Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 409: Power is a Man’s Best Attire

Saturday, August 26, 2023.

Rainy. 19~21°C.

The heat of summer had begun to fade.

With the arrival of the End of Heat solar term, the oppressive warmth of the season was finally coming to an end—every autumn rain brought a new chill.

The scent of damp earth filled the air.

Fine drizzle, like strands of silk, gently fell, weaving an invisible veil over the world.

7:00 AM.

"Ring, ring, ring—"

The alarm clock blared relentlessly in the small room.

Xu Qing sleepily cracked open her eyes and silenced the alarm.

Then, she flipped over and went right back to sleep.

Thankfully, she had prepared for this—ten minutes later, the second alarm rang right on schedule.

Xu Qing wriggled under the covers, mumbling groggily, but ultimately forced herself to sit up.

As the blanket slid off, a burst of cool air swept over her, instantly waking her up.

She yawned, got out of bed, used the bathroom, and changed into an autumn sports outfit.

Then, she headed to the living room and hopped on the elliptical machine for a quick workout, occasionally glancing at the rain-drenched view outside the balcony.

Her dark eyes flickered with thought.

She opened Tang Song’s WeChat chat window.

Xu Qing: “It’s so cold today, but as someone dedicated to morning workouts, I’ve already started my daily fitness routine.”

After typing the message, she struck a pose and snapped a selfie to send along with it.

As soon as she hit send, she grinned to herself.

"Hah! Let’s see if you dare call me fat again, Little Song!"

"I, Xu Qing, am working hard! I already lost 0.5kg! One day, I’ll be under 100 pounds!"

Ever since Qixi Festival, when Tang Song had promised to take private photos of her at Lanfeng International, she had started a grueling weight loss journey.

Thirty minutes of exercise every day, bubble tea reduced to 30% sugar!

After her workout, she took a quick shower.

Her damp hair cascaded over her fair shoulders as she lay on her bed, wrapped in a bath towel.

She reached over and gently touched the golden treasure chest sitting beside her pillow.

It was Tang Song’s Qixi gift to her.

The contents were worth nearly 150,000 yuan—the most expensive gift she had ever received.

Now, she couldn’t even fall asleep at night without admiring it for a bit.

Ding-dong—

Her phone vibrated with a message.

Tang Song: “As far as I know, you used to stay up late writing novels and never exercised in the morning. That’s why you kept gaining weight.”

Xu Qing’s eyes widened.

She furiously typed back.

Xu Qing: “That’s slander! At least I exercise at the office during lunch!”

Tang Song: “I’ve touched your legs before. There’s plenty of extra flesh. You definitely don’t work out enough.”

“Ah!!” Xu Qing gasped, her lips puffing up in outrage.

(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

"Damn you, Little Song! You’ve already touched them—how dare you complain?!"

Her fingers trembled with rage.

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

Tang Song: “But they feel pretty good. I don’t mind.”

Xu Qing’s face instantly turned beet red.

She furiously sent an angry sticker of someone slamming a table.

The two continued their emoji battle for a while.

Tang Song: “I’ve been swamped lately, even have meetings this weekend. But next week—Lanfeng International’s presidential suite. You in?”

Seeing the bold “You in?” at the end of the message, Xu Qing’s hands shook, and she almost dropped her phone.

Her face burned.

"What the hell?! It’s just a photo shoot! Why does it sound like a hookup invitation?!"

But then, her eyes caught on “presidential suite.”

She had never been there, but she had seen it all over Douyin.

Ultra-luxurious, 700 square meters, costing over 30,000 yuan per night…

Xu Qing bit her lip, hesitated, and nervously typed a reply.

Xu Qing: “Just photos, okay?”

Tang Song: “Mhm. Bring several cosplays—NieR 2B, Little Daji, maid outfit… I want them all.”

Xu Qing’s hands clenched into fists.

"This little bastard! What does he think this is, a dress-up game?!"

(>血<)

At that moment, her bedroom door suddenly swung open.

A sleepy voice called out.

Shen Yuyan: “Qingqing.”

Xu Qing jumped, quickly hid her phone, and took a few deep breaths.

