Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 592: Raise Your Hand!

Zhang Yan’s appearance startled the three people on the scene.

Chen Yao furrowed her brow, while Chen Jinlong instinctively avoided her gaze.

A flicker of uncontrollable panic flashed in Zhou Hui’s cloudy eyes. “A Yan, you... why are you here? Get up quickly, don’t cry, don’t cry, it’s nothing serious...”

She spoke as she forcefully pulled her daughter to her feet.

Behind her, Chen Shuangshuang, who had run over, stood stunned, her hands and feet icy cold, murmuring to herself, “Cancer... cancer...”

In her understanding, cancer was synonymous with death.

Chen Yao looked at Zhang Yan, her gaze flickering briefly before quickly returning to its usual coldness. “Zhang Yan, I was going to have Mom call you, but since you’re here, it’s just right.”

After a long moment, Zhang Yan’s sobbing gradually calmed.

She wiped her face roughly with her sleeve, her eyes bloodshot as she looked at her mother. “Mom, what exactly is going on?”

She felt too guilty toward this daughter and really didn’t want her involved in such matters, so she had kept it hidden.

Only when the results of last Tuesday’s check-up came out did she realize she might not have much time left, which compelled her to come look for her at her rented apartment.

Chen Yao, however, had fewer reservations. She directly handed over a thick stack of medical reports. “Zhang Yan, she is still your mother after all. You have the right to know. The lymphoma was detected several months ago, and she has been undergoing first-line treatment all along. It has already cost several hundred thousand yuan. I just found out about this myself.”

Zhang Yan took the thick stack of reports, her hands trembling.

She flipped through them in a panic. Every word was familiar, but together they seemed incomprehensible.

She was unwilling to believe and didn’t want to accept it.

“A Yan.” Zhou Hui stretched out her rough, withered hands, grasping her daughter’s arm and trying to take the reports from her. “It’s not certain yet... keep doing chemotherapy. Maybe, maybe it can be cured.”

“Chemotherapy?” Chen Yao suddenly interrupted. “BR is already resistant! In this case, only second-line treatment can work!”

Zhang Yan’s light instantly froze, and she nervously asked, “What do you mean?”

Chen Yao seemed too tired to explain further and said, “Forget it. I can’t explain it clearly to you. Don’t think I’m trying to scare you. You should go see the doctor yourself! The results from last week are out too. You’ll definitely get the most accurate answer today.”

She had only recently found out and didn’t know the exact details inside but understood the gist.

One thing was clear: Zhou Hui’s condition had worsened, with even a risk of transformation. Once treatment started, it was a bottomless pit.

Hearing this, Zhang Yan bit her lip hard and said nothing more.

She took out her phone and began searching for those unfamiliar terms in the reports one by one.

Her mind was ringing with noise, unsure of what she was doing.

She just acted instinctively, as if grasping a floating log to avoid being drowned by despair.

Chen Shuangshuang had come over at some point, hugging Zhou Hui and quietly sobbing.

People came and went around them, the door to the consultation room opening and closing.

Mou Li kept her head high, immersed in her own world outside.

After waiting for nearly half an hour,

The clinic’s voice broadcast system clearly called out “Zhou Hui.”

Zhang Yan suddenly raised her head and immediately pulled her mother’s arm. “Let’s go, Mom, let’s ask the doctor!”

Zhou Hui looked at her daughter, took a deep breath, and finally followed her through the door.

Zhang Yan handed the reports to the doctor.

Her tone was filled with undeniable panic. “Doctor, I want to ask again, what exactly is my mother’s condition now?”

Seeing her so unsettled, the doctor pointed to the PET-CT images on the computer screen.

Patiently, he explained, “The patient’s condition is follicular lymphoma (FL), and the response to first-line treatment has been poor...”

As the professional explanation unfolded, Zhang Yan and Chen Shuangshuang gradually understood.

If the initial first-line BR immunochemotherapy regimen could control it, long-term remission with no recurrence could be achieved, amounting to a “clinical cure.”

Many patients could even live like normal people.

