novelraw Chapter 824: Scared Little Xue
Chapter 824: Scared Little Xue
10:00 a.m.
Shencheng Bay Super Headquarters Campus, Xuanji Optical World Global Headquarters Tower
Sunlight fell across the dynamic, light-reactive glass curtain walls, refracting a cold, dazzling radiance.
From afar, the whole tower looked like a breathing crystal facet,
rising against Shen City’s skyline with a distinctly sci-fi aesthetic.
On the first floor, within the grand lobby with a 16-meter ceiling,
people filled the space, but it was not noisy.
Minimalist lines mixed with cool white lights.
The floor gleamed like a mirror, reflecting the crisscrossing light bands flowing across the dome.
“Hello, everyone! As you can see, I’m currently on site at the new global headquarters of the hottest company in the tech world right now — Xuanji Optical World!”Ma Yilin smiled at the camera on her stabilizer, excitement on her face, speaking briskly:
“Although the official opening ceremony doesn’t start until this afternoon, as one of the first invited bloggers to tour, I’m lucky enough to bring you a peek at this futuristic building’s charm in advance....”
The camera smoothly panned, aiming at the center of the lobby.
There was no traditional metal nameplate, not even a physical wall.
Only a ten-meter-tall holographic display.
The Xuanji Optical World logo.
A Möbius ring formed from countless light particles, hovering in midair and slowly rotating.
Particle streams twined like star trails, simulating the entanglement of computing power and light.
It was strikingly realistic, as if one could reach out and touch it.
Ma Yilin moved and narrated expertly, introducing the lobby’s holographic interactive walls, intelligent security gates...
After shooting the final B-roll,
she set down her camera, exhaled, and turned toward the media lounge,
where many peers had already gathered.
“Yilin, over here!”
A man in his early thirties with a neatly trimmed beard waved with a smile.
He was Wang Zhao, a tech-and-finance blogger with two million followers, an old acquaintance in the circle.
Ma Yilin sat on the sofa opposite him, took a sip of water, and shrugged with regret: “Too bad our media credentials are limited — we can’t get into executive interviews or the core ceremony this afternoon. I’ll try to shoot lots of B-roll so we have enough footage.”
“Be thankful you got in at all.” Wang Zhao pointed upstairs and lowered his voice with a grin. “The product demo hall on the second floor is showing unreleased concept machines. Supposedly only state media and a few top foreign outlets can enter. As for the afternoon ceremony, that’s a gathering for the capital heavyweights. For independent media like us, we’re mostly here to create atmosphere.”
Ma Yilin sighed, her gaze drifting toward the heavily guarded elevator entrance.
Desire showed plainly in her eyes.
As a future super-unicorn incubated by Tang Yi Precision and backed by Qingning Technology’s algorithms,
in the midst of the Vision Pro and Meta rivalry, Xuanji Optical World was viewed by Silicon Valley as the strongest competitor in spatial computing, attracting intense attention.
That’s why so many media and industry partners were invited.
But most could only take part in pre-opening coverage; access to the core venue was restricted.
Still, Ma Yilin felt a deeper hunger.
Her once-viral “What Professions Fly First Class?” series had peaked after a chance interview with the mysterious Ms. Lin on a flight a month ago,
but the plateau came after the peak.
Now, with AI and hard tech surging, all attention, funding, and traffic were rapidly shifting to this field.
She urgently wanted to transition to deeper AI and hard-tech content.
In the ruthless pace of independent media, a single lag could mean being discarded by the algorithm.
While the two chatted, more people streamed into the lobby.
Check-ins, credential pickups, conversations.
New tech tycoons in suits, stylish peers, blond-haired foreign experts...
Ma Yilin even spotted camera crews from two state media outlets, shouldering heavy equipment, led by staff who escorted them past the smart gate without hindrance and straight into the elevators.
Although the official admission for the ceremony wouldn’t open until after 1 p.m., Xuanji Optical World had opened its doors to visitors in the morning,
especially the second-floor holographic interactive demo hall, whose concept machines had never been seen publicly.
The more open it was, the more obvious the hierarchy of access became.
“Yilin, the lighting inside is messy and people are piling up. Why don’t we step outside to get some exterior shots and the logo? The sun’s perfect now.” Wang Zhao suggested.
“Okay.”
They walked out through the sensor glass doors.
