novelraw Chapter 697: Ominous Signs and a Noblewoman’s Intuition
Chapter 697: Ominous Signs and a Noblewoman’s Intuition
Chapter 697: Ominous Signs and a Noblewoman’s IntuitionOutside the window lay a roiling sea of golden clouds.
The plane glided steadily along the stratospheric airway.
Inside the cabin the lights were soft;
it was quiet enough to hear breathing.
Lin Muxue leaned back in the wide leather seat, fingertip lightly pinching the glass of her specialty drink,
bubbles rising slowly through the amber liquid.
Her expression was composed, her posture elegant and professional.
She presented the best version of herself perfectly to the camera.
Kidding aside—coming from a background as a print model and having run in faux-aristocrat circles for so long, the camera sense for photos and videos was drilled into her bones.
On this front, she was absolutely professional, and she had put in private effort as well.
Her gaze swept to Ma Yilin across from her, whose face had flushed slightly from excitement and shock.Her heartbeat had uncontrollably sped up, and her crossed legs rubbed together.
A self-media blogger with over three million followers,
she had proactively come to interview, and the topic was about workplace, career, and women’s growth—
this was practically a tailor-made stage for her self-promotion.
She could almost imagine the explosive attention and traffic this video would attract once carefully edited and released.
That feeling of being looked up to brought back a long-missed electric thrill.
After being scolded by Director Jin recently, her account’s style had completely “pivoted.”
No more posting bags, watches, champagne, and socializing;
she now talked seriously about inflation, exchange rates, and venture capital.
Her followers had grown a bit, but she always felt something was missing.
And now, that feeling was back.
Thanks to her work environment and the recent MBA courses at Imperial College Business School,
her professional knowledge—at least verbally—had a certain depth.
That was mainly why she could so casually “brag” in front of Ma Yilin.
As for Director Jin’s encouragement, it wasn’t exactly a lie.
When Shangguan Qiuyas had presented her with that “First Snow” platinum bag on Director Jin’s behalf, she had said:
Director Jin admired her intelligence and ambition, and had encouraged her a few times.
On the other side,
Ma Yilin watched the composed, wind-swept financial intellectual opposite her, breathing quickly, heart nearly leaping out of her chest.
Her viral video series had staggering numbers, but so far it had only four episodes.
Most guests she’d interviewed were managers of obscure companies or modestly successful entrepreneurs.
Today she had unexpectedly landed an interview subject who could have direct overlap with someone of Director Jin’s caliber.
Add that to the other woman’s flawless looks and temperament,
if this aired, it would blow up.
She forced down the overwhelming excitement and elation, steadying herself.
In a tone full of admiration and curiosity, she tentatively asked, “I really didn’t expect you to know the legendary Director Jin. May I be so bold—could you share your impression of her? If it’s inconvenient, no problem.” ŘαŊȰ𝐁ƐŜ
The name Jin Meixiao was almost mythic on the internet.
Although she frequently trended for business miracles, she kept a remarkably low profile.
Everything the public knew about her was cold business data and near-mythical stories.
Ma Yilin was extremely curious.
She believed viewers at home would be too.
Lin Muxue sipped the sparkling drink and smiled faintly.
“Work and life intersected. Director Jin is an extraordinary woman. Her aura isn’t about grand gestures;
it’s a force that makes you instinctively trust her. She has insights into the world that surpass ordinary people. To me, Director Jin is an intensely pure idealist.”
Having invoked Director Jin’s name to show off, she naturally took the chance to say something nice.
Of course, she had a deeper calculation.
This video was very likely to go viral;
even though she wasn’t actively showing off, if Director Jin found out she might get some admonishment.
Saying something positive could help avoid a possible reprimand.
Then Lin Muxue lightly raised her wrist.
She glanced at the rose-gold Vacheron Constantin spanning her wrist.
Ma Yilin immediately caught the hint, hurriedly saying, “Thank you so much for sharing! I’m sorry to have taken so much of your time! Wishing you smooth work and travels ahead!”
“Thank you as well.” Lin Muxue nodded slightly.
Ma Yilin stopped recording with her GoPro.
The interview ended.
