novelraw Chapter 388: Mo Xiangwan and Liu Qingning
Chapter 388: Mo Xiangwan and Liu Qingning
As Pei Yanke took the initiative to strike up a conversation, all eyes turned to Tang Song with scrutiny and curiosity.
Everyone in the industry knew that although Pei Yanke from Echo was highly skilled, she had a rather haughty personality. As a direct protégé of Su Yu, her attendance at the Juxing Huicui gala was more about elevating the event’s prestige and aiding media publicity, making her a focal point of attention.
And for her to treat a man with such careful consideration? That meant he was no ordinary figure.
Low whispers spread throughout the lounge, but it was clear that no one recognized him.
His looks were at a celebrity level, and his presence was impeccable.
A man like this, once he appeared in the circle, was bound to be unforgettable.
Bei Yuwei’s body trembled slightly, her eyes filled with excitement and eagerness.
She was a smart woman, and Pei Yanke’s attitude only confirmed her suspicions.
Tang Song’s background had to be extraordinary—at the very least, he was at the level of a major shareholder or a board member!
People of this caliber were true power players in the Chinese entertainment industry.I really am the chosen one!
One of her dramas had just exploded in popularity, drawing a frenzy of predatory industry figures, and now fate had handed her a solid backer!
Soon, she’d be riding on Tang Song’s coattails—let’s see who would dare try to exploit her now!
Who knows? Maybe she could even become an A-list superstar in the future!
“Qingning, don’t you really like Echo’s songs? Want to take a photo with Miss Pei?” Tang Song lightly nudged Liu Qingning’s arm and smiled. “I’ll take it for you.”
Pei Yanke glanced at the girl beside Tang Song, her eyes brightening. She greeted warmly, “Would you like to take a photo together, Qingning?”
She was cold by nature, but she wasn’t foolish.
To survive in the entertainment industry at her level, reading the room was a necessity.
She might not know the exact relationship between Tang Song and Su Yu, but one thing was clear—Su Yu’s attitude toward him was incredibly amicable. That alone was enough.
Feeling the weight of the gazes gathering around her, Liu Qingning snapped back to reality. She didn’t have time to overthink and simply nodded lightly. “Sure, thank you, Miss Pei.”
“No need to be so formal. Just call me Yanke. We should be about the same age.”
With that, Pei Yanke took the initiative to link arms with Liu Qingning and shot a glance at her assistant in the distance.
The assistant immediately pulled out a camera, capturing their moment together while also ensuring to include Tang Song and Liu Qingning in the frame.
After releasing Liu Qingning’s arm, Pei Yanke smiled. “I’ll have the photos printed later and sign them for you. How does that sound?”
“That would be great, thank you!” Liu Qingning bent slightly, her red lips parting.
Even though she had always been sharp and had seen her fair share of things, experiencing Pei Yanke’s warm attitude and being surrounded by these high-profile figures left her slightly overwhelmed.
At the end of the day, the difference in status and social standing between her and them was simply too vast.
Across from them, Xiang Kai’s eyelid twitched uncontrollably. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t keep his emotions in check.
Pei Yanke! Where the hell was that cold and aloof attitude now?!
He had interacted with her at Juxing Huicui before, and her demeanor had been completely different.
What the hell is going on here?
As a second-gen celebrity with a father working in an entertainment company, he wasn’t ignorant of what this implied.
But looking at Tang Song, so calm and collected, exuding effortless dominance, Xiang Kai felt an unfamiliar pressure for the first time.
Just who is he?
Once Pei Yanke finished chatting with Liu Qingning—
Bei Yuwei’s eyes flickered as she beamed. “Qingning, how about we take a photo together too?”
Hearing this, Liu Qingning’s lips trembled slightly before she nodded hesitantly. “Sure, thank you.”
She never expected that the grand vision Tang Song had painted for her just moments ago would actually materialize so quickly.
A-list stars, top-tier female idols—they were now actively seeking her out for photos.
“There’s no need to be so polite.” Bei Yuwei chuckled softly and stepped up beside Liu Qingning.
However, since Pei Yanke was already on the left, Bei Yuwei had no choice but to slot herself in front of Tang Song.
Wrapped in golden silk and embellished with tiny diamonds, her perky hips subtly brushed against Tang Song’s trousers, sending ripples of sensation through the air.
Given her height and the 8cm heels she was wearing—
When they took the photo, Bei Yuwei bent her legs slightly and leaned in just enough to make herself appear about the same height as Liu Qingning.
Tang Song’s eye twitched.
Once again, he marveled at Bei Yuwei’s audacity.