The sea breeze at Shencheng Bay carried warm sunlight and swept away the lobby’s stifling pressure.
Ma Yilin switched on her GoPro, adjusted focus like a pro, and pointed it at the futuristic facade.
The camera slowly tilted down, sweeping across the VIP drop-off zone.
On the screen, an unexpectedly stunning figure suddenly entered the frame.
“Ms. Lin?!”
Ma Yilin’s pupils shrank; she blurted out in surprise.
Not far off,
a black Maybach had just pulled away.
A tall, graceful young woman walked toward the entrance.
She wore a deep charcoal tailored suit over a silk white blouse, the cut fitting so precisely it outlined a slim waist.
Her matching pencil skirt revealed a pair of long, straight legs dazzling in the sunlight.
A small diamond brooch glinted at the lapel with a cold brilliance.
A Patek Philippe shimmered on her wrist.
Red lips, low ponytail, high heels.
Her steps were composed, posture erect.
An air of refined elegance and the restrained aura of a corporate elite washed over her.
She carried a deeper, more settled presence than that chance meeting on the plane —
purely classy.
“What Ms. Lin?” Wang Zhao blinked, followed her gaze, then went rigid. “Holy crap... that’s the finance exec you interviewed on the plane? She’s way prettier in person than on video!”
He swallowed and couldn’t stop staring.
That inner, outward sexiness and charm were simply top-tier.
Lin Muxue drew closer.
Ma Yilin abandoned courtesy and greeted her with unrestrained delight: “Ms. Lin! Hello! I didn’t expect to see you here!”
Lin Muxue paused.
Her eyes flicked over Ma Yilin’s face for a moment.
Then her lips curved into an elegant, proper smile that nevertheless held a hint of distance.
“Long time no see, Miss Ma.”
“Ms. Lin, are you here for Xuanji Optical World’s event too?” Ma Yilin asked cautiously, eyes eager.
Lin Muxue laughed lightly, neither confirming nor denying, and simply asked back: “And you?”
“I’m an invited independent media to do pre-opening coverage, but my access is limited, so I can only roam the periphery,” Ma Yilin said with a little embarrassment.
“Hm.” Lin Muxue’s attitude was neither warm nor cold.
Seizing a chance, Ma Yilin leaned in earnestly: “Ms. Lin, your last interview video did so well — it’s my most viral piece. A lot of viewers asked for a follow-up... Since we met here by chance, may I be so bold as to ask—would you have a few minutes? I can shadow you and ask a couple quick questions. I promise I won’t disturb your work and I won’t record!”
This Ms. Lin was one of the most dignified people she’d ever met; she genuinely wanted to befriend her.
Besides, as a finance executive, she might know Director Jin and could possibly leak bits about today’s event — even a phrase or two would be gold.
Seeing the unhidden longing and admiration in Ma Yilin’s eyes, Lin Muxue’s mouth nearly betrayed a small upward curl.
After being repressed by Director Jin for weeks, this craving to be admired was deliciously familiar.
Still... remembering the current sensitive moment and that Director Jin whom she both respected and feared,
her rational side told her to stay low and avoid trouble.
“Alright, fifteen minutes.” Lin Muxue glanced at her Patek Philippe and seemed to weigh briefly. “Follow me.”
She tilted her chin almost imperceptibly.
Absolutely commanding.
“Wonderful! Thank you, Ms. Lin!” Ma Yilin accepted instantly, face flushed with excitement.
Wang Zhao hurried forward with a practiced smile: “Ms. Lin, nice to meet you! I’m Wang Zhao, Yilin’s friend and a tech-finance influencer. I loved that video!”
Lin Muxue glanced at him coolly, said nothing, only smiled faintly.
She didn’t even linger with her eyes before stepping through the sensor gate.
Her high heels clicked rhythmically on the marble.
Ma Yilin felt awkward, signaled Wang Zhao with her eyes, and hurried after that crisp silhouette.
Being so blatantly ignored left Wang Zhao momentarily stung.
He followed them back into the lobby, hoping to salvage a few words and some face.
Before he could speak,
footsteps sounded behind them.
“Good morning, Director Lin!”
“Director Lin.”
The lobby staff, who had been on duty just moments ago, reflexively stopped their tasks and briskly approached when they saw Lin Muxue enter.
Voices were loud and respectful, tinged with caution.
Wang Zhao’s steps faltered.
His planned words stagnated in his throat.
