novelraw Chapter 627: Invitation
Chapter 627: Invitation
Chapter 627: Invitation1:00 p.m.
Zhongcheng Group Headquarters Building, Food and Beverage Division.
Ding Furong hummed a tune, carrying a cup of Luckin Coffee as he cheerfully walked into the semi-open office tucked in the corner.
He warmly set the coffee on the desk, smiling brightly. “Brother Feng, here’s the coconut palm iron you asked for, hot.”
“Hmm, just put it there.”
Gao Junfeng didn’t lift his head, his focus still fixed on the data report displayed on the computer screen, his tone indifferent.
Ding Furong didn’t mind, quickly returning to his workstation, tearing open a pack of instant three-in-one coffee to make himself a cup.
Then he leaned back contentedly in the ergonomic chair and started scrolling through short videos.
Zhongcheng Group wasn’t particularly strict with management, especially for sales positions like theirs. As long as clients were handled, daily work was relatively flexible.
Besides, he had the big tree of Gao Junfeng supporting him—his future looked promising. Thinking of this, Ding Furong felt increasingly comfortable.
Close to 2:00 p.m.
“Ding dong—” The Corporate WeChat notification sounded.
[HRBP Li Xin: “Ding Furong, please come to Conference Room 3 on the 6th floor. There’s something to discuss.”]
Seeing the message, Ding Furong’s heart suddenly skipped a beat.
What’s going on? Is there a contract that hasn’t been signed?
He adjusted his collar and, filled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, knocked on the conference room door.
What greeted him was the familiar professional smile of HRBP Li Xin.
After brief pleasantries, Ding Furong carefully sat down. “Sister Li, what did you need to see me about?”
Li Xin looked at him without any unnecessary preamble and cut straight to the point: “Ding Furong, after evaluation by the division and your direct supervisor, we believe your overall ability has a significant gap compared to the requirements for the channel business specialist position. Therefore... we regret to inform you that you have not passed the probation period.”
Ding Furong’s smile instantly froze, a chill rising from his feet.
“Th-This can’t be! Sister Li, you must be mistaken...”
“This decision was made after comprehensive consideration by the company.” Li Xin’s tone was firm and unyielding. “You may submit your resignation. Relevant severance will be handled according to labor law.” Ŕã₦Ỗ₿Ês̩
A few minutes later, Ding Furong staggered out of the meeting room, his mind blank and ringing.
Suddenly, as if recalling something, he hurried toward Gao Junfeng’s office.
Inside was empty;
the “big backing” Gao Junfeng was not there.
Ding Furong immediately took out his phone and dialed.
“Beep beep beep—” The call rang twice before being hung up.
Trying again, it no longer showed “ringing.”
Ding Furong nervously paced back and forth in the cramped office area, sweat beading on his forehead.
After anxiously waiting more than ten minutes, Gao Junfeng finally appeared outside the office door.
His face was pale, his steps unsteady, his entire demeanor worse than Ding Furong’s.
However, Ding Furong didn’t notice these details and rushed over immediately.
His voice hurried: “Brother Feng! Something’s wrong! I just got a notification from HR saying I didn’t pass probation and was fired! You have to help me—”
Before he could finish, Gao Junfeng abruptly turned his head, interrupting with a hoarse voice: “Shut up!”
Ding Furong was startled by this expression and instantly lost some momentum but stubbornly softened his tone. “Sorry, Brother Feng, I was too anxious. You know how hard it was for me to get into Zhongcheng. You... you have to help me...”
Gao Junfeng took a deep breath, gritting his teeth in anger. “Help you? Damn it, I’m about to be kicked out myself!”
“What?” Ding Furong’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You... you got fired too?”
Gao Junfeng clenched his fists, his face flushed with humiliation and rage. “I just got the notice. All my work handovers must be completed within this week.”
Hearing that Ding Furong was fired too, he already had a faint idea why.
It was definitely because of Zhang Lei.
He never expected such a minor issue would escalate to this extent.
At 26 years old, assistant to the group vice president, wielding some authority in personnel decisions, with a bright future ahead,
he had thought his life was just taking off.
Now, all of it was a joke.
Neither Su Ping nor Qin Hua showed their old faces anymore.
Ding Furong’s expression shifted rapidly before immediately thinking of something more important. “Junfeng, what about the twenty thousand yuan bribe you took from me earlier? Shouldn’t you pay me back first?”
Gao Junfeng snapped, “I already helped you get hired and fulfilled all my promises. You’re still asking me for money?”
Hearing this, Ding Furong’s face turned completely cold.
