Chapter 33: If Life Had a Switch

"BGM: It's you, it's you The youth behind me is all you Painting my mountains and flowing streams For me, the next torrential rain..."

The music danced in her ears, and sunlight filtered through the car window, dappling the interior.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Zhao Yaqian munched on crispy potato chips, her body swaying slowly to the rhythm, occasionally humming along.

The car's audio system had been meticulously modified by Gao Mengting, and the actual experience was superb.

The front soundstage featured a Rainbow three-way system, the rear was Audi PAI, and there was a JL Audio 10TW3 subwoofer. Combined with the soundproofing modifications to the door panels, listening to music was a pure indulgence.

According to Li Mingjun, the three-frequency connection was balanced, authentically restoring the original sound of the music.

Noticing Tang Song's occasional glances, Zhao Yaqian subconsciously smoothed her bangs, took a sip of lime juice, and whispered, "Brother Song, do I sing terribly? My best friend says I'm tone-deaf and never takes me singing."

The corners of Tang Song's mouth curled up. "Your voice is very pleasant. No matter how you sing, it won't be bad; it's much better than mine."

Zhao Yaqian shifted her body, saying bashfully, "It's alright, I guess."

Ever since they met, Tang Song had been complimenting her—from her makeup to her outfit, from her eating mannerisms to her voice.

This made Zhao Yaqian blush slightly.

When it came to her figure and looks, she was indeed very confident; she had many pursuers in school and many more in the half-year since she started working.

But beyond that, she lacked any real talent.

Drawing, singing, dancing, eloquence...

All of them were mediocre.

Even if she were to become an influencer or streamer, she could only rely on "edge-pushing" content.

A friend had advised her as much before, but Zhao Yaqian had just graduated from high school then and couldn't bring herself to face it.

She had wanted to learn a trade to make big money.

Because she loved skincare and cosmetics, she had chosen the path of an aesthetician.

"Brother Song, you work in IT. What is your daily routine like? Are you very busy? 996?" Zhao Yaqian crossed her legs and turned her face to look at him.

Tang Song's gaze instinctively fell upon her legs, but he quickly looked back ahead.

"It's not that exaggerated; there are slow periods, but when rushing to launch a project, 997 is even possible. When I first started working, to gain my manager's recognition and fix bugs, I often pulled all-nighters..."

"No wonder your skin isn't great. That kind of schedule, combined with a lack of proper care, is a huge blow to oily skin like yours."

"Yeah, so I'm working hard to adjust now. I'll need Teacher Zhao's help."

"Actually, my skill level isn't that high, and I don't have much experience. When I first joined, Sister Li, who mentored me, often called me an idiot, and the boss would dock my performance pay when distributing salaries."

"That's just because they are jealous of your beauty."

Zhao Yaqian nodded with a beaming smile. "I really am the prettiest in our shop, so the boss always has me work part-time at the front desk to receive guests."

...

"BGM: Relax and slowly ascend Making a dream inside the covers There's too much noise outside Saying don't wanna know..."

The song on the music player changed again.

Amidst the golden sunlight, the Wuling Hongguang made a turn, driving from east to west toward its destination in the distant suburbs.

The car interior, devoid of artificial fragrance, was filled with the fresh scent of Zhao Yaqian.

Following the guidance of his "cyber-strategists," Tang Song kept the car speed as slow as possible, chatting with Zhao Yaqian about their work and pasts, enjoying the pleasure of their private time.

The scenery flashed past the windows as the city's clamor gradually faded behind them.

The smile on Zhao Yaqian's face grew wider.

From time to time, she would point at a uniquely styled building and ask what it was.

Having been in Yancheng for over half a year, this was her first time going out for a trip.

In the past, when she wasn't busy, she would go shopping, watch movies, or eat delicious food with He Liting and the others.

This was the first time she had ever truly let everything go and enjoyed the pleasure of traveling.

It seemed as though every turn and acceleration of the car brought her joy.

Music and scenery intertwined, as if the cozy Wuling Hongguang were traveling through a painting.

She turned her head, looking at her programmer friend's profile—which rose and fell like mountain peaks—and said with a smile, "Brother Song, this is the happiest day I've had since I started working."

"As long as you're happy." Tang Song pointed to a cluster of buildings in the distance. "We're almost at our destination. At this time of year, it's very beautiful here; you'll definitely love it."

"Mhm!" Zhao Yaqian's eyes sparkled.

After parking in the western lot, the two stepped out of the car one after another.

Bathed in sunlight, Zhao Yaqian hopped in place and took a long stretch, her slender waist looking exceptionally fair and alluring.

Tang Song picked up a travel backpack from the back seat, pulled out a small bottle of sunscreen spray, and handed it to her. "The UV rays are quite strong today; I'm not sure if you've applied any."

Zhao Yaqian accepted it with pleasant surprise, saying happily, "Thank you, thank you! You're a lifesaver. I really didn't prepare for this."

Having said that, she hurriedly sprayed it over her arms, long legs, and neck.

She had been in such a rush this morning that she had only applied a layer of sunscreen to her face; she had been worried about her legs getting tanned.

*Brother Song is so thoughtful!*

"No need to be so polite. Let's go!" Tang Song smiled and beckoned her.

It was already past 9:30 AM, and tourists were beginning to arrive outside the park.

The two walked along the clean asphalt road toward the South Gate.

Under the blue sky and white clouds, the cluster of buildings, filled with ancient and elegant charm, was right before their eyes.

White walls, blue tiles, and horse-head walls, surrounded by green waters and mountains.

After scanning the code to enter, the two had no set itinerary; they simply walked wherever looked beautiful, following their whims.

Layered buildings and courtyards, high ridges and flying eaves, winding paths and corridors, pavilions and terraces, lush flowers and greenery.

The Huizhou-style park, steeped in the rich charm of Jiangnan, unfolded before them bit by bit.

The sun rose higher.

"Wow! This sun hat is so beautiful, I love it! Thank you for the gift, Brother Song!"

"You even brought strawberries! They're so big! Mmm! So sweet!"

...

They walked and stopped, passing through various courtyards and exhibition halls.

Tang Song held his phone, occasionally taking photos for Zhao Yaqian while also capturing the beautiful scenery that possessed a unique Jiangnan ink-wash aesthetic.

Her perfect proportions, beautiful face, and bright smile, paired with windows, flying eaves, Huizhou carvings, moon beams, column bases, and corbels...

His phone album quickly became colorful and diverse.

"Thanks for the treats, Brother Song. This is the most delicious meat floss roll I've ever had."

"I can't do this anymore, I've eaten too much. If I eat any more, I'll get fat!"

"Zero sugar, zero fat, zero calories sparkling water? Brother Song, are you Doraemon?"

...

The remote "spellcasting" from hundreds of cyber-strategists gave the novice Zhao Yaqian a small shock.

In her entire life, this was the first time she had felt such a warmth deep in her heart.

Unconsciously, her gaze toward Tang Song grew brighter, and the smile on her face grew wider.

The gloom and worries of recent times vanished completely.

She opened WeChat, picked out a few of her most satisfying photos—some of the road, some of Tang Song, some of herself, and some of the scenery—and shared them directly to her Moments.

The caption read: "If life had a switch, then the appearance of a friend would be the 'one-click happiness' button!"

(End of Chapter)