To actually take advantage of me in broad daylight like this—this was straight-up sexual harassment.
Looking at her raised hips, he had the strong urge to slap them.
Liu Shuang and Li Ziying stood dumbfounded to the side, bodies stiff, unable to utter a single word.
Ever since Tang Song had appeared at the beauty salon, everything had veered off the expected course.
Now, seeing two warm and friendly female celebrities, and then glancing at the calm and composed Tang Song—
They suddenly felt like they didn’t understand the world anymore.
As the photo session wrapped up, Liu Shuang mustered the courage to step forward and hesitantly asked, “Yuwei, can I take a picture with you too?”
Bei Yuwei glanced at Tang Song before smiling. “Of course.”
Just as the photo was taken—
A few executives from an investment firm walked into the lounge.
And the lively atmosphere resumed once again.
Although many were curious about Tang Song’s identity, in an event like this, no one dared to approach him recklessly.
Soon, the formal entrance to the banquet began.
Under the guidance of the investment firm executives and the welcoming attendants, the guests gradually left the lounge and made their way toward the music hall.
Tang Song glanced at Bai Yueguang, who was silently lost in thought beside him. He lightly curled his finger, brushing it against hers.
Liu Qingning’s body trembled slightly, and she quickly lifted her head to look at him.
“What’s wrong? You don’t look happy.”
“N-no…” Liu Qingning’s lips moved hesitantly. She glanced at the surging crowd around them, her gaze complicated. “I was just… surprised by you.”
With so many people around, she didn’t voice her inner doubts, but a faint unease crept into her heart.
How did he know Pei Yanke and Bei Yuwei—celebrities of that caliber?
What exactly was he involved in now?
She was starting to feel like she couldn’t see through the childhood friend standing beside her.
Tang Song tilted his head slightly and spoke in a soft voice, “No matter what happens, my feelings for you won’t change.”
After saying that, he gently placed Liu Qingning’s hand on his arm.
Liu Qingning’s red lips parted slightly, but she swallowed her confusion and obediently wrapped her arm around his.
—
Inside Yunsong Music Hall, the dazzling lights illuminated the grand space.
The layout had been meticulously designed, cleverly dividing the venue into various functional areas.
From the entrance to the main hall, elegant floral arrangements, decorative lights, and artistic ornaments were arranged in every corner.
Tables were neatly arranged, each covered with high-quality velvet tablecloths.
Brilliant crystal chandeliers, massive LED screens, exquisite tableware, and luxurious drapes—
The artistic decor exuded a stylish and visually striking aesthetic.
To show respect for the distinguished guests, the front-row seats of the banquet had red name plaques marking the reserved spots.
Since Liu Qingning and the others were only attending as invited amateur investors, they naturally didn’t receive such special treatment and were assigned seats further back.
After taking their seats,
Liu Shuang stole a glance at Tang Song, then couldn’t help but ask, “Tang Song, um… how do you know Pei Yanke and Bei Yuwei?”
Li Ziying chimed in softly, “Yeah, it’s honestly kind of unbelievable.”
Hearing their questions, Xiang Kai took a deep breath and also turned his gaze toward Tang Song.
He had been dying to know as well, but his pride had kept him from asking outright.
Tang Song casually explained, “I met Pei Yanke during Su Yu’s concert in Yan City. As for Bei Yuwei, our company has collaborated with her on livestreaming before, and we happened to run into each other again in Shenzhen a couple of days ago.”
“Ohhh!” Liu Shuang’s eyes widened. “So that’s how it is. It sounds like your livestreaming company is doing really well if you can connect with top-tier celebrities like that.”
“Mm… it’s alright.” Tang Song paused, leaving it at that.
He obviously couldn’t just blurt out the details of what happened backstage with Su Yu in front of Liu Qingning, right?
Although he had already revealed part of the truth to Bai Yueguang, there were still plenty of things he hadn’t disclosed yet.
You had to take things step by step—slowly letting her “realize” the truth was the best approach.
Otherwise, he seriously worried that Liu Qingning might impulsively decide to “end” him in the middle of the night.
Hearing Tang Song’s explanation, both Li Ziying and Xiang Kai sighed in relief.
Pei Yanke and Bei Yuwei’s behavior had shaken them so much that they had struggled to process it.
But if it was purely due to business collaborations, that explanation made sense.
Liu Qingning, however, lowered her gaze, watching the subtle rise and fall of Tang Song’s profile.
Deep down, she had a nagging feeling that things weren’t that simple.
But now wasn’t the time to ask. She’d wait until after the banquet.
