[Monday Morning - 8:00 AM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei sat in his home office, preparing for the video conference with Victoria Chen and the international investors. Xiao Yue had insisted on bringing him coffee and breakfast before she left for her classes, with Zhang Mei shadowing her as usual.
"You look nervous," Xiao Yue had observed, kissing his cheek. "Don't be. You're amazing at this."
"¥500 million is a lot of money," Chen Wei admitted. "And international expansion is a huge step."
"You destroyed a corrupt family, survived a hostage situation, and befriended the Ice Empress," Xiao Yue reminded him with a smile. "A business meeting should be easy in comparison."
Now, as Chen Wei waited for the video call to connect, he activated his Business Genius skill, reviewing everything he'd researched about international entertainment markets.
[Business Genius: Activated]
[Knowledge Compilation: Hong Kong cinema market, Singapore streaming platforms, Los Angeles production studios]
[Confidence: Enhanced]
The screen flickered to life, revealing three people in what appeared to be a luxury Hong Kong office.
Victoria Chen was in the center—a striking Chinese-American woman in her early forties, impeccably dressed, with sharp eyes that assessed everything. She radiated the same controlled power as Bai Yue, but with a warmer undertone.
To her left sat an older gentleman—probably late fifties, distinguished, with the bearing of old money. The nameplate read "James Morrison - Morrison Entertainment Group."
On the right was a younger man—perhaps thirty, handsome in a polished way, designer suit. His nameplate said "David Zhang - Pacific Media Investments."
"Mr. Chen Wei," Victoria said, her English accent refined. "Thank you for making time on short notice. I'm Victoria Chen, and these are my partners. We've been following your meteoric rise with great interest."
"Thank you for reaching out," Chen Wei replied smoothly in English, his Silver Tongue skill activating automatically. "I'm intrigued by the prospect of international expansion."
[Silver Tongue: Activated in English]
[Linguistic Enhancement: Perfect fluency and persuasive capability]
James Morrison leaned forward. "Young man, in my forty years in entertainment, I've rarely seen someone rise as quickly as you have. Acquiring Starlight Entertainment, partnering with Tianlong Group, the way you handled that crisis at the gala—impressive doesn't begin to cover it."
"I've been fortunate to have the right opportunities and the right people around me," Chen Wei said modestly.
"Modest too," David Zhang observed with a slight smile. "That's refreshing. Most young entrepreneurs at your level are insufferably arrogant."
Victoria pulled up a presentation on screen. "Mr. Chen, we represent a consortium of investors across Asia and North America. We see enormous potential in Starlight Entertainment, particularly given your talent development approach and recent Tianlong partnership."
She clicked to the next slide. "We're proposing a ¥500 million investment for 20% equity in Starlight Entertainment International—a new subsidiary focused on global markets. This would give you capital to produce international content, acquire foreign talent, and establish offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles."
Chen Wei's Business Genius skill immediately analyzed the proposal.
[Analysis: Excellent terms, fair valuation, strategic partners with strong connections]
[Risk: Managing international operations requires significant expansion of capabilities]
[Opportunity: Could make Starlight a global player within 2-3 years]
[Recommendation: Negotiate slightly better terms, accept deal]
"The investment amount is generous," Chen Wei said carefully. "But I'd want to maintain majority control of the subsidiary. I'm thinking 15% equity to your consortium, with guaranteed board representation and strategic input."
Victoria's eyes glinted with approval. "You negotiate well. Most people would simply accept our initial offer."
"I learned from someone very wise that accepting first offers means leaving money on the table," Chen Wei said, thinking of Bai Yue.
James Morrison chuckled. "I like this kid. Alright, Mr. Chen. 15% it is, but we want quarterly strategy meetings and final approval on any acquisitions over ¥50 million."
"Fair," Chen Wei agreed. "And I want access to your distribution networks and industry connections. That's worth as much as the capital."
"Agreed," Victoria said, clearly pleased. "Mr. Chen, I think this is the beginning of a very profitable partnership. My lawyers will draw up contracts this week. Can you come to Hong Kong next month to finalize and tour potential office locations?"
"I can," Chen Wei confirmed.
"Excellent. One more thing—bring your girlfriend," Victoria added with a knowing smile. "I've seen the photos from the gala. She's lovely, and it's clear she's important to you. Partners who understand work-life balance make better long-term investments."
[International Partnership: Secured]
[New Opportunity: Global Expansion Unlocked]
[Achievement: "International Mogul" - Your business now spans multiple countries]
[Reward: +20 Business Acumen, +30 Status Points, "Global Vision" skill unlocked]
After the call ended, Chen Wei sat back, his mind racing with possibilities. Starlight Entertainment was about to become a global company.
His phone rang immediately. Bai Yue.
"I heard about the international deal," she said without preamble. "Victoria Chen contacted me for a reference. I gave you a glowing recommendation."
