novelraw Chapter 452: The Crossing Paths of Us
Chapter 452: The Crossing Paths of Us
Yansheng Financial Center, Tower A.
The overcast sky loomed over Yan City, heavy clouds pressing low.
Lin Muxue sat anxiously in her office, her gaze repeatedly flicking to her watch.
On the desk sat a cup of now-cold Americano, beside an open document densely marked with her English notes.
The time neared 2:00 PM.
"Ring ring—" Her phone rang.
【Liu Jiayi】
She answered immediately, her voice steady and clear, “Hello? Jiayi.”
“Mhm, alright, I’m coming down now. Bye.”
Hanging up, Lin Muxue twisted her body excitedly, closed the document, and stood up.She tidied her outfit and hair in front of the vanity mirror, grabbed her Hermès Birkin bag from the desk, picked up the elegantly designed pick-up sign, and walked out of the office with light steps.
"Click-clack, click-clack—" Her high heels struck a crisp rhythm against the floor.
Along the way, she smiled and bid farewell to colleagues, then took the elevator straight down to the underground parking lot.
As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, her heartbeat quickened.
Her gaze locked onto the black Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The majestic car body exuded a subdued sheen under the lights.
Tall and poised, Liu Jiayi stood there, meeting her gaze steadily and giving a slight nod. “Assistant Lin.”
“Good afternoon, Jiayi. Thank you for your hard work.”
"Click—" Liu Jiayi took the initiative to open the rear door for her.
Lin Muxue took a deep breath, feeling slightly flattered. She quickly quickened her steps, murmured a “thank you,” and bent down to take her seat.
A faint scent of leather and high-end fragrance filled her nose, soothing and pleasant.
In her impression, Liu Jiayi had always been cold and reserved. This was the first time she had proactively opened the door for her.
Perhaps it was because she had now evolved into "Tang Song’s Chief Assistant."
At the thought, admiration flashed in Lin Muxue’s eyes—Very good, Xiao Liu. Your performance is commendable. If there's a chance for a raise, I’ll put in a good word for you.
The car smoothly pulled out of the parking lot, merging into the overcast and bustling traffic of Yan City.
Feeling the luxury of the interior and occasionally catching envious, respectful gazes from pedestrians, Lin Muxue leaned back against the seat, crossed her legs slightly, and secretly took a few selfies.
As a seasoned "photo pro," her selfies were always skillful—each one capturing the Rolls-Royce Phantom’s interior, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas on her wrist, and her Hermès Birkin bag.
She selected a photo, posted it on her Moments, set the privacy settings, and captioned it:
"Every step of hard work is for meeting a better version of myself."
The moment she posted it, likes and comments flooded in—this was the standard treatment for a popular woman.
【"Muxue, your aura is incredible!"】
【"Rolls-Royce, Vacheron Constantin, and Hermès—this really is the world of the wealthy~"】
【"Muxue, are you free sometime soon?"】
As she scrolled through short videos, she occasionally refreshed her Moments, basking in the flattery and feeling even better.
At 3:45 PM, the car pulled into the VIP parking lot of Yan City International Airport.
“Assistant Lin, we’ve arrived. I’ll be waiting for you at the arrival exit.”
“Alright, thank you, Jiayi. Bye.”
The VIP passage’s glass doors silently slid open.
Her reflection was cast on the mirrored walls flanking the passage. Lin Muxue deliberately slowed her steps, adjusted her posture, and maintained her best state.
Walking into the bright and polished atrium, waves of eager gazes quickly locked onto her.
Lin Muxue lifted her chin slightly, taking elegant strides into the VIP arrival hall.
Checking the time, she sent a message to Zheng Qiudong: "Chairman Zheng, I’ve arrived at the airport."
Then, she updated Tang Song before taking a seat in the lounge, quietly waiting.
After waiting for over half an hour, she walked over to the VIP pick-up entrance when she saw that the time was about right.
Suddenly, a surprised voice called out from ahead—
"Muxue?"
Lin Muxue turned toward the voice, smiling. “Supervisor Guo, long time no see.”
It was Guo Wenlei, her former superior at Rongxin Venture Capital. Since resigning, this was their first time meeting again.
Her brow arched slightly.
Standing beside Guo Wenlei was a man—Gu Cheng, an investment manager she had once been on good terms with.
