“What do I do? What should I do?”
Gripping her hair in frustration, Xu Qing's face was filled with panic.
Back when she was chatting in the Second Dinsion’s Best Monts group, she hadn’t ntioned her exact location, but she had let slip that her law firm was in Beijing.
Who could’ve expected that Xiao Jing would suddenly show up in the capital and even manage to cross paths with soone as influential as Luo Bin?
She could already imagine the awkwardness if Xiao Jing suddenly approached Luo Bin and started saying things like “industry forum” or calling her “Top Lawyer Qingqing.” That would be beyond humiliating.
Most importantly, her credibility and the persona she had carefully built up in front of Xiao Jing would completely collapse.
That was just too embarrassing.
Shen Yuyan picked up the phone from the floor and quickly skimd through their chat history.
With an exasperated look, she said, “Damn, you’ve got so guts—pretending to be the female lead of a novel?”
“Ah! You’re not allowed to look!” Xu Qing shrieked, snatching the phone back and clutching it protectively to her chest.
“As if I care about your ridiculous chat logs.” Shen Yuyan knocked her on the head before curiously asking, “Why is Xiao Jing going to Smile Holdings?”
“How would I know?” Xu Qing pouted, looking dejected. “Yanyan, what do I do now?”
“Give your phone.”
“What for?”
“You said you don’t know what to do, right? I’ll talk to Xiao Jing for you.”
“…Alright, but be careful.” After hesitating for a mont, Xu Qing handed over her phone.
She trusted her best friend’s emotional intelligence and strategic mind.
In truth, the inspiration for Xu Yanqing’s character had always been Shen Yuyan. Letting her handle it made perfect sense.
Taking the phone, Shen Yuyan quickly typed a reply:
“I only t Lawyer Luo Bin once, and our firms are actually competitors. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t use my na to approach him—it would cause complications for my work. Thanks for understanding.”
Seeing this, Xu Qing’s eyes lit up. She hugged Shen Yuyan and kissed her cheek. “Yes, yes! That’s perfect!”
Shen Yuyan shoved her away in disgust and continued typing:
“By the way, Xiao Jing, are you an employee of Smile Holdings?”
—
Xiao Jing: “No, but my company’s largest shareholder is Smile Holdings. They’re hosting a training program for young mid-level executives from their subsidiary companies.”
—
Reading this, a deep envy flickered in Shen Yuyan’s eyes.
She had worked in HR for a Fortune 500 company for a year, so she knew exactly what this kind of training program ant.
It could open doors to a position at Smile Holdings' headquarters—and not just any position, but a managerial role.
That was an opportunity countless people dread of.
A bigger platform ant greater possibilities for growth.
Especially a managent role at a corporate titan like Smile Holdings, which had influence across the globe.
The reason she had left her previous company was precisely because of a lack of upward mobility. If she had seen even the slightest hope of climbing the ranks, she would have stayed, networking and gathering resources before making her move. She wouldn’t have rushed into the ho services industry so hastily.
—
Xiao Jing: “I wasn’t planning to attend, but my dad ntioned that there’s a high chance I’ll et Director Jin. So, I decided to co and try my luck. I didn’t expect to run into Luo Bin on the very first day! Who knows, maybe I’ll get to talk to Director Jin after all. Hehe.”
—
Shen Yuyan’s jaw clenched.
Her jealousy flared so intensely that even her eyes felt hot.
Whether it was Jin ixiao or Luo Bin, these were nas that existed in a realm she could only dream of.
And from what Xu Qing had told her, this Xiao Jing had only graduated a year ago. She wasn’t even 23 yet. Her exact family background was unclear, but it was obviously worth billions.
This was the divide between social classes—an insurmountable chasm.
No matter how hard she and Xu Qing worked, they would probably never even reach Xiao Jing’s starting point.
With a sigh, Shen Yuyan replied:
“Xiao Jing, that’s amazing! This is a rare opportunity—you should make the most of it.”
