Chapter 40: Stop Fooling Around, Let's Discuss This When We Get Back

Zhang Hui gave a cold snort and walked over to a section on the left side of the showroom. Standing there was a long-haired mannequin wearing a low-cut, black silk, low-waisted gown. The neckline was adorned with a neatly arranged row of crystals, though judging by the brilliance they emitted, Zhuo Nan suspected they were diamonds.

The combination of traditional black allure and sexiness, paired with the streamlined, low-cut design, created a perfect marriage of tradition and fashion. When coupled with the diamonds—symbols of nobility and eternity—the gown’s magnificence and elegance were further accentuated. Even though it was just an inanimate mannequin, it seemed almost alive, possessing an extraordinary aura.

However, the mannequin was encased in a large glass display cabinet, presumably to protect the garment from dust and impurities that might compromise its beauty.

Zhuo Nan clicked his tongue in secret admiration; the dress was indeed extraordinary. Only then did he take note of the store’s signage. Looking up, he saw the four large characters: Louis Vuitton. Damn, it was the brand commonly known as LV, a world-class luxury label, though their luggage was far more famous than their clothing.

Zhuo Nan found it strange that a small city like Deqing would have an official LV boutique. He walked over to the dress Qin Chenfang had been eyeing and picked up the tag. He couldn't help but chuckle—this wasn't an official LV boutique at all. It was merely a store selling various designer labels, mostly international mid-to-low-tier brands. As for the LV sign he saw, the owner had clearly just slapped those letters onto the storefront.

"Careful, or LV will sue you for copyright infringement until you’re bankrupt," Zhuo Nan thought to himself. He realized these luxury items were likely brought in through gray-market channels.

Zhang Hui pointed at the black gown inside the glass cabinet and said with a condescending look, "This is the treasure of our shop. It’s the latest design from LV for this summer, known as the 'Heart of Eternity.' Its price is 280,000 yuan."

Everyone gasped upon hearing the price. Spending 280,000 on a single dress? They must be out of their minds. In Deqing, 280,000 could buy three apartments these days...

Qin Chenfang’s face was filled with worry after hearing Zhang Hui. 280,000 yuan! Where would Zhuo Nan get that kind of money? Even if he had it, would he be willing to part with it? At that moment, her concern wasn't about whether to buy the dress, but whether Zhuo Nan had the funds and whether he would actually pay. She longed to make the dress her own because it was more than just beautiful—it was dignified and elegant. Even if she never wore it, just looking at it would be enough to satisfy her.

After speaking, Zhang Hui cast a provocative glance at Zhuo Nan, as if to say, "Well, kid, do you have the money? Seems like you’ve been bragging a bit too much."

Zhuo Nan smiled and took a puff of his cigarette, flicking the ash onto the floor with a flourish. He was quite satisfied with the dress. After all, in ten years, LV would fully enter the Chinese market, yet in his memories, he had never seen such a master-class gown in China. He had to buy it—he absolutely had to.

He smiled and said to Qin Chenfang, "Chenfang, go ahead and try it on."

Hearing the tone in Zhuo Nan’s voice, which suggested he intended to buy it, the weight on Qin Chenfang’s heart lifted slightly. However, Zhang Hui spoke up again with that grating voice: "I'm sorry, this dress is not for trying on. If you want it, pay for it. If you don't, then make good on what you just said..."

Qin Chenfang turned to look at Zhuo Nan. Seeing the smile at the corner of his mouth and his nod, she understood his intention and said calmly, "Zhang Hui, go ahead and wrap it up."

Zhang Hui didn't move. She looked at Qin Chenfang as if she were an idiot. After a long moment, she burst into loud, hysterical laughter, bending over until tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. Once she had finished, she said, "Qin Chenfang, you’re quite the actress. 'Wrap it up'? By what right are you telling me to wrap it up? Where’s your money?"

Without hesitation, Zhuo Nan pulled a bank card from his pocket, tossed it in front of Zhang Hui, and said disdainfully, "Take it and swipe it."

Zhang Hui stared blankly as she picked up the card from the floor. She had never seen such a card before; apart from the black text reading "China Construction Bank," the entire card was solid gold. A sense of foreboding washed over her. Could this young boy actually be rich? Could Qin Chenfang really afford this dress? She dared not imagine what might happen next.

Staring at the card for a long time, Zhang Hui remained composed, though her expression was still arrogant. "Having a card doesn't mean anything. Our machines can't swipe this; you have to pay in cash." With that, she tossed the card back to Zhuo Nan.

Zhuo Nan sneered inwardly. It couldn't be swiped? A place this big couldn't process a card? Fine. If you want to play games, I’ll play along. He put the card away, took out his phone, and dialed Long Kun’s number.

Long Kun had been waiting for Zhuo Nan at the restaurant all morning. It was nearly noon, and since "Brother Nan" hadn't shown up, he didn't dare call to rush him, so he just sat and waited. When he saw the call come in, he answered immediately. "Brother Nan, I’m at the restaurant."

