novelraw Chapter 198: My Time is Running Out!
Chapter 198: My Time is Running Out!
June 3, 2023, Saturday
Sunny turning partly cloudy. Temperature: 20–30°C.
The sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, illuminating the bedroom. Tang Song woke, his throat dry and his head slightly groggy.
Sitting up, he closed his eyes to assess himself. His mind brimmed with detailed motorcycle riding skills and techniques, as if the knowledge had been forcefully downloaded.
The sensation wasn’t quite as smooth as the experiences of learning [Guitar Skills] in a dreamscape or the [Art Buff] from Su Yu’s soul quest, but it was effective.
Pouring himself a glass of warm water, he drank it slowly before sitting on the lounge chair in his bedroom to reflect on his newfound skills.
After about half an hour, the haze lifted, and he felt refreshed. His proficiency was now comparable to someone with over a decade of professional motorcycle riding experience, significantly boosting his safety for future rides.
So long as he didn’t show off or act recklessly, he could enjoy the thrill securely.
He hadn’t expected to complete the [Pleasure Yourself] side quest last night. On reflection, it seemed natural—the quest’s goal was to find joy through hobbies. Riding a motorcycle with a beautiful junior for company? Definitely checked that box.
---8:35 AM
Tang Song glanced at his phone and headed to the kitchen to whip up a simple breakfast. While eating, he opened WeChat to catch up on unread messages:
- Little Jing sent a flight ticket photo, saying she and her mom were heading to her aunt’s guesthouse in Spring City and asked if he wanted a gift.
- Yao Lingling and her roommates discussed the move logistics in their group chat.
- Zhao Yaqian shared a video showcasing her ongoing home renovation progress.
Watching Zhao Yaqian’s video, Tang Song noticed how the previously sparse room had transformed into a cozy, soft-toned space—reminiscent of Lin Muxue’s home setup.
He responded to all the messages and texted Gao Mengting:
"I’ll need the Wuling Hongguang this afternoon."
Finishing his meal, Tang Song carried out a detailed skincare routine and took a few makeup-free selfies. He compared them with photos from two months ago, creating a striking before-and-after collage, then uploaded it to Little Red Book:
---
[Title: Two-Month Transformation – Skincare Journey & Results]
[Content: On April 2, I posted my first transformation note. Two months later…]
---
In the post, he detailed how Zhao Yaqian had helped overhaul his skincare routine. After completing the final step and earning the [Smooth Skin Buff], his complexion had steadily improved, almost like reversing time to his high school days.
The stark visual contrast was bound to attract attention. Tang Song wasn’t in a rush to grow his following—letting things progress naturally was his style.
He then opened Douyin, where his follower count had risen to 68,112. A recent short video had performed decently, garnering three to four thousand new followers.
Browsing through his feed, he stumbled upon Lin Muxue’s latest upload:
---
[173cm/53kg – A Finance Professional’s Daily Vlog]
---
Seeing her poised, elegant persona, Tang Song couldn’t suppress a chuckle. Having experienced her antics during the [Lin Muxue’s Low Whisper] quest, he struggled to take her professional demeanor seriously.
“Xiao Xue, you’ve changed!” he muttered to himself with a smile.
---
Yanjing Huating.
Lin Muxue let out a frustrated yell, ruffling her hair as she sat editing a video. Her high school classmate Chen Siyue had called yet again, this time using someone else’s number.
Siyue mentioned she’d be visiting Yan City to film a video series and attend Su Yu’s concert, along with their mutual rival, He Xiaohui, who had also secured concert tickets.
Worse still, Siyue created a WeChat group chat titled “Yan City Trip,” drawing in other old classmates. The messages made it clear Siyue didn’t buy into Muxue’s glamorous façade as a “financial executive.”
Muxue panicked. Maintaining her carefully constructed image was essential for her budding career as a small influencer.
“Tang Song… You’re the only one who can save me!”
She quickly called her friend Li Menghan, a seasoned dater with a wealth of romantic experience. Muxue needed tips on strengthening her connection with Tang Song—fast.
---
11:30 AM.
Tang Song was gaming in his home theater when a WeChat voice call from Lin Muxue interrupted him.
---
“Good afternoon, Tang Song! Have you had lunch?”
“Not yet.”
“Perfect! I’ve been experimenting with low-calorie meals and made an extra portion for you. Want to try it?”
---
Tang Song smiled. “Thanks, Xiao Xue. That’s thoughtful of you.”
“Be there in ten minutes! Just open the door and press the elevator for me.”
---
Minutes later, Lin Muxue arrived, clad in snug workout attire. She handed Tang Song a meal box, her smile radiant as she leaned slightly forward, subtly showcasing her neckline.
---
“Thanks,” Tang Song said, his gaze briefly flicking to her chest before inviting her inside.
Muxue seized the opportunity, casually exploring his lavish apartment, marveling at the high-end furnishings. In his bedroom, she was stunned by the sheer number of Hermes items. Excitement mounting, she quickly took selfies to document the moment.
Meanwhile, Tang Song sampled the meal she’d prepared—a mix of salmon, shrimp, crab sticks, and multigrain rice.
As Muxue returned to the dining area, she asked softly, “How is it? Do you like it?”
“It’s great—thank you.”
Seeing his approval, Muxue felt emboldened. She engaged him in light conversation about fitness equipment and health routines, her tone refined and poised.
Inwardly, Tang Song smirked. “Well played, Xiao Xue. You’ve mastered the art of contrast.”
---
Jinxiu New City Apartments.
Later that day, Wen Ruan appeared at Zhang Ziqi’s apartment, carrying two bags.
“Why are you here all of a sudden?” Zhang Ziqi asked as Wen Ruan made herself at home, grabbing fruit from the fridge.
“Take a guess,” Wen Ruan replied, plopping onto the couch.
Zhang Ziqi sighed. “Another fight with your parents?”
Wen Ruan shrugged. “They tried setting me up with another blind date. My aunt even brought the guy to our house.” Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn NoveI-Fire.ɴet
“And?”
“I told them my standards and requirements for choosing a spouse, and then I was kicked out.”
Zhang Ziqi leaned forward, curious. “What kind of conditions?”
Grinning mischievously, Wen Ruan replied, “I followed what Tang Song said.”