Debt Crisis, Imperial College London

Half past six in the morning.

After an autumn rain, the temperature had actually begun to rise.

Sunlight streamed through the gap in the curtains, illuminating the entire bedroom.

Shen Yuyan slowly sat up from the soft bed, traces of sleepiness still lingering on her face.

Although yesterday had been the weekend, she had still worked late into the night.

The partnership with Xucheng Property had basically been finalized, but the other party's demands were rather stringent. They needed to customize a separate service package.

Now that Zhang Tianqi had completely stopped handling company affairs and Hou Shaoyuan had fully withdrawn, she was currently the company's only manager.

She had to personally oversee every aspect of the company's business and development.

Though she held all the power, the pressure was far greater than she had imagined.

Still, as long as she could fulfill the Betting Agreement, everything would only get better.

After yawning, Shen Yuyan threw back the covers and sat at the edge of the bed. She picked up the Mobile Phone from the bedside table, unlocked it, and habitually opened her chat window with Tang Song.

Looking at the few chat records above, she could not help sighing.

Over the two weekend days, she had sent Tang Song several messages bit by bit.

Aside from discussing Qingning Technology's product launch with him and AI's impact on various fields, she had sent him selfies and invited him to eat a meal together.

But without exception, he had turned her down on the grounds that he was busy.

And his replies had been extremely perfunctory.

For someone like her, who had been popular since childhood and was proud by nature, this was a heavy blow.

It made her begin to doubt herself.

If it had been in the past, she definitely would not have shamelessly forced herself into his orbit again. But now, scenes of meeting Tang Song kept surfacing in her mind.

He stood on the roadshow stage. He led the Due Diligence Team out of the elevator. He stood surrounded by people at Lanfeng International Hotel. He appeared with Zheng Qiu Dong at the international fashion exhibition.

Her breathing gradually became a little hurried, a faint flush rising to her face as her thoughts began to turn indecent.

To her now, Tang Song was full of mystery and the unknown.

It was also the first time she had truly felt, from a man, a charm she could not resist.

After staring blankly for a while, Shen Yuyan opened Tang Song's Chat Box.

She left a message: "Good morning~ A new day has begun! By the way, the weekend's over. Are you still busy? (#playful)"

After sending it, Shen Yuyan muttered a curse under her breath. "Pathetic simp!"

The moment she said that, her eyes widened, tears drifting around her eye sockets.

Tang Song's behavior always left her feeling insecure. He neither took the initiative nor rejected her.

This uncertain feeling made her both irritated and addicted, like a carefully designed game where she could not tell whether she was the hunter or the prey.

And Qing Qing, her Best Friend, was there too, making her feel especially conflicted, tangled, and torn.

Sometimes Shen Yuyan even cursed herself for being cheap, yet she could not help wanting to approach him.

After sending the message, Shen Yuyan got up and walked outside to begin her usual washing up and skincare routine.

Yet her gaze kept drifting toward the Mobile Phone screen as she waited for Tang Song's reply.

"Ding Dong—"

Tang Song: "The most important things are already taken care of. What about you? I heard from Qing Qing that Youjie Home Services landed a major client, and the second round of financing is about to hit the account."

Shen Yuyan's eyes instantly lit up. She quickly replied, "Yes, I'm the only one left from the company's founding team now, so I'm super busy. But fortunately, everything's going smoothly. The number of Client-Side users has basically hit the target. As long as the performance keeps up, Youjie Home Services can get on the Right track."

Tang Song: "(#like) School Beauty Shen is really amazing. You can count this as a successful startup. You're a proper strong career woman."

Seeing his praise, an excited smile appeared on Shen Yuyan's face.

She had indeed resolved to "join" Tang Song, but she did not want him to look down on her as a loser or a pathetic simp.

She had participated in the Yan Zhao Youth Entrepreneurship Support Program and forced herself to make Youjie Home Services better, all so her résumé would look more impressive.

After the two chatted briefly.

