[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-maxed-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets":3,"chapter-maxed-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-maxed-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-528":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Charm Maxed Out: Inheriting Game Assets",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2218939,3948,"Chapter 528","maxed-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-528",528,"\u003Cp>\"Tap—tap—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mechanical wall clock turns bit by bit, making a rhythmic sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan sits blankly on the bed, her whole person as if her soul has been drained away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warmth and tenderness Tang Song just brought is washed away completely by the cold reality of her mother’s serious illness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her parents divorced when she was in the third grade of elementary school, the reason being that her father had another woman while working away from home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mother had married far away to begin with, so the impact of this on her can be imagined, which is why she ran back to Yang Province, thousands of miles away, in a fit of anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, Zhang Yan has never resented her mother in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though her life has become precarious and she has had to live under someone else’s roof because of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this mother, after giving birth to her younger sister and having a stable income, began to secretly send her living expenses every month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She also occasionally took a long train ride to visit her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is precisely by relying on this support that she was able to successfully repeat a year, go to university, and find a job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the bottom of her heart, her feelings for her mother are far greater than for any other relative, and that gratitude has long since merged into her bones and blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is also because of this that she chose to come to Yangcheng after leaving the Imperial Capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably because, in this strange, huge city, there is at least one relative she can rely on psychologically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although due to various realistic reasons, her mother cannot always be by her side, as long as she can occasionally go to see her,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>and talk to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan’s drifting, unsettled heart can always find a moment of solace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was originally a person without a \"home.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, the person closest to her in this world seems to be about to be lost as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't know how much time has passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Knock, knock-knock—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A series of moderate knocks on the door sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm back,\" Tang Song’s voice comes through the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan’s body jolts violently, and she stands up like a bird startled awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She quickly wipes away the dried tear stains on her face, takes a few deep breaths, forcibly suppresses all her shattered emotions, and stumbles over to open the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door opens slowly, and Tang Song walks in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is carrying a few dishes packed in exquisite food containers, and two bottles of cocktails that look very good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In order not to let him discover anything unusual, she keeps her head bowed, not daring to make eye contact with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The kitchen was just painted, the smell is still very strong, it’s not suitable for cooking anymore,\" Tang Song points to the bag in his hand and says in a relaxed tone, \"I bought some food outside, let’s have a simple meal together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you,\" Zhang Yan nods gently, her voice inevitably trembling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song instantly notices something is wrong and asks with concern: \"What’s wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, nothing,\" Zhang Yan shakes her head vigorously, her lips tightly pressed together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song looks at her for a moment, doesn't ask further, just slows down his tone and says softly: \"Go get some plates and bowls, I’ll go wash my hands.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knows that Zhang Yan is a person who is extremely sensitive internally and not good at expressing herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excessive questioning will only make her retreat further into her hard shell like a startled snail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he wants to ask, he must wait until her emotions have calmed down and guide her to say it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm,\" Zhang Yan nods, turns around, and walks silently into the kitchen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After tidying up, she sets the bowls and chopsticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sit opposite each other at that small coffee table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song opens an apple-flavored cocktail, hands it to her, and says gently: \"I remember that back in middle school, you really liked eating apples.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sentence is like a small stone thrown into a frozen lake, rippling a faint circle of ripples in the bottom of Zhang Yan’s heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She secretly glances at him, takes the cold bottle of wine, and gently clinks it against his bottle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cheers, celebrating your little house being initially painted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Thank you,\" Zhang Yan responds in a low voice, lowers her head, and takes a sip of the sweet and sour wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two eat in silence, and Tang Song puts a piece of roast goose into her bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan lowers her head, looks at the shiny piece of meat in her bowl, and eats it in small, mechanical bites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Tang Song begins to chat with her about her high school and university.