novelraw Chapter 194: Car Cover
Chapter 194: Car Cover
Early June, night on the street.
Cheng Qiuqiu glanced at her two friends and then at the silver car nearby.
With a puzzled expression, she asked, “Wenning, Dongbing, what were you guys doing over there? I think I saw you kicking that car.”
Liu Wenning’s brows lifted nonchalantly. “That car owner is an idiot. Last time near our complex, he parked anywhere he wanted and even flashed his high beams at me.”
Zhou Dongbing shrugged, grinning, “Heh, I accidentally stepped in a muddy puddle, so I wiped the dirt off on the car to help Wenning vent a bit.”
Hearing this, Cheng Qiuqiu pursed her lips, frowning. “Isn’t that a bit too much? Plus, there are cameras around.”
“Whether or not that idiot car owner notices, we only scuffed it a bit and gave it a couple of light kicks,” Zhou Dongbing said dismissively. “That Mercedes’ rear fender is made of metal, so it won’t dent from something like this. Just a wipe and it’s clean. Even if it did scratch the paint, it’s hard to prove damages. He wouldn’t bother reporting it to the police, would he?”
Their female keyboardist, Molly, patted Qiuqiu’s shoulder with a laugh, “Let it go, QQ. It’s not worth fretting over.”
Cheng Qiuqiu responded with a soft “hmm” and dropped the subject.
Liu Wenning, looking up at the clear night sky filled with stars, inhaled the cool breeze and suddenly let out a loud whoop.He slung his guitar off his shoulder and strummed it casually while singing as they walked.
“Goodbye my love, I wanna say goodbye...
Goodbye my past, I want a new life...
Goodbye my tears, my falls and failures...”
Zhou Dongbing and Molly clapped in rhythm, joining in the song.
A smile spread across Cheng Qiuqiu’s face as she lightly clapped along, watching her friends with affection.
Liu Wenning’s gaze drifted to her refined, elegant face as his voice grew louder, echoing down the tree-lined road.
The song, My Sky by Nan Zheng Bei Zhan, perfectly reflected his mood.
He kept seeing flashes of that night: the embrace under the building, the silver Mercedes, and the dazzling starlight-like headlights—contrasted with himself, like a clown.
That scene had been a hurdle he struggled to overcome, a bitter memory.
But now, he was over Gao Mengting.
Out of hardship came growth.
He had liked Gao Mengting for her artistic flair and idealism, admired the way she read under the sun, and the way her eyes lit up when she talked about Tolstoy, Goethe, or Mao Dun.
Yet all that idealism had vanished that night.
Now, Cheng Qiuqiu seemed to better match his vision of a partner.
She loved reading, had an arts background, painted beautifully, played the bass, and danced.
They both loved music and art.
Plus, she was still new to the working world, carrying an innocence from her university days.
Especially when he sang folk songs, the focused admiration in her eyes was like smoke—intoxicating and addictive.
He believed that as they spent more time together, their relationship would blossom naturally.
As the song ended, Liu Wenning put away his guitar and smiled at Cheng Qiuqiu, “Your performance tonight was great! You were steady and your bass playing was even better than during practice. With your talent, you could try for the entertainment industry.”
Molly wrapped an arm around Cheng Qiuqiu, “Yeah, QQ, your looks, body, and singing skills are as good as any idol’s. You should try a talent show.”
Cheng Qiuqiu calmly shook her head, “I just like music the way I like painting. Becoming a professional singer isn’t for me.”
She knew her limits—she had talent, but not enough to stand out.
Right now, she wanted to excel at her job, with music and performing just adding color to her life.
Participating in the impromptu band’s show tonight had been her way of singing a Su Yu song she loved.
June 19 marked their college graduation, and June 20 was Su Yu’s concert.
The timing felt fated. If only she could see Su Yu perform live. But she hadn’t managed to get a ticket.
Cheng Qiuqiu had been a fan since junior high, when Su Yu was the lead dancer of Echo, renowned for her singing.
She had watched Su Yu fall from grace due to jealousy within her group, only to rise again as a superstar—the most famous female singer in the country.
What began as admiration had deepened into reverence.
People often said she bore a touch of Su Yu’s aura, the highest compliment she could imagine.
---
“Who would do such a mean thing? The car’s parked properly and isn’t bothering anyone!” Xu Qing leaned in to inspect the damage, fuming. “It’s a new car! This was definitely deliberate—mud smeared on it too. What a jerk!”
Having already considered Tang Song as one of her own, she was more upset than the car owner.
The driver asked Tang Song, “Sir, do you want to report it? There’s no dent, thanks to the protective film, so the paint isn’t scratched. It might be hard to assign responsibility.”
Being a driver, he wanted to wrap up the job and move on.
Tang Song examined the scuffed fender; it wasn’t dented, but the protective film had deep scratches.
He had checked the car’s full details in his safe before, and the film was a custom-made V-Kool, quite expensive.
