novelraw Chapter 698: Reunion, Emotional Breakdown
Chapter 698: Reunion, Emotional Breakdown
Night fell slowly.
IFC Center Tower 2 (North Tower), 53rd Floor
Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant.
Outside the massive floor-to-ceiling window was the dazzlingly brilliant night view of Lujiazui.
At a round table by the window with the best view.
Lin Muxue held a cup of warm pu'er tea, a proper smile on her face, quietly listening to the sharing from Bei Yuwei beside her.
"...That martial arts director is simply a devil. To film one fight scene, I was hanging from wires flying in the sky for three days, my legs covered in bruises that still haven't faded..."
"...And the male second lead in our crew, that popular idol who's been quite hot recently, he looks decent and proper on the surface, but he's really dirty behind the scenes."
Bei Yuwei lowered her voice, enthusiastically sharing various interesting stories from her film set and insider gossip with her.
However, topics that would have excited Luna immensely in the past didn't have much effect this time.She only chimed in occasionally, appearing somewhat indifferent.
At this moment, her mind was engaged in a high-speed calculation of pros and cons.
The housing contract was already signed, the property rights were about to change hands,
Making her give up this luxury residence worth tens of millions, located in the heart of Lujiazui, was absolutely impossible.
But Bei Yuwei was Su Yu's person.
Living so close to her, practically door-to-door...
If this matter reached Director Jin's ears, what would she think?
Would she misunderstand that she and Su Yu had some private collusion?
If that happened, it would really be like mud falling into your crotch—even if it's not shit, it looks like shit.
But on second thought.
She felt that she didn't seem to be particularly at fault in this matter.
This apartment was a gift from Ms. Ouyang.
This neighbor was already here before.
From beginning to end, she had been in a position of "passive acceptance," completely unaware.
She thought... with Director Jin's intelligence, she should be able to understand the circumstances, right?
After all, Ms. Ouyang and Director Jin had always been good friends.
Both were respected female entrepreneurs.
Having convinced herself, Lin Muxue quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
She began to truly enjoy the delicious food before her and subtly shifted the topic to Secretary Chen opposite her.
She inquired with concern about Ms. Ouyang's recent work and health condition.
As she took the initiative to speak, Bei Yuwei seemed to sense something and immediately stopped her gossip topics.
Sitting to the side like a quiet outsider, smiling.
For a moment, the atmosphere appeared harmonious and gentle.
The night grew deeper.
Outside the window, the lights of the Oriental Pearl Tower shifted and changed, magnificently beautiful.
Secretary Chen took a sip of tea and asked, "Assistant Lin, weren't you recently helping Yancheng's Yisha Beauty find a spokesperson?"
"Yes, that's right." Lin Muxue nodded. "It's Qianqian's beauty salon. Because they're planning to open several new stores around the Imperial Capital, they need to elevate the brand's image. I mentioned it to Tang Entertainment, and we already have several suitable candidates."
Hearing this, Secretary Chen smiled and looked at Bei Yuwei beside her. "I happened to hear about this matter and thought Miss Bei Yuwei would be quite suitable. Moreover, she happens to have availability recently, and her appearance and temperament are a very good match."
Bei Yuwei quickly sat up straight.
"This..." Lin Muxue was stunned. "Yisha Beauty's endorsement budget is quite limited, I'm afraid we can't afford a big star like Yuwei."
To avoid suspicion, her contact with Tang Entertainment had always followed normal business procedures, and she hadn't asked Mo Xiangwan for special privileges.
So the final selected candidates were all second or third-tier celebrities.
They had audience appeal, were recognizable, but their endorsement prices weren't particularly high.
She wanted to use actions to demonstrate her stance to anyone who might be "monitoring" her.
Secretary Chen smiled gracefully, her tone calm. "It's like this: the newly established home beauty device brand [Guangyun] under Tang Yi Precision recently signed Miss Bei Yuwei as their latest spokesperson. The contract was finalized just yesterday afternoon."
"Ms. Ouyang has a very favorable impression of Ms. Zhao Yaqian and hopes to have more contact."
"So, we hope to cooperate with Yisha Beauty, placing the [Guangyun] series products into Yisha Beauty's channels at preferential prices. At the same time, we'll cover part of Yisha Beauty's endorsement fees, which can be considered as some goodwill from Ms. Ouyang."
