Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 286: Companion Development and Dream Wedding

In the quiet bedroom, Tang Song’s gaze turned hazy as he stared at the exquisite feather item in front of him.

For a moment, it felt as though something in his mind had been triggered. He opened his mouth as if to say something but fell silent instead.

From the item’s description, it was clear that [Feather of Memory] would automatically activate when the player found themselves in a familiar setting and experienced a shift in mindset, helping retrieve fragments of a buried memory.

These memory fragments likely pertained to events from 2016—a time deeply tied to the game’s storyline.

2016.

The second half of Tang Song’s final year of high school, over seven years ago.

That period of his life felt like an undercurrent beneath a thick layer of ice—blurred and indistinct. Yet, some things, like the feather in front of him, remained vividly clear.

Back then, inspired by his "White Moonlight" Liu Qingning's promise of “working hard and meeting at the top,” he had thrown himself into relentless study, constantly pushing himself forward.

But in this pursuit, he became acutely aware of the differences in their natural abilities.

He spent that last stretch of high school oscillating between admiration for her, anxiety about the future, and self-reproach.

In the end, she entered Imperial Capital University, while Tang Song enrolled in Yan City University of Technology.

Though only 300 kilometers separated the Imperial Capital and Yan City, Tang Song felt the chasm between them growing wider.

This realization fueled his determination and effort throughout his four years of university.

Tang Song snapped out of his thoughts and patted Wen Ruan’s shoulder, dispelling the sense of unreality lingering in his mind.

At least for now, he was certain that his memories and experiences were genuine.

Perhaps he should find time to revisit his hometown and high school, hoping to trigger the [Feather of Memory] and unlock its hidden past.

Lying on the bed, Wen Ruan let out a soft hum and shifted forward slightly.

It was, after all, her first time. Despite her excellent fitness and stamina from regular exercise, even she felt a little overwhelmed.

Tang Song handed her a glass of warm water, covered her with a blanket, and then headed to the bathroom. After a quick shower, he put on a loose, comfortable outfit.

Settling into a single-seater sofa in the living room, he poured himself a glass of fragrant champagne and gazed out at the city skyline.

Reflecting on the earlier moments with Wen Ruan, he savored the aftertaste of the wine and opened the system interface.

Focusing on the player’s 3D model, he entered the [Personal Center]:

[Player: Tang Song (Charisma: 61)]

[Role: President, Songmei Fashion]

[Height: 184 cm, Weight: 81 kg]

[Physical Stats:]

• Physique: 68
• Stamina: 68
• Agility: 65
• Insight: 82

[Asset Overview:]

• Balance: ¥681,000
• Investment Funds: ¥195 million
• Enterprises:
• Songmei Fashion (75% equity)
• Slover Trust
• Huashang Fashion (35% equity)
• Bocai Yingrui (35% equity)
• Lan Feng International Hotel (transaction in progress)
• Xingyun International Group (transaction in progress)
• LimeTech (transaction in progress)
• Tang Zong Entertainment (transaction in progress)

Tang Song’s mood lifted further as he reviewed his burgeoning asset list.

Even the 4% stake in Tang Zong Entertainment was worth a staggering ¥3.2 billion RMB, dramatically elevating his net worth.

What’s more, Tang Zong Entertainment was still growing rapidly, with its stock prices climbing steadily. LimeTech, as a unicorn in the AI field, only added to his incredible portfolio.

Tang Song understood why the system capped his Tang Zong Entertainment shares at 4%. Holding more than 5% of a publicly traded company would require disclosure of his information—something that wouldn’t benefit him at this stage.

At Charisma: 60, his best option was to grow steadily, focus on self-improvement, and carefully integrate the assets managed by the elite characters he had recruited in the game.

The serene and cozy afternoon passed as Tang Song sipped his champagne, lost in thought.

Suddenly, a crisp system notification sounded in his ear:

“Ding! The companion development plan for 【Wen Ruan】 has been generated. Please check the [Companion] module.”

Tang Song’s spirits soared. He quickly navigated back to the main interface and opened the [Companion] module.

Wen Ruan’s portrait glowed softly, encased in a shimmering aura. Clicking on her card brought up a detailed view.

The interface transitioned, revealing two panels with distinct color schemes:

[Companion: Wen Ruan (29 years old)]

• [Role:] None
• [Height:] 171 cm
• [Weight:] 66 kg
• [Stats:]
• Physique: 75
• Stamina: 76
• Agility: 71
• Insight: 81

• [Growth Progress:] 45%

On the right panel, a multiple-choice question appeared, prompting Tang Song to make the next decision in Wen Ruan’s development plan.

Tang Song carefully reviewed the choices provided by the system, considering their descriptions and the potential impacts on Wen Ruan’s development:

[Choose Companion Development Mode:]

• A: Simple Mode (Leisurely Sophisticate):

  Focuses on creating a mature and refined companion who loves life and has a stable career. Provides a dedicated assistant team, ensuring a relaxed work-life balance, personal enrichment, lifestyle skill enhancement, and physical beauty maintenance. Requires moderate resources and significant emotional support.

