novelraw Chapter 556: Open Struggles and Secret Fights, Shangguan the Bold!
Chapter 556: Open Struggles and Secret Fights, Shangguan the Bold!
Hangcheng, Future Technology City.
Heyi Technology Headquarters.
Inside the multifunctional hall, the lighting was soft, and long tables were neatly arranged with laptops, project files, and due diligence documents.
The air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee, mingled with the rustling of flipping pages. The atmosphere was quiet and solemn.
Shen Yuyan sat upright at the long table, dressed in a sleek black business suit.
In front of her lay a “Heyi Technology Technical Architecture Analysis Report” compiled by her team, with her own supplementary notes beside it, written neatly and logically.
The deeper she got into the due diligence, the more stunned she was by Heyi Technology’s potential.
As a tech company centered on AI and focused on the intelligent transformation of the fashion industry, Heyi Technology not only had a top-tier founding team, but was also backed by major institutions like Penguin Ventures and Matrix Partners China.
Just two years after its founding, it had already completed Series B financing, with a valuation exceeding 500 million USD.
Its core technology—a large model tailored for fashion design—could generate high-quality design drafts, intelligently recommend fabrics, colors, and styles, and optimize inventory and logistics, forming a perfect “AI + Fashion” closed loop.
Compared to this kind of true “quasi-unicorn” with a solid tech moat, the likes of Ujie Cleaning Services and Gongying Technology that she had encountered before weren’t even in the same league.
This was the kind of company truly worth betting on.
She lifted her head and swept her gaze lightly across the investor representatives from top-tier institutions sitting opposite her at the table, then glanced at the colleague beside her.
A subtle excitement quietly stirred in her heart.
It had only been a week since she joined Rongliu Capital, and she was already adapting to her new identity.
Those figures she once could only look up to were now sitting across the table as equals—or even as parties she could now take the lead in engaging.
Not long ago, she had to pull strings just to meet an ordinary fund’s project manager.
Now, as the “Chairman’s Special Assistant,” she represented Rongliu Capital in a closed-door due diligence session.
She had finally stepped onto the rule-makers’ side.
Shen Yuyan took a light sip of her coffee, a confident smile curling on her lips.
5 PM.
As the last due diligence document was signed, the tense atmosphere that had lasted all day in the conference room finally began to ease.
Laptops were closed, files were archived, chairs leaned back…
Light laughter and small talk began to ripple through the quiet space.
After a round of conversations, everyone stood up to say their goodbyes.
With an executive from Heyi Technology accompanying her, Shen Yuyan slowly left the venue with her briefcase in hand, quietly exhaling a breath of relief.
This had been the first major task she took on after joining Rongliu—and it had ended smoothly.
Worth mentioning was that in this round of financing, Tang Song personally invested in 2.5% of the company’s shares—amounting to a whopping $12.5 million.
Even if it was a minority stake in the overall project, it was still a massive amount.
And as his special assistant, when Shen Yuyan signed the investment agreement on Tang Song’s behalf, her emotions were a whirlwind.
This wasn’t just a transaction—it was her official ticket into the inner circle of capital.
She walked steadily as the golden twilight filtered through the headquarters’ glass curtain wall, casting a soft glow on the side of her face, tracing out a gentle and elegant silhouette that drew many passing glances.
Back at the hotel.
She stepped into the elevator, and the metallic doors slowly closed.
Looking at the three colleagues beside her, Shen Yuyan smiled brightly.
With a soft tone, she said, “Thank you all for your hard work. Tonight, dinner’s on me. Let’s have a nice meal and unwind.”
“Alright.” “Thanks.”
The colleagues nodded politely, though their enthusiasm was lukewarm at best.
Without showing a change in expression, Shen Yuyan glanced toward Zhang Lili standing a short distance away, a trace of meaningful emotion flickering in her eyes.
Zhang Lili was one of Lin Muxue’s most trusted confidants.
With her present, the others wouldn’t warm up too much to Shen Yuyan.
After all, getting close to her meant potentially offending Assistant General Manager Luna.
The elevator ascended smoothly.
Just then—
Zhang Lili’s phone suddenly vibrated.
She glanced at the caller ID, and her expression instantly sharpened. She then briskly walked to the corner and answered the call in a lowered voice.
Shen Yuyan had excellent hearing. Even though the other party deliberately kept their voice down, she still caught a few keywords.
“Kate Trust,” “Tangjin Family Office.”
