Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 706: Returning in Glory to His Hometown, President Shen

~12 minute read · 2,929 words

Tower A, 50th floor, Yan Province Financial Center.

Rongliu Capital.

In the Chief Assistant’s office:

"...That's basically the situation, President Lin."

"Understood." Lin Muxue sat upright in her office chair, expression meticulous. "Send the final version of the BP to my email. I'll discuss it with President Tang."

"Got it!"

After the project manager left, Lin Muxue finally exhaled a long breath, her body relaxing slightly.

Her long legs stretched gently under the desk as she lazily did a small stretch.

She lifted her cup and sipped her tea. A glance at her computer screen showed a new WeChat message.

 

It was that content creator she’d bumped into on the plane.

 

[IlinVC: "Ms. Lin, hello! I've completed a rough edit of the interview video from the other day and sent it to your email. Please take a look and let me know if any adjustments are needed."]

Lin Muxue's mouth curved into a small smile as she opened her email.

She reviewed the footage.

The finished video was very good: smooth editing rhythm, high-quality BGM, filters with a cinematic feel.

And the version of herself on screen—her looks, poise, and speech—perfectly presented the image of an intelligent, elite professional woman.

Perfect!

She watched the finished piece, pride and delight welling up in her chest.

If this went public, it would absolutely blow up!

If she attached her ID and did a “collaboration” shoutout, gaining tens of thousands of followers would be nothing.

But the thought flashed only briefly before she suppressed it.

No—too deliberate, too tacky.

Her online persona was "a low-key finance executive"; she had to preserve the mystery.

Better to let the omniscient netizens dig up her identity after the video was posted—that would feel more natural and suit Empress Muxue's aura.

She messaged Ilin a few brief words and suggested a few minor transitions.

After closing the video, Lin Muxue opened the latest business report for Snow Sugar Culture that Xu Ning had sent and began to read carefully.

Leveraging the massive resources of the Yannan Short Drama Film Base, Snow Sugar Culture had already grown from an amateur troupe into a professional talent agency with stable cash flow.

They had signed dozens of promising short-drama actors and had gained a modest reputation in Yancheng’s circles.

Most importantly, the company had started turning a profit!

Seeing the neat net profit figures, her eyes sparkled.

The era of Muxue making big money was finally coming.

This is the advantage of having resources!

O(n_n)0 haha~

Just as she plotted the company’s next moves—

buzz buzz—

Her phone vibrated suddenly.

[Brother]

Seeing the caller ID, Lin Muxue froze for a moment before slowly lifting the phone.

After all, she and this brother had grown up together and always had a good relationship.

Although they resented their parents’ favoritism, she could understand her brother’s helplessness as a man weighed down by mortgage and family responsibilities.

She pursed her lips and answered.

"Hello? Muxue? Are you busy?"

Her brother's familiar voice came through, thick with regional accent and cautious probing.

"Not too bad. What’s up? Anything wrong?"

"Ah, nothing big... just wanted to ask how you've been. Is work going well? I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to come see you..."

“Everything’s fine here.” Lin Muxue’s tone remained even.

There was a pause on the other end, then his voice brightened: "Oh right, Muxue—guess what. Our aunt’s daughter, Jiajia, is getting engaged this weekend. They’re having it at the Shangri-La Hotel in Chang'an. Why don't you come back for it? You've always wanted to check in there, right? This is your chance."

Chang'an... Shangri-La... engagement...

Her eyes flickered, and her long legs crossed instinctively.

She inhaled deeply and answered slowly, "Okay, I know. I'll come back this weekend."

"Really?! That's great!" Her brother sounded overjoyed. "Awesome, Muxue! I'll tell Mom and Dad right away!"

"Alright, I have work to do."

"Okay, okay, you go on."

They hung up.

Lin Muxue felt her elegant legs tighten without meaning to.

A smile of anticipation bloomed across her face.

She had already planned to take some time to return to Chang'an to inspect the Swan Bay mansion that Xiao Jing had gifted her.

