Chapter 15: Du Shaokai's Little Scheme

Thursday, April 13, 2023. Cloudy turning to light rain.

Jinxiu Trading Co., Ltd.

"Good morning, everyone!" Guo Peng walked into the office area humming a tune, an irrepressible excitement on his face.

"Morning, Brother Peng! I heard you took two days off to buy a car. Did you drive it in today?"

"What kind of car did you get? You didn't even post it on your Moments."

As soon as these words were uttered, they hit exactly where Guo Peng wanted to show off.

He hurriedly pulled his phone from his pocket and shared the photos he had taken that morning to the group chat. "Hehe, everyone, take a look and see if it's worth it. A 2013 Honda Civic, landed for 36,000 yuan. My cousin runs a repair shop; he helped me find it."

"The condition looks really good, and it's a high-trim version. That price is quite a steal."

"Pearl white, a classic color combo."

"Not bad, a 'Ferrari Civic'!"

The employees in the Technical Department were mostly young people who frequently discussed cars, and many among them were enthusiasts. They immediately began to debate.

Guo Peng smiled proudly, his face beaming with excitement. "Automatic transmission, one female owner, practically brand new! 1.8L displacement, three large screens, leather seats, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel..."

As he spoke, he continued to send detailed photos of the car to the group.

It was evident that Guo Peng cherished this second-hand car immensely.

The interior and exterior were wiped clean; fragrances, seat covers, cushions, and ornaments were all neatly arranged, and a red ribbon was even tied to the rearview mirror.

"Congratulations, Brother Guo, on your new ride," Tang Song added with a sincere compliment, a hint of envy in his eyes.

He was also very interested in cars and had obtained his driver's license during university.

However, after graduation, his priority was saving money for a house. He didn't even dare consider a second-hand car and could only satisfy his curiosity by browsing online.

After chatting with his colleagues about his new car, Guo Peng turned back to Tang Song, and his eyes widened instantly.

He leaned in close to Tang Song, looking astonished. "It's only been a few days since we last met, how do you feel like you've changed so much? You've lost weight, and you got a new haircut! Oh no, why do I feel like you've become a bit handsome!"

Today was Thursday. He had taken three days of annual leave, which, combined with the weekend, meant he hadn't seen Tang Song for about five or six days, yet the change was palpable.

The puffiness on his face had vanished, his double chin had become very slight, and his stomach was much flatter.

His overall physique had shrunk by a size, and combined with his clearer skin and new haircut, he indeed looked more handsome.

"How about I send you my schedule? It's actually not that hard," Tang Song said with a wink to Guo Peng.

"No, no, no, I'm not that hardcore! Three fat-loss meals a day, climbing stairs, running, jumping rope, fat-burning aerobics..." Guo Peng waved his hands dismissively.

The corners of Tang Song's mouth curled up slightly, and he said nothing more.

The person who can best perceive one's own changes is always oneself.

Having passed the body's adaptation period, his weight loss rhythm was becoming smoother and smoother.

His daily routine—sleep, diet, exercise, and reading—was orderly and strictly executed.

He had fallen into a unique state of positive feedback, desperately pushing toward his goal.

As of now, his weight had dropped to 82.5kg, a total loss of 7.5kg, or 15 jin.

What does 15 jin represent? It would take a long time to eat that much if it were pork.

He was only 1.5kg away from his goal!

He opened the system interface.

【Charisma: 28】

Due to the improvement in his physical fitness and the drop in weight, his charisma value had increased by another 1 point.

He was only 2 points away from unlocking the first-stage reward.

He entered the 【Task Center】 to check his progress.

【Challenge Task: Restraint and Perseverance】

【Task Content: Obesity significantly increases the body's burden and the incidence of various diseases. Challenge: Lose 9kg within 20 days to return to a normal weight range.】

【Task Reward: Lung Strengthening Potion *1】

【Task Progress: 83% (8 days remaining)】

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According to his current progress, he would likely complete the task the day after tomorrow and obtain the long-awaited 【Lung Strengthening Potion】.

By then, his charisma would surely increase again, meaning 30 charisma points were within reach!

Tang Song took a deep breath, trying to calm his excited heart.

...

After lunch.

As usual, Tang Song went downstairs to walk around the Linjin Building to aid digestion.

His mind was still processing the skincare tutorial Zhao Yaqian had sent him yesterday.

Once he successfully lost weight, besides fitness and body sculpting, this would be his next major project for self-improvement.

The netizens had only given him suggestions; the actual implementation was very complex and required someone's help.

Thinking of this, Tang Song took out his phone and sent a message to Zhao Yaqian: "Qianqian, are you free tonight? I'd like to treat you to dinner and ask for some advice regarding acid exfoliation."

As he put his phone away, someone suddenly tapped him on the shoulder.

His colleague, Du Shaokai, familiarly threw an arm around his neck and said enthusiastically, "Old Tang, I knew you were downstairs. I have something to discuss with you, want to chat?"

"Go ahead," Tang Song said, his brow furrowing slightly, his expression neutral.

When he first joined the company, his impression of this colleague had been quite good.

Both were 2020 graduates of Yancheng University of Science and Technology. Although they were in different majors, they were familiar faces.

Du Shaokai looked refined and handsome on the outside, spoke very enthusiastically, and would occasionally treat him to meals.

Because of this, Tang Song had helped him a lot during work hours.

When Du Shaokai had asked him for guidance on the architecture and data structures of the SCM system, Tang Song had not held anything back.

He hadn't expected to be stabbed in the back so ruthlessly, losing the maintenance work of the project to him.

Although Director Chen said it was for effective team division of labor, Tang Song didn't believe it for a second.

Anyone in the workplace understands that to establish oneself in a company and avoid being laid off, one must be involved in core, profitable business.

And the company's new SCM system was undoubtedly such a project.

Du Shaokai shrugged and said with a smile, "The HR department wants to add a new module to the SCM. I've been too busy lately. I'll send the requirement document to you later; find some time to get it done."

Tang Song suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked at him with an amused expression. "Do you think that's appropriate?"

Du Shaokai smiled nonchalantly. "With your ability, I think working overtime on the weekend is quite appropriate."

Hearing this, Tang Song instantly understood his petty scheme.

Du Shaokai had been working at Jinxiu Trading since graduation, only responsible for maintaining a few enterprise sites; his skill level was actually quite poor.

If he were to do the secondary development of the SCM system, a single module would take at least a month.

But if it were Tang Song, it would take a week at most.

In Du Shaokai's mind, using him as cheap labor was the most "appropriate" option.

"How about I treat you to a foot massage at Yunxianju?" Du Shaokai raised an eyebrow. "I bet you've never been to a place like that. I guarantee you'll love it; you can pick any technician you want."

"Heh." Tang Song twisted his body, took a few steps forward, and shook off his arm. "I'm busy."

The expression on Du Shaokai's face froze slightly, and his tone turned a bit colder. "Old Tang, you can put your other tasks aside for a moment. This project has the highest priority. By the way, Director Chen has agreed to this."

(End of Chapter)