Chapter 24: Flirting to the Extreme

"Welcome to LV."
The sales assistant at the entrance warmly ushered Lin Ran and Jiang Shuyao into the store.

At the Cartier entrance, the manager and the assistants watched with complicated feelings as their prized customer slipped away.

Was it just about a handbag?

No. It was about buying a 300,000 yuan watch and using a several-thousand-yuan handbag as a decorative gift bag.
This was undeniably a premium client.

With the current economic climate, luxury brands are fiercely competitive; developing a quality client is extremely difficult.

The Cartier sales assistant complained, "Dressed like that, who could know he had money?"

The manager, unable to tolerate it any longer, chastised her, "Still making excuses? Now look, he's gone to LV. When I sold luxury goods in Guangdong, I never dared neglect anyone in a tank top and flip-flops!"

Across the way, LV lived up to its reputation as a classic luxury brand—Lin Ran’s experience was exceptional.

In the women’s handbag section.

The assistant addressed them politely, "Miss, which bag do you like? I can bring it over for you to see."

Jiang Shuyao quickly clarified, "It’s not for me. He’s buying it for his girlfriend. I’m just here as a reference."

The assistant turned to Lin Ran, "Mr. Lin, is there a bag you fancy?"

Lin Ran replied, "They all look good, but I’m not sure which would suit my girlfriend."

The assistant suggested, "Would you mind providing a photo of her? We can select a bag that matches her temperament."

"I have one."
Lin Ran showed the assistant a photo from Vivian’s social media.

The assistant’s eyes lit up, "Isn’t that Jian Vivian from Sichuan Conservatory?"

Lin Ran was startled, "You know her?"

"My high school classmate used to study there. I’ve visited a few times and know that Jian Vivian is the campus belle. I never imagined she was your girlfriend. You’re impressive! My classmate said many boys pursued her but none succeeded—turns out the great beauty’s heart belongs to you."

The assistant looked at Lin Ran with admiration.

Lin Ran felt a surge of pride.

"She’s got such a refined aura. There are many bags here—how about this one?"

"This one’s too vintage, not quite her style."

"Mr. Lin, you’re so attentive. You clearly care deeply for your girlfriend."

"Of course I do. She’s mine to cherish."

"With a boyfriend like you, Miss Jian must be very happy."

As the assistant praised and recommended bags, Lin Ran carefully selected, showing remarkable patience, since it was for his girlfriend.

Beside him, Jiang Shuyao felt a pang of jealousy.

She wondered if she’d ever meet such a thoughtful boyfriend in her life.

If she did, she’d break her ribs to make him soup!

"Oh, this pink bag is nice. Could you show it to me?"

"Certainly."

The assistant handed over the pink bag.

"Mr. Lin, this bag is petite and delicate, and pink is the most fashionable color right now."

Lin Ran took out the pink Cartier women’s watch.

The assistant was momentarily stunned. In the luxury trade, common models like the Ballon Bleu might not stand out, but this high-end pink model was obviously worth tens of thousands.

Indeed, to be the boyfriend of the campus belle, he couldn’t be ordinary.

Lin Ran placed the watch inside the bag, lifted it, and inspected it, "Not bad. I’ll take this one."

The bag wasn’t expensive—17,000 yuan.

Jiang Shuyao wasn’t surprised anymore; Lin Ran always shopped so decisively.

The assistant said, "Mr. Lin, I’ll wrap it for you."

Lin Ran replied, "No need."

The assistant, thinking Lin Ran was a typical man, smiled, "Mr. Lin, you might not realize, but gifts for girls should be wrapped. It gives them the excitement of unboxing—a sense of anticipation."

Lin Ran nodded, "You’re right, the unboxing ritual and anticipation are important. That’s why I’m buying this bag to wrap the watch. I made the right choice."

The assistant was confused, "Buying a bag to wrap the watch?"

Lin Ran explained, "I’m getting a bag that matches the watch’s color to use as the gift bag. This one fits perfectly. My girlfriend will definitely feel the sense of ceremony and anticipation when she opens it."

"A gift bag?"

The assistant was dumbfounded.

A gift bag?
We’re LV—every bag is coveted by girls, something to show off to their friends.

Yet he spent 17,000 yuan on a bag just to use as a gift bag, not as the main present—the watch inside was the real gift!

When did our LV bags become gift bags?

"Mr. Lin, you’re so thoughtful. Your girlfriend is truly fortunate."

The assistant was utterly envious.

"Swipe the card," Lin Ran said, handing over his bank card with a smile.

The purchase was successful. Vivian’s gift was secured—total: 307,000 yuan.

Once Vivian accepted it, he’d enjoy a random cashback bonus.

He then applied for a VIP card.

Buying a mere ten-thousand-yuan bag wouldn’t qualify someone for LV membership; Lin Ran could, because he wasn’t gifting the bag—he was using LV as a gift bag.

A premium client.

The assistant warmly escorted Lin Ran and Jiang Shuyao out, watching them leave.

Lin Ran inspected the bag closely.

"Shuyao, do you think Vivian will be surprised when she opens it and finds your watch inside?"

"Yes."

"Shuyao, should I get a bouquet as well?"

"Whatever you like."

"Shuyao, what’s the most touching way to give your best friend her gift? Shuyao, why are you walking so fast? Hey, slow down..."

Heart-wrenching!

Jiang Shuyao strode briskly.

She stopped outside the shoe store they’d passed before. Wearing flip-flops, she gazed through the glass at the exquisite high heels inside.

Lin Ran approached, "Those heels look great. You have good taste, Shuyao."

