Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Abacus Beads
Jiang Wan took a step back strategically, reining in her greedy intentions, and used a different tone to speak.
Sure enough, after hearing what Jiang Wan said, Zhou Kuangyu’s expression brightened significantly.
Obviously, this had a certain effect on him.
As long as the message was delivered tactfully, and the greed wasn’t too apparent, he was not opposed to spending a little money on Jiang Wan.
Even though Zhou Kuangyu could see through Jiang Wan’s little tricks completely.
But after he put on a stern face, Jiang Wan did hold back a bit and changed her approach.
In this case, Zhou Kuangyu could reluctantly agree to spend a little money on gold.
When he spoke again, Zhou Kuangyu softened his expression, and his demeanor became considerably more gentle; at least he no longer looked as sour-faced as before:
"Since you put it that way, let’s go inside and have a look. If there’s something you like, you can buy it."
Anyway, this relationship won’t last long.
Zhou Kuangyu thought to himself, a woman like Jiang Wan, who lacked substance and only knew how to flatter with words, held no special attraction for him.
After all, he preferred strong women who could live independently without relying on men, as they captured his attention more.
Perhaps it was just during this time in the town; once he returned to the provincial capital, he might completely forget about Jiang Wan.
If spending some money could eliminate the potential trouble of Jiang Wan, then why not?
After all, over the years, many women he had been involved with continued to cling to him after he initiated a breakup.
Some even went to his wife and flaunted, causing annoyance and significant impact on his family.
His wife often turned a blind eye to his dalliances outside.
But that didn’t mean she wouldn’t cause a fuss if things were brought to light.
It would affect the reputation of their respective families.
Moreover, as business people, and successful ones at that, they did have some influence in the provincial capital.
If his scandals affected the business of both families, he would become the biggest sinner in the family.
After all, this was ancestral property that couldn’t be wasted in his hands.
So, after that, Zhou Kuangyu made some restraints on himself.
At least he knew that even if he played around outside, he needed to clean up the mess and avoid getting caught.
So, every time he broke up with a woman outside, Zhou Kuangyu would give them a generous sum as a breakup fee.
Just like today, with Jiang Wan, if he could buy peace for the future with just a bit of money, why not?
After all, the one thing he didn’t lack was money.
Zhou Kuangyu thought about it and felt that Jiang Wan wasn’t a straightforward woman. To avoid future trouble, he decided to warn her:
"I dislike women who have too many ulterior motives. Make sure you remember that."
Although Zhou Kuangyu didn’t make his point too obvious, Jiang Wan wasn’t foolish and could naturally deduce his underlying meaning.
Jiang Wan nodded nervously and then saw Zhou Kuangyu walk into the gold shop without looking back. Delighted, she stopped thinking about other things and hurriedly followed him inside.
Upon entering the gold shop, Jiang Wan quickly hid all her chaotic thoughts.
Now, her eyes were only on the glittering gold bracelets and necklaces, and she couldn’t bother to think about anything else.
After entering the gold shop, Zhou Kuangyu, hearing the salesperson’s greeting, did not speak. He just gestured to Jiang Wan to pick something.
Zhou Kuangyu was responsible only for paying; he didn’t bother with anything else, as he didn’t understand or have a taste for such women’s trinkets.
Even for his legitimately married wife, he had never given these kinds of gifts.
During holidays or birthdays, he would have his assistant pick out a gift to send over, just to get by.
After hearing this, Jiang Wan quickly stepped up and began choosing from the counter.
When she first saw the big gold bracelet on the counter, her eyes lit up, wanting to ask the clerk to take it out for her to try on.
But then she realized that Zhou Kuangyu didn’t seem to like overly money-minded women.
His expression had not been very pleasant when they entered the gold shop.
If she were to grab a big gold bracelet right then, the implication would have been too obvious.
Undoubtedly, Zhou Kuangyu would be annoyed by her.
Jiang Wan felt conflicted; she wanted the gold bracelet, as it had a higher gram count, and she could sell it for more later, so naturally, the heavier the better. More cost-effective.
But on the other hand, she was afraid of offending Zhou Kuangyu, fearing that if he dumped her before she got any benefit from him, she’d be left with nothing.
Jiang Wan bit her lip, undecided.
The shop assistants in a gold shop usually have a knack for reading expressions.
Moreover, when Zhou Kuangyu and Jiang Wan came in, anyone with a sharp eye could tell that there was something unusual about their relationship.
Furthermore, Zhou Kuangyu was wearing a wedding ring, and with Jiang Wan acting all nervous and subservient, the dynamics were evident.
Moreover, Jiang Wan had clearly taken a liking to the big gold bracelet in their display case.
Yet she seemed to want it but hesitated to say it aloud. If they were a couple, they definitely wouldn’t have these concerns.
It was quite clear that Jiang Wan was very much in fear of offending Zhou Kuangyu.
After figuring out the situation, the store clerk formed a rough estimation of their relationship.
Then, when she looked at Jiang Wan again, her eyes carried a hint of disdain.
After all, the clerk was also married.
As a woman, nothing was more detested than a husband cheating with a third party.
For someone like Jiang Wan, acting as a mistress, with no self-respect, she certainly felt contempt.
Seeing Jiang Wan’s hesitation, the clerk bluntly spoke up:
"Miss, have you taken a liking to this gold bracelet? Would you like me to take it out for you to try on?"
"Judging by how your gentleman is dressed, it’s clear that neither of you is short of money. If you like it, why not just buy it? Right now, the gold prices are reasonable. It’s a chance you don’t want to miss."