[Congratulations to the host, you spent 400,000 yuan and received a rebate of 400,000 yuan. Enable the primary shopping critical hit card?]
"No need," Xiao Feng muttered inwardly, dismissing the system notification as he casually tucked his phone into his pocket. To him, 400,000 yuan was far too insignificant to warrant the use of a critical hit card. It might only be worth considering if the total went into the tens of millions. For now, he had no intention of stopping—this was only the beginning.
---
Inside the luxury LV boutique at Galaxy Mall, Xiao Feng had fully unleashed his "sugar-coated bullets," lavishing gifts on Zhu Li to earn her forgiveness for his earlier small deception. His strategy worked; her initial anger had melted away, replaced by a delighted gleam in her eyes as she browsed through the high-end displays.
"Xiao Feng, what do you think of this bag?" Zhu Li asked, holding up a pink LV handbag adorned with subtle starry patterns.
Xiao Feng glanced at the bag she carried, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "Don't ask me. If you like it, just buy it," he said nonchalantly, his tone full of indulgence.
"Madam, you truly have exquisite taste," the saleswoman began with an eager smile, clearly spotting an opportunity for a big sale. However, before she could continue her rehearsed flattery, Xiao Feng cut her off.
"Swipe the card," he said simply, handing over his black bank card with an air of effortless wealth.
The saleswoman's smile widened, and her excitement was barely concealed as she processed the transaction. "Certainly, sir! This bag is priced at 200,000 yuan. But today, we're offering a 10% discount, so it's only 180,000."
"No need for a discount—200,000 is fine," Xiao Feng replied, waving off her offer with casual indifference.
The saleswoman froze for a moment, stunned, before her expression transformed into sheer delight. She was so overjoyed that her words spilled out clumsily, "Miss, your boyfriend is so generous! Spending 200,000 yuan without hesitation! His love is as priceless as this bag—undiscounted and unconditional…"
Both Xiao Feng and Zhu Li were momentarily taken aback by the exaggerated compliment. Xiao Feng let out a soft laugh, amused at the saleswoman's creativity.
"Xiao Feng, why did you pay the extra 20,000 yuan?" Zhu Li questioned, her tone scolding yet tinged with sweetness. Though she was genuinely upset about the wasteful gesture, her heart couldn't help but feel warm.
"Heh, as long as you like it," Xiao Feng replied smoothly, his eyes twinkling.
For him, spending money wasn't a burden. Thanks to the system's rebates, every yuan he spent was essentially a free investment in strengthening his relationship with Zhu Li. And with her increasing closeness toward him, the transaction felt like a win-win.
With her arms full of Chanel, LV, and Dior bags, Zhu Li began to feel overwhelmed. She finally mustered the courage to protest. "Xiao Feng, this is enough. You've already bought me so many things! I really can't accept more."
"Why not?" Xiao Feng said with a shrug, grinning at her flustered expression. "There's no need to hold back. My mother just wired me a small target amount. I'd be letting her down if I didn't put it to good use."
Zhu Li blinked in confusion. "Small target?"
"Yes, just a casual little transfer of ten million," Xiao Feng said, his tone completely nonchalant, as though it were pocket change.
Zhu Li stared at him, speechless, unsure whether to be amazed or exasperated.
"Anyway," Xiao Feng continued with a sly smile, "fresh clothes need fresh rides. Now that we've taken care of the clothes, it's time to buy a car for proper transportation."
---
As they prepared to leave the boutique, a familiar voice called out from behind them.
"Feng'er."
Xiao Feng turned, his expression softening into a smile as he saw his mother, Qin Zhen, gracefully approaching. Dressed in an elegant white dress that accentuated her timeless beauty, Qin Zhen carried herself with poise and confidence. Her radiant skin and youthful aura made it impossible to guess her true age—she looked no older than a woman in her early thirties.
"Mom? What brings you here?" Xiao Feng asked, walking up to her with a warm smile.
Qin Zhen's eyes, sparkling with amusement, shifted to Zhu Li, who stood nervously by Xiao Feng's side. "You've been keeping secrets, haven't you?" she teased. "Won't you introduce your friend to me?"
Xiao Feng sighed inwardly, realizing exactly why his mother had made this sudden appearance. She had clearly come to inspect the girl she suspected to be her future daughter-in-law. But he quickly stepped in to diffuse the tension.
"Mom, this is Zhu Li. She's just a friend, so don't scare her, okay?"
Zhu Li, feeling the weight of Qin Zhen's strong presence, mustered a shy smile. "Hello, Auntie. My name is Zhu Li," she said softly, her voice tinged with nervousness.
"What a lovely young lady," Qin Zhen remarked, her smile widening. She couldn't hide her satisfaction; her son certainly had good taste. Whether or not Zhu Li was officially his girlfriend yet didn't matter—she already had plans to ensure it would happen.
