Chapter 597: A Best Friend

After a few seconds of silence.

Lin Muxue suppressed the ecstasy that was about to gush out of her heart, and said with reserved, flattered modesty: "Ms. Ouyang, this is too sudden, how could I have the nerve to take such a big advantage of you?"

"There’s nothing to be embarrassed about." Ouyang Xianyue’s voice remained gentle, yet carried a power that brooked no question, "We are already our own people, looking out for each other is only right. You are Tang Song’s personal assistant, we will inevitably have frequent contact in the future."

Lin Muxue’s cheeks instantly flushed red, and her voice even carried a tremor of excitement: "Y-you’re right!"

Ouyang Xianyue admitted she was one of her own, and even wanted to look out for her!

This was simply a blessing from heaven!

Although she, Lin Muxue, was now the "biological assistant" to Tang Song, she was still a peripheral figure in the true core circle of power.

Every time she just started to emerge, she was either suppressed by Su Yu’s aura or scared away by Director Jin’s majesty.

Now, to receive Ms. Ouyang’s personal recognition.

This was simply equivalent to receiving a letter of introduction to enter the true core circle.

It was quite similar to when the beautician Zhao Yaqian received Director Jin’s favor and was gifted the TC private club!

Moreover, the [Tang Jin Family Office] was nominally founded by Ms. Ouyang and Director Jin together.

If she really wanted to advance further in the family office in the future, then this care from Ms. Ouyang would be crucial.

Recently, under the pressure of Shen Yuyan, the highly motivated Xiaoxue had no strength to refuse.

"Then that’s settled, I’ll have Chen Jing send you the detailed information about the property later, and for the rest, you two can communicate directly."

"Mm-mm! Thank you, Ms. Ouyang! It’s truly an honor to be able to purchase a property you once lived in, and I look forward to having more opportunities to learn from you in the future!"

"Hehe, we will." Ouyang Xianyue paused slightly, then suddenly mentioned another thing, "By the way, Assistant Lin, if I remember correctly, your hometown seems to be in Chang’an City, Shaanxi Province, right?"

Lin Muxue said immediately: "Yes, it’s in a place below called Zhou County."

She knew that for a person of Ouyang Xianyue’s level.

Her resume and family background were definitely completely transparent, and there was no need to hide anything.

"Mm." Ouyang Xianyue replied faintly, "I have a relative who was just transferred to work in Chang’an, serving as the vice mayor, I’ll introduce you two later."

BOOM!!!

This sentence instantly exploded in Lin Muxue’s mind.

Chang’an City’s...? Vice Mayor?!

Introduce me to them?!

Damn! Damn! Damn, damn, damn!

Her brain went blank, and she said almost subconsciously: "Thank... thank you, Ms. Ouyang."

"Alright, I won’t disturb your work."

The call ended just like that, in a light and breezy manner.

Lin Muxue sat there blankly, holding her warm phone.

Her expression was even more exaggerated than Gao Mengting’s when she saw the "Purchase Contract."

Long after, she finally came back to her senses.

Feeling her bladder tighten suddenly, she stood up quickly, twisting her slender waist and perky hips, and walked toward the restroom with "da-da-da" steps.

No, she drank too much water just now, this time it was really coming out!

—

"Click—"

"Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle—"

Lin Muxue sat on the smart toilet with a flushed face, her long legs wrapped in black silk shaking uncontrollably due to excitement.

She certainly knew Ouyang Xianyue’s background, so she didn't doubt the authenticity of the other party’s words just now.

This definitely wasn't just polite talk, but really wanting to introduce connections to her.

If she could really connect with a vice mayor of her hometown.

Then when she returned home in glory...

She didn't even dare to imagine that scene!

This Auntie Ouyang is really a great person!

She, Xiaoxue, had been pitted and schemed against, and finally, she had met a good person!

"Ding-dong—"

The WeChat notification sound interrupted her fantasies.

It was the document sent by Secretary Chen.

[Magic City IFC Residence - Property Information Overview]

With an excited heart and trembling hands, she clicked on the PDF file.

Her fingertips slid slowly across the screen, and the light in her eyes grew brighter and brighter.

This was a 98-square-meter suite.

Located in the core area of Lujiazui, Pudong, seamlessly connected to the IFC mall and office buildings.

And as a top-tier serviced apartment, it provided full five-star hotel-style services by the Four Seasons Hotel.

