novelraw Chapter 536: Struggle Between Heaven and Man, Instance Cleared
Chapter 536: Struggle Between Heaven and Man, Instance Cleared
The warm touch at his fingertips vanished in an instant.
Taking advantage of Tang Song’s brief distraction, Anne slipped from his grasp like a silverfish.
She took a step forward, her full curves pressing in with a cold, rich fragrance.
Her gaze was sharp and confident. “Song, are you afraid of losing to me?”
Her tone was provocative, as smooth as melting dark chocolate, as if she already held the winning hand.
Tonight, she was particularly pleased and excited.
Most of her contact with Tang Song had always been in his dream state—
That cool, proud, and mysterious man.
It was this image that had planted the seed of fondness and desire for conquest deep in her heart.
However, a few days ago in Suhewan OCT, even though Tang Song had behaved more “human,”That gentleness, while pleasant, became dull quickly for someone like Anne who craved stimulation.
But now, seeing this version of Tang Song—aloof, composed once again—her primal desire to challenge was reignited completely.
What she wanted most was to conquer this version of Tang Song.
To make him kneel before Ms. Anne, licking her legs.
Just the thought of it made her heart race, nearly out of control.
At this moment, her obsession with Tang Song far exceeded her interest in inheriting the Kate family assets.
Hearing Anne’s words, Tang Song turned slightly.
Through the glass window and the crowd, he looked into the main hall, clearly seeing the Test Subject (Shen Yuyan) and the rapidly scrolling bullet comments above her head.
Right now, Shen Yuyan stood in the VIP area, facing Ren Mingyuan, Wang Yubo, and the others.
Though she smiled warmly like a spring breeze, there was an unmistakable aura of superiority about her—immense and commanding.
If in the past, Tang Song’s interest in School Belle Shen was mostly about her looks, the glow of youth, and his emotional tie with Xu Qing,
Then after the instance “Whispers of Shen Yuyan”, he had glimpsed her complex inner world.
He began to realize this intriguing soul was far more attractive.
He pulled his gaze back and turned to the aggressive beauty before him, voice calm and indifferent. “Then go ahead and try.”
Anne’s eyes lit up. She leaned in, her high-bridged nose nearly brushing his.
“Just testing isn’t very fun. Perhaps... we should place a bet instead. What do you think?”
Her voice was low and irresistibly seductive.
“Oh?” Tang Song raised an eyebrow with a smile. “And the stakes?”
“If I win, you come to my room tonight, willingly. Kiss my legs. Until I say stop.” Anne’s breath was like orchids, laced with champagne.
She seemed to have thought of something even more exciting. Her brows arched slightly, and her eyes sparkled with a dangerous, seductive gleam.
Tang Song grabbed her waist and pulled her closer. “And if you lose?”
Anne licked his cheek lightly, her voice magnetic and slow: “If I lose, I’ll do whatever you say. Anything. Ms. Anne will obey you—my... Master.”
Her last word was drawn out, flirtatious and teasing.
After speaking, she twisted her body, deliberately brushing closer, feeling the rising heat from him.
“Oh~” Anne widened her eyes, lips curling in a victorious smile. “Told you—you’re obsessed with my body. Stop resisting, darling.”
Tang Song took a deep breath, forcing down the rising impulse.
Even in Observer mode, facing a mature, bold body like Anne’s and her relentless teasing, he couldn’t help but feel stirred.
He hadn’t had “meat” in far too long.
Glancing at her long, athletic legs, his voice carried a burning edge: “It’s a fun wager. I accept.”
“Great!” The light in Anne’s eyes blazed even brighter. She shoved off his embrace and said, “Then let’s see who the real winner is.”
The crystal chandelier scattered diamond-like sparkles across her golden hair, making her pale eyes shine like a snow leopard on the hunt.
She turned and walked away, her high heels clacking crisply against the floor—each step brimming with aggressive grace.
Tang Song’s eyes glimmered with appreciation.
He had to admit—Anne Kate was indeed a very alluring woman.
In fact, most of the characters he’d encountered in the game, male or female, were all attractive.
