novelraw Chapter 663: Assistant and Pet
Chapter 663: Assistant and Pet
Chapter 663: Assistant and Pet"...I think your best choice right now isn't to forcefully switch suppliers head-on, but to accept their temporary shortcomings first to stabilize your market position.
At the same time, actively seek customized, exclusive cold chain solutions with national giants like SF Express or JD.com.
Only by introducing this level of 'river-crossing dragon' and leveraging their capital and influence can we possibly break this regional monopoly."
As an operations executive at Hema Fresh, Meng Ran understood all too well how critical supply chains could be for chain brands.
So during the initial expansion phase, to reduce expenses, she didn't choose to cooperate with giants like SF Express who quoted high prices, but opted for more flexible, lower-cost regional suppliers.
This decision was reasonable at the time.
But now, Weiguang Coffee's momentum was so rapid, especially after reaching strategic cooperation with Yuntong Zhicui under Smile Holdings, the brand already possessed core competitive strengths to stand out.
Supply chain upgrades were imperative.
Xie Shuyu nodded silently, frowning in thought for a while.
She slowly spoke: "Thank you, Ranran, I understand what you mean. But this matter is too important, I need to carefully consider it. Let's not talk about this today, come, let's drink.""Ding~"
Their green plum wine glasses lightly touched in the air, emitting a crisp sound.
Meng Ran took a sip of wine, put down her glass, and looked at her long-unseen friend across the table.
She couldn't help but sigh: "Honestly, Xiaoyu, I admire you. In less than a year, Weiguang Coffee has actually reached this point—I admit I underestimated you before. And that 40 million Series A funding... no installments, no valuation adjustment mechanisms, pure cash full investment at once, simply terrifying."
Hearing this,
Xie Shuyu first smiled, then shook her head self-deprecatingly: "Just luck, really—I met my current investor. You know under normal circumstances, given Weiguang's situation at the time, it wasn't worth that price."
Meng Ran raised an eyebrow, clinked glasses with her, and joked deliberately: "Pfft, that investor of yours... couldn't possibly be... interested in you? My beautiful friend."
In her eyes, Xie Shuyu had been "goddess-level" since university days.
Height, presence, looks, talent—almost flawless.
The only regret was probably how driven and stubborn she was, never willing to divert her attention for relationships, stubbornly becoming a single career woman in her thirties.
However, Xie Shuyu suddenly looked up, met her gaze, and curved her lips, "Yes, you could say that."
"Ah? What?" Meng Ran was completely stunned.
Xie Shuyu elegantly sipped her green plum wine, "Strictly speaking, I should be considered taken now, just haven't announced it publicly."
"What do you mean?! That investor really became your boyfriend?!"
"Yes."
Meng Ran's eyes instantly widened, her gossipy curiosity burning fiercely, "You rascal! You finally opened up! What's he like? Any photos? I remember you mentioned before that investor is very young, also from your hometown Quancheng, does clothing e-commerce?" Ｒἁ𝐍Ȯ฿Ɛṧ
When she heard about the successful funding before, she mostly used her industry connections to help analyze pros and cons for her career.
"He's... should be considered very good. Photos later, I'll let you meet him in person."
"Quick, tell me your story! I desperately want to know which immortal actually managed to win over you, this 'goddess'!"
"That sounds so crude."
Xie Shuyu glared at her, her face showing for the first time a smile unique to women in love.
Then she began softly narrating her experiences with Tang Song.
Listening to her friend's description, Meng Ran grew increasingly excited and shocked.
A young, handsome fresh face, first working part-time as a developer at the company, displaying astonishing ability.
Then, transforming into a mysterious capital big shot, saving the company at its most critical moment like a descending deity.
Not only did he forcefully acquire other shareholders' equity, he generously invested 40 million, entrusting all management authority to Xie Shuyu.
Finally, the two got together.
Even TV dramas wouldn't dare plot like this!
"Idol drama, a real idol drama! Xiaoyu, this is just too dreamy. I'm super curious about that Tang Song now, really want to meet him immediately!"
Meng Ran said excitedly.
The atmosphere became relaxed and cheerful for a moment.
