Maxing Out Charisma, Inheriting Game Assets

Chapter 876: Meeting the Parents

As [Tang Song's Sticky Note] touched Secretary Jin's forehead, the light gradually dispersed, silently melting away.

The car interior returned to its normal flow.

The sounds of traffic, the wind, the dashboard—everything returned to its place as if nothing had happened.

At the same time, the system interface quietly unfolded before Tang Song's eyes.

A dazzling layer of golden light bloomed on the main interface, dyeing his entire field of vision with a flowing halo.

In the center of the screen, an image full of technological flair slowly took shape—

A massive convention center, a tide-like surging crowd, flashing media camera lenses, smart glasses and chip models suspended in mid-air; continuously scrolling streams of code and data chains, highlighted itineraries and meeting minutes...

Spain, Barcelona.

MWC 2024 (Mobile World Congress).

Immediately after, lines of text slowly jumped out in the center of his vision:[Welcome to the Real Plot Dungeon — The Female Secretary in the President's Office]

[Dungeon Characters: President (Tang Song) / Female Secretary (Jin Meixiao)]

[Trigger Condition: When you and the target object enter the corresponding workplace structure and form stable superior-subordinate interactions in real work, the dungeon will officially activate.]

[Dungeon Valid Time: February 26, 2024 to March 6, 2024]

[You once briefly wondered, what would it be like if "Secretary Jin" shed her usual identity and, in reality, accompanied you as a personal female secretary to handle a sufficiently important project?]

[Now, the opportunity has arrived.]

[Xuanji Optical World is about to officially step onto the global stage. And she will accompany you to complete this moment that belongs to you, in the capacity of a "female secretary".]

[Have the female secretary (Jin Meixiao) enter your President's Office as a "female secretary" after the dungeon begins, perfectly integrating and taking over your work rhythm.]

[The female secretary (Jin Meixiao) has obtained 10 sets of "special attire", which will be delivered soon. Wearing the attire can, to a certain extent, conceal personal characteristics and reduce the risk of being recognized.]

[You need to deploy, utilize, arrange, rely on, and control her in real work.]

[During the dungeon period, the two main storylines of Songmei Apparel and Xuanji Optical World will receive special bonuses, achieving major breakthrough progress.]

[When your "role compatibility" with Jin Meixiao exceeds 50%, you both will obtain multiple halo bonuses.]

[The higher the compatibility, the richer the dungeon rewards.]

....

After quickly browsing all the content on the interface, Tang Song took several seconds to barely steady his breathing.

But his heartbeat was still erratic.

This wasn't his first encounter with a "plot dungeon".

Once was [Tomorrow's Superstar] in a dream, and another time was [The Self-Cultivation of a Study God] in reality.

But this time was undoubtedly the most special.

It wasn't just about fun and role-playing.

It directly involved the two most important main storylines—

The international debut of [Xuanji Optical World] at MWC2024, and the entire brand upgrade and organizational advancement of [Songmei Apparel] that followed.

The dungeon timing was precise, exactly covering the week before the exhibition opening and spanning the entire exhibition period.

Of course, what truly made his blood rush was obviously another reason.

Tang Song slightly turned his head and glanced at Secretary Jin sitting in the passenger seat.

All along, the three words "Secretary Jin" were just a somewhat teasing nickname between the two of them in private.

In reality, she was the founder of Smile Holdings, the core of the Tang Jin Family Office, the "Ms. Smile" that made the entire capital market take notice.

She was never anyone's secretary.

It was even more impossible for her to obediently stay by someone's side, serving tea, organizing documents, meekly waiting for orders.

But in this dungeon, she was to enter his work rhythm completely, as a female secretary.

Moreover, the authority barrier that originally existed between him and this UR Character would also vanish, becoming perfectly legitimate.

Even if he really wanted to practice that old saying: "When there's work, the secretary does it; when there's no work..."

As long as Secretary Jin agreed, it wasn't impossible.

