Xie Shuyu wasn't surprised by Tang Song's answer. There wasn't much work on her end, and the pay was reasonable, so there was no reason to refuse.

"I'll send you the company address on WeChat. Just bring your ID and bank card. I'm busy expanding our baking business and might not be there. You can find the office director."

"Okay, thank you for trusting me, Sister Shuyu." Tang Song paused, then joked, "Oops, I mean, thank you, President Xie."

Xie Shuyu chuckled softly, "You’re just a part-timer, no need to be so formal."

"Then, here’s to Shimmer Coffee’s continued success and prosperity!" They clinked their tea cups lightly.

Xie Shuyu looked at Tang Song with a hint of curiosity. With her experience and capability, she was a good judge of character. In her impression, Tang Song was a typical introvert—quiet, avoiding eye contact, preferring to think independently, and not very sociable. But today, he seemed more confident and outgoing, with a noticeable improvement in his demeanor. It was a pleasant surprise. She preferred communicating with such people; it made things easier and more efficient.

"President Xie, it really is you! What a coincidence!" A deep, magnetic male voice suddenly interrupted.

Tang Song looked up, surprised, and saw a man in his early thirties standing beside Xie Shuyu, beaming with joy. He wore a black business jacket, a wool sweater, dress pants, and leather shoes. His hair was parted, and he carried a leather pouch, looking refined and elegant.

Xie Shuyu stood up politely, "Good afternoon, Manager Wang."

Manager Wang glanced at Tang Song and asked casually, "And this is?"

"Tang Song, my partner." Xie Shuyu smiled and introduced, "This is Wang Yunping, a senior manager at Yunjing Consulting."

Wang Yunping extended his hand to Tang Song, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Tang."

"Nice to meet you." Tang Song quickly stood up and shook his hand.

Wang Yunping turned his attention back to Xie Shuyu, sincerely praising, "A verse from Song poetry comes to mind every time I see you: 'Waking from a dream, the heavy clouds have not lifted, and the dawn's light filters through the sparse rain.' You embody the same elegance and beauty."

"Thank you for the compliment." Xie Shuyu smiled modestly.

Tang Song was momentarily stunned, realizing that Xie Shuyu's name came from this verse, which indeed was beautiful. Waking from a dream, the sky was still dark with heavy clouds, and the sparse rain mixed with the morning light. Perhaps this was also the inspiration behind "Shimmer Coffee."

They exchanged a few pleasantries. Wang Yunping shook his leather pouch and said, "Our firm recently investigated the coffee industry in Yanshi Province and identified some investment opportunities. Would you be interested, President Xie? It might help with your company's financing."

Hearing this, Xie Shuyu's eyes lit up but then she hesitated, glancing at Tang Song. After all, she had invited him to lunch today, and it seemed inappropriate to divert her attention.

Seeing her hesitation, Tang Song took the initiative, "Sister Shuyu, your work is important. Don't worry about me."

After a moment's hesitation, Xie Shuyu gestured, "Please have a seat, Manager Wang."

Wang Yunping nodded and sat down beside Tang Song, his intense gaze fixed on Xie Shuyu. They started discussing market trends, supply chains, product innovations, and investment firms. Tang Song sat quietly, unable to join the conversation.

About twenty minutes later, they finished discussing investments and began chatting about other topics. It was clear that Wang Yunping was well-read and knowledgeable. He knew a bit about coffee beans, luxury goods, and art. Watching Wang Yunping converse effortlessly and elegantly, Tang Song felt his own shortcomings. Compared to such a true elite, his overall abilities were far inferior. He felt a pang of disappointment. He had hoped to change Xie Shuyu’s impression of him today, but someone else had stolen the show. Worse, he lacked the ability to join the conversation.

When they had talked enough, Wang Yunping finally seemed to remember Tang Song's presence. He pulled out a business card and placed it next to Tang Song, smiling, "Mr. Tang, what industry are you in? Which company do you work for? Perhaps we can collaborate in the future. Yunjing is a professional research and consulting firm focused on investments, providing comprehensive and specialized services including 'investment research,' 'due diligence,' and 'post-investment management.'"

Despite his words, it was clear he had already sized up Tang Song, and his introduction sounded more like a joke.

After a moment of silence, Tang Song replied honestly, "I work in IT, currently developing programs at Jinxiu Commerce."

"Oh?" Wang Yunping raised an eyebrow, crossing his legs, "A programmer? That's great. With ChatGPT soaring and AI investments booming, the venture capital market is red hot. Scarce companies are becoming unicorns overnight, and top talent can earn millions annually. You have a bright future, Mr. Tang."

"Thanks for your kind words," Tang Song replied with a forced smile.

Wang Yunping clapped his hands, as if recalling something, and asked, "Jinxiu Commerce? The one in Linjin Building, Yanshi Jinxiu Commerce Co.?"

"Yes." Tang Song nodded slightly.

Xie Shuyu, surprised, asked, "Manager Wang, do you have a collaboration with Jinxiu?"

Wang Yunping uncrossed his legs, smiling at Xie Shuyu, "Not exactly, but Jinxiu Commerce is currently a hot topic in Yanshi’s investment circles. Countless VC and PE firms are vying for a piece of the action."

Intrigued, Xie Shuyu asked, "Why is that?"

Her Shimmer Coffee had been seeking financing recently, meeting many investors and firms. She was curious about Jinxiu Commerce's allure.

Wang Yunping clasped his hands together, elbows resting on the table, "It's simple. Smile Capital has taken an interest!"

"Smile Capital!?" Tang Song exclaimed, standing up with a shocked expression.

Wang Yunping frowned, disliking Tang Song's overreaction, but continued, "Even if Jinxiu Commerce is a leader in Yanshi, it’s insignificant on the national stage. The investment community is still trying to figure out Smile Capital’s logic behind this investment."

Tang Song, feeling dizzy, asked, "What’s the relationship between Smile Capital and Smile Holdings?"

Wang Yunping, annoyed by the question, answered out of courtesy to Xie Shuyu, "Smile Capital is the corporate venture capital arm of Smile Holdings. As for Smile Holdings, it’s a household name."

Tang Song's mind buzzed, feeling the world spinning around him. In the game Heartthrob Simulator, the first company he created was "Smile Holdings," inspired by the ultra-rare character card he drew: "Secretary Jin," whose real name was Jin Meixiao. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on novèlfire.net