Looking at the pale blue screen before him, Fang Cheng’s lips curled into a slight smile.
Ever since last time, to settle some affairs, he drove to West Mountain Black Water River to dispose of a body and accidentally unlocked the "driving" skill.
Since then, apart from practicing twice with Ma Donghe’s vintage car, he hadn’t touched a steering wheel.
Now, with his own vehicle, this long-static experience bar could finally start rolling again.
Fang Cheng extended a finger and casually swiped on the central control touchscreen to open the music playlist.
A dynamic song flowed out from the Berlin Voice speakers.
As the strong drum beats accompanied, the car windows quietly rolled down.
The gentle evening breeze, mixed with the unique hustle of the city, swooped in, dispelling the leather scent of the new car interior.
It was dusk, the peak of rush hour.
The sunset dyed the sky into a magnificent orange-red.
Traffic moved slowly, resembling a long dragon.
Fang Cheng’s hands rested leisurely on the steering wheel, fingertips gently tapping to the music’s beat.
This feeling of having a steel beast under control truly intoxicated him.
He couldn’t help but ponder in his heart.
If he were to elevate his driving skill to expert level, what kind of unexpected enhancement rewards might he receive?
This thought, like a spark from a spark plug, instantly ignited a bit of restlessness in his heart.
Fang Cheng instinctively pressed harder with his foot, the V8 engine roared deeply, responding instantly with power.
The massive car body lunged forward abruptly, like a beast ready to pounce.
In a flash, he zoomed past a slow-moving sedan.
The thrill from the speed made Fang Cheng even more invested, further accelerating forward.
On the passenger seat, Zhou Xiumei was startled by the sudden force, letting out an exclamation.
She instinctively gripped the handle beside her, her face turning a bit pale.
Seeing this, Fang Cheng immediately released the accelerator, calming the car’s speed, glancing at her apologetically.
Zhou Xiumei didn’t reply, merely releasing the handle gently, her chest heaving slightly.
After a moment, instead of chastising, she couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head.
Her eyes carried a hint of helplessness, mingled with a touch of indulgence.
Like returning to her childhood, watching a big boy excitedly show off a beloved toy.
The wind continuously surged in from the window, lifting her long hair draped over her shoulder, brushing against her chiseled, jade-like nose, partially shading her gem-like eyes.
The curve of her lips was like a crescent moon, pure and beautiful.
Fang Cheng’s gaze was involuntarily drawn to this scene, lingering a second longer.
Come to think of it, the woman beside him, frail and sickly since childhood, rarely displayed such unguarded, genuine smiles.
Perhaps Fang Cheng’s gaze was too focused, Zhou Xiumei sensed something and turned her face aside, her long eyelashes fluttering gently like butterfly wings.
She raised a hand, tucking the unruly strand of hair behind her ear.
In this motion, a blush swiftly spread from her fair neck to her cheeks, much like the evening glow in the sky.
Fang Cheng timely raised the window, isolating the outside noise.
The air inside the car momentarily seemed frozen.
Only the dynamic music remained, echoing in the cabin like a heartbeat.
Fang Cheng gripped the steering wheel again, gazing straight ahead at the traffic.
Zhou Xiumei slightly lowered her head, her fingertips trailing along the seatbelt’s edge, her face still flushed.
Between them, a silent understanding and a hazy sentiment quietly burgeoned.
To break the slightly awkward atmosphere, Fang Cheng coughed and proactively found a topic:
"By the way, how’s your learning going at the music training class?"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Xiumei’s eyes indeed brightened instantly, her tone becoming much more relaxed:
"Last week’s stage assessment, I scored full marks in my vocal and guitar classes, and the teacher praised me for making rapid progress."
"Of course, you naturally have talent."
Fang Cheng smiled, his tone filled with genuine encouragement:
"Prepare well. I believe in you. You’ll surely pass the May auditions easily. I’ll be your fan club leader then."
Zhou Xiumei nodded firmly, her mouth blooming into a radiant smile: "Brother Cheng, it’s a deal, okay?"
As they chatted, they regained their freedom
This promise was like a drop of honey, slowly dissolving in Zhou Xiumei’s heart.
She turned to look out the window, watching the crimson sun slowly sink between the towering buildings.
Golden rays pierced through the gaps of skyscrapers, every glass curtain wall reflecting the glow of the setting sun.
The whole world was shrouded in a gentle light.
Zhou Xiumei imagined standing on stage.
Below there would be his focused gaze.
This beautiful vision lifted her lips, and with the music inside the car, she began humming softly.
It was a melody without lyrics, clean and ethereal.
Fang Cheng glanced at her, silently turning off the car stereo.
Without external noise, Zhou Xiumei’s singing was clearer.
Her voice lacked the flashy technique of professional singers but carried a spring-like clarity and purity, as if capable of cleansing the spirit.
In the small space of the car cabin, each note appeared exceptionally moving.
Fang Cheng drove silently, his heart filled with unprecedented calm and comfort.
He seemed to see again that afternoon years ago, a little girl lying alone on the windowsill, humming yet unformed songs to the sunlight outside the tubular building.