novelraw Chapter 489: Xiaoxue: No Way! Absolutely No Way!
Chapter 489: Xiaoxue: No Way! Absolutely No Way!
Opening the system inventory, a shard glowing with a faint purple light quietly lay in the item bar.
Tang Song’s gaze flickered as he read the item description.
An interaction task with Su Yu?
Although he genuinely felt bad for the actress’s emotional breakdown, the appearance of this item gave him a legitimate reason to interact with her.
He just didn’t know if it would be real-world interaction.
Taking a deep breath, Tang Song suppressed the stirrings in his heart and selected 【Su Yu’s Emotional Fragment】, then used it immediately.
“Ding! Special item【Su Yu’s Emotional Fragment】has been used. Task is being generated…”
“Ding! You have triggered a character interaction task【Visit and Guest Role】. Please check the【Task Center】for details.”
【Task Details: Su Yu will soon be filming a new urban workplace drama, Beneath the Glamour, at the Modu Film Base. Please head to the Modu Film Base on October 4, 2023, visit Su Yu on set, and participate in the shoot as a ‘special guest actor.’ Complete a scene with Su Yu to help stabilize her emotions.】
【Task Reward: 1 Character Interaction Gift Pack】【Note 1: Interaction content is limited to system-defined scope.】
【Note 2: Interaction must take place at the filming location, within 3 days.】
【Note 3: Cannot directly or indirectly affect player charm points or task progress.】
After reading the task description, Tang Song’s eyes lit up, his heart thumping wildly.
Three days of interaction? On a filming set?
This wasn’t just a task—this was basically a perk!
Thinking of that ethereal and stunning actress, Tang Song’s heart burned with excitement.
Even though he wasn’t much of an actor, this was just a guest role. Even being a background extra would be fine.
As for comforting Su Yu—he was confident.
This actress had already been emotionally wrecked by his in-game persona. Last time at the concert, just showing up made her cry tears of joy. Let alone this time—with three whole days on set together.
Besides, he was already planning to go to Modu during the National Day holiday.
One reason was his date with Annie, and the other was to try triggering 【Feather of Memory】.
From what he remembered, in 2017, he’d been obsessed with the “celebrity management” side quest, and Su Yu was the person he interacted with the most—
Songs, scripts, variety shows...
Maybe this visit and guest role would help him recover some lost memories.
“President Tang! President Tang!”
A cheerful voice broke his train of thought.
Tang Song snapped back to reality and looked to his side.
A few female colleagues from the branding department had gathered, faces flushed with excitement.
“Boss, can I take a picture with you?” Sun Yixuan was the first to speak, eyes full of anticipation.
“President Tang, I’m a big fan of yours too! I want a photo!”
Since Tang Song was also acting as the department head, he interacted with the branding team the most, and the atmosphere between them had always been more relaxed.
Amidst the excited chatter, he spotted a shy, nervous-looking Cheng Qiuqiu.
She seemed to have been dragged along by her coworkers, her face slightly pink.
“Sure, let’s do it.” Tang Song stood in place with a warm smile.
One by one, the female coworkers came up for photos. Some bolder ones even clung to his arm, giggling wildly.
Click click— the camera shutters went off repeatedly.
“President Tang is so handsome!” Sun Yixuan made a peace sign after the photo and called out,
“Qiuqiu, your turn! Come on, or you’ll miss your chance! Haha!”
Another colleague gave Qiuqiu a gentle push.
She stepped forward slowly, standing to Tang Song’s right, eyes lowered, fingers playing nervously with her hair.
As Tang Song turned toward her, he caught a faint scent from her body—cool and crisp, like early winter morning dew.
His gaze unintentionally swept over the top of her head.
【Under cultivation... 97%...】(Not yet sprouted)
Just overnight, the progress had increased another 7%. It was just a sliver away from sprouting.
If his earlier estimate was right, it would definitely happen tonight.
