novelraw Chapter 569: A Glimpse of Su Yu
Chapter 569: A Glimpse of Su Yu
"Shirley, Shirley!" Lin Muxue's teasing voice rang out. "What are you spacing out for? Don't tell me you're enchanted by Hong Kong's air?"
Shen Yuyan quickly snapped back to reality, her gaze shifting as she looked up at Mo Xiangwan standing not far away. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward briskly and extended her hand.
Her tone carried slight nervousness and respect as she said, "President Mo... hello, I've long admired your reputation. I never expected to meet you here. I'm Shen Yuyan, special assistant to the chairman of Rongliu Capital."
Though her voice remained steady, her palms had already begun to sweat slightly.
Upon hearing her introduction, Mo Xiangwan's eyes flickered slightly as she reached out to shake her hand. "Hello, Assistant Shen. Pleased to meet you."
Hearing the famously renowned Mo Xiangwan being so gentle and polite filled Shen Yuyan with immense excitement and exhilaration.
This was the CEO of Tang Entertainment! As a leading enterprise in China's entertainment industry, a listed company with nearly a hundred billion market capitalization, her status was unquestionably noble.
She had seen this name countless times in financial news, short video platforms, and investor rankings. And now, she was actually standing face-to-face with her, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries!
Compared to Zheng Qiudong, another celebrity she'd met before, Mo Xiangwan was far more gentle and friendly.
"Having long heard of President Mo's peerless grace, seeing you today—"Lin Muxue watched her expression from the side, a faint smile curling at her lips.
What a country bumpkin! Daring to compete with me, Empress Muxue! Hahaha, scared speechless already? This is just the beginning. If you knew I was also "close" with Jin Meixiao and Su Yu, you'd probably piss yourself on the spot!
However, Mo Xiangwan's sudden appearance today had indeed caught her off guard, making her realize her position in the other's—or rather, in Su Yu's—heart, growing increasingly calm.
As for how the other party knew her itinerary, it was actually quite simple. The black card privileges and butler team from Kate Bank had many cooperative relationships with Tang Entertainment, especially Sheng Tang, responsible for security, where Tang Entertainment was a shareholder.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, seeing Shen Yuyan still trying to cozy up to Mo Xiangwan, Lin Muxue smilingly interrupted, "Sister Xiangwan, let's continue our chat in the car."
"Mm."
Shen Yuyan's gaze paused briefly between the two. Just as she was about to say something, Lin Muxue directly arranged, "Shirley, you take the car behind."
The driver immediately opened the rear door for her. Shen Yuyan hesitated momentarily before nodding with a smile. "Alright."
"Thud—" The door closed gently.
Sitting in the back, Shen Yuyan exhaled, her eyes still flickering with astonishment. Lin Muxue's previous courtesies and private consultant had limited impact on her. What truly broke her defenses was Mo Xiangwan personally coming to receive them at the airport.
If it had been Tang Song, she could have understood. After all, he was the boss of a billion-dollar private equity firm. But Lin Muxue? Just a general assistant at Rongliu Capital—even if at VP level, she was merely a company executive. Where did she get such face?
In Shen Yuyan's eyes, Lin Muxue suddenly seemed shrouded in a mysterious veil.
The car slowly departed Hong Kong International Airport, winding along North Lantau Highway. Outside the window, the scenery shifted from the steel-and-glass terminals to emerald hills and meandering coastlines. Hong Kong's skyline gradually unfolded.
Tsing Ma Bridge lay like a giant dragon across the water, connecting Hong Kong Island to the New Territories, the sea below sparkling with light. The slightly salty breeze from Victoria Harbor seeped through the car window gaps, tousling her hair and bringing Hong Kong's humid warmth.
Shen Yuyan exhaled softly, suddenly feeling refreshed as she gazed into the distance. Towering glass facades glowed under the sunset, outlining the magnificent contours of this prosperous metropolis.
