Would You Dare Stab Back If I Handed You a Knife?
Inside the main venue.
The spotlight was always on them.
The applause was deafening, and the air itself seemed to vibrate with an invisible force.
Shen Yuyan wore a beautiful and appropriate smile, and every subtle expression was carefully crafted to present the most perfect state.
However, the hands hanging at her sides were trembling slightly.
This was one of the most important moments of her life, and a crucial step in officially entering her dream circle.
Her gaze swept over Tang Song and Annie Kate in front of her, then quickly looked away, not daring to linger for too long.
They are truly dazzling, like the sun.
Perhaps—I can become such a protagonist in the future.
The applause drowned out the sound of heartbeats and footsteps.
Shen Yuyan at the crowd below the stage.
Images from the past kept flashing through my mind.
No one could understand the feelings she was experiencing at that moment: intoxication, excitement, nervousness, inferiority, and longing, all gathered in her chest, transforming into an indescribable emotion.
"Distinguished guests, this way please." The executives of the organizers gestured.
In the center of the VIP area, a large round table had already been reserved for them.
This table is located in the most central position in the entire venue, right next to the stage and facing the curved LED screen.
Seated around him were the heavyweights of tonight's event—representatives from top investment institutions such as Sequoia, Temasek, as well as some prominent entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
Shen Yuyan had seen many of these people in the news and magazines.
Their names were once unattainable goals for her, but now she stands here, just a few steps away from them.
When everyone arrived at the large round table, representatives from several top investment institutions stood up and took the initiative to greet them.
"Ms. Kate, it's a pleasure to see you again. The project we discussed at our last meeting in Silicon Valley is progressing well, and I hope we'll have the opportunity to collaborate again."
"Hello, Ms. Kate, it's an honor to meet you. I'm Zhao Wen— "
Annie nodded slightly, a graceful smile on her face.
She gently raised her hand, her movements exuding an innate nobility, and then slowly turned her gaze to Tang Song beside her.
His tone was no longer as languid and casual as before, but had become solemn and serious. "Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce an important figure to you—this is Tang Song, the Chairman Ren and CEO of Rongliu Capital. The Tang Jin Family Office and our Kate Trust are both shareholders of this company."
A short sentence, yet it was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples among the crowd.
The crowd that had been surrounding Annie immediately shifted their attention, focusing all their gazes on Tang Song.
Rongliu Capital, registered in Hong Kong, is not yet widely known in China, but it has already Rising Fame in overseas markets, especially due to its strong background.
As a private equity firm managing $2 billion, its leader is destined to attract attention wherever he appears.
Of course, what is truly shocking is not just Tang Song's identity and youth, but Annie Kate's attitude towards him.
This woman, who comes from the illustrious Kate Family, has always been known for her haughtiness and aloofness.
Now, however, he personally accompanies him onto the stage, introduces him, lifts him up, and makes no attempt to hide his recognition and admiration for his abilities.
This gesture undoubtedly sent a clear signal to everyone: this man is extraordinary.
After a brief moment of surprise, everyone quickly composed themselves, their faces breaking into warm smiles. They all reached out their hands to Tang Song and began to introduce themselves.
Some people handed out business cards, while others directly invited further in-depth exchanges, and the scene immediately became lively yet orderly.
Shen Yuyan quickly stepped forward and stood steadily beside Tang Song, her hands folded in front of her, her posture dignified and proper.
She listened attentively to everyone's conversation, her eyes keenly taking in their appearance, names, and subtle features.
This was an opportunity she had longed for, yet it always seemed unattainable.
The Bullet Comments: [I, Shen Yuyan, am truly standing here—]
How much is this location worth?
[Calm down! Shen Yuyan, you must appear composed!]
These are all industry leaders; you have to be careful what they say!
Tang Song are watching me; I must appear completely at ease!
Tang Song wore Wei Xiao on his face, his expression calm and composed, neither overly distant nor deliberately ingratiating.
His gaze would occasionally sweep over the top of Shen Yuyan's head, his eyes filled with contemplation.
