novelraw Chapter 305: Spirited and Ambitious, [Mall Refresh Card]
Chapter 305: Spirited and Ambitious, [Mall Refresh Card]
July 8, 2023, Saturday. Cloudy to partly cloudy, 24–31°C.
At 5 AM, Tang Song woke from his slumber and instinctively rubbed his waist.
The soreness and fatigue from yesterday were completely gone, replaced with renewed vitality.
The [Heartthrob Aura (LV4)] truly lived up to its name, granting him impressive resilience.
After all, dealing with a 30-year-old, spirited "big sister" who had fully adapted to his rhythm could be terrifyingly intense. If it weren’t for the series of stimulating events yesterday, he might have been completely "run over."
“Let’s hope the system gives me some tools to further ‘fortify’ my kidneys,” he muttered with a bright smile.
As his phone pinged with a bank deposit notification, Tang Song picked it up and glanced at the screen.
Alongside the deposit message, there was a note from [Smiling Breath]: “Thank you.”
He felt inexplicably amused. Was she thanking him for not deleting her on WeChat?
He then noticed another message.[Jinxiu Commerce - Li Junyi]: “President Tang, we’ll meet at 9 AM outside the Moon Dust Bar. It’s a short-distance ride this time, about 80 kilometers in total. Make sure to check your tires and brakes beforehand and ensure the oil levels are normal…”
[Jinxiu Commerce - Li Junyi]: Chang’an District Moon Dust Bar.map
This colleague, whose family ran a bar, was known for his warm, courteous manner and dependable nature.
Tang Song replied briefly before stepping toward the floor-to-ceiling window.
“Swish—” He pulled the curtains open with a single motion.
Standing on the 20th floor, he gazed down at the slowly awakening city, feeling lighthearted, refreshed, and brimming with ambition.
Since his game world had turned real, his life had become vibrant and diverse.
Occasionally exploring hobbies and new experiences was essential to keep his spirits high. After all, life couldn’t revolve solely around work and women.
In his four years of university in Yan City, his life had been monotonous and closed off. He rarely visited scenic spots, let alone shopping malls, so he was genuinely looking forward to today’s cycling trip.
Stretching lazily, he turned to leave, but a crisp system notification chimed in his mind.
“Ding! You’ve triggered the challenge mission [Spirited and Ambitious]. Please check the mission center for details.”
Tang Song paused, then quickly opened the mission center to review the details.
[Mission Objective]: With your Charm Level of 60, mediocrity clashes with you. You are drawn to the light and bask in it with confidence and passion. Dare to challenge yourself and try new things. On this cycling trip, seize the moment to express your youthful spirit and experience the vitality of ambition.
[Mission Reward]: Mall Refresh Card x1
[Note]: Hold hope in your heart, stars in your eyes. Be humble yet sharp, proud yet composed.
[Mall Refresh Card]: When used, refreshes the system mall, randomly introducing new special items.
[Note]: The higher your mission completion rate and the freer your spirit, the more tailored the refreshed items will be to your desires.
Reading the system’s explanation, Tang Song’s face lit up with delight.
A card that could generate items tailored to his needs! Maybe it would even include something to further strengthen his kidneys!
Since graduating high school, Tang Song felt he had suppressed his youthful exuberance for far too long.
Even though the game had come to life and he had a powerful system, he had remained low-key and self-restrained during this development phase, rarely indulging in unbridled behavior.
Now, however, it seemed like the perfect time to let loose, savor his freedom, and rekindle his youthful ambition.
Yet, a slight frown crossed his face as he opened his personal account.
[Balance: ¥513,000 (Investment Funds: ¥19.5 million)]
Even if the mall refreshed after the mission, his current “liquid” balance wouldn’t be enough to purchase anything substantial.
Additionally, he hadn’t had time to focus on content creation recently, so his Douyin follower count had plateaued.
After a moment of contemplation, Tang Song opened Douyin and searched for “motorcycles” and “cycling” videos.
His eyes lit up as he browsed.
Online, the “biker heartthrob” niche was a trending topic with high engagement. Tang Song realized he perfectly fit this image.
He could use today’s cycling trip to film some content, carefully edit it, and enhance it with filters and BGM. The results would likely be well worth the effort.
With this idea in mind, his thoughts began to flow freely. He headed to his study to research trending biker videos and draft a shooting plan.
Zhuxi Residential Complex.
Morning light streamed through the windows.
Gao Mengting, dressed in a camisole and shorts, curled up on a white beanbag sofa. Her pale, delicate feet rested on a small stool as she cradled a copy of Love in the Time of Cholera.
