Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 528: Final Pride

October 8, 2023, Sunday, Cloudy, High: 23°C.

8:00 AM.

Sunlight streamed gently onto her face through the gaps in the curtains.

Shen Yuyan slowly opened her eyes, a trace of lingering confusion and fatigue in her gaze.

Last night, she tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.

There was despair over Youjie Housekeeping’s collapse, hatred for her enemies, and an inexplicable fluttering in her heart for Tang Song.

All sorts of emotions churned and collided inside her like a turbulent undercurrent.

She got up and stood by the window, overlooking the bustling morning traffic of Magic City.

The sunlight filtered through the glass, outlining her slim waist and long legs, forming a soft silhouette in the morning light.

She deliberately applied a peach-colored glossy lip tint to create a “just woke up” kind of lazy vibe.

She returned to the bed, picked up her phone, opened the front camera, and carefully adjusted the angle and her expression.

Slightly messy hair, a dazed look in her eyes—perfectly capturing that accidental blend of sexiness and innocent allure.

“Ka-cha—” A carefully staged selfie was born.

She shared the photo with Tang Song and left a message: “(*√“)/) Good morning~ President Tang, a brand new day has begun!”

Shen Yuyan: “By the way, if there’s anything you need me to do, just let me know. I can’t wait to prove myself to you, President Tang. (#CoveringMouthLaugh)”

As soon as she sent the message, the smile on Shen Yuyan’s face quickly faded, replaced by silence.

Back to the home screen.

Just as she was about to text her bestie Qingqing, she saw a heated discussion going on in the high school class group.

Shen Yuyan hesitated for a moment, but clicked in anyway.

The first thing she saw was a flood of flattery.

【Thank you, boss.gif】

【“Thanks for the red packet, Yingying! Love you!”】

【“You guys probably didn’t notice, but Yingying’s wearing a Van Cleef & Arpels Charms watch. That’s 100K right there! Truly a successful woman!”】

Shen Yuyan scrolled up through the chat history, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Early in the morning, Ji Yingying had posted a photo in the group.

It was an interview feature from Investment World magazine, detailing her career experience and achievements, painting her as a young and capable modern urban professional and elite.

The classmates were full of admiration.

Not only that, she had sent a bunch of big red packets—over a hundred yuan per person on average.

In the group history, many people were @-ing her to come out and hand out more, most of them women.

Even though Shen Yuyan rarely checked the group these days and had it on Do Not Disturb, the snippets she caught still made her realize this former rival had long since left her in the dust.

At 26, Ji Yingying was head of investor relations at a listed company, with a million-yuan annual salary and a limitless future.

She was indeed very successful.

Looking at that vibrant face on the magazine cover, Shen Yuyan couldn’t suppress the jealousy bubbling up inside her.

Since middle school, she had always been the most dazzling girl—outshining her peers with looks, intelligence, and charm.

But now, people like Ji Yingying and Bai Menglin had all surpassed her.

And her? Starting a business was tough, capital was crushing her, and even her dignity was being ground down by reality.

“Bzzz bzzz bzzz—” A message popped up.

【Tang Song: “There’s nothing you need to do. Just prepare well for tonight’s event. I’m looking forward to seeing how you do.”】

Shen Yuyan clenched her fist tightly, a swirl of complex emotions rising in her chest.

She really couldn’t figure Tang Song out.

She had assumed that with her status as a former school beauty and her close friendship with Xu Qing, he’d at least feel something special toward her.

But in reality, he always treated her coolly, like he’d never truly had feelings.

Yet he was still willing to give her a chance, to bring her along to high-end banquets.

But tonight—for her—it was a chance to turn things around.

Only by making a lasting impression on Tang Song at Investors’ Night could she gain his recognition and appreciation,

and reverse her previous pitiful and desperate image.

Subconsciously, Shen Yuyan still fantasized about earning Tang Song’s help on equal footing.

She took a deep breath, eyes gleaming, and dialed her friend Qiu Sirou’s number.

“Hey, Sirou, are you back in Magic City yet?”

P&G’s employee benefits were great. Besides legal holidays, there were lots of paid vacation days, sick days, and flex time.