After sending the ssage, she returned the phone to Xu Qing, ruffled her friend’s hair, and stood up.
“Alright, I’ll leave the rest to you. I’m off to wash up and get so sleep. I have to start working overti again tomorrow. Smile Holdings invited to attend the Everything Connected: Industrial Ecosystem Conference, so I need to get my schedule in order.”
She had always enjoyed attending high-profile industry events and often sought them out proactively.
However, this ti, she had a feeling that Ren Mingyuan’s invitation had ulterior motives—most likely related to the future of Youjie Dostic Services.
She had mixed feelings about it.
—
"Got it, big sis. Go freshen up. Later, I’ll give you a massage in bed."
"Good girl." Shen Yuyan pinched her best friend’s chubby cheeks before stepping into the bathroom.
—
Xiao Jing: "Qingqing, I’ll be in Beijing for a while, and I’m bored. Let’s hang out this weekend!"
Xu Qing muttered to herself before quickly replying:
"Can’t. I’m super busy with work, plus I have etings and events on the weekend."
—
Xiao Jing: "Oh? What kind of events? I’m curious."
—
Xu Qing smirked, crossed her legs, and decided to show off a bit.
"High-end industry conferences. For example, the Everything Connected: Industrial Ecosystem Conference."
She waited smugly for Xiao Jing’s awed response.
—
Xiao Jing: "Oh, nice! I just checked my chat with my dad, and he actually ntioned that event before. I thought it sounded boring, so I turned it down. But since you’re going, I’ll go too! I’d love to et up and chat about our boyfriends."
—
"Thud!"
Xu Qing froze, lost her balance, and fell to the floor.
Then, in a flash, she scrambled to her feet and bolted out of the room, screaming,
“YANYAN, HELP !”
—
Fresh out of the bathroom, Shen Yuyan frowned. “Now what?”
“I… I…” Xu Qing was tongue-tied. She simply handed over her phone, her face burning red.
One glance at the screen and Shen Yuyan’s brows twitched violently.
"Our boyfriends? What does she an? Does she know about you and Tang Song?"
“No, no, no!” Xu Qing shook her head frantically. “She ans her boyfriend and my boyfriend! But that’s not the point—what do I do now?”
Lately, every conversation with Xiao Jing made her feel like she was walking on a tightrope, one wrong step away from total exposure.
She swore she’d never bluff again.
—
“Xiao Jing…” Shen Yuyan’s gaze sharpened. Then, suddenly, she said,
“Accept the invite. When the ti cos, say sothing ca up and you can’t make it—but your best friend will go to your place. I’ll et her instead.”
The girlfriend of Tang Song. A top-tier heiress. A future executive of Smile Holdings.
Xiao Jing was an invaluable connection.
Since Xu Qing wasn’t ready to et her, Shen Yuyan would take the lead.
Not only could she get a feel for Xiao Jing’s personality, but she might even leverage her presence at the conference.
Xu Qing was dumbfounded. “Huh? You want to et her? Isn’t that… a bad idea?”
“Qingqing,” Shen Yuyan said seriously. “If you really like Tang Song and want to be with him, you’ll have to face his other girlfriends eventually. Avoiding it won’t solve anything.”
“I—I don’t—he’s a total scumbag—”
Shen Yuyan leaned in, staring her down.
“Oh? Then I guess I’ll go after Tang Song myself.”
Xu Qing’s heart skipped a beat.
A wild thought crossed her mind—
If her best friend also beca Tang Song’s girlfriend… wouldn’t that an they could all live happily ever after?
While sipping on her coffee, Xie Shuyu opened her laptop and tackled so work.
Once her body and mind were fully awake, she turned on the TV and exercised while watching the latest political news.
After her morning workout, she enjoyed a breakfast prepared by her housekeeper, took a quick shower, and then stepped into her walk-in closet.