He stepped forward and firmly grabbed Gao Junfeng’s arm.
“Fengzi, don’t even think about dodging this debt! If you don’t return that money, neither of us will have a good time!”
...
TC Private Club.
After finishing a full-body essential oil SPA, Xie Shuyu changed into a soft silk robe and headed to the nearby tea break area.
Next to the exquisite bone china tea set lay freshly cut fruit and low-calorie yogurt mousse.
Just as she sat on the sofa,
“Ring ring ring—” her phone suddenly rang.
[Meng Ran]
Answering, Xie Shuyu’s voice was gentle: “Hey, Ranran, what’s up?”
“Shuyu, sorry to disturb your rest. I have good news I have to tell you first.” On the other end, Meng Ran’s voice was professional yet excited.
“Oh? What is it?”
“You’ve been worried about the nationwide expansion of Weiguang Coffee and the difficulty in securing high-quality cold-chain dairy suppliers in the Southwest, right?” Meng Ran got straight to the point. “At the end of the month, our First Finance’s Southwest division, along with other organizations, will hold a closed-door private event in Rongcheng. I just got the final invitation list. The group vice presidents of Xinhope and Jule, two dairy giants in the Southwest, will personally lead their teams to attend.”
Xie Shuyu’s expression subtly shifted, and she quickly said, “Thanks, Ranran. Please send the event’s electronic invitation to my email. Also, help me get a background profile of the attendees, the sooner the better.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve already prepared it.”
After hanging up, Xie Shuyu tapped lightly on the smooth phone screen, sharp glimmers flashing in her eyes.
Most of Weiguang Coffee’s stores are still concentrated in the North China region centered around Yancheng.
First-tier cities like the Imperial Capital and Modu only have flagship stores set up strategically to build brand image, without large-scale expansion.
After detailed market research and data analysis, she had locked the Southwest region as the next strategic cluster expansion area.
Southwest, especially Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, is one of Huaxia’s best dairy and coffee bean production areas.
Her plan is to densely open at least 20 stores of various types—leisure, quick service, and flagship—with Rongcheng as the core base, radiating out to surrounding key cities like Jiangcheng and Chuncheng.
Moreover, Weiguang Coffee is about to reach a deep strategic cooperation with Smile Holdings’ top coffee supplier located in Yunnan.
This major benefit further strengthened her determination to expand deeply into the Southwest.
Just then, Zhao Yaqian and Zhang Yurong, also wearing robes, walked over laughing.
Xie Shuyu quickly reined in her exposed sharpness, returning to an elegant and composed demeanor.
The three leisurely leaned back on the sofa, chatting about various trivial matters.
Of course, most of the talking was done by Xie Shuyu and Zhang Yurong.
After a harmonious lunch and a shared SPA session, the atmosphere was unprecedentedly warm and intimate.
Taking a sip of calming chamomile tea, Zhao Yaqian suddenly seemed to recall something.
Tilting her head, she said to Xie Shuyu, “By the way, Sister Shuyu, I just remembered, I have a friend working part-time at your Weiguang Coffee.”
“Oh? Who?” Xie Shuyu’s gaze flickered with genuine surprise.
She didn’t expect a woman like Zhao Yaqian to know one of their part-time employees.
“Qian Lele, a student at Yancheng Normal University. I wonder if you know her.”
“Lele?” Xie Shuyu raised her eyebrows, a bright smile spreading across her face. “She is indeed our company’s part-time front-end developer, responsible for maintaining the mini-program. What a small world—we never expected you two to know each other.”
“Actually, I used to be a regular at Weiguang Coffee, especially loving the baked cakes Lele made.” Zhao Yaqian smiled with eyes crinkled. “Over time, we got acquainted. I heard your Weiguang Coffee has now built its own central kitchen just outside Yancheng’s East Second Ring Road, right?”
“Mm.” Talking about her business, Xie Shuyu’s eyes instantly became bright and focused. “It just started production last month, mainly to ensure standardized quality of baked and light food products and better cost control.
Now all our Yancheng stores, including future new stores across North China, have core products uniformly produced and distributed by the central kitchen.”
After hearing the explanation, Zhao Yaqian nervously rubbed her hands together and organized her words.
Turning to Zhang Yurong, she said, “Yurong, doesn’t Yisha Beauty always have an afternoon tea business? But their suppliers’ flavors seem mediocre. Since Sister Shuyu has such a ready and high-quality central kitchen, why don’t we cooperate with Weiguang Coffee?”
Hearing this, Xie Shuyu immediately straightened up, her eyes shining.