And she intended to confront her parents and relatives—settle old scores properly.

She knew, too, that it was still her home; she couldn't stubbornly refuse to return forever.

The earlier talk of cutting ties had been a hotheaded promise—something she’d said out of spite, intending to prove herself later so they’d regret having treated her poorly.

Now the timing seemed ripe.

It was time to finally let out that pent-up pride.

Besides, next week she’d be going to France with Tang Song to inspect Tangjin Estate.

After that came the Smile Holdings shareholders’ meeting in New York.

This weekend was the only free slot, so she’d been hesitating.

With her cousin’s wedding, it was the perfect chance.

From a village girl scraping by on 500 yuan allowance and carefully budgeting in the cafeteria, she had become Empress Muxue.

All the years of striving outside—for this moment, right?

Now she had to plan a proper triumphant homecoming.

She would give them the most shocking spectacle possible!

At the thought, she lightened up.

She spun happily in her chair, immediately instructing her credit-card concierge team to book the flight, and began planning outfits and schedule for this grand return.

She focused with complete seriousness.

Night fell.

Through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the bright cityscape of Yancheng gradually lit up.

It was nearly quitting time.

buzz buzz—

Her phone vibrated again.

[Tang Yi Precision - Secretary Chen]

Lin Muxue composed herself and answered in a poised, polite tone: "Hello? Secretary Chen, good evening."

"Assistant Lin, good afternoon. Is now a good time? It's work-related." Chen Jing’s voice was warm yet disciplined over the line.

"Yes, I’m available. Go ahead."

"Here's the thing: the National Energy Department and Tang Yi are promoting a strategic plan for a Western photovoltaic new-energy industry cluster. An economic inspection delegation will arrive in Chang'an this weekend.

Tang Yi and the Shan Province government have jointly sent invitations to several well-known investment institutions, including Rongliu Capital.

From what I know, your company has shown interest in this area. Since Assistant Lin is from Shan Province, Ms. Ouyang suggested that Rongliu Capital’s delegation be led by you. It would also be a good chance for you to meet Mayor Li in advance."

Hearing Secretary Chen’s words, Lin Muxue’s mind went "boom" and she sprang up from her chair.

A tremor of excitement swept through her, and her bladder tightened in a familiar flutter.

She—what did she just hear?!

Chang'an... representing Rongliu Capital... leading the delegation... meeting the deputy mayor?!

Too perfect! Absolutely perfect!

She had been thinking about how to make a low-key yet grand return.

If she went home alone—no matter the luxury car or mansion—it would still feel somewhat thin.

But if she returned as a capital representative, with official government reception, participating in a state-strategic inspection...

That level of prestige would be...

Reign! Over! Her! Hometown!

"Assistant Lin?" Secretary Chen’s soft prompt pulled her back.

Lin Muxue quickly forced down her elation and rapid heartbeat, striving to keep her voice steady:

"Okay, Secretary Chen. Please pass my thanks to Ms. Ouyang and to you. I have no objections and would be honored to lead the delegation. I'll report to President Tang first and we’ll stay in touch about the itinerary."

"Very well, Assistant Lin. I won't keep you from work. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

After the call, Lin Muxue set down her phone and hurried to the office restroom.

She shut the door, undid her pants, and sat down.

ssss—

splash—

She stood up feeling refreshed, cheeks flushed and breathing a little fast.

The overwhelming rush of information and emotion left her dazed.

It felt as if fate itself were paving the way for her to show off.

Honestly, Aunt Ouyang really is wonderful!

Love her!

(-3)

......

Back in the office.

Lin Muxue glanced at her diamond-set Vacheron Constantin and saw there were still thirty minutes until leaving time.

But her mind had clearly checked out.

All she could think about was the impending highlight of her triumphant homecoming.

She decisively shut down her computer, picked up her black-and-gold Birkin bag, clicked her heels, and sashayed out of the office.

Soon the matte-gray Porsche 911 merged into the evening rush.

She didn't go home straightaway; instead she steered toward a quieter outer ring road.

