Tiankuo Garden Community.

Building 6, Unit 2, Apartment 401.

*Background music: “I can’t quit you, just like I can’t quit breathing. I use longing to bridge this distance…”*

Humming out-of-tune lyrics, Zhao Yaqian closed the door behind her.

She kicked off her sneakers, padding barefoot through the living room, spinning around like she was dancing ballet. Her oversized cartoon T-shirt puffed up, exposing her fair waist.

She entered her bedroom and flopped down on her bed.

Taking out the envelope, she pulled out a stack of red bills, staring at them for a while.

Then, she grabbed a pink wallet from her Carryall bag and stuffed all 23 bills into it.

The once-flat wallet now bulged with cash—a satisfying sight.

Back at Yizi Beauty, her pay was always sent directly to WeChat. Receiving this much cash in hand felt novel and deeply satisfying.

*Ding-dong*—her WeChat notification sounded.

Turning over, Zhao Yaqian picked up her phone.

[Ting Ting: “Tomorrow’s our first livestream. The company’s working late tonight, so I won’t be able to join you for shopping. Treat yourself to something nice—don’t be so stingy.”]

Pouting, Zhao Yaqian replied, “Got it! I’m not stingy—I just didn’t have any money before! Just watch, I won’t hold back unless I spend at least 7 or 8 hundred!”

After replying, she admired her new iPhone 14 Pro with its 1TB storage, feeling more delighted by the moment.

Last time, Li Yuanyuan had laughed at her for using an outdated phone with maxed-out storage, saying she was too tight to upgrade.

This time, she’d make sure to dazzle them.

She happily stood up, stripping off her clothes.

Opening her wardrobe, she picked out a black floral dress.

This was the dress she’d bought for 230 yuan when she bought Tang Song’s watch—a nice quality piece with a good drape.

It was mid-May, and with daytime temperatures nearing 30 degrees, this dress was perfect.

She changed, applied a delicate makeup look, and stood in front of the full-length mirror, flipping her long hair with satisfaction.

After buying a more daring outfit tonight, she’d definitely have Brother Song wrapped around her finger.

*Ring-ring*—her phone rang.

It was Li Yuanyuan.

“Hey, Yuanyuan, I just finished getting ready. Have you guys set off?”

“Alright, I’ll grab a cab and meet you soon. Wait for me at the bubble tea shop on the first floor.”

“See you there. Bye!”

Hanging up, Zhao Yaqian picked up her beloved LV Carryall and began packing it.

Tissues, wet wipes, a compact mirror, a power bank, hand cream, a hair tie...

The bag was roomy and could fit so much.

---

Songmei Fashion’s office area was a hive of activity.

“The video’s done. I’ve uploaded it to the group chat for everyone to review,” Liu Renjie said, rising from his desk and calling out to his coworkers.

Tang Song paused his work, opened the group chat, and hit play.

The video began with a scene of the office. The camera moved forward, showing the backs of Gao Mengting and the others, dressed plainly, standing together and discussing the upcoming livestream. They shared essential details and promotions with viewers.

Suddenly, a fair, slender hand reached out and tapped Gao Mengting’s shoulder. “Our livestream’s about to start—why aren’t you getting dressed?”

As she turned, the camera slowed down, and the beat of the music synced up.

On screen, she was now wearing a stunning outfit, looking glamorous.

Then, the hand tapped He Liting and Wang Qingya, each of them transforming into eye-catching outfits. Each change was a striking contrast, accompanied by Tang Song’s “surprised” and “praising” reactions as the boss.

Combining elements of office life, fashion, livestreaming, and previews, the video had a great vibe.

After everyone gave it their approval, Liu Renjie posted it on the official account to start building interest.

They planned to roll out ads two hours before the livestream the next day and would post video clips from the stream every half hour to drive more traffic.

6 PM

HR specialist Zhang Ying quickly approached and announced, “Everyone, President Tang ordered dinner for us. It’s all laid out in the conference room—really lavish!”

Hearing this, everyone set down their work, excitedly getting to their feet.

“Thank you, President Tang!” “So generous, boss!”

While other companies also provided meals for late work, they usually required employees to stay until 7 or 8 PM, and the food was often just simple box meals.

Tang Song chuckled. “Let’s eat, and then keep up the hard work afterward.”

Everyone made their way to the conference room, laughing and chatting.

Upon seeing the spread, they were wide-eyed with astonishment, letting out exclamations of surprise.

“This is amazing!”

“There’s no way we can finish all this!”

“If we’re not camping out at the office tonight after a meal like this, I’d feel bad about leaving.”

