Chapter 366: Fake Socialite (Thanks to

Seeing the expression on Tang Song's face, Xie Xie Shu Yu took a light breath, her gaze slightly lowering.

She said calmly, "I truly admire you—your character, thinking, abilities, even your appearance."

But you must understand, marriage is about the blending of two families."

Choosing to marry means I'd also have to navigate mother-in-law dynamics and household trivialities."

I know myself too well—I can't do it, and I'll likely end up quarreling with my future husband over it, leading to irreconcilable conflict."

After speaking, she gently patted Tang Song's arm. "I'm sorry."

There was one thing she didn't say, mainly because she feared he'd think her too cold, too rational.

Her material conditions already guarantee her a good life; she doesn't need to bind herself to anyone through marriage.

Microlight Coffee carries her youth and blood, the most precious years of her life poured into it.

For her, this career is her spiritual anchor and future security.

If she and Tang Song had major conflicts over feelings, she'd inevitably bring that emotion into her work.

She could clearly foresee that if that happened, the future would be nothing but chaos.

Similar cases are countless, common both domestically and abroad.

Rather than that, it's better to clarify upfront and keep the two separate.

She has no objection to having a romantic, warm relationship with Tang Song—even bearing children—but marriage is out of the question.

"It's fine," Tang Song suppressed his joy and said softly, "I understand you. With your conditions and charm, if you'd wanted to marry or date before, there'd be no room for me."

Xie Xie Shu Yu slowly relaxed her clenched hands and lifted her eyes to look at him.

Handsome and tall, his gaze deep, radiating abundant sexual tension.

After a moment's hesitation, she straightened up and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Thank you."

Feeling the CEO's initiative, Tang Song fell silent for a moment, then said gently, "Xie Shu Yu, if in the future I marry another woman, what would you do?"

Xie Xie Shu Yu looked into Tang Song's eyes and said seriously, "That's your right. I guarantee I won't interfere with you or affect our business."

"Then how do you plan to handle our relationship?"

Xie Xie Shu Yu narrowed her eyes, stood straight, and said, "That depends on you, Tang Song. We've only just begun; the future is still unclear. I brought up marriage now to prevent possible friction later."

"I understand."

"Let's go. It's almost noon. Let's have lunch together and celebrate."

With that, Xie Xie Shu Yu elegantly walked behind her desk.

With her intelligence, she quickly understood from his tone and demeanor.

Tang Song's romantic feelings weren't pure—he had other women.

But she'd long prepared herself for this.

A man like him couldn't be controlled; he might end up controlling her instead.

Love is a game; the loser must compromise.

The best outcome would be her defeating Tang Song, making him willingly live with her without marriage.

But if Tang Song won, she'd make her own choices.

Right now, she wasn't ready to lose, nor did she believe she'd lose to any other woman.

Tang Song stood quietly beside her, watching Xie Xie Shu Yu pack up.

Xie Xie Shu Yu was truly slender, her waist thin enough to grip with one hand; fortunately, her fat distribution was balanced, her chest and hips far from small.

Especially when she bent slightly, her rounded, taut buttocks and slender, graceful waist formed an exquisite curve.

Like a supermodel on stage.

Soon, the two stepped out of the general manager's office.

"Director Xie! Director Tang!" "Director Xie!" "Director Tang!"…

Along the way, employees stared at them, their gazes filled with complex emotions.

Xie Xie Shu Yu seemed in high spirits, smiling warmly in response.

The elevator stopped at the B2 parking lot.

Getting into Xie Xie Shu Yu's BMW 7 Series, breathing the faint fragrance, Tang Song leaned slightly, watching the elegant female CEO behind the wheel.

"Vroom—" The car started.

Her face, smooth as sheep fat jade, glowed faintly under the dim dashboard light, exuding a cool, refined aura.

The female CEO in her black business suit, seated in the dim garage, was extraordinarily captivating.

"What's wrong?" Xie Xie Shu Yu elegantly fastened her seatbelt, back straight, every gesture radiating dignity.

A few strands of hair fell gently beside her cheeks, adding a touch of casual charm.

Different women carried different vibes.

The CEO's poise and aura made Tang Song, who'd just shared intimacy with her, feel his heart burn.

He couldn't resist rising to kiss her, firmly pressing his lips to hers, gently sucking and licking.

Xie Xie Shu Yu raised her eyebrows but didn't refuse.

In the sealed cabin, senses seemed heightened manyfold.

The fresh scent, the warm touch, the heated gaze—she felt her heartbeat quicken, her body tingling.

