Chapter 527: I

Inside the main venue.

The spotlight was always focused on them.

The applause was like a tide, and the air was shaken by an invisible force.

Shen Yu Yan had a beautiful and appropriate smile on her face, every subtle expression carefully sculpted, striving to show the most perfect state.

However, the hand hanging by her side was trembling slightly.

This was one of the most important moments of her life, and also a key step in officially stepping into the circle of her dreams.

Her gaze swept over Tang Song and Annie Carter in front, then moved away quickly, not daring to linger for too long.

【They are really too dazzling, just like the sun.】

【Perhaps—in the future, I can also become such a protagonist.】

The applause covered the sound of her heartbeat and footsteps.

Shen Yu Yan swept over the crowd below the stage.

In her mind, the scenes of the past kept surfacing.

No one could understand her mood at this moment—intoxication, excitement, nervousness, inferiority, and longing, all gathered in her chest, turning into an indescribable emotion.

"Respected guests, please this way." The organizer's executive gestured.

In the center of the VIP area, a round table had long been reserved for them.

This table was located in the most core position of the entire venue, close to the stage, facing the curved LED big screen.

Sitting around were heavyweight figures of tonight's event—representatives of top investment institutions like Sequoia, IDG, Temasek, as well as some famous entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Among them were many people Shen Yu Yan had seen in news and magazines.

Their names had once been goals she couldn't reach, and now, she was actually standing here, only a few steps away from them.

When the group arrived at the round table, representatives of several top investment institutions stood up one after another, taking the initiative to come up and exchange pleasantries.

"Ms. Carter, very happy to see you again. The project we talked about at the meeting in Silicon Valley last time is progressing well now; I hope there will be an opportunity to continue cooperation."

"Hello, Ms. Carter, long admired your name, I am Zhao Wen—"

Annie nodded slightly, a graceful smile on her face.

She lifted her hand gently, her movements carrying an innate noble temperament, and then slowly turned her gaze to Tang Song beside her.

Her tone was no longer as lazy and casual as before, but became solemn and stern: "Everyone, please allow me to introduce an important figure first—this is Tang Song, the new Chairman and CEO of Rongliu Capital. Tang Jin Family Office and our Carter Trust are both shareholders of this company."

A short sentence was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirring up layers of ripples in the crowd.

The people who had originally surrounded Annie instantly shifted their gaze, and everyone's eyes focused on Tang Song.

Rongliu Capital, registered in Hong Kong, although not widely known in the country, had already become famous in the overseas market, especially because of its deep background.

As the helmsman of a private equity investment institution with a management scale of 2 billion USD, no matter what occasion he appeared in, he was destined to receive attention.

Of course, what was truly shocking was not just Tang Song's identity and youth, but Annie Carter's attitude toward him.

This woman from the prominent Carter family had always been known for her arrogance and coldness.

Yet now, she was personally accompanying him to appear, introducing him, lifting him onto the stage, and even not hiding her recognition and admiration for his ability at all.

This posture undoubtedly conveyed a clear signal to everyone: this man was extraordinary.

After a brief surprise, everyone quickly adjusted their expressions, enthusiastic smiles appearing on their faces, and they took the initiative to reach out to Tang Song one after another, starting to introduce themselves.

Some handed over business cards, some directly invited him for in-depth communication later, and the scene instantly became lively and orderly.

Shen Yu Yan hurriedly took half a step forward, standing steadily by Tang Song's side, her hands folded in front of her chest, her posture dignified and appropriate.

She listened carefully to everyone's conversation, her gaze keenly capturing their appearances, names, and subtle characteristics.

This kind of opportunity was something she had dreamed of, yet always remained out of reach.

Barrage: 【I, Shen Yu Yan, am really standing here—】

【How much is this position worth?】

【Calm down! Shen Yu Yan, you must appear composed!】

【These people are all industry big shots; every sentence must be handled carefully!】

【Tang Song is looking at me; must I perform satisfactorily?】

Tang Song had a smile on his face, his demeanor natural, neither overly distant nor deliberately flattering.

His gaze swept toward the top of Shen Yu Yan's head from time to time, his eyes filled with contemplation.