It’s just that Anne was especially bold and unrestrained, the one who most enjoyed breaking boundaries. She was also the one who had interacted with him the most.
Others like Zheng Qiudong, Mo Xiangwan, or Luo Bin were still somewhat reserved in front of him, clearly influenced by his prior image.
Anne’s figure disappeared at the doorway.
Tang Song turned back, eyes drifting once more toward Shen Yuyan, and took a sip of wine.
This time... will you choose wrong again?
School Belle Shen.
……
“President Ren, we’re alumni after all. Let’s keep in touch more in the future. I believe we’ll be crossing paths frequently.”
Shen Yuyan’s lips curved slightly. Her voice was gentle but laced with subtle meaning, her gaze flowing like water.
Then, she turned to Wang Yubo. “And Chairman Wang, I hope you enjoy your evening.”
She casually reached for a glass of red wine from a passing server’s tray.
Tilting it slightly, the ruby liquid shimmered temptingly under the light.
She took a gentle sip, the vivid wine staining her lips, adding a touch of wicked beauty to her already delicate face.
“—” Wang Yubo slammed his wine glass down and stood, taking a few steps forward.
He lowered his voice. “Shen Yuyan, do you think this is fun?”
As Tang Song’s assistant, Shen Yuyan had drawn the attention of many throughout the event. From time to time, someone would approach to greet her or strike up a conversation.
Yet she had deliberately chosen to stand by Gongying Technology’s table, and whenever someone came by, she would casually chat about the company, expanding on her earlier points.
Some of those were even representatives of firms interested in the Series C round.
Her masterful “green tea” tactics were on full display.
It made Wang Yubo and the others grind their teeth in frustration—yet they couldn’t do a thing about it.
When they were on the same team, they hadn’t felt much. But now, on opposing sides, they finally realized how vengeful this woman could be.
Shen Yuyan blinked, her expression innocent. Her tone was soft as a spring breeze. “Chairman Wang, have you misunderstood something? I just wanted to chat with some old friends and offer comfort to your team. After all, we’ve worked together before—we’re old acquaintances, aren’t we?”
Wang Yubo’s fists clenched tightly. He glared at her and growled under his breath: “Shen Yuyan, don’t think you’ll stay on top forever just because you’re smug right now. One day, you’ll be on your knees, begging me!”
Shen Yuyan’s eyes darkened slightly. She gently swirled the wine in her glass, then with a flick—
A red splash flew from the rim, “accidentally” landing on Wang Yubo’s clothes.
“Oh dear, I’m so sorry, Chairman Wang.” Her voice was gentle and apologetic, a faint smile on her lips. “You were standing a bit too close, I must’ve bumped the glass...”
Wang Yubo looked down at the wine-stained hem, his gaze turning even gloomier.
He slowly looked up, eyes burning with rage, seemingly on the verge of erupting.
[Come on, a**hole! Let’s see if you dare blow up!] the bullet comments scrolled across.
Just as the tension reached its peak, the atmosphere suddenly grew still.
A strange pressure seemed to settle around them.
Shen Yuyan’s sharp senses picked up on the change instantly.
A chill surged up from within her like prey being locked onto. Her heartbeat quickened.
She turned reflexively—meeting Anne’s pale eyes.
The surrounding conversations stopped. People turned to glance with awe and curiosity at the sudden appearance of the golden-haired beauty.
“Ms. Kate!”
Someone stepped up with a smile to greet her.
Anne, however, made no response. She strode forward, each step filled with elegance and dominance, impossible to ignore.
Shen Yuyan quickly stepped up, her face showing respectful, barely contained excitement. “Ms. Kate, good evening.”
“Shirley.” Anne’s voice was lazy and magnetic, betraying no emotion. “I want to talk with you alone. Is that alright?”
“Of course!” Shen Yuyan was thrilled, unable to hide her excitement. “It’s my honor.”
“Let’s go.” Anne tilted her chin slightly and turned away without pause, giving no chance for interruption.
Throughout, she didn’t even spare a glance at Wang Yubo and the others—but her presence made them instinctively lower their heads, not daring to move.
Shen Yuyan smiled and nodded toward them, then quickly followed.
