Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 867: Outbreak, Resistance, Interception, Desolation

The private room door was closed once again.

Zhang Zhifang held Zhang Yan's arm, pulling her toward the table, her face unable to conceal her joy and scrutiny.

"You've really changed these past few years. You look more spirited, your complexion is better, and you're dressed so beautifully. When you first walked in, I almost didn't dare to recognize you."

Zhang Yan felt a bit uncomfortable under her gaze, her fingers curling slightly as she whispered, "It's okay... it's just that after starting work, I pay a bit more attention."

"Yanyan." Li Guangyuan, sitting to the side, also smiled, revealing a rare touch of amiability.

Li Hang had been sizing up this cousin he hadn't seen in three years, his expression holding both unfamiliarity and an indescribable awkwardness.

"Uncle, Hanghang." Zhang Yan nodded gently, her voice still soft.

"Sit, sit, sit." Zhang Zhifang pulled her to sit beside her, reluctant to let go of her hand. "Is it cold outside?"

"Not too bad." Zhang Yan pursed her lips, speaking softly. "I'm dressed warmly."

At least on the surface, it seemed like just an ordinary family gathering.

But Zhang Zhiqiang, sitting next to the main seat, looked somewhat grim.

He had originally been maintaining his air as a father, thinking that after his daughter entered, she should at least call out to him first.

Yet from the moment Zhang Yan entered until now, she had first greeted her aunt, uncle, and Hanghang, but just hadn't actively looked toward him.

That feeling of being left out in the cold, like tiny thorns, pricked at him one after another, making him unable to sit still.

Finally, he cleared his throat and spoke first:

"Yanyan, you're back."

His voice wasn't heavy, nor was it angry, still carrying a forced steadiness.

Only then did Zhang Yan turn her head to look at him. "Mm, I'm back."

There was no closeness, nor any resentment.

But precisely because it was so calm, it made people even more unsure how to continue.

Zhang Zhiqiang's lips moved; all the words he had prepared suddenly seemed superfluous.

In the end, he could only pick up his teacup and take a sip, as if to hide something.

Liu Mei, sitting to the side, her eyes flickering, quickly piled a smile back onto her face and smoothly took over the conversation.

"My goodness, Yanyan really is different. No wonder she's been in a big city. This outfit, this style, you can tell at a glance she's doing well, right?"

Zhang Yan glanced at her and simply nodded gently.

She neither acted subserviently like in the past, nor did she follow Liu Mei's lead.

The smile on Liu Mei's face instantly stiffened.

It was like punching cotton; the displeasure in her heart surged up all at once, yet she couldn't lash out.

It also made her realize that after three years apart, this stepdaughter had truly grown up and was no longer easy to manipulate.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

A waiter pushed the door open and began serving the dishes.

Sweet and sour carp, scallion-braised sea cucumber, crispy-skinned pork knuckle, stir-fried seasonal vegetables...

One hot dish after another was placed on the table, steam rising, quickly filling the private room with the aroma of food.

As the dishes were served one plate at a time, the atmosphere slowly loosened a bit more.

Li Hang placed the large bottle of peach juice and fruit-pulp orange juice he brought near the table. Zhang Zhifang casually unscrewed the cap and poured a glass for Zhang Yan first.

"Here, drink some of your favorite peach juice first, moisten your throat."

"Thank you, Aunt."

"Why be so polite." Zhang Zhifang pushed the glass closer to her hand, her tone carrying a deliberately lively enthusiasm. "You've finally come back for a visit. This first meal has to be a good one."

After saying that, she shot Zhang Zhiqiang a meaningful glance and added as if smoothing things over:

"Let's not talk about anything else for now, eat first. Your dad specially booked this private room, and the dishes were all chosen according to your tastes."

Zhang Zhiqiang and Liu Mei exchanged a look, neither saying anything more.

They also understood in their hearts that the relationship hadn't been mended yet, and Zhang Yan had just arrived. Saying too much too quickly would easily make the situation tense again.

At least for now, no one wanted to be the first to tear off that facade.

Huachen Grand Hotel was originally one of the top-tier high-end restaurants in the county town.

