Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 798: Becoming Light

Yancheng Normal University, girls' dormitory.

5:30 PM.

The curtains surrounding the top bunk created a private little world, with the small clip-on lamp at the head of the bed casting a warm, yellow glow.

Qian Lele carefully took out a delicate, pale pink makeup bag.

Unzipping it, it was stuffed full of small, exquisite skincare and makeup samples: moisturizer, foundation, lipstick...

These, along with the makeup bag itself, were all gifts from her good friend Zhao Yaqian.

The reason given: they were free samples from the beauty salon meant for giving away, and they'd just expire if left unused.

Just like back when she was working part-time at Weiguang Coffee, she'd given Qianqian those "leftover cake scraps."

Because she knew they truly cost nothing, she accepted them with peace of mind and treasured them.

She took out a brand new cushion puff and tore open the packaging.

Recalling the makeup tutorials she had secretly bookmarked on Bilibili, her movements, though still a bit clumsy, were exceptionally careful as she gently patted and pressed the puff onto her face.

Actually, ever since she switched to a technical development role with Tang Song's help, no longer needing to work various odd jobs outside campus exposed to wind and sun, her skin condition had improved tremendously over the past six months.

Gone were the roughness and dullness, replaced by the unique hydration and fair complexion of a nineteen-year-old girl.

Her face, full of collagen, gleamed with a porcelain-white luster under the light.

After applying a simple base makeup, her already excellent skin tone looked even more even and translucent, like a peeled hard-boiled egg.

Next, she fished out a tube of dusty rose-colored lipstick and gently twisted it open.

Facing the small standing mirror in her hand, she carefully applied a layer, then pressed her lips together.

Her already full lips instantly gained a healthy color, like peach blossoms blooming in early spring.

For her, reaching this step meant she was done with her makeup.

Hesitating for a moment, she pulled out a sample-sized perfume and gave two light presses into the air.

A fresh, sweet, and elegant floral-fruity scent instantly filled the air.

"Wow—!"

From the adjacent top bunk, her roommate Wu Siqi, who had been lying down scrolling through short videos, abruptly sat up. She sniffed the air vigorously, her eyes instantly lighting up: "What's that smell? So fragrant! So classy! Lele, you actually used perfume?"

The roommate on the lower bunk, who had been reading a book, pushed up her glasses and said with a giggle: "So formal, even breaking out the perfume... Lele, it seems you don't plan on coming back tonight, huh?"

Wu Siqi immediately poked her head out over the bed railing, excitedly chiming in:

"That's totally fine! Absolutely must! You have to seize the opportunity and get on good terms with our Chairman Tang! Remember us when you're rich and powerful!"

"Swish—"

Qian Lele yanked open her bed curtain and climbed down the ladder.

Her face was slightly flushed. She lowered her head, tidying her hair while softly retorting:

"Don't talk nonsense... We're just going to support a friend's newly opened shop, to taste the food. It's that Sister Wen I told you about before."

"Oh—going to support a friend's shop—" Wu Siqi drew out her tone, wearing an expression that said "I get it, I totally get it." "Alright, alright, we believe you, we all believe you."

"Hahaha..." A wave of good-natured laughter filled the dorm room.

Amidst her roommates' teasing, Qian Lele, her face still red, began brushing her hair and changing clothes.

A beige double-faced wool coat, paired with a soft white wool sweater underneath, and dark gray fleece-lined leggings with a plaid skirt on the bottom.

This winter outfit was something she had just bought during the New Year's Day sales. It wasn't expensive, thanks to the mall promotion, but its strength lay in its good cut and gentle colors.

When she finished changing and turned around.

The previously giggling dormitory instantly erupted with exclamations.

"Wow! Lele, you're so beautiful!"

"Tsk tsk tsk, our Lele, with just a little effort, is absolutely stunning! This skin, this aura, this figure... She's the epitome of a pure female college student!"

"She really does look great. She'll definitely have 'brother' so mesmerized he won't be able to walk tonight!"

Qian Lele was teased into a flustered state, her cheeks burning hot.

Glancing at her phone, it was already 6 PM.

