novelraw Chapter 535: I Didn’t Have a Choice Before, But Now I Just Want to Be Assistant Shen!
Chapter 535: I Didn’t Have a Choice Before, But Now I Just Want to Be Assistant Shen!
On stage, under the spotlight.
Ren Mingyuan gripped a laser pointer, his earpiece pressed tightly against his temple, and sweat slid slowly down his cheek from his forehead. The smile on his face looked stiff and forced.
Facing Shen Yuyan’s relentless questioning, his answers became increasingly faltering, his tone rigid, and he even had to pause several times before squeezing out a difficult response.
He raised his hand to wipe the sweat from his temple, his gaze involuntarily drifting to Shen Yuyan below the stage, his eyes filled with clear pleading and panic.
He never imagined Shen Yuyan would be the one representing Rongliu Capital to ask questions—and that she would know so much about Gongying Technology, down to the bone.
Yet this General Manager of Youjie Housekeeping, once his junior in school, only curled her lips slightly into a bright and elegant smile.
Even as she stood on the opposing side, Ren Mingyuan had to admit Shen Yuyan lived up to her title as “School Belle Shen.”
Whether in appearance or bearing, with the power of her current position, she shone dazzlingly.
So dazzling, it was hard to look straight at her.
There was a time when he and several senior executives from Gongying Technology sat below the stage, listening to School Belle Shen pitch a business plan, looking down on her. They casually critiqued, picked at flaws.Who would’ve thought the roles would be reversed today?
In fact, back when he participated in an event at the Yancheng Startup Incubation Park, he was riding high.
When he heard Youjie Housekeeping was seeking financing, he didn’t hesitate to invest. Part of that was certainly because of Shen Yuyan.
That year, Shen Yuyan had just started her senior year, young and fiery.
Back then, she was already blowing up across forums, Tieba, and QQ groups—every alum’s dream girl, their white moonlight.
At the time, he was still a grassroots entrepreneur, and of course, he harbored fantasies about her.
Investing in Youjie Housekeeping wasn’t without a bit of personal interest—hoping to offer timely support and maybe win a little closeness.
So the investment agreement he offered was actually pretty decent. Although it included a few hidden clauses, overall, it was solid.
The final goal was to pressure Youjie Housekeeping into concessions, leading to coordinated growth with Gongying Technology.
When the company went public, he could even push for Gongying to acquire Youjie Housekeeping entirely—making Shen Yuyan an executive and shareholder of a listed company.
After all, he hadn’t climbed to where he was today without sharp instincts.
He could tell—Shen Yuyan was ambitious and hungry for success.
He believed, with his own abilities and resources, he had a real shot at winning her over.
But then Wang Yubo showed up—and completely derailed his plan.
He’d struggled. Deep down, he hesitated.
But in the end, he chose to compromise.
To him, compared to a bright future, a fleeting romance wasn’t worth mentioning.
But now… he truly regretted it.
His gaze slowly shifted toward the section where Mingjian Capital was seated—only to meet heavy, grim expressions.
This carefully planned fundraising pitch had completely turned into a public execution.
And Shen Yuyan was the executioner!
“! This crazy b*tch!” Wang Yubo cursed under his breath through gritted teeth, fists clenched, jaw grinding with a “grrrrk.”
Fei Cheng’an, the director in charge of this financing round, wore a dark expression and a deep frown. He turned toward Gongying Technology’s CEO, Zhao Hongkai, and asked coldly, “President Zhao, I think you owe us an explanation.”
Zhao Hongkai took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. “Director Fei… there is absolutely no data fraud issue at Gongying Technology. Our business model has been fully verified by professional institutions—you’re aware of that.”
As he spoke, his eyes darted toward Wang Yubo, clearly seeking support.
Wang Yubo’s eyelid twitched uncontrollably. “Director Fei, this Assistant Shen is retaliating out of spite. Her company, Youjie Housekeeping, has an investment relationship and a betting clause with Gongying Technology...”
He paused, then briefly explained the situation.
Of course, he deliberately left out his own involvement, blurring the lines of responsibility.
After listening, Fei Cheng’an’s eyes glinted, a trace of cold indifference and impatience flashing through.