• B: Standard Mode (Elite Professional):

  Builds on her professional background and interests, offering robust career development support and resources. Aims to enhance her influence and network within the media industry while balancing work and leisure. Requires more resources and moderate emotional support.

• C: Difficult Mode (Media Queen):

  Develops her as a career-driven powerhouse, cultivating leadership and team management skills. Provides ample social, training, and industry-specific resources, connecting her with other game characters and expanding her high-end professional network. Focuses on deepening expertise and building a personal brand. Requires substantial financial resources and moderate emotional support.

• D: Custom Mode:

  Allows the player to design a tailored plan, including options like companion roles such as "Canary," "Life Assistant," "Executive Assistant," or "Elite Manager."

[Notes:]

1. The first three options are based on Wen Ruan’s innate abilities, growth environment, cognition level, and disposition, representing optimal strategies.
2. The choice will determine Wen Ruan’s development trajectory, influencing her comprehensive qualities after completing the plan.
3. Companions reflect the player’s charisma and contribute to their charm rating. Choose the most suitable path wisely.

Tang Song weighed his options thoughtfully.

Both Simple Mode and Standard Mode were achievable given his current capabilities. With his 15% equity in Xingyun International and access to Slover Trust funds, he could easily provide Wen Ruan with a life that satisfied both her ambitions and personal fulfillment.

However, Difficult Mode clearly offered the most long-term benefits from his perspective.

If Wen Ruan were to evolve into a "Media Queen," she could act as his intermediary, engaging with other game characters, enterprises, and even Secretary Jin.

A confident and commanding older sister figure with a dominant presence in the media industry would enhance Tang Song’s influence significantly while adding to his charm rating.

Wen Ruan’s exceptional Insight (81), her prestigious academic background, and eight years of media industry experience all indicated that she had the potential to thrive in such a role. Her 45% growth progress further confirmed that she was ready to embark on this path.

But despite the clear advantages, Tang Song felt it was important to leave the final decision to Wen Ruan herself. After all, as her partner, her autonomy and happiness mattered to him.

Evening, 6 PM

After resting and recovering her energy, Wen Ruan freshened up with a shower, applied light makeup, and changed into a casual yet elegant outfit.

By 7 PM, the two walked hand in hand out of the hotel, heading to a nearby upscale barbecue restaurant.

The sizzle of marbled wagyu beef hitting the hot grill filled the air with its enticing aroma.

Tang Song and Wen Ruan each ordered a glass of craft beer. As they grilled meat and clinked glasses, they chatted casually, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

Tang Song brought up Wen Ruan’s current career plans and her aspirations for the future.

Taking a sip of her low-alcohol beer, Wen Ruan calmly and articulately shared her thoughts. Following the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), she outlined her long-term career vision and short-term goals:

1. Short-term goal: Quickly improve her management skills and adapt to her role as President of Light and Shadow Media.
2. Long-term vision: Lead Light and Shadow Media to deepen its presence in advertising while diversifying its business model, showcasing her personal value in the process.

As night fell outside, the neon lights on the streets lit up, mingling with the flow of cars and bustling pedestrians—some couples, others families of three.

Inside the cozy restaurant, the warm glow of the lights bathed the surroundings. The sizzling of grilled meat, clinking beer glasses, and a mix of low and lively chatter created a scene rich with everyday warmth.

On this seemingly ordinary summer night, the air was filled with the unmistakable vibrancy of human life.

Under the table, Wen Ruan’s foot slipped out of her shoe, teasingly brushing against Tang Song’s leg. On the surface, she remained poised and elegant, offering him dipping sauces, feeding him grilled meat, and chatting about the best ways to savor each cut.

The sizzling aroma of premium grilled beef, wrapped in a variety of dipping sauces, exploded with flavor in their mouths, delivering an unparalleled culinary delight.

As Tang Song admired his mature and alluring girlfriend across the table, felt the cozy atmosphere around them, and thought about the gaming assets he had just inherited, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of gratitude.

This, he thought, is the life I love.

Even with a game-like reality, a powerful system, financial freedom, and a charisma level of 60, Tang Song still felt deeply grounded. He was a "normal" Tang Song, drawn to fine food, beauty, good wine, and the pleasures of the world.

9 PM, back at the hotel suite.

The two sat cuddled on the sofa, holding each other affectionately.

Tang Song looked into Wen Ruan’s eyes and spoke calmly: “Ruan Ruan, I understand your plans and aspirations. Now, I’ll give you three options. You can choose whichever you prefer, and I’ll handle the rest.”

Hearing his words, Wen Ruan instantly understood his intention—he wanted to help her map out her future.

Instead of being coy or modest, she tilted her head with a playful smile. “Alright, little brother, go ahead.”

Wen Ruan had once thought of Tang Song as nothing more than a young and capable second-generation heir. She never imagined leaning on him for significant benefits.

