Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 712: Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Kidnapping

8:40 a.m.

Shen City, Qianhai Free Trade Zone.

The winter morning sunlight over the bay was strikingly clear, bathing the futuristic cluster of buildings in a crisp glow.

Outside the Future Convention Center at the core of the Innovation Center, the plaza was buzzing with activity, alive with noise.

Finance reporters and tech bloggers from around the world, brandishing all sorts of cameras and equipment, stood ready.

At the plaza’s center, a gigantic LED spherical screen looped the visually striking promotional clip for the “Next-Generation Smart Hardware Ecosystem Summit.”

The dazzling light-and-shadow effects drew many to stop and watch.

On both sides of the road stood rows of sci-fi-style holographic exhibition boards.

They displayed concept images of Xuanji Optical World’s first-generation AR smart glasses and grand visions for a future “spatial computing” ecosystem.

Several black luxury business cars, under security escort, slowly pulled into the VIP drop-off area laid with a red carpet.

“Ta-da—ta-da—”

Doors opened one by one.

Ren Mingyuan, carrying a briefcase, was the last to step out.

He straightened his sharp suit and tie, looked up at the surrounding modern, artfully designed edifices, and felt an indescribable awe well up inside.

This was the renowned Tang Yi Precision Innovation Base.

A sanctuary where many top tech companies, either personally incubated by Tang Yi Precision or strategically invested in by it, had gathered.

From Optical Projection Technology, developing next-generation LiDAR, to Chuangqing Semiconductor focusing on consumer chips, and now the highly anticipated Xuanji Optical World...

Each name here represented the industry’s cutting edge.

As someone who had fought his way through the tech industry for years, being personally present at such a summit—one that gathered top global minds and resources—filled him with excitement.

The group converged at the end of the red carpet.

Led by Chairman Wang Lean, they followed the VIP channel toward the strictly screened C2 entrance.

No sooner had Wang Lean and his party appeared than familiar entrepreneurs who had chosen the same arrival time came forward with smiles to greet them warmly.

“Chairman Wang! Long time no see! You look even healthier!”

“Haha, President Li, you too!” Wang Lean laughed heartily and shook hands robustly. “The last time we met was at that semiconductor industry forum in Spring City, wasn’t it? Hard to believe it’s been nearly half a year.”

He patted his handsome, upright son Wang Yubo’s shoulder and introduced, “Yubo, this is Li Xiangdong, from noted storage chip company Huaxin. Mr. Li.”

Wang Yubo immediately stepped forward and bowed slightly. “President Li, hello. I’m Wang Yubo of the Intelligent Manufacturing Division at Yuanjian Shares. I’ve long admired your reputation.”

“Yubo, huh? I’ve heard Chairman Wang mention you a few times. Like father, like son—young, promising, and refined!”

“You flatter me, President Li. I still have much to learn from you and other seniors.”

Amidst the greetings and clustering of people, Wang Lean guided his son inward with laughter and ease, passing through C2 guest security into the grand, futuristic interior of the hall.

Signing in, collecting guest passes, taking group photos in front of the summit backdrop...

Lights flashed and reporters’ questions rose and fell in waves.

“Chairman Wang, is your company bringing any new project collaborations to this summit?”

“How do you view the future prospects of AR smart hardware?”

“The AR industry sits at a golden inflection point before explosion; Xuanji Optical World is undeniably the core variable to watch. Yuanjian Shares has deep strengths in precision manufacturing and supply chain management—we sincerely hope to participate in building Xuanji Optical World’s future ecosystem and contribute our share.”

In the bright, spacious main hall, people thronged.

Techy exhibit booths filled the perimeter, showcasing Tang Yi Precision and its ecosystem partners’ latest products—

From industrial mother machines with nanometer-level machining precision, to surgical robotic arms capable of high-precision sterile operations, to flexible screens that can be arbitrarily bent and folded...

Each exhibit represented the industry’s forefront and drew guests to stop, whisper, and inspect.

Industry heavyweights, top investors, media reporters, and energetic entrepreneurs interwove into a lively, high-end tableau.

