C18 My Wife!!
As Zhang Chen pondered, he had an epiphany.
No wonder Wang Cai carried himself with such arrogance. Being a sales manager at Dafu Real Estate was no small feat.
Wang Cai's lips curled into a smirk as he probed, "So, where are you employed currently?"
Lin Zhiqing's brows knitted together ever so slightly.
A flicker of irritation ignited within Zhang Chen. He couldn't shake the feeling that Wang Cai was intentionally picking on him.
It was common knowledge that he was unemployed.
Without missing a beat, Zhang Chen responded cheerfully, "I'm just a freeloader, living off others."
Wang Cai was momentarily taken aback.
He had intended to ridicule Zhang Chen, but hadn't anticipated such a brazen admission.
Lin Zhiqing's eyes betrayed a flash of revulsion at his words.
With a sneer, Wang Cai said, "You say that with such pride; you must have some hidden talents."
His voice dripped with sarcasm.
Zhang Chen simply smiled, choosing not to engage further.
Wang Cai inwardly scoffed but maintained his pleasant facade. "Since this is our first meeting, consider this outfit my welcome gift to you. There's no need for Zhiqing to spend unnecessarily."
Zhang Chen nearly shuddered at the insincerity.
Still, he flashed a grin and replied, "Much appreciated."
He had no qualms about accepting free clothes.
Disappointment flickered in Lin Zhiqing's eyes yet again.
Wang Cai gestured casually. "Lee, let's head over to the women's clothing store, shall we?"
The heavily made-up sales associate promptly stood and said with deference, "Of course, sir. Right this way, please."
Wang Cai beamed, "Come along, Zhiqing. It's the perfect chance for you to browse as well."
Lin Zhiqing gave a nod of assent. "Alright."
With that, they made their way to the adjacent boutique, led by Lee.
Zhang Chen trailed behind them.
Before long, they entered the women's clothing store, filled with an array of garments. But it was the evening gown on the central display mannequin that captured everyone's gaze.
Zhang Xueling halted in front of the display, her eyes sparkling with delight.
"Wow, this dress is absolutely stunning," she exclaimed, her eyes nearly bulging with awe.
Even Lin Zhiqing found herself lingering by the side, unable to resist taking a few extra glances.
Lee stepped forward with enthusiasm, saying, "You've really got an eye for style. This dress just clinched the first prize at an International fashion design competition."
"It's not yet in mass production—this is the only piece in the world."
"The price is quite a steal at the moment. After the discount, it's just 688,000."
Hearing the price, Zhang Xueling's interest visibly waned.
Wang Cai was also ready to back out, but then he caught Lin Zhiqing's unwavering gaze fixed on the evening gown, a flicker of indecision in his eyes.
However, it didn't take long for Wang Cai to make up his mind. He approached Lin Zhiqing.
With a smile, Wang Cai inquired, "Zhiqing, do you find this dress beautiful?"
Lin Zhiqing nodded. "It's beautiful."
This was the kind of dress that lived in the dreams of many girls—regal and elegant, yet vibrant with life.
A spark ignited in Wang Cai's eyes as he spoke earnestly, "If you like it, I'll gift it to you. How does that sound?"
His offer left everyone dumbfounded.
A hint of confusion crossed Lin Zhiqing's face as her brows knit together.
Zhang Xueling, momentarily taken aback, hurried over and asked incredulously, "What did you just say? Who are you offering it to?"
Wang Cai glanced at Zhang Xueling, then subtly at Zhang Chen's direction.
Zhang Xueling fell silent, skepticism still clouding her eyes.
Lee's gaze shimmered with barely concealed mockery.
Zhang Chen, what a pushover.
A frown creased Zhang Chen's brow, his eyes flashing with a chilly sharpness.
With a gentle smile, Lin Zhiqing responded, "There's no need. Manager Wang, the dress is far too pricey."
Wang Cai feigned magnanimity, "The dress is merely around 700,000 yuan—not too expensive at all. Only someone with your grace could truly do it justice."
Lin Zhiqing's frown deepened, struggling to find the words to decline.
It was then that Zhang Chen's calm voice broke the silence, "There's no need. She's my wife, and I will be the one to gift it to her."
At his words, the room fell into stunned silence once more, all eyes turning to Zhang Chen, awash with bewilderment.
Lin Zhiqing bit her lip, her eyes brimming with disappointment.
She was well aware that all the money Zhang Chen had wouldn't even begin to cover the cost of the clothing in question!
Zhang Chen's claim was nothing more than a pretense.
A glint of mockery flickered in Lee's eyes.
Wang Cai paused briefly before he asked, "Bro, what are you saying? You're buying clothes for Zhiqing?"
Zhang Chen nodded affirmatively. "That's right."
Wang Cai's remark had thoroughly enraged Zhang Chen!
Wang Cai couldn't suppress a laugh, his sarcasm growing more pronounced. "Come on, man, quit joking. You must have misheard. The price tag is 688,000 Yuan, not 68.8 Yuan."
With the Lin family on the brink of collapse, Wang Cai saw his opportunity.
If he could win over Lin Zhiqing with money, all the better. And if not, he could at least publicly humiliate Zhang Chen.
This would also give Wang Cai something to tell Zhang Xueling.
Wang Cai had thought he'd need to offer some explanation, but to his surprise, Zhang Chen had risen to the bait so quickly!
Zhang Chen nodded and echoed, "I'm aware."
Wang Cai burst into laughter, unable to contain himself.
Lee's eyes sparkled with scorn as she said, "Mister, maybe you should check your pockets for enough spare change before we continue this conversation."
"Can you drop the act? 680,000 Yuan. I won't belabor the point, but just one question for you—have you ever seen that much money in your life?"
Wang Cai's words were more insulting than injurious to Zhang Chen.
After a moment's reflection, Zhang Chen shook his head. "Truthfully, I've never seen that kind of money."
At Zhang Chen's admission, Wang Cai's laughter grew uncontrollable.
Lee's face twisted into an even more pronounced sneer.
Feeling humiliated, Lin Zhiqing couldn't hold back and snapped, "Zhang Chen, I'll cover the cost of the clothes. You can go now."
Zhang Chen ignored her and asked with a grin, "Don't you believe me?"
Wang Cai's laughter intensified.
Lee, exasperated and annoyed, told Zhang Chen, "Didn't you notice Zhiqing just gave you an out? Just go. This isn't the place for you."
"Putting on an act is one thing, but you should at least have some boundaries. You're truly repulsive."
When Lee had to choose between a pauper and a manager from the Dafu Group, his preference was naturally easy to determine.
Zhang Chen's brow furrowed as he spoke with dissatisfaction, "Are you a sales associate or Wang Cai's lover?"