Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets Chapter 878: The Zhuang Zhuang Who Rushed Over to Take the Blame

February 10, 2024, the first day of the Lunar New Year, Saturday.

Six o'clock in the morning.

The sky was still dark.

A sliver of gray-blue light seeped through the gap in the curtains. Firecrackers popped intermittently in the distance, their muffled sounds drifting in before fading away.

The room was very quiet.

Only the sound of two light, intertwined breaths.

Secretary Jin slowly opened her eyes.

What filled her vision was Tang Song's face, so close it felt within reach.

He was clearly already awake, lying on his side watching her, his gaze very quiet, as if he had been watching for a while.

Secretary Jin's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she instinctively shifted her gaze away a little.

"When did you wake up?" she asked softly, her voice somewhat hoarse.

"About half an hour ago," Tang Song's voice was also kept very low. "The firecrackers outside are too noisy. Do you want to sleep a bit more?"

"I'm done sleeping." Secretary Jin took a light breath, trying to keep her tone steady. "Uncle and Auntie should be up, right?"

"They went out early in the morning, to the village to pay New Year's visits."

"Then I'll get up."

As she spoke, she started to sit up.

But the moment she moved, the hand resting on her waist exerted a slight force, directly pressing her back down.

The next second, Tang Song took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her, pulling her whole body into his embrace, holding her very tightly.

"What are you doing?" Secretary Jin raised an eyebrow, turning her head to look at him.

Tang Song's gaze was scorching. "Didn't you say last night that you wanted to feel just how much I love you? Let's continue now, okay? Anyway, we don't have to go out to pay New Year's visits."

Secretary Jin's eye twitched. She raised her hand and pushed against his chest.

"No."

"Why?" Tang Song asked knowingly.

Secretary Jin stared at him, letting out a cold snort from her nose.

"You have the nerve to ask me why."

She paused, a rare look of accusation surfacing in those usually deep and calm eyes.

"Your performance last night exceeded any reasonable range."

Tang Song blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Either you're sick, or... you're cheating." Secretary Jin sneered. "I don't believe a normal person could endure that much."

"Do you have proof?" Tang Song chuckled lightly. "Don't wrong an innocent man. I'm just naturally gifted."

Secretary Jin didn't speak, just looked at him.

Back in New York, although the two had lived together, it was mostly just closeness, kissing, leaving a few love bites.

Last night, driven by passion and a sudden impulse to provoke Su Yu, she had truly taken the initiative for the first time.

Later, she even used some advanced techniques she had learned.

Temperature, rhythm, intensity, visual impact, psychological suggestion...

In the end, she almost ran out of saliva, and he still showed little reaction.

It wasn't until everything was settled that she slowly began to realize.

Thinking of this, Secretary Jin's chest tightened again.

She lowered her head and rubbed her wrist.

It still felt somewhat sore and achy there, as if she had worked continuously for two days and two nights.

In the darkness, the two looked at each other for a moment.

Tang Song's hand slowly slid down along her waistline, past her hip, finally landing on that long, soft, and smooth leg, carefully feeling the delicate, warm texture.

This was already the most excessive action within his permitted limits.

"Smile," he coaxed her in a low voice. "Help me one more time, okay?"

Secretary Jin raised an eyebrow, her eyes flickering lightly, the corner of her lips suddenly curving up.

"That's not impossible."

"Oh?" Tang Song immediately perked up.

"But, you have to answer a question for me first."

"Ask, I guarantee I'll answer." Tang Song replied almost without thinking.

It's just a question, right?

Yesterday, in front of Su Yu, there were some things he naturally couldn't say.

But now it was morning, in bed, just the two of them. Ask away.

As an all-around, flawless warm boyfriend, what difficulty could there be in coaxing his own girlfriend?

Secretary Jin looked at him, the curve of her lips deepening slowly. "Alright, then tell me, when was the first time you... comforted yourself? And who was the fantasy object?"

She deliberately paused, her fingers lightly landing on his abs, slowly sliding down.

The expression on Tang Song's face instantly became spectacularly colorful.

(QIQ)?!

"You... your question—isn't that too unsportsmanlike?"

"Pfft—"

Secretary Jin finally couldn't hold back, letting out a low laugh.

