Chapter 574

In front of the magnificent main building of the Charleston Manor, the lights were brilliant.

Because of the personal appearance of Lady Tina Spencer, the guests who had previously been scattered here and there could not help but focus their gazes over.

Immediately after, they saw the black-haired beauty who was conversing intimately with Lady Tina.

Bursts of curious and inquisitive discussion rose quietly among the crowd.

After a brief moment of shock, Lin Mu took a deep breath and looked into the eyes opposite her that carried a kind smile; the tension and sense of oppression in her heart gradually dissipated.

Replacing it was a tremendous sense of surprise.

This was one of her own!

She certainly knew of the relationship between Tang Song and [Tang Jin], but she never imagined.

That among the members of the family office's executive committee, there would actually be a direct descendant of an old-school European aristocratic family.

She immediately reached out her hand, a bright smile blooming on her face: "Hello, Lady Tina, it is a great honor to meet you."

Tina gently shook her hand in return. "I have heard many things about you, but here, we don't need to be so official. You can just call me Tina."

"Alright, Tina."

The two of them began to converse as if no one else were around.

Lin Mu could clearly feel that the gazes cast toward her from those around had completely shifted from the initial "scrutiny" and "curiosity" to "awe" and "envy."

Henry Devonshire, who had come to strike up a conversation diagonally in front, was standing there stiffly, his face full of confusion.

The "prestige" of "Empress Lin Mu" was rising at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The surname Spencer had extremely high name recognition in Britain.

Although its main branch was best known for the Earl's family to which the late Princess Diana belonged.

But Lin Mu had seen while "studying" the history of luxury goods that this ancient family, through hundreds of years of intermarriage and capital operation, had long since permeated the entire European aristocratic and power network like vines.

The branch of the Duke of Charleston before her had likely inherited its current illustrious title through marriage with an even older ducal family.

And such a lady with noble blood, who held significant weight in European high society, was actually—actually responsible for global property asset management within the family office.

This position might seem like just a "head housekeeper," but Lin Mu understood the symbolic meaning behind it.

These old-money aristocrats of Europe were themselves the originators of the "family office" concept.

Their wealth and glory were built upon the inheritance of real estate such as land, manors, castles, and art pieces over hundreds of years.

And now, such a direct descendant of an aristocratic family was willingly managing the property assets under the name of Tang Song, this new upstart from the East.

This was no longer a simple "job"; this was a recognition of the highest level.

It symbolized that the energy and status possessed by the emerging consortium, the [Tang Jin Family Office], were already enough to make the top-tier old money of Europe serve it.

For the first time, Lin Mu felt the terrifying strength of the [Tang Jin Family Office] intuitively and truly.

Moreover, Tang Song had once said that he would hand over the operation of some of his non-core assets to her to manage.

This was also the main reason supporting Lin Mu's hard work.

Currently, it was only private jets and luxury homes in Xiangjiang, but in the future, it would inevitably involve other industries spread across the globe.

By then, she and the Tina Spencer before her would inevitably have many opportunities to interact.

Judging by today's attitude, the other party should not be difficult to get along with.

She never expected that she, little Xue, had already reached this point without realizing it.

In the future, if she could truly join Tang Jin, wouldn't that mean—little Xue, who had always been keen on showing off, had for the first time a clear goal so strong it made her tremble all over.

Wang Si, who was following closely behind Lin Mu, gradually came back to her senses, her face full of disbelief.

She had originally thought the two of them were peers "huddling together for warmth."

But the scene before her completely overturned her perception.

The same identity and background, both entering the Imperial College Global MBA program through "special channels."

Both showing a high degree of enthusiasm in the fields of luxury goods and fashion.

Even the self-evident resonance and compatibility when conversing.

Wang Si had truly regarded Lin Mu as "one of her own."

Yet she never expected Lin Mu would receive such courtesy.

Tina Spencer had taken the initiative to come up and greet her on such an occasion, even appearing enthusiastic and close.

It was simply inconceivable.

What on earth was going on?

She looked at Lin Mu's back, which seemed to have been elevated in an instant, her eyes filled with complex and inexplicable emotions.

