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Chapter 698 Reunion, Breaking Through Defenses
Night falls slowly.

IFC Tower T2 (North Tower), 53 floors.

Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the dazzling night view of Lujiazui unfolds.

A window seat, next to a round table with the best view.

Lin Muxue held a cup of warm Pu'er tea, a polite smile on her face, and listened quietly to Bei Yuwei's sharing beside her.

"...That martial arts choreographer was a monster. I was suspended in the air by wires for three days straight to film one fight scene, and my legs were covered in bruises that haven't faded yet..."

"...And then there's the second male lead in our show, that popular idol who seems so respectable on the surface, but he's a real scumbag behind the scenes..."

Bei Yuwei lowered her voice and enthusiastically shared with her all sorts of interesting stories from the film crew and gossip from the entertainment industry.

However, these topics that used to excite Xiaoxue did not have much effect.

She would only occasionally chime in with a comment, appearing somewhat indifferent.

At this moment, her mind was engaged in a rapid process of weighing the pros and cons.

The house contract has been signed, and the property rights will soon be transferred.

It's absolutely impossible for her to give up this multi-million dollar luxury apartment in the heart of Lujiazui.

But Bei Yuwei is Su Yu's person.

We live so close to her, practically across the hall from each other…

If this gets back to Director Kim, what will she think?
Could they misunderstand and think that I have some kind of secret collusion with Su Yu?

At that point, it'll be like mud falling into your crotch—even if it's not shit, it'll still look like shit.

But then I thought about it.

She also felt that she didn't seem to have done anything too wrong in this matter.

This apartment was a gift from Ms. Ouyang.

This neighbor was someone who had been there before.

I was in a passive position from beginning to end, completely unaware of the situation.

With Director Kim's wisdom, he should be able to understand the reason behind this, right?

After all, Ms. Ouyang and Director Jin have always been good friends.

Both are respected female entrepreneurs.

Having convinced herself of her own beliefs, Lin Muxue finally breathed a sigh of relief.

They began to truly enjoy the food in front of them, and subtly shifted the conversation to Secretary Chen across from them.

They inquired about Ms. Ouyang's recent work and health with concern.

As she took the initiative to speak, Bei Yuwei seemed to realize something and immediately stopped her gossip.

Like a quiet outsider, I sat to the side with a smile.

For a moment, the atmosphere was harmonious and gentle.

The night is getting darker.

The Oriental Pearl Tower outside the window is beautifully illuminated.

Secretary Chen took a sip of tea and asked, "Assistant Lin, weren't you recently helping Yisha Beauty in Yancheng find a spokesperson?"

“Yes, that’s right.” Lin Muxue nodded. “It’s Qianqian’s beauty salon. Since they’re going to open a few new stores around the capital, they need to upgrade the brand image. I mentioned it to Tangzong Entertainment, and they already have a few suitable candidates.”

Upon hearing this, Secretary Chen smiled and looked at Bei Yuwei beside her, "I just happened to hear about this, and I think Miss Bei Yuwei is quite suitable. Moreover, she happens to be available recently, and her appearance and temperament are very fitting."

Bei Yuwei quickly sat up straight.

“This…” Lin Muxue was taken aback. “Isa Beauty’s endorsement budget is very limited. I’m afraid we can’t afford a big star like Yuwei.”

To avoid suspicion, her contact with Tangzong Entertainment has always followed normal business procedures, and she has not asked Mo Xiangwan for any special privileges.

Therefore, the final selections were all second- or third-tier celebrities.

She has audience appeal and is a familiar face, but her endorsement fees are not high.

She wanted to use her actions to show her stance to everyone who might be "monitoring" her.

Secretary Chen smiled and said calmly, "It's like this, the latest spokesperson for Tangyi Precision's newly established home beauty device brand [Guangyun] happens to be Ms. Bei Yuwei. The contract was just finalized yesterday afternoon."

Ms. Ouyang has a very good impression of Ms. Zhao Yaqian and hopes to have more contact with her.

Therefore, we hope to cooperate with Isa Beauty and have the [Radiance] series products available through Isa Beauty's channels at a discounted price. We would also cover a portion of Isa Beauty's endorsement fees, which would be a token of Ms. Ouyang's goodwill.

