The quiet tea room was filled with a faint aroma of tea.
Lin Muxue’s hand unconsciously tightened around her teacup. Her mind was in chaos, shattered into pieces by Secretary Jin’s words.
“Tang Song’s girlfriend is Jin ixiao…”
That sentence echoed like rolling thunder in her ears, over and over again.
As Tang Song’s assistant who had personally witnessed a series of emotional shifts, her admiration and reverence for him were beyond imagination. In her eyes, Tang Song was the most charming heartthrob in the world—so alluring that she couldn’t help but fall for him.
And yet, no matter how bold or confident she had ever been, she’d never once imagined Jin ixiao would be Tang Song’s girlfriend.
That was just—impossible.
Su Yu, at least, was a celebrity. That status gave her so leeway—it made it sowhat acceptable for Tang Song to have a wandering heart.
But Jin ixiao?
With her status and position, how could she possibly allow her man to have other won?
So... was that why she ca here today? To break up the lovebirds?
Leave Tang Song?
At that thought, Lin Muxue’s eyes widened, her body trembling uncontrollably.
Never before had she felt such fear and panic.
Because in her mind, Jin ixiao was absolutely capable of doing that.
Zhao Yaqian’s gaze shifted back and forth between Secretary Jin’s couple outfit and the rose on the tea table, her heart swirling with complicated emotions.
When she first got together with Tang Song, she hadn’t thought much about it—she simply liked him.
She had only graduated high school a year earlier, busy with life, simple-minded, with little understanding of society.
Her classmates and friends had all dated—many on-again, off-again flings.
She hadn’t even been sure how long she and Tang Song would last.
So when she heard terms like “White Rich Beauty Heiress” and “business partner Gao ngting” from her older cousin’s mouth, she didn’t really feel anything—didn’t think too deeply about it.
But after spending ti with Tang Song—and with the trust from Slover Trust, the apartnt in Yanjing Huating, the influence of Isha Beauty—her feelings had grown so strong they’d beco uncontrollable.
That’s why she pulled Little Xue into their circle, why she connected with Qian Lele, why she was willing to change herself for him.
Now, seeing “Smile” wearing a couple’s outfit with Tang Song, holding the rose he gave her, facing her with elegance and nobility—
To say there wasn’t even a little bitterness or inferiority in her heart would be a lie.
Still, she had a simple mind and wasn’t overthinking it.
She put down her teacup and glanced at Little Xue beside her, a flicker of doubt crossing her eyes.
For so reason, Little Xue seed really off today. When facing Smile, she was abnormally timid—far more than Zhao Yaqian herself. The usual confidence and poise were completely gone.
Like right now—her legs wouldn’t stop shaking, her eyes were blank. She was clearly extrely agitated.
Could it be... Smile had a serious background?
Jin ixiao… Jin ixiao…
Zhao Yaqian muttered the na to herself a few tis. It sounded really familiar, but she just couldn’t place it.
She reached out and gently patted Little Xue’s back.
Then she looked up, facing the calm and elegant Smile, and took a deep breath.
With sincerity in her eyes, she said, “Sister Smile, I know you’re Tang Song’s official girlfriend. I’ve never had any intention of competing with you. You’re an amazing woman—I really admire you. I hope we can get along, and maybe beco good friends. I also hope you’ll accept my presence.”
Hearing that, Lin Muxue’s grip on her cup tightened, her expression awkward.
She was the one who had coached the beautician to say exactly that.
And if they were dealing with Su Yu, there would’ve been no problem with that approach.
Su Yu had once given Zhao Yaqian a handbag, was a beneficiary of Slover Trust, and had even invited them to the Shanghai Film Festival.
Plus, Mo Xiangwan had tried to win her over—they’d kept in contact.
There was so emotional foundation there.
But the problem was… this was Jin ixiao!
“Get along,” “beco friends”—with their difference in status, they seriously weren’t qualified.
While Lin Muxue was spiraling into anxious overthinking—
Across from her, Secretary Jin crossed her legs, lips curved in a gentle smile. Her voice was pleasant and warm:
“I’m glad you feel that way. I can tell you’re a kind and sincere girl. I’d love to be friends with you.”
That stunned Lin Muxue.
She never imagined that the legendary Director Jin would be so easy to talk to.
And from the sound of it, she really intended to get along with the beautician.
Then... what about ?
She cautiously lifted her head—only to et a pair of bright, deep eyes looking straight at her.
That gaze held aning, like it could see straight through her soul, down to who she really was.
Lin Muxue bit her lip, a wave of fear and panic rising in her chest.
With Director Jin’s capability, she definitely knew about her past dirt.