She carefully applied her makeup and spent quite so ti picking out the perfect outfit. Finally, she was ready.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, dressed in black silk stockings and a fitted base layer, Xie Shuyu’s expression flickered with sothing indescribable—but she quickly regained her composure.
Today was the shareholders' eting for Shimr Coffee. Two shareholders were planning to sell their stakes, and they needed to formalize the decision in writing.
As for the buyer, of course, it was Tang Song.
He would be attending to acquire their combined 30% shareholding.
Her choice to dress more stylishly—even seductively—was, in a way, an attempt to attract and please Tang Song.
Won dress up for those who appreciate them.
Xie Shuyu had always been honest about her own desires and never shied away from acknowledging them.
She slipped on a lightweight won’s blazer and selected a handbag that perfectly complented her outfit.
With graceful steps, she descended the stairs.
—
Shimr Coffee Headquarters
Twenty minutes later, Xie Shuyu arrived at the company.
“Good morning, President Xie!”
“Morning.”
“Good morning, President Xie.”
As the elegant and alluring CEO entered her office, Guo Siyu, who was stationed at the reception desk, dashed into the office area with excitent.
“Guys, did you notice? President Xie looks stunning today! Full makeup, complete accessories—it’s like she’s glowing!”
Since Shimr Coffee’s headquarters was just an administrative office for the café chain, the company didn’t hire a full-ti receptionist. Instead, female employees from various departnts took turns managing the front desk in exchange for extra benefits.
Today happened to be Guo Siyu’s shift.
“I’ve never seen her this dressed up before—she looks incredible!”
“She also seems way more energetic than before.”
Soon, murmurs of curiosity spread throughout the office.
For the past two months, Shimr Coffee had faced significant turbulence.
First, President Xie had sought financing, bringing in a group of professionals for due diligence. Then, internal shareholder disputes caused the funding to fall through.
From an employee’s perspective, President Xie’s state had visibly deteriorated.
Just last week, she had been zoning out in etings, her face expressionless and weary.
Now, her sudden transformation was bound to stir speculation.
Just then—
Ding-dong—
Ding-dong—
WeChat notifications chid in the company’s work group chat.
—
[General Manager - Xie Shuyu]: “Continue with the original plan for our new store expansion. Marketing departnt, please reorganize the survey data—we’ll have a major eting this afternoon to discuss it.”
—
Employees glanced at the ssage in surprise.
When the company first connected with Tiancheng Capital, President Xie had laid out a clear roadmap for upcoming initiatives.
But after the financing fell through, all plans had been put on hold.
Now, she was restarting them?
Could it be that the investnt deal was back on the table?
While Shimr Coffee wasn’t known for its high salaries, it was stable and well-structured.
The 30 employees at headquarters enjoyed full weekends off, social security benefits, paid vacations, and their salaries were always paid on ti.
Naturally, everyone hoped the company would continue to grow.
—
“President Yang! President Wang!”
A colleague near the entrance suddenly stood up to greet two visitors.
Everyone turned their heads in confusion before quickly rising to their feet as well.
A middle-aged man and woman walked in—Shimr Coffee’s other two shareholders, Yang Maofei and Wang Huijuan.
Although they weren’t involved in daily operations, they visited headquarters every quarter for financial audits and business updates, so they were well-known among employees.
As the two shareholders made their way into the large conference room, the office fell silent.
Xie Shuyu’s transformation, the presence of all three shareholders—sothing big was about to happen.
Sothing that could determine their future.
—
Front Desk, WeChat Chatroom
Back at the reception desk, Guo Siyu glanced at the flood of speculation in their WeChat work group.
Excitent and anticipation bubbled up inside her.
If the financing went through, the marketing departnt would expand.
And as a three-year veteran employee, she might finally get a promotion to team leader.
Just as she indulged in a little daydreaming—
Click. Click. Click.
A steady rhythm of footsteps echoed from the entrance.
Then, a smooth, magnetic voice called out, “Good morning, Siyu.”
