novelraw Chapter 528: Final Pride
Chapter 528: Final Pride
October 8, 2023, Sunday, Cloudy, High: 23°C.
8:00 AM.
Sunlight streamed gently onto her face through the gaps in the curtains.
Shen Yuyan slowly opened her eyes, a trace of lingering confusion and fatigue in her gaze.
Last night, she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
There was despair over Youjie Housekeeping’s collapse, hatred for her enemies, and an inexplicable fluttering in her heart for Tang Song.
All sorts of emotions churned and collided inside her like a turbulent undercurrent.
She got up and stood by the window, overlooking the bustling morning traffic of Magic City.
The sunlight filtered through the glass, outlining her slim waist and long legs, forming a soft silhouette in the morning light.
After spacing out for a bit, she turned and walked to the sink, leisurely putting on some light makeup.She deliberately applied a peach-colored glossy lip tint to create a “just woke up” kind of lazy vibe.
She returned to the bed, picked up her phone, opened the front camera, and carefully adjusted the angle and her expression.
Slightly messy hair, a dazed look in her eyes—perfectly capturing that accidental blend of sexiness and innocent allure.
“Ka-cha—” A carefully staged selfie was born.
She shared the photo with Tang Song and left a message: “(*√“)/) Good morning~ President Tang, a brand new day has begun!”
Shen Yuyan: “By the way, if there’s anything you need me to do, just let me know. I can’t wait to prove myself to you, President Tang. (#CoveringMouthLaugh)”
As soon as she sent the message, the smile on Shen Yuyan’s face quickly faded, replaced by silence.
Back to the home screen.
Just as she was about to text her bestie Qingqing, she saw a heated discussion going on in the high school class group.
Shen Yuyan hesitated for a moment, but clicked in anyway.
The first thing she saw was a flood of flattery.
【Thank you, boss.gif】
【“Thanks for the red packet, Yingying! Love you!”】
【“You guys probably didn’t notice, but Yingying’s wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels Charms watch. That’s 100K right there! Truly a successful woman!”】
Shen Yuyan scrolled up through the chat history, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Early in the morning, Ji Yingying had posted a photo in the group.
It was an interview feature from Investment World magazine, detailing her career experience and achievements, painting her as a young and capable modern urban professional and elite.
The classmates were full of admiration.
Not only that, she had sent a bunch of big red packets—over a hundred yuan per person on average.
In the group history, many people were @-ing her to come out and hand out more, most of them women.
Even though Shen Yuyan rarely checked the group these days and had it on Do Not Disturb, the snippets she caught still made her realize this former rival had long since left her in the dust.
At 26, Ji Yingying was head of investor relations at a listed company, with a million-yuan annual salary and a limitless future.
She was indeed very successful.
Looking at that vibrant face on the magazine cover, Shen Yuyan couldn’t suppress the jealousy bubbling up inside her.
Since middle school, she had always been the most dazzling girl—outshining her peers with looks, intelligence, and charm.
But now, people like Ji Yingying and Bai Menglin had all surpassed her.
And her? Starting a business was tough, capital was crushing her, and even her dignity was being ground down by reality.
“Bzzz bzzz bzzz—” A message popped up.
【Tang Song: “There’s nothing you need to do. Just prepare well for tonight’s event. I’m looking forward to seeing how you do.”】
Shen Yuyan clenched her fist tightly, a swirl of complex emotions rising in her chest.
She really couldn’t figure Tang Song out.
She had assumed that with her status as a former school beauty and her close friendship with Xu Qing, he’d at least feel something special toward her.
But in reality, he always treated her coolly, like he’d never truly had feelings.
Yet he was still willing to give her a chance, to bring her along to high-end banquets.
But tonight—for her—it was a chance to turn things around.
Only by making a lasting impression on Tang Song at Investors’ Night could she gain his recognition and appreciation,
and reverse her previous pitiful and desperate image.
Subconsciously, Shen Yuyan still fantasized about earning Tang Song’s help on equal footing.
She took a deep breath, eyes gleaming, and dialed her friend Qiu Sirou’s number.
“Hey, Sirou, are you back in Magic City yet?”
