Chapter 521: The Last Pride

October 8, 2023, Sunday, cloudy, high temperature 23°C.

8:00 a. m.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, gently falling on her face.

Shen Yu Yan slowly opened her eyes, a trace of lingering confusion and fatigue in her gaze.

Last night, she had tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

Despair over the collapse of Youjie Home Care, hatred for her enemies, and an inexplicable flutter for Tang Song—all intertwined and colliding within her, like turbulent undercurrents.

These emotions churned and clashed inside her, surging like hidden tides.

She rose and stood by the window, overlooking the bustling morning streets of Modu.

Sunlight streamed through the glass, outlining her slender waist and long legs, casting a soft silhouette in the morning light.

After staring blankly for a while, she turned to the sink and methodically applied a light makeup.

She deliberately painted her lips with a dewy peach-colored lip gloss, intentionally cultivating a "just woken up" languid charm.

Returning to bed, she picked up her phone, opened the front camera, and meticulously adjusted the angle and expression.

Sister Weiwei disheveled strands of hair, a faintly dazed gaze—perfectly conveying an effortless sensuality and pure allure.

"Click—" a selfie brimming with calculated intent was born.

She shared the photo with Tang Song and added a comment: "(*»»» Good morning~ Tang Zong, a new day has begun!"

Shen Yu Yan: "By the way, if you need anything done, just say the word—I'm already eager to impress Tang Zong."

"(#covering mouth and laughing)"

After sending the message, Shen Yu Yan's smile vanished instantly, replaced by silence.

She returned to the home screen.

Just as she was about to message her best friend Sister Sister Qingqing, she noticed her high school group chat ablaze with discussion.

After a moment's hesitation, she clicked in.

The first thing she saw was a flood of flattery.

【Thank you, boss. gif】

【"Thanks for Ji Ji Yingying's red packet! Love you!"】

【"Didn't you notice? Ji Ji Yingying's watch is a Van Cleef & Arpels Charms series—costs a hundred thousand! No wonder she's a successful person!"】

2

Shen Yu Yan frowned and scrolled up through the records, her gaze sharpening.

Early this morning, Ji Ji Ji Yingying had posted a photo in the group.

It was a feature interview with her in the magazine "Investment World," detailing her professional background and achievements, portraying her as a young, accomplished urban elite.

It drew admiration from her classmates.

Not only that, she'd also sent out a wave of red packets, averaging over a hundred Zhao Yuan per person.

In the chat history, many people had @ed her to claim the red packets—mostly women.

Although she rarely checked the group and had set it to Do Not Disturb, occasional glimpses of updates reminded her that this former rival had now left her far behind.

At twenty-six, she was the head of Investor Relations at a listed company, earning a million Zhao Yuan a year, with an unstoppable future.

She truly was successful.

Looking at the radiant face in the magazine, Shen Yu Yan couldn't suppress a surge of envy.

Since middle school, she had always been the most dazzling girl, outshining one talented peer after another with her beauty, intelligence, and emotional acumen.

Yet now, Ji Ji Ji Yingying, Bai Bai Bai Menglin, and others had all moved ahead of her.

And what of her? Struggling to launch a startup, crushed by capital pressures, her dignity slowly ground to dust by reality.

"Buzz—" a message popped up.

【Tang Song: "Nothing needs your help. Just prepare well for tonight's event. I'm looking forward to your performance."】

Shen Yu Yan clenched her fist tightly, a complex emotion surging within her.

She truly didn't understand Tang Song at all.

She had assumed that, given her former status as campus beauty and her friendship with Xu Qing, he would at least have felt something special toward her.

But reality showed he treated her with cool detachment, as if he'd never truly been moved.

Yet he still gave her opportunities, bringing her to high-end banquets.

But tonight, for her, was a chance to turn things around.

Only by leaving a deep impression on Tang Song at the Investor Night could she earn his recognition and appreciation.

Reverse her previous image of humility and desperation.

Subconsciously, Shen Yu Yan still fantasized about receiving Tang Song's help as an equal.

She took a deep breath, her eyes glinting, and dialed her friend Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou.

"Hey, Qiu Qiu Sirou, have you returned to Modu?"