Even though there were still 20 minutes until the agreed time, she was already feeling restless and couldn't wait at all.

"I'm not talking to you guys anymore, I'm leaving first!"

She hurriedly picked up the canvas bag she had prepared earlier, hastily bid her roommates farewell, and practically fled out the door.

Leaving the dormitory building.

She crossed the gradually bustling campus and arrived outside the South Gate of the Teachers' College.

On a weekend evening, there were especially many students.

Groups of three or five, boys and girls, bundled in down jackets, chatting and laughing as they entered and exited the school gate. The air was filled with the unique vitality of youth and the rare sense of relaxation that weekends bring.

Qian Lele didn't stand in the most conspicuous spot. Instead, she chose a corner on the curb where she could clearly see the direction from which cars would come.

Her curvaceous figure, delicate and bright facial features, pure student aura, paired with this gentle outfit.

Created a unique and captivating atmosphere.

Students coming and going through the school gate, especially the boys, couldn't help but have their gazes drawn to her, whispering among themselves.

After all, she was the famous "Cinderella" of the Teachers' College. Having braved wind and rain to run her stall before, she was somewhat of a campus celebrity. More or less, people recognized this face.

Qian Lele somewhat shyly lowered her gaze, tucking her chin into her scarf.

But her hand clutched her phone tightly, afraid of missing his message.

Right then.

"Lele?"

"Lele?" A crisp voice tinged with surprise came from behind.

Qian Lele instinctively turned around and saw several female classmates walking over together.

Among them were Shi Xueqi and Li Wenjia, who were on good terms with her.

They were chatting and laughing, on their way to eat outside campus.

"Xueqi, Wenjia..." Qian Lele quickly greeted them with a smile.

Shi Xueqi affectionately grabbed her arm: "Lele, we were just about to go eat spicy dry pot. Want to join?"

"I already have plans to eat with someone," Qian Lele said apologetically, waving her hand. "I can't go. You guys go ahead and enjoy."

"Plans with someone?" Li Wenjia immediately became interested, winking and lowering her voice to joke, "It couldn't be... that 'god-like brother' of yours, could it?"

"Um..." Qian Lele pursed her lips, her cheeks warming slightly, but she still gave a slight nod, her voice soft. "Mm, it's him."

As her words fell, the girls' eyes instantly lit up like little colored lights that had been switched on.

The air immediately filled with a flurry of suppressed, excited chattering:

"Wow! It really is the male god!"

"Hurry, hurry! We can eat dry pot later! I want to wait with Lele for a bit, I haven't seen him in person yet!"

"Me too! I just wanted to ask Lele for advice about winter break part-time jobs, how to find reliable ones?"

"Yeah, yeah, let's wait a bit! Hehe~"

For a moment, the atmosphere became lively and cheerful.

About Qian Lele's "brother" had almost become a legend in their class.

The reason was simple.

During that elective class in the lecture hall last time, Tang Song, dressed in a custom-made suit as if he'd stepped off the cover of a finance magazine, suddenly appeared and took Qian Lele away in front of everyone.

The impact of that scene was too strong. Photos had circulated privately through the class group and even caused a brief stir on the school forum.

But this "Cinderella" herself was incredibly low-key, never showing off in class.

No matter how curiously others tried to probe indirectly, she would just smile and rarely say much.

Seeing her classmates' excited, eager, and expectant faces, Qian Lele felt a bit panicked inside.

She was mainly afraid that having so many people gathered around would cause trouble for Tang Song.

But these were her classmates, on good terms with her, and she really couldn't bring herself to directly refuse...

Just as she was feeling at a loss.

Two beams of bright, white headlights smoothly swept across the ground in front of them.

An all-black car, its lines flowing like a sculpture, silently glided closer.

At the front of the car, the iconic "Spirit of Ecstasy" hood ornament refracted a cold yet dazzling light under the dim street lamps.

"Wow... this car..."

"Is that a Rolls-Royce? A Phantom?"

The girls instantly had their attention completely captured, exclaiming in low voices.

In the internet age, they certainly recognized this vehicle symbolizing top-tier wealth and status.