The dishes were excellent in color, aroma, and taste, and the presentation was quite elaborate.

Zhang Zhifang herself ate with gusto, oil smearing her mouth, while constantly putting food on Zhang Yan's plate, chattering away about various happy events from families in the village.

Whose child got into Yizhong High School, whose family rebuilt their house, whose wedding banquet had thirty tables.

The private room finally had a bit of a proper dining atmosphere...

...

12:30 PM.

Quancheng Airport.

After a civilian airliner that had just landed came to a stop, movement soon appeared at the VIP channel exit.

The airport had clearly made reception arrangements in advance; the area around the channel had been quietly cleared to create a buffer zone.

Several sharp-looking security personnel stood dispersed, their gazes alert but not ostentatious.

Not long after, a group of over ten people walked out from the channel.

Surrounded in the middle was a woman wearing oversized sunglasses.

A long trench coat, slender high heels, jet-black hair cascading down her shoulders, skin so white it seemed to glow.

Her pace wasn't fast, her posture elegant.

The entire person was as cool and detached as a painting that had just stepped out of winter mist.

Outside the airport, a motorcade had been waiting quietly for a long time.

Business vehicles, SUVs, nanny vans, and a Bentley Mulsanne with sleek lines and a deep, glossy paint finish.

Lined up in a row, the specifications were extremely high.

Su Yu bent down and got into the back seat of the Bentley.

The rest of the people also quickly got into their designated vehicles.

Because Quancheng Airport was too small and had no FBO, for this trip, Su Yu's team had booked the entire first-class cabin area under the guise of work.

Traveling with her weren't just assistants and security, but an entire music production and content recording team.

Arrangement equipment, sampling gear, portable recording devices, photography and filming—it was almost a full "temporary mobile creative team" setup.

After all, her reason for coming here, at least on the surface, was for creative work.

The car doors closed one by one.

The motorcade smoothly drove away from the airport.

In the front passenger seat of the Bentley, Zhen Yu, the assistant who had come to pick her up, had already opened a tablet, reporting in a low voice:

"Sister Yu, just received new information. Director Jin's special assistant, Lin Tiantian, has already arrived in Jing County."

"Oh? Lin Tiantian?" Su Yu took off her sunglasses and looked at her, the color in her eyes deepening slightly.

According to the normal schedule, Jin Meixiao herself wouldn't arrive until New Year's Eve.

For a personal assistant of Lin Tiantian's level to appear in Jing County ahead of time, unless there was something particularly important over there that needed to be arranged in advance.

"Mm." Zhen Yu's tone was steady. "Most likely related to Miss Zhang Yan. According to the information just received, Assistant Lin has already gone to Huachen Grand Hotel. Miss Zhang Yan is currently there, having a meal with relatives."

"Which relatives?"

"Father, stepmother, and the aunt's family."

Zhen Yu handed the tablet over.

On the screen were several newly transmitted candid photos.

An old-model black Mercedes parked at the hotel entrance, Zhang Zhiqiang and his group getting out, entering, being led by a waiter.

Su Yu looked quietly, a slight flicker in her gaze, as if understanding.

Zhen Yu continued reporting: "Also, that house at Binhu Mingshu has already been cleaned and tidied up in advance. Judging by the purchased ingredients and decoration standards, it will likely be officially put into use today."

"Today?"

Su Yu lightly tapped the edge of the tablet with her fingertip.

A faint smile slowly bloomed on her stunning face.

"Ah. It seems she wants to compete with me for someone?"

She handed the tablet back, leaned back into the seat, her tone carrying a casual yet domineering air.

Zhen Yu didn't speak, just waited quietly.

After a moment, Su Yu asked, "Is Zhang Yan finished eating yet?"

"Not yet." Zhen Yu glanced at the time. "But she's been inside for almost an hour."

Su Yu lifted her head, looking out the car window at the grayish airport sky, her gaze clear and tranquil.

A few seconds later, she withdrew her gaze and said calmly, "Let's not go to Yunhao Hotel first. Go directly to Huachen."

"Understood, received." Zhen Yu immediately lowered her head to notify the motorcade.

