[{"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-584":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},1705821,2178,"Chapter 583: Illness","maxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-584",584,"\u003Cp>\"That’s all. I hope Assistant Lin will seriously reflect on this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yingxue's eyes lingered on her face for a moment, then she said no more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned and pushed open the conference room door, striding in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavy door slowly closed behind her. Lin Muxue’s face showed panic as Qin Yingxue’s words echoed repeatedly in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just yesterday, she had gained full control over the half-mountain mansion and the private jet, still basking in the joy of firmly holding the position of “biological assistant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The long-held tension in her heart finally relaxed completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She even began to feel that her previous constant suspicion and hostility towards Shen Yuyan had been somewhat petty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then, this “Golden Misfortune” suddenly appeared, striking her with a sneak attack out of nowhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although she had secretly flattered herself, able to call Su Yu and Jin Meixiao “sisters,”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like Jin Meixiao told the beautician, she was the “main wife.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing it from Jin Meixiao herself, it sounded perfectly natural;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>no one ever questioned or challenged it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the current situation, it was very likely that Jin Meixiao and Su Yu were at odds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that she had grown close to Su Yu and Mo Xiangwan, Jin Meixiao clearly held a strong grudge against her,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>even sending Qin Yingxue specifically to reprimand her, while being so warm to Shen Yuyan...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew what might happen next...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as her mind was in chaos, a voice sounded beside her: “Lumna, the Kate Trust delegation has arrived. There is a very important person among them. Simon is in the reception room and needs you to come.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steven, the company’s Investor Relations Director, was briskly approaching her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Muxue snapped back to reality, forcibly suppressing the fear and unease in her heart, forcing a stiff smile. “Okay, I’ll go right away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took a deep breath and quickened her pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Steven quietly introduced the backgrounds of the Kate Trust delegation members as they walked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Lin Muxue found herself in the VIP reception room, facing a team of six.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All white, each exuding a strong aura. As a world-class top financial institution, Kate Trust’s representatives were seasoned industry elites, carrying an imposing presence without needing to raise their voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some greetings, Lin Muxue led the group toward the main conference room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a few steps in, she suddenly spotted a deeply familiar figure approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song was coming toward them with Investment Vice President Wang Jiajun and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Muxue’s lips twitched as if she was about to shed tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her mind, she screamed: “Tang Song, save me!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the words died on her lips, swallowed back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She merely slowed her steps, arriving beside him, adopting a graceful and professional demeanor, introducing both sides with the utmost effort to play the role of a bad assistant to herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was smart—she knew that this “harem” war, if she complained to Tang Song and dragged him into her mess to support her, would change the nature of the conflict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would be tantamount to openly declaring war on Jin Meixiao, the “main wife,” completely alienating her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She dared not gamble on whether she could still remain safely by Tang Song’s side then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this situation, Muxue had no choice but to endure, trying to find a sliver of hope between “Golden Misfortune” and “Su Celestial Emperor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>.....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the vast conference room, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one side of the long conference table sat the Rongliu Capital team;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>on the other side were representatives from Tangjin Family Office and Kate Trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main agenda was: reviewing and finalizing the fund establishment process, along with internal coordination and preparation reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuyan sat at the lower position, with a laptop glowing brightly before her, sitting upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flush of excitement colored her cheeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, she finally felt she had achieved part of her ultimate life goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Located on the 38th floor of the international financial center, facing executives from Tangjin Family Office and Kate Trust, representing the highest levels of global capital power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, she sat here as a core team member, participating in this top-tier closed-door meeting about the “Billion-dollar Alpha Fund of Funds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t know much about Qin Yingxue’s background, but the chief representative of Kate Trust, Marcus Leonard, was a name she had heard thunderously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the top five shareholders of the P&\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>G group she once worked at, Kate Trust had a presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mr. Marcus had visited their company headquarters before, and the entire group had received reports and notifications about his visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the Managing Director of Strategic Investments at Kate Trust and a senior top banker—an absolute heavyweight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the big shot was far from the arrogance or aloofness she had imagined;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>instead, he showed exceptional enthusiasm and courtesy toward Tang Song and Rongliu Capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His team included top legal and compliance leaders, financial and tax architects, and cross-institution relationship coordinators...