[Saturday Evening - 6:00 PM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting his bow tie. He wore a custom-tailored black tuxedo that had been delivered that morning—a gift from Bai Yue's assistant with a note: "For tonight. You'll need to look the part. -BY"
The tuxedo fit perfectly, making him look sophisticated and powerful. His hair was styled, his shoes gleamed, and the Supreme VIP Black Card sat in his inner pocket like a talisman.
[Current Stats Update]
[Level: 4]
[Wealth: ¥113,000,000+ in liquid assets, ¥45M villa, Starlight Entertainment valued at ¥50M+]
[Status: Rising Power → Established Elite]
[Reputation: "The Protector" - Respected and Feared]
Behind him, the bathroom door opened, and Xiao Yue emerged.
Chen Wei turned—and his breath stopped.
She was breathtaking. The emerald green gown hugged her figure like it was made for her, the color making her skin luminous. Her hair was swept up in an elegant updo with a few loose strands framing her face. The makeup was perfect—subtle but enhancing her natural beauty. Diamond earrings (borrowed from the boutique) sparkled at her ears, and she wore a delicate necklace Chen Wei had bought her that afternoon.
But it was her expression that truly captivated him—nervous excitement mixed with growing confidence. She looked like she belonged in his world now.
"How do I look?" Xiao Yue asked, smoothing the dress nervously.
Chen Wei walked over and took both her hands. "You look like every man's dream and every woman's envy. Xiao Yue, you're absolutely stunning."
[Xiao Yue Confidence: Maximum]
[She feels beautiful, valued, and ready]
Xiao Yue's smile was radiant. "You're biased because you love me."
"I'm honest because I love you," Chen Wei corrected. "Tonight, you're going to shine brighter than everyone else in that room. And I'll be the luckiest man there because you're with me."
Wang Lei appeared at the bedroom door and whistled. "Damn! You two look like you're going to the Oscars or something!"
"Close enough," Chen Wei said with a smile. "Wang Lei, you're sure you're okay staying here tonight?"
"Are you kidding? I've got this entire mansion to myself, a fully stocked fridge, and the biggest TV I've ever seen. I'm living the dream, bro." Wang Lei's expression turned serious. "But be careful tonight. I heard Zhang Hao is still missing."
"Liu Han and Zhang Mei will be there," Chen Wei assured him. "We'll be safe."
[7:00 PM - Tianlong Grand Hotel - Grand Ballroom]
The Tianlong Grand Hotel was the most luxurious in Jianghai—a palace of marble, crystal, and gold. The Grand Ballroom on the top floor was legendary, used only for the most elite events.
Chen Wei's Mercedes (driven by Liu Han, with Zhang Mei in the passenger seat) joined a line of luxury vehicles—Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Ferraris, Lamborghinis. Each car disgorged beautifully dressed people onto a red carpet where photographers waited.
"This is intense," Xiao Yue whispered, gripping Chen Wei's hand.
"Just stay with me," Chen Wei said calmly. "Remember—you belong here as much as anyone else."
When their car pulled up, Liu Han opened the door. Chen Wei stepped out first, then extended his hand to help Xiao Yue. As she emerged, camera flashes exploded.
"Who is that?"
"That's Chen Wei—the one who destroyed the Zhang family!"
"The woman must be his girlfriend—the one they tried to hurt!"
"She's gorgeous!"
Chen Wei kept his hand on the small of Xiao Yue's back as they walked the red carpet. His Intimidating Aura and Executive Presence were fully activated, making them look like natural celebrities.
[Public Impression: Excellent]
[You and Xiao Yue are perceived as a power couple]
Inside the ballroom, Chen Wei's breath caught. The space was enormous—easily holding three hundred people. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like frozen waterfalls. A live orchestra played classical music. Waiters circulated with champagne and hors d'oeuvres that probably cost more than most people's monthly rent.
The guests were Jianghai's elite—business tycoons, politicians, celebrities, socialites. Chen Wei recognized several faces from news articles and business magazines.
"Chen Wei!"
He turned to see Sun Wei approaching with Zhou Qiang, both in elegant tuxedos.
"You made it!" Sun Wei said warmly, shaking his hand. "And this must be Miss Xiao Yue. I've heard so much about you."
"Thank you for the bodyguards," Xiao Yue said graciously. "Zhang Mei saved my life."
"I'm glad they were there," Zhou Qiang said. "Chen Wei, half the room is talking about you. The young entrepreneur who brought down a corrupt empire. You've become something of a legend."
Before Chen Wei could respond, the crowd's murmur changed—a ripple of attention moving through the room.
