu has always been independent. Her father and I never interfere in these things—not that we could even if we wanted to. But one thing’s for sure—Xiaoyu has a clear vision for her life. She knows exactly what kind of person is best for her. If we meddle too much, it might just backfire."
As she spoke, she cast a meaningful glance at Zeng Yan.
Her daughter had always been her greatest pride, never once giving her or her husband a reason to worry.
And now, it seemed like when it came to choosing a partner, Xiaoyu also had her own plans.
A man like that—even if they wanted to introduce someone, they wouldn’t even have the means to set up a match.
Zeng Yan forced a smile, her gaze filled with envy as she looked at the two figures embracing downstairs, as well as the two luxurious, elegant Rolls-Royces.
Any sense of superiority she had felt earlier was instantly extinguished.
How could she possibly compete with this?
After a moment of awkward silence, Zeng Yan let out a forced chuckle. "Yeah, Xiaoyu has always been capable and ambitious. And here we were, worrying over nothing about her financing situation."
The other relatives quickly chimed in, their faces lighting up with excitement and anticipation.
A man who drives a Rolls-Royce Phantom was clearly on a completely different level.
With a boyfriend like this, Xie Shuyu’s future would only grow brighter and better.
And naturally, they would also benefit.
—
After a long, lingering hug, Tang Song slowly released her and took a step back.
"Shuyu-jie, the riverside scenery here is pretty nice. Want to take a walk with me?"
“Mm.” Xie Shuyu nodded gently, her expression returning to its usual calm.
Although she had many questions swirling in her mind, she chose not to voice them just yet.
She knew Tang Song well enough to believe he would explain things soon.
—
The weeping willows along the riverbank swayed gently in the night breeze, their slender branches brushing against the ground.
The two walked in silence for a while, the fresh scent of water and flowers lingering in the air.
Finally, Tang Song stopped at a small resting area and turned to face her.
"Actually, I came here tonight to talk to you about investing in Shimmer Coffee."
Xie Shuyu’s fingers clenched slightly. "What do you mean?"
She could understand his words, but mentally, she struggled to believe them.
Tang Song locked eyes with her, his gaze steady. He smiled.
"To put it simply—I’ve invested in Shimmer Coffee. I’ve also acquired shares from the other two stakeholders. Soon, I’ll have full ownership of their equity."
Hearing his direct confirmation, Xie Shuyu’s chest rose and fell sharply, her breathing turning slightly uneven.
She took a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure. "You’re not joking?"
"Of course not."
Tang Song’s tone was relaxed yet confident. "I’ve been involved in investment roadshows, so I’m very familiar with the entire project. I’ve also conducted detailed research and analysis. Right now, the coffee industry is highly competitive, with leading brands consolidating their dominance. The expansion of chain stores is accelerating, and major brands are racing to open new locations…"
He spoke smoothly and professionally, referencing market data and reports with ease.
For the next four to five minutes, he eloquently outlined his insights, demonstrating an impressive level of expertise.
Then, with a smile, he reached out and gently held her arm.
"But in the end—all of that is secondary."
"The most important reason is—I believe in you."
"I want to build Shimmer Coffee with you—and make it a success together."
—
Looking at his tall, confident, and radiant figure, hearing his firm and decisive words, Xie Shuyu suddenly felt déjà vu.
Her mind flashed back to half a year ago, to that morning inside a Shimmer Coffee shop.
Back then—
She and Tang Song had been sitting face-to-face, in the same posture.
Only this time, their roles had reversed.
Back then—
She had been the one explaining her technical development vision to him.
She had been the one outlining her expectations for part-time employees.
She had been the one saying, "I believe in you."
She had been the one expressing her trust and confidence in him, hoping they could build something great together.
The same scene—
But now, the roles had flipped.
The reversal of "you and me."