But under his influence, she had received the Yan City subsidiary head offer and earned the trust and recognition of Xingyun International Group. Tang Song had, in effect, already transformed her life and current circumstances.

After the afternoon’s intimacy, she felt emotionally and physically open to him, trusting him deeply.

Tang Song pulled Wen Ruan onto his lap and spoke softly:

“First option: I know you love life, enjoy traveling, and seek comfort. I’ll ensure you have all the financial support you need, along with a professional and efficient assistant team. They’ll handle all your work and daily responsibilities, allowing you to live carefree—enjoying life, honing personal skills, and maintaining your beauty and health.”

“Second option: If you want to grow professionally, I’ll provide you with the connections, resources, and background to excel. You’ll be able to balance enjoying life with fulfilling your career ambitions.”

“Third option: This one’s more challenging. I’ll fully support you in developing your career, helping you cultivate leadership and team management skills. I’ll introduce you to my network in the entertainment and media industries, but it’ll require significant effort on your part… In short, it’s the career-driven, strongwoman persona.”

As Tang Song spoke, Wen Ruan listened intently without interrupting, though her gaze flickered with thought.

Initially, her return to Xingyun International was meant to create the image of a career-driven woman to avoid familial pressure about marriage. As a senior executive at a leading media company, she could silence her relatives and ease her parents’ worries about her future.

Her inspiration for this strategy had come from Xie Shuyu at Shimmer Coffee. At 32 years old, Xie Shuyu was single, without a boyfriend, and had used her career as a shield against societal expectations. Wen Ruan had once discussed this approach with her during casual work conversations.

However, Wen Ruan’s circumstances had now shifted dramatically. With Ji Qiuyu’s support, her fabricated career narrative had turned into reality—except her position was even higher.

For Wen Ruan, the first option seemed the most relaxing and enjoyable. She had no doubt about Tang Song’s ability to provide a capable assistant team that would allow her to live freely—cherishing love, friendship, and family without any burdens.

She could invest heavily in her health, frequently play games with Tang Song, travel, and enjoy movies together.

What a wonderful future it would be!

Looking at her enigmatic and handsome boyfriend across from her, Wen Ruan leaned in and kissed his cheek, then smiled.

“I’ll pick the third option. You make the arrangements; I can handle it.”

If she hadn’t seen him playing guitar on stage or learned about Su Yu, she might have chosen the first option without hesitation.

But the thought of the dazzling superstar left her with a faint sense of unease and apprehension.

If Su Yu and Tang Song truly share that kind of relationship, she thought, then I can’t afford to be a “leisurely fish.”

Wen Ruan wanted to elevate herself, to gain enough confidence and strength so that in the future, she wouldn’t feel timid or insecure when facing Tang Song’s other companions or lovers.

Hearing her resolute answer and seeing the determination in her eyes, Tang Song nodded. “Alright, Zhuang Zhuang. Leave the rest to me.”

He opened the system interface and navigated to the [Companion] module.

Selecting [C: Difficult Mode (Media Queen)], he confirmed his choice.

The right-hand panel glimmered as lines of text began to populate the screen:

【"Companion - Wen Ruan" Development Plan Activated】

1. Engaging New Circles

• Objective: Represent 15% equity in Xingyun International Group Co., Ltd. as a proxy shareholder, join the company’s board of directors, and assume the role of President of the subsidiary Light and Shadow Media.
• Reward: Growth progress +10%, Assistant Team (5 members)
• Note: The assistant team, trained and provided by Tang Zong Entertainment, includes specialists in daily operations, HR, strategic planning, and business management.
• Progress: Incomplete

After reading through the task, Tang Song was about to explain it to Wen Ruan when two prominent system notifications appeared:

【The "Companion" module has been updated based on current permissions and companion progress.】

【Once two companions reach a growth level of 60%, new companion slots will become available.】

Seeing the notifications, Tang Song raised an eyebrow in contemplation.

He quickly pieced it together.

Companions in the system were evidently crucial—not only did they enhance his charm score, but they also provided invaluable blessing buffs.

The system seemed to be enforcing a measure of self-discipline, ensuring he developed his existing companions fully before expanding his roster.

Out of curiosity, he clicked on the portrait card of his other companion, Zhao Yaqian:

【Companion: Zhao Yaqian (19 years old)】

• 【Role: Canary】
• 【Height: 180 cm, Weight: 65 kg**
• 【Stats:**
• Physique: 66
• Stamina: 67
• Agility: 56
• Insight: 59
• 【Growth Progress: 40%**

【Task ③: The Canary’s Ambition】

• Objective: Encourage Zhao Yaqian to seriously reflect on a desired business, product, or service field, select a direction of focus, conduct market research, and build a preliminary professional network in the industry.
• Reward: Growth progress +10%, Insight +1, Canary’s Skill Pack ×1
• Progress: Incomplete

This task was understandably challenging for Yaqian. Nearly half a month had passed, and she hadn’t made