Chapter 562: A Glimpse of Grace, Su Yu

"Shirley, Shirley!" Lin Mu Xue's voice rang out with a hint of teasing: "What are you spacing out about? Could it be that you've been bewitched by the air of Xiangjiang?"

Shen Yu Yan quickly regained her senses, her gaze shifting slightly as she looked up at Mo Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan, who was standing not far away.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward briskly and proactively extended her hand.

Her tone carried a slight tremor of nervousness and respect as she said, "General Manager Mo, hello. I have long admired your reputation; I never expected to meet you here."

"I am Shen Yu Yan, the Special Assistant to the Chairman of Rongliu Capital."

Although her voice remained steady, fine beads of sweat had already begun to seep from her palms.

Hearing her self-introduction, Mo Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's eyes flickered slightly as she reached out to shake her hand.

"Hello, Assistant Shen, pleased to make your acquaintance."

Hearing that the renowned Mo Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan was so gentle and polite, a surge of immense excitement and thrill welled up in Shen Yu Yan's heart.

This was the CEO of Tang Zong Entertainment!

As a top-tier enterprise in the domestic entertainment industry, it was a listed company with a market value nearing one hundred billion.

Her noble status was beyond question.

She had seen this name countless times on financial news, short-video platforms, and investor rankings, yet now, she was actually standing before her, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries!

Compared to Zheng Zheng Zheng Qiudong, another celebrity she had met previously, Mo Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan was far gentler and much friendlier in attitude.

"I have always heard that General Manager Mo possesses unparalleled elegance; seeing you today..."

Watching Shen Yu Yan's expression from the side, a faint smile curled the corners of Lin Mu Xue's lips.

A little chick who has never seen the world!

You actually dare to compete with me, Emperor Mu Xue, for position!

Hahaha, scared silly, aren't you?

This is just the beginning; if you knew that I share an equally "intimate relationship" with Jin Mei Xiao and Su Yu, you'd probably pee your pants on the spot!

However, Mo Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan's sudden appearance today did indeed leave her somewhat overwhelmed by the honor, making her realize her standing in the other woman's—

or rather, in Su Yu's—heart, causing her to feel even more composed.

As for how the other party knew her itinerary, that was actually quite simple.

The black card privileges and butler teams of Kate Bank often collaborated with Tang Zong Entertainment.

Especially Sheng Tang, which was responsible for security; Tang Zong Entertainment was among its shareholders.

After exchanging a few simple pleasantries.

Seeing Shen Yu Yan still trying to curry favor with Mo Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan, Lin Mu Xue smiled and interrupted: "Sister Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan, let's get in the car and chat."

"Mm."

Shen Yu Yan's gaze paused briefly between the two women; just as she was about to say something.

Lin Mu Xue directly arranged: "Shirley, you take the car behind."

The driver immediately opened the rear door for her; Shen Yu Yan hesitated for a moment before nodding with a smile and replying, "Understood."

"Bang—" The car door was gently closed.

Sitting in the back, Shen Yu Yan exhaled, her eyes still flashing with shock.

The courtesy and private consultant Lin Mu Xue had provided earlier had actually limited impact on her.

What truly broke her defenses was Mo Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan appearing personally to pick her up at the airport.

If it were Tang Song, she could understand it.

After all, he was the boss of a private equity firm worth tens of billions.

But what about Lin Mu Xue?

She was merely the General Assistant of Rongliu Capital; even at the Vice President (VP) level, she was just a corporate executive.

Where did she get such audacity?

For a moment, in Shen Yu Yan's eyes, Lin Mu Xue seemed veiled by a layer of mystery.

The car slowly drove out of Xiangjiang International Airport, winding its way along the North Lantau Highway.

The scenery outside the window gradually shifted from the steel and glass of the terminal buildings to verdant hills and a winding coastline.

The skyline of Xiangjiang slowly unfolded.

