Chapter 198: Failed Attempt Backfires

"Aren’t you going to try it on?" Li Yan kindly suggested to Tao Lin.

From his perspective, it was easy to see that Tao Lin didn’t actually intend to buy the clothes for herself; she was just provoking Huang Ying to buy two pieces. Although he didn’t check the price tags, he guessed they weren’t cheap. Even though Tao Lin was somewhat annoying, it would be enough to help Huang Ying regain some face without benefiting the store.

Tao Lin didn’t see it that way. To her, Li Yan was trying to get her to try it on, then, if she found it unsatisfactory, they’d seize the opportunity not to buy at all. So, she grinned brightly, "No need to try it on, I buy clothes often and come here regularly. I can tell if it suits me at a glance. Since I’m old classmates with Huang Ying, even though we aren’t very wealthy, we’ll grit our teeth and go for it together. So it’s settled, you pick two, and what’s left is mine!"

Her boyfriend wanted to speak but couldn’t bring himself to do so in front of Li Yan. After all, it was his money that Tao Lin was spending! His money didn’t come easily. An expensive piece would be worth it if absolutely adored and fitting, but buying something just to spur others into buying two or an unused item is a losing game.

A businessman always has a financial mind, no matter what kind of company they run. But aside from being a businessman, he was a man, a young one at that—belonging to a group that values face. Plus, he could tell that Li Yan and Huang Ying were not extravagant spenders. Straining themselves to buy one or two items was possible but a splurge for them might cost a year or two’s savings. Surely, they wouldn’t be so full of hot air?

Li Yan gave a thumbs up, praised, "Not looking at the price and not even trying it—how generous!"

Tao Lin felt delighted. Were you trying to intimidate us just now? Now you speak nicely? I won’t let you off just because of one compliment!

Her boyfriend relaxed too. He was merely tagging along with Tao Lin for fun today. He didn’t know Huang Ying before and found little joy in pretending for strangers. In fact, Huang Ying seemed prettier and cuter than Tao Lin; if the chance arose...

Of course, it was just a fleeting thought from a man being fickle; he had no real intention to replace Tao Lin. For one, Tao Lin was quite pretty, and for another, she was fun and open in the bedroom. While he didn’t demand she look the same in the dark, a pretty face with no fun was meaningless when you’re doing what you’re doing.

He cooperated, "That’s Xiao Lin for you, with an eye for quality! Although footing the bill is tough for me. Brother, you know, men always earn money, not spend it."

"You aren’t happy about it?" Tao Lin feigned annoyance.

He quickly smiled, "How could that be? You looking good brings me face too."

Since Huang Ying wasn’t around and Li Yan didn’t know them, there wouldn’t be any awkwardness. Seeing this guy also playing the pretense game before him, Li Yan took the chance to offer a deal to the store. He interrupted their sweet words, "Indeed, you’re way more impressive than I am. But I’m going all out today to earn some face for Huang Ying. We’ve already planned to buy two; you buying just one doesn’t seem right, does it? How about choosing two more? It’s not like you need to try them on; it’ll be quick."

"Well..." Tao Lin hesitated. If they were to really go all out, it wouldn’t be as if sticking a thousand knives through the enemy, but it could backfire significantly.

Her boyfriend signaled to her, getting involved for one was enough. Two more, and it’d be bleeding hard! He had no control at his company, and what the old man gave him was just a pretty good salary and bonuses. Although he had gray income, it wasn’t enough to casually throw away tens of thousands just to show off.

Just then, Huang Ying stepped out of the fitting room, and they all went over to the mirror.

Seeing Huang Ying now, Li Yan’s eyes brightened, and he smiled. The outfit not only fit well but also had a subtle elegance that matched her shy, gentle demeanor, adding a graceful beauty. Yet it also made her appear a bit more mature.

Li Yan was almost sure, with his inexperienced eye and Huang Ying’s lack of fashion sense, that even if they spent the whole afternoon, they might not find anything more suitable than this.

Feeling a bit nervous as she came out, Huang Ying saw them all gathered and felt even more self-conscious. She glanced in the mirror, her face slightly flushed, and softly asked Li Yan, "Does this... suit me?"

"It’s as if it was tailor-made for you!" Li Yan complimented her.

The saleswoman, with her expertise in their brand, took a genuinely good look and added, "Just earlier, it was hard to tell, but seeing it on you now, it’s truly like it was designed just for you! For us, it’s almost like this outfit has found its perfect owner..."

She sincerely complimented but then realized that, suitable or not, they couldn’t afford it! Could they really just give it to them for advertisement purposes just because it looked good on her?