novelraw Chapter 320: Buns, Spicy Sticks, Tang Song, and Sleeping Together
Chapter 320: Buns, Spicy Sticks, Tang Song, and Sleeping Together
At Shimmer Coffee, Qian Lele carefully placed the final batch of matcha chocolate box cakes into the display case, aligning them neatly in their respective spots.
She then cleaned and organized the baking tools, wiped down the counters and floors, and headed to the staff locker room to change out of her uniform.
“Sister Zhao, I’m off now,” Lele said politely as she slung her backpack over her shoulder.
The baker, Zhao Hongxia, turned while pulling out a tray of freshly baked croissants. Smiling, she said, “Thanks for your hard work, Lele. Sorry to keep you late again today.”
“No problem at all! I’m on summer break now, so I’ve got more free time. Let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.”
“Alright, see you tomorrow.”
“See you!”
After bidding goodbye to her other colleagues, Lele stepped out of the café and began walking along the pedestrian path toward the teacher apartments.
Though it was still hot, the sun wasn’t as intense, making the summer feel less oppressive.
Unlike past summers when she had to endure the scorching heat handing out flyers or promoting products at store entrances, working at Shimmer Coffee was a dream come true. The environment was cool, clean, and comfortable, and she got to do what she loved: baking.As her phone buzzed with a ringtone, Lele pulled it out of her pocket and saw the caller ID. She quickly answered. “Hello, Yaoyao!”
A familiar voice came through the receiver. “Hi, Lele! Just got off work?”
“Mm-hmm, just now.”
They chatted briefly about their recent lives before Yaoyao got to the point. “So, the 30th is my birthday, and I’m throwing a party that evening. You’re a full-time baker now, so it won’t clash with your work, right? You have to come!”
Lele hesitated, nervously pinching the corner of her shirt. “Maybe I’ll skip it this time. I’ll prepare a gift for you in advance.”
“No way! Don’t even think about it! I came to your birthday last year, didn’t I? Lele, we’re best friends—you can’t miss it!”
Lele bit her lip and replied softly, “Alright, I’ll come.”
“Great! It’s settled, then. I’m heading out for a vacation now, but I’ll find you when I’m back. Bye-bye~”
“Okay, bye.”
Lele hung up and found her mood suddenly weighed down with unease.
Back when she first started college, Lele had joined a club during recruitment season.
The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Club promised its members access to practical work experience—opportunities to earn course credit and extra income through social practice.
For Lele, it felt like striking gold. She eagerly signed up and eventually secured a part-time job at the café operated by the club in collaboration with the university’s business incubator.
Though the pay was meager, the perks included free coffee and snacks, which helped cut down her living expenses. There, she picked up basic baking and coffee-making skills.
It was also where she met Ding Yao, a fellow club member from the art school. Unlike Lele, Ding Yao came from a wealthy family—her father was a plastic surgeon, and her mother owned a prominent restaurant. For her, working at the café was purely for fun, socializing, and gaining light experience.
Ding Yao’s warm, outgoing personality made her popular with everyone, and she quickly became friends with Lele. Those were some of the most carefree days of Lele’s university life, when she even made a few other friends among her peers.
But those happy days didn’t last. The club had too many members, and everyone took turns working part-time, so Lele’s stint at the café was short-lived.
Soon, she was back to her grueling routine of studying and part-time jobs.
Last year on Lele’s birthday, Ding Yao had shown up at her dorm late at night, bringing cake and gifts to Room 213. She even gathered a few other classmates to celebrate, singing her a birthday song.
It was one of Lele’s most cherished memories.
Now, with Ding Yao calling to personally invite her, it felt wrong to decline.
Lele genuinely wanted to go—she wanted to attend the party confidently and celebrate wholeheartedly.
But she had met Ding Yao’s friends before, most of whom were affluent and stylish.
Once, they had gone to a KTV together.
Ding Yao’s friends arrived with designer bags, dressed in trendy outfits, and carrying the latest flagship phones. They chatted about weekend getaways and dining at influencer-recommended restaurants.
Lele, sitting quietly in a corner in her faded jeans and a $20 bag, felt out of place.