Then, she turned around. “Yanyan, you’re finally up! How are you feeling?”

Last night, Shen Yuyan had been out drinking with clients and had ended up throwing up several times before passing out.

She had slept through the morning.

Shen Yuyan yawned, ran a hand through her messy hair, and stepped forward to hug her best friend.

“I feel a little sick,” she murmured, pouting.

“I just went to the bathroom… Still not fully rested. Can you make me some millet porridge?”

“Of course, no problem.” Xu Qing patted her back, feeling a bit worried.

“How did the Zhishang Property meeting go last night? Any luck?”

Shen Yuyan let out a dry laugh.

“No chance. Their VP asked for way too much money, plus ridiculously high kickbacks. We can’t afford it.”

Xu Qing frowned. “Why is your company struggling so much? Didn’t you guys secure funding already?”

“The housekeeping industry is a total bloodbath—cutthroat competition everywhere.”

Shen Yuyan flopped onto Xu Qing’s bed, rolling around in the blankets.

“The real problem is that Gongying Technology’s app isn’t bringing in enough leads—way below expectations.”

“So to meet our performance targets, we have to find other ways to make up for it.”

She stretched out, then groaned.

“Hurry up and make porridge. I have another big client to meet at noon.”

Xu Qing’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you’re drinking again?!”

“No, no.” Shen Yuyan waved a hand.

“Hou Shaoyuan used his family’s connections to arrange a meeting with Yunxi Property’s manager. It’s a rare opportunity.”

Xu Qing raised a brow. “Wow, Hou is actually being useful for once. Do you think you have a good shot?”

Shen Yuyan sighed and shook her head.

“All I can do is try. Yunxi Property is owned by listed company Yunxi Real Estate. They already have well-established housekeeping partners. Getting a piece of their business is incredibly difficult.”

“Hmm…” Xu Qing blinked, suddenly remembering something.

“Oh, wait! Tang Song’s company is in Yunxi Tower. Do you think he could talk to the property manager for you?”

She had handled legal affairs for Songmei Fashion before and had been to Yunxi Tower several times.

Shen Yuyan hesitated. “Uh… I doubt it. Yunxi Tower has tons of tenants and owners. They can’t just do favors for everyone.”

“Besides, this is a business deal, not just a personal favor.”

“Oh… alright then.” Xu Qing sighed and ruffled her best friend’s hair.

“Go back to sleep. I’ll make the porridge.”

She, Miss Xu Qing, only had one useful connection—Tang Song.

And if even he couldn’t help, then there was no hope.

11:00 AM.

22nd Floor, Lanfeng International Hotel – Executive Office Area

The atmosphere was tense and solemn.

Employees sat upright at their desks, their movements careful and restrained.

Whenever someone passed by, they walked cautiously, afraid to disturb the heavy silence that had settled over the office.

Wang Linqing glanced around before leaning over and whispering, "Nana, our boss brought so many people today… Do you think something big is happening?"

Yu Qiuna shook her head and silently typed a reply on WeChat.

"Don’t overthink it. Whatever happens, it won’t affect small fries like us. Just focus on work."

Seeing her message, Wang Linqing breathed a sigh of relief.

An hour ago, the company’s major shareholder and executive director, Tang Song, had suddenly arrived with seven or eight people.

Then, he took all the senior executives into the conference room—where they had been for the past hour without coming out.

According to whispers in the office, among the people Tang Song brought were lawyers and headhunters from Deju Renhe.

Given their backgrounds, the situation was crystal clear.

Most likely, major leadership changes were about to take place—perhaps even with the new candidates already chosen.

Tang Song was finally making his move as the new boss.

Lanfeng International had been a luxury five-star hotel for over eight years.

Though it wasn’t riddled with extreme corruption, the internal interests were deeply intertwined.

People protected each other, and there were plenty of leeches.

More serious issues, like kickbacks on purchases, supplier price hikes, and sales rebates, were common knowledge among leadership.

But since the leaders themselves were part of the system, no one was willing to disrupt the ‘harmonious stability’ of their ecosystem.

However, with the new boss taking over, this ecosystem was inevitably going to change.