When she laughed, the corners of her eyes curved slightly, her gaze carrying a hint of lightness and triumph.

"What?" She gently raised the outer corner of her eye. "Didn't you say you guaranteed an answer? Hmm?"

As she spoke, her fingers pressed against his abs again, unhurriedly.

Tang Song's entire body immediately stiffened even more.

Only then did Secretary Jin push him away and sit up calmly.

Then, she pulled out a hair tie, casually slipped it onto her wrist, and with one hand gathered that thick, soft long hair behind her head, tying it into a neat ponytail.

The end of the ponytail lifted from the back of her neck, then fell down naturally.

She stood up, adjusted the light gray linen shirt she was wearing, and walked towards the bathroom.

Her waist was slender, her hip line full, her long legs straight.

The morning's gray light fell on her, outlining a sexy silhouette through the hem of the oversized shirt that was hard to look away from.

Tang Song's heartbeat simply wouldn't slow down.

"Secretary Jin."

He called out softly.

Her footsteps paused slightly, but she didn't turn her head, only slightly tilted her face.

"What is it?" Her voice was faint.

"You're so beautiful."

A few seconds of silence.

The corner of Secretary Jin's lips twitched slightly, as if she wanted to smile but held back.

"After breakfast, shall we go for a walk outside?"

"Okay!"

"I talked with Qing Ning last night. She'll come over for lunch today. It'll be livelier with more people."

"Mhm. Thank you, Secretary Jin."

...

At the same time.

Yancheng, Oasis Jingyuan Community.

"Knock knock knock—"

The bedroom door was knocked.

"Ruan Ruan, time to get up!" A vigorous voice came from outside the door, belonging to Qian Guixiang.

Wen Ruan, wrapped in the blanket, rolled over, kicking out one plump, snow-white long leg in the process. Her voice was thick with sleep.

"My dear mother... what time is it even? Let me sleep a bit more. I just got back from abroad, I haven't even adjusted to the time difference properly. Besides, I'm not married, I don't need to get up early to go out for New Year's visits, right?"

"You don't need to make visits." Qian Guixiang's tone carried urgency. "The problem is, the relatives are all coming to visit you this year! If everyone arrives and you're still sleeping in your room, what kind of sight would that be?"

The room fell quiet.

"Got it, got it, getting up right away!"

Wen Ruan irritably grabbed her hair, buried her face back into the pillow, and let out a long sigh.

In the past, if she slept in on the first day of the New Year, she just slept in, at most getting nagged a couple of times.

But now it was different.

In this household now, the one who absolutely couldn't sleep in had become her.

She slowly got up, went to wash up first. Then skincare, makeup, changing clothes.

When she pushed open the bedroom door and walked out again, her entire being had completely switched to a different state.

A wine-red knit sweater hugged her ample curves, a brown high-waisted skirt elongated her already excellent leg proportions. Her thick, slightly wavy long hair had been combed smooth again, lazily cascading over her shoulders.

She was originally tall and long-limbed, with a figure that was extremely eye-catching in its mature fullness.

With this simple tidying up, she immediately exuded a kind of alluring, womanly charm.

Not the bright beauty of a young girl.

But that mature aura that made people think "she can handle things" at a glance.

In the living room, Wen Jianxin, wearing a new set of clothes, sat on the sofa, his face glowing as he drank tea.

The TV was on, playing a local station's Spring Festival special program.

Hearing the movement, Qian Guixiang immediately looked up from the dining table, her smile exceptionally gentle.

"Quick, eat something warm first to fill your stomach. We'll probably be busy for half the day today."

"Mhm."

Wen Ruan sat down at the dining table. She had just dipped a few dumplings in chili vinegar and eaten them when the doorbell rang.

"Ding dong— Ding dong—"

Qian Guixiang looked up at the clock on the wall.

It was just past seven.

"They're here really early."

Saying this, her feet didn't slow down at all as she hurried over to open the door.

Standing outside were Wen Pingshun and his wife, carrying large and small bags, their faces creased with smiles.

"Auntie, Happy New Year! Where's Uncle? Is Ruan Ruan up?"

"She's up, come in, come in!"

As soon as the two entered, their eyes searched the living room first.

