[Sunday Morning - 9:30 AM - Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei woke to the smell of coffee and the sound of laughter drifting up from the kitchen. He smiled, recognizing Xiao Yue's voice mixed with Wang Lei's.
After last night's intensity at the gala, waking up to such normalcy felt perfect.
He pulled on comfortable clothes and headed downstairs to find Xiao Yue making breakfast while Wang Lei regaled her with exaggerated stories about his "lonely" night in the massive villa.
"And then I got lost trying to find the bathroom! This place has like seven bathrooms! Who needs seven bathrooms?!" Wang Lei was saying.
Xiao Yue laughed, flipping pancakes with surprising skill. "Good morning, sleepyhead," she said when she saw Chen Wei. "Coffee's ready."
Chen Wei walked over and kissed her softly. "Good morning, beautiful. You're cooking?"
"I wanted to do something nice after last night," Xiao Yue said. "Plus, I need to practice if I'm going to be the woman of this house permanently."
[Xiao Yue Domestic Happiness: Increased]
[She's claiming her place in your life]
Wang Lei munched on bacon. "Bro, you were trending on social media all night! #ChenWeiTheProtector, #RealHero, #BusinessKing—you're basically famous now!"
Chen Wei pulled out his phone and checked. Wang Lei wasn't exaggerating. Videos from the gala had gone viral—his confrontation with Zhang Hao, his merciful response, even clips of him and Xiao Yue looking like a power couple on the red carpet.
The comments were overwhelmingly positive:
"This is what real strength looks like—protecting others and showing mercy"
"Chen Wei could have destroyed Zhang Hao but chose compassion. That's a real leader"
"Can we talk about how stunning his girlfriend is?! They're perfect together!"
"From broke student to business mogul in two weeks. Living the dream!"
His phone started ringing—multiple calls coming in. He saw notifications from:
Bai Yue
Lin Yue
Tang Xin
Sun Wei
Several news outlets requesting interviews
Unknown numbers (probably more business opportunities)
"Looks like your quiet Sunday is about to get busy," Xiao Yue observed, setting a plate of pancakes in front of him.
Chen Wei silenced his phone and set it face-down. "They can wait. Right now, I'm having breakfast with the two people who matter most."
[Prioritizing Personal Relationships: +5 Emotional Intelligence]
They ate together, the conversation easy and comfortable. Wang Lei talked about his classes and complained about a girl he liked who didn't notice him. Xiao Yue shared plans for moving her remaining belongings later that day. Chen Wei just enjoyed the normalcy.
But eventually, reality intruded. His phone buzzed with a message that made him check it.
Bai Yue: "Chen Wei, we need to meet today. Something important has come up. Not business—personal. Can you come to my private residence at 2 PM? Come alone. -BY"
Chen Wei frowned. Bai Yue asking for a personal meeting, alone? That was unusual and potentially concerning.
[System Alert: Bai Yue requesting private meeting]
[Her favorability is at 78/100 - high enough for personal matters]
[Recommendation: Attend but remain cautious. Bai Yue is unpredictable]
Xiao Yue noticed his expression. "Everything okay?"
"Bai Yue wants to meet. Says it's personal, not business." Chen Wei showed her the message.
Xiao Yue read it, her expression thoughtful rather than jealous. "You should go. She's important to your business, and she's been good to us. Plus..." she smiled, "I trust you completely."
"You're amazing, you know that?" Chen Wei said, pulling her into his lap.
"I know," Xiao Yue said, kissing him. "Just... be careful. Women like Bai Yue are used to getting what they want. And I saw how she looked at you last night."
"How did she look at me?"
"Like she was evaluating whether you were worth breaking her own rules for," Xiao Yue said perceptively. "She respects me, which is good. But she's also interested in you. I'm not blind, Chen Wei."
[Xiao Yue's Emotional Intelligence: High]
[She understands the situation but trusts you to handle it]
"If Bai Yue tries anything inappropriate, I'll shut it down immediately," Chen Wei promised. "You are my priority. Always."