P&G’s employee benefits were great. Besides legal holidays, there were lots of paid vacation days, sick days, and flex time.
Qiu Sirou had taken advantage of the National Day holiday and added the weekend off—basically giving herself a long break. She’d gone on a road trip with her boyfriend.
“Packing now, heading back in a bit. Should be back around noon. What’s up, Yuyan? Something wrong?”
Shen Yuyan pressed her lips together, choosing her words: “I’m going to an important business event tonight. I forgot to bring my accessories. Can I borrow your clutch and watch?”
“Of course! No problem.” Qiu Sirou replied cheerfully. “I’ll drop them off this afternoon.”
“No, no, I’ll come get them from you.”
“It’s fine. I need to stop by the office to grab some documents anyway—totally on the way. And I brought you a gift while I was away. I was planning to come see you anyway.”
“Alright then, thanks, Sirou.”
“Come on girl, don’t be polite with me! Wait for my call. Bye~~”
“Bye.”
Hanging up, Shen Yuyan let out a long sigh.
Even though she was the CEO of a startup, she really didn’t have much savings.
The company had always been expanding, never paid dividends, and she hadn’t cashed out any shares. She only saved up 400K from her salary.
And most of that went to Xu Qing.
Her most expensive accessory was a pair of white mother-of-pearl butterfly earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels, gifted by a suitor.
The priciest clothes she bought were from Celine, a professional outfit she purchased after launching Youjie Housekeeping’s financing round—over 20K.
She had brought that outfit with her for the occasion.
That should’ve been enough, but thinking of Ji Yingying and Lin Muxue made her crave more.
Especially that so-called “natural-born show-off” Lin Muxue, as her bestie called her.
One day, she was going to crush her.
……
“Ding dong—” WeChat notification rang.
Tang Song picked up his phone and glanced at it, brows raising slightly.
【Shen Yuyan: “Then… if I perform well, is there any kind of reward?”】
He thought for a moment, then smiled and replied: “Of course there is.”
After sending the message, he shook his head with a smile, amused by her subtle flirtation.
He had to admit, once Campus Belle Shen turned on the charm, her seduction skills were top-notch.
After chatting a bit more with her,
Tang Song turned his attention back to the computer screen.
With “He Yiyi” going viral again, the whole Songmei Fashion was swamped.
As the CEO—and with it affecting his personal growth task—he couldn’t slack off.
Work had to get done.
During this time, his WeChat kept pinging.
Most of them were from the “Wings.”
Honestly, ever since he left Yancheng, his WeChat had been full of action.
Qianqian, Xiaoxue, Lingling—one after another sent him photos and messages daily.
Xiaojing would video call him every couple of days when the urge hit.
As for the Big Sis… she flirted with him every day.
“Bzzz bzzz—
【Wen Ruan: “You’re not around to help me scratch my itch. Might as well use my massage gun instead. (#StickingTongue)”】
Tang Song: “Just don’t use it too hard. I’m afraid you won’t be able to walk after.”
【Wen Ruan: “Heh, I’m not that weak. But you… you must’ve mastered the Tang-style horseback technique, right? I bet once you’re back in Yancheng, you’ll enter sage mode. Don’t forget to gift Big Sis some spell-casting tools—or else… I’m treating you to noodles!”】
Seeing that message, Tang Song’s expression turned a bit awkward.
Even though there was no actual horseback riding last night, he had definitely done something outrageous to the “stallion.”
She was still mad, hadn’t shown up all day.
But thinking about Annie’s moist and delicate face from last night, Tang Song felt the heat rising again.
He messaged Big Sis: “Zhuangzhuang, I wanna see a white and chubby ragdoll cat.”
【Wen Ruan: “Call me Big Sis!”】
Tang Song: “Big Sis.”
【Wen Ruan: Photo.jpg】
Tang Song opened it and was immediately disappointed. He quickly typed: “This cat’s not white enough! I want something even whiter!”
【Wen Ruan: “I’m in the conference room right now, listening to my employees give a PPT. What exactly do you want?”】
He flirted with Big Sis for a few more messages.