Her mind drifted back to what Tang Song had said earlier—
Echo Girl Group, Su Yu, Qingning Technology, and… Jin Meixiao.
If it were just the girl group, then as long as there was enough money, getting in touch with Tang Zong Entertainment was theoretically possible.
But the rest? Pure fantasy.
If Tang Song’s girlfriend really was Jin Meixiao, then she might as well give up now.
Competing with her for a man?
The thought alone made Liu Qingning chuckle at herself. As if that could happen.
—
As the clock neared 7 p.m.,
A soft piano melody flowed through Yunsong Music Hall.
The banquet hall instantly quieted.
A well-dressed host appeared on stage, his voice full of enthusiasm.
“Esteemed guests, good evening! Welcome to the grand networking banquet carefully prepared by Juxing Huicui. I’m your host for tonight…”
The speaker was a familiar face—a well-known TV host.
After a brief opening speech,
The lighting in the hall dimmed, spotlights converging at the center of the stage.
Wearing a shimmering gold mermaid gown, Bei Yuwei stepped onto the stage.
She performed a classic ballad.
She had originally debuted as a singer, but her career had flopped.
It wasn’t until her agency sold her contract to Tang Zong Entertainment that she finally got an opportunity—starring in the web drama Listening to the Rain in Leisure.
As her song ended, the lights in the hall brightened once again.
A male celebrity took the stage next, settling at the piano and performing a soothing, heartfelt song.
With three showcase performances completed, the banquet officially began.
As waiters moved seamlessly through the venue, exquisite dishes were continuously brought to the tables.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the sky gradually darkened.
From the 71st floor of Shenzhen Bay No.1, towering 320 meters above the city, one could effortlessly take in the breathtaking view of the bustling metropolis.
Neon lights shimmered in vibrant colors, skyscrapers outlined the skyline, and streams of headlights carved luminous trails through the streets.
The entire city was bathed in a dazzling sea of lights, adding an extra layer of ambiance to the evening’s gathering.
—
As guests dined, a senior investment manager from Juxing Huicui stepped onto the stage to present investment projects.
The presentation covered an overview of the projects, market prospects, business models, current development status, as well as the logic behind investment decisions and projected returns.
Liu Qingning and Li Ziying sat attentively, listening with great focus.
They were genuinely interested in investing, not just here to chase after celebrities.
Seated beside them, Xiang Kai had regained his usual composure and confidence, occasionally explaining professional terms to them.
After the presentation, a few more guests took the stage, initiating an open Q&A session.
—
“Try this, it’s really good.”
Tang Song held up a smoked salmon tartare, already missing a bite, and playfully nudged it toward Liu Qingning’s lips.
“I’m on a diet. There’s cream in that—stop tempting me.”
“Just open your mouth. Ahhh…”
Under the table, Liu Qingning kicked him lightly, but still obediently took a bite. As soon as the flavors melted on her tongue, her eyes curved into crescent moons. “Mmm! Delicious!”
Just then, a gentle fragrance drifted in, accompanied by the rhythmic click of high heels.
A moment later, Bei Yuwei approached gracefully, holding a champagne flute in her hand. She smiled sweetly. “Hello, mind if I join you for a bit?”
“Of course not!”
Liu Shuang and Li Ziying immediately paused what they were doing, excitement flashing across their faces.
Xiang Kai gestured to the seat across from him and smiled politely. “Miss Bei, please have a seat. Your performance just now was fantastic.”
“Thank you.” Bei Yuwei smoothed out her dress, then turned to Tang Song. “Mr. Tang, you don’t mind, do you?”
“Please, make yourself comfortable,” Tang Song replied with a slight nod.
“Much appreciated.”
Bei Yuwei blinked her bright, watery eyes and gracefully took a seat beside Tang Song, seamlessly blending into the conversation.
She chatted casually with the other women about the banquet’s décor and the food, appearing warm and friendly.
Xiang Kai took a deep breath, unable to maintain his forced smile any longer.
Tonight was supposed to be his moment—to impress Liu Qingning, subtly undermine Tang Song’s confidence, and pressure him into backing off.
Yet, somehow, everything had completely backfired.
Tang Song was effortlessly stealing the spotlight, while he was left sitting there, watching them flaunt their chemistry.
The moment he saw Tang Song earlier today, he had known his chances with Liu Qingning were dwindling.
Though he genuinely liked her, Xiang Kai wasn’t the overly sentimental type.
He had dated several girlfriends over the years, and if he had to let go of this one, it would sting for a while, but it wasn’t the end of the world.
The only reason he was still hanging around now was to salvage some dignity—he didn’t want to lose so completely.