Actually, Huachen Grand Hotel and Yunhao Hotel were both in the new district of Jing County, not far apart. It would only take the motorcade a few minutes to adjust the route.

Su Yu leaned back in the seat, slowly stretching her body, but the smile at the corner of her lips never faded.

Jin Meixiao.

Your need for control is as strong as ever.

Are you afraid I'll brainwash Zhang Yan?

Or are you afraid I'll use her to divert Tang Song's attention?

Hah.

But if you don't come personally, I'm afraid you won't be able to snatch her away.

Huachen Grand Hotel, Tingyu Hall.

Only one side of the sweet and sour carp's skeleton remained, the crispy-skinned pork knuckle had been mostly divided up.

Bright lights shone down, clearly illuminating the expressions on everyone's faces.

Zhang Yan sat quietly beside Zhang Zhifang, no longer really touching her chopsticks.

She held that glass of peach juice in her hands, occasionally lowering her head to take a small sip, but most of the time just softly responding to her aunt's chatter.

Zhang Zhifang was still chattering away, asking how she had been these years outside, if work was busy, her tone carrying a deliberately amplified enthusiasm, as if afraid of an awkward silence.

Zhang Yan answered them one by one, not specifically mentioning her work, just saying she was in marketing, and certainly not boasting about her salary or position.

Liu Mei across from her, however, seemed somewhat distracted.

She kept glancing toward the door from time to time, shooting meaningful looks at Zhang Zhiqiang. Clearly, her mind wasn't on this meal at all.

Finally, she couldn't hold back and steered the topic over:

"Zhiqiang, why don't you go over and toast your boss? He's taken good care of you usually. It's a good opportunity now that we're here, go over, walk around, say hello."

Zhang Zhiqiang glanced at his daughter and stood up. "Alright then, I'll go over for a bit, be back soon."

After saying that, he pulled the door open and walked out.

The fourth-floor corridor was still extremely quiet.

Those few black-suited security personnel still stood in their original positions, nailed there like spikes, their presence imposing.

Zhang Zhiqiang instinctively hunched his shoulders, tiptoeing lightly to the door of the more inner [Guanlan Hall] private room.

He first straightened his collar, then raised a hand to smooth his hair, desperately trying to maintain his dignity, before finally raising his hand to knock and pushing the door open a crack that was neither too big nor too small.

Warm air and the smell of alcohol rushed out from inside the private room.

Seven or eight people were already seated inside, all in their thirties or forties. Some wore cashmere overcoats, others were in suits and ties. Awakened wine and unfinished cold dishes sat on the table.

The sounds of talking, laughter, and clinking glasses mixed together; it was clearly a scene where people were already well into their drinks.

Sitting near the door was precisely the auto trade boss that Zhang Zhiqiang worked for, Li Huabin.

"Boss Li." Zhang Zhiqiang immediately piled on a smile, quickly walking over with his glass raised. "I've come to offer you a toast."

Li Huabin glanced up at him, giving an indifferent nod.

"Zhiqiang, you're eating here too?"

"Yes." Zhang Zhiqiang hurriedly smiled obsequiously, forcing a look of flattery onto his face. "My daughter just came back from Yangcheng today, she's here too. When there's a chance later, I'll have her come over to offer you a toast."

"Oh."

Li Huabin responded indifferently, raising his glass to clink with his, giving him face.

The toast was done.

Zhang Zhiqiang originally wanted to take the opportunity to chat a bit more, to show off, but the private room door was pushed open again. A young man in a striped shirt walked in, sat down in an empty seat, and asked in a lowered voice:

"Those people outside still haven't left? Who exactly came to Huachen today?"

Another person glanced toward the door and said quietly, "They were just talking about it in the group chat. Heard from the Huachen owner that they came from the Imperial Capital."

"Doesn't look like official people to me?"

"Not that kind. Heard it's a female boss, brought a bunch of people."

"In that Mufeng Hall across from us?"

"Mm. The county side was notified in advance, said not to slight them."

"Tsk, that's quite the background."

"Exactly. The Huachen owner's face was practically cracking from smiling earlier, wouldn't dare make the slightest mistake."

These people didn't specifically avoid Zhang Zhiqiang while talking.