The employee benefits at Youjie Home Care were excellent—beyond statutory holidays, they offered generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and flexible time off.

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou had taken advantage of the National Day holiday, adding Saturday and Sunday, giving herself a long break, and spent the past two days road-tripping with her boyfriend.

"Just packing up—I'll be back soon, probably arriving in Modu around noon. What's up, Yu Yan? Need something?"

Shen Yu Yan pressed her lips together, choosing her words carefully: "I'm attending a very important business event tonight, and I forgot to bring accessories. Could I borrow your handbag and wristwatch?"

"Of course! No problem," Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou replied cheerfully. "I'll drop them off this afternoon."

"No need, I'll come pick them up myself."

"It's fine—I'm heading to the office anyway to pick up some documents. It's on the way. Plus, I brought you a little gift from my trip—I was planning to visit you anyway."

"Alright, thank you, Qiu Qiu Sirou."

"Come on, sis, don't be so formal. Wait for my call. Bye~"

"Bye."

After hanging up, Shen Yu Yan exhaled deeply.

Though she was the general manager of a startup, she had little savings.

The company had been expanding nonstop, never distributed dividends, nor cashed out any equity—she'd only saved a little over 400,000 Zhao Yuan from her salary.

And most of that had gone to Xu Qing.

Her most expensive accessory was a pair of Van Cleef & Arpels white mother-of-pearl butterfly earrings given by a suitor.

The most expensive outfit she'd ever bought was a Celine professional suit, purchased after Youjie Home Care launched its funding plan—over 20,000 Zhao Yuan.

She'd brought it along tonight to make a good impression.

Originally, that should've been enough. But thinking of Ji Ji Ji Yingying, thinking of Lin Empress Mu Xue, she couldn't help wanting something better.

Especially that Lin Empress Mu Xue, her best friend called her a "born arrogant saint."

One day, she'd crush her beneath her feet!

"Dingdong—" a WeChat notification chimed.

Tang Song picked up his phone, glanced at it, and raised an eyebrow.

【Shen Yu Yan: "What if I perform well—will there be any reward?"】

After thinking for a moment, he replied with a smile: "Of course."

After sending the message, he shook his head, amused by her calculated charm.

I have to say, after Shen, the campus beauty, turned up the heat, her flirting techniques came one after another.

After a brief exchange with her.

Tang Song turned his attention back to the computer screen.

With the second surge in popularity of "He He He Yiyi," Songmei Apparel was now swamped with work.

As president, and with his own growth plan task at stake, he couldn't slack off.

He still had to work.

During this time, his WeChat messages never stopped—mostly from his "wings."

In fact, since leaving Yancheng, his WeChat had been lively.

Qian Qian, Xiao Xue, Yao Yao Lingling—all sent him photos and messages nearly every day.

Xiao Jing messaged him every other day, craving a video chat when her cravings hit.

As for Big Sister, she hunted him daily for flirtation.

"Buzz—"

【Wen Wen Ruan: "You're not here to help me scratch an itch. Why not use my fascia gun instead? (#taunting)"】

Tang Song: "Don't use the fascia gun too hard—I'm afraid you'll get too weak to walk."

【Wen Wen Ruan: "Hehe, I'm not that weak. But you—your horseback riding skills must be excellent. I bet when you return to Yancheng, you'll enter Sage Normal Mode. Don't forget to send me a set of spell tools, or else—I'll treat you to noodles!"】

Seeing this message, Tang Song's expression turned slightly awkward.

Last night, though he hadn't ridden a horse, he'd done something extremely inappropriate to the "big mare."

So much so that she was still angry and hadn't shown her face since.

But thinking of Anni's moist, exquisite face last night, a fire stirred in Tang Song's chest.

He left a message for Big Sister: "Zhuangzhuang, I want to see a white, fluffy bunny cat."

【Wen Wen Ruan: "Call me sister!"】

Tang Song: "Sister."

Tang Song: "Sister."

【Wen Wen Ruan: photo. jpg】

Tang Song opened the photo and glanced at it, deeply disappointed. He quickly typed: "This cat isn't white enough! I want to see whiter ones!"

【Wen Wen Ruan: "I'm currently in a meeting, listening to employees present their PPTs. What do you want?"】

He chatted with the big sister for a few more flirtatious remarks.

