Chapter 94: An Unforgettable Shopping Experience
After the meal, Li Chen took Miss Liu.
Miss Liu, in turn, brought the high-wattage lightbulb, Yang Siwei.
He truly didn't know what this girl was thinking; why bring Yang Siwei on a date for two?
But Miss Liu was determined.
Only later did Li Chen realize that she brought Yang Siwei to take photos of them.
Unconsciously, the three of them had been strolling around Beverly Hills for over two hours.
Miss Liu and Yang Siwei truly had boundless energy.
"Xixi, how about we go for a walk by the beach?"
"No, I haven't had enough shopping yet."
"Didn't you say you wanted to buy me clothes? Let's go!"
"Rodeo Drive is just ahead. Prepare to empty your wallet," Miss Liu said with a mischievous smile.
Yang Siwei shook her head and said, "Yifei, I'm afraid that might be difficult."
"The boss has so much money, he probably doesn't even know himself."
Li Chen had underestimated Yang Siwei; there was a deeper meaning in her words.
Li Chen chuckled softly, "Let's go, let's go. I've been waiting for you to say that all this time."
"Today, we won't stop until you're satisfied with what you buy!"
"Boss is generous!" Yang Siwei gave a thumbs-up.
Miss Liu smiled and said, "Come on, if you see anything you like later, make your boss pay for it."
With that, she looked back with a smile, "Keep up, Director Li, don't fall behind."
The two girls excitedly entered two luxury stores one after another.
They still came out empty-handed.
The service in both stores was impeccable, with two-on-one or even multiple-on-one service.
They weren't neglected just because they didn't buy anything.
It wasn't until they reached the entrance of the third store that Li Chen decided not to let Miss Liu choose anymore.
"I'll pick in this store! You're not allowed to shake your head, only nod."
"If you don't buy anything again, when we go back to the Peninsula Hotel, Liu's Mother will think I'm stingy and don't want to spend money on you," Li Chen said with a smile.
"Yifei, please take pity on the boss. The boss is so poor he only has money left!" Yang Siwei also laughed.
Liu Yifei covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
"Alright, for Siwei's sake, I'll forgive you today."
"Let's see if you dare to say my clothes don't look good next time."
Li Chen nearly coughed up blood. When did I ever say your clothes don't look good?
I meant you don't know how to choose clothes.
So, after all this time, the reason she hadn't bought anything was to punish him for his earlier loose tongue.
Women, they truly are unfathomable, Li Chen sighed to himself.
He made up his mind: he must think twice before speaking to Miss Liu from now on!
Upon entering the store, two well-dressed Caucasian female sales assistants immediately greeted them.
They scrutinized the three of them from head to toe.
The eyes of one slightly younger blonde girl immediately lost their sparkle.
Even her "Welcome to Gucci" was said flatly, like still water.
The attire of Li Chen and his two companions was more ordinary than the last, especially Miss Liu's.
It directly lowered the overall perceived class of the three.
Li Chen wore no visible brands, and neither did Yang Siwei.
The blonde girl's quick glance suggested that the combined outfits of the three wouldn't exceed five hundred dollars.
Especially the washed denim jeans worn by the slender Asian girl; they probably cost only a dozen dollars.
And the Breguet watch on her wrist was, in all likelihood, a fake.
She didn't even dare to consider it from the Reine de Naples collection.
Because she had never seen a woman wearing a Reine de Naples watch dressed like that.
Li Chen glanced at her, and the disdain in the blonde girl's eyes towards Liu Yifei was not lost on him.
Li Chen didn't look at her again, focusing on picking clothes for Miss Liu.
After much deliberation, he finally picked up an item and held it against Miss Liu for a long time.
Yang Siwei was a bit puzzled because her boss had chosen a very low-priced item.
The blonde girl secretly snickered, confirming her suspicion that he was a pauper.
Li Chen shook his head slightly, "Doesn't look good!"
Then he casually tossed it to the sales assistant.
The sales assistant was terrified, her liver trembling.
She couldn't help but curse inwardly, 'What kind of people are these? Where did these folks come from?'
Normally, when they handled these clothes, they had to wear gloves and be extremely careful.
"Sir, please be polite and handle items gently..."
Miss Liu also frowned and whispered, "What are you doing?"
Li Chen smiled, "Of course, I'm choosing clothes for you."
Yang Siwei tugged on Miss Liu's arm; she seemed to be catching on.
Because the blonde girl's impatient attitude was unmistakable.