Wang Yubo stayed close to Chairman Wang throughout, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with partners and his father’s network.

His face maintained a steady, appropriate smile—handling himself with composure.

He played the role of the exemplary heir perfectly.

Trailing at the rear, Ren Mingyuan appeared somewhat reserved.

He chimed in occasionally but mostly remained silent.

His qualification to enter via the VIP channel with a tycoon like Wang Lean owed entirely to Wang Yubo.

When Win-Win Technology did its Series A, the first point of contact had been Yuanjian Shares’ strategic investment department.

What attracted them was Yuanjian’s leading position as a smart manufacturing equipment supplier that could bring upstream supply chain resources.

Wang Lean also favored the future prospects of smart home—so he decisively allowed his son, who sought to prove himself, to lead this investment in his own name.

This was one of the few personal investments Wang Yubo could use to boast externally.

This time, whether Win-Win Technology could secure official ecosystem cooperation with Xuanji Optical World would depend entirely on Yuanjian’s coordination, introductions, and endorsements.

In return, at the post-summit cocktail reception, he would need to play the role of praising and endorsing Wang Yubo’s wise decision in that investment.

If the deal failed...

The valuation adjustment agreement signed with Series B investors might trigger repurchase clauses.

Then those founders who had signed personal joint-liability guarantees would pay a painful price.

He couldn’t afford to lose.

Thinking of this, Ren Mingyuan’s heart quickened.

At that moment, a mild commotion arose not far off.

From the murmurs around him came keywords like “Xuanji Optical World” and “Ecosystem Strategy Department.”

Zhao Qihang, Yuanjian Shares’ strategic vice president, who had been watching the surroundings, immediately stepped forward to Wang Lean and whispered, “Chairman Wang, Yubo, Xuanji Optical World’s team has arrived.”

Wang Lean’s gaze sharpened as he looked in the direction of the C2 corridor.

Out came a group of professionally dressed people—men and women with commanding presences, looking every bit like industry elites.

Their leader was an Asian man in his forties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, composed and efficient in bearing.

“Vice President Zhao, who is that...?” Wang Yubo asked softly.

Zhao Qihang explained, “Leading them is the newly established Ecosystem Strategy Department’s director, Michael Chen, an American of Chinese descent. He was formerly head of strategic partnerships for Google Greater China and just got poached by Tang Yi Precision last month. The people beside him should be staff from the Ecosystem Strategy Department.”

As strategic vice president, Zhao had already researched all key players before the summit.

Hearing that, Wang Yubo and Ren Mingyuan’s spirits rose instantly.

Especially Ren—his breaths grew rapid.

The Ecosystem Strategy Department was undoubtedly the team handling software ecosystem cooperation.

They were the key target Ren most wanted to reach on this trip.

He eyed the group that drew so much attention, eager and ready to pounce.

Yet he knew that with his identity, barging over recklessly at such an occasion would likely get him no more than a few words, let alone a meaningful connection.

His gaze involuntarily flicked to Wang Yubo.

Wang Yubo immediately caught on and whispered, “Chairman Wang, it’s a rare opportunity. How about Yubo and Mingyuan go over to meet Director Chen?”

Wang Lean considered briefly, his eyes lingering on Michael Chen for a few seconds.

Finally he nodded slowly. “All right. Let’s go greet them.”

Although Yuanjian Shares’ primary objective here was hardware supply chain cooperation, software and hardware ecosystems would inevitably be deeply integrated—so establishing early contact with this department made sense.

He also understood that sending only his son might lack weight and, given youthful impetuosity, risk offending people.

Relieved, Wang Yubo and Ren Mingyuan followed behind Wang Lean and Zhao Qihang, waiting patiently until the cluster around Michael Chen dispersed, then hurried forward.

“Director Chen, hello.” Zhao stepped up first with an appropriate blend of warmth and respect, extending his hand. “I’m Zhao Qihang from Yuanjian Shares. We met once at an industry party in Silicon Valley—not sure if you remember. This is our chairman, Mr. Wang Lean.”

