Looking at the stunningly beautiful face of Annie Kate in front of her,

and recalling the voice from the earlier phone call,

Lin Muxue felt her scalp tingle in waves, a sense of absurdity flooding her heart.

Tang Song was truly incredible!

He actually managed to get such a big fish on his side?!

“It seems... you just remembered something interesting?” Annie looked at her expression, the smile on her lips growing stronger.

Lin Muxue immediately snapped back to reality, forcibly suppressing the storm raging in her heart, struggling to maintain a calm exterior.

“N-no... it’s nothing. I just didn’t expect Ms. Kate to reach out to me proactively.”

Annie lifted her elegantly shaped chin toward the upper floor. “It’s just about lunchtime. Why not come upstairs and sit with me? I’ve prepared some food up there, my private chef made it, it tastes pretty good.”

She paused, then added, “Oh, and I opened a bottle of 1982 Romanee-Conti. You should really like it.”

Lin Muxue’s heart skipped a beat as the information instinctively flashed in her mind.

One of the world’s three top supreme wines, known as "a wine millionaires can buy, but only billionaires can drink"—a legendary treasure.

Immediately, a mix of awe and fear rose within her.

She simply couldn’t figure out the other party’s intention.

Could it be, she was here to reprimand her again?

Damn it! Little Luna only showed a bit of confidence, was that really necessary?!

First Su Yu and Director Jin, and now a terrifyingly well-connected American socialite!

This circle was just too difficult!

She let out a light breath and said to the stunned Xu Ning beside her, “Xu Ning, you go ahead and eat. I have some matters to discuss with Ms. Kate.”

“O-okay, Luna. Then I’ll go first.” Xu Ning stole a glance at the blonde woman whose presence was suffocatingly strong, and obediently walked away briskly.

“Let’s go, Ms. Kate.”

“Call me Anne.”

The elevator ascended smoothly and stopped finally on the 30th floor.

“Beep—” The smart lock responded and opened.

Lin Muxue followed her inside room 3001.

The decoration was luxurious and artistic, with an area twice the size of her own apartment and an expansive view.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the entire bustling Yancheng skyline was spread before her eyes.

The two sat opposite each other in the dining room.

Soon, a meticulously dressed waiter poured the legendary Burgundy red wine for them.

The wine shimmered in the crystal glasses, a captivating gem-red liquid flowing within.

Lin Muxue’s gaze was involuntarily drawn to it.

Delicate, artful appetizers were brought one by one, and after the waiter bowed silently, he quietly withdrew.

In the vast dining room, only the two of them remained.

Anne gently swirled her glass and clinked it softly against Lin Muxue’s, producing a clear, crisp sound.

She sipped a mouthful, the aroma spreading between her lips and teeth, yet she did not immediately get to the point.

“I heard you’re Song’s personal assistant, right?” Anne’s tone was casual, as if chatting about the weather.

“Yes, Ms. Kate... Anne.”

“That must be tough.” Anne’s gaze was playful as she lightly rubbed her fingertips against the glass wall. “Taking care of such a man is no easy task.”

“It’s okay. President Tang treats me very well.”

Anne raised an eyebrow and shifted the topic. “By the way, what does he usually like to eat? Any allergies?”

At first, her questions were quite conventional, about food and dressing preferences.

But gradually, they became more intimate, more daring.

“…And when he’s with you, how’s he in bed? Any… special little kinks? Most sensitive spots…”

Lin Muxue’s scalp tingled painfully;

she could only grit her teeth and answer vaguely and hesitantly.

After a while, Anne raised her glass and lightly clinked it against hers.

She smiled, “Luna, I’ve heard about your deeds. You’re impressive—accepting Mo’s invitation even after receiving Mira’s gift, and now getting close with Su Yu too. You’ve got balls. I like it.”

Lin Muxue hurriedly explained, “Ms. Anne, please believe me, I… don’t really understand all the details here.”

Anne gently shook her finger to interrupt her. “Don’t worry, I’m not Mira. I’m not that petty. In fact, I admire your courage and ambition.”

Lin Muxue’s situation was no secret to them.