The last frame of the footage froze on Lin Muxue’s face, interlaced with light and shadow, composed and confident.
Back in her seat,
Ma Yilin couldn’t wait to import the footage into her laptop, put on headphones, and start editing at lightning speed.
Outside, the sea of clouds shimmered silver under the sunlight.
Two hours of flight passed quietly in such focused work.
The plane touched down smoothly at Modu Hongqiao Airport.
Lin Muxue had already returned to that indifferent, elegant expression.
She rose, smoothed her hair, put on sunglasses, and picked up the black-and-gold Birkin.
Her movements were fluid and seamless.
Ma Yilin followed right behind, watching the tall, graceful silhouette cross the cabin and walk along the jet bridge.
It was a presence of high-end beauty.
Every step measured precisely.
Not ostentatious, yet impossible to ignore.
She was like a moving landscape, swaying in charm.
Passersby turned their heads, yet no one dared approach.
This was true “upper-class temperament.”
For some reason, Ma Yilin sensed a trace of Director Jin’s image in her.
After hesitating for a few seconds,
Ma Yilin finally mustered the nerve and hurried to catch up.
“Ms. Lin, may I be so bold as to add you on WeChat?” Her tone was sincere and a little tentative. “We really clicked during today’s talk. If there’s a chance later, I’d love to pick your brain. Also, I can send the video to you before I post it for your review.”
Her voice was gentle but betrayed excitement.
She felt sure this video would blow up.
Maybe it could even lead to a deep follow-up.
Lin Muxue stopped, turned, and the red lips under her sunglasses curved faintly.
Her smile was graceful, with a trace of aloof distance.
She didn’t take out her phone, but opened the black-and-gold Birkin and retrieved a high-quality black business card.
She handed it over.
“My WeChat matches my number.”
“Okay, thank you so much!”
Ma Yilin took it with both hands.
The black-and-gold card felt substantial.
Only two lines were hot-stamped on it.
A name: Lin Muxue (Luna);
and a phone number.
No company, no position.
It read mysterious and noble.
Ma Yilin carefully put the card away, then asked, trying not to seem intrusive, “Ms. Lin, do you work in Modu as well?”
Lin Muxue resumed walking, voice soft and slightly distant, “No. I’m just here to sign a contract;
I’ll leave tomorrow.”
“Oh, understood. A finance executive like you must be signing contracts worth hundreds of millions, right?”
“Heh.” Lin Muxue chuckled lightly and glanced sideways, speaking as if commenting on the weather, “This time it’s not;
it’s a personal matter. I’m buying a small apartment in Lujiazui for convenience when I’m on business trips.”
Ma Yilin’s brain buzzed.
Lujiazui... small apartment...
So it’s a purchase contract?!
What top-tier humblebrag literature is this?!
They exited the airport corridor.
In the VIP reception area, the waiting crowd was sparse and quiet.
A young woman in a dark gray coat, demeanor composed, held a sign with “Lin Muxue” on it.
“Ms. Lin, hello. I’m Zhang Muwen from Tang Yi Precision. Secretary Chen arranged for me to pick you up.”
“Thank you for your trouble.” Lin Muxue smiled slightly, eyes casually sweeping past Ma Yilin.
Indeed, she saw the stunned look on the other woman’s face again.
Zhang Muwen took the small suitcase from her hand and led her outward.
Ma Yilin inhaled deeply and couldn’t help trailing behind,
as if pulled by some aura.
Through the VIP channel, sunlight fell on them again.
A solemn black Rolls-Royce waited nearby.
A middle-aged woman opened the heavy rear door and gestured.
Lin Muxue stopped, removed her sunglasses, and waved at Ma Yilin who was still standing there.
“Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Ms. Lin.” Ma Yilin replied hurriedly.
“Fwoom—”
The door shut;
the chrome emblem flashed in the sunlight.
The taillights lit, and the large car silently slid out of the crowd and disappeared into the traffic exiting the airport.
Ma Yilin took out her phone, staring at the black card, feeling a swirl of emotions.
This Ms. Lin was the most protagonist-like person she had ever interviewed.
She had the aura of a female lead from a novel.
In the Rolls-Royce’s back seat,
Lin Muxue inhaled deeply, luxuriating in the fizz of successful showing-off spreading through her chest.
