My Virtual Girlfriend

Chapter 496 I Want a Hug

Thinking this, Chen Yan didn't delay any longer but tidied up slightly and got up to find He Mengxue.

He took the elevator downstairs and arrived at the investment company's office floor.

Compared to the gaming company's bustling vibrancy, this place had an air of the upper world. Everyone was refined and looked like an elite.

Greeting the employees he encountered along the way with nods, Chen Yan arrived at He Mengxue's office.

He knocked on the door, and after a good two or three seconds, He Mengxue's somewhat hoarse voice came from inside, "Come in."

Chen Yan pushed the door and entered, then saw He Mengxue sitting at her desk, looking up toward the door.

From the untouched files on her desk and the unopened computer, it seemed she had just been tired and resting her head on the desk.

Chen Yan couldn't help but speculate that his affair with Yu Qiao Qiao yesterday must have hit this girl hard.

Now, seeing Chen Yan chase her to her office, He Mengxue's eyes fluctuated slightly, as if something had reignited inside.

However, that small flame had just sparked before she extinguished it herself. She lowered her head and asked softly, "General Chen. Do you need something?"

Seeing the girl in this state, Chen Yan knew she was heartbroken.

Although Chen Yan still didn't know how to handle his relationship with He Mengxue, she was, after all, his virtual girlfriend who had always been especially nice to him. So, he still wanted to cheer her up first.

As for how to cheer up a girl...

Three years ago, Chen Yan didn't understand, but now, he was quite skilled at it.

With a girl, when she's in a bad mood or angry, don't try to persuade her by going with her emotions or by reasoning, but rather cheer her up.

So, thinking this, Chen Yan closed the door with a smile, then teased, "Me? I have no other business. Just saw a beautiful lady looking upset. I wanted to ask, who could make such a pretty girl angry?"

Hearing Chen Yan's roundabout compliment, He Mengxue, though still feeling aggrieved and sad, felt somewhat happier.

She glanced at Chen Yan, then resentfully said, "Some annoying guy."

"Oh!" Chen Yan clapped his hands, exaggeratingly saying, "Then that guy is really annoying. If I knew who it was, I'd definitely slap him several times."

"Let him know the consequences of making our Mengxue angry!"

Seeing Chen Yan say it so exaggeratedly, He Mengxue's lips curled into a slight smile.

However, she was no fool. She knew Chen Yan was pampering her, playing along with her words.

Pretending to be a bystander, to empathize with her, and then to 'denounce' himself together with her to cheer her up.

Generally speaking, this self-denigrating approach was very effective in cheering girls up.

But she, she was no longer the He Mengxue of yesterday, and she wouldn't fall for such a basic trick.

So, she tilted her head and said revealingly, "Don't be so presumptuous. You know I'm talking about you. Is it fun to scold yourself?"

She looked at Chen Yan, feeling aggrieved, "I'm telling you. I won't be fine. I'm a girl who has lost her smile."

"No matter how you coax, I won't be fooled."

Hearing He Mengxue sound so pitiful, Chen Yan couldn't help but laugh.

He Mengxue, seeing him like that, felt even more aggrieved, "Do you think I'm funny? I'm telling you. I feel so aggrieved."

Seeing He Mengxue like that, Chen Yan laughed even harder.

He didn't find He Mengxue funny. Rather, he knew He Mengxue had "taken the bait."

Even though He Mengxue kept pondering not to be fooled, not to resonate or calm down with Chen Yan's "self-scolding," it's important to know that when she started expressing her grievances, she was actually opening her heart, no longer sealing herself up as before.

So, Chen Yan kindly continued to alleviate her grievances, "Feeling aggrieved?"

"That must be my fault."

"I apologize."

Saying this, Chen Yan slightly bowed toward He Mengxue, performing a gentleman's gesture, "I'm sorry, beautiful girl. It was all my fault. Please don't take it to heart."

Seeing Chen Yan apologize, He Mengxue felt strangely a bit sweeter inside.

