After the police station matters were resolved, Xia Qingtian and Xia Shang took Li Mengxiao home.
On the way, a system prompt sounded in Xia Qingtian's mind. Li Mengxiao's situation had been dealt with, and the rewards had arrived.
“Qingtian, I didn't seduce Ling Fenghan…” Arriving home, Li Mengxiao finally said in a low voice, her head hung low.
She had only heard the other girl warn her parents later and realized that the girl suspected her of having some kind of relationship with Ling Fenghan.
She genuinely just thought Ling Fenghan was a good person.
“I know you didn’t,” Xia Qingtian said. “Some fans are irrational. Don’t take it to heart. Get some good rest, and we’ll see each other at the company tomorrow.”
“Okay.” Li Mengxiao then offered Xia Qingtian another shy smile.
After comforting Li Mengxiao, Xia Qingtian and Xia Shang returned to the Xia family home.
Just as Xia Qingtian was about to close her eyes for a short rest, she heard the system’s voice in her mind.
“Congratulations, Host, for triggering a hidden function. Xia Shang’s favorability +10. Current favorability: 50. Status: Friendly.”
Hearing this, Xia Qingtian jolted awake.
This system also had a favorability display function?
Xia Qingtian looked at Xia Shang but didn’t see any progress bar above his head. She only met a blank, cold face that seemed to say, “We’re not close.”
Fifty favorability? What was the maximum? Two thousand?
Sensing Xia Qingtian’s inner question, the system provided a timely explanation: “Favorability trigger points are currently in a random state. Hidden clues need to be triggered, and only three triggers are allowed for the same target.”
“The maximum favorability score is 100 and will increase or decrease with the Host’s interactions.”
“1-30 points: Neutral.”
“31-50 points: Friendly.”
“51-70 points: Acquaintance.”
“71-90 points: Close Friend.”
“91-100 points: Devoted.”
“Below 0 points: Hostile. If favorability drops below -30, it will display as murderous intent. It is advised that the Host flee immediately upon encountering such a situation.”
Xia Qingtian’s mouth twitched as she listened to the system’s analysis.
So this was a passive skill with limited uses, and triggering it was all about luck.
With her sleepiness gone, Xia Qingtian began to research her system again.
When she first bound with the system, she only thought about rebirth and revenge, and didn't deeply consider what the system was for or its purpose.
Now it seemed the system was far more powerful than she had initially anticipated.
As for the reward for resolving Li Mengxiao’s incident in her item inventory – an Emotional Release Potion.
The name didn't sound very useful, nor did it seem like something that could save her life.
After reading the description, Xia Qingtian found that the potion’s main function was quite singular.
“Induces the user, while maintaining absolute rationality and clarity, to vent all accumulated psychological trauma, unfortunate experiences, and emotions, thereby alleviating and eliminating the user’s suppressed negative emotions. A psychological trauma auxiliary treatment potion with excellent effects, rapid results, and no significant side effects.”
Xia Qingtian didn’t feel she needed treatment for psychological trauma.
However, after what she had gone through in her previous life and the recent kidnapping incident, she might have some psychological shadows.
Perhaps a treatment would be beneficial.
Before Xia Qingtian could ponder this further, she heard Xia Shang call out to her: “We’re here.”
Xia Qingtian then feigned waking up as if she had been drowsy, rubbed her eyes, and got out of the car with Xia Shang, returning to the Xia family. The potion, which she hadn't consumed, remained alone in her inventory.
Without mentioning Li Mengxiao’s situation to the Xia family, Xia Qingtian simply said that Xia Shang had passed his interview and secured a high-paying job.
The Xia family enthusiastically celebrated Xia Shang’s success.
Meanwhile, at Gu Corporation Entertainment, Mr. Gu was listening to his subordinate’s report.
“Xia Shang has been hired as you instructed. We had an in-depth conversation during the interview, and he is indeed very capable,” the person standing by the desk was the same interviewer from Xia Shang’s interview today.
“Yes, for such a genius, don’t judge them by their appearance,” Mr. Gu said casually. “Even if there are any impolite aspects, be more understanding.”
“Judge by appearance?” The interviewer clearly froze.
“What is it?” Mr. Gu looked at the interviewer.
“This Xia Shang has handsome features and is quite good-looking. He also wore a suit and tie to the interview and didn't behave impolitely. Although he seemed… rather quiet, when it came to professional matters, he was very insightful,” the interviewer recalled.
“Oh?” Hearing the interviewer’s words, a hint of confusion appeared in Mr. Gu’s eyes.
That wasn't right…
“Oh, right. The receptionist mentioned that he came with our newly signed Miss Xia Qingtian. They both have the surname Xia… they must be related in some way,” the interviewer replied.
“Is that so…” Upon hearing Xia Qingtian’s name, Mr. Gu’s eyes suddenly lit up. “I see, I understand. You may go now.”
“Yes.” After responding, the subordinate left Mr. Gu’s office, secretly wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.
*Phew…*
Mr. Gu’s presence was too imposing. Every time he reported something to Mr. Gu, he felt so nervous…
On the other side of the door, Mr. Gu tapped his fingertips on the desk, his eyes deep, and a meaningful smile graced his lips.
Everything was indeed starting to change.
“Xia Qingtian, I hope you will bring me more surprises.”
He was becoming increasingly interested in this Xia Qingtian.
The next day, it was time for the agreed-upon singing practice with Ling Fenghan. Xia Qingtian and Li Mengxiao appeared at the practice room together.
Li Mengxiao’s condition was noticeably better this day, and she had even brought handmade cookies as a token of gratitude for Xia Qingtian’s help yesterday.
“What’s this delicious treat? Let me have a taste too,” Ling Fenghan said, leaning over when he saw them.
Li Mengxiao instinctively moved closer to Xia Qingtian, a hint of distance appearing in her smile.
Seeing this, Ling Fenghan’s expression became somewhat awkward. He had thought Li Mengxiao considered him a friend, but it turned out…
Despite this, Ling Fenghan still laughed heartily and said, “Oh, it’s cookies. It’s not ideal for me to eat this before singing, so I won’t join in.”
He then walked away with a chuckle.
Seeing this, a wave of guilt rose in Li Mengxiao: “I didn’t mean to, I just…”
Yesterday’s sasaeng fan had truly frightened her. She knew it had nothing to do with Ling Fenghan, but she was still a little scared.
This was an instinctive reaction, not intentional.
“I know. I’ll explain it to him for you later,” Xia Qingtian said, wiping her hands, which were covered in cookie crumbs. “Xiao Xiao, please prepare a cup of warm water for me. I might need to drink it later.”
“It’s ready. I brewed chrysanthemum, goji berries, and Radix Platycodonis. They’re all good for the throat. Would you like to have some first?” Li Mengxiao asked.
“Xiao Xiao, you’re truly an angel. Whoever marries you in the future will be incredibly lucky,” Xia Qingtian said emotionally, looking at Li Mengxiao.