[1:45 PM - City Business Bureau]
Chen Wei arrived at the imposing government building, his mind racing through strategies. Lin Yue had texted that she was on her way, but he couldn't wait—the threat to freeze his assets was too serious.
[System Alert: High-stakes confrontation detected]
[Activating relevant skills: Business Genius, Silver Tongue, Intimidating Aura]
[Recommendation: Remain calm, document everything, do not sign anything without legal counsel]
The receptionist led him to a sparse office on the third floor. Zhao Ming sat behind a large desk, his expression cold and bureaucratic. He was in his late fifties, with the look of someone who'd spent decades wielding petty power.
"Mr. Chen, please sit," Zhao Ming said without warmth.
"I'd prefer to stand until I understand what this is about," Chen Wei replied calmly, his Intimidating Aura activating subtly.
Zhao Ming's eyes narrowed. "Very well. We've received complaints about your acquisition of Starlight Entertainment. Allegations of fraud, money laundering, and illegal business practices."
"Allegations from whom?" Chen Wei asked coolly.
"That's confidential."
"That's convenient," Chen Wei said. "And what evidence supports these allegations?"
Zhao Ming shuffled papers on his desk. "The speed of your acquisition raises questions. A university student with no prior business experience suddenly has millions of yuan to purchase a company? It's suspicious."
"Suspicious isn't illegal," Chen Wei countered. "I have complete documentation of all transactions, financial records, and legal clearances. Everything was reviewed by professional lawyers and accountants."
"Nevertheless, until our investigation is complete, I'm authorized to freeze your business accounts and halt all company operations."
[Silver Tongue Activated: +40% persuasion]
"Mr. Zhao," Chen Wei said, his voice taking on an edge of steel. "Before you make that decision, let me ask you something. Are you familiar with Lin Yue, the entertainment lawyer? Or Sun Wei from Star Capital Investment Group?"
Zhao Ming's confident expression faltered slightly. "What about them?"
"Lin Yue is my legal counsel. She's reviewed every aspect of my business and certified its complete legitimacy. Sun Wei just invested ¥20 million in my company this morning. Both are respected figures with impeccable reputations." Chen Wei leaned forward slightly. "Now, if you freeze my assets based on anonymous allegations without evidence, you'll be interfering with their business interests. Are you prepared to face the consequences of that?"
[Intimidating Aura Effect: -30% to opponent's confidence]
Zhao Ming shifted uncomfortably. "I'm just following procedure—"
"Or someone with connections asked you to harass me," Chen Wei interrupted smoothly. "Let me guess—Zhang Hao's father made some calls? Promised you favors?"
Zhao Ming's face reddened. "That's a serious accusation—"
"As serious as threatening to freeze my assets without evidence?" Chen Wei countered. "Mr. Zhao, I'm a legitimate businessman with powerful allies. If you proceed with this harassment, I will ensure that every media outlet in Jianghai knows that the business bureau targets successful young entrepreneurs based on personal vendettas."
The office door opened, and Lin Yue strode in, looking every bit the powerful lawyer in her sharp business suit, carrying a leather briefcase.
"Mr. Zhao," she said coldly, not bothering with pleasantries. "I'm Lin Yue, legal counsel for Mr. Chen and Starlight Entertainment. I understand you're threatening to freeze my client's assets?"
Zhao Ming stood, clearly intimidated by Lin Yue's reputation. "Miss Lin, this is just standard procedure—"
"Standard procedure requires evidence, warrants, and due process," Lin Yue said, setting her briefcase on his desk and pulling out documents. "Here is complete documentation of every transaction related to Starlight Entertainment's acquisition. Bank statements, legal contracts, tax records, regulatory filings—all completely legitimate and transparent."
She fixed Zhao Ming with an icy stare. "Now, either show me the evidence supporting your allegations, or withdraw your threats immediately."
Zhao Ming looked between them, clearly calculating his options. "I... there were concerns raised by a credible source—"
"Zhang Hao or his father?" Lin Yue asked bluntly. "Because if you're allowing personal connections to influence official investigations, that's corruption, Mr. Zhao. And I will personally ensure it's investigated."
