novelraw Chapter 570: Who Would You Choose Between Me and Su Yu?
Chapter 570: Who Would You Choose Between Me and Su Yu?
Hong Kong, Four Seasons Hotel lobby.
"Tap, tap, tap—"
"Ms. Shen, would you like me to arrange a car for you?"
"No need, thank you."
Shen Yuyan walked calmly and gracefully through the revolving glass door with an elegant demeanor.
A salty sea breeze mixed with strong urban scents greeted her face.
Times Square wasn't far from the Four Seasons Hotel, just about a ten-minute walk.
So she didn't call a car, planning to enjoy Central's nightscape along the way.
Central at this hour was just lighting up.
Glass curtain walls shimmered under neon and car lights, with light flowing like water between the buildings lining both sides of the street.Carrying her best friend Xu Qing's Chanel bag, Shen Yuyan moved confidently through the crowd, as if naturally belonging to this city.
Beneath her feet were polished stone walkways flanked by world-class office towers.
Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, BlackRock, Bank of China, HSBC...
Each name carried immense prestige, each building a symbol of power and capital.
On the streets, pedestrians hurried by.
Most wore well-tailored suits or professional skirts, with neat makeup and exquisite accessories.
Cantonese, Mandarin, and English intermingled constantly. Content originally comes from novel·fıre·net
This wasn't a place of warm alleys or romantic lights,
But one of calm precision and rapid rhythm.
Yet this was exactly what Shen Yuyan loved most.
The only world-class CBD in China.
Compared to the grandeur of Shanghai's Lujiazui, Hong Kong's Central gave her a different kind of quiet yet irresistible awe.
Walking here, every breath felt like swallowing the scent of money.
Her original plan had been to exit successfully after Youjie Household Services completed its Series B financing and valuation peaked, then take the capital and resources to find new opportunities and begin her true capital conquest.
She'd imagined countless times how one day she might ascend the world stage in better form.
Now, though the method differed, she'd ultimately arrived.
Her footsteps involuntarily paused at a street corner as she looked up through gaps between buildings at the most prominent high-rise in the night.
International Finance Centre Two (IFC Two), a 415-meter urban giant, Central's landmark.
Rongliu Capital was located on its 38th floor.
Her gaze fixed on that building, scanning the 38th floor position, her eyes as clear as cold stars while her heart momentarily raced violently.
Tomorrow she would enter there, step into Rongliu's core, face those financial elites she'd long admired from afar.
Then Tang Song's figure surfaced in her mind, making her gaze grow even more intense.
She'd never imagined having someone of his caliber in her circle.
Controller of a $2 billion private equity fund, with connections like Anne Kate, Zheng Qiudong, and Shangguan Qiuyas.
In society, status isn't determined by education, morality or ability, but by proximity to true power players.
Now her goal was simple and clear.
Stay close to Tang Song, perform exceptionally, and demonstrate her value and charm unreservedly.
Pity her old friend was somewhat naive, never proactively striving for anything, simply enjoying the romantic relationship with Tang Song.
Otherwise, their combined efforts could have achieved great things.
But...
Shen Yuyan lowered her eyelashes.
To her, Xu Qing held an unshakable position that even Tang Song couldn't surpass.
To avoid hurting her or their relationship, she wasn't ready to cross that line too quickly—giving Qingqing more time.
"Ring ring—"
Her phone vibrated violently in her bag, interrupting her thoughts.
Shen Yuyan checked it and quickly answered, "Hello? Menglin."
"Where are you, Yuyan?"
Glancing around, she replied cheerfully, "On Queen's Road, less than 100 meters from your company."
"Great! I've already come downstairs. Walk along the road to your right and I'll see you soon."
"Okay, see you shortly."
Hanging up, Shen Yuyan exhaled deeply, put away her phone and continued forward.
After just a few steps, a familiar yet slightly unfamiliar figure appeared in her view.
Wearing a gray-blue suit dress with stilettos, looking capable and mature—very much the international urban professional.
"Menglin," Shen Yuyan called out.
"Yuyan!" Bai Menglin waved enthusiastically before quickening her pace to give Shen Yuyan a huge hug.
"Long time no see! You've really grown into Hong Kong's financial elite—such presence!"
"Haha, our campus belle Shen still knows how to charm."
"So have you decided where to take me to eat?" Shen Yuyan asked with a smile.
"There's a cha chaan teng near my place—very authentic and meets your 'local flavor' standard."
"I came all this way to Hong Kong and you're taking me to a street-side diner? Aren't you being too frugal?"
"Well, are you coming or not?"
"Of course I am!"