Outside the car window, the neon skyline blurred and sped by.

The stereo played a favorite English R& B track—smooth, sexy, and languid—matching her slightly restless mood perfectly.

The car sped on and eventually turned into a dimly lit, shabby neighborhood.

It stopped in front of a bustling open-air barbecue stall.

The winter night wind cut sharper than downtown.

The middle-aged stall owner, sweating under her thick worn coat, tended the blazing coals, flipping sizzling skewers without stopping.

Beside her, Vivi wore an ill-fitting winter jacket, cheeks red from the cold, helping her mother hand over condiments and pack boxes.

Lin Muxue opened the car door.

A rush of charcoal smoke, cumin, and grilled meat filled her nose.

"Boss, business is good, huh?"

"Ah! Muxue! You're here again!" The woman grilling looked up and her plain face lit into a sincere, surprised grin.

"Miss Muxue." Vivi also looked up and greeted her sweetly, eyes shining.

"I want your skewers. Thirty lamb, twenty beef..."

Standing in front of the stall, warming her hands by the coals, Lin Muxue spoke in their hometown dialect, chatting about the weather.

She asked after their business and Vivi’s school performance—an atmosphere of warmth and harmony.

After a while.

"Ready! Girl, take these!"

The stall owner deftly handed over two plastic bags of steaming skewers.

"How much?" Lin Muxue reached for her phone to scan and pay.

The owner hurried forward, blocking the payment code and waved her hands: "No way we can take money from you! Last time you gave me a thousand—look how many skewers that bought! Muxue, if you want to eat in the future, just come by and grab it. We can’t accept money!"

"Yeah, Miss Muxue, my mom says from now on it’s on the house!"

Vivi nodded vigorously, her eyes honest and clear.

Lin Muxue hesitated a moment, put away her phone, and smiled: "Alright, I won’t be formal then."

"That's the right attitude!" The owner’s face relaxed into a hearty smile.

Lin Muxue didn’t leave immediately. She opened the passenger door and pulled out a limited-edition co-branded teddy bear.

She placed it on the little wooden crate beside Vivi.

"Vivi, this is for you. Bye-bye~"

Without giving them a chance to refuse, she got back into the Porsche, started the engine, and drove off.

In the rearview mirror, Vivi cradled the delicate toy and watched the car as it pulled away.

beep beep beep—

Lin Muxue tapped the horn pleasantly, her face bright with a dazzling smile.

Close to 7 p.m.

Yanjing Huating, Building 6.

Carrying the two bags of barbecue, she rode the elevator up to 501 and entered the apartment by code.

beep—

The door opened and a warm scent of high-end fragrance mixed with lived-in home comfort greeted her.

She changed into slippers and stepped into the living room to find the beauty therapist already waiting with an arranged fruit platter.

Zhao Yaqian wore a cream plaid Burberry slip dress that clung to her vibrant figure.

Her long wine-red hair fell over her white shoulders, lips full and enticing, eyes bright.

Her long, shapely legs glowed with lethal sexiness under the warm lights.

"Muxue! You're here! I'm starving!" Zhao Yaqian flung herself forward, took the two bags, eyes glittering. "Wow! So much delicious food! And my favorite roasted yam skin!"

She hugged Lin Muxue affectionately and planted a loud kiss on her cheek.

"Slow down, you giant. Don't knock me to pieces." Lin Muxue pretended to scold but couldn’t hide her smile.

They hurriedly spread the skewers, fruit platter, and chilled drinks all over the coffee table.

They turned on the wall-mounted TV to the hottest comedy show.

"Huh? Where's Tingzi? It's Thursday—she's not supposed to stream tonight. Is she not back yet?"

Zhao Yaqian paused mid-tear of yam skin and lowered her voice: "Tingzi went to see the new place with Brother Song and President Gao... she'll be back late."

"Yunding Mansion?"

"Mm."

They exchanged a look and dropped the subject.

"We'll eat slowly and wait for Tingzi to come back."

"Yeah, sounds good."

