novelraw Chapter 378: Xiao Xue – A 2000-Kilometer Flex
Chapter 378: Xiao Xue – A 2000-Kilometer Flex
Although Liu Qingning had been in Shenzhen for quite a while, her busy work schedule left her unfamiliar with the city's attractions and commercial districts—she barely had time to explore.
But with her go-getter personality, she had already mapped out a detailed itinerary before they even finished breakfast.
—
9:00 AM
They departed from Songping Village Phase 3, switching from bus to subway until they arrived at the OCT Creative Park area.
After strolling through Eco Square, they ventured into the Yanhan Mountain Wild Park.
A fresh rain had just passed, and the temperature was pleasantly cool.
Forests, vines, ponds, stone bridges.
On this misty post-rain morning, gazing into the depths of the woods from the lakeside, the scenery looked straight out of a martial arts film.
After leaving the park, they found a quaint tea house, where they settled by a floor-to-ceiling window, sipping freshly brewed tea while reading the same book, basking in the chill of the air conditioning for half an hour.—
Following Xiangshan East Street, they arrived at the OCT Creative Park, a district brimming with artistic charm.
The unique architecture blended modern and retro elements seamlessly.
With her sharp memory and vast knowledge, Liu Qingning excitedly introduced him to various fascinating facts as they wandered through the area.
She eagerly dragged Tang Song through hidden alleyways, exploring tucked-away artisan shops, boutique restaurants, and cozy bookstores.
Occasionally, they paused to rest, buying local street snacks and feeding each other bites.
And every time, Liu Qingning insisted on paying.
Her reasoning? "Earn in Shenzhen, spend in Shenzhen."
Of course, Tang Song knew she was simply reluctant to let him spend money, just like she had been back in Beijing.
He didn’t argue—he simply enjoyed her care and affection.
But while she was in the restroom, he sneakily bought a few adorably unique trinkets for her.
Seeing the unexpected gifts, Liu Qingning’s girlish heart seemed to be fully awakened.
Her smile was bright and sweet, her steps lighter, and she swung their interlocked hands as they walked.
—
3:00 PM – Coffee Break
They stepped into a quiet coffee shop and found the coolest spot in the café.
One latte, one black coffee.
Liu Qingning pulled out her Bluetooth earbuds, handing one to Tang Song.
Just like before, they sat facing each other, listening to music while chatting.
Liu Qingning had loved music since childhood.
Back in high school, she was rarely seen without her MP3 and earbuds, always sneaking off to KTV whenever she could—and she could sing beautifully.
That was why, in high school, he had given her a pair of earphones as a gift.
—
The coffee arrived.
Tang Song took a sip of his latte, leaving a bit of foam on his lips.
“Don’t move!” Liu Qingning giggled, leaning in to gently wipe it off with her finger.
“Thanks.”
Just as he finished speaking, she mischievously smeared the foam onto his nose and snapped a quick photo.
Her crisp, bell-like laughter filled the air.
Watching her bright, playful expression, Tang Song’s gaze grew even softer.
—
Evening – A Night Under the Neon Lights
After a highly-rated dinner, they took a cab to Shenzhen Talent Park.
They crossed the glowing Starlight Bridge, then found a grassy patch to sit on, listening to Su Yu’s ethereal vocals while admiring the neon-lit skyscrapers.
“That one’s the famous Spring Bamboo Tower, standing at 392.5 meters with 66 floors above ground…”
After barely sleeping last night and running around all day, Liu Qingning was completely exhausted.
She looked utterly drained, her voice soft and sluggish.
Tang Song’s gaze flickered.
Without a word, he shifted behind her and pulled her into his embrace.
Liu Qingning was caught off guard, her eyes wide in shock.
Tang Song’s arms wrapped around her from below, holding her snugly against him.
Their bodies pressed tightly together, and she could clearly feel the rhythmic beating of his heart.
“W-What are you doing?”
“Lean on me and rest for a bit.”
“Hey—hands off! No touching my belly fat!”
“You’re not even fat. You don’t need to be so self-conscious.”
“I said no!” Liu Qingning crossed her arms over her stomach to block his hands.
“Alright, alright.” Tang Song chuckled, resting his head beside hers, his arms still gently wrapped around her.
Her soft, full E-cup chest pressed against his arm.