Like champagne bubbles popping on the tongue:
fine, lasting, and addictive.
How to describe that “thrill”!
Just then, Zhang Muwen in the front passenger seat turned slightly,
and in a respectful, composed voice asked:
“Ms. Lin, shall we go to the Bulgari Hotel where you’re staying to rest and drop off luggage, or go directly to the IFC side apartment to sign the purchase contract?”
At that, Lin Muxue’s heart skipped a beat and her legs pressed tightly together.
She outwardly remained calm and unhurried, “Let’s go to the apartment directly. Let’s get the formalities done. Two hours on the plane isn’t tiring.”
Zhang Muwen immediately understood and pulled out her phone, quickly making calls to arrange the follow-up.
In the back seat, Lin Muxue shifted slightly, feeling the sculpted curve beneath her tailored trousers, enjoying the soft, fine touch of the Nappa leather.
Her breathing grew a bit rapid.
She was about to see her “luxury residence” in Modu—small in size but located in the IFC!
She felt a flutter in her lower abdomen and a sudden urge to use the restroom.
She quickly adjusted her state of mind.
Opening WeChat, she tapped the pinned chat.
First, she took a casual, high-end-feeling selfie against the moving light outside the window and sent it.
Then she typed: “President Tang, I’ve arrived in Modu safely. Next I’ll go sign the contract for that apartment. Thank you, mua~.”
“Bzz—”
[Tang Song: “After signing, remember to send me a photo? For inspection. And at night, reward yourself well.”]
Seeing his suggestive, teasing message, Lin Muxue felt her cheeks heat.
She hesitated, then typed with slender fingers: “As you command, master.”
After sending, she silently counted three seconds, then long-pressed and retracted the message.
She immediately sent a playful, cute sticker instead.
Their chat quickly turned filthy.
Lin Muxue’s mind involuntarily snapped back to Xiao Jing.
That perverted rich-and-beautiful girl’s crazed antics in Lan Feng International still lingered in her memory.
Tang Song seemed to enjoy hearing them called that.
Now that she’d gotten her dream home, she couldn’t help mimicking Xiao Jing for a little fun.
It worked well.
The Rolls-Royce silently merged onto the ring road of Lujiazui.
The outside scene suddenly took on a magical quality.
The Oriental Pearl, Jinmao Tower, and the Shanghai Tower...
Huge LED screens rolled luxury brand ads.
Streets filled with traffic, pedestrians rushing.
This was the heart of Huaxia’s finance, a sleepless city where capital and desire intertwined.
A heady, decadent atmosphere hit them full on.
And she was about to own a piece of it.
Watching the view, Lin Muxue felt indescribable emotion and excitement.
The Rolls-Royce slid into the underground parking of IFC Residence.
Zhang Muwen led her to the owner-only elevator, which went straight to the 52nd floor.
“Ding—”
The elevator doors opened slowly.
Before them lay a marble-laid corridor resembling a star-rated hotel hallway.
A figure waited at the elevator entrance.
Around forty, wearing a well-tailored black skirt suit, a warm professional smile on her face.
Beside her stood a man in a tailored suit, lawyer-like in appearance.
“Assistant Lin, hello. I’m Chen Jing.” Chen Jing stepped forward and extended her hand. “Welcome to Modu.”
“Secretary Chen, thank you for coming personally.” Lin Muxue replied, shaking her hand lightly.
Though meeting for the first time in person, they had communicated many times by phone and WeChat.
She liked this Secretary Chen.
Especially Chen’s helpfulness;
despite being Ms. Ouyang’s top secretary, she had come all the way to Modu to assist with the transfer.
How thoughtful!
“It’s my duty.” Chen Jing’s tone left no room for argument. “Ms. Ouyang specifically instructed that I personally oversee this matter to ensure there are no mistakes.”
She turned slightly and introduced, “This is Zhang Wei, a partner at Quan Jing Law Firm’s Modu branch. He will assist you with all legal documents.”
“Hello, Lawyer Zhang.”
“Hello, Ms. Lin.”
After pleasantries, the group moved down the corridor.
They arrived at a heavy black armored door.