He even noticed the PR supervisor who had greeted them earlier now bowed slightly, a trace of awe on his face.
Lin Muxue inclined her head gently, expression unruffled, as if accustomed to such scenes.
She walked gracefully toward the blue-lit security gate.
“Beep—” a crisp prompt sounded and the gate opened.
She did not immediately pass through.
She turned slightly and beckoned to the stunned Ma Yilin standing outside the perimeter: “Come in, make it quick.”
Ma Yilin swallowed, heart pounding like a drum.
Only then did she belatedly realize something was off.
This wasn’t merely an invited guest.
This was clearly a high-ranking internal executive with top privileges!
But she distinctly remembered Lin once saying she was an executive assistant at a financial firm.
How had she suddenly become a major figure at this star tech unicorn?
Finance and tech — that crossover was immense.
Suppressing the whirl of shock and confusion,
she inhaled deeply and, under the admiring gazes of peers, hurried after her.
Her inner fan-girl had already started cheering for “Miss Lin.”
This was prestige overload!
...
“Ding—”
The exclusive elevator ascended at speed.
In just over ten seconds the car stopped steadily on the 39th floor and the doors slid open.
The lobby din below vanished, replaced by cloudlike stillness above.
A huge circular floor-to-ceiling window wrapped around the floor, letting Shencheng Bay’s noon sunlight pour in without obstruction, bathing the space in clear, bright light.
A minimalist interior, cool white light strips, and deep gray stone flooring extended a feeling of top-level tech company calm and detachment.
Lin Muxue led Ma Yilin through a wide lounge to a cantilevered viewing platform with the best sightlines.
A slight downward glance captured the entire Shencheng Bay.
The breathtaking view made Ma Yilin instinctively hold her breath.
“Want something to drink?” Lin Muxue leaned casually against the railing, languid and elegant. “Their Geisha pour-over is pretty good.”
“Oh... no, thank you, Ms. Lin!” Ma Yilin waved her hands nervously under Lin’s imposing aura.
Lin Muxue smiled but didn’t insist, turning her gaze to the window: “You didn’t contact me for a month. How’s your account been doing?”
“Good, good...” Ma Yilin nodded quickly, gratitude plain in her tone. “Especially that video about you — that wave of traffic brought me a lot of quality followers. Fans say you’re the most fitting image of a powerful finance heroine they’ve seen.”
After a bit of small talk,
looking at this Lin who now radiated an even stronger, almost unapproachable nobility compared to a month ago,
Ma Yilin couldn’t help but ask the burning question she’d been holding back:
“Ms. Lin, sorry if this is presumptuous, but last time you said you were an executive assistant at a finance firm. How come today...?”
Lin crossed her long legs and, catching the sunlight from the window, casually turned the diamond-studded Patek Philippe on her wrist.
Here it comes.
That feeling of being inscrutable yet forced to be admired.
It was deliciously satisfying!
(><)g
Especially since the other party was a well-traveled top blogger.
“I am indeed an executive assistant, that’s true,” she said with a mysterious smile, tone offhanded. “But I never said my boss had only one finance company.”
Ma Yilin’s eyes widened, her mind spinning, as realization dawned: “So, Xuanji Optical World...?”
“Mm.” Lin inclined her head. “Xuanji Optical World’s new global CEO is also my boss. As his core assistant, I’m naturally here to help manage some of his core affairs.”
“Whoa—”
Ma Yilin’s pupils contracted and she went completely speechless.
Her face flushed from excitement and shock.
This changed everything!
Compared to a mere finance company, Xuanji Optical World was now the hottest unicorn in tech!
It stood behind Tang Yi Precision, a massive commercial empire.
And its chairwoman was the renowned Ouyang Xianyue!
To be global CEO here meant enormous clout.
And Lin being a core assistant to someone of that rank?
This was pure gold!
Ma Yilin’s breathing quickened; stars seemed to fill her eyes: “No wonder... I never expected you to be so powerful, Ms. Lin! After that last interview, it seems everyone seriously underestimated your influence and background!”
Lin gave a half-smile, flicking a stray hair behind her ear:
“Not that big a deal. You know me, I’m low-key, not fond of showing off.”
“You’re way too low-key!” Ma Yilin swallowed and dared to ask: “May I ask a few questions about Xuanji’s new products? Nothing confidential, just about the direction of the products showcased at the ceremony...”