After all, he was a man of status. Never before had he suffered such humiliation. Follow current novels on novel·fire.net
—
Just then, a hand suddenly patted his shoulder, and a familiar voice called out, “LIttle Kai.”
Xiang Kai immediately straightened up, collecting his emotions before responding with a bright smile. “Uncle Lü.”
Across the table, Bei Yuwei—who had just clinked glasses with Tang Song and the others—immediately stood up, her tone polite and enthusiastic. “Director, you’re here.”
Lü Baiyu might not have had the mainstream popularity of actors and singers, but within the industry, his status as a director was highly respected.
Her upcoming film, Finale, was being directed by him, so naturally, she had to be courteous.
Lü Baiyu offered a slight smile, his gaze calm. “Yuwei, come sit with me for a bit. The head of Tang Zong Entertainment’s film investment division just arrived.”
Bei Yuwei’s fingers tightened slightly around her champagne flute, her expression shifting for a fleeting moment.
The “head” should be referring to Zhu Maolin—the deputy general manager of the company’s film investment division.
He was a true power player, someone who had a significant influence over film production and distribution.
Of course, she knew Lü Baiyu wasn’t trying to corner her into anything inappropriate at the banquet. He likely just wanted her to help ease the conversation.
After all, for men of their stature, there was never a shortage of women eager to throw themselves at them.
But being treated like a mere decorative accessory—moved around at their convenience—filled her with resentment.
Especially now that she had just sat beside Tang Song.
If she left immediately, what would he think of her?
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Lü Baiyu's tone shifted slightly, though his expression remained unreadable.
Bei Yuwei bit her lip and spoke softly, "Director, how about I wait until the cocktail session to toast President Wang? I'm really curious about Juxing Huicui's investment fund, and since Xiang Kai is part of the investment team, I’d like to learn more from him."
She had been invited to the banquet as an investor—an entirely legitimate reason to stay.
Of course, the real reason she made this excuse was sitting right beside her—Tang Song, the true hidden powerhouse, the big boss.
According to Ice Jie’s sources, President Mo would definitely make an appearance tonight.
Building a good relationship with Tang Song and ensuring that President Mo saw their connection—that was her ultimate goal.
Hearing their conversation, Liu Qingning, Liu Shuang, and Li Ziying exchanged glances, sensing something was off.
But they weren’t familiar enough with these people to interject.
“Oh?” Lü Baiyu patted Xiang Kai’s shoulder. “Xiao Kai, then you should come with us. It’s a good opportunity for you to meet President Wang.”
Xiang Kai’s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately nodded. “Thank you, Uncle Lü.”
With Tang Zong Entertainment's executives present, Juxing Huicui’s top figures were sure to be there as well. This was an opportunity he couldn’t afford to miss.
Bei Yuwei took a deep breath, subconsciously glancing at Tang Song. She lightly bit her lip as their eyes met.
Tang Song raised an eyebrow slightly and said in a calm voice, “Miss Bei, why don’t you sit down and tell us more about your filming experiences? I’m quite interested.”
As soon as he spoke, countless eyes turned in their direction.
Liu Qingning gently tugged at his hand.
Xiang Kai smirked internally, his mind brimming with amusement.
Tang Song, you’re really overestimating yourself.
With Lü Baiyu’s standing in the entertainment industry, he had already made his position clear—Bei Yuwei had no choice but to comply.
Not to mention, Tang Zong Entertainment’s investment executive was also waiting. There was no way she’d dare to refuse.
But then, a crisp voice rang out:
“Sure! I’ll keep chatting with you for a bit.” Bei Yuwei turned and smiled at Lü Baiyu. “Director, give me just a moment! I’ll come find you as soon as I’m done talking with my friends.”
Xiang Kai’s smile froze. For a second, he thought he had misheard.
Lü Baiyu’s gaze swept over Tang Song, then back at Bei Yuwei.
He didn’t know who the young man was, but after witnessing Pei Yanke’s attitude toward him earlier, Lü Baiyu wasn’t about to act recklessly.
Still, as Bei Yuwei’s director for her next film, he had plenty of ways to make her understand the consequences of disregarding him.
“Heh… suit yourself. It’s no problem. See you later.”
With that, Lü Baiyu turned and walked away.
Even though Bei Yuwei had mentally prepared herself for this, she still felt a tinge of fear watching him leave.
She was taking a gamble—betting that through Tang Song, she could gain recognition from Mo Xiangwan and Su Yu.
But she still didn’t fully understand Tang Song’s true identity, and that uncertainty gnawed at her.
—
Just then, a commotion erupted in the hall.