No matter how calm, rational, and mature she was, this was her first romance, her first kiss today.

A nameless flutter stirred within her.

"That's enough. Let's go. If we're late, the restaurant won't have good seats." Xie Xie Shu Yu straightened and said softly, "Where do you want to eat?"

Tang Song answered without hesitation: "Yanbinlou."

"Hmm…" Xie Xie Shu Yu pursed her lips, silent—she clearly understood his meaning.

Over four months ago, their first formal dinner was at Yanbinlou.

She remembered how seriously Tang Song had dressed that day—he'd clearly valued that date.

But Wang Wang Yunping's appearance had ruined his meal.

Soon, the black BMW 7 Series slowly pulled away.

In the passenger seat, Tang Song's lips remained curled in a bright smile.

Though the CEO had kept her lips closed and motionless during the kiss, he believed he'd soon break through her reserve and achieve a tongue kiss.

Tang Song chuckled softly and casually turned on the car's music player.

Soft music drifted through the cabin.

The song was the English classic, "You're Beautiful."

"BGM: My life is brilliant. My love is pure…"

Listening to the gentle melody, watching the handsome young man in her peripheral vision, Xie Xie Shu Yu, behind the wheel, smiled faintly, her fingers tapping lightly to the beat.

Starting a relationship didn't seem so bad.

…

6:00 PM.

"Vroom—vroom—vroom—" Amid the engine's roar.

The silver-gray Porsche 911 pulled into Lanfeng International Luxury Apartments.

"Click." Lin Empress Mu Xue stepped out, bag slung over her shoulder, holding a delicate insulated bag.

After locking the car, as she walked toward the elevator, she couldn't help glancing back at her beloved vehicle, then walked on, satisfied.

In the elevator, she gazed at her radiant reflection in the mirror.

Lin Empress Mu Xue smiled, pulled out her phone from her bag, struck a seductive pose, and snapped a few photos: "Click, click."

The elevator slowed to a stop.

Lin Empress Mu Xue hummed a tune as she opened the door to apartment 2002.

"Xiao Xue, you're back!" Xu Ning, watching TV in the living room, hurried over and took the items from her hands. "What do you want to eat? I bought a lot of ingredients today—I'll cook for you."

"No need. I brought food back."

Xu Ning stared at the heavy insulated bag, curious: "You brought food? Is this it?"

Lin Empress Mu Xue nodded, slipped on slippers, unbuttoned two buttons, and slumped lazily onto the living room sofa.

"It's our company's boxed lunch—I brought two portions."

"What kind of boxed lunch is this heavy?" Xu Ning muttered, placing the insulated bag on the coffee table.

She gently opened the lid, revealing a dazzling array of exquisite meal containers, and exclaimed, "Wow, so much food! Your company's benefits are amazing! Is this… black truffle mushroom rice? And steak too…"

Then Xu Ning's mouth widened further, staring in disbelief at what she pulled out.

Besides the proper main dishes, there were extremely fresh vegetable salads, caviar seafood consommé, desserts, and fresh fruit platters.

Each delicate container, paired with beautifully presented food, radiated sophistication.

Swallowing hard, Xu Ning stared blankly: "Xiao Xue, you're not joking, right? This is your company's boxed lunch?"

"Look at you, so easily impressed," Lin Empress Mu Xue laughed. "Come on, let's eat in the dining room."

Though she teased Xu Ning, she knew full well her own reaction hadn't been much better back then.

Juqing Juqing Juqing Hui Jin truly excelled in employee benefits—absolutely top-tier.

Far superior to the so-called premium group meals she and Xu Ning had once endured.

Eating the fragrant, delicious food, watching the elegant, noble Lin Empress Mu Xue,

Xu Ning licked her lips and suddenly asked with hopeful eyes: "Xiao Xue, is your company hiring?"

Lin Empress Mu Xue paused her movements, smiling wryly at her: "Heh, may I ask—what's your educational background?"

"I… I graduated from a vocational school," Xu Ning said awkwardly. "I'm just asking out of curiosity, nothing more."

She had been staying at Xiao Xue's place for five days now.

At first, the two barely spoke to each other, but since Xiao Xue returned from a business trip to Quancheng yesterday, her attitude toward her had suddenly improved a lot.

That gave her the courage to ask.

Right now, she was drowning in debt, already labeled a deadbeat, and she had to earn money—or else.

Seeing how well Xiao Xue was doing, she couldn't help but want to get closer to her.