Lin’s perfectly lined eye corner twitched slightly.
New products? Who knew what new products there were!
She’d been shuffled around, just come to Shencheng, and had touched nothing here yet.
She was purely along for the prestige.
But she remained composed.
“Funny enough, I don’t really know the specific details,” she said calmly. “I only just returned to the country. For the past half-month I’ve been in London with Director Jin, serving as her temporary private secretary on some overseas M&A. We flew back the day before yesterday, so I haven’t had time to review the reports here.”
Boom—!!!
Ma Yilin, who had just calmed down, took another nuclear-level hit.
Her voice changed pitch: “Director Jin? You mean... her?!”
“Mm, the one they call Ms. Smile.” Lin nodded indifferently, as if mentioning a neighbor.
Seeing Ma Yilin completely dazed, Lin breathed out long and satisfied.
She twisted her long, straight legs.
Hidden toes in heels clenched the soles excitedly, practically digging a new apartment inside the shoes!
Bliss! Pure bliss!
After weeks of repression from Golden Misfortune, the pent-up frustration and fear were utterly released and transformed in this moment!
From now on, whenever she casually said, “I was in London with Director Jin...,” who would dare look down on her?!
O(n_n)o haha~
After soaking up a full ten minutes of rainbow praise and admiring looks from Ma Yilin,
Lin waved a hand and instructed admin to upgrade Ma Yilin’s temporary interview permissions, granting access to the second-floor core exhibition hall to film.
Ma Yilin thanked her profusely, nearly moved to tears.
Lin turned and left behind a cool, busy back.
She swiped a card and entered the exclusive elevator bound for the top floors.
“Ding—”
Floor 42 arrived.
This was the tower’s power core.
Pushing open the heavy double doors of black walnut revealed the CEO’s office.
A six-meter-high ceiling created an imposing space. Three sides of bulletproof floor-to-ceiling glass brought the bay and city skyline into the room without restraint.
Lin inhaled deeply; even if not the first time here, the space’s aura still overwhelmed her.
She quickly switched back into “personal assistant” mode,
stepping into the adjoining lounge and wardrobe area to unpack several boxes that had already been delivered.
She began to arrange things.
Her core task that morning was singular:
to tune this symbol-of-power space into the most suitable environment for Tang Song’s work and short rest.
She had prepared these items according to Tang Song’s preferences:
spare clothes, a Macallan 18 in the liquor cabinet, matching crystal glasses, his preferred sticky notes on the CEO’s desk, and aromatherapy and pillows in the lounge that matched his tastes.
...
By midday, everything was ready.
Looking over the powerful, beautiful space, Lin couldn’t help herself and quietly took out her phone to snap an atmospheric photo of the big window and the boss’s chair.
“Click—”
A perfect workshot froze.
Lost in intimate self-indulgence,
“Click—clack—”
The faint electronic lock released, and the heavy door was pushed open from outside.
Lin was startled and nearly dropped her phone.
She turned sharply.
A tall figure in a khaki trench coat, wide-brim hat, and oversized sunglasses strode in,
carrying a delicate deep-blue leather case.
The newcomer clearly hadn’t expected anyone inside; she paused, the heel of her shoe clicking crisply on the marble.
They faced each other.
The woman’s slender fingers reached to the sunglasses and lightly removed them,
revealing an astonishingly beautiful face with a lazy smile.
Lin’s eyes widened and she exclaimed, “Su Yu?!”
“Shh—” Su Yu put a finger to her lips in a playful hush, then smiled: “Lin, sorry to startle you. I didn’t know you were in here.”
“No—no, it’s fine.” Lin quickly put away her phone and smoothed her posture. “Why did you come up alone? No one notified us.”
“I have permission,” Su Yu said, waving a black magnetic card. She lifted the case and her eyes were warm. “Tomorrow is Tang Song’s birthday. I wanted to put this gift here in advance, so when he comes this afternoon it’ll be a surprise.”
“That’s so thoughtful of you.”
Su walked in high heels to the huge desk.
She carefully tucked the case into a concealed spot under the desk, then stepped back to admire her handiwork and clapped satisfied.
Her gaze swept the luxurious office,
finally resting on an almost wall-blended hidden door next to the bookshelf.
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Lin: “Lin, can I ask a favor?”
“Ms. Su, you’re too polite; tell me whatever you need.”
