Love in the Fast Lane - Novelbike

Qi Xiaomeng also went home for the New Year. According to the complaints she and Mo Zihan exchanged over sneaky text messages, staying at home was nothing short of a nightmare. On the worst day, she had three arranged dates.

Mo Zihan laughed and asked how it went, and Qi Xiaomeng angrily responded, “How do you think it went? The decent-looking guys only thought about where to go at night. The ones with poor prospects wondered if we had been ditched by someone else or were tired of playing with some second-generation rich kids and now wanted a change of taste. Disgusting, really disgusting. I just wish I could go back to my little den right now, at least no one there would disgust me face to face.”

Because of this, Mo Zihan mentioned her return date, so Qi Xiaomeng decided to come back that day as well. She repeatedly stated that this time, she was determined to arduously find a good man and just settle down.

As for whether Qi Xiaomeng could actually find a satisfactory good man, Mo Zihan had no particular thought. But since Qi Xiaomeng was coming back today, she had to call and ask if she had arrived. Besides, their mom missed her honorary daughter very much and had sent a lot of goodies, which, according to Mo Zihan’s complaints, would surely exhaust that silly kid Tang Ning.

She made the call, Qi Xiaomeng was still asleep and answered with a tone full of murderous intent, “Mo Zihan, unless you have a very good reason, come here immediately and face my wrath!”

Mo Zihan snorted, “Your godmother sent you a bunch of good stuff, take it or leave it. If you don’t want it, Xiao Tang and I will eat it all up, and we won’t have to cook for several days.”

Qi Xiaomeng immediately perked up, “In your dreams. Get over here quickly, and don’t bring Tang Ning. Tonight, let’s lie down and chat. Oh dear, it sounds like you’re hitting it off with Xiao Tang, preparing to conspire together, and I’m doomed. You better come and keep me company for one last night!”

Having a troublesome friend like this, what could Mo Zihan say? She had no choice but to consult with Tang Ning. Tang Ning suggested, “You should go and keep her company. This winter vacation has been tough on many people our age. Besides, you haven’t seen each other for the entire vacation. Your friendship is really precious.”

Mo Zihan grabbed the bags and left, saying, “You’re so understanding. Remember to keep your phone on! I need you to pick me up tomorrow at noon, and we can make Qi Xiaomeng a bit jealous.”

Did Qi Xiaomeng get jealous? It seemed like she did, but most of her jealousy stemmed from her dissatisfaction with Mo Zihan abandoning the single life. Nonetheless, Qi Xiaomeng also mentioned that Mo Zihan had hit the jackpot by meeting someone like Tang Ning so easily, clearly revealing some of her own little notions.

Mo Zihan didn’t overthink it-there was no need. Qi Xiaomeng actually had a strong personality and was a staunch advocate of singlehood. She had her own lifestyle and rationality. A good friend was a good friend for life.

What Mo Zihan didn’t expect was that early the next morning, Qi Xiaomeng’s drama mom unexpectedly showed up. Unbeknownst to them, she had somehow gotten hold of a spare key, snuck in, and burst into the bedroom. She caught the two groggy girls who had chatted all night and were still deeply asleep. Turning on the light, the drama mom, holding a kitchen knife, sighed with relief and complained, “What are you two up to? I came in and saw two people in bed, and I thought Xiaomeng was with some man too afraid to face me.”

Qi Xiaomeng was infuriated. According to her, if not for Mo Zihan’s presence, she would have disowned her mom on the spot.

The morning passed with a lot of noise and fuss. After having lunch at Qi Xiaomeng’s place, Mo Zihan remembered that Tang Ning had called and mentioned he was downstairs. She suddenly realized that he also had to go to work today. According to their winter vacation plan, Tang Ning would be working on design for the entire year, pouring all his twenty-plus years of inspiration into his drawings. If they earned enough money this year, they planned to start their own little company. This guy had even sketched out several design drawings on the car that Mo Zihan couldn’t understand at all. According to him, the inspiration came from the internet, and like the money he got from the company before the New Year, this time could earn them even more.

Having a boyfriend with real skills was incredibly convenient. Earning money might be tough, but it was certainly better than having no way to make any.

As Mo Zihan hopped on Tang Ning’s electric scooter, holding onto his waist affectionately as they left, Qi Xiaomeng’s mom sighed from the balcony, watching them downstairs, “Such a good man, how did Xiaohan snag him first?”

Qi Xiaomeng, munching on snacks while crouched on the sofa, didn’t respond. She just rolled her eyes and thought, “Now you say this? What were you doing earlier?”

On the road, as Mo Zihan watched the scenery and pedestrians move past, she suddenly said softly, “Tang Ning, how about we leave this city by the end of the year?”