Seeing Lin Muxue after so long, Gu Cheng’s eyes lit up with intense brilliance.
A fitted white blazer paired with a black pencil skirt accentuated her graceful curves.
Her sleekly clipped-up hair framed a delicate and defined face, her light makeup unable to hide her striking beauty.
Her earrings and necklace shimmered under the lights, and every movement exuded effortless elegance and charm.
Back then, Lin Muxue’s interactions with Tang Song in front of him had crushed his self-esteem.
Pride kept him from ever reaching out to her again.
He never expected that upon meeting again, she would be this stunning.
If there had once been an air of deliberate refinement about her, now she was like a "high mountain flower" untouched by the world, naturally exuding sophistication and allure.
Guo Wenlei sighed as she observed this now unfamiliar yet familiar Lin Muxue. “Honestly, if Gu Cheng hadn’t pointed you out just now, I almost wouldn’t have recognized you. You’ve changed so much—you’ve only gotten better.”
“Hehe, thank you for the compliment, Supervisor Guo.” Lin Muxue smiled.
Gu Cheng stepped forward half a step, putting on a gentlemanly smile. “It’s been a while, Muxue. How have you been?”
“Pretty good.” Lin Muxue’s response was flat and indifferent.
Gu Cheng kept his tone light and casual, “Are you here to pick someone up too? A client?”
“Mhm.” Lin Muxue casually pointed at the bold "Arrival Pick-Up" sign.
Her distant demeanor made Gu Cheng’s smile falter slightly, discomfort welling up inside.
Back at the company, he had been the male colleague closest to her, and their relationship had always been good.
She used to call him “Brother Gu” all the time.
Yet now, she was treating him so coldly.
Remembering how Tang Song had once provoked him, Gu Cheng furrowed his brows and decided not to keep forcing warmth where it wasn’t returned.
Lin Muxue, unconcerned with his reaction, turned to chat with Guo Wenlei about the recent changes in the administrative department.
Rongxin Venture Capital had been her first job after graduating from university, so her memories of it were particularly vivid.
She also learned that Guo Wenlei and Gu Cheng were here to pick up someone just as important—
The head of Risk Control for Ping An Bank’s Corporate Finance Division, accompanied by the company’s Vice President of Investment, Xiong Yan Feng.
Rongxin Venture Capital had been developing exceptionally well. With support from the local government, they were planning to collaborate with Ping An Bank to launch a low-risk credit product tailored for small and micro enterprises.
During their conversation, Guo Wenlei kept sighing in admiration. Her gaze toward Lin Muxue grew increasingly complex.
She had always admired Lin Muxue as a subordinate—she had the looks, the communication skills, and the ability to adapt.
However, this time, her demeanor, composure, and presence made her seem like a completely different person.
After a moment, an airport staff member approached to inform them that the flight was about to land.
Lin Muxue ended the conversation and adjusted the pick-up sign to face the exit.
A few minutes later, passengers started emerging from the passageway.
Her eyes flickered slightly as she spotted Vice President Xiong Yanfeng. Beside him was a middle-aged man dressed in a sharp suit.
Xiong Yanfeng was essentially the second-in-command at Rongxin Venture Capital, second only to the chairman and President Li Xinguo in authority within the company.
Lin Muxue had worked there for over a year, albeit as a regular front desk receptionist. Seeing this high-ranking executive in person again, she still felt a slight sense of reverence.
But that feeling was fleeting.
Guo Wenlei and Gu Cheng immediately stepped forward:
"Vice President Xiong."
"Vice President Xiong."
"President Zhao, welcome to Yan City. I'm Guo Wenlei from Rongxin Venture Capital."
"President Zhao, welcome. I'm Gu Cheng from Rongxin Venture Capital."
"Hello, both of you. I'm Zhao Yuan."
The group exchanged pleasantries.
Xiong Yanfeng then noticed Lin Muxue standing off to the side. He raised an eyebrow. "Wenlei, isn’t this Xiao Lin from your department? I remember she left the company."
As a receptionist, Lin Muxue had been quite well-known at Rongxin Venture Capital.
After all, she was the first person everyone saw upon arriving at the office each day. Even the higher-ups had a strong impression of this beautiful and striking front desk employee.
Guo Wenlei quickly explained, "Yes, we just happened to run into her here."