Tang Song opened the photo again, admiring the big sister's peach-like buttocks.

To be fair, they were on par with Annie's—both supported by powerful gluteal muscles, extremely bouncy and firm.

Unlike them, the freshman Yao Yao Lingling belonged to the classic type of natural endowment: wider pelvis, relatively more fat distribution, presenting a naturally drooping, rounded fullness—the quintessential "big dian" physique.

As he thought about it, his mind grew restless and distracted.

Annie's image from last night—kneeling before him—flashed again in his mind, and his breathing quickened.

Put simply, he hadn't had meat in far too long.

Especially with Annie, such a stunning beauty, right in front of him every day—he was about to lose control.

"Ding ling ling—" His phone began vibrating.

Tang Song snapped back to attention and glanced at the screen.

【Vivian (Zhang Zhang Weiran)】

He answered the call. "Hello, Vivian."

From the receiver came a crisp, energetic voice: "Mr. Tang, good afternoon! Shirley's name badge is ready. Should I deliver it to you now?"

Tang Song checked the time—it was exactly 12:00 noon.

"Then you've gone to so much trouble. Since you're coming anyway, I'll send you my location. Let's have lunch together and discuss the next itinerary."

"Got it!"

After hanging up, Tang Song's lips curled slightly.

Now it was up to the campus beauty's choice. He was truly looking forward to it.

3:00 PM.

Quanji Hotel.

"Yu Yan, why did you suddenly move here? Weren't you staying at Jin Mao Junyue Hotel?"

"Saving money, of course. Besides, I'm used to Quanji—it's quite comfortable. I'm even a Platinum member of Huazhu, haha." Shen Yu's tone was light, teasing.

"Wait, that doesn't add up. Isn't your travel and dining arranged by Director Wang? You attend events with him—you don't have to pay out of pocket."

Shen Yu's expression flickered, then she replied calmly: "There's been a change on their end. I'm going with some other friends."

"Who? Do I know them?"

"An old university classmate. You definitely don't know him."

As they talked, they pushed open the door and entered the room.

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou opened her tote bag, took out her clutch and wristwatch, and handed them over. "Here, your gear. Treat it well—it's my face."

As a member of P&G's marketing department, Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou frequently attended high-end events and naturally owned a set of impressive accessories.

The clutch was a Chanel W0C (chain wallet), worth over 40,000 Zhao Yuan.

The watch was an Omega Constellation series, worth over 50,000 Zhao Yuan.

This ensemble totaled nearly 100,000 Zhao Yuan—perfectly commanding attention at any upscale occasion.

Shen Yu took them, placing her phone, lipstick, and documents inside.

Then she put on the watch.

Standing before the mirror, she carefully examined herself, then smiled with satisfaction.

"You're so beautiful, Yu Yan." Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou genuinely sighed, her eyes filled with envy. "Same accessories, but on you, they look so luxurious."

Shen Yu laughed and patted her. "Don't say such obvious truths."

"A beauty like you, so accomplished—I wonder what your future boyfriend looks like." Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou teased. "At least he should be a CEO of a listed company, right?"

Hearing this, Shen Yu's smile paused slightly. "I wonder too, haha."

Tang Song's figure surfaced in her mind.

In fact, even she refused to admit it.

Her fierce drive to make Youjie Housekeeping succeed, to appear before Tang Song with high dignity and earn his recognition and respect—

Deep down, she harbored a dark ambition: perhaps one day, she could become his official girlfriend.

She didn't believe she was inferior to anyone. With her skills and ability, it wasn't impossible.

Yet now, she had chosen a less honorable way to approach him—making that possibility extremely slim.

Still, Shen Yu had never feared difficulty or shied away from challenges.

The only thing she worried and feared was whether it would damage her bond with her best friend.

Shen Yu knew her own nature too well—she wouldn't stop here. As her desires grew, she might even manipulate Sister Sister Qingqing, exploit Sister Sister Qingqing.

Using their special friendship to bind more of Tang Song's affection and resources.

Elevating her own status, making it firmer, even inching toward becoming his "official girlfriend."

If that happened, their bond would no longer be pure—they might never return to how things were.

Painful? Of course.

Regretful? Impossible!