After all, Xiao Xue only had a junior college diploma, and she'd studied flight attendant services.

Xiao Xue glanced at Xu Ning for a moment, then said casually, "Our company's receptionists are all beautiful women with bachelor's degrees and fluent English. Most employees in other departments are graduates from top universities with master's degrees."

"Ssshh—" Xu Ning bit her tongue hard, her face flushed. "I see. Okay."

"How's the information I asked you to organize?"

"Oh, oh! I've finished it," Xu Ning immediately stood up, picked up a sheet of paper from her desk, and handed it to her.

Xiao Xue took it and glanced through it, her eyebrows twitching in agitation.

It listed all the debts she'd asked Xu Ning to compile—scattered and fragmented, totaling 430,000 Zhao Yuan.

Many of them were from loan-sharking schemes, rolling interest, and borrowing from one to pay another.

"I'm sorry, I know I was wrong," Xu Ning rushed to speak first.

Xiao Xue let out a long breath, gritting her teeth. "Don't waste time with empty apologies. Think about how to get out of this mess."

"I… I just want to find a job. Streaming doesn't earn much, and I can't land any modeling gigs," Xu Ning said, her voice tinged with guilt. "Xiao Xue, you're so powerful now—could you help me find a job?"

Xiao Xue's gaze flickered. She ate quietly, lost in thought.

Finding a job was too easy for her.

For example, Li Li Yujiao and Zhang Xi, those two Bai Bai Fumei, could easily arrange something for her.

But Xu Ning owed so much money—she needed a high-paying job with real growth potential.

Then her eyes lit up.

Fanfu Media had been growing rapidly lately, and the company was currently signing short-film actors.

Xu Ning was genuinely attractive and had some acting talent. For her, this might be a good path.

Besides, Tang Song might be investing in a short-film production base—he's interested in this field, and it's definitely promising.

After a moment's consideration, Xiao Xue's expression turned serious. "I'll handle the job search for you. Starting tomorrow, call each of these online lending platforms one by one and demand they cut the interest. Calculate how much you need for the first payment—get rid of your deadbeat status first."

"Thank you, Xiao Xue!" Hearing this, Xu Ning burst into tears. "I really didn't know how I made it through these past few months. You're the only one helping me now, but I did such terrible things to you before—I'm sorry."

…

After dinner, Xiao Xue did a quick calculation of her savings.

Although she now drove a 2-million-Zhao Yuan Porsche 911, lived in a luxury apartment, and used all kinds of luxury goods, she wasn't truly rich.

Her monthly salary was only around 45,000 Zhao Yuan, and the bulk of her income came from the year-end bonus.

Plus, she spent lavishly and had lent 100,000 Zhao Yuan to Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian Qian's mother.

In truth, she had very little saved.

Altogether, it was barely under 200,000 Zhao Yuan.

That was only because her self-media account income had increased, and Tang Song had once given her twenty thousand U. S. dollars—otherwise, she wouldn't have made it.

When would she ever get a windfall?

Sigh. Life was hard, Xiao Xue sighed.

"Ding-ding-ding—" Her phone rang urgently.

Xu Ning glanced at her phone and quickly answered. "Hello, Zhang Mengmeng."

"I'm at Lanfeng International Apartment. Where are you?"

"Mm-hmm, okay, I'm coming right over. I'll wait for you in the hotel lobby."

She hung up.

Xu Ning whispered, "Zhang Mengmeng and the others are arriving at Lanfeng International Hotel soon."

"Let's go," Xiao Xue stood up. "You've been back in Yancheng for almost a week, and I haven't taken you out to enjoy anything yet."

Since Lanfeng International Hotel was right next door—only 200 meters away—

Xiao Xue didn't bother driving. She simply led Xu Ning there on foot.

A hot evening breeze hit their faces.

Xu Ning whispered, "Xiao Xue, Wen Wen Wen Qiuyue is just that kind of arrogant, spoiled rich girl—she treats everyone like that. It's been over two years; she probably doesn't even remember what happened back then."

"Heh. Don't preach kindness to someone who hasn't suffered," Xiao Xue turned her head, her expression icy. "I don't care if she remembers. I only know how she treated me back then! If I don't get revenge, I'll never let it go."

Back in college, she had been naive and insecure.

The humiliation Wen Wen Wen Qiuyue inflicted on her had sunk deep into her bones, becoming a psychological shadow.

Although she still didn't have the power to strike back directly, she needed to prepare.