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talking about some details that had been re-organized by [Memory’s Light Feather] and had been ignored by him before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan listens to his words, her eyes gradually softening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile finally appears on her tense face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She also cautiously puts a piece of green vegetable into his bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like this, back and forth, amidst the aroma of food and the quiet of the night, the atmosphere gradually becomes relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After eating, the two clean up together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They sit back on the small sofa in the living room and begin to read the comic book they haven't finished yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orange jumps lightly onto Zhang Yan’s lap, curls into a ball, and a satisfied \"purr\" sound comes from its throat, occasionally letting out a \"meow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't know when it started raining drizzlingly outside the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night wind blows in from the half-open window, carrying the scent of damp soil, slightly cool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine rain taps on the window, the lights are bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A colorful comic book, two people, one cat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene is as quiet as an old movie frame treated with soft focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nine-thirty in the evening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing the sixth volume of the comic book, Tang Song stands up to say goodbye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tomorrow is Monday, you have to go to work too, right? Get some rest early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words \"go to work\" make Zhang Yan’s heart tremble suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s right, the weekend is over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also has to go deal with his work; he definitely won't stay in Yangcheng for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looks at that handsome, upright figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She asks in a weak voice that is almost like talking to herself: \"You... when are you going back to Yancheng?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song thinks for a moment and says: \"Wednesday or Thursday, there is still a lot of work to deal with in Yancheng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Double Eleven promotion is about to start, and since it concerns his [Growth Plan Task], he definitely has to go back to deal with it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This trip to Yangcheng, originally, besides the financing matters for Zhilian Future, was also to secretly see Zhang Yan and help her pave the way in the dark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just because of that letter of hers that his plan changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, before leaving, he will definitely arrange things for Zhang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This middle school deskmate of his is truly too fragile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She is completely different from Lele, the \"Cinderella\" at Yancheng Normal University.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Lele is also a bit inferior, she only shows inferiority in feelings because she clearly understands the gap in reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in real life, she is a very independent, self-reliant, stable-cored, positive, and courageous girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During university, she could go set up a stall herself and do various part-time jobs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to that, Zhang Yan is truly fragile from the inside out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song is really afraid that if he is not careful and uses too much force, he will completely break her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for how to arrange Zhang Yan, I’m afraid this matter still requires the \"big sister\" Wen Ruan to take action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It just so happens that Xingyun International Group can be considered a professional match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, before that, he must appease the big sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, throwing another big black pot onto her, he himself feels a bit embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Tang Song’s answer, Zhang Yan is silent for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She uses all her strength to squeeze out a smile, \"Tang Song, then... I wish you success in your work, peace and joy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe, thank you. By the way, it’s raining outside, I’ll take a car back, you don't need to see me off today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan bites her lip and nods gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two arrive at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song squats down to rub Orange, stands up, and looks at Zhang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be careful on the road,\" Zhang Yan finally can't help but lift her head and look into his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those eyes are really beautiful, clear and bright, seemingly able to reflect her own wretched figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For these two days, she has deliberately tried not to think too much, letting herself be immersed in this sudden, unreal happiness and joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the sudden bad news about her mother is like a basin of ice water, waking her up completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is so outstanding, so exceptional, and there is also a radiant Liu Qingning by his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people, some worlds, are destined to be very, very far away from her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She shouldn't hold onto that kind of unrealistic fantasy, so that when he leaves, her heart won't hurt so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhang Yan,\" Tang Song suddenly calls her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Reach out your hand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan is stunned, but still subconsciously and obediently reaches out her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song takes an exquisite jewelry box out of his pocket and places it gently in her palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A little gift for you, I hope you like it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan holds the gift box, her gaze dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately following, Tang Song takes a step forward, opens his arms, and gives her a gentle and brief hug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can send me WeChat messages anytime in the future, classmate Zhang Yan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the slightly trembling, thin body in his arms, Tang Song pats her back gently and then lets go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picks