Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 772: Waiting for You to Wake Up

At the shadowy junction of the hallway and the living room.

Qiuqiu stood there, her body stiff, not daring to move a muscle.

Because of the jet lag and her excited mood, she had been tossing and turning in the guest bedroom, unable to fall asleep.

Later, she vaguely heard the sound of a glass bottle rolling in the living room.

She guessed Su Yu was still awake, so she thought she'd come out to get a glass of water, and maybe see if she needed someone to keep her company and talk, or just to say goodnight.

However, the moment she reached the hallway entrance, she was rooted to the spot by that soft singing.

An unaccompanied solo, with only the pattering Paris night rain outside the window as a chord.

It was the most moving live performance she had ever heard in her life.

As a ten-year veteran fan of Su Yu, Qiuqiu was familiar with all her albums, all her B-sides, even the unreleased demos.

The melody was simple yet melodious, the lyrics seemed to be telling a long story about waiting and youth.

"Years speak not, time paints into the picture."

Especially that last line.

Time never shouts its stories with words, but quietly etches all experiences, changes, and those untold tales into a thought-provoking scroll.

The "small northern town," that "boy on a bicycle," that summer carrying the "scent of cheap soap" hidden within this song...

They were so unfamiliar to Qiuqiu, who grew up in Rongcheng.

Yet, in that moment, they felt so concrete, so vivid.

It made Qiuqiu's eyes burn, as if through the song, she had personally witnessed a heart-wrenching youth.

The singing stopped.

Immediately after, came Su Yu's comforting words to "Qing Ning."

And then a series of heart-wrenching gulping sounds of drinking.

And then, Su Yu's nearly pleading whisper into the phone...

"Mm—"

Qiuqiu covered her mouth, her body trembling slightly in the shadows.

In her and Lingling's understanding, Su Yu was so lofty, so flawless and perfect.

Although she and Tang Song were secretly dating, their love must be an equal match, sweet and romantic, a beautiful fairy-tale union.

But the humility, helplessness, and shattered feeling in that tone just now...

Left Qiuqiu breathless with heartache, even as she was shocked.

A long, long time passed.

There was no more movement in the living room, only the monotonous sound of rain outside the window and Qiuqiu's own slightly rapid breathing.

She took a deep breath, wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye.

Summoning her courage, she peeked out from the shadows.

Under the dim light.

That enchanting figure was curled up on the spacious beige sofa.

She was asleep.

Seaweed-like long hair messily covered half her face, the wine bottle toppled beside her (fortunately, it was already empty).

That peerless superstar, who dominated red carpets in her memory.

Now looked so fragile.

So small, like an exquisite abandoned porcelain doll.

Qiuqiu tiptoed over.

Every step, as if afraid of startling her awake.

"Sister Yu...?"

She crouched by the sofa, tentatively calling out softly.

Su Yu didn't respond, her breathing long and heavy, clearly completely drunk and asleep.

But her brows were still slightly furrowed.

Qiuqiu sighed, bent down, and picked up the phone that had slipped to the floor.

Just as she was about to place it on the table.

"Ding dong—" a WeChat notification suddenly rang out, the phone screen lighting up.

[Qing Ning: "Thank you, Su Yu. Thank you. I wish you a perfect birthday celebration in Paris."]

Qiuqiu was startled, not daring to look more, just glanced at the line of text before quickly flipping the phone face down on the coffee table.

This was private.

It belonged to the most secret corner of Su Yu's heart, she absolutely must not pry.

Calming her heartbeat, Qiuqiu picked up the thick cashmere blanket from the nearby armchair.

And carefully draped it over Su Yu.

After doing all this, she didn't leave.

Instead, she simply sat cross-legged on the wool rug in front of the sofa.

Leaning against the sofa base, just a hand's breadth away from Su Yu's dangling hand.

She turned her head, and by the faint light of the floor lamp, stared dazedly at her sleeping idol.

From the age of thirteen, the name Su Yu had appeared in her life.