"Huh?" Lin Muxue's eyebrows twitched, and she vaguely felt that something was wrong.

However, given Ms. Ouyang's status, it seems she had no motive to harm her.

Previously, they had been very friendly to Xiaojing and her.

Moreover, unlike Su Yu and Mo Xiangwan, she doesn't have as many taboos or conflicting stances.

It should be...no problem, right?
"Thank you very much, Secretary Chen and Ms. Ouyang, for your kindness. I will go back and talk to Qianqian, and get back to you as soon as possible."

"Hmm, no rush." ​​Secretary Chen elegantly raised her teacup.

The three of them gently clinked their glasses.

Bei Yuwei's legs, which were placed under the table, began to tremble slightly.

Who knows how excited and nervous she is right now!
I had just finished filming and was planning to fly there for a business event, but a phone call from Miss Su Yu sent me to Shanghai.

They not only upgraded their residence from a high-end community to the Huayue Apartments in the IFC Mall.

Now, they've even secured the global brand ambassadorship for a major brand under Tangyi Precision.

As for the one from Isa Beauty, it's just an add-on at best.

Mr. Mo said that he would provide compensation elsewhere.

At this very moment, I'm having dinner with the chief secretary of the chairman of Tangyi Precision...

This made her, a small-time artist who had been struggling in the industry for many years, feel extremely honored!
This is the treatment you get after "getting ashore"!
With Tang Song standing behind me, I've definitely chosen the right person to follow!

Moreover, if it's for an endorsement, it will definitely have to be in Yancheng, the headquarters of Isa Beauty.
Then...wouldn't that make it perfectly legitimate for me to visit Tang and Song?

There's no need to worry about upsetting Miss Su Yu.

Since their last meeting, although she has gained the approval of President Mo and Sister Su Yu and obtained the top-tier resources she had always dreamed of, she has also been extremely busy.

To be honest, I still miss my boyfriend who's not in the entertainment industry, with whom I just started dating.

Of course, she only dared to think about this nickname in private.

If Miss Su Yu found out, I'd probably just vanish into thin air.

However, things are already very good as they are now.

Being in the entertainment industry, a huge arena of fame and fortune, means having a solid backer and a constant stream of top-tier resources.

You can earn money steadily, act, sing, and become famous...

This is the ultimate dream that countless artists can never achieve in their entire lives.

……

Even after dinner, the atmosphere remained harmonious.

Bei Yuwei affectionately took Lin Muxue's arm and invited, "Muxue, it's still early, how about we go shopping at the IFC together?"

"No, thank you." Lin Muxue calmly withdrew her arm. "I'm in Shanghai very short time this time."

Chen Jing, who was standing nearby, immediately understood and said, "Assistant Lin, I'll arrange a car to take you back to the Bulgari Hotel right now."

"No need, Secretary Chen," Lin Muxue smiled. "I'd better go back to the apartment first. I've come all this way, I should at least get familiar with my new home."

"Okay, then please feel free to contact me if you need anything." Chen Jing didn't insist any further, said goodbye to the two, and left first.

Lin Muxue followed her "little tail" Bei Yuwei back to the 52nd floor of Tower T2.

At their respective room doors, she merely nodded slightly to Bei Yuwei and said "goodbye," her attitude somewhat indifferent.

He swiped his card and entered his apartment.

"boom--"

The moment that heavy armored door slowly closed behind me.

All the reserve and aloofness on Lin Muxue's face vanished instantly.

She kicked off her agonizing high heels, tossed her Birkin bag aside, and then let out a long-suppressed scream of excitement!

Like a fawn that has broken free of its cage, barefoot, it excitedly runs around in this luxurious apartment filled with the smell of money.

Finally, with a leap, she landed heavily on the large bed covered with top-quality Frette bedding.

Hugging a soft pillow, she excitedly rolled around on the large bed, her long legs kicking wildly in the air without any regard for her image.

He was also making bursts of laughter.

After she had had her fill of fun, she finally got out of bed and ran to the huge French windows.

Looking down at the unparalleled night view that shone like a diamond galaxy, she was enveloped by an immense sense of satisfaction.

This feeling... this feeling is like being lifted up from behind by Tang Song, standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, drawing a map of the night view.

It's absolutely terrifying!
She took a deep, blissful breath.