It wasn't that she felt she had the upper hand or a thrill from "pressuring" Chen Yan, but rather... this showed that Chen Yan really cared about her.

After all, although she felt hurt and aggrieved, it was all her own issue.

She was chasing after Chen Yan without success.

Then, she was devastated by the intimate acts between Chen Yan and Yu Qiao Qiao.

She really had no standing to blame Chen Yan for this issue.

Yet, Chen Yan took it upon himself, which showed... he really cared about her.

But then again, women are somewhat emotional.

Even though she felt a bit sweet, perhaps it was just because of this sweetness that all the grievances in He Mengxue's heart surged up.

She looked at Chen Yan, and then tears "pattered" down.

Chen Yan, seeing her tears, panicked a bit. He couldn't help but ask, "Why are you crying now? I've apologized already."

He Mengxue looked at him with tear-stained eyes, feeling utterly aggrieved, "A late apology is lighter than grass. I don't want your apology."

Chen Yan: ??

Girl, you're not playing by the rules.

He coughed, saying, "Then... how about, in a few days, I give you a gift to make it up to you, alright?"

He Mengxue still shook her head while crying, "I don't want your gift."

Chen Yan sensed He Mengxue's tone had softened a lot, so he continued to coax, "Then how about, I invite you for a meal together?"

He Mengxue continued sobbing and shaking her head.

Seeing her like this, Chen Yan coughed, his expression turning serious, "Since you can't be cheered up, then I'm not going to try anymore."

"I'm also canceling what I just promised."

Seeing Chen Yan about to leave, He Mengxue panicked a bit.

She was only seeing Chen Yan rarely coaxing her, so she wanted to act spoiled and express her own grievances.

If Chen Yan really left, she would truly cry her eyes out.

So, she hurriedly took the opportunity to relent, pouting her lips resentfully, "Then, alright. Let it be."

Seeing her finally relent, Chen Yan couldn't help but smile and then asked, "Is it because of yesterday, me and Qiao Qiao?"

Hearing Chen Yan bring up yesterday's matter again, He Mengxue nodded resentfully, "I also know I have no right to be angry or aggrieved."

"But... I just can't control myself." As she mentioned being unable to control herself, her tears "plip-plopped" down again.

Chen Yan sternly said, "No more crying."

"We've made a deal just now. We agreed not to cry."

He Mengxue, finding it difficult to stop her tears, said plaintively, "Okay, I won't cry. But I won't smile either."

It must be said, He Mengxue looked even cuter when aggrieved than usual. So Chen Yan was quite amused.

He said, "Fine. Then you just don't smile."

Seeing Chen Yan now doting on her, He Mengxue, her eyes red from crying, looked at Chen Yan and pushed her advantage, "Then I want a hug..."

Chen Yan was amused.

This girl really knew how to take it further.

He couldn't help but laugh and say, "Then smile once, and I'll hug you."

Hearing Chen Yan's request, He Mengxue pouted her lips, squeezing out a smile uglier than crying, amusing Chen Yan greatly.

He laughed, "That smile is too ugly. Smile by showing your teeth."

Saying this, he even demonstrated how to smile.

Seeing his example, He Mengxue felt even more aggrieved. She tried to force a wider smile, but it looked... uglier than the previous one.

"Hahaha." Chen Yan couldn't stop his laughter.

Seeing Chen Yan laughing at her like that, He Mengxue's tears "plip-plopped" down again.

While crying, she also said resentfully, "I said I won't smile. And you're still laughing at me."

Seeing her adorable state, Chen Yan walked up and hugged her.

With a soft fragrance in his arms, Chen Yan felt exceedingly tender at heart.

And under Chen Yan's embrace, He Mengxue's heart gradually calmed down.

She felt the grievances in her heart slowly disappear, replaced by a sense of peace.

She never knew Chen Yan could be so gentle. Were Qiao Qiao and the others really that fortunate?

After hugging He Mengxue for a while, Chen Yan let go of her.

Then he bent down, gently flicked He Mengxue's nose, and said, "Alright, let's leave this matter here. No more crying or fussing."