What does she think of ? Will she shut out? What should I do?
Zhao Yaqian finally let out a breath. “Thank you for the complint, Sister Smile. You’re just as kind and beautiful.”
“Heh.” Hearing soone praise her like that for the first ti, Secretary Jin chuckled softly and leaned back slightly.
“Qianqian, you’ve been with Tang Song for quite a while. Tell about your journey—I’d love to hear it.”
“Song-ge...” A soft, shy smile appeared on Zhao Yaqian’s face as she began to speak in a low voice.
Her fingers absentmindedly stroked the edge of her teacup, while mories of their ti together floated through her mind.
That awkward stranger, the warm and generous custor, the thoughtful programr friend, the gentle and handso boyfriend.
There was one thing she was absolutely sure of—she was Song-ge’s first woman.
Their clumsy yet heartfelt first kiss, their hazy and innocent first ti, the gradual exploration of each other’s bodies…
Those weren’t things you could fake. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novel⁂fire
Thinking about it, her smile grew brighter, her mindset slowly shifting.
They’d shared all of each other’s firsts. Zhao Beauty was born gorgeous, and Song-ge’s favorite was definitely her.
There was no way she’d leave him.
Secretary Jin listened quietly, her gaze flickering, emotions hard to read.
After a while, Zhao Yaqian’s voice trailed off.
Secretary Jin turned her gaze to Lin Muxue, her clear voice ringing out:
“Assistant Lin.”
“Here!” “Yes!”
Two voices answered in unison.
Lin Muxue and Lin Tiantian exchanged a glance, their expressions very different.
Secretary Jin raised her eyebrows slightly, then changed the way she addressed her.
“Muxue.”
Lin Muxue imdiately straightened her back. “Yes, Director Jin, I’m listening!”
“You’ve been performing quite well at Slover Trust and Confluent Capital. I hear people ntion your na often.”
A strained smile appeared on Lin Muxue’s face. “Thank you for the complint, Director Jin. I just try to do my job well. I still have a lot of shortcomings, but I’ll continue to work hard.”
She knew full well that her assistant role was mostly for show—writing a few reports and looking professional. When it ca to actual work, she barely contributed anything.
It was all smoke and mirrors.
Secretary Jin smiled slightly, a hint of scrutiny in her gaze. “Tang Song appreciates your abilities and has been giving you more and more opportunities. For example, the executive assistant role at Confluent Capital, opportunities to further your education, and even access to manage so of his private resources in the future. But with opportunity cos responsibility—do you understand what I an?”
Lin Muxue took a deep breath and tried to keep her voice calm. “I understand. I’m very grateful to Mr. Tang, and I won’t let him down.”
Secretary Jin picked up her teacup and took a graceful sip before subtly adjusting her posture. “Good. I believe you’re capable. But as his assistant, you need to be more cautious and self-disciplined—not just professionally, but in your personal life too. Every decision you make, every word and action, will have an effect on Tang Song.”
Her voice was gentle yet firm, like she was trying to soothe Lin Muxue’s emotions while also asserting an undeniable authority.
“I... I’ll be careful.” Lin Muxue’s heart was racing, her palms beginning to sweat.
She had high emotional intelligence and naturally knew this wasn’t just praise—it was a warning.
And she was very aware of her own past: materialistic, obsessed with showing off, mixing with rich socialite circles, lying—her history was anything but clean. She was far from the pure-hearted beautician.
In fact, this was simply who she was.
If she hadn’t learned about Su Yu beforehand, she’d probably have already been flaunting her relationship with Tang Song all over the place.
She wouldn’t have tried to build a good relationship with people like Xie Shuyu or Wen Ruan either—instead, she’d be figuring out how to get Tang Song’s affection all for herself.
Secretary Jin caught her evasive gaze and said aningfully, “I believe you will. After all, you’re a smart girl, aren’t you, Muxue?”
Her tone was calm, but every word seed to weigh heavily on Lin Muxue’s heart.
Lin Muxue’s lips trembled slightly as she bowed her head. Her face had gone a bit pale. “You’re right. Thank you, Director Jin, for the advice and encouragent.”
Zhao Yaqian, sitting off to the side, kept glancing between the two won.
She wanted to say sothing to help her bestie Little Xue, but didn’t know where to start.
Just then—
Secretary Jin turned to her with a soft smile. “Qianqian, what do you think of this club?”
Zhao Yaqian blinked, surprised the focus had suddenly shifted to her.
She instinctively glanced around at the tea room’s refined decor and the peaceful scenery outside the window. She answered cautiously, “This club is... very high-end. The environnt is quiet, the tea is delicious, and it’s got a lot of style.”
