CHAPTER 678: PARTNERS AND FAKE SOCIALITES

Yintai Center, Weiguang Coffee flagship store, back-office area.

Xie Shuyu held her slightly warm phone, listening to Tang Song ask questions in a deadpan voice.

A flush of delicate red bloomed instantly on her pale, composed cheeks.

"Hello? Shuyu, are you listening?" Tang Song's voice came through her ear again.

"Um... well..." Xie Shuyu cleared her throat and forced her voice to sound as calm as usual. "I still have work to handle here. Where are you now? I'll have Xiaomin drive over to pick you up."

She habitually used work to cover her fluster.

"No need, you go finish your work. I'll sort my things here and come by after you get off tonight."

"Okay, then... see you tonight. Bye."

After hanging up, Xie Shuyu exhaled deeply and, without thinking, brushed her hot cheek with the back of her cold hand.

Tang Song's image involuntarily flashed through her mind.

She thought about them sharing a room that night.

She was a bona fide workaholic;

every career breakthrough gave her tremendous satisfaction.

Because of that, she had grown used to neglecting emotional needs.

Her friend Meng Ran's reminder had genuinely snapped her awake.

It made her realize that the overly "Platonic" nature of her relationship with Tang Song wasn't normal.

So she took the initiative to step forward, inviting Tang Song to live together like a normal girlfriend would.

She hadn't expected the man to be so direct.

Hearing his flirtatious teasing, she found it a little overwhelming.

Maybe it was because no one had ever spoken to her like that in all those years.

She sat there lost in thought for a while.

Ringing— the phone rang again.

[ Meng Ran ]

Xie Shuyu answered immediately. "Hey, Ranran, are you done?"

"Just finished the weekly meeting." Meng Ran's voice was efficient and carried a touch of concern. "How about you? Any progress with the suppliers?"

At the mention of work, Xie Shuyu's expression darkened.

"I just finished a meeting with New Hope Dairy. Their stance was vague. It seems Zhongshu Group moved faster than we expected and has wider reach here."

"That's not surprising." Meng Ran sighed, then offered reassurance: "Don't worry. I checked—at the private session hosted by First Financial the day after tomorrow, a vice president from the local dairy giant Jule Group, who oversees major clients and strategic partnerships, will be attending. I'll have a friend introduce you so you can talk directly to him."

"Thanks, Ranran." Xie Shuyu's mood lightened a little.

New Hope was a nationwide dairy company.

Given her current capacity and Weiguang Coffee's scale, the best she could normally reach was a regional sales manager.

Beyond that, she lacked connections.

Those sales teams were, more or less, influenced by Zhongshu Group's strong local network and tended to stall on key points.

Things like supply pricing and her request to let Weiguang use part of their forward warehouses as temporary turnover space were all rejected.

But Jule Group was another big local enterprise with its own backing.

If she could reach that vice president, she might bypass Chen Hao and Zhongshu Group's influence.

There was another problem, though: potential harassment from certain official departments.

Would the Market Supervision Administration suddenly show up citing "consumer complaints" and inspect all your stores?

Would the Fire Department make frequent "safety hazard inspections" forcing you to suspend operations for rectification?

Would the Health and Epidemic Prevention Station conduct spot checks during peak hours?

Those compliance-based hassles were the most lethal.

They could wear any chain brand down until it couldn't operate properly.

"Why be polite with me? By the way, what did your boyfriend say? The private session is the day after tomorrow."

Xie Shuyu paused, a little awkwardly. "He... has already arrived in Rongcheng. He'll be coming to stay at my place tonight."

"Wow!" Meng Ran let out an unrestrained squeal. "I told you! Xiaoyu, you finally woke up! I have to finish my work and then I'll come over. I'm dying to know what kind of divine being he is!" 𐍂𝔞N𝙤ᛒЕș

She had just hung up when someone knocked on the door.

Assistant Xiaomin hurried in.

"Ms. Xie, Mr. Fang from Ling Chain Technology is here."

Xie Shuyu immediately composed herself, letting go of any personal emotion;

her face returned to a calm, professional mask.

"Okay, please ask him in."

She glanced at the time;

he was a full twenty minutes early—obviously coming with great sincerity.

She would never let Weiguang Coffee be taken over by Zhongshu Group without a fight.

So she would spare no effort to bypass them.

Replacing the cold-chain logistics and warehousing system indirectly controlled by Zhongshu was the first step.

No matter how tough it got, she had to do it.

Ling Chain Technology was the best breakthrough she could find right now.

Their price and technical support were the most attractive.

And after checking with contacts over the past two days, Ling Chain Technology indeed seemed highly promising with a major technical edge.

...

Jinli Villa.