He slowly swept his gaze across Zhao Hongkai and Wang Yubo and said, his voice low and decisive, “Gongying Technology’s Series C financing plan is suspended. This matter needs to be re-discussed by our investment committee.”
Zhao Hongkai’s face turned deathly pale. He rushed to argue, “Director Fei, this—”
Fei Cheng’an raised his hand, tone brooking no refusal. “According to the terms on the term sheet, we’re fully within our rights.”
Wang Yubo’s father was the Chairman of the publicly listed Yuanjian Holdings.
Mingjian Capital was co-founded by Yuanjian Holdings and several state-owned funds and institutions.
As the primary initiator, Yuanjian Holdings held a 43% stake, making it one of the core shareholders, providing industry resources and financial backing.
But that didn’t mean the company was ruled solely by Yuanjian.
On the contrary—in the capital market, reputation and professionalism were the foundations.
As the lead and anchor investor of this round, Mingjian Capital had staked its name and market credibility on backing Gongying Technology.
Now, its judgment, standing, and reputation would all be called into question.
In such a case, Fei Cheng’an obviously wouldn’t take the fall for Wang Yubo or Zhao Hongkai.
Seeing this, Zhao Hongkai’s body went limp, collapsing into his chair with a blank stare.
Wang Yubo opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to speak, but in the end, just clenched his teeth and said, “Understood, Director Fei.”
He was an early investor in Gongying, having joined in both Series A and B rounds, holding a 31% stake.
Naturally, this was all cultivated under his father’s guidance.
He’d mobilized Yuanjian Holdings’ industry resources, entered Mingjian Capital, and pushed the company to lead Gongying’s funding round—all to prepare for an IPO.
He knew all too well about Gongying’s hidden issues.
But in China—or more broadly, the capital market—that was par for the course.
As long as Gongying completed its Series C and got listed on the New Third Board, he could cash out and walk away the winner.
But now, with Shen Yuyan’s public exposure, and the looming presence of Jingwu Capital—even without considering other co-investors, there would already be strong dissent within Mingjian.
They might even use this to come after him. And for someone newly appointed as Fund Director, this was a real crisis.
He lifted his head, eyes cold as he stared at Shen Yuyan, filled with rage and frustration.
Then, he turned his gaze to Tang Song beside her, grinding his teeth.
So that was Shen Yuyan’s trump card—her source of confidence in defying him.
He’d already ordered his secretary to investigate this company—it was roughly the same size as Mingjian.
Rongliu Capital’s Chairman and CEO was even younger than him—plenty arrogant, and with reason.
But of course, the one they truly feared was the woman beside him—Anne Kate.
The reason executives from Redwoods, IDG, and other firms fawned over him was clearly due to this high-born Ms. Kate.
And Shen Yuyan’s words had such power only because of Jingwu Capital and Anne Kate backing her.
Without those, Tang Song would have received no more than the same red-carpet treatment as Mingjian’s rep.
“F**ing btch! Just you wait!” Wang Yubo cursed in his mind.
He truly couldn’t afford to mess with Tang Song—but Shen Yuyan was just his assistant. Even if she’d used some means to get special treatment, she’d be discarded sooner or later.
When that time came, he’d make sure she paid the price!
For now, he’d start with Youjie Housekeeping! Let her feel what it meant to offend him!
“That concludes my questions. Thank you, President Ren, for your excellent presentation. I understand every step in the financing process is critical—it’s about more than the company’s future; it carries the trust and expectations of all stakeholders.”
Shen Yuyan smiled faintly, looking at Ren Mingyuan, her tone gentle but confident. “Wishing Gongying Technology great success and an early IPO. Thank you.”
Clap clap clap clap— Applause filled the main venue.
Light spilled over her shoulders, coating her in a soft, radiant glow.
Shen Yuyan gently adjusted her hem, then folded her hands calmly on the table—outwardly composed.
Comments: 【Shen Yuyan! Well done!】
【President Ren, your cold sweat’s dripping on your tie~】
【That “blessing” should last you till bankruptcy liquidation day】
【Remember what you said back then? Today, payback times ten!】
【Let me toll the death knell for Gongying’s “IPO”!】
【Hahahahaha—】
Right now, she felt a tingling thrill from head to toe, almost unable to contain herself.