Now that she was a shareholder in Isha Beauty, and had attended many events with Little Xue, she could easily recognize a place like this—a top-tier private club.
Unlike the casual entertainnt vibe of Isha Beauty, these places had a clear entry barrier, operated on an invite or referral-only basis, and their mbers were typically entrepreneurs or social elites.
Secretary Jin’s expression softened. “This is one of my properties. I use it to host important guests. It’s not open to the public.”
Zhao Yaqian said sweetly, a little flattering, “It’s really wonderful—definitely the nicest place I’ve ever been.”
Secretary Jin glanced at the thoughtful-looking Lin Muxue beside her, lips curving slightly. “Do you like it?”
Zhao Yaqian hesitated for a mont, her fingers nervously twisting together. “Sister Smile, are you saying…”
She wasn’t stupid—especially after all she’d experienced recently—she could clearly pick up on the aning behind those words.
“You seem very interested in beauty salons and places like this. Since it’s our first ti eting, consider this a gift from .” Secretary Jin gracefully took another sip of tea. “From today on, this club is yours. The ownership and usage rights will all be transferred to you.”
Lin Muxue froze, her eyes widening slightly. A complicated emotion surged in her heart.
Director Jin doing this ant she had fully accepted Qianqian, and even went out of her way to build a good relationship with her—gifting her such a valuable piece of pri real estate without hesitation.
Yet as soone who was also considered one of Tang Song’s flings, she had only received a scolding and no recognition.
The stark contrast, combined with the fear of losing Tang Song, stirred up a wave of jealousy and resentnt that she struggled to suppress.
If it weren’t for the fact that Qianqian was her beloved beautician friend, she probably would’ve had a complete breakdown right then and there.
Zhao Yaqian opened her mouth, stamring, “S-Sister Smile, this is too much... I can’t accept such a big gift! And it’s your place...”
Secretary Jin calmly set down her cup. “It’s just a little gesture from . It’s also to show that I recognize you.”
She paused, then continued, “Also, this club can beco your venue for social events, gatherings, or networking in the future—to help you avoid unnecessary complications. I’m sure you’re aware Tang Song doesn’t have only one lover. Consider this a bond between us.”
Her tone was warm but carried a firm, unshakable confidence that left no room for refusal.
Zhao Yaqian bit her lip, face slightly flushed. “Thank you, Sister Smile.”
Secretary Jin gave a satisfied smile, then turned to Lin Muxue. “Muxue, as Qianqian’s good friend, you’ll support her wholeheartedly, right?”
Lin Muxue’s body stiffened. She forced herself to speak. “Yes, I will.”
Secretary Jin turned her gaze aside and said softly, “Tiantian, go take care of business with Muxue.”
“Yes, Director Jin!” Lin Tiantian quickly stepped forward, speaking clearly, “Hello, Ms. Lin Muxue. I’m the one who spoke with you earlier on the phone. I’ve prepared all the docunts for your admission and class schedule—they’re in the eting room on the fourth floor. I’ll take you there now.”
Lin Muxue was montarily dazed—she hadn’t even recognized the voice earlier due to the shock.
So this was Lin Tiantian.
What surprised her even more was the realization that her part-ti MBA at Imperial Polytechnic was being personally arranged by Director Jin.
Lin Muxue stood up, doing her best to keep her voice steady. “Thank you.”
As they left the tea room—
“Please follow .” Lin Tiantian stepped aside with a graceful gesture, leading Lin Muxue upstairs with composed and steady steps.
The two walked side by side, a subtle tension hanging in the air.
Lin Muxue’s fingers curled slightly, a thin sheen of sweat forming on her palms as she struggled to calm her nerves.
Soon, they arrived at a spacious, bright conference room.
The table was already set with various docunts, files, and an open laptop.
“Thanks, Tiantian.” Lin Muxue forced a smile.
“No problem.”
Holding a pen, Lin Muxue pressed her lips together tightly. This was a mont she’d dread of—but now that it was finally here, she didn’t feel nearly as happy as she imagined.
Jin ixiao’s presence, and her subtle warnings, were suffocating.
Just then—
Knock knock knock—
A crisp knock broke the short silence.
Monts later, a tall, striking figure walked in.
Shangguan Qiuya wore a tailored business suit, a bright smile on her face, and a sleek gift bag in her hand.
“Ms. Lin, Tiantian, good afternoon. Sorry I’m a bit late.”
Lin Muxue’s eyes lit up and she quickly stood. “Hello, Ms. Shangguan!”
She still rembered clearly how, back at the Yan Province International Fashion Expo, this woman had perfectly played along with her “show-off” act and left a strong impression.