She could never forget what happened last noon at Baiyue Club: Liu Sister Kai Li's mockery, Wang Wang Wang Yu Bo's humiliation, Ren Ren Mingyuan's coldness—all those so-called "upper-class" people laughing and chatting, while she stood helplessly in the corner, watching her dreams shatter completely.

Now, she had already completed her "semi-darkening" in reality.

To seek revenge and climb upward, she was willing to pay any price.

Even if this path was paved with thorns, even if she had to hurt her closest friend, even if she had to play the "villainess"—she would press forward without hesitation.

"By the way, Yu Yan, what time are you leaving?"

"Around 4:00. The event check-in starts at 5:00."

"Oh, then I'll tell my boyfriend to pick me up at 4:00."

As they chatted, Shen Yu sat at the table, took out her makeup kit, and began her final touch-ups.

Waiting always felt endless.

"Ding dong—" A WeChat notification chimed.

【Tang Song: "I've arrived at the hotel. Waiting for you downstairs in the lobby. No rush—the time is still early."】

Shen Yu stood up, picked up her clutch. "Si Rou, my friend's here to pick me up. I'm off."

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou rose with a smile. "Perfect—my boyfriend's arriving too. Let's all get to know each other."

"Alright, let's go." Shen Yu had no other thoughts. She quickly tidied her appearance and strode out. "Ding ding—" The elevator doors opened, and Shen Yu instinctively straightened her spine, making herself taller and more elegant.

"Tap tap tap—"

Black stilettos clicked against the marble floor; the Chanel chain bag swayed gently with each step.

Around the corner, that familiar figure entered her vision—and her breath hitched.

Sensing her reaction,

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou glanced curiously—and froze, a sharp gasp audible.

In the corner of the hotel lobby stood a tall, imposing figure, quietly checking his watch.

He wore a dark blue British-style suit, accentuating his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

Clean-cut, composed, with the grace of a jade god.

His face showed no expression, yet an aura of captivating magnetism subtly radiated from him.

【Effect "Achieved Fame and Success" Triggered】

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou swallowed hard. "Yu Yan, your classmate—could it be him?"

"Mm." Shen Yu nodded with a smile, walking calmly toward Tang Song, as if nothing special was happening.

Hearing footsteps, Tang Song looked up. First, he saw the large text: 【Test Subject (Shen Yu)】.

Then came the campus beauty, now dressed in professional attire.

The black-and-white business suit outlined her graceful curves; the deep V-neck revealed her delicate collarbones and fair cleavage.

Long hair cascaded like a waterfall, makeup flawless, eyes confident, lips vividly colored.

Elegant, refined, sensual, composed.

A true urban heroine straight out of a corporate drama.

Their eyes met. Tang Song gave her a slight nod.

At the same moment, a prominent pop-up appeared above Shen Yu's head:

【Aaaah! Boss, you're so charming!】

【Shen Yu, be composed! Do you want to go back and change clothes?!】

Tang Song glanced at the pop-up, then at the radiant campus beauty—his expression nearly cracked.

He barely held back a laugh.

But the 【Achieved Fame and Success】 effect was ruined.

The cold, restrained aura around him slowly faded.

"Tang Song, sorry to keep you waiting." Shen Yu stood before him, clutching the Chanel bag, eyes bright and confident.

"No problem. I just arrived, and we still have plenty of time." Tang Song's tone was gentle, his gaze thoughtful.

He'd come early precisely to play a choice game with Shen Yu—to see which identity she'd choose.

Shen Yu idly brushed her hair, letting strands fall loosely over her chest. "By the way, let me introduce you."

As she spoke, she pointed to Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou beside her. "This is Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou, a colleague I was very close with at P&G. She's now the channel manager for P&G's Mo Dou branch."

"Qiu Qiu Sirou, this is the friend I told you about—Tang Song."

Tang Song nodded politely. "Hello, Qiu Qiu Sirou. Nice to meet you."

"Hello!" Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou pressed her lips together, her expression slightly shy.

She'd seen plenty in her time—after all, she worked in P&G's marketing department and had met many celebrities.

But her first impression had truly stunned her, especially the cold, aloof aura radiating from Tang Song—it was utterly captivating, even more commanding than their company's leadership.