up the umbrella by the door, waves at her, and turns to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan’s footsteps subconsciously follow him out the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing in the hallway, she watches his figure go down bit by bit and disappear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is only when Orange’s meow sounds that she wakes up as if from a dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She returns to the living room and closes the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She takes a deep breath and opens the exquisite gift box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside is a pair of small, iris-shaped earrings, sparkling with brilliant starlight under the light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looks at the earrings, her eyes gradually losing focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling everything that happened in these two days, from the dreamlike reunion to eating together, painting walls, and reading comics—those helplessness, sadness, and emotions that had been suppressed for a long time finally erupted completely at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips tremble, and low, suppressed sobs sound in the small living room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orange comes over and rubs its head against her leg, seemingly comforting her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan squats down and pulls Orange into her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crying sound drifts, drifting out of the living room, drifting past the balcony that was just painted, and drifting outside the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, it is shattered by the late autumn night rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four Seasons Hotel Presidential Suite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door is pushed open slowly, and Tang Song changes into slippers and walks toward the brightly lit living room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yo, our President Tang is finally back?\" A lazy, teasing, mature woman’s voice drifts over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lifting his head, he sees the big sister sitting on the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seems she just finished her evening workout; she is wearing a set of fitness clothes, outlining her full, powerful curves to the fullest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her face is still covered with a thin layer of sweat, and a few strands of hair at her temples are dampened by sweat, sticking to her fair cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shining faintly under the light, she looks even more lazy, charming, and full of style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song comes before her and asks with concern:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When did you get back?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before eight, he asked on WeChat, but the big sister didn't tell him the specific time, clearly she was a bit angry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft.\" Wen Ruan’s peach-blossom eyes look him up and down with slight mockery, \"Looking at our President Tang’s proud and triumphant appearance, it seems the weekend trip to Yangcheng was quite rewarding!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song smiles awkwardly, \"It was alright.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hehe, I’m the one who had it miserable,\" Wen Ruan sighs with feigned grievance, \"I worked hard helping someone go to Shencheng to 'appease' his pure and icy white moonlight, and I also had to be 'beaten' and tested by others, making me feel like a little mistress who went to provoke the main wife and was easily handled by her.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm sorry, Ruanruan, it was hard on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry for what?\" Wen Ruan blinks with feigned surprise, \"Our President Tang is busy with ten thousand things, has the world in his heart, and occasionally in the gaps of work, 'inspects' the 'humanities and customs' of different regions, contributing to the local GDP and emotional consumption—this is a great thing. How could I blame you? I’m too proud of you to have time for that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen...\" Tang Song is made to feel guilty by the big sister’s sarcastic remarks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the main thing is that he still has the matter of Zhang Yan hidden in his heart; if he were to say it out loud, he really wouldn't know how to open his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Tang Song’s guilty look, the mockery on Wen Ruan’s face fades, turning into a trace of triumphant light laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leans back lazily on the sofa, stretching her body to the fullest, her breathtaking curves under the warm yellow light like a continuous mountain range covered in white snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stretches out a fair foot, her toes gently tapping his lower abdomen, and her voice suddenly becomes cold and high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a tone of command, she says: \"Isn't President Tang’s eloquence quite good? Why have you started playing dumb now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately following, she slowly opens her plump, healthy, long legs and raises her eyebrows at him provocatively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song’s throat moves; looking at this big sister with natural charm, his reason is instantly washed away by the torrent of desire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pounces on her directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He decides to use the simplest and crudest method to \"convince\" the big sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh! What are you doing! Get lost!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You lecher... mm—\" Wen Ruan originally wanted to play some role-playing with plenty of flavor, but soon discovered that Tang Song tonight is a bit wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s simply like a Dian Wei who has opened his ultimate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain outside the window becomes heavier at some point, tapping on the glass window with a \"pitter-patter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan’s eyes open wider and wider, her gaze gradually losing focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Broken, incoherent nonsense spills from her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the confusion, she seems to hear Tang Song’s suppressed and urgent voice ringing in her ear, seemingly asking her for help with something, and mentioning the Yangcheng branch of Xingyun International Group, wanting to introduce a talent to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she can't hear clearly at all, nor can she think; she can only respond with subconscious \"mm-ah\" sounds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>November 6, 2023, Monday, overcast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Early morning, the sky is not yet bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rain has stopped at some point, leaving only a thin layer of water vapor condensed on the glass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan sits up from the bed, hugging her knees, and stares blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky outside the window changes bit by bit from ink blue to gray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ding-ding-ding—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The WeChat voice call notification rings out abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body jolts violently, and she grabs the phone by the pillow almost subconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Zhang Lu]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She breathes a sigh of relief, but also feels inexplicably disappointed, and answers the call.