25-meter indoor heated swimming pool, fully equipped 24-hour gym, whirlpool, sauna and steam room, housekeeping—Lin Muxue had heard of this apartment before.

It was generally only available for long-term lease and was rarely sold.

According to market conditions, the monthly rent for this house was at least thirty or forty thousand.

As for the real housing price, because there was no listing information on the market, she didn't know either.

But conservatively estimated, it exceeded 10 million.

However, according to the information sent by Secretary Chen, the transfer price Ms. Ouyang gave her was only five million.

Almost equivalent to a 50% discount.

Lin Muxue walked out of the restroom with unsteady steps.

When she returned to the office, she happened to run into Gao Mengting coming out of the lounge.

Her expression had already returned to calm and gentleness.

Their eyes met.

Lin Muxue immediately bloomed with a brilliant smile, "President Gao, how is it? Have you communicated well with our boss?"

Gao Mengting let out a soft breath and nodded: "Mm, I’ll sign the contract now."

The two sat opposite each other in the sofa area again.

Gao Mengting picked up a fountain pen and signed her name stroke by stroke.

Afterward, she stood up to pour a cup of tea for Lin Muxue.

The atmosphere became harmonious without realizing it.

Gao Mengting asked as if casually: "Speaking of which, Assistant Lin, how long have you been Tang Song’s assistant?"

Lin Muxue thought for a moment and said in a low voice: "About half a year, I guess."

Gao Mengting’s gaze flickered slightly, and she continued to ask: "Then—do you know Wen Ruan, President Wen, from Xingyun International Group?"

The hand holding the teacup paused, but Lin Muxue remained calm on the surface: "I have indeed met President Wen a few times, but we aren't particularly close, she is a very excellent woman."

Good heavens, are you trying to trap Empress Muxue?!

Gao Mengting gave a light "Mm" and didn't continue this topic.

Tang Song had already pushed Wen Ruan’s contact information to her a few days ago.

Saying he wanted to facilitate deep cooperation between [Songmei Apparel] and [Zhilian Future].

She had added the other party as a friend and had also seen the other party’s social media posts.

A woman’s intuition told her that this big beauty with an exaggerated figure and infinite charm definitely had a relationship with Tang Song that was not simple.

Looking at the heavy purchase contract before her, and recalling Tang Song’s gentle and caring tone on the phone.

She couldn't help but sigh softly in her heart.

My dear partner, how many secrets are you still hiding that I don't know about?

5:00 PM.

Yintai Center, Glimmer Coffee flagship store.

"Wishing us a happy cooperation!"

"Happy cooperation!"

The meeting came to an end in a friendly and efficient atmosphere.

Both sides formally reached a preliminary cooperation framework.

Next, [Linglian Technology] would be responsible for [Glimmer Coffee]’s cold chain logistics and warehousing business throughout the Southwest region.

They exchanged pleasantries for a while.

At the moment of parting, Fang Zhiyuan said tactfully: "By the way, President Xie, regarding the BP for our company, I wonder what your investor said?"

Xie Shuyu’s gaze flickered, "Sorry, President Fang, I haven't had time to mention this yet."

The capital volume required by [Linglian Technology] was too large.

And Tang Song had just arrived in Rongcheng, she hadn't even met him yet, so how could she have the nerve to bring up such a thing right away?

Fang Zhiyuan seemed to see through her concerns and took the initiative to change the subject: "Speaking of which, I heard that President Xie, you are attending the brand sharing session held by "First Financial" at the Jinjiang Hotel the day after tomorrow? And as a special guest speaker."

Xie Shuyu nodded: "Yes."

Fang Zhiyuan probed: "Then your investor should also be attending together, right?"

Xie Shuyu instantly understood what he meant.

After hesitating for a moment, she finally nodded: "He should be accompanying me, however, he won't be going on stage to share."

"Alright, understood! See you then, I hope President Xie can help introduce us. Don't worry, we have a sense of propriety and will absolutely not make things difficult for you."

The smile on Fang Zhiyuan’s face grew thicker, and he said no more, standing up to say goodbye.

For a heavy-asset company like [Linglian Technology] that urgently needed expansion, time was life.

They had to seize every possible opportunity to contact the highest-quality capital.

And an investor who could invest such a large amount of money into Glimmer Coffee at once, in their personal name, must have a significant background, and also value the consumer goods track.

As long as the other party had an interest, he had absolute confidence in his own enterprise.

