Building 6, Yanjing Huating.
Soft footsteps echoed through the living room as Zhao Yaqian moved about, arranging fresh flowers in the crystal vases on the corners, the coffee table, and the dining table. Tulips, baby’s breath, daisies… their delicate fragrance filled the air.
Kneeling on the plush rug in front of the sofa, she leaned forward to inhale the refreshing floral scent from the coffee table.
Afternoon sunlight filtered through white sheer curtains, casting a warm and cozy glow over the room.
The living room’s color palette of cream and soft blue was complented by fabric sofas and wooden cabinetry.
The open-plan kitchen featured white cabinets paired with black marble countertops, complete with high-end appliances.
Artistic paintings, photographs, and trendy wall hangings adorned the walls, adding touches of style throughout the space.
As she walked down the hallway to the master bedroom, her eyes fell on the focal point: a large double bed. The headboard wall was upholstered in soft pink, flanked by two elegant wall lamps that cast a romantic glow when lit.
The walk-in closet displayed an array of beautiful clothes and accessories. Most prominently, two Hermès Birkins and an LV Carryall took center stage.
Standing in the open space of the bedroom’s sitting area, Zhao Yaqian closed her eyes, lost in a mont of bliss.
Since May 24, 20 days had passed. She had followed her boyfriend’s suggestion, pouring ti and effort into redecorating the house to her liking with the help of Little Xue and her cousin.
She had carefully acquired everything she had ever dread of, transforming the space into her ideal ho.
Growing up in a small town, her family wasn’t wealthy, but they had managed to get by.
They had lived in a 50-square-ter, two-bedroom apartnt in an old governnt housing block. It was a space that held all her childhood and high school mories.
But after her mother fell victim to a telecom scam, they had to sell the house.
Because of its outdated renovation, poor location, and age, it sold for less than 200,000 yuan.
Every ti Zhao Yaqian thought about losing the ho she had grown up in, her heart ached. After high school, she rarely returned to her hotown, avoiding the painful mories.
Now, looking at this spacious, beautifully decorated ho that she had designed with her own hands, the bitterness in her heart had dissolved. Instead, she felt an overwhelming sense of security and happiness.
Everything was perfect, like the castle from her childhood dreams.
And most importantly, it was a castle she shared with the man she loved.
Lost in thought, her phone suddenly rang.
Seeing the caller ID, her expression turned complex. [Mom].
Answering, she said, “Hello, Mom.”
Her mother’s hesitant voice ca through the receiver: “Qianqian, are you busy right now?”
“Not at all. What’s up?”
After a long pause, her mother finally spoke, her tone cautious. “Well, you know how I’ve been working at your aunt’s restaurant since I lost my job. Now your aunt’s family is planning to open a branch on the east side of the county. I was thinking of investing so money to beco a partner in the business.
“You know how much debt we owe. Your dad and I can’t make a dent in it with our odd jobs. I thought maybe…”
Zhao Yaqian’s heart sank. “Mom, can you please stop with these risky ideas? Where would we even get the money to invest?”
“Well…” Her mother’s voice grew more nervous. “It wouldn’t take much. After splitting the costs of rent, renovations, and equipnt, we’d only need to put in about 100,000 yuan. Do you think you could lend a little?”
Hearing this, Zhao Yaqian began piecing things together.
Her mother must have heard from her aunt about the 20,000 yuan she had given her cousin. That, combined with Tang Song’s evident wealth, must have planted this idea in her head.
Her aunt’s restaurant—a modest two-story eatery—was relatively well-known in their town and consistently did good business.
Her parents had always admired it whenever they discussed it. This must be their chance to get a piece of it.
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Yaqian raised her voice. “Mom, we still owe 600,000 yuan! Can’t you just stop with this? What if it fails? Then what?”
On the other end, her mother began to cry softly. “Qianqian, it’s all my fault for dragging the family down. I just want to try and earn a little more money. Working as a waitress for 2,000 yuan a month—it’s a dead end. This is the first opportunity I’ve had in so long, and I just…”
The broken sobs in her ear filled Zhao Yaqian with both heartbreak and frustration. Her mind was in chaos, unable to think of a solution.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
“Ding-dong—Ding-dong—”
Seizing the excuse, she interrupted, “Mom, soone’s at the door. Let’s talk later, okay?” This content belongs to novel{f}ire
“Oh… okay. Qianqian, go ahead.”
Hanging up, Zhao Yaqian put down her phone and moved toward the door, her thoughts still a ss.
Building 6, Yanjing Huating.
The sound of soft footsteps echoed through the living room.
At the entryway, Zhao Yaqian jogged to the door, a mix of relief and anticipation on her face. Through the LED display, she saw Lin Muxue waiting outside.
Her expression imdiately brightened—her strategist had arrived!
Opening the door, Zhao Yaqian threw herself into Lin Muxue’s arms and exclaid warmly, “Little Xue! I was just about to contact you, and here you are! Perfect timing!”
