[Next Morning - 8:45 AM - Starlight Entertainment Office]
Chen Wei arrived at his new company fifteen minutes early, dressed in his black Armani suit. The receptionist—a young woman named Xiao Min—nearly dropped her coffee when she saw him.
"M-Mr. Chen! Good morning!" She scrambled to stand, clearly flustered. "We weren't expecting you so early!"
"I like to be punctual," Chen Wei said with a friendly smile. "Is my office ready?"
"Yes! Mr. Zhou—I mean, the former CEO—cleared out yesterday. Everything's been prepared for you."
Chen Wei took the elevator to the top floor. Zhou Feng's old office was now his—spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, modern furniture, and enough space to make a statement.
[Achievement Unlocked: Corner Office]
[Passive Buff: "Executive Presence" - People naturally respect your authority in professional settings]
He spent the next few minutes reviewing documents when his phone buzzed.
Xiao Yue: "Good morning! 😊 I dreamed about you last night. Still can't believe yesterday was real. Have a great day at work! 💕"
Chen Wei smiled and typed back.
Chen Wei: "It was very real. And you'll see more tonight. I'm cooking dinner for you at the villa."
Xiao Yue: "You cook?! Another hidden talent? 😍 Can't wait!"
Before he could reply, there was a knock on his door.
"Come in."
Xiao Min poked her head in nervously. "Mr. Chen, Miss Lin Yue is here for your 9:00 AM appointment."
"Show her in, please."
A moment later, Lin Yue entered, and Chen Wei felt his breath catch slightly. She wore a tailored navy blue dress that hugged her figure perfectly, her hair styled in an elegant updo, minimal jewelry that screamed expensive taste. She looked every bit the successful lawyer—powerful, beautiful, untouchable.
[Lin Yue Favorability: 68/100]
[Current Status: Professionally Interested + Personally Curious]
"Good morning, Chen Wei," she said, her tone professional but with a hint of warmth. "Impressive office. You've settled in quickly."
"I don't believe in wasting time," Chen Wei said, standing and gesturing to the seating area near the window. "Please, have a seat. Coffee?"
"Black, no sugar."
Chen Wei poured two cups from the premium coffee maker that had been installed. As he handed her the cup, their fingers brushed, and he saw her eyes flicker with something she quickly suppressed.
"So," Lin Yue said, opening her tablet. "I've been reviewing the information you sent last night. Your artist contracts are... problematic."
"How problematic?"
"Very. Most of your artists are locked into below-market rates with restrictive clauses. If word gets out that you're the new owner, some might try to break their contracts." She swiped through several documents. "Particularly Tang Xin. She's worth at least three times what she's currently being paid."
"That's exactly why I want you to represent her—and restructure all the contracts," Chen Wei said. "I want our artists to feel valued, not trapped."
Lin Yue looked up, surprised. "Most entertainment companies try to squeeze every yuan out of their talent."
"I'm not most companies," Chen Wei said, holding her gaze. "I believe in mutual benefit. Happy artists perform better, stay loyal longer, and generate more profit. It's simple business."
[Business Genius Skill Effect: +20% persuasion in professional settings]
[Lin Yue Favorability: 68/100 → 75/100]
Lin Yue set down her tablet, studying him with open curiosity. "You really are something different, aren't you?"
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It is." She leaned back, crossing her legs in a way that was entirely professional yet somehow incredibly distracting. "So, about that property tour you mentioned..."
"Still interested?" Chen Wei asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Against my better judgment, yes," Lin Yue admitted. "You've managed to intrigue me, Chen Wei. I want to understand what kind of person buys a company at twenty-one and talks about business philosophy like someone with decades of experience."
"Then let me show you something that might explain it," Chen Wei said, standing. "My villa in Jianghai Bay. It's only fifteen minutes from here."
Lin Yue hesitated for just a moment, then stood as well. "Alright. But I have another appointment at noon, so we have two hours."
"That's all I need."
[9:30 AM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Lin Yue's Porsche followed Chen Wei's Mercedes through the exclusive gates of Jianghai Bay. When they pulled up to his villa, she sat in her car for a moment, just staring.
Chen Wei walked over and opened her door. "Impressive, isn't it?"
"This is... Chen Wei, this property is worth at least ¥40 million," Lin Yue said, her professional composure cracking. "How did you..."
"Investment returns," Chen Wei said with a mysterious smile. "Come on, let me give you the tour."
As they walked through the villa, Lin Yue's reactions were more controlled than Xiao Yue's had been, but Chen Wei could see she was impressed. She ran her hand along the marble countertops, examined the smart home controls, and stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows taking in the view.
"The interior design is good, but it could be better," she said, her professional instincts kicking in. "Too masculine. It needs softer touches—artwork, better lighting, plants to bring life to the space."