Bai Yue had arrived.
She descended the grand staircase like a queen, wearing a stunning white gown that looked like liquid silver. Her hair was styled in an elaborate updo, and diamonds sparkled at her throat and wrists. She was accompanied by two assistants and radiated cold, untouchable beauty.
Every conversation stopped. Every eye followed her.
[Bai Yue Presence: Overwhelming]
[She dominates the room effortlessly]
Bai Yue's eyes scanned the crowd and found Chen Wei. Her expression—cold to everyone else—softened slightly as she walked directly toward him.
"Chen Wei," she said, her voice carrying that same cool elegance. "I'm glad you could make it." Her eyes moved to Xiao Yue, assessing. "And you must be Xiao Yue. The woman worth destroying an empire for."
Xiao Yue lifted her chin, meeting Bai Yue's gaze without flinching. "Miss Bai. Thank you for inviting us."
For a moment, the two women studied each other—Bai Yue with her cool power, Xiao Yue with her warm strength.
Then Bai Yue smiled—genuine and approving. "You have steel in you. Good. Chen Wei needs someone who can stand beside him, not behind him." She turned to Chen Wei. "I like her. She's real."
[Bai Yue Favorability: 40/100 → 55/100]
[Status: Genuinely Interested → Respects Both You and Xiao Yue]
"Come," Bai Yue said, gesturing. "I want to introduce you to some people. Tonight is about establishing you as a legitimate power in this city."
For the next hour, Bai Yue paraded Chen Wei and Xiao Yue through the room, introducing them to politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. Each introduction was strategic—Bai Yue was building Chen Wei's network, showing the elite that he was under her protection.
"This is Mayor Zhang," Bai Yue said, introducing a distinguished man in his sixties. "Mayor, this is Chen Wei, my new business partner."
The mayor shook his hand warmly. "I've heard impressive things about you, young man. Taking down corruption, protecting your loved ones, building a business empire at twenty-one. Remarkable."
"Thank you, Mayor. I'm just trying to do the right things," Chen Wei said modestly.
"And succeeding admirably," the mayor replied.
They met business leaders who offered partnerships, celebrities who wanted to work with Starlight Entertainment, socialites who invited them to exclusive events.
Xiao Yue handled it all with surprising grace, her natural warmth winning people over where Chen Wei's intensity might have intimidated them.
"You two are excellent together," Bai Yue observed during a quiet moment. "Complementary strengths. That's rare."
"She makes me better," Chen Wei said, watching Xiao Yue charm a group of businesswomen.
Bai Yue's expression was unreadable. "Loyalty like that is valuable, Chen Wei. Don't ever take it for granted."
"I won't," Chen Wei promised.
[Bai Yue Favorability: 55/100 → 62/100]
[She respects your devotion to Xiao Yue]
At 9:00 PM, Bai Yue took the stage as the orchestra quieted.
"Good evening, everyone," she said, her voice carrying effortlessly across the ballroom. "Thank you for joining me tonight. As many of you know, Tianlong Group is always seeking promising investments and partnerships. Tonight, I'm pleased to announce our newest venture."
She gestured toward Chen Wei. "Chen Wei, would you join me on stage?"
Chen Wei felt hundreds of eyes on him as he walked up. Xiao Yue squeezed his hand encouragingly before he left her side.
On stage, Bai Yue continued, "Chen Wei is twenty-one years old and has accomplished more in two weeks than most people do in a lifetime. He acquired a struggling entertainment company and transformed it. He invested in promising talent. And when a corrupt family tried to harm his loved ones, he exposed their crimes and brought them to justice."
Applause rippled through the room.
"Tianlong Group is proud to invest ¥100 million in Starlight Entertainment," Bai Yue announced. "Together, we will revolutionize Jianghai's entertainment industry. Please join me in welcoming Chen Wei to the elite business community of our city."
The applause was louder now, genuine. Chen Wei had been officially accepted by the city's power structure.
[Mission Progress: Build Your Empire - COMPLETE!]
[Congratulations! You have been recognized as a legitimate business leader in Jianghai!]
[Rewards: +50 Status Points, "Business Mogul" title, "Political Savvy" skill unlocked, ¥20,000,000 bonus]
[New Mission Unlocked: Expand Your Empire]
As Chen Wei returned to Xiao Yue, she beamed at him with pride. "You did it. You're really here now."
"We did it," Chen Wei corrected. "I couldn't have done any of this without you."
They were sharing a private moment when Tang Xin appeared, looking stunning in a red dress.
"Chen Wei! Xiao Yue! I didn't know you'd be here!" Tang Xin said excitedly. "Director Wang got me an invitation since the film is now backed by Tianlong Group!"
