Chapter 37: Do You Not Understand First Come, First Served?
Chapter 37: Do You Not Understand First Come, First Served?
Zeng Zhiseng might not have self-respect, but Tang Chen definitely did. Seeing the security guards pouring out of the security booth to gawk at the commotion, Tang Chen felt his old face burning bright red.
Darn, even someone as shameless as him had been beaten by Zeng Zhiseng’s incredible lack of shame. His prestige had just been dragged way down by this jerk.
Zeng Zhiseng brushed the dust off his backside and stood up, beaming happily. “Bro,” he declared, “you promised yourself! I’m following you from now on!”
Tang Chen sighed helplessly. “You can tag along, but don’t call me ‘bro’. Call me ‘Young Master Tang’. Otherwise, get lost.”
“Young Master Tang, yes!” Zeng Zhiseng was bursting with excitement. He’d finally found such an awesome Big Brother! Forget ‘Bro’, he’d probably be willing to call him ‘Dad’ without a second thought.
Satisfied, Tang Chen gave a curt nod. His expression turned serious. “Listen,” he stated, “right now, you’re only a trainee underling for this Young Master. You get upgraded only when I decide you’re worthy. Understand?”
His face falling, Zeng Zhiseng nodded miserably. “Young Master Tang,” he pleaded, a hint of hurt in his voice, “isn’t the probation necessary? I’ve heard of work trials, but trainee underling… that’s a first!”
“Shut up!” Tang Chen smacked him on the head, annoyed. “Underling Rule Number One: The Boss’s word is law. Even if this Young Master tells you to eat sht, you eat sht. Got it?”
Zeng Zhiseng felt like crying. Being an underling seemed utterly lacking in rights. But, after a moment’s thought, he bowed his head respectfully. “Understood, Young Master Tang. From this moment on, I am your trainee underling.”
Tang Chen finally flashed a satisfied smile. “This Young Master needs to go out now,” he announced. “Are you heading back to class, or coming along?”
Zeng Zhiseng grinned cheekily. “Wherever the Boss goes, I, the underling, follow.”
Tang Chen reached out and patted Zeng Zhiseng’s head, chuckling softly. “Not bad. You have the underling mindset down. Let’s go. This Young Master will broaden your horizons.”
“Young Master Tang, where are we headed?” Zeng Zhiseng trailed behind Tang Chen and asked loudly.
Tang Chen paused thoughtfully, then made a decision. “We’re going to the biggest jewelry store in the city. This Young Master needs to buy some jewelry.”
Tang Chen had already thought it through. Since he’d decided to be with Yang Mi, it wasn’t just a fling. If she was his woman, how could she not have some seriously impressive bling to show off?
His first thought had been buying her a bag. But, on second thought, spending hundreds of thousands on a rare collector’s bag seemed pretty useless. If someone didn’t recognize its value, they might mistake it for junk bought off a street stall. Gold jewelry was better – it appreciated in value and screamed luxury.
Tang Chen hailed a taxi and took Zeng Zhiseng to the city’s largest gold store. Stepping inside, the dazzling array of gold jewelry immediately made Tang Chen’s eyes hurt.
He walked up to a salesgirl wearing light clothing. “Hello, pretty lady,” he said. “I want to buy some jewelry for my girlfriend. Could you recommend something?”
The salesgirl here was quite professional. Her outfit didn’t earn Tang Chen and Zeng Zhiseng any disdainful looks. She smiled politely. “Certainly. Please follow me.”
She led Tang Chen to a display counter and began explaining. “Sir, if I may,” she said carefully, “you seem like a student? I’d recommend several reasonably priced gold pieces here. Rings, necklaces… which one are you interested in?”
Tang Chen wasn’t offended; he really didn’t look rich. He glanced at the items and frowned slightly. “Miss, these designs aren’t very appealing. Show me the best pieces you have. Price is no object.”
The salesgirl looked surprised. “You’re certain?”
“Of course,” Tang Chen affirmed. “I’m buying a gift for someone I like. It has to be absolutely the best.”
She nodded helplessly, inwardly thinking this student had quite the vanity streak. Oh well, he’s probably just window-shopping and pretending. We can always put them back later.
Zeng Zhiseng chortled from behind. “Young Master Tang, you’re really treating Sister-in-law well! I mean, I haven’t even given a girl gold jewelry yet.”
Tang Chen curled his lip and shot him a glance. “Kid, pay attention and learn from this Young Master.”
While talking, they followed the salesgirl to another display. Even through the glass, Tang Chen could sense the exceptional quality of the jewelry showcased here.
The salesgirl explained, “Sir, these are our store’s newest arrivals. But regarding the prices…” She didn’t outright say it, but Tang Chen knew she was doubting he could afford them.
