At 6 PM, the rain continued to fall steadily outside the window. The persistent rain had dampened and slowed down the entire city.

Tang Song was just about to shut down his computer and leave work when a notification popped up on his corporate email.

【OA Reminder: "Your leave request for April 24, 2023, has been denied. Please revise and resubmit for approval."】

Tang Song raised an eyebrow. This was a first. He opened the OA website, navigated to the leave module, and checked the review information. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel·fire.net

【Reviewer: Chen Yunteng; Review Result: Denied; Review Comments: Insufficient leave reason.】

Tang Song’s leave reason was the company’s standard template: “Family matters, taking one day of annual leave.” Jinxiu Commerce was generally lenient with leave requests and rarely denied them for this reason. It was clear Director Chen was targeting him, likely related to Du Shaokai’s issue.

Tang Song didn’t bother to contact Chen Yunteng for a private conversation, knowing he wouldn’t be at the company for much longer anyway. He resubmitted the request and clocked out.

Driving his Wuling Hongguang out of the underground garage, Tang Song merged into the city’s slow-moving traffic. He parked at Yunsheng Plaza and stepped out into the rain with his umbrella. The streets were almost deserted, with occasional thunder rumbling overhead and the sound of rain hitting the umbrella.

He walked quickly to a familiar handmade skewer shop. Picking up a glass bowl and tongs, he began selecting skewers.

“Five juicy sweet potato skins, four King-size sausages, no brand starch sausages, three vegetarian steaks, quail eggs, lamb, pork belly… and as many vegetables as possible...”

The bald shop owner smiled broadly and gave Tang Song a discount totaling 180 yuan. Tang Song thanked the owner, grabbed the thermal bag, and left. He also bought two cups of hot pearl milk tea from the neighboring shop.

Turning a corner, the sign for Yizi Beauty and Hair Salon came into view. Entering the shop, he immediately saw Zhao Yaqian in a small suit standing at the reception desk.

“Song… Brother Song, you’re here. Welcome.” Zhao Yaqian quickly walked over, looking pleasantly surprised.

Tang Song set his umbrella aside and asked, “I haven’t had my facial treatment this week. Are you free this evening?”

“Yes, today’s rain means we have hardly any customers. Even the cashier, Sister Zhen, didn’t come in, and the boss was furious in the WeChat group,” Zhao Yaqian whispered.

“That’s perfect.” Tang Song raised the thermal bags, “I bought your favorite handmade skewers. Let’s eat before starting the treatment.”

Hearing the words “handmade skewers,” Zhao Yaqian’s eyes lit up. She eagerly nodded, “I was just wondering what to eat! Thank you, Brother Song!”

In the beauty area’s employee lounge, Zhao Yaqian unfolded a folding table and brought over two small stools. Once seated, she quickly unwrapped the food, her entire face leaning in close.

The mix of special sauce, chili, cumin, and the aroma of the ingredients made her mouth water instantly.

“This… this is so much! Five portions of sweet potato skins and so many meat skewers! My goodness!” The normally frugal Zhao Yaqian was overwhelmed by the sudden abundance.

Tang Song handed her a milk tea with a straw, smiling, “I’m still on a diet, so you’ll have to be the main eater.”

“Then I won’t hold back!” Zhao Yaqian licked her lips, grabbed a skewer, and took a bite, her eyes squinting with delight, “So good!”

In the quiet lounge, they ate and chatted, just like on their road trip. They occasionally talked about their friends, aside from skincare. Tang Song learned that her roommate was a distant cousin from her mother’s side. She graduated from a vocational college in Yan City and worked in a small company. Her cousin’s job was tough and low-paying, prompting her to consider a job change for something easier.

Zhao Yaqian envied her cousin, as many office jobs required at least a vocational diploma. With only a high school education, her job options were limited.

In the cozy, enclosed space, Tang Song found it hard to take his eyes off his beautician friend’s pretty face, moist lips, and curvy figure. His heart raced the whole time.

“I’m stuffed! I can’t eat anymore!” Zhao Yaqian stood up, rubbing her round belly, looking content, “Brother Song, I’m going to brush my teeth first. My mouth smells like skewers, and I don’t want to bother you during the treatment.”

Tang Song pretended to be nonchalant, leaned closer, took a deep breath, and smiled, “Smells great, I don’t mind.”

Zhao Yaqian blushed and avoided his gaze, “It’s all skewer smell. I’d better freshen up. Be right back.”

She quickly left.

...

Deep cleansing, exfoliation, essence treatment, moisturizing…

This facial treatment was even more meticulous than before, with each step taking a long time. While applying a moisturizing mask, Zhao Yaqian even gave him a ten-minute head and neck massage, her gentle touch making him sleepy.

When the treatment ended, it was already 8:30 PM, and the rain continued to fall outside.

Tang Song looked at Zhao Yaqian cleaning up and smiled, “Is it almost time to leave? I can drive you home.”

Zhao Yaqian hesitated, “No need. I live far away. It’ll take over half an hour round trip. It’s too much trouble for you.”

“I just got a new car and am itching to drive. Please indulge me.”

Seeing Tang Song’s sincere eyes, Zhao Yaqian bit her lower lip and nodded, “Thank you, Brother Song. I’ll finish up quickly.”

She realized that Tang Song had come to buy skewers and milk tea and get a facial to ensure she had a safe ride home in the rain, just like his morning red envelope under the pretext of the rainbow umbrella.

...

The Wuling Hongguang drove over the wet road, creating a fine mist as it headed towards Tiankuo Garden.

In the car, Zhao Yaqian was unusually silent, seemingly deep in thought.

Tang Song didn’t disturb her, instead turning on the music player while waiting at a red light.

The clear guitar intro played:

BGM: There are many things in the world

You can't take it with you when you go

All you can take is yourself and your temper

You once had the most beautiful love…

Through the windshield, car lights flickered in the rain, adding a hazy beauty to the city.

They listened to the music quietly, driving through the rainy streets of Yan City at night.

“We’re here.” Tang Song parked outside Building 6, Unit 2.

Zhao Yaqian opened her half-closed eyes and said softly, “Brother Song, thank you so much for today. The red envelope this morning, the delicious food tonight, and driving me home. I feel really...guilty.”

“No problem, we’re good friends after all, and you’ve helped me a lot too.”

Zhao Yaqian looked up at Tang Song and asked, “Brother Song, we’ll always be good friends, right?”

Tang Song was momentarily stunned but nodded, “Of course.”

Zhao Yaqian clenched her hands, looking down and whispering, “I’ll go up now. You should head back soon; it’s not safe too late.”

She got out with her bag and umbrella, walked a few steps, then ran back to the driver’s window.

Tang Song rolled down the window, and Zhao Yaqian said seriously, “When I get paid, I’ll fill up your car with 95! Then, we’ll have steak at the Wanda Plaza buffet. I also saw a nice watch recently; I’ll get it for you.”

After saying this, she quickly ran into the building.

In the familiar surroundings, lights in the stairwell turned on one by one.