Watching Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou's expression, Shen Yu's lips curled into a knowing smile.

Bullet comments: 【Ha, stunned, aren't you? I knew no one could resist his charm.】

The three chatted in the lobby for a while.

Shen Yu glanced at her watch and asked calmly, "Qiu Qiu Sirou, where's your boyfriend? Hasn't he arrived yet?"

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou blinked, suddenly remembering. "He should be here already. Let me call and check what's going on."

As she spoke, she dialed without thinking.

"Hey, honey, didn't you say you'd be here in a minute? I've been waiting forever!"

"Oh, alright, stop taking pictures—get inside right now!"

She hung up.

Soon, hurried footsteps approached.

A young man in casual clothes strode in from the entrance. "Qiu Qiu Sirou, I'm here!"

He was in his late twenties, neat and sharp, his face glowing with uncontainable excitement, his eyes slightly red.

"Let me introduce you—this is my boyfriend, Wang Shuo."

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou tugged on her boyfriend's arm and gave them a brief introduction.

After exchanging greetings and a few pleasantries, they were officially acquainted.

Wang Shuo still wore an excited grin, whispering to Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou, "That car I saw at the entrance—that's the same one you saw on the Bund the other day! It's not modified! It's a pure-blood SVJ63—only 63 made worldwide! Lamborghini's pinnacle creation! I finally saw the real thing!"

"Holy shit! That's insane! You've got to take a photo of me with it later!"

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou gave an awkward smile to the two. "Sorry—he's a car fanatic, completely obsessed. This time, he's been completely bewitched by a dream car."

Tang Song's expression turned slightly odd.

Shen Yu smiled gently, her tone calm and composed. "Time's about up. Let's go."

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou nodded and let her boyfriend pull her toward the exit.

Just as they stepped out of the hotel's main door, they saw a matte gray Lamborghini crouched like a beast in the roadside parking zone.

Its lines were sharp yet elegant; the prominent "63" badge gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.

Around the car, several people were taking photos and murmuring.

"It really is the same one we saw on the Bund!" Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou laughed at Shen Yu. "Mo Dou really doesn't lack wealthy tycoons."

Wang Shuo immediately stood behind the car's side and shouted excitedly to Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou, "From this angle! Take a photo of me, quick, sweetheart!"

"Stay away from the car—you might accidentally bump it!" Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou rolled her eyes, pulled out her phone, adjusted the angle, and snapped a picture.

"Tang Song." Shen Yu gently tugged Tang Song's hand, her gaze expectant. "Shall we go?"

Tang Song nodded and stepped to the passenger side of the Lamborghini, grasping the hidden door handle and lightly touching the touch panel.

*Click. * The door rose like wings, instantly drawing every eye in the vicinity.

The previously noisy environment fell silent. Dozens of heated gazes fixed on his tall, imposing figure.

Qiu Qiu Qiu Sirou and Wang Shuo stood to the side, their expressions utterly stunned.

Tang Song turned back and waved to Shen Yu. "Yu Yan, get in."

Shen Yu's chest rose slightly. She bit the inside of her cheek, forcing herself to calm down.

She walked gracefully to Tang Song's side; the butterfly doors opened at an angle as if custom-made for her, accentuating her long legs and statuesque frame.

"Come on, Qiu Qiu Sirou," Shen Yu waved goodbye to her friend, her fingertip brushing the edge of her body-hugging skirt as she slid elegantly into the seat.

The seat hugged her tightly, as if enveloping her entire body.

A billionaire personally opened the door for her; beneath her sat a globally limited, top-tier supercar; around her, stares of awe and envy.

Shen Yu remained calm, a faint smile on her lips.

Above her, bullet comments drifted by:

【The silence is terrifying.】

【But at least for now, I look like a winner.】

【And this is merely a trivial projection of power and wealth.】

*Puff! * The butterfly doors closed softly.

A deep, resonant exhaust note tore through the air; the entire parking lot seemed to hold its breath.

The tires rolled slowly; the Lamborghini awoke like a beast and accelerated away.

In the rearview mirror, the crowd faded into the distance.

【This is just the beginning.】

Tang Song couldn't help but chuckle. "What's wrong?" Shen Yu's expression froze; she instinctively touched her face, thinking her makeup had smudged.

