Chapter 567: Famous in Xiangjiang 2

6:30 PM.

As the lights came on, the streets were outlined in gold under the interplay of neon and glass curtain walls.

Shen Yu Yan raised her hand to hail a taxi.

"China Club, please."

After getting in the car, she took out her phone and clicked into Bai Menglin's WeChat chat box.

She left a message: "I've set off from here; I'll be there in 7 or 8 minutes."

【Bai Menglin: "I'm about the same; let's meet downstairs."】

The car drove slowly along the main road in Central, passing through the IFC area.

Shen Yu Yan leaned against the car window, her gaze wandering among the high-rise buildings.

The night in Xiangjiang was exquisite and flashy, yet also restrained and measured.

She really liked it here.

Soon, the vehicle stopped slowly at the entrance of the old China Bank Building.

After paying the fare.

Shen Yu Yan got out of the car and saw Bai Menglin waving at her not far away.

"Menglin." Shen Yu Yan walked up quickly and greeted her.

Bai Menglin grabbed her arm and said with a smile: "Let's go, Yingying said she's still on the way, let us go in first; she's already booked it in advance, just need to report the information."

The two chatted while taking the elevator straight to the 13th floor.

Walking out of the elevator, it was the main entrance and reception area of the club.

After the staff verified their identity information, they politely and enthusiastically led the two inside.

Walking slowly up the spiral staircase, under their feet was thick wool carpet, lights were soft, antiques surrounded them, and the air was filled with a nostalgic atmosphere unique to Xiangjiang's old money circle.

On a Friday night, China Club in Central was very crowded.

Everything seen along the way was men and women in crisp suits with impressive auras.

After the two sat down in the dining area on the 14th floor, they flipped through the menu casually.

Bai Menglin leaned in slightly, lowering her voice in her ear: "See that middle-aged man in the dark gray suit with glasses? He's the CIO of Youfeng Capital, managing three large funds."

"And that beautiful woman in the red dress, she's an LP consultant for Gaoling Investment."

Bai Menglin had been in the Central financial circle for such a long time, after all; besides work, she also attended various social events.

She could be considered "knowledgeable."

Shen Yu Yan glanced sideways quietly, her eyes flickering.

Sure enough, Yancheng was still too small.

Anyone pulled out from here was someone she would have had to make an appointment for a long time in advance to see before.

And in Xiangjiang, perhaps one cocktail party or party would be enough to get in touch.

Fortunately, now, she had jumped out of her previous small circle.

The sky was high and the sea was wide, birds flew and fish leaped.

With the platform of Rongliu Capital, one day she would integrate into these circles.

"Ding-dong—" the WeChat notification sounded.

【Ji Yingying: "I'm downstairs; coming up right away."】

The two raised their heads, their gazes looking toward the staircase entrance.

Not even two minutes later, a familiar yet unfamiliar figure appeared before their eyes; Ji Yingying was wearing a white suit skirt, her makeup exquisite, her posture tall and straight, her gaze meeting theirs in the air.

A faint smile appeared on Ji Yingying's face, and she walked over: "Shen Yu Yan, Menglin, long time no see; sorry,

kept you waiting."

Bai Menglin laughed: "Yingying, long time no see; you've changed so much, you're a completely different person."

"Yingying." Shen Yu Yan pursed her red lips and nodded at Ji Yingying: "You've become beautiful."

"You too, big school beauty, haha."

The three stood and exchanged pleasantries for a few sentences, then sat down one after another.

Ji Yingying greeted the waiter to order food, her movements composed and appropriate, her tone natural, yet hiddenly revealing a hint of mastery over the home field.

She didn't even ask about their tastes, directly ordering several classic dishes recommended by the club, and after ordering, she closed the menu and returned it.

Shen Yu Yan and Bai Menglin looked at each other, their expressions unmoved, but they quietly exchanged a "she's still the same" look under the table.

While waiting for the food to be served.

Ji Yingying turned her gaze to Shen Yu Yan: "Speaking of which, Shen Yu Yan, your span is quite large; you actually changed careers to private equity?"

Shen Yu Yan's mouth curled slightly: "Just wanted to change my way of thinking; after starting a business for a few years, I felt my perspective was too limited, and it just so happened I had the opportunity to come into contact with more professional institutional business, so I'm trying it out."

"Dare to think and dare to do, still the same Shen Yu Yan." Ji Yingying said meaningfully: "It's just that the financial circle emphasizes seniority, resources, and background; the entry threshold is high, and whether you can stay long-term depends on your foundation. Especially the position of board assistant, it can only be said that you got an admission ticket; you still need to continue to work hard next."

"That's true," Shen Yu Yan still nodded with a smile: "However, this 'admission ticket' of mine is quite valuable; my rank is director, and externally I'm also middle-to-high management, basically participating in core business."

