novelraw Chapter 187: Internal Struggle
Chapter 187: Internal Struggle
As the light screen disappeared, Tang Song said softly, “Thank you, Little Xue.”
He looked at Lin Muxue, pondering the implications of the second phase of the instance.
From the moment they met, a mist seemed to swirl around Lin Muxue, hinting at complexities beneath her polished exterior.
Her casual mentions of luxury brands like Bulgari and high-end hotels, combined with her stylish clothes and conspicuously branded bags, established her as the quintessential "white rich beauty." Yet, there was the contradiction of her claiming a friend would pick her up in a Mercedes G-Wagon but being seen getting into a Corolla instead.
At Yunxi Tower, she exuded confidence and poise, embodying the aura of a goddess. Online, she portrayed herself as an accomplished financial expert with a sophisticated lifestyle. But Tang Song had seen her walk to work in heels and knew she was only a receptionist at Rongxin Ventures.
After learning about Zhao Yaqian’s perks, Lin Muxue had taken the initiative to approach him.
Using the 【Whisper】 skill, Tang Song noted that her inner commentary revealed she wasn’t as calm or affluent as she appeared.
These contradictions piqued his curiosity. With limited past experiences and knowledge of women, Tang Song saw this as a unique opportunity to improve his emotional intelligence and manage relationships better.
“No need to thank me—we’re friends,” Lin Muxue said, lightly swirling her lemon drink. She lifted it to her lips, masking her excitement.
A floating comment above her head read: 【Everything’s looking up! I still have a chance!】She crossed her legs gracefully and continued, “You have a great physique. Do you work out often?”
“Yes, I do.”
“That’s good. I make sure to run and exercise every morning too,” Lin Muxue added with a slight smile, talking about her disciplined daily routine. Lately, she’d been watching Tang Song’s transformation posts on Little Red Book, mirroring traits that matched his lifestyle—positivity, determination, a love for life.
A thought bubble appeared above her head: 【He’s looking at my chest. Should I lean down more?】
Right then, Lin Muxue picked up a piece of fish and placed it on Tang Song’s plate. “I have a small appetite and am already full. You should eat more.”
Leaning slightly forward, she subtly adjusted her off-shoulder top to reveal a hint of cleavage, and her leg brushed against his under the table.
Her poised expression and elegant demeanor clashed amusingly with the animated thought bubbles above her head, creating an odd contrast.
Well played, Little Xue! You truly know the art of contradiction, Tang Song mused as he set down his chopsticks and sipped his iced lemon juice, studying her face.
Another thought bubble appeared: 【Is there something on my face?】
Lin Muxue bit her lip, grabbed her purse, and said, “I’m going to the restroom. Be right back.”
Five minutes later, the sound of heels clicking approached, accompanied by her signature perfume. Lin Muxue returned, her previously pinned-up hair now cascading down, teeth gleaming, and lips freshly painted.
“I’m pretty much done eating. Shall we head out now?”
Tang Song nodded. “Sure. What kind of items do you think I should buy, and where’s the best place?”
Having lived and worked around Xingyue City, Lin Muxue knew the shops like the back of her hand, especially the luxury boutiques—where the best pieces were, the release dates, the approximate prices.
Though she often just browsed and took photos before leaving, she would save diligently for what she truly desired, considering resale value and upkeep. After showing off her new item for a while, she would resell it to recover some of her funds.
Tang Song took out his wallet and retrieved his salary card, holding it up with a mysterious smile. “To thank you for accompanying me, let’s play a game.”
Lin Muxue blinked, intrigued. “A game? What kind?”
“A fun little game. Hold out your hand,” Tang Song said, winking.
Lin Muxue licked her lips and obediently extended her hand, looking unconcerned.
Her hands were clearly well cared for, long-fingered and smooth, with a healthy glow.
Tang Song reached out and clasped her hand, sending a tingling sensation through her that she struggled to hide.
A black card was placed in her palm, and Tang Song released her hand, looking into her eyes as he said, “This is one of my bank cards, with some money in it. You can buy anything you want—clothes, bags, jewelry, even cars or houses.”
Lin Muxue’s eyes widened, jaw dropping as she stared. “Tang Song…what do you mean?”
A thought bubble appeared: 【Did I hear him wrong? Is he trying to sponsor me?!】
“It’s as straightforward as it sounds,” Tang Song continued. “You choose what to buy, and if the card has enough funds, it’s yours. But if any purchase exceeds the card’s balance, you’ll lose everything you’ve bought.”
At first, Lin Muxue felt disappointment at the clarification but was soon overtaken by excitement.
A card from Tang Song, with no spending limit?!
LV, Chanel, Hermès… all within reach, as long as she stayed within budget.
