Chapter 55: Lin Shan Makes a Move

Upon seeing this, the sales associate immediately looked at Zhao He and said, "Sir, this jewelry looks absolutely stunning on your girlfriend."

With that, she cast an envious glance at Zhu Zhu and added, "If I had a boyfriend like this, I'd wake up smiling even in my dreams."

She was all too familiar with the mentality of such suitors; after this rapid succession of remarks, no one could hold out. After all, men were creatures who cared deeply about face, and even if he found it expensive at this moment, he would grit his teeth and buy it.

Seeing Zhu Zhu remain silent, Zhao He knew that if he stepped up now, he probably could close the deal, but it was just too expensive...

If he bought this, he wouldn't have a single penny to spare for the entire year, and on top of that, he still needed to save for an apartment...

A fierce battle raged within his heart. In the end, Zhao He gritted his teeth and said, "Zhu Zhu, why don't we take a look at something else..."

The sales associate rolled her eyes inwardly, thinking she had encountered a rational one and there would be no commission to be made today.

A trace of disappointment flashed in Zhu Zhu's eyes, though she didn't say much else and simply nodded. Just as the group of four was about to leave, a voice suddenly rang out, "Oh, Zhu Zhu, what a coincidence, is that you?"

Hearing this, everyone turned around to look.

The man speaking stood about one hundred and eighty centimeters tall with extremely fair skin and handsome facial features, giving off a strong internet-celebrity vibe. He wore a medium-length hairstyle with a wolf-tail in the back, and a light layer of stubble adorned his chin.

Judging purely by his appearance, he was indeed a rather charming man, and his outfit exuded a great deal of style.

Zhu Zhu's expression shifted slightly as she replied indifferently, "Nothing much, just came out to buy a few things."

The man smiled faintly. Noticing that Liu Ying was also there, his eyes immediately lit up. "Liu Ying, you're here too! It's been a long time. Why did you delete me on WeChat?"

Liu Ying's expression was icy as she answered, "It's nothing. I just clear my Moments list every once in a while."

Lin Shan looked at the man with a hint of curiosity.

Ever since this man appeared, Zhao He's expression had turned quite ugly, and a trace of hostility welled up in the depths of his eyes. Staring at the man, Zhao He spat out a name, "Ye Chao."

This man named Ye Chao was Zhu Zhu's ex-boyfriend. His family had some money, and coupled with his handsome looks, he was extremely popular. Later, after the novelty wore off and he discovered that Zhu Zhu had such an elite beauty like Liu Ying by her side, he immediately shifted his target and broke up with Zhu Zhu.

However, Liu Ying was completely unimpressed by him, so the matter simply fizzled out.

Ye Chao looked at Zhao He with a hint of mockery in his eyes.

He was well aware of Zhao He being a simping lapdog. Originally, he thought that after he had been gone for a year, Zhao He would have already stepped up, but judging by the current atmosphere, it seemed he still hadn't made the cut.

Ye Chao patted Zhao He on the shoulder. Although a friendly smile hung on his face, he whispered softly in Zhao He's ear, "I've been gone for a full year, and you damn well still haven't made it official? Well then, you'll never stand a chance."

With that, Ye Chao raised his head and looked at Zhu Zhu. "Zhu Zhu, you like this jewelry, right? Hey, wrap it up for her."

Zhao He's complexion instantly turned as pale as a sheet.

He was all too painfully aware of the dimensional降维打击 (crushing superiority) Ye Chao held over him. Back then, after being dumped by Ye Chao, Zhu Zhu had been utterly heartbroken and unable to move on—Ye Chao was quite literally her untouchable white moonlight.

It only required Ye Chao to crook a finger, and all of Zhao He's painstaking efforts would be instantly destroyed.

Zhu Zhu's gaze instantly softened into a lingering, affectionate stare.

Upon seeing that look, Ye Chao understood that this woman had never truly forgotten him, and his expression grew even more smug.