"That's exactly what I was hoping you'd say," Chen Wei said. "I want this place to feel like a home, not just a showpiece. Would you be willing to consult on the design? I'll pay your standard rate, of course."
Lin Yue turned to him, her expression complex. "Chen Wei, you realize that spending time together outside of business—even for something like interior design—it blurs professional lines."
"I know," Chen Wei said, stepping closer. Not too close—just enough to make his intentions clear. "But I think we both know this stopped being purely professional the moment we had lunch yesterday."
[Silver Tongue Activated: +40% persuasion]
[Romantic Insight Activated: Lin Yue is fighting her attraction due to professional ethics and your age difference]
Lin Yue's breath hitched slightly. "You're very direct."
"I learned recently that life's too short to pretend," Chen Wei said. "So I'll be honest. Yes, I want your professional help with the company and this villa. But I also find you fascinating. You're intelligent, accomplished, beautiful, and you don't take nonsense from anyone. That's rare."
"I'm five years older than you," Lin Yue said, but her voice was softer now.
"And I own a company and a ¥40 million villa at twenty-one," Chen Wei countered. "Age is just a number. What matters is whether two people connect. And I think we do."
They were standing very close now, the morning sunlight streaming through the windows creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.
"This is complicated," Lin Yue whispered, but she didn't move away.
"The best things usually are," Chen Wei said.
For a long moment, they just looked at each other. Chen Wei could see the war happening behind Lin Yue's eyes—professional caution versus personal desire.
Finally, she stepped back, creating distance. "I need to think about this. About us. About whether it's wise to mix business and... whatever this is."
"Take all the time you need," Chen Wei said gently. "I'm not going anywhere."
Lin Yue checked her watch. "I should go. My next appointment..."
"Of course."
As Chen Wei walked her to her car, Lin Yue paused at the driver's door. "For what it's worth, you're the first man in three years who's made me want to break my own rules."
Before Chen Wei could respond, she leaned in and kissed his cheek—soft, lingering, full of promise.
[Lin Yue Favorability: 75/100 → 82/100]
[Status: Professionally Interested → Romantically Conflicted (Positive)]
[System Note: She's falling for you but fighting it. Continue proving yourself worthy, and she'll surrender eventually.]
"I'll see you tomorrow," Lin Yue said, getting into her car. "For business."
"For business," Chen Wei agreed, though they both knew it was more than that now.
As her Porsche disappeared down the road, Chen Wei touched his cheek where she'd kissed him and smiled.
Two women. Two very different personalities. Both falling for him.
His life had become wonderfully complicated.
[1:45 PM - Starlight Entertainment Office]
Chen Wei returned to the office to find several staff members waiting nervously. He spent the next hour meeting with department heads, learning about operations, and making mental notes about what needed to change.
At exactly 2:00 PM, Xiao Min called. "Mr. Chen, Miss Tang Xin is here."
"Send her in."
Tang Xin entered hesitantly, and Chen Wei understood immediately why Lin Yue wanted to represent her. She was stunning—delicate features, expressive eyes, long dark hair that fell in waves, and an aura of vulnerability mixed with hidden strength.
[Tang Xin: Beauty Rating 85/100]
[Age: 22]
[Status: Insecure but talented, undervalued by previous management, desperate for a breakthrough]
[Favorability: 15/100 (Neutral - Nervous)]
"Miss Tang, please sit," Chen Wei said warmly, trying to put her at ease. "Thank you for coming."
"Thank you for meeting me, Mr. Chen," Tang Xin said softly, perching on the edge of the chair. She wore simple jeans and a modest blouse—nothing like the glamorous image most aspiring actresses cultivated. "I know you must be very busy."
"Never too busy for our talent," Chen Wei said. "Tell me about yourself. What are your goals? Your dreams?"
Tang Xin seemed surprised by the question. "My... dreams?"
"Yes. Why did you become an actress? What kind of roles do you want to play?"
For the next twenty minutes, Tang Xin opened up. She talked about growing up watching classic films, dreaming of making people feel emotions through her performances, wanting to play complex characters with depth. Her eyes lit up when she spoke about acting—the passion was obvious.
"But Mr. Zhou always gave me minor roles," she said, her voice dropping. "Background characters, one-line parts. He said I wasn't ready for bigger opportunities."
"Mr. Zhou was wrong," Chen Wei said firmly. "I've seen your demo reel. You have raw talent that needs the right opportunities to shine."
Tang Xin's eyes widened. "You... you watched my demo reel?"
"Of course. You're one of our most valuable assets. I've already spoken with Lin Yue—one of the top entertainment lawyers in the city—about representing you. And I'm prepared to invest in your career development. Acting coaches, better roles, proper marketing. Everything you need to become a star."