Zhuo Nan replied, "Two things. First, withdraw 300,000 in cash immediately and have someone bring it to the LV store on the second floor of the Baihua Shopping Mall. I’ll be waiting here. Second, do you know the owner of Baihua Shopping Mall? If you do, tell him to get here immediately. Get it done, do you hear me?"

Long Kun agreed instantly. "Don't worry, Brother Nan, I’ll handle it right now." After hanging up, Long Kun thought about how Baihua Mall was nearby; it seemed Brother Nan had run into trouble. Long Kun knew the general manager of the mall—given his current status as a prominent figure in the Deqing underworld, everyone in politics and business gave him some modicum of respect. He pulled out his phone to find the manager's number.

Zhuo Nan’s brief phone call felt like a dagger to Zhang Hui’s heart. Her palms were sweating, and that sense of foreboding grew even stronger.

At that moment, Zhuo Nan walked over to Qin Chenfang and said with a smile, "Chenfang, pick out whatever you like here. Just have them wrap it up. Money is no object..."

When a man can provide a woman with a sense of security, that woman’s heart is usually already tethered to him. That was how Qin Chenfang felt. For so many years, she had carried Qin Shanshan through the hardships of life, enduring the cold mockery of the world. In this moment, she suddenly felt the relief of seeing the bitter days end and the sweet ones begin.

She looked at Zhuo Nan with deep affection, as if asking, "Is this really okay?" Zhuo Nan looked back at her, and a strange feeling stirred within him. He whispered, "Chenfang, what are you waiting for? As long as you like it, you can have whatever you want."

Qin Chenfang nodded reservedly and walked over to the clothing racks, starting to pick out items one by one. Oblivious to the others, she held the clothes up against herself and asked Zhuo Nan, "Does this look good?" At that moment, Qin Chenfang seemed like a twenty-year-old girl asking her beloved boyfriend for his opinion.

Zhuo Nan smiled and nodded. Qin Chenfang was truly beautiful. Although she was in her thirties, he believed that with a little styling, she would be no less stunning than Lan Qian. He was eager to see the results after she dressed up.

Qin Chenfang found a low-cut, backless crimson evening gown. The craftsmanship and the feel of the fabric were superb, and she immediately fell in love with it. However, she was worried it was too revealing—it only used two strips of fabric to cover her nipples, leaving the rest of her breasts exposed. Seeing her hesitation, Zhuo Nan asked, "Chenfang, what's wrong?"

Qin Chenfang said with some frustration, "This dress is beautiful, but it's too revealing."

Zhuo Nan chuckled. "What are you afraid of? This dress was designed to be worn. I think it’s perfect. Why don’t you try it on?" He turned to Zhang Hui and said in a cold tone, "She can try this one on, right?"

Although Zhang Hui was annoyed, she nodded helplessly. Zhuo Nan gave Qin Chenfang an encouraging look. She smiled in understanding, took the dress, and went into the fitting room. About a minute later, she emerged, arms crossed over her chest, looking very embarrassed.

Zhuo Nan walked over with a smile and said, "Chenfang, put your arms down. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Take a look in the mirror; if you like it, we’ll buy it."

Zhang Hui snorted from the side.

Qin Chenfang had no choice but to drop her arms, standing straight before Zhuo Nan. The dress was undeniably eye-catching. The neckline was cut so low that, other than her nipples, the fullness of her breasts was left entirely exposed. Zhuo Nan felt a bit dizzy; staring at her fair skin, he couldn't help but swallow hard.

Other customers in the store gasped. The dress seemed custom-made for this woman. Everyone had the same thought: only she was worthy of wearing it. Their eyes drifted back to the 280,000-yuan gown, eager to see how she would look in that one. They seemed to have forgotten that they had been mocking her just moments before.

Seeing the lecherous look on Zhuo Nan’s face, Qin Chenfang couldn't help but laugh, losing her earlier shyness. She found she actually wanted to show off her perfect figure to him. Seeing her laugh, Zhuo Nan felt his gaze had been too bold. Qin Chenfang walked slowly to his side, turned in a slow circle, and asked softly, "Does it look good?"

Zhuo Nan nodded in satisfaction and instinctively placed his hand on Qin Chenfang’s back, stroking it gently. Qin Chenfang trembled as if electrocuted. She gave him a sidelong glance, blushing, but did not remove his hand. Zhuo Nan felt the change in her body but didn't stop his movements. Her skin was incredibly smooth, and he couldn't get enough of it. Suddenly, he remembered that Qin Chenfang was still a virgin. His hand began to slip lower, losing control. At this point, Qin Chenfang realized that if she didn't stop him, who knew what this little guy might do? Doing this in public was simply too inappropriate.

She looked up at him, rolled her eyes, and said with a coquettish pout, "Stop it, let's talk about it when we get back..."

Zhuo Nan stood frozen on the spot, feeling as though he’d been struck by lightning in broad daylight.