“I’ll take the photo! Quick, strike a pose!” Sun Yixuan urged teasingly.
Qiuqiu nervously pinched the edge of her shirt and took a tiny step closer to Tang Song, so small it was barely noticeable.
Tang Song chuckled softly, then casually wrapped an arm around her shoulder and smiled brightly at the camera.
“Ahh! President Tang is playing favorites!” Sun Yixuan cried in mock protest.
“No way, I want a retake!”
Click click—click— more shutter sounds echoed, along with laughter and banter.
Qiuqiu’s body stiffened slightly, her head spinning like the world was spinning with it.
It wasn’t until Tang Song’s warm hand left her shoulder that she started to regain her senses.
She turned her head slightly, sneaking a glance at Tang Song’s profile, then quietly slipped away from the group.
Pulling out her phone, she saw that the group chat had already filled with the recent photos.
Looking at the picture of her standing so close to him, Qiuqiu’s cheeks flushed redder and redder.
She stared in a daze for quite a while.
Bzz bzz bzz—
Her phone vibrated violently.
[Xu An]
She picked up and spoke softly,
“Hello? Xu An.”
“Qiuqiu, are you still busy over there? I'm going to get sushi with some friends at noon—want to join?”
Qiuqiu answered quietly, “No need. You guys go ahead. I’m doing team building with my coworkers at Shanhaiguan. I’ll come find you tonight.”
“Ah, alright.”
Xu An paused, then added,
“By the way, I sent the address on WeChat. It’s been forever since we sang together—haha, I’m practically a semi-pro now. Let’s do a little duet when we meet.”
“Okay, sounds good.”
“Alright then, see you later. Don’t be late.”
After hanging up, Qiuqiu glanced at the earlier WeChat message.
[Xu An: Xinghai Music Lounge .map]
She’d been so distracted by the photos earlier that she hadn’t even noticed.
Thinking for a moment, she looked at her senior, who was busy introducing scenic spots to the others, and walked over quickly.
“President Gao.”
“What’s up, Qiuqiu?” Gao Mengting turned with a sunny smile.
“About that thing we discussed—the live stream and filming at the location—Xu An said he’d bring his friends tonight. Do you want to come too?”
Gao Mengting ruffled her hair and said,
“Sure. Wushan’s a bit messy at night. I’d be worried if a pretty girl like you went alone.”
“Thanks, President Gao.”
“Come on, what are you thanking me for? If anything, I should be thanking you on behalf of the company.”
Gao Mengting smiled.
“If this works out, I’ll tell President Tang and ask him to give you a bonus.”
Qiuqiu pressed her lips together, a little embarrassed.
They chatted a bit more, then Gao Mengting took Qiuqiu by the hand and headed deeper into the scenic area with the rest of the team.
Langfeng International Luxury Residence.
In the softly lit, dazzling walk-in closet—
Lin Muxue stood in the center, wearing nothing but a simple set of underwear. Her long legs and slender waist were fully reflected in the mirror.
Her fingers slid over rows of hanging clothes before finally stopping on a light blue striped professional suit.
“This is it!” Lin Muxue snapped her fingers, quickly took down the outfit, and got dressed.
She spun once in front of the mirror, a satisfied smile blooming on her face.
The fitted blazer was sharply tailored, cinched slightly at the waist, making her look both capable and feminine.
The high-waisted wide-leg pants flowed gracefully, giving her a powerful presence with every step she took.
It looked formal without being stiff—and highlighted her tall, sexy figure.
“Perfect!” She gave a victory sign to the mirror, eyes sparkling with confidence.
Then she sat at the vanity, began doing her makeup, and selected some accessories.
She was about to meet Su Yu.
That Su-Empress had been pressing down on her for a long time—and every time she thought about it, she could feel the pressure.
She had to face this ultimate test in her best form, both mentally and physically.