“President Mo!”
“President Mo!”
“President Mo!”
One voice after another called out in greeting, and countless figures rose from their seats.
Everyone turned to look in the same direction.
Bei Yuwei’s eyes lit up with excitement, her fingers tightening into fists.
Lü Baiyu, who had just been about to leave, froze in place, a bright smile instantly forming on his face.
In that moment, everything clicked.
No wonder Wang Maolin from Tang Zong Entertainment showed up—it’s because Mo Xiangwan is here!
As the president of the country’s largest entertainment company, a consultant for Juxing Huicui, and a board member of Sutang Investments, Mo Xiangwan’s arrival instantly elevated the significance of the banquet to its peak.
Everyone in the room had a direct stake in her actions—her every move could impact their future.
Liu Qingning lowered her voice. “Who is that? What’s with the huge reaction?”
“It must be a top executive from the investment company,” Li Ziying speculated as she curiously looked toward the commotion.
Xiang Kai, his excitement barely contained, quickly answered, “That’s Mo Xiangwan, President Mo! She was Su Yu’s former agent and is now the president and shareholder of Tang Zong Entertainment, a consultant for Juxing Huicui, and a board member of Sutang Investments.”
In certain circles, Mo Xiangwan’s name was practically legendary.
But for those who didn’t follow entertainment industry news, she wasn’t necessarily a household name.
Hearing Xiang Kai’s explanation, Liu Qingning and Li Ziying finally realized just how significant this moment was.
Liu Qingning quickly stood up, her bright eyes fixated in the direction of the commotion. "So it's that Mo Xiangwan!"
She didn’t usually keep up with entertainment news, but she did listen to music.
She knew that many famous singers were signed under Tang Zong Entertainment, and the CEO of that publicly traded company was none other than Mo Xiangwan.
The sound of footsteps grew closer.
Soon, a poised and elegant figure came into view.
She wore a white blouse, a floral slit pencil skirt, and a striped blazer.
The sleeves of her blouse were slightly rolled up, revealing slender wrists adorned with a delicate, refined watch.
The pencil skirt accentuated the curve of her waist and hips flawlessly, exuding an air of sophistication and grace.
She walked with light, effortless steps, weaving through the tables, floral arrangements, and decorative lighting.
Her expression carried just the right balance of composure and confidence, her eyes bright and penetrating.
She occasionally nodded to those around her in greeting.
Before long, all eyes followed her as she approached a table near the back of the hall.
Bei Yuwei licked her lips, her voice crisp and eager. "President Mo!"
Liu Qingning, now standing less than half a meter away from the woman, could hear her own heartbeat pounding in her chest. A complicated expression spread across her face.
No way. No way. This can’t be happening…
Tang Song stood up, meeting Mo Xiangwan’s gaze with a warm smile.
Mo Xiangwan’s lips curled into a radiant smile. "Good evening, President Tang. Welcome to Juxing Huicui’s networking banquet. It’s truly an honor to have you here."
Liu Qingning’s expression froze.
Her gaze darted between the two of them, utterly dumbfounded.
Tang Song nodded slightly. "Good evening, Xiangwan. It’s been a while."
"It hasn’t been that long," Mo Xiangwan replied with a soft chuckle. "At least compared to before."
As the two of them conversed, the hall gradually fell into silence.
Bei Yuwei’s chest rose and fell rapidly, her entire body feeling weightless with exhilaration.
She had won her bet once again.
At the same time, a wave of shock coursed through her.
For Mo Xiangwan to use words like honor and welcome when addressing Tang Song—his status had to be even more formidable than she had imagined!
Xiang Kai felt as though a torpedo had exploded in his brain.
Everything that had happened tonight—it all felt so damn surreal, like a fever dream.
Liu Shuang and Li Ziying wobbled unsteadily, nearly losing their balance.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Mo Xiangwan turned her keen, expressive gaze toward Liu Qingning, who was standing beside Tang Song.
That delicate, youthful face was far from unfamiliar.
Unbeknownst to her, Mo Xiangwan, Su Yu, and even Director Jin had been closely monitoring her for quite some time.
Every move she made subtly influenced a much larger picture.
For the first time, an unmistakable warmth and sincerity appeared on Mo Xiangwan’s face.
She stepped forward and gently embraced Liu Qingning.
Her hand softly brushed through Liu Qingning’s hair as she spoke in a warm and affectionate tone.
"Qingning, welcome to the banquet."
Liu Qingning stood stiffly, her hands frozen in midair, utterly at a loss.
Her mind went blank.
When did we meet?
Since when were we this close?!