Chapter 34: Getting Closer Bit by Bit

Joy Island, outside the parking lot.

A white Audi A4L was moving forward in a queue.

The man in the driver's seat suddenly tapped the brakes.

"What's wrong, honey?" his girlfriend, sitting in the passenger seat, hurriedly looked up and asked.

The man pointed to a Wuling Hongguang ahead to the side and said with a hint of nostalgia, "Seeing the same model I used to drive... it makes me feel a bit sentimental."

"What's there to be nostalgic about with that piece of junk? I don't get it," his girlfriend pouted, a look of disdain flashing across her face.

"Don't look down on it; it carried a heavy burden. When I was just starting out, I built everything bit by bit with that car," the man said with a light chuckle, shaking his head as he patted the steering wheel. "Only because of that did I get this Audi, and only because of that could I have such a beautiful girlfriend like you."

He came from an ordinary background. Relying on odd jobs, he earned his first pot of gold, partnered with friends to start a small company, and bought a Wuling Hongguang S.

He used it to carry people and goods, braving wind and rain.

Just before the Lunar New Year last year, he finally upgraded from a "musket to a cannon" by buying this A4L. He had become quite the local celebrity in his village, and a couple of days ago, he had finally pursued and won the heart of his long-time high school crush.

The girlfriend glanced at him and smiled. "If you were still driving that Wuling, I wouldn't even be ashamed to go out with you. You wouldn't even be able to face me."

"Haha, that's all in the past. I'm just reminiscing."

The girlfriend smoothed her long hair, crossing her legs slightly, and said with an air of entitlement, "Could the passenger seat of that Wuling ever compare to me? With a girlfriend as beautiful as this, would you have the heart to let her sit in a car like that? Don't you think it would be disrespectful to her?"

The man quickly played along to please her. "You're right. Xiao Ru, your legs are so long, you need at least a B-segment car to fit comfortably."

"Hmph, at least you know what's what," the girlfriend said, stretching her legs out with a triumphant look.

The man gave a simple, honest smile and said nothing more.

This girlfriend was his "white moonlight" from his student days—while not conventionally stunning, she had a slim waist, long legs, and a great figure. She had been one of the driving forces behind his years of struggle.

After parking the car in the shady, tree-lined parking lot, the man stepped out quickly. He took the grill, ingredients, and picnic mat from the trunk and placed them one by one into the camping trolley.

"This season is the best time for camping and BBQ here at Joy Island."

The woman, clutching her handbag, applied lipstick to herself, showing no intention of helping. "I'll be looking to your skills next. Let me tell you now, I'm very picky. If it doesn't taste good, you'll have to drive off immediately to buy me something ready-made."

"Haha, alright, I'll do my best."

They had barely exchanged a few words when a white Wuling Hongguang slowly drove up and parked in the space next to them.

It was evident that the driver was somewhat inexperienced at reversing; the parking was uneven, and they were clumsily trying to adjust.

Unable to help himself, the man stood by the rear of the car and enthusiastically helped direct them. "Forward, turn the wheel left, good, straighten up! Back, back, back! OK! Stop! Perfect!"

The girlfriend frowned, gave him an annoyed slap, and shouted, "I'm hungry!"

"Oh, oh, coming!" The man hurriedly went back to packing.

Charcoal, alcohol gel, tissues, drinks...

*Click—* The door of the Wuling Hongguang opened.

The man instinctively glanced over, and his expression froze instantly.

A youthful and vibrant figure hopped out from the passenger seat.

Platform sneakers, calf-high socks, and a denim skirt accentuated a pair of perfect, long legs. She wore a pink sun-protection jacket and a lace sun hat. Her figure was sexy, her features were sharp and exquisite, and her skin looked flawless. She possessed an aura of "pure desire."

The girl smiled and waved at them, handing over a bottle of yogurt with a bright smile. "Thanks for the help, big brother."

It wasn't until this "pure desire" girl stood in front of them that the man realized she was significantly taller than him. Standing before her, his girlfriend suddenly seemed quite unremarkable.

"It was nothing, no need," the man said quickly, declining.

Tang Song also walked to the rear of the car, took the yogurt from Zhao Yaqian's hand, and placed it directly into their camping trolley.

He smiled and said, "Just take it, thanks."

Zhao Yaqian scanned the surroundings and said excitedly, "It's so beautiful here! Let's hurry up and set up."

As she spoke, she stood beside Tang Song, helping him move things out of the trunk.

"These fried skewers and pizza are still warm, how nice."

"I'll take this bag of drinks, Brother Song, you have enough in your hands."

"This car is great; it holds so much in the trunk and still has so much space left."

"Next time, we should follow this big brother's lead and bring a grill too."

...

Perhaps because she had completely resolved her recent inner turmoil, Zhao Yaqian seemed exceptionally lively and talkative.

The girlfriend nearby, perhaps remembering her previous mockery, saw her expression shift. With a "Hmph," she kicked the man's shin and walked straight toward the park.

The man's movements involuntarily paused.

He looked at the Wuling Hongguang, then at the sexy beauty, and then at the owner of the Wuling. His mind was a mess, and he didn't immediately chase after his girlfriend.

***

1:00 PM.

The two chose a clean patch of grass, spread out the picnic mat, and laid out the prepared food. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled shadows on the ground.

Zhao Yaqian sat cross-legged on the grass in excitement, holding a starch sausage and a chicken skewer in her left hand and a cheese pizza in her right. As she feasted, she shared funny stories from her school days with Tang Song. Laughter was constant.

Once full, Zhao Yaqian lay on her side on the picnic mat, resting her head on a pillow Tang Song had brought, her fair fingers playing with the emerald blades of grass. A gentle breeze brought waves of fresh fragrance, making her feel drowsy.

Tang Song's gaze uncontrollably swept over her denim skirt, and as expected, he saw her black leggings. His eyes then drifted to her full, smooth thighs. They were beautiful.

Noticing the subtle gazes of some men nearby, Tang Song decisively took off his jacket and covered Zhao Yaqian's thighs. He added casually, "The river breeze is a bit cold."

Zhao Yaqian froze, seemingly realizing something. Her face flushed slightly, and she whispered, "Thanks, Brother Song."

Leaving Joy Island, they drove to the Yancheng Botanical Garden. In April, the garden was full of spring vitality and blooming flowers. They strolled along forest paths, attended several interesting cultural exhibitions, and admired cherry blossoms, begonias, and peonies...

*Click!* Just before the shutter sounded, Zhao Yaqian proactively tilted her head toward Tang Song, her cheek brushing his shoulder. Standing before a sea of blooming tulips, they completed their first photo together.

"The lady is so photogenic! The pictures are gorgeous!"

"How do you maintain your skin? It's amazing!"

The college students helping with the photos were very enthusiastic. They chatted with Zhao Yaqian for a while, gaining some skincare secrets.

Around 6:00 PM.

Music played randomly through the car's audio system. Zhao Yaqian seemed tired; her eyes were half-closed as she leaned against the seat.

*BGM: Lately I've been in a great mood, I don't know why... I have this feeling, I want to sing it to you...*

The Wuling Hongguang slowly drove out of the botanical garden, rolling through the twilight streets, heading toward the magnificent sunset on the horizon, and merging into the city's traffic.

*BGM: The distance between us seems to be closing bit by bit... Is it because you also have special feelings for me...*

"Ding! Congratulations, Player. Branch Mission [My First Car] has been completed."

(End of Chapter)