Her heart skipped a beat, and her eyes gleamed faintly.
These two names were the most important institutional shareholders behind Rongliu Capital.
It was obvious Zhang Lili was reporting something significant during that call—her cautious tone and precise wording showed this was no ordinary conversation.
Shen Yuyan remained expressionless on the surface, but inwardly she was like a cat being teased.
She desperately needed intel like that.
But right now, she hadn’t yet gained a foothold in the company, nor had she recruited anyone to “dig for information” on her behalf.
“Ding—”
The elevator opened at the 23rd floor.
Everyone filed out and said their goodnights.
Back in her room.
Shen Yuyan walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and stared at the city lights gradually swallowed by night.
She took a deep breath, her mind cluttered with thoughts.
If there was one thing truly troubling her at the moment, it was Lin Muxue’s deliberate exclusion.
Not only was the other woman the head of the President’s Office, she was also one of Tang Song’s earliest assistants—boasting deep networks and emotional capital.
At the Yancheng WOFE branch, almost all employees respected Lin Muxue greatly—some even revered her.
That made it hard for Shen Yuyan to build her own social network.
Her goal was clear: integrate into Rongliu Capital’s vast financial ecosystem as quickly as possible and leverage it to fulfill her own plans.
She had to break through.
To establish a firm footing at Rongliu, the most important thing was building her own resource network.
At this thought, a spark lit in her eyes, and another direction suddenly came to mind.
If she couldn’t break through at the Yancheng branch, should she consider the headquarters in Hong Kong?
As a private equity fund registered in Hong Kong, Rongliu Capital’s real power core and decision-making hub was undoubtedly in Central.
That was the real springboard for her future development.
Under the pretense of “learning headquarters operations,” she could conduct field research in Hong Kong, visit executives, expand her network, and build her circle.
That way, she could escape her current isolation.
As Tang Song’s special assistant, this was not only legitimate but also strategically valuable.
And as long as Lin Muxue wasn’t nearby—she feared nothing.
“Pa—”
Shen Yuyan clapped her hands with purpose, eyes shining.
“I have to make a trip to Hong Kong!”
Mentioning Hong Kong naturally brought another name to her mind.
Bai Menglin.
Her high school classmate—and once her “invisible rival.”
Both were top students and stunning in appearance. They had a good relationship in school, though always quietly competing.
Over the years, she had followed Bai Menglin’s career closely.
They still met up every Lunar New Year.
Bai Menglin scored well on her college entrance exams and got into Jinan University, majoring in finance.
Then she was admitted to the Chinese University of Hong Kong for her master’s in investment analysis.
Now she worked at Guotai Junan International—a local Chinese securities firm in Hong Kong.
Her life seemed glamorous, her social media dazzling.
Bai Menglin and Ji Yingying had always been Shen Yuyan’s benchmarks.
Back when she was making waves during her startup days at Ujie Cleaning, she frequently posted her wins in their high school group chat.
But when funding struggles hit, she gradually faded away.
Meanwhile, Bai Menglin graduated from a prestigious school and continued to rise.
But now, things were different.
Now, it was Shen Yuyan’s turn again.
With an annual salary of 1.2 million yuan and the title of Chairman’s Special Assistant at Rongliu Capital, she was back in control.
If she went to Hong Kong, she would definitely pay her old classmate a visit.
Then another idea popped into her mind.
If she could bring Bai Menglin into Rongliu Capital’s headquarters, she would gain a pair of “eyes” in the command center—and better break out of her current situation.
Besides, turning an old classmate and “former rival” into a subordinate—wasn’t that a delicious little victory?
The idea became increasingly tempting.
But she also understood—it wouldn’t be easy.
While Guotai Junan International wasn’t a top-tier investment bank in Hong Kong, its parent company, Guotai Junan Securities, was one of the leading brokerages in China—with a market cap in the hundreds of billions.
Bai Menglin had chosen Guotai Junan International hoping to transfer to the mainland parent company someday.
As a private equity firm managing $2 billion globally, Rongliu Capital was still considered mid-sized.
To someone hustling in Central with Guotai Junan’s backing, a firm like Rongliu was clearly less attractive in terms of reputation and stability.
Especially when compared to a financial giant like Guotai Junan Securities, ranked among China’s top firms with a strong state-owned background and clear promotion paths.
Still, Rongliu’s credentials weren’t as simple as they looked.
Behind it stood two true top-tier families: the Tangjin Family Office and Kate Trust.