One warm hug and brief banter bridged over three years of separation.
Now, 1300 kilometers from their hometown Luocheng, the two stood on bustling Hong Kong streets, rediscovering some of their high school intimacy and friendship.
As they chatted, Bai Menglin skillfully called a ride.
Soon a red taxi stopped before them.
They got in together.
Outside the window was dazzling nightscape and neon; inside, comfortable silence.
Shen Yuyan looked at Bai Menglin beside her, smiling.
Her earlier thoughts of "returning in glory" and "showing off" gradually faded.
There was never real animosity between them.
Quite the opposite—they'd been close, even sharing a desk in sophomore year, living nearby.
Their excellence had just bred subtle competition and rivalry.
Now, time had smoothed those edges, workplace experience rounding their corners.
Reunited, those youthful conflicts had evaporated,
Leaving only smiles and sighs in memory.
Bai Menglin lived near Sai Ying Pun MTR station, just over two kilometers from Times Square.
But during rush hour, the taxi crawled through crowded streets lined with lit signs and congested traffic.
Finally, after ten minutes, it stopped before a corner cha chaan teng.
"We're here."
Bai Menglin led Shen Yuyan into an old-established tea restaurant.
The modest space had retro decor—yellowed menus and old Hong Kong movie posters on walls, air thick with milk tea, eggs and stewed soup aromas.
Amid loud chatter in Cantonese and Mandarin, waiters swiftly weaved through with trays and orders.
They found a small corner table.
After much menu discussion and laughter, Bai Menglin ordered in decent Cantonese.
Within ten minutes, steaming dishes arrived.
"Melancholy Rice" with glistening, slightly charred barbecued pork and special sauce, aroma tantalizing.
Signature French toast, crispy outside drizzled with condensed milk and butter, sweetly tempting.
Amid the tea restaurant's heat and noise,
They ate heartily while catching up on years apart.
Perhaps from long solitude in Hong Kong, Bai Menglin talked extensively.
Topics ranged from life to work, rent to Hong Kong's property bubble, growing increasingly animated.
Shen Yuyan listened quietly, occasionally interjecting but mostly nodding with smiles.
Gradually piecing together her old classmate's detailed story.
Bai Menglin had earned her finance master's at CUHK in a tight one-year program.
Graduated over two years ago.
Despite her 211 undergrad and CUHK master's, she couldn't break into top foreign banks or investment firms—her dream.
Instead, mainland-friendly, less competitive Chinese securities firms like Guotai Junan International's Hong Kong branch became her path.
She worked extremely hard under great pressure.
Last month, she finally got promoted from Analyst to Associate.
Shen Yuyan sipped milk tea, complex emotions flashing in her eyes.
She'd originally wanted to recruit Bai Menglin to Rongliu, starting as an investment assistant—using connections for a decent start.
But hearing this made her hesitate.
Bai Menglin was already an Associate at a top Chinese securities firm—joining a private equity firm at entry level seemed inappropriate.
Were she in that position, she likely wouldn't abandon familiar territory and hard-earned promotion for a small-to-mid private equity gamble.
After dinner, they paid and left.
Night deepened, streetlights casting mottled shadows on damp stone roads.
They slowly walked up Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, passing unique small shops before entering a gray-white, slightly worn tong lau (tenement building).
"Our building's over 60 years old, five floors—I'm on the fourth..."
Bai Menglin explained while climbing stairs briskly.
A key turned with a click, door opening.
Her roommate, a Big Four auditor working until near midnight, was rarely seen.
The 625 sq ft (58 sq m) two-bedroom was compact but tidy and warm, fully furnished.
Shen Yuyan had seen it on Xiaohongshu, so wasn't overly curious.
"Space is tight, but make do."
"Quite cozy! For Hong Kong, this is decent, right?"
"Far from it." Bai Menglin smiled wryly. "Just better than subdivided units. Full rent is HK$17,000—I pay HK$9,300 for the master bedroom."
Leaning on the sofa, she reflected on her living history.
During studies, unable to get campus housing, she'd shared a tiny bedroom nearby with classmates in 10 sq m.
Only after securing stable work did she move here, finally gaining personal space.
Listening, Shen Yuyan's eyes flickered before asking suddenly, "Menglin, may I ask... your current salary?"
Bai Menglin paused, then smiled. "Why not? Base is HK$40,000 monthly, bonus about 3-6 months annually depending on performance."
"So roughly HK$600,000 yearly?" Shen Yuyan calculated quickly.
"About that." Bai Menglin nodded. "Standard for mainland firms here. Top banks pay 50% more for same role, but my credentials and background fall short."