However, since she was Tang Song’s assistant, she was the cause of Mira’s reaction and reprimand.

But Anne’s main purpose for coming this time was Tian Jing—to prevent the obedient young lady from causing any “trouble.”

Originally, she hadn’t planned to attend this birthday party, and neither had others like Wu Kezhi or Zheng Qiudong, according to Mira’s initial idea.

After all, Mira had already arranged Tian Jing’s future path.

Shangguan Qiuyas would handle the rest.

But who would have thought Tian Jing would be so aggressive as to buy a wedding dress and ring outright?

Tang Song’s inexplicable entry into Jinxiu Commerce remained an unsolved mystery.

What if it was related to Tian Jing?

To make this “white, rich, and beautiful young lady” abandon her illusions,

they had to give her a huge “surprise” at this birthday party.

Anne’s eyes narrowed slightly as she refocused on Lin Muxue across from her.

“But since Mira has already reprimanded you, you should know what to do and what not to do.”

“Thank you for the reminder, Ms. Anne.” Lin Muxue’s eye twitched.

Anne’s gaze roamed over her. “Being Song’s personal assistant is no easy job. In the future, you’ll encounter many… complications beyond your imagination. One wrong move and…”

Anne extended a finger painted in bright red and made an “explosion” gesture in the air. “Poom!”

Lin Muxue was frightened and shrank back.

Anne laughed heartily at her reaction.

Lin Muxue bit her lip and said stiffly, “I will do my best to be President Tang’s assistant.”

Anne blinked, took a sip of wine, and changed the subject again. “You’re going to London next week, right?”

“Yes.”

“I have many friends in London,” Anne said cheerfully, “When you get there, I’ll introduce you to a Lady from the Astor family. She’ll show you around London’s charm.”

Lin Muxue’s heart trembled violently!

Wow! That was too awesome!

She was just going to be at school for a few days but not only got to fly on Tang Song’s private plane, she might even be received by a noble lady.

But she also knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.

Biting her lip, Lin Muxue mustered courage and asked, “So… Ms. Anne, what do you want me to do?”

“Good girl!” Anne’s face showed admiration. “You didn’t disappoint me. You’re smart.”

The reason she chose to approach Lin Muxue first was because, after investigating everyone around Tang Song, she found her the easiest to be driven by “interest.”

Also, she was quite an interesting person.

Anne leaned forward slightly, her blue eyes flashing with excitement and wildness. “Before you leave Yancheng, aren’t you going to… have a proper good time with Song?”

“Well…” Lin Muxue’s cheeks flushed. “Maybe, it depends on President Tang’s plans.”

“No, it depends on your plans.” Anne’s voice was irresistibly tempting. “I want you to invite him and your good friend Zhao Yaqian to your apartment for a grand farewell party. Of course, if there are others, invite them too.”

Lin Muxue’s mouth twitched wildly, feeling her worldview was being completely reshaped.

“…And then?”

“Then?” Anne licked her full red lips softly. “When you’re all exhausted… I’ll invite Song to my room to have a heart-to-heart. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?”

Her voice dropped very low, filled with strong domination.

This was her main goal this time.

Though she had learned much new knowledge, facing Tang Song still made her heart race with a mix of fear and awe when thinking of those crazy days.

Her brilliant plan was to

let others drain him first, then strike him mercilessly and conquer him when he was at his weakest.

She hadn’t acted immediately

because her top priority was Tian Jing’s matter, and also because her ovulation period was still two days away.

That would be when she was strongest.

“Listen, Luna.” Anne stood up and looked down at her. “If you want my friendship, then prove to me that you deserve the opportunity I’m giving you.”

Hearing this, Lin Muxue was completely stunned.

She looked at this stunningly beautiful, powerful yet slightly crazy woman and had only one thought left in her mind:

This… probably the same kind of pervert as Tian Jing, right?!

So scary!

Do white, rich, and beautiful ladies play like this?

If the two of them got together, that scene… was unthinkable!

......

Modu, inside a private club.

Zheng Qiudong leaned against a soft leather sofa, his gaze through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows fixed on the unceasing stream of traffic below, lost in thought.