If the invitation came directly from those institutions, it would be an entirely different level of “resource summoning.”
There weren’t many people in the world who could say no to Tangjin and Kate.
Of course, she knew Rongliu Capital, while under their umbrella, was just a small pawn in their vast empire—not likely to get much attention from the top brass.
Poaching someone through this route wasn’t realistic.
But if handled properly, maybe she could leverage Tang Song’s position to play the “access card.”
Though he kept a low profile, as the chairman, he surely had direct lines to the two financial powerhouses.
Still, if she wanted to start with Bai Menglin, she’d need to offer matching compensation—and most importantly, secure Tang Song’s prior approval.
No crossing lines. No missteps.
This was a problem...
As her thoughts flipped rapidly, Shen Yuyan lowered her head and gently rubbed her thumb over the phone screen, her eyes gradually darkening.
Hong Kong, Rongliu Capital—I'm heading there soon!
Lin Muxue, I will completely break free from your shadow! Read full story at ⓝovelFire.net
...
Yancheng, Financial Center Tower A, Rongliu Investment.
Inside the meeting room.
“According to the current investigation, Huashang Apparel and Global Tongtai have a large number of related-party transactions. Profits are being funneled out through ‘procurement expenses’ and ultimately deposited into Global Tongtai’s accounts, making it easier for He Jingping’s family members to allocate the funds freely.”
“This already meets the triggering conditions for convertible bonds. We can activate it at any time...”
“Go ahead,” Lin Muxue interrupted calmly and firmly. “You guys take the lead on this. I’ll report directly to Mr. Tang.”
“Understood!” “Got it!”
“Meeting adjourned.”
Everyone stood up, gathered their materials, closed their laptops, and gradually filed out of the room.
As the door closed behind them, Lin Muxue finally let her expression relax and stood up, feeling cheerful and light.
It was Friday again.
Last weekend had been a nightmare thanks to Little Jing’s outrageous behavior—left her anxious and annoyed.
But this weekend, she’d made plans with her beautician friend for a getaway—to enjoy a moment reserved for the great “Empress Muxue” herself.
Back in the Assistant General Manager’s office—
Lin Muxue stretched lazily and glanced at her phone, lifting her brow slightly.
Two missed calls—both from Zhang Lili.
She called back immediately.
The call connected quickly. “Hello? What’s up, Kylie?”
“Luna!” Zhang Lili’s voice was low and urgent, tinged with irrepressible excitement. “I just overheard someone from Kate Trust mention that Rongliu Capital might be entering a new round of expansion. Not only will there be more funding, but they’re also planning to open five new domestic and international branches—one of them in London!”
“Oh?” Lin Muxue’s eyes lit up. “Is the intel solid?”
“Absolutely!” Zhang Lili lowered her voice. “Although the funding amount hasn’t been disclosed, the project has already launched. You’re the assistant general manager—once the plan lands, you’ll definitely be the first to access the core details.”
“Good, thank you, Kylie. If I hear anything, I’ll update you right away too.”
Lin Muxue crossed her long legs, lightly rubbing her thighs—she kinda needed to use the bathroom.
When she was out and about, all her identity and status came from Rongliu Capital.
If the company went big, her stock would rise too.
Plus, she was going to London next month, with friends in tow—if there was a branch there, she could flex a little too.
The two of them chatted excitedly for a few more moments.
Then Zhang Lili suddenly said, “By the way, Luna—while I was in Hangcheng this time, I met President Mo—Mo Xiangwan. She specifically mentioned you, said you two are close friends. Is that true?”
Lin Muxue curled her toes slightly, but her voice stayed composed: “Yeah, we know each other. I’m quite familiar with President Mo and Su Yu.”
Mo Xiangwan held a position at Juqing Huijin, and back when Zhao Yaqian signed her first contract, Mo had appeared as a witness.
So it was no surprise that Zhang Lili had met her.
Zhang Lili exclaimed in awe, “Whoa! Luna, that’s incredible—you’re actually friends with Miss Su Yu?! You never mentioned that before!”
Lin Muxue smiled lightly, her tone casual: “Su Yu’s a public figure. Some relationships can’t be made public so easily.”
Are you kidding me?
She—Empress Muxue—was basically in the same league as Empress Su when it came to Tang Song!
Rounding up, that practically made them soul sisters.
A little name-dropping wasn’t a crime, right?