Shen Yuyan looked at her seriously. "Then what are your future plans?"
Bai Menglin silently reflected before answering calmly, "First strive for Hong Kong permanent residency. Then try for VP promotion—beyond that seems unrealistic given the ceiling. Otherwise, return to mainland. Lower pay and platform, but cheaper and slower-paced."
She then shook her head wryly. "Hong Kong finance isn't just about hard work. It's resources, projects, even... fate. Coming from small mainland cities with ordinary parents means starting way behind."
Guotai Junan International's VP (Vice President) was middle management, not true senior level.
Yet even that represented her aspirational limit.
The air grew quiet. Shen Yuyan studied her face before speaking softly, "Menglin, have you considered trying private equity?"
"Private equity?" Bai Menglin seemed surprised. "I've applied to some, but honestly the bar's sky-high. Even billion-dollar firms have tiny teams hiring few annually. Either top headhunters pick you or internal referrals. I've no such resources."
Shen Yuyan nodded.
She knew this well.
In fact, Rongliu Capital was quite "special."
Despite managing just $2.1 billion—mid-sized by industry standards—it operated multiple strategy funds.
Its structure was unusually complex.
Nearly each strategy had independent research and investment teams by strict sector divisions.
Management resembled a large asset management platform.
Hence, its staffing was unexpectedly "bloated."
The Beijing WFOE team alone had 30+; headquarters over 30.
This headcount matched many billion-dollar firms.
Recognizing this, Shen Yuyan concluded Tang Song aimed not to "maintain" but aggressively expand.
Her idea to "place" Bai Menglin early stemmed from this judgment.
This also explained why she considered Lin Muxue a "pretty but empty-headed."
After so long at the company, she knew nothing beyond "our firm's amazing, Tang's amazing."
The quiet living room stayed silent for a full minute.
Perhaps future prospects' gloom left Bai Menglin pensive.
Shen Yuyan observed her calmly. "Menglin, if there's an opportunity now, would you try?"
Bai Menglin stiffened, sitting upright to stare excitedly at Shen Yuyan. "Yuyan... you have connections?"
Always sharp and long acquainted, she instantly grasped the implication.
Under her probing gaze, Shen Yuyan nodded seriously. "Though still Youjie's executive director, I'm barely involved. Now I'm special assistant to the chairman at a Hong Kong private equity firm, director-level. This trip is to meet headquarters teams."
She paused before adding, "Frankly, I got in through the chairman's friendship."
Bai Menglin's eyes widened, breathing slightly faster, expression stunned.
She never expected this old classmate to deliver such a bombshell.
That "Youjie Household Services" title had seemed insignificant—a small firm with limited growth potential.
But special assistant to a Hong Kong-based private equity chairman? Completely different.
Taking a deep breath, she whispered, "You mean... to get me a position?"
Shen Yuyan nodded, meeting her eyes. "If interested, I can arrange a core team meeting. With your finance master's, over two years' experience, and Hong Kong licenses, your qualifications are solid."
She continued, "Salary would be at least 20% higher than now. Most importantly, our bonus and incentive ceilings are very high."
"20%..." Bai Menglin's eyes flickered.
"Yes." Shen Yuyan nodded. "Overall benefits far surpass your current firm. Interested?"
Bai Menglin pondered before looking up. "Yuyan, may I ask your firm's name and AUM?"
After brief consideration, Shen Yuyan answered, "Rongliu Capital, currently $2.1 billion AUM. Doesn't sound huge, but backed by Tangjin Family Office and Kate Trust with continued fundraising. The chairman's young but extremely ambitious... I believe Rongliu will become globally significant."
"$2.1 billion..." Bai Menglin murmured before asking, "What level would I start at?"
Shen Yuyan replied steadily, "Entry-level initially, but with quick promotion potential I'll push hard for you."
Rongliu had strict salary structures—even as special assistant, she couldn't break rules.
She respected systems and authority, never making empty promises.
Of course, if Bai Menglin joined, she could privately negotiate better terms with Tang Song.
But only if Bai Menglin cooperated fully would she have maneuvering room.
Hearing this, Bai Menglin silently took out her phone, quickly searching "Rongliu Capital."
Information popped up instantly.
As an industry insider, she swiftly grasped the situation.
Rongliu's size was substantial for mainland standards.
But in global financial hub Hong Kong, $2.1 billion AUM barely qualified as mid-sized.
As for backing by elite capital groups Tangjin Family Office and Kate Trust—while influential worldwide—many firms listed them as shareholders without it being decisive.
Moreover, private equity was inherently volatile.