The smile on Shen Yuyan's face grew brighter and brighter.

She felt that Tang Song was especially talkative today, and his replies were especially fast.

Flexing her fingers, Shen Yuyan quickly walked to the full-length mirror.

She opened the camera on her Mobile Phone, adjusted her pose, and turned her body slightly toward the lens.

One hand lightly lifted the hem of her loose white T-shirt, exposing her toned, flat abdomen and faintly visible Ab Crack.

Her other hand naturally brushed the loose strands beside her ear, creating a lazy just-woke-up feeling.

With a click, the photo was captured.

Shen Yuyan took a look and felt it still was not attractive enough.

After thinking for a moment, she simply took off her thin pajama pants. Wearing only the loose T-shirt and underwear, she took another picture.

She cropped the photo so that it showed just the edge of her underwear, then used photo-editing software to adjust the lighting and filter, making the image look softer and more alluring.

Very soon, a morning selfie that was both innocent and seductive was complete.

Biting her lips, Shen Yuyan Shared to Tang Song's WeChat.

After carefully considering her wording, she typed, "Eh, I suddenly noticed that my Ab Crack is back, haha.

Please allow me to show off a little. After all, it's the result of all my hard work working out (#heyha)"

Before sending it, she hesitated for a second, deliberately deleted the final smiling emoji, and replaced it with a slightly playful period.

As if she were testing him, yet also holding herself back.

She put down her Mobile Phone, but her heartbeat involuntarily sped up a little.

Her emotional intelligence and intelligence were both high. She knew how to use her advantages to draw his attention, and she knew men had the least resistance to this kind of Playing hard to get ambiguity.

"Bzzz—"

Tang Song: "You're so busy with work, yet you can still be this disciplined. No wonder School Beauty Shen has such a great figure. Haha.

When you have time, keep an eye on Qing Qing and get her to exercise with you."

Seeing his reply, Shen Yuyan's eyes flashed as she replied, "Hehe, thanks for the compliment! As for Qing Qing~, that big silly girl is so lazy, and she's only interested in one kind of exercise."

Tang Song: "Oh? What kind of exercise?"

Shen Yuyan deliberately did not reply immediately. Instead, she first applied her eye cream and wiped her fingers.

Only then did she type, word by word, "Bed exercise. That's one thing I can't help her with."

After thinking about it, she sent a side-eye smile sticker too.

Tang Song: You're so hot.gif

Seeing the sticker he sent, Shen Yuyan's eyes twitched and her face turned slightly red.

Just then.

"Click—creak—" The bedroom door was suddenly pushed open.

Xu Qing, dressed in cartoon pajamas, stumbled in sleepily. "Yan Yan, what are we eating for breakfast today?"

Shen Yuyan's expression instantly turned awkward. She hurriedly put away her Mobile Phone. "I'll go downstairs later to buy Soy Milk and Fried Dough Sticks."

"Mm-mm, thanks, babe!" Xu Qing stepped forward and hugged her Best Friend. Tilting her head, she glanced at Shen Yuyan's bare Long Legs and said enviously, "Our heights clearly aren't that different, so why do your legs look so long?"

"Our body proportions are different." Shen Yuyan smiled playfully and opened her wardrobe to start changing.

Xu Qing threw herself onto Shen Yuyan's bed, muttering miserably, "Yan Yan, what am I supposed to do? I don't know what happened to that brat Xiao Jing, but she suddenly became so sly. I don't even dare chat with her, but she keeps pestering me."

Ever since she had been caught, Xiao Jing had become her nightmare—the kind that could genuinely Startle her awake from a dream.

Shen Yuyan put on a shirt and slacks, then turned around. "You'll have to lay everything out sooner or later. She's also Tang Song's Girlfriend. It would be good to build a relationship with her in advance."

Xu Qing twisted her body forcefully. "Aiya, I don't want to play with her."

"I meant as friends. Why does it feel like your mind is full of dirty thoughts? Xiao Jing doesn't actually have any bad intentions. Getting along with her will benefit you too."