Tang Song licked his lips, the corners of his mouth gradually curving upward.

Beside him, Secretary Jin slightly furrowed her brows, subconsciously raising her hand to touch her forehead, as if sensing a fleeting anomaly.

Tang Song looked at her, his gaze deepening.

"Smile."

"What's wrong?" She turned her head to look at him. "It's getting dark, let's head back early."

"What you said earlier, about being a secretary." Tang Song's tone was flat, unnaturally flat. "You were serious, right?"

Secretary Jin's fingertips rested on her knee, tapping unhurriedly.

"Well... what do you think?"

"Then it starts after the Lantern Festival." Tang Song almost didn't hesitate. "Ten days."

Secretary Jin was stunned.

She originally just made a high-level flirtatious remark following the mood, never expecting Tang Song to immediately slap a schedule in her face.

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "President Tang is so eager? I remember there seem to be quite a few restrictions between us. Didn't you say before that we can't casually cross work boundaries?"

"If it's you coming to be my secretary, then there are no boundaries."

Secretary Jin was truly amused this time.

Not that reserved, elegant slight smile, but a happy, hearty laugh.

"Hahaha~~ I really didn't expect you to say something like that. Shameless!"

"I'm serious." Tang Song turned his head, his gaze deep and focused. "February 26th to March 6th, the entire MWC. You come to Xuanji Optical World, enter my President's Office, accompany me to Barcelona."

Secretary Jin looked into his eyes, the smile on her face fading slightly.

"That's not very appropriate." Her voice softened. "After all, I'm a public figure. If I really appear by your side in that capacity, especially in that kind of setting, it might cause quite a bit of trouble."

"It won't." Tang Song replied quickly. "I'll prepare a few special outfits for you. Change your hair color and style a bit, put on some makeup, you won't be too conspicuous. You'll mainly be by my side, assisting me with work. Besides the core few in the President's Office, no one will know your real identity. At most, they might think you look a bit similar—but who would believe my personal secretary is Jin Meixiao?"

As he said this, even his own voice carried a layer of barely suppressed excitement.

That secretive, dangerous, slightly mischievous thrill—just thinking about it was enough to make one's scalp tingle.

Secretary Jin looked at him quietly.

Her heart, always rational to the point of being almost cold, also uncontrollably accelerated its beating at this moment.

A never-before-experienced, extremely secret sense of anticipation spread from her fingertips like an electric current.

She chuckled, extending her slightly cool fingertips to gently trace Tang Song's jawline.

"Hah. Sounds like President Tang has calculated every aspect clearly, just to legally harass me."

"Well... you can't put it that harshly." Tang Song coughed lightly. "I just want to have an unforgettable memory with you. After all—you are my Secretary Jin."

Secretary Jin pursed her lips, falling silent for a moment.

She tucked the stray strands of hair behind her ear and elegantly straightened her posture.

"We should get going."

"You agree?" Tang Song pressed.

"Don't know." Secretary Jin's red lips curved slightly, her gaze already looking ahead, leaving an ambiguous answer.

Tang Song's heart itched unbearably, but he couldn't do anything about her, so he could only honestly restart the car.

The silver Mercedes slowly started, merging into the traffic heading towards Jing County.

The sky gradually slid towards dusk.

Streetlights lit up one after another, the cold winter light and the warm glow from shops along the street interweaving, dyeing the entire road with a dim, soft hue.

Tang Song drove, but his heart had long flown to the President's Office of Xuanji Optical World.

After a good while, he couldn't hold back and spoke again. "Smile."

"Hmm?"

"Congratulations on successfully passing the interview today." He said seriously, looking straight ahead. "I'll send you the offer in your email later, remember to check. Don't miss the onboarding time."

Secretary Jin didn't reply immediately.

After a moment of quiet, a hint of mischievous amusement flashed in her eyes, her voice carrying a more playful tone.

"Oh? So what position does President Tang plan to arrange for me? Or what name?"