But unfortunately, Zhou Hui developed drug resistance during chemotherapy, with a risk of transformation into aggressive lymphoma.

Immediate second-line treatment was necessary.

One option was the R2 regimen, which is targeted therapy.

For Zhou Hui’s case, if no transformation occurs, the progression-free survival period could exceed three years, with some chances beyond five years.

After urban and rural medical insurance reimbursements, the annual out-of-pocket cost is around 150,000 yuan.

The other option is CAR-T cell therapy, currently the most advanced and effective treatment.

It works by modifying the patient’s own immune cells to kill tumors, with a complete remission rate of about 50%. Some patients may achieve functional cure.

However... the total cost is about 1.5 million yuan.

Zhang Yan stood behind her mother, biting her lower lip tightly, her hands clutching the hem of her clothes hard.

The good news was that this cancer had a complete treatment plan and hope for survival.

But... 1.5 million...

That number was like an insurmountable mountain, suffocating her.

Even 150,000 yuan annually for targeted therapy was a huge sum for her.

...

R& F Yingkai Plaza, Xingyun International Group (Yangcheng) branch.

Lulu wore a small suit, sitting upright on the sofa in the reception area.

Her palms were slightly sweaty, her heart full of unease.

She knew she would most likely just be a passenger today.

The previous interviewees included candidates for ByteDance’s strategy role and outstanding overseas graduates.

Each one was excellent and confident.

After all, Xingyun International Group was an undisputed giant in China’s advertising media industry, backed by Tang Entertainment, a powerful tree.

It was said they were preparing to go public, making them very attractive to top talent.

For someone like her from a small company, she was one of the lucky few.

She opened her phone and sent another message of concern to Zhang Yan’s WeChat.

Still no reply.

Since 9 a.m., after Zhang Yan had gone to the First Affiliated Hospital of Yangcheng Pharmaceutical University, she hadn’t responded.

Lulu vaguely sensed something was wrong but couldn’t bring herself to call.

At that moment,

The HR girl’s voice rang out: “Zhang Lulu, this way please.”

Lulu took a deep breath, put away her phone, stood up, and followed her into the glass-partitioned interview room.

After a brief self-introduction, the interview officially began.

The questions were professional and sharp.

The entire interview wasn’t long, and her performance was only mediocre.

When the interviewer finally said the standard line, “We’ll contact you later,”

Lulu’s suspended heart finally died.

She knew it was no good.

If the second interview were satisfactory, they would clearly communicate the follow-up arrangements and even a specific timeline.

She politely thanked them and followed the beautiful HR girl out, her face showing an undeniable trace of disappointment.

Just as she stepped out of the meeting room and was about to turn left,

At the end of the left corridor, several people in suits just happened to walk toward them.

Men and women, all with impressive aura, walking with a commanding presence.

Lulu recognized one of them: the HRD who had appeared in the reception room before, standing respectfully on the side.

Next to the HRD were a man and a woman.

The woman was tall and sexy, her figure absolutely stunning.

And the man—

Tang Song?!

“Ah!” Lulu cried out and her feet froze.

She blinked hard, thinking she was hallucinating.

Today, Tang Song wore a tailored dark suit, his figure tall and slender.

He exuded a powerful, unignorable pressure.

This was completely different from the gentle and kind “middle school classmate” she had seen two days ago in Zhang Yan’s shabby neighborhood!

“Shh—” The HR girl next to her was startled and quickly held up her hand in front of Lulu, lowering her voice nervously, “The top leader from headquarters has arrived. Let’s wait here a bit and let them pass first.”

Lulu’s eyes grew wider and wider, her heart pounding wildly.

Tang Song? The leader from Xingyun International Group headquarters?

My god? No way!

She felt her brain was overloaded.

That night, they sat like ordinary friends, eating barbecue together, chatting about work and life!

My heavens! I never imagined he was a hidden big shot?!

Footsteps drew closer, and the strong aura approached with them.

Just as Lulu was nervously frozen, unsure whether to greet or pretend not to know him,

A deep gaze landed on her, flashing a trace of surprise.