After a moment, Mo Xiangwan sitting across finally processed the news she had just received.

She rubbed her aching temple and said helplessly, “So… you mean not only are you going to Tian Jing’s birthday party, but even Wu Kezhi and Anne will attend personally?”

“Yeah, Anne has already arrived in Yancheng. Wu Kezhi and I will go tomorrow.” Zheng Qiudong turned his head and calmly sipped his warm red tea. “Counting President Tang himself, this will be the most complete gathering of our group in the past two years.”

Mo Xiangwan frowned tightly. “You guys really know how to make a mess. This is essentially just Tian Jing’s birthday party. You’re not close to her, and yet you bring such a big entourage. Is that appropriate? It’s more like crashing the party.”

She knew the most about this birthday party because she was preparing the flash mob.

There weren’t many attendees, mainly Tian Jing’s close friends, some of her parents’ business acquaintances—about forty-eight in total.

It was basically a private “family social event.”

“What’s inappropriate about it? I was personally invited by Miss Tian.”

Zheng Qiudong showed his phone screen and displayed a beautifully designed electronic invitation.

Mo Xiangwan’s expression grew serious. “Does President Tang know about this?”

“Most likely not,” Zheng Qiudong shrugged indifferently. “But he knows Wu Kezhi and I are going to Yancheng. Besides, didn’t you also arrange a ‘gift’ without telling him?”

“That’s different.” Mo Xiangwan instinctively defended. “We planned a pre-release flash mob for Echo’s new song, and it just so happens the location is Yancheng. Besides, this counts as a long-distance sweet interaction between Xiaoyu and Tang Song. But you, Qiudong, your purpose doesn’t seem so pure.”

Zheng Qiudong’s eyes flickered as he chuckled softly. “I personally think Dejurenhe and Tian Jing are a perfect match since we’re both deeply rooted in human resources. My goal is simple—to help President Tang shoulder some burdens and support his girlfriend’s future career.”

“Heh, then prepare to face Director Jin’s possible targeting.”

Zheng Qiudong’s hand holding the teacup trembled slightly. “It shouldn’t happen, though. I’ve checked. Tian Jing is a very obedient and smart girl studying psychology;

she definitely knows how to maintain good relations with Director Jin, just like Wen Ruan.”

“That’s different.” Mo Xiangwan hit the point. “Wen Ruan is smart but unambitious, and she happened to appear at the perfect time. One person like that is enough. Do you think Tian Jing is the same? Whoever she sides with in the end, it might not be good for you or me.”

Zheng Qiudong’s smile faded, replaced by a sharp, all-or-nothing look.

“Then let’s gamble. Dejurenhe has reached a point where change is inevitable.”

He was an ambitious man.

Watching the rapid expansion of the Tangjin system, everyone was striving on this huge ship, sharing the fruits of victory.

But he was unwilling to be just a “logistics officer” providing fuel.

He wanted to stand on the bridge and enter the core cockpit.

Mo Xiangwan saw his look and knew further persuasion was useless, so she said nothing more.

She stood and said, “I’ll make some calls and rearrange tomorrow’s ‘event.’”

Then she turned and left.

Walking away, she had already dialed the head of security at Shengtang.

Originally, she thought this was just an interesting birthday party.

At most, various factions would tacitly send gifts to show face and build good relations.

But now, so many people were personally involved.

This was no longer a simple birthday party, but an informal, small-scale “internal gathering” of the Tangjin Family Office.

If word got out, it could cause unpredictable consequences.

Especially regarding information about Tang Song himself—Director Jin and Ms. Ouyang were always extremely sensitive and cautious.

Tang Song’s high-profile appearance at the “Investor’s Night,” coupled with Rongliu Capital’s subsequent $10 billion investment, should have caused a media and financial storm, fully exposing Tang Song.

Only because Director Jin, Ms. Ouyang, and Tang Entertainment used enormous behind-the-scenes resources were all potentially leaked details forcibly suppressed.

No photos of Tang Song appeared on any headlines that could rock the Asia-Pacific.

Still, some information about Tang Song had long been circulating privately within the industry circle. Original content can be found at novel[f]ire.net

To prevent any accidents and avoid big trouble, caution was essential.

