novelraw Chapter 410: Old Acquaintances and Transformation
Chapter 410: Old Acquaintances and Transformation
As Tang Song’s figure disappeared around the corner of the restaurant corridor, the buzzing in Shen Yuyan’s ears gradually faded.
But the rapid beating of her heart did not slow in the slightest.
She had previously given serious thought to how Tang Song had accumulated his wealth.
Based on what she had gathered from their university classmates and what she knew of his career trajectory, there were only a few logical possibilities:
Software patent licensing and sales.
Key contributions to Meigou Tech projects, earning him bonuses and stock incentives.
Virtual currency investments.
Independent software development, later acquired by a major corporation.
Any of these would be enough to make him a newly wealthy figure in the tech world.
But individuals in that category often had limited social circles, lacking deep-rooted connections and real societal influence.However, reality had proven her assumptions wrong.
Even among rich people, there were significant disparities.
The scale of wealth, the quality of their networks, the industries they operated in, and their degree of control over resources—these factors separated the elite from the truly powerful.
A Tang Song who could casually invest 24 million yuan into Fanfu Suzi Media was one thing.
A Tang Song who owned a five-star luxury hotel was an entirely different existence.
And when combined with his youth, striking looks, and commanding aura…
He was flawless.
No wonder he had girlfriends like Tian Jing and Wen Ruan.
Inside the Private Dining Room
Noticing Shen Yuyan’s dazed expression, Hou Shaoyuan lowered his voice.
"Mr. Ma, Yuyan, let’s head inside first."
"Please, Mr. Ma." Shen Yuyan quickly collected herself, subtly nudging a flushed Li Meixia beside her.
Ma Zijian nodded warmly and followed them into the private dining room.
Once they were seated and had placed their orders, Ma Zijian’s expression became noticeably more enthusiastic.
"I didn’t expect President Shen to be acquainted with Chairman Tang. That’s quite the coincidence."
Shen Yuyan smiled gracefully, displaying effortless composure.
"Mr. Ma is right—it’s quite a small world."
Her stunning beauty, coupled with her elegant yet sultry figure, radiated a captivating allure.
Ma Zijian’s eyes flickered with interest as he recalled the brief interaction between her and Tang Song.
After a pause, he asked, "Pardon my curiosity, President Shen—how did you and Chairman Tang meet?"
Shen Yuyan’s smile remained steady.
"No need to be so formal, Mr. Ma. We were university classmates.
"In fact, the entire founding team of Youjie Housekeeping graduated from Yan City University of Technology—we’re all alumni."
"Oh?" Ma Zijian raised an eyebrow. "That explains why you’re all so outstanding."
"We appreciate the compliment."
With that, Ma Zijian chuckled and smoothly transitioned into a discussion about Youjie Housekeeping.
Beautiful women—especially ones as exceptionally stunning as Shen Yuyan—were rare resources in themselves.
And given her connection to Tang Song, there were certain things best left unspoken.
A Harsh Realization for Hou Shaoyuan
Sitting beside them, Hou Shaoyuan took a deep breath, his emotions a mix of frustration and unease.
"Mr. Ma, if I remember correctly, Lanfeng International Hotel is part of Yunxi Real Estate, isn’t it? How did it end up in Tang Song’s hands?"
Ma Zijian glanced at him and replied casually, "It’s quite simple—Chairman Tang acquired an 80% stake in the hotel and now serves as the Executive Director."
"Ah—" Li Meixia gasped, quickly covering her mouth.
"Sorry, I didn’t mean to react so loudly."
Shen Yuyan’s fingers tightened unconsciously, her teeth sinking into her lower lip.
Lanfeng International Hotel.
The most prestigious hotel in Yan City.
A hotel backed by the giant Yunxi Real Estate, a publicly traded behemoth.
Yet Tang Song had managed to acquire controlling ownership from them.
A flood of emotions surged through her—regret clenching at her heart.
