After waiting for a few minutes, Chu Qingchan walked into the private room, removed her mask, and for a moment, the air seemed to freeze.
Xu Lin was momentarily stunned, not because she looked too good, but because Chu Qingchan managed to transform herself with makeup, making herself less attractive.
If the system originally rated her a 9, it might now be an 8; however, the most significant change was her appearance.
The beautiful phoenix-like eyes became more ordinary, and Chu Qingchan's most outstanding features were her eyes, followed by some adjustments to her cheeks and nose.
This resulted in a look that truly didn't resemble Chu Qingchan anymore—maybe only 60% similar. Makeup truly worked like a kind of magic.
On the opposite side, Jin Linquan was completely astonished, only snapping out of it when Qiao Shanshan nudged him.
"Sister, you're too beautiful."
"Beautiful? Sister Qiao is not bad either." Xu Lin said it nonchalantly.
Chu Qingchan glared at him again, and Qiao Shanshan laughed. However, despite being praised, she also knew her own worth.
But sometimes, a woman's weapon isn't just her looks; it's also about how she utilises her advantages.
"Alright, let's order."
After browsing the electronic menu, the waiter knocked and entered. They began to place their orders, and before Jin Linquan could fully react, four steak sets and a bottle of red wine added up to 4,000 yuan.
"Would you like dessert too?"
"As you wish." Jin Linquan smiled, but his hand under the table clenched tightly.
"Sure, get some. Two portions of this ice cream and one Black Mysterious Forest cake."
Qiao Shanshan also got interested; anyway, they've already spent a lot, and if they could handle these people, the money could be earned back.
Besides, although this guy seemed a bit honest, he was handsome, and she wouldn't lose out. It's a pity for this beauty that Jin Linquan, this scum, has set his sights on her.
The dishes were served promptly, but compared to the beginning, the atmosphere between Chu Qingchan and Xu Lin became more tense.
Throughout, Jin Linquan and Qiao Shanshan steered the conversation, knowing that it was easier to manipulate when both of them were unhappy.
But Xu Lin and Chu Qingchan were somewhat helpless. How come these two haven't exchanged WeChat or anything yet? Why were they so indecisive?
However, being together all this time, neither had the chance to make a move. Xu Lin glanced at Chu Qingchan, and she nodded understandingly.
After the meal, Xu Lin hesitated and said, "I'm really sorry for the trouble and expenses."
"No worries. Treating a friend to a meal is nothing. Come on, let's go upstairs and shop together."
In the elevator, Xu Lin reached out to hold Chu Qingchan's hand, but she directly pulled away. Jin Linquan smirked secretly, thinking that with money, you could bring happiness—being handsome won't fill your stomach.
He slowly leaned towards Chu Qingchan, who didn't move away. Smelling the fragrance of her hair, he felt almost intoxicated.
Qiao Shanshan also initiated more intense physical contact with Xu Lin. By the time they reached the third floor, Chu Qingchan headed towards the fresh produce section on her own.
"Sister?"
"Ignore her; let her be in a bad mood." Xu Lin, in a very straightforward manner, uttered, and Jin Linquan immediately retorted.
"Girls need to be comforted. Go and comfort your sister."
"I won't go. Brother Jin, you should keep an eye on her. I'll go shopping."
"I think it's not a good idea." Although he said that, his heart was already blooming with joy.
Xu Lin waved his hand. "Just watch her. Don't let her buy random stuff."
"Sure."
Then Jin Linquan quickly followed Chu Qingchan, finding her at a spice stall and choosing items on her own.
Jin Linquan approached slowly and whispered, "Sister, has Xu Lin always been like this? Young people should understand each other."
"That guy just loves looking at women. When we were dating, he said he wouldn't do it again, but today, he's been staring at his sister Qiao."
"She's dressed too provocatively. I'll talk to her next time!"
"Yeah, brother Jin, do you have a girlfriend?"
"No!" Jin Linquan instantly perked up.
"With your qualities, you don't have a girlfriend? I thought sister Qiao was your girlfriend."
"No, if I had one, why would I hit on you?"
"Don't say that. Although Xu Lin has a bad temper, I won't." Chu Qingchan looked sincerely concerned.
However, the more things unfolded this way, the more Jin Linquan felt he had a chance. It indicated some wavering on Chu Qingchan's part, and he needed to steady it, not rush.