Qiu Sirou had taken advantage of the National Day holiday and added the weekend off—basically giving herself a long break. She’d gone on a road trip with her boyfriend.

“Packing now, heading back in a bit. Should be back around noon. What’s up, Yuyan? Something wrong?”

Shen Yuyan pressed her lips together, choosing her words: “I’m going to an important business event tonight. I forgot to bring my accessories. Can I borrow your clutch and watch?”

“Of course! No problem.” Qiu Sirou replied cheerfully. “I’ll drop them off this afternoon.”

“No, no, I’ll come get them from you.”

“It’s fine. I need to stop by the office to grab some documents anyway—totally on the way. And I brought you a gift while I was away. I was planning to come see you anyway.”

“Alright then, thanks, Sirou.”

“Come on girl, don’t be polite with me! Wait for my call. Bye~~”

“Bye.”

Hanging up, Shen Yuyan let out a long sigh.

Even though she was the CEO of a startup, she really didn’t have much savings.

The company had always been expanding, never paid dividends, and she hadn’t cashed out any shares. She only saved up 400K from her salary.

And most of that went to Xu Qing.

Her most expensive accessory was a pair of white mother-of-pearl butterfly earrings from Van Cleef & Arpels, gifted by a suitor.

The priciest clothes she bought were from Celine, a professional outfit she purchased after launching Youjie Housekeeping’s financing round—over 20K.

She had brought that outfit with her for the occasion.

That should’ve been enough, but thinking of Ji Yingying and Lin Muxue made her crave more.

Especially that so-called “natural-born show-off” Lin Muxue, as her bestie called her.

One day, she was going to crush her.

……

“Ding dong—” WeChat notification rang.

Tang Song picked up his phone and glanced at it, brows raising slightly.

【Shen Yuyan: “Then… if I perform well, is there any kind of reward?”】

He thought for a moment, then smiled and replied: “Of course there is.”

After sending the message, he shook his head with a smile, amused by her subtle flirtation.

He had to admit, once Campus Belle Shen turned on the charm, her seduction skills were top-notch.

After chatting a bit more with her,

Tang Song turned his attention back to the computer screen.

With “He Yiyi” going viral again, the whole Songmei Fashion was swamped.

As the CEO—and with it affecting his personal growth task—he couldn’t slack off.

Work had to get done.

During this time, his WeChat kept pinging.

Most of them were from the “Wings.”

Honestly, ever since he left Yancheng, his WeChat had been full of action.

Qianqian, Xiaoxue, Lingling—one after another sent him photos and messages daily.

Xiaojing would video call him every couple of days when the urge hit.

As for the Big Sis… she flirted with him every day.

“Bzzz bzzz—

【Wen Ruan: “You’re not around to help me scratch my itch. Might as well use my massage gun instead. (#StickingTongue)”】

Tang Song: “Just don’t use it too hard. I’m afraid you won’t be able to walk after.”

【Wen Ruan: “Heh, I’m not that weak. But you… you must’ve mastered the Tang-style horseback technique, right? I bet once you’re back in Yancheng, you’ll enter sage mode. Don’t forget to gift Big Sis some spell-casting tools—or else… I’m treating you to noodles!”】

Seeing that message, Tang Song’s expression turned a bit awkward.

Even though there was no actual horseback riding last night, he had definitely done something outrageous to the “stallion.”

She was still mad, hadn’t shown up all day.

But thinking about Annie’s moist and delicate face from last night, Tang Song felt the heat rising again.

He messaged Big Sis: “Zhuangzhuang, I wanna see a white and chubby ragdoll cat.”

【Wen Ruan: “Call me Big Sis!”】

Tang Song: “Big Sis.”

【Wen Ruan: Photo.jpg】

Tang Song opened it and was immediately disappointed. He quickly typed: “This cat’s not white enough! I want something even whiter!”

【Wen Ruan: “I’m in the conference room right now, listening to my employees give a PPT. What exactly do you want?”】

He flirted with Big Sis for a few more messages.

Tang Song opened the photo again and admired Big Sis’s peachy butt.

