novelraw Chapter 406: Xiaoxue and the Beautician, A Man’s Romance
Chapter 406: Xiaoxue and the Beautician, A Man’s Romance
"Th-this... this... this..."
Yao Lingling ran her fingers over the Hermès Cape Cod watch.
The smooth, exquisite craftsmanship confirmed one thing—
Everything in front of her was real.
As a fashion designer, her professional background meant she was very familiar with luxury goods.
And not just her—
At least seven or eight other people in the room, who also worked in fashion, instantly recognized the value of these items.
After all, luxury brands often set the trends in high fashion and represented top-tier craftsmanship.
So when this gift box was fully revealed, their shock was completely justified.
"Senpai..."Yao Lingling lifted her gaze to Tang Song, her voice slightly hesitant.
"You’re not joking with me, are you? This is... way too much. I-I can't accept this."
As she spoke, she carefully closed the gift box.
Tang Song coming here was already the best surprise.
Whether or not he brought a gift didn’t matter—she was already overjoyed.
And this wasn’t just any gift.
This one was worth over 100,000 yuan—basically the price of a small car.
Their relationship was just friendship, and accepting something this extravagant made her feel on edge.
But then again—
When she had received his Su Yu concert tickets, she already had a gut feeling that this senpai wasn’t as simple as he appeared.
And now, this luxury gift box only confirmed her suspicions.
"But do you like it?"
Tang Song winked at her playfully.
Yao Lingling stammered, "Well… saying I don’t like it would be a lie… but…"
She hesitated.
"The truth is, I didn’t tell you about my birthday because I didn’t want to bother you. I was afraid I’d trouble you..."
"Well, as long as you like it."
Tang Song shook his head and gently patted her shoulder.
"The gift is already yours—I won’t take it back. It was always meant for you, so just accept it."
At those words—
Yao Lingling’s heartbeat skipped.
The Qixi Festival elements on this gift box were way too obvious.
If it wasn’t her birthday today,
would Tang Song still have given this to her?
She didn’t dare ask.
Just like she didn’t dare confess her feelings.
Ever since Tang Song completed his transformation on Little Red Book,
he had barely interacted with her there anymore.
At first, they still had sketch designs and fashion projects connecting them—
but once the clothing projects stopped,
she resorted to saving up money to buy a motorcycle and getting him a custom suit.
Their WeChat conversations weren’t that frequent either.
She could tell Tang Song was busy.
And more importantly—
He never hinted at any romantic interest.
Yet now—staring at this gift—
Her mind ran wild with thoughts.
How did Tang Song really see her?
"Lingling, if you don’t want it, I’ll take it!"
"Me too! Just one Hermès scarf, that’s all I ask!"
"Haha, I’ll settle for the Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet!"
Laughter erupted as playful voices filled the room.
"Who said I don’t want it?!"
Yao Lingling hugged the gift box tightly, took a deep breath, and said shyly but firmly,
"Thank you, Senpai, for the gift."
This was a Qixi Festival gift from Tang Song—
No way was she saying no.
As for owing him a favor?
She could use it as an excuse to return the favor later—
✔ Buying him gifts
✔ Making him custom clothes
✔ Treating him to meals
And if all else failed…
Lingling could always repay him… with her body.
Hehehe.
She snuck a glance at Tang Song’s handsome face and his tall, sculpted physique—
Then gulped.
What kind of girl wouldn’t want a senpai like this?!
Zhang Jiahong grinned. "Senpai, what do you want to drink? I’ll grab it for you!"
"I drove here, so just juice is fine."
"Got it!"
She quickly grabbed a can of orange juice and handed it over.
"Thanks, Jiahong."
Meanwhile, Li Shumin, who was finally recovering from the shock, hesitated before nudging Tang Song’s arm.
She lowered her voice, struggling to contain her awe.
"Senpai, is this gift box custom-made? It must have cost a fortune, right?"
Tang Song chuckled.
"It is custom-made, yeah. But I don’t actually know the exact price—it was a gift from a friend."
"Ohh, I see..."
Li Shumin exhaled deeply.
"Still, this has to be over 100,000 yuan in total—insanely expensive."
The concert tickets had already blown her mind last time.
Now, a luxury gift box?
There was no doubt about it—this senpai’s connections were insane.
And not just that—
He was also generous.
And, frankly, just a really nice guy.
She had witnessed his transformation on Little Red Book alongside Lingling.
Honestly, she admired him.
She even… had a bit of a crush.
Looking at the tall, handsome, and refined Tang Song—
Her face warmed up.
