Chapter 639: Luna and Tina

6:00 AM, London time.

Outside the window, the night was still thick and impenetrable.

A fine drizzle tapped against the glass, adding a touch of serenity to this ancient city.

In a luxury suite at the Ritz Hotel.

The scent of sandalwood from last night's sleep-aid aromatherapy still lingered in the air.

Lin Mu slowly opened her eyes and sat up in bed.

After three days of adjustment, that annoying jet lag had finally been completely overcome.

She picked up her phone, checked for unread messages, and then reported her itinerary for the day to Tang Song.

Lin Mu walked to the bedside and lazily stretched.

Her sexy, hot body stretched into a breathtaking curve under the dim light.

This was already her fourth day in London.

Recalling the experiences of the past few days, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl up wildly.

It truly had been a dreamlike "journey of showing off."

When they took off from Yancheng, Annie Kate and that Gulfstream G650ER had already completely stunned her few young second-generation rich friends.

And after arriving in London, the private dinner hosted personally by the true Astor family noblewoman, Lady Camilla Astor, had pushed her "status" to its peak.

She still remembered the embarrassed, flustered look on Zhou Hang and Zhang Xi's faces when they learned of the other party's identity, unable to even speak properly.

Of course, what made her feel the most exhilarated was the uninhibited shopping.

This time, she was on an official business trip under Tang Song's orders, in her capacity as the 【General Assistant to Rongliu Capital】.

Every transaction made with the co-branded black card in her hand was perfectly justified.

Thus, on New Bond Street and at Harrods, she snapped up several luxury items she had long coveted.

Of course, she didn't go too far; she "reported" every purchase to Tang Song on WeChat.

After all, she was attending the Imperial College alumni gathering tonight, and it was at a duke's private estate.

Naturally, she had to dress to impress; she absolutely could not lose face for Tang Song.

She got up and changed her clothes.

Lin Mu picked up the action camera on the bedside table and began filming today's vlog.

"Good morning~" she said to the camera, revealing a slightly fierce yet still bright smile. "It's 6:00 AM London time, and it's still raining outside. There are many things to handle today, and I have to attend the Imperial College alumni gathering, so I need to get up early to do some preparations."

Washing up, skincare, styling her hair—every step was recorded in her most elegant and relaxed posture.

Past 7:00 AM, the sky began to brighten, and she pressed the call button by the bed.

A private butler pushed a dining cart in, delivering a steaming English breakfast and the day's *Financial Times*.

"Good morning, Ms. Lin."

"Morning, Edith."

Lin Mu leaned against the velvet chair by the window, sipping top-tier black tea while flipping through the newspaper.

Occasionally looking up, she could see through the massive floor-to-ceiling window the royal green space in Green Park slowly waking up in the morning mist, as well as the hazy silhouette of the Palace of Westminster in the distance.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, shivering gently with pleasure.

At this moment, she had finally realized one of her dreams.

In the heart of this world financial capital, she was enjoying impeccable top-tier service with the dual identity of an MBA student at a world-renowned university and a top private equity executive.

It was a pity Tang Song wasn't here; otherwise, she felt her combat power could double.

The water-style magic she used could also make him look at her with new eyes.

After finishing breakfast.

Lin Mu turned off the camera and began to put on makeup and pack her things.

At 9:00 AM, the rain outside the window gradually stopped.

After saying goodbye to Zhang Xi.

Lin Mu boarded the Bentley waiting in front of the hotel and set off for Imperial College London.

The car drove steadily through the streets of London.

Outside the window, from the luxurious Piccadilly Circus to the royal grandeur of Hyde Park, and then to the thick academic atmosphere of the South Kensington district.

They flashed before her eyes one by one.

In fact, she had already visited Imperial College London on her second day in London.

During that meeting, she received her "new student gift package."

A student ID card printed with her name and photo, possessing the highest level of authorization, a welcome letter personally signed by the Dean, and a list of the most core special guests for tonight's alumni association.

And today, before the formal alumni gathering began, she needed to have a formal meeting with her mentor.

Soon, the Bentley stopped steadily at the entrance of the South Kensington campus of Imperial College London.

Through the car window, Lin Mu immediately saw the white male smiling and waiting at the bottom of the stone steps.

It was Henderson, the Senior Manager of the school's Development Office.

She took a deep breath, suppressed all her insecurity and nervousness, put a confident smile back on her face, pushed the door open, and got out of the car.

"Good morning, Ms. Lin. You look absolutely wonderful."

"Good morning, Mr. Henderson."

Then, accompanied by Henderson, she walked into the campus.

Ancient Gothic architecture and modern teaching buildings complemented each other; students in academic robes hurried by with books in their arms, and the air was filled with a unique atmosphere where academia and history intertwined.