Li Chen continued to pick. After a while, he picked up an orange hoodie.
He held it against Miss Liu again for a moment, then shook his head, "Doesn't look good."
Then he tossed it to the blonde girl attending them.
The blonde girl felt like she was going to lose her mind.
The other sales assistant stepped forward and said, "Sir, may I help you?"
"No need!"
"Alright." The girl stood to the side, giving her colleague a look.
There's senior management on patrol in the store; don't cause trouble.
The blonde girl felt insulted because the Asian man hadn't even acknowledged her.
She forced a smile, "Sir, I have no problem serving you, but please don't throw things anymore."
Li Chen still ignored her and continued picking.
By the third item, Li Chen still chose a cheap one.
He tossed it to the sales assistant as usual, with the same three words: "Doesn't look good!"
The blonde girl could no longer tolerate it. "Sir, I believe you are intentionally causing trouble."
"These three are already the cheapest in the store!"
The implication was that there were no cheaper items than these three; if you can't afford it, leave!
The blonde girl's voice attracted the attention of two other Caucasians in the store.
One, by their attire, appeared to be the store manager or supervisor.
The other, a tall, thin Caucasian man, looked to be nearing forty.
The supervisor was fuming. Senior management was on patrol today, and Lisa was making a fool of herself!
"Mark, I'll handle it."
The tall, thin Caucasian man, Mark, raised a hand. "No need, I'll handle it."
The supervisor was stunned.
She had never heard of Mark interfering with store operations during a patrol.
Mark, dressed in a white Gucci casual suit, approached Li Chen and his companions with a professional smile. "Sir, I apologize, may I assist you?"
"No need." Li Chen glanced at the person who had come forward, giving the same reply.
"Alright." Mark replied politely, then stepped back slightly.
His body language was even the standard bowing service gesture of a sales assistant.
This truly startled the two Caucasian sales assistants and the store manager.
Mark said something meaningful to the blonde girl, "Do I need to demonstrate again how to serve a customer?"
The blonde girl shook her head blankly.
Li Chen turned his head and looked at Mark expressionlessly.
Mark still kept his hands clasped in front of his abdomen, maintaining his smile.
Li Chen continued picking, choosing three or four more cheap items.
Each time, he just said, "Doesn't look good," and then tossed it to the blonde girl.
The blonde girl no longer dared to misbehave.
Miss Liu couldn't stand her boyfriend's prank anymore and whispered, "Stop playing, let's go."
Li Chen smiled, "Alright, I'm done picking anyway."
The blonde girl let out a sigh of relief, feeling like she was finally going to be free.
She didn't want to serve this young Asian man for another second.
"Sir, are these seven items what you want?" The blonde woman smiled.
She didn't believe he would buy them.
"No."
The blonde woman thought to herself, 'Just as I expected,' and a sneer unconsciously flashed across her lips.
But Li Chen's next words made her jaw drop.
"Except for these seven items, I'll take everything else."
"Ah!"
The blonde girl froze on the spot!
Miss Liu and Yang Siwei were also stunned.
"Are you crazy? How could I wear so many?" Miss Liu regained her composure and quickly tugged on her boyfriend's arm.
"Wear a different one every day. If you can't wear them all, give them away," Li Chen said with a smile.
Who is this Asian man? Even the illegitimate son of an Arab sheikh doesn't play like this!
"If you can't wear them all, give them away." Is that even a human thing to say? It's too demoralizing!
The other sales assistants and the supervisor in the store were all a bit bewildered.
Only Mark seemed unsurprised.
Li Chen pulled out a black card and said, "Charge it, and have it delivered to the Peninsula Hotel."
"Alright, sir." Mark stepped forward and took the card Li Chen handed him with both hands.
Outside the Gucci store.
Yang Siwei laughed heartily, "I can't help but laugh when I think of that blonde old woman's expression just now."
"Boss, you're really bad, but it was absolutely awesome!"
Liu Yifei was a bit puzzled, "Why spend so much money?"
Li Chen smiled, "It's not much money. Didn't that girl look down on us?"
"Then I'll let her know that she'll never be able to reach your toes in her entire life!"
"The boss is right. That blonde old woman looked at the three of us like we were beggars."
"The boss should teach her a lesson!" Yang Siwei laughed.
Actually, there was another reason Li Chen didn't mention.
It was the inherent 'White Knight' mentality of Americans, who naturally believe Caucasians are superior.