It was the sole faith and light that supported her through those gray years.

Especially during the most difficult, most desperate days after her grandmother passed away.

It was Su Yu's singing that accompanied her through night after night of tears.

It was Su Yu's rise to fame that taught her to be strong.

She collected all her albums, merchandise, posters.

She tried hard to imitate Su Yu's makeup, style, even learned to speak with her demeanor, trying to gain a sense of existence from it.

Because of their similar appearance, she had been ecstatic inside, as if she too had received a sliver of the divine radiance.

In her eyes, Su Yu was always radiant, an indestructible queen, a god who would never fall.

She never imagined, gods could also cry.

Gods could also get themselves drunk in the dead of night, humbly begging for someone's embrace.

She really wanted to protect her, help her, but didn't know how.

The night was deep.

The rain outside was still falling, the Parisian night seemed especially long.

Unconsciously, Qiuqiu fell asleep just like that.

Her right hand, at some point, had grasped Su Yu's hand.

......

London time, 23:00.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.

Outside the window was the tranquil Hyde Park immersed in night, in the distance the blurred outline of the London Eye.

Inside the century-old hotel suite.

Secretary Jin, dressed in comfortable loungewear, sat elegantly on the sofa.

A pair of gold-rimmed glasses rested on the bridge of her nose, and in her hand, she held a thick report titled "European Photovoltaic Market Access and Carbon Tariff Risk Analysis."

She wasn't reading the entire text, but was using a red pen to precisely and quickly circle several seemingly inconspicuous clauses.

Sitting at the small round table beside her was Lin Muxue, sitting ramrod straight, her back perfectly upright.

This newly promoted "private secretary" was like a primary school student kept after class, desperately trying to note down the business logic casually imparted by Director Jin.

They had departed from New York during the day and had just settled in London.

According to the time difference, it was only 7 PM in New York, the time when the brain is most active.

It was clear, this Director Jin truly intended to mentor her little sister Muxue.

Right at that moment.

"Knock knock—"

The heavy solid wood door of the suite was gently knocked.

Shangguan Qiuyas walked in, her steps efficient, her expression composed.

She glanced at Lin Muxue, who was buried in her notes, her steps pausing slightly, as if hesitating.

"It's fine." Secretary Jin didn't even look up, the red pen in her hand still moving across the paper, her tone flat. "No need to avoid her, speak directly."

Lin Muxue's heart gave a violent jolt, her fingers gripping the pen instantly tightening.

Shangguan Qiuyas nodded, no longer hesitating.

"Director Jin, President Tang's private jet is already en route to Paris, expected to arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport at 5:30 AM Paris time. Jiayi is personally accompanying him. All security and ground reception arrangements are in place."

"Assistant Shen has already begun the work of aligning the ecosystem integration between [Smile Holdings] and [Xuanji Optical World] as per your request. He is expected to return to Yancheng next Monday."

"In the Imperial Capital, Wen Ruan has been formally elected Chairman of [Nebula International]. Regarding her itinerary to Oxford for a visiting scholar program, the foundation has also made arrangements."

"Additionally, Miss Anne Kate will fly to Singapore with Miss Tian Jing tomorrow morning to begin familiarizing themselves with the family office structure and property assets there."

Hearing this, Lin Muxue beside her instinctively shrank her neck, feeling a chill run down her back.

Oh my dear mother...

Although she had mentally prepared herself, hearing it firsthand still felt a bit scary.

Director Jin really was monitoring their movements in real time!

Most crucially.

Lin Muxue knew all too well what President Tang was going to Paris for.

He was going to celebrate Su Yu's birthday!

He was going for a secret rendezvous with his lover!

She secretly glanced at Golden Misfortune's expression.

However, the face of this "rightful wife" showed no change whatsoever.

Not even the tip of her pen paused, she just calmly uttered an "Mmm."

"What about Liu Qingning?" Secretary Jin closed the file and removed her glasses.

Lin Muxue instantly pricked up her ears.

Liu Qingning.