Tang Song finished the last stroke and carefully set aside the small calligraphy piece he had just copied: Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves.

The phone vibrating on the nearby stone table suddenly rang.

[ Luna ]

Tang Song picked up, voice mild and composed. "Hello, Luna."

On the other end, Lin Muxue's melodious voice came through. "Good afternoon, President Tang. I hope I'm not disturbing your rest?"

"Not at all. What's up?"

"About the property at Yunding Mansion you asked me to handle—I’ve arranged everything. The purchase contract is ready for signing at any time."

"Good work. Go directly to Mengting;

I've already briefed her."

"Alright." Lin Muxue replied crisply, then lowered her voice into a sticky, sultry tone: "President Tang..."

"Yes?"

"I miss you."

Tang Song smiled. "Oh? How much do you miss me?"

A wet, mouth-on-lips, tongue-on-lip sound came through the receiver. She paused a moment and whispered, "I miss you so much I could almost draw a map. At night I can't help but..."

Tang Song raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly. "Next time send a video so I can see your technique."

Lin Muxue obediently made a soft "mm" sound.

As she was about to hang up, Tang Song couldn't help but add, with mischief: "If that's not enough, you could always ask Qianqian or Xiao Jing to help you out."

...

Yancheng, Rongliu Investment, Tang Song's assistant office.

"Ah!" Lin Muxue gave a small cry as if she'd heard something filthy and her cheeks flushed. "This—there's no need for President Tang to worry. I have my own methods! I'll contact Gao Mengting right now!"

She hung up and leaned back in the spacious Herman Miller chair, her mind unbidden returning to Xiao Jing's pure but twisted expression.

The image of those long legs wrapped in black stockings made her squirm as a strange urge rose in her.

Heavens help her—how could that rich beauty be so perverse!

Worst of all, her "map-drawing" secret had been discovered and used to tease her on WeChat.

Poor Empress Muxue, who had reigned supreme, had been tainted by a bizarre yandere.

She pressed her hot face with her hand to calm herself, then focused on the printed purchase contract on her desk.

She dialed Gao Mengting.

"Hello?"

"Is this Ms. Gao Mengting?" Lin Muxue's tone was warm, professional—pure urban elite.

"Yes, who is this?"

"I'm Tang Song's assistant, Lin Muxue."

"Oh, hello, Assistant Lin. President Tang mentioned you. This is about renting a place, right?"

Lin Muxue rolled her eyes inwardly. "Um... something like that. Are you available now? I could come by and we can discuss in person."

Why did buying a house turn into renting?

Was Tang Song plotting another romantic surprise?

No matter—she had to support her boss's performance to the end.

"I'm here at the Yunxi Building office. Come over."

"Alright, see you later."

After hanging up, Lin Muxue stood, took a breath, checked her makeup in the mirror, spritzed perfume on her wrist and neck, picked up her custom briefcase and documents, and walked out.

Soon the silver Porsche emerged from the underground parking of the Yansheng Financial Center.

A weekday afternoon traffic in Yancheng wasn't heavy.

A few minutes later she pulled into the parking spot outside Yunxi Building.

Calmly swapping into the prepared Christian Louboutin red-soled heels, she stepped out elegantly.

She looked up at the familiar building, smiled slightly, and walked forward.

Tall, sexy figure, refined features, expensive accessories and bag—she drew countless stunned gazes along the way.

Her face kept a distanced, aloof expression—the epitome of a high-cold beauty from a workplace drama.

Some men who wanted to approach froze mid-step.

After registering at reception, she took the elevator to the 30th floor.

Ding—the elevator doors opened.

Lin Muxue checked her makeup in the mirrored elevator and gave a confident, sharp smile.

She and Gao Mengting were, by now, "old acquaintances."

When she worked at Rongxin Venture Capital, they had bumped into each other in this building's elevator several times—back then they weren't acquainted.

Beautiful women inevitably compared and competed.

But in looks, Lin Muxue was not intimidated by anyone.

Even in front of Su Yu, she'd merely take a back seat.

After months away, the evolved Empress Muxue was ready to give some shock.

She walked into the lobby of Songmei Apparel.

The pretty receptionist stood up. "Hello, may I help you—"

"I'm here to see President Gao," Lin Muxue said calmly. "I'm Lin Muxue, with an appointment."

"Hello, Ms. Lin!" The receptionist's eyes lit up. "President Gao already mentioned it. I'll take you through."

Click of heels. The two strode down the bright corridor, drawing curious looks and whispers from passing staff.

Outside the vice president's office.

Knock knock—

"Please come in."

The receptionist pushed open the door and gestured.

Lin Muxue nodded and entered with graceful, confident steps.

She saw a figure rise from behind the wide desk.