Had she insisted on convincing Tang Song to invest in Youjie Housekeeping from the beginning,
She wouldn’t be dealing with so many problems right now.
She could have used Youjie Housekeeping as a stepping stone, intertwining her career with his influence.
And from there, she might have had a real chance to realize her own ambitions.
But instead, she had handed that opportunity to her classmate, Guo Liyuan.
Thankfully, Xu Qing was still around.
On Qixi Festival, Tang Song had personally sent her a gift.
Their relationship was growing stronger.
At the very least, she still had one foot in the door.
Hou Shaoyuan’s Crushing Defeat
Hou Shaoyuan’s lips trembled, his face pale.
Lanfeng International Hotel hadn’t undergone any public financing rounds, so its exact valuation was unknown.
But from comparable industry estimates, it was likely worth no less than 800 million yuan.
His own family business was in foreign trade, but even with all their combined assets, they were worth barely 100 million.
Compared to a corporate giant with physical assets, he was utterly outmatched.
Glancing at Shen Yuyan, he recalled how she had always treated Tang Song before.
Hou Shaoyuan clenched his teeth.
From the very start of Youjie Housekeeping’s founding to its subsequent financing, he had done everything he could to chase after Shen Yuyan.
He had invested money, pulled strings, and remained single for years.
He had been so confident.
But now, looking at the reality before him…
He realized—he never stood a chance.
He understood Shen Yuyan’s ambition and desires.
And compared to Tang Song, he had absolutely nothing to offer.
A New Opportunity with Yunxi Property
As exquisite dishes were brought into the private room, Shen Yuyan quickly composed herself.
She engaged Ma Zijian in a smooth and engaging discussion about Youjie Housekeeping’s service model, strengths, and team.
Her pace of speech was measured, her voice clear and pleasant.
The atmosphere was harmonious.
One thing was certain—
Ever since Tang Song’s appearance, Ma Zijian’s attitude toward her had completely shifted.
Their chances of securing a deal with Yunxi Property had significantly increased.
Of course, one meeting wasn’t enough to finalize a partnership.
Yunxi Property already had three existing housekeeping service providers.
Even if they could earn a spot, they would have to wait until existing contracts expired.
But Shen Yuyan was determined.
The background and reputation of Yunxi Property were invaluable.
Securing a deal with them would drastically boost Youjie Housekeeping’s credibility.
And when negotiating with other property firms, they would have substantial leverage.
2:00 PM – The Meeting Concludes
Both parties exchanged pleasantries and parted on warm terms.
As the white Audi A7 drove out of Lanfeng International’s underground parking, the rain had stopped.
Since Hou Shaoyuan had consumed too much alcohol, Li Meixia took the wheel.
The windows were slightly lowered, letting in the cool, damp breeze.
It ruffled Shen Yuyan’s long, dark hair.
Her gaze drifted out the window, unfocused.
Her mind was a chaotic whirlwind.
In the driver’s seat, Li Meixia kept talking enthusiastically about Tang Song, Yunxi Property, and Lanfeng International.
She had only met Tang Song once at the investment roadshow, so her reaction was mostly shock and excitement.
She was thrilled at the potential business opportunities they might secure.
But for Shen Yuyan—
This was about far more than just business.
Seated in the back of the car, Hou Shaoyuan frowned deeply, suddenly cutting in.
“Meixia, can you be quiet for a moment? I’ve got a headache.”
“Oh, oh—sorry!” Li Meixia immediately shut her mouth and focused on driving.
Twenty Minutes Later – Beicheng Garden Residential Area
The car slowed to a stop in front of Beicheng Garden.
Shen Yuyan grabbed her handbag.
“I’ll head home first. Drive safe, both of you. Bye.”
Just as she was about to leave, Hou Shaoyuan suddenly pushed open the car door and followed her out.
"Wait a moment." His voice was low. "Let me walk you in."
Seeing his serious expression, Shen Yuyan hesitated for a moment before nodding.