At the edges and corners of the main hall, there were scattered seats meant for networking and private conversations.
That’s where people like Wang Yubo and Ren Mingyuan had been sitting and whispering moments ago.
It was also one reason why Shen Yuyan had gone over—to flaunt her dominance.
The two finally stopped near the side hall.
It was relatively secluded, with soft lighting, creating an air of intimacy.
“Sit.” Anne gestured casually, then sat down herself, crossing her legs. Her posture was languid, but radiated authority.
Shen Yuyan smoothed her skirt and sat cautiously across from her, trying to calm her racing thoughts.
She kept a polite smile. “Ms. Kate, isn’t President Tang joining you?”
“Song’s in the lounge, chatting. He’s busy right now.” Anne spoke offhandedly.
“I see.” Shen Yuyan clasped her hands together, trying to appear more sincere. “If there’s anything you need, please just say the word.”
Anne narrowed her eyes and studied her closely.
Finally, her gaze settled on Shen Yuyan’s face, and her lips curved into a meaningful smile. “You’re quite the interesting girl. You’ve performed well—and impressively.”
Shen Yuyan’s heart skipped a beat, though her expression stayed composed. She smiled modestly. “Thank you for the compliment. I’ve just done what I should.”
Anne raised an eyebrow. “I don’t like people who are too humble. Song has good taste. A woman he personally brings along wouldn’t be ordinary.”
At those words, Shen Yuyan’s fingers tensed slightly in her lap.
She clenched her palms tightly. “Yes, Ms. Kate.”
A flush of excitement rose to her cheeks, impossible to suppress.
Being acknowledged by Anne Kate was, to her, an enormous encouragement.
Noticing her shift in emotion, Anne’s smile deepened.
She casually beckoned to a nearby server, and moments later, a crystal-clear champagne glass appeared in her hand.
“Come now, Shirley,” she swirled the glass lightly. The amber liquid shimmered seductively under the light. “Let’s toast to a pleasant conversation.”
Shen Yuyan immediately raised her own glass, movements graceful and cautious.
“Chii~~”
The astringent red wine slid into her mouth, but to Shen Yuyan, it tasted unusually wonderful.
Climbing the social ladder had always been her goal, and to converse and interact with someone like Anne Kate—an apex elite standing atop the power pyramid—was undoubtedly a rare opportunity in her life.
At the very least... her name would be remembered by someone like her.
In future events, she could even use this encounter as conversation capital—to show how different she was.
Anne took a small sip of champagne and asked casually, “I heard Song mention you’re an entrepreneur? Which industry specifically?”
Shen Yuyan quickly put down her glass and straightened her posture. “Yes. After graduating college, I worked at P&G for over a year, then co-founded a housekeeping company with an alum...”
She deliberately mentioned her time at Procter & Gamble because the Kate Foundation was one of its key shareholders.
Seeing a hint of interest flicker in Anne’s eyes, Shen Yuyan continued in a soft but steady tone, explaining her startup journey.
She didn’t exaggerate or dramatize the hardships—instead, she laid out her ideas, the growth of her team, and her future plans clearly and logically.
To someone like Anne Kate, a fledgling housekeeping company might not seem like much of an achievement.
But to Shen Yuyan, building a business from scratch and taking it step by step to where it stood today was still her proudest accomplishment.
Time passed gradually.
The wine in both of their glasses was already halfway gone.
Anne’s lips curved into a faint smile, her tone laced with a trace of appreciation. “Mhm. I can tell—you’re a woman with ambition and execution. I admire that. And I believe in your future.”
“It’s an honor to be able to share this experience with you.”
“Shirley, what’s your plan for the future?”
Shen Yuyan paused slightly, her eyes instinctively scanning for a glimpse of Tang Song—but to no avail. She thought for a moment and replied, “That depends on President Tang. I hope to continue learning by his side.”
Upon hearing this, Anne’s lips lifted in an intrigued smile. “Interesting. Then... what if I offer you an even bigger opportunity?”
At those words, Shen Yuyan’s heart skipped a beat, her pupils constricting sharply.
[An even bigger opportunity?!]
[What does she mean? She wants to give me a chance?!]