Tonight, she specifically asked her to invite Li Bing and Zhang Zhang Mengmeng, just to find out Wen Wen Wen Qiuyue's current situation.

Unlike her, Xu Ning had always worked as a model.

Even though she'd been away for a year, her network and connections remained.

Both of them were models for Jiaxin Fashion, and Xiao Xue had known them during her own social circle days—though not closely.

Seeing Xiao Xue's furious expression, Xu Ning quickly explained: "I'm just worried about you. Jiaxin Fashion is quite famous nationwide, and Wen Wen Wen Qiuyue is the boss's daughter. I'm afraid you might act on impulse…"

"Relax. I'm not as stupid as you."

"Fine," Xu Ning pouted, slightly hurt.

She was genuinely afraid Xiao Xue would step on a landmine, so she'd warned her.

For a billionaire family like Wen Wen Wen Qiuyue's, such a personality was perfectly normal.

When she first started out, she'd been bullied plenty too.

They passed through the luxurious revolving entrance.

Cool air rushed over them, instantly dispelling the summer heat.

The double-height lobby soared over seven meters.

Three dazzling chandeliers floated in the center of the ceiling.

Glittering, opulent, grand.

Pulling Xiao Xue's arm, Xu Ning murmured, "I haven't been here in nearly two years. Lanfeng International Hotel is still so beautiful—looks like many areas have been renovated."

Just then, two attendants near the entrance quickly called out: "Good evening, Lin Zong. Is there anything we can assist you with?"

Seeing the staff walking straight toward them, Xu Ning froze, instinctively glancing around.

"No, I'm waiting for two friends. You go ahead," Xiao Xue calmly shook her head.

"Understood. Please call us anytime if you need anything."

Arriving at the hotel lobby's lounge area, Xu Ning gazed in envy. "Xiao Xue, are you a regular here? They're so warm toward you."

Xiao Xue now had serious clout—people even called her Lin Zong when she went out.

In just a year, she'd changed so much. She was truly living well.

Xiao Xue leaned elegantly back on the sofa and smiled lightly. "They're courteous to me not because I'm a regular."

"Then why?"

"In a certain sense, I'm their superior."

"Su… superior?" Xu Ning stared in disbelief. "Aren't you working at a financial company?"

"Does that contradict anything?" Xiao Xue's lips curled into a wide smile.

Although she hadn't intended to show off in front of her old friend, once you reach a certain level, even a small display is enough to shock someone.

If Xu Ning knew the real power behind her, she'd probably faint.

After all, she could now interact with Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan, Tang Song, and Luo Bin.

When the three of them got together, they were unstoppable—killing gods, slaying Buddhas, cutting through everything.

Just then, her phone rang again.

Xu Ning didn't press further, answering immediately: "Hello, Zhang Mengmeng."

"We're here, in the left lounge area of the lobby."

"Okay, bye."

She hung up. "They've gotten out of the taxi and are entering the hotel now."

Xiao Xue nodded, her gaze fixed on the entrance.

Soon, two slender, fashionably dressed girls walked in.

Strap dresses, stilettos, heavy makeup, model strides, obvious logos on accessories and bags.

"Zhang Mengmeng, Li Bing, long time no see."

"Long time no see, Xu Ning. You're finally back in Yancheng."

The three greeted each other.

Zhang Zhang Mengmeng stared at Xiao Xue sitting on the sofa, blinking hard. "Is this… your best friend Xiao Xue? You've changed so much!"

"Hello," Xiao Xue smiled and nodded.

Li Bing stepped forward quickly, astonished. "Wait—is that an Hermès Birkin? Looks amazing. How much did you pay for it?"

Xiao Xue pursed her lips, expression calm. "I bought it at retail price."

"Pfft~ That's no fun," Li Bing grumbled. "We all know each other. Be honest—I've always wanted a high-quality fake Birkin to show off. I really want one. Do you have a source?"

Zhang Zhang Mengmeng walked over quickly, grinning: "It looks just like the real thing, Xiao Xue, can I borrow it to take some photos?"

"Yes, yes, I'll take a few pictures too, and check in at Lanfeng International Hotel."

A strong scent of perfume hit them as the two sat down beside her, pulling out their phones from their bags.

Lin Empress Mu Xue calmly passed over her Hermès.

"Click—click—"

The two slung their bags over their shoulders, posing in various stances in the hotel lobby, drawing many curious glances.

"Xu Ning, Xiao Xue, it's off-season now—Lanfeng International's executive suites are around 2,000. How about we book one together?"