Zhang Lili paused, then added, “Didn’t you ask me to keep an eye out for elite social circles or high-end connections? I brought it up with President Mo, and she said she’s coming to Yancheng soon for some business. She’d like to meet you in person. You know how resourceful she is—as CEO of Tangzong Entertainment, she can easily connect you with A-listers and celebrity circles.”
Lin Muxue inhaled softly, her face lighting up with barely concealed delight.
“Really... I wasn’t planning to trouble President Mo, but since she offered, I can’t exactly say no.”
They chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up.
Lin Muxue closed her phone and tapped her foot lightly, her lips curving into a joyous smile.
Today was definitely a great day—good news just kept coming.
She had been stressing over the assignment Tang Song gave her.
Even though her status as Empress Muxue was solid now, her foundation still lacked depth.
Especially that door leading to the true top-tier circle—she hadn’t yet managed to push it open.
Now that Mo Xiangwan was taking the initiative to help—heaven was clearly on her side!
Heh, Shen Yuyan, you still want to compete with me?
I, Empress Muxue, have long since moved beyond your level.
The people I deal with are Su Yu, Mo Xiangwan—
What leverage do you have to compare with me? Are you even worthy?
Outside, the sky was gradually darkening.
Leaning lazily back in her chair, Lin Muxue opened a buzzing group chat and started scrolling through the messages.
[Peng Meilin: “We’d have to transfer flights if we leave for London from Yancheng. Why not just go from the Imperial Capital instead?”]
[Zhang Xi: “Yeah, I don’t want all the hassle either. It’s more convenient to depart from the Imperial Capital.”]
Lin Muxue scrolled while casually responding with a few lines of her own.
Her trip to London was getting closer by the day.
She had never actually been abroad before—especially not to a global city like London.
Even though she acted calm on the outside, deep down she couldn’t help feeling a bit giddy.
This trip wasn’t just for “relaxation,” obviously.
As Tang Song’s assistant, she’d inevitably be traveling the globe with him in the future—she needed to get familiar with the process.
So, she figured she might as well bring some friends along.
First, she persuaded Zhang Xi, and then Zhang pulled her into this group chat.
Everyone in the group was a second-gen rich kid from Yancheng—almost all had studied in the UK before, well-known faces from the overseas crowd.
Having more people would make things livelier.
They could look after each other—and it gave her more chances to flex.
After all, she now held a co-branded black card, with global privileges—didn’t even have to worry about her own travel.
Top-tier concierge service was always at the ready.
But unfortunately, Yancheng was still a second-tier city—no direct flights to London.
They’d have to transfer in the Imperial Capital.
Of course—if they flew by private jet, they could go straight from Yancheng.
The problem was, London was too far. They’d need a large business jet, which was insanely expensive.
Add up the flight cost, repositioning fee, airport fees... it’d be at least 1.5 million yuan.
Even splitting it among 4 or 5 people, it was still a money-burning flex.
She had the black card, and sure, she liked to flex—but this was way past her spending threshold.
Besides, the card limit wasn’t for reckless splurging.
If Tang Song found out... she might just get her butt kicked!
At that thought, the smile on her face faltered ever so slightly—and she suddenly froze.
Yikes! Why spanking of all things?!
Crap! I’ve been corrupted by Little Jing!
She couldn’t help but cover her cheeks, feeling a wave of embarrassment—yet, inexplicably, a faint tingle of excitement crept over her.
Come to think of it, Tang Song had once said that once she met his expectations, he’d let her take over some of his “pleasure assets”—and private jets were one of them.
Private jets…
That was the exclusive accessory of the world’s ultra-wealthy!
She had no idea if Tang Song already owned one, but if she ever got to ride in it, that would be chef’s kiss.
By then, she’d definitely snap a few photos for social media, captioning it with something like: “Weekend tea in London, followed by a casual stroll through the V&A Museum.”
Just imagining it made her feel amazing!
Lin Muxue squeezed her thighs together, her cheeks flushing pink.
And then... who knows, maybe she and Tang Song could... take things to the next level.
At that thought, she quickly stood up and rushed toward the bathroom!
...
8:30 PM.
Yanjing Tiancheng, a luxury penthouse.
In the study, warm lighting wrapped the space in a serene, cozy glow.
Tang Song leaned back in a leather office chair, the screen in front of him displaying an introduction page for “Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France.”
After clearing the [Whispers of Shen Yuyan] instance, the [Language – French Proficiency Skill] he earned was finally coming in handy.