Ji Yingying's face paused slightly, her expression looking somewhat unhappy.

Although her experience as a board assistant also "held a title," the core content was nothing more than meeting translation, document polishing, and boss travel arrangements, which was eight poles away from "core business."

Shen Yu Yan was clearly mocking her.

Bai Menglin noticed the subtlety of the atmosphere and quickly laughed to change the topic: "Talking and talking, the one who is hurt is still me! You two are much stronger than me; I'm still a small employee here."

Ji Yingying took over the conversation and said faintly: "Menglin, the platform of Guotai Junan International is indeed not bad, but the development rhythm is slow,

and it's not a popular position. If you want to jump to a more core position, you still have to change platforms."

Bai Menglin nodded slightly, not yet having opened her mouth.

Shen Yu Yan said directly: "You know Menglin; her ability is nothing to say. We at Rongliu are currently building a new business line; I've already invited her, just don't know if she has the courage to fight for it."

Bai Menglin took a deep breath, her eyes flickering. Ji Yingying gently put down her wine glass, a smile hanging on her lips: "Having courage is a good thing, but you still have to be cautious. The AUM of Rongliu Capital is only 2 billion USD, right? It can't be counted as a top-tier one in Xiangjiang locally. Although there are some overseas businesses, overall, it still belongs to small and medium-sized private equity. The platform size has a big impact on career paths.

Overall, the growth space might not be as good as Guotai Junan International; after all, they have the 100-billion-market-cap Guotai Junan Securities behind them."

Although the tone was gentle, the words were full of hints that the level wasn't high enough.

"Yingying has indeed been knowledgeable these past few years, and her speech is becoming more and more generous. Your Zhifang Medical's market value seems to be 10 billion RMB? According to the logic you just used, the growth space is actually quite limited, right?" Shen Yu Yan said in a joking tone: "Do you want to consider changing jobs to our company? The IR background is also very compatible."

"Hehe." Ji Yingying laughed lightly: "Our Zhifang is an industrial company, with products, technology, and factories; revenue is visible, and assets can be touched. The platforms we connect with also include top-tier institutions, such as Qiming Venture Partners and Jiukun Investment. In fact, the day before I set off from Yangcheng, I just had dinner with the chairman and the executives of these two institutions."

Then, she turned to look at Bai Menglin: "This club has a viewing terrace on the 15th floor, and many elites in Central drink and chat there. It just so happens I have friends there; I'll take you to meet them later; perhaps it will be helpful for your career development."

Bai Menglin bit her lip and nodded gently: "Thank you, Yingying."

Although she understood that Ji Yingying was showing off, this was indeed an opportunity.

In this place called Central, many people had to wait for several months for a meal or an introduction.

Shen Yu Yan's hand under the table exerted a little force, but on the surface, she just smiled calmly.

She clearly understood, of course, that what Ji Yingying said made sense.

And the two companies she mentioned, Qiming Venture Partners had an AUM of nearly 10 billion USD, and Jiukun Investment even swept the quantitative track, with a management scale exceeding 60 billion RMB.

In contrast, although Rongliu Capital now had 2.1 billion USD in AUM and was first-tier in the mainland, in Xiangjiang, this financial metropolis with extremely high global capital density, it indeed looked very inconspicuous.

If it were Qiming inviting Bai Menglin to change jobs, even if it were just a senior analyst position, Bai Menglin might have agreed on the spot.

This was reality; she understood very well.

The three were silent for a moment.

Ji Yingying sipped red wine spiritedly, stood up and straightened her clothes, seemingly having completely entered the "hostess" mode.

"Let's go, two old classmates, we've eaten just about enough." Her tone was natural: "Go to the viewing terrace to drink something, look at the night view of Central, and meet some new connections by the way."

Her gaze swept over the two people opposite, her eyes bright, carrying a hint of scrutiny in her confidence.

Shen Yu Yan smiled and stood up composedly: "Then thank you Yingying for helping us expand our social circle."

Bai Menglin also nodded gently, picked up her bag, and followed.

The three climbed up the stairs one after another, arriving at the 15th-floor viewing terrace, and walked a distance inside.

The view suddenly opened up.

Lights flickered on the terrace, and conversations rose and fell.

At least half of the crowd were foreign faces, in crisp suits, with composed manners, either holding whiskey or chatting in low voices.

The scent of alcohol, perfume, and cigars mixed in the night wind, forming a unique atmosphere belonging to the upper social circle.

Directly opposite was the gorgeous night view of Central.

The group of skyscrapers looked like a crystal forest under the reflection of neon lights, light flowing, brilliant throughout, looking across at the Kowloon Peninsula on the opposite shore.

"Over here." Ji Yingying held her bag in one hand and raised the other, elegantly signaling the two to follow.