Lin Muxue chuckled softly, lifting her right hand to reveal a bag. “Qianqian, I bought your favorite steak set from Shengyuan Restaurant. Let’s enjoy it together.”
“Thank you, Little Xue. Love you, mwah~” Zhao Yaqian kissed her cheek, her mood instantly lifting.
“Oh, by the way,” Lin Muxue said playfully, batting her eyelashes. “I bought two pairs of those new letter tights from Balenciaga last month—they’re super sexy. I brought a pair just for you since I know how quickly you go through these things.”
“Um… thanks, Little Xue,” Zhao Yaqian replied awkwardly, blushing. “I’ll give you a skincare set later as a thank-you.”
After their shared adventures and overnights in Shanghai, their relationship had grown incredibly close.
Zhao Yaqian now trusted Lin Muxue almost as much as her cousin Tingzi. She considered Little Xue the most compatible friend she’d ever had.
Lin Muxue was beautiful, kind, a financial prodigy, and always supportive. She had taught Zhao Yaqian so much.
As soone just beginning her “canary developnt phase,” Zhao Yaqian saw in Lin Muxue the traits she longed to cultivate in herself.
They moved to the living room, Zhao Yaqian clinging affectionately to Lin Muxue’s arm.
“Little Xue, I need your help with sothing,” she said sweetly.
Startled for a mont, Lin Muxue felt her heart skip a beat. She quickly reassured her friend.
“Qianqian, we’re so close I see you as a sister. There’s no need to be formal with . Just tell what you need, and I’ll do my best to help.”
Qianqian, once I win Tang Song’s heart, we’ll be closer than sisters!
At Songi Fashion.
A system notification interrupted Tang Song mid-task, his face lighting up with joy.
“Ding! Congratulations, Player. Partner Zhao Yaqian’s Developnt Plan Task #2: [The Canary’s Elegant Nest] is complete.”
“Partner Zhao Yaqian’s growth progress: 10%.”
*“Partner Zhao Yaqian has received: [Canary Gift Pack 1].”
Tang Song leaned back in his chair, a broad smile on his face.
Qianqian’s second task is finally done!
Opening the system interface, he navigated to the Partner Module and selected her portrait card.
[Partner: Zhao Yaqian (19 years old)]
Role: The CanaryHeight: 180 cmWeight: 64 kgConstitution: 66Endurance: 65Agility: 56Comprehension: 59Growth Progress: 40%
He scrolled down to the description for the next task:
[Developnt Plan Task #3: The Canary’s Ambition]
Mission Objective: The canary, having secured a luxurious nest, now feels imnse satisfaction and security. Free from worries, she begins looking to the skies, dreaming of her future. Guide Zhao Yaqian to thoughtfully consider a business field, product, or service she is passionate about. Conduct market research and establish a simple network of connections in the selected industry.Mission Reward: Growth progress 10%, Comprehension 1, [Canary Skill Pack *1].Mission Status: Incomplete.
Note: Partners without entrepreneurial or managent skills are best suited to investing in established businesses. Players must patiently guide their growth.
Tang Song stroked his chin thoughtfully as he read the task description.
For soone like Zhao Yaqian, a 19-year-old high school graduate, this task was far more challenging than the previous ones.
But that was to be expected—after all, she had chosen [C: Hard Mode (The Soaring Canary)].
Achieving a well-defined career trajectory would require significant effort on her part.
But the rewards were just as enticing—especially the 1 Comprehension, a direct boost to her potential.
Switching his focus to her portrait card, Tang Song noticed a golden gift pack floating at the center.
Selecting the [Canary Gift Pack], he clicked to open it.
“Ding! Partner Zhao Yaqian has received an attribute reward: Endurance 2.”
“Ding! Partner Zhao Yaqian has received career funding support.”
A series of texts appeared on the system screen:
“The Slover Trust family trust has received a $10 million endownt, allocated as a dedicated fund to provide career startup support for family mbers.”“Beneficiary Zhao Yaqian can receive funding upon submitting a detailed business plan and obtaining approval from the trust’s managent committee.”“To reduce financial risks during the early stages of developnt, the trust offers a buffer chanism, including partial reimbursents or extensions in the event of major setbacks or losses.”
The system’s description was thorough, covering financial support, risk mitigation, and even education and training.
Tang Song read it carefully, finally understanding what the ga had ant when it ntioned “substantial resource investnt” during his initial path selection.
The $10 million allocation ca directly from his in-ga assets.
Of course, this fund wasn’t exclusively for Zhao Yaqian; other family mbers could also apply for support.
The next step was to help his beauty-enthusiast partner determine her career direction.
The task wasn’t sothing that could be completed haphazardly. For soone like her, it would undoubtedly be an uphill battle—especially with requirents for a detailed business plan and committee approval.
Tang Song frowned slightly. Although he could offer his guidance, his busy schedule might leave so gaps.
Perhaps he could enlist Zhang Chengyuan, the head of Slover Trust, to assign soone to guide and assist Zhao Yaqian through this process.
After all, helping her grow was worth the investnt.
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