Strategy shifts or project withdrawals often hit junior staff first.
She'd stayed at Guotai Junan International precisely for its state-backed stability.
Having finally risen from Analyst to Associate, establishing her footing.
Jumping ship now meant abandoning years of effort for risk.
Her expression grew complex, fingers absently tracing her phone case before finally looking up at Shen Yuyan.
Sincerely, she said, "Yuyan, truly thank you for this. But I have reservations—may I think it over?"
Shen Yuyan nodded. "Of course, I understand. But you know private equity openings are rare—miss this, it's gone."
"I know," Bai Menglin replied softly.
The air turned quiet.
Shen Yuyan checked her phone and stood. "It's late—you work tomorrow and I report to headquarters, so I'll go now."
"Let me walk you out." Bai Menglin rose.
They descended the old tong lau together, stopping under dim streetlights as a red taxi approached.
Suddenly Bai Menglin asked, "Oh Yuyan, what's your current salary?"
Shen Yuyan smiled. "Base is RMB 1.2 million, with potential for 8+ months' bonus if performance excels."
"1.2 million... 8 months' bonus..." Bai Menglin's eye twitched involuntarily, clearly shocked by the figure—on par with top foreign banks or elite private equity.
Watching Shen Yuyan's graceful figure and lovely face, random thoughts surfaced.
The taxi stopped before them.
Shen Yuyan turned slightly, gently patting her arm with a warm smile. "Goodbye, rest early."
She entered the cab, door closing as red taillights lit up.
The car drove through mottled-lit streets, gradually vanishing into night.
The street returned to quietness.
......
Yanjing Tiancheng, luxury flat
"Beep beep—"
A video call alert sounded in the night.
[Qing Ning]
Editing videos in his study, Tang Song quickly grabbed his phone to answer.
Instantly, Liu Qingning's familiar face appeared onscreen, her large, dewy eyes blinking adorably.
Tang Song's expression immediately softened. "Good evening, darling Qingning."
"Good evening, silly Xiao Song." She tilted her head sweetly. "Still working?"
"Almost done." Leaning back, he smiled broadly. "Miss me?"
"Nope."
"Ah, too bad. Thought you missed me so I'd fly to Shenzhen immediately."
"Hmph, sweet talker."
Tang Song chuckled, changing topics to inquire about her health.
Actually, he'd already booked a morning flight to Shenzhen—planning to surprise this "white moonlight."
Their sweet, silly banter continued until Liu Qingning stretched, moving her phone back to smooth her long hair,
Bringing her entire upper body into frame.
Her white short-sleeved dress outlined exquisite curves, with prominent E-cup breasts—full yet graceful.
Tang Song's gaze intensified instantly, body leaning forward unconsciously, eyes burning with anticipation.
"Beautiful Qingning, let's discuss something."
"What?"
"You've lost weight recently, figure improved. Lift your clothes—let me inspect properly?"
"Perv! No!" Liu Qingning pouted, pretending to scold through the screen.
"Please? So long apart, I really miss you—just a peek?"
Tang Song wheedled persistently.
After consistent skincare, fitness and conditioning, his "white moonlight" had fully recovered her prime figure.
Having been apart so long, Tang Song genuinely wanted to see.
Liu Qingning stared silently before suddenly declaring, "Answer one question instantly—no hesitation or lies."
Tang Song's mouth twitched, unsure what she planned.
As he prepared to speak,
Liu Qingning leaned forward, fingers lightly pulling her collar down—revealing glimpses of pale skin that made Tang Song's heart race.
Crucially... she wore nothing beneath.
Simultaneously, her face assumed an innocent, sweet expression.
With wispy bangs and dewy eyes complementing her youthful features, she perfectly resembled that high school "white moonlight."
Combined with her current risqué action,
She'd transformed pure romance into something far more adult.
Tang Song swallowed hard, whispering hoarsely, "Ask away."
Liu Qingning smiled slowly, counting down while staring into his eyes: "3...2—"
Tang Song held his breath, tense.
"1.5"
"Uh..." Tang Song nearly choked.
"1!" Liu Qingning suddenly demanded, "If Su Yu and I both confessed to you, who'd you choose? Answer fast!"
Tang Song's expression changed briefly before—with practiced scoundrel reflexes—he instantly replied, "You!"
"Oh, noted." Liu Qingning smiled sweetly. "It's late, time for bed. Goodnight~"
"Wait! You didn't lift anything!" Tang Song nearly leaped from his chair.
"When did I say answering meant showing?" She widened innocent eyes. "You're so bad—I don't wanna play anymore~"
With that, she decisively ended the call.