The upcoming Echo girl group flash mob also conveniently served as cover to minimize impact.

Lan Feng International Hotel, 23rd floor, private banquet hall.

Hotel staff dressed in uniform busied themselves, some carefully adjusting lighting and sound, others arranging exquisite decorations on tables.

The banquet hall’s main colors were soft champagne gold and elegant ivory, creating a romantic and luxurious atmosphere.

The banquet manager accompanied Xiao Jing, occasionally whispering details about the setup and asking if any adjustments were needed.

“Make the lighting softer. I don’t like it too bright.”

“And on the dessert table over there, have the kitchen prepare some extra low-calorie mousse and fruit tarts. Some of my friends are on diets.”

At that moment, a familiar voice called from behind: “Jingjing—”

Xiao Jing turned and saw her mother, Chen Man, walking over with a few stylishly dressed socialite ladies.

Along with them was her close friend Qin Hua.

“Mom, Aunt Wang, Aunt Li…”

Xiao Jing immediately put on a sweet and obedient smile and greeted them warmly.

“Oh my, our Jingjing looks like a little fairy today.”

“After a few months, Jingjing is even more beautiful.”

The aunts grabbed her arms and admired her from head to toe, praising her with smiles.

Chen Man looked at her precious daughter with pride and love in her eyes.

Xiao Jing chatted with them for a while, making the aunts laugh happily.

Casually, she said, “Mom, you take the aunts to look around and give any suggestions for improvements. Hua and I will discuss some details for tomorrow’s event.”

“All right, all right. You go do your thing.” Chen Man smiled and led the group inside.

Xiao Jing exchanged a look with the banquet manager, who immediately understood and respectfully stepped forward.

She began to guide Chen Man and the others.

The noise subsided.

Xiao Jing’s gaze sharpened as she looked at her close friend and asked directly, “Hua, have you found out anything about what I asked you to investigate?”

Qin Hua answered evenly, “That Ding Furong, I checked. He’s a university classmate of a small assistant from the President’s Office. He came through a regular referral channel. That assistant thought his resume was decent and there was a vacancy, so he got placed there. Just a coincidence, nothing special.”

“Oh? Which assistant?”

“Hehe, you wouldn’t know even if I told you. By the way, Xiao Jing, is your evening gown ready? I want to try mine on too. If it’s pretty, I’ll order one as well.” Qin Hua tried to change the subject.

“Hua, I’m serious about this. Don’t brush me off.” Xiao Jing’s tone remained calm, but her eyes grew sharp. “What’s the assistant’s name?”

Since the referral process went directly from the President’s Office administrative department to HR, Qin Hua definitely knew who it was.

“Xiao Jing, let’s stop here!” Qin Hua’s expression darkened. “If your boyfriend has objections, let him come to me. Or wait until the birthday party tomorrow, and I’ll talk to him face to face.”

Xiao Jing narrowed her eyes slightly. “So you mean… you want to go against me?”

“I…” Qin Hua’s lips moved, her eyes flickering. “Xiao Jing, I just think your boyfriend is too willful. Now Zhongcheng Group is…”

“Stop!” Xiao Jing cut her off. “I don’t want to hear this nonsense anymore.”

Qin Hua’s face darkened as she was about to say more.

“Ring-ring—” Her phone suddenly rang.

Looking at the caller ID, Qin Hua said softly, “Liang Yufan and the others have arrived. Let’s discuss this later and go outside to meet them first.”

Xiao Jing looked at her evasive eyes, said nothing, and strode outside.

...

Meanwhile, Chen Man, admiring the banquet hall setup, suddenly noticed a figure beside her.

“Good afternoon, Ms. Chen.”

Chen Man turned and saw a middle-aged man in a dark suit with a refined demeanor.

As a VIP member of Lan Feng International Hotel, she naturally knew him.

He was the hotel’s GM, Qiao Anji.

“General Manager Qiao, hello. Is there something you need?”

“Ms. Chen, sorry for the sudden intrusion.” Qiao Anji smiled flawlessly. “Regarding some special arrangements for tomorrow’s birthday party, I have some details I’d like to discuss with you privately. Are you available to sit in the VIP lounge nearby?”