Chen Jing stepped forward, used a fingerprint unlock, pushed the door, and gestured, “Assistant Lin, please come in.”
Lin Muxue took a deep breath and walked into her new luxury residence.
A scent of high-end fragrance blended with top-quality leather greeted her.
This serviced apartment wasn’t large—one bedroom and a living room—
but every inch radiated opulent refinement that made her bladder clench with delight.
From the expensive Cassina sofa in the living room to the full set of Gaggenau appliances in the open kitchen...
each detail showcased impeccable glamour and taste.
The large floor-to-ceiling window faced the brightest night view of the Oriental Pearl Tower.
It was as if all of Lujiazui’s splendor had become the private backdrop of this room.
Chen Jing’s voice spoke calmly at her side: “This is an A-type unit in IFC Residence. All hard and soft furnishings were completed by a top design team. Ms. Ouyang only stayed here twice, and that was years ago...”
Her words continued.
Lin Muxue was intoxicated by the joy of the moment.
Over the next half hour, under Lawyer Zhang Wei’s professional guidance,
Lin Muxue carefully inspected every detail of the property and signed all related legal documents.
When she took the exquisitely designed smart key from Chen Jing’s hand,
an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and security instantly surrounded her.
This was the first home that genuinely belonged to her!
“Assistant Lin.” Chen Jing glanced at the time and smiled. “All the formalities are done. I’ve reserved a table downstairs at Jin Xuan as a welcome dinner for you.”
“This is too much... I should treat you instead.”
“It’s my duty.” Chen Jing paused, then as if remembering something, added, “By the way, Assistant Lin, a ‘friend’ of yours lives next door and happens to be here today. Would you like me to invite her to join us so everyone can get acquainted?”
“My friend?” Lin Muxue blinked.
“Yes.” Chen Jing smiled without elaboration.
Lin Muxue’s eyes flickered.
She did have plenty of so-called “friends” living here—
fake aristocrats, petite models, even high-class escorts.
Could Secretary Chen have dug that up too?
Her heart warmed at the thought;
she’d secured the luxury residence, and showing off in front of these “plastic sisters” before posting to her Moments would be gratifying.
“All right.” She feigned modesty and nodded. “Then please ask her to join.”
They went next door;
Chen Jing knocked lightly.
Soon the door opened and a fashionable, pretty figure appeared in the doorway.
Lin Muxue’s smile froze instantly.
Silver strap bodycon dress hugged an exquisitely curvaceous figure.
Her long black hair was streaked with eye-catching red and blue highlights.
A pricey multicolor fur casually draped over her shoulders...
Bei Yuwei?!
Unpleasant memories surged, and Empress Muxue involuntarily stepped back.
The last time she’d come to Modu for the LVMH Asia Pacific Elite gathering, Bei Yuwei had accompanied her and they’d taken many photos.
She’d even posted to Moments and Douyin to show off, which drew Director Jin’s displeasure and led to a scolding from Qin Yingxue.
Since then she’d kept distance and rarely messaged.
Bei Yuwei had been filming out of town, and they hadn’t seen each other in a long time.
She’d nearly forgotten the whole thing!
Yet here she was—fresh as a daisy—standing right in front of her!
And... was her neighbor?!
“Hello, Muxue, long time no see.” Bei Yuwei gave a sweet smile. “I was filming in a closed set and just returned to Modu yesterday. Mo told me your new place is next to mine—what a coincidence.”
She stepped forward and gave Lin Muxue a big hug.
Empress Muxue felt a chill run through her and suddenly sensed an ominous premonition.
......
Shen City.
Tang Yi Precision headquarters, chairman’s office.
The atmosphere inside was as solemn and restrained as ever.
Through the floor-to-ceiling window, winter sunlight filtered through the city haze and fell on the heavy walnut desk, casting a layer of gentle warmth.
A subtle vetiver fragrance mingled with leather and wood in the air—noble and restrained.
“Ring—ring—”
The desk landline suddenly rang.
Ouyang Xianyue lifted a hand, her long fingertips moving from the documents to press the answer key.
Her voice remained steady as always: “Secretary Chen.”
