Just then, Zhang Jing, having changed into a new outfit, strolled out of the fitting room. Noticing something amiss, she first pulled Fang Shanshan aside, then bowed slightly towards Ren Yuanhao as a gesture of politeness.
"See? Even though they're both women, what good is a pretty face? It's the character that truly matters," Ren Yuanhao scoffed, immediately extending his right hand to Zhang Jing and stating loudly, "My name is Ren Yuanhao, and I'm Zhou Lin's boyfriend."
Hearing the name, Zhang Jing found it somewhat familiar, but she paid it no mind. With a serene expression, she shook his hand, her demeanor exuding grace and breeding.
"I never thought a woman like that could actually get a boyfriend. How curious. Could she have some sort of defect?" Fang Shanshan raised an eyebrow, finding Ren Yuanhao surprisingly good-looking and well-built. Feeling a pang of dissatisfaction, she decided to unleash her sharp tongue.
Ren Yuanhao mentally cursed her entire lineage, suppressing his anger. He chuckled instead, "Fancy a professional 18-centimeter well-drilling service?"
"You, you scoundrel!" Fang Shanshan playfully feigned a punch to his chest.
"What are you doing? I have a girlfriend, and I'm not interested in your type. Move along, don't disturb me and my girlfriend while we shop."
Ren Yuanhao ignored her and casually picked out a light green dress, holding it up against Zhou Lin. It was then he heard Yan Ling's sarcastic remark.
"I say, this place isn't suitable for a country bumpkin like her. I suggest you check out the foreign trade market on West Ring Road. They sell clothes by the kilogram there, you could easily get a couple of good fakes, right?"
—These two girls are too much! They think I came here unprepared?
"Sales assistant, I'll take this dress. Please bring the card machine over."
Ren Yuanhao pulled out a black bank card linked to his system and waved it at the sales assistant.
The two women didn't believe that a normal, wealthy, and handsome young master would fancy the country girl beside him, and they eagerly awaited Ren Yuanhao's embarrassment.
The sales assistant solicitously brought over the POS machine, saying with a smile, "This gentleman has excellent taste. This dress is designed by a French master, with top-notch tailoring, fabric, and design. And its most striking feature is here."
She turned on her phone's flashlight, casting a dazzling beam onto the dress. Instantly, a green light flowed, resembling swaying tree shadows, exuding ethereal beauty.
Ren Yuanhao suddenly felt a bit nervous, thinking that such a dress might be incredibly expensive. He wondered if the task money in this card was enough to cover it.
Then he thought, since he'd carelessly picked such an extraordinary piece of clothing, it also proved his improving taste. It was a good thing. At worst, he could exchange for more money. It wouldn't exceed 600,000, would it?
"Maybe we shouldn't buy it?" Zhou Lin whispered with a frown.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. If you want it, I can even pluck the stars from the sky for you," Ren Yuanhao said, affectionately ruffling her hair, his eyes full of tenderness.
Fang Shanshan and Yan Ling, standing beside them, rolled their eyes, waiting for Ren Yuanhao to make a fool of himself.
"Is the gentleman sure he wants to buy it?"
"Absolutely sure."
"Alright, could we see your card first?"
Ren Yuanhao confidently handed the black card to the sales assistant, though his heart was pounding with anxiety.
The sales assistant carefully took the card and swiped it through the POS machine. Ren Yuanhao's gaze fixed on the red indicator light, his heart sinking.
"Beep beep beep, bank card recognition failed. Please try again." The POS machine emitted an extremely embarrassing sound.
The smiles on Fang Shanshan's and Yan Ling's faces widened. The sales assistant examined the black card repeatedly, seemingly unable to identify it, and then tried again.
"Bank card recognition successful. Welcome, distinguished Global Black Card Visa top-tier user. This item costs 39,000. Please enter your PIN, and ensure privacy."
As soon as she said this, the two women who had been anticipating Ren Yuanhao's humiliation were stunned into silence.
"How is that possible? There are less than ten thousand Global Visa top-tier users!" Yan Ling actually wanted to say more, that top-tier Visa users must have over 10 billion in their accounts! This young man, how could he possibly have assets exceeding 10 billion!
Ren Yuanhao knew the terrifying implications of being a Visa top-tier user. He had initially thought the card was merely a quest item, perhaps containing some funds necessary for tasks. However, this account actually had a balance of over 10 billion!
—Having such a vast sum of money felt incredibly exhilarating. With this money, it was enough for him, no, for several generations of his family to spend lavishly. What was the point of struggling anymore!
"Beep beep beep, system warning. Task funds are merely a credit limit. Any amount consumed will be deducted from your account or points, equivalent to a credit card overdraft. Please be aware."
The system's cold tone was like a bucket of cold water, drenching him thoroughly.
However, if you're going to show off and put people in their place, you have to go all the way. Spending money without making a statement is like taking off your pants to fart.
"It's too expensive, I..." Zhou Lin tightly clasped Ren Yuanhao's arm. She saw him smiling brightly like the sun, then he playfully tapped her nose and said softly, "Silly girl, you deserve these things."
"Thank you for your patronage. We wish you a pleasant shopping experience."
Ren Yuanhao handed the dress to Zhou Lin and walked away without looking back, completely ignoring the two women. He let the sales assistant lead Zhou Lin into the luxurious fitting room.
The two women were so embarrassed they wanted to disappear. Fortunately, Zhang Jing leaned out, gave Ren Yuanhao a slight smile, and said goodbye, thus diffusing the awkwardness.
The three women left the mall together. Fang Shanshan and Yan Ling, usually so arrogant, were naturally displeased at being outmaneuvered by that country bumpkin.
Fang Shanshan spoke, "That kind of person, even if a sparrow flies onto a branch, it can't become a phoenix. If she dares to attend the masquerade ball tonight, I'll make sure she regrets it!"
"Is that necessary? We're all classmates in the same department."
Zhang Jing looked through the glass window at Ren Yuanhao, who was still standing there waiting. Her brow furrowed slightly, thinking: I seem to have heard of this man somewhere, but why can't I recall where?