Tang Song opened the photo again and admired Big Sis’s peachy butt.
Truth be told, it was on par with Annie’s—both supported by firm glutes and super bouncy.
Unlike them, though, Junior Lingling was a naturally blessed type, with a wide pelvis and more fat distribution, giving her a soft, full, naturally drooping curve—classic “Big Yanzhao” potential.
His mind drifted again.
Annie kneeling in front of him last night flashed in his memory, and his breathing quickened.
Honestly, he hadn’t had “meat” in way too long.
Especially facing someone like Annie every day—he was reaching his limit.
“Riiing riiing—” His phone started vibrating.
Tang Song snapped out of it and glanced at the screen.
【Vivian (Zhang Weiran)】
He picked up, “Hello, Vivian.”
A spirited voice came from the receiver: “Mr. Tang, good afternoon! Shirley’s name badge is ready. Shall I bring it to you now?”
Tang Song checked the time—it was almost noon.
“Thanks. Perfect timing. I’ll send you the location. Let’s have lunch and discuss the next steps while we’re at it.”
“Okay, got it!”
Hanging up, Tang Song’s lips curled up.
Now, it all depended on the campus belle’s next move. He was really looking forward to it.
3:00 PM.
All-Season Hotel.
“Yuyan, why’d you suddenly move here? Weren’t you staying at the Jinmao Grand Hyatt?”
“Trying to save a bit of money. Besides, I’m used to staying at Ji Hotel, and it’s pretty comfy. I’m even a platinum member of Huazhu, haha.” Shen Yuyan’s tone was relaxed, a bit teasing.
“That doesn’t add up. Isn’t your food and lodging arranged by Director Wang? You’re going to the event with him—you don’t have to pay out of pocket.”
Shen Yuyan’s expression froze for a second. She replied calmly, “There’s been a change on their side. I’m going with some other friends.”
“Who? Do I know them?”
“A college friend. You definitely don’t know them.”
The two kept chatting as they opened the door and entered the room.
Qiu Sirou opened her tote bag, took out her clutch and wristwatch, and handed them over. “Here, your gear. Take good care of it—this is my face, you know.”
As a member of P&G’s marketing department, Qiu Sirou often had to attend high-end events and naturally had her own go-to gear.
The clutch was a Chanel WOC (Wallet on Chain), worth over 40K.
The watch was from the Omega Constellation series, over 50K.
This setup totaled close to 100K, absolutely enough to hold her own in high-end circles.
Shen Yuyan took them, placing her phone, lipstick, and ID into the clutch.
She also put on the watch.
Standing in front of the mirror, she gave herself a good once-over and finally smiled in satisfaction.
“You’re so beautiful, Yuyan.” Qiu Sirou genuinely exclaimed, her eyes full of envy. “The same accessories look way more luxe on you somehow.”
Shen Yuyan gave her a playful pat. “Don’t speak such blunt truths.”
“A stunning beauty like you, and so talented too—makes me really wonder what kind of man your future boyfriend will be like.” Qiu Sirou teased. “At least a CEO of a listed company, right?”
Hearing that, Shen Yuyan’s smile faltered slightly. “I’d like to know too, hehe.”
Tang Song’s image flashed in her mind.
In truth, even she didn’t want to admit it.
The reason she worked so hard to make Youjie Housekeeping succeed, to appear before Tang Song with confidence and dignity, to earn his recognition and respect—
Deep down, it was for a darker reason: maybe one day, she could become his official girlfriend.
She didn’t think she was any less than others. With her skills and charm, it wasn’t impossible.
But now that she had chosen to approach him in such a questionable way, that possibility had grown incredibly slim.
Still, Shen Yuyan had never feared hardship or challenges.
What she truly feared was how it might affect her friendship with her bestie.
She knew herself too well. She wouldn’t stop here. As her ambition grew, she might even end up scheming against Qingqing, using Qingqing.
Using her bestie’s special bond to bind Tang Song more tightly—to win more of his affection and resources.
To elevate her own status, stabilize it, and even become his “official girlfriend” little by little.
If that happened, their friendship would never be pure again. They could never go back to what they once were.
Would it be painful? Of course.