Clearly, they also didn't consider him someone they needed to be mindful of.

Zhang Zhiqiang stood to the side, unable to join the conversation, and no one really paid him any attention.

He was like an extra piece of background scenery, standing there, utterly awkward.

He forced himself to stand there a while longer, helping pour wine twice, before his face finally couldn't hold up. He could only squeeze out a dry, "You all enjoy your meal slowly," before retreating.

From beginning to end, aside from Li Huabin's initial perfunctory clink, no one paid him any extra attention.

The private room door closed behind him again.

Zhang Zhiqiang adjusted his expression, forcefully suppressing the disappointment in his heart, before walking back toward Tingyu Hall.

The moment he pushed the door open, his face resumed that nonchalant look.

"Do you all know what those black suits outside are about?"

As he sat back down in his seat, he deliberately lowered his voice, as if revealing some incredible news.

Everyone in the private room looked at him.

Li Hang was the first to respond, his eyes sparkling. "Uncle, what are they about? They're not really some big celebrity, are they?"

Zhang Zhiqiang coughed, picked up his teacup and took a deliberate sip, then said leisurely, "Heard from my boss's side, they're big shots from the Imperial Capital. The county was notified in advance, the hotel owner is personally overseeing the reception, afraid of making the slightest mistake."

He paused here deliberately, then lifted his chin toward the door direction.

"That Mufeng Hall next to us, sitting inside is that female boss from the Imperial Capital. Heard she's extremely beautiful and has a huge background. Liu Zhengang, the Huachen owner, counts as a figure in our Jing County, right? Restaurants, wedding banquets, business venues, he holds them all up. But today over there, even he has to serve with a smiling face."

Upon hearing this, Liu Mei immediately sat up straighter, a greedy light flashing in her eyes. "A female boss from the Imperial Capital? What kind of huge background must that be! No wonder it's guarded like a fortress outside."

Zhang Zhifang was also a bit stunned. "We ran into a big shot today?"

"Exactly." A hint of smugness surfaced on Zhang Zhiqiang's face, as if he had also gained some reflected glory. "So I said earlier, coming here today, we hit it just right. It's just that the timing isn't right today, otherwise, while drinking with Boss Li, I might even have been able to exchange a few words with that female boss from the Imperial Capital."

Li Hang listened with a look of yearning, unable to help sighing, "Do people like that usually go out with bodyguards and ride private planes?"

"Of course, definitely." Zhang Zhiqiang casually replied, getting more and more carried on, his vanity greatly satisfied.

The atmosphere in the private room, because of these half-true, half-exaggerated boasts, heated up again.

The topic came to a temporary end.

Liu Mei looked at Zhang Yan, piling a smile back onto her face.

"Yanyan. After the meal, you should go over with your dad. His boss has long known about you, his daughter working outside. It's a good opportunity now to go meet him."

Zhang Yan's fingers holding the glass tightened slightly, directly saying, "I don't know him either. Going over wouldn't be appropriate."

Seeing the usually obedient Zhang Yan actually refuse even such a small matter, Liu Mei's face instantly couldn't hold up.

"What's inappropriate about that? It's just going over to say a few words. You can also see the world a bit, gain some experience."

Zhang Yan shook her head. "Auntie Liu, I just think it's inappropriate."

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere at the table instantly became tense.

Not just because of that "Auntie Liu," but also because of the expression on her face when she said it.

Calm, firm, without any of the timidity from before.

Everyone, in this moment, truly realized.

Zhang Yan was different.

Completely different from the little girl who used to shrink in the corner cubicle at her aunt's house, who had to check people's expressions before saying an extra word.

The expression on Liu Mei's face completely collapsed, the anger in her eyes almost gushing out.

Zhang Zhifang hurriedly stepped in to smooth things over: "Yanyan just got back, don't make her run around. She never liked these kinds of occasions anyway. Going over, she might say the wrong thing, show her nerves."

Zhang Zhiqiang also quickly nudged Liu Mei under the table, giving her a meaningful look.

Liu Mei gritted her teeth, forcefully suppressing the anger, then turned the topic to another side, trying to regain a bit of initiative:

"Th