The applause in the hall faded slowly.
Contestants dispersed in clusters.
But Liu Meilin remained standing still for a second longer.
Because suddenly
Her vision flickered.
Not visibly to others.
Just to her.
A familiar translucent interface appeared at the corner of her sight.
It had changed.
Before, it was bright. Loud. Reward-focused.
Now?
It was sharper.
Minimal.
Refined.
—
[System Notification]
Host has entered Capital-Level Influence Arena.
Competition Tier: National
Threat Level: Strategic Manipulation Detected
Upgrading Module…
Upgrading…
Upgrade Complete.
New Module Unlocked: Influence Mode
—
Her breathing stilled.
Lu Jianfeng noticed the shift immediately.
"It's back," he murmured quietly.
She nodded slightly.
But she didn't explain yet.
The interface expanded.
—
Influence Mode Functions:
• Detect financial pressure sources
• Analyze sponsor power distribution
• Predict voting bias probability
• Temporary Charisma Enhancement (3 hours)
• Mental Stability Shield
Bonus Passive Effect Activated: Future Trend Memory Clarity +20%
—
Jiang Yanyan's lips curved faintly.
This.
This was what she needed.
Not weight-loss points.
Not beauty boosts.
Strategic dominance.
The system wasn't making her stronger physically.
It was sharpening her mind.
—
[Hidden Mission Issued]
Objective: Win Final Round + Secure Independent Investment
Reward: • Elite Designer Title (National Recognition) • Capital Network Access • Permanent Charisma Enhancement +10% • Protective Influence Shield (Reduces Political Sabotage Risk)
Failure Penalty: Loss of Reputation Growth Multiplier
—
Failure was not death.
It was stagnation.
And Jiang Yanyan did not transmigrate to stagnate.
—
Investor Dinner — That Night
A grand ballroom.
Crystal chandeliers.
Muted classical music.
Investors seated at round tables.
Miss Zhao stood confidently among known sponsors.
She belonged here.
Or so she believed.
Liu Meilin entered quietly.
Black silk dress. Minimalist cut. Structured shoulders.
Not loud.
But unforgettable.
Lu Jianfeng did not walk beside her this time.
He entered separately.
Because this wasn't about showing power.
It was about revealing it gradually.
The system flickered softly.
—
Analyzing Investors…
Identifying Primary Manipulator…
Target Locked.
Zhou Trading Group Representative.
Probability of Backing Miss Zhao: 82%
Probability of Blocking Host: 64%
Suggested Strategy: • Direct Value Appeal • Market Data Presentation • Emotional Narrative Control
—
Liu Meilin inhaled slowly.
Fine.
Let's play intelligently.
—
Miss Zhao approached first.
"Still confident?" she asked softly.
"Yes."
"You realize this round isn't about beauty or structure. It's about who investors believe in."
Liu Meilin's gaze drifted toward the Zhou representative.
"Belief is built on vision."
Miss Zhao smiled slightly.
"Vision without capital is just imagination."
Liu Meilin didn't respond.
Instead
She walked toward the Zhou representative herself.
Bold.
Unexpected.
Lu Jianfeng watched from across the room, unreadable.
The system activated softly.
Temporary Charisma Enhancement Activated.
Her posture shifted subtly.
Her voice lowered slightly controlled resonance.
"Mr. Zhou," she said calmly.
He looked up, mildly surprised.
Yes?
"You're expanding rural textile supply next quarter."
His brows lifted.
"That information isn't public."
It will be.
She held his gaze steadily.
"And when you do, you'll need a brand that bridges rural production and urban demand."
He studied her carefully now.
"You're suggesting that's you?"
I'm not suggesting.
She gestured lightly toward her design portfolio.
"I'm offering future-proof positioning."
The system fed her clarity.
Market trend predictions.
Projected urban female workforce increase. Consumer shift toward structured professional wear.
She spoke without notes.
Without hesitation.
Around them, other investors began listening quietly.
Miss Zhao's expression stiffened.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go.
Across the room, Lu Jianfeng received a quiet update via earpiece.
"Sir. The hospital debt tied to the volunteer sabotage was cleared anonymously."
He smiled faintly.
"Good."
If they wanted to pressure through weakness
He would remove their leverage.
Silently.
—
Back at the table
Mr. Zhou leaned back slowly.
"You're either reckless… or extremely prepared."
Liu Meilin smiled softly.
"Prepared."
He glanced toward Miss Zhao briefly.
Then back at Liu Meilin.
"I'll attend tomorrow's final presentation carefully."
Not a promise.
But not rejection.
That alone shifted the board.
—
System Notification:
Primary Investor Neutralized. Blocking Probability Reduced to 31%.
—
Liu Meilin felt the faint pulse of satisfaction.
The battlefield had moved from silk to strategy.
And she was winning.
—
Across the hall
Miss Zhao's nails dug slightly into her palm.
For the first time
She wasn't sure she was the strongest contender.
And that uncertainty?
Was more dangerous than anger.