Now she totally understood why Lingling was so obsessed with him.
Tang Song was beyond good-looking.
His charisma alone outclassed someone like Xiao Mingxuan.
"Alright, it’s almost 7 PM! Lingling, come make a wish and blow out the candles! It’s cake time!"
Chen Wan clapped her hands, calling for attention.
"Coming!"
Yao Lingling cheerfully responded, carefully stowing away the gift box.
Soon—
The candles were lit, and the room’s lights dimmed.
As everyone sang "Happy Birthday",
Yao Lingling clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candles in one go.
"Pop! Pop!"
Colorful confetti exploded, fluttering down like a festive rain.
At the center of attention, Yao Lingling beamed with pure happiness.
Cheng Qiuqiu, watching silently, pressed her lips together—
Feeling a mix of admiration and something else.
It wasn’t just because Lingling had so many great friends.
It was also because—
She now had "Su Yu’s Little Twin Gift Box."
They had literally just been talking about it on WeChat—
And now, Lingling had one in her hands.
More importantly—
It was a gift from Tang Song.
"Qiuqiu, how did you and Lingling meet?"
A familiar voice suddenly spoke beside her.
Cheng Qiuqiu startled slightly, turning to see Tang Song.
After a slight pause, she answered,
"A university secondhand trading group in Yan City.
Mostly students from Tech University and Normal University."
"Oh, makes sense."
Tang Song nodded with a small smile.
Since both universities were in Yuhua District, just 2 kilometers apart,
it wasn’t surprising that students from both campuses often interacted.
Just then, Yao Lingling, now holding two slices of cake, approached with a grin.
"Senpai, Qiuqiu—wait, you two know each other?"
Tang Song nodded.
"Yeah, Qiuqiu is a UI designer at Linggan Design. We’ve worked together before."
"Whoa! That’s such a coincidence!"
Yao Lingling excitedly handed them the cake.
"Here, have some!"
"Thanks, Lingling."
Both of them took a bite of the cake at the same time.
And then—
"This is really good."
Watching Tang Song and Cheng Qiuqiu standing together—
Their movements and words perfectly in sync—
Yao Lingling blinked, feeling a tiny pang of jealousy.
Qiuqiu had the ideal "manga girl" body—
A nine-heads-tall proportion,
A tiny waist, a full chest, and long, slender limbs.
Standing next to Tang Song, the ultimate male god,
they looked exceptionally well-matched.
Lingling glanced at Qiuqiu’s D-cup, then looked down at her own A-cup.
She sighed helplessly.
This was one of the reasons why she always felt nervous and insecure around Tang Song.
Sigh.
If she could choose, who wouldn’t want bigger, fuller curves?
"Oh, Senpai!"
Yao Lingling suddenly wrapped an arm around Qiuqiu’s waist and said excitedly:
"The weather’s cooling down soon, and I was planning a cycling trip with Qiuqiu.
Since we’re all friends, why don’t we go together?"
Tang Song glanced at Cheng Qiuqiu, remembering the WeChat message she had sent him before.
He smiled.
"Sounds good."
"Awesome! It’s settled then!"
Yao Lingling clapped her hands, thrilled.
"This KTV has amazing sound quality and a huge song library.
We have to sing together later!"
She was a natural social butterfly—
And knowing that Qiuqiu and Tang Song were also friends made her even happier.
The lights flickered and danced,
casting colorful reflections on the walls and ceiling.
The music pulsed like crashing waves, filling the room with energy.
The birthday party was in full swing, bursting with laughter and joy.
Later...
After two duets with Lingling,
Cheng Qiuqiu hesitated for a long time,
then finally sat down beside Tang Song.
Lowering her voice, she asked,
"Tang Song, where did you get that gift box?"
Tang Song tossed his watermelon rind aside and turned to her with a grin.
"Because of Su Yu’s version?"
When that Qixi Festival gift box hit the trending charts at noon,
he had been teasing Xiaojing at the time.
Got a little too excited and accidentally squeezed her chest too hard.
Good thing his white-rich-beauty girlfriend didn’t mind.
She even got a bit excited herself, playfully twisting her hips while saying,
"Si mi ma sai~" (secretly, I’m yours~).
"Yeah..."
Cheng Qiuqiu nodded shyly.
"This one looks really expensive—I could never afford it.
I just wanted to know if there’s a similar box I could get for collecting things." ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novelꞁire.net
Tang Song studied her beautiful face for a moment—
Then said directly:
"I’ll give you a set."
"I have another one in my car—come down with me later and grab it."
"No, no, no!"