Embarrassed, self-conscious, and uncomfortable, she decided to decline any future invitations from Ding Yao, citing her part-time jobs as excuses.
As she walked back home, Lele passed the colorful storefronts of the bustling commercial street. She paused outside a high-end clothing store, peering through the bright windows at the sparkling dresses and luxury handbags displayed inside.
Clenching her hands into fists, she silently calculated her budget. Thoughts of her family’s situation and the new laptop she needed for school after the summer loomed large.
The soft evening sunlight bathed the street in golden hues, casting long shadows on the ground.
Lele’s silhouette stood still for less than half a minute before it began moving again.
Blending into the crowd, she lowered her head and opened a shopping app on her phone. As she scrolled through her cart, she debated her options, trying to make a choice.
Ten minutes later, Lele stood outside a small supermarket—Fuqiang Supermarket, right next to the teacher’s apartments.
This store was known for its affordable prices and frequent discounts on slightly overripe fruit.
With the leftover cake bases and near-expired croissants she’d brought from the café, her dinner was mostly sorted. She just needed some fruit to balance her meal with a dose of vitamins.
Of course, no trip to the supermarket would be complete without a pack of spicy sticks—her absolute favorite snack. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel{f}ire.net
Since childhood, Qian Lele had loved spicy snacks, especially spicy strips. Back in high school, when the cafeteria food was expensive and unappetizing, she would often have a meal of steamed buns, egg soup, and spicy sticks.
Even in college, she never outgrew this habit. Whenever a craving hit, she’d treat herself to a pack, one of the few indulgences she allowed herself.
“Tap, tap, tap—”
Wearing sneakers, Tang Song moved swiftly, pushing through the doors of Fuqiang Supermarket. He grabbed a shopping cart, tossed in the bag holding his clothes, and scanned the shelves with sharp eyes.
No immediate clues or prompts from Special Vision.
Tang quickly realized why it was called a "Mysterious Shop"—you had to search for the items manually. Time was of the essence, and to prevent others from snatching the goods, he began weaving through the aisles with urgency.
When he passed a discounted footwear section, a faint green glow caught his eye.
He stopped and focused on a pair of sneakers priced at ¥29.9.
Size 44, black-and-white, a knockoff Nike with visibly poor quality.
As soon as he picked them up, a system window appeared:
[Swift Shoes]: While within the instance boundary, these shoes provide a speed boost for faster map traversal and movement. Agility +2.
Good stuff!
He immediately added them to his cart. The shoes would also prove useful for daily exercise, aligning perfectly with his Self-Discipline Aura.
Though their durability seemed questionable—they might only last half a month—it was a worthy purchase.
The shopping cart rattled loudly as Tang sped through the aisles.
The supermarket wasn’t particularly large, but it was well-stocked: fresh produce, daily necessities, ready-made meals, snacks, and clothing.
When he reached the deli section, a flash of white light appeared.
Noticing other customers nearby, Tang abandoned his cart and quickly moved in. His gaze locked onto the bread section, where a bag of plain steamed buns was glowing faintly.
He grabbed the plastic bag, and another system prompt appeared:
[Restoration Pack]: While within the instance boundary, consuming these buns rapidly restores stamina and endurance, allowing you to re-enter the learning state faster.
Nice!
Tang’s glasses glinted as he felt a surge of excitement.
His biggest challenge was sustaining his “godlike” learning state—he lacked the stamina and mental energy to keep it up for long stretches.
In gaming terms, it was like running out of health or mana. These buns were effectively small health potions, and with five in the bag, he couldn’t wait to test their effectiveness.
Feeling increasingly relaxed after securing two valuable items, Tang maintained his “Scholar” persona as he continued searching.
He couldn’t help but feel like a character in a game, much like the immersive experience of Ready Player One, blending virtual and real-world interactions.
With the Mask’s influence, Tang found himself fully engrossed in the experience.
Meanwhile, Qian Lele was thrilled to find bananas in the clearance section.
Her eyes sparkled as she inspected the bunch.
Although the peels were speckled and some ends were split, they were still firm and perfectly edible. At just ¥2 for six bananas, she grabbed them without hesitation.