"Standing around here isn't very comfortable. Why don't we continue this conversation somewhere private?" Qin Zhen suggested, her gaze briefly sweeping over the curious onlookers nearby.
"Good idea," Xiao Feng agreed. "Let's talk in your car."
Zhu Li, still slightly dazed by the rapid turn of events, found herself being led toward Qin Zhen's Rolls-Royce Extended Edition. Xiao Feng, ever the gentleman, held the car door open for her and extended his hand to help her inside.
"Thank you," she murmured, her cheeks reddening as she felt the warmth of his touch.
As the luxury car pulled away from the mall, Qin Zhen glanced at her son with a raised brow. "So, Feng'er, what kind of car are you planning to buy for this young lady?" she asked, her tone teasing yet curious.
Zhu Li's face turned bright red as she quickly interjected, "Auntie, there's no need for that! Xiao Feng has already bought me so many gifts—I really can't accept anything else."
But Xiao Feng only smiled, leaning back in his seat. "Don't worry about it, Mom. I've got everything under control."
Qin Zhen's lips curled into a knowing smile. Clearly, her son had his own plans, and she was eager to see how they would unfold.
Qin Zhen saw Xiao Feng holding Zhu Li's hand tightly, refusing to let go, and smiled subtly, her expression amused but warm. She decided to speak up, her voice calm and inviting.
"Zhu Li, what kind of car do you like?" Qin Zhen asked, her gaze filled with curiosity.
Xiao Feng scratched the back of his head, looking slightly sheepish. In all his planning and efforts to impress Zhu Li , he had overlooked this crucial question. "Oh, yeah! What kind of car do you like, Yitong?" he repeated, his tone awkward but eager.
Zhu Li, flustered by the attention and still caught in Xiao Feng's firm grip, tried gently to free her hand. "It's really not necessary," she said quietly, her cheeks flushed as she glanced at their clasped hands.
"It's okay, Zhu Li," Xiao Feng said with a reassuring smile. "Just tell me what you like. No need to hold back. The Xiao family always keeps its word."
Qin Zhen added with a playful smile, "He's right. If there's something you've always wanted, don't be shy to mention it."
Zhu Li fidgeted slightly, feeling the weight of their insistence. "I…I don't know," she stammered, her voice soft as her face turned a deeper shade of red.
Sensing her discomfort, Xiao Feng quickly suggested, "How about this: let's go to the auto show. You can take a look around and see if anything catches your eye."
Before Zhu Li could object further, Xiao Feng turned to his mother with a knowing smile. "Mom, why don't you head back home? I think it's better if Zhu Li and I continue from here."
Qin Zhen chuckled lightly, clearly understanding the silent request for privacy. Her main reason for coming out—to meet her son's potential girlfriend—had been accomplished. She was satisfied and decided to give them some space.
"Alright," Qin Zhen said with a smile. "I'll head home. Zhu Li, you must visit my house sometime. You'll always be welcome."
"Thank you, Auntie," Zhu Li replied politely, though her tone remained soft.
Xiao Feng nodded at his mother. "Thanks, Mom. We'll get going now."
As Qin Zhen walked toward her Rolls-Royce, she turned and added, "Don't forget, Feng, come home on time for dinner. Your aunt and the rest of the family will be there."
Xiao Feng sighed inwardly. He had hoped for a quiet dinner with Zhu Li, perhaps to deepen their connection further. But skipping dinner with his family—especially when his aunt was visiting—wasn't an option.
"Got it, Mom. I'll be there," he replied with a mix of reluctance and acceptance.
Once his mother was gone, Xiao Feng opened the car door for Zhu Li. "Shall we?" he asked, smiling warmly.
Zhu Li hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Xiao Feng, I really don't need a car," she said, her voice steady and serious. "It's getting late anyway. Please just take me home."
Xiao Feng studied her quietly, noting the firmness in her expression and the sincerity in her voice. He knew there was no point in pushing further.
"Alright," he said softly, his tone tinged with disappointment but also respect. "I'll take you home."
---
Half an hour later, the sleek McLaren Elva came to a smooth stop in front of Zhu Li's apartment complex. Xiao Feng stepped out and opened the door for her, his movements thoughtful and polite.
"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you up?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
Zhu Li shook her head gently. "No, it's fine. I can manage," she replied, offering him a faint but genuine smile.
Xiao Feng hesitated, his eyes lingering on her face for a moment. "Alright," he said finally. "Let me know when you're free again. I'd love to see you."
Zhu Li nodded and stepped toward the building. Just as she reached the door, she turned back and gave a small wave. "Thank you, Xiao Feng. For everything."
Xiao Feng watched her until she disappeared inside, a quiet smile playing on his lips. While the day hadn't unfolded exactly as he had hoped, he felt a deep sense of accomplishment. Step by step, he was gaining her trust—and maybe even her heart.