Chapter 654: Assistant and Pet

"... I think your best choice right now is not to go head-to-head and change suppliers, but to accept their temporary shortcomings and stabilize the market first.

At the same time, actively seek to discuss customized, exclusive cold chain solutions with national giants like SF Express or JD. com.

Only by introducing a 'dragon crossing the river' of this level, and utilizing their capital and influence, is it possible to break this kind of local monopoly."

Meng Ran, as an operations executive for 【Hema Fresh】, knew too well the fatality of the supply chain for chain brands.

She also understood her friend Xie Shu Yu's personality—extremely pursuing cost control in operations, wishing she could spend every penny on the cutting edge.

So in the early stages of expansion, to compress expenses, she didn't choose to cooperate with giants like SF Express that had high quotes, but chose regional suppliers that were more flexible and had lower costs.

This decision was understandable at the time.

But now, 【Shimmer Coffee】's momentum was so fierce, especially after reaching a strategic cooperation with 【Yuntong Zhi Cui】 under Smile Holdings, the brand already possessed the core competitiveness to stand out.

The upgrade of the supply chain was imperative.

Xie Shu Yu nodded silently, pondering with furrowed brows for a while before speaking slowly: "Thank you, Ranran, I understand what you mean. But this matter is too important; I need to consider it seriously. Forget it, that's enough for today; come, let's drink."

"Clink~"

The green plum wine glasses clinked lightly in the air, making a crisp sound.

Meng Ran took a sip of wine, put down the glass, and looked at her friend she hadn't seen for a long time.

She couldn't help but sigh: "Honestly, Li Xiaoyu, I admire you. In less than a year, 【Shimmer Coffee】 has actually reached this point. I admit, I misjudged you before. And that 40 million Series A financing without installments, without gambling agreements,

pure cash injected at full strength at once—it's simply terrifying."

Hearing this,

Xie Shu Yu smiled first, then shook her head in self-deprecation: "It's just luck, meeting my current investor. You also know that normally, given Shimmer's situation at the time, it wasn't worth this price at all."

Meng Ran raised her eyebrows, raised her glass to clink with her, and teased on purpose: "Pfft, that investor of yours, could it be that he has a crush on you? My big beauty."

In her eyes, Xie Shu Yu had been a "goddess-level" existence since college.

Height, temperament, looks, talent—almost impeccable.

The only regret was probably that she was too hard-working and stubborn, never willing to be distracted by feelings, and had stubbornly turned herself into a single female powerhouse in her thirties.

While joking, Meng Ran actually carried a hint of teasing sigh in her heart.

However, Xie Shu Yu suddenly raised her head, looked at her, and her lips curved. "That's right, you could say that."

"Ah? What?" Meng Ran was completely stunned.

Xie Shu Yu sipped her green plum wine elegantly. "Strictly speaking, I should be considered off the market; it's just that I haven't said it publicly."

"What do you mean?! That investor, he really became your boyfriend?!"

"Yes."

?

Meng Ran's eyes widened instantly, the fire of gossip burning fiercely. "Good guy! You finally opened up! What's he like? Do you have a photo? I remember you mentioned before that this investor is very young, and is also your fellow townsman from Quancheng, and is in clothing e-commerce?"

Although her relationship with Xie Shu Yu was extremely good, because they were both busy, they rarely interfered deeply in each other's private lives.

Hearing about her successful financing before, it was more about using her industry connections to help her analyze the pros and cons in her career.

"He should be considered very good. We'll talk about the photo later; I'll let you see the real person later."

"Tell me the story between you two quickly! I really want to know which god actually 'conquered' you, this 'goddess'!"

"That sounds so ugly."

Xie Shu Yu glared at her, and for the first time, a smile unique to a woman in love appeared on her face.

Immediately, she began to narrate the experiences between herself and Tang Song in a low voice.

Listening to her friend's description, Meng Ran became more and more excited and shocked.

A young, handsome fresh meat who first worked part-time as a developer in the company, showing amazing ability.

Later, he transformed into a mysterious capital tycoon, descending like a god to turn the tide when the company was in its most difficult moment.

He not only aggressively acquired the equity of other shareholders but also threw out 40 million, handing over all the management rights of the company to Xie Shu Yu with peace of mind.

Finally, the two walked together.

Even TV dramas wouldn't dare to film it like this!

