Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 272: Mr. Tang, Come Marry Me

5:00 PM.

Light and Shadow Media (Beijing Branch).

“Wenzhe, the full budget report has been printed. Here you go.”

“Thanks, Sister Li.”

“I’ve reviewed the PPT on my end and confirmed that everything’s perfect.”

...

After organizing and packaging the documents, Wen Ruan sat quietly at her workstation. Her demeanor showed no sign of any abnormality.

This allowed Zhang Xintong, sitting beside her, to breathe a sigh of relief.

Since noon, Wen Ruan had seemed unusually quiet. However, once immersed in work, she returned to her usual self—still the meticulous and responsible planning team leader.

"Everything is fine now. She was probably just feeling a bit off earlier due to work pressure. It’s nothing serious anymore."

[Tang Song: "WeChat Transfer 10,000.00 CNY, please accept."]

[Tang Song: "Thank you, Xintong. I have a banquet to attend later, so help her order something nice to eat, or take her out to a fancy dinner nearby. Cheer her up and chat with her tonight."]

“What the h*ck!” A suppressed exclamation burst out.

“What’s wrong, Xintong?”

Colleagues around her turned to look, puzzled.

Zhang Xintong quickly waved her hand. “Nothing, nothing. I thought a bug landed on my leg just now. Haha.”

Afterward, her hands trembled with excitement as she typed her reply:

“No way, this is way too much! A meal at most costs a few hundred yuan!”

[Tang Song: "Take it. Consider the extra as a token of appreciation for your effort. I might need your help again in the future. By the way, she loves spicy food, so maybe Hunan or Sichuan cuisine."]

Staring at Tang Song’s sincere reply and the shining in her account, Zhang Xintong nearly fell to her knees.

In that moment, she realized—Sister Ziqi, you’ve got yourself the ultimate deal here!

What kind of heavenly boyfriend is this?

LV bags, Rolex watches, Su Yu concert tickets...

And now, a 10,000 yuan red envelope just to ensure his girlfriend is well cared for by her colleagues.

Handsome, rich, romantic, emotionally intelligent, generous, and refined.

On top of that, according to Wen Ruan, he was a CTO at a major company while also running his own live-stream e-commerce startup.

Oh. My. God. What woman could resist a guy like this?

Glancing at the serene and composed Wen Ruan, Zhang Xintong couldn't stop herself from tapping on the transfer.

Yes, I can’t resist either!

Staring at the long string of digits in her account balance, Zhang Xintong’s heart raced with excitement. She immediately opened a review app and found a top-rated Sichuan restaurant on the “must-eat” list.

Scooting closer to Wen Ruan, she whispered, “Dearest Sister Wen Ruan, we’re about to finish work. Let me treat you to something delicious! Let’s take a cab straight there!”

Wen Ruan turned her head to look at her, then gently shook her head. “Next time. I’m meeting a college friend tonight. We’ll have dinner at her place, and I’ll be trying on bridesmaid dresses.”

"Uh..." Zhang Xintong, who had just pocketed a hefty red envelope, felt a little guilty. After some thought, she continued, “Then how about we grab a late-night snack when you’re back? Anyway, I’ve got too much money to spend lately, so I insist on treating you to a feast.”

“Pfft—” Wen Ruan was amused by her words. “Alright, you win.”

Looking at her assistant, Wen Ruan suddenly pointed at Xintong’s laptop.

Zhang Xintong blinked, confused.

The sound of keyboard typing filled the air.

Shortly after, a new WeChat message popped up on Zhang Xintong’s laptop:

[Wen Ruan: “Xintong, after we return from Beijing this time, I’ll be switching jobs. You’ve been with me for nearly a year, and we’ve worked really well together. If you’re willing, you can join me at my new company. It’s the Yan City branch of Xingyun International Group.”]

Zhang Xintong’s heart skipped a beat as she read the message.

She was well aware of Xingyun International Group—Wen Ruan’s previous workplace. It was an industry leader, a true titan in the field.

Compared to it, Light and Shadow Media could only be described as a company still in its growing phase.

