Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 716: Hypocrisy, Rationality, Cowardice, and High-Profile

Hearing these words, the frenzied expression on Su Yu's face instantly froze solid.

She seemed completely unprepared for such a response, her beautiful amber eyes filled with utter disbelief.

"Sister Xianyue... what did you just say?"

Her voice trembled lightly, brimming with shock, as if unable to believe what she had heard.

An acting performance worthy of an award-winning actress.

Instantly, she perfectly portrayed the image of a woman desperately grasping at her last straw in despair.

Being stared at by those complex, blazing eyes, even Ouyang Xianyue couldn't help but feel her face flush and heart race.

But her top-tier composure and experience kept her outwardly calm and collected.

Fighting over a man's affections...

Since her husband passed away and she began managing that enterprise, her life had been tightly bound by words like "responsibility," "the bigger picture," and "dignity."

She had grown accustomed to strategizing from high positions, accustomed to measuring everything with rationality rather than following emotional impulses.

But after all, she was still a woman.

That night in Rongcheng, the kiss Tang Song left on her cheek still sent ripples through the lake of her heart even now.

That palpitation was real, but layers of identity constraints and worldly concerns forced her to maintain impeccable reserve.

And Su Yu's current near-self-destructive determination undoubtedly provided her with the perfect excuse.

Yes, I was forced into this.

Jin Meixiao embodied international capital, with an extremely strong desire for control.

Su Yu was an extreme believer in emotions—impulsive, crazy, and reckless of consequences.

Whichever of these two forces ultimately gained the upper hand would spell disaster for both Tang Song and the hard-won stable situation.

She had to step forward, using her power and her dignity to stabilize this core.

Thinking this, a feeling of awkwardness, shyness, yet also relief quietly welled up in her heart.

Ouyang Xianyue released Su Yu's hand, picked up her half-glass of red wine, and drank it all in one go.

The spicy liquid slid down her throat, like lighting a fire, causing a blush with a mature charm to spread across her cheeks.

"I said, I can help you... fight for him. But you must understand, competing with Jin Meixiao for affections isn't just a matter of emotions; it affects the stability of the entire situation and involves countless risks behind the scenes."

Su Yu stared intently at her, seemingly unable to heed any rational advice now: "I don't want to think about that right now. I just ask you one thing, Sister Xianyue, are you sure you want to step in and help me?"

Her voice carried a desperate, all-or-nothing tone.

"I..." Ouyang Xianyue met her aggressive gaze, paused for a moment, and finally slowly uttered two words: "I'm sure."

Their eyes remained locked for a moment.

The frenzied and desperate expression on Su Yu's face slowly faded, replaced by a complex, knowing smile.

Ouyang Xianyue's heart suddenly tightened, followed by an indescribable feeling of embarrassment and shame.

She was acting!

This award-winning actress had seen right through her deeply hidden feelings from the very beginning.

She had laid out an irresistible excuse for her, a script that allowed her to "gracefully step down" under the guise of "considering the overall situation."

Yet, even though both parties understood the truth now, this play had to continue.

Exposing it would only leave both sides unable to save face.

Ouyang Xianyue straightened her skirt, her face regaining its usual calm and nobility.

She elegantly changed the subject: "Xiao Yu, why do you think Jin Meixiao is targeting you so specifically?"

A sharp curve lifted the corner of Su Yu's lips, "Because I'm the one who made her taste what it's like to lose Tang Song."

She said this lightly, but it sent a subtle ripple through Ouyang Xianyue's heart.

She had indeed achieved that once.

During that period, Tang Song had poured almost all his energy into [Tang Entertainment] and his "star development plan."

He wrote songs for her, scripts for her, canceled all unnecessary business engagements for her...

He personally lifted her from the mud and shaped her into a radiant, unique work of art.

This preferential treatment, poured into her with such effort, was both an immense honor and a fatal original sin.

"Not just that." Ouyang Xianyue sighed softly, "Your biggest threat isn't that you gained his love, but that you possess emotions that cannot be controlled."