Tang Song slowed his steps, and the others immediately followed suit.

The HR girl was frightened by this sudden turn of events, bending down and respectfully calling out, “Director Wen, President Tang...”

Tang Song stopped in front of the two, a warm smile on his face.

“Good morning, Lulu. What are you doing here?”

As he spoke gently, all eyes instantly focused on Zhang Lulu.

Lulu felt a rush of heat to her head, her cheeks flushing bright red.

Her voice stammered, “I... I’m here for an interview today.”

Hearing this, Tang Song raised his eyebrows, surprised by the coincidence.

But it was a good opportunity.

Zhang Yan was too introverted; having someone familiar in a new environment would surely help her adapt better.

Thinking this, he smiled and lightly patted Lulu’s shoulder.

Encouragingly, he said, “Xingyun International Group is a very good platform. Keep it up!”

Lulu was instantly thrilled and dizzy, feeling as if she was floating.

“Thank you for your encouragement! I will definitely work hard!”

“I’ll be going now. Let’s chat again when we have time.”

“Okay, bye.”

After a simple farewell, Tang Song and his group continued forward.

The HR girl next to Lulu exhaled softly, her expression turning warm and eager.

“Zhang Lulu, wait a moment. I’ll talk to the leaders and see if I can get you a quick response. Honestly, for talent like you, we really fear other companies stealing you away.”

Lulu held back her excitement and nodded. “Okay.”

The HR quickly returned to the interview room, the door clicking shut.

Lulu vaguely heard hurried, hushed conversations inside.

After a moment, the HR girl smiled at the door and respectfully gestured “Please come in.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting. You can come in now. Let’s discuss your salary and future career plans.”

“Thank you!”

...

In the consultation room,

The doctor closed the medical record, his expression serious. “One more thing must be clear: once lymphoma recurs, it becomes more aggressive. You must immediately arrange for hospitalization to undergo a comprehensive second-line treatment evaluation.”

“Okay, okay, we understand.”

Zhang Yan and Chen Shuangshuang walked out of the consultation room dazed.

In the corridor, the smell of disinfectant mingled with oppressive silence.

The group walked out of the oncology department and into the second-floor lobby’s waiting area.

Zhou Hui looked at her two daughters’ lost expressions, feeling heartbroken. She forced herself to speak, “A Yan, you should go to work, and Shuangshuang should go back to school...”

“Mom! What do you mean by that?” Chen Yao sharply interrupted. “So my work isn’t really work? I’m still in my probation period. Since we’re all here today, let’s just clear this up to avoid future trouble!”

Zhang Yan’s lips trembled as she cast her gaze toward the middle-aged man who had been silent.

“Uncle Chen, what do you think?”

“Dad...” Chen Shuangshuang called out with a sob, full of pleading.

Chen Jinlong finally lifted his head, his face full of hesitation and unavoidable avoidance.

He and Zhou Hui had come to Yangcheng to rent and work; their real roots were still in their hometown, a county-level city in northern Guangdong.

Selling their old home to prepare a wedding house for their son, then borrowing money to pay for the 1.5 million yuan CAR-T treatment... that was simply impossible.

That house had contributions from his ex-wife and son, who was about to marry. If this got out, the wedding would definitely be canceled.

But after so many years of marriage and having Shuangshuang, to say there were no feelings was a lie.

Looking at the pale Zhou Hui beside him, then at his youngest daughter, Chen Jinlong tightly clenched his blackened hands together.

He muttered vaguely, “This... this matter can’t be solved right away, maybe...”

Before he finished, Zhou Hui interrupted bluntly, “Old Chen, let’s prepare. Let’s get the divorce done in the next couple of days.”

“I...” Chen Jinlong lowered his head in shame. “You know Bingwen is about to get married. Maybe... maybe we should keep this a secret until after the wedding...”

“Dad! How could you keep it a secret?!” Chen Yao said urgently, afraid her father would soften. “This isn’t a cold or fever! Even if you drag it without treatment, complications will come one after another. Won’t they all need care and time?”

Chen Jinlong opened his mouth but couldn’t argue a single word.

