James was frustrated, unable to see anything.
Darn, this store had partitions, and without someone opening the doors, he couldn't go in.
Shirley Taylor was timid and wouldn't let him peek, leaving him with no options.
James was irritated and thought he'd make sure to see everything with the lights on that night.
The two girls were busy inside for quite a while.
They brought in four or five pieces of lingerie, but Shirley Taylor ended up choosing only one.
James asked Lulia Smith how the other pieces looked and if they were nice, planning on buying everything she tried.
Lulia explained that such purchases required understanding the woman's feelings; buying without consent could result in discomfort.
James agreed with Lulia's reasonable advice, thinking she was quite an adept sales assistant.
He added her as a friend, intending to consult her on women's issues in the future.
Lulia, outgoing by nature, jokingly suggested:
"Boss, why not hire me as a personal shopper? Just $10,000 a month, and I'll be at your serviceâshopping, eating, playing. I'm also quite good at League of Legends."
James gave her a once-over, and the system scored her with:
Charm: 80Age: 24Number of relationships: 3
She was about 5'7", wearing a red and white business outfit and heels, with clear, elegant features and refined makeup.
Though her skin wasn't as fair as Shirley Taylor's, it was still smooth and delicate.
Her face, slightly flushed, held a sweet smile.
"Do you have a boyfriend?" James asked.
"I do, but sometimes it feels like I don't," answered Lulia with a laugh.
"Won't your boyfriend get jealous if you're with us 24/7?" James wondered.
"He'll understand for work's sake."
With a carefree smile, Lulia said, "And if he doesn't, well, breaking up isn't the end of the worldâI owe him nothing."
Clearly, she had a fondness for money.
So much that she'd ditch her boyfriend over it.
James mused that if Shirley Taylor had a similar personality, pursuing her would be much simpler.
After all, he had plenty of money.
If he could, why not buy affection, the thought thrilled him.
Perhaps Lulia's attitude could rub off on Shirley Taylor.
For just a few tens of thousands of dollars, it was worth testing the waters without risk.
"Alright, I'll hire you as a companionânot for me, but for her."
Pointing to an awestruck Shirley Taylor, James added with a grin:
"I want you to take her shopping, chat with her, and stop her from being silent and withdrawn all the time. If you can make her more cheerful, I'll pay you $20,000 a month. How does that sound?"
Lulia was slightly taken aback.
Whoa, doubling the offer in one go?
Getting $20,000 just for going out and having fun each month?
What a dream job.
Indeed, sticking close to wealthy individuals was the right life choice.
Ecstatic, Lulia blurted out:
"Boss, wait! I'm going to quit my job right now."
She started running towards the store but stopped abruptly, turning back to say:
"Boss, just to confirm, expenses for going out are reimbursable, right?"
James nodded with a smile, "Of course. I'll give the funds to Miss Taylor. You two can enjoy yourselves at her expenseâno limits."
Lulia didn't bother returning to her job, pulling out her phone to type a gleeful message:
"Hahaha, I quit!"
After sending it to her manager, she didn't wait for a reply.
Immediately, she enthusiastically linked arms with Shirley Taylor, declaring:
"Miss Taylor, I am now your loyal personal handmaid, ready to accompany you wherever we go."
During their conversation, Shirley Taylor remained silent, lost in her own world.
As long as she didn't have to speak, she was content.
Now, held by Lulia's hand, she snapped back to reality, her eyes showing a hint of panic.
Unsure how to respond to a stranger's warmth, she honestly declined:
"I... I still have classes, so I can't go out."
"Wow, the lady is still studying? What year are you?" Lulia asked.
"Sophomore," Shirley answered, a bit shy at being called "lady,'' adding softly:
"Just call me Shirley."
"Okay, Miss Shirley. Do you plan to go for a master's degree?" Lulia asked warmly.
"I probably won't. I need to work after graduation to earn money," Shirley's eyes dimmed slightly.
She longed to continue her studies, but circumstances wouldn't allow it.
Everyone hoped she, being a college student, would find a high-paying job and improve their lives.
"No worries, focus on studies by day, and we can head out at night. How about we visit the Oriental Pearl Tower? I've never been, and I'd love to see it."
Lulia gently shook Shirley's hand, her eager expression hard to resist.
"Miss Shirley, I'm counting on you for my job. Please, don't let me become unemployed."
James liked this straightforward girl.
Since he'd soon return to New York, with Shirley continuing her studies here, leaving someone to care for the clueless bunny was a good idea.
Though Lulia might seem greedy, it made her easily manageable.
As long as she performed well, the money he offered would satisfy her completely.
"Make sure you don't take my girlfriend to any sketchy places. If she's ever harassed, I will lose it," James warned.
"Don't worry, boss. I'm a decent person. I don't hang out at nightclubs or barsâsuch places aren't for respectable folks..."
While speaking, Lulia caught sight of James's club-like attire and abruptly halted, awkwardly laughing before hurriedly clarifying:
"Not that I'm referring to you, boss."
"No need to repeat yourself," James retorted with a darkened expression.
"Hehe," Lulia giggled, leaning in to whisper to Shirley like a confidante:
"Boss seems quite approachable. Handsome and gentle, without the typical spoiled rich kid attitude."
"..." Shirley remained silent, head down.
"I'm not trying to flatter you. It's just true. The rich kids who visit my store often act so high and mighty, totally disregarding us workers."
"..."
"Especially when he smilesâit's so charming. Doesn't it feel like the world's treating you well?"
Unable to resist, Shirley stole a glance at James, who was smiling at her.
That sunny smile left her momentarily dazzled.
Her face flushed, she quickly turned away, eyes downcast, feeling her ears grow warm.
James chuckled softly, saying nothing further.
Though he couldn't hear Lulia's words, he sensed the compliments directed at him.
Spending $20,000 on someone to boost his ego wasn't a bad deal.
The three strolled around, and entered a women's shoe store.
Shirley quietly sat down, accepting the offered shoes from Lulia to try on.
Displaying gentlemanly manners, James swiftly took hold of Shirley's delicate foot to help her.
Startled by his touch, Shirley flinched,
then, like a rabbit, quickly pulled her foot back, sprinting away without putting on the shoes, landing far away.
She hid behind Lulia, biting her lip, wide-eyed and watching James in alarm.
Seated on the sofa, James felt embarrassed.
Those in the store took it as playful antics between lovers, smiling slightly without much thought.
Youngsters sure had their own ways.
It took a while for Lulia to soothe Shirley, though she still refused to let anyone help her with the shoes.
James sighed,
seeing she was so timid, he didn't push further, letting her try on several pairs herself.
Her feet were small, and upon removing her flesh-colored ankle socks, they appeared crystal clear and snow-white.
In the wedge sandals with thick soles,
she stood elegantly upright,
like a budding young lady, inviting admiration.