The Tsing Ma Bridge lay like a giant dragon, connecting Hong Kong Island and the New Territories, while the sea surface beneath it shimmered with sparkling waves.

The slightly salty sea breeze of Victoria Harbour drifted through the cracks in the car window, stirring her hair and bringing with it the humidity and fervor unique to Xiangjiang.

Shen Yu Yan gently exhaled, feeling her mind clear and refreshed as she gazed into the distance.

Towering glass curtain walls glittered under the setting sun, outlining the magnificent silhouette of a bustling metropolis.

The International Finance Centre, the Bank of China Tower, the HSBC Main Building—one by one, these symbols of wealth and power swept past her eyes, both unfamiliar and awe-inspiring, as if a scene she had repeatedly depicted in her mind for years had finally materialized.

She raised her phone, her finger lightly tapping the shutter.

"Click—"

The afternoon light and shadow of Weiduoliyagang were frozen within the lens.

She casually shared it to her Moments with the caption: "The intersection of capital and dreams, the Oriental Pearl of international finance—I have arrived."

After posting, she leaned back in her seat, gazing out the window to quietly admire the scenery of Xiangjiang.

After a while, she subconsciously opened her phone and refreshed her Moments.

Immediately, she saw a large number of unread messages.

Likes and comments arrived in quick succession.

Soon, one comment caught her attention.

【Ji Ji Ji Yingying: "I only heard from Bai Bai Menglin at noon that you came to Xiangjiang. Come to think of it, it's been over four years since the three of us gathered together. I happen to plan to visit investors in Xiangjiang soon; wait until I arrive this weekend, and we'll have a proper reunion."】

Shen Yu Yan stared at this comment for a few seconds, her eyes shifting slightly.

She naturally understood Ji Ji Ji Yingying's meaning.

How could this be about "wanting to reunite"?

It was merely another way of saying: "I'm here too, so don't rush to show off."

Back then, she, Bai Bai Bai Menglin, and Ji Ji Ji Yingying were all standout figures in their key class; all possessed outstanding looks and top-tier grades.

Though never explicitly stated among the three, competition had never ceased from start to finish.

At that time, she had indeed consistently suppressed them, whether in appearance, grades, or demeanor.

Ji Ji Ji Yingying clearly intended to make a triumphant return home.

Nowadays, Zhifang Medical had successfully listed on the A-share market with a valuation of 9.8 billion, causing a huge stir in reputation.

As the person in charge of investor relations, Ji Ji Ji Yingying indeed had the capital for such arrogance.

When she first learned this news in the group chat earlier, she had indeed felt upset and lost for a long time.

Fortunately, she was now also an executive at a private equity firm worth tens of billions, her status no inferior to Ji Ji Ji Yingying's.

The only one who suffered was Bai Bai Bai Menglin.

Shen Yu Yan shook her head with a light laugh, tapped on Ji Ji Ji Yingying's comment, and replied: "Looking forward to our reunion in Xiangjiang (#Hug) (#Heart)."

4:00 PM.

The vehicle slowly pulled into the crescent-shaped driveway in front of the Four Seasons Hotel in Central.

This landmark five-star hotel in Xiangjiang featured red-and-gold welcome umbrellas at its entrance that gleamed under the sunlight.

A bellboy dressed in a white-gloved uniform politely opened the car door, his movements elegant and well-trained.

Black Jimmy Choo high heels stepped onto the ground; Lin Mu Xue alighted gracefully, carrying her Hermès Birkin bag, every gesture exuding the demeanor of a dominant heroine.

Private Consultant Aria quickly approached her side, reporting something in a low voice.

Shen Yu Yan got out of the car afterward, slightly composing her expression and striving to maintain her composure.

After the three cars parked neatly for a moment, they slowly drove away.

Shen Yu Yan asked hesitantly: "Luna, what about General Manager Mo—?"