[She... has her eye on me?!!!]
[Is she testing me? Or does she really want to poach me?]
Given her intelligence and awareness, Shen Yuyan instantly understood Anne’s subtext.
That’s why the shock hit her so deeply.
An invitation from Anne Kate, Chairwoman of Jingwu Capital’s Global Strategy Committee and heiress of the Kate Consortium.
The weight of that offer was immeasurable.
“Ms. Kate... what exactly do you mean?” Shen Yuyan tried her best to remain composed on the surface.
Anne leaned back in her chair, long legs crossed, her pale eyes fixed on Shen Yuyan with a commanding and irresistible confidence.
“Join my team. Become my executive assistant. I can provide you with a platform and resources you can’t even imagine. You know what I mean—Wall Street, JPMorgan Chase, NASDAQ, Silicon Valley, the Davos Forum...”
Each name struck Shen Yuyan’s heart like a hammer.
Her breathing quickened; she couldn’t stay calm.
Her throat tightened. She instinctively took another sip of wine, but the acidity of it now tasted unbearably sharp.
[She wants me as her assistant? Kate’s assistant?!]
Anne smiled and added, “As far as I know, you’re just temporarily filling in as Song’s assistant. Your performance caught my eye, and that’s why I’m extending this offer personally.”
Shen Yuyan gripped her wine glass tightly and forced out, “Thank you... for your recognition, I...”
“OK. Now—” Anne suddenly raised her wrist and checked her watch, her tone firm and absolute. “You have one minute to decide. Of course, it depends on whether you’re smart and ambitious enough to seize this opportunity.”
Thump, thump, thump— Her heart pounded like a war drum.
Shen Yuyan’s eyes flickered—her mind a battlefield.
Her brain furiously analyzed Anne’s every word and expression, trying to uncover her true intentions.
Yet no matter how she interpreted it, those words felt like an invisible net, trapping her completely.
Above her head, the bullet comments exploded like fireworks:
[She said she admired me... does she really mean it?]
[No, people like her don’t show favor for no reason.]
[What does she want? My talent? Or... my influence on Tang Song?]
[But either way, someone like her wouldn’t play games with this kind of offer.]
[Jingwu Capital. The Kate Consortium. Straight to the top!]
[But what’s the price?]
[What if this is a trap? A setup against Tang Song?]
Time stretched out—every second heavy enough to suffocate.
“Thirty seconds left,” Anne’s voice rang out again, cold and calm like a blade slicing through air.
Shen Yuyan began to tremble.
Images flashed through her mind:
Her father, bowing humbly, handing over a wrinkled envelope just so she could go to her dream school.
Helping her mother with stools at the breakfast stall, only to be mocked by passing classmates.
Being the top student, yet told to give up her competition spot to a rich girl from a powerful family.
Running all over the city for a client, only to be humiliated by investors for the pettiest reasons.
[Every scar has taught me the rules of this world.]
[And power... is the best painkiller.]
The 3AM sound of kneading dough. The overturned soy milk bucket. The torn-up test papers. The business proposal thrown on the floor. Being driven out of the Park Hyatt by Wang Yubo like a stray dog. The looming collapse of U-Clean Services...
And finally.
Reflected in her eyes now was the brilliant, buzzing scene of Investor Night’s main hall.
Echoing in her mind—her conversation with Tang Song before walking in:
“Are you sure you won’t regret this again?”
“Absolutely not!”
“Good, Assistant Shen.”
“Thank you for giving me this chance to redeem myself, President Tang. I won’t disappoint you again.”
“I believe in you. And this is the last chance.”
Those unforgettable images receded like a tide.
Staring at Anne Kate, Shen Yuyan suddenly smiled.
[Are you crazy, Shen Yuyan? That’s Kate! People would kill to get close to her!] The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the novel·fire.net
[No. This is the real me.]
[Even if I’ve been crushed by reality, I still have a shred of pride and self-worth left.]
[If I give that up too—then even I wouldn’t respect myself.]
“Ms. Kate, thank you very much for your trust and appreciation. But I’m sorry... I still hope to continue learning from President Tang.”
She bent slightly at the waist, her tone firm and sincere.