"You Don't know how perverted she is. Last night, she even came to discuss the plot of an adult manga with me."

Shen Yuyan rolled her eyes at her. "You write adult anime yourself, and you have the nerve to call someone else perverted?"

"That's different! She... she..." Xu Qing's face flushed crimson, and she stammered without being able to continue.

She had not told her Best Friend everything about Xiao Jing. Some of it was simply too perverted, like "threesomes" and "whipping belts."

Now that she had been caught, her leverage had fallen into Xiao Jing's hands. Yet she had no choice but to keep chatting with her. It was utterly stifling.

Xu Qing had stayed up late writing last night and brutally tortured Bai Jing in her novel, only then feeling a little better.

"Alright, I'm going downstairs to buy breakfast. Hurry up and get yourself ready." Shen Yuyan patted her head and turned around to walk outside.

Xu Qing sat up with a series of grumbling hums.

"Bzzz—" Her Mobile Phone vibrated.

Xiao Jing: "Sister Qing Qing, my Boyfriend is coming to our company for a meeting this afternoon. I want to play a little game with him. Do you think it's better in the office or in the hallway of the Office Building? It's been so long since we met. I can't help wanting him to punish me."

Xu Qing's face went pale as she quickly replied, "Don't mess around! What if someone finds out in the office?"

Little Song was a little awful, but he treated her well.

If he really got assimilated into a pervert under Xiao Jing's guidance, then she would have to suffer along with him in the future!

Xiao Jing: "That's exactly the atmosphere I want. So exciting! Sister Qing Qing, you and your Boyfriend can try it too. It's very fun."

"Ah! Pervert Xiao Jing!" Xu Qing's face instantly turned bright red. She rolled around on the bed a few times, then grabbed a pillow and smashed it toward the Mobile Phone screen.

Yanjing Huating, Duplex Apartment.

Inside the beautiful and luxurious Walk-in Closet.

"Hahaha—"

Xiao Jing braced herself against the wardrobe, laughing so hard her body swayed.

"Aiya!" The platinum-colored ring on her hand accidentally fell down.

Xiao Jing hurriedly crouched down and picked it up. Looking at the little gift and thinking of Tang Song's slender, lustrous Comic Hand, she could not help rubbing her Legs lightly together.

It had been a long time since they had met. Though they often played remotely, how could that compare to the real thing?

Hehe! Once they met, she definitely had to have a taste of his hand.

Licking her Lips, Xiao Jing put away the ring and began picking out what to wear today.

The sound of clothes being removed rang out.

Her glowing white skin made the entire Walk-in Closet seem several shades brighter.

Xiao Jing held clothes against herself for a while, her smooth body turning several circles in the full-length mirror. So pretty.

(≥V≤)/

Tang Song Gege would definitely like it!

After changing clothes, Xiao Jing checked the time and hummed a tune as she stepped toward the dining room.

The air was Full of the fragrance of breakfast.

Chinese porridge and pastries, along with Western bread, were laid out on the table—abundant yet cozy.

"Dear Dad and Mother, good morning." A sweet, obedient smile appeared on Xiao Jing's face as she said sweetly.

"Come eat quickly, baby. We were just talking about going to call you." Her Mother, Chen Man, hurriedly waved her over.

Xiao Jing smiled, sat beside her Mother, picked up a piece of toasted cranberry bread, and slowly ate as she lowered her head to scroll through her Mobile Phone.

The family quietly enjoyed breakfast, the atmosphere harmonious and peaceful.

After a while.

"Jing Jing." Her father, Tian Chengye, suddenly spoke, his voice low and stern.

Xiao Jing looked up, her face playful. "What is it, Lao Tian?"

But Tian Chengye's expression remained tense. "How have things been between you and Tang Song lately? Are you still together?"

Hearing this question, Chen Man also looked over curiously.

Xiao Jing paused slightly before returning to normal. "Things have always been quite good. We have a very good relationship."