"Hmm..." Tang Song thought seriously for a moment, his eyes lighting up. "Let's call you Jin Meisu. It rhymes with Secretary Jin, and I'll still call you Secretary Jin externally. As for the resume and such, with your skills, you can handle that yourself."

Secretary Jin's eyes flickered slightly, clearly finding this name somewhat interesting.

She pondered for a moment, then said with a smile, "Jin Meisu is fine. How about setting me up in the background as Jin Meixiao's cousin."

"Wow—that's great!" Tang Song immediately perked up. "If anyone thinks we look alike, it's completely explainable!"

"Mhm." Secretary Jin nodded, constructing a flawless identity in a few words. "A recent graduate, specially arranged by her cousin 'Director Jin' to be your short-term intern secretary, also to gain experience by participating in the MWC project. This way the identity is logical, and it can explain why I can directly parachute to your side. Others might even think it's the capital side keeping an eye on you."

"Perfect! Secretary Jin, you're truly my treasure."

Tang Song couldn't help himself, his right hand leaving the steering wheel to cover Secretary Jin's slender, beautiful leg wrapped in black stockings.

Through the delicate, smooth fabric, a warm, firm, full sensation instantly transmitted from his palm.

Secretary Jin's body stiffened slightly.

She turned her head, looking at him with a half-smile.

"President Tang, is this letting me adapt in advance to the workplace interaction mode between a 'lecherous male superior' and an 'intern female secretary'?"

Tang Song coughed lightly, but his fingers shamelessly didn't move away. Instead, he slowly rubbed a couple of times.

"Of course not." He looked straight ahead, saying seriously, "You are my proper girlfriend. This is the most normal physical contact between a boyfriend and girlfriend."

"Fine." Secretary Jin leaned back in her seat, her long legs closing together, tilting slightly towards him. "I'll reluctantly believe you. But, focus on driving. If we crash, I might not be able to start on time."

"Mhm, what brand are these stockings? The feel is great. Do you have other colors?"

'....

Yun Jing Tai residential community, Building 8, Unit 501.

The winter sky gradually darkened.

In the Western-style house in the northern county town, the underfloor heating was blazing, filling the air with the warm, rich aroma of food.

In the kitchen, a clay pot bubbled gently over a low flame, and prepared cooked food was laid out on the cutting board.

The refrigerator door opened and closed.

The entire house was filled with the uniquely chaotic and festive atmosphere of New Year's Eve.

Xu Feng, wearing an apron, bustled back and forth between the kitchen and dining room.

One moment checking the pot, the next checking the clock, then couldn't help but glance towards the door a couple of times.

"Jianying, why isn't Little Song here yet? Didn't he say he'd be back in the afternoon? It's almost dark."

In the living room, Tang Jianying, wearing thermal underwear, was bent over arranging fruit and dried snacks on the coffee table.

Hearing this, he didn't even look up. "Don't rush, don't rush. Think about his status now, can he just come and go as he pleases like before? He has so many things on his plate. When he gets busy, how can he be so punctual?"

"Ah, true." Xu Feng sighed, lifting the pot lid to take a look before quickly covering it again. "But no matter how busy, today is New Year's Eve."

Nowadays, Tang Song's true identity was no secret at home.

Tang Yi Precision selecting sites and building factories in Quancheng and Jing County, the [Xuanji Optical World] supply chain project landing—news, short videos, social media feeds were flooded with such information.

And Tang Song, the global CEO of [Xuanji Optical World], naturally became a prominent figure in local conversations.

This also directly led to their family becoming exceptionally busy before this Spring Festival.

Phone calls, greetings, and messages about New Year visits had hardly stopped.

Relatives, old classmates, and neighbors they hadn't been in touch with for years seemed to have made an appointment, popping up one after another these past couple of days.

The extended family side was even more so.

After the New Year, ancestral worship, grave visits, visiting relatives—Tang Jianying would definitely have to take the lead.

Status was often like this.

Before the person even truly returns, the winds have already shifted completely.

