C15 The Supreme Vip Card

The next morning, Wood was up early, preparing breakfast and setting it out on the table before taking the kids off to school.

He hadn't forgotten Tella's advice and decided that today he would buy a gift for Hassie to smooth things over between them.

After dropping the kids off at school, Wood immediately called Denis, who quickly arrived at the school's entrance.

Denis instinctively started to kneel, but Wood stopped him.

"Stand up. I've got something important to discuss with you."

"Speak, God of Soldier, I will hold nothing back."

Denis bristled with rage as Wood recounted his issues with Hassie.

"How dare she insult you, the God of Soldier? She has some nerve!"

Denis was caught between fury and reverence. Wood was a legend on the battlefield, feared by all of Frieca's enemies. Yet now, he was seeking a peaceful resolution over a personal matter.

"I need your advice," Wood said.

Denis looked uncomfortable. "Warfare, I can handle. But for this, Cooper might be more helpful. He's got a sharp mind for business and a knack for dealing with people."

Wood gave a slight nod and called Larkin.

Within minutes, a sleek black luxury car arrived, and Larkin emerged, greeting Wood with due respect.

Hua!

Larkin's arrival caused a stir among the onlookers.

"Isn't that Mr. Cooper Larkin? And who's that young man he's showing such respect to?"

"It's unbelievable! Could he be a high-ranking official from the Imperial Capital? No one else in Vriayledo could warrant such respect from Mr. Cooper."

The crowd murmured, speculating about Wood's identity.

Wood frowned at the attention, and Larkin quickly suggested they talk in the car.

Wood entered the car without a word, followed by Denis, who couldn't resist a jab at Larkin.

"Cooper, I hear the God of Soldier gave you an earful yesterday?"

Larkin's expression darkened, surprised by Denis's inside knowledge.

Once they were all in the car, it sped away from the Huan An Academy.

Inside the quiet comfort of the vehicle, Denis filled Larkin in on the situation.

Hiss!

Zhou inhaled sharply, taking a moment to grapple with the shocking revelation.

In a cautious tone, Larkin spoke up. "God of Soldier, to win Hassie's approval, you'll need to demonstrate significant strength. Without that, it's a non-starter."

Denis chuckled dismissively. "Come on, Zhou. If God of Soldier just came out with his identity, everything would fall into place. We wouldn't even need your input."

"That's not quite my point," Larkin clarified. "I suggest God of Soldier discreetly showcase his power, perhaps through a thoughtful gift. It's a perfect opportunity to break the ice and strengthen ties without dragging others into our affairs or exposing them to danger."

Wood nodded in agreement, pleased with the strategy. "That's an excellent approach. Let's go with that."

Mopping the sweat from his brow, Larkin offered, "God of Soldier, I'd be honored to help you select the right gift."

Denis cut in, "Better not, Zhou. Your conspicuous status might risk blowing God of Soldier's cover."

Larkin's expression turned to one of alarm. "My deepest apologies."

He then produced a sleek black bank card from his pocket.

"This is the Storm Enterprises supreme VIP card, God of Soldier. It offers unlimited credit and will ensure you can conduct your affairs without attracting unwanted attention."

"Good."

Wood took the card, recognizing the value of having such a symbol of status to ward off any would-be troublemakers.

...

At Yoruhana Plaza.

Wood's black sedan came to a smooth stop outside a high-end fashion emporium. He exited the vehicle and entered the store with purpose.

The opulent space was vast, its interior lavishly decorated, and stocked with attire for every age group. Wood's gaze swept over the selection, considering his options.

"Welcome to Xiaomei Shopping Mall, sir. May I offer you some assistance?" A young, attractive sales associate approached with a sweet smile.

Wood responded with a cool nod. "I'm looking to purchase some clothes. Please, show me around."

"Certainly, right this way." The clerk, Xiao Chen, led Wood with bright eyes and eager enthusiasm, helping him select various outfits.

As they walked, they picked out suitable pieces, and Xiao Chen neatly added each one to their collection. In just under fifteen minutes, they had amassed a substantial selection.

They approached the cashier, where the checkout counter was nearly buried under the mountain of more than twenty garments.

"Pack up all these clothes for me, I need to use the restroom," Wood said as he walked away.

Watching him leave, Xiao Chen couldn't help but beam with delight, prompting laughter from her colleagues.

"Enjoy your laugh now, Xiao Chen, because you'll be crying later," one teased.

"Indeed, Xiao Chen is still too naive," another chimed in. "Barely new to the job and already getting played."

"She's clueless. I bet that guy's restroom excuse was just a ruse to slip away," speculated another colleague.

Xiao Chen froze, taken aback.

"That can't be right. The man was so dignified. He couldn't be that kind of person," Xiao Chen exclaimed.

Her colleagues roared with laughter. "All that dignity is just for show. Did you see what he was wearing? His whole outfit probably doesn't even total five hundred dollars. How much money can he really have?"

"And the clothes on the counter? They're worth at least a hundred thousand. It's questionable if he even earns that much in a year."

How could this be?

Xiao Chen felt tears welling up as she rushed back to check.

Arriving at the restroom entrance, she almost bumped into Wood emerging from inside.

"Sir, you haven't left?"

Wood looked puzzled. "Why would I leave without settling the bill? Is everything totaled up?"

Xiao Chen was taken aback, her mind racing. This was nothing like what the seasoned staff had predicted.

"My time is precious. Let's get the bill sorted," Wood pressed, heading to the cashier.

Xiao Chen quickly followed suit.

The veteran salespeople near the cashier snickered at the sight.

"He's got nerve showing up here," one muttered under their breath.

"I'll take all these clothes. Please wrap them up," Wood stated calmly.

Yet, no one made a move.

"What seems to be the problem?" Wood inquired, a slight crease forming on his forehead.

One salesperson stepped forward with a sneer. "Sir, this is the Xiaomei Merchant Shop, not a place for jokes. The total for these clothes is over 100,000 dollars. I'm afraid you might not have the means to pay for them."

"Yeah, having the gall to come into a luxury store dressed like that," another added scornfully. "We've seen plenty like you."

"There's a street vendor selling clothes across the way. Maybe that's more your speed. This isn't a playground for you. Please leave and don't waste any more of our time."

The women bantered back and forth, their eyes brimming with scorn.

Xiao Chen, anxiously standing to the side, interjected, "How can you be so cruel with your words? Isn't that going too far?"

"Too far? We're just telling it like it is. If you can't afford it, don't put on airs. It's time to leave and stop wasting our time," a salesperson snapped back.

Wood's expression slowly turned grim.

Smack!

The sharp sound echoed in everyone's ears.

"Who says I can't afford it? Go ahead and charge my card."