Through the thin T-shirt, he could feel her warmth and softness.
Liu Qingning’s face flushed red. She instinctively shrank back, but it was completely ineffective.
After a while, lulled by the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, her tension gradually melted away.
She took a deep breath of the moist night air.
Before she knew it, her eyes fluttered shut.
—
Half-asleep, Liu Qingning twitched slightly, mumbling, “Tang Song… something’s poking me…”
“…My abs.”
“Oh…”
A while later, she vaguely felt his hand squeeze her waist.
Then, she heard him ask something—something about "rain" and "going home".
Too drowsy to think, she simply nodded.
Moments later, she felt her body move.
Struggling to open her eyes, she realized—
She was on his back.
—
Rumble—
Thunder rumbled across the sky.
Liu Qingning instinctively tightened her hold around him, inhaling the familiar scent of his skin, before closing her eyes again.
Even though Shenzhen’s skies were cloudy, there was always a light shining in her heart.
“…Tang Song…”
“Hm?” Tang Song tilted his head slightly, adjusting his grip to support her thighs.
“Are you tired?”
“Nope. Don’t worry, my body’s in top shape.”
After a brief silence, Liu Qingning’s sleepy voice murmured again, “Are you happy in Yan City?”
Tang Song pressed his lips together. After a moment, he whispered, “…Yes.”
“What about work? Do your bosses bully you? Have you suffered?”
Tang Song’s eyes grew misty, his voice trembling slightly. “No.”
“…That’s good…” Liu Qingning sighed softly. “I never ask because I know I can’t help…”
She shifted slightly, her breathing becoming steady and peaceful.
“…I’m sorry.”
But she was already asleep, resting quietly on his shoulder.
Tang Song sniffed, feeling the cool night breeze dry the two streaks of warmth on his cheeks.
—
Ever since the game became reality, his emotional intelligence and perception had skyrocketed.
Things he had once only vaguely understood now felt crystal clear.
Like Liu Qingning’s unwavering care.
Her deep, selfless love.
And truthfully—
Her worries were justified.
If the game hadn’t become real, his career and life would’ve been a mess.
Workplace bullying had drained him mentally, leaving him on the verge of collapse.
Perhaps that’s exactly why his white moonlight worried about him so much.
Even though her own life in Shenzhen wasn’t going well either.
—
August 15, 2023 – Tuesday – Cloudy – 26~31°C
Early morning.
His internal clock woke him up before sunrise.
Opening his eyes, the first thing he saw—
Was her delicate, sleeping face.
Today marked his third day in Shenzhen.
Yesterday, they had rented a car and road-tripped to Dapeng Bay, one of China’s most beautiful coastlines.
Beach walks, kayaking, seafood feasts—
And after relentless persuasion, he had once again convinced her to sleep in the same bed as him.
Looking at her peaceful face, a mix of emotions swelled in his chest.
He had been ready to confess his past mistakes—
But now, he just couldn’t.
Because he was truly afraid—
Afraid to see her hurt, sad, disappointed.
Tang Song leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Liu Qingning’s smooth, delicate cheek.
The next second, he found himself staring into her bright, watery eyes.
Slap! Liu Qingning lightly smacked his chest. “I swear, your courage has grown way too much lately! This is so disrespectful to me!”
Freshly woken up, her voice was soft and sweet, carrying no real authority.
Tang Song chuckled and flipped over, positioning himself above her, gazing down with amusement.
“H-Hey, what are you doing?!” Liu Qingning pressed her hands against his shoulders, her face flushing red. “I knew I shouldn’t have listened to you last night! You never keep your word! You’re being a perv!”
“Can I kiss you again?”
“No!”
"Mwah~”
Tang Song kissed her cheek again.
“Ahhh! Tang Song! You actually dare bully me now?!”
“Hey, stop! That tickles! I was wrong, I was wrong!”
After wrestling around on the bed for a while, they finally stopped.
Liu Qingning’s hair was messy, her cheeks were flushed, and her chest heaved softly.
Since she hadn’t worn a bra to bed, the sight was incredibly tempting.
Looking at his adorable and well-endowed white moonlight, Tang Song felt his blood boil.
Liu Qingning let out a soft huff, then quickly jumped out of bed.
“I have to go to the office today. You can wander around, and we’ll meet up after work.”
