Yan City.

At Tian Ji BBQ Restaurant, Tang Song patted his flushed face and exhaled a breath mixed with alcohol. He turned on the faucet, cupped some cold tap water, and splashed it on his face. He took out his phone to check the time: 22:02. This day-long team-building event was finally coming to an end.

Back in the private room, he pretended to quickly join in on his colleagues' conversation, wearing a harmless smile and chiming in occasionally. The atmosphere was lively and harmonious. Director Chen Yunteng raised his glass, gave a few ceremonious remarks, drew a grand vision, and brought the day's team-building to a perfect close.

A slightly chilly night breeze greeted them outside the barbecue restaurant as colleagues bid each other farewell.

"See you on Monday, bye~"

"Remember to let us know when you get home."

"Take care on the way, Mr. Chen, bye."

"Let's go together, Tang Song, we're heading the same way!"

...

Two female colleagues chatted enthusiastically in the back seat of the black Nissan Teana. Tang Song leaned against the passenger seat, half-closed his eyes, and remained expressionless. After joining Jinxiu Commerce for over four months, he devoted all his energy to developing the company's new SCM (Supply Chain Management) system. He took on multiple roles, completing everything from requirement analysis and system architecture to functionality development and code deployment on his own.

After the system went live, it significantly improved work efficiency and effectively reduced procurement costs, earning high praise from the company's top leaders. This filled Tang Song, a new employee, with a sense of accomplishment, as he envisioned the promised promotion and salary increase. Newest update provided by novel-fire.ɴet

However, reality hit him hard. The success of the SCM system eventually became Director Chen's credit, leading to public commendations, rank promotions, and reportedly even stock options. The project's maintenance was handed over to Du Shaokai, a colleague with connections, while Tang Song was assigned to develop a new project, continuing to contribute to the company. The series of unfair treatment made him extremely upset, and he even considered resigning.

Perhaps sensing his thoughts, during today's team-building event, Director Chen privately assured him that he would apply for a 10% raise for next month, urging him to work diligently and promising that he would not be treated unfairly in the future. After much deliberation, Tang Song ultimately accepted. He had only recently been confirmed as a permanent employee, rented a place near the company, bought an electric scooter, and built relationships with his colleagues. Quitting now would incur high sunk costs. Moreover, with the unfavorable economic climate, Jinxiu Commerce was already his best option.

A few days ago, his mother called to inform him of a new housing development in their hometown and urged him to take a look when he had time.

While lost in thought, Zhao Yue in the back seat suddenly patted his shoulder, "Brother Song! You seem out of it today. Did you break up?"

Tang Song reined in his emotions and self-mockingly said, "First, I need to have someone to break up with."

Zhao Yue covered her mouth and giggled, "Brother Song, you're actually quite outstanding. You're competent, have good features, and are tall. You just need to lose some weight and build muscle. The girls in our company will definitely chase after you!"

Tang Song touched the thick fat on his stomach and sighed, "I'll try."

"Go for it!" Zhao Yue made an adorable cheering gesture.

Beside her, Hu Mingli blinked and joked, "Xiao Yue, with Tang Song's potential, you should seize the opportunity!"

"Mingli, I suspect you're testing me. Do you have feelings for Brother Song?"

"Haha, how about we compete fairly?"

"Then I admit defeat. You have the advantage!"

The two slightly tipsy female colleagues playfully shoved and teased each other, but neither took it seriously. Tang Song was indeed a nice guy—enthusiastic, sincere, and ambitious, with excellent work skills. He had worked at a major internet company in the capital and was recognized as the best backend developer in their department. However, his family background was modest, an ordinary rural youth, making it nearly impossible to buy a house in Yan City. He had no outstanding looks, dressed casually, had a messy hairstyle, and was a bit overweight. As a colleague and friend, he was great. But for a deeper relationship? Forget it.

...

At Qingxin Homestead Community, Tang Song tossed his backpack aside and collapsed onto his bed. The alcohol gradually took effect, and fatigue, frustration, and helplessness engulfed him. After a while, he turned to his side, opened WeChat, and reported in the department group, "Home now."

Then he clicked on the "luck-based red envelope" sent by Director Chen, received 3.2 yuan, and sent a "Thanks, boss" emoji. He opened his Moments and aimlessly scrolled through the feed. Like an outsider, he silently browsed the updates of familiar and unfamiliar "friends." Some shared their daily lives, some their relationships, some basked in tranquility, and others strived hard. It seemed everyone except him was living happily.