"Five hundred each, plus unlimited access to the executive lounge—this is such a steal."

"Exactly! Lanfeng's executive lounge is amazing, especially the lighting—it's perfect for photos."

…

Watching their movements and listening to their chattering chatter,

Lin Empress Mu Xue's gaze grew slightly distant, as if seeing her former self.

A fake socialite.

That was her black history, her path to where she stood now.

But it was all past tense.

Taking back her beloved Hermès Birkin, Lin Empress Mu Xue rose gracefully, her gaze confident and composed: "No need to split the cost—if you like it, I'll arrange for you all to stay one night."

"Uh…" Li Bing and Zhang Zhang Mengmeng exchanged a glance, both puzzled.

"What do you mean, Xiao Xue? Are you treating us? Did you strike it rich?"

Lin Empress Mu Xue let out a light laugh, tilting her chin slightly: "Let's go. Xu Ning invited you here today mainly because I wanted to ask you something. We'll talk at the club—I'm treating tonight."

With that, she turned and walked toward the elevator.

Xu Ning hesitated for a moment, then pulled her two friends after her.

Stepping into the opulent elevator, the uniformed staff hurriedly asked: "Director Lin, which floor are you heading to?"

"Gu Yi Business Club. Please arrange a private lounge for me."

"Of course." The staff nodded firmly and whispered a few words into her intercom headset.

The elevator slowed to a stop at the first floor.

Following the staff into the elevator, Xu Ning and the two others exchanged uneasy glances, thoroughly confused.

"Ding—" The elevator slowed to a stop at the fifth floor.

The group stepped out one by one.

Immediately, servers in Hanfu approached with warm greetings.

Lin Empress Mu Xue gave a slight nod, unperturbed.

The duty manager beamed: "Director Lin, your private room is ready. I'll show you the way."

"Thank you."

Inside the club, the decor was ancient and elegant, brimming with refined New Chinese aesthetics.

Along the way, they passed numerous ink-wash landscape paintings and calligraphy scrolls.

A faint tea aroma drifted through the air, accompanied by the gentle strains of a guzheng.

Yet Xu Ning, Zhang Zhang Mengmeng, and Li Bing had no interest in taking photos or checking in—their eyes were fixed in awe on the small figure ahead.

It was as if a thick halo of light had suddenly enveloped her, making her seem impossibly distant.

They entered a luxurious yet restrained private lounge.

Lin Empress Mu Xue casually ordered some wine and fruit, then turned to the duty manager: "By the way, Manager Zhang, please inform the front desk—I'd like to reserve an executive suite for my friends tonight."

"Understood, Director Lin."

"Zhang Mengmeng, Li Bing, you brought your ID cards, right?"

Meeting Lin Empress Mu Xue's gaze, Zhang Zhang Mengmeng and Li Bing's hearts leapt—they nodded vigorously, their eyes filled with reverence.

The door to the private room slowly closed.

Sitting beside her, Xu Ning swallowed hard, wanting to ask something, but unable to utter a word.

Zhang Zhang Mengmeng and Li Bing stared at the Hermès beside Lin Empress Mu Xue, and the Zongheng Sihai on her wrist.

Suddenly, it dawned on them—these were real!

They got along well with Xu Ning and had certainly met this Xiao Xue before; they'd even joined group purchases together occasionally.

But they never imagined that after just over a year, she had become someone they could no longer reach.

Sensing the shift in their gaze, Lin Empress Mu Xue smiled indifferently.

Crossing her legs, she asked calmly: "Zhang Mengmeng, Li Bing—you've been working with Jiaxin Apparel for a while, right?"

Zhang Zhang Mengmeng sat up straight immediately: "Yes, we signed long-term contracts with Jiaxin and often get jobs from them, though now we mainly do flat-lay modeling for e-commerce platforms."

Lin Empress Mu Xue asked calmly: "What about Wen Wen Wen Qiuyue? Do you interact with her often? Isn't her company in Hangcheng?"

"Yes, she's mostly based in Hangcheng now, with her own independent company and clothing brand called Yuechang—it's doing pretty well, almost a celebrity brand. I heard she got engaged recently."

Lin Empress Mu Xue raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Engaged?"

"Yeah, but with her temper, her future husband's going to suffer."

"I heard her boyfriend's the heir to a local apparel company too—a handsome overseas returnee. The company's called Shangya Apparel—it's quite famous. I once modeled for their exhibition."

"Shangya Apparel…" Lin Empress Mu Xue murmured softly, her eyes thoughtful.