In fact, the moment she saw “Beneficiary—Su Yu” on the trust document in the Juqing Huijin office, she’d started mentally preparing for this meeting.
Sure, she was still a little intimidated—but she wasn’t panicking.
As long as she got through this, she and Qianqian could continue to stay by Tang Song’s side peacefully.
Thinking of her beloved President Tang, Lin Muxue bit her lip and gave herself a pep talk.
Whether Su Yu came to suppress or humiliate them, or simply to assert ownership and presence—she was going to face it head-on.
Next, Lin Muxue pulled out a black-and-silver Hermès Birkin 30—the same model Su Yu had gifted to Qianqian back when they were in the capital. She had bought one herself.
Carrying this bag might earn her a bit of initial favor.
Picking up the bag, then choosing a pair of black pointed high heels, Lin Muxue stood before the mirror, flipping her hair, her eyes calm and confident.
She muttered dramatically, “September 24, 2023—Empress Muxue challenges Empress Su. May the stars fall, and heaven and earth crumble…”
Grabbing her car keys, she sashayed out the door, hips swaying.
Soon, a matte-gray Porsche 911 pulled out of the underground garage.
——
Building 6, Yanjing Huating.
Ding-dong—ding-dong—
The doorbell rang. Seconds later, the door was pulled open.
“Xiaoxue, you’re here! Come in!” Zhao Yaqian grabbed her arm, face full of joy.
Inside the living room, the two sat down on the sofa.
Zhao Yaqian asked a bit nervously, “Xiaoxue, what do you think she came to Yancheng for? What does she want?”
Though Su Yu had sounded friendly during their calls, the identity of “Tang Song’s official girlfriend” had shaken her deeply.
She’d always comforted herself with the fact that she was Tang Song’s first love, his first woman.
But now, a “Smiling Girl” suddenly appeared—someone who’d known Tang Song for a long time—and it gave her a ton of pressure.
Lin Muxue gently patted the beautician’s back, her tone warm but firm. “Qianqian, let me ask you first—do you trust Tang Song?”
“Mhm!” Zhao Yaqian nodded firmly, eyes full of deep affection.
“Good.” Lin Muxue smiled, rubbing her hair. “As long as he still loves you, nothing else matters. You’re not trying to fight her for some ‘main wife’ position. Just stay respectful and polite. If possible, try to get along with her.”
Zhao Yaqian exhaled, but her brows still furrowed. “I get what you mean, it’s just… I don’t know what to say to her, or what kind of person she is. That’s what worries me.”
“Don’t worry.” Lin Muxue stood up, her gaze confident. “I’ll be right there in front of you. I won’t let anyone bully you.”
She had come this far with Tang Song thanks to the opportunity the beautician had once given her.
Now it was time for her to prove herself.
Hearing her bestie’s words, the beautician was instantly overwhelmed with emotion. She jumped up, gave Xiaoxue a tight hug, and kissed her on the cheek a few times. “Thank you, babe.”
The two of them hugged for a good while—sisterhood at its peak.
Lin Muxue gave her a couple gentle pats on the back, then stepped back and glanced at her outfit. Her brows furrowed slightly. “Qianqian, this outfit won’t do. It’s too soft. You’ll get totally steamrolled the moment you walk in.”
“Then what should I wear?”
Zhao Yaqian’s outfit—Chanel’s latest fall collection—had been picked out after lots of internal debate.
“Let me help you!” Lin Muxue dragged her into the master bedroom’s walk-in closet and began styling her from head to toe.
More than half an hour later—
Zhao Yaqian stood in front of the mirror in a sleek professional outfit, beaming. “This looks great. Thanks, Xiaoxue!”
A dark pencil skirt paired with nude stockings made her shapely legs even more eye-catching.
Her bold, refined makeup, combined with her naturally striking features, sheer stockings, and a blazer draped over her shoulders—made her look tall, elegant, and stunning.
She looked just like one of those confident brand owners you see online.