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This entire elite team would stay temporarily at Rongliu Capital, forming a special support group ready to respond at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All this made her feel a surreal, dreamlike dizziness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Based on this, we recommend establishing linked risk control centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York to ensure 24\u002F7 global market monitoring...” Marcus’s voice continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuyan’s fingers danced swiftly over the keyboard, recording every key point clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting agenda gradually deepened from macro strategy into execution details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vincent Wong, Rongliu Capital’s Vice President of Investments, gave a detailed report on due diligence progress for the initial proposed projects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time slipped away quietly amidst tense yet efficient discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuyan felt her brain had never operated at such high speed;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>every piece of information flooding her ears was like a puzzle slowly constructing a magnificent blueprint before her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>4:30 p.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting neared its end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song rose, his steady gaze sweeping across the room as he delivered a concluding speech.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When his words fell, restrained yet warm applause filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tense atmosphere finally eased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marcus Leonard was the first to stand, smiling as he extended his hand to Tang Song: “Looking forward to our upcoming cooperation. I believe this will be a groundbreaking move that reshapes the industry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It definitely will, Mr. Leonard.” Tang Song shook his hand firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yingxue also stood, symbolically shaking Tang Song’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze casually landed on Shen Yuyan, offering a compliment: “President Tang, your new assistant is outstanding. Her supplementary insights on several cross-border merger cases during the meeting were very precise. With her here, I believe our future coordination will be much smoother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marcus Leonard’s eyes flickered slightly as he immediately caught the signal, echoing: “Yes, Miss Shirley truly demonstrated extremely high professionalism—impressive indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuyan’s expression confirmed this;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>she quickly tried to show calmness and humility, “President Qin, Mr. Leonard, you flatter me. I will do my best to ensure flawless coordination.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But inside, she was already overwhelmed by a volcanic surge of joy!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words carried weight far beyond ordinary politeness or praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They came from the representative of Tangjin Family Office, in front of Kate Trust’s chief representative and all Rongliu Capital executives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She immediately noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone around her—Rongliu Capital’s top executives and other representatives from both institutions—shifted their gaze subtly but noticeably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a newfound genuine scrutiny, recognition, even a hint of respect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was these words that truly gave her a place and name at this top-tier power table!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the early startup days, she had faced countless cold stares, sarcastic remarks, slanders, and insults.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Shen Yuyan, this respect was hard-earned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her admiration for Qin Yingxue instantly peaked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song smiled gently with approval as his gaze met Shen Yuyan’s. “Shirley is indeed a rare talent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Muxue stood beside Tang Song, feeling her heart turn ice-cold and her face pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The worst had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew Shen Yuyan’s character well;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>she would never let go of any opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with Qin Yingxue’s favor, she might even attract Director Jin’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would she... be pushed out?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the thought, an unprecedented fear gripped her heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Muxue stood dumbfounded, her hands and feet icy cold, as if falling into an icy abyss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt she was facing the biggest crisis of her life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mo Xiangwan’s sudden invitation, Bei Yuwei and other popular stars’ warm closeness, the consultant title at LVMH Group...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These seemingly heavenly privileges and easy-access resources were never handed out for free.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heaven had mercy;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>ever since little Snow received the “Hermès First Snow,” she had secretly flattered herself as part of the “Director Jin” faction,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>wholeheartedly determined to grow stronger alongside them and create brilliance together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would have thought she accidentally took the wrong path, passively siding with Su Yu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The worst part... nobody told her in advance that these divine beings were fighting!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I am more wronged than Dou E!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across from her, Qin Yingxue’s gaze calmly swept over Lin Muxue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This “exceptionally high-profile” assistant truly deserved a reprimand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, from the start, she hadn’t taken this woman seriously at all. Lin Muxue only entered her sight as a supplementary piece of information during the investigation of Zhao Yaqian, an irrelevant background figure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later, when Lin Muxue suddenly became an assistant to the Gathering Capital committee, Qin Yingxue initiated a detailed background check on her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The investigation was unimpressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A typical “fake socialite”—vain, ostentatious, born from a humble, almost barren background, with a personality full of impatience and speculative instability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet this kind of person had become President Tang’s “private assistant,” even beginning to take over some of Director Jin’s previous duties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yingxue knew well that Director Jin tolerated her presence precisely because she saw through Lin Muxue’s character.