I immediately took out my phone, adjusted the angle, and took several selfies with the Oriental Pearl Tower as the background, which were full of "unintentional sophistication".

Then, she opened the "socialite group" that she had already set to "Do Not Disturb" and sent a few pictures to it.

She left a message saying, "@Xinyi, @Chenchen, @Zichu, my dears, thank you for helping me find an apartment a while ago. Don't worry about it anymore. I just found one I'm pretty happy with, and we've already signed the contract. Now when I come to Shanghai for business, I'll finally have my own little place."

The moment the photos and text were posted, the group chat exploded.

After all, they were all "fake socialites" who had been in Shanghai for many years, and they all had sharp eyes.

She could immediately tell where she was and the room's decor.

Flattery, compliments, shock, envy, fawning...

Lin Muxue admired it for a while, and felt every pore on her body relax.

However, the current Emperor Muxue is no longer the same as before, and naturally he will no longer leave too much of his mark in such a low-level group.

Her eyes darted around, and suddenly she made a decision—

I won't be going back to the hotel tonight!
The amenities here are incredibly complete, from toiletries to towels and bathrobes, all are top-of-the-line brand-new products.

There's even a small mini bar in the living room, filled with all sorts of top-tier wines.

This was once the residence of a top-tier socialite like Ms. Ouyang, much more comfortable than the Bulgari Hotel!
Today, she also wants to experience what it's like to be a real "hostess".

I took a nice, fragrant hot bath and wrapped myself in a soft bathrobe.

Lin Muxue poured herself a bottle of red wine from the wine cabinet, then sat down on the sofa in front of the French windows, holding the wine glass.

Looking out the window at the dazzling, decadent night scene.

A dreamlike feeling, as if I had already reached the pinnacle of life, arose spontaneously.

I enjoyed the wine and scenery by myself for quite a while.

Lin Muxue's heart stirred, and the corners of her mouth slightly lifted.

He picked up his phone, opened WeChat, and directly dialed Shen Yuyan's video call.

The video call was answered almost instantly.

Shen Yuyan's equally beautiful face appeared on the screen.

She appeared to have just finished washing up, wearing a conservative nightgown with her hair casually draped over her shoulders; the background looked like a hotel.

"Hello, Shirley, good evening."

"Luna, what's up so late?"

"I missed you," Lin Muxue casually turned her phone camera to the dazzling night view of Lujiazui outside the window. "I overheard you talking to me before, and you said you really like Shanghai and the atmosphere of Lujiazui. The weather is really nice tonight, and the night view is truly enchanting."

Shen Yuyan on the other end of the video call was clearly taken aback.

Lin Muxue's smile widened even more. "President Tang helped me buy a small apartment here, right in the IFC, close to all the major financial institutions. It's not big, but it's enough for one person."

"Did President Tang give this to you...?" Shen Yuyan's large, unrestrained breasts heaved.

"Yes, it is."

Lin Muxue slowly panned the camera around the room, "inadvertently" capturing the expensive furniture and appliances, as well as the small bar filled with top-quality wines.

Finally, she turned the camera back to her own face and said in an extremely intimate and warm tone, "Shirley, when you come to Shanghai on a business trip, just come and stay at my place."

Shen Yuyan smiled insincerely and said, "Okay. Then... thank you in advance, Luna. You're so good to me. Staying up so late at night to share your joy with me."

"Of course! We're not just colleagues, we're best friends too."

“Hmm, that’s true.” Shen Yuyan suddenly changed the subject. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you yet, but I’m also on a business trip today. I’m currently in Chengdu.”

"Rongcheng?" Lin Muxue raised her delicate eyebrows.

"Yes, indeed." Shen Yuyan mimicked her manipulative tone and said softly, "President Tang arranged some private investment business for me a couple of days ago. First, he held several online meetings, and today he specially called me to Rongcheng to handle it in person for him. Now, I'm still working overtime. President Tang is really something, he's making me feel like my bones are about to fall apart. Okay, I'll stop now, I have to get back to work, bye-bye."

Immediately, before Lin Muxue could react, the video call was abruptly ended.

Lin Muxue held her phone, and the smug smile on her face slowly froze.

A strong sense of crisis surged up uncontrollably again. He tossed his phone aside and stood up from the sofa.