Seeing Wen Ruan sitting at the dining table, the smiles on their faces instantly grew warmer.

"Brother Ping, Sister-in-law, Happy New Year."

"Ruan Ruan, Happy New Year!"

"Happy New Year."

After the lively New Year's greetings, the two sat on the sofa and chatted for a while.

Not daring to delay Wen Ruan's time much, they very perceptively got up to leave soon after.

The door had just closed for a few minutes when another group arrived.

This time it was her uncle Wen Guoliang and his wife, bringing their daughter Wen Lin, holding two bottles of liquor and a whole can of high-grade bird's nest.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the topic naturally shifted to the main matter.

They said Lin Lin was a senior this year and wanted to stay in the Imperial Capital for an internship.

But the competition was too fierce now. She had sent out many resumes, but there were very few replies.

Although not explicitly stated, the implication in their words was clear to anyone.

Wen Ruan didn't say much either, just very naturally added, "Send me her resume, I'll give her an internal referral."

Just this small promise completely put the couple at ease. They left beaming with joy.

After that came younger relatives on her father's side, several employees from the printing factory, and a few old masters who used to be close with Wen Jianxin. One group after another.

Nominally, everyone came to pay New Year's respects to the elders at home.

But everyone knew in their hearts.

The main reason they came today was for Wen Ruan.

After all, now, the real person in charge of Yanbei Printing Factory was her.

And this factory was no longer the half-dead, dilapidated place it used to be.

Ever since she took over, coupled with the support from Tang Yi Precision, equipment updates, workshop renovations, and personnel adjustments in the factory hadn't stopped.

Now it was not only integrated into Tang Yi Precision's supply chain system but had also secured several new large orders and government contracts.

The entire factory's atmosphere had completely transformed.

Salaries were paid on time, benefits were increased, and before the New Year, a not-insignificant bonus and Spring Festival red envelope were distributed.

For many of the Wen family relatives, this was no longer just an ordinary job, but the real lifeline of their families.

Who would dare to treat her like a marriage-pressured elder junior as before?

Now, Wen Ruan was already a solid core figure within the family.

For many matters, her attitude had to be considered first.

For many words, she had to speak first.

Wen Ruan just sat there, occasionally taking a sip of soy milk, a faint smile on her face.

She responded a couple of words to whoever spoke.

Not overly enthusiastic, but not appearing cold either.

But whenever she opened her mouth, the voices in the room would naturally lower a little, and everyone would instinctively listen to her finish first.

People came in waves to the living room, tea was refilled cup after cup.

Qian Guixiang was so busy her feet barely touched the ground, but the smile on her face couldn't be suppressed, her eyes and brows filled with unconcealable dignity and pride.

Wen Jianxin was also especially talkative today.

He sat there, seizing any opening to chat with the visitors about the new changes in the factory.

When talking about equipment, orders, and future expansion plans, his entire spirit was different from before.

It wasn't until past 9 AM that the wave of New Year's visitors gradually subsided.

Wen Jianxin changed into a formal jacket and followed several male members of the clan to the ancestral hall to pay respects to their ancestors.

The living room finally quieted down again.

Only Wen Ruan and Qian Guixiang remained.

Wen Ruan leaned back on the sofa, picked up her phone, and started replying to messages.

New Year's texts, family group chats, company group chats, blessings from business partners, separate greetings from a few friends...

The screen scrolled down one after another.

Qian Guixiang came over carrying a plate of cut fruit, placed it on the coffee table, her tone also softening.

"What time are you leaving? If you're going to Jing County, it's better to start early."

Wen Ruan looked up. "I'll go in the afternoon, just need to get there before evening. It's only a little over an hour's drive anyway, nothing to worry about."

"This is an important day." Qian Guixiang sat down beside her, giving her a meaningful look. "You should also pay more attention to Tang Song's family side. After all, that will be your home in the future."

"Alright, Mom." Wen Ruan leaned back. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

She certainly understood her mom's meaning.

Today was Tang Song's father's birthday. Normally, as the "girlfriend," she should make an appearance.

The problem was, Director Jin was there now.

And the kind who personally delivered herself on New Year's Eve and had formally met the parents.