——
10:30 AM, outside TC Private Club in Chang’an District.
A powerful-looking Mercedes G63 came to a steady stop.
The car door opened, and two graceful, sexy figures stepped out.
They stood in front of the club, looking up at the quiet and refined private villa.
Zhao Yaqian instinctively grabbed Lin Muxue’s arm, her fingertips slightly cold.
“Don’t be nervous. I’m here.” Lin Muxue patted her hand casually.
Feeling Xiaoxue’s composure, Zhao Yaqian relaxed a bit too, softly saying,
“You were with me the first time I went to Juqing Huijin. If it weren’t for you back then, I definitely would’ve embarrassed myself. Thank you, Xiaoxue.”
“Heh, it wasn’t that big a deal.” Lin Muxue’s eye twitched slightly, her expression a little awkward.
Back when she had just met the beautician, she went along thinking she’d be the one to back her up—
But when they actually got there, the atmosphere nearly scared her sh*tless.
Ah, memories best left buried...
Luckily, after a few months of growth, she was no longer that fake socialite.
Now she was the assistant to the CEO of Rongliu Capital, and an in-progress MBA student at Imperial College. She had the qualifications and the confidence.
Even if the other person was Su Yu!
“Come on, Qianqian, let’s go in!”
At the reception, after Lin Muxue gave her name, the club’s female manager—dressed in a suit—immediately broke into a bright smile and warmly led them to the elevator, taking them straight to the 3rd floor.
The elevator doors opened to reveal a wide, luxurious hallway.
The manager turned slightly and made a polite gesture, guiding them to the business meeting room.
“Ladies, the distinguished guest is waiting in the tea room. Please, go on in.”
She bowed slightly, then turned and left softly.
Standing before the tea room door, Zhao Yaqian took a deep breath and reached for the handle.
Just as she was about to push it open, her wrist was suddenly grabbed by Lin Muxue.
“Qianqian, no matter who you see inside—don’t freak out.” Lin Muxue’s eyes were bright and steady, her tone tinged with seriousness. “Stay calm. What you’re facing now is your man’s other woman. Forget her identity—see through to the essence.”
Up until this point, she still hadn’t revealed anything to Zhao Yaqian about Su Yu.
After all, the trust at Juqing Huijin required absolute confidentiality.
As Tang Song’s assistant, she couldn’t disclose it casually.
But still, the meeting was happening today.
All Lin Muxue could hope for was that Zhao Yaqian would stay calm, not be looked down on, and—most importantly—not get overwhelmed by the other party’s presence.
“I got this, Xiaoxue!” Zhao Yaqian gave her a reassuring look and a faint smile.
Lin Muxue slowly released her hand, straightened up, lifted her chin, and met the front with a confident smile.
Now online: “Lin, financial elite · fashion queen · Empress Muxue.”
“Me~da!”
The door handle was pressed down, and the door to the tea lounge slowly opened.
A faint aroma of tea wafted out.
The first thing they saw was a woman making tea.
She wore a simple business outfit, her movements light and skilled. Though her looks weren’t especially stunning, her every gesture exuded calm elegance and remarkable poise.
A bottle of roses was placed on the tea table.
However, both Zhao Yaqian and Lin Muxue’s gazes were quickly drawn to another figure—
A woman standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, with her back to them.
She wore a pale traditional-style outfit. The hem draped softly, flowing like water, outlining her perfectly proportioned figure.
Her brown hair was pinned up with a wooden hairpin, revealing her fair, slender neck.
She looked ethereal, like mist or drifting clouds.
The moment they saw that back figure, both Zhao Yaqian and Lin Muxue subconsciously held their breath.
But their expressions were completely different.
Zhao Yaqian was nervous but relatively composed, her gaze carrying a hint of curiosity and reverence.
Lin Muxue, on the other hand, was utterly stunned—her eyes wide in disbelief, like she was seeing something unimaginable.