At 5:30 in the evening, the guests gathered, and the alumni association gradually entered the main topic. Tina naturally took Lin Mu's arm and said with a smile, "Let's go, Luna, I'll take you to meet a few friends."

"Thank you, Tina." Lin Mu nodded immediately, trying hard to keep her voice steady, and stepped forward.

Wang Si hesitated for a moment, but still carefully followed behind them.

They crossed the terrace and arrived at a lounge area illuminated by the warm firelight of a fireplace.

Most of those gathered here were white-haired, elegant scholars and elders.

It was the core "academic circle" of the entire manor.

"Robert." Tina smiled and greeted an old gentleman dressed in an exquisite tweed suit. "Let me introduce you to a new friend of mine, Luna Lin. She is also a new member who has just joined the business school. Luna, this is Robert Hamilton, the dean of our business school."

The dean immediately stood up enthusiastically and said, "Welcome, Luna. I have heard your name; a core executive of [Rongliu Capital]. We very much welcome capital forces like yours, possessing a global cutting-edge vision, to join our community."

Lin Mu's heart pounded wildly. "Mr. Dean, you are too kind. Imperial College's academic achievements in the field of financial technology have always been something I greatly admire."

"This is Professor Philip, last year's Nobel Prize winner in Economics. His research direction is behavioral finance, which is very interesting..."

"Oh, this is the Cabinet Secretary of the Treasury, Sir Alan..."

After bidding farewell to the academic circle, Tina took her to another area dominated by young faces, where the atmosphere was clearly more active.

This was the gathering place for the new elite of the London financial district.

Hedge fund managers, fintech entrepreneurs, and venture capitalists—under Tina's guidance, she received unprecedented high-standard courtesy.

And the title of General Assistant of Rongliu Capital also brought her sufficient weight and respect here.

Lin Mu felt adrenaline surging wildly in her blood, her emotions running high.

Her whole person was in a dreamlike, unreal state.

Wang Si, who was following behind and had been ignored, had stopped in her tracks at some point.

She stared blankly at the Luna who was so at ease and radiant in the crowd.

Watching her chat and laugh with those figures she looked up to.

She finally understood painfully that even if they were both assistants to "financial backers," even if they both walked through "special channels"—

They were simply not people from the same world.

The proceedings of the alumni association were carried out in an orderly manner.

From the dean's impassioned speech and the college's annual report, to the insightful themed sharing by heavyweight guests, and then to the honorary banquet where glasses clinked—when the banquet officially ended and most guests left satisfied by car.

Lin Mu, along with a few core members, was respectfully invited to a private library on the third floor of the manor's main building.

To attend a more intimate small reception.

After some pleasantries.

Tina personally poured Lin Mu a glass of top-tier red wine from the Petrus winery in Bordeaux.

"Cheers."

"Cheers."

"Clink~" The crystal glasses touched lightly under the warm light.

Lin Mu lowered her head and took a small sip; the mellow, complex fruit aroma and silky tannins bloomed between her lips and teeth instantly.

Tina swirled the red liquid in her glass and said with a hint of a smile, "Actually, I personally handled your admission procedures."

"So I might know a little more about you than you imagine."

Lin Mu's heart tightened, and she said, flattered, "This is a great honor for me. Thank you, Lady Tina."

"Don't be nervous, you're welcome. I was sufficiently rewarded for it as well. You are a very interesting girl, Luna. I think we will have more contact in the future."

"I think so too."

The two sat side by side on the soft silk sofa, the fireplace in front of them radiating warm light and heat.

Outside the window, the manor lights under the cover of night were beautiful and magnificent.

After a long silence.

Tina suddenly spoke, her tone relaxed yet meaningful: "Luna, what do you think of this manor?"

Lin Mu was stunned for a moment and immediately said, "It's breathtakingly beautiful. It's not just a manor; it's more like an inheritance of history and glory, something to yearn for."

Tina smiled faintly after hearing this. "Soon, you will come into contact with a manor even larger and more beautiful than this one."