"Thank you," Chen Wei said sincerely. "I'm starting to understand why you wanted to partner with me."
"Because I see what you could become," Bai Yue said. "Chen Wei, you're twenty-one and you're about to run a global entertainment company. Do you understand how extraordinary that is?"
"I'm trying not to think about it too much," Chen Wei admitted. "It's overwhelming."
"Good. Stay humble. That's what will make you great." Bai Yue paused. "Are we still on for dinner tonight? You, me, and Xiao Yue?"
"Yes. Xiao Yue is excited about it, actually."
"So am I," Bai Yue said, and Chen Wei could hear genuine warmth in her usually cold voice. "I've never had friends before. Real ones, I mean. This is... new for me."
[Bai Yue Favorability: 92/100 → 94/100]
[Status: Genuine Friend → Close Friend (Platonic)]
"We'll see you at 7," Chen Wei confirmed. "The restaurant you suggested?"
"Yes. It's quiet, private, and the food is exceptional. Perfect for actual conversation rather than networking." She hesitated. "Thank you, Chen Wei. For not judging me for being lonely. For agreeing to help."
"That's what friends do," Chen Wei said simply.
[2:00 PM - Film Set - Tang Xin's Movie Production]
Chen Wei arrived at the warehouse that had been converted into a film set. Director Wang Ming had invited him to observe the first day of shooting, and Chen Wei wanted to support Tang Xin.
The set was controlled chaos—crew members rushing around, lighting being adjusted, makeup artists touching up actors' faces. And in the center of it all stood Tang Xin.
She wore a simple dress for her character—a young woman dealing with loss and self-discovery. Even without movie magic, Tang Xin looked every bit the professional actress.
"Action!" Director Wang called.
Chen Wei watched as Tang Xin transformed. The nervous, insecure woman he'd met weeks ago vanished, replaced by a character with depth, emotion, and absolute presence. She delivered her lines with perfect timing, her expressions conveying volumes.
"Cut! Perfect!" Director Wang called enthusiastically. "Tang Xin, that was exactly what I wanted! Take five, everyone!"
Tang Xin's face lit up with joy and relief. She spotted Chen Wei and hurried over.
"Chen Wei! You came!" She was practically glowing. "Did you see? Was I okay?"
"You were incredible," Chen Wei said honestly. "Tang Xin, you're a natural. I knew you had talent, but seeing you work... you're going to be a star."
Tang Xin's eyes filled with tears. "I was so nervous. But then I remembered what you said—about believing in myself, about trusting my abilities. And it just... worked."
[Tang Xin Confidence: Significantly Increased]
[Her career trajectory: Extremely positive]
Director Wang Ming approached, smiling broadly. "Mr. Chen, thank you for your investment and for discovering Tang Xin. She's exactly what this film needs—raw talent with genuine emotion."
"I'm glad it's working out," Chen Wei said. "How's the production going overall?"
"Smoothly, thanks to the Tianlong backing. We have proper budget now, good equipment, talented crew." Wang Ming lowered his voice. "There is one small issue, though."
"What kind of issue?"
"The male lead—Zhou Ming—is being... difficult. He's an established actor, and I think he's not happy sharing screen time with a newcomer like Tang Xin. He's been undermining her confidence, criticizing her performances."
Chen Wei's expression hardened. "Where is he?"
"In his trailer, probably," Wang Ming said, then added quickly, "But Mr. Chen, please don't cause a scene. He's got a contract, and replacing him would be expensive and delay production."
"I won't cause a scene," Chen Wei promised. "But I will have a conversation."
He walked toward the trailers, his Intimidating Aura activating automatically. Tang Xin followed nervously.
Zhou Ming's trailer was the largest, naturally. Chen Wei knocked firmly.
"What?!" came an irritated voice.
Chen Wei opened the door without waiting for invitation. Zhou Ming sat inside—late twenties, handsome in a pretty-boy way, surrounded by assistants who were probably inflating his ego.
"Who the hell are you?" Zhou Ming demanded. "This is a private trailer!"
"I'm Chen Wei. I own this production company and funded this film," Chen Wei said coldly. "We need to talk."
Zhou Ming's assistants quickly fled. Zhou Ming himself looked uncertain now, recognizing the name.
"Mr. Chen, I didn't realize—"
"I hear you've been undermining Tang Xin," Chen Wei interrupted. "Criticizing her performances, making her doubt herself. Is that true?"
"She's inexperienced," Zhou Ming said defensively. "I was just offering constructive criticism—"
"You were being insecure," Chen Wei corrected bluntly. "Tang Xin has more natural talent than you've shown in your entire career. And instead of supporting a fellow actor, you're trying to tear her down because you're afraid she'll outshine you."