Next, she picked through the apples, eventually selecting a bag priced at ¥2.6 for over 4 pounds. While a bit wilted, they’d be fine peeled. And now that she had access to a fridge at Jiang Yourong’s apartment, she could store fruit for longer.
Feeling satisfied, she moved on from the clearance section, setting her sights on discounted items marked with yellow tags.
“¥9.9 slippers!”
Her current pair had a cracked sole, leaving water trails every time she stepped out of the shower. Since she was staying at Jiang’s place, it was better to be mindful.
She picked up a pink pair, examined them, and placed them in her basket.
Then her gaze shifted to the sneakers nearby. At ¥29.9 for both men’s and women’s styles, they were tempting, especially given their sturdiness.
But after some deliberation, she set them back down—she had just bought a pair on Pinduoduo last month. Better to save money for essentials, like... spicy sticks!
Lele licked her lips and headed straight to the snack aisle.
Her sharp eyes scanned the shelves until they landed on the bottom row.
There it was—a pack of her favorite old-fashioned spicy sticks, marked down to ¥2.3 from the original ¥3. Only one pack left!
Grinning widely, she quickened her pace, basket in hand, and bent down to grab it.
But just as her fingers reached for the prize, she bumped lightly into someone else.
Startled, she straightened and stepped back. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t notice you there.”
The other person, who had also reached for the spicy sticks, paused, then turned to her with a calm, steady voice. “It’s my fault. I wasn’t paying attention either.”
As the words registered, Lele froze, her gaze meeting his.
The boy’s height towered over her by half a head. Dressed plainly in a T-shirt and jeans, his demeanor was clean and unassuming.
His deep, familiar voice and well-kept appearance triggered a vague sense of recognition. He looked to be in his early twenties, with short, neatly combed hair and rectangular glasses. His broad shoulders and slim waist gave him an athletic yet refined presence.
It was Tang Song.
Tang Song’s unassuming outfit carried a natural confidence and calm intensity, coupled with a studious dedication—he looked every bit like the archetype of a school overachiever.
“Lele?”
Hearing her name, Qian Lele’s expression shifted as recognition dawned. She quickly responded, “Brother Song! It’s you! Sorry, I didn’t recognize you at first.”
Although she and Tang Song had exchanged numerous messages on WeChat, they had only met once in person—during her part-time contract signing. At the time, she had briefly handed him a document folder and barely glanced at him.
Back then, Tang Song had been in a suit and looked sharp, but Lele didn’t recall his specific features. She had been so nervous about securing the job that everything else blurred into the background.
What finally clicked was his voice—distinct and familiar. Only a few days ago, Tang had helped her recover deleted files, saving her baking career.
Lele gave a slight bow, her tone earnest. “I’ve been meaning to thank you in person, but I didn’t want to disturb you. I’m truly grateful for your help, Brother Song.”
Tang Song smiled warmly, his demeanor gentle. “No need to thank me. As the company’s part-time tech support, it’s my job.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lele suddenly remembered. “Brother Song, Teacher Jiang mentioned you’d be staying here for two weeks. Have you moved in already?”
“Yes, I moved in earlier this afternoon.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she averted her gaze. “Please feel free to let me know if I’m doing anything wrong. I hope we can get along well.”
Lele had never lived under the same roof as a man before, and the thought left her both anxious and shy.
But she had a good impression of Tang Song—he’d been kind and had helped her immensely.
“There’s no need to be so formal, Lele. We’re not that far apart in age. Just call me by my name,” Tang Song said, smiling.
“Alright, Brother Song,” she replied quickly with a nod.
The unexpected encounter, coupled with the knowledge that they’d be housemates for the next two weeks, made Lele hesitate to part ways. She grabbed a pack of her usual ¥2.5 spicy chips and followed Tang Song around the supermarket.
[Mana Regeneration Spicy Sticks]: Consuming this within the instance boundary restores mental energy, helping players return to their learning state faster.
Tang Song glanced at the items in his cart: buns, spicy sticks, and sneakers.
Buns and spicy sticks—what a combination!
He chuckled to himself at how playful the system could be, though he was genuinely pleased. With these items, he could immerse himself in studying for longer periods—a dream come true for someone who thrived on learning.