[Lin Yue's Professional Dominance: Opponent confidence -50%]
"Now wait just a minute—" Zhao Ming blustered.
"No, you wait," Lin Yue said, her voice like ice. "My client is a legitimate businessman who has done nothing wrong. If you proceed with this harassment, I will file complaints with every oversight body in this city. Your career will be over by week's end. Is that clear?"
The door opened again, and an older man in an expensive suit entered—distinguished, authoritative, radiating power. Chen Wei recognized him from news articles: Sun Wei's business partner, Zhou Qiang, one of the most influential businessmen in Jianghai.
"Zhao Ming," Zhou Qiang said pleasantly, but his tone carried weight. "I heard you were investigating my new business associate. I thought I'd stop by to ensure everything is being handled properly."
Zhao Ming's face went pale. "Mr. Zhou! I wasn't aware you were involved—"
"Star Capital just invested ¥20 million in Chen Wei's company," Zhou Qiang said, walking over to shake Chen Wei's hand warmly. "Which means any threat to his business is a threat to our investment. I trust that's not your intention?"
"No! Of course not!" Zhao Ming said quickly. "This was just a routine inquiry based on some questions—"
"Questions from the Zhang family, I assume?" Zhou Qiang asked mildly. "Zhang Hao's father called you this morning, didn't he? Asked you to make trouble for young Chen Wei here?"
Zhao Ming's silence was answer enough.
Zhou Qiang's pleasant expression turned cold. "Zhao Ming, the Zhang family's influence is significant, but not absolute. If you value your position, I suggest you remember who actually runs this city's business community. And right now, we're backing Chen Wei."
[System Alert: Powerful Ally Support Activated!]
[Zhou Qiang's intervention: Enemy confidence -80%]
Zhao Ming looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him. "I... I apologize for any misunderstanding. Upon review, there appear to be no irregularities with Mr. Chen's business practices. The matter is closed."
"Excellent," Zhou Qiang said with a satisfied smile. "I knew you'd see reason."
Lin Yue gathered her documents. "Mr. Zhao, if my client receives any further harassment from your office, you'll be hearing from my legal team immediately. Good day."
She, Chen Wei, and Zhou Qiang walked out together, leaving Zhao Ming looking utterly defeated.
In the hallway, Zhou Qiang chuckled. "Sun Wei called me after his meeting with you this morning. Said you were someone worth protecting. I'm glad I listened."
"Thank you, Mr. Zhou," Chen Wei said sincerely. "That could have gone very differently without your intervention."
"Call me Zhou Qiang. We're partners now." He clapped Chen Wei on the shoulder. "The Zhang family has been throwing their weight around for too long. It's refreshing to see someone stand up to them. But be careful—they won't stop here."
"I'm counting on it," Chen Wei said with a cold smile.
After Zhou Qiang left, Lin Yue turned to Chen Wei, her icy professional demeanor melting into genuine concern.
"Are you okay?" she asked, touching his arm gently. "That must have been stressful."
"I'm fine, thanks to you," Chen Wei said, covering her hand with his. "You were incredible in there. Fierce and brilliant."
Lin Yue's cheeks colored slightly. "I don't like bullies, especially bureaucratic ones who abuse their power." She looked up at him, her expression softening. "Chen Wei, this is going to escalate. Zhang Hao's father won't give up easily."
"I know," Chen Wei said. "But I have you, don't I? As my lawyer... and hopefully more?"
[Romantic Moment Opportunity!]
Lin Yue glanced around the empty hallway, then stepped closer. "You're very bold, bringing up 'more' right after a business crisis."
"Like I said before, life's too short to pretend," Chen Wei said, his voice low. "Thursday still happening?"
"Definitely," Lin Yue said, her eyes holding promises. "Though after today, I think we both need it even more. I want to see the man behind the businessman. The real Chen Wei."
"You'll see everything Thursday," Chen Wei promised.
Lin Yue rose on her toes and kissed his cheek—longer than last time, more intimate. "I'm looking forward to it. Call me if Zhang family makes any more moves. I'll destroy them legally."