[Intimidating Aura: Maximum Effect]
[Silver Tongue: Cutting and Precise]
Zhou Ming's face reddened. "That's not—"
"Here's what's going to happen," Chen Wei said, his voice quiet but carrying absolute authority. "You're going to apologize to Tang Xin. You're going to support her, help her, and make this production the best it can be. Because if I hear one more complaint about your behavior, I'll replace you. Contract or no contract, I'll pay the penalty and find someone who actually deserves this opportunity. Understand?"
Zhou Ming looked like he wanted to argue, but Chen Wei's presence was overwhelming. The young man who'd destroyed the Zhang family, partnered with Tianlong Group, and survived a hostage situation was not someone to cross.
"I understand," Zhou Ming said quietly.
"Good. Now come apologize to Tang Xin."
Chen Wei led Zhou Ming back to the set, where Tang Xin was reviewing her script. Zhou Ming, thoroughly chastened, approached her.
"Tang Xin, I want to apologize," he said, clearly uncomfortable but sincere. "I've been unprofessional and unsupportive. You're very talented, and I should have been helping you, not criticizing. I'm sorry."
Tang Xin looked surprised, then at Chen Wei, understanding what had happened. "Thank you, Zhou Ming. I appreciate that. Let's make this film great together."
[Tang Xin Favorability: 94/100 → 96/100]
[Status: Devoted Friend → Deeply Loyal]
After Zhou Ming retreated, Tang Xin hugged Chen Wei briefly. "You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did," Chen Wei said. "You're my friend and my company's star. Nobody gets to make you doubt yourself."
"Thank you," Tang Xin whispered. "For everything. Always."
[7:00 PM - Azure Garden Restaurant - Private Dining Room]
Chen Wei and Xiao Yue arrived at the exclusive restaurant Bai Yue had chosen. They were led to a private room—intimate, elegant, with a view of a carefully manicured garden.
Bai Yue was already there, and Chen Wei did a double-take.
For the first time, he saw Bai Yue dressed casually—not business-casual like at her apartment, but genuinely casual. Designer jeans, a soft cashmere sweater, her hair in a simple ponytail. She looked younger, more approachable, almost vulnerable.
"Hi," she said, standing nervously. "I wasn't sure what to wear. Is this okay for a friends' dinner?"
Xiao Yue smiled warmly and walked over, doing something unexpected—she hugged Bai Yue gently.
"You look perfect," Xiao Yue said. "Comfortable and real. That's what friends wear."
Bai Yue looked stunned by the hug, then slowly returned it, clearly unused to physical affection.
[Xiao Yue's Emotional Intelligence: Creating Genuine Connection]
[Bai Yue's Walls: Cracking]
They sat down, and for the first few minutes, conversation was slightly awkward. Bai Yue clearly didn't know how to do casual friendship.
But Xiao Yue, with her natural warmth, gradually drew Bai Yue out. She asked about Bai Yue's childhood, her interests beyond business, what she did for fun.
"I don't really do things for fun," Bai Yue admitted. "I work, exercise, read business journals. That's... that's my life."
"That sounds lonely," Xiao Yue said gently, without judgment.
"It is," Bai Yue confessed, her usual control slipping. "I've been alone since I was young. My parents cared about achievement, not affection. I learned early that vulnerability was weakness, that emotions were liabilities. So I built walls. And now..." her voice cracked slightly, "now I don't know how to tear them down."
Chen Wei and Xiao Yue exchanged glances. This was the real Bai Yue—beneath the Ice Empress facade was a lonely woman desperate for genuine connection.
"You start by doing this," Xiao Yue said, taking Bai Yue's hand across the table. "Being honest. Being vulnerable. Letting people see the real you."
Bai Yue looked at their joined hands, tears forming in her eyes. "I don't know how to be real. I've worn masks for so long."
"Then let us help you remember," Chen Wei said gently. "Start small. Tell us something true—something you've never told anyone else."
Bai Yue was quiet for a long moment, clearly battling herself. Then:
"I'm terrified of dying alone," she whispered. "I have billions, I have power, I have respect. But at night, in that empty apartment, I'm terrified that I'll die without ever having loved or been loved. Without having real friends or family who care about me, not my money or influence. Just me."
[Bai Yue Vulnerability: Maximum]
[This is the breakthrough moment]
Xiao Yue moved her chair closer and put her arm around Bai Yue's shoulders. "You're not alone anymore. We're your friends. Real friends."
A tear rolled down Bai Yue's cheek—probably the first genuine tear she'd shed in years. "Why would you want to be friends with me? I'm cold, I'm difficult, I'm—"
"You're human," Chen Wei interrupted gently. "Just like everyone else. You've built an impressive life, but you forgot to build a personal life. That doesn't make you broken—it just means you need help. And we're here to help."
Bai Yue wiped her tears, composing herself with visible effort. "I'm not used to this. Crying, being emotional. It feels weak."