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She even intended to “stimulate” her through material differentiation, to make her obedient and well-behaved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But who could have expected Lin Muxue to start mingling with Su Yu and Mo Xiangwan’s people, recently taking charge of President Tang’s Bombardier Global 7500 jet operations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of her current actions were no longer just personal vanity but posed potential risks to influencing President Tang’s decisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially... the upcoming Tangjin Estate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the estate was named “Tangjin,” its mistress could only and must be Director Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she didn’t reprimand Lin Muxue soon, this assistant might completely go wild, mistakenly thinking she could truly enter the inner circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with her reckless personality, once used by Su Yu’s faction, she could easily make wrong judgments at critical moments, bringing huge trouble to the whole system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yingxue’s gaze then shifted to Shen Yuyan, a faint smile barely visible at the corner of her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time to bring real opposition to Lin Muxue, to make her understand her position could be replaced at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Shen Yuyan was the perfect candidate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ambitious, capable, and most importantly, a “fan” of Director Jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plus, she had a “naive” close friend, Xu Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What a lucky one!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Yingxue couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, tinged with a hint of jealousy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this opportunity was simply too precious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meeting ended;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>everyone gradually dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Muxue’s steps felt unsteady as she returned to her office, closed the door, and collapsed heavily into the soft leather chair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the window was the dazzling Victoria Harbour, but she had no mood to appreciate it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mind was filled with “Golden Misfortune” and Qin Yingxue’s cold eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Buzz buzz buzz—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her phone vibrated on the desk—a new email notification.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sender was [Kate Private Banking Division].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Muxue blinked and opened the email. A beautifully formatted, data-rich PDF appeared on screen—her co-branded black card’s monthly statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly one month had passed since activation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every expense was clearly itemized: specific time, location, merchant name, amount...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clear as day, no omissions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More chilling was the AI-generated spending analysis chart at the end of the statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chart divided expenses into categories: “business travel,” “team building,” “gift purchases,” and “personal items.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bright red sector representing “personal items” occupied nearly 70% of the entire pie chart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah!” Lin Muxue gasped softly, instinctively shivering as a cold chill swept down her back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt as if a pair of eyes were coldly watching her every move through this statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She felt like red fur was about to sprout on her body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“From now on... I must never use it recklessly again, right?” Lin Muxue rubbed her flushed delicate face with both hands, feeling both wronged and fearful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was used to “poor” days;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>suddenly gaining this limitless top-tier tool, plus Tang Song’s indulgence and near non-interference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she could really hold back, she wouldn’t be Lin Muxu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t she see the ads on Douyin and Xiaohongshu still coming?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of her social accounts, Lin Muxue shivered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening Xiaohongshu and Douyin, a stream of carefully shot and edited videos played across the screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five-star hotel vlogs, first-class flight experiences, walls full of Hermès unboxings, elite-style top afternoon teas...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze struggled on those videos for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, she pouted in grievance, eyes lowering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This content had already drawn Director Jin’s explicit disapproval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she continued to act recklessly, the consequences would be unimaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Qin Yingxue was right: as Tang Song’s assistant, she really couldn’t keep flaunting herself as a pure “rich flaunting internet celebrity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But should she just give up the accounts she had painstakingly built?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those hard-earned fans, the huge satisfaction from the traffic, and that dazzling vanity...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaning back in her chair, two inner voices fought fiercely in her mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long time, she exhaled deeply, as if making a firm decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Give up? No, transform!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Snow had to pull herself together!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the “socialite flaunting wealth” route no longer fit, she would switch to the recently popular internet new-rich investor and financial knowledge sharing female blogger path!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This identity could satisfy her vanity for the “elite persona” while perfectly aligning with her current work at Rongliu Capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe, she could even discover good early-stage investment projects and report them to Tang Song, earning his genuine admiration!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, wasn’t she currently studying for an MBA at Imperial College? This was a ready-made, top-tier material and background!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could completely abandon the flashy “flaunting” elements, replacing them with the “financial elite” professional attribute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now Rongliu Capital was a world-class private equity firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Any inadvertent display of her background would highlight her identity and status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also a higher-level form of “showing off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this, Lin Muxue calmed somewhat but still felt a bit afraid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding dong—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The WeChat notification sounded, and a message popped up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Tang Song: “Luna, book a ticket for Thursday morning to Yangcheng and the hotel. For details, coordinate with Wen Ruan’s assistant. It’s about the future investment in Smart Chain, I mentioned it to you before.”