The candidate recommended by Deju Renhe had officially joined yesterday, but since she had been with Tang Song, she hadn’t gone to the company.
Today, she had to handle some handover tasks in person.
“Mhm. Let’s go freshen up together.”
“I need to use the bathroom…”
“I’ll go with you, then. I need to go too.”
“Go to hell!”
—
Shenzhen Bay No.1 – Tower 8
Tang Song sat in his home office, processing the weekend’s backlog of work emails and OA applications.
Most of it involved Songmei Fashion—budgets, procurement, staffing.
Luckily, Gao Mengting had already pre-screened everything, so all he had to do was approve them.
There were also meeting reports, business proposals, and audit plans from Huashang Fashion.
What caught his attention was a business research report on Yannan Short Drama Base—personally sent by Lin Muxue.
It was clear she wasn’t just trying to curry favor—she had done her homework.
Tang Song glanced at his watch.
10:30 AM.
Closing his laptop, he stretched lazily before stepping onto the spacious balcony, letting the ocean breeze wash over him.
As one of Shenzhen’s top-tier residences, Shenzhen Bay No.1 boasted prime real estate—
Ocean views, inner bay lake views— everything laid out effortlessly in front of him.
Next door were Fortune 500 headquarters and luxury business districts, making this place the ultimate golden location.
Standing amidst it all, he could almost feel the pulse of this young, thriving international city.
His gaze drifted toward Qingning Tower, and a thought struck him—
Maybe I should buy a place here for her.
—
Checking His Finances
Opening his system interface, Tang Song checked his personal stats.
【Player: Tang Song (67 "Charisma")】
【Role: CEO of Songmei Fashion】
【Height: 184CM | Weight: 80KG】
【Physical Strength: 71 | Endurance: 75 | Agility: 67 | Insight: 83】
【Financial Status:】
Balance: ¥8.74 million
Investment Funds: ¥160.5 million
He rubbed his temples—
The luxury apartments at Shenzhen Bay No.1 were tens of millions to over a hundred million.
Clearly, he couldn’t afford one yet.
However, his Second Phase Growth Plan Task was nearly complete—he’d probably receive another big cash reward soon.
The First Phase had already given him ¥200 million in investment funds.
Switching tabs, he checked his "Popular Me" Title Rewards—
【Current Cash Reward: ¥8,460,900 (Total: ¥32,473,000)】
【Little Red Book Followers: 32,275】
【Douyin Followers: 278,500】
Since he hadn’t been posting as many videos lately, the payout wasn’t as high.
He cashed out immediately—
【Balance: ¥17.2 million | Investment Funds: ¥160.5 million】
—
Luxury Shopping Time
Tang Song pulled out his phone, called Liu Jiayi’s security driver, and headed downstairs.
He might not be able to buy her an apartment yet, but he could still prepare some surprises.
In the past two days of going out together, Liu Qingning hadn’t carried a single designer bag or high-end accessory.
If I can’t bear to let her go, then I should at least make her feel loved.
Minutes later, a black Bentley MPV rolled out onto the road.
Their destination—
Shenzhen Bay MixC Mall.
—
The High-End Shopping District
Just one kilometer away from Shenzhen Bay No.1, MixC Mall was a flagship luxury commercial center under China Resources Group.
It housed top-tier international luxury brands like Hermès, LV, Chanel, etc.
One of Shenzhen’s most prestigious malls.
Since it was a weekday, the mall wasn’t too crowded.
Its spacious, high-ceilinged atrium exuded an air of modern grandeur and sophistication.
As Tang Song strolled through the first floor, his gaze landed on the LV boutique storefront.
He remembered—
Back in Beijing, when they had shopped together, Liu Qingning had stopped in front of LV’s display window several times.
Even though she was rational and practical, she couldn’t completely ignore the allure of luxury goods.
But every time, she’d just grumble about the price, joke about how “luxury brands prey on the poor,” and then drag him away.
Still, Tang Song could see it in her eyes—
She wanted it.
So this time, he wasn’t going to let her leave empty-handed.
— Find the newest release on n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
Inside the LV Boutique
Walking through the sleek glass doors, Tang Song scanned the store.
The interior design featured cream-white and deep brown tones, accented by golden details—exuding pure luxury.