Not only did she use his own tactics against him, she also stole the show under everyone’s gaze—tasting firsthand the intoxicating power of dominance.
That feeling was indescribably sweet, like a poisonous drug—addictive and euphoric.
Tang Song slowly lowered his hands, nodding with a smile. “Not bad, Assistant Shen.”
Shen Yuyan’s performance didn’t just satisfy him—it exceeded his expectations.
This campus belle was the type who became calmer the more excited she got, the more composed she was in high-pressure situations.
And people like that—could explode with astonishing energy at critical moments.
Shen Yuyan turned slightly toward him, her eyes bright. “Thank you, President Tang, for giving me this opportunity.”
【He complimented me! He praised me! He acknowledged my ability!】
【Tang Song, you smell amazing! I want to f*** you!】
Looking at the graceful, dazzling school belle—and then up at the text above her head—
Tang Song’s lips twitched.
Good grief. You really know how to play contrast.
I have to introduce you to Xiao Xue sometime!
On stage, Gongying Technology’s Q&A session continued.
Those institutions participating in the Series C round rose to ask questions as planned.
“President Ren, about the user data...”
“President Ren, could you elaborate on this section?”
But these questions, unlike the previous polite and diplomatic ones, were sharp and probing—even suspicious. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel-fire.net
Ren Mingyuan stood on stage, his voice growing low, his pace unconsciously slowing. His mind was a mess.
The gazes below—filled with scrutiny, doubt, and even a hint of schadenfreude.
Those eyes stabbed at him like needles, making it hard to breathe.
He couldn’t even remember what he said in answer to the last few questions—his lips were moving like an actor in an absurd play.
He bowed stiffly, then dragged himself toward the edge of the stage, legs like they were filled with lead, every step a struggle.
As he passed through the VIP area, he instinctively glanced at Shen Yuyan.
She remained elegant and composed—even offering him a polite smile and nod.
A chill ran through his heart.
He knew very well—this was only the beginning.
The true horror lay in the chain reaction still to come.
Gongying Technology’s business model, disclosure mechanism, and core technology weaknesses had all come under scrutiny.
Series C financing was almost certainly doomed.
If they couldn’t achieve a significant performance breakthrough within the next one or two years, a New Third Board listing would become nothing but a pipe dream.
And once the IPO plan fell through, the betting clauses in the investment agreement would be triggered.
The investors in Gongying Technology were all professional financial institutions—there was no way they’d pass up a chance like this.
The cruelty, coldness, and greed of capital would be fully displayed through them.
Based on the valuation at Series B (350 million), plus 10% annualized interest, the repurchase amount would be astronomical.
For Gongying Technology, whose cash flow was already strained, this would undoubtedly be a fatal blow.
So the outcome...
At that thought, Ren Mingyuan’s breathing quickened.
He suddenly realized—the tragedy Youjie Housekeeping once experienced would now replay on Gongying Technology in an even more brutal form.
At 8:00 p.m., the pitch segment ended.
The stage lights dimmed slowly, the main venue’s overhead lighting shifted to a warm 4000K white, and soft piano music floated through the air, casting the entire banquet hall in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere.
The banquet officially began.
The menu featured a custom fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine, each dish meticulously designed to please the palate and dazzle the eyes.
Shen Yuyan sat beside Tang Song, gracefully picking up her knife and fork. She sliced the foie gras and beef short rib for him and thoughtfully placed it before him.
“President Tang, please enjoy.”
Her voice was gentle and proper, every detail impeccable.
Chatter gradually filled the room, from whispers to lively discussions, and the atmosphere steadily warmed.
After sampling a few dishes, guests began leaving their seats, wine glasses in hand, heading to other tables to toast or exchange business cards.
At events like this, few people came just to eat—it was more about leveraging the friendly setting to network, build connections, and create potential business opportunities.
As time went on, the main hall grew livelier, and the crowd began to circulate.
“Good evening, President Tang.” A middle-aged man approached with a wine glass in hand. “I’m Zhou Mingcha, Vice President of Huading Group. Our group has previously collaborated with Rongliu Capital—it's a pleasure to meet you here.”
Tang Song raised his champagne glass and clinked gently. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhou.”