Seeing her again here gave her a sense of warmth and familiarity—like she’d found a little pocket of safety.
Shangguan Qiuya smiled and extended her hand warmly. She asked how Lin Muxue had been doing lately.
After a bit of casual chatting, Shangguan Qiuya placed the gift bag on the table and said softly:
“This is a gift Director Jin asked to prepare for you. She said it’s encouragent for your future developnt, and also a small token of her sincerity.”
Lin Muxue blinked in astonishnt, her gaze fixed on the exquisite gift bag, her voice full of disbelief. “This... this is from Director Jin?”
“Mhm. You might not know this, but Director Jin really admires you. She’s spoken highly of you in private and genuinely wants to nurture your growth.”
“Please thank Director Jin for thinking so highly of . I’ll work hard!”
Shangguan Qiuya smiled and gently pushed the gift bag in front of her. “Go on, open it. See if you like it.”
Lin Muxue hesitated for a mont, took a deep breath, and reached in to open the bag—
Revealing a beautifully crafted gift box.
That iconic Hermès orange—one of her favorite colors.
Carefully lifting the lid, her pupils shrank in an instant, and she couldn’t help but exclaim, “The White House?!”
Shangguan Qiuya chuckled. “Yup. Director Jin picked it out for you personally. It’s the 2022 ‘First Snow’ edition. I went through quite a bit to get this brand-new Birkin.”
Lin Muxue’s cheeks flushed, her heart thudding wildly.
Hermès Birkin 20 White House (First Snow Edition).
As soone practically a graduate in luxury goods, there was no way she didn’t recognize this—a legendary, top-tier handbag.
The Hermès House collection included four models: Day, Night, White House, and Black House.
Of them, the White House stood out for its pure white color and elegant design, often referred to as “First Snow.”
Although the retail price was only 318,000 yuan, its market rarity made it skyrocket in value—at its peak, it was worth over two million.
Its purchase ratio had always been a mystery.
Rumor had it that even VIC mbers needed to spend nearly ten million yuan in purchases just to be eligible for a shot at this bag.
Now discontinued for over a year, getting a brand-new First Snow was nearly impossible.
Her dream bag had always been the LV Himalaya, but that was because she thought owning sothing like this was completely out of reach.
Yet now, here it was—real, tangible, right in front of her.
And it was a gift from Jin ixiao.
Lin Muxue’s fingers trembled as she touched the silky-smooth leather. “It’s really... mine?”
“Of course. It’s already yours,” Shangguan Qiuya said, tapping the top of the White House bag lightly. “A cottage in the woods from a fairytale, bathed in pure first snow. It suits your na perfectly, don’t you think?”
“Bathed in First Snow...” Lin Muxue murmured as she stroked the snowy white “roof” of the Birkin, her eyes dreamy, completely captivated.
A deep sense of gratitude and admiration surged in her chest.
Watching all of this, a subtle glint flickered in Shangguan Qiuya’s eyes, and a faint smile curled her lips.
Much of the work Lin Muxue was involved in had once been part of Director Jin’s own portfolio.
And judging by the current trajectory, her relationship with President Tang would only grow closer over ti.
Whether it was out of responsibility to Tang Song or personal feelings, Director Jin was not about to remain indifferent.
And this was just the beginning.
By treating Liu Qingning, Wen Ruan, Zhao Yaqian, and Lin Muxue so differently, she was planting the seeds of subtle divides among them.
Director Jin wouldn’t allow a second “Su Yu” to challenge her place—whether alone or as part of a group.
Thinking of Su Yu, Shangguan Qiuya’s expression grew complicated.
Though she hadn’t been at Yanjing Sky City that morning, Lin Tiantian had told her all about the roses and card from President Tang.
It was, in a way, the healing of one of Director Jin’s deepest regrets.
As her personal assistant, Shangguan Qiuya knew better than anyone the tangled history between her and Su Yu.
Su Yu had once mocked her:
“He’s never said a single sweet word to you, but he’s written dozens of love songs that go straight to the soul.”
Now, receiving roses and a heartfelt confession from Tang Song for the very first ti—no one could understand the significance of that joy better than Director Jin.
And so, she had moved swiftly against Su Yu.
In fact, her original plan for Zhao Yaqian and Lin Muxue had already been altered at the last minute.
Originally, Director Jin had intended to give Zhao Yaqian a black credit card right in front of Lin Muxue—with a spending limit ten tis that of the one Tang Song had customized for Muxue.
That kind of financial disparity would’ve driven a clear wedge between the two besties.
It would’ve also dulled the thrill and satisfaction Muxue felt over receiving her own custom card.