"You look beautiful," Xiao Yue said warmly, her earlier jealousy completely gone. She'd grown more secure in her relationship.
"Not as beautiful as you," Tang Xin said genuinely. "That dress is incredible!"
As the three of them talked, Chen Wei noticed Lin Yue across the room, also in attendance. She wore a sophisticated black dress and was deep in conversation with several lawyers and politicians. She caught his eye and raised her champagne glass in a silent toast.
Everything was perfect.
Too perfect.
[System Alert: Danger Detected!]
[Threat Level: Critical]
[Zhang Hao is in the building]
Chen Wei's instincts kicked in immediately. He scanned the room, his hand instinctively moving to Xiao Yue's waist protectively.
"What's wrong?" Xiao Yue asked, sensing his tension.
"I don't know yet," Chen Wei murmured. "But something feels off."
Liu Han appeared at his shoulder, speaking quietly. "Sir, Zhang Mei spotted someone suspicious entering through the service entrance. We're investigating now."
Before Chen Wei could respond, the lights flickered.
Then went completely out.
The ballroom plunged into darkness. Screams erupted from the crowd.
[Emergency Situation: Active Threat!]
[Protect Xiao Yue at all costs!]
Chen Wei immediately pulled Xiao Yue close, his body shielding hers. "Stay against me. Don't move."
Emergency lights kicked in—dim, eerie, casting long shadows.
And then Chen Wei saw him.
Zhang Hao stood near the entrance, disheveled and wild-eyed, holding something in his hand. Behind him were three rough-looking men—hired muscle.
"CHEN WEI!" Zhang Hao's voice echoed through the now-silent ballroom. "You destroyed my family! My father is in prison! We lost everything! And for what? For her?!"
He pointed at Xiao Yue, his hand shaking with rage.
Security moved toward him, but Zhang Hao pulled out what looked like a detonator.
"Don't move!" he screamed. "I have explosives planted in this building! Everyone dies unless Chen Wei gives me what I want!"
[Critical Threat: Hostage Situation with Explosives]
[Three hundred innocent lives at risk]
[Choose carefully]
The ballroom erupted into panicked whispers. People started moving toward exits, but Zhang Hao's men blocked them.
Bai Yue's voice cut through the chaos—cold and commanding. "Everyone remain calm. Security, secure all exits. Zhang Hao, you're surrounded. Whatever you think you're accomplishing here—"
"Shut up!" Zhang Hao screamed. "This isn't about you, Ice Empress! This is about him!" He focused on Chen Wei with manic intensity. "You took everything from me. So now I take everything from you."
Chen Wei's mind raced, his Cold Fury skill activating.
[Cold Fury: Maximum Clarity Under Extreme Pressure]
[Available Options:]
[1. Negotiate - Try to talk Zhang Hao down]
[2. Attack - Liu Han and Zhang Mei can neutralize him, but risk of detonation]
[3. Surrender - Offer himself in exchange for hostages]
[4. Trust the System - Unknown outcome]
"What do you want, Zhang Hao?" Chen Wei called out, his voice steady despite the chaos.
"I want you to suffer like I've suffered!" Zhang Hao said. "I want you to know what it's like to lose everything!"
"My father's in prison because of you! Our family is ruined! Our wealth is gone!" Zhang Hao's voice cracked with emotion. "And you get to stand there with your girlfriend, your success, your perfect life!"
"Your father is in prison because he was corrupt," Chen Wei said firmly. "Because he tried to hurt innocent people. That's not my fault—that's his."
"Liar!" Zhang Hao screamed. "You set him up! You manipulated everything!"
"I exposed the truth," Chen Wei corrected. "And you know what? If you'd left Xiao Yue alone, none of this would have happened. Your father would still be free, your family would still have wealth. But you couldn't accept losing. You had to escalate. You had to send men with knives after my girlfriend."
[Silver Tongue Activated: Turning the narrative]
The crowd was listening now, sympathies shifting.
"That girl—" Zhang Hao pointed at Xiao Yue, "—she's just a gold digger who—"
"She's the woman I love!" Chen Wei's voice rang out powerfully. "And she loved me when I had nothing! She's not a gold digger—she's the most genuine person I know! Unlike Liu Meng, who left me the moment someone richer came along!"
Murmurs of agreement from the crowd. The story was well-known now.
"You want me to suffer, Zhang Hao?" Chen Wei continued. "Fine. Let these people go, and we'll settle this between us. Man to man. No weapons, no explosives, no innocent bystanders."
"Chen Wei, no!" Xiao Yue grabbed his arm.