Her gaze shifted between soft, pensive, and wistful as she read. It was her third time going through the book.
The first time, in high school, she had marveled at Márquez’s mysterious and poetic language.
The second, during college, she admired the seamless, dazzling temporal shifts throughout the narrative.
This time, with her company stabilized and on track, she sought deeper resonance with the themes of Fermina and love.
Occasionally, her mind wandered to the image of a dashing business partner, her thoughts intertwining Márquez’s prose with memories of him.
As daylight grew brighter, Gao Mengting extended her long, smooth legs and sprang up from the beanbag with a graceful motion.
Outside the window, the sky was a soft grayish-white—an overcast day.
Stretching deeply, she placed the book back on her mini-bookshelf and walked lightly to open the door.
In the living room, Cheng Qiuqiu was doing her morning workout on a yoga mat.
“Morning, Qiuqiu,” Gao Mengting greeted with a smile.
“Good morning, senior!” Cheng Qiuqiu panted, turning to face her.
Seeing her junior’s figure in a fitted tank top, Gao Mengting subconsciously glanced down at herself.
Though they both wore tank tops, the difference in "visual impact" was… disheartening.
Gao Mengting usually didn’t care about such things. But once, Tang Song had joked that her bust size wasn’t prominent enough for the company’s live-streaming outfits.
It was true—loose, stylish clothing often looked more flattering on her frame. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs N()velFire.net
Yet, that offhand comment had stuck with her, becoming a tiny splinter in her thoughts.
“What’s wrong with a B+ cup anyway?” she muttered under her breath.
Spending time daily with her D-cup junior inevitably made Gao Mengting more conscious of her own figure.
It wasn’t deliberate—this junior’s proportions were simply stunning. She had the kind of body that looked like it came straight out of a manga, impossible not to envy.
Breakfast was simple.
Hot milk, toast, a boiled egg, and some pickled vegetables.
Suddenly, Gao Mengting seemed to remember something and lightly slapped her forehead. “I almost forgot to mention, our company is developing a livestream IP. We’re planning to design distinctive, recognizable packaging for deliveries, plus promotional posters and such. I’ll send you the materials later.”
“Thank you, senior!” Cheng Qiuqiu nodded enthusiastically.
This was essentially freelance work, which was crucial for her financially. After splurging on tickets for Su Yu’s concert, her savings were nearly wiped out.
Now she had rent to pay, maintenance and fuel costs for her bike, and basic expenses like food and clothing.
Without the resources she’d had in school, freelance gigs were harder to come by, leaving her in a tight spot. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have agreed to join Liu Wenning’s temporary band, nor taken on this cycling trip to perform at a club.
“Here’s a friendly tip!” Gao Mengting knocked on the table with a smile. “Our company is pretty big now, so the pay will be way better than the fee you got for designing that logo before. Just give it your all—if you perform well, you might land a long-term collaboration.”
“The standard rate is fine! Your boss gave me tickets to Su Yu’s concert before, and I’m super grateful. I’d even do it for free!” Cheng Qiuqiu hurriedly put down her cup, still with a bit of milk foam on her lips, looking both sincere and adorably earnest.
“That’s a separate issue,” Gao Mengting said, ruffling her hair with a fond smile. “This is business, and we’re working with professional design firms. The fee wouldn’t be less than ¥30,000. I discussed it with President Tang, and we agreed on this price for you.”
Cheng Qiuqiu gasped and immediately shook her head. “That’s way too much! It doesn’t feel right!”
Previously, she’d earned only ¥1,500 for creating six demo versions of the Songmei Fashion logo. Even though this project involved packaging and posters, which would take more effort, she couldn’t imagine it being worth 20 times more.
“No, no!” Gao Mengting shook her head firmly, her tone indulgent. “This project will span two or three months at minimum, with multiple revisions based on client feedback—it’s a tedious process. Besides, you’ve graduated now and are a trained professional. You deserve this fee.”
Biting her lip, Cheng Qiuqiu nodded lightly. “Thank you.”
“Don’t be so formal. Oh, and one more thing—about that White Knight Band of yours. If you can avoid going, don’t. Liu Wenning and the others aren’t your kind of people.”
Through their growing camaraderie and heartfelt conversations, Gao Mengting had gained a deep understanding of Qiuqiu.
Qiuqiu was reserved by nature and didn’t truly enjoy the bar scene.
After a moment of silence, Cheng Qiuqiu softly replied, “Alright, senior. I’ll try to avoid it in the future.”
8:10 AM.