"Idol drama, truly an idol drama! Li Xiaoyu, this wave of yours is simply too dreamy; I really want to see that Tang Song right now!"

Meng Ran said excitedly.

The atmosphere became relaxed and pleasant for a while.

Xie Shu Yu's gaze flickered, seizing the opportunity, and she suddenly opened her mouth: "Seeing him is very simple. After the private sharing session ends, how about you go to Yancheng with me? Meet my investor, and by the way, understand Shimmer Coffee from beginning to end."

As their eyes met, the expression on Meng Ran's face gradually fell, and she keenly sensed the subtext of the other party.

"You mean—?"

"That's right." Xie Shu Yu put down her chopsticks, her voice deep and steady. "You also know the situation of my company; are you interested in coming to Shimmer and working with me?"

Meng Ran tilted her head slightly and smiled. "You want to poach me? What position can you offer?"

Xie Shu Yu's eyes were extremely determined. "I need a COO (Chief Operating Officer) who can stand alone to manage all internal affairs. And the only person I can fully trust who possesses this ability is you."

As 【Shimmer Coffee】's plate grew larger and larger, her energy could no longer cover every detail of operations.

She urgently needed a "big housekeeper" to allow her to withdraw from the complicated management and focus on brand strategy and capital operation.

And Meng Ran, whether it was the top-tier professional ability she had honed in a big factory or the feelings between the two, was the only candidate for this COO position.

As Xie Shu Yu's voice fell, the air gradually quieted.

Meng Ran turned the wine glass in her hand, waves rising in her heart.

She naturally knew what this invitation meant.

With the support of the 40 million cash flow from Series A, 【Shimmer Coffee】 had not only added more than thirty "Premium" and "Quick-Take" model stores in the North China region over the past few months.

It had also opened several brand flagship stores with extremely high specifications in core business districts of first-tier cities like the Imperial Capital and Shanghai.

It had also reached strategic cooperation with 【Yuntong Zhi Cui】 and 【Xingyun International】.

One was the best supply chain, and the other was the best marketing support.

Now the brand volume was flourishing, and the spearhead was pointed directly at the Southwest market.

If it could continue to run the model, the future upward space would be limitless.

In the latest issue of "First Financial Daily," 【Shimmer Coffee】 had already been listed as one of the "Top 10 Most Potential Nationwide Coffee Brands."

It was once taken by the industry to be discussed alongside 【Manner】 and 【Seesaw】.

This was also the main reason Xie Shu Yu was invited to participate in this "First Financial Daily" private sharing session.

But the problems were equally obvious

By comparison, the system of a large corporation is much more robust.

The promotion path is clear, the resources are vast, and with Alibaba as a backer, both career prospects and social status are secure, with a clear and definite future career path.

She is already 33 years old this year, and for the sake of her career, she hasn't even had children.

She cannot afford to lose this move.

Meng Ran stared at Xie Shu Yu for a long while before gently putting down her chopsticks and smiling: "You have really given me a difficult problem. In all honesty, I truly want to fight side-by-side with you, and I am very tempted by this C00 position. But I have only just been transferred to the Southwest Region for a year, which is the time to produce results. How about... let's wait a little longer?"

Xie Shu Yu had long expected her to be like this, and her expression did not fluctuate in the slightest.

"We can't wait. I can give you equity, real, tangible shares. The investor is my boyfriend, and I have the final say in the company now. This is absolutely not just empty talk; as long as you nod, the compensation will definitely be the best."

Meng Ran's heart trembled slightly.

Looking at the sincerity and expectation in her friend's eyes, a long-lost impulse stirred in her heart.

But after hesitating for a long time, she still shook her head and smiled: "Let me consider it again. However, I definitely have to meet that little boyfriend of yours."

Xie Shu Yu raised her eyebrows, understanding her subtext.

Meng Ran's hesitation was largely because she wanted to see the caliber of that "mysterious investor."

After all, the two are only in a romantic relationship; it hasn't reached the level of being husband and wife.

If things change in the future, this relationship could also have a significant impact on the stability of Glimmer Coffee.

"Of course, no problem. I'll introduce you two later; you won't be disappointed."

Meng Ran said in a half-joking, half-probing tone: "Why don't you let him come to Rongcheng as well and accompany you to this private gathering? It would also allow me to size him up."

Hearing this suggestion, a strange thrill suddenly surged in Xie Shu Yu's heart.

