Chapter 50: Picking Up the Car

April 24, 2023, Monday, Overcast, 8–13°C.

At 6:00 AM, Tang Song's excellent biological clock woke him up.

He changed into sportswear, drank a glass of warm water, used the restroom, smiled, and began his daily fasted cardio.

After breakfast and a short rest, he performed another half hour of posture training.

Tang Song packed his things and took a taxi to the Yancheng Baode BMW 4S dealership.

Due to the long distance and the morning rush hour, it took nearly half an hour to reach his destination.

As he walked through the sensor-activated glass doors, an enthusiastic saleswoman immediately approached him. "Hello, sir. How may I assist you?"

"Is Yu Qiuna from the sales department in? I have an appointment with her."

The saleswoman called out in a certain direction, "Nana, your client is here!"

Yu Qiuna, standing behind the counter, hurried over. She was in her early twenties with pretty features and medium-short hair. Dressed in a black women's suit skirt, she looked very professional and energetic.

Tang Song pulled his ID card from his pocket and handed it over. "Hello, I'm here to pick up my car."

Yu Qiuna took the ID and glanced at it. Her heart skipped a beat, and her expression instantly became animated. "Mr. Tang! Please wait in the lounge for a moment, and I will immediately arrange the delivery process for you."

"Alright, thank you."

Tang Song sat down on a large sofa in the corner, his eyes scanning the spacious, luxurious showroom and the rows of gleaming BMWs.

In his mind, he visualized his 330i M Sport Shadow Edition, impatient to see its true form.

After waiting about ten minutes, Yu Qiuna walked up quickly and leaned down beside him. "Mr. Tang, your new car has arrived in the delivery area. Let me take you there."

"Okay, thank you."

The brightly lit delivery area was decorated with various flowers, balloons, and ornaments. A car covered in a black dust cloth lay quietly waiting there.

The smooth, natural lines of the body were faintly visible, exuding a unique sense of beauty.

Yu Qiuna smiled and said, "Mr. Tang, would you like to unveil the dust cloth yourself? I can take some photos for your records."

"Sure, thanks for the trouble!" Tang Song nodded slightly. Since this was his first time experiencing a car delivery ceremony, it felt quite novel.

Gripping the soft-textured dust cloth, he pulled it back firmly, and the pitch-black, lustrous body of the car gradually revealed itself.

Positioned directly under the lights, the BMW 330i emitted a deep luster, much like obsidian—both steady and grand, yet elegant and dynamic.

The wide kidney grille resonated with the sharp headlights on either side, creating a strong visual impact.

The black paint made the body lines even more distinct, looking smooth, natural, and very exquisite.

Tang Song took a deep breath, feeling his heart rate accelerate.

"This is a standard wheelbase 330, 2.0T with 245 horsepower, rear-wheel drive.

The Carbon Black exterior paired with the Volcano Red interior is very beautiful.

360-degree panoramic imaging, 16 Harman Kardon speakers, Head-Up Display, Blue Beam headlights...

Most of the optional extras are fully loaded: 19-inch blackened alloy wheels, driver assistance system, winter package, comfort package..."

As Tang Song listened to the saleswoman's introduction, he inspected the car thoroughly, inside and out.

Once he confirmed everything was in order, he readily signed the acceptance form.

Immediately after, a clear voice came from behind him: "I'm sorry, Mr. Tang, I'm late!"

Tang Song turned around to see a man in his 30s walking toward him. He was wearing a suit uniform, had a tall, upright build, and his hair was meticulously styled.

Yu Qiuna's expression stiffened, and she quickly bowed to greet him. "General Manager Zhao!"

Hearing this title, Tang Song realized that this must be the Mr. Zhao who had helped him transfer the car from another city.

A warm smile spread across Mr. Zhao's face as he proactively extended his hand. "Hello, Mr. Tang. I am Zhao Wenyu, the Sales Director of Yancheng Baode Automotive Sales and Service Co. Thank you for your trust in our dealership. Please forgive us if there were any shortcomings in our service."

"Hello, Mr. Zhao."

The two shook hands lightly and exchanged a few brief pleasantries.

Zhao Wenyu gave him a detailed re-introduction of the car's specifications, finally adding, "To ensure you could get your car as soon as possible, we specifically contacted the headquarters to transfer a vehicle from Chengdu that matches your exact options and color scheme. I hope you are satisfied."

"Thank you, I am very satisfied."

"You are too kind! We have internal channels here, so we can handle the license plate and insurance for you before noon. If you aren't busy, you can head to the second-floor lounge for a while; they have billiards, a cinema room, massage chairs, coffee, and snacks."

Tang Song checked the time and smiled. "Alright."

Zhao Wenyu did not linger. He was a man of tact, making a good impression and showing his face before departing.

In the second-floor lounge, Tang Song was pleasantly surprised to find a large bookshelf.

It was neatly stocked with various literary works and fashion magazines.

After browsing for a while, he pulled out a copy of *The Old Man and the Sea*, sat in a massage chair, and began to read intently while sipping the coffee provided by the sales staff.

After a while, his phone suddenly rang.

Tang Song put down his book and checked his phone; it was a local landline number.

He answered the call.

A sweet voice came from the other end: "Hello, Tang Song, this is Tian Jing from the Human Resources Department. Is it a convenient time to talk?"

Tang Song raised an eyebrow. "It is."

...

Jinxiu Trading Co., Ltd.

Tian Jing sat in her office, her leg shaking nervously as she contemplated how to start the conversation.

This was the first time she had done something so distasteful since being promoted to Compensation Supervisor, and she was having a hard time overcoming her conscience.

After hesitating for a long time, she opened WeChat and entered a group named "2D Beauty."

The group was currently discussing styles of cosplay outfits.

She posted a message directly: "Help, help! @Qingqing @Yunyu, please help me, my workplace seniors! Something happened!"

Since it was during working hours and her tone was urgent, people replied quickly.

[Qingqing: "What's wrong, Xiaojing? Is someone bullying you at the company?"]

[Sisi: "Don't tell me it's workplace bullying... I'm still a student and I'm trembling with secondhand anxiety."]

[Tian Jing: "I'm in charge of compensation management now, right? The Technical Department Manager wants to 'discipline' an ordinary employee. My boss told me to talk to him. If he agrees to a 10% pay cut, he can stay; if not, he has to go through resignation procedures. I feel like this is so despicable, but I can't bring myself to say it. What should I do?"]

[Yunyu: "Hehe, isn't that a typical black-hearted boss? Xiaojing! Are you going to be an accomplice to tyranny!?"]

[Tian Jing: "But... it's my job. Our HR Director approved it. Similar things will definitely be pushed onto me in the future. I'm so distressed! How do you think I should bring it up so he doesn't feel so hurt?"]

[Yunyu: "Why don't you wear a maid cosplay outfit to talk to him? That might heal his wounded soul."]

[Sisi: "I have a high-slit one here, @Xiaojing, do you want it? 99 yuan including shipping!"]

...

A flood of teasing replies followed instantly, mentioning tails, bells, and belts.

Tian Jing's face turned bright red.

She typed furiously: "Eek! Shut up, you normie idiots! I'm talking about serious business! @Qingqing, don't you manage dozens of people at your company? Teach me, master!"

After a wait, Qingqing finally replied.

[Qingqing: "You can start by expressing your appreciation for his character and ability. Praise his strengths heavily. Chat with him like a friend to help him relax, and then gradually and tactfully reveal your true intention. With the recognition of a cute girl like you, I believe he will feel much better about it."]

Tian Jing read it seriously twice, finally feeling a bit more confident.

She picked up the desk phone and dialed the number.

(End of Chapter)