Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Dusk spread across the sky like spilled ink.
The sky gradually darkened
The buildings along the Bund lit up with warm yellow lights, reflecting against the cold neon of Lujiazui, painting a vivid picture of a bustling tropolis
Inside the VIP lounge, soft light spilled from crystal chandeliers, creating an atmosphere both lively and elegant.
Anne Kate from Sinsight Capital stood at the center of the crowd, like a dazzling star,
Yet at this very mont, she was willingly playing the supporting role.
She simply held onto Tang Song’s left arm, smiling as she stood by his side, watching him socialize with others.
Their footsteps were moving toward the center of the VIP lounge.
Each step seed to land directly on Shen Yuyan’s heart, sending ripples through it.
She knew Sinsight Capital well and admired it greatly.
Part of that admiration ca from her idol Jin ixiao, and part ca from Ren Mingyuan and Wang Yubo’s recent efforts to "draw big pictures" for her, carefully introducing lots of detailed information.
In the 2022 global private equity rankings, Sinsight Capital ranked tenth.
It had forrly been Singapore’s Anda Capital, acquired in 2016 and renad to Sinsight Capital.
Although the company was registered in the Cayman Islands, with its global headquarters in Singapore, everyone knew—
It was, through and through, a Chinese enterprise.
"Sin" stood for the East, for China; "sight" represented insight, vision, and perspective.
SSC (Tang Song Capital) wasn’t just involved in private equity—it also dealt in hedge funds, real estate, and general opportunity investnts.
It was said that their assets under managent had surpassed $200 billion.
With established branches in 18 core cities worldwide, the firm had over 5,200 full-ti employees and a deeply elite core team.
In fact, that globally dominant private equity firm in the tech sector was connected in countless subtle ways to Smile Holdings and Tangyi Precision.
Even Director Jin himself was a mber of Sinsight Capital’s Global Executive Committee.
The mbers of that committee were both mysterious and powerful—rumored to include Nobel laureates in economics, forr political officials, and other top-tier figures.
In order to use Wang Yubo as a bridge to reach the senior executives of Tang Song Capital’s China division, Jin ixiao had truly done her howork.
She had morized nearly all of Tang Song Capital’s dostic investnts over the past eight years and had done in-depth research into the background, industry trends, and underlying logic of each project.
She vaguely understood that those details were key to gaining recognition from the other side.
In addition, she had also morized information about the major institutions and tech companies attending tonight’s “Investor Night”—from founding teams to funding histories and core business models, without missing a thing.
That was the confidence she needed to shine beside Kate and hold her own in social settings.
But right now, looking at Anne standing next to Kate, cold and composed.
All her preparation, effort, confidence, and pride—beca a complete joke.
“That’s Ms. Kate over there—she’s even more stunning than in the magazines.”
“Vivian, you joined later, but Ms. Kate has visited our headquarters before, representing the Kate Trust.”
“Arthur, you jumped over from Kate Fund, right? You should know Ms. Kate?”
“Yes, but... I’m not sure if she still rembers .”
The murmurs of three Rongliu Capital colleagues reached her ears.
【Kate Trust? Kate Fund?】
“Vivian.” Shen Yuyan turned stiffly to Zhang Weiran, whom she was slightly familiar with, and asked in a nearly inaudible voice, “Is this Ms. Kate... related to the Kate Consortium?”
Despite trying to stay calm, her voice still trembled.
“Yes, Ms. Kate cos from the Kate family.”
That sentence pierced Shen Yuyan’s heart like a dagger, and her throat bobbed.
Anne Kate... co-founder of Sinsight Capital... Kate Fund... Kate Consortium? Tang Song?
A flurry of nas flashed through her mind like lightning, leaving her mouth dry and her face pale as paper.
Scarlet bullet comnts flew by:
【Ahhhh! The Kate Consortium! Anne Kate!】
【No way? How is this possible?】
【Why is this happening? I’m going to die!】
And then, fragnts nearly forgotten surfaced in her mind—
Back when she first t Lin Muxue at Fanfu Suzi dia.
On her business card, she’d listed her title as assistant to the Slover Trust Committee, which—besides Tang Song—included Luo Bin and a foreigner.
That foreigner... was probably nad... Ms. Kate?
And Lin Muxue had said that many Slover Trust employees ca from Kate Trust and Sinsight Capital.
At the ti, all her attention was on Luo Bin, Smile Group’s legal counsel, who frequently appeared in news reports and had close ties to her idol, Jin ixiao.
Besides, the surna Kate wasn’t rare—even so Hollywood celebrities had it.
She hadn’t thought too much about it.
Never expected that this seed had been planted from the very beginning.
Anne Kate and Tang Song—they were that close.
Now, those mories surged back, each detail like a hamr striking her heart.
【So all the clues had been in plain sight. I just chose to ignore them...】
【I was too shallow! Too inexperienced, too ignorant!】
【Why didn’t I pay more attention? If I’d realized earlier, would everything have been different?】
Anne Kate wasn’t just from one of Arica’s top financial families—she was the co-founder of Sinsight Capital.