"I know," Xiao Yue said, snuggling against him. "That's why I'm not worried."
[11:00 AM - Starlight Entertainment Office]
Before his meeting with Bai Yue, Chen Wei stopped by the office to handle some urgent matters. The place was buzzing—news of the Tianlong investment and last night's gala had energized everyone.
Tang Xin was already there, reviewing her script with intense focus.
"Chen Wei!" She looked up when he entered. "I've been practicing all morning. Filming starts in three days, and I want to be perfect."
"You will be," Chen Wei assured her. "Director Wang wouldn't have cast you if he didn't believe in your talent."
Tang Xin stood and walked over to him, her expression serious. "Chen Wei, can I ask you something personal?"
"Of course."
"Last night, when Zhang Hao threatened everyone, you didn't hesitate to protect Xiao Yue. You would have sacrificed yourself for her." Tang Xin's eyes were bright with emotion. "That's the kind of love I want someday. The kind that's willing to give up everything."
"You'll find it," Chen Wei said gently. "Someone who deserves you and will love you that completely."
"I thought I had found it," Tang Xin said softly, looking directly at him. "But he's already taken by someone wonderful, and I respect that too much to interfere."
[Tang Xin Confession: Acknowledged but Respectful]
[She's accepting the situation maturely]
Chen Wei took her hand platonically. "Tang Xin, you're an incredible person. Beautiful, talented, kind. The right man will come along—someone who can give you everything you deserve. I promise."
"I hope so," Tang Xin said, squeezing his hand before releasing it. "But thank you. For everything you've done for me. For believing in me when no one else did. Even if we can only be friends, you've changed my life."
"And you've enriched mine," Chen Wei said honestly. "You're going to be a star, Tang Xin. And when you are, remember I always knew you could do it."
Tang Xin smiled through tears. "I'll make you proud. I promise."
After Tang Xin left to continue rehearsing, Chen Wei spent an hour reviewing contracts, approving expenses, and planning the company's expansion with the Tianlong investment.
Lin Yue called just as he was finishing.
"Chen Wei, I wanted to give you an update on the Zhang situation," she said professionally. "Zhang Wei has accepted a plea deal—fifteen years in prison, all assets seized. Zhang Hao is being charged with attempted terrorism and will likely serve five years. The family is completely destroyed."
"Good," Chen Wei said. "They brought it on themselves."
"Agreed. Also, I wanted to tell you something personal." Lin Yue's voice softened. "Watching you last night—how you handled that crisis, how you protected Xiao Yue, how you showed mercy—it reminded me why I respect you so much. You're genuine in a world full of pretenders."
[Lin Yue Favorability: 95/100 → 97/100]
[Status: Loyal Ally → Deep Respect and Admiration]
"That means a lot coming from you," Chen Wei said sincerely.
"I know things could have been different between us, in another life, if circumstances were different," Lin Yue continued quietly. "But I'm glad they're not. You and Xiao Yue are perfect together. And I'm honored to be your friend and lawyer."
"I'm honored to have you in my life, Lin Yue. In whatever capacity that is."
"Take care, Chen Wei. And be careful with Bai Yue today. I know she's asked to meet you privately."
"How did you—"
"I'm a lawyer. I know things," Lin Yue said with audible amusement. "Just... Bai Yue is complicated. Brilliant and powerful, but also lonely. She doesn't let people in easily, and when she does, it's intense. Be honest with her, whatever she wants to discuss."
"I will," Chen Wei promised. "Thank you for the advice."
[2:00 PM - Bai Yue's Private Residence, Jianghai Heights]
Chen Wei arrived at the address Bai Yue had provided—an exclusive residential tower where each floor was a single penthouse apartment. Bai Yue lived on the top floor, naturally.
A private elevator took him directly up, opening into an elegant foyer. The apartment was stunning—minimalist luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary art, and an atmosphere of controlled perfection.