Xu Feng, while arranging the sliced spiced beef on a plate, suddenly seemed to remember something and looked up. "By the way, should we tell Little Song to ask Qing Ning to come over for a meal?"

Tang Jianying's hands paused momentarily.

"This... let's wait until Little Song gets back. Besides, Qing Ning and Xuemin's family still have to go to the TV station for an event on New Year's Eve night, don't they?"

"I don't mean necessarily today." Xu Feng shot him a glance. "Isn't the first day of the New Year your birthday? That's a perfect excuse. Have that girl over, make it lively, that's nice."

Tang Jianying chuckled, stroking his chin. "Then we can ask when the time comes."

Xu Feng put the plate on the table and couldn't help but start muttering again:

"These two kids have been together for so many years, it's time for a result. Little Song is considered successful now, almost pushing thirty. Matters of marriage and children need to be put on the agenda."

"You're just bored."

"Of course I am!" Xu Feng said righteously. "You at least have things to keep busy. I'm just sitting at home eating and waiting to die, I need to find something to worry about. Don't tell me you don't want to hold a grandchild."

Tang Jianying laughed heartily a couple of times. "This... let it happen naturally, naturally. But if they really have kids, it's best to have several. The policy is relaxed now, having several is good, makes the house lively."

Xu Feng also smiled hearing this, then softly sighed.

"That girl Qing Ning, everything else is good, it's just that she's been weak since childhood. I estimate they'll be lucky to manage two in the future."

They watched Liu Qingning grow up. What kind of personality she had, what kind of physical foundation, she knew perfectly well.

Qing Ning's mother, Zhang Yunlan, had pregnancy-induced hypertension when giving birth to her back then, which was quite dangerous.

Just as they were talking, the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Ding-dong—Ding-dong—"

Xu Feng's eyes instantly lit up. "Little Song is here?"

She didn't even bother to wipe her hands clean, hurriedly walking towards the door.

The door opened.

Standing outside wasn't Tang Song.

It was the property manager and several men and women in dark suits, carrying gift boxes and bags.

The group stood properly, their faces wearing just the right amount of polite respect.

The leader was a woman in her early thirties, with neat features and sharp makeup. Seeing Xu Feng, she gave a slight bow.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Tang Jianying and Ms. Xu Feng?"

Xu Feng was momentarily stunned, then quickly nodded. "Ah, yes, I'm Xu Feng. You are...?"

The woman smiled warmly, her posture very humble. "I am Ms. Ouyang's assistant, you can call me Xiao Tong."

She gestured behind her. "These are New Year gifts Ms. Ouyang asked me to deliver, and birthday gifts for Uncle Tang. There's quite a bit, I apologize for the intrusion."

"Ms. Ouyang?"

Xu Feng and Tang Jianying exchanged a glance, almost simultaneously realizing.

"Oh my—" Xu Feng quickly pulled the door wider, her voice becoming more enthusiastic. "Please come in, come in!"

Tang Jianying also quickly walked over, smiling broadly as he reached out to take the items. "You're too kind, too kind. This is really unnecessary, making a special trip."

"It's no trouble." Xiao Tong smiled, handing over the gift boxes one by one. "Ms. Ouyang is especially busy during the New Year, she really couldn't make it personally, but she specifically instructed that these things must be delivered to you both."

Gift boxes and bags were carried into the house one after another.

There was tea, wine, tonics, and several exquisitely packaged gift boxes that looked very expensive at first glance.

Xu Feng and Tang Jianying kept thanking them while hastily making space in the house, their words polite but the smiles on their faces impossible to suppress.

They wanted to invite them to sit down for some water, but the group didn't stay long, politely saying they had other appointments and then took their leave.

The door closed again.

The house suddenly quieted down.

In the living room, a small pile of gift boxes and bags had accumulated.

Looking at these things, Xu Feng couldn't help but sigh. "This Xianyue, she's really both enthusiastic and thoughtful. After visiting last time, she still sends me messages every now and then, asking about this and that. For our son to meet such a benefactor, it's really fortune cultivated in a past life."