[Lin Yue Favorability: 91/100 → 96/100]
[Status: Romantically Committed → Nearly In Love]
[System Note: One more perfect evening and she's yours completely]
As Lin Yue left for her next appointment, Chen Wei stood in the government building lobby, processing everything.
His phone buzzed. Xiao Yue.
Xiao Yue: "Heard what happened from Tang Xin! Are you okay?! I'm so worried! 😰"
Chen Wei smiled at her immediate concern and called her instead of texting.
"Hey, beautiful," he said when she answered.
"Chen Wei! What happened? Are you okay? Did they really threaten to shut down your company?" Xiao Yue's voice was panicked and loving.
"I'm fine, everything's handled," Chen Wei assured her. "Zhang Hao tried to use his father's connections to attack me, but it didn't work."
"That bastard," Xiao Yue said with uncharacteristic venom. "I hate him so much for what he's putting you through."
"Don't waste energy hating him," Chen Wei said. "He's already lost. Come over tonight? I need to see you."
"I'm already packing," Xiao Yue said immediately. "I'm bringing enough stuff for the whole week, if that's okay?"
"More than okay. I told you—move in if you want."
"I want," Xiao Yue said softly. "I want to wake up with you every morning and fall asleep in your arms every night. Is that too much?"
[Xiao Yue wants to move in!]
[Accept: Relationship deepens significantly]
"That's perfect," Chen Wei said, his heart warming. "Come home whenever you're ready. I'll be waiting."
"Home," Xiao Yue repeated happily. "I love the sound of that. See you soon! Love you!"
"Love you too."
After hanging up, Chen Wei felt some of the tension from the confrontation ease. Xiao Yue had that effect on him—she made everything feel manageable, worthwhile.
His phone rang again. Tang Xin.
"Chen Wei! I've been so worried! Are you okay? What happened at the bureau?"
"Everything's fine, Tang Xin. The situation was handled."
"Thank god," Tang Xin breathed. "I was so scared they'd shut down the company and you'd lose everything. After all you've done for me, I couldn't bear it."
"Hey, you don't need to worry about me," Chen Wei said gently. "Focus on your audition preparation. That's what matters."
"You matter too," Tang Xin said quietly. "Chen Wei... be careful, okay? People like Zhang Hao, they don't fight fair."
"I know. Thank you for caring."
"Always," Tang Xin said, and Chen Wei could hear the emotion in her voice. "I... I should let you go. But call me if you need anything. Anything at all."
[Tang Xin Favorability: 86/100 → 89/100]
[Status: Deeply Attracted → Devoted (Despite Respecting Your Relationship)]
[6:30 PM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei arrived home to find Wang Lei in the living room, surrounded by textbooks but clearly not studying.
"Bro! I heard what happened! Zhang Hao's dad tried to take you down?"
"Tried and failed," Chen Wei said, loosening his tie. "Where'd you hear about it?"
"Campus gossip. It's all anyone's talking about. Zhang Hao's been bragging that his father would destroy you." Wang Lei grinned. "But from your face, I'm guessing that didn't happen?"
"Not even close. I have powerful allies now."
"Damn, bro. You really are living a different life." Wang Lei's expression turned serious. "But be careful. The Zhang family is dangerous. Rich, connected, vengeful."
"I know. But I'm not backing down."
The doorbell rang. Chen Wei's heart lifted—Xiao Yue.
He opened the door to find her standing there with two large suitcases and a backpack, looking nervous and excited.
"Hi," she said shyly. "I'm home?"
"You're home," Chen Wei confirmed, pulling her inside and into his arms. "Welcome."
Wang Lei cleared his throat. "Uh, should I make myself scarce?"
"Wang Lei, meet my girlfriend, Xiao Yue. Xiao Yue, this is my best friend and roommate, Wang Lei," Chen Wei introduced them.
"Nice to officially meet you!" Xiao Yue said warmly. "I've heard a lot about you."
"All good things, I hope," Wang Lei said with a grin. Then he grabbed his textbooks. "I'll be in my room studying. You kids have fun."