“Knock, knock, knock—” A knock sounded on the door.
Liu Wenning’s voice followed. “Qiuqiu, time to go. Molly and the others are downstairs already!”
Cheng Qiuqiu said goodbye to her senior, grabbed her helmet, and opened the door with her backpack slung over her shoulder.
“Morning,” she greeted with a wave.
“Morning.” Liu Wenning’s eyes briefly flashed with admiration.
Since they were performing at the club later, Qiuqiu was dressed in the group’s coordinated outfit: jeans, a white T-shirt, and a breathable white riding jacket for safety.
She looked effortlessly sexy.
Noticing Liu Wenning’s gaze lingering a bit too long, Qiuqiu zipped up her jacket and headed downstairs without hesitation.
Her aloofness made Liu Wenning frown slightly, his eyes flashing with a hint of resentment.
Damn that Tang Song!
Back when they had just graduated, his relationship with Qiuqiu had been great. She used to watch him play and sing folk songs with a look of admiration that made him feel intoxicated and addicted to her attention.
He enjoyed being worshipped and liked interacting with such simple, naive girls.
But ever since his detainment, her attitude had subtly changed. The admiration in her eyes was gone.
“Morning!” “Morning.” “Good morning!”
“Wow, Qiuqiu! You look amazing today!” Molly greeted her enthusiastically with a hug.
After some brief chatting, the group donned gloves and helmets before mounting their bikes.
With the rumble of engines, the four motorcycles—each a different model—roared out of Zhuxi Residential Complex and headed toward Chang’an District.
Yanjing Tiancheng.
After showering, completing his skincare routine, and styling his hair, Tang Song walked into his walk-in closet.
He selected a crisp white short-sleeve shirt, lightweight light-blue jeans, and white sneakers, putting the outfit on with practiced ease.
If Tang Song had a weak point, it was his hair. Fine and soft, it lacked volume and required gel or wax to hold its shape.
Given today’s hot and humid weather and the hours he’d spend wearing a helmet, he needed his look to hold up. Thankfully, the [Outfit - Summer Whispers] provided cooling effects, sweat resistance, and protection for hairstyles and makeup.
With a chuckle, Tang Song accessed the system interface and equipped the [Summer Whispers] outfit.
A refreshing coolness spread over his skin, bringing immediate comfort.
+2 Constitution, +1 Comprehension, acquired!
After slipping on a breathable mesh riding jacket, grabbing his bag and bike keys, Tang Song headed downstairs.
The clean stone-paved paths of the community led him to the parking area, where his Ninja 400 sat in the corner, covered in a layer of dust.
He wiped down the bike, mounted a sports camera on its front bracket, and tested the angle.
“Perfect!” he muttered with satisfaction.
The 400cc sportbike was decent, but he was already considering upgrading to a liter-class bike for a better experience.
But first, he needed to complete today’s system mission.
Mounting the bike, he started the engine.
“Vroom, vroom—” The low, powerful rumble filled his ears.
The sleek black Ninja 400 rolled smoothly out of the parking area and merged into the main road.
As he twisted the throttle, the engine’s roar grew louder, and the scenery on both sides of the street blurred as it rushed past.
The bustling metropolis, with its towering skyscrapers, verdant trees, and hurried pedestrians, blurred into streaks of color as the motorcycles sped past.
The Moon Dust Bar in Chang’an District was nestled in a lively commercial area. Yet, surrounded by bars and nightclubs, the street felt unusually quiet and spacious at this early hour.
Parked outside the bar were motorcycles of various makes and models. Groups of young people, numbering over a dozen, gathered in animated clusters.
A white Suzuki GSX pulled up, its rider parking deftly in the open space.
A girl wearing yoga pants and a T-shirt hopped off, her figure accentuated by the snug fit of her outfit.
Removing her helmet, she let her hair down, tossing it lightly in the breeze.
Her eyes lit up as she spotted someone, and she hurried toward him, waving enthusiastically.
“Junyi! Good morning!”
Li Junyi extinguished his cigarette and turned around with a smile. “Morning, Zhao Yue.”
“Whoa, Junyi! Who’s this beauty? Haven’t seen her before. Is she part of our group?”
“Definitely not. I’ve been here forever and don’t recall meeting her.”
“She’s my colleague from the tech department, Zhao Yue.”
“Wow, a programmer! Zhao Yue, you should join us more often!”
“Sure, as long as Junyi invites me!”
“Hello, Zhao Yue. I’m Fang Chenyang, an operations specialist.”
…
Amid the chatter, Zhao Yue couldn’t help but smile smugly.
