novelraw Chapter 384: The Conquered CEO, the Beautician, and Cinderella
Chapter 384: The Conquered CEO, the Beautician, and Cinderella
“Boss, I just did a quick check—this company is no ordinary firm.”
Sitting beside her, the Vice President and Marketing Director, Xiang Hui, spoke in a low voice. “It’s a global foreign trust company, headquartered in Hong Kong…”
Xie Shuyu gently set down her teacup, a flicker of surprise flashing in her eyes.
The due diligence team arranged by Tang Song had only three people. They had briefly reviewed the company’s financial reports, compliance status, and business model, and that was considered sufficient to complete the investigation and pass the DD (due diligence) process.
That outcome wasn’t unexpected—after all, his investment was directed at her, not the company.
However, what did surprise her was that these three individuals displayed a level of professionalism and expertise far beyond her expectations—even surpassing the due diligence team from Tiancheng Capital.
That alone made her more curious.
So when the team requested a meeting at Shimmer Coffee to discuss the investment agreement, she had subtly insisted on coming in person.
She wanted to get a closer look at the team serving Tang Song—and at the same time, gain insight into the man she was now involved with.
And the reality was even more shocking than she had imagined.This was an offshore private trust company, staffed with elite professionals—senior trust experts, financial analysts, legal advisors, and tax consultants.
Backing them were Jingwu Capital and Kate Trust.
Even though their Yan City branch had only about 50 employees, they still occupied an entire floor in Chengyuan Tower.
And the fact that Tang Song could mobilize such an institution’s resources…
That spoke volumes about his power and background.
Though she had countless questions in her heart, she didn’t ask.
She was an independent person. Even though she was now dating Tang Song, she still wanted to maintain a healthy amount of space between them.
Besides, a little mystery was attractive.
Likewise, she wouldn’t reveal all her emotions, personal life, or secrets to him either.
A Familiar Face Appears
Xiang Hui, who had been whispering to her, suddenly stopped talking and straightened his posture.
Click, click, click.
The sound of heels approaching grew closer.
Xie Shuyu looked up—
And her gaze landed on a familiar face.
Her. Lin Muxue.
She thought for a moment before recalling where they had met.
Back at the Lanfeng International Club, Zhang Yurong had indeed introduced Lin Muxue as a Senior Assistant to the Trust Committee of a Hong Kong-based trust company.
What a coincidence!
“Hello, Director Xie. Long time no see.”
Lin Muxue smiled as she stepped into the meeting room.
"Hello, Muxue. I didn't expect to run into you here."
Xie Shuyu uncrossed her legs and stood up, returning the greeting with a polite yet warm smile.
"So, you're with Slover Trust?"
“Yes, that’s right. I actually read the due diligence report on Shimmer Coffee before. It’s a pleasure to meet you again in this setting.”
Lin Muxue lifted her chin slightly, straightening her posture to appear even more poised and elegant.
The two women shook hands warmly.
Then, Lin Muxue sat down across from her and took the initiative to discuss the details of the investment agreement.
A Battle of Comparisons
As she observed the stunning and graceful female CEO before her, Lin Muxue couldn't help but subtly compare herself to her.
The first time they met, she was just a receptionist at Rongxin Venture Capital.
The second time, she had already joined Slover Trust, was learning English, and was adapting to an elite circle.
And now, at their third encounter—she had fully transformed.
She could now sit at the table as an equal.
Xie Shuyu was slightly taller than her, around 175 cm.
She also had a gorgeous figure—curves in all the right places, long legs, fair skin—like a high-fashion model.
And paired with her graceful and dignified demeanor, she exuded an air of mature sophistication.
But Lin Muxue wasn’t at a disadvantage either.
She had now fully integrated into her new elite social circle and was about to establish her own company. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel⸺fire.net
And she had an even bigger advantage—
She was younger.
Of course, she was smart enough not to reveal these little thoughts outwardly.
Xie Shuyu wasn’t like Shen Yuyan or Xu Qing.
She had known Tang Song from the time he was doing roadshows and part-time jobs.
She was one of the most significant women in his life.
For all she knew, one day she might become a trust beneficiary like Wen Ruan or Qian Qian.
That thought alone unsettled Lin Muxue.
The Investment Proposal
Before long, the project leader, Geraint (Liu Zhengping), arrived, holding a draft of the investment agreement.
Since Lin Muxue was part of the due diligence team, she remained in the private meeting room with them.
After a few polite exchanges, Liu Zhengping handed over two documents and spoke calmly.