Lin Mu Xue waved her hand lightly, her tone indifferent: "Sister Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan is very busy with work; she specifically made time to come pick me up and discuss some private matters. Don't ask too many questions; let's go."

Her words seemed casual, yet each one carried a sting.

Shen Yu Yan's lips twitched slightly, her chest heaving, but ultimately she said nothing.

Inside the lobby, the lighting was soft; warm golden light cascaded from vintage crystal chandeliers onto the marble floor with its interwoven black-and-white patterns, reflecting exquisite and luxurious textures.

Guests came and went in an orderly fashion, dressed impeccably.

Shen Yu Yan opened her bag, just about to take out her identification to check in.

Several figures quickly approached.

Leading them was a middle-aged Caucasian man dressed in a well-tailored suit, his expression proper and his demeanor carrying a trained politeness.

Shen Yu Yan's heart skipped a beat as she subconsciously looked toward Lin Mu Xue.

Sure enough, this group stopped in front of Lin Mu Xue.

The Caucasian man bowed fifteen degrees and smiled respectfully: "Honored Ms. Lin, welcome to the Four Seasons Hotel Xiangjiang. I am the Front Office Manager, Daniel Everett; it is my honor to serve you."

"Hello, Daniel," Lin Mu Xue replied with a gentle tone, nodding in acknowledgment.

Daniel spoke at a moderate pace, with a habitual British accent: "You originally booked a Deluxe Sea View Room; we have automatically upgraded you free of charge to a Luxury Sea View Executive Suite. The suite covers 150 square meters and includes a separate living room and a private viewing balcony. All amenities in the room, including the fragrance, champagne, pillows, and brand of drinking water, have been replaced and arranged according to your preferences."

Daniel continued speaking.

Standing to the side, Shen Yu Yan truly felt her defenses crumbling.

She was a normal woman, her desire to compare herself to others no weaker than anyone else's.

Especially when facing Lin Mu Xue, her competitive spirit was even stronger.

Both of them held assistant positions; although Lin Mu Xue's rank was slightly higher, the administrative staff had booked the same sea view room for her at 4,000 Hong Kong dollars per night.

In fact, this business trip treatment was already incredibly awesome.

But upon arriving at the hotel, with a complimentary upgrade to a luxury suite costing over 20,000 per night, customized configurations, and the Front Hall Manager personally greeting them—courtesies she had only ever seen in TV dramas and financial gossip.

How on earth did she manage to secure so many privileges? And she even knows big shots like Mo Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan.

Is there any justice left? Does anyone care about the law anymore?

I really shouldn't have come with her!

I'm such a fool! Really!

The grievances accumulated along the way burned like flames, tightening her chest.

"Ms. Lin, please follow me to the suite first; shortly, we will complete the remaining check-in procedures in your room." Then Daniel's gaze fell upon Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan. "May I ask if this lady will be checking in as well?"

Lin Empress Mu Xue turned her head slightly and smiled lightly, "Shirley, want to stay together? A 150-square-meter suite is a bit lonely for just me."

Her tone was natural, like a casual invitation between friends or besties, yet her smile carried three parts casualness, three parts probing,

and four parts of unspoken superiority.

Lin Empress Mu Xue looked down at her, feeling so refreshed she wanted to shiver.

In her view, from departure to hotel check-in, this moment was the MVP settlement screen of her game.

Their eyes met; both knew what the other was thinking.

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan gritted her teeth, then suddenly smiled, "Sure, then I'll be imposing on you. Staying together makes it convenient to look out for each other, and we can save the company some travel budget. When President Tang arrives in Xiangjiang, he'll surely praise us."

This was for the best; she was genuinely worried that when Tang Song arrived in Xiangjiang, he would go straight to Lin Empress Mu Xue's room.

"Then let's go."

Daniel bowed slightly, guiding with an upturned palm, "Please follow me; the private elevator is waiting for you."

Lin Empress Mu Xue nodded politely and turned elegantly.

The staff efficiently sent the luggage up the private elevator.