Even replacing just that section would justify a claim.
The money wasn’t the issue; it was the rudeness that annoyed him. This car, inherited from his game, was a prized possession he took great care of.
Standing up, Tang Song declared, “Call the police. It’s not about the compensation; I want an apology.”
Before he finished, Xu Qing was already on the phone, animatedly recounting the “crime scene.”
Tang Song looked at the driver and smiled, “Please wait, I’ll tip you an extra 100.”
The driver’s face lit up, “Sure, no problem.”
In less than five minutes, officers arrived due to the central location.
They took photos, recorded details, and heard Tang Song’s request.
The officer said, “We understand the situation. Next, we’ll check the surveillance footage and contact you once we identify the person.”
“Thank you.”
---
The silver Mercedes pulled away, blending into Yan City’s nightscape.
In the car, Xu Qing’s flushed cheeks glowed as she sneaked glances at Tang Song’s profile, her mind swirling with scenes from a romantic novel.
When Tang Song turned, their eyes met.
Startled, she said awkwardly, “So, now that you have the graphics card, are you going to build a new computer?”
“Yeah.” Tang Song patted the 4090 at his feet and smiled, “I’ve been using a laptop and never had a desktop. I’m planning to build an ROG setup to play AAA games and make the most of your gift, Qingqing.”
Hearing the affectionate way he addressed her, Xu Qing didn’t know where to look, blushing and muttering, “That’s... great. By the way, I know someone in Shenzhen who works in tech and can get discounted parts. Let me know if you need help.”
Tang Song thought for a moment. “Sure, I’ll send you a parts list later so your friend can give me a quote.”
“No problem.” Xu Qing nodded, feeling a little tipsy as the alcohol set in, making her head spin.
The car fell silent.
Xu Qing leaned back, eyes barely open as the city lights flashed by.
Amidst the elegant, refined interior, Tang Song sat with a serene smile, exuding calm confidence and charm.
Xu Qing’s heart fluttered; tonight, he seemed more captivating than ever.
---
The car stopped at the south gate of Beicheng Garden.
Xu Qing stepped out, waving, “Bye, goodnight.”
Slightly tipsy, her tone was soft and playful.
“Wait a sec.” Tang Song walked to the trunk and opened it.
After rummaging, he pulled out a white gift bag and handed it to her.
“A present for you.”
“I get a gift too?” Xu Qing’s eyes widened, bouncing in her short JK skirt with excitement.
Tang Song’s smile grew as he gently swayed the bag, “Take it.”
She eyed the golden “DIOR” logo on the bag, licking her lips shyly.
She had only given him the expensive 4090 for her best friend’s business; without that, she wouldn’t have initiated such a gift.
Tang Song’s thoughtfulness made her feel guilty. First, he’d treated her to dinner and given her a bracelet. Now, he agreed to invest and added luxury gifts.
Peeking into the heavy bag, Xu Qing gasped. Inside were a bag and makeup items that looked costly.
While not deeply familiar with luxury brands, she knew this was pricier than her 4090.
“Thank you. I love it,” she said, then added bravely, “Let me buy the parts for your desktop; you don’t need to pay me back.”
She had nearly 50,000 yuan in savings—she could spend a bit over 10,000 on a monitor and case.
Tang Song glanced at her in surprise, “Are you sure?”
Xu Qing hesitated, then asked, “How much
does a full ROG setup cost?”
“About 50,000 yuan.”
“Sorry, never mind.” She bowed formally, her JK uniform and dark hair fluttering in the breeze.
Turning stiffly, she walked quickly, her steps echoing as she disappeared behind the gate.
Tang Song chuckled, finding it amusing.
Xu Qing’s playful nature contrasted sharply with Shen Yuyan’s poised confidence—how were they best friends?
Investing in U-Clean wasn’t impulsive; it wasn’t solely for Shen Yuyan or Xu Qing.
After acquiring Slover Trust, he wanted to explore investing capital strategically.
U-Clean’s roadshow had indicated solid operations.
The investment wasn’t charity; it exchanged funds for shares.
But first, he’d ensure thorough due diligence to confirm everything.
---
The door clicked open as Xu Qing cautiously peeked in. Seeing no one in the living room, she tiptoed to her bedroom, exhaling in relief.
Good thing Yanyan didn’t catch her. If she saw her outfit, she’d definitely interrogate her. She wanted to keep the investment a surprise.
“Qingqing.” A familiar voice startled her.
“Ah!” Xu Qing jumped, nearly toppling over.
Shen Yuyan, sitting at the computer, turned with a stern look.
Xu Qing pouted, “Why are you in my room? You scared me!”
Rolling forward in the chair, Shen Yuyan stood and grabbed the Dior bag, inspecting it.
A Dior chain bag, LV perfume, Chanel scarf, lipstick.
She leaned in, sniffing Xu Qing’s breath and frowning, “You dressed up provocatively, drank with clients, and came home with luxury gifts worth nearly 30,000 yuan!”