At first, he thought the language reward was just a play on “Yuyan” sounding like “language.”
He hadn’t expected it to be a setup for the French estate.
Tangjin Estate was located in this region—classic Mediterranean climate and landscape.
It boasted sapphire coastlines, endless lavender fields, and olive groves…
Combining natural beauty, investment value, and high-end social status, it was a magnet for the world’s wealthiest.
The more he looked, the more Tang Song liked the idea of owning 230 hectares of royal land there.
Next time, he could bring his “Wings” along for a vacation—safe and relaxing.
“Ding-dong——”
The smart speaker rang out with a pleasant doorbell chime, pulling him out of his thoughts.
Tang Song raised his brows and glanced at the display screen.
The next second, a familiar figure appeared.
Shangguan Qiuyas.
Secretary Jin’s “gift” had arrived!
As expected of Secretary Jin—efficient and to the point as always.
Tang Song stood up, his steps unconsciously quickening, heartbeat speeding up too.
He reached the foyer and opened the heavy armored door.
Shangguan Qiuyas stood at the threshold.
Poised and graceful, her sleek black skirt suit perfectly accentuated her elegant figure. She carried a delicate black gift bag, her air composed, though a subtle nervousness flickered in her eyes.
“Good evening, Mr. Tang,” Shangguan Qiuyas said softly, her voice trembling slightly. “Sorry to bother you so late.”
“No worries. You're not a bother. Come in, Shangguan.” Tang Song smiled and stepped aside, though his gaze naturally drifted to the bag in her hands.
“Thank you.”
Shangguan Qiuyas bent slightly and stepped in carefully, her smile professionally polite, but there was unmistakable panic in her eyes.
No one knew how heavy the thing she was carrying felt to her right now.
This was, without a doubt, a make-or-break moment in her career.
“Click—” The door was gently shut.
The air stilled. All that remained was the faint quickening of their breaths.
Shangguan Qiuyas lowered her eyes and bit her lip, finally mustering the courage to say: “Mr. Tang, this is from Director Jin. She said… it’s what you asked for.”
Tang Song nodded slightly, his tone gentle: “Thanks. Must’ve been a hassle to deliver it personally this late.”
“It’s my duty.”
As she spoke, Shangguan Qiuyas hugged the bag to her chest and slowly unzipped it.
Both of their heartbeats quickened.
Tang Song’s gaze was fixed on the black plastic bag in her hand, speculating about its contents.
A shirt? A skirt? Or… something more intimate?
After all, this was his personal request—and Secretary Jin had handpicked this “custom reply.” It marked their first meaningful exchange. Very symbolic.
Shangguan Qiuyas’s fingers trembled slightly as she reached into the gift bag.
She slowly pulled out… a pair of black stockings.
Tang Song’s heart gave a heavy thump.
Then Shangguan suddenly took a deep breath and flicked her wrist.
“Whoosh——”
The stockings fluttered like a black butterfly, tracing a graceful arc through the air, brushing softly under Tang Song’s jaw before landing on his shoulder and neck.
A wave of fragrance hit him—subtle and lingering.
The scent was a blend of cedar and jasmine—cool yet with a hint of elusive sweetness, like the first mist of an autumn morning.
Tang Song instinctively reached out to catch it.
The texture was silky smooth—thin, sheer, wrinkle-free, and of the highest quality.
Under the light, it shimmered faintly, with a trace of dampness from sweat.
It was clearly a pair of worn stockings.
Secretary Jin, you really get me.
Shangguan Qiuyas suddenly bowed at a full 90 degrees, her face flushed red, voice shaking: “I’m so sorry, Mr. Tang! I… I got carried away. Please forgive me!”
Fingering the stockings in his hand, eyes locked on the assistant before him, Tang Song raised his brows slightly.
He didn’t buy the “got carried away” excuse for a second.
As Secretary Jin’s personal assistant—someone she trusted deeply—Shangguan Qiuyas wouldn’t make that kind of mistake.
This had to be... Secretary Jin’s specially arranged “opening scene.”
Tang Song’s lips curled as he replied in an even tone, “It’s alright.”
Only then did Shangguan Qiuyas let out a long sigh of relief, her knees going weak.
In this moment, she felt like she had transcended.
She had literally slapped Mr. Tang in the face with Director Jin’s stockings.
She had never been this badass in her entire life.
If Qin Yingxue and the others ever found out, they’d probably drop to their knees and call her big sis.