“Qianqian, that’s a fantastic suggestion! To be honest, Yurong, I’ve always had this idea but hadn’t figured out how to bring it up. Our central kitchen can customize a healthy, low-calorie ‘beauty-themed’ afternoon tea exclusively for Yisha Beauty, guaranteeing unique high-end quality...”
Xie Shuyu grew more excited as she spoke, finally moving beside Zhao Yaqian, holding her hand and explaining her plan.
She did have such plans to expand from pure retail stores to B2B corporate customization and supply chain output.
But that plan was still just a concept. Convincing sharp businesspeople like Zhang Yurong would require long negotiations and adjustments.
Zhao Yaqian’s move was a timely blessing.
Yisha Beauty is Yancheng’s top-tier chain beauty club, now heavily investing in medical aesthetics projects, with impeccable brand value and customer spending power.
It was her ideal first “model client”!
Zhang Yurong’s eyes flickered between the two, her expression slightly awkward but soon replaced by a hearty smile. “Qianqian, if you think it’s good, I certainly have no objections!”
Currently, Yisha Beauty’s supplier is her nephew.
But since Zhao Yaqian spoke personally, she definitely wouldn’t refuse out of face.
“That’s great!” Xie Shuyu stood up excitedly. “I’ll contact the central kitchen manager now and have them immediately prepare a product list and cooperation proposal. We’ll finalize this as soon as possible!”
After speaking, she nodded at them and left directly.
Watching this spirited, efficient female CEO, Zhao Yaqian felt a surge of envy.
Actually, this proposal was suggested by Luna last night.
According to Luna, this was called “interest bundling.” She also said that this President Xie was very impressive—a true self-made woman. They could complement each other in many ways in the future and help each other.
Zhao Yaqian had been confused then but now gradually understood.
“Buzz buzz—” Her phone suddenly vibrated.
[Xiao Xue: “Qianqian, how’s it going?”]
Zhao Yaqian quickly typed back: “Very smoothly, we’re basically friends now, and the cooperation is settled.”
[Xiao Xue: “Good. By the way, how about coming to stay at my place tomorrow night for a day?”]
Zhao Yaqian: “(^.^) Sure! I’m currently binge-watching Bei Yuwei’s new drama. It’s super good. Let’s watch it together.”
[Xiao Xue: “Watching dramas can be anytime. I’m about to go to London for a while. I mean, we can drink, chat, and play games with Tang Song together.”]
Seeing this message, Zhao Yaqian’s cheeks instantly flushed.
She shyly flipped the phone screen down and instinctively glanced at Zhang Yurong nearby.
Biting her lip, she sneakily replied with an OK emoji.
Her heart raced uncontrollably.
A 19-year-old beautician in the prime of her hormones.
For her, it was both nerve-wracking and filled with unspeakable anticipation.
Yan Province Financial Center, Building A, Rongliu Capital.
Lin Muxue leaned against the Herman Miller office chair, unconsciously crossing her long legs.
She exited the chat interface.
Glanced at her schedule.
Only three days left before she left for London.
November 16th, this Thursday.
She would officially begin her “Imperial College Gold-Plating Journey.”
Thinking of this, her mood grew increasingly excited.
Anne Kate, the generous “big spender,” had already said at their last meeting she would lend her the family’s Gulfstream G650ER private jet and arrange ultra-high-end private reception throughout.
That was the Kate Family’s style—absolutely grand and enough to leave the wealthy second-generation friends traveling with her wide-eyed.
The show was about to be over the top!
And she could take the opportunity to run through the entire international travel process.
After all, she was Tang Song’s personal assistant, and this experience would make her look more composed and professional when planning his future trips.
Of course, Anne Kate’s generosity came with a “price.”
That was the carefully arranged event tomorrow night.
“Knock knock knock—”
The knock interrupted her thoughts.
Lin Muxue quickly sat up straight, her voice clear. “Please come in.”
The office door opened, Shen Yuyan entered gracefully holding a folder.
“Luna.” Her face bore a perfect professional smile as she gently placed a file on Lin Muxue’s desk. “This is President Tang’s final investment agreement for Smart Chain Future. Please take a look.”
She didn’t want to come but, since Lin Muxue was her nominal superior and the “executive assistant” had been highly motivated lately, she was required to review all documents submitted to Tang Song and get a copy simultaneously.
Lin Muxue’s gaze scanned the document casually. “Got it. Leave it here.”
Her tone was neither heavy nor light, carrying the casual air of a superior to a subordinate.
Shen Yuyan didn’t leave immediately.