"Besides, I said today was for buying you clothes. I can't go back on my word, can I?"
Li Chen said with a smile.
"Boss, when other people buy clothes, they buy them by the piece. You buy clothes by the store."
Miss Liu also smiled, "Actually, I don't care how outsiders see me."
"I care!" Li Chen said seriously.
Miss Liu's long eyelashes fluttered, a smile spreading, and her bright eyes held only his reflection.
Yang Siwei exclaimed, "I can't take it anymore!"
"Boss, Yifei, please treat me like a person."
"I have diabetes; too much sweetness will make me sick!"
Miss Liu burst out laughing.
"By the way, why did that man suddenly become so respectful towards you just now?" Miss Liu asked curiously.
"He should have recognized me," Li Chen guessed.
"Boss, he wouldn't leak it to the media, would he?" Yang Siwei said.
If so, she'd be busy again.
"No, they are a luxury brand, not a tabloid media outlet."
"Besides, even if it gets out, it's nothing; everyone will know sooner or later," Li Chen said.
In the Gucci store, Mark had already dropped his professional smile.
He gave a few instructions to the executive and then walked aside to make a phone call.
The store would definitely have to write a report on today's unusual sales.
Writing the report was the store manager's job, not his concern.
He had indeed recognized Li Chen.
As a Gucci executive, Li Chen was once their chosen spokesperson.
Unfortunately, he was rejected.
The Venice Film Festival a few days ago had already proven Gucci's earlier judgment of Li Chen.
Gucci is an Italian brand, so the Venice Film Festival was naturally their home ground.
How could they not recognize Li Chen?
Now he was also a high-level executive at the burgeoning Chiyou Films in Hollywood.
The girl today must be his girlfriend; she looked somewhat familiar, but he didn't know her background.
"You're fired, Lisa," the store supervisor told the blonde girl.
"Ah, I know I made a mistake, Store Manager, please give me another chance! Please!"
"Considering you indirectly brought a large order to the store."
"Mark has specially approved to give you three times your salary," the supervisor said expressionlessly.
She was also very annoyed; Mark had just given her a severe dressing-down.
“How did such employees get hired?”
“This kind of judgment doesn’t deserve to be at Gucci.”
“No one will blame you if you can’t recognize the brand or distinguish the workmanship of the clothes on that man.”
“Because she couldn’t recognize them either.”
“But the wristwatches on those two girls’ hands…”
“It’s one thing if you can’t recognize a Breguet Reine de Naples 8939.”
“But you couldn’t even recognize the Patek Philippe Twenty~4 series on the slightly plumper girl’s wrist.”
“That only came out last year! If you can’t recognize anything, then what good are you?!”
On the other side, Li Chen and the two women continued their outing, with Miss Liu having a blast.
Yang Siwei was exhausted like a dog, and Li Chen wasn’t much better.
Miss Liu was too fond of taking pictures.
It wasn’t until Liu Xiaoli called that they turned back.
Liu Xiaoli saw dozens of pieces of Gucci women’s clothing delivered and didn’t know what to say.
She knew her daughter and Li Chen went shopping.
But this was too… how to put it… they practically emptied the store of Miss Liu’s size.
“Auntie, don’t look at me like that; I know what you’re thinking.”
“Spending money on Yifei, the words ‘unwilling to’ are not in my dictionary.”
“Besides, it didn’t cost much.”
Yang Siwei also stepped forward, taking Liu's Mother’s arm to help her boss, saying, “Auntie, my boss is right.”
“Compared to the birthday gift Yifei is wearing, these are nothing.”
“You don’t know how snobbish that blonde woman was.”
“Mom, I didn’t even want them; Li Chen insisted on buying them.”
Miss Liu also stepped forward, taking Liu's Mother’s arm and smiling.
Liu Xiaoli’s words could only turn into a sigh.
Li Chen was telling the truth; he truly wasn’t unwilling to spend money on Miss Liu.
The next day, Liu Xiaoli, her daughter, and Yang Siwei realized that Li Chen was a man of his word.
Early the next morning, Li Chen found Miss Liu.
He absolutely wouldn’t let her choose her own outfit anymore.
Otherwise, she might just throw on something haphazardly again.
“This is the one.” Li Chen picked out a light yellow puff-sleeved, round-neck resort dress.
“Go change, Yifei. Listen to Li Chen; I also think this one is good.” Liu Xiaoli said to her daughter with a smile.