(°H%)
She had attended Su Yu’s concerts, seen countless of her photo shoots—she could easily tell.
This woman in front of them wasn’t Su Yu.
The aura and vibe were completely different.
But... how could that be?!
Su Yu wasn’t Tang Song’s official girlfriend?
In her understanding, there were only three beneficiaries of Juqing Huijin: Zhao Yaqian, Wen Ruan, and Su Yu.
These three women should’ve been the most important in Tang Song’s heart.
And Su Yu, as a top-tier celebrity and billionaire, no matter how you looked at it, should be the "official girlfriend."
But then... who was this woman?
Why was she here?
Could it be... Su Yu wasn’t Tang Song’s official girlfriend?
“Thump-thump, thump-thump—”
Her heartbeat pounded in her ears like war drums.
This was completely beyond anything Lin Muxue had anticipated. Her breathing turned ragged.
Just then, the woman by the window seemed to sense the presence behind her and slowly turned around. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel✶fire.net
A breathtakingly beautiful face gradually came into view.
Unlike Su Yu’s cold, otherworldly beauty, this woman’s features weren’t aggressive in the slightest, yet she carried an indescribable nobility.
Her gaze was calm and profound, full of spirit.
“Qianqian, Muxue—hello. Welcome.”
Her voice was like a mountain stream, with a touch of chill, yet surprisingly soothing.
Hearing that familiar voice, Zhao Yaqian pressed her lips together tightly and said softly,
“Hello, Sister Smile. It’s such a pleasure to meet you. You’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”
Secretary Jin gave a gentle smile, her brows filled with warmth. “Thank you for the compliment, Qianqian.”
Zhao Yaqian looked up, gathered her courage just like Xiaoxue had coached her, and met the other woman’s eyes.
Before coming, she kept wondering—what kind of woman would qualify as Brother Song’s official girlfriend?
Now that she saw her in person, she realized—she was even more extraordinary than imagined.
In front of her, Zhao Yaqian couldn’t help but feel inferior.
It was an instinctive, subconscious reaction.
She finished saying the lines Xiaoxue had prepared and looked to her side, waiting for Xiaoxue to speak up.
And then she saw—an utterly flushed face.
Thud!
The sound echoed in the tea room as Lin Muxue’s treasured Hermès Birkin 30 slipped from her hand and hit the ground heavily.
Her body trembled slightly, eyes wide with disbelief, like her entire world had just shattered.
“Xiaoxue, what’s wrong?” Zhao Yaqian quickly grabbed her arm. “Are you okay?”
Lin Muxue’s lips parted slightly, but all that came out was a dazed murmur: “Abba abba…”
Jin… Jin Meixiao… Chairwoman Jin?!
No way! No f**king way!
Am I dreaming? That’s it! I have to be dreaming!
She bit down hard on the tip of her tongue—
The sharp, clear pain proved otherwise.
Oh. My. God. What in the actual h*ll is happening right now?!
A fine sheen of sweat beaded on Lin Muxue’s forehead. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the beautician.
“Xiaoxue, don’t scare me!” Zhao Yaqian hurriedly held her up, her voice panicked. “What’s happening to you?”
“Let her sit down first.”
That cool voice sounded again as Secretary Jin stepped into the center of the tea room, her tone calm and composed.
Zhao Yaqian froze for a moment, then quickly nodded. She gently patted Lin Muxue’s back, voice soft and comforting.
“Xiaoxue, it’s okay. Don’t be scared. Let’s sit down first, alright?”
She helped Lin Muxue slowly to the sofa.
Just as she was about to pick up the bag from the floor, she noticed that “Smile” had already bent down gracefully and picked up the Hermès Birkin 30—her movements smooth and elegant.
“Thank you, Sister Smile.”
“You’re welcome.”
Secretary Jin smiled and sat down across from them, gently setting the bag to the side.
