After lunch, James and Tailsa wandered around the mall for a bit.
Perhaps the oysters were working their magic, because after just half an hour, James felt like he was back to full strength. He looked at Tailsa with a provocative glint in his eye.
Tailsa, however, met his gaze with a playful smile, her expression unyielding.
James almost wanted to drag her to the car to settle things right then and there. But then he rememberedâshe still had to buy him an iPhone. Priorities first.
His old phone was simply too slow. TikTok videos froze after just five swipes, and watching live streams was like flipping through a PowerPoint presentation. It was driving him crazy.
Now that he had the financial ability to send tips, he couldn't wait to dive into the live stream world. Who knew how many 90-point streamers were waiting for him? And what kind of rewards would the system give for "conquering" them?
Would dropping $10,000 in tips cause a stir? Would these streamers express their gratitude in any special ways?
The thought excited him.
But James knew he had to be patient. With Tailsa's system refund imminent, securing her loyalty first was the best strategy.
So, he pushed aside his impatience and focused on accompanying Tailsa through the mall.
Their first stop was Starbucks.
James turned to Jay Johnson, who was still trailing behind them like a shadow, and asked if he wanted a drink. Jay declined with a polite shake of his head.
James only ordered a Strawberry White Chocolate Frappuccino for Tailsa, nothing for himself.
He felt that as a man, drinking something so sweet and colorful was a bit... unmanly. A real man drank iced cola.
Still, the whipped cream on top of the frappuccino looked awfully tempting.
Fortunately, there were plenty of chances to "borrow" her drink while wandering the mall.
At a small accessories shop, while Tailsa tried on hair clips and pins, James offered to hold her drink. Acting casual, he brought the cup to his lips and took a big sip.
The moment the creamy sweetness hit his tongue, his eyes narrowed in pleasure.
It was incredibly sweet and absolutely addictive.
No wonder milk tea was the ultimate shopping companionâit made everything feel better. Even mundane tasks felt like fun after a sip.
Too bad the medium size didn't last long; two gulps and it was gone. Next time, he'd definitely get the large.
As he mused about his newfound love for frappuccinos, Tailsa reached for her drink. She took a sip and realized it was empty.
She smacked his arm in mock anger, her voice filled with playful irritation.
"You're the worst! You drank all of it!"
James grinned shamelessly. "It was too good to resist. I couldn't help myself."
"Hmph!" Tailsa scrunched up her delicate nose and glared at him. Her pouty expression was so adorable that James couldn't help but smile wider.
To make up for it, James bought her a pair of sunglasses and a beige sunhat.
The hat looked premium with its ruched back and elegant bow. When Tailsa put it on, she adjusted the brim's wire to create a seashell-like shape that framed her face perfectly. Paired with her black dress, which made her fair skin look even more radiant, she resembled a pure and delicate beauty heading for a beach vacation.
James was mesmerized.
"Does it look good?" Tailsa asked, twirling slightly.
The hat wasn't particularly expensive, but seeing James's transfixed gaze filled her with joy.
"Yes, yes, yes!" James nodded enthusiastically.
"Hehe, since you're so honest, I'll forgive you," Tailsa said with a giggle. "Let's go buy your phone now."
She had the shop bag up her items and handed them all to Jay Johnson to carry, leaving her free to link arms with James as they headed for the Huawei Experience Store.
This was where having a bodyguard really shined. With someone to carry their bags, they didn't have to lug everything around themselves.
If they'd had a bodyguard yesterday, James wouldn't have needed to arrange for delivery services for all the things he bought her.
At the store, Tailsa asked the staff if they had the most expensive Huawei Porsche model in stock.
When the staff confirmed they did, she didn't hesitate. She asked for a black one, scanned the QR code to pay, and completed the purchase in mere seconds.
Her decisiveness earned James's admiration.
The Porsche Design iPhone was marketed as a high-end product, practically a collector's item in the tech world.
James eagerly opened the box, pulling out the iPhone 16 Plus.
Its unique octagonal diamond-cut camera design and luxurious metal-and-ceramic back made the phone feel premium and easily recognizable.
The moment he powered it on, James fell in love.
The buttery smooth performance and vivid colors put his old $1,000 budget phone to shame.
Truly, you get what you pay for.
This phone was incredible.
"Do you like it?" Tailsa asked, stepping closer with a hopeful look, clearly fishing for praise.
The phone had cost over $10,000. In the past, such a purchase would've made her hesitate. But now, she didn't feel the pinch at all.
After all, there was the Porsche she received earlier that morning and the $100,000 James had gifted her two days ago.
She hadn't spent a penny of her own moneyâthis was essentially a free gift.
As long as James thought of her whenever he used the phone, it was worth every cent.
"I love it. Thank you, sweetheart," James said warmly, pinching her cheek as joy filled his expression.
"If you love it, then you're not allowed to use your old phone anymore," Tailsa teased, gently holding his hand to stop him from doing anything foolish.
"Why would I use that old junk now that I have this?" James scoffed dismissively.
"Hah, who knows what you men are thinking," Tailsa said with a sly smile, clearly implying something deeper.
"I'll transfer the data from my old phone and sell it later," James promised.
Tailsa hesitated, wanting to tell him to toss the old phone in front of her. But she worried being too pushy might annoy him.
Instead, she huffed lightly and joked, "That phone won't sell for more than $200. How about selling it to me?"
James raised an eyebrow. "What do you want it for?"
Tailsa stared into his eyes silently.
James felt a little guilty under her gaze, grinning sheepishly.
Earlier, a fleeting thought had crossed his mindâto sell the new iPhone and buy a cheaper $3,000 phone. That way, he'd pocket the $7,000 difference.
He could then deposit the extra cash into the system and start showering live-streamers with generous tips.
But he quickly dismissed the idea.
Tailsa's affection was more important. If she saw him with a different phone, she'd undoubtedly be upset.
Better to hold on to the bird in hand than chase the ones in the bush.
With his mind made up, James steadied himself.
Now that he had the iPhone, it was time to unleash his ultimate move on Tailsa and secure her affection for good.
This was a plan he'd thought of earlier when buying her the car.
He was confident that this move could melt the heart of almost any womanâand possibly even some men.
Looking at her earnestly, James asked, "Tailsa, do you still live with your parents?"