"Ah?" Lin Muxue's eyebrows twitched, vaguely feeling something wasn't quite right.
But with Ms. Ouyang's status, she didn't seem to have any motive to trick her,
Having previously been very friendly toward Xiao Jing and her.
Moreover, she wasn't like Su Yu and Mo Xiangwan, with so many taboos and conflicting stances,
It should... be fine, right?
"Then thank you for Secretary Chen and Ms. Ouyang's kindness. I'll go back and discuss it with Qianqian, and get back to you as soon as possible."
"Yes, no rush." Secretary Chen elegantly raised her teacup.
The three lightly clinked cups.
Bei Yuwei's legs under the table couldn't help but start trembling slightly.
Who knew how excited and nervous she was right now!
Originally, just after finishing filming, she was planning to fly to a commercial event, but then Miss Su Yu called and summoned her to Modu.
Not only was her residence upgraded from a high-end residential complex to the Huiyue Apartments in IFC Center.
Now, she even landed the global spokesperson for a major brand under [Tang Yi Precision].
As for the Yisha Beauty one, it was just an extra bonus at most.
President Mo said she would provide compensation elsewhere.
And right now, she was even having dinner with the chief secretary of [Tang Yi Precision]'s chairman...
This made her, a small entertainer who had struggled in the industry for years, feel immensely honored!
This was the treatment of "making it to the shore"!
Having Tang Song backing her, she had definitely chosen the right person!
Moreover, for endorsements, she would definitely need to go to Yisha Beauty's headquarters in Yancheng,
Then... wouldn't she have a legitimate reason to see Tang Song!
And she wouldn't have to worry about Miss Su Yu being unhappy.
Since their last parting, although she had gained recognition from President Mo and Sister Su Yu, obtaining the top-tier resources she dreamed of, she had also been extremely busy.
To be honest, she still missed that "male friend outside the circle" with whom she had just confirmed the relationship.
Of course, this term she only dared to think about privately.
If Miss Su Yu found out, she would probably evaporate directly.
But things were already quite good as they were.
Being in the huge fame and fortune arena of the entertainment industry, having a solid backer, having a continuous stream of top-tier resources.
Being able to earn money steadily, act, sing, become famous...
This was the ultimate dream that countless entertainers couldn't achieve even after a lifetime of effort.
......
The dinner ended, the atmosphere still harmonious.
Bei Yuwei intimately linked arms with Lin Muxue and invited, "Muxue, it's still early, do you want to go shopping around IFC Center together?"
"No." Lin Muxue subtly withdrew her arm. "My time in Modu is very tight this trip."
Chen Jing nearby immediately understood and said, "Assistant Lin, I'll arrange a car now to take you back to the Bulgari Hotel."
"No need, Secretary Chen." Lin Muxue smiled. "I'll go back to the apartment first to take a look. Since I managed to come here, I should at least familiarize myself with my new home."
"Alright, if you need anything, feel free to contact me anytime." Chen Jing didn't insist further, bid farewell to the two, and left first.
Lin Muxue followed the "little tail" Bei Yuwei back to the 52nd floor of Tower 2.
At their respective doorsteps, she merely gave Bei Yuwei a faint nod, said a somewhat indifferent "goodbye,"
Then directly swiped her card and entered her apartment.
"Whoosh—"
The moment that heavy armored door slowly closed behind her.
All the restraint and aloofness on Lin Muxue's face instantly vanished without a trace.
She kicked off those torturous high heels, casually tossed her Birkin bag aside, then let out an "Ah—" of long-suppressed excited screams!
Like a fawn breaking free from its cage, barefoot, she excitedly ran around this luxurious apartment filled with the scent of money.
Finally, with a flying leap, she heavily landed on that large bed covered with top-tier Frette bedding.
Hugging the soft pillow, she excitedly rolled back and forth on the spacious bed, her long legs kicking wildly in the air without any concern for image.
She kept letting out bursts of laughter.
After going crazy enough, she got up from the bed and ran to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.
Looking down at the incomparably dazzling night view like a diamond river beneath her feet, an immense sense of satisfaction enveloped her.
This feeling... this feeling was like being lifted from behind by Tang Song, standing before the floor-to-ceiling window, mapping out the night scenery together.
It was simply thrilling!