Zhou Mingcha smoothly pulled out a gold-embossed business card and handed it over. “Our company has always had a strong interest in cultural industry investment. If President Tang has any relevant projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
“Of course. Thank you for your support, Mr. Zhou.”
Beside him, Assistant Shen Yuyan quickly reached out to take the business card, graceful and poised.
As the event’s core figure, people seeking connections kept coming nonstop.
Each visitor arrived with their own purpose—seeking collaboration, expanding networks, or simply chatting with Tang Song to show goodwill.
Shen Yuyan stayed close to Tang Song, keenly attuned to the subtle tensions of this social game.
At this moment, her presence was especially crucial. Handing out business cards, taking notes, jumping in to ease awkward silences...
These seemingly trivial tasks made her an indispensable part of Tang Song’s team.
She knew this was the perfect moment to prove her worth. She had to seize it, showing Tang Song exactly what she was capable of.
Suddenly, a thought flashed across her mind like lightning:
【Ride the wave! Replace Lin Muxue!】
If Tang Song were merely a wealthy entrepreneur—say, someone who owned a property like Lanfeng International Hotel—then perhaps she’d want to collaborate, integrate resources, and enter a new industry.
But everything she witnessed tonight had shaken her deeply, completely overturning her worldview.
This world was far more complex and expansive than she’d ever imagined.
Rather than continue her “humble” entrepreneurial path—struggling forward with limited resources—there was another shortcut:
Leverage Rongliu Capital’s ultra-high platform to gain more support and opportunities.
At that thought, she instinctively glanced sideways at Anne Kate.
The woman’s elegant, lazy posture and the powerful aura she exuded inspired awe.
Shen Yuyan couldn’t help but wonder—just what exactly was the relationship between Ms. Kate and Tang Song?
From what she currently knew, many of Tang Song’s ventures seemed to bear the imprint of the Kate Foundation.
This once-lowkey alum was apparently entangled with a behemoth of unimaginable scale.
If Anne Kate really was Tang Song’s backer, then his influence far surpassed her original estimate.
Shen Yuyan’s heartbeat quickened.
If she could truly integrate into Tang Song’s inner circle—perhaps even become one of his trusted core figures—her life would be completely rewritten.
And once that idea surfaced, there was no suppressing it.
【Qingqing, I’m sorry... but I really can’t control myself】
【Xiao Xue! You’re really wasting such good resources just to show off at random social events?】
【Let me show you what real flexing looks like!】
【I didn’t have a choice before—now I just want to be Assistant Shen!】
Just then, a timid female voice came from the side: “Pres... President Tang, I’m very happy to see you here.”
Shen Yuyan turned her head and saw a woman in a smart suit with a neat ponytail.
She looked about the same age—around 25—with delicate features, an average figure, and nothing especially striking.
Her name tag showed she was a regular employee at a financial firm.
A quick mental analysis completed.
“Good evening, Nuonuo. You’re here too,” Tang Song smiled gently, raising his wine glass. His tone was warm and kind.
Compared to his polite aloofness toward others, his demeanor clearly softened here—this shift immediately caught the attention of several nearby onlookers.
Zhang Nuo’s direct manager, Wei Yilan, and several colleagues froze in place, shocked. Their gaze toward Zhang Nuo changed dramatically.
Zhang Nuo was overwhelmed by the attention. She quickly bowed to clink glasses, then tilted her head back and downed half a glass of red wine in one go.
A light blush rose to her cheeks. “Yes, I came with my boss to attend the event.”
Working in finance, she naturally understood what “President Tang’s courtesy” meant.
Even if he did nothing else, this connection alone meant she now had a background at her company.
The road ahead would be much smoother.
They chatted briefly.
Then Zhang Nuo seemed to remember something. She pointed subtly toward a back corner and whispered, “Yueyue is here too, sitting over there. She wanted to come apologize but was afraid of upsetting you, so she didn’t dare.”
Upon hearing that, Tang Song looked in that direction—just in time to meet Sun Jiayue’s panicked, dodging eyes.
He smiled faintly, raised his wine glass in her direction, and took a small sip—accepting the apology.
With his status now, there was no reason to be upset over something like that.
Sun Jiayue had her own choices and position—it just came down to bad timing.