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Lulu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Zhang Yan, you had a happy weekend, right? I was very sensible and didn't dare to disturb you at all,\" Lulu’s voice carries a teasing tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan bites her lip and just says a soft \"Mm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m going to Xingyun International this morning for the second interview, not sure when I’ll be done,\" Lulu continues, her voice filled with irrepressible excitement and nervousness, \"By the way, I’ve already organized the draft from the last business trip and put it in the shared cloud drive. If you have time, you can hand it to that fatty together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan hesitates, her voice dry as she says: \"I... Lulu... I have to ask for leave this morning too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah? Have you already asked?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, not yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I asked for a sick leave with pay deduction yesterday, and that dead fatty only approved it reluctantly. Now that you’re suddenly asking for leave too, he probably won't approve it, and will definitely try every way to make things difficult for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan bites her lip, \"It doesn't matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, Zhang Yan, it’s best to ride a donkey to find a horse; at least stay until the 15th of this month, pay the social security, and then leave, right? Don't be too impulsive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I really have something very urgent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan hesitates for a moment, and finally says in a low voice: \"My mother is sick, I... I have to accompany her to the hospital for an examination.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah?! Auntie is sick? What illness? Is it serious?\" Lulu’s voice instantly becomes anxious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don't know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to her obviously trembling tone, Lulu on the other end of the phone seems to understand something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She says decisively: \"Then just ask for leave directly, this is a matter of utmost importance! Don't care if he approves it or not! At worst, we don't want this crappy job!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I won't disturb you, let’s keep in touch, if needed, I’ll come find you directly after my interview.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hanging up the phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan checks the time, opens DingTalk, and submits a leave application with a blank expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, she begins to tidy up numbly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Washing up, changing clothes—she doesn't even eat, just mechanically feeds Orange cat food and water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she picks up the half-old backpack, her gaze can't help but fall on the exquisite jewelry box on the bedside table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Footsteps echo hollowly in the dilapidated hallway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She goes downstairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looks up at the gloomy sky, doesn't stop for a moment, and strides forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The breeze blows the hair at her collarbone, outlining her whole figure into a thin and lonely silhouette against the gray background.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yucai Middle School East Campus, Middle School Division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan hands her ID card into the small window of the guard room and writes down her information and the name of the person she is visiting, Chen Shuangshuang, in the visitor registration book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walks in smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She has been here a few times before; at that time, she had earned some money and wanted to improve her relationship with this \"younger sister,\" so she bought her some gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The campus is very quiet, with only the sound of reading drifting out from the windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passing through the tree-lined walkway, she arrives at the second-year teaching building and comes to the door of her sister’s class.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stands quietly in the shadow of the hallway and waits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don't know how long it has been, but the harsh bell for the end of class rings, and the classroom door is pulled open; students wearing blue school uniforms emerge in twos and threes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan’s gaze searches quickly in the noisy crowd, and soon she sees that familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Shuangshuang has grown taller since the last time they met, wearing a simple ponytail, her face still carrying the childishness that hasn't faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She isn't laughing or playing with classmates, just walking outward silently while holding her schoolbag alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes meet in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Shuangshuang’s footsteps pause, and she walks quickly to Zhang Yan, her lips tightly closed, not saying a word, but her eyes gradually begin to turn red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s go, let’s go ask for leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan and she go to the head teacher’s office, and after explaining the situation, she uses her ID card as a guarantee to successfully ask for leave for Chen Shuangshuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the whole process, Chen Shuangshuang is unusually silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walk out of the school gate one after the other, silent all the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is only when they are standing on the side of the road waiting for a car that Zhang Yan finally speaks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which hospital?