Cloudy, the store manager and a long-time acquaintance of Tailsa, looked at James with a curious expression.
His attire didn't scream luxury, and she'd met several men who had accompanied Tailsa beforeâno one quite as disheveled or casually dressed as this one.
She knew Tailsa well enough to understand that she had high standards and was particularly selective about men. Normally, someone like James wouldn't even register on her radar.
So what was going on today?
While she pondered this, she skillfully maintained a polite demeanor, giving them a courteous smile and suggesting, "There's a sofa over there. Feel free to have a seat."
James thanked her, but instead of sitting, he began to peruse the myriad of cosmetics displayed around the store.
There was the $5,800 "White Bandage" face cream, the $4,800 "BoBo A" serum, and even a skincare set priced at $12,800.
He picked up a small bottle, noting its surprisingly light weight, and wondered how it could possibly cost over three grand.
It was a bit mind-boggling.
From behind the counter, Cloudy almost opened her mouth to caution James about handling the expensive products so casually. But in deference to Tailsa, she held back.
Tailsa's youthful, radiant skin was the shop's best advertisement, luring in countless customers who wanted to replicate her beauty.
Sales numbers heavily depended on her influence.
Consequently, Cloudy was careful not to offend Tailsa.
But her eyes shot daggers at James, filled with disdain.
He seemed like a bumpkin who lacked basic manners, roughing up the expensive items.
And if he broke something, would he even be able to afford it?
Seeing James casually handling the luxury items, Tailsa hurriedly reminded him, "Be careful with that, it's really expensive."
James chuckled.
To the James of yesterday, these products would indeed have seemed exorbitant.
But today, with the system's discount, they amounted to nothing more than a few dimes.
"So, do you like it?" he asked.
Tailsa smiled, playing along. "I do. Why don't you buy it for me?"
Her interest in James was growing, despite his shabby clothes. The $100,000 in her bank wasn't a bluff.
"I'm not familiar with these brands, but if you pick out the ones you like, I'll cover the bill," James offered gallantly.
Tailsa was taken aback by his boldness. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she looked at him.
"Really?"
Enchanted by her admiring gaze, James felt a sense of elevation, completely wrapped up in the role.
"Of course," he declared. "You could empty this whole store if you wanted."
A quick mental calculation told him the total wouldn't exceed a few millionâit was within his budget.
The cost was high, but if it meant winning Tailsa over, it was worth every penny.
In the distance, Cloudy couldn't hold back a snicker as she overheard James's bravado.
She found him amusing. Dressed like that, yet spouting such grandiose promises.
Was he here just to entertain them?
James noticed her laugh but wasn't offended. In fact, he was thrilled.
Finally, a classic "face-slap" scene from all those novels he'd read was happening to him.
He knew this drill wellâCloudy would likely taunt him, and Tailsa would cast him a skeptical look.
Then he'd whip out a couple million, stunning their eyes, carrying one of them off into the sunset...
Or so he thought.
Reality, however, didn't follow his script.
Upon catching his eye, Cloudy quickly put on an apologetic smile and even bowed a little, as if her laughter had been at some harmless joke.
As part of the service industry, she was trained to avoid conflict with customers, even poor-looking ones.
Any scandal would see the company siding with the customer. After all, there were few instances online where big brands were called out for staff mistreating customers.
Such occurrences were rare and usually about low-profile stores. A stray laugh could be forgiven, but her professional demeanor had to stay flawless. Apologizing, if needed, was no big deal.
Besides, Tailsa acted as if she hadn't heard Cloudy's laughter at all, exclaiming excitedly to James, "Wow, I didn't realize James had become so wealthy!"
Inside, James's brain sputtered a series of confused mental questions.
Wasn't this supposed to be different?
How was he supposed to get his cool "face-slap" moment with them taking things this way?
Tailsa smoothly leaned over the counter, fetching a larger gift set, and said to James, "Could I get a New Year's set? It's thirty-eight thousand."
Curious to test him, she picked the most expensive set in the store.
If he could back up his bold words, he'd need some chops to match.
Watching him closely for any signs of hesitation, she was ready to swap it for cheaper items if he seemed reluctant.
James was baffled.
Thirty-eight thousand? Was she kidding? If nearby foreigners saw him hesitate, they'd think he couldn't afford it.
"Give me ten sets!" he nearly blurted. "One for everyone!"
Worried Tailsa might not give him the chance to impress, he quickly suggested, "You sure one is enough? Shouldn't you grab a couple more?"
Seeing his nonchalant attitude towards spending the money made Tailsa bounce up and down, looking as joyful and cute as a little bunny.
"One is enough for half a year. Thank you, Big Brother James," she beamed.
James's eyes followed her every movement, entranced.
The way she called him "big brother"âher voice soft and sweet like summer ice cream, refreshing and full of sweetnessâwas intoxicating.
He wanted nothing more than a taste.
Looking at the charming girl before him, James felt a spark of ambition and determination.
Tailsa hugged the box to her chest, radiating happiness, and flashed him a sweet smile.
[Tailsa's affection +5]
Wait, what? Affection points went up too?
James could hardly contain his laughter, his grin wide enough to manage a bottled water.
He was genuinely excited now, considering the idea to clear out the store for Tailsa.
"Are you sure you don't want anything else?" James asked with enthusiasm. "Pick anything else you'd like, don't be shy with me."
"Most of what's in the store is included in this set, and Helena Rubinstein's products are quite pricey. It's not something most people can afford," Tailsa explained.
"Then let's check out some other stores."
Seeing the satisfied look on her face, James couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.
But he didn't insist, knowing when to stop in the game of love. Spending the wrong way could easily lose points.
He pulled out the golden card and waved it in front of the dazed Cloudy, reminding her, "Miss, pay by card."
Cloudy snapped out of her reverie, accepting the card with both hands and muttering nervously, "Oh, yes... of course."
She'd been pondering James's true identity.
Buying over thirty thousand dollars' worth of skincare as easily as shopping for groceriesâhad she really misjudged him? Was he truly someone of significant means?
As the card was swiped and the receipt printed, she gave James a long, thoughtful look.
It made sense now.
For a girl as discerning as Tailsa, there was no way she'd settle for a pauper.