I walked to my desk, opened my laptop, and forced myself into a study mode.

That despicable scheming bitch!

All he does is scare me by hiding behind me all day!

Moreover, something even more important and dangerous is about to happen.

In the middle of this month, Tang Song will personally fly to New York to attend the most important annual global shareholders meeting of Smile Holdings.

She could imagine what a terrifying scene it would be when all the dragons gathered and gods fought!
As Tang Song's only "personal assistant," she naturally had to accompany him throughout the entire process.

This meant that she had to cram on her knowledge of company financial reports, the global macroeconomy, and background information on her top partners.

We just can't make a fool of ourselves and embarrass the Tang and Song dynasties.

……

December 6, 2023, Wednesday, Beijing.

Seven o'clock in the morning, in a suite at the Hyatt Regency Wangjing.

Jiang Yourong slowly woke up from the soft bed.

She didn't get up immediately, but instead reached out and pressed the button on the bedside table, and the curtains slowly opened.

Morning light streamed into the room through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and the city skyline gradually awoke in the interplay of light and shadow.

Looking at this familiar city.

She let out a long breath and stood up.

I put on my coat, left the room, and headed to the hotel's buffet restaurant.

Hot cocoa, croissants, strawberry tarts...

A hearty and delicious breakfast eased her tension a little.

Return to the room.

She pulled out the business suit that she had prepared long ago from the bottom of her suitcase.

She took off her casual clothes, revealing her full, fair body.

She couldn't help but stand in front of the full-length mirror and carefully examine herself in the mirror.

His eyes were filled with guilt.

Compared to the "Assistant Jiang" who was slim and fit eight years ago when she was still at [Smiling Investment], she is much more attractive.

She has gained almost 20 pounds!
Her breasts and buttocks have grown significantly, and her once-proud slender waistline is now blurred.

On the lower abdomen, you can even see a layer of soft, flabby fat.

Jiang Yourong pinched the soft flesh around her waist with a worried expression.

Since she started to "lie flat," her already lazy nature has become even more uncontrollable.

Nine-to-five job, three delicious meals a day in the faculty and staff canteen, and afternoon tea with a cup of milk tea and a small cake...

It's hard not to gain weight.

As for losing weight? For her, it was pure torture.

Every time I swear to diet, I'm defeated by my appetite on the very first day.

Weight is a "reality" she can't face.

It was also a subtle "mark of depravity" that followed her departure from Director Kim.

She gave a soft, bitter laugh as she put on the slightly tight-fitting business suit.

She touched up her makeup, drew her eyebrows, and combed her hair in front of the mirror.

Every movement carries a solemn sense of ritual.

Once everything was ready, she picked up her bag and set off.

……

Half past nine in the morning.

A black limousine slowly drove into the headquarters park of Smile Holdings.

Jiang Yourong sat in the back row, curiously looking at the futuristic building complex.

The winter morning sun shines on the huge glass curtain wall, reflecting a cold yet dazzling light.

This is the headquarters of [Smile Holdings], the "complete form" of [Smile Investment], where she used to work.

Everything became more magnificent, more aloof, and more awe-inspiring.

The car was parked in front of the South Tower.

She got out of the car and stepped through the glass door.

Then I saw a familiar figure coming towards me.

"You Rong." Shangguan Qiuyue, dressed in a black business suit, walked with clean and crisp steps and a gentle smile on her face. "Welcome back."

"Thank you, Assistant Shangguan." Jiang Yourong shook hands with her.

"Let's go, Director Kim is already waiting for you in his office."

"Ah."

Take a private elevator directly to the top floor.

"Ding--"

The elevator doors slid open slowly.

What comes into view is a spacious administration floor.

The decor is simple yet artistic, with almost no superfluous embellishments.

Beneath my feet was a soft carpet.

A cool, refreshing fragrance filled the air.

Walk forward along the corridor.

Employees passing by either walked briskly or were engrossed in their work.

The sounds of keyboards and printers mingled together.

Everything seemed busy yet orderly.

It seems to be true, yet it is not; it is both familiar and strange.

Jiang Yourong's mind began to wander.

She felt as if she had returned to 2016—

At that time, she was a graduate student about to graduate from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Like all the chosen ones, he was full of boundless aspirations for the future and had extremely high aspirations.