Truth be told, it was on par with Annie’s—both supported by firm glutes and super bouncy.

Unlike them, though, Junior Lingling was a naturally blessed type, with a wide pelvis and more fat distribution, giving her a soft, full, naturally drooping curve—classic “Big Yanzhao” potential.

His mind drifted again.

Annie kneeling in front of him last night flashed in his memory, and his breathing quickened.

Honestly, he hadn’t had “meat” in way too long.

Especially facing someone like Annie every day—he was reaching his limit.

“Riiing riiing—” His phone started vibrating.

Tang Song snapped out of it and glanced at the screen.

【Vivian (Zhang Weiran)】

He picked up, “Hello, Vivian.”

A spirited voice came from the receiver: “Mr. Tang, good afternoon! Shirley’s name badge is ready. Shall I bring it to you now?”

Tang Song checked the time—it was almost noon.

“Thanks. Perfect timing. I’ll send you the location. Let’s have lunch and discuss the next steps while we’re at it.”

“Okay, got it!”

Hanging up, Tang Song’s lips curled up.

Now, it all depended on the campus belle’s next move. He was really looking forward to it.

3:00 PM.

All-Season Hotel.

“Yuyan, why’d you suddenly move here? Weren’t you staying at the Jinmao Grand Hyatt?”

“Trying to save a bit of money. Besides, I’m used to staying at Ji Hotel, and it’s pretty comfy. I’m even a platinum member of Huazhu, haha.” Shen Yuyan’s tone was relaxed, a bit teasing.

“That doesn’t add up. Isn’t your food and lodging arranged by Director Wang? You’re going to the event with him—you don’t have to pay out of pocket.”

Shen Yuyan’s expression froze for a second. She replied calmly, “There’s been a change on their side. I’m going with some other friends.”

“Who? Do I know them?”

“A college friend. You definitely don’t know them.”

The two kept chatting as they opened the door and entered the room.

Qiu Sirou opened her tote bag, took out her clutch and wristwatch, and handed them over. “Here, your gear. Take good care of it—this is my face, you know.”

As a member of P&G’s marketing department, Qiu Sirou often had to attend high-end events and naturally had her own go-to gear.

The clutch was a Chanel WOC (Wallet on Chain), worth over 40K.

The watch was from the Omega Constellation series, over 50K.

This setup totaled close to 100K, absolutely enough to hold her own in high-end circles.

Shen Yuyan took them, placing her phone, lipstick, and ID into the clutch.

She also put on the watch.

Standing in front of the mirror, she gave herself a good once-over and finally smiled in satisfaction.

“You’re so beautiful, Yuyan.” Qiu Sirou genuinely exclaimed, her eyes full of envy. “The same accessories look way more luxe on you somehow.”

Shen Yuyan gave her a playful pat. “Don’t speak such blunt truths.”

“A stunning beauty like you, and so talented too—makes me really wonder what kind of man your future boyfriend will be like.” Qiu Sirou teased. “At least a CEO of a listed company, right?”

Hearing that, Shen Yuyan’s smile faltered slightly. “I’d like to know too, hehe.”

Tang Song’s image flashed in her mind.

In truth, even she didn’t want to admit it.

The reason she worked so hard to make Youjie Housekeeping succeed, to appear before Tang Song with confidence and dignity, to earn his recognition and respect—

Deep down, it was for a darker reason: maybe one day, she could become his official girlfriend.

She didn’t think she was any less than others. With her skills and charm, it wasn’t impossible.

But now that she had chosen to approach him in such a questionable way, that possibility had grown incredibly slim.

Still, Shen Yuyan had never feared hardship or challenges.

What she truly feared was how it might affect her friendship with her bestie.

She knew herself too well. She wouldn’t stop here. As her ambition grew, she might even end up scheming against Qingqing, using Qingqing.

Using her bestie’s special bond to bind Tang Song more tightly—to win more of his affection and resources.

To elevate her own status, stabilize it, and even become his “official girlfriend” little by little.

If that happened, their friendship would never be pure again. They could never go back to what they once were.

Would it be painful? Of course.

Would she regret it? Never!

