[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-maxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets":3,"chapter-maxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-maxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-419":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Maxing Out Charisma, 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},1705706,2178,"Chapter 418: Soft Candy, Hard Candy, Milk Candy","maxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-419",419,"\u003Cp>Yan Province Financial Center, 50th Floor – Large Conference Room\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"President Tang, this is the organizational structure chart for Confluent Investments. Currently, our vacancy rate is at 50%, but Deju Renhe is actively helping us fill these positions. Regardless, we are already fully operational.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song took the document from HR Director June and flipped through it carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Chairman and CEO of Confluent Capital, he had absolute control over its wholly owned foreign enterprise (WOFE), Confluent Investments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below him was Vice President Zhang Chengyuan, who oversaw operations and compliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another Vice President, Chen Weitian, was still at the Hong Kong headquarters but would take charge of investment operations once he joined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Further down were the core business divisions, including Investment, Research, Risk Control, and Auditing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the talent foundation carried over from Slover Trust, every department already had staff in place, ensuring investment activities could proceed normally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a newly established mainland subsidiary, Confluent Investments’ primary responsibility was to assist the Hong Kong headquarters with post-investment management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His first step was to leverage a professional team to screen high-value investment targets. Then, using [Tang Song’s Draft Paper], he would identify potential unicorns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a massive undertaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was deep in thought—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Buzz, buzz—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His phone vibrated in his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quick glance at the screen made Tang Song’s eyebrow twitch violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excuse me, everyone, I need to step out for a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for a response, Tang Song hurried out of the conference room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked to a quiet corner, pulled up Wen Ruan’s number, and dialed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had almost forgotten—Shimmer Coffee’s marketing was set to enter deep collaboration with Light and Shadow Media.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shuyu had even invited him to discuss the deal with Wen Ruan, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was during Qixi Festival, and he had been having too much fun, so it slipped his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he knew Wen Ruan and Xie Shuyu wouldn’t actually start a fight, the thought of his two girlfriends meeting still made him nervous as hell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Beep… Beep… Beep…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The phone rang for what felt like forever, making Tang Song break into a sweat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as it was about to auto-disconnect, the line finally connected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan’s low, sultry voice drifted through the receiver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello? What’s with the sudden call?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ruan Ruan… Are you… okay?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She let out a chuckle, then paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was just chatting with your dear Boss Xie about you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone dripped with sarcasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finally made your move, huh? Directly investing in Xie Shuyu—how does it feel?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come on, tell me about it, little brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song exhaled deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Wen Ruan throwing suggestive jabs actually made him relax.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least it meant the situation wasn’t as explosive as Zhang Xintong had made it sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice turned gentle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s not that kind of relationship. And honestly, I think Ruan Ruan’s shares would be a much better investment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, so you’re saying I have better assets?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She scoffed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, then tell me the truth—Did you arrange for me to move to Shengyuan Scenic Residence because of Xie Shuyu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you have a thing for older women?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to set up a combo deal, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song immediately denied it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Absolutely not! I would never!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pfft, like I’d even bother exposing you. We both know exactly what kind of person you are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan grumbled a few complaints, then changed the subject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Relax. I haven’t said anything about you and me to Xie Shuyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what I know about her, she’s not an overly emotional person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she finds out, she wouldn’t confront me directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides—I’m the damn CEO of Light and Shadow Media now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew big sis was the best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You better know it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ve made a lot of silent sacrifices for you, you know!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She huffed, then suddenly sounded curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, right—Qingning Technology sent me an event invite today, specifically asking for me to attend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you hiding something from me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song’s heart skipped a beat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly remembered—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan was still unknowingly carrying a certain burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ruan Ruan, I need to ask you for a favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Is it about your ‘White Moonlight’?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t care, I don’t care! Don’t involve me in this!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just wanna be your carefree little lover—don’t drag me into your drama.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan immediately rejected him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sis, you’re the only one who can help me with this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How about I explain it in person tonight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song deliberately emphasized \"explain\".\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other end, Wen Ruan let out a sharp inhale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re serious? You said it yourself—you’re making the first move!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah,\" Tang Song gritted his teeth, then teased,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know big sis has 72 amazing qualities—sexy, gentle, beautiful… and great at 69.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d really love to explore that in depth with you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cough, cough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan’s dominant, sultry tone instantly faltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahem… well… I, uh… I need to get to my meeting with President Xie.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you’ve got something to say, tell me in person tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice dropped into a sly, teasing whisper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, I always say yes in one go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No yes, no go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bye-bye~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bye-bye.