"You'd fight me?" Zhang Hao laughed bitterly. "You'd risk yourself?"
"To protect three hundred innocent people? Absolutely," Chen Wei said. "That's what real men do, Zhang Hao. They protect others. They don't hide behind threats and explosives like cowards."
[Intimidation + Silver Tongue: Devastating Combination]
[Zhang Hao's Resolve: Weakening]
Zhang Hao's hand trembled on the detonator. Doubt flickered across his face.
"I..." he started, then his expression hardened again. "No! You're trying to manipulate me again! I won't—"
A voice cut through the tension—quiet but carrying absolute authority.
"Zhang Hao."
Everyone turned. Bai Yue walked forward, completely unafraid, her white dress glowing in the emergency lighting.
"You think you're the first person to try something like this at my event?" she said coldly. "Let me tell you what's going to happen. My security has already located your supposed explosives—three fake devices planted by amateurs. Your detonator is connected to nothing."
Zhang Hao's face went white. "That's... that's not..."
"You were sold fake explosives by whoever you hired," Bai Yue continued mercilessly. "They took your money and gave you props. You're not a terrorist, Zhang Hao. You're a desperate, foolish boy playing at revenge."
[Bai Yue's Intelligence Network: Exposed the Truth]
Zhang Hao looked at the detonator in his hand, then at his hired men, who were slowly backing away from him, realizing the situation was hopeless.
"No..." Zhang Hao whispered. "No, this can't..."
Security moved in quickly, surrounding him. Zhang Hao pressed the detonator frantically—
Nothing happened.
The truth crushed him. He'd been duped. His final attempt at revenge was a complete failure.
Zhang Hao collapsed to his knees, the detonator falling from his hands, and began to sob.
"I just wanted... I just wanted to hurt you the way you hurt me..." he cried, looking at Chen Wei with absolute despair.
Chen Wei walked forward slowly, Xiao Yue staying close behind him. He stood over Zhang Hao, looking down at the broken young man.
This was the moment. The choice that would define him.
Mercy or cruelty?
[Critical Character Decision]
[Option 1: Show Mercy - Speak with compassion, offer help]
[Option 2: Show Cruelty - Crush him completely, show no sympathy]
[Option 3: Balanced Justice - Firm but fair]
Chen Wei crouched down to Zhang Hao's level.
"Zhang Hao," he said quietly. "I understand you're angry. I understand you've lost everything. But this..." he gestured around, "...this wasn't the answer. Violence, threats, hurting innocent people—that's not justice. That's just pain creating more pain."
Zhang Hao looked up, tears streaming down his face.
"Your father made choices that led to his downfall," Chen Wei continued. "I didn't create his crimes—I just exposed them. And you made choices too. You could have walked away, rebuilt your life, started over. But you chose revenge. And now you'll face the consequences."
"I'm sorry," Zhang Hao sobbed. "I'm sorry, I just... I didn't know what else to do..."
"You could have chosen to be better," Chen Wei said simply. He stood and looked at the security personnel. "Take him away. He needs help more than punishment."
[Perfect Choice: Balanced Justice with Compassion]
[Public Perception: Significantly Positive - "Merciful Leader"]
[Achievement Unlocked: "The Better Man" - You showed mercy when vengeance was expected]
[Reward: +15 Wisdom, +10 Charisma, "Inspiring Presence" skill unlocked]
As Zhang Hao was led away by police who'd arrived with the security team, the ballroom burst into applause—genuine respect for how Chen Wei had handled an impossible situation.
Bai Yue approached, her cold expression showing rare approval. "That was well done. You could have destroyed him completely. Instead, you showed strength through restraint. Very few people can do that."
"He's already destroyed," Chen Wei said quietly. "No need to kick him while he's down."
"And that's why I was right to invest in you," Bai Yue said. "You have something rare—power without cruelty. That's what builds lasting empires, not temporary kingdoms."
[Bai Yue Favorability: 62/100 → 78/100]
[Status: Respects You → Deeply Impressed]
Xiao Yue wrapped her arms around Chen Wei from behind, holding him tightly. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Chen Wei said, turning to embrace her properly. "Are you?"
"I'm perfect," Xiao Yue said. "Because you're here. Because you protected everyone. Because you're amazing."
Around them, the gala resumed—guests returning to conversations, the orchestra starting to play again, normalcy returning. But Chen Wei noticed something different now.
People looked at him with respect. With admiration. With a touch of awe.
He'd gone from successful young businessman to legitimate leader in the span of one crisis.