But then she realized the challenge. Without knowing the card’s balance, she could end up empty-handed.
Tang Song asked gently, “So, what do you say, Little Xue? Want to play?”
Lin Muxue met his gaze, nerves making her hesitate. “Are you serious?”
“Of course. The card’s in your hand,” Tang Song gestured.
She licked her lips again, bowing her head slightly. “I’m in.”
She couldn’t afford to play it safe, fearing Tang Song might say, “Never mind.”
She had already let one golden opportunity slip away; this time, she had to seize it.
“Great. Let’s go, then. You might want to set an initial budget,” Tang Song said, standing and closely observing her expressions, movements, and thought bubbles.
Lin Muxue stood quickly, grabbing her purse and following him out.
She looked down at the card in her hand—an ordinary China Merchants Bank savings card.
She knew that CMBC cards were tiered based on assets: Gold Sunflower Card (500,000 yuan), Diamond Card (5 million yuan), and Private Bank Card (10 million yuan minimum monthly average assets). The highest level card came with exclusive VIP perks, global connections, complimentary airport and high-speed rail transfers, overseas privileges, and health benefits.
This was a more modest version of the trust fund perks Zhao Yaqian enjoyed, but even so, it was a powerful status symbol that Lin Muxue dreamed of flaunting.
Taking a rational approach, Lin Muxue guessed the card probably held up to 500,000 yuan, with 250,000 as the median estimate.
Even 250,000 was significant, more than she could make in a year of diligent work.
The most expensive item she owned was her Chanel “hobo” bag, worth 33,000 yuan. If she hadn’t been meeting Tang Song, she wouldn’t have dared to bring it out, fearing damage that could hurt its resale value.
With this chance, she could splurge on an LV bag, solidifying her status!
Or, she could opt for a couple of 50,000-yuan bags, plus skincare, scarves, and clothes.
Yet, she considered Tang Song’s wealth. A genuine billionaire who was understated, generous. What if the card had several million?
Then she could make a fortune instantly.
...
Tang Song walked beside her, silently watching the thought bubbles dance above her head, learning more about Lin Muxue than he’d imagined. She was more complicated and contradictory than he’d thought.
Reaching the mall’s ground floor, Lin Muxue stopped and scanned the familiar luxury store displays.
Now, she could not only look—she could own.
Tang Song turned to her. “Decided what to buy?”
She bit her lip and leaned in, whispering, “What’s the card’s PIN?”
Tang Song’s heart thumped as her perfume and warmth enveloped him. He leaned close, whispering the six digits.
A slight shiver swept her neck as a thought bubble popped up: 【Did that count as a kiss?】
Lin Muxue twirled the card and suggested, “Let’s start with Chanel. They just released new items.”
Last weekend, she had visited with Zhao Yaqian, barely resisting her envy. Now was her moment to indulge.
In the Chanel store, Lin Muxue seemed to come alive, her confident stride giving her an air of command.
Her heels clicked as she approached a glass display. “Can I see the medium Leboy in black with silver hardware?” she asked the sales associate.
Soon, the 49,000-yuan Leboy bag was in her hands. She had longed for it, admiring the 2.55-style retro chic, square metal logo, and quilted design with wavy trim.
In front of a mirror, she glanced sideways, eyes gleaming.
“You have great taste. This bag complements your outfit perfectly,” the sales associate praised.
Ignoring her, Lin Muxue turned to Tang Song with the bag on her shoulder, one leg forward, and an expectant look. “What do you think?”
“You look beautiful,” Tang Song said sincerely.
The first time he’d seen her at Shengwei Pavilion, he thought she was stunning.
With her naturally harmonious features—tall nose bridge, double eyelids, full lips—and in this black off-shoulder dress paired with the glittering Leb
oy, she exuded the aura of a young socialite.
Catching his admiring look, a smile tugged at her lips. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novel⟡fire.net
A thought bubble: 【I’ve been through highs, lows, tears, and regrets, but never ugliness!】
“Muxue! Is that really you?” A cheerful voice interrupted.
Lin Muxue turned to see a group of female coworkers approaching.
“Your outfit today is stunning,” Li Xuejiao chirped. “We spotted you from the entrance and had to come over.”
Panic fluttered through Lin Muxue at first—she avoided shopping with coworkers to maintain her wealthy façade. But with Tang Song’s card, she felt secure.
“Xuejiao, Sun Ran…” she greeted them.
Li Xuejiao’s eyes darted between Tang Song and Lin Muxue. “Hello, handsome!”
“Good afternoon,” Tang Song replied with a smile.
The other coworkers eyed him curiously. Getting the aloof Lin Muxue to go shopping was a feat. Their male colleagues would be devastated if they found out.
Lin Muxue subtly placed the Leboy bag in front of her and said to the sales associate, “I’ll take this. Let me look around for more.”