"Of course!" Tang Jianying got excited. "She's a truly important person. The busier it is during the New Year, the more she has to do. Who knows, she might be discussing important matters with some big leader right now, yet she still remembers our family. What is this called? This is called vision!"

Tang Jianying got more and more carried away as he spoke.

After all, he was now an honorary consultant for the new Tang Yi factory, more or less touching the edge of this new circle.

Coupled with his love for discussing current affairs and industrial policies, once he got started, he couldn't stop.

He went on and on, digressing further and further.

"Alright, alright, stop with all that, I don't understand it anyway." Xu Feng pursed her lips, turning back to check the pot. "You, you just love to show off how knowledgeable you are."

"You need to learn and keep up with the times." Tang Jianying retorted, unconvinced. "Our son will be a tech tycoon in the future. You, as his mother, need to keep up with the times too. What if a TV station comes to interview you later?"

"Enough." Xu Feng shot him a glance. "Acting all capable. Me, I just care about when our son will get married, when I can hold a grandchild. As for Xianyue—"

She lowered her voice, leaning closer. "Looking at her physique, she's clearly someone who'd bear children very well."

Tang Jianying, still immersed in the dignity of being the "father of a tech tycoon", was so startled by these words his face immediately changed, almost jumping up.

"Don't talk nonsense! How can you casually make up such things?! What status does she have!"

"Tch, I was just saying it behind closed doors, offhand..."

Xu Feng also belatedly realized her words were somewhat outrageous, quickly closing her mouth guiltily, glancing towards the door.

A lofty figure like Ouyang Xianyue, though she treated them with extreme closeness and no airs, her status was still there.

Such words, even spoken in one's own home, still felt somewhat disrespectful.

The house was quiet for only a short while.

The phone on the table suddenly rang.

"Ding-ling-ling—"

Xu Feng looked down, her eyes instantly lighting up.

"Little Song!"

She hurriedly answered the phone, her voice several pitches higher than before.

"Hello? Little Song, where are you?"

"Friend? What friend? From work? Do we need to prepare anything extra in advance?"

"Ah?!"

Xu Feng's voice suddenly rose sharply, the expression on her face changing along with it.

"You child, why didn't you say anything in advance! We haven't prepared anything at all!"

"How can that be! You're bringing your girlfriend home for New Year, this is a big deal!"

Something else was said on the other end of the line.

Xu Feng nodded while continuously agreeing, the expression on her face growing more and more dramatic.

After a few more sentences, the call finally ended.

When she put the phone down, she was still in a state that was clearly dazed yet clearly excited.

Tang Jianying quickly asked:

"What's wrong? What did Little Song say?"

Xu Feng turned around, her eyes shining.

"He brought Qing Ning over! They'll be at the community soon!"

"Ah?" Tang Jianying was stunned. "Didn't you say Qing Ning was going to the TV station today?"

"Who knows, maybe the schedule changed last minute." Xu Feng was already too busy to think about details, immediately starting to direct. "Quick, quick, quick, hurry up and tidy up! You go change your clothes first, don't wander around in thermal underwear, what kind of look is that!"

"Oh, oh, okay, okay."

Tang Jianying also suddenly became nervous, turning and rushing into the bedroom.

Xu Feng wasn't idle either, smoothing her hair, then quickly checking the dining table, sofa, coffee table, afraid something might be out of place.

The already bustling house became even more chaotic in an instant.

A few minutes later, the two of them finally looked somewhat presentable.

"I'll go wait in the elevator lobby." Xu Feng glanced at the time, already unable to sit still.

Tang Jianying also got up. "I'll go too."

Their son formally bringing his girlfriend home for New Year for the first time, and having New Year's Eve dinner together.

This was a huge deal for the two of them.

Both wore barely concealed smiles, their steps even faster than usual.

The elevator lobby was quiet.