"Jin Meixiao is a woman with an extremely strong desire for control. She has some degree of surveillance over all those... lovers around Tang Song. From security at their residences to the people around them, it's pervasive. While this is to prevent them from betraying Tang Song, it's undoubtedly excessive."

She paused, then voiced her deepest concern:

"What I fear most is that this desire for control will eventually extend to Tang Song himself."

Su Yu lowered her eyes slightly and let out a cold laugh.

She seemed to find something amusing, raised her glass, and swirled it slowly, "Hmm, I know. There have always been her people around me; I just couldn't be bothered to expose them. Occasionally, I can even use this opportunity to scare her a bit, which is quite fun. You don't know, right after Tang Song left me last time. Every time I privately joked about filming intimate scenes with some male celebrity or creating dating rumors. Within two days, her call would come. Ridiculous, she doesn't trust me, but do I trust her?"

Ouyang Xianyue's gaze flickered, and she nodded slightly.

Actually, this was the fundamental contradiction between them.

Jin Meixiao believed she represented Tang Song's absolute will and maintained an almost paranoid vigilance against anyone who might shake his position or reputation.

But from Ouyang Xianyue's perspective, Jin Meixiao herself was also an unpredictable variable.

Her parents resided overseas year-round, she had close ties with the Kate family who controlled international public opinion, and she secretly cultivated countless lobbyists and think tanks serving Wall Street's interests.

The vast, mysterious, and intricate offshore financial network she controlled was itself a beast difficult to fully tame.

A sword can harm others, but it can also harm oneself.

When this sword becomes too sharp, even beyond control, another force is needed to balance it.

This is the art of maintaining balance through struggle, the strategy of emperors.

It was also the unspoken understanding between her and Tang Song.

In the past, she chose to support Su Yu precisely for this reason.

Only now, she had developed personal motives, wanting to use this as an excuse to claim a part of his emotions for herself.

Clearly, this female star had long seen through her thoughts.

She was even trying to drag her into this chess game as a pawn against Jin Meixiao.

Ouyang Xianyue looked at the stunningly beautiful yet cold and alluring female star before her and said, "Xiao Yu, I can set aside my dignity and step into the forefront, but you need to do one thing for me."

Su Yu chuckled lightly, "Of course, no problem."

The night grew deeper.

Inside the black Toyota Alphard, it was completely silent.

Ouyang Xianyue leaned back in her seat, eyes closed in contemplation, sitting as elegantly as a sculpture.

After a while.

She opened her eyes, her gaze now completely clear.

"Give me my phone."

Secretary Chen immediately handed the phone from the front seat.

Ouyang Xianyue unlocked the screen, tapped lightly with her fingertip, and opened Weibo.

As expected, the hot searches were completely explosive.

#Su Yu Announces Suspension of All Commercial Activities# (Explosive)

#Su Yu Studio Announcement# (Hot)

#Su Yu Hints at Enduring "External Pressure"# (Boiling)

#Su Yu x Ms. Ouyang# (New)

It all stemmed from the Weibo post Su Yu published half an hour ago:

["Creation is a process of burning one's soul, and my flame seems to be flickering in the cold wind. I need some time to protect this faint light. Fortunately, I have my confidante accompanying me, and I also thank Ms. Ouyang for her comfort."]

Below was attached a photo of her and Ouyang Xianyue on the hotel suite balcony. Although the lighting was hazy, their silhouettes were clearly recognizable.

Subsequently, the [Tang Entertainment] studio cooperatively released an announcement stating they would temporarily suspend all of Su Yu's commercial activities, film promotions, and public appearances.

As a currently super popular megastar, Su Yu's influence domestically was unmatched.

Coupled with the involvement of Ouyang Xianyue, a top-tier entrepreneur's name, it instantly caused an uproar across the entire internet.

Fan panic, media frenzy, public speculation...

Directly leading to an explosion of public opinion.

Ouyang Xianyue watched the rapidly scrolling comments and various marketing accounts' interpretations on the screen, her eyes flickering.

She exited Weibo and directly dialed a number.

"Hello? Qiudong."

Zheng Qiudong's steady voice came from the other end: "Ms. Ouyang, good evening. You... finished your busy schedule?"