Suddenly, a system notification interrupted his thoughts:
“Ding! The Mysterious Shop has disappeared!”
Tang turned to Lele. “Lele, I’m done shopping. How about you?”
“Oh, me too! Let’s check out,” she replied, glancing into his cart.
It was nearly empty, containing only three items: buns, spicy sticks, and sneakers. She immediately recognized the sneakers—they were the same pair she had considered earlier.
Lele’s opinion of Tang Song subtly shifted again.
She had heard from her colleagues at Shimmer Coffee’s headquarters that Tang Song had a full-time job and earned a good salary. Combined with his part-time income, he must be doing well financially. Yet, his shopping choices were so frugal and practical.
Maybe he had grown up with these habits, or perhaps, like her, his family was facing financial difficulties.
After paying at the register, they exited the supermarket.
Lele took off her backpack and unzipped it, carefully placing her purchases inside. She then offered with a warm smile, “Brother Song, put your stuff in my bag. It’ll be easier to carry.”
Her backpack held only some food she’d brought from the café, leaving plenty of space.
“Thanks.” Tang Song nodded, placing the buns and spicy sticks inside. “But it’s quite heavy—I’ll carry it.”
With that, he hoisted the backpack over his shoulder, gave her a reassuring smile, and began walking toward the teacher apartments.
Lele followed behind, her high ponytail swaying cheerfully as she smiled brightly.
She had always been wary of inconveniencing others or being looked down upon. But Brother Song was kind, easygoing, and shared her practical approach to spending.
For the first time, her nervousness about living under the same roof eased.
“Click—”
Lele unlocked the apartment door and pushed it open gently. “Brother Song, you first.”
The door closed softly behind them, leaving the quiet living room with just the two of them.
Lele felt a little awkward.
After taking out her items from her backpack, she excused herself and hurried to the balcony.
She gathered her laundry—underwear, socks, and other clothes—and retreated to her cozy secondary bedroom.
Only then did she start to calm down.
There was nothing to worry about, but she still felt a bit unsettled. Maybe it was just because they weren’t familiar yet—it was only their second meeting, after all. The situation felt almost like meeting an online friend in real life.
Surely things would feel more natural in a couple of days.
With a crisp “tear,” Lele opened her spicy chips and nibbled on a piece, completing her mental pep talk.
After a quick wash, she emptied her bag of food onto the kitchen counter: two croissants, a bag of cake bases, and some fruit.
She heated the croissants and cake bases in the microwave, peeled the apples, trimmed the bad spots, and cut them into small chunks. Then she added two bananas to the mix.
In no time, she had prepared two dinner plates and a fruit platter.
Placing everything on the dining table, Lele waited for a while. When Tang Song still didn’t come out, she hesitated before summoning her courage.
She stepped toward the master bedroom and lightly knocked on the slightly ajar door.
“Knock, knock, knock—”
“Brother Song?”
“I’m here. What’s up, Lele?” Tang Song’s voice came quickly, calm yet efficient, exuding a sense of urgency.
Lele immediately replied, “Brother Song, I brought some cake bases and croissants from the café. Would you like to have some?”
“No thanks, I’m not hungry right now. But I appreciate it.”
“Alright, no problem.”
Lele bit her lip and, through the slightly ajar door, caught a glimpse of Tang Song’s room.
Her mouth opened slightly in surprise, and her pupils trembled.
Stacks of books and documents were arranged neatly across the desk. In one corner, a half-open plastic bag revealed half-eaten buns and a ripped-open pack of spicy sticks.
Tang Song sat upright in his chair, fully immersed in reading, his posture disciplined and focused.
Lele took a deep breath, lowering her gaze. She felt deeply moved as she returned to the dining table to finish her own meal.
After tidying up, she once again approached Tang Song’s door, speaking softly. “Brother Song, can I come in for a moment?”
“Please do.”
Pushing the door open gently with her elbow, Lele tiptoed in and placed a plate on the corner of the desk. “I made these myself at the café. You should try them. Here’s some fruit to go with it—it’s better that way.”
“Thanks, Lele.” Tang Song paused his reading to smile warmly.
“Alright, I won’t disturb you. I need to head out, but I’ll be back by 10 p.m. If you need anything, just call me.”