Su removed her hat and flipped her long hair casually: “I’m a bit tired and want to nap. I have to be downstairs for the ceremony at 2 p.m. and don’t want to fuss going back and forth. I’ll rest here at Xuanji Optical World, is that okay?”
“No problem, of course not!” Lin nodded immediately, professional. “There’s a private VIP lounge on the 38th floor that’s very secluded, I can arrange it now—”
“No need to make it complicated.” Su interrupted, pointing to the hidden door and sounding matter-of-fact: “I’ll just sleep in there.”
“In here?” Lin froze and glanced at the door.
That was the CEO office’s attached rest suite.
“Mm.” Su smiled with implication, voice laced with flirtation: “I heard Sister Xianyue say Tang Song’s office has a super-luxurious suite. Since it’s unused anyway, I’ll try the mattress’s softness for him while I nap.”
“Emm......”
Seeing Lin stunned, Su arched a brow and smiled: “What, not allowed? Or.. is someone hiding inside?”
“No, of course you can.” Lin hurriedly nodded. “Please do! The bedding is brand new and unused.”
Su Yu was Tang Song’s official woman; a short nap here was completely reasonable.
“Good then.”
Su nodded approvingly, winked as she passed, exuding a pleasant cool scent.
“Thanks for accommodating me, Lin. I’ll give you a birthday gift too — something I’m sure you’ll like.”
“Thank you, Ms. Su.”
“Good afternoon.” Su waved and pushed open the hidden door, swaying elegantly inside.
With a soft click the suite door closed,
and Su Yu’s star-quality presence was cut off as well.
Lin stood where she was.
For some reason, her right eyelid twitched twice and a bad premonition rose faintly.
She quickly steadied herself, scanned the office to ensure nothing had been overlooked, and then turned to leave.
It was already noon.
Time to eat.
Although her labor contract didn’t belong to this office, as Tang Song’s personal assistant she had some standing; even Ouyang Xianyue would have to respect that.
During the renovations she had a small independent office on the 42nd floor next to the CEO office.
Small, but fully functional — perfect for enjoying Xuanji Optical World’s staff meal.
Lin strode out of the CEO office in heels, steps brisk.
However,
as she turned to close the door,
“Clack, clack, clack—”
A rhythmic click of high heels sounded from the elevator hall.
Lin raised her head instinctively.
At the corridor’s end, the administrative director of Xuanji Optical World bowed slightly in welcome.
Then a figure appeared at the corner that made Lin’s soul shiver.
When she saw who led the group,
Lin’s brief relaxation snapped taut like a wire.
“Director Jin!”
Secretary Jin wore her standard “Director Jin outfit” today,
making her silhouette even taller and more commanding.
Her thick brown hair was perfectly pinned at the nape, revealing a smooth forehead and a long neck.
Her face was expressionless as she walked, but the aura of top-tier intellect and absolute control condensed the air in the corridor.
“Luna.” Secretary Jin stopped, eyes falling on Lin’s tense face, her mouth curving into the tiniest practiced smile. “Finished your work?”
“Yes... I just finished setting up President Tang’s office.” Lin forced calm and reported truthfully.
“Oh? Perfect timing.” Secretary Jin’s tone was casual. “I was just passing by to take a look.”
She said it as she naturally turned toward the tightly closed black walnut doors.
Lin’s face drained a few shades paler.
Secretary Jin’s faint, amused tone continued: “What’s wrong? Is it inconvenient, or... is someone inside?”
The question — whether someone was inside — carried an entirely different weight than Su Yu’s earlier playful tone.
No warmth, no joke, only scrutiny and judgment.
Lin knew lying to Golden Misfortune was pointless.
She stepped half a pace closer and lowered her voice: “It’s Miss Su Yu. She said she was tired and is napping in the suite.”
Secretary Jin didn’t respond immediately, only glanced at the door.
After a moment, her smile seemed to deepen: “She certainly has a knack for picking places.”
As she finished speaking, she moved forward.
“You two wait outside.”
“Yes.”
“Click.” The door lock sounded crisp.
Secretary Jin pushed the door open and stepped in,
closing it forcefully behind her.
The corridor fell so silent you could hear hearts beating.
Lin’s knees went weak and she slid down to the wall.
(-)
Help! I want to get off work! Now! Immediately!
Chief wife versus concubine Su Yu.
Big trouble is about to erupt!