The International Finance Centre, Bank of China Tower, HSBC Main Building... One after another, these symbols of wealth and power flashed before her eyes—both unfamiliar and awe-inspiring, as if a scene she'd repeatedly envisioned in her mind had finally materialized.
She raised her phone and lightly tapped the shutter. "Click—" The afternoon light of Victoria Harbor froze within the frame.
Casually sharing it to her social feed, she captioned: "Where capital meets dreams, the Oriental Pearl of international finance—I've arrived." After posting, she leaned back in her seat, quietly admiring Hong Kong's scenery through the window.
After a while, she reflexively opened her phone and refreshed her feed. Immediately, she saw numerous unread notifications—likes and comments pouring in.
Soon, one comment caught her attention.
[Ji Yingying: "Just heard from Menglin at noon that you're in Hong Kong. It's been over four years since the three of us last gathered. Coincidentally, I'm planning to visit investors in Hong Kong soon. Let's properly catch up when I arrive this weekend."]
Shen Yuyan stared at this comment for several seconds, her eyes flickering slightly. She naturally understood Ji Yingying's implication. This was far from "wanting to catch up"—it was merely another way of saying: "I'm coming too, don't get ahead of yourself."
Back then, she, Bai Menglin, and Ji Yingying had all been prominent figures in their elite class—each outstanding in looks and academics. Though never explicitly stated, the competition between them had never ceased. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by nοvelfire.net
At that time, she had indeed consistently outperformed them, whether in appearance, grades, or charisma. Ji Yingying clearly wanted to stage a "triumphant return." Now that Zhifang Medical had successfully listed on the A-share market with a 9.8 billion valuation, making waves, as head of investor relations, Ji Yingying certainly had the credentials.
When she first learned this news in the group chat, she had indeed felt upset and dejected for a long time. Fortunately, she was now an executive at a billion-dollar private equity firm, her status no less than Ji Yingying's. The only one truly suffering was Bai Menglin.
Shen Yuyan chuckled lightly and shook her head, tapping on Ji Yingying's comment to reply: "Looking forward to our Hong Kong reunion (#hug)(#heart)."
4 PM.
The vehicle slowly entered the crescent-shaped driveway before the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. The landmark five-star hotel's red-and-gold welcome umbrellas glittered in the sunlight. A white-gloved doorman politely opened the car door with elegant, practiced movements.
Black Jimmy Choo heels tapped the ground as Lin Muxue stepped out composedly, carrying her Hermès Birkin bag, her every movement exuding leading-lady poise. Her private consultant Aria quickly approached, whispering a report.
Shen Yuyan exited the car afterward, slightly schooling her expression to maintain composure. After the three cars parked neatly for a moment, they gradually drove away.
Shen Yuyan hesitantly asked, "Luna, President Mo she..."
Lin Muxue waved her hand lightly, her tone casual. "Sister Xiangwan is very busy with work. She specially took time out to pick me up and discuss some private matters. Don't ask too much. Let's go."
Her words seemed offhand, yet each one carried barbs. Shen Yuyan's lips twitched, her chest rising and falling, but ultimately she said nothing.
Inside the lobby, the lighting was soft, warm gold cascading from vintage crystal chandeliers onto the black-and-white veined marble floor, reflecting exquisite luxury. Guests moved about orderly, dressed impeccably.
Shen Yuyan opened her bag, about to retrieve her ID to check in, when several figures quickly approached. Leading them was a middle-aged Caucasian man in a tailored suit, his demeanor proper and movements polished with trained courtesy.
Her heart skipped a beat as she instinctively looked toward Lin Muxue. Sure enough, the group stopped before Lin Muxue.
The Caucasian man bowed 15 degrees, smiling courteously. "Honorable Ms. Lin, welcome to Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. I'm Daniel Everett, front office manager. It's an honor to serve you."
"Hello, Daniel," Lin Muxue responded gently with a nod.