"Ding—" The elevator stopped at the 41st floor.

The lighting was soft and elegant; stepping on the thick wool carpet, the group moved forward in silence.

The dark wood double doors slowly opened.

The luxurious and bright suite came into view.

The interior of the suite was spacious and bright, dominated by beige and gold tones, with a well-arranged layout.

A faint scent of amber and cedar permeated the air, clean and restrained, just right.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows lay an unobstructed panoramic view of Weiduoliyagang.

The sea and sky merged into one color, light and shadow interwoven, resembling a series of exquisite portrait photos.

Daniel briefly introduced the suite's structure and amenities, then quietly exited with the service staff as the main door slowly closed.

The vast suite instantly fell silent, leaving only the two of them.

It felt as though a faint electric current wandered through the air, barely perceptible.

Lin Empress Mu Xue casually took off her coat, draped it over the sofa back, reached for the champagne bottle, and shook it toward Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan.

"Welcome to Xiangjiang, Shirley. Want to have a couple of drinks together?"

"Sure." Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan smiled, sat in the single armchair opposite her, and accepted the offered wine glass.

The champagne was poured slowly, the liquid rising with fine bubbles. "Clink~~"

The cool liquid slid down her throat, releasing a faint fruity aroma.

The two exchanged a smile, while undercurrents of emotion surged between them.

After a moment of silence, Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan set down her glass and said in a light, sincere tone, "Luna, I'm genuinely super curious about how you have such a good relationship with President Mo of Tang Zong Entertainment? Your connections really scared me; you're too amazing."

Lin Empress Mu Xue didn't answer immediately; instead, she leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on her knees, with a look that was both casual and teasing, her red lips parting.

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan subconsciously leaned forward as well, her gaze fixed tightly on Lin Empress Mu Xue's eyes, trying to catch any clues from her expression.

Their two exquisite faces were less than ten centimeters apart, their breaths intertwining, the scent of champagne diffusing in the air.

Setting aside the friction between them, the scene was extremely aesthetic.

"Nope, not telling you." Lin Empress Mu Xue slowly spoke.

Having said that, she let out a "Pfft" and laughed until her branches trembled, her entire body relaxing and unfolding.

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan's eye corner twitched violently, her hand gripping the wine glass tightening quietly.

She silently recited in her heart: "Don't get angry, don't get angry, if I die of anger, who will be satisfied—"

Lin Empress Mu Xue, brimming with pride, took another sip of champagne, stood up, and stretched lazily, her movements elegant and relaxed. "I'm going to take a shower and enjoy a bubble bath. What do you want to eat tonight? My treat."

"No need, I've already made plans with a classmate."

Hearing this, Lin Empress Mu Xue's eyes lit up. "What classmate? Can I join you?"

She hadn't yet had the chance to show off her black card in front of Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan!

Showing off to one person is showing off; showing off to two is still showing off!

"Heh." Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan was almost laughed at by her anger. "A high school classmate; we're just catching up. Let's do something together next time."

Lin Empress Mu Xue pouted, shaking her head regretfully. "Alright then, hope you have fun."

With that, she hummed a little tune, swaying her perky buttocks as she walked into the bathroom, her figure as light as a kitten stepping to the beat.

Watching her retreating back, Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan gritted her teeth and suppressed the emotions swelling in her chest.

Just then.

"Ring-ring—" Her mobile phone suddenly rang.

【Bai Bai Bai Menglin】

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan quickly adjusted her expression, picked up the phone, and answered, "Hello, Bai Bai Menglin."

"Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan, sorry about that, I've been a bit busy today and just saw your WeChat moments. Have you arrived at the hotel?"

"Mm, just arrived. It's the Four Seasons Hotel in Central, only a few hundred meters from your company."

"Wow, that hotel isn't cheap; worthy of our little boss who started her own business!" Bai Bai Bai Menglin teased with a laugh.