“Hey, miss, what’s that supposed to mean?” Zeng Zhiseng piped up indignantly, offended by any suggestion his Boss couldn’t buy. “You think our Young Master Tang can’t afford it?” he said to Tang Chen, adding helpfully, “Young Master, don’t worry! Even if you can’t afford it, I can pay for it!”
“Shut up!” Tang Chen glared at him. Was this idiot helping? Did he look like he couldn’t afford it? And that outburst definitely made bystanders think he really lacked money!
“Miss, don’t worry about the cost,” Tang Chen addressed the salesgirl firmly. He pointed. “Take that ring out, let me see it.” It was a diamond ring boasting a gem the size of a pigeon egg.
The salesgirl put on white gloves, carefully extracted the ring, and laid it before Tang Chen. “Sir, this is this year’s latest collection piece from Tiffany,” she stated. “Ten carats. Price: Ten million yuan.”
Ten million! Some onlookers gasped at the figure. While diamonds were undeniably beautiful, that price tag was enough to make most people run away fast.
Tang Chen gently picked up the Diamond Ring, running his fingers over its surface. Finally, he smiled with satisfaction. “This Diamond Ring is good. I’ll take it. Run the card.” His calm words caused the shoppers around them to freeze once more. He was buying it? A ten-million Yuan Diamond Ring? Just like that? And he was so young! Where did such wealth come from?
The salesgirl was also stunned. “S-Sir,” she stammered, disbelievingly, “are you serious? You truly wish to purchase this ring?”
Tang Chen placed the Diamond Ring back into its velvet box. His expression darkened slightly. “What? You doubt this Young Master can afford it?”
The salesgirl hurriedly responded, “Oh no, not at all! I’ll prepare the invoice right away!”
She still hadn’t regained her composure. She’d seen wealthy customers, but she’d never seen anyone this fierce – casually dropping ten million for a Diamond Ring. Couldn’t he be a little less… flippant?
Behind him, Zeng Zhiseng gazed in awe. His Big Brother truly was incredible! His own family was somewhat well-off, but spending ten million on a Diamond Ring? Never.
“Sweetie, that Diamond Ring is stunning! I want it, pretty please!” Just as Tang Chen was about to swipe his card, a sickeningly sweet voice cut through the air. A portly man with meaty jowls ambled over, his arm wrapped possessively around a woman caked in heavy makeup. Layers of foundation thicker than a city wall coated her face. Pouting her lips, she showered the older man with sugary pleas.
The man gave a slimy chuckle, squeezing her rear end. “Of course, my little treasure. Whatever you want,” he replied suggestively.
Tang Chen almost threw up on the spot. Nearby customers also visibly recoiled. Ugh! Do they have to be so sleazy? “Little treasure”? Yet another pairing of a rich fatso with his trophy girlfriend.
The obese man swaggered over with his companion in tow. He addressed the salesgirl directly. “Miss, that ring in your hands? Pack it up. I’ll take it.”
Tang Chen frowned with displeasure. “Fatty,” he said coldly, “do you not understand first come, first served? I’m literally about to pay.”
The obese man snorted derisively. “Pay? You?” He sneered. “A little brat who probably didn’t even finish teething, shelling out for a Diamond Ring? What a joke! Miss, wrap it up for me. Now!”
Tang Chen shook his head slowly, a savage smile twisting his lips. “Dead fatty,” he growled, low and dangerous, “you’re really pissing me off!”
“Watch your mouth! Don’t you dare talk that way to my honey!” The woman, whose face resembled plastered concrete, stepped forward imperiously. She pointed her finger accusingly at Tang Chen’s nose before snapping at the salesgirl. “What are you gawking at? Wrap it up already! I’m in a hurry!”
The salesgirl visibly bristled with anger. “Madam, Sir,” she said tersely yet professionally, “this ring was spoken for by this gentleman first. You’ll have to wait for the next piece if you desire one.”
“Next piece? Don’t mess around! I want it now!” The sharp-tongued woman instantly flared up, her temper as volatile as her words. She rounded on Tang Chen again, spraying accusations. “Look at him! You really think this idiot has that kind of cash? Bet you’re just horny and desperate, eyeing the young pretty boy, trying to hook some action!”
SLAP!
Tang Chen finally snapped. He surged forward, his hand cracking across the woman’s heavily made-up face. Glaring down at her, his words were lethally precise. “Listen here, you little tramp,” he hissed, each syllable dripping with venom. “All I wanted was to buy a ring in peace. Keep calling me an idiot—you begging to be slapped? Your face is ugly as a pig, and pouting and whining? Just plain disgusting!”