He was determined to make a name for himself in this city that represents the heart of China.

Therefore, she did not choose those stable traditional companies, nor did she go to those seemingly exciting internet companies.

Instead, on the recommendation of her mentor, she chose a financial company that had just been established and was relatively unknown at the time, but which offered ridiculously high salaries—[Smile Investment].

Executive Director's Office - High-Tech Assistant, starting monthly salary of 30,000, annual bonus of 6 months' salary or more, plus high performance bonuses.

Keep in mind, this was in 2016!

For a graduate student from an ordinary working-class family who is about to graduate, this attraction is irresistible.

What impressed her the most was the young founder, Jin Meixiao, who personally interviewed her.

She was a true "golden girl," already renowned in the international financial markets.

From her speech to her eyes, from her gait to her decisiveness, from her abilities to her ambitions, she exudes a sense of control.

Following someone like that will lead to limitless future prospects.

After going through a series of incredibly tough competitions, she finally got the offer she had been dreaming of.

But then reality dealt her a heavy blow.

The salary is high, but the work is fucking exhausting!
No weekends, no holidays, on call 24/7.

Every day, they have to process massive amounts of industry reports, coordinate countless video conferences across time zones, and write logically sound business plans for Director Jin's wildly imaginative ideas within 24 hours...

Jiang Yourong, who had just entered society, suffered her first and most profound beating from capitalists.

She learned about the hardships of society.

In the end, they chose to escape.

She gave up her enviable high-paying job and returned to campus to pursue her doctorate.

He eventually entered Yancheng Normal University and became a comfortable university teacher, essentially settling into a life of ease within the system.

I was originally very glad I made this decision, because the job of a university teacher is indeed very comfortable and has a high social status.

But soon, she regretted it.

After she left, [Smile Investment] took off like a rocket and quickly transformed into the behemoth it is today – [Smile Holdings].

Qin Yingxue, Li Shiqin, Shangguan Qiuyue, and others who joined the company at the same time as her all rose to prominence and became influential figures in their respective fields.

But whenever I see news articles or interviews with Director Kim…

That hidden regret and remorse will creep back into my heart.

Now, she has finally gotten another chance.

At least it's a chance to see Director Kim again.

"arrive."

Shangguan Qiuyue stopped and gently knocked on the dark wooden door in front of her.

"Dong, dong, dong——"

"Enter."

A familiar female voice came from inside the door.

Jiang Yourong's throat tightened, and she took a soft breath.

Straighten your back and push open the door to enter.

Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, making the entire office bright and warm.

A faint fragrance filled the air, both cool and restrained.

Jiang Yourong subconsciously squinted her eyes, waiting for her gaze to refocus.

The figure from my memory has finally reappeared.

She was wearing a minimalist white silk shirt with the cuffs slightly rolled up, revealing her slender wrists.

Her long brown hair was tied back with a shark clip, with a few stray strands falling naturally across her smooth forehead.

The moment she looked up, the light and shadow in her eyes still revealed the same undeniable beauty she possessed back then.

"Jiang Yourong." She stood up from behind her desk. "Long time no see."

“Director Kim…”

Jiang Yourong's voice sounded a little strained.

That one address made her thoughts go back seven years in an instant.

"Da da da--"

Secretary Kim walked out from behind her desk, her steps unhurried.

There was neither deliberate ostentation nor any unnecessary flamboyance.

The silk shirt shimmered softly in the light, making the figure appear like a silhouette in the mist, so elegant it was almost unreal.

She stopped in front of Jiang Yourong, no more than two steps away.

He looked her over closely.

Those eyes didn't show any obvious emotion, but they possessed a sharp, scrutinizing edge.

The air gradually solidified.

Jiang Yourong almost instinctively lowered her head to avoid that gaze.

My heart was pounding like a drum, and even my palms were sweating.

She actually had so much to say.

But under the other person's oppressive gaze, all words seemed light and powerless.

She didn't even know if, after so many years, Director Jin really still remembered "Assistant Jiang," who had organized documents for her during countless overtime nights.

Just as she was feeling uneasy.

Secretary Kim smiled slightly and said something that broke her defenses:
"Assistant Jiang, I didn't expect you to have gained so much weight. It seems the food at university was pretty good."

(End of this chapter)