“Ms. Ouyang.” Chen Jing’s voice came through the receiver. “The property transfer for Lin Muxue’s Modu apartment has been completed. Per Ms. Su Yu’s instruction, we arranged for Bei Yuwei to be next door.”
“Mm.” Ouyang Xianyue responded softly, emotionless in tone.
Chen Jing paused, then continued reporting: “Also, Smile Holdings just sent a supplementary email about the Xuanji Optical World university cooperation project, requesting to add a research team from a regular institution into the Human-Computer Interaction and Cognitive Science Joint Laboratory’s cooperation list.”
Ouyang Xianyue’s voice remained calm: “Which school?”
“Yancheng Normal University. I’ve forwarded the team’s introduction and leader’s details to your personal email.”
“Understood.”
She pursed her red lips and slid the mouse, opening the email.
On the screen a file titled “Yancheng Normal University—Visual Computing and Intelligent Perception Laboratory” loaded quickly.
Her gaze landed on the photo of the team leader.
She paused slightly.
“Jiang Yourong.” She mouthed the name softly;
the crease between her brows almost imperceptibly tightened. “Somewhat familiar.”
Chen Jing on the line immediately added: “Yes.
Before pursuing her doctorate, Professor Jiang briefly worked at Smile Investment as Director Jin’s assistant, mainly handling project coordination for internet high-tech fields.
In 2017 you visited Smile Investment’s Imperial Capital headquarters several times.
At that time, Assistant Jiang was still on staff.”
“Oh? Director Jin’s former assistant?” Ouyang Xianyue straightened slightly.
“Yes.” Chen Jing lowered her voice. “Also, Professor Jiang and Mr. Xie, the founder of Weiguang Coffee, are college classmates and maintain a private friendship.”
Ouyang Xianyue was silent for a moment, then said lightly: “Proceed with the usual procedure. Smile Holdings is one of our shareholders;
they have this right.”
“Understood, Ms. Ouyang.”
The call ended.
Silence returned to the office.
Sunlight flowed across one side of her face, highlighting the refined, quiet light unique to a noblewoman.
Ouyang Xianyue moved the mouse, scanned the team list and introductions, and scrolled to the final supplemental notes.
Soon another, more familiar photo appeared on the screen.
A young assistant in a white shirt and black pencil skirt, glasses lending a bit of scholarly air.
“So it’s her—she’s gotten so much heavier.”
Ouyang Xianyue smiled softly.
At the start, her collaboration with Tang Song had been handled entirely by Smile Investment, with Jingwu Capital only assisting.
She had been in contact with Jin Meixiao early on.
She had visited the Imperial Capital headquarters several times and had, naturally, interacted with Jin’s assistants,
especially the one responsible for internet high-tech projects.
She had a vague impression.
Now Jiang Yourong had become a university professor, wearing glasses and having put on some weight.
She now had the look of an academic.
She was no longer the intellectual, gentle assistant she once was.
No wonder Ouyang hadn’t recognized her immediately.
Ouyang Xianyue reclined elegantly in her chair and shifted posture.
Her long legs tilted slightly, the lines faintly visible in the sunlight.
She rested her fingertips on her chin and pursed her red lips.
“But... what is Jin Meixiao trying to do this time?”
The strategic significance of Xuanji Optical World was self-evident.
It was the core project of the “new alliance” she had personally assembled.
It was set up to unite newcomers like Wen Ruan and Liu Qingning to counter Jin Meixiao.
Everyone knew this;
it wasn’t a secret. After all, the internal hedging and jockeying around the Tang Jin family office had a long history.
So why would Jin Meixiao insert her former staff into this lab’s collaboration?
Even if it were to woo Xie Shuyu, there was no need to do it this way.
Given Jin Meixiao’s ingrained pride,
she would rather start her own initiative than play on an opponent’s board.
This seemed like a show of weakness—an admission that she was afraid.
It made no logical sense.
It ran counter to Jin Meixiao’s style.
The noblewoman leaned back, her jade-like fingers parting the qipao collar.
From the snow-white, deep décolletage she slowly drew the smooth crescent-jade pendant, Xianyue’s Blessing, and a corner of her mouth lifted.
There was only one explanation.
This matter was definitely connected to Tang Song.