Lin Tiantian, who had finished preparing the tea, rose slightly and poured a cup for each of the three women. Her motions were practiced and graceful.
Zhao Yaqian thanked her, then gently comforted the girl beside her, “Don’t be scared, I’m here.”
She could tell something was very off with her bestie—
Clearly, she’d been scared stiff.
But the environment here was perfectly safe, and Sister Smile was beautiful beyond belief—she didn’t look scary at all.
This reaction… it was more like she’d seen a ghost.
Secretary Jin quietly observed the whole scene, a flicker of complicated emotion in her eyes.
She picked up her teacup, sipped lightly, and said calmly,
“Assistant Lin, if you’re not feeling well, you may leave and rest. We can talk another day.”
Hearing her voice, Lin Muxue snapped out of it.
She lifted her head and looked directly at that breathtaking face, her voice trembling,
“Chair… Chairwoman Jin…”
“That’s me.”
“Hhisss—”
Lin Muxue’s hand instinctively tightened around Zhao Yaqian’s, as if seeking comfort and support.
Her lips trembled. “Hello, um… I’m… Lin Muxue… it’s an honor to meet you…”
Her words were all jumbled, and her accent was slipping into her native Shaanxi dialect.
Hearing the exchange, Zhao Yaqian finally started to catch on.
“Xiaoxue… you know Sister Smile?”
“Know her? Of course I know her.”
Lin Muxue’s voice was full of disbelief and confusion.
Jin Meixiao—the legendary name—how could she not know?
Founder of Smile Holdings. Richest woman in the world.
2018 Entrepreneur of the Year. One of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Featured on the cover of Forbes…
Any one of those titles was enough to be awe-inspiring.
Qin Yingxue and Shangguan Qiuya were just her assistants.
Lin Muxue had even copied her outfits before to boost her own fashion game.
She had never imagined that the other party would appear before her in this way.
“Please, have some tea.” Secretary Jin gently brushed the cuff of her right sleeve with her left hand, her posture graceful as she gestured for the two of them to drink. Her tone was warm, but carried an unspoken pressure.
“Thank you, Chairwoman Jin.”
Lin Muxue mechanically lifted her teacup and took a small sip.
The tea room fell into silence once more, with only the faint aroma of tea lingering in the air.
One cup of tea, finished.
Lin Muxue’s emotions gradually settled, and her mind began to function again.
Then, a few thoughts started to drift through her head.
Tang Song knew Shangguan Qiuya and Qin Yingxue well, so it made perfect sense that he’d also know Chairwoman Jin.
The Tang-Jin family office was one of the shareholders in Rongliu Capital.
Could it be... Chairwoman Jin was playing a prank on them?
“Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Jin Meixiao,” Secretary Jin said, pausing slightly before smiling at Zhao Yaqian. “Of course, you can still call me ‘Smile,’ if you prefer.”
Hearing that name, Zhao Yaqian vaguely felt it sounded familiar, but didn’t think much of it. “Nice to meet you, Sister Smile.”
“Chairwoman Jin...” Lin Muxue forced herself to speak, her voice dry and awkward. “What... what exactly is your relationship with President Tang?”
Secretary Jin didn’t answer directly. Instead, she asked in a lighter tone, “Don’t you find my outfit... a little familiar?”
Outfit?
Only then did Lin Muxue and Zhao Yaqian focus on the traditional-style outfit she was wearing. They paused for a second—and then the memory hit them.
This outfit... was almost identical to the one Tang Song wore on Qixi Festival!
It was basically...
“Couple’s outfits?!” Lin Muxue blurted out.
Secretary Jin let out a soft “Mm,” the corners of her lips lifting in a subtle, proud smile.
Then, she casually pointed at the bouquet of roses on the tea table and added lightly, “He gave those to me this morning.”
At those words, the last glimmer of hope in Lin Muxue’s heart completely died.
Everything she thought she knew—shattered.