“Director Xie, under Chairman Tang’s directive, we’ve prepared two different investment agreements. There are variations in valuation and investment amounts.
Please review them carefully and let us know if you have any questions.”
"Thank you."
Xie Shuyu raised an eyebrow slightly but kept her expression neutral.
She picked up the contracts and read through them one by one.
Her expression shifted.
The first contract was exactly what she had envisioned.
Pre-investment valuation: 45 million yuanA-round investment: 15 million yuanPost-investment valuation: 60 million yuanEquity split: Tang Song (47.5%), Xie Shuyu (52.5%)No betting agreements, buyback clauses, or anti-dilution provisions.After this round of financing, she would still own more than 50% of the shares and maintain relative control of the company.
It was the perfect deal.
The second contract, however, shocked her.
Pre-investment valuation: 60 million yuanA-round investment: 40 million yuanPost-investment valuation: 100 million yuanEquity split: Tang Song (58%), Xie Shuyu (42%)No additional clauses.However, in this version, she was no longer the majority shareholder.
She would become the second-largest shareholder, losing control of the company.
But at the same time—
Her company’s net cash flow would instantly increase by 40 million yuan.
She knew what that meant.
Even billionaires often couldn’t come up with that much cash immediately.
With this capital, she could expand into more cities, penetrate Tier-1 markets, upscale branding, and optimize products.
Her original plan was to start small in Yan City with community-based retail stores.
But with this financial backing, she could go all-in, execute everything at once.
Her heart pounded violently.
Tang Song’s words from that night echoed in her mind—
“And I can help you make it happen.”
A nationwide coffee chain.
Multiple store formats.
Collaborations with top IPs.
Their own supply chain.
Even their own coffee factory…
Her breathing quickened.
Even someone as calm and rational as Xie Shuyu felt unsteady.
“Excuse me, I need to make a call.”
Stepping outside, she found a quiet spot and dialed Tang Song’s number.
Ring—ring—ring—
After a while, he finally picked up.
"Hey, Shuyu. Is this about the investment agreement?"
She bit her lip. “Yes. I need to ask—is your B proposal serious?”
“Of course. So, have you decided?”
“The valuation is too high. You’re at a disadvantage.”
“So… are you going to refuse?”
A long silence.
“No.”
Tang Song chuckled. “Miss me, Shuyu?”
“Mm.”
“Then give me a kiss.”
"I’m in a meeting with Juxing Huijin right now—it’s not a good time for this," Xie Shuyu’s eye twitched slightly.
"I’m busy too. If you don’t kiss me, I’ll hang up."
"Wait!"
Xie Shuyu took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment, and then, with overwhelming embarrassment, made a soft ‘mwah’ sound into the phone.
"So sweet," Tang Song’s voice was full of amusement.
"Tang Song, you… how can you talk like this?"
Xie Shuyu bit her lip, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks.
She felt both ashamed and flustered—as if she had been forced into it.
But at the same time, there was this inexplicable flutter in her heart.
"Alright, Shuyu, if you have no objections to the investment agreement, go ahead and confirm it," Tang Song’s tone suddenly turned serious. "We can include specific provisions in the company’s charter to ensure you retain control."
Hearing this, Xie Shuyu let out a soft sigh, feeling a wave of warmth in her chest.
Although she was developing strong feelings for Tang Song, their relationship was still in its early stages.
To her, her career mattered more than romance.
"Tang Song, thank you for your understanding. It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just…"
"I understand, Shuyu. You don’t have to explain. Shimmer Coffee is your life’s work. I just want to help you achieve your dream."
His gentle words made her lips tremble slightly.
A powerful warmth surged in her heart.
"When you’re back from your business trip, come over—I’ll cook for you."
"Really? I’ve never had your cooking before. I’m looking forward to it."
"Mm."
"Be safe in Shenzhen. Let me know if you need anything—I have a lot of connections there."
"Got it. Thanks, Shuyu."
Tang Song smiled and then kissed the phone speaker.
Click.
Call ended.
Xie Shuyu rubbed her warm cheeks, standing there dazed for a moment before heading back to the meeting room.
She had wanted to keep business and personal matters separate, but Tang Song’s financial power and relentless charm had completely shattered her defenses.
This was an entirely new experience for her.
It felt like…
Being conquered.
She had assumed that her relationship with Tang Song would be a balanced game of strategy.
But now…
It wasn’t going the way she had expected.
A Hidden Rivalry
At 11:30 AM, the meeting room door swung open.