"It feels honest," Xiao Yue corrected. "And honesty is strength, not weakness."
[Bai Yue Favorability: 94/100 → 98/100]
[Status: Close Friend → Best Friend (Platonic, Deep Emotional Bond)]
[Achievement Unlocked: "The Healer" - You help broken souls find wholeness]
The rest of dinner was transformative. Bai Yue slowly let her walls down, asking them about their relationship, their dreams, their daily lives. She was fascinated by the mundane—how they grocery shopped, what TV shows they watched, what they argued about (rarely, but it happened).
"You argue about what movie to watch?" Bai Yue asked, almost laughing. "That's what normal couples argue about?"
"Among other things," Xiao Yue admitted with a smile. "Last week we had a whole debate about whether pineapple belongs on pizza."
"Does it?" Bai Yue asked seriously.
"No," Chen Wei and Xiao Yue said simultaneously, then laughed.
Bai Yue actually giggled—a sound Chen Wei had never expected to hear from the Ice Empress.
"This is nice," Bai Yue said softly. "Just... talking. Being. Not strategizing or networking or calculating. Just existing with people who care."
"This is friendship," Xiao Yue said. "And you can have this anytime you want. Call us, text us, come over to the villa. You're always welcome."
"Really?" Bai Yue asked, like a child seeking reassurance.
"Really," Chen Wei confirmed. "You're family now, Bai Yue. Not business partners—family."
[Bai Yue breaks down emotionally—healing tears]
Bai Yue actually cried then, not just one tear but real crying. Xiao Yue held her while Chen Wei ordered tissues, and they let her release years of loneliness and pain.
When she finally composed herself, Bai Yue looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry. That was unprofessional and—"
"That was human," Chen Wei interrupted. "And it's exactly what you needed."
"Thank you," Bai Yue said, meaning it more deeply than any thank you she'd ever uttered. "Both of you. You've given me something I thought I'd never have."
"What's that?" Xiao Yue asked.
"Hope," Bai Yue said simply. "Hope that I can have a real life, not just a successful career. Hope that I don't have to be alone anymore."
[10:00 PM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
After dinner, they'd invited Bai Yue back to the villa for tea. She'd accepted eagerly, clearly not wanting the evening to end.
Wang Lei had been shocked to find the Ice Empress sitting in their living room, drinking tea and laughing at his stories about campus life. But he'd quickly adapted, treating her like a normal person rather than a business legend.
"You're really cool when you're not being terrifying," Wang Lei said with his usual bluntness.
Bai Yue laughed—genuinely laughed. "Thank you? I think?"
As the evening wound down, Bai Yue stood to leave. "I should go. You've all been incredibly kind, and I don't want to overstay my welcome."
"You could never," Xiao Yue said, hugging her goodbye. "Text me tomorrow? We could have lunch, just us girls?"
"I'd like that," Bai Yue said, returning the hug more naturally now. She turned to Chen Wei. "And you—thank you for seeing past the Ice Empress to the person underneath."
"That person is pretty amazing," Chen Wei said. "You just needed to let her out."
After Bai Yue left, Xiao Yue snuggled against Chen Wei on the couch.
"That was intense," she said. "But good. We really helped her tonight."
"You helped her," Chen Wei corrected. "Your warmth, your openness—that's what broke through her walls."
"We make a good team," Xiao Yue said, kissing him softly.
[Relationship Strength: Enhanced Through Shared Purpose]
[You and Xiao Yue are building something bigger than yourselves]
[Midnight - System Update]
[Major Character Development Achieved]
[Chen Wei's Growth:]
Business: Expanding globally
Relationships: Deep, genuine, healthy
Character: Mature, compassionate, strong
Purpose: Not just wealth, but positive impact on others' lives
[People You've Transformed:]
Tang Xin: From nobody to rising star
Xiao Yue: From insecure to confident
Bai Yue: From lonely empress to hopeful friend
Your employees: Prospering under good leadership
[Current Status: Elite Leader with Heart]
[The system is proud of who you've become]
[Remaining Challenges:]
Global expansion management
Maintaining relationships as fame grows
New threats from competitors
Family secrets about to emerge
[Tuesday Morning - Unexpected Call]
Chen Wei woke to his phone ringing. An unknown number, but something made him answer.
"Hello?"
"Chen Wei?" An elderly male voice, unfamiliar. "My name is Chen Jian. I'm... I'm your grandfather. Your father's father. We need to talk. Your family has secrets, boy. Secrets that explain where your recent good fortune really came from."
Chen Wei's blood ran cold.
[System Alert: Major Plot Development]
[Your family's past is about to be revealed]
[This will change everything you thought you knew]
"What are you talking about?" Chen Wei asked carefully.
"The Money God System," his supposed grandfather said. "I had it too, forty years ago. And now it's chosen you. We need to meet, Chen Wei. There are things you need to know about what you've really inherited."