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the call ended, Tang Song shook his head with a helpless smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First Xie Shuyu, now Liu Qingning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any normal woman would be furious in this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But given the circumstances, he had no choice but to use his looks to placate big sis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he knew what Wen Ruan liked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She loved his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d often talk trash about pinning him down and wrecking him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shoving his phone back into his pocket, Tang Song turned back toward the conference room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had just taken a few steps when a soft yet eager voice called out—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"President Tang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little Xue. You’ve already started, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How’s your new job so far?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Muxue bit her lower lip lightly, her eyes filled with warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I love it. Thank you so much for recognizing my potential and giving me this opportunity!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song smirked in satisfaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was highly adaptive and moldable—he had seen that firsthand back at Slover Trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that she was in Confluent Capital, it was a new challenge for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His task was to guide her transformation, observing her growth in perception and emotions—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To complete his [Understanding Human Nature] mission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief thought, he patted her shoulder lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come on, let’s head inside for the meeting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes! Absolutely!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Muxue nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song and His 'Business Deals'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elevator doors slowly closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as they did, Xie Shuyu’s bright, warm smile faded, her red lips pressed together, and her eyes flickered with thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After today’s meeting, she could confirm one thing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song and Wen Ruan’s relationship was anything but normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The framework agreement she signed was shockingly loose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light and Shadow Media had not only assigned their top-tier marketing team but had also offered media placements at rock-bottom prices with high rebate percentages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The total cost ended up being 30% cheaper than their previous negotiations, yet the service quality was top-notch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a long-term partnership, and Shimmer Coffee’s branding strategy required heavy marketing investments—this wasn’t a small amount of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, Light and Shadow Media was giving them an unbeatable deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shuyu’s lips trembled slightly, her mind a mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the very beginning, she had never intended to marry Tang Song.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had no desire to tie him down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, standing at this crossroads, she couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was an extremely rational woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her worldview, she and Tang Song were fundamentally incompatible for marriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Men and women who had achieved success in their careers all sought the same qualities in a partner—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone obedient, family-oriented, and able to provide emotional stability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t be that person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To her, family relationships often felt like a burden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t see herself settling down to be a supportive wife and mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ding—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elevator slowly stopped on the first floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shuyu sighed softly, brushing aside these troublesome thoughts as she stepped out with long, confident strides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shimmer Coffee’s headquarters was just across from Light and Shadow Media, inside Huayun Center, Tower A.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This close proximity made their collaboration even more seamless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shimmer Coffee Headquarters\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as she entered the building, her assistant, Little Min, approached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"President Xie, you have a video conference with Linggan Design in a few minutes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, noted.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shuyu nodded lightly and headed to her office to prepare the necessary materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Shimmer Coffee wanted to expand, a lot had to be taken care of—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond marketing campaigns, they needed to build a distinct brand identity and culture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten minutes later, the key department heads arrived at the conference room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The video call connected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the display screen, several employees from Linggan Design appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shuyu smiled gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good afternoon, everyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good afternoon, President Xie. We’re all set to begin whenever you are.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright,\" Xie Shuyu nodded, her gaze scanning the screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, she casually asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Where’s Cheng Qiuqiu? She’s not here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of Linggan Design’s female executives chuckled and replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiuqiu is busy with another project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moving forward, Shimmer Coffee’s UI\u002FUX design will be handled by Little Yu—one of our top U-Team designers with extensive experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Shimmer Coffee is undergoing a full-scale visual, experiential, and branding transformation, this will require team collaboration—and Little Yu is better suited for the role.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she finished, a young woman wearing round glasses stood up and introduced herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good afternoon, President Xie. I’m Li Yu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Shuyu’s brows twitched slightly, but she didn’t say much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, let’s begin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She actually admired Cheng Qiuqiu—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Qiuqiu was quiet and introverted, her designs had a unique touch, perfectly matching Xie Shuyu’s vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the end of the day, Cheng Qiuqiu was just an entry-level designer—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe Linggan Design had their own reasons for reassigning her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linggan Design - Cheng Qiuqiu’s Perspective\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Chengjing Business Tower, at Linggan Brand Design Co., Ltd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the conference room door opened, Cheng Qiuqiu rushed forward, her gaze locked onto her project manager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sister Zhang, wasn’t I always responsible for Shimmer Coffee’s UI? Why—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manager Zhang barely spared her a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no ‘why.’ You’re simply not a good fit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, she turned around and left without further explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu’s lips trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes dimmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was about to walk away, but suddenly, she overheard low whispers from inside the conference room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She acts like she’s some big shot—always with that cold, arrogant face, like the whole world owes her something.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, I can’t stand people like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She doesn’t even know how to work in a team—I wouldn’t want to collaborate with her either.