Guo Siyu’s head snapped up.
“Tang Song?! What are you doing at headquarters?”
She blinked in shock.
It had been a while since she’d last seen him—had he gotten even more attractive?
Her face instantly flushed.
Tang Song chuckled playfully. “I’m here to buy the company. Starting today, I’ll be your new boss.”
“…Huh? What do you an?”
She stared, mouth agape, struggling to process his words.
“Alright, I’ve got business to take care of. President Xie is waiting. Bye.”
“Bye…” Guo Siyu waved absentmindedly, still dazed.
Only then did she notice the two middle-aged n following behind him—both in tailored suits, carrying briefcases, exuding a stern and professional aura.
Probably lawyers.
As they passed through the office, all eyes followed them.
While Tang Song rarely visited headquarters, his photos and presentation videos had circulated in their internal group chats many tis.
Soon, the large conference room door opened, and President Xie, along with the two shareholders, stepped out.
With warm smiles, they welcod Tang Song and his associates inside.
—
11:00 AM
The conference room doors opened again.
A group of people filed out, heading for the exit, engaged in lively discussion.
—
“President Tang, we believe Shimr Coffee will thrive under your and President Xie’s leadership!”
“Wishing you a smooth partnership and great success!”
—
Employees exchanged puzzled glances.
What just happened?
And why were Presidents Yang and Wang treating Tang Song with such respect?
After a while, footsteps approached from the front entrance.
Xie Shuyu and Tang Song reentered the office area.
She clapped her hands lightly, drawing everyone’s attention.
Beaming, she linked her arm through Tang Song’s and announced,
“Let officially introduce our new shareholder—Tang Song. I’m sure many of you already know him.”
“The shares previously held by Presidents Yang and Wang have now been acquired by President Tang. Our Series A financing will proceed as planned, funded personally by him.”
“I hope everyone continues working hard to make Shimr Coffee even better!”
—
“Hello, everyone.”
Tang Song greeted them with a friendly smile.
—
Woosh—
The office instantly erupted in chatter.
Before anyone could fully process the bombshell announcent, the two of them had already disappeared down the hallway.
—
CEO’s Office
“Here, have so tea. It’s the perfect temperature.”
“Thanks, Sister Shuyu.” Tang Song accepted the cup with a smile, taking a sip.
Leaning against her desk, Xie Shuyu’s eyes sparkled. “No, I should be thanking you. You’ve seen the company’s plans—if you have any suggestions, feel free to share.”
In the end, Tang Song had acquired the 30% shares for 10.5 million yuan, valuing the company at 35 million yuan, officially becoming her business partner.
She had always admired him and once considered recruiting him into Shimr Coffee.
In a way, this was a dream co true—albeit indirectly.
And with the upcoming Series A financing, Shimr Coffee was about to accelerate into high gear. With the additional funding, her plans would soon beco a reality.
“I have no objections. I trust your capabilities, Sister Shuyu,” Tang Song said softly. “The financing will proceed as planned, but we’ll streamline the process significantly. It’ll be wrapped up within a week. I have to head to Shenzhen in a couple of days, but I’ll have soone handle the due diligence with you.”
His Growth Plan Task – Rising Capitalist had strict requirents—it needed to be a legitimate business investnt, and every necessary step had to be completed.
“Understood. I’ll fully cooperate,” Xie Shuyu nodded gently, sipping her tea.
They continued discussing Shimr Coffee’s future plans.
After a while, silence settled over the office.
Though they had interacted several tis, most of their conversations revolved around work.
Xie Shuyu wasn’t familiar with Tang Song’s personal interests, and for a mont, she wasn’t sure what to say.
The atmosphere grew subtly charged.
Tang Song casually placed his teacup down, his gaze openly appreciating the woman before him.
Her refined features, accentuated by flawless makeup, were breathtaking.
Today, she was dressed in sophisticated layers of black, accentuating every curve of her figure.