Being in the dungeon, he, as the 【Observer】, seemed to possess a transcendent quality—keen insight, looking down from above, calmly scrutinizing everything.

This feeling was quite similar to the state of "Tang Song" in the dream.

So much so that every word and every action of his carried a convincing aura of a superior.

Even Annie became much more obedient after seeing him, turning from a lioness into a docile little cat.

This feeling had actually begun to show signs in the previous dungeon 【Lin Mu Xue's Whisper】.

Otherwise, facing school beauty Shen, who was still a white socialite in his eyes at the time, looking at those words like "You are my god," "F*ck me," "*" above her head, he would have definitely laughed out loud, and might even have been unable to resist doing some strange things.

And by the 【Shen Yu Yan's Whisper】 dungeon, this aura became even more vivid, clearly inseparable from the growth of his charm value and comprehensive quality.

"This is my Special Assistant, Shirley, Shen Yu Yan." Tang Song handed over the business cards he received and introduced her casually.

"Hello, Assistant Shen." Temasek Asia-Pacific Investment Director Zhao Wen nodded politely.

Others also showed friendly smiles one after another.

Barrage: 【He is introducing me! He is taking the initiative to introduce me!】

【I am no longer that insignificant little person who is ignored!】

【"Special Assistant" is like a double-edged sword, both an inconspicuous green leaf and a springboard within reach.】

【Cannot show weakness! Must make them remember me!】

Shen Yu Yan's face flushed, and she took the business card steadily with both hands.

Her voice was soft yet clear: "Hello, Mr. Zhao, very happy to meet you. Long heard that Temasek's investment layout in the Asia-Pacific region is far-reaching, especially its forward-looking vision in the field of technological innovation, which is truly admirable."

Zhao Wen heard this, a flash of appreciation in his eyes, and responded with a smile: "Haha, Assistant Shen is too kind."

Shen Yu Yan lifted a proper smile, carefully put away the business card, and retreated behind Tang Song again.

【Tang Song looked at me just now—is he very satisfied with me?】

【At this moment, I really have a feeling that my dream has come true!】

【So—this is the feeling.】

Suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, Shen Yu Yan tilted her head slightly, her gaze sweeping across the VIP area quickly.

It soon landed on an area on the right.

Mingjian Capital, Gongying Technology.

She basically knew all these people.

Just a few days ago, she was standing in the conference room, begging them in a low voice, hoping to fight for the second financing payment.

And at that time, they were high above, mercilessly commenting on and pointing out her efforts and hard work.

As a woman who holds grudges, her memory had always been good, every detail appearing clearly.

For example, the Chairman and President of Gongying Technology, Zhao Hongkai.

That sentence of his carrying contempt—"Remember! This is a problem with your Youjie Housekeeping! You need to first recognize your own shortcomings!"

Still echoed in her ears, like a thorn deeply stuck in her self-esteem.

Of course, more importantly, Wang Yu Bo and Ren Mingyuan.

Their gazes collided in the air.

Shen Yu Yan saw dodging, retreating, and a slight—fear in their eyes.

【Hahahaha! Wang Yu Bo, Ren Mingyuan, you have today too?!】

【You wait for me! It won't be too long! I will personally push you off the cliff!】

【Gongying Technology, Yuanjian Shares, will all suffer because of you!】

【I'm waiting for you to kneel and beg for mercy!】

【Tang Song, thank you for giving me this opportunity; I will remember this moment for the rest of my life!】

Shen Yu Yan gripped her hands tightly in excitement, but her body stood straighter and straighter.

Those who had humiliated her could now only sit in the corner and watch silently, while she stood in the most dazzling place in the entire room.

08. n8 inside "Mr. Wang." An executive from Mingjian Capital lowered his voice, his tone carrying a hint of confusion. "Isn't that the General Manager of Youjie Housekeeping you introduced to us before? How did she run over there?"

"Oh?" Another director's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he leaned in with interest. "Wang Yu Bo, do you know her? Then let's go over and say hello! That Ms. Carter has a significant background; people who can stand with her are definitely not ordinary people."

The executives of Mingjian Capital clearly didn't know the specific situation, and their words were full of curiosity and expectation. However, Zhao Hongkai, President of Gongying Technology, and Ren Mingyuan, Vice President, standing on the side, had gloomy faces and remained silent, their gazes flickering.