Would she regret it? Never!
She could never forget what happened yesterday at the Park Hyatt: Liu Kaili’s mocking, Wang Yubo’s humiliation, Ren Mingyuan’s indifference...
Those so-called “upper-class people” were laughing and chatting, while she could only stand in the corner and watch her dream shatter helplessly.
The current her had already half-stepped into the “dark side.”
To take revenge and climb higher, she was willing to pay any price.
Even if the path ahead was full of thorns.
Even if she had to hurt her closest friend.
Even if she had to play the role of the “bad woman,” she wouldn’t back down.
“Oh right, Yuyan, what time are you heading out?”
“Around 4. The event starts check-in at 5.”
“Okay, I’ll tell my boyfriend to come pick me up at 4 too.”
As the two chatted, Shen Yuyan sat down at the desk, pulled out her makeup bag, and began doing the final touches.
The wait always felt long.
“Ding dong—” WeChat notification sounded.
【Tang Song: “I’m at the hotel. Waiting in the lobby. No rush, we’ve got time.”】
Shen Yuyan stood up, picked up the clutch. “Sirou, my friend’s here to pick me up. I should get going.”
Qiu Sirou stood with a smile. “Perfect timing—my boyfriend’s almost here too. Let’s all meet each other.”
“Sure, let’s go.” Shen Yuyan had no mind for anything else. She quickly tidied up her appearance and walked out in big strides.
“Ding—”
The elevator doors opened. Shen Yuyan instinctively straightened her back, trying to appear more graceful and elegant.
“Click click click—”
Her black stilettos clicked on the marble floor as the Chanel chain bag swayed lightly with her steps.
Rounding the corner, the moment that familiar silhouette entered her line of sight, her breath caught.
Noticing her change, Qiu Sirou curiously looked over, eyes freezing as she audibly gasped.
In a corner of the hotel lobby stood a tall figure, calmly checking his watch.
He wore a deep navy British-style suit, perfectly framing his broad shoulders and narrow waist.
Handsome and steady, radiant as jade.
There was no expression on his face, but an intangible charm radiated from him, making hearts skip a beat.
【Special Effect “Successful and Glorious” has been triggered】
Qiu Sirou’s throat bobbed. “Yuyan, that alumni friend of yours—is it him?”
“Mm.” Shen Yuyan nodded with a calm smile, walking toward Tang Song with composed steps, as if unaffected.
Hearing footsteps, Tang Song looked up and first saw the big characters 【Test Subject (Shen Yuyan)】
Next came the transformed campus belle in her business attire.
The black and white contrast of her outfit traced her elegant curves, the deep V neckline revealing her collarbones and pale cleavage.
Long hair like a waterfall, refined makeup, confident eyes, bright lips.
Elegant, polished, sexy, poised.
She looked like she had stepped straight out of a workplace drama.
Their eyes met, and Tang Song gave her a subtle nod.
At the same time, a conspicuous on-screen message popped above Shen Yuyan’s head:
【Ahhh! Daddy Investor, how are you this hot?!】
【Shen Yuyan, be cool! You want to go back and change clothes, huh?!】
Tang Song glanced at the overlay, then at the poised and radiant campus belle, struggling to hold back a laugh.
But the “Successful and Glorious” special effect was clearly broken.
The aloof and abstinent aura around him had started to dissipate.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Tang Song.” Shen Yuyan stood in front of him, both hands gripping the Chanel bag, gaze bright and confident.
“No worries. I just got here myself. There’s still plenty of time.” Tang Song’s voice was gentle, and his gaze meaningful.
He had come early on purpose—wanting to play a little identity game with the campus belle to see what she would choose.
Shen Yuyan casually brushed her hair back, letting the strands fall more loosely over her chest. “Oh, let me introduce you guys.”
She pointed to Qiu Sirou. “This is a good friend from my time at P&G, Qiu Sirou. She’s now the Channel Manager at P&G’s Magic City office.”
“Sirou, this is the friend I told you about—Tang Song.”
Tang Song gave a polite nod. “Hello, Sirou. Nice to meet you.”
“Hi!” Qiu Sirou pressed her lips together slightly, looking a bit shy.