Getting into Xingyun International would be a rare opportunity for someone like her, fresh out of college. It would be a valuable stepping stone in her career, even if she wanted to switch jobs in the future.

[Wen Ruan: “Take your time to think it over. There’s no rush. This won’t happen until August.”]

Swallowing hard, Zhang Xintong typed furiously:

“Sister, of course, I’m in! Please take me with you if you need me!”

Are you kidding? This was more than just a great career opportunity.

The real bonus was Wen Ruan’s boyfriend—Tang Song!

The kind of person who casually transfers 10,000 yuan to a lowly assistant.

If she stayed by Wen Ruan’s side, even if it happened occasionally, just one of those instances could make her rich!

As 6:00 PM approached, Wen Ruan submitted her daily work log and began packing up to leave.

Heavy footsteps approached her desk.

“Don’t leave yet, Wen Ruan. The budget control mechanism and evaluation standards you sent me have issues. Make some revisions,” Liu Chuanzheng said, standing by her desk with a calm expression.

Wen Ruan frowned slightly and replied, “Director Liu, this document was prepared according to our company’s standard template. It’s always been done this way.”

“But this time, our client is Meigou Tech. Shouldn’t we be more flexible?”

Taking a deep breath, Wen Ruan tightened her grip on her bag strap, her gaze sharp as she looked at Liu Chuanzheng.

Earlier this afternoon, he had sent her several hypocritical messages.

When she didn’t respond, he resorted to petty tactics like this.

Currently, their negotiations with Meigou Tech were still ongoing, and the budget-related content was not critical at this stage.

Looking at his repulsive face, Wen Ruan felt her barely restrained emotions boiling over.

Her expression turned icy. “This document was prepared according to your specific instructions, Director Liu. You even approved it in an email the day before yesterday. If you think it’s inappropriate now, feel free to revise it yourself!”

Hearing Wen Ruan’s retort, Li Meiling, seated at the desk opposite, beamed with delight.

Here it comes! Finally!

She had worked so hard to fan the flames, and it was all for this moment!

Hopefully, Director Liu would fly into a rage and directly “optimize” Wen Ruan out of the company.

If that happened, she wouldn’t have to deal with Wen Ruan anymore and could work comfortably.

The other colleagues, meanwhile, were startled by Wen Ruan’s sudden outburst. Their faces reflected their unease as they watched the confrontation between the two.

Liu Chuanzheng’s face darkened completely. Raising his voice, he bellowed:

“What kind of attitude is this? I worked so hard to bring in such a big client for the company. If something goes wrong, can you take responsibility?”

“Enough! Say no more. I’m extremely disappointed in your performance and attitude. You’re off the Meigou case. I don’t want you interfering with our work anymore! If you want to leave, go ahead and leave now! I’ll be reporting this incident to the higher-ups at headquarters!”

With that, Liu Chuanzheng crossed his arms, his expression heavy as he stared her down.

He never expected Wen Ruan to challenge him in front of so many colleagues, blatantly disregarding his authority as her manager.

This would undoubtedly become the talk of the office. If he didn’t act decisively, it would severely damage his reputation.

The room fell silent, the atmosphere tense enough to hear a pin drop.

Wen Ruan’s brow twitched, and a cold smirk spread across her face. “Screw you! Do you think you deserve to be a leader? I’ve been generating profits for this company, and now you’re acting like you’ve been throwing me a bone!”

With that, she grabbed a stack of A4 paper from her desk and flung it hard at him.

The papers exploded against Liu Chuanzheng’s face and scattered across the floor.

Zhang Xintong and the others were stunned. They quickly stood up—some gathering the papers, others trying to mediate.

“Sister Wen Ruan, don’t be impulsive!”

“Director Liu, please don’t be angry. She’s been under a lot of stress recently. Let me accompany you back to your office.”

Liu Chuanzheng’s lips trembled, and his teeth clenched as he forced out a low, growling roar.

He was on the rise in the company, poised to take on a sales VP role at headquarters.

This was supposed to be a minor warning to Wen Ruan—followed by a carrot to lure her closer to him.