Youjie Housekeeping was short of money and had reached a critical moment of life and death, which was beyond doubt.

They were precisely utilizing this point, trying to seize control of the company.

However, Gongying Technology's own situation was also not optimistic.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have racked their brains trying to use the housekeeping platform to attract traffic and suck blood to support the development of their own business.

For Gongying Technology, financing and listing were the only way out.

This not only meant they could cash out and leave, obtaining huge returns, but also allow the company to get rid of its current predicament and have a broader future.

It could be said that this financing and listing plan determined their fate.

And now, Shen Yu Yan actually appeared in the core circle of Jingwu Capital and Rongliu Capital, which undoubtedly cast a shadow over their plan.

Wang Yu Bo tried hard to suppress the shock and anger in his heart.

After a brief silence, he barely squeezed out a smile. "Director Fei, that girl is named Shen Yu Yan, the person in charge of a housekeeping company invested in by Gongying Technology. However, because of problems with their company, the bet failed."

"Currently, both sides are still in a stalemate, and the relationship isn't as harmonious as imagined, so—"

Hearing this, Director Fei frowned, his tone solemn: "Wang Yu Bo, you should know the importance of the matter. Gongying Technology is currently at a critical stage; don't easily offend people."

"I—I know, Director Fei." Wang Yu Bo's tone carried undisguisable unwillingness.

However, Director Fei was a director of Mingjian Capital, backed by state-owned capital in the shareholders' meeting, and his status in the company was far higher than his, even his father had to treat him with caution.

"Clang, clang, clang—" The lights in the main venue lit up again.

The curved LED screen in the center of the venue lit up with dazzling light, and the host took the stage again.

The busy crowd in the VIP area sat down one after another.

"Respected investors, entrepreneurs, friends, good evening! Welcome to the 2023 'Investor Night: Smart Leading the Future'—"

After a brief introduction, the big screen switched to a dynamic data chart of "Global Tech Investment Trends," showing the changes in financing scale of various tracks over the past year.

The organizer took the stage to deliver a speech.

Guests took the stage one after another to give speeches.

After each speech ended, the venue would ring with polite applause, and occasionally exchange a few words in low voices.

Shen Yu Yan sat beside Tang Song, looking at the big stage close at hand, her fingers tapping rapidly on her phone, recording the key points.

The moment she became an assistant, she had already substituted herself into the role, naturally wanting to help Tang Song do everything she could.

Her gaze looked at Tang Song from time to time, observing his expression, and when he showed interest, she would record that part as a key point.

What she paid special attention to was a presentation by an enterprise called "Yimai Technology."

Tang Song seemed to care very much about this enterprise, and after the other party's founder took the stage, he began to listen meticulously.

Shen Yu Yan recorded seriously on the side and soon realized.

This was an AI tech company focusing on the intelligent upgrade of the clothing industry.

The core business and product direction were AI-driven clothing design and supply chain management optimization, and it had its own dedicated large model.

Currently, it was in the hot wind outlet and definitely didn't lack financing. They participated in the conference hoping to spread the brand.

Find more cooperation opportunities and obtain investors with top-tier resources.

And this enterprise, without a doubt, could directly help the growth of Songmei Apparel.

Thinking of this, Shen Yu Yan couldn't help but feel a bit sour and jealous in her heart.

Gao Mengting really had great luck!

If her partner was Tang Song when she started her business, then—she would really be flying high.

Compared to Tang Song, people like Zhang Tianqi and Hou Shaoyuan were not on the same level at all.

At the conference site, the LOGO of "Gongying Technology" slowly appeared on the curved LED screen.

Shen Yu Yan's gaze touched that familiar logo, and she instantly felt spirited, sitting up straight, a trace of undisguisable disgust and hatred flashing in her eyes.

It could be said that if it weren't for the intervention of Gongying Technology, Youjie Housekeeping might still be a healthy and high-quality startup.

She might have even successfully obtained Tang Song's investment and stood at a completely different height.

And under Gongying Technology's disgusting and despicable operations, it was now trapped in a quagmire, causing her to completely lose her retreat and all her capital.

However, now that she was sitting in the main seat and looking down at the other party with a higher status, it could be considered a small revenge.