“That much?” Xu Qing exclaimed, clutching the bag, “These are mine! Not sharing this time!”
Shen Yuyan scolded, “Who’s taking them? Did you go behind my back to...”
“What?” Xu Qing’s eyes widened, face flushed, “No way! Yanyan, stop talking nonsense!”
“Then what’s this about, silly?”
“Hmph, don’t call me that!”
After playful shoves, Shen Yuyan pinned her on the bed, squeezing her cheeks. “Spill it—what’s going on?”
Knowing her friend well, Shen Yuyan didn’t really believe she’d misbehave but could tell she was hiding something.
“Hmph,” Xu Qing yawned, “I found an investor for your company. Send me the business plan. He said as long as it’s solid, he’s in.”
Shen Yuyan’s forehead touched hers, “You’re warm—feverish? Or drunk?”
Seeing disbelief, Xu Qing pouted, “Just send it. This was hard to get.”
A bit drunk and woozy from the day, she struggled to keep her eyes open.
“Fine, I’ll send it later.”
“Do it now!” Xu Qing clutched her friend.
Shen Yuyan’s face turned red, “Okay, I’ll email it now! Let go!”
“Good. So sleepy...” Xu Qing’s eyes shut completely.
Shen Yuyan sighed, stroking her hair.
She helped change Xu Qing into pajamas and wiped her face.
Watching her best friend’s flushed cheeks, Shen Yuyan felt a pang of loss.
Her little sister was growing up—sneaking out in JK outfits, taking gifts, drinking.
Would she have a boyfriend soon, start planning her future?
Their 13-year friendship, ever since they sat next to each other in junior high, was seamless.
Thinking of separate paths in the future, Shen Yuyan felt a twinge of melancholy.
---
June 2, 2023, Friday, sunny to cloudy, 17~29°C.
10:00 a.m.
“Ring—ring—”
An insistent phone rang.
Zhou Dongbing nudged him, “Wenning, your phone.”
Liu Wenning groaned, reaching for his phone on the nightstand, still sleepy.
Yawning, he answered, “Hello, who is it?” Read complete version only at novel★fire.net
After leaving the restaurant last night, Cheng Qiuqiu had gone to the next apartment, and Liu Wenning drank until 2 a.m. with friends, still in a drunken haze.
A stern voice came through, making Liu Wenning’s eyes widen in shock. Fully alert, he said, “Yes, I’m Liu Wenning, and Zhou Dongbing is here too. What’s going on?”
“Yes, we were at Music Banquet last night but aren’t sure what time we left.”
“Kicking a car? Yeah, I think we might’ve done that. We were drunk, talking and joking, so we lightly scuffed it—no harm intended.”
“Face-to-face apology? 500 yuan compensation? We’ll pay if they can prove the scratch is worth that. But a face-to-face apology is impossible—we’re busy.”
He hung up, face darkening.
“Was it the car owner?” Zhou Dongbing frowned.
Liu Wenning nodded, “Said the protective film was scratched. Just 500 yuan if we apologize.”
“Damn! Over a few scuffs? That guy’s a pain, demanding an apology? Screw him!”
“Yeah, no way I’m apologizing. Worst case, we pay a fine. Let’s get food and call Molly.”
Unconcerned, Liu Wenning shrugged.
Not apologizing wasn’t illegal, and he didn’t refuse to pay.
It was just a scratched film, a minor issue with little consequence.
Remembering Tang Song’s anger brought a slight sense of satisfaction.
---
Yunxi Tower, 30th floor.
In K1 live-stream studio under renovation.
Tang Song toured the site with construction head Wang Dongliang.
The design, elegant like a five-star hotel’s dressing room, took shape.
The soft palette of cream and gold, silk wallpaper, and deep wooden floors gave the space a cozy yet high-end feel.
It perfectly suited their audience.
“Looks good. Continue with the same style for K2 and K3,” Tang Song smiled, pleased.
“Got it, President Tang!”
Just then, his phone rang.
Tang Song nodded at Wang and stepped out, “Hello?”
“Hello, this is the Qiaoxi District Police Station. We spoke with the people who kicked your car. If you don’t accept their conditions, we can proceed with further action.”
“No face-to-face apology?” Tang Song sighed, “Alright, we’ll handle it legally. Full liability and compensation.”
He ended the call, unfazed.
The Mercedes S450L was under a company’s name, so dealing with this was hassle-free.
He called Zhao Xingzhi from Quanjing Law Firm, summarizing the situation and forwarding the car film invoice and store details.
He’d found it last night in his safe: a V-Kool custom film priced at 60,000 yuan.
High in puncture resistance and tensile strength, it could be restored with a heat gun. But he could push for a full replacement.
Even if just replacing the rear section, costs would surpass 10,000 yuan, constituting intentional property damage—a criminal offense. Once they realized this, they’d likely come forward to apologize.