dia reception area, conference center.
“Hello, please present your dia credentials.”
Shen Yuyan removed the blue-and-white ID badge from around her neck and handed it over.
The staff mber expertly took the ID, scanned it, verified the information, and then handed back a materials bag containing a na card, the event schedule, and a souvenir.
“Thank you.” Shen Yuyan accepted the elegant handbag and followed the crowd into the lounge.
The noise hit her instantly.
Sweeping her gaze around, she quickly spotted ngli sitting at a round table.
Shen Yuyan walked briskly over, bent down, and sat down with a smile, waving playfully. “Hello, made you wait, little beauty.”
ngli covered her mouth and chuckled. “You’re finally here.”
Shen Yuyan shrugged helplessly. “No choice, work’s been hectic. I had to stop by the office first.”
Noticing her expression, ngli curiously asked, “Did sothing good happen? You seem especially happy today.”
“Sothing very good.” Shen Yuyan crossed her legs, eyes sparkling. “A major client I’ve been in contact with for a long ti suddenly expressed interest in working with us. I went to the office this morning to handle it.”
A fresh, radiant smile spread across her face.
For the past few days, she had felt like she was about to hit rock bottom, but fate had once again smiled upon her.
Xucheng Property was a company with top-tier national property managent qualifications, well-known in Yan Province and surrounding areas, managing over 20 properties covering nearly 2 million square ters.
Just this morning, their procurent director unexpectedly contacted Li ixia, expressing interest in collaborating on housekeeping services.
Although they had previously visited Xucheng’s headquarters, they had zero expectations of securing a deal.
This was, by far, the smallest client Youjie Dostic Services had ever approached.
If everything went smoothly, they could finally fulfill their betting agreent with Gongying Technology, receive the seventh round of investnt on ti, and get everything back on track.
After all, this was a company she had built from scratch, pouring in all her effort and passion.
If she succeeded, it would prove her capabilities.
Even in the past, when she considered switching industries and seeking investnt from Tang Song, she could have negotiated with more confidence.
As a forr campus belle, Guan Shenggang had her own pride.
She wanted to stand behind him—not as a failure, but as a victor.
The two of them waited in the lounge for a while.
Shangguan glanced at the ti and said loudly, “Yuyan, let’s head to the check-in area. According to your intel, Shangguan will arrive 30 minutes late, so we’ll check in and then go straight to the VIP lounge.”
“Alright! Let’s go!” Jin ixiao imdiately stood up and followed Guan Sheng inside.
Because this event wasn’t particularly high-profile, check-in was divided into three sections: VIP guests, dia, and exhibitors.
Entry priority was based on status and importance—the lower the status, the earlier the entry.
Shangguan Qiuyue was in the lowest category of VIP guests, representing Smile Holdings and igou Tech.
After check-in, she would remain in the VIP lounge until the opening ceremony began, at which point she would be surrounded by a large entourage, making it impossible for soone like Shen Yuyan to approach her.
In other words, this brief check-in period was the only chance to interact with her.
There were 40 minutes left until the opening ceremony.
The VIP check-in area was already crowded with journalists and staff.
One by one, well-dressed guests arrived, walking down the red carpet.
Shen Yuyan and ngli positioned themselves near the back, eyes fixed on the entrance.
After about ten minutes, a slight commotion broke out.
Voices buzzed excitedly:
“They’re here! They’re here!”
The crowd stirred with anticipation.
“Hurry! Get your caras ready—take as many shots as possible!”
“It’s Shangguan from Smile Holdings, and our provincial governnt officials!”
The rapid clicks of cara shutters filled the air.
Shen Yuyan’s heartbeat quickened as she followed everyone’s gaze.
She saw the figure at the center of the crowd—dressed in a light-colored custom suit, exuding elegance, walking with absolute confidence.
Her presence alone seed to radiate an aura, instantly drawing all eyes to her.
Holding up her DSLR, ngli nudged Shen Yuyan and whispered excitedly, “That’s Sun Jun, the Director of our provincial Comrce Bureau! He actually ca to personally accompany them—this is huge!
Looks like they’ve already secured a strategic partnership with igou. They’ll probably announce it after the exhibition!”
Shen Yuyan froze for a mont, her gaze on Shangguan Qiuyue turning dazed and dreamy.
This is the power of influence.
And this was just Jin ixiao’s assistant.
She couldn’t even fathom what it would be like if Jin ixiao herself were here.
She had heard that whenever Jin ixiao attended international charity or business events, she was always accompanied by world-renowned celebrities and politicians.
That level of prestige…
Just thinking about it made Shen Yuyan’s body tremble slightly, her excitent barely containable.
Back in her freshman year, she hadn’t thought so far ahead.
Otherwise, she wouldn’t have lowered her entrance score just to accompany her best friend to Yan City University of Technology.
At first, she only played up her campus belle reputation to gain so attention and outshine her rivals.