Sending off Fang Zhiyuan and his party, Xie Shuyu was about to turn around when she saw the figure of her friend Meng Ran.

"How was it?" Meng Ran stepped forward quickly and asked directly.

Xie Shuyu took her to the back office area and described the meeting situation just now.

"...[Linglian Technology]’s plan is very professional and very sincere. I’ve already decided, I’ll choose them."

Meng Ran listened, her brows furrowing slightly, "Their plan is indeed suitable for Glimmer’s current stage. However—this can also be considered as you completely falling out with [Shuxian Supply Chain]. Being this hard-headed will likely bring you a lot of trouble."

"There’s no other way, this isn't something I can decide." Xie Shuyu’s tone was very calm, "At worst, we’ll just transfer materials from other regions and replace a few more suppliers. At most, the cost will be higher and it will be more troublesome."

Meng Ran opened her mouth, wanting to say "things probably aren't that simple."

But seeing her friend’s stubborn expression, she finally swallowed the words back.

Actually, according to her opinion, Xie Shuyu could have adopted a more tactful strategy.

For example, keeping the cold chain business in Sichuan Province for [Shuxian], while also letting [Zhongshu Group] participate in Glimmer’s Series B financing.

This way, she wouldn't offend the local snake, could get a considerable amount of funds, and could also have them endorse the brand.

However, she also understood her friend’s concerns.

After all, Chen Hao clearly had ulterior motives, and considering the thoughts of her boyfriend, the major shareholder, Xie Shuyu doing this was also reasonable.

Meng Ran sighed in her heart and changed to a lighter topic, "By the way, when is your little boyfriend arriving?"

"Can you not use 'little' to refer to him?"

"Is he not big? How big is he?" Meng Ran squeezed her eyes at Xie Shuyu, her face full of malicious smiles, "I specifically had some Gillardeau oysters transferred for you from our [Hema] warehouse. Give your man a good boost tonight, and let you have some 'sexual' happiness."

Xie Shuyu’s cheeks instantly flushed red, and she adjusted her hemline unnaturally.

"Can you not be so indecent. He should be arriving soon, he sent me a message half an hour ago, he’s already on his way."

"My god! I've finally managed to see you in person! You've been so mysterious about this that you've had me hooked like a fish."

Xie Shuyu was just about to say something.

But her phone rang at an inopportune time.

[Shuxian Supply Chain - Chen Hao].

The two instantly put away all their jokes and looked at each other.

Both saw the gravity in the other’s eyes.

Xie Shuyu pursed her red lips and pressed the answer button, "Hello? President Chen, is something the matter?"

2

From the other end of the line came Chen Hao’s voice, carrying a bit of eagerness: "President Xie, it’s like this. Tomorrow afternoon, our [Shuxian Supply Chain] will take the lead in holding a 'Southwest Region New Consumer Brand Supply Chain Synergy Meeting' here at our group building."

I specifically invited Vice President Zhang from [New Hope Dairy], President Li from the largest baking semi-finished product factory in Sichuan Province, and several leading fruit and vegetable suppliers will also be present.

Oh right, the person in charge of [Coffee Time] under our group will also attend.

At that time, we will announce the most favorable cooperation prices for the next year on the spot, and open up some exclusive supply chain resources."

He paused, his tone becoming meaningful, "I believe that if you, President Xie, can come in person, you will definitely get a price you cannot refuse. Moreover, regarding the matter of investing in [Glimmer Coffee], we can talk about it more deeply."

Xie Shuyu pursed her lips, "Thank you very much for President Chen’s invitation. It’s just a coincidence, I have to meet with our independent investor tomorrow to discuss some important matters."

"Oh? An investor?" Chen Hao chuckled, "That’s perfect, you can invite him to come along. In fact, I’ve long wanted to meet this powerful investment 'big shot' you speak of."

Xie Shuyu was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice: "I need to ask for his opinion on this, but he is very busy, I’m afraid..."

"No problem." Chen Hao said indifferently: "I will send you the detailed information about the meeting via WeChat later, I hope President Xie can consider it seriously again. I believe this is a good thing for both of us."

Having said that, he hung up the phone directly.

Meng Ran said in a low voice: "He is giving you an ultimatum. Gathering all the key suppliers together and giving you a discount in front of everyone. If you go, it’s equivalent to tacitly accepting his recruitment; if you don't go, it’s publicly slapping him in the face, and then you’ll really have to replace the suppliers immediately."