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Tang Song: “Wang Danzhou, 1322......”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Muxue quickly replied, “Okay, got it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she immediately called Wang Dandan, confirming all necessary details in a gentle and professional tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She created a special task folder named “GZ-231102” in her work notes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then switched to the flight and hotel booking apps, fingers flying as she quickly secured the best flights and room types.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She also gave clear instructions to the black card service team, booking a private car and security.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whole process was smooth and efficient;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>within just ten minutes, all core arrangements were set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She then compiled a concise itinerary memo and sent it to Tang Song.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this high-tension, battle-ready state, Lin Muxue’s spirits soared, her potential fully unleashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes reignited with fighting spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chairman’s office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the memo from Lin Muxue, Tang Song blinked and replied with a “surprised” emoji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Little Snow: “(。-) At your service, President Tang!”]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged emojis for a while, then Tang Song put down his phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He picked up the magazine on the desk, looked at the photos, and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recently, the big sister hadn’t been idle either;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>her partner training progress was going very well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had not only accepted an exclusive interview with Fortune magazine but also earned a monthly column seat in Digital Marketing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her reputation in the industry was rising rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The magazine in his hand was sent by Wen Ruan’s assistant all the way from Yancheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It contained her full interview and some stunningly beautiful photo spreads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Undeniably, under the nourishment of system props,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Ruan’s condition was improving day by day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the photos, she was full of charm and elegance, her eyes carrying both the lazy allure of a mature woman and the confident composure of a business elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every smile was like fine red wine, exuding intoxicating fragrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at that radiant big sister in the photos, Tang Song smiled knowingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon he would meet her in Yangcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While enjoying the local style, it was time to properly reward this enchanting big sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mission [③ Show Your Talent] seemed ready to complete soon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wonder what surprises the [Special Item Pack*1] would bring this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After carefully flipping through the magazine several times,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song stood and walked to the large floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the busy and magnificent city below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts uncontrollably drifted to another city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The image of Zhang Yan appeared in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His junior high school deskmate and friend, long forgotten in the corners of his memory,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>had become increasingly vivid and warm due to the quiet messages left one by one on that silent QQ alternate account.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song exhaled softly, feeling mixed emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unrealistic to say he had deep feelings for Zhang Yan,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>after all, his entire youth, all his fluttering and pursuits, had almost entirely been for Liu Qingning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her more than ten years of silent messages, the image that faintly surfaced on the edge of his memory repeatedly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>truly moved him deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a shock gently watched over by time, a pure feeling crossing many years without expecting a response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “Tang Song” in her heart was probably a figure she painstakingly pieced together and beautified in countless lonely nights with memories and imagination, a phantom completely different from the real him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Zhang Yan was an introverted, sensitive, and insecure girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was also why he hesitated over whether to see her or disturb her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he picked up his phone and called Zheng Qiudong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Beep beep beep—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, Old Zheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, all good, everything is going smoothly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I want you to check someone for me.”Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on noᴠelfire.net\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhang Yan, a copy editor at a book marketing company in Yangcheng, 26 years old, graduated from Yancheng Agricultural University in 2021, previously worked at Gaosi Education in the Imperial Capital...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Okay, got it. Bye.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hung up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Song squeezed his phone and shook his head gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, even if he didn’t disturb her, he had to help her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>October 31, 2023, Tuesday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>8 p.m.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The night had long since fallen over Yangcheng, rain drizzling steadily outside the window, blending the old city’s street noise and damp air into a unique tranquility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Knock, knock knock.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doorbell rang suddenly, neither too loud nor too soft, with a tentative hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan was startled. Who could it be at this hour?