Lin Yue approached, champagne in hand. "Chen Wei, that was exceptional crisis management. The way you defused the situation, showed mercy, protected the innocent—you just earned the loyalty of everyone in this room."
"I just did what felt right," Chen Wei said.
"Which is exactly why people will follow you," Lin Yue said. She raised her glass. "To the future leader of Jianghai's business community."
Sun Wei and Zhou Qiang joined them, along with several other business leaders, all offering congratulations and respect.
Tang Xin hugged Chen Wei carefully. "You're a real hero, you know that?"
Even the mayor approached. "Mr. Chen, I'd like to discuss having you on the city's business advisory council. We need voices like yours—young, ethical, powerful."
[Political Connection Unlocked: City Government]
[New Opportunities Available]
As the night continued, Chen Wei and Xiao Yue found a quiet corner on a balcony overlooking the city.
"What a night," Xiao Yue said, leaning against the railing. "I thought it would be fancy networking. Instead, it was a hostage situation."
"Welcome to my life now," Chen Wei said with a wry smile. "Never boring."
"I wouldn't want boring anyway," Xiao Yue said, turning to face him. "Chen Wei, you were incredible tonight. The way you handled Zhang Hao, the way you protected everyone, the way you showed mercy when you could have been cruel. I'm so proud of you."
"I just wanted to keep you safe," Chen Wei said, pulling her close. "Everything else was secondary."
They kissed softly, the city lights glittering below them like stars.
[Relationship Milestone: Survived Crisis Together]
[Bond Strength: Unbreakable → Eternal]
[Xiao Yue Satisfaction: Beyond Maximum]
"Let's go home," Xiao Yue said. "I want to be alone with you."
They said their goodbyes—Bai Yue promising to finalize the partnership papers by Monday, Lin Yue reminding him to call if he needed anything, Sun Wei and Zhou Qiang offering continued support, Tang Xin hugging them both.
As they drove home in the Mercedes with Liu Han and Zhang Mei, Xiao Yue rested her head on Chen Wei's shoulder.
"Two weeks," she murmured. "Two weeks since Liu Meng dumped you. And now look at you. Look at us."
"Best two weeks of my life," Chen Wei said, kissing the top of her head.
[System Update: Transformation Complete]
[Chen Wei Status:]
Level: 5
Wealth: ¥135,000,000+
Status: Established Elite → Rising Leader
Reputation: "The Protector" + "The Better Man" + "Rising Power"
Relationships:
Xiao Yue: 100/100 (Eternal Bond)
Bai Yue: 78/100 (Deeply Impressed)
Lin Yue: 95/100 (Loyal Ally)
Tang Xin: 94/100 (Devoted Friend)
[Primary Enemies: Neutralized]
Zhang Wei: Imprisoned
Zhang Hao: Arrested, Destroyed
Liu Meng: Irrelevant
[New Chapter Beginning: From Rising Power to Established Leader]
[Later That Night - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei and Xiao Yue entered their bedroom, the tension from the evening finally releasing. Xiao Yue turned to him, eyes dark with desire and emotion.
"Make love to me," she said simply. "I need to feel alive. Need to feel us."
What followed was passionate and intense—two people reaffirming their connection after coming so close to losing everything.
Afterward, as they lay tangled together in the moonlight, Xiao Yue traced patterns on Chen Wei's chest.
"I have something to tell you," she said softly.
"What?"
"I'm moving my things permanently tomorrow. Not just staying over—really moving in. Making this our home. Is that okay?"
"More than okay," Chen Wei said, emotion tightening his throat. "I want that. I want you here always."
"And Chen Wei?" Xiao Yue looked up at him. "I know we're young. I know this is fast. But... I can see forever with you. Can you see that with me?"
[Major Relationship Question]
Chen Wei didn't hesitate. "I see forever, Xiao Yue. I see marriage, children, growing old together. I see everything with you."
Tears spilled down Xiao Yue's cheeks—happy tears. "Then let's build that forever. Together."
"Together," Chen Wei agreed, sealing the promise with a kiss.
[System Final Update]
[Congratulations! You have successfully transformed from broke student to business leader in 14 days!]
[Major Achievements Unlocked:]
Destroyed corrupt enemies
Built successful company
Earned respect of city's elite
Found true love
Showed mercy and wisdom
[New Phase Beginning: Consolidate power, expand empire, face new challenges]
[Additional Note: Your story is inspiring others. Tang Xin's career is launching. Xiao Yue is thriving. Your employees are prospering. You're not just building wealth—you're changing lives.]
[Continue being the person you've become: Powerful but Kind, Successful but Humble, Rich but Generous]
[That is the path to lasting greatness]