The first subtle change between her and Tang Song, if traced back, probably started from that 【Yan Province Bank High-Net-Worth Client Private Gathering】.

That day, the close contact in the car gave her the first real physiological and psychological impulse.

Later, his identity as "Jinxiu Trading CTO" was exposed, and the true turning point in their relationship led to the subsequent series of events.

When it comes down to it, they have many beautiful memories, but they lack long periods of time spent together.

Attending a private gathering together again might be a good choice.

Thinking of this, Xie Shu Yu raised her wrist to check the time and said softly: "It's quite late today. Tomorrow I'll find time to call him and ask for his opinion."

"Alright!" Meng Ran blinked, "Then I'll wait and see."

As the night grew deeper, the two's conversation began to branch out.

From the increasingly fierce coffee market to the future trends of new retail, and then to the ubiquitous artificial intelligence, as well as figures like Jin Meixiao and Ouyang Xianyue who are changing the world.

A long-lost longing and yearning rekindled in Xie Shu Yu's eyes.

That flame that had burned on Huaihai Road years ago seemed to have been lit once again.

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, sunny, -3~7°C.

Yunxi Building, 30th floor, Songmei Apparel.

The "butterfly effect" brought by Su Yu is still fermenting.

Unlike other departments that are still in a tense and busy state, the newly formed 【He Yi STUDIO】 clothing design department is filled with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere at this moment.

The huge white design board is covered with various colorful inspiration pictures, fabric swatches, and scribbled hand-drawn sketches.

Several designers with different styles are gathered around a huge workbench, arguing noisily about the theme of the new products.

"—I think the concept of 'Urban Nomad' is still too vague and not grounded enough."

"But the CleanFit style is the mainstream now; it's minimalist, relaxed, and doesn't lose its texture. Our target audience really buys into this."

Tang Song, who had just finished the operations meeting, saw this bustling scene as soon as he stepped in.

His gaze then fell on the little junior sister who had her back to him.

Today, Lingling is wearing a more capable professional outfit.

The slim-fit trousers are stretched into an extremely eye-catching curve by her full buttocks and thighs.

Tang Song's eyes couldn't help but linger on that arc for a moment.

He discovered that since returning from the hot spring resort, the little junior sister seems to have gained an indescribable, soft charm.

Whether it's her walking posture or her inadvertent demeanor, she has become more womanly.

"Mr. Tang!"

"Hello, Mr. Tang!"

Several designers who noticed him stood up quickly and greeted him proactively.

Hearing the sound, Yao Lingling turned around immediately, her face beaming with joy the moment she saw him.

She clapped her hands exaggeratedly and shouted generously to everyone: "Come, come, come, everyone give a round of applause! Our dear Mr. Tang

has come personally to inspect the 'front line' of our design department!"

Amidst the good-natured laughter, Tang Song smiled, nodded, and walked forward.

He stood beside Yao Lingling in an extremely natural and intimate manner and joined their discussion.

After listening to everyone's ideas, Tang Song turned his gaze to the little junior sister beside him, "Lingling, what is your opinion? As the director,

you still have to make the final decision."

Under the gaze of the senior's encouraging eyes, Yao Lingling took a deep breath and articulated her thoughts clearly and logically.

Tang Song nodded gently and, following her train of thought, provided deeper supplementation and guidance from the perspective of the market and the brand.

After finishing the work discussion, he said goodbye to everyone.

Tang Song turned and walked toward the direction of the president's office.

Just as he approached the office door,

a slightly hurried and deliberately light sound of footsteps came from behind him.

"Mr. Tang."

Tang Song turned his head and feigned confusion, "What's wrong? Lingling."

As their eyes met, Yao Lingling's cheeks turned red instantly. She glanced around and whispered: "Regarding the core theme of the winter series we just discussed, I would like to report to you separately."

Tang Song raised his eyebrows, looked at her eyes filled with "guilt" and "expectation," and smiled.

"Come in."

The office door was gently closed, instantly cutting off all sounds from the outside world.

Yao Lingling stuck out her tongue and said playfully: "Thank you, Senior, for backing me up just now. You don't know, I was nervous to death today!"

After the department adjustment, the clothing design department changed from a "lone commander" to a large department with more than a dozen employees.

She also leaped from an ordinary designer to a department director.

You must know that in this newly formed design department, almost all of them are experienced senior designers poached from well-known domestic clothing brands.