Xie Shuyu nodded and rubbed her temples with her slender fingers.

"Let’s not talk about this, I’m going to the restroom, and touch up my makeup while I’m at it."

"Aiyo~ sure enough, a woman in love knows how to touch up her makeup, haha, such a cute Xiaoyu." Meng Ran patted her on the butt.

"Go away." Xie Shuyu rolled her eyes at her, a blush appearing on her dignified face.

Watching her friend’s obviously tense back, Meng Ran sighed softly.

Just at this moment.

"Ding-dong—" The WeChat notification sound rang.

Xie Shuyu’s phone on the desk lit up.

On the laptop next to it, a WeChat message also popped up.

[Xiao Song: "Sister Shuyu, I’ve arrived downstairs, waiting for you at the booth in the southeast corner, you finish your work first."]

Below, there was also a photo of the inside of the coffee shop taken from the perspective of the booth.

Looking at the nickname note "Xiao Song" and the address "Sister Shuyu."

Meng Ran chuckled, feeling very novel.

She never expected that her good sister, who had always presented herself with a "workaholic" and "strong woman" image.

Would actually fall in love and have a romance, a May-December relationship that was most popular nowadays.

This simply had the flavor of a TV drama heroine.

However, according to the plot in TV dramas, things often don't go smoothly.

Between the two, there will definitely be many twists and turns, and misunderstandings.

For example, a "green tea" who is young and beautiful and sticks to him, or a "female supporting character" with a prominent family background who causes trouble.

Meng Ran’s eyes rolled, she picked up her bag, said something to the assistant Xiaomin who was still working, and walked straight out.

She was too curious, and too eager to know what kind of man the other party was.

This was not only out of concern and care for her best friend, but also because Xie Shuyu had invited her many times to serve as the COO of [Glimmer Coffee].

And this Tang Song, as the major shareholder of the company, his personality and character would be an important factor in her final decision.

After all, it was only because of their relationship that Tang Song let Xie Shuyu do it.

The governance structure of this company was deeply bound to the founder’s personal emotions, and Tang Song was so young.

If their relationship had problems in the future, this huge investment would become a key risk hindering the development of [Glimmer Coffee].

The simplest way was to personally "test" him in the way of a best friend joking around.

Although she wasn't as strikingly beautiful as Xie Shuyu, whether it was appearance, physique, or temperament, she was quite good.

She could be considered a standard beauty.

Moreover, she could reach this position, so she naturally didn't lack ability and vision.

As long as she had a little contact with a man’s temperament, she had the confidence to see a general idea.

Walking out of the back office area, Meng Ran subconsciously looked at her reflection in the smooth metal wall next to her.

Exquisite makeup, confident smile, and the capability and intellect unique to urban elites in her eyes.

She curled her lips in satisfaction and straightened the collar of her trench coat.

"Da, da, da—"

Amidst the crisp sound of high heels, she walked toward the southeast corner of the coffee shop with confident and graceful steps.

At this time, there were not many guests in the flagship store.

Soon, a back view came into her sight.

Due to the angle, she could only see the side and back of the other party.

He was wearing a dark wool suit with excellent tailoring, perfectly outlining his broad shoulders and lean waist, and his jet-black hair was groomed meticulously.

At this moment, he was leaning lazily against the back of the large sofa chair, his right hand resting casually on the armrest, his gaze cast toward the street scene of office buildings outside the window that was gradually shrouded in twilight.

He was clearly doing nothing, yet he exuded a quiet and powerful aura.

Just looking at this back view, it had already far exceeded her expectations.

Meng Ran’s steps subconsciously slowed down a little, and a trace of nervousness inexplicably arose in her heart.

Before coming, she had mostly regarded the other party as her best friend’s mysterious boyfriend, wanting to evaluate the other party’s quality in the posture of an "interviewer" without Xie Shuyu present.

But at this moment, she suddenly remembered again, how could a man who could casually take out 40 million in cash to invest be a simple character?

Even if he was a second-generation, he was definitely not an ordinary second-generation.

However, having already reached this point, her curiosity had reached its peak.

Anyway, he was her best friend’s boyfriend, so she wouldn't really offend him.

It was just a joke, after all.

Giving herself a simple psychological construction, Meng Ran raised her head and chest again, put on a bright professional smile, and walked toward that direction with big strides.

The distance was closing bit by bit.

She reached out and tapped lightly on the shoulder of that back view.