But things had escalated beyond anything he’d expected.

What’s wrong with this crazy woman?

“You think playing with your little bit of power makes you important? Idiot! Is this all just so you can sleep with me? Go sleep with your mother instead!”

Wen Ruan shoved her office chair back into the desk, grabbed her bag, and strode out with long, decisive steps.

Her thick, wavy hair swayed slightly as she walked away, her figure exuding both confidence and allure.

The employees in the office exchanged wide-eyed glances, their faces a mix of shock and bewilderment.

Even Li Meiling, who had stirred the pot, was stunned. This was completely out of character for Wen Ruan, who was typically calm, mature, and composed.

In her two-plus years at the company, Wen Ruan had faced similar challenges before.

For instance, a major client had once tried to get her drunk and harassed her during a dinner meeting. Back then, she’d handled the situation with both tact and composure.

Zhang Xintong’s expression shifted. Without hesitation, she grabbed her own bag and quickly followed.

She knew exactly what she was doing.

If Director Liu got promoted to VP, she’d likely be laid off as collateral.

But then she remembered Tang Song’s earlier message and Wen Ruan’s offer to take her along to Xingyun International.

Without looking back, she made her choice.

The elevator doors slowly opened.

“Wait for me! Hold on!” Zhang Xintong darted into the elevator just before the doors closed.

Wen Ruan glanced at her and said in a low voice, “Xintong, go back to work. There’s no need to get involved.”

She could endure retaliation herself but didn’t want Xintong dragged into it.

Zhang Xintong pressed the close button and gently grabbed Wen Ruan’s arm. “Sister Wen Ruan, I’ve already decided to follow you to the new job. What am I afraid of? Let’s just talk for a bit. If something’s bothering you, I’m here to listen.”

“I’m fine. I’m just in a bad mood. I’ll be better in a few days,” Wen Ruan replied, lips pressed tightly together and her gaze lowered.

The elevator descended slowly.

Beside her, Zhang Xintong softly consoled her, recounting rumors she’d heard from other colleagues about Liu Chuanzheng.

Rumors like stealing credit for employees’ achievements, getting divorced over an affair, and now battling his ex-wife in court over child support...

As they walked out of the building, Wen Ruan and Zhang Xintong unknowingly found themselves entering the Tuanjiehu subway station.

While waiting for the train to arrive, Wen Ruan’s phone buzzed.

She glanced at the caller ID.

[Director - Ning Song]

After hesitating for a moment, she picked up. “Director Ning.”

Ning Song was a good boss. He had recruited her personally and had always treated her well, ensuring her promotions and salary adjustments were handled fairly.

Soon, Ning Song’s anxious voice came through the receiver:

“Wen Ruan, what happened over there? Director Liu from Beijing just accused you in the executive group chat of deliberately sabotaging the partnership with Meigou. The CEO just told me they’re transferring you back from Beijing! This is serious!”

“I haven’t done anything harmful to the company. I’m not in the mood to explain right now. Also, no need for HR to play any tricks—I’ll be submitting my resignation shortly.”

“Wen Ruan! What are you doing?! Don’t act impulsively! The current job market is tough. Let me handle this with leadership—”

“That won’t be necessary, Director Ning. Thank you for taking care of me these past two years. I’m about to board the subway, and the signal’s poor. Goodbye.”

She hung up and opened her browser, logging into the mobile version of the company’s OA system to submit her resignation.

Originally, Wen Ruan had planned to finish her remaining tasks at Light and Shadow Media and part ways amicably.

But life rarely unfolds as expected.

Now, she had no energy or desire to keep working.

She was aware of her own issues—at the heart of it, her mindset had crumbled.

Everyone has moments when they break. The more pressure builds, the more violent the release.

Watching her former colleagues and classmates move forward with stable careers, love lives, and families, she couldn’t help but think about her past ambitions and dreams.

Her current age, her uncertain future with Tang Song—it all weighed heavily on her.

She felt lost, dejected, anguished, overwhelmed.

What she needed now was time to heal before she could provide emotional support to those around her.