Miss Liu frowned, her face a little bitter.
She was very displeased with her mother’s and boyfriend’s arrangements but could do nothing about it.
“You go out; I’m changing clothes.” Miss Liu said huffily.
Li Chen turned around and thought to himself, 'It's not like I haven't seen it before.'
However, he didn’t dare to say it aloud, as Liu's Mother was right there.
A moment later, Miss Liu and Liu's Mother walked out of the room.
“Truly beautiful, Yifei.” Li Chen praised sincerely.
The light yellow puff dress made Miss Liu’s skin appear even more incredibly fair.
“Auntie, would you say my taste is up to par?”
“Hmm, indeed, it’s more than a cut above Yifei’s taste.”
Miss Liu immediately protested, “What do you mean? I just don’t usually care about these things; as long as it’s comfortable, it’s fine.”
Li Chen chuckled, “That won’t do anymore.”
“Why?” Miss Liu asked, puzzled.
“If you want to become an international A-list actress, you need to pay attention to your personal taste and style in everyday life.”
“To give a simple example, why were we given the cold shoulder at Gucci yesterday?”
“It’s because all three of us were dressed too casually, especially you!”
“Yang Siwei and I are called ‘without desires or demands,’ but you’re different; your dream is to become Audrey Hepburn.”
“Then you have to start with these small things. In short, listening to me is the right thing to do.”
“You’re clearly a princess, yet you insist on dressing like Cinderella. What are you gaining from that?!”
Liu Xiaoli couldn’t help but chuckle.
Miss Liu was criticized so much by her boyfriend, yet she couldn’t refute a single word.
Her mother was also smiling, watching the show.
Annoyed, Miss Liu walked over to Li Chen and whispered, “Director Li, have you said enough? Say one more word, and you can go out by yourself today.”
“Haha, I won’t say anything more, I won’t say anything more.”
“Li Chen, don’t mind Yifei; I think you’re right.”
“Mom, who exactly gave birth to you? Why are you always siding with him?”
“I’m not talking to either of you anymore; I’m going to find Siwei for breakfast.”
With that, Miss Liu walked out first by herself.
Li Chen and Liu Xiaoli exchanged a smile.
After breakfast, Miss Liu became excited again: “Where are we going today?”
“I’m not going shopping, Yifei.” Yang Siwei spoke first.
“You’re not allowed to be like yesterday again today, Yifei, do you hear me?” Liu Xiaoli had severely scolded her daughter last night.
“I know, Mom, don’t worry, we won’t buy anything today.” Miss Liu said with a smile.
“Auntie, let’s go together today; Tim will pick us up soon.” Li Chen said with a smile.
The three women looked at Li Chen in confusion.
“We’re going to look at houses. We can’t always stay at the Peninsula every time we come.”
“Then I won’t go; you young people go.” Liu Xiaoli said.
“That won’t do, Auntie. Yifei will sooner or later develop her career in Hollywood, so you and Yifei need a place to stay.”
“We are family, so don’t be a stranger to me. Am I not as good as Mr. Chen?”
Liu Xiaoli was stunned; those words put her on the spot.
Indeed, the luxurious mansion where she and her daughter currently lived in Beijing belonged to Chen Jingfei.
Although the official explanation was that Red Star House provided it for her daughter to live in, ultimately, it was still Chen Jingfei’s.
If they were to truly discuss closeness, Li Chen was definitely closer.
In their generation, Li Chen and her daughter were considered to have the reality of husband and wife; he was her prospective son-in-law.
“Then, alright.” Liu Xiaoli was still a little unaccustomed.
“I’ll go look at houses. Later, I can also go and ‘warm up’ the house for Yifei and Auntie.” Yang Siwei said with a smile.
Li Chen nodded and said, “Good, you have strong yang energy; it wards off evil!”
“Haha.” Miss Liu couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
Liu Xiaoli also smiled, but only Yang Siwei was suppressing internal injuries.
The agent took Li Chen and the others to see several luxury homes, but Li Chen wasn’t entirely satisfied.
Either the location wasn’t suitable, or the area was too small.
Liu Xiaoli and the two women mostly answered Li Chen’s questions one by one, finding it difficult to speak up.
Because the smallest luxury home was still 8 million US dollars.
It wasn’t until they arrived at the last one, a manor with an approximate building area of 32,000 square feet, somewhat resembling a Bordeaux art style.
The agent was still introducing it endlessly.
“This eight-bedroom, ten-bathroom estate is very suitable for you, sir.”