"Nothing. I just remembered a joke."

"What joke?"

Tang Song shook his head. "It's not funny if I say it."

The car drove along Haining Road for a while before Tang Song suddenly turned into a quiet side alley and pulled over.

Shen Yu frowned. "Why did you stop suddenly?"

"Let's play a choice game," Tang Song said, unbuckling his seatbelt and turning to face her.

Shen Yu sat up straight, her legs together, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I'll follow your lead."

【Choice game? Is he about to make his move?】

Tang Song pulled two delicate nameplates from his suit's inner pocket, holding them in his palms.

"Since you're accompanying me to the Investor's Night, you'll need an appropriate title. I'm giving you two options."

Shen Yu sat bolt upright, her eyes bright. "So that's what you meant! Fine—I don't care which, as long as I'm with you."

Tang Song smiled slightly, meeting her gaze. "You must choose one. First: Temporary 'Special Advisor' for my company—accompany me and offer unique perspectives outside my industry. Second: You serve as my 'Special Assistant,' helping me navigate social interactions at the banquet."

Hearing this, Shen Yu froze, her heart surging with turmoil.

The two options seemed simple, yet concealed hidden stakes: "Special Advisor" implied a more equal, collaborative relationship—she'd enjoy independent social status, greater prestige, and admiration. But the downside? She'd be farther from Tang Song's inner circle.

"Special Assistant," however, suggested a subordinate role, dependent on him—but it also signaled she was "one of his own." If he mingled with others, she'd stand beside him, collecting business cards and facilitating connections under her assistant's title.

Above her, bullet comments continued to scroll:

【Choosing Advisor seems independent, but will he think I'm too distant?】

【Is Assistant too lowly? Won't I be unable to chat with him comfortably?】

Shen Yu's gaze flickered wildly as her mind raced.

Her eyes darted between the two nameplates in Tang Song's hands; her fingers unconsciously traced the chain of her Chanel bag.

She couldn't see the text on them, nor did she know which company he represented.

But after learning he was a major shareholder of Lanfeng International Hotel, she'd researched his companies online.

She knew he owned: Songmei Apparel, Lanfeng International, Bo Cai Bocai Yingrui, among others.

The only one she couldn't find any information on was "Ju Qing Juqing Hui Jin."

If Tang Song was attending under a company's name and needed a VIP invitation, the most likely candidate was—Ju Qing Juqing Hui Jin.

She remembered this company vividly, because Lin Empress Mu Xue was an assistant on its committee.

It was an overseas trust firm with ties to many renowned corporations, managing over $150 million in assets.

If she attended as "Special Advisor" for Ju Qing Juqing Hui Jin, it would definitely carry prestige.

Even facing Wang Wang Wang Yu Bo or Ren Ren Mingyuan, she could respond with poise and showcase herself.

But if she attended as Tang Song's special assistant, Wang Wang Wang Yu Bo might mock her—he'd once offered her the exact same position.

Of course, these were merely temporary titles. Ultimately, it was her performance that mattered.

Inside the quiet cabin, only her slightly hurried breathing could be heard.

Just as she wrestled with her decision—

*Vibrating—vibrating—vibrating—* Her phone began shaking violently.

A local Mo Dou number, unfamiliar.

Perfect timing—she could use this to collect her thoughts.

She pressed her lips together and offered Tang Song a faint smile. "Sorry, I need to take this call."

She answered casually, holding the phone to her ear, her tone polite but distant. "Hello, who is this?"

Immediately, a familiar, low voice filled the earpiece, radiating undeniable authority: "Less than an hour until the event starts. This is your only chance. Miss it, and you know the consequences, right, Assistant Shen?"

Wang Wang Wang Yu Bo's voice coiled around her ear like a venomous snake, making her blood boil.

Shen Yu clenched her hand hard and slammed the call end button. "Telemarketer. Nothing."

Though she forced her expression to remain calm, her heart was in chaos.

Last night, after returning to the hotel, Wang Wang Wang Yu Bo had called her—but she'd promptly blocked him after a few words.

She hadn't expected him to still be fixated on her. His tone carried absolute certainty—as if he'd already decided she'd submit.