She took a deep breath with intoxication.
Immediately took out her phone, adjusted the angle, and took several selfies filled with "casual high-end feel" with the Oriental Pearl Tower as the background.
Then, she opened that "socialite group" she had long set to Do Not Disturb and sent a few photos in.
Leaving a message: "@Xinyi, @Chenchen, @Zichu Dears, regarding the trouble you went through helping me look for housing recently, no need to bother anymore. I just found a somewhat satisfactory place here and have already signed the contract. When I come to Modu on business trips in the future, I'll at least have my own little nest."
As soon as the photos and text were sent, the group instantly exploded.
After all, they were all "fake socialites" who had been navigating the social scene in Modu for years, each with sharp eyes.
They instantly recognized her location and the room's decoration standard.
Flattery, compliments, shock, envy, ingratiation...
Lin Muxue appreciated it for a while, feeling every pore in her body relax.
However, the current Empress Muxue was already completely different from before and naturally wouldn't leave too many traces in such a low-level group.
Her eyes shifted, and she suddenly made a decision—
Tonight, she wouldn't return to the hotel!
All the amenities here were frighteningly complete, from toiletries to towels and bathrobes, all were top-tier brand new products.
Even the living room had a small mini bar stocked with various top-tier famous liquors.
After all, this was once the residence of a top-tier wealthy lady like Ms. Ouyang, much more comfortable than any Bulgari Hotel!
Today, she would also properly experience what it felt like to be a true "mistress of the house."
After taking a fragrant hot bath and wrapping herself in a soft bathrobe.
Lin Muxue poured herself a glass of red wine from the wine cabinet, then, holding the glass, sat on the sofa in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.
Looking at the extravagant night scene outside, living in a drunken dream.
A dreamlike feeling, as if she had already reached the pinnacle of life, spontaneously arose.
After enjoying the wine and scenery alone for quite some time.
Lin Muxue's heart stirred, the corners of her mouth lifting.
Picking up her phone, opening WeChat, she directly video called Shen Yuyan.
The video was answered almost instantly.
Shen Yuyan's equally beautiful face appeared on the screen.
She also seemed to have just finished washing up, wearing conservative pajamas, her hair casually draped, the background looking like a hotel.
"Hello, Shirley, good evening."
"Luna, what's the matter calling so late?"
"Missed you," Lin Muxue casually turned the phone camera, aiming it at the extremely dazzling Lujiazui night view outside the window. "I heard from you before that you really like the city of Modu and also like the atmosphere of Lujiazui. The weather is really nice tonight, this night view is indeed captivating."
Shen Yuyan on the other end of the video clearly paused for a moment.
The corners of Lin Muxue's mouth lifted even higher. "President Tang helped me buy a small apartment here, right in IFC Center, close to all the major financial institutions. The place isn't big, but it's enough for one person."
"President Tang gave it to you...?" Shen Yuyan's unrestrained large chest heaved noticeably.
"Yes."
Lin Muxue slowly panned the camera around the room, "casually" capturing those expensive furniture and appliances, as well as that small bar stocked with top-tier famous liquors, into the shot.
Finally, she turned the camera back to her face, using an extremely intimate and enthusiastic tone: "Shirley, when you come to Modu on business later, you can just come stay at my place directly."
Shen Yuyan smiled superficially. "Okay. Then... thank you in advance, Luna, you're so good to me. Not resting late at night, specially sharing your joy with me."
"Of course, we're not just colleagues, we're good sisters."
"Well, that's true." Shen Yuyan suddenly changed the subject. "Haven't had time to tell you yet, I'm also on a business trip today, currently in Rongcheng."
"Rongcheng?" Lin Muxue's delicate eyebrows raised.
"Yes." Shen Yuyan imitated her green tea-flavored tone, saying mysteriously, "President Tang assigned me some private investment business a couple of days ago. First, we had several online meetings, and today he specifically called me to Rongcheng to handle things for him in person. See, I'm still working overtime now, President Tang really is something, he's practically worn me to the bone. Alright, I won't say more, I need to get back to work, bye."
Then, without waiting for any reaction from Lin Muxue, the video call was directly hung up.
Lin Muxue held her phone, the showing-off smile on her face slowly freezing.
A strong sense of crisis uncontrollably surged up again.