This was the kind of life he relished.

Noticing Liu Ying standing nearby, Ye Chao spoke up again, "Liu Ying, let me buy you one too."

In truth, Liu Ying was his real target, but he had never found an opportunity to get close to her before. Today's encounter was a rare chance, and he had to seize it properly.

Hearing this, Lin Shan shook his head and said, "No need, my friend. Whatever Liu Ying wants, I will buy for her."

Ye Chao was momentarily stunned. He glanced at Lin Shan and immediately frowned.

In his view, although Lin Shan had an acceptable build, his attire made it clear at a glance that he was no wealthy man. How could Liu Ying possibly get involved with someone like this?

"Ninety percent chance he's just a self-absorbed simp," Ye Chao thought to himself.

With a chuckle, Ye Chao said, "Mister, don't say I didn't warn you, but you really shouldn't bite off more than you can chew to save face. This jewelry costs no more than a few days of my allowance, but for you, it probably means scrimping and saving for an entire year. It's just not worth it for a moment of fleeting pleasure."

He added, with a mocking look at Liu Ying, "Besides, even if you want to buy it for her, she might not even be willing to accept it."

He assumed Lin Shan was merely a delusional suitor acting out of unrequited affection, but to his surprise, no sooner had the words left his mouth than Liu Ying immediately declared, "If it's a gift from Lin Shan, I'll accept it. If it's from you, then forget it."

Ye Chao was dumbfounded.

Lin Shan smiled faintly, drew out his bank card, and handed it to the sales associate. "Wrap up both sets of jewelry."

The sales associate was ecstatic. She hurriedly took the card and rushed off. Turning to Ye Chao, Lin Shan remarked, "It's always smoother spending your own money."

This remark was a direct mockery of Ye Chao being nothing more than a second-generation heir whose entire life relied on his father.

Ye Chao's expression darkened terribly. With a cold huff, he turned and walked away.

The sales associate quickly returned carrying two exquisitely crafted small bags, handed them to Lin Shan, and said, "Sir, here are the items you purchased, and here is your bank card."

"Thank you."

Lin Shan retrieved his bank card and directly handed one of the small bags to Liu Ying, saying, "You said it yourself—any gift from me, you'll accept."

This time, Liu Ying didn't hesitate for long before taking the bag, a complex swirl of emotions rising within her heart.

She had to admit that she genuinely liked these items. Normally, she would have been able to resist—especially if the gift came from someone like Ye Chao.

Yet, when the person giving the gift was Lin Shan, she found herself truly unable to refuse.

As for the other bag, Lin Shan didn't hand it directly to Zhu Zhu. Instead, he walked over and handed it to the dejected Zhao He.

"My friend, although this is our first time meeting today, I feel we hit it off. Actually, before I lost my job, I was also a programmer. Heh, take this. I hope you find the girl you love sooner rather than later."

Zhao He's gaze flickered. He looked at Lin Shan with profound gratitude. He knew very well that buying two sets meant the second one was merely an afterthought.

At this moment, Zhao He felt infinitely glad that from start to finish, he hadn't mocked Lin Shan even once.

What unemployed drifter?

This was clearly a tycoon operating in disguise!

Nearly one hundred thousand yuan, spent without even batting an eyelid.

And on top of that, he had severely slapped Ye Chao across the face.

"Thank you, Big Brother."

Zhao He took the bag, feeling a long-lost warmth of human kindness in Qiantang City. He then turned and held the bag out toward Zhu Zhu. "Zhu Zhu, this is for you."

A soft sigh escaped Lin Shan's heart. He had seen right through Zhu Zhu's yearning earlier; under those circumstances, as long as Ye Chao had been willing, he could have easily won Zhu Zhu back.

By handing the bag to Zhao He, Lin Shan wanted to give Zhao He the chance to make his own choice once more. Since Zhao He still chose Zhu Zhu in the end, all he could do was respect and bless them.