Lin Mu felt as if she had accidentally wandered into Hogwarts from *Harry Potter*.

Passing through several teaching buildings.

They finally arrived at a high-end faculty club located on the banks of the Thames.

In a private room in the club overlooking the river view.

She met her "mentor," Professor Philip Drummond—an elderly British gentleman with graying hair and an elegant temperament.

He was not only a tenured professor at the Imperial College Business School and a knighted sir by the Queen, but also a former economic advisor to the British Treasury.

The meeting was not as serious as she had imagined.

Professor Drummond was like a kind elder, personally pouring her a cup of Ceylon black tea.

He chatted with her about London's unpredictable weather, the latest art exhibition at the Tate Gallery, and some anecdotes from within the luxury industry.

It was clear that the school had already reported all her background information and personal preferences to this professor in advance.

At the same time, he also made "customized" arrangements for her upcoming study plan.

Her courses would be very flexible, focusing more on practice and case studies, so there was absolutely no need to worry about academic pressure.

This was effectively the school telling her: You are here mainly to expand your network and acquire status; we won't make things difficult for you academically.

This pleasant meeting allowed Lin Mu to completely let go of the last trace of worry about her "poor student" status.

It also meant that she had truly stepped into the gates of this world-class institution.

Near noon, the pleasant meeting with Professor Drummond finally ended.

Just as Lin Mu walked out of the heavy oak door of the faculty club, her phone rang.

【Cici (Wang Si)】

This Wang Si was a companion arranged for her by the school's Development Office when she first arrived in London.

Also from China, and also admitted through a "special channel."

However, unlike her, Wang Si had arrived a month earlier and was more familiar with the school environment.

She could help her get familiar quickly.

Lin Mu quickly answered the phone and said with a smile, "Hello, Cici."

"Luna, I remember you said you were coming to school today, right?"

"Mm, yes, I just finished meeting with my mentor."

Wang Si's tone became even more enthusiastic. "That's great! Do you want to have lunch together? I'll take you to the faculty restaurant; the Wellington steak there is super authentic! By the way, let's discuss the itinerary for the alumni gathering tonight."

Lin Mu raised her eyebrows slightly, pondered for a moment, and said, "Okay, I'll head over now."

Having someone like Cici who was keen on socializing to lead the way could also help her open up the situation quickly.

The faculty restaurant was more like a high-end private club.

Tables with white tablecloths, polite waiters, and the elegant professors and scholars whispering around them.

All made the atmosphere here appear exceptionally solemn.

Lin Mu walked in and immediately saw Wang Si waving at her.

The other party was wearing a pink Chanel suit with exquisite makeup.

She had a standard influencer face, but unlike her, Wang Si's face had clear traces of sculpting.

It was obvious she had undergone plastic surgery.

After ordering, Wang Si took the initiative to start the conversation.

Chatting about her experiences at school and introducing gossip about different professors.

Both were women with good emotional intelligence, and both had the intention to befriend the other, so the chatting process was very pleasant.

The atmosphere was harmonious and friendly.

After lunch, Wang Si's eyes flickered.

She opened her Hermès Kelly bag, took out a gold-stamped business card, and handed it over.

"Luna, this is our second meeting, so we can be considered friends. This is my business card; if you need anything in the future, feel free to find me."

"Thanks, Cici." Lin Mu nodded and took it, glancing at it casually, and was slightly stunned.

【Huaqi Holding Group, Assistant to the Chairman, Wang Si (Cici Wang)——.. —·】

She had been in the financial company for so long, after all.

She had naturally heard of Huaqi Holding; it was a domestic listed real estate company at the ten-billion level, and could be considered a leading enterprise.

And Wang Si was only 25 years old this year, yet she could become an assistant to the chairman.

Looking again at her figure, appearance, and dressing style.

In an instant, she had some guesses in her mind.

Wang Si looked at her and asked tentatively, "Last time we met, I heard you tell the school staff that you were also in an assistant position at a company?"

"Mm." Lin Mu nodded. "I work at a private equity firm, serving as a general assistant."

"Then you coming to Imperial College to study this Global MBA was also arranged by the company, right?"

Seeming to understand the other party's meaning, Lin Mu shook her head and explained lightly, "It was arranged by my boyfriend."

Wang Si was stunned for a moment, then asked, "Then is your boyfriend the boss of your company?"

"Uh..." Lin Mu's eye twitched, and for a moment she had nothing to say.

(; A1)

Wang Si immediately revealed that kind of "I understand" ambiguous smile, and her attitude toward her became even more enthusiastic.

A young, beautiful financial company assistant sent to a prestigious school for gilding by her "boyfriend" (sugar daddy)—in her view, this was exactly the same as her own situation.