Lin Muxue confidently met Xiong Yanfeng's gaze and greeted him naturally, "Hello, Vice President Xiong."
"Hello, Xiao Lin." Xiong Yanfeng chuckled casually.
Lin Muxue raised an eyebrow.
Oh, Old Xiong, you really dare to call me ‘Xiao Lin’?
I’ll have to give you a reality check sometime—let you see the rank of ‘Muxue the Great’ as the Chief Assistant of Confluent Capital!
Just then, Zhao Yuan suddenly spoke up, "Oh?! You're here to pick up Mr. Zheng?"
Xiong Yanfeng finally noticed the pick-up sign in her hand and was surprised. "Chairman Zheng?"
They had flown in from Yang City on the same business class flight as Zheng Qiudong.
Although Xiong Yanfeng didn't know him personally, as a mid-to-senior-level executive at Ping An Bank, Zhao Yuan did. He had exchanged a brief greeting with him on the plane.
He hadn’t expected that Lin Muxue was here to pick up Zheng Qiudong.
Guo Wenlei and Gu Cheng glanced at the pick-up sign in her hand, momentarily stunned.
Gu Cheng blurted out, "Zheng Qiudong from Deju Renhe?"
"Mhm, that's right." Lin Muxue smiled subtly, though inside her pointed-toe high heels, her toes couldn't help but move slightly.
This is the power of reputation.
Just a name alone could make these people’s attitudes shift dramatically.
At that moment, Lin Muxue's eyes brightened as she raised the pick-up sign higher.
At the VIP passage’s corner, Zheng Qiudong appeared.
Dressed in a meticulously tailored navy-blue bespoke suit, his shoulders were structured, and his waist was neatly fitted, accentuating his already tall and lean frame.
His chiseled features exuded a sharp, dignified presence.
His hair was impeccably groomed, and faint silver strands at his temples didn’t age him—instead, they added a mature, steady charm.
Compared to the online images of him, the real-life Zheng Qiudong was far more striking. His aura was commanding, radiating the confidence of someone in control.
Yet, for some reason, Lin Muxue found him strangely familiar.
There weren’t many people in the VIP passage.
Their eyes naturally met.
Lin Muxue took a deep breath, smiled, and stepped forward. "Chairman Zheng, good afternoon. I'm Lin Muxue. Welcome to Yan City."
Zheng Qiudong's gaze swept around her surroundings before a faint, enigmatic smile appeared on his face. "Pleasure to meet you, President Lin. I appreciate you coming to pick me up personally."
The moment he said "President Lin," shock registered on the faces of Xiong Yanfeng, Guo Wenlei, and the others. Their expressions completely changed as they looked at Lin Muxue with newfound astonishment.
This was Zheng Qiudong! And he was speaking to Lin Muxue with such respect?
"Hiss—" A shiver ran through Lin Muxue, sending goosebumps across her skin.
Damn, this was exhilarating. It practically sent her soul soaring. This update is available on nοvelfire.net
Her impression of Zheng Qiudong skyrocketed in an instant.
No wonder he built Deju Renhe into such a powerhouse!
His emotional intelligence, his manner of handling people—truly impeccable!
As the Chief Assistant of Confluent Capital, it wasn’t unusual for people to occasionally address her as “President Lin” in private.
But for someone of Zheng Qiudong’s stature to call her that—it was definitely elevating her status.
"You're too kind, Chairman Zheng. It's my honor to pick you up." Lin Muxue responded with a gentle smile, her tone carrying the perfect balance of humility and confidence.
Zheng Qiudong smiled slightly and nodded, then politely greeted Xiong Yanfeng and Zhao Yuan.
As the group chatted, they walked out of the VIP passage.
A black Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly approached and came to a smooth stop.
The door opened, and Liu Jiayi swiftly stepped out. She first secured Zheng Qiudong’s luggage before gracefully pulling open the rear door.
Lin Muxue softly said, "Chairman Zheng, please get in."
"Thank you." Zheng Qiudong bent down and took his seat.
Lin Muxue slightly turned her head, nodded a farewell to her "former colleagues," and elegantly stepped into the other side of the car.
As the Rolls-Royce Phantom gradually pulled away, Xiong Yanfeng and Guo Wenlei quickly collected themselves and led Zhao Yuan toward their business vehicle.