“Hello, Chairman Wang, Vice President Zhao. Nice to meet you.” Michael’s Chinese was fluent with a standard business accent as he shook hands. “I’ve seen your company’s data—Yuanjian’s strength in precision manufacturing is impressive.”

“Director Chen, you flatter us.” Wang Lean exchanged a few polite words about summit arrangements and then motioned to the two behind him.

Wang Yubo stepped forward smoothly to introduce himself.

Ren Mingyuan followed, respectfully offering his business card and bowing slightly, his tone full of deference.

A female staff member behind Michael, upon hearing their names, let her gaze flicker almost imperceptibly.

She then looked down and tapped out a message on her phone.

Ren Mingyuan seized the moment to succinctly highlight Win-Win Technology’s smart home layout, technological accumulation, and the vast potential of cooperating with Xuanji Optical World’s ecosystem.

Michael listened patiently, nodding sometimes, polite yet maintaining a professional distance—revealing no overt interest or commitment.

Wang Yubo chimed in, trying to stress the industry synergies from Yuanjian’s vantage.

Wang Lean watched his son’s performance without interfering, listening quietly with a deep look in his eyes.

Two minutes later, the mood grew slightly awkward.

During their conversation, the young female staffer behind Michael suddenly stepped forward and gently said, “Director Chen, President Shen has arrived at the venue.”

“Okay.” Michael’s expression turned solemn. He smiled apologetically at Wang Lean and the others. “Sorry, Chairman Wang, Vice President Zhao. Our leader has arrived—we need to go greet her and brief her.”

“Oh?” Wang Lean’s eyes flashed as he calmly inquired, “May I ask which high executive of Xuanji Optical World has arrived?”

Michael smiled. “It’s our newly appointed Chief Ecosystem Officer, President Shen—she is the direct superior of the Ecosystem Strategy Department.”

At the mention of “Chief Ecosystem Officer,” Wang Lean, Wang Yubo, and Ren Mingyuan’s expressions shifted subtly.

The Chief Ecosystem Officer, in a modern tech firm’s structure, is usually a core senior executive—an SVP-level figure who can report directly to the CEO and interact with the board.

Especially at an ecology-themed summit today, Xuanji Optical World’s Chief Ecosystem Officer would wield significant influence and decision-making power.

For supplier and application-side companies eager to enter Xuanji’s ecosystem, “President Shen” held substantial initial screening and recommendation authority.

Ren Mingyuan’s heart leaped to his throat; his breathing tightened with nervous anticipation.

The summit would last three days, and real negotiation chances often came at closed-door meetings on the third day or by invitation.

If he could meet Xuanji’s Chief Ecosystem Officer early, even just to introduce Win-Win Technology and hand over materials, it would secure a huge advantage.

Opportunity—right there before him!

Wang Yubo inhaled and said, “Director Chen, would it be possible for you to introduce us so we can meet President Shen?”

Michael raised an eyebrow, about to decline.

The female staffer beside him suddenly smiled and spoke up, “This is also my first time meeting President Shen in person. I might not be very familiar. How about I lead you over? I’m Zhou Li from Xuanji Optical World’s Administrative Office, and I happen to be responsible for President Shen’s reception at this summit.”

“Oh? That would be wonderful! Then thank you, Ms. Zhou!”

Wang Yubo was ecstatic and flashed what he believed was a charming smile at the helpful young employee.

He felt certain that his looks and status as Yuanjian’s heir had won her favor.

Ren Mingyuan clenched his fist excitedly, his face brimming with eager expectation as he looked at Zhou Li.

With Zhou Li volunteering to take charge, Michael Chen said nothing further and only nodded in acknowledgment.

The group followed Zhou Li through the throng toward the pre-conference mingling area near the main hall entrance.

They hadn’t yet drawn close before they saw an area already cordoned off and squeezed full, with reporters from top domestic financial media holding microphones and recorders.

“President Shen, could you share the technical thresholds and cooperation process Xuanji Optical World envisions for opening its ecosystem?”

“As the newly appointed Chief Ecosystem Officer, could you speak on your views of deep AI and AR hardware integration?”

