Tailsa stepped out of the car and glanced up at the midday sun. She frowned slightly but didn't say a word.
Jay Johnson, perceptive as ever, noticed her expression. Without hesitation, he opened the trunk, pulled out an umbrella, and held it over the couple, following closely behind them with a servile smile.
Tailsa was thrilled by Jay Johnson's attentiveness.
The September sun wasn't too harsh, but the walk from the parking lot to the mall was still a bit of a distance. Having someone shield her from the sun didn't just protect her skinâit gave her an overwhelming sense of vanity and satisfaction. She felt like a proper young lady being attended to.
"Thank you, Jay," Tailsa said sweetly, her voice full of charm.
Jay Johnson, dressed in a shirt, slacks, and white gloves, bowed slightly as he smiled in return. Despite his burly build, his demeanor resembled that of a butler more than a bodyguard.
The three walked toward the mall in a conspicuous display that drew plenty of attention from passersby.
Seeing the couple with a personal assistant holding an umbrella for them, people couldn't stop whispering. Some were envious, some sneered, and others did both at the same time.
Unlike the confident and composed Tailsa, James's face burned under the stares of strangers.
As someone who grew up an ordinary guy, being suddenly waited on felt unnaturalâalmost fake. He couldn't shake the feeling that it was all too formal, too ostentatious, and made him uncomfortable.
After a brief internal struggle, James reached out and took the umbrella from Jay Johnson, holding it over Tailsa himself.
A boyfriend holding an umbrella for his girlfriend was far less awkward than having a bodyguard do it.
"Thank you, darling," Tailsa said sweetly, her tone dripping with affection.
She assumed James was jealous, and her voice became even softer and more teasing.
"Of course," James replied with a smile.
"You're not mad, are you?" Tailsa glanced up at him, studying his expression.
She knew some wealthy men were notoriously possessive and jealous. Sometimes, even a casual exchange with another man could make them think the worst. She figured James must've been bothered by how cheerfully she'd thanked Jay Johnson, and that was why he took the umbrella.
"Mad about what?" James asked, confused.
Tailsa hesitated, then explained in a small voice, "I was just thanking Jay out of politeness."
"And?" James asked, still puzzled.
Realizing James wasn't faking his calm demeanor, she relaxed. "Well, when you grabbed the umbrella without saying anything, I thought you were jealous."
James rolled his eyes. "I just thought it was too flashy. It made me uncomfortable."
Tailsa teased, "As long as you weren't worried about Jay's feelings, that's fine."
James smirked but said nothing.
Seeing his reserved expression, Tailsa suddenly recalled her first impression of him: his worn-out clothes, blending in with the crowd like an average guy. No one could've guessed back then that this low-key man was filthy rich.
It was trueâwealthy men were often masters at hiding it.
Tailsa felt incredibly lucky she hadn't blocked him the other night. Missing out on someone like James would've been a mistake she'd never forgive herself for.
As she thought back to the $20 she had sent him that night, she felt so embarrassed that she couldn't bring herself to look at James.
Meanwhile, Jay Johnson, trailing behind them, began to relax. Seeing that his boss wasn't fond of flashy displays eased his anxiety.
A former soldier and a straightforward man, Jay wasn't the type to flatter or suck up to others. That was precisely why he'd struggled to get ahead in life.
Carrying himself as he had earlierâacting like a servant straight out of a TV dramaâhad been deeply uncomfortable, as if he'd laid his pride down for others to trample on.
But for the sake of money, he had swallowed his dignity.
That's what maturity was all about.
He had resigned himself to a life of bootlicking, but to his surprise, his boss seemed to care about his dignity. Jay Johnson was deeply moved.
How many bosses were both considerate of their subordinates and willing to give pay raises?
Jay Johnson made up his mind: no matter what, he was holding on to James's golden leg for dear life.
James had mentioned "loyalty" twice earlier, and Jay Johnson understood the emphasis. Loyalty was clearly valued over appearances.
But he felt that loyalty alone wasn't enough. Hard work and earnest effort were essential too if he wanted to keep his position long-term.
James, unaware of the mental gymnastics happening behind him, simply felt awkward about being served so extravagantly.
But he believed that once he got used to being wealthy, he might just embrace the lifestyle completely.
The three entered the mall. James handed the umbrella back to Jay Johnson for safekeeping.
Checking the time, he said to Tailsa, "Let's eat first."
"Okay," Tailsa nodded.
Most of the restaurants in the mall weren't particularly expensive, with an average of $20-$30 per person. Some places, like hot pot chains, were a bit pricier.
James had been to one of those before and hadn't enjoyed the overly obsequious service. The smiles from the staff felt so fake it made his scalp tingle.
He couldn't stomach the experience.
After a quick stroll, they chose a restaurant with nice decor called Fragrance Garden.
James and Tailsa found a four-person table in the main dining area. As they sat down, they noticed Jay Johnson standing awkwardly beside them.
It was peak lunch hour, and Jay Johnson, at nearly 6'3" with a broad frame, stood out like a sore thumb.
"Bro Jay, sit down and eat with us. Don't worry, there's enough food to go around," James said, gesturing to the table.
"No need, sir, I've already had lunch," Jay Johnson declined politely.
"Come on, you're a big guy. You can handle a second round. Sitâstanding there isn't a good look," James insisted, standing to pull out a chair.
Jay Johnson, mortified, couldn't imagine sitting down to eat as a bodyguard. Besides, it was just a couple on a dateâhow could he intrude and play third wheel?
Feeling he was in the way, he hurriedly excused himself, "I'll wait outside," before heading for the queueing area. He sat on a small bench, watching James and Tailsa's table through the glass.
James shook his head with a sigh.
He ordered a beef fried rice to be delivered to Jay, figuring the man could eat it if he wanted.
Meanwhile, Tailsa ignored the minor drama, her focus on the menu.
She scanned the QR code and started ordering:
Scrambled Eggs with ChivesStir-Fried Yam and Black FungusStir-Fried KidneyGarlic Seafood Casserole (with oysters)Braised Loach in SauceChestnut Chicken SoupSautéed Lamb with Scallions
As dish after dish arrived, James's eyes widened.
What the hell?
Was this because he hadn't performed well last night?
Woman, you're playing with fire.
James glared at Tailsa, who looked smug and cunning, smiling like a fox. He wanted to deal with her right then and there.
"Eat up, darling. You need to replenish yourself," Tailsa said sweetly, placing an oyster into his bowl.
James snorted, his tone firm, "You better not regret this tonight."
The only part of him still "firm" at the moment was his attitude.
After last night's madness and two rounds this morning, he was feeling physically drained.
Rubbing his sore waist, James swore internally: Just wait until I unlock enhanced stamina. You'll regret everything.
"I'm just worried about your health. Let's sleep in separate rooms tonight so you can rest and recover," Tailsa teased, completely unashamed.
James's forced bravado only made his embarrassed expression more entertaining to her. She couldn't stop giggling.
"Completely unnecessary," James declared loudly as he swallowed the oyster.
Tailsa laughed so hard she could barely sit upright.