How special was that identity?
It was like standing at the very peak of the global capital market, holding the fates of countless people in her hands.
The true summit of power.
Just then, Tang Song looked over and t her gaze.
His eyes stayed on her for quite so ti.
Shen Yuyan’s dry lips parted slightly, as if hoping for sothing.
Yet Tang Song showed no reaction, continuing to converse calmly with those beside him, as if her existence truly ant nothing.
Shen Yuyan bit her lower lip, trying to use the pain to pull herself together.
But her eyes betrayed the deep inferiority and pain in her heart. Original content can be found at NoveI~Fire
【I’m just his “Special Advisor,” not even qualified to stand close to him...】
【Lin Muxue, Guo Liyuan—they all knew how to seize opportunities better than I did, and I kept hesitating until I ended up with nothing!】
【Maybe... I was never ant to be here.】
“Special Advisor... Special Advisor... heh... I chose wrong again...”
Shen Yuyan murmured to herself, voice nearly inaudible, yet her heart was collapsing like a crumbling skyscraper.
Her consultant identity at Rongliu Capital looked glamorous, held high status, but at the end of the day, she was just a company representative at an event.
In essence, no different from Vivian and the other two.
But what if she had chosen to be a “Personal Assistant” instead? That would have ant she was a direct extension of Tang Song—representing him to so degree.
That level of closeness and access to social capital was far beyond what a “Special Advisor” could match.
Like right now—she could’ve boldly stepped forward, stood by Tang Song as his assistant, accepted business cards on his behalf, morized key faces and nas, and reminded him at crucial monts.
She had once dread that with preparation, capability, and emotional intelligence, she could stand by his side as an equal—earn his approval and admiration.
Like Gao ngting, becoming his business partner—or even more.
But now, after Tang Song’s true identity had been unveiled, and with Anne Kate’s appearance, it had all beco a cruel joke.
The on-screen bullet comnts abruptly turned pitch-black:
【Heh, Shen Yuyan, you’re a clown! You’re a joke!】
【You didn’t even get the basic info right, and you dared to dream about ambition and ideals!】
【Shen Yuyan! What makes you think you can be another Jin ixiao?】
Shen Yuyan’s eyes were bloodshot, her eyes brimming with tears.
Just as she was sinking into self-doubt, Tang Song’s gaze swept over again and landed on her.
Shen Yuyan froze.
【He’s still looking at ...】
Since they had seen Anne Kate, this was already the third ti.
Tang Song kept glancing at her from ti to ti.
Even though he showed no visible emotion, his gaze itself proved one thing—he was still paying attention to her.
Even with a top-tier White Rich Beauty, a global socialite, a figure at the pinnacle of power by his side, he still spared her so attention,
【Maybe... he’s giving a chance?】
“Thump thump thump—” her heart pounded violently, as if it would burst out of her chest.
【What’s the use of regret? No matter how much I bla myself now, it’s too late—I’ve missed too many chances!】
【I’m not qualified to compare myself to Anne Kate, but why should I compare myself to her in the first place?】
【What I should be doing is seizing every opportunity!】
【If I want to touch that seemingly unreachable future, Tang Song is my only chance! He’s the biggest opportunity of my life! If I miss it, that’s it!】
【Shen Yuyan! How long are you going to keep wallowing in self-pity?!】
【You clawed your way from a breakfast stall in Luo City to this place—not to be a coward!】
Shen Yuyan gently closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
When she opened them again, the tears had vanished, replaced by determination and a radiant smile.
She lifted her head, stepped forward, and walked in Tang Song’s direction,
In her mind, fragnts of her past flashed uncontrollably.
She was born in Luo City, Yu Province—a third-tier city as ordinary as they co.
Her parents started by running a breakfast stand, and through hard work, gradually turned it into a breakfast shop.
She spent almost her entire childhood next to that stand, watching her parents rise before dawn and endure the elents, struggling for a living.
Yet the hardship didn’t bring the respect they deserved.
She saw with her own eyes how her parents were bullied, how they begged others with lowered voices, how their dignity was trampled on.
Those scenes were seared into her young heart, planting the seeds of a craving for strength that slowly shaped her worldview.
As she grew older, she began to show a gift for observation and social interaction.
Through her dealings with all sorts of people, she saw more of society’s rules—and its unwritten ones—and beca increasingly aware of how vital power truly was.
This made her yearning for power crystal clear, eventually morphing into an almost fanatical obsession.
She longed to stand at the pinnacle of power, to break free from a fate of being belittled and stepped on, and that desire burned in her like a fla, driving her to chase ever-higher goals.
As the official start of “Investor Night” drew near, graceful music began to flow through the venue.
Tang Song’s figure, bathed in light, reflected in her pupils.
【I haven’t lost completely yet!】
【Grab this mont! Grab him! Grab him!】
...