Daniel spoke at an unhurried pace with habitual British inflection. "Your original reservation was for a Deluxe Harbor View Room. We've automatically upgraded you complimentary to a Harbor View Executive Suite—150 square meters with separate living area and private balcony. All amenities, including fragrances, champagne, pillows, and water brands, have been replaced and arranged according to your preferences..."
As Daniel continued, Shen Yuyan standing to the side genuinely felt her defenses crumbling. She was a normal woman with no less competitive spirit than anyone—especially toward Lin Muxue, where her drive was strongest.
Both were in assistant roles, though Lin Muxue's rank was slightly higher. Yet the administrative team had booked them both in HK$4,000-per-night harbor view rooms. In truth, this was already incredible business trip treatment. But upon arrival—free upgrade to a HK$20,000+ suite, customized configurations, the front office manager personally welcoming them...
This level of privilege she'd only seen in TV dramas and financial gossip. How exactly had she secured so many special privileges? And knowing big shots like Mo Xiangwan? Was there no justice? No laws?
She shouldn't have come with her! How foolish! Really! The accumulated frustration of this journey burned in her chest like flames.
"Ms. Lin, please follow me to the suite first. We'll complete the remaining check-in procedures in your room shortly." Daniel's gaze then fell on Shen Yuyan. "Will this lady be staying as well?"
Lin Muxue glanced sideways, smiling lightly. "Shirley, want to room together? A 150-square-meter suite is a bit lonely for just me."
Her tone was natural, like a casual invitation between friends, yet her smile held three parts nonchalance, three parts probing, and four parts subtle superiority. Lin Muxue looked down at her, her entire body thrumming with satisfaction. To her, from departure to hotel check-in, this moment was her MVP victory screen in this game.
Their locked gazes conveyed mutual understanding of each other's thoughts. Shen Yuyan gritted her teeth but suddenly smiled. "Sure, then I'll impose. Staying together will make it easier to look out for each other, and we can save some travel budget for the company. President Tang will surely praise us when he arrives in Hong Kong."
This might be for the best—she'd been genuinely worried Tang Song might stay in Lin Muxue's room upon arriving.
"Then let's go." Daniel bowed slightly, palm upturned to guide. "Please follow me. The private elevator awaits."
Lin Muxue nodded courteously and turned gracefully. Staff efficiently loaded their luggage onto the elevator.
"Ding—" The elevator stopped on the 41st floor.
Under soft, elegant lighting, the group proceeded silently along plush wool carpeting. Dark wood double doors slowly opened, revealing the luxurious, bright suite.
Spacious and luminous, the suite featured cream-and-gold tones with well-proportioned layout. The air carried faint amber and cedar notes—clean, restrained, perfectly balanced.
Floor-to-ceiling windows framed an unobstructed panorama of Victoria Harbor—sea and sky blending, light and shadow interlacing like exquisite stills from a photoshoot.
After briefly introducing the suite's features, Daniel and the staff quietly withdrew, the door gently closing. The vast suite instantly quieted, leaving only the two of them. An almost imperceptible current of electricity seemed to flicker through the air.
Lin Muxue casually removed her jacket, draping it over the sofa back, then picked up the champagne bottle, shaking it toward Shen Yuyan. "Welcome to Hong Kong, Shirley. Care for a drink?"
"Sure." Shen Yuyan smiled, sitting opposite her on a single sofa and accepting the proffered flute. Champagne poured slowly, bubbles rising delicately.
"Glug—" The cool liquid carried faint fruity notes as it slid down her throat.
The two exchanged smiles, undercurrents of emotion swirling between them.
After a moment's silence, Shen Yuyan set down her glass, her tone light yet sincere. "Luna, I'm dying of curiosity... how are you so close with Tang Entertainment's President Mo? Your connections genuinely shocked me. So impressive."
Lin Muxue didn't answer immediately. Instead, she leaned forward slightly, elbows on knees, her expression casually challenging as her red lips parted.
Shen Yuyan instinctively mirrored her posture, gaze locked onto her eyes, trying to detect any clues from her expression. Their exquisite faces were now less than ten centimeters apart, breaths mingling, champagne scent diffusing between them.