Accompanied by warm applause, the host smiled and announced: "As a leader in the smart home field, they have developed rapidly in recent years and have received much attention in the industry—"

"Let us welcome Mr. Ren Mingyuan, Vice President of Gongying Technology!"

As soon as the words fell, Ren Mingyuan stood up calmly and walked toward the stage.

Standing in the spotlight, taking the microphone, his voice was low and powerful: "Respected guests, good evening. It is a great honor to be able to stand here and share the growth history and future vision of Gongying Technology with everyone."

He briefly reviewed the company's development history, from the initial startup team to the Series C financing that was about to be completed, and introduced the company's product line and user scale in detail.

Subsequently, he turned the topic to the technical level, elaborating in detail on the breakthrough progress the company had made in IoT underlying architecture, AI algorithm optimization, etc.

In fact, he was a member of the founding team.

He had even served as the technical lead.

It was only later, as the company's scale continued to expand, that his personal ability gradually couldn't keep up with the complex needs of the products.

He also faced the risk of being kicked out by capital like many entrepreneurs.

But fortunately, relying on his outstanding communication ability and flexible handling methods, he won the favor of the major shareholder Wang Yu Bo and finally transformed into a Vice President responsible for strategic investment and financial management.

His gaze couldn't help but fall on Shen Yu Yan in the front, but quickly moved away.

Although there was vague unease in his heart, he knew that the most important task at this moment was to complete the presentation perfectly and ensure the smooth progress of financing.

In fact, several investment institutions participating in this round of financing had basically reached a preliminary intention.

The reason for choosing to conduct a presentation at this conference was more to leverage the momentum to expand influence, further consolidate Gongying Technology's status in the industry, and pave the way for the upcoming listing plan.

Ren Mingyuan took a deep breath, adjusted his emotions, and said the last sentence in a calm tone:

"We have built a relatively complete ecological closed loop, achieving full-chain coverage from technical development to commercial landing!"

Subsequently, applause rang out, and the host announced the entry into the Q&A session.

People in the venue raised their hands to signal from time to time, and the questioners were mostly representatives of institutions participating in Gongying Technology's Series C financing.

Clearly, the organizer had made arrangements for this long ago, and staff quickly and orderly delivered wireless microphones to the questioners.

All of this was undoubtedly part of the event's momentum, aiming to create a more heated atmosphere for Gongying Technology's Series C financing and subsequent listing plan.

Looking at Ren Mingyuan talking eloquently on the big stage.

Shen Yu Yan's fists clenched quietly, a trace of coldness flashing in her gaze.

Although she really wanted to stand up and stir up trouble, using the other party's way to treat the other party, letting the other party experience the feeling of being oppressed when she was first oppressed, she ultimately didn't have this ability.

After all, she was just Tang Song's Special Assistant, and a temporary status during this conference.

On such an occasion, she had no qualifications to stand up, nor did she have the qualifications to influence the overall situation.

Unless—

Her gaze fell on Tang Song, who was light and breezy beside her.

【Unless he is willing to stand up for me, but—how is this possible?】

【He doesn't know what I've experienced; perhaps in his eyes, I am just a piece of trash who failed in the angel round.】

【If it weren't for the blessing of Qingqing's best friend and the school beauty status, he wouldn't have given me so many opportunities.】

Thinking of this, a bitterness surged into Shen Yu Yan's heart.

She forced herself to lower her head, calming the waves in her heart.

【Shen Yu Yan, you should know how to restrain yourself! Do what you should do in what kind of position!】

"Gongying Technology—" A faint voice rang out.

Shen Yu Yan looked up and happened to bump into Tang Song's gaze.

Those eyes were deep and calm, as if they could see through everything.

Her breathing stalled slightly, and her heartbeat accelerated a bit.

【He is looking at me! Must catch this look!】

"Mr. Tang? Is there anything you want to know? I have some research on this company." Her voice was soft but not lacking in confidence.

More than "some research."

She had basically checked the other party inside out.

During the financing due diligence period, when Gongying Technology launched a comprehensive review of Youjie Housekeeping in the capacity of an investor,

She hadn't been idle either.