“Of course! I’ll hold it for you,” the associate beamed.
The coworkers gaped, recognizing the expensive bag. Sun Ran swallowed, “That’s 50,000 yuan. But it suits you.”
The others chimed in, echoing the praise.
Lin Muxue smiled coolly, her heart brimming with satisfaction.
A thought bubble: 【Finally, I get to show off in front of my coworkers!】
She strolled to the makeup section, elegantly pointing to products she had always wanted—eyeshadow palettes, lip sets, foundation, scarves.
Within twenty minutes, she sat back, legs crossed, as a saleswoman handed her the total: “That will be 78,200 yuan, including complimentary samples.”
“Okay, charge it,” Lin Muxue said, glancing nervously at Tang Song.
A thought bubble: 【Does he think I’m greedy? Is there enough in the card?】
She entered the PIN.
“Beep—” Payment approved.
Lin Muxue exhaled in relief, holding back her excitement as she stood.
I knew it—Tang Song wouldn’t mess with me!
She smoothed her hand over the bags’ fine packaging and smiled at her awestruck coworkers. “I’m heading to LV next. See you later.”
They swallowed, eyes wide. It was their first time seeing her shop, and it was overwhelming.
A thought bubble: 【Let them envy me! This is real, cold cash. I love you, Tang Song!】
“Let’s go, Tang Song,” she said, lifting her bags and smiling softly.
Seeing “I love you” floating above her head, Tang Song stifled a laugh.
The power of money, indeed.
“I’ll carry those,” Tang Song offered, taking the bags.
“Thank you,” Lin Muxue said, stepping out elegantly, her heels clicking under curious eyes.
A thought bubble: 【This feels amazing!】
She browsed LV, choosing a 45,000-yuan cap handbag, a standout luxury item with bold logos, and more visible branded accessories.
Total: 92,800 yuan.
Hesitant, she handed over the card. Her eyes twitched, fearing failure.
“Beep—” Payment approved.
Her body shuddered.
A thought bubble: 【180,000 yuan in half an hour! Incredible!】
Gripping her new possessions, Lin Muxue walked out, pausing with a conflicted expression.
She could stop now, 180,000 yuan in luxury goods solidifying her status. But what if the card held more? What if she could double that?
A thought bubble: 【Should I continue? What’s left in the card?】
Forcing a smile, she looked at Tang Song. “I’ve spent so much already. Are you upset? Should I share with Yaqian?”
A thought bubble: 【Could he give me a hint?】
Tang Song chuckled. “Not at all. Sharing with Yaqian sounds nice; she loves bags too.”
Her smile faltered before she covered up with a laugh, inwardly scolding herself.
These were her long-coveted items. Giving them away was unthinkable.
“Glad you’re not upset. I’ll see if she wants one later,” Lin Muxue said, adjusting her hair.
A thought bubble: 【I can’t lose these!】
Tang Song smirked. “Want to keep going?”
Hands tightening, Lin Muxue said, “How about Bvlgari?”
“Lead the way.”
Inside, she zeroed in on a diamond necklace, an 18k gold piece with a double row of diamond studs for 69,900 yuan—one she’d seen a true socialite wear and had never forgotten.
Adding up her previous spends, 78,200 + 92,800 + 69,900 equaled 240,900 yuan.
It aligned with her estimate of the card’s limit being around 250,000.
With this necklace, she could outshine anyone at events.
Voice trembling, she said, “I’ll take this.”
“Of course!” The salesperson began the paperwork and accepted the card.
“Huh?” The salesperson tugged, puzzled when Lin Muxue hesitated.
Finally, she released the card, eyes fixed on the machine.
A thought bubble: 【Please work!】
“Beep—” Payment approved.
Lin Muxue’s lips parted as a flush crept across her cheeks, body shivering with joy.
For the first time, she owned top-tier luxury goods, things she never dreamed of.
Turning to Tang Song, she whispered, “Thank you.”
A thought bubble appeared: 【Tang Song, you’re my savior!】
Tang Song blinked. “Do you want to keep going?”
Lin Muxue froze, an inner war raging.
This was a true billionaire! Could it be that the card held enough for a Porsche 911 or a Yanjing Huating villa?
If so, her life would change instantly, crises averted, dignity preserved.
Even without a romantic commitment from Tang Song, life would be secure.
Her heart pounded, desires racing.
Should she stick with her estimate of 250,000 or go for broke?
If she appeared too greedy, would Tang Song see her as shallow, ruining any future chances?
But if she succeeded, she’d have everything. Tang Song wouldn’t go back on his word.
If she failed, she’d lose it all and his respect.
She glanced at Tang Song’s striking profile, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes in painful indecision.
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