She wasn’t unfamiliar with high society—working in P&G marketing, she’d seen tons of celebrities.
But that first glance just now really stunned her, especially that icy, refined aura Tang Song gave off. It was more powerful than any exec at her company.
Seeing Qiu Sirou’s expression, Shen Yuyan’s lips curved into a knowing smile.
Overlay: 【Heh, stunned, huh? I knew no one could resist his charm.】
The three of them chatted in the lobby for a bit.
Shen Yuyan glanced at her watch and casually asked, “Sirou, where’s your boyfriend? Still not here?”
Qiu Sirou blinked, suddenly remembering. “He should be here. Let me call and check.”
She casually dialed.
“Hey, honey, didn’t you say one more minute? I’ve been waiting forever!”
“Oh, fine. Stop taking pictures and just come inside!”
She hung up.
Soon, hurried footsteps approached.
A casually dressed young man in his late twenties walked in quickly. “Sirou, I’m here!”
Clean-cut, energetic, unable to hide his excitement—his eyes were a bit red.
“Let me introduce—this is my boyfriend, Wang Shuo.”
Qiu Sirou held onto his arm and made quick introductions.
After some quick greetings and small talk, they were acquainted.
Wang Shuo was still grinning ear to ear, whispering excitedly to Qiu Sirou, “I saw that car at the entrance—it’s the same one we saw at the Bund the other day! It’s not a mod—it’s a purebred SVJ63! Only 63 in the world! Lamborghini’s ultimate model! Finally saw one in person!”
“Holy sh*t! It’s unreal! You have to take a pic for me later!”
Qiu Sirou looked awkwardly at the other two and explained, “Sorry—he’s a car nut, totally obsessed. His soul’s been trapped by a dream car.”
Tang Song’s expression twitched slightly.
Shen Yuyan chuckled softly, voice gentle and composed. “It’s about time—shall we go?”
Qiu Sirou nodded, letting her boyfriend pull her outside.
As they stepped out the hotel door, they saw in the roadside parking area a matte grey Lamborghini crouched like a beast.
The body’s sharp lines gleamed, and the prominent “63” badge sparkled under the sunlight.
A small crowd had gathered to snap photos and chat about it.
“It really is the one we saw at the Bund!” Qiu Sirou smiled at Shen Yuyan. “Magic City really doesn’t lack rich folks.”
Wang Shuo stood at the rear corner of the car, shouting excitedly, “This angle! Babe, take one for me, hurry!”
“Back up a bit—don’t hit the car!” Qiu Sirou rolled her eyes, pulling out her phone, adjusted the angle, and snapped a shot.
“Tang Song.” Shen Yuyan lightly tugged Tang Song’s hand, eyes full of anticipation. “Shall we?”
Tang Song nodded and walked to the passenger side of the Lambo. He gripped the hidden handle and tapped the sensor area.
Click—the door lifted like a wing, instantly drawing all eyes.
The noisy surroundings suddenly fell silent. Hot gazes landed on his tall figure.
Qiu Sirou and Wang Shuo stood nearby, expressions utterly priceless.
Tang Song turned and waved at Shen Yuyan. “Yuyan, get in the car.”
Shen Yuyan’s chest rose and fell slightly. She bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to calm down.
With graceful steps, she walked to Tang Song’s side. The upward arc of the scissor door seemed tailored just for her, highlighting her long legs and tall figure.
“See you later, Sirou.” Shen Yuyan waved goodbye to her friend, fingertips brushing the edge of her body-hugging skirt as she sat down elegantly.
The seat had an intense wraparound feel, as if it was enveloping her whole body.
A billionaire had just opened the door for her himself, and beneath her was a top-tier limited-edition supercar. Around her were glances of amazement and envy.
Shen Yuyan remained cool and composed, the corners of her mouth slightly lifted.
Above her head, the floating text streamed:
【The silence always hits hardest when it comes suddenly.】 ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel~fire~net
【But at least for this moment, I look like a winner.】
【And this is just a faint projection of true power and wealth.】
“Click!” The scissor door shut gently.