Unconsciously, a familiar photo caught his eye.

【Deng Yazhi: "Accidentally found a high school graduation photo. How are you all, old classmates?"】

His scrolling finger paused involuntarily. Tang Song quickly found himself in the photo, his eyes slightly dazed. Back then, he was about to enter university, full of youth, optimism, and hope, with a "white moonlight" by his side. At 25, he was single, overweight, without a car or house, his life a chaotic mess. He liked the post absentmindedly, set down his phone, and sat at his computer desk, putting on his headphones, ready to relax with a game.

Every stage of life has its unique experiences. In the years since graduation, he had faced reality and been worn down by life. To put it nicely, he had matured. He still liked what he liked but no longer insisted, so he left the capital and bid farewell to his "white moonlight." He still hated what he hated but could tolerate it, so he integrated into the group and accepted unfairness.

...

The game "Heartthrob Simulator" suddenly appeared on Tang Song's computer during his senior year of college, likely downloaded accidentally while browsing study materials. Out of curiosity, he clicked on the large, conspicuous icon, intending to critique it, but he ended up playing for three years, significantly contributing to his weight gain.

This simulation game focused on cultivating a heartthrob, featuring beautiful graphics, top-notch sound effects, comprehensive settings, and unique gameplay, all without requiring any money. The game's storyline was set in the real world, with maps, events, financial markets, companies, policies, and environments all mirroring reality. Crucially, the game's timeline started in 2016. In 2020, with the advantage of search engines, Tang Song had the foresight of a golden finger in the game. He knew the trends of stocks and futures, the upcoming industry booms, which companies would become unicorns, and which films, songs, and artists would be hits...

Moreover, every character in the game had their own storyline, allowing players to see their growth, lives, joys, and sorrows, creating a strong sense of immersion. In the game, Tang Song fulfilled his dream of becoming a heartthrob, experiencing the joys of being a billionaire, surrounded by beauties, and reaching the pinnacle of power. But a game is just a game. In reality, he was just a miserable worker, without a house, car, or girlfriend, living a mess and enduring humiliation at work.

Shaking his head to dispel these thoughts, Tang Song entered the game, checked unread notifications, collected quest rewards, and bought new items. After some familiar operations, he returned to the main interface. His mouse paused as his gaze fell on the game's timeline.

April 1, 2023.

The current in-game time was April 1, 2023, 23:50. Due to the different time flow, the game's timeline was about to coincide with reality. As a game set in the real world, Tang Song was curious about how the storyline would develop next. He licked his dry lips, casually picked up a bottle of Coke, and called his beloved "Secretary Jin" to report work. Drinking Coke while admiring the screen's stockings, slim waist, and perky hips, all his worries vanished, and his mood brightened instantly. Although everything in the game was fake, the joy it brought him was real.

...

As the clock passed midnight, the rhythmic BGM in his headphones suddenly stopped, and the game's date changed to April 2, 2023. Immediately, a beautiful game animation began to play automatically on the screen. Starting from the 2016 story, characters appeared one after another, with exciting storylines, achievements, titles, badges, and items flashing by, reviewing the entire game journey. The screen gradually quieted, leaving only the sound of footsteps approaching. Player "Tang Song" slowly walked into view, dressed in a sharp suit, exuding elegance and confidence. He stood before the floor-to-ceiling window on the top floor, looking down at the city's brilliant night scene, exuding an indescribable charm. The camera panned up and down before finally freezing on his back, with bold text appearing in the center of the screen:

"The story seems to end here. You awaken from a long dream and embrace the real world again. Congratulations, player!"

"Holy shit! Did I just finish the game? Is this really the end!?" Tang Song was shocked, leaning forward, frantically clicking the mouse and pounding the keyboard, but the game screen remained unchanged. A chill ran through his heart. He had invested deeply in this game, with its realistic background and unique immersion making him feel like he was truly nurturing elites, developing enterprises, amassing wealth, and improving himself. But now, the game's tumultuous stories abruptly ended, and the lively characters disconnected from him. A strong sense of loss and disconnection surged, making his breathing heavy.

A crisp "ding" suddenly sounded. The game on the computer screen vanished, replaced by the Windows desktop. Tang Song's vision blurred for a moment.

Swish! A sci-fi-like light screen unfolded before him:

"Player confirmed."

"System resources loading...1%...50%...100%"

"Completed."