"Hmm, I just left Su Yu's place."

"Miss Su Yu..." Zheng Qiudong paused, clearly having already noticed the online activity, "Did you see her hot search?"

"Hmm, saw it." Ouyang Xianyue pondered slightly, her tone carrying a hint of weariness, "Her emotions spiraled out of control again; we just had a big argument."

"You argued?" Zheng Qiudong's voice immediately turned serious, "What happened to her?"

"She wanted to expose everything to force Tang Song to compromise. She even wanted to confront Director Jin head-on and make a huge scene." Ouyang Xianyue presented the pre-prepared script, explaining Su Yu's plan.

"What?!" Zheng Qiudong's voice suddenly rose, "Then... this is troublesome. Is there anything I need to do?"

"Not for now." Ouyang Xianyue fell silent for a few seconds, as if weighing and struggling, finally using a tone almost self-mocking with helplessness: "We said some harsh, threatening things in the heat of the argument. I ended up bluntly saying that a man like Tang Song—not just Jin Meixiao, but even I love him—and I would never allow her to do such foolish things. Then she latched onto that point... We talked a lot, I compromised a lot, and finally managed to calm her down. Qiudong, you should understand... the current situation with Tang Jin. Some decisions, I was forced to make."

Over the receiver, Zheng Qiudong let out a very soft, sharp intake of breath, "Hmm, I understand, Ms. Ouyang."

As if unaware of his shock, Ouyang Xianyue's eyes flickered, and she changed the subject:

"I'll handle calming Su Yu. There's another important matter. I've studied the proposal Dejurenhe submitted earlier about providing a 'Global Investment Promotion, Talent Attraction, and City Brand Strategy' package for several core new districts. I held it back before because I felt the timing wasn't right and was worried it might attract unnecessary public attention."

She paused, then said slowly:

"But now, I think perhaps we can put this on the agenda. Prepare on your end; I'll arrange for relevant personnel to connect with you. I will personally push this matter forward."

After a brief silence, Zheng Qiudong immediately understood the heavy significance behind these words.

"Okay, Ms. Ouyang... Thank you for your support."

"We're all on the same side; no need for such formality." Ouyang Xianyue gently tapped her knee, "Let's leave it at that for now."

"Goodbye."

After hanging up, the car interior returned to silence.

Ouyang Xianyue casually placed the phone aside, her gaze returning to the flowing night outside the window.

Her slender fingertips unconsciously brushed against the cold window glass.

In the reflection cast by the light and shadows, the corner of her lips curved into a self-mocking arc.

Sure enough, Jin Meixiao wasn't wrong.

I really am a hypocritical woman.

But so what?

...

Imperial Capital, No. 8 Xiaoyun Road.

The lighting was soft, the air filled with the faint scent of pine wood incense.

Secretary Jin wore a loose white silk loungewear set, her brown long hair casually pinned up with a shark clip, revealing a smooth forehead and a long, swan-like neck.

A pair of delicate glasses rested on her nose bridge, adding a touch of lazy scholarly charm to her exquisitely beautiful face.

She sat cross-legged barefoot on the soft sofa, quietly flipping through a German original copy of "The Interpretation of Dreams."

Shangguan Qiuyas stood by the small table beside her, reporting softly:

"...Ms. Ouyang arrived at the hotel at 7:15 PM and met with Miss Su Yu. She left at 9:28 PM. During this time, they had dinner together and drank a bottle of 2011 Château Margaux. According to information provided by the hotel, only the two of them were in the room throughout the meeting."

"Regarding the public sentiment on Weibo, President Mo has given feedback, saying that Su Yu's mental state has issues and they will handle it promptly. Ms. Ouyang has already provided comfort."

Secretary Jin's fingertips lightly traced the page, seemingly not paying much mind to this expected information.

The report had just ended.

"Buzz—"

Shangguan Qiuyas's personal phone vibrated.

She glanced at the caller ID, her expression tightening slightly, and said in a low voice, "It's Chairman Zheng from Dejurenhe."

"Answer it." Secretary Jin's gaze remained fixed on the page, her tone indifferent.

