"Training" Before the Hongmen Banquet and a New System Mission

On Monday afternoon, sunlight streamed through the blinds, cutting alternating bands of light and shadow across the office floor.

Lin Chen had just finished a tricky report and was about to catch his breath when the intercom rang.

It was Yan Qingyue.

"Assistant Lin, come in for a moment."

Lin Chen's heart tightened. President Yan's summoning me. That can't mean anything good... Don't tell me there's another damned task?

He hurriedly straightened his collar, took a deep breath, and pushed open the door to the president's office.

Yan Qingyue sat behind her desk, her fingertips drumming absentmindedly on its surface. She seemed a little restless.

When she saw him enter, she looked up and swept her gaze over him with an air of scrutiny that was hard to put into words.

"President Yan, you wanted to see me?" Lin Chen stood respectfully before her, his heart drumming a little.

Yan Qingyue was silent for a few seconds, as though weighing her words. When she finally spoke, her voice sounded as calm as she could make it, yet carried a hint of unquestionable authority:

"Next Wednesday evening, you're coming out with me."

"All right, President Yan."

Lin Chen answered instinctively, then cautiously added, "Is it... a business engagement? Do you need me to prepare any materials?"

Yan Qingyue picked up the coffee cup on her desk and took a sip, concealing her expression:

"It's not a business engagement. It's... personal. We're going to my family's old residence to have dinner with my grandfather."

"Oh, going to your home for dinner... What?! Going to your home?! Meeting your grandfather?!"

At first, Lin Chen didn't register what she'd said. Once his brain processed the information, his eyes flew wide, his voice shot up several pitches, and he nearly bit his tongue!

Meeting the family?!

So suddenly?! Isn't this too fast?!

President Yan and I... No... We're just a perfectly innocent boss and subordinate! And now I'm meeting the family?!

No, no! What does President Yan mean by this?

Could she... have feelings for me...? Impossible! Most of the time, she looks like she wants to kill me with her eyes!

But... taking a male subordinate home to meet her elder... There's no way that's normal, is there?!

I'm doomed! What about Little Moon?!

My online girlfriend is still waiting for me! Isn't this cheating?!

What about President Yan? If I refuse, will she twist my head off on the spot?!

For a moment, it was as if a nuclear bomb had been dropped in Lin Chen's head. All manner of chaotic thoughts exploded wildly, and he completely lost control of his expression. Shock, panic, helplessness, and a trace of extremely subtle... strange anticipation about meeting the family itself were written all over his face.

Yan Qingyue looked at his stupid expression, her temples throbbing.

She'd known this would happen!

"Put those ridiculous thoughts away!"

She cut off his inner monologue irritably, her tone a warning. "My grandfather just heard that I have a... 'rather interesting' assistant and wants to meet you over a simple meal, that's all. There's nothing more to it.

"You only need to play the part of a sensible, proper subordinate who doesn't talk much. Don't embarrass me, and don't read anything else into it!"

Play a part? Just play a part?

Lin Chen breathed a little easier, though his heart was still racing. That scared me to death... I thought President Yan really wanted to use the unspoken rules on me...

He hurriedly nodded like a pestle pounding garlic:

"Understood, understood! Don't worry, President Yan! I'll be on my best behavior! I definitely won't embarrass you! I can even promise to play a mute the whole time!"

Yan Qingyue looked at him making his pledge as though he were marching off to his death, and didn't know whether to laugh or be angry.

She rubbed the space between her brows and began going over the things he needed to remember:

"My grandfather is getting on in years and likes peace and quiet, but he also enjoys hearing young people talk about interesting things.

"Be quick on the uptake, but don't overdo it. Answer whatever you're asked, don't ask what you shouldn't, and as for things you shouldn't say... don't say a single word!

"Especially work details and... and your private affairs. Understand?"

"Understood! I absolutely won't mention my private affairs! I won't mention Little Moon!"

The words slipped out of Lin Chen's mouth, and the moment they did, he wanted to slap himself.

Yan Qingyue's gaze sharpened instantly:

"Little Moon?"

A chill ran down Lin Chen's back, and he hurriedly tried to cover for himself:

"Ah, no! I meant... don't mention the moon! The moon's pretty full tonight... Ah, bah! Anyway, I won't say anything I shouldn't!"

Yan Qingyue gave him a suspicious look but didn't press the matter, though she made a mental note of the strange phrase.

She continued her instructions:

"Mind your table manners. My grandfather is particular about rules. Also, if he asks you anything about me, like whether I'm busy or tired from work, say positive things. Don't go complaining at random. Got it?"

"Got it, got it! President Yan, your work is easy and enjoyable, you love working overtime, you never complain, and you're kind and approachable to your subordinates. You're the best boss in the world!"

Lin Chen hurriedly laid on the flattery.

Yan Qingyue: "..."

That flattery couldn't be more fake.

She couldn't be bothered wasting any more words on him and waved him away:

"All right, go. Remember what I said, and be downstairs at the company on time to wait for me next Wednesday evening."

"Yes, President Yan!"

As though granted a pardon, Lin Chen backed out of the office, practically moving his arms and legs in unison.