Zhou Hui slowly shifted her gaze from her husband, who had always chosen avoidance, eyes filled with sorrow.

Her life and love had never been smooth.

When she was young, she met Zhang Yan’s father while working away from home. For love, she married into the countryside of Yan Province thousands of miles away, only to be cheated on and abandoned.

After remarrying Chen Jinlong for life, their family was always unhappy with constant quarrels.

But when Shuangshuang was born, she always thought she could endure and persevere like this, spending her life this way without divorce.

She had long prepared herself. Even if Chen Jinlong said he would do anything to pay for her treatment, she would not agree.

But his attitude had truly broken her heart.

Her only wish now was for her two daughters to have a better future.

Especially... Zhang Yan.

This poor daughter was introverted and had endured many hardships; she owed her so much.

At that moment,

Chen Yao looked at Zhang Yan, her tone suddenly softening. “Zhang Yan, look, this is your real mother. All these years, she has scrimped and saved to send you so much living money. Now with this situation, what do you think?”

She knew Zhang Yan’s personality and hoped she would take on this mess voluntarily.

However, hearing this, Zhou Hui suddenly stood up.

Her body shook violently from the sudden movement.

She grabbed Zhang Yan’s hand, pulling her behind, her eyes red as she glared at Chen Yao. “Chen Yao, what do you mean by that?!”

Although usually courteous and warm to this stepdaughter for family harmony, Zhang Yan was her biological daughter and her irreplaceable treasure.

She wouldn’t burden the Chen family, much less her own daughter.

“I just want to discuss a solution.” Chen Yao averted her gaze.

“That has nothing to do with her! I’m telling you, none of you are to lay a finger on her!”

Watching the frail figure standing before her, Zhang Yan’s tears fell uncontrollably.

This was the first time she saw her mother so fiercely protect her.

The figure before her overlapped with the warm, all-capable figure from her childhood.

Since she could remember, her father had worked away from home for years, and she was raised by her mother.

Her entire childhood was spent on her mother’s warm back and soft embrace.

Until the sudden divorce in fourth grade.

In her heart, she always had the deepest reliance and adoration for her mother.

Hearing Zhou Hui’s words, Chen Yao grew annoyed and angry.

Her words became sharp and bitter. “How much living money have you secretly sent her all these years? Saving every penny each month! What, now you won’t even let your biological daughter help? My brother and I aren’t your real children, why should we cover for your bottomless pit?”

Zhou Hui trembled with anger, pointing at her. “Don’t be sarcastic! Haven’t I earned money for your family?”

“That was for Chen Shuangshuang’s tuition and living expenses!” Chen Yao refused to back down. “My brother and I’s expenses were paid by my dad and my real mom! Plus, your early chemotherapy has already cost the family sixty to seventy thousand yuan. Do you really want to drag our family down?”

“Yao Yao, say less!” Chen Jinlong finally stood and tugged his daughter’s arm, then turned to his wife, about to soothe her.

Zhou Hui stared at Chen Yao with a resolute voice. “I won’t continue treatment! Living is suffering anyway! Don’t worry, I won’t be a burden to any of you!”

“Mom!” Zhang Yan couldn’t bear it anymore and stepped forward, grabbing her mother’s hand.

Her voice choked but clear. “I’ll take care of you. I’ll find a way to pay for the targeted drugs too.”

Zhou Hui felt as if stabbed. “I won’t be treated! Don’t you understand? I don’t have many years left! Why waste the money?”

Zhang Yan wiped her tears, stubborn like never before. “You have to try, or I’ll regret and blame myself forever.”

Looking into her daughter’s eyes, Zhou Hui stood stunned, tears streaming down, not knowing what to say.

An indescribable guilt and sorrow surged within her.

Chen Shuangshuang looked at her “big sister,” bit her lip, and cried along.

Chen Jinlong’s face was full of shame, but he only sighed heavily.

Chen Yao seemed to have found a way out.

She said, “Don’t worry, even if treatment is necessary, Zhang Yan won’t pay alone. We will definitely contribute.”

Sh