The dark-wood conference table, big enough for 24 people, was covered with elegantly prepared meal boxes.

There were all kinds of dishes, desserts, fruit platters, and drinks.

Lobster, crispy pork, roast duck, cake, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, lime juice, sparkling drinks, coffee…

He Liting moved closer to take a look, nearly drooling.

This spread was on par with a high-end buffet costing hundreds.

If working late meant meals like this every time, she’d gladly work until the company went under.

Unable to help herself, she shouted, “President Tang, I love you!”

Besides Gao Mengting, a few other girls joined in the fun.

“President Tang, I love you!”

“You’re my heartthrob, President Tang!”

Tang Song pulled out a leather chair and sat down with a grin. “Thank you all for your hard work. If tomorrow’s livestream goes well, I’ll treat you to king crab—all-you-can-eat!”

Cheers erupted instantly, filling the room with excitement.

In the commotion, Wang Qingya tried to sneak a hug from Tang Song, but He Liting quickly blocked her.

Taking little liberties was one thing, but actually snuggling up to him? Not while she was Qianqian’s cousin!

Everyone quickly sat down, chatting and eating heartily.

Every now and then, someone would snap a photo to share on social media.

Wang Qingya, still annoyed at being blocked by He Liting, glanced at her mischievously and suddenly spoke up loudly, “President Tang! Actually, we met you even before we joined the company.”

Tang Song looked up, surprised. “When? I don’t remember that at all.”

“Yesterday morning, at the Luckin Coffee downstairs. A few of us were seated by the window and saw you come in. We were saying how handsome you looked—such a refined vibe!” Wang Qingya nudged He Liting, laughing. “Especially Ting Ting—she couldn’t take her eyes off you. She was practically ready to confess right there!”

Hou Yan chimed in, “Yeah, I can vouch for that! Watch out, President Tang—she’s right across from you. She might pounce any minute.”

He Liting’s face turned bright red as she protested, “Hey, cut it out! I was just daydreaming, that’s all.”

---

Huanle Mingsu, located in Yuhua District, was a massive commercial complex spanning over 500,000 square meters. It was well-known in Yan City.

6 PM

Zhao Yaqian got out of her taxi, her eyes gleaming as she gazed at the brightly lit mall in front of her.

She’d always loved shopping but had to hold back for months because she was low on cash.

Though she still owed a good deal on her credit card, she now had a stable income and wasn’t so worried. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel·fire·net

At this hour on a Friday evening, the plaza outside Huanle Mingsu was packed.

Most of the crowd was young men and women.

With her 180 cm height, figure-hugging floral dress, alluring legs, striking features, and chic LV bag, Zhao Yaqian stood out, drawing a lot of attention.

Several men looked like they wanted to approach her, but her height and the LV logo on her bag were intimidating, stopping them from making a move.

---

At a bubble tea shop on the mall’s first floor, near the windows.

Li Yuanyuan checked her phone. “Qianqian’s here. She’s on her way up.”

Jiang Zimu nodded, “Finally! It’s been three months since we last saw her. I’ll let Zhang Wensheng know.”

“That Zhang Wensheng sure is persistent. He’s been into Qianqian since our freshman year and hasn’t given up after four years,” Li Yuanyuan remarked.

Jiang Zimu shook her head, “Yeah. I even call him by his nickname—Zhang, the Romantic. He texts her the weather, morning and night, always checking in. Last May Day, he worked daytime promotions and wrote PPTs at night just to save up for her.”

“He recently bought a used car and can’t wait to show it off to her. He’s a solid guy, smart, hardworking, and treats Qianqian well. I wonder if they’ll end up together.”

A freshman at Yan City Industrial University, she’d known

Zhang Wensheng since high school, and he often helped her out at university, so they were on friendly terms.

When she finally managed to get Qianqian to meet up, she tipped him off.

Li Yuanyuan sneered, hitting the mark, “The ‘Romantic’? He’s just after her body!”

Jiang Zimu covered her mouth, laughing, “Can’t argue with that. Qianqian may have her quirks, but she sure is pretty.”

Just then, a sweet voice came from the entrance, “Yuanyuan, Xiao Mu! I’m here!”

Li Yuanyuan and Jiang Zimu looked up to see Zhao Yaqian striding toward them on her long legs.

With her high-heeled sandals, she stood at about 185 cm, looking statuesque in the tiny bubble tea shop.

Tall, leggy, pretty, with glamorous makeup and voluminous waves, she exuded a sophisticated charm.

Her black floral dress stopped at mid-thigh, accentuating her slender, graceful figure.

The two girls had to admit: Zhao Yaqian was indeed striking, alluring, and every bit a stunning beauty.