To get closer to Li Junyi, she had gone out of her way to research his interests.
Learning about his passion for motorcycles—especially his prized BMW S1000RR—she decided to pick up riding herself.
Not long ago, she had asked him to recommend a driving school【148】.
Through his connections, she and a few colleagues joined a VIP course, quickly earning their licenses. Later, when buying her bike, she relied on his referral to secure her Suzuki GSX250 at an excellent price.
Their chats often revolved around motorcycles, whether at work or on WeChat, allowing her to build rapport.
Yesterday, she noticed his social media post about today’s ride and seized the opportunity to join.
She woke up early, spent over an hour perfecting her makeup—layering on powder—paired yoga pants with padding for her chest and hips, and went all out to look her best.
While her efforts paid off, and she could pass as a "little beauty," her real goal was to make an impression and ideally, strengthen her bond with Li Junyi.
Scanning the group, she noticed four other women among the riders, all with curvaceous figures. After sizing them up, she felt confident she held her own, if not outshone them.
Suddenly, a loud whistle pierced the air.
A guy in a red riding jacket laughed, “Molly and the crew are here! And that cold, stunning beauty is with them!”
“Nice! I heard they’re performing with their band later.”
“Honestly, I came just for that,” another chimed in with a chuckle.
Zhao Yue’s brows twitched as she followed their gazes.
Four riders approached on their motorcycles, and Zhao Yue’s attention was drawn to a woman in jeans and a riding jacket.
Though the woman’s helmet obscured her face, her figure was undeniable: toned, full thighs; a shapely, ample chest; an elegant, swan-like neck; and statuesque proportions.
Even Zhao Yue had to admit, as jealousy gnawed at her, that this woman’s figure was exceptional—enviable, even.
Then her eyes fell on the woman’s bike, and her expression stiffened.
An ice-white Suzuki GSX250.
Exactly like hers. They matched!
Soon, the black helmet came off, revealing a strikingly beautiful, sharp-featured woman with a cool, indifferent gaze.
Her entire demeanor exuded sophistication and vigor, a captivating mix of elegance and fierceness.
The surrounding men couldn’t take their eyes off her.
“Morning, QQ!” “Good morning, Molly! QQ!”
Molly, the one who had invited Cheng Qiuqiu to this riding group, waved excitedly as she jogged over to Li Junyi and clapped him on the arm.
“Thanks for supporting our White Knight Band, boss! You’re amazing!”
“No need to thank me. An important friend of mine is coming today. Give it your best—there’ll be plenty of opportunities to collaborate in the future,” Li Junyi said with a nod.
Molly, her face lighting up, nodded eagerly. “You got it! No problem at all!”
Molly had once worked as a DJ at one of Li Junyi’s family nightclubs, which was how she had gotten to know the young boss.
With his resources, even a word from him could secure them steady gigs and plenty of earnings.
“Junyi.” “Morning, Junyi.”
Liu Wenning and Zhou Dongbing approached to greet him, trying to make themselves known.
After exchanging pleasantries, Li Junyi turned to Cheng Qiuqiu, who had remained mostly silent, and waved cheerfully. “Morning, QQ.”
“Morning,” Qiuqiu replied with a polite smile, her tone neutral.
Li Junyi didn’t mind her reserved attitude, keeping his good-natured smile.
He had formed this riding group and opened a motorcycle club to relax and enjoy himself.
Whether it was casual rides, mountain trips, photography, camping, or long-distance tours, he enjoyed sharing motorcycle knowledge and techniques with like-minded people.
It was all about having fun.
…
Meanwhile, Zhao Yue pursed her lips, silently stewing in her irritation.
Zhao Yue had been enjoying her moment in the spotlight when suddenly everything shifted.
The arrival of “QQ” had drawn everyone’s attention, leaving Zhao Yue overshadowed.
To make things worse, QQ was riding the exact same model as her—an ice-white Suzuki GSX250.
Sure, her chest was a little bigger, and her legs a little longer, but did that really justify stealing all the attention?
Frustration boiled within Zhao Yue. If I’d known this would happen, I would’ve padded to a D-cup and worn heeled boots!
Her gaze flickered to Li Junyi beside her, and a sense of urgency surged.
Rumors had been swirling in the company recently, alleging that Tang Song and salary supervisor Tian Jing were romantically involved. The thought of her "pond fish" transforming into a dragon—and aligning himself with her old rival—only fueled her dissatisfaction.
She desperately wanted to prove something, both to herself and others.
After spending time with Li Junyi, she had learned more about his background.