A familiar fragrance drifted over.
A soft, sweet voice whispered by her ear: “President Tang.”
Tang Song paused his conversation with the others, slowly turned, and looked at Shen Yuyan.
With his movent, those around them instinctively shifted their attention elsewhere. Low murmurs filled the air, leaving this space for just the two of them.
Only Anne remained beside Tang Song, her gaze cold as she scrutinized this “Consultant—Shirley.”
Normally, she wouldn’t have spared such a young girl a second glance, even if there was so vague ambiguity between her and Tang Song.
But she had the sa title—“Consultant.”
When they first t, the aloof “Song” had introduced her with that very term.
For Anne, it was a special mory—a beautiful ti that made her feel uniquely different.
Proud as she was, she couldn’t tolerate another “Consultant” stepping into her territory, especially when this identity was so closely tied to Tang Song.
Shen Yuyan’s heart suddenly trembled, and under that invisible pressure, she instinctively lowered her head again. Her fingers curled slightly, trying to hide her anxiety.
Tang Song raised his eyebrows slightly, released Anne’s arm, and said in a tone that allowed no argunt: “Anne, I want to speak with Shirley alone.”
Anne’s light-colored eyes t Tang Song’s, sensing that familiar dominance.
At that mont, she finally saw a glimpse of the “Song” she used to know.
That discovery thrilled her even more.
Licking her full, moist lips, Anne leaned toward Tang Song’s ear and whispered lazily, “Fine, my temporary master, but rember—I won’t go far.”
With that, she let out a light laugh and walked away with elegant steps.
“Go ahead, what is it, Shirley?”
Shen Yuyan pursed her lips, leaned forward slightly, and whispered, “I... want to change my choice.”
Her voice was soft, yet exceptionally clear.
“Oh? Why?”
Tang Song’s gaze settled on her face—not surprised, not mocking—just a calm, almost evaluating stillness.
Her heart pounded wildly, blood roaring in her ears.
Shen Yuyan’s fingers clenched the chain of her purse slightly, “I regret it. I realized I underestimated the importance of certain things. I apologize to you. I’m sorry!”
Tang Song didn’t respond right away.
Shen Yuyan lifted her head slightly and looked straight at him, eyes filled with both defiance and longing,
Scarlet bullet comnts flared:
【Just give this chance! I can do anything for you!】
【Whatever you need—I’m yours!】
Shua! A system light screen unfolded before his eyes.
【Scene Three】
【October 8th, 17:22 — After experiencing a series of shocks, blows, confusion, regret, and inferiority, Shen Yuyan’s pride has completely shattered, her psychological defenses fully collapsed. She has voluntarily asked to change her choice and now harbors an unprecedentedly strong desire for you.】
【You now understand: at her core, her ambition is “attachnt-based”—she needs a powerful figure to cling to.】
【By “reframing her narrative,” she has effectively brainwashed herself, proving she possesses the ntal traits of a top-tier opportunist—a very promising observation subject.】
【To better control Test Subject (Shen Yuyan) and deepen your influence, you decide that during the upcoming banquet, you will assign her the role of “Special Assistant,” placing her by your side to let her directly experience the inner workings of power.】
【With Anne Kate accompanying you, the banquet will beco your stage. You will, with absolute dominance, stand as the absolute center.】
【During the Q&A following Gongying Technology’s funding presentation, you will allow Shen Yuyan to question the company in your na, interrupting their Series C financing plan. Carefully observe her psychological reaction.】
“President Tang...” Shen Yuyan’s voice trembled. “I’d like to assist you in the upcoming interactions and engagents as your ‘Special Assistant’—is that okay?”
The system light screen slowly faded.
“Are you sure you won’t regret it this ti?”
“Absolutely not!”
Tang Song calmly reached into the inner pocket of his suit and pulled out a na badge.
The silver tal surface glead coldly under the lights.
Shen Yuyan’s eyes widened abruptly, and her breathing quickened.
【Give it to ! I want it!】
Her hand instinctively reached out, fingertips nearly touching the badge—only to freeze.
Shen Yuyan opened her mouth, eyes flustered, “I’m sorry... just now... I...”
【Shen Yuyan! What’s wrong with you! How could you ss up at such a critical mont!】
【You useless idiot!】
Just then.
Tang Song’s hand suddenly reached toward her chest. In Shen Yuyan’s dazed gaze,
He removed the “Special Advisor” badge from her chest.
Without pausing, he pinned on a brand-new badge in its place.
Shen Yuyan slowly lowered her head. Her eyes landed on the silver badge on her chest—bold, simple lettering ca into view: SPECIAL ASSISTANT (To Tang Song).
【Tang Song’s Special Assistant...】
Those few words struck her heart like a jolt of electricity, a rush of emotions flooding in.
Relief, hope, and a kind of indescribable satisfaction—as if so long-standing regret had finally been made whole.
【Did I just... win my bet?】
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