Breaking News in the Company Group Chat

Suddenly, a major announcement appeared in the company’s group chat.

📢 [General Manager – Qiao Anji]:

"After a thorough review by hotel management, we are making the following personnel changes for the Procurement Department. Mr. Wang Binlong, the former Procurement Manager, has officially resigned due to personal career development plans. He will officially leave his position on August 30...

"Effective September 1, Mr. Zhao Zhuo will take over as the Procurement Manager. Mr. Zhao previously worked at..."

As soon as the announcement dropped—

"Buzz, buzz, buzz—"

A wave of chatter erupted throughout the office.

As the Procurement Manager, Wang Binlong held significant power at Lanfeng International.

He was a true authority figure—his departure was a massive shake-up.

Sitting at her desk, Yu Qiuna’s eyes flashed, her heart racing.

Previously, a colleague from her department, Qiu Wenze, had always received preferential treatment because he was Wang Binlong’s nephew.

He even stole clients from her.

So when Tang Song privately asked her about internal relationships, she casually mentioned what she knew about Wang Binlong.

She never expected that one small report would lead to such a high-ranking executive’s downfall.

Yu Qiuna felt a mix of shock and exhilaration.

She was now one of Tang Song’s trusted insiders.

Her future in the company was looking very promising.

Before she could fully process the situation, more announcements flooded the group chat.

Six departments were affected—including Supplier Management, Marketing, and Recreation.

And every dismissed executive had already been replaced with experienced, well-credentialed successors.

Tang Song’s decisive actions and swift clean-up left everyone in awe.

Footsteps from the Conference Room

Shortly after—

A wave of footsteps echoed from the direction of the conference room.

The entire office instantly fell silent.

One by one, employees turned their heads, watching in reverence as a sharp-suited young man walked at the forefront.

His face held a calm smile, yet he carried an undeniable aura of authority.

Marketing Department – Zhang Ziqi’s Secret Fangirl Moment

Sitting in the corner of the Marketing Department, Zhang Ziqi’s cheeks flushed as she stared at Tang Song.

Unable to resist, she pulled out her phone and snapped a quick photo.

Then, she immediately sent it to her best friends’ group chat.

📱 @Zhuangzhuang, our boss looks insanely handsome today!

"He came in an hour ago and already fired 7-8 department heads. Everyone is freaking out!"

📢 Buzz, buzz, buzz—

💬 [Zhuangzhuang]: “Mm, he does look amazing. I’ve decided—I’m sleeping with him tonight.”

💬 [Zhuangzhuang]: (insert smug meme.jpg)

Zhang Ziqi smacked her lips and grumbled sourly.

"Why are you always so dirty, huh? You only ever think about those kinds of things!"

💬 [Hu Mingli]: “@Zhuangzhuang, don’t overdo it. Watch out for back pain!”

💬 [Zhuangzhuang]: “It’s not about that! I’ve just been having trouble sleeping lately, and my doctor suggested I rest on a set of abs.”

"Sigh, you guys wouldn’t understand…

"Because none of you have a boyfriend with an eight-pack.”

Seeing that message, Zhang Ziqi turned green with envy.

"Damn! Zhuangzhuang, you lucky pervert!"

Executive Director’s Office

Inside the office, Hotel General Manager Qiao Anji sat upright on the sofa, discussing team-building and management strategies.

Tang Song casually flipped through the documents in his hand, nodding occasionally.

The leadership reshuffle at Lanfeng International wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Over the past few days, he had instructed Qiao Anji to work with Deju Renhe.

Through surveys, employee interviews, and management assessments, they conducted a deep internal evaluation of the hotel.

A professional analysis revealed both weaknesses and strengths, allowing for a targeted improvement plan.

Deju Renhe’s contribution was invaluable.

As China’s largest HR service provider, their expert team and extensive talent pool ensured the best possible replacements for each position.

This leadership purge was only the beginning.

Tang Song was establishing his authority.

A Message from Zhuangzhuang

Buzz, buzz, buzz—

His phone vibrated.

Tang Song glanced at it and raised an eyebrow.

[Zhuangzhuang]: “Little brother, come to my office this afternoon. I’m working overtime, and the office is empty. Crying emoji.”