Originally, he’d planned to bring her along to introduce her to people in the industry while connecting with Yimai Tech.
But later, the【Low Whispers of Humanity】task was triggered, and he invited Anne Kate as his guest instead—making him one of the central figures of “Investor Night.”
That shift had clearly been a huge blow to his old classmate.
Still, in a twist of fate, it fulfilled the task Bai Yueguang gave him.
It taught this high school classmate a very real lesson.
Sun Jiayue drained her champagne, then stood frozen in place, her gaze locked on Tang Song.
Watching him.
Those once unreachable big shots were now talking to him, toasting him, even trying to flatter him.
She was even more stunned than Shen Yuyan.
Her entire worldview had been uprooted, destroyed, and rebuilt by Tang Song.
Xu Pengyuan stood nearby, mouth dry, head down, on pins and needles.
He realized he’d messed up big time.
A moment later, he leaned toward Sun Jiayue and said with difficulty, “Jiayue, maybe we should go toast him too? This was my fault. I’ll apologize.”
Sun Jiayue glanced at him, eyes flickering.
She really wanted to say, “I’m not insulting you, but you’re not even qualified to apologize.”
But considering his pride, she swallowed the words.
But Xu Pengyuan wasn’t wrong either.
Just now, Tang Song raising his glass from afar meant he didn’t take the matter to heart.
What she should do now was to take the initiative to make amends, not let the awkwardness continue to fester.
“This was my mistake, it had nothing to do with you. I’ll go over there.” Sun Jiayue lifted her head, her tone firm.
Xu Pengyuan opened his mouth but didn’t say anything more—he just quietly stepped aside.
Sun Jiayue took a deep breath and walked forward.
As the distance narrowed, her heartbeat grew faster, and a sheen of sweat appeared in her palm.
But just as she was about to get close, she saw Tang Song walking side by side with that Ms. Kate toward the side hall.
The breath she had been holding in released all at once, and regret surged in her heart.
She shouldn’t have hesitated! She should’ve stepped forward like Nuonuo did.
Compared to one’s future, what was pride worth?
Just then, a familiar figure came into view—Tang Song’s special assistant, Shen Yuyan.
Sun Jiayue bit her lip, mustered her courage, and appeared in front of her with a smile. “Hello, Assistant Shen.”
“Hello.” Shen Yuyan stopped and looked at her calmly.
She had been standing beside Tang Song earlier and had naturally noticed Sun Jiayue.
From what Zhang Nuo had said, it seemed there had been a small misunderstanding between them.
“I’m Sun Jiayue from Hengyue Investment.” Sun Jiayue handed over her business card and added, “Also, I’m President Tang’s high school classmate. Nice to meet you.”
Shen Yuyan raised an eyebrow slightly, her smile turning a little warmer as she accepted the card. “Hello, Jiayue. Nice to meet you.”
Tang Song’s high school classmate?!
That was an opportunity—to indirectly learn more about his past.
Through Xu Qing and Lu Ziming, she had already gotten some insight into Tang Song’s family background.
But she was still deeply curious about the path he’d taken.
How had a young man from a small town climbed all the way to where he stood now?
Why had he been so low-key and reserved during his university days?
She needed more information. Only by thoroughly understanding Tang Song could she truly enter his inner circle—become one of his “own people.”
After a brief exchange, Sun Jiayue politely said goodbye.
Shen Yuyan’s gaze shifted once again to a certain seat in the second row, a bright smile appearing on her face.
There sat the “old friends”—it would clearly be inappropriate not to greet them.
Of course, she would go as the victor, to enjoy the fruits of her win.
As she approached, the voices around the round table gradually quieted.
A series of complex and meaningful gazes fell upon her, each expression different.
Wang Yubo’s grip on his wine glass suddenly tightened as he glared at her coldly,
But Shen Yuyan didn’t care in the slightest. She looked straight at Zhao Hongkai, raised her wine glass, and said in a tone both gentle and sharp-edged: “We meet again, President Zhao.”
Zhao Hongkai’s face was pale, his lips tightly pressed together, saying nothing.