She tidied her clothes slowly and said with a concerned smile:
“I heard you’re flying to London this Thursday and will be away for several days. Don’t worry, while you’re gone, I’ll take care of President Tang here. I’ll plan all his schedules in advance. Just go and enjoy your rare vacation.”
Lin Muxue’s eye twitched, catching the undertone of challenge.
She smiled wryly. “Thank you for your hard work, Shirley. But besides attending the alumni event, I have a lot of work to report to President Tang in real time. Using the word ‘vacation’ is a bit inaccurate.”
Shen Yuyan’s smile didn’t change. “Oh? What work? Need me to help organize some preliminary materials? After all, having an extra person can make it easier for you.”
“No need. They’re all internal secrets.”
“Heh, okay then. I won’t bother you. By the way, I already told President Tang I’ll inspect two investment projects tomorrow, so I won’t come to the company.”
Lin Muxue chuckled softly, twirling the pen on the desk elegantly with her fingertips. “Alright, I got it. Tomorrow night, President Tang and I have an appointment, probably dinner at my place. Remember to keep me updated on his schedule;
I need to prepare in advance.”
Shen Yuyan’s smile momentarily stiffened but quickly recovered.
“Sure, no problem.”
Back at her desk, lowering her head, she took a deep breath, a constant frustration brewing inside.
Looking at the delicate face reflected on the computer screen, she exhaled forcefully.
Yet a knot of resentment lingered, weighing on her chest.
She thought of Wen Ruan in Yangcheng, thought of Tian Jing, Lin Muxue, even Yanqing.
When had she started caring so much, even feeling jealousy?
Probably that night in Hong Kong, under the dazzling lights of Victoria Harbour, after their kiss.
After all, it was her first kiss and the first time she felt such a strong flutter for the opposite sex.
But... could that be called love?
Shen Yuyan smiled bitterly, putting away her self-pity.
...
Night had fallen over Modu.
No.1 Bund Courtyard.
Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the Huangpu River flowed quietly like a dark silk ribbon.
“So... what is Tang Song’s final opinion on Su Yu joining the family office?”
Ouyang Xianyue wore a simple white cashmere loungewear set, holding a warm cup of Doctor’s Tea.
Her soft mid-length hair was casually draped, elegant and noble in posture.
She wore no makeup;
her skin remained firm and delicate, with little trace of time on her face.
Mo Xiangwan recalled the conversation with Tang Song on the terrace.
Her expression was a bit uneasy. “President Tang said... I can join first.”
“Oh... haha...” Ouyang Xianyue let out a barely audible chuckle, her slender fingertips lightly stroking the warm glazed tea cup. “He’s still so clever. Seems he really values Miss Smile’s opinion.”
“Mm, Director Jin’s importance to President Tang is undeniable.”
Ouyang Xianyue glanced at her and suddenly said, “And hearing this, you should be quite happy, right?”
Mo Xiangwan’s eyes twitched;
she lowered her head and sipped tea, hiding her emotions.
One of her main reasons for attending Xiao Jing’s birthday party this time was to test Tang Song’s attitude.
But the final result exceeded her expectations, stirring unprecedented joy and complicated feelings inside her.
Since 2019, at Tang Entertainment, the large, seemingly glamorous entertainment empire she managed, she barely had any real presence in the entire Tangjin System.
No matter how hard she and Su Yu worked, the market value they created was just over 80 billion.
Not to mention compared to companies like Tang Yi Precision or Jingwu Capital, even compared to Guyu Biotech and Meigou Technology, they lagged by dozens of times.
So, as a “tool” Tang Rong used to cultivate Su Yu,
she never dared to hope she would one day enter the family office representing the highest power.
Her main goal this time was actually to help Su Yu fight for a spot.
But who would have thought, through some twists of fate, that position fell to herself instead.
Moreover, Wu Kezhi and a few others already knew, meaning she had effectively secured Tang Song’s promise.
This was undoubtedly Tang Song’s highest personal recognition of her.
However, this made her feel guilty toward Su Yu.
Mo Xiangwan looked up. “President Tang has confirmed he will attend Smile Holdings’ shareholders’ meeting. What do we do next?”
Ouyang Xianyue set down her teacup, slowly stood, and walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.
Looking out at the dazzling night, she said softly, “My grandfather is hospitalized and may not make it through this winter. He really wants to see Tang Song one more time. I plan to invite him to come with me to Rongcheng at the end of the month. Do you think he’ll agree?”
Mo Xiangwan was about to say something comforting.
Ouyang Xianyue suddenly turned and smiled lightly, shaking her head. “I just don’t know if Director Jin will hear about this and think I’m trying to compete with her for a man again.”