It's often said that enemies become especially hostile when they meet, and Huo Liang showed no mercy to Russell. He wanted Su Jing to clearly see that sometimes just having a good appearance isn't enough.
When he noticed the former class leader, Messiah, flash a fiery gaze when he declared he'd buy the expensive male outfit, he knew he was doing it right. Indeed, if they were still in the ivory tower, this woman might not even deign to look at him. But out in society, after facing many harsh realities and setbacks?
He was thrilled that his long-desired Su Jing was finally coming around. With a bit more effort, he was confident he could win her over. His gaze lingered on Messiah's mature and voluptuous figure, igniting a passionate fire within him.
“Since he likes it, let him have it,” Russell said, not wanting to make things difficult for the salesgirl. The class leader's change and his own shifting mindset left him disheartened and uninterested in bickering with Huo Liang. He waved his hand dismissively.
To be fair, he indeed had no right to interfere in others' pursuits, even if someone chose Huo Liang—it was none of his business.
“Well... alright then, sir. Would you like to try it on? If any alterations are needed, we can...”
“No need, just wrap it up.” Huo Liang, looking as triumphant as a rooster, eyed Russell provocatively. This is the power of money, he thought smugly; having a good appearance is not enough.
“Xuanyuan, why don't you chat with our old classmate here while I go settle the bill?” Huo Liang nodded coolly, preparing to pay. But when his gaze fell on the price tag of the men's outfit, he froze completely.
“...Seventeen thousand eight hundred?” After a long pause, under the salesgirl's curious gaze, Huo Liang finally read out the price.
“Yes, sir. This is the latest men's fashion this year.”
“Seventeen thousand... ha, not much... not much at all. By the way, is there any discount?” His confidence wavered, knowing exactly how much was in his account—not more or less than seventeen thousand. As for the extra eight hundred, he came up short, and he cursed inwardly. His gaze, filled with resentment, landed on Russell.
If Russell hadn’t picked a garment costing tens of thousands, he wouldn’t be in such a predicament.
“I'm sorry, sir, we don't negotiate prices here.” The salesgirl remained polite despite her silent judgment. "No money, no talk," she thought disdainfully. "And you dared to snatch someone else's pick."
But as a professional, her outward demeanor remained a pleasant smile.
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Faced with the eyes of the store's salesgirls, Huo Liang was filled with regret. He initially thought that a pauper like Russell wouldn't choose something expensive. Having shopped here before, he knew most men's clothing was priced between one and three thousand. However, how could he have expected the outfit he snatched from Russell was worth a whopping seventeen grand?
Damn it, his father owned a transportation company, not a real estate agency or a merchant of golden confectionery. This price was not just out of emotional reach—his card balance simply couldn't cover it.
Although Huo Liang's family was well-off, it wasn't wealthy enough for him to casually purchase an outfit costing nearly twenty thousand.
He looked at the salesgirls and the suspicious glances from Messiah. At that moment, he wished he could disappear into the ground if possible.
“Well... it seems I forgot my card, ha-ha. How could I forget?” Huo Liang stopped, fumbling for words.
Okay, this was a complete mess. What was this? A self-inflicted mishap?
“Please wrap it up for me, and also this set, plus these shoes...” Russell chimed in at the right moment, not intending to try them on. He casually gave the salesgirl his usual size.
International brands like Armani have standard sizing, and he wasn’t worried about fit issues.
“Yes, sir. I'll get that ready for you right away. Please wait a moment.” The situation had turned around.
Russell's nonchalance was a slap in the face, though he wasn't interested in mocking Huo Liang. He simply didn’t want to waste any more time, as this distraction had already delayed him.
“You... I still don’t believe you can pay for it.” Huo Liang stammered, his face flushed, locking his gaze on Russell.
He knew everything about Russell. Just the day before, someone in their class chat group mentioned that the guy was unemployed again. How could he afford tens of thousands for clothes?
“Whether I can pay or not isn't something I need to prove to you.” Russell pushed past Huo Liang, smirking coldly as he went to swipe his card.
Although it was a regular UnionPay card, he nonchalantly charged tens of thousands, drawing admiring looks from several salesgirls. A young man spending so lavishly and looking handsome wasn't something they saw every day, even in a flagship store like this.
“If he changes into that new suit, he’ll surely look even more dashing...” the salesgirls mused.
“Boss, I’m ready.” At that moment, Kaiser finally emerged, dressed in a black suit. His robust frame, styled with dark sunglasses and an icy, composed demeanor—he looked every inch the quintessential bodyguard, more impressive than even China's top guards.
“Good, not bad. Tsk tsk, too cool!” Russell was evidently satisfied with Kaiser’s transformation. The Western man’s chiseled features and slicked-back hair exuded an intimidating presence.
Including Kaiser’s attire, Russell’s card swipe neared thirty-five thousand. Such extravagant spending made Russell reflect that even millionaires weren’t this reckless.
Despite his musings, he didn’t dawdle. Now that their appearances were taken care of, it was time to execute the mission.
As for Huo Liang and the former class leader Messiah?
From this point onward, they became irrelevant. Huo Liang’s clownish antics left Russell questioning why he ever bothered with such a person—was it really necessary?
As Russell left without a word, ignoring them, Huo Liang stood frozen.
A Western bodyguard? Blowing through tens of thousands without batting an eye? Was this really the Russell from the backwoods?
This thought also crossed the previously silent Messiah’s mind. She realized the mountain she planned to rely on was perhaps not as solid as she thought. Seeing Huo Liang's embarrassing performance, she regretted her decisions. Fortunately, it wasn’t too late to reconsider, though that high-paying finance advisor position might already be gone.