Chen Man’s heart stirred;

she sensed something unusual.

Qiao Anji was the hotel’s general manager. Although her daughter’s birthday party was a big client event, it wasn’t prestigious enough to warrant his personal involvement in every detail.

After greeting her friends, she followed Qiao Anji to the quiet VIP lounge.

Opening the door, she saw a man and a woman sitting on the sofa.

Seeing her enter, both immediately stood.

Qiao Anji introduced, “This is Miss You’s mother, Ms. Chen Man.”

Chen Man looked at them with curiosity.

The middle-aged woman, dressed sharply and exuding outstanding charisma, stepped forward and smiled:

“Hello, Ms. Chen. Let me introduce myself. I am Xi Meng, the artist management director of Tang Entertainment and also the person in charge of the Echo girl group.”

“Tang Entertainment? Echo girl group?” Chen Man exclaimed in surprise.

Of course, she had heard of Echo—a top-tier, ultra-popular female idol group in the country, affiliated with the largest domestic entertainment conglomerate, Tang Entertainment!

She had even used connections to get front-row tickets and taken her daughter to their concerts before.

Unexpectedly, she met the leader of this girl group and a senior executive of Tang Entertainment here.

Chen Man’s surprise quickly faded, replaced by appropriate curiosity.

She shook hands with the woman. “May I ask… Director Xi, what brings you here?”

Xi Meng smiled, “Ms. Chen, Echo girl group’s new album will be released next month. As a prelude, Tang Entertainment and the official platform have planned a special project called ‘StarlightForU.’

We intend to randomly select a stranger’s birthday party for Echo to make a surprise appearance and perform a global premiere flash mob of the new song.

Coincidentally, Miss You’s birthday party’s scale, environment, and timing perfectly match our requirements.

So we’d like to ask if you’d be willing to accept this special gift from Echo and Tang Entertainment?

I believe this will be an unforgettable and grand birthday blessing for your daughter.”

Hearing this, Chen Man’s heartbeat accelerated uncontrollably.

Her daughter was already a fan of Echo. Now, at her most important birthday party, the hottest girl group would perform the global premiere of their new song.

This was more than a surprise;

it was an enormous honor!

Chen Man took a deep breath, suppressing her overwhelming joy, and restored the elegant composure befitting a socialite.

“Director Xi, you’re too kind. It’s our honor to have the favor of Tang Entertainment and Echo. Please let us know if there’s any way we can cooperate.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Ms. Chen. We only have one small request—to ensure the best ‘surprise’ effect of this flash mob, we hope the event remains completely confidential to all guests, including Miss Tian Jing, until it happens.”

“Of course, I understand.” Chen Man nodded immediately. “Absolutely confidential.”

Xi Meng smiled in satisfaction, then turned slightly to introduce:

“This is Mr. Wang Zhengze, General Manager of Shengtang Security (Yan Province). Because Echo is involved, to ensure all VIPs’ safety and privacy at the scene, the entire security work for tomorrow’s banquet, including on-site service staff, will be fully handled by Shengtang Security.”

Wang Zhengze nodded in time. “Hello, Ms. Chen. Rest assured, we have many years of deep cooperation with Lan Feng International Hotel. We originally maintained the hotel’s security system.”

Qiao Anji also agreed from the side.

Chen Man took a deep breath and nodded firmly. “Alright, everything will go according to your arrangements.”

Shengtang Security!

She knew well that it was the country’s top comprehensive security service provider!

They cooperated with many large domestic enterprises.

Her daughter’s birthday party not only featured a top-tier girl group but also was guarded by a top security company providing all-around protection…

For the Tian family, currently facing turbulent times, this was an excellent opportunity to show the outside world their “background” and “connections”!

Especially since tomorrow’s guests included top young talents like Lin Jingming and Meng Chuan.

Just thinking about it made Chen Man straighten her back considerably.

She had been worried the event wouldn’t be grand enough, so she invited some friends to support the scene.

This huge, unexpected “show of force” was truly timely assistance!