Her answer was casual, and she did not say anything more.

Tian Chengye continued pressing, "Oh? I heard that during the time you were in the Imperial Capital, he didn't visit you even once?"

Xiao Jing frowned, irritation entering her voice. "Who told you that? Hua Hua? Or Qi Wen?"

Tian Chengye's eye twitched. "Don't worry about who said it. I just feel like he doesn't care about you that much."

Xiao Jing put down the toast in her hand, her voice turning colder. "Didn't we agree that you wouldn't interfere with my private life?

And Lao Tian, talking badly about people behind their backs isn't your style. You're the one who taught me that."

An awkward expression appeared on Tian Chengye's face.

"I know what I'm doing. Neither of you needs to interfere."

"Eat, eat. Let's eat first." Chen Man hurriedly tried to smooth things over. "Jing Jing, your Dad and Mother are both worried about you."

Xiao Jing gave a humph and sped up her meal.

After wolfing down a few bites, Xiao Jing stood directly up. "I'm full."

"Wait a moment, there's one more thing." Tian Chengye called after her. After a moment of silence, he lowered his voice and said, "Xiao Jing, I met with Lin Jingming of Speeding Power last night. He said he knows you and that your relationship is fairly good."

Xiao Jing replied absentmindedly, "Oh? We only met once. I suppose that counts as knowing each other."

Tian Chengye spoke earnestly. "Speeding Power is truly impressive. It's at the height of its momentum and has drawn enormous attention. Lin Jingming is also a genuine Young Talent standing at the crest of this era's wave. His résumé is exceptionally impressive too. Among all the people I've met over the years, he's among the very best.

He's only thirty-one now, yet he helped establish a New Energy company valued at five hundred million US dollars and has also earned recognition from local government funds. His future is boundless."

Xiao Jing looked up warily. "Lao Tian, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Tian Chengye coughed lightly. "Nothing in particular. I just hope you can get to know more connections like this. Don't let personal Emotions make you miss better opportunities."

"I'm going to work. Bye bye." Xiao Jing pushed her chair back into place and walked toward her bedroom without looking back.

Chen Man stretched out her hand as if to stop her, but in the end, she only sighed and said nothing.

She turned to look at her husband and complained, "You know what her personality is like. Why did you have to bring this up?"

Tian Chengye's face darkened slightly, his voice Full of helplessness. "I'm also thinking about Jing Jing's future. I hope she can be happier."

Chen Man asked worriedly, "Are things not going well on your side?"

Tian Chengye sighed and slowly nodded. "Mm, the problem is serious. I may need to sell my shares in Brocade Business."

"What?" Chen Man was shaken. "Didn't you say Brocade Business was highly likely to go public in the future? And Jing Jing works there too!"

Tian Chengye Shook head gravely. "There's no choice. It happened too suddenly."

He was only forty-seven this year, still in the prime of his life, and he retained an ambition to keep climbing.

Several years ago, he had begun following national policy and investing in several New Energy and semiconductor companies.

Among them, Huineng Electronics in Hang City had developed the fastest.

This company possessed quite a few high-quality patented technologies, and its team had enormous potential. It had developed a highly promising technological path.

Since last year, Tian Chengye had gradually acquired shares from other shareholders, investing a large sum of money. He had now become the major shareholder with a 63% stake.

To support the company's development, he had also personally guaranteed institutional loans totaling more than 200 million, betting everything on the enterprise.

However, the process complexity far exceeded expectations, and the yield-rate issue remained unresolved.

Some contracts signed earlier could only be breached at a loss, and the company's Capital Chain was on the verge of collapse.

His Business trip to Hang City during Qixi Festival had been to deal with this matter. He had worked himself to exhaustion, but unfortunately, he was still powerless to turn things around.

Because of his personal guarantee, he had to repay this enormous debt.

And the only high-quality asset he had left that could be quickly liquidated was his equity in Brocade Business.