Gu Cheng, however, seemed stuck in place, his mind still lingering on Lin Muxue. A fire burned within him.
He had seriously underestimated this “rich and beautiful” former colleague.
Her aloof attitude earlier—now it made perfect sense.
She had every right to be confident.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he pulled out his phone, searched for Lin Muxue’s contact, and opened the chat window.
After carefully choosing his words, he typed:
"Muxue, are you still working at Slover Trust?"
But before he could send it, a bright red notification popped up:
"Luna has enabled friend verification. You are not yet their friend. Please send a verification request first..."
Gu Cheng’s face instantly darkened.
Inside the luxurious car cabin.
Zheng Qiudong glanced at Liu Jiayi in the driver’s seat and smiled. "Assistant Liu, long time no see."
"Long time no see, Chairman Zheng."
Leaning back into the plush seat, Zheng Qiudong spoke casually, "Shangguan has already arrived in Yan City. Have you two met yet?"
"Oh?" Liu Jiayi’s voice carried a subtle undertone. "She didn’t tell me about that."
"Haha, then that’s on her. Clearly, she doesn’t consider you a real friend. I suggest giving her a good scolding when you see her."
A hint of teasing colored his voice by the end.
Seated beside them, Lin Muxue stared blankly at their exchange, surprised to find that they knew each other.
And seemingly very well.
Also—who was this Shangguan?
But since she wasn’t particularly familiar with either of them, she didn’t feel comfortable asking.
At that moment, Zheng Qiudong suddenly turned his head, his gaze bright as he studied her.
Lin Muxue instinctively straightened her posture and flashed a bright smile.
Zheng Qiudong’s lips curved up slightly. “Muxue, how has President Tang been lately?”
“He’s doing well!”
“Come to think of it, I haven’t seen him in nearly a year. I truly miss him.” Zheng Qiudong shook his head with a sigh.
In reality, this trip to Yan City had been his own initiative.
Tang Song had only passed on a message through Lin Bai regarding the HR plan for Huashang Fashion.
Under normal circumstances, two professional headhunting teams would have been enough to handle it.
But he couldn't wait any longer. Deju Renhe was at a critical juncture, and his vision for the company was diverging from Director Jin’s.
Even though he had followed Shangguan Qiuya’s advice and submitted the acquisition proposal on Qixi Festival, it was still ruthlessly rejected.
Director Jin had given many business-related reasons, but his instincts told him that the real reason for the resistance was because he had helped Su Yu deal with Xingyun International Group, Light and Shadow Media, and Wen Ruan.
His ambition and desire wouldn’t allow him to stop. He needed Tang Song’s support.
After all, he had taken the fall for helping his woman.
The car steadily approached the city center.
Lin Muxue maintained her composed elegance, exchanging small talk with Zheng Qiudong.
For the most part, he was the one asking about Tang Song.
Huayun Center, Tower B – Light and Shadow Media
“In three days, my team will present you with an initial plan. If there are any issues, we can discuss them anytime.”
“Director Wang, rest assured, for Light and Shadow Media, quality always comes first.”
“Alright, understood. Goodbye.”
Hanging up the call, Wen Ruan let out a soft sigh, leaning back into her leather chair.
Her fingers idly brushed the leaves of the small green plant at the edge of her desk.
After a moment, her eyes narrowed slightly, and a faint, unreadable smile appeared on her lips.
She picked up her phone, tapped on Tang Song’s WeChat profile picture, and typed swiftly:
“Mr. Tang, did you miss me today?”
"Chew, chew, chew—"
【Tang Song: ‘Is it you who missed me, sister?’】
Wen Ruan smirked mischievously, her fingers gliding swiftly across the screen.
“Of course I did. I just finished work, and I’m burning up. I need you to personally cool me down. Come to my office now—I’ve got something good for you to eat.”
Then, she unfastened a button, loosening the collar of her blazer to reveal the deep curve beneath.
She snapped a photo and sent it over immediately.
Tang Song still owed her three favors from their last unexpected encounter with Xie Shuyu, and up until now, he hadn’t repaid even one.
Lately, teasing him had become her biggest source of amusement outside of work.
【Tang Song: helpless (sticker)】
【Tang Song: ‘I’m in a meeting right now, sister, don’t mess around.’】
Wen Ruan chuckled softly, her fingers flying across the screen.