Tang Ning was surprised and asked, “Why would we want to leave?”

Mo Zihan said wistfully, “The cost of living here is too high, and it’s exhausting for you-I don’t think it’s worth it. Besides, aren’t there big cities around your hometown as well? I talked it over with Mom, and the living costs there are lower. And if we need to earn money, we can do it anywhere, right? You’d be closer to home and could take care of your family nearby. As our parents get older, it would be hard for you if any health issues come up and you’re not around to help, wouldn’t it?”

Tang Ning chuckled and said, “I’ve already thought about it. We’re not going anywhere; we’ll stay in this city. We met in this city, so we’ll live in this city from now on. Since fate brought us together here, it means that in such a large city, there must be a place for us to call home. There’s no need to worry. Believe in us, we’ll definitely take root here. Besides, this city is the closest to both our families, and you’re an only child. We can’t take care of one family and forget the other, right? Life, as long as we work hard and stay confident, will always turn out well.”

Mo Zihan didn’t say anything more; she buried her face into Tang Ning’s back.

As they passed an intersection, in a car nearby, Li Ke’s profile could be seen as he chatted and laughed with a companion. The sunlight illuminated his face, giving it a gloomy appearance. Mo Zihan smiled softly, lifting her head high into the wind and the sunlight.

Sometimes, no matter how good a person is, if you don’t feel the connection, what can you do? Mo Zihan believed it’s best to follow her heart. We’re all good people, and even if fate isn’t always kind, good things will eventually come our way, wrapping around us continuously.

…

It was the season of falling snow again, and the New Year was approaching. Tang Ning and Mo Zihan had moved to a new place. They were ordinary people without superpowers. Despite how mundane and simple life could be, they still had to adhere to the basic rules of the world. Their little company had now opened. Tang Ning worked hard, and Mo Zihan had also put in a lot of effort over the past year for their small life together. At last, their hard work bore fruit. Moving forward, they’d need to keep striving and working hard, just like their new 50-square-meter apartment. With good management, it would definitely become a cozy little nest.

On this day, Tang Ning’s dream had been partially realized. He didn’t express much joy, but Mo Zihan had returned home early to prepare their favorite dishes. It was a day worth celebrating.

Without his dreams, Tang Ning wouldn’t be Tang Ning. Without helping Tang Ning achieve his dreams step by step, Mo Zihan wouldn’t be Mo Zihan. And they both remained true to themselves.

Under the soft glow of the lamp, Mo Zihan rummaged through the cabinet with her head down. Curious, Tang Ning asked, “What are you looking for?”

Mo Zihan’s heart was pounding. She felt like something significant was going to happen tonight, something she both anticipated and was ready to face.

“Safety.” Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz, and she didn’t lift her head as she spoke.

Tang Ning was momentarily stunned, then smiled and hugged Mo Zihan from behind. She sighed contentedly as Tang Ning said, “I’ve always kept it right by the bedside.”

Mo Zihan closed her eyes and murmured, “It feels like I’m seducing you.”

The gentle light dimmed slowly, getting darker and darker until it was completely out.

…

The New Year was almost here. One day, coming back from their small two-person company, Tang Ning suddenly said to Mo Zihan with a mysterious tone, “Today, I have something to give you. Want it?”

Mo Zihan scoffed, “Isn’t it just a ring? I’m not interested in that. I’ve told you before, I want our wedding to be unique, something done our own way. Books say that women find it hard to resist the allure of a diamond ring, but not me.”

Tang Ning chuckled, “That thing is too expensive, and I can’t afford it.”

He placed a red veil¹ over Mo Zihan’s head. She exclaimed happily, “How did you think of this? Did Dad tell you?”

There was no diamond ring, and even now they only had silver placeholders on their fingers. But Mo Zihan always envied the feeling of lifting the red veil under red candles, despite never experiencing it personally.

The red veil was adorned with pure silver decorations that jingled pleasantly with the slightest movement.

Tang Ning retrieved two small red booklets from the drawer. Mo Zihan smiled brightly and threw herself into his arms, sighing contentedly, “Nine yuan for happiness, and you’ve got me just like that. Up until now, I haven’t heard you say anything that makes my heart race.”

Tang Ning opened his mouth to speak, but Mo Zihan covered it with her hand, laughing softly. “Being with you, my heart is always racing. What about yours?”

Footnote:

Red Veil(红盖头): A traditional Chinese bridal veil, often worn during weddings. It is typically red, symbolizing good luck, happiness, and prosperity. The veil is placed over the bride’s head and is often lifted by the groom as part of the wedding ceremony, signifying the beginning of their marriage.