Cheng Qiuqiu frantically waved her hands,
causing her D-cup chest to bounce slightly.
"That’s not what I meant! Don’t misunderstand!"
Tang Song leaned in slightly,
breathing in the soft fragrance of her shower gel.
"I didn’t misunderstand."
He smirked.
"It’s Qixi Festival—think of it as my gift to you."
"Ah—!"
Cheng Qiuqiu let out a soft gasp,
her expression turning incredibly flustered.
"I really can’t accept it—it’s way too expensive!"
"Are you sure?"
Tang Song raised an eyebrow.
"This is Su Yu’s gift box—if you pass it up now, you won’t get another chance."
Cheng Qiuqiu firmly shook her head.
"I can’t take it."
"Alright, then."
Tang Song casually lifted a drink can,
giving it a small shake.
"Come on, let’s toast.
I really think we have great chemistry."
"The first time we met, you were on a motorcycle,
and I remember thinking—damn, this girl is gorgeous and badass.
Then we bumped into each other again at Shimmer Coffee HQ.
Then it was the music restaurant, where I saw you performing with your band.
And then again, in the cycling club event."
Hearing his compliments, Cheng Qiuqiu’s cheeks warmed up slightly.
Good thing the dim lighting concealed it.
"Clink—"
Their drinks touched.
Cheng Qiuqiu took a sip of the cold beer and murmured,
"Yeah... We really do have great chemistry."
Even she found it strange.
Tonight marked the fourth time they had randomly run into each other.
At first, there had been misunderstandings.
Then minor conflicts.
Then biking trips and a duet performance.
Somehow, every time she saw him,
he had changed—improving, growing, evolving.
"Tell you what."
Tang Song leaned back slightly.
"I’ll hold onto the gift box for you.
Whenever you change your mind, come and get it."
Then, glancing at his watch,
he stood up.
"I’ve got to go—got something else lined up later.
I’ll go say bye to Lingling."
Watching Tang Song’s tall figure,
Cheng Qiuqiu felt a small, unfamiliar tug in her chest.
She wanted to say something—
But in the end, she simply nodded calmly.
"Goodbye—drive safe."
Tang Song flashed a dazzling smile,
then, unable to resist,
gently patted her head.
"See you."
Outside Shunmeng KTV
"Ah? Senpai, you’re leaving already?"
Yao Lingling’s eyebrows drooped slightly, but she quickly brightened.
"Let me walk you out!"
"Sure."
Tang Song nodded—
After all, his task wasn’t completed yet.
She waved to her friends, then followed Tang Song out the door.
As the private room door closed behind them,
the noise suddenly faded.
They walked side by side on the soft carpet, stepping out of Shunmeng KTV.
Glancing at Tang Song,
Yao Lingling swung her arms playfully and said in a cheerful voice:
"Senpai, seriously—thank you so much for tonight!
You really gave me the biggest surprise!"
She grinned.
"I’ll treat you to a bunch of meals later, so I can properly thank you.
And don’t even think about refusing!"
Suddenly—
Tang Song stopped in his tracks.
"Lingling."
His voice was calm.
"You didn’t even tell me it was your birthday.
That... actually made me a little sad.
I’ve always thought of you as a really good friend."
"I—"
Yao Lingling’s expression turned panicked.
"Senpai, please don’t misunderstand!
I just... I just didn’t want to interrupt your Qixi plans.
I didn’t want to trouble you."
In her flustered state,
she even bowed slightly.
"I’m sorry!"
Seeing how anxious she was,
Tang Song lightly tapped her shoulder.
"Tell you what—
Say something nice about me,
and I’ll forgive you."
"Huh?"
She froze, then finally realized—
Senpai was joking.
Relieved, she beamed.
"Senpai is the most handsome, most charming guy I’ve ever met!
Especially this outfit today—absolute perfection!"
"Alright, you’re forgiven."
Tang Song grinned, then casually pointed at her perky hips.
"Jiahong told me you’ve been training your glutes lately.
Looking good."
Hearing Tang Song’s words, Yao Lingling’s face lit up with joy.
"Thank you, Senpai! Then I won’t hold back!"
As they reached the elevator,
she couldn’t hide the reluctance in her expression.
The LED screen showed the numbers counting down,
but she wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
Tang Song glanced at her, then suddenly smiled.
"Lingling, close your eyes. Before I leave, I have one last surprise for you."
"A surprise?"
Lingling looked up at his deep, unreadable gaze.
Her face flushed as she instinctively looked away.
"Do you want it or not?"