Thinking of this, Tian Chengye felt a tightness in his chest.

Originally, he had planned to give this portion of equity to Xiao Jing in a few years, allowing her to grow within Brocade Business and eventually become an executive or even a director of a listed company.

He had never expected things to develop to this point.

At the same time, Zhongcheng Group had been in decline due to the overall downturn in real estate, and the recent Zhongyun Dairy incident had only made matters worse.

His personal assets were shrinking at an alarming rate, and every step he took felt like walking on thin ice.

He had not intended to interfere in Xiao Jing's love life, but the current situation forced him to reassess every possible opportunity.

Lin Jingming's Appeared, along with the other party's undisguised Good impression toward Xiao Jing, stirred Tian Chengye's thoughts. He also hoped his Daughter could live a better life in the future.

Confluent Investment, Chief Assistant Office.

The sound of papers being flipped echoed from time to time, and Lin Mu Xue's face was filled with hesitation.

After a moment, she took a deep breath and Gritted her teeth. "Then it's this one! Imperial College London! No changes!"

"This is indeed the most suitable choice." Zhang Lili smiled. "Imperial College London's Global MBA is among the very best online MBA programs. The degree certificate is the same as that of a full-time MBA, without any indication that it is 'online,' and it carries the same legal validity."

"Mm!" Lin Mu Xue Nodded vigorously, relief appearing on her face.

Having finally made her choice, the heart that had been hanging in suspense finally settled.

She pulled out the introduction to Imperial College London's Global MBA from the folder, and the smile on her face grew brighter and brighter.

The curriculum was the same as that of a full-time MBA, and the entire program was conducted online. She only needed to travel to London for one to two weeks of in-person activities each year.

It was extremely suitable for working professionals seeking to improve their academic credentials and management skills.

Imperial College London was one of Britain's G5 universities, a world-class institution ranked sixth in the QS World University Rankings.

Its Business School enjoyed an excellent reputation in the business field, especially in finance, technology, and innovation management.

It also possessed a powerful alumni network, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Although its name was not as familiar as Harvard or Cambridge, it truly was the most suitable choice for her.

Besides, she really liked the word "Imperial." It perfectly matched the status of Emperor Mu Xue!

The more someone lacked something, the more they craved it.

With her biggest shortcoming finally remedied, she felt like she would have more confidence even going out to use the restroom in the future!

Thinking of this, Lin Mu Xue shifted her long Legs, her excited face flushed red.

If Tang Song had not been absent, then if he were standing In front of her, she would definitely have pinned him beneath her and had her way with him.

Just then.

Knock, knock, knock— The sound of knocking rang out, followed by the door being Pushed open directly.

Tang Song walked in, dressed in a casual shirt.

"President Tang!" "President Tang!"

"President Tang!" The two women quickly rose to their feet, their voices carrying a trace of nervousness.

Tang Song walked over to them, his gaze calm and resolute. "Assistant Lin, notify the Hua Chang Apparel project team members to attend a meeting in the T1 Conference Room at ten o'clock."

"Yes, President Tang!" Lin Mu Xue quickly replied, casually brushing the Hair Strands by her Temples with her fingers, looking slightly unnatural.

She had just been fantasizing about him. Who would have thought that in the blink of an eye, he would be standing before her?

Looking at his handsome face, Lin Mu Xue felt an itch in her heart.

Tang Song Nodded lightly, Turned around, and headed out, walking straight to the President's Office.

Reports on the acquisition's progress were neatly arranged on the desk, sorted into categories.

He casually flipped through several pages, a faint smile appearing at the Corner of the mouth.

With the efforts of the professional team, Hua Chang Apparel's precise valuation model had been completed.

Confluent Investment had reached preliminary agreements with Dingyun Investment and Chengrong Group to acquire the 14.4% stake in their hands at a 10% premium.

In addition, four minority shareholders had confirmed their intention to sell.

Once the transaction was completed, Tang Song would hold a combined 55.4% stake through himself and his companies, officially becoming the company's major shareholder and naturally taking control of the board.