The deep, rumbling growl of the exhaust tore through the air, and it felt like the entire parking lot held its breath for a second.
The tires slowly began to roll. The Lamborghini, like a beast awakening, sped away from its spot.
In the rearview mirror, the crowd slowly faded out of view.
【This is only the beginning...】
Tang Song couldn’t hold it in anymore and let out a chuckle.
“What is it?” Shen Yuyan stiffened slightly, touching her face instinctively, worried her makeup was off.
“Nothing, just thought of a joke.”
“What joke?”
Tang Song shook his head. “Wouldn’t be funny if I said it out loud.”
......
The car rolled along Haining Road for a while before Tang Song suddenly turned into a quiet side street and parked by the curb.
Shen Yuyan looked puzzled. “Why’re we stopping?”
“Let’s play a little decision game.” Tang Song unbuckled his seatbelt and turned to look at her.
Shen Yuyan blinked, her legs pressed together, her face a bit flushed. “I’ll go with whatever you say.”
【A choice game? Is he about to make a move?!】
Tang Song pulled out two elegant nameplates from his suit’s inner pocket, holding them in his palms.
“Since you’re coming with me to the ‘Investor’s Night,’ you’ll need a matching identity. I’m giving you two options.”
Shen Yuyan immediately sat up straighter, her eyes bright. “So that’s what this is about. Sure, I don’t mind either way. As long as I get to go with you.”
Tang Song smiled faintly, locking eyes with her. “You have to choose. First, you can be a temporary Special Advisor for my company—there to accompany me and offer an outside perspective. Second, you can be my Personal Assistant, helping me socialize and network at the banquet.”
Hearing that, Shen Yuyan froze, her mind a storm of thoughts.
These two choices seemed simple, but there was hidden meaning—
“Special Advisor” suggested a more equal, collaborative relationship with Tang Song. It came with independent social standing, was glossier, and commanded more respect. The downside? A bit more distance between them.
“Personal Assistant” implied a subordinate role, attached to Tang Song—but it also meant she was “on his team.” If he was mingling, she’d be at his side, collecting business cards, helping him connect.
Above her head, the on-screen messages continued:
【Choosing advisor shows independence, but will he think I’m too distant?】
【Choosing assistant feels too low-status. What if I can’t even join his conversations...】
Shen Yuyan’s eyes darted rapidly, her mind racing.
Her gaze flicked between the two nameplates in Tang Song’s hands. Her fingers unconsciously played with the chain of her Chanel bag.
She couldn’t see what was written on them and didn’t know which company Tang Song meant.
But after discovering that he was a major shareholder of Lan Feng International Hotels, she’d looked into related companies online.
She knew he was connected to: Songmei Apparel, Lan Feng International, Bo Cai Ying Rui…
And the mysterious “Confluent Capital.”
If he was attending on behalf of a company and had access to VIP invites, the most likely candidate was Confluent Capital.
She remembered that name well—Lin Muxue worked there as a committee assistant.
It was an overseas trust company that collaborated with major firms and managed over $150 million in funds.
If she could attend as a Special Advisor to Confluent Capital, that would be a real flex.
Even against Wang Yubo and Ren Mingyuan, she could hold her own.
But if she attended as Tang Song’s personal assistant, Wang Yubo would definitely mock her—he’d once offered her the same role.
Still, these were only temporary titles. In the end, it was her performance that counted.
Inside the quiet car, only the sound of her quickened breathing could be heard.
Just as she struggled internally—
“Bzzz—” Her phone began to vibrate violently.
It was a local number from Magic City.
Perfect excuse to gather her thoughts.
She pursed her lips and gave Tang Song a polite smile. “Excuse me, let me take this real quick.”
She answered, holding the phone to her ear, tone polite but distant. “Hello, who’s this?”
Immediately, a familiar low voice came through the speaker, filled with oppressive force: “Less than one hour until the event. This is your only chance. Miss it, and you know the consequences. Don’t you, Assistant Shen?”
Wang Yubo’s voice slithered into her ear like a venomous snake, making her blood boil.
Shen Yuyan clenched the phone and hung up abruptly. “Telemarketer. Nothing important.”