In order to prevent being deceived, she collected a large amount of information about Gongying Technology through various channels—from company background, financial status to core team members, and even some internal dynamics unknown to the outside world.

Later, when Gongying Technology forcibly required Youjie Housekeeping to connect user data to its SaaS system, she also took the opportunity to dig out a lot of internal information.

Tang Song looked at Shen Yu Yan's familiar beautiful face, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "Assistant Shen, the angel round of Youjie Housekeeping seems to be this company, right? If I remember correctly, this Mr. Ren is also our senior.

However—your cooperation doesn't seem to be going smoothly; were you scammed by them?"

He had heard Shen Yu Yan mention this company when he was rejected before, and now through her whisper barrage,

He could naturally piece together the complete process of the matter.

"Swish—"

Shen Yu Yan's heart felt like it had been stabbed by a knife.

She opened her mouth with difficulty. "Yes, I—the bet failed. This Mr. Ren taught me a lot."

"Then do you hate them?"

Looking at Tang Song's deep eyes, Shen Yu Yan bit her lower lip and whispered: "There is indeed a bit, after all, Youjie Housekeeping is my hard work, but fortunately, it's just commercial game."

She paused and continued: "All tuition fees will become future leverage."

Barrage began to turn red: 【Ren Mingyuan, Wang Yu Bo, #￥%&*—(dirty words)】

"Then do you want revenge?"

Shen Yu Yan's eyes wandered for a moment, and she smiled: "To tell you the truth, sometimes there really is such an impulse."

【Want! I want! I want it so much!】

【I want to make them kneel and lick the heels of my shoes and beg for mercy!】

Tang Song looked at her sideways, his gaze burning, smiling but not smiling. "Now I'll give you the knife, do you dare to stab back?"

Shen Yu Yan was stunned, her pupils constricting. "You mean—?"

"Dare you? Assistant Shen." Tang Song's voice was low and powerful, every word like striking her heartstrings.

Shen Yu Yan's throat rolled, her eyes slightly red, and after a long time, she took a deep breath and squeezed a word out from between her teeth: "Dare."

"Then let's see your performance." Tang Song chuckled.

Immediately after, he raised his hand toward the organizer's staff.

As the focus of the entire room, he was already attracting attention, located at the very core of the conference.

Suddenly moving, he immediately attracted everyone's attention.

The originally noisy discussion in the venue gradually quieted down.

Annie raised her eyebrows slightly, a trace of surprise appearing on her face, and her gaze toward Shen Yu Yan also changed slightly.

And the staff member who was preparing to hand the microphone to an investor quickly received an urgent order from the leader in his earpiece: "Quick! Give the microphone to Mr. Tang! Immediately!"

Ren Mingyuan on the stage had his eyelids twitching wildly, suddenly having a bad premonition.

o￠o

He subconsciously looked at Wang Yu Bo and Zhao Hongkai, only to find that their faces had become extremely ugly.

Footsteps approached from far to near, and the staff member in a crisp suit walked quickly to Tang Song, bowing slightly, respectfully handing over the microphone: "Mr. Tang, do you have any content you need to ask?"

Tang Song reached out to take the microphone but didn't speak directly, instead turning to hand the microphone to Shen Yu Yan beside him, his tone calm but carrying an unquestionable power: "Assistant Shen, next, you ask on my behalf. Anything you want to say, you can."

He exerted slight force on the words "on my behalf," clearly standing up for her and supporting her.

Shen Yu Yan's heart beat wildly, her fingertips almost able to feel the pulse of her blood, but a sweeter and more moving smile bloomed on her face.

"Thank you, Mr. Tang, for your trust." She took the microphone steadily.

As a grassroots entrepreneur, she had been looked down upon, questioned, and suffered cold eyes and setbacks countless times.

Never for a moment had she felt so confident.

This is the charm of being "favored" by capital, this is the charm of power.

Barrage:

【Tang Song, I love you! You are really a natural male god!】

【You deserve to have so many girlfriends!】

【When I return to Yancheng, I'll take Qingqing to play cosplay with you!】

Seeing the barrage above her head, Tang Song, even in the 【Observer】 state, felt a bit hot and restless.

Shen Yu Yan & Xu Qing—

Hiss—who can withstand this!

Shen Yu Yan took a deep breath, stood up gracefully, and straightened her back.