Despite being a weekday, there were quite a few customers, mostly fashionably dressed young women.
Almost immediately, a sales associate in a tailored uniform approached him with a warm smile.
“Good morning, sir. Welcome to Louis Vuitton. What product are you looking for today?”
Tang Song smiled lightly. “Show me your women’s bags.”
“Of course.”
The sales associate subtly scanned his outfit and demeanor, her smile growing even brighter.
“Sir, have you visited our store before? Do you already have a particular style in mind?”
Tang Song shook his head. “No, first time here.”
“No problem. Do you have any specific preferences? I can recommend a few options.”
“It’s a gift for my girlfriend. Something suitable for daily use—on the smaller side.”
Since Liu Qingning was petite, she couldn’t pull off large handbags like the ones he had bought for Zhao Yaqian and Wen Ruan.
“Understood. Please follow me.”
The sales associate beamed. “By the way, with Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day) coming up, we’re currently offering special promotions and exclusive gifts.”
Tang Song paused for a second.
Oh, right.
Tomorrow was the first day of the lunar seventh month, meaning Qixi was just seven days away.
A thought hit him like a truck—
It’s time to test my time-management skills.
He had way more than one girlfriend—he’d have to prepare gifts for all of them.
Not to mention, he was currently staying at Secretary Jin’s place—he should probably buy her a gift, too.
And if luck was on his side, he might even get another "Secretary Jin’s Dream Fragment."
Taking a deep breath—
Today, he was going on a major shopping spree.
The first time Tang Song had met Xiao Xue, she had carried the same kind of elegance and composure.
Too bad she wasn’t here—if she were, he wouldn’t have to stress over picking gifts.
After all, when it came to luxury shopping, she was practically a god-tier expert.
Just as he was scanning the store, he caught the gaze of the two well-dressed women nearby.
Their eyes widened in shock upon seeing him.
Tang Song simply smiled and didn’t pay it any mind, turning back to listen to the sales associate’s recommendations.
—
Yan City – Slover Trust – Assistant’s Office
"I got it. I’ll transfer the money to you tonight."
Lin Muxue licked her lips, lowering her voice. "Xu Ning, this is my entire savings. You better not screw this up."
"Cut the crap. Just read the documents I sent you properly. This is your one shot—whether you turn things around depends on you."
"Alright, I’m at work. Bye."
Hanging up, Lin Muxue let out a long sigh.
Xu Ning owed ¥430,000 in loans, ¥130,000 of which was overdue.
And she herself only had ¥190,000 in savings. Helping Xu Ning pay off her debt would leave her with just ¥60,000.
Just when life was finally getting comfortable, she was being dragged right back to square one.
Before she made real money, she needed to control her spending—otherwise, she wouldn’t even be able to afford her car.
Luckily, she had some privileges now—things like beauty treatments and meals were mostly covered, so she could maintain appearances.
Stretching lazily, she glanced at the time.
【11:05 AM】
Her brows arched slightly.
In her "Socialite Group Chat", someone was @mentioning her.
Clicking the notification, she scrolled up—
Several messages popped up.
—
【Zi Yue: "@Xiao Xue, if I’m not mistaken, this is your boyfriend, right?"】
【Zi Yue: Secretly snapped photo.jpg】
【Heart Whisper: "@Zi Yue OMG, that’s really him! I saved a photo before—he’s gotten even hotter! Absolute top-tier heartthrob!"】
【Heart Whisper: "Zi Yue and I were at the LV store in Shenzhen Bay MixC Mall, taking pictures, and we randomly ran into Xiao Xue’s boyfriend shopping there. He looks even more handsome and charismatic in person!"】
Of course, there were some sarcastic, mocking comments too.
—
【"Seriously? Y’all actually believe he’s Xiao Xue’s boyfriend?"】
【"If I remember correctly, she only ever posted about him once. Pretty sure he was just toying with her and ditched her ages ago."】
—
Lin Muxue didn’t even bother arguing—
Her eyebrow twitched violently, and a wave of panic flashed in her eyes.
Quickly tapping open the photo, a painfully familiar figure appeared on her screen.
A plain-colored T-shirt, a tall and muscular physique, a calm and intense gaze, and a handsome, refined face.
Tang Song.
In Shenzhen.
Her mind spun rapidly, piecing the situation together in seconds.
