BGM: It's You, It's You,

All the youth behind me is you,

Painting my mountains and streams,

Pouring a torrential rain for me…

Music danced around them as sunlight streamed through the car windows, casting dappled patterns inside the car.

Zhao Yaqian sat in the passenger seat, munching on crispy chips. Her body swayed gently to the music, occasionally humming a few lines.

The car’s sound system, meticulously modified by Gao Mengting, offered a fantastic auditory experience. The front sound stage featured a three-way setup from Rainbow, the rear sound stage used Audiopipe, and the subwoofer was a JL 10TW3. Coupled with soundproofed door panels, the listening experience was exquisite.

According to Li Mingjun, the frequency balance was perfect, faithfully reproducing the original sound of the music.

Noticing Tang Song’s occasional glances, Zhao Yaqian subconsciously smoothed her bangs, took a sip of lime juice, and asked softly, “Brother Song, am I singing off-key? My friends always say I’m tone-deaf and never take me to karaoke.”

Tang Song's lips curved into a smile, “Your voice is lovely. You sing just fine, much better than me.”

Shifting in her seat, Zhao Yaqian blushed slightly, “Not really, it’s just okay.”

Since meeting Tang Song, he had been complimenting her non-stop—from her makeup to her outfit, her eating habits to her voice. His praises made her a little self-conscious.

While she was confident in her looks and figure, having been pursued by many in school and at work, she had no talent in other areas. Painting, singing, dancing, public speaking—all were her weaknesses. She couldn't even become a web influencer; any attempts would only be borderline successful. Friends had suggested this path, but right after high school, she felt too shy. Instead, she pursued a profession in beauty because of her love for skincare and makeup.

“Brother Song, you work in IT, right? What’s your daily work like? Must be very busy, with a 996 schedule?” Zhao Yaqian crossed her legs, turning to look at him.

Tang Song’s gaze naturally swept over her legs before he quickly focused on the road ahead, swallowing hard.

“Not always that bad, but there are busy times. Sometimes when we’re rushing to launch a project, it’s more like 997. When I first started, I often pulled all-nighters to get recognition from my superiors and fix bugs…”

“No wonder your skin is so bad. Such a schedule, without proper care, is really harsh on oily skin like yours.”

“Yeah, that’s why I’m working on improving it now, with your help, Teacher Zhao.”

“I’m not that skilled, just have limited experience. When I first started, Sister Li, who trained me, often called me an idiot. Even my boss would dock my performance pay.”

“They were just jealous of your beauty.”

Zhao Yaqian’s smile broadened, “Well, I am the prettiest at our store, so my boss often has me work reception.”

BGM: Relax and rise slowly,

Dreaming under the covers,

Too much noise outside, ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ novᴇlfire.net

Say what, don't wanna know…

The song changed on the music player.

Bathed in golden sunlight, the Wuling Hongguang made a turn, heading from east to west towards their suburban destination. The car was filled with Zhao Yaqian’s fresh scent.

Following the cyber advisors’ tips, Tang Song kept the speed moderate, chatting with Zhao Yaqian about their jobs and past experiences, and enjoying their alone time.

The city’s hustle and bustle gradually faded into the distance, and the scenery outside the window passed by like a painting. Zhao Yaqian’s smile grew brighter. She frequently pointed out unique buildings and asked what they were.

Having been in Yan City for over six months, this was her first real outing. Usually, during her free time, she’d go shopping, watch movies, or enjoy good food with He Liting. This was her first time truly relaxing and enjoying a trip.

Every turn and acceleration of the car seemed to lift her spirits. The music and scenery intertwined, making the Wuling Hongguang feel like it was traveling through a painting.

Turning to look at her programmer friend’s rugged profile, she beamed, “Brother Song, this is the happiest day I've had since I started working.”

“As long as you’re happy.” Tang Song pointed to a group of buildings in the distance, “We’re almost there. This place is stunning this time of year. You’re going to love it.”

“Mm!” Zhao Yaqian’s eyes sparkled.

After parking in the west side lot, they both got out. Basking in the sunlight, Zhao Yaqian jumped and stretched, her slim waist looking especially enticing.

Tang Song took a small sunscreen spray from his travel backpack and handed it to her, “The UV index is high today. Have you put on sunscreen?”

Surprised, Zhao Yaqian joyfully accepted, “Thanks a lot. I didn’t prepare for that.”

She quickly sprayed her arms, long legs, and neck. In her morning rush, she had only applied sunscreen to her face, worried her legs might get tanned. Tang Song’s thoughtfulness saved the day.

“No need to thank me, let’s go!” Tang Song smiled and gestured for her to follow.

It was already past 9:30, and other visitors were arriving. They walked down the clean asphalt road towards the south gate. Under the blue sky and white clouds, traditional yet elegant architecture loomed ahead. White walls, green tiles, and horse-head walls surrounded by mountains and waters created a picturesque scene.

After scanning the QR code to enter, they strolled wherever they fancied, without any planned route, purely following their moods.

Layered courtyards, high ridges, winding corridors, pavilions, and lush greenery—the rich Jiangnan charm of the Huizhou garden unfolded before them.

As the sun rose higher, Zhao Yaqian delightedly accepted a beautiful sun hat from Tang Song, “Wow! I love this hat, Brother Song. Thanks for the gift!”

“You even brought strawberries, and they’re huge! Mm, so sweet!”

...

They walked leisurely, exploring courtyards and exhibition halls. Tang Song held up his phone, taking photos of Zhao Yaqian and capturing the serene, picturesque landscape. Her perfect proportions, pretty face, and bright smile blended harmoniously with the exquisite scenery.

His phone’s gallery quickly filled with vibrant photos.

“Thanks for the delicious pork floss roll, Brother Song. It’s the best I’ve ever had.”

“I can’t eat anymore, or I’ll get fat!”

“Zero-sugar, zero-fat, zero-calorie sparkling water? Brother Song, are you Doraemon?”

...

The efforts of several hundred cyber advisors had a small but significant impact on Zhao Yaqian. For the first time in her life, she felt a warmth deep in her heart.

Unconsciously, her gaze towards Tang Song grew brighter, and her smile wider. All the recent gloom and worries vanished.

She opened WeChat, selected her favorite photos, including those of the journey, Tang Song, herself, and the scenery, and shared them in her Moments with the caption: “If life had a switch, friends would be the button for instant happiness!”