"They’re too expensive—over ten thousand yuan. I can’t afford them. Let’s go."

"Go? You’re my advisor. The heels you like are beautiful. Come inside and help me pick."

"…"

Jiang Shuyao truly loved those heels, but the price was too high; she could only admire them.

Now, Lin Ran wanted to buy the heels Jiang Shuyao liked most—to gift them to Vivian.

That feeling—watching a girl’s favorite item given to another—was hard to bear.

Jiang Shuyao thought again: he wasn’t wrong. The heels were beautiful, she couldn’t afford them, and he was buying them for his girlfriend—that was only right.

She was here as an advisor; it was natural to help him choose.

Why let personal feelings intrude?

Once she figured it out, Jiang Shuyao followed him into the store.

Lin Ran asked the clerk to take down the high heels.

He wasn’t an expert on handbags, but when it came to high heels—wrapping the feet in elegance—Lin Ran was an expert.

He gave Jiang Shuyao a thumbs-up, "Excellent taste."

Jiang Shuyao inspected them, "They really are beautiful."

"Try them on so I can see how they look."

"Alright."

Jiang Shuyao’s feet were the same size as Vivian’s; only by wearing them could she tell if they fit.

Jiang Shuyao sat comfortably on the sofa.

She slipped off her flip-flops and carefully slipped the heels onto her feet, trying them on for Vivian.

She also took a moment to enjoy wearing the heels she always admired in passing.

It was like Cinderella putting on her glass slipper.

She didn’t dare stand—just sat on the sofa, slightly raising her feet to avoid damaging them.

"Do they look good?" she asked.

Lin Ran crouched beside her, admiring the heels on her feet.

"Very beautiful. Swipe the card."

Lin Ran stood up to pay.

Some things aren’t worth envying; Jiang Shuyao let her envy go.

Like Cinderella after midnight, she’d soon have to take off the glass slipper.

Carefully, Jiang Shuyao removed the heels and handed them to the assistant.

The assistant carried the heels to the register, "Mr. Lin, I’ll wrap them for you."

Lin Ran took the heels, turned, and walked back to the sofa.

"Why did you take them off?"

"To wrap them up for Vivian. She’ll love them."

"These heels aren’t Vivian’s style."

"Why buy them then?"

"They only suit you. I bought them for you."

At those words, Jiang Shuyao trembled, sitting up and looking at Lin Ran.

Lin Ran stood by the sofa, gazing down at her.

Oh my—

Nearby, several assistants were beside themselves.

That line was so flirtatious! Absolutely brazen!

Some things can be tried.

Some things cannot.

Once Cinderella wears the glass slipper, there’s no going back.

Jiang Shuyao shook her head, clearing her thoughts.

"I don’t want them!"

She declared firmly.

She was Vivian’s best friend; Lin Ran’s gift of heels, she wouldn’t and couldn’t accept.

After speaking, she lowered her head and reached for her flip-flops.

You don’t want them?

How am I supposed to complete the sisters’ bonus?

Alright then, you’re forcing my hand!

Lin Ran crouched down and forcibly removed Jiang Shuyao’s flip-flops.

"What are you doing, Lin Ran? Let go of my foot! Why are you taking my shoes?"

Ignoring her protests, Lin Ran snatched the flip-flops and walked out of the store.

"Hey, Lin Ran! Lin Ran!!!"

Jiang Shuyao chased after him barefoot.

The assistant stopped her, "Miss, your heels!"

"I... Oh, I really want to strangle this little troublemaker! Lin Ran!"

Jiang Shuyao grabbed the heels and ran out barefoot.

She saw Lin Ran casually toss her flip-flops into the trash.

Jiang Shuyao rushed over, shoved the heels at Lin Ran, and rummaged through the trash.

"Why did you throw away my shoes?"

"If I didn’t, you wouldn’t wear the heels."

"Why do you insist I wear them?"

"As thanks for helping me win Vivian over. You think I give gifts to any girl? You, me, and Vivian are all family. You like these heels so much—I bought them for you. Vivian gets the watch, you get the heels; it shows your sisterly bond."

"You’re such a smooth talker."

"You look lovely in them. Please accept them—don’t feel pressured. I’ll tell Vivian you helped me choose, and I gave you a gift for your help. There won’t be any misunderstanding."

Lin Ran knew she worried about being misunderstood by her best friend.

"What if I still don’t wear them?"

Click—

Lin Ran, faster than lightning, rushed over, put his arm around Jiang Shuyao’s shoulders, and took a selfie.

"If you don’t wear them, I’ll post this on my social media, saying I had a wonderful time with Shuyao."

"You—"

Jiang Shuyao clenched her fists in frustration.

This man was truly outrageous.

She was exasperated and amused.

He was giving her a gift for helping him win Vivian over; his intentions were good. Refusing would make her seem ungrateful.

"Remember to tell Vivian. I don’t want her to misunderstand."

"You’re too cautious."

"I have to be."

With that, Jiang Shuyao put on the heels.

Lin Ran gave a thumbs-up, "Beautiful, stunning, just like a princess."

Jiang Shuyao curtsied, "Thank you, Mr. Lin, for fulfilling my dream."

"If you have any other dreams, come to me. I’ll make them come true."

"I want a boyfriend—can you help with that?"

"Can’t help with that. I remain unstained by the mud; everyone around me, except me, is a scoundrel."

"Boasting again, selling your own virtues."

[Giving a rose leaves a lingering scent. Jiang Shuyao has received her heartfelt gift, price 13,000 yuan, random bonus multiplier 30 times, total 390,000 yuan.]

"Sweet! Truly sweet! Next—Vivian!"