"Thanks."
A Walk Through the Courtyard
They walked through the north gate of the complex, their steps slow and measured.
The stone-paved path was slightly damp from the rain.
Hou Shaoyuan unbuttoned the top of his shirt, loosening it slightly.
"Yuyan, we’ve known each other for nearly seven years now, haven’t we?"
She paused, turning to face him.
Her expression was calm, unreadable.
She seemed to have already guessed what he was about to say.
"You used to say you just wanted to focus on your career."
"Now, Youjie Housekeeping has completed its angel round of investment."
"That included 1 million yuan I fought tooth and nail to get from my family."
He looked at her, his drunken flush visible under the dim streetlights.
"You should know how I feel about you by now.
"So give me a straight answer."
A Brutal Reality Check
Silence.
For a long moment, Shen Yuyan said nothing.
Then, her red lips pressed together, and she softly replied—
"I'm sorry."
Hou Shaoyuan let out a bitter laugh.
"Tch. Got it. I finally see you for who you really are."
"Let’s leave it at that."
His tone was filled with frustration.
But Shen Yuyan remained composed.
"Shaoyuan, you should understand something."
"Your investment in Youjie Housekeeping is not a loss."
"Based on our current valuation, you’ve already profited by over 1 million yuan."
Hou Shaoyuan snorted.
"Then how about this?"
"I’ll sell you my 14% stake. Do you want to buy it?"
Shen Yuyan took a deep breath.
"I don’t have the money."
"See? That’s the problem."
Hou Shaoyuan ran a hand through his hair, his voice thick with resentment.
"Before you cash out, all this talk about profits is meaningless."
He looked her dead in the eyes.
"Don’t think I’m stupid. I know all about your betting agreement with Gongying Technology."
"Getting the second round of investment won’t be easy."
Shen Yuyan remained steady.
"We’re doing our best.
"And thank you for helping arrange the meeting with Mr. Ma.
"With Yunxi Property as a client, we’ll soon have the momentum we need."
"Heh."
Hou Shaoyuan let out a cold laugh.
"Then good luck with that. Bye."
He waved his hand dismissively before turning on his heel and striding toward the gate.
A New Plan
Back in the car, Hou Shaoyuan pulled out his phone.
He sent a message to Wei Pingjun, the representative director of Gongying Technology.
[I’d like to meet tomorrow to discuss something.]
A few days ago, Wei Pingjun had approached him privately, expressing interest in his shares.
Hou Shaoyuan had ignored it at the time.
But now?
Screw it.
He wasn’t the type to swallow his pride and suffer in silence.
Unlike Zhang Tianqi, who accepted fate without a fight, he wasn’t about to sit back and lose.
Since childhood, he had never faced real hardship.
He had never been rejected so thoroughly before.
If Shen Yuyan wanted to cut him off, fine.
He’d make her life difficult.
At the very least, he’d make sure to take back every cent he invested—plus interest.
His family had a well-established trading company waiting for him to inherit.
Why waste time on some housekeeping startup?
What was he, some pathetic simp like Wang Ning?
August 28, 2023 – Monday
Light Rain Turning to Sunshine | 18°C – 22°C
Shengyuan Scenic Residence
6:00 AM – The Sky Was Still Dark
"Hey! What are you doing?! I haven’t had enough sleep!"
"Smack!"
"You bastard! You hit me again!"
Wen Ruan let out a furious cry and flipped over, pinning Tang Song beneath her.
She straddled him, fuming.
Tang Song laughed, letting his big sister take control.
With all his buffs stacked, he woke up at peak energy every morning.
He felt invincible.
Looking at the woman on top of him, he pulled her into a hug.
There was a reason she was called ‘Zhuangzhuang.’
Years of fitness training had given Wen Ruan a low body fat percentage, incredible strength, and lightning-fast reflexes.
If the women in his life ever fought, he estimated she could take on at least four or five of them at once.