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She came to the door and peered through the peephole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the dim hallway light, a familiar yet blurry figure made her heart tighten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hurriedly opened the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mom, why are you here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I... was passing by, so I came to see you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Hui stood at the door, holding an umbrella, her clothes damp from the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She carried a plastic bag of fruit, looking somewhat uneasy, her eyes betraying fatigue she tried to hide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore a slightly old but clean coat, her hair simply tied into a bun at the back, revealing a somewhat worn face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan pressed her lips, asking no questions, silently stepping aside to let her mother in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you eaten, Ayin?” Zhou Hui glanced at Zhang Yan, her eyes flickering with tenderness and guilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I ate tomato and egg noodles. What about you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I ate too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Hui sat on the small sofa, placing the fruit bag on the coffee table, her hands awkwardly folded on her lap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Juzi curiously poked her head out, eyeing the unfamiliar visitor, emitting a low rumble from her throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the suddenly appearing cat, Zhou Hui was momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan quickly picked up Juzi, whispering, “This is a stray cat I found. Her name is Juzi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, oh.” Zhou Hui nodded without further comment, simply pushing the fruit bag toward the center of the table. “I bought some of your favorite dragon fruit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air grew quiet, filled only with the sound of rain outside and Juzi’s soft breathing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Between mother and daughter hung a silence both close and distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan lowered her gaze, unconsciously stroking Juzi’s soft fur, occasionally stealing glances at her mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at her mother’s graying temples and deeply lined face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes reddened slightly, quickly lowering her head again, afraid to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Zhang Yan had been in Yangcheng a long time, she hadn’t met her mother often.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One reason was distance and busy work;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the other was... her half-sister from the same mother but different father strongly rejected her presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She understood;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>her mother had a new family, and her presence was a disturbance to that family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since second year of high school, her mother had unfailingly sent living expenses every month, making her life easier and improving her treatment at her aunt’s house.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she entered university, her mother secretly traveled to Jing County, slipping a thick 5,000 yuan bill into her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her move to Yangcheng was largely driven by a long-held wish to see for herself whether her mother was doing well or suffering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reality was indeed tough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, her mother worked cleaning in an office building, earning about 4,000 yuan a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plus, with two children from Uncle Chen’s side, she had to care for three children in total, living a tight and exhausting life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you doing well at work lately?” Zhou Hui finally broke the silence, her tone cautiously caring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pretty good. Colleagues are warm, and the boss values me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s good, that’s good.” Zhou Hui nodded, beginning to show intermittent concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over twenty minutes later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough, cough, cough—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A violent, uncontrollable cough erupted deep from Zhou Hui’s throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hurriedly covered her mouth, her body trembling violently from the effort, her face flushed red from coughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan immediately stood, gently patting her mother’s back. “Mom, what’s wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She noticed this time her mother looked much thinner than last time, the whole person smaller by a size.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“N-no... nothing!” Zhou Hui hastily waved her hand, barely stopping the coughing. “Just an old problem, seasonal bronchitis.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She spoke while struggling to stand. “It’s late;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I... I should go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll see you downstairs.” Zhang Yan said, moving to hold the umbrella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, no!” Zhou Hui quickly walked to the door, opening it. Then, as if remembering something, she turned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dim light, she looked at her daughter, opened her mouth but finally said nothing,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>only stepped forward and clumsily but firmly hugged Zhang Yan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hug came so suddenly that Zhang Yan froze, standing there dumbfounded and unsure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her memory, this was the first time her mother had actively hugged her since coming to Yangcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her mother’s body was very thin;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>even through her clothes, the bone structure was visible, but the embrace was surprisingly warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, she felt something bulging subtly in her mother’s abdomen, as if... swollen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you sick?” she blurted out, her voice filled with surprise she hadn’t realized herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, really nothing, just a bit of bloating recently.” Zhou Hui quickly released her and walked out carrying the umbrella.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“—” The door closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan hesitated a moment, then hurried to the balcony and opened the window;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>icy rain immediately hit her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She leaned against the window, watching the exit below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, her mother finally came out of the building entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walked while coughing violently again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old umbrella she carried shook with her, looking like a flickering candle in the rainy night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan’s eyes instantly reddened, her vision blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>",4057,"2026-06-06T14:42:03.808Z",1,"novelbin.me","71deaf6facea03ef715e3d8db23f9b05f2d0532d9bfd8f1a26f82b374028e884","maxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-585","maxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-chapter-583",874,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmaxing-out-charisma-inheriting-game-assets-cover.jpg"]