Within the instance, as the [Observer], he seems to possess a transcendent quality—keen insight, Yi Yi superior perspective, and a detached observation of everything.
This feeling is quite similar to the state of "Tang Song" in the dream.
So much so that every word he uttered and every action he took carried a convincing air of authority.
Even Annie became much more docile after meeting him, transforming from a lioness into a gentle kitten.
This feeling was already hinted at in the previous instance, "Whispers of Lin Mu Xue".
Otherwise, if he had seen Xiao Xue, who was still Bai Fumei in his eyes at the time, and looked at the words like "You are my god", "Fuck me", and "*" above her head, he would have burst out laughing long ago, and might even have done some strange things.
In the [Shen Yuyan's Whisper] instance, this aura becomes even more pronounced, which is clearly inseparable from his increased Charm Value and overall growth.
"This is my Special Assistant, Shirley, Shen Yuyan." Tang Song casually handed over the business card he had received.
I casually mentioned it.
"Hello, Assistant Shen." Zhao Wen, Investment Director of Temasek Asia Pacific, nodded politely.
The others also smiled kindly.
Bullet Comments: [He's introducing me! He's introducing me on his own initiative!]
I'm no longer that overlooked nobody!
The title "Special Assistant" is a double-edged sword; it can be an inconspicuous supporting role, or an easily accessible stepping stone.
I can't show weakness! I must make them remember me!
A blush rose to Shen Yuyan's face as she steadily accepted the business card with both hands.
The voice was gentle yet clear. "Hello, Director Zhao, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've Temasek's extensive investment portfolio in the Asia-Pacific region, especially its forward-looking vision in the field of technological innovation."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Wen's eyes flashed with appreciation, and he replied with a smile, "Haha, Assistant Shen, you flatter me."
Shen Yuyan smiled politely, carefully put away the business card, and retreated back behind Tang Song.
Tang Song just looked at me—is he very satisfied with me?
At this moment, I truly feel like a dream come true!
So this is what it feels like.
Suppressing the surging emotions within her, Shen Yuyan slightly turned her head, her gaze quickly sweeping around the VIP area.
It quickly landed in an area on the right.
Mingjian Capital, Gongying Technology.
She knew almost all of these people.
Just a few days ago, she was standing in the conference room, humbly negotiating with them, hoping to secure a second round of financing.
At that time, they were condescending and mercilessly criticized and condemned her efforts and hard work.
As a woman who holds grudges, she has an excellent memory, remembering every detail perfectly.
For example, Zhao Hongkai, the chairman and president of Gongying Technology.
His words, laced with disdain, Yi Yi: "Remember! This is a problem with your Youjie Home Services! You need to recognize your own shortcomings first!"
The words still echo in her ears, like a thorn deeply embedded in her pride.
Of course, more importantly, there are Wang Yubo and Ren Mingyuan.
Their gazes met in the air.
Shen Yuyan saw avoidance, retreat, and a barely perceptible fear in their eyes.
[Hahaha! Wang Yubo, Ren Mingyuan, you've finally met your match?!]
You just wait! It won't be long! I'll personally push you off this cliff!
[Gongying Technology and Yuanjian Shares will both suffer because of you!]
I'm waiting for you to kneel down and beg for mercy!
[Tang Song, thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will remember this moment for the rest of my life!]
Shen Yuyan clenched her hands excitedly, but stood even straighter.
Those who once humiliated her can now only sit in the corner and watch Mo Mo, while she stands in the most dazzling place in the entire venue.
08. Inside n8, a senior executive from Mingjian Capital lowered his voice, a hint of doubt in his tone, "President Wang, isn't that the General Manager of Youjie Home Services, whom you introduced to us before? What's she doing over there?"
"Oh?" Another director's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he leaned closer with great interest. "Yu Bo, do you know her?"
"Let's go say hello! That Ms. Kate is someone important; anyone standing next to her is no ordinary person."
Several senior executives of Mingjian Capital were clearly not very familiar with the specifics, and their words were full of curiosity and expectation. However, Zhao Hongkai, president of Gongying Technology, and Ren Mingyuan, vice president, who were standing to the side, had gloomy faces, lowered their heads and remained silent, and their eyes were shifty.