She could never forget what happened yesterday at the Park Hyatt: Liu Kaili’s mocking, Wang Yubo’s humiliation, Ren Mingyuan’s indifference...

Those so-called “upper-class people” were laughing and chatting, while she could only stand in the corner and watch her dream shatter helplessly.

The current her had already half-stepped into the “dark side.”

To take revenge and climb higher, she was willing to pay any price.

Even if the path ahead was full of thorns.

Even if she had to hurt her closest friend.

Even if she had to play the role of the “bad woman,” she wouldn’t back down.

“Oh right, Yuyan, what time are you heading out?”

“Around 4. The event starts check-in at 5.”

“Okay, I’ll tell my boyfriend to come pick me up at 4 too.”

As the two chatted, Shen Yuyan sat down at the desk, pulled out her makeup bag, and began doing the final touches.

The wait always felt long.

“Ding dong—” WeChat notification sounded.

【Tang Song: “I’m at the hotel. Waiting in the lobby. No rush, we’ve got time.”】

Shen Yuyan stood up, picked up the clutch. “Sirou, my friend’s here to pick me up. I should get going.”

Qiu Sirou stood with a smile. “Perfect timing—my boyfriend’s almost here too. Let’s all meet each other.”

“Sure, let’s go.” Shen Yuyan had no mind for anything else. She quickly tidied up her appearance and walked out in big strides.

“Ding—”

The elevator doors opened. Shen Yuyan instinctively straightened her back, trying to appear more graceful and elegant.

“Click click click—”

Her black stilettos clicked on the marble floor as the Chanel chain bag swayed lightly with her steps.

Rounding the corner, the moment that familiar silhouette entered her line of sight, her breath caught.

Noticing her change, Qiu Sirou curiously looked over, eyes freezing as she audibly gasped.

In a corner of the hotel lobby stood a tall figure, calmly checking his watch.

He wore a deep navy British-style suit, perfectly framing his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

Handsome and steady, radiant as jade.

There was no expression on his face, but an intangible charm radiated from him, making hearts skip a beat.

【Special Effect “Successful and Glorious” has been triggered】

Qiu Sirou’s throat bobbed. “Yuyan, that alumni friend of yours—is it him?”

“Mm.” Shen Yuyan nodded with a calm smile, walking toward Tang Song with composed steps, as if unaffected.

Hearing footsteps, Tang Song looked up and first saw the big characters 【Test Subject (Shen Yuyan)】

Next came the transformed campus belle in her business attire.

The black and white contrast of her outfit traced her elegant curves, the deep V neckline revealing her collarbones and pale cleavage.

Long hair like a waterfall, refined makeup, confident eyes, bright lips.

Elegant, polished, sexy, poised.

She looked like she had stepped straight out of a workplace drama.

Their eyes met, and Tang Song gave her a subtle nod.

At the same time, a conspicuous on-screen message popped above Shen Yuyan’s head:

【Ahhh! Daddy Investor, how are you this hot?!】

【Shen Yuyan, be cool! You want to go back and change clothes, huh?!】

Tang Song glanced at the overlay, then at the poised and radiant campus belle, struggling to hold back a laugh.

But the “Successful and Glorious” special effect was clearly broken.

The aloof and abstinent aura around him had started to dissipate.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Tang Song.” Shen Yuyan stood in front of him, both hands gripping the Chanel bag, gaze bright and confident.

“No worries. I just got here myself. There’s still plenty of time.” Tang Song’s voice was gentle, and his gaze meaningful.

He had come early on purpose—wanting to play a little identity game with the campus belle to see what she would choose.

Shen Yuyan casually brushed her hair back, letting the strands fall more loosely over her chest. “Oh, let me introduce you guys.”

She pointed to Qiu Sirou. “This is a good friend from my time at P&G, Qiu Sirou. She’s now the Channel Manager at P&G’s Magic City office.”

“Sirou, this is the friend I told you about—Tang Song.”

Tang Song gave a polite nod. “Hello, Sirou. Nice to meet you.”

“Hi!” Qiu Sirou pressed her lips together slightly, looking a bit shy.

She wasn’t unfamiliar with high society—workin