But after Tang Song’s confession, Director Jin had opted for a gentler approach.
No one knew what Su Yu might be feeling right now.
Just then—
Bzzzt—
A vibration ca from her pocket.
Shangguan Qiuya glanced at the caller ID, eyebrows lifting slightly.
She walked to a corner of the conference room and answered, “Hello? What is it?”
As the voice on the other end spoke, her eyes widened in shock.
Su Yu? What is she trying to do?
Wushan, Shanhaiguan Scenic Area
“Aaaaahhh!”
A sharp scream suddenly rang out from the crowd, drawing stares from nearby tourists.
“What is it, Xiaoyue? Why are you yelling?”
“It’s big! Huge news!” the girl’s face was flushed with excitent, nearly incoherent. “It’s Su Yu! Su Yu!”
Standing silently nearby, Cheng Qiuqiu froze the mont she heard the na. Her face changed drastically. “What happened with Su Yu?!”
“Su Yu and Director Jin from Smile Holdings! Check the trending searches!”
“No way! One’s a superstar, the other’s a business queen—they’re not even in the sa universe!”
The surrounding chatter swelled, spreading like ripples.
Cheng Qiuqiu quickly pulled out her phone. The screen was flooded with notification alerts from various apps.
【Su Yu suspected of publicly confessing to Director Jin! Business Queen × Superstar Love Bombshell】
【Shocking! Su Yu might’ve just confessed to Smile Holdings’ Director Jin!】
【CP fans assemble! Detailed breakdown of Su Yu & Director Jin interactions now live】
Cheng Qiuqiu’s jaw dropped further and further, her face filled with disbelief.
With trembling hands, she tapped into the alert. The top pinned post on Weibo popped into view.
It was Su Yu’s latest update:
【Su Yu: “Soone once asked why I always liked smiles.
Maybe… because I was influenced by her.
Director Jin is a very charming woman.
Being around her makes feel a kind of attraction I’ve never felt before.”】
Attached were three photos. Though slightly blurry, the people in them were clearly recognizable.
One showed the two of them standing side by side in an office—their matching auras perfectly balanced.
Another was from a charity gala, where Su Yu tilted her head slightly to look at Jin ixiao, her gaze soft and focused.
The last was inside a hotel suite—their proximity so close you could almost hear their breathing.
These photos practically overflowed with unspoken emotion, sparking wild speculation.
Cheng Qiuqiu took a deep breath, her whole body trembling with excitent.
As a die-hard fan, she had never expected her idol to be so closely connected with the legendary Jin ixiao.
And it wasn’t just her—the whole internet had been caught off guard. No one had ever guessed that these two, who seed to live in completely separate worlds, had such a deep, intertwined history.
Next, she tapped into a Douyin push notification.
A top-tier gossip channel had just posted a video. The title was eye-catching:
【Breaking Scoop: Su Yu and Jin ixiao’s History? The Clues Were There All Along!】
The video began by showing two side-by-side images. One was of a dreamy bracelet Su Yu wore during her first public relationship post. The other, a pair of earrings worn by Jin ixiao in a recent photo.
The designs were eerily similar—practically a matching couple set.
Then, the video cut to Su Yu’s earlier film, Brilliance, where she played a lead role in a corporate drama. Her character’s style and aura seed faintly inspired by Director Jin.
The video also listed several business links between the two:
Smile Holdings was an early investor in Tangzong Entertainnt, Su Yu’s agency.
Many of Su Yu’s early endorsents ca from Smile Holdings’ subsidiaries.
Tangzong, Juxing Society, and over fifty companies tied to Smile Holdings were interconnected.
…
Even though the video had only just dropped, the comnt section was already blowing up:
“Love shouldn’t be defined by gender!”
“This pairing is too powerful, I can’t take it!”
“Shipping them so hard!”
“Double goddess CP!”
“Su Yu is totally sapphic!”
After watching the video, Cheng Qiuqiu’s mind was buzzing.
This ti, the reaction across the internet was shockingly united. Instead of backlash or judgnt, everyone was going crazy hyping it up.
They were ready to crown this “Double Goddess CP” as the new top-tier couple.
Cheng Qiuqiu muttered under her breath, stunned, “Could it be… could Su Yu really like won? Are she and Director Jin actually a couple?”
Truthfully, Su Yu had always had a very clean public image.
She never had any gossip or rumors—she even refused intimate scenes in her films.
Her social circle was extrely small, and she was rarely seen alone with male friends.
Many fans had long speculated she might be into won.
Now, with this public “confession” tweet, and everything that had led up to it, the story was becoming stranger and stranger—yet sohow made perfect sense.
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