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The First Affiliated Hospital of the Pharmaceutical University.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which department did you register for?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Shuangshuang’s shoulders tremble violently, her voice carrying a sob, squeezing three words out from between her teeth, \"Oncology Department.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan’s hands and feet instantly turn cold, \"Oncology Department? Tumor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm,\" Chen Shuangshuang nods, choking with sobs: \"Chen Yao came back yesterday, she said she would accompany us to the hospital today too. She definitely... she definitely doesn't want Mom to get treatment! That’s why I called you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yao is her older sister, who just graduated from university and has a different mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan also knows a little about the conflicts in this blended family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of the age gap and the fact that they weren't born to the same mother, those two older siblings have always been full of guard against Chen Shuangshuang and her mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since her mother often had to send her living expenses and child support, and even secretly sent her quite a large sum of money several times after she became an adult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter was caught by the other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once, Chen Yao specifically called and scolded her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan looks at the panicked Chen Shuangshuang in front of her, and the sense of responsibility as an older sister instantly overcomes all panic and fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She grinds her teeth, her voice firm: \"It’s okay. Tumors can also be benign. Let’s go over and see first, the situation might not be as bad as that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Shuangshuang looks at her, lowers her head silently, and follows her into a taxi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She is a sensitive, smart girl; the complexity of the family makes her much more mature than her peers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knows that her older brother Chen Bingwen is getting married soon, and the family’s finances are already very tight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If her brother’s fiancée finds out about this, the marriage will definitely be called off immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mother’s serious illness is, for their family, no less than a devastating disaster; her father will definitely back down for the sake of his son’s big event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those two older siblings without blood ties definitely can't wait to \"cut\" ties with her mother immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She doesn't want to lose her mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she is only a 15-year-old middle school student, with no way at all, and no one takes her seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the only person she can think of and rely on is this \"sister\" who has always been excluded but shares the same blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The taxi stops and goes in the congested city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forty minutes later, they finally arrive outside the hospital gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walk quickly into the outpatient building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hospital on Monday is crowded, and the air is filled with the smell of disinfectant and the noise of the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan’s hands and feet are cold, her lips dry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She holds Chen Shuangshuang’s hand tightly, and after consulting at the triage desk, takes the elevator toward the Oncology Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two start from the Oncology Internal Medicine Department, searching room by room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Chen Shuangshuang pulls her arm hard, her voice urgent: \"Over there!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan looks in the direction of the sound and sees her mother’s thin, weak body slumped on the waiting chair in the corner of the second office, coughing violently and suppressedly from time to time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle Chen sits beside her, head hanging, saying nothing, the expression on his face terrifyingly gloomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stylishly dressed Chen Yao stands in front of them, holding several examination forms and CT scans, speaking loudly about something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan pushes through the crowded crowd, struggling to walk inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the distance closes, Chen Yao’s cold and mean voice gradually reaches her ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...The doctor made it very clear, for your situation, if you want to use the best CAR-T cell therapy, it will cost three hundred thousand, and it’s not certain you will fully recover; I don't know how much it will cost later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even taking a step back, using oral immune regulators plus monoclonal antibody treatment, it will cost over a hundred thousand or two hundred thousand a year!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My brother is getting married soon! The bride’s side has already prepared the dowry and betrothal gifts, just waiting to hold the wedding banquet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If the other family finds out our family is stuck with such a life-threatening thing, can this marriage still happen? Whose house will it be counted as? Everything is messed up!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is cancer! It’s lymphoma!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two words \"cancer,\" like a bolt from the blue, completely shatter Zhang Yan’s last shred of luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her brain makes a loud \"buzzing\" sound, and she stumbles, nearly falling on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She looks blankly at her mother, who is being tortured by illness and is exceptionally weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her reason collapses at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mom—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She rushes over suddenly, bumps Chen Yao away, and hugs her mother’s weak body tightly.\u003C\u002Fp>",4271,"2026-06-17T14:18:13.546Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","f13a06905b7b0160015be50efcd29605745e1535987ef13b39740be79c3223c1","maxed-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-529","maxed-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-527",669,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcharm-maxed-out-inheriting-game-assets-cover.jpg"]