Xie Shuyu's eyes flickered, seizing the opportunity to suddenly say: "Wanting to meet him is simple. After the private session ends, come with me to Yancheng? Meet my investor, and thoroughly understand Weiguang Coffee from start to finish."
As their eyes met, the expression on Meng Ran's face gradually fell, keenly detecting the subtext.
"Exactly." Xie Shuyu put down her chopsticks, her voice low and steady, "You know my company's situation—interested in coming to Weiguang to work with me?"
Meng Ran tilted her head slightly, smiling: "You want to poach me? What position can you offer?"
Xie Shuyu's gaze was extremely firm, "I need a COO (Chief Operating Officer) who can independently handle matters to oversee all internal affairs. And the only person I can completely trust with this ability is you."
As Weiguang Coffee's scale expanded increasingly, her energy could no longer cover every operational detail.
She urgently needed a "head steward" to free her from tedious management, allowing her to focus on brand strategy and capital operations.
As Xie Shuyu's words faded, the air gradually quieted.
Meng Ran twirled her wine glass, waves stirring in her heart.
She certainly knew what this invitation meant.
Supported by the 40 million cash flow from Series A, Weiguang Coffee had not only added over thirty new stores in both "Premium" and "Quick Pickup" models across North China in the past few months.
It had also opened several high-spec flagship stores in core business districts of first-tier cities like Imperial Capital and Modu.
And reached strategic cooperation with Yuntong Zhicui and Nebula International.
One was the best supply chain, the other was excellent marketing support.
Now with strong brand momentum, targeting the Southwest market.
If the model continued succeeding, future growth potential was limitless.
In the latest First Financial report, Weiguang Coffee was already listed among "Top 10 Most Promising National Coffee Brands."
Once discussed alongside Manner and Seesaw in the industry.
This was also the main reason Xie Shuyu was invited to this First Financial private session.
But problems were equally apparent.
The brutal competition in chain restaurants, complexity of supply chain and management, and potential collapse risks of startups at any moment.
Clear promotion paths, vast resources, backed by Alibaba—whether career prospects or social status were steady, future career path clear and definite.
She was already 33, hadn't even had children for her career.
This move, she couldn't afford to lose.
Meng Ran stared at Xie Shuyu for quite a while before gently putting down her chopsticks, smiling: "You've really given me a big dilemma. Honestly, I really want to fight alongside you, and I'm very tempted by the COO position. But I just got transferred to the Southwest region a year ago, right when results are showing. How about... wait a bit longer?"
"Can't wait anymore. I can give you equity, real shares. The investor is my boyfriend, now I call the shots in the company—this is definitely not empty promises. If you agree, compensation will definitely be the best."
Seeing the seriousness and expectation in her friend's eyes, long-absent impulse surged in her heart.
Xie Shuyu raised her eyebrows, understanding the subtext.
Meng Ran's hesitation largely stemmed from wanting to assess that "mysterious investor's" quality.
After all, they were just dating, not married yet.
If things changed in the future, this relationship could greatly affect Weiguang Coffee's stability.
"Of course no problem, I'll introduce you later. Won't disappoint you."
Meng Ran said in a half-joking, half-testing tone: "How about having him come to Rongcheng too, accompany you to this private session? Let me size him up."
Hearing this suggestion, Xie Shuyu's heart suddenly surged with inexplicable excitement.
Tracing back, the first subtle change between her and Tang Song probably started from that Yansheng Bank High Net Worth Client Private Session.
That day, close contact in the car gave her the first real physiological and psychological impulse.
Later, his "Jinxiu Commerce CTO" identity was revealed, their relationship truly turning a corner.
Ultimately, they had many beautiful memories but lacked long-term time together.
Attending a private session together again might be a good choice.
Thinking this, Xie Shuyu checked the time on her wrist, saying softly: "It's quite late today. Tomorrow I'll find time to call him, ask his opinion."
"Great!" Meng Ran blinked, "Then I'll eagerly await!"
As night deepened, their conversation began to diverge.
From the increasingly fierce coffee market competition to future trends in new retail, then to ever-present artificial intelligence, and figures like Jin Meixiao and Ouyang Xianyue who were changing the world.