"I understand, so I won't say anything more. That's disrespectful to you and to Brother Xu. But I hope you know that if you ever plan to travel, give me a chance to be your travel companion."
Chu Qingchan stood up, seeming conflicted for a few seconds. Eventually, she nodded, and Jin Linquan felt like his whole heart skipped a beat.
"Thank you. By the way, I don't even know your name."
"I..." Chu Qingchan looked somewhat hesitant.
"It's okay. If you don't want to share your real name, a nickname will do." He took out his phone, opening the WeChat interface.
"Fine, but add Xu Lin too, or else..."
"I understand."
His smile couldn't be contained anymore. He knew he was halfway there. With WeChat added, the next step was gradual contact. In half a month, he would definitely win her over!
On Xu Lin's side, things were similar. After some playful flirting, he also exchanged messages on WeChat.
In the end, a few of them gathered at the cashier. Jin Linquan, with a flushed face, insisted on paying the bill. Xu Lin sent a message to Chu Qingchan: 'Did you buy a lot?'
'Bought a lot, and they were all expensive.'
'OK.'
However, Jin Linquan didn't mind the 2,000 or 3,000 yuan spent at this moment. Instead, he had a thought: why let such a beautiful girl be seen by others? Wouldn't it be nice to develop her into his girlfriend? Spending money on a girlfriend instantly improved his mood significantly.
Later, they went downstairs and reached a jewellery store near the first floor, filled with specialty shops and luxury stores selling watches, handbags, and more.
"Wanna go in and take a look?"
Jin Linquan casually said, but to his surprise, Chu Qingchan nodded. He froze, and Qiao Shanshan beside him also seemed astonished.
Before he could react, Chu Qingchan had already walked over, and Xu Lin strolled behind her.
Qiao Shanshan leaned in. "What's going on? We've discussed this many times—don't go to expensive places."
"It's fine; it's impossible for them to buy anything. They wouldn't let me pay with their good intentions."
"But aren't you a rich second generation?"
"Why not let them buy then? We can record a video and make her regret it later."
"Do you really dare? I think you really want to pursue something." Qiao Shanshan gave him a sidelong glance.
"Cough... Alright, alright. I'll foot the bill; don't worry."
Upon entering, the simple yet rich scent of money filled the air, making both of them shiver.
Chu Qingchan seemed calm at this moment, while Xu Lin kept his head down, appearing nervous.
In the next few minutes, Chu Qingchan began selecting, and Jin Linquan grew increasingly anxious. Should he buy it for her or not?
"How much is this?"
"If you want it immediately, we don't have it in stock. This is for display. It will take a few days to get it."
"I see. How about this necklace?"
"32,000 yuan. Currently, there's a promotion; add 8,000 yuan, and we'll include a diamond couple ring."
"Couple ring? Let me see."
"Over here."
Chu Qingchan followed and went outside; this jewelry store was connected to the adjacent one.
A few minutes later, Chu Qingchan returned, nodded to Xu Lin, who remained silent, and lowered his head. Jin Linquan couldn't hold back any longer.
"Um, please wrap it up. Consider it a gift for my sister."
"No, this is too valuable."
"Big brother, please don't go to such lengths."
"It's a small amount. How much is it in total?"
Jin Linquan saw the expressions of the salesperson and Chu Qingchan, sensing that the money should be spent where it's needed.
"The total is 240,000 yuan, but let's make it 239,000 yuan. The store manager decided, so we'll give a 1,000 yuan discount."
"Wasn't it 32,000 yuan?"
"Yes, the base is 32,000 yuan for the ocean-themed necklace. But this young lady also wants two rings, a bracelet, and a pair of earrings."
"Phew... Well, today, I didn't bring my card with me. Can we only take the necklace first?"
He quickly turned his head, maintaining a calm and confident expression, afraid of being seen through.
But the next second, Xu Lin, who had been silent, waved his hand and held a bank card shining with golden light. "Swipe this one!"
Casually speaking, he slowly lifted his head. The timidity and youthful look on his face completely vanished, replaced by a confident smile and sharp-eyed gaze.
"You two, can we change the location to talk a little?"
Xu Lin's tone made Jin Linquan uncomfortable, and Qiao Shanshan was a bit bewildered. What does he mean?
But the next moment, Qiao Shanshan exclaimed. Jin Linquan turned to see 4 or 5 police officers in uniform standing outside the glass door, looking at them.