She tried to maintain her calm expression, but her heart was in chaos.
Last night, after returning to the hotel, Wang Yubo had called—but she blocked him after a few words.
She hadn’t expected him to still be watching her. And from his tone, he sounded completely certain she’d come crawling back.
The floating text flashed red:
【He thinks I’ll come crawling back like a dog? Ha... ha ha...】
【Wang Yubo, just you wait. Your nightmare is just beginning!】
【One day, I’ll stand atop the tower and crush this humiliation a hundredfold!】
Her nails dug deep into her palm, the pain helping her keep the perfect smile in place.
【Stay calm! You cannot lose composure in front of Tang Song. Leave the best impression!】
Tang Song didn’t rush her. He simply watched, as if admiring her beauty.
Shen Yuyan looked up and gently tapped his left hand.
“I’ll choose Special Advisor. It’s been my dream to fight side by side with my idol. I guess this is me living that dream.”
Her tone was deliberately calm and thoughtful, as if she’d made the choice just for him.
“You sure? I’ll ask one last time.” Tang Song held both hands out toward her.
Shen Yuyan’s pupils trembled.
【What does that mean? Which one does he want me to choose?】
【No! I can’t hesitate too long—he’ll see through me. He’ll think I’m too calculating...】
Her heart stormed with doubt, but she forced herself to appear composed.
Finally, she took a deep breath and grasped his left hand. “Of course. My reason’s simple—I just want to be with you. Either choice is fine. But if I chose assistant, I’d worry Xiaoxue might get upset.”
Shen Yuyan covered her mouth with a soft laugh. “We are good girlfriends, after all.”
Floating text: 【Fake friends alert】
Tang Song gave her a long look before loosening his grip.
He’d watched her internal struggle play out and felt genuinely moved.
He finally understood the true meaning of the second arc of this scenario:
Struggle and compromise. Ambition and pride. Confidence and insecurity. Desire and regret.
Campus Belle Shen really was a textbook case. No wonder Whispers of Humanity chose her.
But what would her expression be when she learned the truth later?
“All right. Congratulations, Advisor Shen. I hope tonight… you’ll give me some unique insights.”
“Thank you, Tang Song. I won’t let you down.”
Finally, Shen Yuyan saw her very own name badge.
Silver metal, incredible texture, top-notch craftsmanship.
Standard bilingual mirrored layout.
Left: English. Right: Chinese.
Name: SHIRLEY (Shen Yuyan)
Title: SPECIAL ADVISOR, Confluent Capital
Company: Confluent Capital Limited
Industry Tag: Cross-border Capital
Centered at the top was the company’s logo—an infinity symbol (∞) with abstract flowing lines. Modern, minimalist, and tech-savvy.
She had never heard of this investment firm before.
It was probably similar to Confluent Capital—another overseas company tied to Tang Song.
But the prestige was undeniable.
Looking at the name badge, Shen Yuyan’s face flushed with excitement.
In her ears was the sound of crackling and popping.
Some kind of sixth sense told her—she’d just touched a long-coveted dream.
【Shirley... Special Advisor... Cross-border Capital...】
【Does he think I’m too opportunistic?】
【But this is my last bit of pride...】
“Now, pin it to your left chest. Want me to help?” Tang Song’s voice carried a hint of teasing.
Shen Yuyan giggled, deliberately using a playful tone. “Sure—if President Tang’s willing.”
The words had barely left her lips when Tang Song smiled, reached over, and took the badge from her hand.
“Click—” The metal clasp’s snap echoed sharply in the confined space of the car.
His movements were smooth and casual—but Shen Yuyan’s heart clenched tight.
Tang Song actually reached toward her chest.
Through the soft fabric of her outfit, his warm fingertips brushed her skin ever so slightly.
Shen Yuyan’s heart skipped a beat.
A tingling sensation spread from her chest throughout her entire body.
She looked at Tang Song with a bright smile. “Thank you, President Tang. Sorry to trouble you.”
【Stay calm! Shen Yuyan! Why are your legs shaking?!】
【He did it on purpose... He had to have done it on purpose...】
【Is he getting closer to test me?!】