Setting aside their mutual animosity, the scene was quite beautiful.
"Not telling," Lin Muxue finally said slowly. Then she burst into laughter, shaking with mirth, her entire body relaxing.
Shen Yuyan's eye twitched imperceptibly, her grip on the glass tightening slightly. Mentally chanting: Don't get angry, don't get angry, who benefits if I die of rage...
Lin Muxue smugly sipped more champagne before standing and stretching elegantly. "I'm going to shower and soak. What do you want for dinner? My treat."
"No need. I made plans with a classmate."
Hearing this, Lin Muxue's eyes lit up. "Which classmate? Can I join?" Her black card hadn't had a chance to properly flaunt before Shen Yuyan yet! One person to show off to or two—same difference!
"Heh." Shen Yuyan nearly laughed from frustration. "High school classmates. We're just catching up. Next time."
Lin Muxue pouted, shaking her head regretfully. "Fine. Have fun then." Humming a tune, she swayed her hips into the bathroom, light as a cat keeping rhythm.
Watching her retreating figure, Shen Yuyan gritted her teeth, suppressing the emotions roiling in her chest.
Just then—"Ring ring—" Her phone suddenly chimed.
[Bai Menglin]
Shen Yuyan quickly adjusted her expression, answering. "Hello, Menglin."
"Yuyan, sorry, been busy today—just saw your post. You at the hotel yet?"
"Mm, just arrived. At Four Seasons in Central, maybe a few hundred meters from your office."
"Wow, that place isn't cheap. Our self-made entrepreneur sure lives large!" Bai Menglin teased lightly.
"It's alright." Shen Yuyan smiled without elaborating.
"By the way, Yingying's coming to Hong Kong too. Things are heating up." Bai Menglin's tone carried lighthearted Feeling. "Never thought we'd reunite in Hong Kong instead of Luocheng."
"Heh, I'm super looking forward to it too."
"You could stay longer, Yuyan. Weren't you interested in financing circles? Our VP mentioned this morning that Hong Kong seems lively recently—like something big's about to happen."
Shen Yuyan paused instantly. "How so?"
"Several major clients' and partners' senior executives have been arriving over the past two days—Guyu Biotech, Tang Entertainment, Yunxi Real Estate... even an important representative from the Tangjin Family Office."
"So many heavy hitters?" Shen Yuyan's eyes immediately brightened, her entire demeanor perking up.
"Yeah." Bai Menglin's casual tone couldn't mask her excitement. "With this lineup, capital markets might see major moves. Join the buzz—might witness something monumental firsthand."
After exchanging more pleasantries, they hung up. Shen Yuyan stood, walking to the opposite floor-to-ceiling window. This suite truly was excellent—not only overlooking Victoria Harbor but also Kowloon and Victoria Peak. Bai Menglin's Guotai Junan International was visible at New Era Plaza not far away.
Her gaze jumped between skyscrapers, emotions surging. Instantly, many thoughts arose.
Tang Entertainment's Mo Xiangwan personally coming to Hong Kong. Tang Song also arriving. Were their appearances here related to these capital movements? Moreover, the companies Bai Menglin mentioned all seemed connected to Smile Holdings.
For instance, Guyu Biotech—this HK-listed biotech leader with hundred-billion market cap was ten times larger than Ji Yingying's Zhifang Medical. Its major shareholder was Smile Holdings. Current chairman Li Shiqin was Director Jin's confidant.
Yunxi Real Estate and Tang Entertainment went without saying. If this capital upheaval was truly about to unfold, could Rongliu Capital possibly be involved? After all, Tangjin had stakes behind Rongliu too.
"Thump thump—" Her heartbeat accelerated. A flush rose to Shen Yuyan's cheeks as inexplicable excitement surged—that signature sharp intuition of hers. She sensed this Hong Kong trip would prove far more tumultuous than anticipated.
6 PM.
Shenzhen, Qingning Tech Tower.
"Bye, President Liu." "Bye."