He Mengxue looked up at Chen Yan, still feeling a bit aggrieved, "I wasn't causing trouble. I didn't even intend to bother you."

Hearing He Mengxue's words, Chen Yan sighed lightly, then said, "Right. That was my fault."

"I need more time to think."

"You know my situation is a bit complicated."

"Maybe it can be resolved later."

Hearing Chen Yan's words, He Mengxue looked up at him hopefully, then asked, "Do you mean, you're preparing to be with me?"

Seeing He Mengxue had finally recovered her usual poise, Chen Yan purposefully winked at her, negating, "I didn't say that. Don't think too much."

After speaking, Chen Yan patted her head, saying, "Alright. You haven't slept all night, and your work efficiency is low. You should go home and rest."

"I'll give you a day off. Come back to work tomorrow."

After speaking, Chen Yan went to the water dispenser, poured He Mengxue a cup of hot water, then turned around and left He Mengxue's office.

Watching Chen Yan's retreating figure, He Mengxue's pouted mouth almost reached the sky.

She felt it was so close.

Chen Yan was almost about to agree, but in the end, he still didn't relent. It was infuriating!

She angrily drank some water, then put the cup down heavily. It was as if she placed it on Chen Yan's head.

But after putting it down, recalling Chen Yan's recent attentive care and various sweet nothings, her lips couldn't help but curl up slightly.

For a moment.

Immersed in the memories, she blushed, hugged the book, and shyly rocked her body, "Oh my. Chen Yan is too gentle. Hehehe~~"

..........

By this time, having dealt with He Mengxue's matter, Chen Yan also returned to his own office.

Chen Yan was able to pacify the situation so smoothly just now, not only because he now deeply understood the psychology of girls, but also because he was making use of the "Inner Headphones."

With guidance from the "Inner Headphones," Chen Yan had nearly full control over He Mengxue's emotions during the encounter, which emboldened him considerably.

The reason he left now was that he heard through the "Inner Headphones" that He Mengxue was truly no longer angry or upset.

Thus, Chen Yan could make a successful exit and let He Mengxue adjust on her own.

Earlier, while listening to He Mengxue's inner thoughts through the "Inner Headphones," Chen Yan also discovered the girl's grievances and confusion from the night before.

He couldn't help but sigh, feeling he truly had caused significant distress.

He still needed to find a way to resolve the relationships among several girls...

With these reflections, Chen Yan gradually collected his emotions and then prepared to dive into his busy work schedule.

The very first task for his work was, of course, to handle the two documents He Mengxue had brought him.

These two documents were, one detailing the current equity structure of Weibo, and the other, a health drink plan that He Mengxue had written herself.

Chen Yan first set aside the document on Weibo, and started reviewing the health drink plan.

He Mengxue had named the drink "The Garden of Morning Calm," and its selling point was a new type of health drink with zero sugar and zero calories.

Following Chen Yan's instructions, the plan was to build a factory near Qin Island, secure government support, obtain the excellent water resources of Laoshan, and then manufacture the drinks for distribution across the country.

For the sales channels, she suggested collaborating with Wutong Group.

Wutong Group, being a core part of the He family in Qin Island and primarily involved in various electronics, had a complex and comprehensive sales network nationwide.

Initially, the drink could leverage the He family's channels to spread across the nation.

Later, through Chenlu Film Company's resources in the film and television industry, advertisements could be run during TV shows and movies, or they could have Lu Man endorse it, boosting The Garden of Morning Calm's popularity and driving sales.

The entire plan was very detailed. Chen Yan saw it as highly feasible upon review.

However, even though the plan was feasible, there were many projects that turned out to be disappointing in reality, so Chen Yan did not make a decision lightly but decided to "cheat" by verifying it first.

After all, although his goal was to enhance his influence locally, the company also needed to grow and become powerful to have that influence.

If the venture failed miserably, constantly needing financial support, then the company would be meaningless.

Thinking this, Chen Yan opened his safe, took out "Xiao Ha's Instant Camera," placed "Instant Film" on it, and took a photo of the business plan.

