6 PM.

Tang Song saved his work files and messaged Gao Mengting on WeChat before getting up to change clothes. Tonight's date was outdoors, so the "Cool Night Breeze" outfit would be perfect. With its special effects, it would surely boost Tian Jing's satisfaction with the date.

He checked himself in the mirror. The loose V-neck cardigan in deep apricot, paired with a slightly fitted white round-neck T-shirt and gray-black casual pants, made him look tall and slender. He also sprayed on some men's cologne with a high-end woody scent.

Gathering his things, Tang Song grabbed the small gift he had prepared and quickly went downstairs. Following his advisors' suggestions, he knew not to give anything too expensive on a first date, as it could seem too eager and might be rejected. Small accessories, cosmetics, or practical items were best. He chose a pair of Gucci women's sunglasses, priced at 2000 yuan. For a rich white beauty like Tian Jing, it wasn't too extravagant, and it was both practical and stylish, perfect for a friend.

With the engine's roar, his sleek black BMW 330i weaved through the buildings, heading towards the destination against the backdrop of a magnificent sunset.

...

The white Honda Accord stopped at Tiankuo Garden. Two girls got out of the car.

He Liting handed her shopping bags to Zhao Yaqian and whispered, "Qianqian, it's okay to treat him as a friend. Relationships are about mutual choice. He’s just not good enough right now. Don't overthink it. Go home and rest, and have some hot soup to warm your stomach."

Zhao Yaqian softly replied, "Oh", and slowly walked into the apartment building.

Li Xinghui took his eyes off her and smiled, "Come on, Liting, get in the car!"

He Liting smiled, opened the front passenger door, and adjusted the seat. "I heard that barbecue place has a camping theme, with a rooftop on a three-story standalone building, plus a café and bar downstairs, facing the park. It’s got a great atmosphere."

"I asked around; their beef belly and cheese-baked sweet potatoes are highly recommended."

As they drove, Li Xinghui described the restaurant. Passing by a bustling commercial district, he pointed to a distant cluster of red high-rises, "I live over there, in Shengdong Mansion. Currently, I'm living with my parents. I love rock music, and they can't stand it, so they’re planning to buy me a new place to get me out."

Admiring the cityscape at sunset, He Liting said enviously, "That’s nice. An apartment costs at least a million yuan."

She and her cousin rented in Tiankuo Garden, a typical old community with six-story buildings without elevators. The buildings were old, and the greenery, facilities, and property management were poor. Even so, an 80-square-meter two-bedroom apartment cost 1.2 million yuan. They could never afford it on their own.

Li Xinghui glanced at He Liting’s curvaceous figure and smiled, "I wouldn’t buy a suburban house or an old, run-down place. If I buy, it’ll be in the city center, in a popular business district with complete amenities, close to subways, supermarkets, and hospitals."

"Your family is really something, so envious!"

"Hehe, what’s there to envy? You girls don’t need to buy houses. Just choose the right boyfriend."

...

About 20 minutes later, the car slowly drove onto Chunyuan Road, and from afar, they saw a standalone building wrapped in LED lights. Its orange walls and white light signs were very pretty.

Finding parking spots was tough at this peak time. After circling around, Li Xinghui parked in a distant pay lot.

"Okay, it’s just a 300-meter walk from here."

They got out and walked west along the sidewalk. The sun was slowly setting, casting long shadows. As they neared the restaurant, Li Xinghui pointed to an empty parking spot, "We were just a bit unlucky. This spot just opened up."

"It’s fine. The weather’s nice. A walk is good."

"Buzz buzz buzz——" A black BMW drove past, turned, and parked in that spot. The clean black car gleamed like obsidian, reflecting the deep hues of the sunset.

As they walked by, the car door opened, and a tall figure stepped out, holding a vintage green gift box with "GUCCI" clearly written on it.

"Bang!" The guy casually closed the car door. His short hair swayed slightly in the evening breeze, and his apricot cardigan fluttered. His profile was striking, with a high nose and clear lip lines.

He Liting's eyes were filled with envy. He was driving a BMW 330 and giving a Gucci gift, and he looked so tall and handsome. She wondered which girl was so lucky. She bit her lip, unable to resist looking back at his face.

His features were handsome, his complexion even, and his tall, upright figure looked fresh and attractive, exuding a strong aura. Yet, he looked somewhat familiar.

He Liting's eyes widened as she abruptly stopped, staring intently at the guy. He locked his car and walked towards them in the sunset, exuding a beautiful interplay of light and shadow. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs novelꞁire.net

Li Xinghui frowned slightly, blocking her view without a word.

He Liting took a deep breath, glancing at the BMW 330 and then at the figure passing by. Her mind was in turmoil.

Tang Song...

Though he looked a bit different from the photos, it was definitely him. But didn't Qianqian say he drove a Wuling Hongguang, lived in a rental, and made just a few thousand a month?

"Liting, what’s wrong?" Li Xinghui couldn't help but ask, "Let’s head upstairs. It’s getting dark, and we can still catch the sunset."

"I... just felt a bit dizzy, maybe from the car ride," she replied absentmindedly, her mind buzzing.

"Then have some hot water and rest a bit once we’re up there."

...

Climbing the wooden stairs adorned with light strips to the third floor, Tang Song gave the reservation number to the waiter and was led to his seat. The place was filled with camping elements, fresh flowers, green plants, wooden tables, canvas chairs, and warm-colored lights. Each seat had a graffiti-covered canvas canopy above it. There was even an industrial-style small stage on one side of the restaurant, adding an artistic touch.

Tang Song snapped a photo and sent it to Tian Jing with the message: "Little Jing, I’ve arrived."

As he put down his phone, he couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was secretly watching him. Glancing around, he saw a familiar figure.

His college classmate, Lu Kai. They hadn’t seen each other in three years, and Lu Kai had gained a lot of weight with a receding hairline. Tang Song remembered seeing Lu Kai’s moments on WeChat, which made him decide to come here. Since it was the first day of the holiday, running into each other was expected.