novelraw Chapter 257: Heartthrob Aura (LV4)
Chapter 257: Heartthrob Aura (LV4)
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 | Partly Cloudy | 19–32℃
At 6 a.m., the morning calm was broken by the cheerful chime of a bank notification. Tang Song sat up in bed, his system interface flashing faintly as he opened it.
There was no notification regarding 【Agent - Mo Xiangwan】. Curious, he switched to the 【Role Interaction Card】 tab and scanned the new message displayed at the bottom:
> "On June 20, 2023, you will unlock communication permissions with 'Agent - Mo Xiangwan.' However, the conversation must not directly or indirectly affect the player's charisma or task progress."
Tang Song paused in thought and quickly understood. The system only specified that permissions would unlock on June 20, not that the opportunity would immediately present itself. Given the presence of other game characters, such as Su Yu, circumstances might take time to align.
Bright sunlight poured into the room as Tang Song drew the curtains open. Summer solstice was approaching, and dawn arrived earlier each day.
Dressed in his 【Unlimited Vigor】 outfit, he embraced the crisp morning air, completing his daily 50-minute cardio workout. After breakfast downstairs, he took a meticulous shower and shaved cleanly with his manual razor.
In the walk-in closet, his gaze fell on the 【Summer Whisper】 outfit. Considering today’s duet performance, it was the ideal choice. Both its special effects were perfectly suited for the occasion.
After preparing, Tang Song scrutinized his reflection in the full-length mirror. The effects of the 【Intermediate Physique Optimization Potion】 were still evident. Standing over 183 cm tall, his muscular distribution and joint flexibility had improved dramatically, giving him a naturally elegant posture. His features were well-defined and masculine, his skin smooth and radiant, exuding vitality.
Still, Tang Song frowned slightly as he tousled his hair. Despite the visible improvements, his past as a stressed programmer had left his hair somewhat thin. Its softness made it challenging to style at longer lengths. Given today’s significant meeting—with Mo Xiangwan and Su Yu—he wanted to present his best self.After warming up with a rendition of “Echoes of the Dream” on the balcony, Tang Song drove to his usual salon five kilometers away. The stylist, a cool and skilled young man nicknamed Tony, was as professional as ever. Following a brief discussion, Tony worked carefully on Tang Song’s hair, eventually styling it into a fluffy, refreshed look that instantly lifted his appearance.
Satisfied, Tang Song nodded at his reflection in the mirror. Just then, a crisp system notification rang out:
> “Ding! Communication permissions with 【Agent - Mo Xiangwan】 have been unlocked. WeChat and contact details are now accessible.”
A luminous system interface expanded before him, revealing a new module at the top: 【Role Center】. It radiated a soft, white glow, exuding a sense of importance. Within the center floated a card displaying Mo Xiangwan’s elegant profile, her poised and resolute gaze brimming with charm.
Excited, Tang Song lightly tapped the card. A series of concise details appeared:
> 【Mo Xiangwan】
> Role: President of Tang Zong Entertainment (Agent)
> Current Location: Executive Corridor, 30th Floor, Lan Feng International Five-Star Hotel, Hua District
> Height: 165 cm, Weight: 49 kg
> Current Status: Working...
Tang Song clenched his fist with excitement. Finally!
Mo Xiangwan was no ordinary character—she was a top-tier agent with exceptional skills and a multifaceted personality. A talent he had nurtured in-game was about to become a real-world encounter.
From behind, Tony observed his customer’s sudden elation. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. It must be my styling skills, he thought, his usually stoic face breaking into a rare smile.
Back in his car, Tang Song pulled out his phone and searched his contacts for Mo Xiangwan. A new, unfamiliar entry appeared immediately. Opening WeChat, he found her profile there too. Scrolling through her Moments, he glimpsed her professional updates—events, meetings, personal insights—and even a few photos of Su Yu. Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novel~fire~net
Taking a deep breath, he steadied his heartbeat, his advanced lung capacity allowing him to regain composure swiftly. It dawned on him that these contacts had been in his phone all along, hidden by the system.
The Mercedes S-Class purred to life as Tang Song drove toward Lan Feng International Hotel. The summer breeze filtered through the open windows, refreshing his senses. At a traffic light, he noticed the curious gazes of two white-collar women on the sidewalk. When their eyes met, he flashed them a clean, friendly smile. The girls blushed, nudging each other in giddy excitement, their day instantly brightened.
Suddenly, the system interface appeared:
> "A smile is a brush of the soul, painting the world’s gentlest landscapes; a smile is a seal of time, marking life’s most beautiful moments."
> "On June 20, 2023, as you anticipate meeting key game characters, your joy and warmth radiate outward, spreading positivity to others."
> "You have completed the hidden task 'Heartthrob's Smile.' Your passive skill 'Heartthrob Aura' has been upgraded to (LV4)."
Parking a few hundred meters from the hotel to avoid the congested roads, Tang Song reviewed his newly upgraded skill:
> 【Heartthrob Aura (LV4)】
> - Optimizes sleep quality, aiding deep sleep for physical and mental restoration. Prevents dark circles and eye bags while accelerating skin, muscle, and organ repair.
> - Aura Effect 1: Your first smile of the day earns a base reward of 6,400 yuan, with a 2% chance of a critical hit for additional bonuses.
> - Aura Effect 2: When your kindness and joy resonate with others and elicit similar responses, the aura charges. At 100% charge, a “halo baptism” occurs, randomly granting a special physical item. Items include categories like safety, health, wealth, and luck. (Items can be gifted.)
Reading the description, Tang Song smiled brighter than ever. Compared to LV3, the daily minimum earnings had increased, and the new charging mechanism offered unique rewards. These items could even be gifted—a thoughtful touch for his loved ones.
For their peace and health, I’ll have to keep engaging with more people, he mused. Even if I’m naturally reserved, I must make an effort.
Locking his car, Tang Song adjusted his glasses and walked toward Lan Feng International. As he neared the building, his glasses briefly gleamed, and he noticed a faint purple glow shimmering in the surrounding air. His intuition sharpened: Su Yu is here.
His heart swelled with anticipation. Only ten hours remained until the concert. He would soon witness the superstar he had carefully cultivated in-game, performing live in front of thousands. And for the first time, they would share the stage for a “God-Tier Performance” of “Echoes of the Dream.”
My superstar, Tang Song thought, his excitement palpable. Tonight, I hope you feel the sincerity and joy I bring from the bottom of my heart.