Immediately after, under their breath-held, watchful gazes.

This luxury car, as if from another world, actually came to a steady stop by the roadside right next to them.

The air instantly quieted, the surrounding noise seeming to be blocked out.

"Click—"

A steady, soft sound, as the heavy carriage-style door was pushed open from the inside.

Under the surrounding gazes, a tall, slender, and upright figure stepped out.

He wore a dark-colored down jacket, revealing a light gray hoodie underneath. On the bottom were neat casual pants and a pair of clean white sneakers.

It was the kind of handsome that was just right, with a relaxed feel.

The night breeze brushed past, stirring his fine black hair, contrasting with his cool, fair skin.

A straight nose, thin lips, handsome and distinguished.

He stood there casually, yet naturally exuded an aura of composed elegance and gentle refinement.

In person, he was even more three-dimensional and outstanding than those wildly circulated photos.

Absolutely a "man who stepped out of a manga."

The girls almost simultaneously held their breath, their eyes wide open.

Looking at the guy standing by the Rolls-Royce, then at the "Cinderella" standing next to them.

Their minds buzzed.

Before, they only knew that Qian Lele's brother was a handsome male god.

They never, ever imagined that this male god's ride would be on the level of a Rolls-Royce Phantom!

The impact was simply ineffable.

Looking at the sister in front of him, who had dressed up specially, her face flushed, a gentle smile rose in Tang Song's eyes:

"It's so cold, why are you standing out here? Didn't I say I'd call you when I arrived?"

As he spoke, Qian Lele's previous awkwardness and nervousness instantly vanished.

She looked up at Tang Song, her cheeks tinged with a lovely blush. Her eyes seemed to be filled with stars, sparkling brightly:

"No... I just came down too, and it's not cold today."

Tang Song smiled and naturally reached out to help straighten her hair, which was pressed down by her scarf.

Then, he turned his head, his gaze gentle as he looked at the girls standing nearby.

He greeted them politely: "Hello, you're Lele's classmates, right? Shi Xueqi and Li Wenjia, long time no see."

His memory was exceptional; even with just one meeting, he could accurately match names to faces.

Hearing the male god actually remember their names!

Shi Xueqi and Li Wenjia felt a rush of blood surge to the top of their heads, so happy they were about to faint on the spot.

The feeling of being remembered by a top-tier male god was simply too dreamlike!

The two of them flusteredly bowed and waved their hands, stammering in response:

"T-Tang... Brother Tang Song! L-long time no see!"

"Hello, hello!"

The other girls behind also followed, blushing and mumbling greetings, their hearts pounding so hard they felt like they might leap out of their throats.

"We're heading up ahead to eat. We'll chat another time when there's a chance," Tang Song said with a smile as he bid farewell, then very naturally slipped his hands into his pockets.

Qian Lele hurriedly said goodbye to her classmates and quickly followed him.

Under the envious, almost distorted gazes of the group of girls, the two walked side by side toward the western side of the school.

...

After walking some distance, the noisy school gate was left behind. The surroundings gradually quieted, leaving only the street lamps stretching their shadows long.

Qian Lele followed closely beside Tang Song, maintaining just the right distance. She could smell the faint, clean, fresh scent on him. Her heart felt as if it were filled with something, warm and full.

Suddenly, Tang Song stopped walking.

Qian Lele stopped too, looking up at him with some confusion. "What's wrong, brother?"

Tang Song turned sideways, looking at her carefully under the soft, dim yellow streetlight.

Her face looked exceptionally fair and translucent in the light. Her phoenix eyes, with light makeup, appeared larger and brighter, her lip color warm and moist.

The scarf was loosely wrapped around her neck, making her chin appear delicate and pointed, pure and moving.

He broke into a smile and suddenly said, "Lele, you look beautiful today."

Qian Lele froze completely. Her cheeks flushed red at a visibly rapid pace, the color spreading to her earlobes and neck.

She instinctively lowered her head. Her heart was drumming wildly in her chest, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond.

Just then, a warm, dry, large hand reached over and gently took hold of hers.