"Huh?" Lin Mu didn't understand what the other party meant.

Tina put down her wine glass, turned slightly, and her gaze became solemn. "My purpose for coming to London this time, besides attending the alumni association, actually has another main objective."

"Please, go ahead." Lin Mu sat up straight immediately, knowing that the main topic was finally about to begin.

She was such a sharp person; why would the other party take the initiative to approach her and be so enthusiastic if it were just to "make friends"?

She even felt that the reason this alumni association was held at this Duke's manor tonight might have been specially arranged by the other party for her.

"Do you know about [Tang Jin Manor]?"

Lin Mu's heart jumped violently, and she shook her head. "I don't."

Tina smiled and raised her hand.

Not far away, a man who had been standing quietly walked over quickly and respectfully handed an iPad into her hand.

Tina took it casually and placed it directly in front of Lin Mu.

"Take a look, get to know it in advance."

Lin Mu took the cold tablet with trembling hands.

Sliding the screen, an encrypted electronic document slowly unfolded.

Immediately after, her eyes widened suddenly, and her face flushed slightly.

The first things to come into view on the screen were aerial photos of magnificent buildings.

Lavender fields, olive groves, private vineyards, a huge artificial lake—and on this vast land stood a grand main residence.

A palace-style building more luxurious than the Ritz Hotel, with an internal independent health management center, temperature-controlled swimming pool, art gallery, and multi-level underground wine cellar.

The dozen or so independent villas scattered around were distributed in different architectural styles:

From French classical to modern minimalist, to Tuscan pastoral, each one could be called a work of art.

Her fingertips trembled as she continued to slide down, and she saw lines of text descriptions.

[Tang Jin Manor]

[Geographic Location: France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region]

[Land Area: 230 hectares, fully private property rights]

[Core Facilities: International Conference Center, Art Museum, Equestrian Arena, Wine Estate, Helipad...] Lin Mu held her breath, her heartbeat accelerating like a beating drum.

This... this was a standard top-tier private manor that only appeared in top-tier documentaries.

As a senior "luxury goods graduate student," she had of course heard of this level of existence.

It had long since transcended the category of "luxury home" and was the ultimate physical carrier used by top tycoons to showcase family heritage, conduct private social interactions, and even realize wealth inheritance.

For example, the Charleston Manor where she was tonight had a history that could be traced back centuries.

But even for such a top-tier manor with a long heritage, most of its areas needed to be open to the public in exchange for high maintenance costs and government tax exemptions.

A manor of the same level that could be completely privatized and not open to the public.

Could be counted on one hand across the whole of Europe.

The energy represented behind it had already exceeded the category of simple money.

And one could tell a lot from the name "Tang Jin," combined with Tina's own identity.

Could this be a private manor under the Tang Jin Family Office?

Just as her heart was shaking violently.

Tina's voice sounded again, steady and clear:

"The overall renovation and security system upgrade of [Tang Jin Manor] have all been completed. It just passed the final inspection last week and can be officially put into use."

"You are Mr. Tang's personal assistant, and at the same time, you are assisting him in managing some related assets."

"The early-stage handover and daily operation docking of the manor are very complex and require someone he absolutely trusts to follow up long-term."

"Next, I will arrange for the manor's butler team to conduct a formal work handover with you."

Lin Mu only felt a loud "boom" in her brain; her cheeks flushed red, and cold sweat seeped from her palms.

She stared blankly at the Tina before her, then lowered her head to look at the grand private manor on the Pad.

Her throat tightened, her mouth opened, but she couldn't say a single word.

This is Tang Song's manor... Tang Jin Manor, and I am responsible for receiving and assisting in its management?!

Her body began to tremble slightly uncontrollably, and having drunk quite a bit of wine, her bladder contracted violently for a moment.

She almost painted a world-famous masterpiece right there in the Duke's library.

"What?" Tina's eyes shifted slightly, looking at her with a half-smile. "Feeling a lot of pressure? Actually, choosing you also has Mira's intent. She has a good impression of you and hopes you won't let her expectations down."

Hearing this, Lin Mu shuddered instantly.