Although she became famous in one battle by virtue of the "Su Yu same style," she still felt somewhat powerless to completely suppress this group of big shots.

The discussion atmosphere just now looked very enthusiastic, but in fact, she didn't have much real say in it.

And Tang Song's appearance instantly helped her establish indisputable authority.

"Just saying it with your mouth won't work." Tang Song took a step forward, breathing in the fresh, vibrant scent on her, and blinked teasingly.

Yao Lingling's cheeks turned even redder instantly. She secretly glanced at the tightly closed office door and bit her lip.

She stood on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around Tang Song's neck, and kissed him with her warm lips.

Although still inexperienced, it was unusually proactive and enthusiastic.

Tang Song took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her slender waist and slowly moved downward.

The bouncy sensation made one unable to put it down.

Yao Lingling's body trembled violently, her face red and hot, but she didn't pull away.

However, soon, she discovered that Tang Song's other hand had actually started to move slowly upward along her waistline and disappeared into her shirt.

Yao Lingling subconsciously wanted to dodge, but was firmly held in place by him.

Her eyes widened, and her whole body went limp.

Oh no! A miscalculation! I—I didn't pad today!

Just at this moment.

"Ding-a-ling—"

The phone in Tang Song's pocket suddenly vibrated.

Yao Lingling hurriedly let go of him, blushing and saying: "Um, I'm fine now, I'll—I'll go to the restroom first!"

Hurried footsteps sounded, and the office door was closed again.

Tang Song smiled and took out his phone to take a look.

He answered the call immediately, "Hello? Sister Xie Shu Yu, have you finally remembered that you have a boyfriend like me?"

"Um..." Xie Shu Yu's somewhat unnatural voice came from the other end of the phone, "I've just been busy lately. You should know that supply chain integration is very critical."

The corners of Tang Song's mouth rose slightly, "But I'm very unhappy, what should I do?"

"Alright, it's my fault." Xie Shu Yu's voice softened, "I will try to pay attention in the future."

"What's wrong? Is there something you need me for?"

"On the 2nd of next month, which is that Saturday, 'First Financial' is holding a brand private gathering here in Rongcheng, which relates to Glimmer Coffee's next important cooperation and promotion. I am currently in Rongcheng; are you interested in coming over to accompany me to attend some of it? Of course, it mainly depends on your schedule."

Hearing this, Tang Song raised his eyebrows.

What a coincidence.

He was already planning to go to Rongcheng to complete the character interaction task with Ouyang Xianyue.

Unexpectedly, first Qiuqiu wanted to go back, and now, even the female president wants to run over there.

But it can be considered a timely encounter.

Tang Song leaned back in the large boss chair and said with a smile: "If you kiss me, I'll agree to come over."

There was silence on the receiver for a moment, followed by a soft "muah" sound.

"Is that okay?"

"The sound is too small, I didn't hear it. Not sincere."

"Muah—how about now?"

All along, Xie Shu Yu had worn a "senior" halo in front of him, and rarely had such proactive and gentle moments.

Tang Song instantly perked up and began to continue teasing her, feeling full of a sense of accomplishment.

At the same time, Lanfeng International High-end Apartment.

The black Maybach stopped steadily in the drop-off area.

Sorry Xiao Jing looked at Lin Mu Xue beside her, held her hand, and proactively suggested: "Seeing Xiao Xue, since it's still early, can I go up and visit your home? Just in time to get to know the place."

Lin Mu Xue's footsteps, just about to get out of the car, paused, and a flash of nervousness crossed her face.

She hurriedly waved her hand and said: "Forget it, I'm too tired these past few days, and I haven't adjusted to the jet lag yet. Besides, the house is a mess, and I'm afraid I won't be able to host you well. Next time for sure."

Sorry Xiao Jing's eyes rolled, and a perfectly appropriate look of regret appeared on her face: "Alright then, bye-bye."

"Bye-bye." Lin Mu Xue breathed a sigh of relief quietly.

She stepped out of the car quickly, took her suitcase from the driver, and walked into the apartment building with hurried steps.

She was truly a bit afraid of this little pervert.

During the two days they lived together in the Imperial Capital, when the other party slept at night, not only did she keep hugging her, but she also kept discussing those messy, blush-inducing topics in her ear.

She would even get handsy!