Youjie Home Services is short of money and has reached a critical moment of life and death, without a doubt.
They took advantage of this to try to seize control of the company.
However, the situation of Gongying Technology itself is not optimistic.
Otherwise, they wouldn't have racked their brains to use domestic service platforms to attract customers and generate revenue to support their own business development.
For Gongying Technology, financing and going public are the only way out.
This not only means they can cash out and leave with huge returns, but also allows the company to get out of its current predicament and have a broader future.
It can be said that this financing and listing plan has determined their fate.
Now, Shen Yuyan has actually appeared in the core circles of Jingwu Capital and Rongliu Capital, which undoubtedly casts a shadow over their plans.
Wang Yubo tried his best to suppress his shock and anger.
After a brief silence, he forced a smile. "Director Fei, that girl's name is Shen Yuyan. She's the head of a housekeeping company invested in by Gongying Technology. However, due to problems with their company, the betting agreement failed."
We are currently at a stalemate, and the relationship is not as harmonious as I had imagined, so—"
Upon hearing this, Fei Chengan frowned and said in a serious tone, "Yu Bo, you should know the gravity of the situation. Gongying Technology is currently at a critical stage, so don't offend anyone easily."
"I—I know, Director Fei." Wang Yubo's tone was filled with undisguised resentment.
However, Fei Chengan is a director of Mingjian Capital, which is backed by state-owned capital in the shareholders' meeting. His position in the company is far higher than his, and even his father has to treat him with caution.
"Thump, thump, thump!" The lights in the main venue came back on.
Suddenly, the curved LED screen in the center of the venue lit up with a blinding light, and the host returned to the stage.
The busy crowd in the VIP area took their seats.
"Dear investors, entrepreneurs, and friends, good evening! Welcome to the 2023 ' Investor Night, Lead the Future with Wisdom '"
After a brief introduction, the large screen switched to a dynamic data chart of "Global Technology Investment Trends," showing the changes in the financing scale of various sectors over the past year.
The organizers took the stage to deliver a speech.
Guest took turns giving speeches.
After each speech, the audience would give a polite round of applause, and occasionally exchange a few whispered words.
Shen Yuyan sat upright next to Tang Song, looking at the large stage that was so close at hand, her fingers flying across her Mobile Phone as she took notes of the key points.
The moment she became Tang Song's assistant, she had already immersed herself in the role, and naturally she wanted to do everything she could to help him.
She would glance at Tang Song from time to time, observing his expression. When he showed interest, she would take notes of that key part.
What caught her attention in particular was a presentation by a company called "Yimai Technology".
Tang Song seemed to care a lot about this company, and after the founder took the stage, he began to listen attentively.
Shen Yuyan took careful notes and quickly understood.
This is an AI technology company that focuses on the intelligent upgrading of the apparel industry.
Our core business and product focus is A! – driven by optimization of apparel design and supply chain management, and we have our own dedicated Large Model.
They're currently riding a wave of popularity and certainly don't lack funding. Their participation in the conference is aimed at promoting their brand.
Find more cooperation opportunities and acquire investors with top-tier resources.
This company can undoubtedly directly help Songmei Clothing grow.
Thinking of this, Shen Yuyan couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness and jealousy.
Gao Mengting really had incredible luck!
If Tang Song had been her partner when she started her business, she would have been ecstatic.
Compared to Tang and Tang Song, Zhang Tianqi Hou Shaoyuan are simply not in the same league.
At the conference, the logo of "Gongying Technology" slowly appeared on the curved LD screen.
Shen Yuyan's gaze fell upon that familiar symbol, and she instantly perked up, sitting up straight with an undisguised look of disgust and hatred flashing in her eyes.
It can be said that without the intervention of Gongying Technology, Youjie Home Services might still be a healthy and high-quality startup.
She has even successfully secured investment from Tang Song, placing her at a completely different level.
However, due to the disgusting and despicable actions of Gongying Technology, she is now mired in a quagmire, completely losing her way out and all her capital.