"Hello, Mr. Tang." Her voice was deliberately lightened, carrying the magnetism and initiative of a mature woman, "I didn't expect to meet you here, do you still remember me?"

Accompanied by her action, the man turned around slowly.

A handsome face intruded into her sight abruptly.

Making Meng Ran’s heart skip a beat.

There was not the slightest surprise or joy in his eyes when being chatted up by a strange beauty, he just looked at her with a deep and calm gaze.

A powerful sense of oppression came rushing toward her.

The perfect professional smile on Meng Ran’s face gradually stiffened.

She felt that the little schemes she had carefully prepared to test the other party had become childish and ridiculous clumsy performances under his gaze, with nowhere to hide.

A mixture of shame and palpitation instantly surged up.

Just as she was stunned.

Tang Song stood up calmly, his tall figure enveloping her vision.

A faint arc curled at the corners of his mouth, and the sense of oppression on his body disappeared naturally.

"Meng Ran? Hello, I am Tang Song."

His voice was very pleasant.

The expression on Meng Ran’s face, however, completely collapsed, and her head was buzzing, "Y-you hello."

1(AI)—

She had specifically asked Xie Shuyu, and was very sure that Tang Song shouldn't have seen her photos.

How did he recognize her at a glance?!

Being in this position, logically speaking, she had seen many big shots, so she shouldn't be so uncomposed.

It was mainly because the first meeting with this Tang Song was simply too far beyond her imagination.

Not only the impeccable appearance, but also that powerful aura of calm and composure, able to retract and release at will.

It was simply not something a young man in his twenties should have.

Just as she was embarrassed beyond measure, Tang Song seemed to see through her thoughts and said with a smile: "I’ve heard Sister Shuyu mention you many times, it left a deep impression."

"Uh, is that so, well, Xiaoyu went to the restroom, so I came over to say hello to you first, afraid you’d be bored." Meng Ran laughed dryly, quickly looking for a step down.

"Mm." Tang Song nodded lightly, his demeanor calm, and he raised his hand to make a gesture of invitation, "Sit down and chat. It just so happens that our President Xie gave me a task, asking me to trick you into coming to Glimmer to be the COO. I was just worrying about not finding an opportunity, I didn't expect you to deliver yourself to my door."

A half-true, half-false joke instantly washed away the awkwardness just now.

Meng Ran relaxed in her heart, but still sat down opposite him, adjusting her state of mind secretly, while tidying her hemline.

"I heard from Sister Shuyu that you are currently working at [Hema Fresh]?"

"Mm, yes." Mentioning her professional field, Meng Ran finally found a trace of confidence, "I am one of the operation managers of Hema’s Southwest Region. It’s the busiest at the end of the year, and I’ve basically been soaking in warehouses and stores these past few days."

"Double Eleven just passed, and soon it’s Christmas and New Year, the pressure on you must be quite high?"

"Don't mention it." Meng Ran shook her head with a smile, "Last year was all expansion, this year it’s all 'cost reduction and efficiency increase.' We are chased by finance to calculate accounts every day, and we have to think of ways to protect the experience, it’s quite a toss-up. But it’s not a bad thing. At least it forces us to do fine-grained management and stop burning money randomly."

"Mm." Tang Song nodded slightly, his tone carrying affirmation, "However, Hema’s model is still very imaginative, combining front-end warehouses and community scenarios, which has brought a lot of inspiration to the industry in recent years."

"To put it plainly, it’s constant trial and error. Users want cheap and fresh, and want it delivered to their door as fast as possible—this is almost an impossible equation. We operation people can only think of ways to force these few things together."

The conversation between the two unfolded just like that, without realizing it.

Tang Song leaned elegantly on the sofa, his legs crossed, controlling the rhythm of the whole scene without showing any emotion.

As the conversation deepened, Meng Ran finally reacted.

Good heavens! You really are "interviewing" me!

You have to know, she had originally come with the mentality of testing the other party, but now the positions of host and guest had completely flipped.

Making her really feel the tension and excitement of being interviewed by a big shot.

Just at this moment, a tall and beautiful figure appeared in her sight.

Meng Ran finally breathed a sigh of relief and stood up as if relieved of a heavy burden, "Xiaoyu, you’re here."

Tang Song turned around and saw the female president walking toward this side.

Camel coat, white silk shirt, black hip-hugging skirt, flesh-colored stockings.

Standard workplace OL outfit.

Making her whole person exude a charm that combined dignified maturity and sexy brightness.