They were the same kind of people!

The difference was that Lin Mu's "boyfriend" probably spent more money and gave her more freedom.

She only needed to come to school symbolically once or twice a year to attend the alumni gathering.

Unlike her, who had to honestly study in London for three months every year, earn enough credits, and complete a decent thesis.

Even so, this seemingly glorious opportunity was something she had exhausted all her efforts to obtain.

Actually, she was also a bit nervous about tonight's alumni gathering.

After all, Imperial College's Global MBA was still very authoritative.

Those who truly attended the alumni gathering were mostly executives from consulting, investment banking, and tech giants; they were in charge of multinational business lines and held real projects in their hands.

There was also no lack of "academic elites" who had won full scholarships through their own strength or stood out through academic research or entrepreneurial achievements.

Even more eye-catching were those young heirs born with silver spoons in their mouths—young masters of listed groups, descendants of fund founders, and even offspring of political rising stars.

And in order to add weight to the alumni gathering, the school often invited several members of old European and American families, and even descendants with noble titles.

In such an occasion, a special student like her, who had neither the confidence of real talent nor sufficient background, naturally appeared exceptionally awkward.

Now that she had met Lin Mu, she felt slightly relieved.

At least the two of them could accompany each other at the venue.

If it really didn't work out, once they got to the alumni gathering, they would just find a corner to stand in and try to minimize their presence.

Listening to Wang Si's tactful and heart-to-heart words.

Ever since going abroad, Xiao Xue, who had been playing the role of "Queen," couldn't keep the expression on her face anymore.

Good grief! Every word you say is implying that I, Empress Mu Xue, am like you!

What do you mean "people like us"? Can we be the same?!

I am the General Assistant of 【Rongliu Capital】! General Assistant!

A core executive of a genuine ten-billion-dollar private equity firm!

Do you know who my sisters are?

( )9

Saying it out loud would scare you to death! Jin Meixiao! Annie Kate! Su Yu!

Which one of them isn't a famous existence?!

Although the barrage in her heart had already been scrolling wildly, Lin Mu still tried her best to maintain the composure belonging to an "Empress" on her face.

She didn't refute, nor did she explain, just smiled noncommittally.

Don't worry, just wait. When tonight comes, I will definitely let you see what true "status" is.

Actually, she, Empress Mu Xue, really hadn't intended to show off or act big at tonight's alumni gathering.

But since she was being "looked down upon" like this, she had to reclaim this territory.

Presumably, with the current popularity of 【Rongliu Capital】 in the global financial circle, there would definitely be people at tonight's alumni gathering who "knew their stuff."

Of course, having said that, she did indeed have a trace of nervousness in her heart.

After all, this was London, and this alumni gathering at Imperial College was also powerful enough.

Her status as Luna might not be enough.

If this show-off didn't go well, it would be embarrassing.

If she could bring some "background" through Annie's channels, it would be different.

Yet she was also clear that to trouble someone of Anne Kate's level for such a trivial matter of showing off would be far too ungrateful. Quickly suppressing all her wild thoughts, Lin Mu Xue put back on that calm and confident smile.

"Alright, lunch is about done. We have to go to the party tonight, so we need to prepare in advance. How about this, you come to the Ritz Hotel to find me at 4:00 PM, and we'll go to the estate together."

"Mm, okay, see you tonight, bye-bye."

"Bye-bye."

Past 4:00 PM, the sky began to darken.

Wang Si got out of the taxi and walked into the magnificent lobby of the Ritz Hotel.

She dialed Lin Mu's phone.

After waiting for a moment, a tall and gorgeous figure slowly walked out of the elevator area.

She was wearing a magnificent black floor-length evening gown, with an oversized plush suit jacket of the same color draped casually over it.

Her long hair was meticulously coiled into an elegant bun, fixed with an exquisite metal hairpin, revealing her smooth, full forehead and long, beautiful swan-like neck.

Bulgari necklace, Vacheron Constantin watch, gilded Sahara bag—her makeup was exquisite and sharp, her red lips were like fire, and there was a touch of coldness and composure in her eyes.

Just as Wang Si was stunned.

Lin Mu walked to her side, her chin raised slightly, "Let's go, Cici, the car has already been arranged."

"Uh, okay, okay!" Wang Si immediately came to her senses and hurriedly followed.

A pitch-black, solemn Rolls-Royce was quietly waiting under the hotel's portico.

The exclusive driver had already opened that noble carriage-style split door for them.

Sitting in the luxurious and quiet car cabin, Wang Si looked at Lin Mu beside her, who was closing her eyes to rest, her side profile looking somewhat unreal in the flowing light outside the window, and a strange feeling arose in her heart.