She hadn’t been particularly ambitious.
But in her sophomore year, through a part-ti job, she first heard of Smile Holdings.
Then, she learned about a na that frequently appeared in major financial dia—Jin ixiao.
A Harvard prodigy, admitted at 17, with dual degrees in economics and mathematics, fluent in six languages.
Using her unparalleled abilities, she had stord the international financial market like a hurricane.
From that mont on, Shen Yuyan idolized Jin ixiao.
She began imitating her.
At school, she strategically expanded her social circle and network.
She even tried her hand at stock trading—only to completely fail and lose a fortune.
Then, she could only watch in awe as Smile Holdings rose to dominance, Jin ixiao’s na shaking the financial world, creating an unprecedented wealth empire.
That kind of shock was indescribable.
And it fueled her ambitions even more.
She fantasized that one day, she would get the chance to et Jin ixiao, maybe even beco soone like her.
“Yuyan! Yuyan! They’ve finished taking pictures—they’re heading this way!”
ngli’s urgent whisper snapped Shen Yuyan out of her daze.
“Ah…” She quickly regained focus, eyes locking back onto Shangguan Qiuyue.
A group of over ten people walked through the check-in area, talking and laughing as they drew closer.
A wall of flashing lights surrounded them, with journalists rushing up to throw in quick interview questions.
With each step they took toward her, Shen Yuyan’s heart pounded faster and faster.
She had dared to co here today because of Tian Jing.
Through her deliberate efforts, she and Tian Jing had beco good friends.
And Tian Jing was very close to Shangguan Qiuyue.
That ant… there was a real chance to get acquainted.
As the figure drew closer, Shen Yuyan took a deep breath, stepped forward confidently, and said, “Ms. Shangguan, hello! It’s an honor to see you again here.”
Shangguan Qiuyue stopped, her gaze resting on Shen Yuyan for a mont before she gave a slight nod. “Hello, Miss Shen.”
A flash of surprise flickered in Shen Yuyan’s eyes. She quickly followed up, “I was chatting with Xiaojing last night and heard that you’d be coming to Yan City. I never expected to run into you here today—what a lucky coincidence.”
“Oh?” Shangguan Qiuyue’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “That is quite the coincidence. You’re attending the exhibition as… dia?”
She was sharp—of course, she could see through Shen Yuyan’s little sche. So-called luck was nothing more than a carefully planned encounter.
Shen Yuyan’s face reddened slightly. “I’ve always been very interested in the fashion industry, so I ca here to observe and learn.”
“Hmm.” Shangguan Qiuyue nodded but said nothing more.
Seeing that she was about to leave, Shen Yuyan bit her lip, hesitated for a second, then quickly handed over a business card she had prepared in advance. “Ms. Shangguan, this is my card.”
She tried her best to stay composed, keeping her gaze locked on Shangguan Qiuyue, eagerly awaiting her response.
Shangguan Qiuyue glanced at the card, smiled faintly, and read aloud, “Youjie Dostic Services, Shen Yuyan. Got it.”
A woman in a secretary’s uniform standing behind her imdiately stepped forward and accepted the card on her behalf.
Shangguan Qiuyue gave Shen Yuyan a slight nod before continuing forward.
Watching her leave, Shen Yuyan let out a long breath.
Compared to their last encounter, Shangguan Qiuyue was noticeably friendlier this ti and even accepted her business card.
That was a good start.
Maybe one day, she would actually get a call from her.
ngli patted her excitedly on the shoulder. “That was amazing, Yuyan! You did great!”
Noticing the envious and jealous glances from those around her, Shen Yuyan flashed a bright, radiant smile. “Let’s go, ngli. Ti for the opening ceremony.”
“Yes, yes! Let’s go.”
After turning a couple of corners, the grand entrance of the conference center appeared before them.
With the event about to start, the halls were getting noticeably busier.
As they stepped into the International Conference Center, the space opened up before them.
Staff in uniform attire quickly approached and guided them toward the dia section.
Since this was a fashion exhibition, a world completely unrelated to her industry, Shen Yuyan hadn’t expected to run into any familiar faces.
She silently took in her surroundings.
“Yuyan!”
Her shoulder was suddenly tapped. ngli grabbed her arm excitedly. “Look over there! Look, look! Isn’t that your friend?”
Shen Yuyan blinked and followed ngli’s gaze—her eyes widening in shock.
In the VIP lounge at the inner section of the conference center…
Standing elegantly among a small group of people, wearing a deep-gray tailored suit, exuding confidence and charm, was Lin Muxue.
Seeing the strikingly captivating Lin Muxue, ngli whispered excitedly, “The guy in black next to her is Director Li from the Entrepreneurship and Employnt Services Center! And that one—Director Zhang from the Comrce Bureau!”
She also recognized one of the senior executives from Slover Trust, whom they had t at the Create·rge Networking Event.