Tang Song: “What’s wrong? I’m at Lanfeng International today. Pretty busy.”

[Zhuangzhuang]: “Tsk! Tsk! Your love for me has faded! You’re already brushing me off!”

[Zhuangzhuang]: (insert crying meme.jpg)

Tang Song: “Can you just talk normally?”

[Zhuangzhuang]: “I’m itchy.”

[Zhuangzhuang]: (attaches sultry selfie.jpg)

The photo showed Wen Ruan in her office, pulling down her black top just enough to reveal an enticing glimpse of cleavage.

Her slightly parted lips added an irresistible allure.

Tang Song subtly tilted his phone away, stole a quick glance, then calmly replied.

Tang Song: “Understood. On my way.”

Helping his girlfriend with her “itch” was a serious responsibility.

Work could be delayed.

Putting away his phone, Tang Song placed the files aside and instructed:

"In addition to team management, we also need to optimize the performance evaluation system."

"Coordinate with Deju Renhe’s Director Wang to create a new assessment framework—increase salaries by 10-20% based on performance. Tie it directly to bonuses and promotions."

Qiao Anji: "Understood, Director Tang!"

Tang Song glanced at the time.

"Inform all senior executives—we’re having lunch at Lan Yue Chinese Restaurant."

To become a competent corporate ruler, one must wield both authority and benevolence in equal measure.

After establishing authority, it is equally important to motivate employees, nurture their loyalty, and create a corporate culture of both respect and aspiration.

As Tang Song’s wealth, sophistication, emotional intelligence, and experience grew, he was steadily shaping his own philosophy of corporate management.

A White Audi A7 Glides Through the City

Raindrops slid down the car window, creating streaks of water that blurred the cityscape outside.

In the driver’s seat, Hou Shaoyuan glanced at the navigation and smiled. “We’re almost there.”

“Mm.” Shen Yuyan took a deep breath, pulling a compact mirror from her handbag and carefully adjusting her appearance.

Beside her, Li Meixia followed suit, fixing her posture and smoothing out her clothes.

Since Shen Yuyan had taken over as General Manager from Zhang Tianqi, Li Meixia had been promoted to Vice President, responsible primarily for housekeeping sales services.

Today, they were set to meet Ma Zijian, the manager of Yunxi Property.

Despite numerous attempts to arrange a meeting, Shen Yuyan had never been able to meet him in person.

Originally, they had planned to shamelessly seek out Zhang Tianqi’s help through his uncle’s connections.

But to their surprise, Hou Shaoyuan had quietly arranged the meeting for them.

This was a rare opportunity.

Inside the Car

“Don’t be nervous.” Hou Shaoyuan tapped his fingers against the steering wheel, smirking.

“I reached out to Ma Zijian through Yunxi Real Estate’s headquarters. It’s a reliable connection.”

“That’s a relief.” Li Meixia exhaled. “By the way, Shaoyuan, what kind of person is Ma Zijian?”

“Seems like a decent guy.”

Li Meixia patted her chest in relief. “Oh, thank goodness. I’ve been yelled at by so many people lately—I think I’ve developed a trauma. I’ll be relying on you during the meeting.”

“Haha, don’t worry.” Hou Shaoyuan let out a slightly guilty chuckle.

Yunxi Property managed numerous real estate projects developed by Yunxi Real Estate.

As the General Manager of the parent company’s property division, Ma Zijian held significant influence.

Hou Shaoyuan had only managed to get in touch with him through family connections and had never met him in person.

He had no idea what kind of person Ma Zijian was.

But, as a man of status, he had to keep up appearances—especially in front of two women, particularly in front of Shen Yuyan.

Lanfeng International Hotel – Underground Parking

The Audi A7 smoothly entered the underground parking lot of Lanfeng International Hotel.

The reason they chose Lanfeng International was because it was also a property under Yunxi Real Estate.

The three stepped out of the car and took the elevator directly to the third floor.

They had reserved a private room at Lan Yue Chinese Restaurant and waited anxiously for Ma Zijian’s arrival.

Hou Shaoyuan glan