This seemed very different from the Lin Mu who would joke and gossip with her at noon.

She seemed like a different person.

Near 5:00 PM, the sky had completely darkened.

The Rolls-Royce slowly drove away from the hustle and bustle of downtown London and entered a picturesque suburban countryside.

In the distance, a brightly lit estate mansion appeared in their line of sight in the night.

Quietly standing between the lush grass and the forest.

The entrance to the estate had strict security; next to the huge iron gate engraved with the family crest, the iconic blue and white school emblem of Imperial College London was hung side by side.

After passing through strict identity verification.

The Rolls-Royce slowly drove toward the main building along a long driveway lit by torch lights.

There was no longer the coldness of a private residence here; instead, it was filled with the enthusiastic atmosphere of a high-end academic event.

Well-dressed men and women were holding champagne, gathering in twos and threes on the terrace in front of the door, whispering to each other in various languages.

On the lawn, several elegant white tents had been set up, inside which one could vaguely see group discussions taking place.

The air not only held the scent of grass and trees from the ancient manor but was also permeated with an atmosphere where wisdom, capital, and elites converged.

Lin Mu Xue sat composedly, a calm and collected smile on her face.

But her hands, resting on her knees and exerting slight pressure, still betrayed the excitement and ambition in her heart.

It was also her first time stepping into an occasion that perfectly blended ancient aristocratic heritage with a modern top-tier academic atmosphere.

Nervous, yet exceptionally thrilling.

When the pitch-black, solemn Rolls-Royce appeared, it inevitably attracted the attention of quite a few guests.

The car door opened, and Wang Si stepped out, looking somewhat uneasy.

Immediately after, Lin Mu Xue took off her suit jacket and stepped out elegantly, wearing a black high-fashion evening gown.

Her sexy, hot figure, exquisite and sharp facial features, and cold, upright temperament instantly attracted even more gazes.

"Good evening, welcome to Imperial College Alumni Association."

A middle-aged man wearing an academic-style plaid suit with an alumni association liaison badge on his chest immediately walked up with a smile.

Lin Mu Xue responded politely in fluent English, while Wang Si followed behind, looking slightly nervous.

The three of them walked inside.

Just then, a young white male took the initiative to walk over.

He stopped directly in front of Lin Mu Xue, wearing the standard social smile of the upper class, "A stunning beauty in black, I don't think I've ever seen you at previous alumni associations. I am Huli Devonshire, very happy to meet you."

Wang Si watched this scene, a flash of envy in her eyes.

She had looked at the guest list and had some impression of this Huli Devonshire; he seemed to be the son of a famous hedge fund founder in the continent. However, Lin Mu Xue only nodded politely at him, not showing the slightest bit of being flattered.

Just as she was about to open her mouth to end this pick-up attempt politely with a few tactful words.

A slight commotion suddenly came from the crowd ahead.

Greetings, respectful yet with a touch of familiarity, rose one after another:

"Evening, Lady Tina."

?

"Tina."

3

Lin Mu Xue's heart skipped a beat, knowing a big shot had arrived.

She looked in the direction of the sound.

She saw a blonde woman in a silver strapless long dress walking gracefully toward them, holding a glass of champagne.

Hearing the "Lady Tina" greetings all around, Lin Mu Xue and Wang Si instantly guessed the other party's identity.

The true owner of this manor, the daughter of the Duke of Charleston, Tina Spencer.

They had seen this name at the very top of that heavy special guest list, and she was also an alumna of their Imperial College London.

Huli Devonshire, who was trying to pick her up, instantly wiped the relaxed smile off his face.

He stood up straight, took the initiative to step forward, and bowed respectfully, "Lady Tina."

2

Tina nodded lightly and politely at him, her gaze falling directly on Lin Mu Xue.

Her eyes were clear yet sharp, flashing with a heart-palpitating light under the lamps.

Lin Mu Xue subconsciously shifted her gaze away, a sense of oppression rising in her heart.

This was, after all, the other party's home turf; even she, Empress Mu Xue, had to yield three points.

Immediately after, the "tap, tap, tap" sound of high heels grew closer.

The other party actually stopped right in front of her.

A lazy yet magnetic female voice sounded, with a pure London accent, "Hello, Luna, welcome to Charleston. I am Tina Spencer."

Lin Mu Xue looked at her in astonishment, her heart pounding wildly.

(0_o)??

What? You... you've heard my story?

The people around cast looks of surprise.

Wang Si opened her mouth wide in shock, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Just as Lin Mu Xue's mind was in turmoil.

Tina revealed a meaningful smile on her face, "Perhaps I should introduce another identity of mine: I am a member of the executive committee of the Tang Jin Family Office, responsible for managing its property assets globally."