Of course, this was only the first step.

The He Jingping family still held 40.4% of the shares and possessed veto power over major matters.

The next thing to do was dilute their shareholding below 33%.

Originally, this would have been an extremely complex and difficult task.

Even if they used a capital increase and share expansion, it would still require the support of more than two-thirds of the voting rights. As long as He Jingping refused, it would be difficult to move forward.

Other financing methods, such as spin-offs and converting capital reserves into share capital, would require a great deal of time and expense.

But Tang Song did not have any extra time to waste.

He was acquiring control of Hua Chang Apparel to help Songmei Clothing develop rapidly, not to become entangled in endless maneuvering.

In the end, Confluent Investment set its sights on "Convertible Bond."

As a heavy-asset company, Hua Chang Apparel had long relied on high-debt operations because of production-line upgrades, inventory pressure, and payment collection cycles.

The year before last, the company had signed a "Convertible Bond Agreement" with a certain Private Equity Fund.

This type of bond came with Stock Options clauses that allowed the holder to convert it into equity under specific conditions.

Tang Song's plan was simple: obtain this Convertible Bond contract, then use his status as a major shareholder to forcibly trigger the "debt-to-equity conversion" clause, thereby diluting He Jingping's shares.

Even better, CEO Wu Wei's "rebellion" made the matter much easier.

Tang Song pulled out the report submitted by the Due Diligence Team, his eyes sweeping over its key contents as his mood grew even more cheerful.

Global Tongtai Co., Ltd. (Global Connect Trade Limited).

Knock, knock, knock— A sudden knock sounded at the door.

"Come in!" Tang Song Looked up.

The door was gently Pushed open.

Click, click, click—

Lin Mu Xue walked in wearing a professional skirt suit, swaying her slender waist as she moved with elegant, brisk steps.

"President Tang, the meeting notifications have been arranged." Lin Mu Xue stood before the desk, her tone gentle yet capable.

With her exquisite features, heavy makeup, and fashionable OL outfit, she looked alluring, graceful, and sexy.

"Mm, you've worked hard." Tang Song set down the documents and leaned back slightly, making no attempt to conceal his appreciative gaze.

Having such a beautiful, sexy female assistant around truly did make work more pleasant.

Noticing that she seemed to have something else to say, Tang Song asked, "Is there anything else?"

Lin Mu Xue hesitated for a moment, then moved a step forward, Approached a little closer, and said softly, "President Tang, I've decided on the school and major you mentioned before."

"Oh? Which one?"

"Imperial College London's Global MBA, is that okay?" Lin Mu Xue pursed her Lips, her eyes full of anticipation.

Tang Song smiled and Nodded lightly. "Of course. I'll arrange for someone to coordinate with you. Later, you'll need to provide some personal information."

"Okay, President Tang!" Lin Mu Xue's Cheeks flushed slightly with excitement, and her voice was filled with unconcealable joy.

Tang Song blinked and encouraged her, "Keep it up, Assistant Lin. Once you enroll successfully, I'll Give gifts you something special. You'll definitely like it very much."

"Ah, a special gift?" Lin Mu Xue let out a soft cry, her eyes instantly growing moist.

Not only was he helping her improve her academic credentials, he was even going to give her a gift. This was practically enough to make someone swoon!

If this weren't the office—actually, the office wasn't impossible either... Lin Mu Xue deeply Gritted her teeth, boldly sat on Tang Song's lap, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank you, President Tang. You're truly too good to me!"

Seeing that Tang Song did not refuse and instead wrapped an arm around her waist.

Lin Mu Xue instantly beamed, her lips gently pressing against his as her full, rounded hips swayed slightly.

On the fiftieth floor of the financial center, in the most luxurious office, she had just received a ticket into a world-class university and was brazenly sitting her Male God beneath her. Lin Mu Xue felt as though she were floating on air, as if her entire body was about to fly.