Heaven have mercy, she, Emperor Empress Mu Xue, has walked the world for many years and has never seen such a perverted person.

If it weren't for accepting that house from the other party, she definitely would have found an excuse to slip back alone yesterday.

The elevator stopped slowly on the 20th floor.

Returning to the familiar Room 2002, the moment the heavy door closed behind her, Lin Mu Xue breathed a long sigh of relief.

She kicked off her high heels and took off the clothes that were binding her.

She returned to the bedroom and fell heavily onto the bed.

However, soon, she bounced up from the bed violently again.

She opened her suitcase, took out a file bag like a treasure from the innermost layer, and pulled out the "Stock Housing Sales Contract" and that bright red real estate ownership certificate inside.

She revealed an irrepressible, even somewhat silly, brilliant smile.

Then, hugging these documents, she rolled excitedly on the large bed, her two long legs wearing high-end silk stockings kicking wildly in the air without any image.

The contract has been signed; this house now officially belongs to her, Lin Mu Xue!

When Sorry Xiao Jing bought this house initially, it was purely because she felt the historical and cultural atmosphere here was interesting and the night view of Qujiang was beautiful when she traveled to Chang'an, so she casually invested in one, which was the true "King of Buildings" unit.

Now she is gifting it directly to her without asking for a cent.

It must be said that this Bai Fumei indeed has a deep "sect foundation."

Every time she thought about having a luxury mansion that truly belonged to her in her hometown,

Emperor Empress Mu Xue would be so excited that her heart surged, and she wanted to pee.

Immediately, a thought emerged from her mind uncontrollably.

Return to Shaanxi Province!

Her parents, brother, sister-in-law, and those relatives who watched her grow up from childhood but always gossiped behind her back—familiar figures flashed through her mind rapidly.

Lin Mu Xue pursed her lips, and her gaze gradually became complicated.

In fact, this idea had been lingering in her mind for a long time.

Wealth without returning home is like wearing brocade in the dark.

The reason she hadn't made up her mind was, in the final analysis, because of her disappointment in that "home" and the lingering resentment in her heart.

But now, the property transfer gave her a legitimate reason to go back.

It also allowed those relatives to take a good look at how well she is living now.

Yanjing Huating, large open-plan apartment.

"Alright Mom, stop nagging. Of course our relationship is very good. I'm going to tidy up now, change my clothes, and then I'm going to have lunch with Brother Tang Song; we've already made an appointment."

"Boom—click—"

The door was quickly closed and locked.

Sorry Xiao Jing hummed a song and walked into that huge walk-in closet.

She opened a closet at the innermost side and skillfully pulled out a hidden compartment from behind.

Immediately after, all kinds of "secret weapons" appeared in front of her.

She selected a few "handy" props from them, carefully put them into a black handbag, and then took off her clothes one by one.

Then, she opened the area specifically for storing underwear.

She pulled out a few bright red "strips of cloth" that were almost just a few thin threads from the deepest part and skillfully wrapped them around the key parts of her body.

She put on thick black silk stockings and finally put on a black windbreaker that was completely out of place with all of this.

Everything done, Sorry Xiao Jing stood in front of the huge full-length mirror "hollow" like this, sizing herself up in the mirror.

She shyly covered her hot face.

"Great Dark Demon King, Lord Tang Song, your loyal pet, Sorry Xiao Jing, is coming to please you right away—"

"And Seeing Xiao Xue, are you ready to accept the love from Lord Tang Song?"

She talked to herself for a while and struck a few poses with off-the-charts shame levels in front of the mirror.

A somewhat morbid, expectant smile appeared on her face.

After these two days of intimate contact, she had completely figured out Lin Mu Xue's personality.

She looks cold on the outside, but is actually very funny and particularly vain.

She blushes at the slightest tease and gets bristly at the slightest provocation.

This kind of personality is simply too interesting, not a bit worse than the silly Qingqing.

Lord Tang Song's side is indeed full of fun people.

She is going to Tokyo next to receive the property assets of 【Tang Jin·WANO】, and Tang Song is also going to Rongcheng.

Both of them are very busy; before separating, of course, they have to relax properly and play some interesting little games.

Hehe.

Unlike the timid and shy Qingqing, I believe Seeing Xiao Xue will not refuse my "good intentions."

After all, she is Lord Tang Song's private assistant, and I? I am Lord Tang Song's private pet.