“Oh?” Anne narrowed her eyes, a thoughtful glint flashing in her pale irises. “Can you tell me why? Or do you think Song can better satisfy your ambitions?”
Shen Yuyan gently shook her head. “Ms. Kate, I admire you and everything you represent. But I’ve already made my choice, and I believe that decision will take me farther.”
Anne replied with layered meaning, “Are you sure? My invitations are rare—you’re one of the very few.”
Shen Yuyan offered a soft smile. “Thank you for understanding. No matter what happens in the future, I’ll never forget this moment. Your invitation is an immense honor to me.”
【She’s been testing me, trying to shake me】
【What is her real relationship with Tang Song?!】
Anne’s gaze, heavy with pressure, bore into her. After a long pause, she finally said slowly, “Looks like you’re even more interesting than I thought.”
Just then, the door to the adjacent lounge opened.
A tall, upright figure appeared at the entrance.
Shen Yuyan’s eyes lit up. She stood gracefully, giving Anne a slight curtsy. “Pardon me, Ms. Kate. I need to return to my duties.”
With that, she briskly walked toward Tang Song.
Anne watched her departing figure, her lips curling into a meaningful smile.
She lowered her head and gently swirled the wine in her glass, the amber liquid reflecting the complex emotions in her eyes—admiration, and just a hint of amusement.
“President Tang,” Shen Yuyan called softly, her voice carrying a trace of respect and anticipation. “You’re out.”
Tang Song gave a slight nod, his gaze gentle as it fell on her. “Let’s go. Accompany me to meet the management team at Yimai Tech.”
“Okay!” Shen Yuyan replied immediately, her voice crisp and determined.
Then she glanced around and leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “President Tang, Ms. Kate just spoke with me. She invited me to work for her. The terms were... honestly, too good to be true. But I turned her down.”
She was smart enough to realize Anne Kate was trying to sway her.
But she was just a small fry.
After thinking it through, the only one worth that kind of effort was Tang Song himself.
What worried her most was whether Anne’s actions were aimed at him.
As someone from a top-tier conglomerate, Shen Yuyan felt both respect and fear toward her—though now, more than anything, she was worried for Tang Song.
Hearing this little “report” full of subtle calculation and watching her fresh, pretty face, Tang Song’s lips curved up. “I know. Don’t worry about it. I’ll talk to Anne separately later.”
“That’s good. I hope this doesn’t trouble you.”
Tang Song reached out and lightly patted her waist, his tone relaxed and familiar. “Next, I plan to participate in Yimai Tech’s B+ round. Assistant Shen, listen carefully and take notes. I’m assigning this project to you.”
Shen Yuyan blinked in surprise.
Her eyes turned misty, emotions rippling in her heart.
Right now, her title was still just a temporary “Special Assistant.”
Once Investor Night ended, she might be dismissed and returned to square one.
Her future role and whether she stayed still depended on Tang Song’s decision.
That’s what made Anne Kate’s offer so tempting.
And yet—Tang Song’s simple sentence immediately anchored her wavering heart.
His attitude made it clear.
From this moment on, she was no longer just a stand-in. She would now be entrusted with real responsibility—a key player in his strategic plans.
【I did it. I’ve earned his recognition】
Not pity.
Not charity.
But true acknowledgment.
Beep! The pale-blue system interface reappeared. Character bullet comments and outlines slowly faded.
The background shifted, line after line of text appearing.
Shen Yuyan’s character model stood at the center of the screen—an opulent banquet scene around her, surrounded by men and women in suits, brilliant lights, a dazzling stage...
[Special Event Instance — “Shen Yuyan’s Whisper” Cleared]
[Score Evaluation In Progress.....]
[Observer (Tang Song) Rating: SSS (Perfect)]
[Test Subject (Shen Yuyan) Performance Rating: SSS (Perfect)]
[You’ve gained “Charm +1”]
[You’ve gained “Comprehension +1”]
[You’ve acquired Language Skill — “French: Fluent”]
[You’ve acquired Exclusive Outfit — “Autumn Encounter”]
[You’ve obtained Special Item — “Secretary Jin’s Storyline Easter Egg”]