Her pace was steady, her expression composed, as if walking into territory she was already familiar with.

In fact, as the former board assistant of Zhifang Medical and now IRO, she was socializing most of the time.

She had also followed leaders and investors to see many scenes.

Compared to Shen Yu Yan and Bai Menglin, this was her greatest advantage, and also the main reason she invited the two to come here.

In that circle of seven or eight people, a man in his thirties was smiling and greeting them.

Wearing a navy blue custom suit, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, his aura steady and sharp.

Ji Yingying smiled and took the initiative to greet: "Hello, Mr. Zhou, we're up."

Mr. Zhou nodded, his gaze looking at the two behind her.

"This is Mr. Zhou Wei, a partner at Huayin Capital, and also my good friend." Ji Yingying's tone was intimate: "This time the position at China Club was helped booked by Mr. Zhou."

Hearing her introduction, Bai Menglin's expression tightened, and she took the initiative to reach out for the first time, her attitude appropriate: "Hello Mr. Zhou, I am Bai Menglin from Guotai Junan International; very happy to meet you."

"Hello, Miss Bai." Zhou Wei responded faintly and shook hands with her.

His gaze immediately fell on Shen Yu Yan, his eyes brightening slightly.

Shen Yu Yan's appearance was indeed extremely outstanding.

Her face was fresh and beautiful, her temperament clean and capable, her eyes carrying intelligence and composure; among a crowd of professional women, it was easy to become the focus.

Shen Yu Yan didn't reach out, but politely bowed: "Hello Mr. Zhou, I am Shen Yu Yan from Rongliu Capital."

"Confluent Capital?" Zhou Wei raised his brows slightly: "Is that the one that led the Pre-B round of Ruide Biology in March?"

"Yes, you are truly knowledgeable."

Ji Yingying on the side added the introduction: "Mr. Zhou is a partner at Huayin Capital and also a member of the Investment Decision Committee. Our Zhifang Medical's Pre-IPO round was participated in by Huayin."

Hearing this, Bai Menglin's expression changed slightly, and there was a bit more respect in her gaze.

"What is Miss Shen's position at Rongliu?" Zhou Wei continued to ask.

"Chairman's assistant." Shen Yu Yan took a business card from her bag and handed it over, her tone gentle: "Currently responsible for investment research and project docking in the AI field; hope there will be an opportunity to ask for your advice in the future."

Zhou Wei took the business card, glanced at it, and said casually: "Not bad, AI is very hot now; Rongliu's judgment in this direction is still considered leading."

The two chatted briefly about industry topics; Zhou Wei's attitude was gentle and kind, seemingly having a good impression of her.

Immediately after, the three were led into the circle by Zhou Wei.

There were VPs from top foreign investment banks, as well as senior investment managers from several top private equity firms.

The topics discussed ranged from macro policies to Singapore REIT funds, from LP investment preferences to overseas FOF trends, all of which were first-hand information.

Bai Menglin listened intently, her expression lifting slightly, trying hard to keep up with the rhythm, occasionally nodding in response, appearing exceptionally earnest.

Shen Yu Yan observed quietly, spoke cautiously, and maintained a smile.

People came and went on the viewing terrace, small circles were densely intertwined, and conversations rose and fell.

Relying on her outstanding communication ability, Shen Yu Yan wandered around and also exchanged business cards with quite a few people.

Most people were just out of politeness, and their tone still carried a sense of distant detachment.

There were a few men who were particularly enthusiastic and active toward her, but she could tell at a glance that what the other party was interested in was not her professional background, but her own "external value."

Being in the midst of it.

Shen Yu Yan had a sense of powerlessness.

Once again, she felt her own insignificance.

In Yancheng, as long as the name of Rongliu Capital was mentioned, it would definitely make people look at it with admiration.

But placed in the entire Xiangjiang financial circle, perhaps it was well-known in some vertical industries, but it was far from the point of making people "look at it with admiration."

She stood quietly by the railing with colorful lights, her gaze sweeping over the night view of Victoria Harbour, landing on a familiar high-rise building in the distance—the 38th floor of IFC Phase II.

Sigh, this is Xiangjiang.

My dear General Manager Tang, being your assistant is so lacking in status; you really have to work harder!

"Shen Yu Yan." Bai Menglin's voice sounded.

Shen Yu Yan quickly put away her thoughts, lifted a faint smile, and raised the whiskey in her hand.

"Ding—" The wine glasses touched lightly, crisp and pleasant.

Shen Yu Yan smiled: "In the Xiangjiang financial circle, good opportunities mostly rely on internal recommendations and referrals; this kind of occasion is indeed meaningful; meeting more people is always good."

Bai Menglin nodded, but her expression was somewhat hesitant.

She hesitated for a moment, and finally said in a low voice: "Regarding your previous invitation, I actually considered it for a whole day and felt I should still frankly tell you clearly."