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu’s body froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of panic and helplessness crossed her usually calm, indifferent face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keeping her head down, she walked back to her desk, staring blankly at the Shimmer Coffee UI\u002FUX Design Draft displayed on her screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had heard rumors before—some colleagues had spoken badly about her behind her back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she never thought much of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew she wasn’t good at social interactions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her EQ was low, she struggled with small talk, and her expressionless demeanor often made her seem cold and distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even back in school, she had unknowingly offended classmates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she had always been serious about her work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her performance was consistently outstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She never imagined she’d be pushed out of a project like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Linggan Design was a typical internet company, operating with a project-based system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things like performance reviews and year-end bonuses were directly tied to the projects an employee worked on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shimmer Coffee had just completed its Series A funding and was set to engage in long-term branding collaboration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the biggest design contract the company had landed in the second half of the year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being on this project meant a significant status boost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the project was successful, every team member would receive a substantial year-end bonus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had cherished this opportunity, working overtime for an entire week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just yesterday, she had even completed the first draft of the design.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had been completely excluded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was one other reason she wasn’t willing to admit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Previously, when working on Shimmer Coffee’s website and mini-program, she had been directly collaborating with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had planned to send him her design draft today, to discuss the next steps for development integration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ding-dong—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A WeChat notification popped up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>📩 [Director Li]: \"Qiuqiu, come to my office. I need to talk to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu bit her lip, then stood up and walked toward the office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Knock, knock, knock—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pushed open the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Li Jingzhong sat at his desk, motioning toward the chair across from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sit down, Qiuqiu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded silently, keeping her gaze lowered, expression unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here’s the thing—I’m traveling to Chengdu next week for an important client meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since your hometown is in Chengdu, I thought you could accompany me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu’s shoulders stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lifted her head slightly and shook it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m sorry, Director Li. I have personal matters—I can’t leave right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jingzhong raised an eyebrow, his smile unwavering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Think carefully about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This client is a big deal—if we land this contract, I can recommend you for a project manager position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be great for your career.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu’s Breaking Point\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need!\"Googlᴇ search NoveIＦire.net\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu suddenly shot up from her chair, gave a quick bow, and said firmly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry, Director Li, I have something urgent to take care of. I’ll be leaving now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for a response, she turned around and strode out of the office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t go back to her desk—instead, she walked straight out of the company and hid in a quiet stairwell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to school, the workplace felt so much colder and harsher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being ostracized by colleagues. Being harassed by superiors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt completely drained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that she wasn’t working hard—she just didn’t know how to navigate this environment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did she even belong in the corporate world?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did she even have a future here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her friend Lingling was now a full-time designer at a major fashion brand, making over 10,000 a month, with several of her designs already bestsellers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her senior, Gao Mengting, had successfully started her own business and was now a shareholder and vice president.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then there was Tang Song—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t just a major investor in Songmei Fashion, he was also talented, wealthy, and always ahead of the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to them, she felt like a complete failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gap between them was only getting wider and wider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bzzzz—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her phone vibrated in her pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pulled it out, saw the name on the screen, and quickly answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Senior.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiuqiu, are you free to talk right now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, I’m not at work right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu licked her dry lips, trying to steady her voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her senior, Gao Mengting, spoke gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our company is launching its own women’s fashion brand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’ll be forming a dedicated design team, and from now on, all of He Yi’s branding operations will be handled internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So... we won’t be doing side projects anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, the design elements you previously worked on will likely be reworked to better align with the brand’s aesthetic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Cheng Qiuqiu felt a sharp pang in her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tears welled up and spilled over without her even realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t about the money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She just... didn’t know why it hurt so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She sniffled, her voice low and hoarse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand, Senior. This is a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wish you all the best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiuqiu, what’s wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Mengting immediately sensed something was off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did something happen at work?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu quickly wiped her tears away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, it’s just... some minor issues at work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s nothing, really.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, let’s talk about something serious then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eh? What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Mengting chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I just mentioned that we’re forming our own in-house design team, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, dear Designer Qiuqiu—are you interested in joining us?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And don’t say I’m not looking out for you—I’m offering you a direct managerial position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The salary and benefits are way better than Linggan Design’s.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu shot up from the stairs, her voice filled with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you... serious?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So? Interested in switching jobs?