Wearing a simple white silk blouse and a black high-waisted pencil skirt that hugged a pert silhouette, a head of brown hair tied into a sleek high ponytail, no excessive accessories and light makeup—she exuded a gentle elegance.

Her outfit was standard "Director Jin" style.

With that neat hairstyle, meticulous makeup, and a similarly soft face... standing in the luxurious office overlooking the city skyline, there was an unmistakable hint of Jin Meixiao in her.

Lin Muxue's eye twitched and she involuntarily took a half step back.

What the heck! I rushed here to deliver a house gift and you staged a Luna cosplay?

And of all things, you're cosplaying the person I fear the most!

If anyone used to scare her, it might have been Tang Song before—but now it was Director Jin.

Her mental schemes flew out the window.

Gao Mengting, seeing Lin Muxue's face, looked surprised too.

She remembered this flamboyant finance woman—who had once accidentally wandered to Songmei's 30th floor.

She hadn't expected this woman to be Tang Song's assistant.

Recalling Tang Song's look in the elevator, Gao Mengting felt a complex emotion and guessed their true relationship.

Lin Muxue straightened, moved forward and forced a slightly awkward smile. "Hello, President Gao. Nice to formally meet you. I'm Lin Muxue."

"Hello, Gao Mengting." Gao Mengting pressed her lips and shook hands lightly, showing little emotion.

They exchanged polite small talk.

Gao Mengting motioned to the sofa. "Assistant Lin, please sit. Would you like something to drink?"

"Plain water, thanks."

Gao Mengting personally poured warm water as they sat opposite each other.

They each detected a subtle scrutiny in the other's gaze but neither pushed the matter.

After a moment of silence, Gao Mengting said in a gentle voice, "Assistant Lin, thank you for taking the trouble to handle this. It's a small thing, but I appreciate you doing it in person."

"President Gao is too kind. It's not a small matter. President Tang specifically instructed that this be handled meticulously;

nothing can be left to chance."

Hearing that, Gao Mengting couldn't help but smile. "Please thank President Tang on my behalf. Which community is it?"

Finding a house was truly tedious—location, environment, layout, price...

To find one that fit perfectly required a lot of energy.

Tang Song helping with this saved her a ton of trouble.

"Yunding Mansion." Lin Muxue placed the document folder on the coffee table.

"Yunding Mansion?" Gao Mengting echoed, then recognition dawned. "I've heard of that—it's supposed to be Yancheng's first true 'Fourth-Generation Residences.'"

As the local hottest high-end development, Yunding Mansion's advertisements had saturated the CBD.

She had even seen promotional boards in the building's lobby.

It's a prime location beside Metro Line 1, just five or six kilometers away—absolute downtown gold.

"Yes," Lin Muxue's professional smile returned. "The development's design concept is very forward. Each unit has a sky courtyard where you can plant trees and flowers, high greenery ratio, and property services rival first-tier mansions."

Gao Mengting nodded. "Renting here? I thought they only handed over last month. Are there already units for lease so soon?"

Lin Muxue tilted the folder toward her.

"It was handed over only last month. This is a small gift from President Tang;

he hopes you like it."

Gao Mengting's eyes flickered with puzzlement.

She opened the folder and pulled out the papers.

She saw the title: Residential Sale Contract.

She froze.

"This is..."

Lin Muxue spoke lightly: "You may have misunderstood, President Gao. Given President Tang's character, he wouldn't arrange a rental on your behalf. That doesn't suit his status.

He contacted the higher-ups at Handing Group and reserved an internally held unit under your name.

21st floor, a 200-square-meter large flat—four bedrooms, two living rooms, three bathrooms, fully furnished, north-south orientation, and a 30-square-meter sky courtyard.

President Tang has already paid in full. You only need to sign this contract."

She sipped her water with elegant composure, glancing at Gao Mengting's stunned expression with pure satisfaction.

How's that? Shocked?

You tried to scare me with your Director Jin cosplay!

Empress Muxue wasn't to be trifled with!

Gao Mengting stared at the contract's eye-watering numbers, her modest chest heaving with a fierce pulse.

Yunding Mansion... 200-square-meter large flat... her name... Tang Song paid in full...

This kind of home would be worth at least six million on the market.

Although as Songmei Apparel stands now, her 20% stake theoretically makes her a billionaire on paper, that wealth was only on balance sheets—no dividends during early expansion.

Her funds came mostly from her high salary.

She had just cleared past entrepreneurial debts in the last two to three months and had perhaps only tens of thousands in savings.

She'd never truly considered herself rich.

She had dreamed about what kind of house she'd buy when she had money—how to decorate it, where to put her favorite bookshelf, where to grow tasteful plants, where to place a sunlit lounger...