Even Su Yu had to avoid her sharp edge. If she barged over now, she wouldn't gain anything good.

But, to be fair.

She also wished she could go to his home on a holiday like the New Year, which emphasized family the most.

Unfortunately, the timing wasn't right.

Sigh, forget it.

She had been so busy lately, flying back and forth domestically and internationally. After not seeing him for so long, she missed that guy so much she was almost going crazy.

Some things, once tasted.

Relying on one's own hands, or other props, truly couldn't satisfy.

If it went on for too long, she'd definitely get sick.

She needed to release it, fiercely.

In her mind, the night she played ball with Su Yu in Shen City's Swan Castle flashed involuntarily...

Thinking of some extremely absurd details, Wen Ruan's legs unconsciously pressed together lightly, her throat feeling a bit dry.

Her heart felt like it was being scratched repeatedly by a cat's paw—hot, itchy, and with a bit of indescribable shame.

She quickly shook her head, trying to drive those not-so-healthy thoughts out of her mind.

Stop, stop, stop!

Oh no!

She was being corrupted by that crazy female celebrity!

If this continued, she'd sooner or later turn into a pervert like Xiao Jing, whose head was full of dirty thoughts.

Wen Ruan gulped some water to calm her mood, then picked up her phone again.

First, she played a couple of rounds of Honor of Kings with Yao Lingling as New Year's entertainment.

Then she sent a few large "luck of the draw" red envelopes in her close friends' group chat, incidentally receiving a bunch of fancy flattery and "rich lady, stick with me" messages.

After that, she just killed time browsing her friends' circle, waiting for the noon reunion meal.

Actually, in previous years during Spring Festival, she rarely stayed obediently at home.

During holidays, marriage pressure, blind dates, relatives' roundabout probing into her relationship status were almost fixed programs, endlessly annoying.

Most of the time, she would find an excuse to slip away early, go find Zhang Ziqi or Hu Mingli, go shopping, watch movies, eat—anything was more comfortable than sitting at home being watched like a monkey.

But this year, those close friends, having benefited from her, had made some small money and went on a group trip to Sanya before the New Year, saying they'd return after the holiday.

Poor her, Zhuang Zhuang.

Clearly financially free, yet she barely had a few days of stable rest during the Spring Festival, having to rush back to work on the fourth day.

Just as she was thinking idly.

"Ring ring—"

Her phone vibrated.

Wen Ruan glanced at the caller ID.

It was Su Yu's private work assistant, Zhen Yu.

Answering the call, "Hello? Assistant Zhen."

Zhen Yu's respectful voice soon came through the receiver. "Director Wen, Happy New Year. Are you free to talk now?"

Wen Ruan shifted to a more comfortable position, casually asking, "I'm free, what's the matter?"

"It's like this. I'm currently downstairs at the Oasis Jingyuan community. Sister Yu specifically instructed me to come pick you up and take you to Jing County."

"Ah?" Wen Ruan was stunned. "You came personally to pick me up? Didn't we agree I'd drive myself over in the afternoon?"

Zhen Yu paused, as if weighing her words. "Sister Yu... she's in a very bad mood right now. She hopes you can go over earlier to keep her company and comfort her."

"What happened?" Wen Ruan's expression turned serious. "Did something happen?"

"I'm not too clear about the specific situation." Zhen Yu's tone became subtle. "It's roughly... yesterday, Sister Yu, Director Jin, and President Tang, the three of them stayed in the presidential suite of the Quancheng Hotel for a full six hours. Later, Sister Yu returned to Jing County alone and became sullen and unhappy, locking herself in her room and not coming out. So Sister Yu hopes that you, as her best confidante, can go comfort her."

Like two thousand-watt light bulbs suddenly switched on in the dark night.

Six hours?!

Su Yu, Jin Meixiao, Tang Song?!

These three people, in a presidential suite, not stepping out the door for a full six hours?!

Good heavens!

What kind of battlefield of rivals was this anymore?

This was practically a nuclear-level, top-tier battlefield explosion accident scene!!

What exactly happened between them?

No wonder Tang Song was evasive and vague yesterday.

Good gracious.

This melon is too huge!

In an instant, the "gossip-loving little person" in Wen Ruan's heart directly took off dancing on the spot.

But with