Tossing the phone aside, she stood up from the sofa.
Walking to the desk, she opened her laptop and forced herself into study mode.
Damn scheming bitch!
Always knows how to scare me from behind!
Moreover, there was an even more important and dangerous major event about to happen.
Around the middle of this month, Tang Song would personally fly to New York to attend [Smile Holdings]' most important annual global shareholders' meeting.
She could imagine what a terrifying scene it would be, with dragons gathering and immortals battling!
As Tang Song's only "biological assistant," she would inevitably have to accompany him throughout.
This meant she had to cram knowledge about company financial reports, global macroeconomics, and background information on various top-tier partners.
She absolutely couldn't embarrass herself or let Tang Song lose face when the time came.
...
December 6, 2023, Wednesday, Imperial Capital.
7:00 AM, suite at the Wangjing Hyatt Hotel.
Jiang Yourong slowly woke from the soft bed.
She didn't get up immediately but reached out and pressed the bedside electronic control, the curtains slowly drawing open.
Morning light poured into the room through the huge floor-to-ceiling window, the city's skyline gradually awakening in the light and shadows.
Looking at this familiar city.
She let out a long sigh and got up.
Putting on her coat, she left the room and headed to the hotel's buffet restaurant.
Hot cocoa, croissants, strawberry tarts...
A rich and delicious breakfast slightly eased the tension in her heart.
Returning to the room.
She dug out the professional attire she had long prepared from the very bottom of her suitcase.
Taking off her casual clothes, revealing her full, fair body.
She couldn't help but stand in front of the full-length mirror, carefully examining herself in the reflection.
Her eyes filled with lack of confidence.
Compared to the "Assistant Jiang" from eight years ago when she was still at [Smile Investment], with her tight, slender figure,
Now she had gained nearly twenty pounds!
Her chest and buttocks had grown a full size larger, the slender waistline she once took pride in had long blurred.
Even a layer of soft flesh was visible on her lower abdomen.
Jiang Yourong pinched the soft flesh around her waist with distress.
Since she started "lying flat," her originally lazy nature had become increasingly uncontrollable.
Nine-to-five, three delicious meals a day at the faculty cafeteria, afternoon tea with a milk tea paired with a small cake...
It was hard not to gain weight.
As for losing weight? For her, that was simply torture on earth.
Every time she vowed to diet, she was defeated by appetite on the first day.
Weight was a "reality" she couldn't face.
It was also a subtle "mark of degradation" since she left Director Jin.
She let out a low, bitter laugh, putting on the slightly tight professional attire.
Fixing her makeup, filling in her eyebrows, combing her hair in front of the mirror.
Every action carried a solemn sense of ritual.
When everything was ready, she picked up her bag and set off.
9:30 AM.
The black dedicated car slowly entered the [Smile Holdings] headquarters campus.
Jiang Yourong sat in the back seat, curiously observing this futuristic architectural complex.
The winter morning sunlight shone on the huge glass curtain walls, reflecting cold and dazzling light.
This was the [Smile Holdings] headquarters, the "complete form" that [Smile Investment], where she once worked, had evolved into.
Everything had become more grand, more elegant and cold, and more awe-inspiring.
The car stopped in front of the South Tower.
She got out and had just stepped through the glass door.
When she saw a familiar figure coming towards her.
"Yourong." Shangguan Qiuyas wore a black professional suit, her steps clean and decisive, a gentle smile on her face. "Welcome back."
"Thank you, Assistant Shangguan." Jiang Yourong shook her hand.
"Let's go, Director Jin is already waiting for you in her office."
"Yes."
Taking the independent private elevator directly to the top floor.
"Ding—"
The elevator door slowly slid open.
What appeared before her was an expansive executive floor.
The decor was simple and artistic, with almost no excess decoration.
Underfoot was soft carpet.
The air was filled with a cool, fresh scent of aromatherapy.
Walking forward along the corridor.
Employees they passed were either walking briskly or focused on their work,
The sounds of keyboards and printers intertwined.
Everything appeared busy yet orderly.
Seemingly familiar yet unfamiliar.
Jiang Yourong's mind began to wander.
It was as if she had returned to 2016.
Back then, she was still a graduate student about to graduate from Imperial Capital University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
Like all proud children of heaven, filled with infinite longing for the future, extremely ambitious.
