This was an easy question, like the kind when your mom asks if you love her or your dad more.
Smart kids know to choose mom when she's around.
Honest kids speak their minds.
Rebellious kids might say, "None of your business."
James was a bit of an understated, honest kid, but he'd read widely about love and family and knew the right answer.
"You're so beautiful; you deserve all my kindness," he said.
[Tailsa Affection +5]
As soon as the words left his mouth, he received a system notification.
He smiled, feeling pleased with himself.
That was basically the right answer.
Now, he was only 3 points away from 80 affection points.
Given Tailsa's blissful expression, he figured it wouldn't be long before he got a refund.
He just had to find a way to spend a bit more.
But where could they go to spend more money?
James held Tailsa, thinking.
Tailsa, hearing James call her beautiful, felt sweet and cheerful.
She nuzzled against his neck affectionately, inhaling his scent like a cat confirming its owner.
When she looked up at his handsome, confident face, she worried about other women stealing him away.
"Will you ever leave me?" she asked, not realizing how quickly she'd grown attached.
Knowing James wouldn't say no, she still craved his reassurance.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. Even if the sky falls, I won't leave you," James assured her with a smile.
Satisfied, Tailsa boldly stood on her tiptoes and kissed him in front of everyone.
In the store, people turned away, unwilling to watch them flaunt their love.
The manager, seeing there was nothing more to do, told everyone to get back to work.
A few female sales reps gathered, whispering.
"Yan told me that guy bought the car for that woman and paid full price."
"Wow, he must be super rich. Is he some kind of aristocrat?"
"It's maddeningâshe doesn't look any more special than us, yet she found such a catch."
"If you're not happy about it, why don't you make a move? They don't look married; you still have a chance."
"Fine, I will. I'll ask Yan for his number later."
"I'm so jealous of you single gals. You get to act on impulse. Marriage robs you of freedomâeven being a minute late leads to quarrels."
"Your husband's too controlling. I'd leave him."
"But Sister Zhao's husband seems sweet, always attentive and caring. She must mean a lot to him."
"But what good is sincerity if he can't buy me a Turbo S? I wouldn't care if he flirts elsewhere."
"...."
Perla avoided joining their gossip, occupied with her documents, spectating this public display of affection.
Eventually, they pulled apart, and she seized the chance to interject.
"Excuse me, will you be needing a temporary license plate? Your car registration will take a bit of time, ready the day after tomorrow at the earliest."
James detached from the passionate Tailsa, discreetly adjusting himself, "Don't bother. Just get it ready for pick-up the day after."
"Alright. I'll contact you about the license plate in the afternoon. Also, the original buyer of the car wants your number. May I give it to her?" Perla asked.
"Sure," James replied nonchalantly.
Tailsa opened her mouth to say something, but remained silent, merely shooting James a resentful glance.
James didn't catch her expression as he was busy discussing car details with Perla.
When Perla left to submit the paperwork, he noticed Tailsa's pout and confused face,
"What's wrong?"
"Hmph."
"Uh... I didn't do anything wrong, did I?" James scratched his head, puzzled.
Tailsa sulked, "Just don't give your number to other girls, okay?"
"Is that what this is about?" James laughed.
"Yes. You shouldn't give them any chances," Tailsa insisted firmly.
"Alright, alright. You're right. I won't," James reassured her, knowing when to concede.
Tailsa relaxed, not escalating further. Upsetting such a glowing golden catch would be foolish.
After buying the car, they exited the dealership, discussing where to grab lunch.
Perla followed to see them off.
Seeing James about to hail a taxi, she proposed:
"Didn't you drive here? I could give you a lift if you'd like."
Tailsa interjected, "No thanks, we prefer taxis."
She disliked how the woman ogled her man with open desire.
Being a woman herself, Tailsa sensed her longing intentions easily.
"It's no hassle, the company car is available," Perla smiled.
Waited by the curb at noon, James wasn't eager to wait, but noticing Tailsa's displeasure, he pivoted.
"No need, go back to work."
Perla remained unfazed by the refusal, smiling, "Alright, I won't be third-wheeling then. Have fun!"
She bowed slightly, maintaining impeccable manners.
Tailsa glanced at her meaningfully.
Perla met her gaze directly, appraisingly.
Facially, the woman might have an edge, but she had her own strengths.
For instance, she was far more adaptable in her intimate skillsâa quality often more pleasing to men than mere facial beauty.
She didn't believe any man was entirely faithful.
Given a chance, she believed she could win over Mr. James King.
Returning inside, Perla bolstered her resolve.
James watched the swaying figure of the departing sales beauty, lamenting his missed opportunity.
She had a remarkable figure, contouring perfectly.
A standout beauty.
But without a system reward for charm under 90, pursuing her required real money.
Not worth the expense.
Though she seemed interested in him, he mused on the possibility of freebies.
Perhaps after cashing out, he'd consider it more.
After all, even freebies shouldn't involve her covering room costs.
"You're still looking at her!" Tailsa snapped, withdrawing her hand.
James suddenly remembered he had company.
He quickly apologized, "Sorry, I just saw... uh, well..."
Searching for an excuse, he patted his head, suddenly declaring,
"She reminds me a bit of my mom. Yeah, my mom."
!!!
Tailsa was stunned by his flimsy excuse, momentarily forgetting her anger.
She'd never encountered such shamelessness.
Bringing up his mom as a shield.
She almost quipped: Does your mom walk with that kind of sway too?