Xie Shuyu's eyes once again glimmered with long-absent aspiration and yearning.
.....
November 28, 2023, Tuesday, sunny, -3~7°C.
Yunxi Building, 30th floor, Songmei Apparel.
The "butterfly effect" brought by Su Yu continued to develop.
Huge white design boards were covered with colorful inspiration images, fabric swatches, and scribbled sketches.
Several designers of different styles gathered around a large worktable, enthusiastically debating the new collection's theme.
"...I think the 'urban nomad' concept is too abstract, not down-to-earth enough."
Tang Song, just finished with operations meeting, stepped into this bustling scene.
His gaze immediately fell on his junior's back.
Today Lingling wore more capable professional attire.
The fitted suit pants accentuated her full hips and thighs with an extremely eye-catching curve.
Tang Song's eyes unconsciously lingered on that curve for a moment.
He noticed since returning from the hot spring resort, his junior seemed to have gained an indescribable soft charm.
Whether in walking posture or unintentional mannerisms, she'd become more feminine.
"Hello, President Tang!"
Several designers noticing him quickly stood, greeting proactively.
She exaggeratedly clapped, openly and cheerfully announcing to everyone: "Come, come, everyone applaud! Our dear President Tang has personally come to inspect our design department's 'frontline position'!"
He naturally and intimately stood beside Yao Lingling, joining their discussion.
After hearing everyone's thoughts, Tang Song looked at his junior beside him, "Lingling, your opinion? As director, you should make the final call."
Under her senior's encouraging gaze, Yao Lingling took a deep breath and clearly articulated her ideas.
Tang Song gently nodded, following her train of thought with deeper market and brand perspective supplements and guidance.
After work discussion, bidding farewell to everyone.
Tang Song turned toward the CEO office direction.
Just approaching the office door,
hurried, deliberately light footsteps sounded behind him.
"President Tang."
Tang Song turned, feigning confusion: "What is it? Lingling."
As their eyes met, Yao Lingling's cheeks instantly reddened. She glanced around and whispered: "About that winter collection core theme we discussed... I want to report to you privately again."
"Come in."
The office door gently closed, instantly isolating all external sound.
After department adjustments, the clothing design department transformed from a "barebones commander" to a large department with over a dozen employees.
She also jumped from ordinary designer to department director.
This newly formed design department almost entirely consisted of experienced senior designers poached from famous domestic clothing brands.
Though she made her name with the "Su Yu same style," truly commanding these talents still felt challenging.
Tang Song's appearance instantly established her unquestionable authority.
"Just saying thanks isn't enough." Tang Song stepped forward, breathing in her vibrant, fresh scent, teasingly blinking.
Yao Lingling's cheeks instantly reddened deeper. She sneakily glanced at the closed office door, biting her lip.
Though still inexperienced, she was exceptionally proactive and passionate.
Tang Song smoothly wrapped his arm around her slender waist, slowly moving downward.
The springy texture was irresistible.
Soon though, she realized Tang Song's other hand was slowly moving up her waistline, disappearing under her shirt.
Yao Lingling instinctively tried to dodge, but he held her firmly.
Oh no! Miscalculation! I... I didn't wear padding today!
Just then.
"Ring ring—"
Tang Song's pocket phone suddenly vibrated.
Yao Lingling quickly released him, blushing: "That, I'm fine now, I'll... go to the restroom first!"
Hurried footsteps sounded as the office door closed again.
Tang Song smiled, took out his phone and glanced.
Immediately answered, "Hello? Sister Shuyu, finally remembered you have a boyfriend?"
Tang Song's lips curved slightly, "But I'm very unhappy. What to do?"
"Okay, my fault." Xie Shuyu's voice softened, "I'll try to be more attentive in the future."
"What's up? Need something?"
"On the 2nd next month, Saturday, First Financial is hosting a brand private session in Rongcheng, related to Weiguang Coffee's important upcoming collaborations and promotions. I'm currently in Rongcheng—interested in coming to accompany me? Of course, mainly depends on your schedule."
Hearing this, Tang Song's eyebrows raised.
What a coincidence.
He already needed to go to Rongcheng to complete the role interaction task with Ouyang Xianyue.