Trying to sound casual and bold, she replied,
"Of course! Anything Senpai gives me, I’ll take it.
Worst case—I’ll just repay you later."
Saying that, she closed her eyes in anticipation,
even stretching out her hand.
Tang Song lowered his head, leaning in closer and closer.
A faint, youthful fragrance mixed with hints of alcohol, skincare products, and sweat reached his nose.
It wasn’t overpowering—
but it was intoxicatingly fresh and sweet.
His warm breath brushed against her cheek.
Her long lashes trembled slightly.
Curious, she peeked open her left eye.
And saw—
His face was just inches away from hers.
Under the soft lighting,
she could even see the fine peach fuzz on his skin.
His tall, sculpted nose lightly brushed against the corner of her eye.
Then, he gently kissed her cheek.
【Task Progress: 7/9】
Lingling’s entire body shuddered violently.
It felt like an electric current had exploded inside her, racing through her veins.
Her eyes went comically wide.
Her mouth formed a perfect ‘O’.
Even her eyebrows twitched uncontrollably—
making her look both shocked and ridiculously cute.
"S-senpai…?"
"One more time—happy birthday, my cyber girlfriend.
Bye-bye, I’m leaving now."
Tang Song waved,
then stepped into the elevator.
As the elevator doors slowly closed,
Lingling stood there in a daze,
her hand pressing against her cheek—
the exact spot where his warm lips had touched.
Her heart pounded wildly.
Oh my god.
Who the hell can handle this?!
Nightfall – Yanjing Tiancheng Residence
The silver Mercedes-Benz smoothly pulled into the underground parking lot.
After parking, Tang Song sent a quick message to Zhao Yaqian.
Then, he took the elevator straight to the 20th floor.
Surprisingly—
Not once today had his beautician girlfriend disturbed him.
She had only sent him a "Happy Qixi" message on WeChat,
along with a photo dump of her daily routine.
Such an understanding and considerate Yaqian.
It made him feel both guilty and deeply affectionate.
Tonight, he had to make it up to her properly.
Of course, there was also Xiaoxue.
As the apartment door opened,
the living room was silent and spotless.
No trace of anyone’s presence.
Tang Song walked down the bright, spacious hallway,
then pushed open the master bedroom door.
Suddenly—
Soft, sensual music began to play.
Tang Song looked up,
and his eyes locked onto the scene in front of him.
His gaze turned slightly dazed.
The vast master bedroom was illuminated only by two warm ambient lights.
A brand-new version of his beautician girlfriend stood by the floor-to-ceiling window.
Her long, silky hair was styled into adorable twin ponytails.
She wore a golden strapless mini dress,
tightly hugging her curvaceous figure—
every sensual curve perfectly accentuated.
Beneath the short hemline,
black stockings wrapped around her long, porcelain-white legs,
exuding an aura of endless seduction.
On her left ankle,
the Vow Anklet glistened like a collection of tiny celestial stars.
Outside the window, the city’s neon lights flickered softly,
casting a dreamlike glow around her silhouette.
The music flowed smoothly,
like a gentle stream meandering through the room.
She swayed her slender waist,
like a spring breeze caressing a lake’s surface, sending ripples across the water.
A small section of her toned, exposed thigh shimmered under the light—
the very definition of temptation.
She tilted her delicate chin slightly,
her eyes locking onto Tang Song’s.
A blend of shyness and boldness danced in her gaze.
Then—
she began to dance.
Her movements were graceful yet provocative,
her hands gliding over her waist,
brushing against her cheeks,
each motion dripping with sensuality and allure.
Tang Song stepped forward,
his heated gaze drinking her in.
Tight dress.
Attack speed heels.
Stockings with strategic openings.
Conveniently grabbable twin ponytails.
Topped off with that hypnotic dance…
All buffs activated.
As the music faded to an end,
she glided toward him, her steps slow and deliberate.
A delicate fragrance filled his senses.
Her body brushed against his,
moving softly yet deliberately,
twisting and pressing against him.
"Hubby, Happy Qixi. I love you."
Her voice was breathy, filled with longing.
Tang Song grabbed her firmly,
his lips sealing onto hers—
his hands already exploring,
as if trying to melt her into himself.
For ten full minutes,
they lost themselves in a deep, passionate kiss.
His heart pounded, his desire surging—
but somehow, he held back.
"Wait—"
He breathed heavily, "I still haven’t given you your gift."
She pouted adorably,
licking his cheek before collapsing onto the sofa.
Her eyes misty with longing,
she murmured, "Okay, Hubby. I’ll wait."