“A meeting, huh? That sounds… thrilling. Want me to help you… stay awake? You know I’ve always been eager to lend a hand.”
After playfully teasing Tang Song for a bit, Wen Ruan felt particularly pleased with herself, her smile lingering.
Just then, a soft knock sounded on her office door.
“Come in.”
Wen Ruan immediately straightened up, her expression shifting back to her usual composed and professional demeanor.
The next moment, her assistant, Zhang Xintong, walked in briskly, holding a document in hand, her voice crisp and clear. “President Wen, the flight and hotel for Deep City have been arranged. Here’s the itinerary.”
“Alright.” Wen Ruan nodded, taking the document from her and flipping through it briefly.
Qingning Technology was set to unveil the latest generation of its large AI model, along with a new version of its AI search software, Qingmi.
She would be attending the launch event as a director of Xingyun International.
But more importantly, she was going to meet Liu Qingning.
Tang Song was still unaware of this.
Closing the document, Wen Ruan looked up at Zhang Xintong. “By the way, isn’t the International Fashion Expo’s opening event tomorrow?”
Zhang Xintong immediately responded, “Yes, President Wen. It’s a very important event, and I’ve already planned your itinerary.”
She then proceeded to go over the event details once again.
This expo was jointly hosted by the Provincial Department of Commerce, the Textile and Apparel Industry Association, and Meigou International Import & Export Trade, with co-sponsorship from the Yan City Government and the Yan Provincial International Trade Promotion Council.
Its purpose was to promote cross-border business within the province and drive technological upgrades in the industry.
Wen Ruan listened, then lightly hummed in acknowledgment. “Alright, I’ll attend in person tomorrow. Double-check all the details and make sure everything is flawless.”
As the leading company in local advertising and media, Light and Shadow Media was responsible for the event’s overall promotional strategy—including online and offline ad placements, media coverage, and social media campaigns.
This event presented a tremendous opportunity for Light and Shadow Media.
It would allow them to connect with numerous exhibiting brands—an excellent chance to acquire new clients.
The tires whispered against the pavement as the Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly rolled into the drop-off area of Lanfeng International Hotel.
Lin Muxue and Zheng Qiudong stepped out one after the other, walking into the hotel lobby with composed strides.
"President Lin."
"President Lin."
Employees around them paused their tasks, stepping forward to greet her proactively.
Lin Muxue acknowledged them with a slight nod, maintaining a confident and poised smile.
Accompanied by the hotel staff, they took the exclusive executive elevator upstairs.
As the elevator ascended smoothly, Lin Muxue glanced sideways at Zheng Qiudong, her gaze lingering slightly.
For some reason, he looked incredibly familiar.
As if… she had seen him in an elevator just like this before.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Muxue suddenly spoke. “Chairman Zheng, I have great admiration for you. Would it be alright if we took a photo together?”
Zheng Qiudong turned slightly toward her, then nodded without hesitation. “Of course.”
Lin Muxue quickly retrieved her phone from her handbag and opened the front camera.
Zheng Qiudong wore a warm smile, leaning in just enough to appear close while maintaining an appropriate distance—striking the perfect balance between friendliness and professionalism.
"Click—"
The camera shutter sounded, capturing their photo together on the screen.
Lin Muxue let out a quiet breath, feeling an inexplicable sense of satisfaction—like she had just checked something off her wishlist.
"Ding—"
The elevator doors slid open on the 29th floor.
They stepped into the wide, well-lit hallway.
Zheng Qiudong suddenly turned his head. “By the way, Muxue, you’re attending the Yan Provincial International Fashion Expo tomorrow, correct?”
“Yes, that’s right.” Lin Muxue blinked, a slight hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
Zheng Qiudong smiled faintly, his gaze deep and unreadable. “I wish you the best of luck.”
Lin Muxue hesitated briefly, not quite understanding his meaning, but still responded with a polite “Thank you.”
Zheng Qiudong’s lips curved into a subtly meaningful smile, but he didn’t elaborate further.
His gaze seemed to extend beyond the corridor—toward something much further ahead.
Shangguan Qiuya’s arrival had already sent a clear signal.
It wouldn’t be long before Director Jin personally came to Yan City.
Tang Song’s personal assistant—this wasn’t just any ordinary position.
After all, this role had once been handled directly by Director Jin himself.