At that mont, Lin Muxue, who had been chatting casually, seed to sense sothing and suddenly turned her gaze toward them.
Their eyes t.
Lin Muxue’s lips curved into a bright, radiant smile—and she even gave Shen Yuyan a small wave.
The way she did it… like a leader acknowledging the presence of the masses. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel✶fire
Shen Yuyan’s eyebrows twitched violently.
This woman is absolutely insane!
From her perspective, Lin Muxue was truly everywhere.
Every major gala, gathering, and event—sohow, she was always there.
Now, even a fashion exhibition?
She was practically a born showoff!
ngli grabbed Shen Yuyan’s arm excitedly. “Look, Yuyan! She saw you! She’s even waving at you! We should go over right now!”
Her big boss was also in attendance. If she could make an impression now, her own career could get a boost.
Shen Yuyan took a deep breath, quickly adjusting her mindset. “Alright.”
Whatever else, Lin Muxue wasn’t her enemy.
In fact, through her, she had been able to expand her connections significantly.
As they entered the VIP lounge, they could feel the curious stares from those around them.
Lin Muxue gracefully extended her right hand, her lips curving into a smile. “What a coincidence, Yuyan. Never thought I’d run into you here.”
Shen Yuyan shook her hand with a smile. “Looks like we were ant to et.”
ngli quickly greeted the officials. “Director Li!”
Director Li smiled warmly and nodded. “Hello, Xiao ng.”
ngli then turned to Lin Muxue, eyes gleaming with excitent. “Hello, Miss Lin. We et again.”
Lin Muxue’s gaze flickered slightly as she tried to recall—she vaguely rembered ngli but couldn’t recall her na.
She simply smiled. “Hello.”
They exchanged a few casual words, keeping the conversation light and natural.
Just then, a few well-dressed individuals approached with warm smiles, their voices filled with respect.
“President Lin, hello. I’m Wang Libing, General Manager of Lichun Fashion. It’s an honor to et you.”
“Hello, President Wang.”
“President Lin, I’m Qu Yuzhen from ELLE Fashion Magazine. Here’s my card—would it be possible to schedule an exclusive interview soti?”
“Thank you. Let’s keep in touch.”
Lin Muxue’s expression remained calm and composed, her tone polite yet distant.
An undeniable presence of authority radiated from her.
Perhaps intentional—but utterly undeniable.
Shen Yuyan’s gaze flickered.
She keenly sensed sothing different about Lin Muxue this ti.
That brash arrogance and calculated “drama queen” deanor she once had were almost entirely gone.
In their place was a quiet elegance and unshakable confidence.
And it felt genuine.
An inexplicable feeling of emptiness crept into Shen Yuyan’s heart.
Lin Muxue, who had been subtly observing Shen Yuyan the whole ti, smirked slightly, her eyes flashing with amusent.
Shen Yuyan, you’re out of luck.
You’ve just stepped into my domain.
Today, without your best friend around, you’ll just have to watch as I, Lin Muxue, completely steal the show!
(^V^) HAHAHA!
Just then, a sudden commotion swept through the venue.
Everyone instinctively turned toward the sa direction.
ngli’s eyes lit up, and she whispered excitedly, “It’s Shangguan Qiuyue! Wasn’t she supposed to enter just five minutes before the opening ceremony? Why is she out here so early?”
Lin Muxue’s expression subtly changed.
Her mont of exhilaration vanished instantly.
This was Jin ixiao’s assistant, soone on the sa level as Qin Yingxue.
Her presence here ant she represented Smile Holdings.
Even though she herself was Tang Song’s trusted assistant, she had no choice but to step aside.
Under everyone’s gaze, Shangguan Qiuyue strode forward with effortless grace, a faint smile on her lips as she walked toward the VIP lounge.
Each step she took carried an invisible force, commanding attention.
“Yuyan, look! She’s heading this way!” ngli tugged at Shen Yuyan’s sleeve, her voice trembling with excitent.
“Mm.”
Shen Yuyan’s heartbeat quickened, her gaze fixated on that striking, radiant figure.
Perhaps this was another chance to connect with Shangguan Qiuyue—an opportunity to truly establish a relationship.
Shangguan Qiuyue stopped near the lounge, scanning the crowd before locking eyes with Lin Muxue.
Her gaze was deep and aningful.
The room instantly fell silent.
Lin Muxue’s heart skipped a beat.
Why does it feel like she’s here for ?!
She suddenly felt a little nervous.
At that mont, Shangguan Qiuyue smiled warmly, extended a hand, and said,
“Hello, Miss Lin. I’m Shangguan Qiuyue.”
Shen Yuyan’s smile froze.
Her brain buzzed.
"H-Holy sh*t."
Lin Muxue sucked in a breath.
Shangguan Qiuyue…
Have you heard my story too?!
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