Tang Song strode into the walk-in closet,
retrieved two Qixi Festival gift boxes,
then returned to the bedroom.
Setting one of the boxes before her,
he whispered, "Happy Qixi, baby. I love you."
She gently opened the gift,
her eyes instantly lighting up with pure happiness.
She caressed each item with delight,
then gazed up at him,
her voice sweet and soft.
"I love it—"
Her tone emphasized "love" three times.
【Task Progress: 8/9】
Tang Song kissed her forehead,
his hands roaming once again.
But then—
he suddenly remembered.
"Where’s Xiaoxue? I haven’t given her her gift yet."
"She’s in the guest room," Yaqian giggled.
"She wanted to give us some privacy, since it’s Qixi Festival."
Then, she leaned forward,
nipping playfully at his earlobe.
"But she’s been acting really weird today.
I think she’s hiding something.
Why don’t we… drag her out and interrogate her together?"
Tang Song took a sharp breath.
"You wait here."
Then, without hesitation,
he marched toward the guest room.
"Click—"
The door swung open forcefully.
On the bed, Lin Muxue flinched,
her heart racing wildly.
But still, she forced herself to remain composed,
lifting her chin in an attempt to appear elegant and unshaken.
Who dares to claim invincibility? Who dares to call themselves undefeated?
Just moments ago, Lin Muxue had felt like she was on top of the world.
But in the blink of an eye, she was back to being "Xiaoxue."
Seeing Tang Song at the door,
a sense of unease crept into her heart.
She even started regretting some of her previous little schemes—
especially the ones targeting Wen Ruan and the others.
Maybe the smartest strategy wasn’t competition—
but rather sticking together.
Because with someone like Su Yu looming over them,
who knew when she’d crush them all with ease?
At this point—
Lin Muxue wasn’t even sure what kind of man she had gotten herself involved with.
Even looking at Tang Song now, she felt a little nervous.
"Happy Qixi."
Tang Song's voice pulled her from her thoughts.
"Happy Qixi."
Lin Muxue smiled, a bit awkwardly.
She reached for the Gucci gift box beside her, then walked toward him.
"I got you a briefcase. It’s not that expensive, so... don’t mind it too much."
The GG embossed leather bag had cost her nearly half her savings.
At this moment, it was all she could afford.
"Thanks," Tang Song said, taking the gift.
"I left your present in the master bedroom—come with me to get it."
His heated gaze lingered on her elegantly styled outfit.
She had clearly dressed up for the occasion.
Lin Muxue hesitated.
She licked her lips and whispered,
"Um... today’s Qixi Festival. Maybe you should spend more time with Yaqian?"
Tang Song raised an eyebrow, instantly noticing her hesitation.
She seemed a bit... nervous.
Almost like she was afraid of him.
He thought for a moment—
Then, without another word, he reached out and took her hand.
"Ah—"
Lin Muxue let out a soft gasp.
Her breath hitched, and her body instinctively tensed before gradually relaxing.
A faint warmth spread through the air.
Tang Song knew her too well.
Even the smallest gestures were enough to unravel her composure.
He leaned in, placing a light kiss on her lips.
Then, his gaze met hers.
"Yes or no?"
A deep flush crept up Lin Muxue’s face.
Her knees felt weak, her heartbeat erratic.
"...Yes."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
She could hardly stand straight.
Tang Song smirked.
Without hesitation, he scooped her up in his arms.
She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck,
her eyes shimmering as she murmured,
"I love you."
Her voice was so soft, it was nearly lost in the air.
Tonight was her Qixi Festival too.
No matter how Tang Song saw her,
to her, she was still his.
Master Bedroom – A New Challenge
The door to the master bedroom swung open.
Tang Song’s sharp gaze took in the scene before him—
Lin Muxue, in Balenciaga stockings and Valentino studded heels.
And just across the room—
Zhao Yaqian, dressed in a fitted bodysuit, her twin ponytails swaying slightly.
Tang Song let out a deep breath.
He knew one thing for sure—
Tonight was going to be a challenge.
But thankfully, he had the ultimate advantage.
Without it—
even he might struggle to keep up.
He opened his system inventory.
Selected [Recovery Potion].
And activated it immediately.
In an instant—
The exhaustion from the long day vanished.
His body felt completely rejuvenated.
The fatigue, the strain—gone.
His strength was back to its peak.
Like waking up refreshed after the perfect night’s sleep.
Tang Song cracked his knuckles, a confident smirk forming.
Valentino heels on one side.
Balenciaga stockings on the other.
Twin ponytails right in front of him.
This... was a man’s kind of romance.