Bai Yue stood by the windows, wearing casual clothes for the first time he'd seen—designer jeans and a silk blouse. Her hair was down, making her look younger, more vulnerable somehow.
"Chen Wei," she said, turning to face him. "Thank you for coming."
"You said it was important," Chen Wei replied, noting her unusual demeanor. The Ice Empress seemed... uncertain?
"Would you like tea? Coffee?" Bai Yue asked, playing the hostess.
"Tea is fine," Chen Wei said, following her to a sitting area.
As Bai Yue prepared tea with surprising domesticity, Chen Wei studied her apartment. It was beautiful but impersonal—like a hotel suite rather than a home. No photographs, no personal mementos, nothing that revealed who Bai Yue really was beneath her public persona.
"You're wondering why I asked you here," Bai Yue said, handing him a cup of perfect green tea.
"The thought crossed my mind," Chen Wei admitted.
Bai Yue sat across from him, and for the first time since he'd met her, she looked genuinely nervous.
"I'm not good at personal conversations," she began. "I've built my life around business, strategy, control. Emotions are... messy. Inefficient. Dangerous."
"But?" Chen Wei prompted gently.
"But last night, watching you with Xiao Yue, seeing how you protected her, how you showed mercy to Zhang Hao despite having every reason not to..." Bai Yue's cool mask cracked slightly. "It made me realize something about myself. Something I've been avoiding for years."
[Critical Moment: Bai Yue's Confession Incoming]
[Handle with extreme care]
Chen Wei remained silent, letting her find her words.
"I'm lonely," Bai Yue said finally, the admission clearly difficult for her. "I'm twenty-eight years old, worth billions, respected by everyone, feared by most. But I'm completely, utterly alone. No family I'm close to, no real friends, no romantic relationships. Just business partners and subordinates."
"Bai Yue—" Chen Wei started.
"Let me finish," she interrupted. "When I met you, I thought you'd be like every other young entrepreneur—ambitious, manipulable, ultimately disappointing. But you're not. You're loyal, genuine, principled. You have something real with Xiao Yue. And watching that last night made me realize what I've been missing."
She met his eyes directly. "I'm not going to try to seduce you, Chen Wei. I respect you and Xiao Yue too much for that. But I need to be honest about something."
[Bai Yue Favorability: 78/100 → 85/100]
[Status: Deeply Impressed → Emotionally Vulnerable]
"What do you need to be honest about?" Chen Wei asked carefully.
"I'm attracted to you," Bai Yue said bluntly. "Not just physically, though you are handsome. I'm attracted to your integrity, your loyalty, your strength tempered with mercy. You're the kind of man I thought didn't exist in my world. And now that I've met you, I'm realizing how empty my life has been."
Chen Wei's heart pounded. This was dangerous territory.
"But here's the thing," Bai Yue continued. "I don't want to be the other woman. I don't want to ruin what you have with Xiao Yue—it's too beautiful, too real. So I'm telling you this not because I expect anything, but because..." she took a breath, "because I need to ask you for something different."
"What?" Chen Wei asked.
"Teach me how to be human again," Bai Yue said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been the Ice Empress for so long, I've forgotten how to just... be. How to have real connections. How to let people in. You have that naturally. Could you... could you help me learn it?"
[Unexpected Request]
[Bai Yue wants emotional mentorship, not romance]
[This could create a unique and valuable relationship]
Chen Wei considered carefully. "Bai Yue, I'm flattered and honored that you trust me enough to ask this. But I need to be completely honest with you."
"Please do," she said.
"I love Xiao Yue absolutely and completely. Nothing will change that. If helping you means spending time together, she needs to know about it and be comfortable with it. I won't do anything behind her back."
"I would expect nothing less," Bai Yue said. "In fact, I was hoping Xiao Yue could be part of this. She has something I lack—genuine warmth, emotional openness. Maybe she could teach me too."
Chen Wei smiled. "That's actually a brilliant idea. Xiao Yue is one of the most emotionally intelligent people I know."