His family owned over ten bars, clubs, and KTV lounges in Yan City, as well as a moderately-sized textile company with close ties to Jinxiu Commerce.
If she could win him over, she could finally "rise to the top" and prove she deserved better. Missing out on Tang Song wouldn’t matter anymore.
The only issue was that Li Junyi, while kind to everyone, didn’t show any particular interest in her.
He was… tricky.
“Junyi, is everyone here? It’s almost time to leave,” a guy twirling his helmet grinned. “I’ve never been to your Windrush Motorcycle Club. Super excited!”
Others chimed in with praises, adding to the enthusiasm.
Li Junyi glanced at the time—still not quite 8:40 AM.
He smiled. These riding group members were courteous, showing up more than half an hour early for the 9:00 AM meeting time. Of course, Tang Song wouldn’t know this.
“Let’s wait a bit longer; a friend of mine hasn’t arrived yet,” Li Junyi said.
“A friend? Someone else is coming?”
“Yeah,” Li Junyi replied with a grin. “This is a big shot at our company—took some effort to invite them. I wouldn’t dare leave without them.”
“Wait, seriously? A company leader? They ride motorcycles too?”
“Come on, Junyi, you’re acting like us little grunts who fawn over bosses!”
Li Junyi shrugged. “This is no ordinary leader—someone with influence and a bright future. Respect is a must.”
While he didn’t bring up Tang Song’s rumored relationship with Tian Jing, Tang Song’s position as CTO and his connections to Smile Capital meant his future at Jinxiu Commerce was set for success.
Li Junyi had a sharp eye for talent and made it a point to befriend promising young elites.
His family might not expect him to achieve great things at Jinxiu Commerce, but building a network of high-quality contacts was essential for his ambitions. After all, the entertainment business his family ran, coupled with a father notorious for having illegitimate children, meant Li Junyi needed cards up his sleeve to secure his inheritance.
Zhao Yue, lost in thought, suddenly snapped out of it. “Junyi, who’s this leader? You didn’t mention them before.”
Li Junyi raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Oh, look—they’re here now. Funny enough, they’re your direct superior.”
He gestured toward the street corner, where a metallic black Ninja 400 was rolling in.
The rider, clad in a black riding jacket and jeans, cut an imposing figure on the bike.
Li Junyi’s gaze flicked to the bike, a glint of interest in his eyes.
The motorcycle came to a smooth stop by the curb.
When the rider dismounted, Zhao Yue froze, her lips trembling.
Tang Song?!
Both Liu Wenning and Cheng Qiuqiu looked equally stunned.
Tang Song casually removed his helmet, revealing short, fluffy hair styled to perfection.
Holding the black helmet with one hand, he strode over with an unhurried gait. His posture was straight, his movements elegant, and his chin slightly raised.
A faint, confident smile curved his lips below a well-defined nose. His eyes, bright and clear, seemed to radiate vitality with a hint of cool detachment.
Zhao Yue’s mind went blank, her heart pounding uncontrollably.
Liu Wenning and Zhou Dongbing paled, avoiding Tang Song’s gaze. Memories of their time in detainment rushed back, sharp and unshakable.
Molly let out a gasp, shaking Cheng Qiuqiu’s arm excitedly. “QQ, it’s Tang Song! Wow, he looks so dashing today. I have to ask for his WeChat this time!”
Cheng Qiuqiu nodded absently, her eyes glued to Tang Song.
Li Junyi quickly composed himself and stepped forward with a welcoming smile. “Morning, President Tang. Thanks for joining our riding group today.”
“Good morning.” Tang Song’s gaze shifted, and his lips quirked into a subtle smile. “Oh? Qiuqiu, Molly—you’re here too. What a coincidence.”
Molly’s face lit up, grinning ear to ear. “Morning, Tang Song! I had no idea you knew Junyi!”
Tang Song chuckled lightly. “We’re colleagues. Didn’t expect to see you two in the group.”
“Yeah, what a coincidence.” Cheng Qiuqiu forced a small, awkward smile.
With her hectic work schedule, she rarely participated in group activities. She wouldn’t have come today if it weren’t for the performance fee.
Standing so close to Tang Song, she instinctively avoided his gaze, unable to meet his eyes.
Something about him felt… different this time.
He exuded a fresh, radiant aura that was hard to describe—calm, composed, and full of youthful energy.
It was as if he embodied the essence of spring, unbothered by the heat of summer, the chill of autumn, or the frost of winter.
His presence was refreshing yet brimming with unyielding ambition, making him stand out like a beacon.