She hadn't had direct contact with her, but she had heard of her.

Currently an executive at Qingning Technology, also the person in charge of Qingmi AI.

And of course, most importantly, she was Tang Song's high school girlfriend.

Shangguan Qiuyas lowered her head to glance at the data, her voice dropping a few degrees:

"After receiving that trust document, she shut herself in the study for an entire night. During that time, she didn't eat. According to smartwatch feedback, her heart rate data fluctuated significantly at times, indicating a state of extreme anxiety."

"However, just twenty minutes ago. According to the smart home hub feedback, the water flow sensor in the master bedroom bathroom activated. She started taking a shower."

"And, the housekeeper Auntie Mei has also started preparing breakfast."

"Mmm, good." A smile finally appeared at the corner of Secretary Jin's mouth.

She extended her slender fingers and lightly tapped the folder on her knee, seeming to be in a good mood.

After a moment of contemplation.

She said softly, "Tell Qin Yingxue and Professor Wang Chang. This weekend, no one is to disturb her. Whether it's work emails or private visits, intercept them all. Leave all the space to her alone."

"Understood." Shangguan Qiuyas nodded respectfully, a flicker of complex emotion passing through her eyes.

As a confidante, she understood all too well how grand a game her boss was playing.

All these years, whether it was Ouyang Xianyue, Su Yu, Zheng Qiudong, or Luo Bin.

The reason these top-tier intelligent people maintained restrained silence about President Tang's past, tacitly agreeing not to dig deep, not to touch upon it.

Was essentially due to Director Jin's intangible yet powerful suppression.

But now, as Tang Song formally enters the power core of the family office.

Everything must accelerate.

All the variables that were deliberately delayed will be pushed to the forefront.

Now, the biggest uncertainty and hidden danger on the emotional front is about to be eliminated.

Next, Director Jin will inevitably continue to advance.

Liu Qingning must "enter the game."

Because on Director Jin's chessboard, Liu Qingning is not only Tang Song's special emotional anchor, but also a sword to be used to counterbalance Ouyang Xianyue.

With the explosion of large models like ChatGPT and Lime, the global AI race is entering a white-hot stage.

The direction of the era's wind vane is already crystal clear.

The future is destined to belong to the era of artificial intelligence.

[Tang Yi Precision] controls hardware, chips, industrial manufacturing, and energy. This is the computing power and physical foundation.

[Smile Holdings] controls capital, global channels, and top-level design. This is the funding and order.

[Qingning Technology] and [Xuanji Optical World] control algorithms, models, spatial computing, and virtual reality. This is the intelligence and the interface to the future.

The convergence of these three forms a truly closed-loop ecosystem.

This isn't just a commercial monopoly. It's a strategic force capable of influencing industrial structures, participating in international competition, and even affecting the course of national destiny.

Only by completely controlling this closed loop.

Will Tang Jin be truly secure.

Will this system be truly unshakeable.

In fact, within the family office now, all the seemingly scattered layouts, games, and undercurrents.

Are essentially unfolding around this ultimate understanding.

And precisely because of this.

Director Jin has never trusted that seemingly elegant, yet hypocritical Ms. Ouyang.

In this ancient and complex land of Huaxia.

Ouyang represents bloodline continuity, represents political resources, capital networks, and hidden interest alliances spanning generations.

That is a vast, interconnected web where pulling one string moves the whole body.

Admittedly, the current Ms. Ouyang has shown near-flawless loyalty to President Tang.

Her attitude is restrained and thorough, knowing when to advance and retreat, even revealing an affection that transcends rationality.

That emotion is not false, at least for the present, it holds true.

But the problem has never been about the "present."

In the face of family interests, political winds, and the torrent of the times.

Can this sentiment withstand the test?

It's just that currently, based on Ms. Ouyang's displayed situation, it's impossible to estimate.

She doesn't have Su Yu's kind of infatuation, nor does she have Director Jin's kind of "sincerity."

By comparison.