"Mm." Shen Yu Yan nodded calmly: "It's okay, you say."

She had actually vaguely guessed what the other party wanted to say.

Bai Menglin pursed her lips, deliberating her words, just about to open her mouth.

Just at this moment, a burst of exclamation suddenly sounded by the terrace.

"Holy—sh*t!"

"Oh my god! You guys look at the news!!"

The exclamation came from 3 white men in the corner; they were staring at their phones, their expressions shocked.

The crowd that was originally chatting in an orderly manner was immediately attracted.

People in twos and threes looked down at their phones.

A moment later, a clamor like a tide instantly drowned out the silence of the terrace.

"Kate Trust and Tang Jin Capital Office? They actually joined forces?"

"10 billion USD! Oh my god!"

"Something big is going to happen! This is definitely a nuclear-level signal that will attract global capital to re-examine the Asian market!"

"Confluent Capital?!!!"

"Rongliu Capital? Whose fund is it?!"

In this social field known for its calmness and rationality, a restless emotion permeated as never before; everyone fell into a state of excitement and agitation.

Immediately after, one after another, shocked gazes looked at Shen Yu Yan, who was standing in the corner on the edge.

Bai Menglin's words were still stuck in her throat.

Shen Yu Yan stood stunned, as if hit by the sudden clamor.

After a brief moment of distraction, she quickly came back to her senses, almost subconsciously taking out her phone.

As soon as she unlocked it, eye-catching news pushes jumped out on the screen: LinkedIn, Bloomberg, Reuters, Hong Kong Economic Times 【Breaking News | Kate Trust and Tang Jin Capital Office Jointly Establish a 10-Billion-USD Fund of Funds with Confluent Capital】

【Imperial Capital Time October 28, 20:30, US Eastern Time October 28, 08:30】

【Kate Trust and Tang Jin Capital Office held a joint press conference in New York, announcing a strategic cooperation with the local Xiangjiang private equity institution Confluent Capital, planning to jointly establish a special fund of funds (Fund of Funds) with a total scale of 10 billion USD—】

Her fingertips trembled slightly, staring at the four characters "Rongliu Capital" in the news, reading them repeatedly.

An unnatural flush appeared on her face, and her breathing became slightly rapid.

Rongliu Capital received a fund injection of 10 billion USD?!!

Kate Trust? Tang Jin Family Office? Strategic cooperation?

What did this mean?

It meant that Rongliu Capital's asset management scale would break through its original boundaries overnight, directly jumping to the Top 15 of Xiangjiang local private equity, and into the ranks of the Top 30 Asia-Pacific mixed strategy funds.

It would thoroughly shake off the vague boundary of a "medium-sized institution" and step into the ranks of global large-scale private equity.

Corresponding to the 12-billion-USD AUM, Rongliu Capital's existing team simply couldn't support this plate.

Next, it would inevitably launch poaching in the industry, expand its scale, readjust its organizational structure, and trigger shocks in the industry's talent market.

And for the entire Xiangjiang market, this was also a capital event with iconic significance.

The joint capital injection of two top-tier financial groups was essentially a strategic endorsement, seen as an additional bet on Xiangjiang's status as an international financial center.

Especially against the backdrop of the turmoil and the low Hong Kong stock market over the past few years, this was no different from a shot of adrenaline.

Such a heavy positive news would inevitably trigger violent fluctuations in the securities market and become the focus of heated discussion.

Rongliu Capital, overnight, became famous in Xiangjiang.

And at this very moment, she was standing at the first scene of this miracle.

Thinking of this, Shen Yu Yan felt her scalp go numb, her spine burning, and her heartbeat thumping like a drum. ===== CHAPTER 568 =====

It will completely shed the vague boundaries of a "mid-sized institution" and step into the ranks of large global private equity firms.

Corresponding to an AUM of 12 billion USD, Rongliu Capital's existing team simply cannot support this scale.

Next, they will inevitably begin poaching talent within the industry, expanding their scale, and readjusting their organizational structure, triggering a shock in the industry's talent market.

And for the entire Xiangjiang market, this is likewise a landmark capital event.

The joint capital injection from two top-tier financial groups is essentially a strategic endorsement, viewed as a further bet on Xiangjiang's status as an international financial center.

Especially against the backdrop of the turmoil and the sluggish Hong Kong stock market over the past few years, this is nothing short of a shot in the arm.

Such heavy, positive news is bound to trigger violent fluctuations in the securities market and become the focus of heated discussion.

Rongliu Capital, overnight, became famous throughout Xiangjiang.

And at this very moment, she is standing at the primary scene of this miracle.

Thinking of this, Shen Yu Yan felt her scalp tingle, her back grew hot, and her heartbeat thundered like a drum.