The loose blazer draped over her shoulders did little to conceal the fullness of her chest, which stretched the fitted base layer beneath it.
And those sheer black stockings…
Starting from the soft, round curve of her thighs, the smooth, sleek lines ran downward, hugging her toned calves in a perfect arc.
This was the first ti Tang Song had seen Xie Shuyu in black silk stockings—poised and elegant, yet carrying an air of understated sensuality.
A mature woman’s allure.
Noticing his gaze, Xie Shuyu’s lips curled into a subtle, knowing smile.
They remained quietly alone for a while.
The light fragrance of her perfu lingered in the air, teasing his senses.
Then, suddenly, Tang Song stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
“Sister Shuyu, you look stunning today,” he said.
“Thank you.” A faint trace of unease flickered across her face.
“Actually…” Tang Song lowered his gaze, locking onto her brilliant, lively eyes. “From the mont I first saw you step out of the car, I thought you were beautiful. I liked that image a lot.”
“Is that so?” Xie Shuyu gently brushed her bangs aside, crossing her legs. The delicate friction of her silk stockings created a faint whispering sound.
With her intelligence and social experience, she had long understood what had gone through his mind that day.
But she had encountered countless similar situations before and never paid them much attention.
What she hadn’t expected… was that half a year later, she would find herself here, alone with him.
The faint floral scent clinging to her skin stirred sothing in him.
Tang Song slowly leaned in.
Xie Shuyu’s arm twitched slightly, but in the end, she didn’t raise it to stop him.
Looking at the elegant, composed CEO before him, Tang Song took a deep breath and captured her lips.
A wave of satisfaction and exhilaration surged through him.
Xie Shuyu’s eyes fluttered shut. She maintained her composed posture, yet her breathing turned rapid and uneven.
As he savored the sweetness of her lips, recalling their past interactions, Tang Song’s hand could no longer resist.
He reached out, fingers brushing against the soft curve of her silk-clad leg.
The smooth, elastic texture beneath his fingertips, the luxurious feel of the fabric, and the subtle tension in her posture—
It was intoxicating.
Unable to help himself, he applied a little more pressure.
At that mont, he felt a firm push against his chest.
“Stop.”
Xie Shuyu turned away, her face flushed. She spoke in a low voice, “Enough is enough. And… this is the office. Work and personal matters should be kept separate. I also hope that we can maintain mutual respect.”
She was willing to explore a relationship, but this was still her first ti.
And more importantly, Tang Song was soone she had always regarded as a junior.
She wanted to maintain a certain level of restraint and dignity.
A kiss was one thing.
But touching her legs—especially in a professional setting—was pushing the boundary too far.
Still reveling in the taste of her lips, Tang Song murmured, “Understood, Sister Shuyu.”
Yet, for so reason, the more she resisted, the more exhilarated he felt. Latest content published on novelfire(.)net
The urge to push her limits, to test her restraint, grew stronger.
Xie Shuyu’s eyelashes quivered.
Suddenly, she looked up at him and asked, “Tang Song, what’s your view on marriage?”
“…Huh?”
Tang Song exhaled, his voice dropping. “Sister Shuyu, are you asking because…?”
It suddenly hit him.
She was thirty-two.
More than two years older than Wen Ruan.
Had one kiss really led to a conversation about marriage?
Wasn’t this a little too fast?
“My point is…” Xie Shuyu pursed her lips, her voice carrying a mix of emotions. “There’s sothing I should clarify in advance, to avoid any misunderstandings that could affect our business relationship.”
“First of all, I have no confidence in maintaining a marriage. I’m not the type of person who can devote myself entirely to family life.”
“I wouldn’t make a good wife. My career will always co before my personal life.”
“I don’t reject the idea of love, but I’m almost certain that I’ll never enter marriage with anyone.”
“You understand what I an, right?”
Tang Song stared at her in astonishnt.
Damn, Sister Shuyu… you’re kind of adorable.
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