"So you'll help me?" Bai Yue asked, vulnerability clear in her eyes. "Help me learn how to have real friendships, real connections? I'm not asking for romance, Chen Wei. I'm asking for something I've never had—real friends."
[Decision Point: Accept Bai Yue's Request]
[This will deepen your relationship with her in a healthy, non-romantic way]
[It will also benefit your business partnership and create a powerful ally]
Chen Wei extended his hand. "I'll help you, Bai Yue. Not as a business partner, but as a friend. Xiao Yue and I both will, if she agrees."
Bai Yue took his hand, and for the first time, Chen Wei saw genuine emotion break through her icy exterior—gratitude, relief, hope.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "You have no idea what this means to me."
"Actually, I think I do," Chen Wei said gently. "Two weeks ago, I was lonely and heartbroken too. I understand what it's like to feel isolated. So yes, we'll help you. Starting today."
[Bai Yue Favorability: 85/100 → 92/100]
[New Status: "Genuine Friend Seeking Connection"]
[Achievement Unlocked: "The Bridge Builder" - You turn potential romantic complications into healthy friendships]
[Reward: +10 Emotional Intelligence, +15 Charisma, "Emotional Healer" skill unlocked]
They spent the next hour talking—really talking. Bai Yue opened up about her childhood (cold, achievement-focused parents), her rise in business (ruthless and lonely), her fears (that she'd die alone, having built an empire but no real life).
Chen Wei shared his own journey, his recent transformation, what he'd learned about success and happiness.
"You know what's funny?" Bai Yue said at one point. "I have billions of yuan, control over major industries, power that most people only dream of. But Xiao Yue, working part-time and studying to be a kindergarten teacher, is happier than I've ever been. Because she has love. Real, genuine love."
"Money doesn't buy happiness," Chen Wei said. "It just removes certain problems. The real happiness comes from connections, purpose, love."
"I'm beginning to understand that," Bai Yue said. "Will you and Xiao Yue have dinner with me sometime this week? Not a business dinner—just three people getting to know each other as friends?"
"I'll ask her tonight," Chen Wei promised. "But I'm sure she'll say yes. Xiao Yue has a big heart."
[4:30 PM - Returning to Jianghai Bay Villa]
Chen Wei arrived home to find Xiao Yue surrounded by boxes, organizing her belongings in their shared bedroom. She looked up when he entered, her expression curious.
"How did it go?" she asked immediately.
Chen Wei sat on the bed and told her everything—Bai Yue's confession, her loneliness, her request for friendship rather than romance, the suggestion that Xiao Yue be involved too.
Xiao Yue listened carefully, processing. When he finished, she was quiet for a moment.
"She's attracted to you," Xiao Yue said finally, "but she's being honest about it and asking for friendship instead. And she wants me included specifically to prevent any inappropriate feelings from developing."
"Exactly," Chen Wei confirmed. "What do you think?"
Xiao Yue smiled—warm and genuine. "I think it's sad that someone so powerful is so lonely. And I think if we can help her find real connections and happiness, we should. Plus..." she walked over and sat in Chen Wei's lap, "it shows how much I trust you that I'm not threatened by this."
"You're incredible," Chen Wei said, holding her close. "Most people would be jealous or suspicious."
"I was, at first," Xiao Yue admitted. "But then I realized—you've never given me reason to doubt you. You chose me over Lin Yue. You're honest about everything. And Bai Yue is being upfront instead of manipulative. So why not help someone who needs friends?"
[Xiao Yue Maturity: Exceptional]
[Your relationship is strong enough to handle complex situations]
"So dinner this week with Bai Yue?" Chen Wei asked.
"Absolutely," Xiao Yue said. "Actually, I'm kind of excited. The Ice Empress wants to be our friend? That's kind of amazing."
They kissed softly, the understanding between them complete.
"Now," Xiao Yue said, "help me organize my clothes? I brought way too much stuff."
Chen Wei laughed and helped her unpack, the domesticity of the moment perfect after the intensity of the past weeks.