Liu Qingning followed the crowd, steps light as she exited the office building. Sea breezes carrying slight saltiness wove through gaps between buildings, ruffling her clothes and hair.
Night had fallen, city neon gradually illuminating, casting shimmering reflections on high-rise glass.
Approaching Shenzhen Bay No.1, Tower T7, she slowed her pace, calling Liu Shuang. "Hey? Shuangshuang, where are you?"
"Almost there! Elevator delays—don't worry, I'm sprinting over!" Panting came through the line.
Hanging up, within a minute, a figure came barreling toward her. "I'm here!" Liu Shuang laughed, hugging her like an excited puppy.
After some banter, they walked forward. Liu Shuang beamed expectantly. "So happy to mooch off your place for dinner again."
"Correction: *rented* place, not mine."
"Right right, your hubby leased it, haha." Liu Shuang shook her arm affectionately.
Liu Qingning "hmph"ed but didn't refute the term. Since Qingning Tech Tower was merely hundreds of meters from Shenzhen Bay No.1, Liu Qingning usually ate all three meals at home when work wasn't busy.
Auntie Mei, originally Su Yu's private housekeeper, was culinary master—expert in Cantonese, Sichuan, Western cuisines, even desserts, soups, and health congees. Home cooking far surpassed outside fare.
After her first visit, Liu Shuang became utterly hooked, seizing any chance to freeload. Eating alone was lonely, so Liu Qingning tacitly accepted this "dinner buddy."
Side by side, they entered Shenzhen Bay No.1's grounds. Following flagstone paths slowly, faint human voices and car horns behind them, landscape lighting ahead gentling the entire compound.
"Tch, this place is too nice—greenery like a park, premium management. Every visit feels like vacation."
"Then work hard. Maybe you can buy one someday."
"Yeah right—couldn't even afford rent here. Mooching off you is the best deal."
Their cheerful voices rippled lightly through the night.
Just then, a figure approached from ahead, instantly drawing their attention.
She wore a black mask and baseball cap, only eyes visible. Tall and slender, her tailored black leather jacket outlined sharp, commanding lines. High-waisted cargo pants and combat boots accentuated her striking, cool aura—equal parts intimidating and magnetic.
As distance closed, they met at a path bend. Liu Qingning and Liu Shuang instinctively stepped aside slightly, slowing.
Simultaneously, the woman also decelerated. Her eyes lifted slowly.
Liu Qingning froze involuntarily.
What eyes these were—clear yet profound, like deep lakes beneath melting snow, surface calm yet hiding undercurrents. The faint reddish-brown eyeshadow at their corners was applied with precise restraint—breathtakingly beautiful.
These were the most beautiful eyes Liu Qingning had ever seen—utterly arresting yet controlled. Strangely, they seemed... familiar.
When their gazes met, the woman's eyes were tranquil yet fathomless—as if concealing volumes, yet saying nothing at all.
The next second, she lowered her head and passed by. Wind followed, carrying a wisp of chilly fragrance—like snowy pine forests, crisp to the bone.
Only when the figure fully dissolved into night did Liu Qingning regain herself.
Liu Shuang exhaled, "My god, who was that?! So cool! Like some icy secret agent from movies—that aura and figure are unbeatable."
Hearing "movies," Liu Qingning halted abruptly. "What's wrong?" Liu Shuang tugged her arm.
Liu Qingning stared ahead blankly, ample chest heaving, voice trembling. "Shuangshuang... did that woman seem like a celebrity to you?"
"Who?"
Biting her lip, Liu Qingning uttered with difficulty: "Su Yu."
Liu Shuang froze momentarily before her pupils dilated rapidly, voice escalating: "Holy—! Definitely her! Su Yu! OMG—Su Yu! We actually ran into Su Yu here! Qingning, can we still catch up now?!"
Liu Qingning didn't answer, standing rooted, expression dazed, heartbeat wild. A powerful premonition suddenly struck her—they might formally meet much sooner than expected.