"It's alright." Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan smiled slightly, saying nothing more.

"By the way, Ji Ji Yingying is coming to Xiangjiang too; things are going to get lively." Bai Bai Bai Menglin's tone was light yet carried a hint of emotion. "I never expected we would reunite in Xiangjiang instead of Luocheng."

"Heh, I'm super looking forward to it too."

"You guys can stay here for a while longer. Yan, aren't you quite interested in the financing circle? This morning, I heard our VP say that things are getting a bit lively in Xiangjiang recently; it seems something big is about to happen."

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan paused for a moment, then immediately asked, "How so?"

"Some of our major clients and key executives from partner organizations have been arriving in Xiangjiang one after another over the past two days, such as Guyu Biology, Tang Zong Entertainment, Yunxi Real Estate—even an important representative from the Tang Jin Family Office."

"So many heavyweight players?" Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan's eyes instantly brightened, her entire spirit lifting.

"Yes." Bai Bai Bai Menglin's tone was casual, yet she couldn't hide her excitement. "Judging by this lineup, the capital market is probably about to make a big move. Joining the fun, we might even witness something major firsthand."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the two hung up.

Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window on the other side.

This suite was indeed excellent; not only could one overlook Weiduoliyagang, but one could also see Kowloon and Taiping Mountain.

Guotai Junan International, where Bai Bai Bai Menglin worked, was located in the nearby New Era Plaza, visible to the naked eye.

Her gaze leaped between skyscraper after skyscraper, her heart surging with excitement.

Instantly, many thoughts came to mind.

Mo Mo Mo Sister Xiang Wan of Tang Zong Entertainment had personally traveled to Xiangjiang, and Tang Song was also coming to Xiangjiang.

Did their appearance here have anything to do with these capital movements?

Moreover, the companies Bai Bai Bai Menglin mentioned all seemed to be associated with Smile Holdings.

For instance, Guyu Biology, this Hong Kong-listed biotech leader with a market value in the hundreds of billions, was more than ten times larger in scale than Zhifang Medical, where Ji Ji Ji Yingying worked.

Its major shareholder was Smile Holdings.

The current chairman, Li Li Shiqin, was a trusted confidant of Director Jin.

As for Yunxi Real Estate and Tang Zong Entertainment, there was no need to say more.

If this capital turmoil was truly about to unfold, was it possible for Rongliu Capital to be involved?

After all, there was also the shadow of Tang Jin behind Rongliu Capital.

"Thump-thump-thump—" Her heartbeat began to accelerate.

A blush rose on Shen Shen Shen Shen Yu Yan's face; suddenly, a strange palpitation stirred in her heart—that was her consistently sharp sixth sense.

Her intuition told her that this trip to Xiangjiang would be far more turbulent than she had imagined.

6:00 PM.

Shencheng, Liu Liu Liu Qingning Technology Building.

"Bye~ President Liu." "Bye."

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning followed the crowd, walking lightly out of the office building's main entrance.

The sea breeze brushed gently, carrying a slight salty taste, weaving through the gaps between buildings, fluttering the hem of her clothes and her hair.

Night fell, and the city's neon lights began to illuminate one by one, creating halos of light on the glass of the high-rises.

Crossing the intersection, as she approached Tower T7 of Shenchengwan No. 1.

She slowed her pace, took out her phone, and dialed Liu Shuang's number: "Hello? Chen Chen Shuangshuang, where are you?"

"Right away, right away! Got held up waiting for the elevator; don't worry, I'm sprinting over!" On the other end of the line, she was panting heavily.

Hanging up the phone, less than a minute later, a figure came flying over.

"I'm here!" Liu Shuang laughed and hugged her tightly, enthusiastic like a puppy.

The two laughed and played for a few moments before walking forward together.

Liu Shuang said with a face full of expectations, "So happy! I get to mooch a meal at your place again."

"Let me correct you: that's 'rented,' not my home."