At this moment, the gaze of the entire room focused on her.

She lifted her head, looking at Ren Mingyuan on the stage.

They were all old acquaintances, and having dealt with each other so many times, she knew the other party too well.

She clearly saw pleading and panic in his eyes.

Shen Yu Yan lifted the corners of her mouth, a climax-like pleasure surging in her heart.

【This is the feeling! So good!】

"Hello guests, I am Shen Yu Yan, Special Assistant to the Chairman of Rongliu Capital. Thank you for the wonderful sharing from Gongying Technology. However, I still have some concerns and doubts, and I hope to ask Mr. Ren for advice."

She wore a professional suit, standing beside Tang Song and Annie Carter, plus her fresh and beautiful appearance, as well as her graceful and sexy figure, she harvested countless admiring and awe-filled gazes.

However, this feeling of being in the limelight didn't make Shen Yu Yan feel nervous; instead, it made her increasingly confident and composed, every action and every word being just right.

"Please speak." Ren Mingyuan's voice carried a hint of dryness.

"According to the company's financial data, the revenue growth rate in the first half of 2023 fell by 14% year-on-year, and this is the data after completing Series B financing.

And the main revenue is still concentrated in the smart lighting product line, accounting for over 78%.

Although you are trying to expand user entry through the housekeeping platform, a stable profit structure has not yet been formed.

May I ask, in the current macroeconomic environment, how does your company ensure the growth momentum of the main business?"

Her words were clear and powerful, logical and rigorous, instantly triggering the attention of the entire room.

Ren Mingyuan's hand holding the microphone exerted slight force. "Assistant Shen's question is very sharp, however, our smart lighting product line accounts for a high proportion precisely because this field has already achieved scaled profitability—"

He barely dealt with a few sentences from the perspectives of ecological closed loop, technical research and development, etc.

Shen Yu Yan spoke again: "I noticed that although your company has laid out service outlets in many cities,

most of these customers are acquired through short-term coupons, low-price experiences, etc. Once the subsidy stops, is there data support for user retention? Have there been large-scale losses? How many are high-frequency,

high-customer-unit-price, high-satisfaction loyal users? And how many are 'one-time users' pulled in by promotional activities?"

"You mentioned 'technical breakthroughs,' but the patent library shows that core algorithms still rely on third-party authorization—"

"May I ask, will your company consider establishing an independent audit mechanism in the future to ensure that all related-party transactions are audited by third parties and publicly disclosed?"

In the main venue, it was so quiet that only her questioning voice remained, as well as Ren Mingyuan's slightly stiff answers.

Just a few minutes.

Ren Mingyuan's back was already soaked, and his face gradually turned pale.

Every question of Shen Yu Yan was like a sharp knife, accurately stabbing the vital point, mercilessly.

Several institutions intending to participate in Gongying Technology's Series C financing lowered their heads one after another to flip through materials, their gazes flickering, starting to re-examine Gongying Technology's true growth.

Shen Yu Yan was not scary, and her words themselves were not enough to set off a monstrous wave, but her identity made it impossible for people to ignore.

She was the Special Assistant to the Chairman of Rongliu Capital, standing beside her was Tang Song, as well as Annie Carter,

and even the figures of top investment institutions like Jingwu Capital were vaguely visible.

These questions were not just her personal doubts, but also the attitude of the institutions behind her.

In the investment field, the opinions of top capital institutions are often regarded as authoritative.

Shen Yu Yan's words would not only affect Gongying Technology's financing process and market reputation, but after being reported, they would also

In the investment field, the opinions of top-tier capital institutions are often regarded as authoritative.

Shen Yu Yan's words would not only affect the financing progress and market reputation of Gongying Technology, but after being reported, they would even guide the public opinion of the entire industry.

Standing in the spotlight of everyone's attention,

Shen Yu Yan's temperament grew increasingly confident and elegant.

She turned her head slightly, looking at her own straight back reflected in the large screen.

Intoxicated and mesmerized.

The bullet comments above her head bloomed like fireworks:

【This is the taste of power... more intoxicating than champagne.】

【What they fear is not me—but the capital behemoth lurking behind me!】

【But so what?】

【The current me—is touching the stars—】