Thunder Rumbled Outside
"Rumble—"
The sky growled with distant thunder.
Rain pattered against the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a soothing rhythm.
Much Later…
"Okay, morning training complete."
Tang Song patted Wen Ruan’s butt and walked off, feeling refreshed.
After showering, he prepared a nutritious breakfast in the kitchen.
Returning to the master bedroom, he leaned in close to whisper in her ear.
"I left your breakfast in the fridge. Make sure you eat when you wake up."
"I’ve got a busy day ahead. Bye-bye."
Wen Ruan grumbled sleepily, curling her toes around his leg in a lazy farewell.
That was the most effort she was willing to put in.
A Short Walk to Another Woman’s Apartment
Leaving Villa 6, Tang Song took a turn and headed straight for Building 9.
A quick call to Xie Shuyu secured him entry to the fourth floor.
Having his girlfriends live in the same residential complex had its perks.
The moment he stepped out of the elevator, he saw the housekeeper waiting at the open door.
Switching to disposable slippers, he walked into the warmly lit living room.
A soft floral fragrance filled the air.
And on the couch, an elegant, radiant woman greeted him.
Xie Shuyu.
She lounged lazily, her long, jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders.
A simple yet exquisite hair clip held back a few stray strands.
Her form-fitting long-sleeved top accentuated her curves.
The deep V neckline revealed a tantalizing glimpse of snowy-white skin.
One arm rested lightly on the couch’s armrest, the other gracefully placed on her lap.
A scattered pile of documents sat on the coffee table beside a fresh bouquet of flowers.
Under the bright morning light, her flawless complexion glowed.
Tang Song smiled.
"Good morning, Shuyu-jie."
His bright, confident grin lit up the entire room.
"Good morning, Xiao Song."
Xie Shuyu stood up gracefully, her gaze warm.
"Have you had breakfast yet?"
"Not yet. That’s why I came here to mooch off you."
She turned to the housekeeper.
"Liu-jie, prepare an extra serving."
"Of course, Miss Xie."
With the housekeeper gone, the living room was theirs alone.
"Come, sit."
Xie Shuyu motioned for him to join her.
"Let’s go over today’s agenda."
As she moved, her waist swayed, her skirt billowing elegantly.
Tang Song walked over and pulled her into a hug.
"Shuyu-jie, you’re gorgeous."
Before she could respond, he kissed her.
She didn’t resist.
Her warmth, her scent—everything about her was intoxicating.
If all of them were on the same playing field...
Tang Song's mind raced with exciting thoughts, his heartbeat quickening instinctively.
His hands tightened slightly in response.
"Mm..."
Xie Shuyu let out a soft sigh, her eyebrows knitting together slightly.
She pulled her head back just a little, separating her lips from his, and their gazes met.
Her eyes were deep, bright, and filled with intelligence.
She exuded an aura of maturity and grace.
Tang Song couldn’t resist giving her cheek a gentle peck.
Unlike Wen Ruan, Xie Shuyu had always maintained a "senior figure" attitude toward him.
Even now, there was still a hint of that lingering presence.
It was evident even in how she addressed him—when work wasn’t involved, she would call him "Xiao Song."
For Tang Song, every intimate interaction with Xie Shuyu felt like a gradual ascent, a conquest.
An indescribable sense of satisfaction.
Utterly intoxicating.
After a moment, Xie Shuyu gently pinched his cheek, speaking softly.
"Alright, that’s enough. Sit down, we should go over some work before breakfast."
Tang Song grinned.
"Alright, I’ll listen to you."
Work Discussion: Shimmer Coffee’s Hiring Problem
As they settled onto the sofa, Xie Shuyu leaned forward slightly, her long, elegant legs crossing gracefully.
She wore light pink open-toe slippers, the delicate rhinestones on the straps glittering under the lights.
Entering work mode, the sharp gleam of intelligence returned to her eyes.
"The biggest issue facing Shimmer Coffee right now is a lack of manpower.