However, now that I am sitting in the main seat and looking down on the other party from a higher position, it can be considered a small act of revenge.
Amidst enthusiastic applause, the host announced with Wei Xiao: "As leaders in the smart home field, they have experienced rapid development in recent years and have attracted much attention from the industry—"
"Let's welcome Mr. Ren Mingyuan, Vice President of Gongying Technology!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Ren Mingyuan calmly stood up and walked towards the stage.
Standing under the spotlight, he took the microphone, his voice deep and powerful. "Good evening, distinguished guests. It is a great honor to stand here and share with you the growth journey and future vision of Gongying Technology."
He briefly reviewed the company's development history, from the initial startup team to the upcoming Series C financing, and detailed the company's product line and user scale.
The conversation then turned to the technical aspects, elaborating on the company's groundbreaking progress in areas such as IoT underlying architecture and artificial intelligence algorithm optimization.
In fact, he was a member of the founding team.
He once served as the technical lead.
However, as the company continued to expand, his personal abilities gradually became unable to keep up with the complex demands of the products.
Like many entrepreneurs, he also faces the risk of being kicked out by investors.
Fortunately, thanks to his excellent communication skills and flexible approach to handling affairs, he won the favor of major shareholder Wang Yubo and eventually transitioned into the position of vice president in charge of Strategic Investment and financial management.
His gaze involuntarily fell on Shen Yuyan directly in front of him, but he quickly looked away.
Despite a slight unease in his heart, he knew that the most important task at the moment was to deliver a perfect presentation and ensure the smooth progress of the fundraising.
In fact, the investment institutions involved in this round have already reached a preliminary agreement.
The reason for choosing to give a presentation at this conference is primarily to leverage the opportunity to expand influence, further solidify Gongying Technology's position in the industry, and pave the way for the upcoming IPO.
Ren Mingyuan took a deep breath, composed himself, and calmly uttered the last sentence:
"We have built a relatively complete closed-loop ecosystem, achieving full-chain coverage from technology development to commercialization!"
Then, applause broke out, and the host announced that the Q&A session would begin.
People frequently raised their hands to ask questions, and most of the questioners were representatives of institutions that participated in Gongying Technology's Series C financing.
Clearly, the organizers had made arrangements in advance, and the staff quickly and efficiently handed the wireless microphones to the questioners.
All of this is undoubtedly part of the event's promotional campaign, aimed at creating a more enthusiastic atmosphere for Gongying Technology's Series C funding and subsequent IPO plans.
Watching Ren Mingyuan speaking eloquently on the big stage.
Shen Yuyan's fist clenched silently, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
Although she longed to stand up and disrupt things, to give them a taste of their own medicine and make them experience the same oppression she had felt, she ultimately lacked the ability to do so.
After all, she was only Tang Song's Special Assistant, and only in a temporary capacity during this conference.
In such a situation, she had no right to stand up, nor did she have the right to influence the overall situation.
unless-
Her gaze fell on Tang Song, who stood calmly beside her.
Unless he's willing to stand up for me, but—how could that be?
He doesn't know what I've been through. Perhaps in his eyes, I'm just a useless person who failed in the Angel Round.
If it weren't for the fact that Qing Qing was his best friend and the most beautiful girl in college, he wouldn't have given me so many chances.
Thinking of this, Shen Yuyan felt a surge of bitterness in her heart.
She forced herself to lower her head and calm the turmoil in her heart.
Shen Yuyan, you should learn to restrain yourself! Do what is appropriate for your position!
"Gongying Technology— " a faint voice rang out.
Shen Yuyan looked up and met Tang Song's gaze.
Those eyes were deep and calm, as if they could see through everything.
Her breath hitched slightly, and her heartbeat quickened involuntarily.
He's looking at me! I have to catch that look!
"Mr. Tang? Is there anything you'd like to know? I've done some research on this company." Her voice was gentle yet confident.
It's more than just "some studies"
She investigated the other party thoroughly.
During the due diligence process for the financing round, when Gongying Technology, as an investor, conducted a comprehensive review of Youjie Home Services...