The corridor lights shone brightly, casting a warm glow on the walls and floor tiles. The two stood side by side in front of the elevator doors, neither speaking, but that sense of anticipation was impossible to hide.

Soon.

"Ding—"

The elevator stopped on the fifth floor.

Xu Feng and Tang Jianying subconsciously stepped forward half a step.

The elevator doors slowly opened.

The first to enter their sight was Tang Song.

Carrying large and small gift boxes and bags, wearing thick winter clothes, a smile on his face.

But the next second, their gazes simultaneously passed over him, landing on the person beside him.

Then, they both froze.

Because the person standing beside Tang Song was not Liu Qingning.

But a completely unfamiliar woman.

She had smooth, brown hair quietly draped over her shoulders, a tall and graceful figure.

A deep gray overcoat cinched her slender waist, making her whole person appear tall and straight.

Even just standing there quietly, she naturally exuded an indescribable elegance and nobility.

The light fell softly, illuminating her exquisitely beautiful, almost unreal face.

Different from Liu Qingning's pure, cute kind of beauty.

The beauty of the woman before them was serene, restrained, like an extremely detailed traditional painting.

Not flashy, not imposing, yet somehow made it impossible to look away.

Xu Feng stood rooted, her mind going blank.

Who is this?

Tang Jianying subconsciously blinked, feeling this face was somewhat familiar.

As if he'd seen it somewhere.

And not just once.

Just as the two were stunned, the two people in the elevator had already stepped out.

The woman naturally took half a step forward.

She was also carrying gift boxes, her face wearing a flawless, perfect smile.

"Uncle, Auntie, hello." Her voice was clear and steady, gentle to just the right degree. "First time meeting, coming a bit suddenly, I hope I haven't caused you any trouble."

Tang Song introduced from the side. "Dad, Mom, this is my girlfriend, Jin Meixiao."

Xu Feng's eyelids twitched violently, her heart feeling like it trembled along with it.

But she was, after all, a mother. No matter how confused, she knew she absolutely must not panic at a time like this.

No matter what she thought before, no matter what the situation with Qing Ning was.

The person before her was, after all, the girlfriend her son personally brought home.

And right in front of her.

She immediately piled on a smile, quickly stepping forward to take the gift boxes from her hands.

"Oh my, how could it be trouble!" Xu Feng smiled with both enthusiasm and nervousness. "Meixiao, come in, come in, is it cold outside? You shouldn't have, bringing so many things."

As she spoke, she guided them into the house, unable to resist stealing another glance at Jin Meixiao.

With this glance, Xu Feng's heart trembled again.

This girl is... too stunning!

Even more beautiful than Ouyang Xianyue she met before, and that aura wasn't lacking at all.

It was like she walked straight out of a TV drama.

If not for the lingering thought of Liu Qingning weighing on her mind, Xu Feng might have been grinning from ear to ear right then and there.

Secretary Jin smiled lightly. "Uncle, Auntie, you can call me Smile. It's my nickname, my family usually calls me that."

"Ah! Smile—such a nice name, really nice, easy to remember." Xu Feng's smile grew even brighter, casually complimenting.

But as the two words "Smile" fell.

Beside her, Tang Jianying's mind "buzzed", goosebumps rising all over his body.

"Smi... Smile?!" His eyes widened suddenly, his tongue tangling. "The Smile Holdings... that... that Director Jin?!"

No wonder it looked familiar.

No wonder he felt he'd seen this face somewhere.

TV news, financial interviews, fleeting shots in short videos...

Wasn't this the famous Director Jin?!

Just a couple of days ago, he was in the mahjong room, sitting with a few relatives watching the news, pointing at the screen and sighing.

At the time, he even boasted a couple of times, saying his son had a cooperative relationship with Smile Holdings.

And now, this legendary Director Jin was actually standing alive before him, calling him Uncle?

And what's more, she was the girlfriend his son personally brought home for New Year?

This... what on earth is going on? Am I dreaming?