"Many tasks simply can’t be executed efficiently."
"We have a long-term agreement with Yunjing Consulting, and they’ll be sending a full team this time to support us in talent recruitment and selection."
As she spoke, she placed a document in front of Tang Song.
Tang Song skimmed through it, then shook his head.
"Yunjing Consulting’s business scope is too broad.
"They’re not specialized in HR consulting, and although they have partnerships, their efficiency will be severely compromised."
"Then what do you suggest?"
Xie Shuyu asked, tilting her head slightly.
Tang Song flashed a confident smile.
"After hearing about this issue from you yesterday, I contacted two firms."
"They’ll be joining today’s meeting as well."
"Between them and Yunjing Consulting, all our HR problems will be resolved."
Xie Shuyu looked intrigued.
"Which companies?"
Tang Song grinned playfully.
"Give me a kiss, and I’ll tell you."
Xie Shuyu arched an eyebrow, then leaned forward and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
"Now tell me."
Tang Song’s arm wrapped around her slim waist as he whispered—
"Bocai Yingrui and Deju Renhe."
Xie Shuyu paused for a second.
Then she shook her head with a soft laugh.
"Yunjing Consulting already collaborates with Deju Renhe.
"I had already asked them to reach out for talent recruitment. There’s no need to pay extra."
"Besides, restructuring our HR system isn’t something that can be done overnight."
She spoke rationally, her tone measured and logical.
Tang Song inhaled the delicate fragrance of her perfume and chuckled.
"This is different."
"How so?"
Xie Shuyu raised an eyebrow.
"The level of support is different."
Tang Song explained patiently.
"If Deju Renhe grants us access to their talent database,
"Bocai Yingrui and multiple headhunting teams will actively follow up, fully mobilizing their networks.
"They’ll rigorously screen and evaluate candidates.
"Do you think that would speed up the process?"
Xie Shuyu’s eyes widened slightly.
"The kind of support you're talking about would require extremely high service fees.
"The cost-effectiveness is too low—we’re not the type of company that can afford such a service."
Though Tang Song’s plan sounded amazing,
She was a rational and mature businesswoman.
There was no way she would waste valuable investment funds on something unnecessary.
Seeing her hesitant expression, Tang Song smirked.
"Let’s talk after today’s meeting.
"I guarantee you’ll be satisfied with the outcome."
Xie Shuyu sighed, but nodded.
"Alright, I’ll wait and see."
Breakfast: Light but Nutritious
After finishing their discussion, breakfast was brought to the table.
The spread included—
Cranberry cream cheese bagels
Shrimp omelets
Asparagus
Fresh blueberries
Tang Song’s portion was twice the size of Xie Shuyu’s.
To maintain her perfect figure despite her hectic schedule,
She was extremely disciplined with her diet.
9:30 AM – Huayun Center
A Buick business sedan rolled to a stop outside Huayun Center, Building A.
Three people stepped out and entered the office tower.
As they waited for the elevator, a woman in her late twenties whispered— Get full chapters from nοvelfire.net
"Manager Wang, I heard that CEO Xie from Shimmer Coffee is incredibly beautiful. Is that true?"
Wang Yunping smirked casually.
"She’s indeed stunning. You’ll see soon enough."
Among the many women Wang Yunping had encountered over the years,
Xie Shuyu left the strongest impression.
He had even pursued her seriously for a while.
But ever since Tang Song entered the picture—
And after seeing how Yunxi Property’s Ma Zijian treated Tang Song with such deference—
He had wisely backed off.
Moreover, Shimmer Coffee had been struggling with its funding issues.
It had been over two months since they last met.
Only last week did he hear—
Shimmer Coffee had secured Series A funding.
But the investor wasn’t an institution—it was an individual.
Now, Wang Yunping was here to assist Shimmer Coffee in designing a new hiring strategy and recruitment process.