“Heh.” Shen Yuyan gave a small smile, polite but laced with sarcasm. “Seems like President Zhao is upset about my earlier questions. But—”
She paused, her voice crisp and resolute: “I did it for Gongying Technology’s own good. These issues stem from within your company. I hope you can recognize your shortcomings and make improvements, so you won’t make similar mistakes next time.”
These were the exact words Zhao Hongkai had used to criticize Youjie Housekeeping three days ago. They had echoed in her mind since, like a thorn wedged deep into her pride.
Now, she returned them word for word.
The thorn was finally pulled out—pure satisfaction.
And yet…
【Not enough! Far from enough!】
【Remember—this is only the beginning!】
【If you cross me, you’ll pay ten, a hundred times over!】
This was her: ruthless in revenge.
She never let go of a single chance to strike back.
………
Inside the meeting room of the side hall,
the sharp and noble scent of perfume lingered at the nose.
Anne stood by the window, looking through the glass in Shen Yuyan’s direction.
After a long while, her red lips curled into a lazy, teasing smile. “You’ve got good taste. That little wildcat’s quite interesting—she really knows how to bite.”
With that, she retracted her gaze, eyes flashing with unhidden admiration.
As one of the top heirs of a financial dynasty, Anne was naturally confident and commanding—born with a thirst for conquest and a spirit of adventure.
She was used to controlling the situation and delighted in seeking targets that piqued her interest.
She liked women like Shen Yuyan—ambitious, sharp-edged, refusing to be ordinary, brave enough to challenge rules in a world filled with the strong, and fighting for their own place.
Even rarer, Shen Yuyan faintly reminded her of Mira.
That intrigued her.
Tang Song raised an eyebrow, his tone cool and tinged with scrutiny. “What are you up to, Anne?”
In his【Observer】state, he had keenly caught a flicker of change in Anne’s eyes.
He knew this foreign vixen never showed such strong interest for no reason.
If she had her eyes on someone or something, it definitely meant some “plan” was brewing.
Anne gave a soft chuckle and leaned forward slightly, both hands pressing onto the table, a playful smile curving her lips. “Song, how about I help you test the goods?”
Tang Song’s expression grew cold. He didn’t reply—instead, he reached straight into her clothes.
“Anne, remember your place. Don’t push my limits.” His voice was icy and low, carrying an authority that brooked no defiance.
Anne cried out, clutching her chest, beginning to struggle.
But clearly, she was no match for Tang Song.
In the silent meeting room, Tang Song pinned Anne to the table and gave her a harsh lesson.
Only then did the foreign vixen finally quiet down.
Anne stood up, panting, adjusting her clothes. “Fine, it was just a joke. Actually, I only wanted to test her for you. You know, wildcats like her are hard to come by.”
Tang Song grabbed her chin. “What do you want to do? Answer me!”
A glint of danger flashed in Anne’s eyes, but her face quickly returned to its signature seductive smile. She stuck out her tongue and licked Tang Song’s fingers,
her gesture bold and provocative: “I want to ask her if she’s willing to work for Ms. Anne.”
Hearing this, Tang Song narrowed his eyes.
He realized—this foreign vixen was trying to steal his person.
She wanted to beat him—just once—through this.
With her cunning and depth, Anne had surely seen through Shen Yuyan’s personality—and knew the girl didn’t yet understand the full picture of his situation.
That was exactly her biggest advantage.
Through this move, she could not only test Shen Yuyan’s loyalty, but also take the chance to “defeat” Tang Song once.
Even if it was only superficial, for Anne, that alone would bring satisfaction.
Just then—
“!” The system’s light screen automatically unfolded in front of him.
【Act IV】
【October 8th, 21:02—After becoming your “special assistant,” the test subject (Shen Yuyan) has deeply experienced the allure of power and made up her mind to cling to you in hopes of ascending to a higher level】
【However, the test subject (Shen Yuyan) is about to face her ultimate test of humanity】
【Anne Kate will extend an olive branch, inviting her to become her personal assistant—a one-step leap into the core of the top capital circle. For Shen Yuyan, this is an unprecedented and difficult choice】
【Will she accept the olive branch? Refuse Anne? Hide the truth? Or come clean to you?】
【Please observe closely the emotional fluctuations of the test subject, and her true reaction when facing the intersection of desire and morality.】