Thinking she must carve out her own world in this city representing the heart of Huaxia.
Therefore, she didn't choose those stable traditional enterprises, nor those seemingly bustling internet companies.
Instead, through her mentor's recommendation, she chose a financial company that had just been established, unknown, but offered ridiculously high salaries.
[Smile Investment].
Executive Director's Office - High-Tech Field Assistant, starting monthly salary 30,000, year-end bonus at least 6 months, plus high performance bonuses.
You have to remember, this was 2016!
For a graduate student from an ordinary working-class family about to graduate, this attraction was fatal.
And what moved her most was the young founder who personally interviewed her, Jin Meixiao.
She was a true "proud daughter of heaven," already renowned in foreign financial markets.
From her speech to her gaze, from her steps to her decisions, from her abilities to her ambition, every part of her radiated a sense of control.
Following such a person, the future prospects were limitless.
After undergoing a series of "hell-level" PKs, she finally obtained this dream offer.
But then, reality hit her hard.
The salary was high, but the work was damn exhausting!
No weekends, no holidays, on call 24/7.
Every day she had to process massive amounts of industry reports, coordinate countless cross-timezone video conferences, and within 24 hours, write logically rigorous business plans for Director Jin's imaginative ideas...
Jiang Yourong, who had just entered society, for the first time, and most profoundly, experienced the lash of capitalism.
She learned about society's hardships.
In the end, she still chose to escape.
She gave up that enviable high salary and returned to academia to continue her PhD.
Eventually entering Yancheng Normal University, becoming a comfortable university teacher, directly lying flat within the system.
Originally, she felt very fortunate about this decision, because university teaching was indeed very comfortable, with high social status.
But soon, she regretted it.
[Smile Investment], after she left, shot up like a rocket, rapidly transforming into the behemoth it is today—[Smile Holdings].
Those who joined with her, like Qin Yingxue, Li Shiqin, Shangguan Qiuyas, etc., all soared high, becoming major figures who could summon wind and rain in their respective fields.
But whenever she came across news, saw Director Jin's interviews...
That hidden regret and remorse would climb into her heart.
Now, she had finally obtained another opportunity.
At least an opportunity to see Director Jin again.
"We're here."
Shangguan Qiuyas stopped, raised her hand, and gently knocked on the dark wooden door before her.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
"Come in."
A familiar female voice came from inside the door.
Jiang Yourong's throat tightened, she gently took a breath.
Straightened her back, and pushed the door open.
Sunlight poured in from the entire floor-to-ceiling window, illuminating the entire office brightly and warmly.
The air was filled with a faint fragrance, both cool and restrained.
Jiang Yourong instinctively squinted, waiting for her vision to refocus.
The figure from her memories finally appeared again.
She wore an extremely simple white silk blouse, sleeves slightly rolled up, revealing slender wrists.
Chestnut-brown hair was tied back with a shark clip, a few strands naturally falling over her smooth forehead.
The moment she looked up, the interplay of light and shadow between her brows and eyes still carried that striking beauty that couldn't be ignored from back then.
"Jiang Yourong." She stood up from behind the desk. "Long time no see."
"Dir... Director Jin."
Jiang Yourong's voice was somewhat tight.
That form of address made her thoughts instantly retreat seven years.
"Tap, tap, tap—"
Secretary Jin walked out from behind the desk, her pace neither hurried nor slow.
Without deliberate ostentation, nor any unnecessary movement.
The silk blouse shimmered with a soft glow under the light, her posture like a silhouette in mist, elegant to the point of being almost unreal.
She stopped before Jiang Yourong, just two steps apart.
Looking at her closely.
Those eyes held no obvious emotion, yet carried a natural scrutinizing sharpness.
The air gradually solidified.
Jiang Yourong almost instinctively lowered her head, avoiding that gaze.
Her heart pounded like a drum, even her palms sweating.
She actually had so much she wanted to say.
But under the other's oppressive gaze, all words seemed light and powerless.
She didn't even know if, after so many years, Director Jin truly remembered that "Assistant Jiang" who organized materials for her during countless overtime nights.
Just as she was feeling unsettled.
The corners of Secretary Jin's lips lifted, saying something that completely broke her defenses:
"Assistant Jiang, I didn't expect you've gained so much weight. It seems the university food is quite good."