Bullet comments began turning red:

【He thought I'd crawl back to him like a dog? Hah—hahaha.】

【Wang Wang Wang Yu Bo, wait and see—your nightmare has only just begun!】

【One day, I'll stand atop a high-rise, looking down on you! I'll repay your humiliation a hundredfold!】

Her nails dug deep into her palm; the pain kept her expression locked in a perfect smile.

【Stay calm! Absolutely cannot lose composure in front of Tang Song! Must leave him the best impression!】

Tang Song didn't rush her; he simply watched her quietly, as if admiring her beauty.

Shen Yu Yan lifted her head and gently tapped Tang Song's left hand.

"I choose 'Special Advisor.' I've dreamed of fighting side by side with my idol—this fulfills one of my dreams."

Her voice carried deliberate calmness and thoughtfulness, as if this choice were entirely because of Tang Song.

"Are you sure? I'll ask you one last time." Tang Song placed both hands before her.

Shen Yu Yan's pupils trembled slightly.

【What does he mean? What does he actually want me to choose?!】

【No! I can't hesitate too long—he'll see through my hidden motives. He'll think I'm too opportunistic.】

Her inner struggle surged like a tide, yet she forced herself to appear utterly calm.

Finally, she took a deep breath and grasped Tang Song's left hand. "Of course. My thoughts are simple—I just want to be with you. It doesn't really matter which one I pick. But if I choose assistant, I'm afraid Xiao Xue will be angry with me."

Shen Yu Yan covered her mouth and laughed softly: "After all, we're close sisters."

【Plastic sisters.】

Tang Song gave her a long, deep look and released his grip.

He had witnessed every twist of Shen Yu Yan's inner journey—and his heart was deeply moved.

He finally understood the true meaning of the second act of the dungeon.

Torment and choice, ambition and pride, arrogance and insecurity, longing and regret.

Shen the campus beauty is such a typical person—no wonder 【Whispers of Humanity】 chose her.

I wonder what expression she'll wear when she later learns the "truth"?

"Good. Congratulations, Shen Advisor. I hope you'll give me some 'unique perspectives' tonight."

"Thank you, Tang Song. I won't let you down."

Shen Yu Yan finally saw her own name badge.

Made of silver metal, with outstanding texture and exquisitely crafted detail.

Perfectly symmetrical bilingual layout.

English on the left, Chinese on the right.

Name: SHIRLEY (Shen Yu Yan)

Position: SPECIAL ADVISOR, Confluent Capital (Rongliu Capital · Special Advisor)

Company Logo: Confluent Capital Limited (Rongliu Capital)

Industry Tag: Cross-border Capital

At the center's top was the company's logo: an infinity symbol (∞) as the core design, fused with abstract flowing lines—modern, minimalist, technological.

It was an investment firm she had never heard of.

Probably a foreign investment company similar to Ju Qing Juqing Hui Jin, likely also tied to Tang Song—but the prestige was undeniable.

Looking at the badge, Shen Yu Yan's face flushed with excitement.

Her ears were filled with a "crackling" sound.

It was an inexplicable sixth sense—she felt she had touched something she had long dreamed of.

【Shirley… Special Advisor… Cross-border Capital…】

【Will he think I'm too opportunistic?】

【But this is my last shred of pride.】

"Now, pin it to your left chest. Need help?" Tang Song's tone carried a faint teasing edge.

Shen Yu Yan covered her mouth and laughed lightly, replying with a playful air: "Sure—if Brother Tang is willing."

The moment she finished speaking, Tang Song smiled and reached out, taking the badge directly from her hand.

"Click." The soft snap of the metal clasp echoed clearly in the enclosed cabin.

His movement was natural, casual—yet it tightened Shen Yu Yan's heart.

Tang Song actually reached toward her chest.

Through the soft fabric, his warm fingertip accidentally brushed her skin.

Shen Yu Yan's heartbeat skipped a beat.

A sensation unlike any she'd ever known spread from her chest to every limb.

She smiled brightly at Tang Song. "Thank you, Brother Tang. I appreciate it."

【Stay calm! Shen Yu Yan! Why are your legs shaking?!】

【He's doing this on purpose—he must be.】

【Is his sudden closeness a test?】