Since it was rush hour, the road was slightly congested. After locking the electric scooter downstairs at the company, Yao Lingling glanced at the time—only 3 minutes left!

“Minmin! We’re going to be late! Run!” Yao Lingling shouted, breaking into a sprint. Li Shumin, wearing a floral dress and high heels, turned pale. “Wait for me!” she cried, struggling to keep up.

Yao Lingling waved her on and quickly darted into the office building. She swiped her card at the entrance, but the elevator lobby was packed, with people crowding around each door. Shunyuan Tower had been built over a decade ago, with no distinction between high and low zones for the elevators, leading to long wait times during peak hours. With only 2 minutes left, Yao Lingling anxiously stamped her foot.

Hurry up, come on!

A ding echoed from an elevator in the corner. Yao Lingling rushed over with the crowd but couldn’t squeeze in.

No! My precious 200 yuan full attendance bonus, don't leave me!

Another elevator arrived with a ding. She placed her bag in front of her and forced her way in. As the doors closed, she exhaled slightly in relief.

With 1 minute remaining, she prayed for speed. Finally, after several stops, she reached the 8th floor. Despite her phone still showing 09:00, she knew time was tight. Bursting through the company doors, she pressed her finger on the biometric scanner.

“Beep! Clock-in successful.”

She checked the machine’s time—09:01. Nervously, she rubbed her hands together, unsure if she clocked in at 9:00 or 9:01. That tiny difference was worth 200 yuan!

Feeling heavy-hearted, she returned to her workstation. A few A4 papers dropped onto her desk. Designer Liang Jiani frowned, “Yao Lingling, didn’t I tell you to use A fabric for the pocket flaps and 5CM elastic for the cuffs?”

Standing up quickly, Yao Lingling whispered, “Sister Liang, the latest draft you gave me didn’t specify that, so I assumed it was the same as the previous version.”

“Can’t you ask if you’re unsure?” Liang Jiani snapped, “Redo the pattern, including detailed flat drawings, process instructions, and materials. I don’t want to see such basic mistakes again!”

“Yes, Sister Liang.”

As Liang Jiani walked away, Yao Lingling’s face fell.

Why always blame the assistant for issues? It’s the pattern maker’s fault!

After tidying her desk, she headed to the restroom and took out her phone for a daily paid bathroom break. “Hmm? A new friend request? Tang Song?” she muttered, checking it. “Finally, you show up, April!”

She accepted the request and left a message: "Little brother, hurry and update your notes. We’re waiting for your transformation!" New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net

A prompt reply came: "Thanks for the support. I’ve updated Little Red Book. Feel free to give suggestions."

Her eyes lit up as she opened the Little Red Book app and found "April" in her follow list.

He had indeed updated, so her bet was safe! Seeing the before-and-after comparison photos, she blinked in surprise. Did he show his face now? And he looked quite good!

Previously, she and others had speculated in the comments that he probably wore a mask because he was self-conscious. Enlarging the photos, she was shocked by the dramatic change.

Left side: that guy; right side: this handsome brother.

Besides the improved face, his physique was now well-proportioned and confident, and his smile was particularly attractive. Although not a top-tier look, he was definitely approachable and could easily get attention in real life. Proud of her "Heartthrob Simulator" game result, she smiled broadly, appreciating the transformation before reading the text.

“Company goddess? Rich and beautiful woman? A date? This is the third one, right? I thought you were a meek follower, but you’re actually a strong player!” she laughed, checking the comments.

"April, you’re becoming unreachable for me."

"Way more handsome than expected!"

"This is the most successful transformation I’ve seen, with the highest execution."

"Finally, my virtual pet has grown! So satisfying!"

They all praised his transformation and looks, with a few suggestions. Adjusting her posture, she commented, "Transformation is very successful! For a better date performance, consider simple makeup. Here are the steps: First…"

……

Yunxi Tower, 30th floor, Songmei Fashion.

“Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?” Tang Song asked curiously.

Gao Mengting looked between her laptop and Tang Song, silent for a moment before speaking. “This 'Project Feasibility Report' makes me feel like a rookie. Your market analysis, operational strategies, financial management, and team building for the start-up phase are impeccable, like a perfect answer sheet.”

She took a deep breath, looking at him with respect. “As long as we follow this plan step by step, we’ll soon be established and growing strong. President Tang, I underestimated you.”

Tang Song blushed. “As long as you think it’s fine.”

They spent the entire day organizing initial recruitment information, posting job ads on various sites, and selecting the first batch of items to sell from Gao Mengting’s inventory.

At 7 PM, they took the elevator to the B2 parking lot. Tang Song pulled out the keys to his Wuling Hongguang and tossed them to her. “Here, take it.”

“Thanks.” Gao Mengting caught the keys smoothly. After fastening her seatbelt, Tang Song set the navigation and smiled. “Drive me home first. This van will serve as the company car, handy for transporting clothes to the warehouse.”

She hesitated but then nodded. “Alright, no need to be formal.”

“Let’s go.”

The car merged into the city’s congested traffic. Tang Song leaned back comfortably, watching his partner at the wheel. Her outfit today was similar to Little Xue’s yesterday: a tailored women’s suit, white V-neck top, and gray pencil skirt. She looked elegant and professional.

Noticing his gaze, Gao Mengting shifted uncomfortably, sitting up straighter. During a red light, she turned on the car’s music player and rhythmic tunes filled the car, relaxing her.

The night before the May Day holiday in Yan City was exceptionally crowded. After over half an hour, they finally reached their destination. Gao Mengting surveyed the neighborhood in the cool evening breeze. It wasn’t as upscale as she imagined.

Standing beside her, Tang Song invited, “Want to come up for a bit?”

“No, I need to organize inventory and check for new applications,” she smiled, hugging the Wuling Hongguang. “Thanks for letting me drive it home.”

Tang Song joked, “Want to hug me too for more sincerity?”

With the wind blowing her hair, Gao Mengting bit her lip and smiled. “Sure, partner.”

She stepped forward and gave him a light hug. Tang Song’s body trembled, feeling her warmth and the faint scent of her shampoo.