[Tang Xin Favorability: 15/100 → 45/100]
[Status: Nervous → Hopeful + Grateful]
Tears welled up in Tang Xin's eyes. "Why would you do this for me? You don't even know me."
"Because I believe in investing in people with potential," Chen Wei said. "And because I know what it's like to be overlooked and underestimated. I don't want that for anyone in my company."
A tear rolled down Tang Xin's cheek. She quickly wiped it away, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I'm not usually this emotional. It's just... I've been waiting so long for someone to believe in me."
Chen Wei stood and walked around the desk, offering her a tissue from the box. As she took it, their fingers touched briefly, and he felt that now-familiar spark.
[System Alert: Tang Xin is developing personal interest beyond professional gratitude]
[Warning: She is emotionally vulnerable. Handle with care and genuine kindness.]
"Tell me honestly," Chen Wei said gently. "If I could get you a lead role in a quality production—something that would showcase your abilities—would you be ready for it?"
Tang Xin stood as well, wiping her eyes and straightening her shoulders. For a moment, Chen Wei saw the actress beneath the insecurity—strong, determined, beautiful.
"Yes," she said firmly. "I've been ready my whole life. I just needed someone to give me the chance."
"Then consider this your chance," Chen Wei said. "I'm going to make you a star, Tang Xin. But I need you to trust me and work harder than you ever have before. Can you do that?"
"Yes!" Tang Xin said, her voice stronger now. Then, impulsively, she stepped forward and hugged him. "Thank you, Chen Wei. Thank you so much."
The hug was innocent, grateful—but Chen Wei felt her trembling slightly, felt the warmth of her body against his, smelled her subtle perfume.
[Tang Xin Favorability: 45/100 → 62/100]
[Status: Grateful → Personally Interested + Professionally Committed]
[System Note: Another potential romantic connection forming. Tang Xin is the type who falls for those who show her genuine kindness.]
When Tang Xin pulled back, there was a slight flush on her cheeks. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine," Chen Wei said with a warm smile. "I'm glad I could help. Now, let's talk about your new contract and training schedule."
They spent another thirty minutes discussing specifics. By the time Tang Xin left, she was practically glowing with excitement.
After she was gone, Chen Wei sat back in his chair, processing everything.
Three women now. Xiao Yue, his girlfriend—sweet, genuine, completely his. Lin Yue, the ice queen slowly melting—challenging, accomplished, fighting her feelings. And now Tang Xin, the vulnerable actress—talented, grateful, developing feelings.
His phone buzzed with a message from Xiao Yue.
Xiao Yue: "Just finished class! So excited for dinner tonight! What should I wear? Is it fancy? 😊"
Chen Wei smiled and typed back.
Chen Wei: "Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Tonight is just about us. Come over at 7?"
Xiao Yue: "Perfect! Can't wait to see you! 💕"
Another message came in, this time from Lin Yue.
Lin Yue: "I've been thinking about this morning. About what you said. About us. We should talk. Privately. Are you free Thursday evening?"
Chen Wei's heart rate increased.
Chen Wei: "I'm free. Dinner?"
Lin Yue: "Your villa. I want to see it again. And I want to continue our conversation without professional distractions. 7:00 PM?"
Chen Wei: "I'll cook."
Lin Yue: "You continue to surprise me. Thursday then. -LY"
Chen Wei leaned back, a smile playing on his lips. His life had transformed so completely in just three days that he barely recognized it.
[System Update: Build Your Empire Mission]
[Task 1: Acquire a business - COMPLETE ✓]
[Task 2: Make a profitable investment - In Progress (50% - Company is being restructured)]
[Task 3: Gain recognition in Jianghai business circles - 35% Complete]
[Additional Progress: Romantic Connections Established]
[Xiao Yue: 100/100 - Official Girlfriend]
[Lin Yue: 82/100 - Romantically Interested (Conflicted)]
[Tang Xin: 62/100 - Personally Interested]
[Warning: Managing multiple relationships requires careful attention. Neglecting any relationship will decrease favorability.]
Before Chen Wei could process everything, his phone rang. Wang Lei.
"Bro! You need to see this! Liu Meng is at the university gate, and she's causing a scene!"
Chen Wei's good mood evaporated. "What do you mean, causing a scene?"
"She's telling everyone who'll listen that you stole money or scammed someone to afford your new lifestyle! She's making you look like a criminal! Zhang Hao is with her, backing up her story!"
Chen Wei's jaw tightened. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."
[System Alert: Conflict Detected]
[Your ex-girlfriend is attempting to destroy your reputation]
[New Optional Mission: Defend Your Honor]
[Reward: +10 Status Points, Public Reputation Boost, Unlock "Intimidation" skill]
[Accept: Yes/No]
Chen Wei selected "Yes" without hesitation.
It was time to end this Liu Meng situation once and for all.
And he was going to do it in a way she'd never forget.