Voices rose and flashes popped around.

Through gaps in the crowd, a graceful female figure appeared at the center, surrounded by people.

Ren Mingyuan’s steps faltered—somehow that silhouette felt oddly familiar.

But he didn’t dwell on it; after all, this moment was critical to his company’s survival and demanded full attention.

“Excuse me, could you make some room, please?”

Zhou Li politely announced, and using her staff status and practiced skill, she guided Wang Lean’s party through the dense crowd to the innermost core.

Up close, the once-flash glimpse of the silhouette clarified.

Wang Yubo and Ren Mingyuan looked at the now-familiar curves and both froze.

Just then, Zhou Li stepped forward to the woman’s side and bowed slightly. In an extremely respectful tone she reported, “President Shen, the colleagues from the Ecosystem Strategy Cooperation Department have arrived.”

The woman under the spotlight slowly turned.

Her tailored women’s suit paired with a crisp silk blouse, a modest yet exquisite diamond lapel pin at the collar, and a work badge marking her status hung from her chest.

Her glossy black hair was swept up, revealing a smooth forehead and a long, elegant neck.

Her fresh, flawless professional makeup highlighted bright eyes and an assured, composed expression with a perfectly measured smile.

Surrounded as if by celestial acclaim, she radiated a unique aura that blended allure with formidable authority.

When they saw her face clearly, Wang Yubo and Ren Mingyuan’s pupils constricted and their bodies froze, hardly daring to believe their eyes.

Shen Yuyan?! President Shen...

Xuanji Optical World’s Chief Ecosystem Officer?!

How could this be?!

Michael Chen stepped forward and bowed slightly, greeting with a tone mixing respect and testing: “President Shen, hello. I’m Michael Chen from the Ecosystem Strategy Department.”

“Hello, Michael. Pleasure to meet you.” Shen Yuyan smiled and inclined her head, speaking in a steady tone.

Several core Ecosystem Strategy Department staff behind Michael also stepped up and greeted her respectfully, “President Shen!”

Shen Yuyan returned each greeting with a smile, conducting small talk.

In her every gesture and movement, the poise of a core executive and an implicit authority shone through.

She truly belonged to the category of people born for grand stages.

The grander the occasion, the calmer she became.

At that moment, Zhou Li gently extended an arm and indicated the stunned Wang Yubo and the others. “President Shen, these are representatives from Yuanjian Shares. They hope for a chance to meet you.”

The quickest to react was Wang Lean. Though surprised at how young she looked, his face betrayed nothing. “Hello President Shen. I’m Wang Lean, chairman of Yuanjian Shares.”

“Hello, Chairman Wang. Nice to meet you.”

Zhao Qihang hurried forward, beaming, “President Shen, I’ve long heard of you—honored to meet you. I’m Zhao Qihang from Yuanjian Shares.”

After the pleasantries, Wang Lean glanced at the two men who had frozen behind him and barely registered a twitch of his brow.

What on earth happened? To slip up at such a critical moment!

Several partners and old friends nearby watched with raised eyebrows; Wang Yubo’s performance embarrassed him.

Shen Yuyan paused in conversation and let her gaze land lightly on the two shocked faces, a graceful arc forming at the corner of her mouth.

As she moved, dozens of other people turned to look.

Curious gazes, like spotlights, fell upon them.

The atmosphere instantly turned delicate.

The color drained visibly from Wang Yubo’s face.

Their eyes met across the space.

He saw the emotion in her eyes:

mockery. Contempt. And an unmasked condescending superiority.

It was the look of someone in power, heavy with hauteur and control.

Even at that “Investor Night” in Modu last time, he’d never felt such bone-deep humiliation.

He had to admit—this moment gave Shen Yuyan every right.

Ren Mingyuan’s throat tightened; his lips parted but no sound came out.

He had feared Shen Yuyan might retaliate before—most worried about Rongliu Capital’s power—but he never expected to meet her here today in this identity.

He glanced with difficulty at the still-smiling Zhou Li and realized, in an instant, that th