This included—
Job role analysis
Talent profiling
Recruitment channel selection
Interview and evaluation methods
He had brought along two senior HR consultants from the Business Advisory Department to help.
After all, Shimmer Coffee had been his client from the beginning,
And it was his responsibility to maintain the relationship.
Inside the elevator, he turned to his colleague—
"Li Wei, have you contacted Deju Renhe?"
"Yes, I spoke to them this morning.
"Our request has been submitted.
"As soon as Shimmer Coffee gives the green light, recruitment can begin immediately."
"Good.
"Shimmer Coffee is one of our long-term clients. You and Jianan should give this project extra attention."
"Understood!"
Li Wei and Wang Jianan nodded.
Arrival at Shimmer Coffee HQ
"Ding—"
The elevator doors slid open.
Taking a deep breath, Wang Yunping stepped out with a confident stride.
At the front desk, he greeted the receptionist.
"We’re from Yunjing Consulting."
Following the receptionist, they were led toward the conference room.
As he walked, Wang Yunping’s heart stirred slightly.
Even now, he couldn’t suppress a certain anticipation.
"Knock, knock—"
The conference room door was gently rapped on.
"CEO Xie, the representatives from Yunjing Consulting have arrived."
"Please, let them in."
The frosted glass door swung open.
With a smooth, polite voice, Wang Yunping stepped forward.
"CEO Xie, sorry to keep you waiting.
"Traffic was a bit heavy on the way."
"No problem. Welcome, everyone."
Seated at the head of the conference table,
Was the stunning and poised figure of Xie Shuyu.
Just as Wang Yunping was about to introduce his colleagues,
A tall, well-built figure stepped out from the corner of the conference room.
He walked straight to Xie Shuyu’s side and stood beside her.
His posture was upright and confident, his features sharp and chiseled.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, he exuded a natural air of elegance and authority.
For a moment, Wang Yunping froze.
When his gaze met the man’s, his expression stiffened.
He hesitated before blurting out—
"Tang Song?"
The appearance and aura were drastically different.
But it was definitely him.
"Long time no see, Manager Wang."
Tang Song smiled slightly, nodding in greeting.
His demeanor was graceful, his confidence unwavering.
Beside him, Xie Shuyu’s gaze flickered slightly before she gently linked her arm through Tang Song’s.
With a soft, intimate tone, she introduced him—
"Manager Wang, Tang Song is our Series A investor.
"He is now Shimmer Coffee’s largest shareholder."
Wang Yunping’s eye twitched.
His voice came out dry and strained.
"Mr. Tang… Long time no see."
Tang Song studied his former ‘rival.’
A man in his early thirties.
Handsome features, neatly parted hair, a leather document bag in hand.
Refined, elegant, well-mannered.
It was definitely him.
Among the many people Tang Song had encountered,
Wang Yunping was someone he would never forget.
Back then, at Yan Bin Lou Restaurant,
He had sat across from Wang Yunping and Xie Shuyu.
They had talked about—
Investments and finance.
Supply chains and business innovation.
Coffee beans, luxury goods, and art.
Wang Yunping had been calm, articulate, and well-informed.
His elegant demeanor and extensive knowledge had left a deep impression.
To Tang Song, that encounter had been a crushing setback.
It had completely disrupted his plan to change Xie Shuyu’s impression of him.
Back then, Wang Yunping had looked at him critically.
He had said things that weren’t exactly pleasant to hear.
But—
That same night, he had unintentionally triggered a mission—
【Cognitive Awakening】.
Now, as he stood before Wang Yunping once again,
Tang Song felt only the slightest ripple of emotion.
It wasn’t resentment.
Nor was it hostility.
Instead, it was a moment of realization.
A clear understanding of just how much he had changed.
How far he had come.
The Tang Song of the past had struggled to find footing in these conversations.
The Tang Song of today had become the owner of a luxury hotel, a major investor, a man of wealth and power.
Looking at Wang Yunping now—
Tang Song felt nothing but quiet confidence.