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, Songmei Fashion is just as good as Linggan Design, if not better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu’s hands trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden rush of joy and relief flooded her chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior, I’m just afraid I’ll let you down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That won’t happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technically, you’re already part of our founding team.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though it started as a freelance gig, our boss and colleagues love your work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I actually talked to Tang Song about you beforehand—he also has a great impression of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She silently repeated his name in her head a few times before replying,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then... I’ll give it a try.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fantastic!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Mengting laughed excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Finish handling things at Linggan Design and submit your resignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our team is coming together fast, and we’re looking forward to having you on board!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Senior. I’ll do my best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hanging up, Cheng Qiuqiu stared at the blank white wall in front of her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her racing heart slowly calmed down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, she turned and headed back to the office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at her desk, she opened Tang Song’s chat window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted to tell him about living with Senior Mengting and designing Songmei Fashion’s logo wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as her fingers hovered over the keyboard, she realized...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had no idea how to even start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And she still didn’t understand why she had been hiding the fact that she knew Tang Song from her senior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was because of Lingling’s childhood birthday gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe it was just her own complicated emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she could figure it out, the sound of approaching footsteps made her look up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Project Manager Zhang Jie and colleague Li Yu stood in front of her desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Qiuqiu, hand over all the UI\u002FUX design files you made for Shimmer Coffee to Li Yu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yu grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, I heard you already started working on the Shimmer Coffee Digital Experience Design Draft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could you send that over too? I just wanna use it as a reference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’ll treat you to dinner in return!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu’s expression remained ice-cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I deleted it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yu’s smile stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She rolled her eyes in annoyance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh, Qiuqiu, why do you have to be so difficult?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’re all colleagues—do you really need to be this petty?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manager Zhang furrowed her brows, ready to say something to put Cheng Qiuqiu in her place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before she could—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m resigning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Qiuqiu’s voice was calm and firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>8:00 PM – Shengyuan Scenic Residence, Building 6, Townhouse\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, the night was pitch black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the master bedroom on the second floor, the soft glow of ambient lighting flickered seductively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bed was a mess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan lay lazily against the pillows, her silk nightgown barely covering her curves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her legs curled up slightly, her eyes hazy and unfocused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Splash—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of running water came from the bathroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, Tang Song stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing big sis lying there, he couldn’t resist—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked over and gave her peachy hips a firm smack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Absolutely divine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan inhaled deeply, looking up at his ridiculously handsome face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, tell me, little brother—what do you need big sis to do for you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She still hadn’t fully recovered from earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Tang Song’s full effort, she had soared past Grand Mage status straight to Archmage territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was truly an experience beyond words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song wrapped an arm around her, leaned close to her ear, and whispered—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He told her about how he had told Liu Qingning that Wen Ruan was his girlfriend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment she heard this, Wen Ruan bolted upright, eyes wide with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tang Song, you bastard! You’re making me take the fall for this?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, here you go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song picked up his phone from the bedside table, opened WeChat, and navigated to Liu Qingning’s profile, then handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan snatched the phone swiftly, her slender fingers swiping across the screen with practiced ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few moments later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ding——\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice call invitation popped up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song jumped in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait—what the hell are you doing?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan deftly dodged backward, arching her brows with a playful smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What? You scared?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned back lazily, her eyes twinkling with amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just pretend I’m not here and focus on your little chat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just want to observe—you know, get a feel for her personality and your ‘dynamic’ together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Give it back!\" Tang Song reached out to grab the phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Wen Ruan simply held up a finger, signaling “shh”, and mouthed silently:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s already connected.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next second—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft, delicate voice came through the speaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tang Song.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Qingning’s tone was sweet and light, carrying that gentle, bookish charm unique to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song’s heart clenched slightly, and he immediately composed himself, taking back the phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, Qingning. Have you eaten?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I had dinner at 6:30.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was calm, clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"**I’m in the study right now. Today, I came across Qingning Technology’s lossless auxiliary-free load balancing strategy, and I put together some notes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was just about to share them with you…**\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She continued speaking, her words carrying that familiar intellectual enthusiasm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Tang Song’s mind went blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because right in front of him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan was staring straight at him, grinning mischievously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She fluttered her long lashes, then mouthed silently—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want candy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soft candy, hard candy, milk candy.\u003C\u002Fp>",3654,"2026-06-06T14:41:47.871Z",1,"novelbin.me","1cb274a2d337de4068639e21c1a902c7ebad0bfd8e66ad91330f6d73c47bacd5","maxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-420","maxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-418",874,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmaxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-cover.jpg"]