First Qiuqiu wanted to return, now even the female CEO was going there.
But it could also be considered perfect timing.
The receiver was silent for a moment, then a soft "mwah" sound came through.
"Okay now?"
"Too quiet, didn't hear it. Not sincere enough."
"Mwah— how about now?"
Xie Shuyu always had an "older woman" aura around him, rarely this proactively gentle.
Tang Song instantly perked up, continuing to tease her, feeling full of accomplishment.
Meanwhile, Lan Feng International luxury apartments.
The black Maybach smoothly stopped at the drop-off area.
Xiao Jing looked at Lin Muxue beside her, holding her hand, proactively suggesting: "Xiaoxue, since there's still time, can I come up to see your home? Get to know the place."
She quickly waved: "Better not, I've been too tired lately, jet lag not adjusted. And the place is messy, afraid I can't host properly. Next time for sure."
Xiao Jing's eyes rolled, showing perfectly appropriate regret: "Alright then, bye-bye."
Quickly exited, took her suitcase from the driver, and hurried into the apartment entrance.
She was genuinely somewhat afraid of this little pervert.
During those two days staying together in Imperial Capital, not only did the other hold her while sleeping, she always discussed those messy, blush-inducing topics in her ear.
Heaven knows, Empress Muxue navigating the world for years had never encountered such a perverted person.
The elevator slowly stopped at the 20th floor.
Returning to familiar unit 2002, as the heavy door closed behind her, Lin Muxue let out a long sigh of relief.
Kicked off her high heels, removed her constricting clothes.
Returned to the bedroom, heavily collapsing onto the bed.
But soon, she abruptly sprang up from bed.
Revealing an uncontrollable, somewhat silly brilliant smile.
Then, hugging these documents, she excitedly rolled around on the spacious bed, her two long legs in premium stockings kicking wildly in the air without any regard for image.
Xiao Jing originally bought this place purely because during her Chang'an trip, she found the historical culture atmosphere interesting, Qujiang's night view beautiful, so casually invested in a unit—a true "building king" unit.
Now directly gifted to her, no money needed.
Had to admit, this rich white beauty indeed had profound "sect heritage."
Empress Muxue felt so excited her heart surged, wanting to pee.
Return to Shan Province!
Parents, older brother, sister-in-law... and those relatives who watched her grow up but always gossiped behind her back...
Familiar figures rapidly flashed through her mind.
Lin Muxue pursed her lips, her gaze gradually complex.
Wealth not returned home is like wearing brocade at night.
The reason she hadn't made a firm decision ultimately came down to disappointment with that "home" and holding her breath in frustration.
And let those relatives see how well she lived now.
....
Yanjing Huating, large flat.
"Okay Mom, stop nagging, our relationship is fine. I need to get ready, change clothes, then have lunch with Brother Tang Song—we already planned it."
The door quickly closed and locked.
Xiao Jing hummed a tune entering the huge walk-in closet.
Opened the innermost wardrobe, skillfully pulling out a hidden compartment from behind.
Then, various "secret weapons" appeared before her.
She selected a few "handy" tools, carefully placing them in a black handbag, then began removing her clothes piece by piece.
Next, she opened the specially designated underwear storage area.
Put on thick black stockings, finally wearing a black shell jacket that clashed with everything else.
Shyly covering her burning face.
"Great Dark Demon King, Lord Tang Song... your loyal pet, Xiao Jing, is coming to please you soon..."
"And... Xiaoxue, ready to receive Lord Tang Song's affection?"
She muttered to herself for a while, then struck several extremely embarrassing poses at the mirror.
A somewhat pathological anticipatory smile appeared on her face.
Outwardly aloof, actually quite silly, and particularly vain.
Easily blushed when teased, easily bristled when provoked.
This personality was simply too interesting, no less than silly Qingqing.
She was going to Tokyo to receive Tangjin·WANO's property assets, while Tang Song was going to Rongcheng.
Both busy—before separating, of course needed to properly relax and play some fun little games.
Hehe.
Unlike timid, shy Qingqing, believed Xiaoxue wouldn't refuse her "good intentions."
After all, she was Lord Tang Song's personal assistant, while I... was Lord Tang Song's personal pet.