She was also not idle.
To avoid being scammed, she collected a lot of information about Gongying Technology through various channels, from the company's background and financial situation to its core team members, and even some internal dynamics that are little known to outsiders.
Later, when Gongying Technology forced Youjie Home Services to connect its user data to its $aaS system, she also took the opportunity to uncover a lot of internal information.
Tang Song looked at Shen Yuyan's familiar and beautiful face, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly. "Assistant Shen, it seems that the Angel Round of Youjie Home Services was with this company, right? If I remember correctly, this President Ren is our senior."
However—your cooperation doesn't seem to be going smoothly; did they scam you?
He had heard Shen Yuyan mention this company when he was rejected before, and now, through her Whisper Bullet Comments...
It is natural that the complete process of events can be pieced together.
With a "whoosh,"
Shen Yuyan felt as if she had been stabbed in the heart.
He spoke with difficulty, "Yes, I—I lost the bet. I've learned a lot from this Mr. Ren."
"Do you hate them?"
Looking into Tang Song's deep eyes, Shen Yuyan bit her lower lip and said in a low voice, "There is some truth to that. After all, Youjie Home Services is my life's work. But it's alright, it's just a business game."
She paused, then continued, "All tuition fees will become leverage for the future."
The Bullet Comments started turning red: [Ren Mingyuan, Wang Yubo, #￥%&*— (swear words)]
"So, do you want revenge?"
Shen Yuyan's eyes darted around for a moment before she smiled and said, "To be honest, I do sometimes have that kind of impulse."
I want to! I want to! I want to so much!
I'll make them kneel down and lick my heels, begging for mercy!
Tang Song turned to look at her, his eyes gleaming, a half-smile playing on his lips. "Now I'll give you a knife. Do you dare stab me back?"
Shen Yuyan paused, her pupils suddenly contracting. "You mean—?"
"Dare you, Assistant Shen?" Tang Song's voice was deep and powerful, each word striking a chord in her heart.
Shen Yuyan's throat bobbed, her eyes slightly reddening. After a long while, she took a deep breath and squeezed out a single word through her teeth. "Dare."
"Then we'll see how you perform," Tang Song chuckled.
Then, he waved to the organizer's staff.
As the focus of the entire event, he was already the center of attention, occupying the most central position in the conference.
The sudden movement immediately attracted everyone's attention.
The previously noisy discussions in the meeting room gradually quieted down.
Annie raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise appearing on her face, and her gaze towards Shen Yuyan changed somewhat.
As the staff member was preparing to hand the microphone to an investor, an urgent order came through the earpiece from their supervisor, "Quick! Give the microphone to Mr. Tang! Immediately!"
On stage, Ren Mingyuan's eyelids twitched, and he suddenly had a bad feeling.
He subconsciously looked at Wang Yubo and Zhao Hongkai, only to find that their expressions had become extremely ugly.
Footsteps approached, and a smartly dressed staff member quickly walked up to Tang Song, bowed slightly, and respectfully handed him the microphone. "Mr. Tang, do you have any questions?"
Tang Song reached out and took the microphone, but did not speak immediately. Instead, he turned and handed the microphone to Shen Yuyan beside him, his tone calm but with an undeniable power. "Assistant Shen, you will ask questions on my behalf from now on. You can say anything you want."
He emphasized the words "in place of me" slightly, clearly standing up for her and supporting her.
Shen Yuyan's heart was pounding wildly, and she could almost feel the pulse of her blood in her fingertips, but a sweeter and more charming smile bloomed on her face.
"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Tang." She steadily took the microphone.
As a grassroots entrepreneur, she has been looked down upon and questioned countless times, and has suffered countless cold looks and setbacks.
Never before had she felt so confident.
This is the allure of being "favored" by capital; this is the allure of power.
Bullet Comments:
[Tang Song, I love you! You're a born Male God!]
No wonder you have so many girlfriends!
[When I get back to Yancheng, I'll bring Qing Qing and we'll do cosplay together!]