Su Yu doesn't even count as a real threat.

It's more about emotional rivalry and jealousy.

For example, at this moment, Director Jin knows that after she left, President Tang rushed to Paris to accompany that actress for her birthday.

But she wouldn't get angry because of it, at most she'd feel a bit jealous.

In matters of emotion and career, Ms. Smile has always kept them separate.

This is vision, rationality, and the clarity of the strong.

......

Over the Atlantic, inside the Bombardier Global 7500 cabin.

Only a few ambient lights were on, creating a quiet, late-night atmosphere.

Tang Song slowly opened his eyes.

There was none of the grogginess or confusion of just waking up.

His gaze was clear and bright, carrying a sharp, energetic intensity.

[Male-God Halo (LV5)] was even more amazing than he imagined.

Especially the new effect, fragmented deep sleep.

Just two or three hours of high-quality sleep was enough to clear fatigue and bring his mental state to its peak.

Almost the moment he opened his eyes.

Liu Jiayi, who had been waiting nearby, reacted.

"President Tang." She leaned slightly to the side, her voice very low. "You're awake? Would you like something to drink?"

"No need." Tang Song waved his hand.

He sat up, threw off the cashmere blanket on him, stretched, his shoulder and back muscles flexing with the movement.

His gaze naturally fell on Liu Jiayi.

This valiant and heroic female bodyguard was wearing a black fitted knit top, with tactical pants for easy movement on the bottom, and short boots.

Even during such relaxed rest time, her back was still ramrod straight.

Her posture cold, hard, and alert.

The high-quality fitted fabric perfectly outlined the explosive and resilient curves of her body, shaped by long-term, high-intensity training.

Coldly beautiful, stern, yet carrying a reassuring sense of loyalty.

In the gradually returning puzzle pieces of his memory, the fragments about Liu Jiayi were actually not many.

But he always had a strong intuition.

The relationship between the two of them was definitely not simply that of employer and employee.

This intuition, with the increase in his [Agility] and [Comprehension] attributes, became more and more obvious.

That kind of rapport, that look she occasionally gave him.

But then again, she must be absolutely trustworthy to be arranged by Secretary Jin as his last line of defense.

Tang Song turned to look out the window.

Outside was a deep, boundless night sky, the stars seeming within reach.

"What time is it?"

Liu Jiayi raised her wrist to check her watch and reported precisely, "It's currently 21:20 New York time, corresponding to 03:20 AM Paris time. The flight is smooth, tailwind, we're slightly ahead of schedule. Approximately two hours until landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport."

"Mmm." Tang Song nodded, a flicker in his eyes, the corners of his mouth curving into a gentle smile.

At this hour, she should already be asleep.

Ever since Secretary Jin left New York.

He hadn't lingered in Manhattan, nor had he waited until just before Christmas to depart as originally planned.

Instead, he immediately arranged the flight route and took off early.

Since the system restrictions were lifted, since he was no longer bound by the "birthday day" rule.

Then he didn't want to wait anymore.

He wanted to give that insecure actress a surprise.

A big, tangible surprise that she would see the moment she opened her eyes.

Thinking of the soon-to-be-reunited Su Yu, Tang Song's mood gradually grew agitated.

Charm value 90.

He finally had the qualification to respond to this heavy affection, to wantonly break through all restraints and distance with her.

He took a deep breath, calming the restless heat in his heart.

Tang Song picked up the phone resting on the armrest beside him.

As soon as it connected to the plane's satellite network, the phone vibrated several times.

Unlocking the screen, the notification bar was filled with unread messages.

There were emails from company executives, approval reminders from work apps, and also WeChat messages.

Tang Song's finger swiped, his gaze freezing on one WeChat notification.

His heart gave a violent thump.

[Su Yu]

It was a message sent 3 hours ago.

He opened the chat window.

No text, only one long voice message.

He raised the phone, pressed it to his ear. His fingertip lightly touched the screen, clicking play.

What came first wasn't speech, but a nasal, panting sound.

He could