The System's Urging and a Brief "Peace"

Over the next few days, much to Lin Chen's surprise, Yan Qingyue seemed to have really "let him off."

She brought up none of the details of their visit to the old residence that night, nor did she "tease" or "punish" him in any way.

At the company, she returned to her usual image as a decisive, aloof, and exacting female CEO. Her instructions were clear and concise, and her criticism of mistakes hit the nail on the head.

It was as though the Yan Qingyue who had secretly delighted in his embarrassment, and had even occasionally shown the faintest hint of concern, had been nothing more than an illusion.

Little Moon had also grown much quieter online, no longer sending those "surprises" that made his blood race.

She only sent a few simple greetings in the evenings from time to time, such as "Are you off work?" and "Have you eaten?"

Or she shared little amusing things from her daily life, her tone gentle and ordinary, like any ordinary girl caught up in an online romance.

This sudden "normality" left Lin Chen a little unsettled instead.

Has President Yan... changed her ways? Or is this the calm before the storm?

Why has Little Moon stopped sending photos too?

Could it be that her punishment last time was so harsh that even she's embarrassed?

On the one hand, he was glad he could finally catch his breath and get a good night's sleep. On the other, he had a vague feeling that... something was missing?

That feeling of spending every day on tenterhooks yet secretly looking forward to it had actually left him a little... addicted?

He shook his head and hurriedly cast the dangerous thought aside.

Lin Chen, get a grip! You have Little Moon! How can you have this kind of Stockholm syndrome-like anticipation about President Yan?!

He forced himself to turn his attention to serious matters.

The system's million-yuan profit mission hung over his head like the sword of Damocles. A fair amount of time had already passed, but he still hadn't found a clear direction.

He had studied the mysterious chip he had picked up in Macau for several days, yet he still hadn't the slightest clue. It seemed to be nothing more than a special piece of metal.

Just as he was staring at his computer screen, fretting over stock candlestick charts and various investment projects, the system's notification sounded in his mind again. This time, it carried a rare note of urgency:

[Ding—reminder to host: less than two months remain for the main mission, "The Foundation of a Business Empire."]

[Host, please pick up the pace, plan the use of your funds and abilities wisely, and achieve the goal of one million yuan in net profit as soon as possible.]

[Upon completion, the new feature [System Shop] and more advanced missions will be unlocked.]

[Penalty for failure: one existing skill will be randomly stripped away, and system points will be reset to zero.]

Lin Chen's heart tightened.

Less than two months! Has time passed that quickly?!

System Shop? Advanced missions?

That sounds tempting... but the penalty for failure is far too harsh!

But that million... how am I supposed to earn it? Trading stocks alone feels too slow, and it's risky too...

Do I really have to sell that chip? But who would I sell it to? How would I sell it?

A wave of urgency and anxiety came over him.

Yan Qingyue's temporary "peace" had done little to put him at ease. If anything, the system's urging and the pressure of the mission weighed even more heavily on him.

He took a deep breath and decided he couldn't just sit and wait for death.

He needed to take the initiative and look for opportunities.

He went over the resources and abilities he currently had:

1. The system-granted "Golden Eye" (intermediate): could appraise the value of items and uncover hidden information.

But it seemed less effective on modern financial products, while it worked wonders on special items.

2. "Information Insight" skill fragment (uncombined): useless for the time being.

3. "Reserved Demeanor" (passive): slightly reduced his presence and lowered the chance of his inner thoughts being pried into.

(This skill did seem to have been somewhat useful lately. President Yan didn't seem to see through his thoughts quite so easily anymore?)

4. Funds: approximately 700,000 yuan (including the 500,000 borrowed from the system).

5. Connections: almost none.

The only person who could be considered a resource... seemed to be President Yan? But the mission required him not to rely on her power.

After analyzing everything, the best opening still seemed to lie with "Golden Eye."

He needed to find more undervalued "special items" like the iron box from Macau.

Perhaps... he could try his luck at the city's antiques market again?

Or keep an eye out for obscure small auctions and secondhand luxury goods exchange events?

As he was making plans to himself, the intercom rang. It was Yan Qingyue.

"Assistant Lin, come in for a moment."

Lin Chen gathered his thoughts and hurried into the office. "President Yan."

Yan Qingyue looked up from her documents, her expression serious.

"There's an important investment seminar with Huake Capital at nine tomorrow morning, on the subject of artificial intelligence.

Prepare the relevant materials and come with me tomorrow."

Huake Capital?

Artificial intelligence?

Lin Chen's heart stirred.

This was one of the country's top investment institutions. Being able to attend its seminar was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to learn about cutting-edge investment trends!

Although the system mission required him to complete it independently, it was always good to listen to industry leaders' analyses and gather some information.

"Yes, President Yan! I'll prepare right away!"

He agreed at once.

"Mm."

Yan Qingyue nodded and added, "This is a high-level seminar. The attendees are all industry elites and experienced investors.

Watch and listen more, speak less, take good notes, and learn from how others think and structure their analyses."

Her tone was businesslike, but Lin Chen had a faint feeling that this seemed to be another opportunity she was giving him to "broaden his horizons" and learn.

President Yan... is actually pretty nice?

He couldn't help the thought from popping into his head.

"Understood! Thank you for giving me this opportunity, President Yan!"

Lin Chen thanked her sincerely.

Yan Qingyue glanced at him, seemingly seeing through that little bit of gratitude, and said coolly:

"No need to thank me. You yourself... performed passably at the old residence last time. Keep it up."

With that, she lowered her head and went back to her documents, signaling that he could leave.

Lin Chen: "..."

Sure enough, she's still the same old Yan Iceberg! Would it kill her to give me a compliment?!

He curled his lip and left the office, but a trace of anticipation rose in his heart at the thought of the upcoming seminar.

Maybe tomorrow's seminar could give him some inspiration for completing the mission?

Meanwhile, in the office, the corners of Yan Qingyue's mouth curved almost imperceptibly after he left.

It seems that giving this guy some freedom and opportunities to handle serious business helps him grow more than simply "punishing" him all the time.

Fine, I'll let him have a few peaceful days first, so he can concentrate on serious matters.

As for the next "innovation"...

She picked up her personal phone and tapped the screen lightly with her fingertips, a deep glimmer passing through her eyes.

That can wait until he's overcome the difficulty in front of him. A game is only fun when played slowly.

After all, a good "toy" needs maintenance and recharging too, doesn't it?

For the time being, she put aside her thoughts of teasing Lin Chen and refocused on preparing for tomorrow's seminar.

For Lin Chen, a brief period of "peace" seemed to have arrived.

But whether it was the system's urging or Yan Qingyue's unfathomable thoughts, both suggested that undercurrents were still surging beneath this brief calm.

His challenges had only just begun.

And the subtle, complicated relationship between him and Yan Qingyue was also quietly changing amid this alternation between "punishment" and "freedom," "pressure" and "opportunity."