Seeing the Bullet Comments above her head, Tang Song, even in the "Observer" mode, felt a little hot and restless.
Shen Yuyan & Xu Qing —
Ouch—who can withstand this?!
Shen Yuyan took a deep breath, stood up gracefully, and straightened her back.
At this moment, all eyes were on her.
She looked up at Ren Mingyuan on the stage.
They were all old acquaintances, and she had dealt with them so many times; she knew them all too well.
I could clearly see pleading and panic in his eyes.
Shen Yuyan's lips curled up, and a surge of ecstatic pleasure welled up inside her.
This is the feeling! It's so awesome!
"Good Guest, everyone. I am Shen Yuyan, Chairman Special Assistant of Rongliu Capital. Thank you for the insightful presentation from Gongying Technology. However, I still have some concerns and questions, and I would like to ask Mr. Ren for his guidance."
Wearing a professional suit, she stood beside Tang Song and Annie Kate. With her fresh and beautiful appearance and graceful and sexy figure, she garnered countless admiring and awe-inspiring glances.
However, this feeling of being in the limelight did not make Shen Yuyan nervous. On the contrary, it made her more confident and composed, and she handled every action and every word perfectly.
"Please speak," Ren Mingyuan said, his voice slightly hoarse.
"According to your company's financial data, revenue growth in the first half of 2023 declined by 14% year-on-year, and this is after the completion of the Series B financing."
Furthermore, the company's main revenue still comes from the smart lighting product line, accounting for more than 78%.
Although attempts have been made to expand user access by integrating with housekeeping platforms, a stable profit structure has not yet been established.
In the current macroeconomic environment, how does your company ensure the growth momentum of its main business?
Her words were clear, powerful, and logically sound, immediately drawing the attention of the entire audience.
Ren Mingyuan tightened his grip on the microphone slightly. "Assistant Shen's questions are very sharp. However, the reason our smart lighting product line accounts for a large proportion is precisely because this field has already achieved large-scale profitability—"
He managed to offer a few perfunctory remarks from the perspectives of ecological closed-loop systems and technological research and development.
Shen Yuyan again. "I've noticed that although your company has established service outlets in multiple cities,
However, most of these customers were acquired through short-term coupons and low-price trials. Once the subsidies stop, is there data to support the user retention rate? Has there been a large-scale churn? How many of these were high-frequency users?
High-value, high-satisfaction Loyal User? And how many are "one-time customers" attracted by promotional activities?
"You mentioned 'technological breakthrough,' but the patent database shows that the core algorithm still relies on third-party licensing—"
"Will your company consider establishing an independent audit mechanism in the future to ensure that all related-party transactions are audited by a third party and publicly disclosed?"
In the main venue, the only sounds were her question and Ren Mingyuan's somewhat stiff answer.
In just a few minutes.
Ren Mingyuan's back was soaked with sweat, and his face gradually turned pale.
Shen Yuyan's questions were like a sharp knife, precisely piercing the vital points without any mercy.
Several institutions interested in participating in Gongying Technology's Series C funding round lowered their heads to review the materials, their eyes gleaming as they began to re-evaluate Gongying Technology's true growth potential.
Shen Yuyan is not scary, and her words are not enough to cause a huge uproar, but her identity is something that cannot be ignored.
She was the Special Assistant to the chairman of Rongliu Capital. Standing next to her were Tang Song and Annie Kate.
Even top investment institutions like Jingwu Capital are making their presence felt.
These issues are not just her personal doubts, but also the attitude of the institutions behind her.
In the investment field, the opinions of top capital institutions are often regarded as authoritative.
Shen Yuyan's remarks will not only affect the financing process and market reputation of Gongying Technology, but may also guide public opinion in the entire industry after being reported.
Standing in the spotlight.
Shen Yuyan's demeanor became increasingly confident and elegant.
She glanced sideways at her own straight back reflected on the large screen.
I was completely captivated.
The Bullet Comments above our heads exploded like fireworks:
This is the taste of power—more intoxicating than champagne.
They don't fear me, but rather the lurking behemoth of capital behind me!
So what?
Right now, I'm touching the stars.