Hearing her question, Lin Muxue’s gaze flickered slightly.
She wasn’t sure how far things had progressed between Tang Song and Xie Shuyu, and she definitely didn’t want to say the wrong thing and cause trouble.
After a brief moment of thought, she carefully replied, "Director Xie, you may not know this, but I am Chairman Tang’s assistant. Naturally, we are close."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Xie Shuyu arched an eyebrow, her sharp mind immediately grasping the implication.
She clearly remembered that Lin Muxue was a Senior Assistant at Slover Trust.
That meant…
Tang Song was a member of the Trust Committee.
She lifted her head and looked directly at Lin Muxue, her eyes shimmering with clarity.
A young, handsome billionaire.
A beautiful, seductive female assistant.
Heh. No wonder.
Feeling Xie Shuyu’s probing, almost predatory gaze, Lin Muxue felt a sudden sense of discomfort.
She gritted her teeth slightly and forced herself to remain composed.
With a calm tone, she casually asked, "Director Xie, you and Chairman Tang must be quite close, right? This investment agreement is incredibly generous."
Xie Shuyu set down her utensils and smirked slightly.
"He should be considered my boyfriend now."
"…"
Lin Muxue clenched her jaw, forcing a polite smile.
"I see. Congratulations, Director Xie."
Xie Shuyu nodded gracefully, her sharp eyes locking onto Lin Muxue’s.
"I’m quite a bit older than you. When we’re not working, you can just call me ‘Shuyu Jie’."
Their gazes met.
Lin Muxue’s eye twitched.
She looked away, feeling a bit awkward.
"Understood, Shuyu Jie."
They didn’t say it outright, but both women knew exactly what the other was thinking.
Beneath the table, Lin Muxue’s high heels twisted against the floor.
She felt a little deflated.
Compared to Wen Ruan or Zhao Yaqian, Xie Shuyu’s presence was much more dominant.
And unlike them, Lin Muxue didn’t have an official status.
But then…
She perked up again.
What a joke!
If it came down to a battle for influence, there was still one ultimate trump card in play—Su Yu.
Compared to a superstar like Su Yu, none of them really mattered.
Glancing at the elegant yet imposing CEO sitting across from her, Lin Muxue grinned mischievously.
Just wait until we’re on the basketball court—I’ll be drawing maps all over you.
A Surprising Discovery
Ding-dong!
A WeChat notification popped up.
Lin Muxue immediately snapped out of her thoughts and checked her phone.
[Qian Qian: "Great! Let’s go eat on Saturday. In the morning, I’m reviewing contracts at Isha Beauty with Mengchu, then I’m heading to the yoga studio in the afternoon. Right now, I’m having a quick lunch at Shimmer Coffee in Yuhua District."]
Attached were several photos.
Lin Muxue skimmed through them, replying briefly, then swiped through the pictures.
She had to admit—ever since starting dance and yoga, Qian Qian’s posture and aura had noticeably improved.
She now had the textbook ‘White Rich Beauty’ look.
But then—
Her eyes stopped on one particular photo.
In the image, Zhao Yaqian was wearing a cream-colored spaghetti strap dress, holding a plate of dessert.
Beside her, a café employee stood smiling.
Although their clothing, accessories, and aura were worlds apart, the two of them actually looked harmonious together.
Lin Muxue narrowed her eyes and zoomed in on the photo.
Holy crap!
Wasn’t that Qian Lele?!
She still vividly remembered the ‘Cinderella transformation’ Tang Song had arranged for her at Isha Beauty.
She had even secretly asked Lele about her background back then, and the girl had claimed to be a college student.
Now she was working at Shimmer Coffee?
Lin Muxue quickly quoted the photo in the chat and messaged Qian Qian.
["Hey, do you know this baker?"]
Buzz-buzz-buzz—
[Qian Qian: "Of course! Her name’s Lele. We’re about the same age. She makes the best desserts! Every time I visit, she gives me extra cake."]
Lin Muxue glanced at Xie Shuyu sitting across from her.
Then, she looked back at the photo of the simple and innocent Qian Lele.
A wide smile spread across her face.
Oh, this is going to be fun.
She was absolutely going to introduce this beautician to her.
Then let’s see how well Xie Shuyu handles facing Su Yu alone.
A vivid mental image formed in her head—
Xie Shuyu vs. Su Yu.
The thought made her giggle uncontrollably, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
Across from her, Xie Shuyu frowned slightly, giving her a suspicious look.
"...?"