“Will do. Bye.”
Lele waved and stepped out, turning back briefly to glance at Tang Song again.
He was completely engrossed in the “ocean of knowledge,” reading an English book with unwavering focus.
His profile exuded an intense thirst for learning and an aura of unwavering dedication.
Learning truly is a limitless journey of the soul.
To Lele, Tang Song was undoubtedly one of those studious geniuses who spent every spare moment in the library, burying their hearts and minds in books.
She felt both admiration and envy.
She wished she could study like that too, but the heavy burdens of life left her no choice but to constantly be on the move.
Back in her room, Lele pulled a small pouch from under her bed and packed up some items.
Her destination was the pedestrian street outside the university, where she would sell handmade bead bracelets.
Her café shift covered the mornings, leaving her evenings free to earn a bit more. If luck was on her side, she could buy herself a nicer outfit to wear at Ding Yao’s birthday party, sparing herself embarrassment.
At Yanjing Huating, Building 6.
“Cheers!”
Clink!
Cool, slightly bitter beer flowed down Zhao Yaqian’s throat. She quickly grabbed a bite of stuffed potato skin, savoring the burst of flavor.
The special sauce, chili, cumin, and the natural taste of the ingredients melded perfectly. Zhao’s face lit up with joy, and she playfully shook her leg in satisfaction.
Though she had “made it” in life, she still craved simple pleasures like these.
Her first date with Tang Song had been over skewers—a cherished memory of sweetness and delight.
Beside her, He Liting and Lin Muxue enjoyed the food just as eagerly.
It was the weekend, and the three of them, each with something to celebrate, had spontaneously decided to gather for food, drinks, and laughter.
Zhao Yaqian had completed her investigation of Isha Beauty and was ready to finalize an investment.He Liting’s media account, He Yiyi, had surpassed 200,000 followers, and her livestream sales were climbing steadily.Lin Muxue was about to receive her new Porsche 911.Of course, the car was a gift from Tang Song—a detail she dared not share with the others. It was a secret she preferred to savor privately.
“Qian Qian, Xiao Xue!” He Liting said with a laugh, putting down her beer. “Next week, I’m planning two days of outdoor streaming. I want to host a fun event—randomly inviting girls to answer trivia questions. If they get them right, they’ll win some of my fashion products, plus a special grand prize.”
She added, “I’ll also collaborate with some local influencers to promote it. I’ll send you the address in the group chat later. If you know anyone who’d like to join, let them know!”
“Wow, that sounds fancy, He Yiyi!” Lin Muxue teased, playfully tapping her shoulder. “No wonder you’re building a big brand.”
“Ha, it’s all thanks to President Tang’s support,” He Liting replied, grinning.
The three shared a round of banter and continued chatting over food and drinks.
As the night wore on, the women became slightly tipsy.
When He Liting stepped away to use the restroom, Lin Muxue reclined on the sofa, her voice softer and more relaxed. “Qian Qian, did Tang Song mention when he’d be done with his current work?”
“Brother Song said it’d take about two weeks.”
“That long...” Lin Muxue murmured, her words unguarded due to the alcohol.
She missed Tang Song. His sudden retreat into work left her feeling restless.
Zhao Yaqian observed her quietly before leaning over to wrap an arm around her shoulders. With a serious tone, she asked, “Xiao Xue, are you missing him already?”
Lin Muxue stiffened, then forced a laugh. “He’s my boss. If he’s not around, I can slack off a bit—haha!”
She nudged Zhao playfully, trying to change the subject.
But Zhao narrowed her eyes, leaned closer, and sniffed teasingly near her ear. “You’re wearing a distinctive perfume and long-lasting body wash. Funny, I smelled the same scent on Brother Song the other day.”
“Uh… Maybe it was an accident?”
“His hands had your scent too. My nose is sharp,” Zhao said with a mischievous grin.
Lin Muxue’s body tensed, her eyes flitting nervously. She didn’t know how to respond.
Zhao smiled and kissed her cheek lightly, her tone light and natural. “Xiao Xue, why don’t you stay over with me tonight?”
“Okay.” Lin Muxue nodded obediently, her face pale as she regarded her friend in a whole new light.