That’s why, when Tang Song had called her recently, she had used work as an excuse to avoid speaking with him.

She feared her negativity would affect him and worried she might say something inappropriate.

After all, she had always presented herself as an elegant and gentle older sister figure in front of him.

“Wen Ruan, where are we headed now?” Zhang Xintong asked.

“Take Line 10, transfer to the Yizhuang Line, and get off at Yizhuang Bridge Station.”

“President Tang! This is the Vice President of the Yan City Ancient Town Film Base, Li Quanhong, whom I mentioned to you earlier,” Liu Fangbo said with a wide smile. “Director Li is an old friend of mine, and several of our short drama projects are currently being filmed at the film base.”

“President Tang, a pleasure to meet you! I’ve heard so much about you—it’s an honor to see that your reputation doesn’t do you justice. Yan City rarely has such outstanding young talents as yourself.”

“You flatter me, Director Li,” Tang Song replied modestly.

...

Besides Tang Song and the Fanfu Suzi Media team, several business partners invited by Liu Fangbo were also present.

The goal was clear: to use the momentum of the recent 24 million yuan Series A financing to boost the company’s reputation in their eyes.

At 6:00 PM, everyone took their seats at a large circular dining table as the servers began to bring out dishes.

Glasses touched lightly as golden liquid swirled in the clear cups.

Amid the clinking of glasses and lively chatter, the atmosphere was warm and congenial.

Tang Song, attending his first venture capital meeting, felt a rare sense of satisfaction as the evening progressed smoothly. Encouraged by the positive developments, he joined in and drank a little more than usual.

“President Tang.”

A faint trace of perfume wafted over.

Lin Muxue, poised and graceful, took the seat beside him, adjusting her skirt as she sat. She leaned in slightly, her breath warm and fragrant with a hint of fruitiness, mingling with her perfume’s sweet aroma.

“These are the business cards of the three executives we just met,” she said softly, handing over a few neatly arranged cards. “I also exchanged contact details with their secretaries and assistants. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you.” Tang Song nodded approvingly, reaching out to take them.

Lin Muxue’s lips curved into a subtle smile as she caught his expression.

She had put considerable thought into preparing for tonight—accompanying Tang Song to the TS negotiation and banquet. Hours were spent poring over online tutorials, meticulously memorizing business etiquette for such events.

Overall, she was quite pleased with herself and hoped Tang Song would be too.

Her plan? Encourage him to drink a little more tonight and use the excuse of taking care of him at Yanjing Tiancheng to subtly work her way into his home.

And then?

A tipsy man and woman, a hazy, suggestive atmosphere—perfect for a one-night stand.

The thought sent a tiny shiver through her legs.

With her period around the corner, she was eager for another taste of Tang Song.

The only concern was her uncontrollable excitement during their tennis match last time. If it ended up like before, with him having to carry her and leaving an embarrassing sweat trail—she didn’t even want to think about it.

As Tang Song pulled out his wallet, Lin Muxue offered quickly, “President Tang, let me help you put the cards in your cardholder.”

Raising an eyebrow, Tang Song smiled and handed her both his wallet and the business cards.

Lin Muxue had to admit, this assistant was impressively capable.

Her attentiveness was spot-on, and her demeanor—elegant, intellectual, confident, and composed—gave off the air of a polished financial professional.

Plus, her looks and figure were undeniably presentable.

A buzzing sound interrupted the moment.

Tang Song’s phone vibrated several times in his pocket.

He pulled it out and frowned as he read the messages.

[Zhang Xintong: "Tang Song, something happened!"]

[Zhang Xintong: "Sister Wen Ruan had a big argument with the branch office leader. The two of them clashed in the office, and now her mood is really bad. I’m not sure about the exact reason, but she won’t tell me. Maybe you should call her and check in?"]

[Zhang Xintong: Wen Ruan.jpg]

The attached photo showed Wen Ruan standing inside the subway. She was leaning against the door’s handrail, her expression blank and despondent.

Tang Song stood up and walked out of the banquet hall as he dialed her number.

“Hello, Wen Ruan.”