Qian Lele trembled all over, as if struck by a faint electric current.

She didn't dare look up, her eyelashes fluttering, letting him hold her hand. Her fingers curled slightly in his palm, then slowly relaxed.

The winter night's wind seemed to have become gentler.

"Brother is very handsome today too," she finally mustered the courage to reply in a very small voice.

Tang Song chuckled softly, the sound particularly pleasant in the quiet alley entrance.

"Let's go." He gave their joined hands a little shake. "You lead the way; I don't know where Sister Wen's shop is."

"Oh, right!" Qian Lele suddenly realized, her face flushing again. She quickly took two steps forward, so she was slightly ahead, leading him forward.

At first, she was still a bit stiff due to the warmth transmitted through their palms.

But after walking about ten meters, that tension and shyness gradually gave way to a fulfilling, sweet sense of security.

She could clearly feel the temperature and strength of his hand—not too loose, not too tight, yet incredibly reassuring.

Her heart felt like cotton warmed by the sun—warm, fluffy, and soft.

Unconsciously, she gently swung their clasped hands, and her steps became lighter too.

She started chattering away, sharing with him a few interesting algorithmic ideas she'd learned in class recently.

Tang Song listened quietly, occasionally chuckling in response or asking follow-up questions.

The alley echoed with her crisp voice and the intermingled sound of their footsteps.

Peaceful and warm.

A few minutes later, they turned into a small alley brimming with the atmosphere of everyday life.

The alley wasn't wide, both sides crammed with various snack shops, fruit stalls, and grocery stores.

Colorful, with warm yellow lights.

The air was a complex mix of cooking oil fumes, braised food, and sugar-roasted chestnuts, full of vibrant life.

"It's just ahead, almost there," Qian Lele pointed to a small shop not far away.

The storefront wasn't large, simple and clean.

A brand new signboard read "Sister Wen's Clay Pot Skewers," the font round and cute.

The glass window had a "Opening Soon" paper cutout pasted on it.

Through the bright glass, one could see the simple white-painted walls, wooden tables and chairs, and two busy figures inside.

"Ding-a-ling—"

As the glass door was pushed open, the wind chime hanging from the handle emitted a crisp sound.

"Sister Wen, we're here!" Qian Lele's voice was light and cheerful.

The two busy people immediately turned around.

When they clearly saw Tang Song and Qian Lele walking in side by side, they both instinctively paused, their eyes flashing with intense admiration.

"Lele! Tang Song! You're finally here!" Sister Wen's face immediately broke into a brilliant smile. She quickly came forward, laughing heartily. "Oh my, Tang Song is getting more and more handsome, almost dazzling me. And Lele is getting prettier too!"

"Long time no see, Sister Wen. Congratulations on the new shop opening, wishing you prosperous business." Tang Song smiled and raised a hand in greeting.

"Thank you, thank you! I'll take that auspicious wish!" Sister Wen laughed so hard her eyes crinkled. She turned and pulled over the woman next to her, who looked a bit reserved. "Here, let me introduce you. This is Meng Qin, my former colleague, now my most important partner! We call this 'laid-off female workers re-employment,' haha!"

Meng Qin looked to be in her late twenties, wearing thin-rimmed glasses, with a gentle, scholarly air. She smiled somewhat awkwardly. "Hello."

"Hello, Sister Meng, I'm Qian Lele."

"Hello, Sister Meng, I'm Tang Song."

"Sit, sit, sit!" Sister Wen enthusiastically urged them. "We're still in trial operation, not officially open yet. Today is just for us to have some fun and taste the food! What do you want to eat? Clay pot potato noodles or hot braised skewers? The ingredients are all in the fridge, fresh! Just grab whatever you want!"

Qian Lele looked around the small shop, which, though simple, was neatly arranged, and asked curiously, "Sister Wen, is it just us? Didn't you invite other friends?"

"There are two more, they live farther away, probably almost here," Sister Wen explained as she poured them steaming buckwheat tea. "They're former finance colleagues from Hengyuan Trading, really close with me. She's bringing her boyfriend today. With our small business, we're a bit nervous, so we