A "click" sounded, and the instant film slowly ejected from the top.

Chen Yan picked up the film and gently swung it.

Within moments, the image of the business plan appeared on the film. Chen Yan flipped the film to look at the back.

Indeed, an evaluation of the business plan also appeared on the back.

Upon seeing it, Chen Yan was pleasantly surprised.

The system rated the plan highly.

"The Garden of Morning Calm"

Star rating: Five stars (beverage industry)

Size: Within three years, a turnover of 3 billion, with a valuation of around 100 billion.

Evaluation: The most outstanding drink in the past decade, with the potential to become a domestic beverage giant. It could become the only domestic drink to compete with Coca-Cola for market share.

Seeing this evaluation, Chen Yan was truly thrilled.

He felt... he really did the right thing by pacifying He Mengxue today.

Moreover, Chen Yan finally understood the system's high rating for He Mengxue.

Without discussing He Mengxue's usual capabilities, just one of her ideas and the business plan could create a beverage giant worth hundreds of billions, which was worth the system's four-star rating.

With these thoughts, Chen Yan joyfully signed the business plan, prepared to assemble a strong team, and then start building the beverage company.

He could already imagine the shocked expressions of He Ruifeng and other tycoons when he blossomed both online and offline, integrating virtual and physical realities!

Who said the internet industry couldn't handle tangible businesses?

He could!

Moreover, he planned to integrate real industry with movies and the internet.

Wasn't He Mengxue planning for Lu Man to be the spokesperson?

Chen Yan thought it was a great idea.

Just like a certain brand of mineral water. They would print Lu Man's photo on the beverage, promoting Lu Man every time a bottle was sold.

Chen Yan did not believe that Lu Man's popularity and fanbase wouldn't explode again!

And in the film and television works, as well as his own internet companies, he would also fully advertise this beverage company.

After all, knowing the potential of this drink, there was nothing to worry about!

After settling on this plan, Chen Yan contentedly set aside the data, and then started reviewing the second document He Mengxue had given him.

The second document was a survey of Weibo's stock ownership.

Since Chen Yan's requirements were not high, He Mengxue had presented data that was publicly available.

The stock ownership of Weibo was not complicated, with its parent company, Xin Lang, holding 45.2% of the shares as the largest shareholder.

However, they were clearly a very mature team, owning just under half of the shares but held 72% of the voting rights.

Besides them, the internet giant Ah Lee held 30.2% of the shares, with 15.8% voting rights, making it the second largest shareholder in Weibo.

Besides these entities, the rest were just several small institutions with scattered shareholdings and... 20 million freely circulating shares.

As of yesterday, Weibo's market value was $6 billion, about 40 billion yuan.

About the same as Chen Yan's own fortune.

Weibo's market value had not increased smoothly since its listing in the Beautiful Country two years ago, which gave Chen Yan some confidence in acquiring it.

After all, Chen Yan wasn't demanding full control; he just wanted a veto right, or at least half the voting rights.

His goal was merely to control one of the largest social media platforms. And with the system's cashback, Chen Yan wouldn't lose.

With a rough idea in mind, Chen Yan did not stop his plan; he decided to call Zhao Ying and hoodwink her into joining the office first, then gradually proceed with the acquisition.

It wasn't that Chen Yan wanted to delay, but... the system hadn't refreshed the "Strong Buy Card" recently, and Chen Yan had no way to make a move.

By the way... Chen Yan also wanted to discuss recent developments with Zhao Xuan.

After all, Chen Yan hadn't forgotten that Zhao Qingtian was still lively and active within Zhao Group.

An enemy, after all, is only adorable when they've completely fallen...

The entire plan was very detailed, and Chen Yan found it highly feasible upon review.

After all, although his goal was to enhance his influence locally, the company also needed to grow and become powerful to have that influence.

If the venture failed miserably, constantly needing financial support, then the company would be meaningless.

Thinking this, Chen Yan opened his safe, took out "Xiao Ha's Instant Camera," placed "Instant Film" in it, and took a photo of the business plan.