This socialite group wasn’t just for people from Yan City—it had members from all over the country, many of whom frequently traveled nationwide.
So it wasn’t surprising that Zi Yue and Heart Whisper happened to run into Tang Song at MixC Mall.
Back when Tang Song had taken her shopping at Xingyue City, he had gifted her a Vacheron Constantin Overseas watch.
At the time, she was so eager to show off and humiliate the doubters, she had posted a flood of luxury brand photos, even sharing a photo of Tang Song’s Bentley.
(Chapter 189: The Flex That Came Back to Bite Her.)
And now—
The boomerang had come flying back—
Smacking her straight in the face.
—
Lin Muxue wanted to slap herself.
And then—
A new message appeared.
—
【Zi Yue: "This is INSANE! Xiao Xue’s boyfriend was in the store for less than five minutes and bought a ¥200,000 crocodile leather bag!"】
【Zi Yue: "Wait, scratch that—he bought ALL THREE available colors! He took them ALL! My god!"】
The group chat exploded instantly.
LV’s exotic leather series had always been the ultimate socialite status symbol—something they all dreamed of owning.
—
【Heart Whisper: "@Xiao Xue, what a coincidence! Since we’re in the same city, Zi Yue and I are gonna go say hi~ 😊"】
【Zi Yue: "Don’t worry, don’t worry—we’re not trying to steal your man! We just wanna meet him. 😉"】
—
"Ahhhhhh!"
Lin Muxue groaned in frustration, clutching her head.
The biggest problem?
Tang Song wasn’t actually her boyfriend!
She had completely made that up.
She could already predict the disaster ahead—
First, Tang Song would deny being her boyfriend.
Then, the group chat would roast her alive, mocking her mercilessly.
After that, Tang Song would inevitably learn about her "fake socialite" identity—realizing that her "financially savvy, elegant intellectual" persona was all a front.
"Empress Muxue" would be utterly disgraced.
Her precious image would be shattered.
And who knew what Tang Song would think of her?
After all the effort she’d made to regain his favor, she was about to lose it all again.
What the hell do I do?!
Staring at the flurry of incoming messages, Lin Muxue’s brain went blank.
Her fingers hovered over her phone, tempted to call Tang Song—but she was too terrified to dial.
She could only sit there, tortured, waiting for the worst.
—
10 Minutes Later
"Bzzzzz—"
A new notification popped up.
—
【Zi Yue: "@Xiao Xue, your boyfriend is AMAZING! He gave us a silk scarf and two accessories as gifts after hearing we were your friends!"】
【Zi Yue: (Gift box photo.jpg)】
【Heart Whisper: "He even asked what color bags you like because he’s buying your Qixi Festival gift! OMG! I’m so jealous!"】
【Zi Yue: "I told him you love the LV Gilded Sahara, and guess what? HE BOUGHT IT. HE ACTUALLY BOUGHT IT."】
—
Lin Muxue’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Tang Song… acknowledged me as his girlfriend?!
And he’s getting me a Qixi Festival gift?!
A ¥200,000 LV Gilded Sahara?! The same one Xie Shuyu has?!
…Am I dreaming?!
She pinched her thigh hard.
"Hiss—!"
The sharp pain confirmed this was real.
Lin Muxue bit her lip, her body trembling with excitement.
And then—
"Bzzzzz—"
—
【Heart Whisper: "Just now, he also bought a Capucines Himalaya and some accessories—he’s already spent over a million. I almost had a heart attack watching!"】
【Zi Yue: "I overheard him telling the staff to deliver everything to his apartment at Shenzhen Bay No.1. That’s a top-tier luxury residence! @Xiao Xue, what’s his background?! We’re dying to know!"】
—
Taking a deep breath, Lin Muxue opened the chat and typed.
"Sorry, I was in a meeting. Just saw your messages. @Zi Yue @Heart Whisper, yep, he’s my boyfriend. He’s just in Shenzhen for a business trip. 😊"
Licking her lips, she added—
"Sigh, you two totally ruined the surprise. Now I know what he’s getting me. 🙃"
—
Watching the flood of envious and jealous comments, Lin Muxue’s legs crossed slightly, her face flushed with excitement.
Who would’ve thought?
She had just pulled off a 2000-kilometer-long flex.