Now suddenly faced with a real, paid-for luxury home by Tang Song, her head spun and she felt overwhelmed.

"This... Assistant Lin... this isn't a joke, right?"

"Of course not." Lin Muxue's top-assistant smile remained professional. "Handing Group's seal is already on the contract. All you need is a signature and the home becomes yours. I'll handle the payment receipts, property title transfer, and property handover—everything. You won't need to worry about any of it."

Gao Mengting bit her lip, silent for a long moment, then stood. "Wait a moment. I need to call Tang Song."

"Please do."

She walked quickly into the inner lounge with her phone.

Watching her leave, Lin Muxue beamed inwardly.

This time she felt no jealousy.

She herself held a "real estate check" that was about to clear.

Tang Song had promised to buy her a property in any city she chose, with no size or price restriction.

Even if she selected a top-tier city penthouse or a villa, in theory it could be granted.

Two months ago she might have asked for the moon.

But after Director Jin's cold blow, she was no longer the old Luna.

If she were greedy now, she'd risk being exposed by other rival women—especially Shen Yuyan.

So after much thought, she decided to cap the property price reasonably.

It would satisfy her vanity without appearing greedy.

As for the city—of course it would be Modu!

Yancheng's Lan Feng International apartments were always available to her;

they belonged to Tang Song's assets anyway.

But Modu—the glittering shopping mecca of excess—was the perfect stage for her.

She yearned for it;

many old friends were there and she could go show off occasionally.

Just two nights ago she'd teased about it in her past social circles and private groups with a seemingly casual post:

"Recently considering buying a place in Modu, paying in full, budget within eight figures. Sisters, any good developments or private listings to recommend?"

Oh man—that had exhilarated her so much she almost drew a map in bed that night.

Excitedly scrolling late into the night before falling asleep.

Thinking about the pending ultra-first-tier property, Lin Muxue couldn't help pressing her thighs together in delight, a flush rising to her face. Once she has this house, she'll rush back to her hometown in grand style and parade her success!

Ha!

Her phone buzzed in her bag, interrupting her high spirits.

She quickly stifled her excitement, pulled out her phone, and saw the incoming call: it was Chen Jing, Ms. Ouyang's secretary.

Chen Jing had been coordinating Tang Song's Rongcheng trip, so they were in frequent contact.

Lin Muxue answered with a poised, standard tone: "Hello? Secretary Chen."

"Hello, Assistant Lin." The voice on the line was mature, magnetic and rich.

Lin Muxue's heart skipped;

she rose instinctively, straightening her back and nervously said, "Ms. Ouyang! Hello!"

"Heh, don't be nervous." Ouyang Xianyue's voice sounded friendlier than before. "How have you been? Busy at work?"

"I'm fine—just busy."

They chatted a few lines about Tang Song's schedule, then Ouyang Xianyue suddenly, almost casually like friends making small talk, said:

"By the way, Assistant Lin. I heard you might be planning to buy a place in Modu?"

A shock ran through Lin Muxue.

She had only boasted in her small, elite group and private friend circle, while shielding most potential contacts.

How on earth did the news reach Ms. Ouyang?!

Who leaked it?!

Already on edge from being set up by Xiao Jing, Shen Yuyan, and Mo Xiangwan, Empress Muxue reacted instinctively.

"Y-yes, there's some talk," she forced down the rising panic and explained in a dry voice. "But it's not certain—just an idea. And my budget is limited, just a few million for a standard apartment."

"I see." Ouyang Xianyue sounded unfazed. "Coincidentally, I have a small vacant apartment in Modu. Not large, about 123 square meters, in the Lujiazui IFC area with a decent view. When I bought it the market price was only a few million. It's under my private investment company, not subject to purchase restrictions, and can be transferred via equity transfer—simple paperwork. If you'd like, I can transfer it to you at the original price as a way of disposing of an idle asset."

Lin Muxue blinked in disbelief, her mind briefly going blank.

What did that mean?

Ms. Ouyang would sell her Lujiazui apartment to me?

If someone of that stature offered directly, the price would be extremely favorable.

After all, publicly we're all part of the Tang-Jin circle—loosely family.

Lin Muxue's heart began to race uncontrollably.

It's Lujiazui!

Even a small serviced apartment there would cause her friend circles to erupt.

More importantly, it's Ouyang Xianyue's property—sheer prestige.

That background noise would outshine the apartment itself.

If Su Yu or Mo Xiangwan offered to sell, she wouldn't dare accept—she might anger Director Jin.

But Ms. Ouyang was different.

At thirty-six, a high-society matron and chairwoman of Tang Yi Precision—she surely wouldn't be involved in petty court intrigues.

Impossible! Absolutely impossible!