“It has all kinds of facilities, including a helipad.”
“In addition, the rooftop terrace offers a panoramic view of the entire Los Angeles skyline.”
“Yifei, Auntie, what do you think of this place?” Li Chen asked with a smile.
Miss Liu liked it at first sight and held her boyfriend’s hand: “You decide; I’m fine with anything.”
Li Chen understood with one look at Miss Liu’s eyes; she was being mindful of Liu Xiaoli being present and didn’t dare to show her liking too obviously.
Li Chen found it amusing.
“Auntie, what do you think?”
“I have no opinion; you young people decide for yourselves.”
Liu Xiaoli said insincerely, as a property of this size in Hollywood, where every inch of land is precious, would certainly not be cheap.
“Then this is it.” Li Chen made the final decision.
Tim had shown him the quotes for these properties before; this manor should be 25.5 million US dollars.
The agent was delighted; there were more and more Chinese wealthy individuals, and each one was more generous than the last.
“Sir, since you’ve decided, why don’t you name this estate?”
Li Chen nodded and looked at his girlfriend: “What do you think it should be called?”
“How would I know? Don’t ask me.” Miss Liu said with a smile.
Yang Siwei was truly impressed; her boss was too extravagant! He didn’t even ask the price.
“Auntie, why don’t you name it?”
“How would I know how to name it? You just name it.”
Li Chen stopped asking, thought for a moment, and then said, “Let’s call it Crystal Wood.”
“Mr. Chen opened a Red Star Wood for you, so I’ll give you a Crystal Wood.”
Miss Liu’s eyes lit up, and she squeezed her boyfriend’s hand slightly.
She could feel that her boyfriend and godfather didn’t get along.
But she didn’t want to take sides; both of them treated her very well.
And her boyfriend didn’t seem to be forcing her to choose.
It was just that in every action, he always wanted to separate her from her godfather.
Li Chen turned and smiled.
Yang Siwei finally had a chance to speak: “Boss, that’s a great name.”
“Naming it after Yifei’s English name, it’s both pleasant to hear and romantic.”
There was one more thing, considering Liu's Mother was nearby, she didn’t say it.
Her boss was so much better than that old man!
Liu Xiaoli, however, felt it wasn’t quite appropriate: “Li Chen, is this suitable?”
Li Chen smiled and said, “Why isn’t it suitable? I bought it specifically for Yifei.”
“What?” Liu Xiaoli thought she had misheard.
Yang Siwei had heard clearly: “Auntie, Boss said he bought it for Yifei.”
“No, no, this isn’t appropriate.” Liu Xiaoli immediately refused on behalf of her daughter.
She was about to continue speaking but was interrupted directly by Li Chen.
“There’s nothing inappropriate, Auntie. Money is external; there’s no need to take it so seriously.”
“Besides, yesterday, I already said in advance that when it comes to spending money on Yifei, the words ‘unwilling to’ are not in my dictionary.” Li Chen said with a smile.
“If you think it’s inappropriate, then consider it part of the future betrothal gifts. That should be fine, right?!”
“Who said I’m marrying you? Shameless!” Miss Liu said with a smile, though her words were insincere.
She just gripped her boyfriend’s hand even tighter.
“If you don’t marry me, I’ll still give it to you!” Li Chen replied with a smile.
Liu Xiaoli was truly speechless; Li Chen’s generosity over these two days had greatly stirred her emotions.
Although she didn’t care about money, and her daughter didn’t either.
But a man’s willingness to spend money on a woman, and how much, could say a lot.
At least for now, it seemed her daughter held a significant place in Li Chen’s heart.
“This estate isn’t cheap, is it, Li Chen?” Liu Xiaoli asked.
“Madam, this estate is indeed not cheap; it’s 25.5 million US dollars.”
“However, compared to this beautiful young lady, it’s nothing.”
Over 200 million RMB! Yang Siwei was filled with nothing but awe.
This foreigner could really lie through his teeth, saying it was nothing.
She heard that the famous ‘actress sniper’ Big Liu in Hong Kong was also very generous.
But compared to her boss, that was truly nothing!
Now, for the female stars in mainland entertainment, as long as her boss wanted them, even if he tried to buy them with money, there would probably be no one who wouldn’t be swayed.
Only Yifei still didn’t understand how serious the current situation was.
Forget it, Yifei is good to me. Let all those vixen who want to get into the boss’s bed be handled by her.