Shangguan Qiuyas answered the phone, her voice very low: "Hello? Chairman Zheng."

"..."

"Hmm, it's convenient. I'm currently with Director Jin. Please go ahead."

"......"

"Huh?... What... Okay... Hmm... I understand."

After hanging up, an extremely strange and grave expression appeared on Shangguan Qiuyas's face.

"What is it?" Secretary Jin looked up, her calm gaze falling on Shangguan Qiuyas's face from behind her glasses.

Shangguan Qiuyas took a deep breath, carefully choosing her words, and reported in a low voice: "According to Chairman Zheng, when Ms. Ouyang met with Miss Su Yu tonight, they had a fierce argument. Miss Su Yu's emotions spiraled out of control; she wanted to publicly release clips of President Tang's cameo in the movie, even including the proposal scene, to officially announce their relationship. Ms. Ouyang stopped this."

Hearing the word "proposal," Secretary Jin's finger, which was turning the page, paused slightly.

A cold glint flashed in her eyes behind the glasses.

Shangguan Qiuyas pursed her lips, her voice becoming even more cautious: "However, according to Chairman Zheng, during the argument, to calm the out-of-control Su Yu and prevent her from taking more extreme actions... Ms. Ouyang... personally admitted her own private feelings for President Tang."

"Snap."

The German original "The Interpretation of Dreams" was forcefully closed, emitting a crisp yet dull sound.

The air instantly froze.

"Heh, Ouyang Xianyue." Secretary Jin murmured this name softly, slowly standing up.

Shangguan Qiuyas immediately held her breath and lowered her head, not daring to make a sound.

Thanks to the unique nature of Dejurenhe's business, Zheng Qiudong maintained good relationships with all core figures within the "Tang Jin" system.

The only reason he could learn such private details so quickly was—

Ms. Ouyang was deliberately sending signals externally.

Whether this was good or bad for Director Jin was truly difficult to judge.

The benefit was that Director Jin's biggest hidden worry had always been Ms. Ouyang, this "widow" holding substantial industrial power. If she were to marry into another family in the future, her husband and children might use the opportunity to encroach on the power of the "Tang Jin" family office.

Now that Ouyang Xianyue's target was President Tang, this major external risk was completely eliminated.

The downside, however, was even more fatal.

The nature was completely different now.

This was no longer a lovers' quarrel over affections; it was a clash of ideologies strong enough to shake the entire power structure.

It was a premeditated "declaration of war."

The air was terrifyingly silent; Shangguan Qiuyas could even hear her own heartbeat.

After an unknown length of time, Secretary Jin slowly turned around.

Her exquisitely beautiful face showed no anger, no disappointment,

Only an enigmatic, elusive smile.

"Shangguan."

"Here."

"Have Qin Yingxue contact Ouyang."

Jin Meixiao sat back down on the sofa, elegantly crossing her legs.

"Say that the 7% equity in [Qingning Technology] held under my personal name is prepared for a change."

"I plan to transfer all this equity into a newly established trust fund. The sole beneficiary of this fund is Liu Qingning."

She lifted her eyes, looking out at the deep night, her voice devoid of emotion: "Consider it a trivial compensation for what we owed her back then."

"...Understood."

Shangguan Qiuyas's pupils contracted slightly, instantly understanding Director Jin's intention.

This was fundamentally not "compensation"; it was an unavoidable, open scheme.

It was well known that Liu Qingning had always been a special existence.

Back then, almost everyone, including Su Yu, had, to varying degrees, emotionally deceived and taken advantage of this true "Bai Yueguang" of President Tang.

Now that Ms. Ouyang had personally entered the fray, admitting her feelings for President Tang,

It was equivalent to admitting that she, too, owed Liu Qingning something.

Since there was a debt, and Director Jin was taking the lead in "compensating," then they (Ouyang Xianyue, Su Yu) would also have to make some gesture.

Otherwise, if everything were exposed later, Liu Qingning would certainly have her own thoughts.

The main institutional shareholders of [Qingning Technology] were [Tang Yi Precision], Smile Holdings, and the Tang Jin family office, while Director Jin, Ms. Ou