"Got it, got it, your husband rented it for you, haha." Liu Shuang shook her arm, intimate and natural.

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning made two "hmph" sounds but did not refute the title.

Because the Liu Liu Liu Qingning Technology Building was only a few hundred meters from Shenchengwan No. 1.

If Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning wasn't busy with daily work, she solved all three meals at home.

Nanny Mei Yi had originally been Su Yu's private live-in nanny.

Her culinary skills were exquisite; she was proficient in Cantonese cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, and Western food, and could even make desserts, stews, and health-preserving porridge.

Eating at home was far more comfortable than eating out.

Ever since Liu Shuang's first visit to eat, she had been completely captivated, using every opportunity to come over and mooch meals.

Eating alone was indeed lonely, and Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning was happy to have someone accompany her, so she tacitly accepted this "meal-mooching partner."

The two walked side by side into the Shenchengwan No. 1 residential compound.

Walking slowly along the stone-paved path, with faint voices and car horns behind them and illuminated landscape lights ahead outlining the entire compound in gentleness and tranquility.

"Tsk tsk, this place is too good; the greenery is like a park, the property management is high-end, every visit feels like a vacation."

"Then work hard; maybe one day you'll be able to buy a unit here."

"Forget it; I can't even afford to rent here. Mooching off you is the most cost-effective option."

The two chatted and laughed, their cheerful voices rippling lightly through the night.

Just then, a figure approached slowly from the opposite direction.

It instantly captured their attention.

She wore a black face mask and a baseball cap, revealing only a pair of eyes.

Her figure was tall and slender, clad in a sharply tailored black leather jacket that outlined a capable and upright silhouette.

High-waisted cargo pants and Martin boots made her figure appear even more upright and cold, both sassy and cool, exuding pressure and charm simultaneously.

As the distance closed, they finally met face-to-face at the bend in the path.

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning and Liu Shuang instinctively stepped slightly aside to yield, slowing their pace.

At the same time, that woman also slowed her steps.

A pair of eyes slowly lifted.

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning involuntarily held her breath.

What kind of eyes were these?

Pure and serene, like a deep lake beneath melting snow; seemingly calm and waveless, yet hiding surging undercurrents.

The reddish-brown eyeshadow at the corners of her eyes was blended with extreme restraint and precision, breathtakingly beautiful.

These were the most beautiful eyes Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning had ever seen with her own eyes.

Ultimate, yet restrained.

But strangely, she felt somewhat familiar.

In the instant their gazes met, the woman's expression was indifferent yet profound, as if hiding a thousand words, or as if saying nothing at all. The next second, she lowered her head and brushed past them.

The wind swept by with it, bringing a faint cold fragrance, like the scent of a pine forest on a snowy night, chilling to the bone.

Only after her figure had completely merged into the night did Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning regain her senses.

Liu Shuang exclaimed, "Oh my god, who is that! So cool? Like a cold-faced agent from a movie; that temperament and figure are simply unbeatable."

Hearing the word "movie," Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's steps faltered, and she came to an abrupt halt.

"What's wrong? Liu Liu Liu Qingning!" Liu Shuang tugged her arm.

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning stared blankly ahead, her full chest heaving violently, her voice trembling slightly: "Chen Chen Shuangshuang, do you think... that woman just now looks like a celebrity?"

"Who?"

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning bit her lip and struggled to speak: "Su Yu."

Liu Shuang froze for a moment, her pupils suddenly dilating, her voice rising pitch by pitch: "Damn! It's definitely her! Su Yu! Oh my god, Su Yu! We actually ran into Su Yu here!"

She excitedly grabbed Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning's arm, almost jumping up: "Liu Liu Liu Qingning, can we still catch up if we chase her now?!"

Liu Liu Liu Liu Qingning did not answer; standing in place, her expression vacant, her heart beating faster.

She suddenly had a strong premonition.

It might not be long before they would meet formally.