[Evening - 7:00 PM]
The three of them—Chen Wei, Xiao Yue, and Wang Lei—had dinner together on the terrace. Wang Lei regaled them with campus gossip, including the fact that Chen Wei was now the most talked-about person at the university.
"Dude, girls are literally asking me for your contact info," Wang Lei said. "And not just girls—guys want to network, professors want to interview you for business classes, even the dean wants to meet you!"
"Tell them I'm happily taken and too busy," Chen Wei said, squeezing Xiao Yue's hand.
"Already did," Wang Lei confirmed. "But seriously, bro, you're a legend now. From broke to billionaire, destroyed corruption, got the perfect girlfriend. You're living every guy's fantasy."
"It's not a fantasy," Chen Wei said, looking at Xiao Yue. "It's real life. And it's better than any fantasy because it's genuine."
[Romantic Moment]
After dinner, Wang Lei retreated to his room to study (or more likely play video games), leaving Chen Wei and Xiao Yue alone.
They made love that night with tender passion, their connection deepening with every touch. Afterward, lying in each other's arms, Xiao Yue spoke softly.
"Chen Wei, I've been thinking about something."
"What?"
"Our future. I know we're young, but I can see my whole life with you. Teaching kindergarten, coming home to you every day, maybe having children someday." She looked up at him. "Is that what you want too?"
[Critical Relationship Discussion: Future Planning]
Chen Wei stroked her hair gently. "Yes. That's exactly what I want. You, me, building a life together. A family. Growing old side by side."
"Even though I'm not sophisticated like Bai Yue or successful like Lin Yue?" Xiao Yue asked, a hint of insecurity showing.
"Especially because you're not like them," Chen Wei said firmly. "Xiao Yue, those women are impressive in their own ways, but you? You're my home. You're where my heart is. Success means nothing without you to share it with."
Xiao Yue's eyes filled with happy tears. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Chen Wei said. "And someday—when the time is right—I'm going to marry you. That's a promise."
[Marriage Promise Made]
[Relationship Status: Committed for Life]
[Xiao Yue Happiness: Maximum and Beyond]
They fell asleep wrapped around each other, dreaming of the future they would build together.
[System Update: Major Life Phase Transition]
[Chen Wei's Journey So Far:]
Day 1: Broke student, dumped by girlfriend
Day 2: System activated, wealth acquired
Days 3-7: Built company, found true love, made powerful allies
Days 8-14: Destroyed enemies, gained recognition, became business leader
Day 15: Emotional maturity, strong relationships, stable life
[Current Status:]
Wealth: ¥135M+ and growing
Business: Successful and expanding
Love Life: Perfect and committed
Friendships: Strong and genuine
Enemies: Neutralized
Reputation: Exceptional
[New Phase: Consolidation and Growth]
[Upcoming Challenges:]
Expand business empire internationally
Navigate complex relationships with powerful women (as friends)
Handle fame and public attention
Plan for marriage and family
Face new, unknown threats
[Chen Wei has evolved from:]
Broke Student → Wealthy Entrepreneur → Business Leader → Mature Leader with Vision
[The system's initial purpose is nearly complete]
[Soon, you won't need the system anymore—you'll be strong enough on your own]
[Monday Morning - New Beginnings]
Chen Wei woke early, his mind already planning the week ahead. Xiao Yue was still sleeping peacefully beside him, looking angelic in the morning light.
His phone buzzed with a message:
Unknown: "Mr. Chen Wei, my name is Victoria Chen. I represent international investors interested in your company. We'd like to discuss expansion opportunities in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles. Are you available for a video conference this week? The potential investment is ¥500 million. -VC"
Chen Wei's eyes widened. ¥500 million? International expansion?
His empire was about to go global.
[New Mission Unlocked: Global Domination]
[Objective: Expand your business internationally]
[Reward: Unprecedented wealth and influence]
But as he looked at Xiao Yue sleeping beside him, Chen Wei knew that no matter how big his empire grew, she would always be his priority.
Success meant nothing without love.
And he had both.