After Wang Lei left, Xiao Yue wrapped her arms around Chen Wei's waist and just held him.
"I was so scared today," she admitted. "When Tang Xin told me what was happening, all I could think was that I might lose you."
"You're not losing me," Chen Wei said, stroking her hair. "I'm not going anywhere. And now you're here, living with me. Nothing's separating us."
Xiao Yue looked up at him with tear-bright eyes. "Promise?"
"Promise," Chen Wei said, sealing it with a kiss.
[Major Relationship Milestone: Xiao Yue has officially moved in!]
[New Passive Buff: "Home Is Where The Heart Is" - Increased luck and fortune when at villa with loved ones]
[Xiao Yue Satisfaction: Maximum]
They spent the evening together—Chen Wei showed her where to put her things, they cooked dinner together (with much laughing and stealing kisses), and afterward cuddled on the couch watching a movie.
"This feels surreal," Xiao Yue said, nestled against his side. "A week ago, I was serving tables and studying. Now I'm living in a mansion with the man I love."
"A week ago, I was broke and heartbroken," Chen Wei replied. "Life changes fast."
"Do you ever miss the simple life?" Xiao Yue asked. "Before all the money and drama?"
Chen Wei thought about it. "Sometimes. But then I look at where I am now—with you, building something meaningful, able to help people like Tang Xin achieve their dreams. No, I don't miss it. This is better."
Xiao Yue tilted her head up and kissed him softly. "You're better. Money didn't change who you are inside. You're still kind, still caring. That's why I love you."
They made love that night with even more passion and tenderness than before, their connection deepening with every touch, every whispered declaration of love.
[Meanwhile - Zhang Family Mansion]
Zhang Hao paced his father's study, his face red with rage. "How did it fail?! You said Zhao Ming was in your pocket!"
Zhang Wei, his father, sat behind his desk, his expression dark. "Chen Wei has more powerful backers than we anticipated. Zhou Qiang personally intervened."
"So what do we do?!" Zhang Hao demanded. "That nobody humiliated me! Humiliated us! We can't let him get away with it!"
Zhang Wei stood, walking to the window overlooking their estate. "We use different methods. Business and bureaucracy failed. Now we hit him where it really hurts."
"How?"
"Everyone has weaknesses, son. Chen Wei's weakness is that girlfriend of his—Xiao Yue. We make her a target, he'll crumble."
Zhang Hao's eyes lit up with malicious glee. "What do you have in mind?"
"Leave that to me," Zhang Wei said with a cold smile. "By next week, Chen Wei will wish he'd never crossed our family."
[System Alert: Major Threat Detected!]
[Zhang family is planning to target Xiao Yue!]
[New Mission: Protect Your Loved Ones]
[Warning: This is a critical mission. Failure could result in harm to Xiao Yue]
[Recommendation: Increase security measures immediately]
[Back at the Villa - Late Night]
Chen Wei woke suddenly, the system warning echoing in his mind. Xiao Yue was sleeping peacefully beside him, her face soft and innocent in the moonlight streaming through the windows.
He carefully extracted himself from bed and stepped onto the terrace, his mind racing.
The Zhang family was planning something against Xiao Yue. He couldn't let anything happen to her.
His phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number.
Unknown: "Mr. Chen, this is Zhou Qiang. I've heard rumors that the Zhang family is planning something more aggressive. I'm sending personal security to your villa—two trained professionals who will ensure your and your girlfriend's safety. They'll be there by morning. Accept them. This isn't paranoia; it's necessity. -ZQ"
Chen Wei replied immediately.
Chen Wei: "Thank you. I won't forget this."
Another message came in, this time from Lin Yue.
Lin Yue: "Can't sleep. Thinking about you and Thursday. Also thinking about the Zhang family. Be careful, Chen Wei. They're dangerous. I'm having my investigator dig into their business dealings—if they have skeletons, I'll find them. Sleep well. -LY"
Chen Wei smiled despite his concerns. His allies were protecting him, his girlfriend was safe in his bed, and his empire was growing.
The Zhang family wanted war?
They were about to learn that Chen Wei had transformed from a target into a force to be reckoned with.