After resolving matters at the police station, Xia Qingtian and Xia Shang escorted Li Mengxiao home.
On the way, a system notification sounded in Xia Qingtian's mind. Li Mengxiao's issue had been resolved, and her reward had arrived.
"Qingtian, I didn't seduce Ling Fenghan..." Li Mengxiao said softly, her head bowed, once they reached home.
She only learned that the girl had warned her parents afterwards, realizing she suspected a relationship between her and Ling Fenghan.
She had genuinely just thought Ling Fenghan was a nice person.
"I know you didn't," Xia Qingtian replied. "Some fans are irrational. Don't dwell on it. Get some good sleep, and I'll see you at the company tomorrow."
"Mhm," Li Mengxiao managed another shy smile at Xia Qingtian.
After comforting Li Mengxiao, Xia Qingtian returned to the Xia family with Xia Shang.
Just as Xia Qingtian was about to close her eyes to rest, the system's voice echoed in her mind.
[Congratulations to the host for triggering a hidden function. Xia Shang's favorability +10. Current favorability: 50. Status: Friendly.]
Hearing this, Xia Qingtian jolted fully awake.
Did this system also display favorability?
Xia Qingtian glanced at Xia Shang but saw no progress bar above his head. Instead, she met his blank, icy gaze, which seemed to convey, "We're not close."
Favorability at 50? What was the maximum? 2000?
Sensing Xia Qingtian's inner query, the system promptly provided clarification: [The trigger points for favorability are currently in a random state, requiring the activation of hidden clues. Furthermore, the same target can only trigger this three times.]
[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: Friend]
[91-100 points: Devoted]
[Below 0 points: Hostile. If favorability drops below -30, it will display as 'Killing Intent.' It is advised for the host to flee immediately upon encountering such a situation.]
Xia Qingtian's lips twitched as she listened to the system's analysis.
So, this was a passive skill with limited uses, entirely dependent on luck to trigger.
With no more sleepiness, Xia Qingtian began to study her system further.
When she first bound the system, she had only thought about reincarnation and revenge and hadn't delved into the system's purpose or benefits.
Now, it seemed this system was far more powerful than she had initially imagined.
As for the reward for resolving Li Mengxiao's incident in her inventory – one vial of Emotional Release Potion.
The name sounded rather useless, not like something that could save her life.
After reading the description, Xia Qingtian discovered the potion's primary function was quite singular.
[Induces the user, while maintaining absolute rationality and clarity, to release all accumulated psychological trauma, unfortunate experiences, and emotions, thereby alleviating and eliminating suppressed negative emotions. An auxiliary treatment potion for psychological trauma, highly effective, fast-acting, with no significant side effects.]
Xia Qingtian didn't believe she needed treatment for psychological trauma.
However, given what she had gone through in her previous life and the recent kidnapping incident, perhaps she did have some lingering psychological shadows.
Receiving treatment might offer some benefit.
Before Xia Qingtian could ponder further, she heard Xia Shang's voice calling her, "We're here."
Xia Qingtian then feigned grogginess as if waking up, rubbed her eyes, and got out of the car with Xia Shang. They returned to the Xia family residence, leaving the unconsumed potion in her inventory.
Without mentioning Li Mengxiao's incident to the Xia family, Xia Qingtian simply stated 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 Shi Entertainment, Mr. Gu was receiving a report from his subordinate.
"Xia Shang has been hired as per your instructions. We had an in-depth conversation during his interview, and he is indeed very capable," said the person standing by the desk, who was Xia Shang's interviewer from that day.
"Mm, one should not judge a genius by their appearance," Mr. Gu said casually. "Even if there are any minor improprieties, show leniency."
"Judge by appearance?" the interviewer looked visibly taken aback.
"What is it?" Mr. Gu looked towards the interviewer.
"This Xia Shang has regular features and is quite handsome. He was dressed in a suit for the interview and there were no improprieties. Although he seemed... rather reserved, he was very insightful when discussing professional matters," the interviewer recalled.
"Oh?" Mr. Gu's eyes showed a hint of confusion upon hearing this.
This was unexpected...
"Oh, right. The receptionist mentioned he arrived with our newly signed Miss Xia Qingtian. They both share the surname Xia... they must be related somehow," the interviewer added.
"I see..." Hearing Xia Qingtian's name, Mr. Gu's expression cleared instantly. "I understand. You may go now."
"Yes," the subordinate responded and then left Mr. Gu's office, discreetly wiping sweat from his forehead.
Phew...
Mr. Gu was too imposing. Every time he reported something to Mr. Gu, he felt incredibly nervous...
Separated by just a door, Mr. Gu tapped his fingertips on the desk, his gaze deep, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
Everything was indeed beginning to change.
"Xia Qingtian, I hope you will bring me even more surprises."
His interest in this Xia Qingtian was growing.
The next day, it was time for the singing practice session agreed upon with Ling Fenghan, and Xia Qingtian appeared at the practice room with Li Mengxiao.
Li Mengxiao's demeanor was noticeably better that day. She had also brought homemade cookies as a token of gratitude for Xia Qingtian's help yesterday.
"What's that delicious-looking thing? Let me have a taste too," Ling Fenghan said, leaning in.
Li Mengxiao instinctively moved closer to Xia Qingtian, her smile becoming slightly distant.
Seeing this, Ling Fenghan looked a little awkward. He thought Li Mengxiao considered him a friend, but it seemed...
Despite this, Ling Fenghan chuckled heartily and said, "Oh, cookies. It's not ideal for me to eat these before singing, so I won't join in."
He then walked away cheerfully.
Observing this, a wave of guilt washed over Li Mengxiao. "I didn't mean to. I just..."
The sasaeng fan from yesterday had truly frightened her. She knew it wasn't Ling Fenghan's fault, but she was still a little scared.
It was an instinctive reaction, not intentional.
"I know. I'll explain it to him for you later," Xia Qingtian said, wiping her hand, which had cookie crumbs on it. "Xiao Xiao, please get me a glass of warm water. I might need it later."
"I've got it ready. I brewed chrysanthemum, goji berries, and licorice root, all good for the throat. Do you want to drink some first?" Li Mengxiao asked.
"Xiao Xiao, you are truly an angel. Whoever marries you in the future will be incredibly happy," Xia Qingtian said, looking at Li Mengxiao with admiration.