Ever since being reprimanded by Qin Yingxue in Xiangjiang, she had always held fear toward Director Jin.

During this time, she had been trying to perform carefully, afraid of leaving a bad impression again.

Now that the other party had handed such an important task to her.

What did this mean?

This meant Director Jin had already recognized her.

Lin Mu's eyes grew hot. "Thank you—thank you for Director Jin's trust. I will definitely do my best and will not let the expectations down."

Tina looked at her excited appearance, a meaningful smile appearing on her face.

She slowly raised the champagne glass in her hand. "Don't be nervous, Luna, you don't need to think about how to do your best."

"You only need to remember one thing—always stand beside the right person."

"Everything else will fall into place."

After saying that, she extended her wine glass toward Lin Mu.

"Clink~~"

The golden wine liquid rippled slowly between the walls of the brilliant crystal glass.

Lin Mu was slightly stunned, then nodded forcefully. "I understand!"

Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

Yancheng, Lanfeng International High-end Apartment.

In the bright bedroom, Xu Qing slowly opened her eyes on a bed so large she could roll around on it, and sat up.

Without the "thump-thump" sounds coming from her best friend's fitness routine next door, the room was very quiet.

She got out of bed, stepped barefoot on the soft long-pile carpet, and walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.

She pulled the curtains open with a "swish."

The morning light poured in instantly, plating the entire room in a layer of gentle gold.

"Wow—"

She couldn't help but let out a small exclamation.

w（°o°）w

Looking down from the height of the 22nd floor, the usually crowded streets were like quiet rivers at this moment.

The distant CBD building complex outlined a towering silhouette in the morning mist.

This feeling was really—so great!

Previously at Beicheng Garden, she only lived in a small 11-square-meter secondary bedroom. Now, this master suite with an independent bathroom and walk-in closet was a full thirty-plus square meters!

She ran around the 140-square-meter apartment excitedly.

Touching the genuine leather sofa that looked expensive, then opening the walk-in closet that could fit her whole person inside.

Finally, she even lay in the super-large bathtub, imagining the scene of watching the night view while taking a bath.

It wasn't until her excited mood finally calmed down that she remembered she still had to go to work.

She quickly washed up and went downstairs.

Driving her beloved crimson DB11, listening to Su Yu's new song, she set off for Yuhua Business Building.

Nine o'clock in the morning, Fanfu Suzi Cultural Media.

Walking into her independent office, just after turning on the computer and preparing to slack off and write some novels.

"Ring-a-ling—" Her phone rang.

[Scheming Yan]

Xu Qing answered immediately and said with a grin, "Morning~ Beauty Yan^ Did you see the photos of the new home I sent you? Was my taste stunning?"

However, Shen Yuyan on the other end of the phone didn't joke around with her as usual, but instead spoke in a serious tone: "Qingqing, is it convenient to talk now?"

"What's wrong? It's convenient."

"I have a big thing to tell you, prepare yourself mentally."

"Ah? What is it? Don't scare me!" Xu Qing became nervous instantly.

（！°°

Shen Yuyan took a deep breath and said slowly: "You know Xingyun International Group, right?"

"Of course I do," Xu Qing replied immediately. "Wen Ruan is a big leader there, Xiao Jing told me a lot about her before."

"Right! I just received confirmation from Tang Song that Xingyun International Group plans to fully acquire a batch of top domestic short-drama production and distribution companies, and [Fanfu Suzi] is on the first list. Because Tang Song is also a shareholder of Fanfu Suzi, he wants to facilitate this merger. This matter will be followed up by me personally."

"Ah?!" Xu Qing was stunned, her mouth opening subconsciously. "What the heck? Then... then wouldn't I become Wen Ruan's subordinate?!"

Thinking of that glamorous royal sister who possessed huge "nana-ko," who would become her boss in the future, Xu Qing felt immense pressure.

She was a "little tyrant" at Fanfu Suzi now, not needing to clock in every day, doing whatever she wanted.

If it were acquired, wouldn't the good days be over?

Would she have to be crushed by that big E in the future?!