Back at his desk, Lin Chen's heart was still pounding. It all felt like a dream.

Meeting the family... Even if it's fake... I'm still meeting President Yan's grandfather! The Old Master of the Yan Family! He's a legendary business tycoon!

What should I wear? Should I buy a gift? It wouldn't be very proper to go empty-handed, would it?

Is President Yan's grandfather strict? Will he be hard to get along with? What if I say something wrong?

Argh! I'm so nervous! More nervous than I was for the college entrance exam!

Just as his thoughts were tangled like a bundle of hemp, the system notification he hadn't heard in a long time rang out in his mind again—

[Ding—special social event detected.]

[New mission issued: Visit to the old residence.]

[Mission requirements: Accompany Yan Qingyue back to the Yan Family's old residence, dine with Old Master Yan, and successfully earn an assessment from Old Master Yan of at least "good character, an honest kid."]

[Mission tip: Act naturally, be careful in word and deed, and be sincere. There is no need to put on an act. Show an appropriate amount of concern (for Yan Qingyue).]

[Mission rewards: 200 system points; **Reserved Demeanor** skill (passive, slightly reduces presence and the chance of having your inner thoughtspeekt into); one mysterious gift pack.]

[Failure penalty: 100 proficiency points deducted from one randomly selected skill.]

Lin Chen: "!!!"

System, you're joining in too?!

This mission... get the old master's approval?

And I have to show concern for President Yan? Isn't that a bit too difficult?!

And this reward... Reserved Demeanor?

Reduce the chance of having my inner thoughtspeekt into? Does the system know President Yan's been looking at me so much she gives me the creeps all day?

The failure penalty is pretty harsh too...

The system's mission was like a basin of cold water, instantly snapping him out of his chaotic fantasies.

This was no sweet meeting with the family. It was a mission he had to complete!

His skill proficiency was at stake!

He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and began seriously considering a strategy.

Time flew, and before he knew it, Wednesday evening had arrived.

Lin Chen had changed into a dark suit ironed until it was crisp and had carefully styled his hair. He also carried a fruit basket and a fine tea set, which he had secretly slipped out to buy that afternoon. After much agonizing, he had settled on those gifts: they weren't particularly expensive, but they wouldn't be discourteous either.

As he stood downstairs at the company waiting for Yan Qingyue, he was so nervous that his palms were sweating.

When Yan Qingyue came downstairs and saw how terribly proper, even somewhat overly stiff, he looked, as well as the gifts in his hands, she paused and raised an eyebrow:

"You bought things too?"

Lin Chen hurried to explain:

"Uh... It's my first time meeting an elder, so it wouldn't be appropriate to come empty-handed... It's just a small token, President Yan. What do you think..."

Yan Qingyue looked at the tea set, which appeared to be in fairly good taste, and her gaze softened a little:

"Fine, since you've bought them, bring them along. Get in."

On the way, Yan Qingyue gave him a few more brief instructions. Lin Chen listened with utmost attention, nodding repeatedly like a scholar preparing to travel to the capital for the imperial examinations.

When they arrived at the Yan Family's old residence, its stately entrance, simple and dignified yet imposing, made Lin Chen even more nervous, and he swallowed.

They entered the living room, where an energetic old man with a piercing gaze sat reading a newspaper on the sofa in the seat of honor. It was Old Master Yan.

"Grandpa, we're here."

Yan Qingyue's voice was much gentler than usual.

Lin Chen hurried forward and bowed ninety degrees, his voice loud and carrying a hint of nervousness:

"Hello, Grandpa Yan! I'm Lin Chen. Sorry for the presumptuous visit!"

As he spoke, he presented the gifts with both hands. "Just a small token. It's hardly worthy of your regard!"

Old Master Yan put down the newspaper, his gaze falling on Lin Chen like lightning as he looked him up and down.

His gaze seemed capable of piercing a person's heart. Lin Chen felt as though he'd been scanned by an X-ray, and a thin layer of sweat sprang up on his back again.

This is President Yan's grandfather? What a powerful presence! He's even scarier than President Yan!

System, bless me! Please don't let me drop the ball!

To Lin Chen's surprise, after looking him over for a few moments, Old Master Yan actually gave him a reasonably kindly smile:

"It's good enough that you came. Why bring anything? You're being too formal. Sit down."

"It's only proper, it's only proper."

Lin Chen carefully sat down on the sofa in the lower seat, his back ramrod straight and his hands on his knees, his posture as proper as a schoolboy's.

Yan Qingyue looked at him, the corner of her mouth twitching almost imperceptibly, and sat down beside him.

A servant brought tea.

Old Master Yan began chatting with Lin Chen in an apparently casual manner, asking ordinary questions about how many people were in his family, what his parents did, what he had studied at school, and so on.

Mindful of Yan Qingyue's instructions and the system mission, Lin Chen answered whatever he was asked, his manner respectful and his tone sincere.

Occasionally, when the conversation turned to lighter subjects, he even showed a slightly shy smile befitting his age, making him seem both honest and a little clever.

As Old Master Yan chatted, he quietly observed him.