After over half an hour, the smart lock clicked open again.

He Li Ting, stylish coat and immaculate makeup, came in.

Seeing the food on the table she cheered and dropped her bag, joining them immediately.

Night deepened and the wind outside howled.

The three women huddled in the warm room, sipping cola and eating barbecue.

They shared work and life stories, complained about weird people, and gossiped about the latest entertainment news.

The living room buzzed with chattering laughter.

......

Around 9 p.m.

He Li Ting went to the study to prepare her livestream script for tomorrow.

Lin Muxue lounged lazily on Zhao Yaqian’s soft, large bed and began telling her about going back home for the engagement party that weekend.

The conversation slid to Tang Song and the ambiguous things between them.

Lin Muxue lowered her voice conspiratorially: "By the way, Qianqian, you've met Xiao Jing too. What do you think of her?"

"Very easy to get along with. Pretty, sweet-talking—much better than I imagined."

"Hmph, she’s not as innocent as she looks!" Lin Muxue bit her lip and began to embellish with knowing warnings about Xiao Jing’s perverse side.

Zhao Yaqian listened, eyes wide and blinking, unable to imagine the demure white-rich-beauty acting that way in private.

When Lin Muxue finished, she extended a slender forefinger and lightly tapped Zhao Yaqian’s full red lips.

With lively intent she said, "If Tang Song ever ropes you into some weird games, remember to use that flexible tongue of yours and teach that little pervert a lesson."

"Ah?!" Zhao Yaqian blushed crimson. "What are you talking about?! How would I teach her that?"

"Your tongue’s so flexible." Lin Muxue leaned close and murmured instructions in her ear.

The soon-to-return Empress Muxue was jittery with excitement and the topic turned dirtier and more indecent by the minute.

The nineteen-year-old beautician, young and hot-blooded, couldn't resist the fake socialite’s trash talk.

They laughed and rolled on the soft bed in a tangle.

After a while.

Zhao Yaqian suddenly sat upright and said, "Muxue."

"Yes? What's up?"

"Let's drive to Yunding Mansion now?"

"Huh?!" Lin Muxue froze. "Why? To find Tang Song? But he's probably with Gao Mengting feeling out the new house. They'll probably stay there tonight."

Zhao Yaqian winked playfully, excitement bubbling: "No worries. My Mercedes G has loads of space. We'll call Brother Song down and just chat in the car."

"Isn't that... a bit odd?"

"Come on, what's odd about it? Aren't you supposed to report work to Brother Song?"

"Well... yes..."

"And that settles it! Let's go!"

The beautician sprang out of bed, pulled the hesitant Muxue to quickly change clothes, and they slipped downstairs.

The black Mercedes G63 cruised smoothly through the night.

He Li Ting, who'd had her license for only six months, was now a competent driver—handling the large vehicle with ease.

The two friends exchanged glances and whispered, nervous and excited.

Soon the car arrived at Yunding Mansion.

Because the complex was newly finished and positioned extremely high-end, few residents had moved in.

The night was heavy; the neighborhood was so quiet you could hear wind through the treetops.

Few pedestrians, few cars.

Lin Muxue took out her phone and dialed Tang Song.

"Hello? President Tang, sorry to bother you so late. There’s an urgent work matter I need to report to you in person."

"Mm, it's urgent. I'm right outside the south gate of Yunding Mansion."

"Okay, I'll wait."

They hung up.

Zhao Yaqian parked in a more concealed commercial parking spot.

A few minutes later Tang Song’s tall figure walked out from the gate lights.

He looked like he'd just showered; his hair was still slightly damp.

They made eye contact; standing outside the car, Lin Muxue smiled and waved, sliding into the rear seat of the G.

Tang Song quickened his pace, opened the door, and the scent of cologne and warm skin hit them.

In the dim, private car interior, the shivering "Qianxue CP" held each other tight.

One wore a sexy, tailored professional suit—cool and fierce.

The other a strappy dress exposing youthful curves and wineglass legs.

Warm, fragrant, intimate—deep friendship dis