He found that although the young man seemed a little nervous, his eyes were clear, and he answered questions sincerely, without evasion. When he mentioned his parents, his tone was natural and affectionate. It was clear that his family was harmonious and that he had been brought up well.

It matched the "ordinary but aboveboard" description in the investigation report.

In particular, when he asked whether Yan Qingyue was very busy at work and whether she often lost her temper, Lin Chen stole a glance at Yan Qingyue beside him, then answered with a perfectly straight face:

"President Yan is very serious about her work, but she's also very efficient, so actually... it's not too bad.

"She's quite good to us subordinates too. She's just a bit strict, but that's for our own good."

His answer was skillful: he neither lied nor complained, and even slipped in some flattery for Yan Qingyue.

At the same time, that little stolen glance, in Old Master Yan's eyes, only made him seem more genuine and gave him a touch of youthful, endearing awkwardness.

The smile in Old Master Yan's eyes deepened.

During dinner, Lin Chen observed the rules of etiquette even more strictly. He didn't speak while eating and used the serving chopsticks whenever he took food. When he saw a dish Yan Qingyue liked, he would even instinctively turn the lazy Susan a little.

He moved the dish closer to her—this little detail was the balance he had found between "showing concern" and "being overly intimate" after agonizing over it for a long time.

Old Master Yan took all of this in, growing more and more satisfied.

This young man really was quite good.

Unlike many young people these days, he wasn't restless or frivolous. He was polite, knew how to conduct himself, had an upright gaze and an honest heart, and knew how to care for others, though he was a little clumsy about it.

Most importantly, Qingyue seemed... not to mind these little gestures of his?

By the end of dinner, the atmosphere was far more harmonious than Yan Qingyue had expected.

Although Lin Chen was nervous, he had actually managed to avoid any major mishaps. Instead, his plainly visible nervousness and clumsy sincerity had somehow struck a chord in Old Master Yan's heart, which longed for a grandson-in-law.

After dinner, they chatted for a while longer. Seeing that it was about time, Yan Qingyue got up to take her leave.

Old Master Yan personally saw them to the door. He patted Lin Chen on the shoulder and spoke very kindly:

"Little Lin, come visit more often and keep Grandpa company. Qingyue is busy with work, so give her more help, and... take good care of her too."

"Of course, of course! Don't worry, Grandpa Yan!"

Overwhelmed by the favor, Lin Chen hurriedly gave his promise.

Old Master Yan then looked at Yan Qingyue, his gaze meaningful. Lowering his voice so that only the two of them could hear, he said with a smile:

"Girl, you have good taste. This lad is a little foolish, but he's dependable—a man you can build a life with.

"Hold on to him. Try to let Grandpa hold a great-grandson this year... or next year!"

Yan Qingyue: "!!!"

Her face turned bright red in an instant. Both embarrassed and annoyed, she nearly failed to maintain her cold, aloof persona!

Grandpa, what nonsense are you talking about?!

She hurriedly pulled Lin Chen away as he was still saying goodbye to Old Master Yan with a foolish grin, leaving the old residence almost as though she were fleeing.

Once in the car, Yan Qingyue recalled her grandfather's final words. Embarrassed and angry, she couldn't help shooting a fierce glare at the "culprit" beside her.

Lin Chen had no idea why she was glaring at him and was utterly bewildered:

Why is President Yan glaring at me again? Didn't I do well just now? Grandpa Yan seemed quite happy... Did I say something wrong?

Still, President Yan looked pretty nice when she blushed just now... Hehe...

Sigh, if only I could marry her and bring her home... Too bad I don't dare say it. Besides, I still have my Little Moon... Thinking of Little Moon makes my heart feel sweet...

As Yan Qingyue listened to his inner monologue go from feeling wronged, to lovestruck, and finally to longing for "Little Moon," the little bit of embarrassment and strange feeling her grandfather's words had stirred up was instantly replaced by fury!

Well, well!

He was thinking about marrying her right in front of her?

And then turning around to think about that "Little Moon," whoever she was?

His heart still felt sweet?

It seemed her earlier punishment had been far too light!

It hadn't made him recognize his place at all!

She took a deep breath and suppressed her anger, but a cold smile appeared on her face.

Fine, Lin Chen, just you wait.

Looks like it's time for another "sweet punishment."

This time, I won't send a photo. I'll send a video instead! And five more shots from new angles!

Of course, my face definitely won't show.

Let's see how you'll still have room to think about your Little Moon this time!

She could hardly wait to see, when this guy received that "grand gift,"

just how flustered and red-faced he would be, and how... he would no longer have a moment to think about anyone else.

Lin Chen, meanwhile, had no idea that an unprecedented "visual storm" aimed at him was brewing and taking shape in a certain female CEO's mind.

He was simply breathing a quiet sigh of relief at having completed the task smoothly and seemingly earned the old man's favor as well.

The system notification sounded at just the right moment:

[Ding—task 'Visit to the old residence' completed.

Rating: excellent. Rewards being distributed...]

However, before Lin Chen could check the rewards, he felt as though the pressure around President Yan beside him had dropped several more degrees...

He silently edged closer to the car window.

A woman's heart is a needle at the bottom of the sea...