After a quick introduction among the four, Liu Yi launched into his pitch as if terrified Chunan might bolt.

"I heard you wanted a decent watch? Coming to Longtu was the perfect move. Sounds like you’re new to this, right? Let me break it down for you, bro."

"Longtu ranks among China’s top three luxury watch brands. It beats the other two in many ways. High-society folks swear by it. Just wearing one boosts your rep everywhere."

"Sure, you won’t find Longtu’s absolute top-tier models here. But we’ve got fresh high-end releases. I’ve studied these recently—you picked the right guy for advice."

"One look at you, and I know your style. Let me walk you through them. There’s gotta be one you’ll love."

Liu Yi guided Chunan and the others to the store’s few high-end watches. His explanation was slick and professional—he even knew their origins and fun trivia inside out. His tone oozed high-society grace. Total veteran houlang energy.

Ordinary folks wouldn’t dig this deep into luxury goods, right? Unless they were watch nerds.

Liu Yi came from money, but he didn’t feel like a true houlang. His spending cash didn’t match that lavish lifestyle. Even the 3,000 yuan he’d splurged on his girlfriend last month took a whole month to save.

Still, he couldn’t lose face in front of her.

His real goal today? Show off for his girlfriend while buying a watch. Now it was two birds with one stone—he’d pitched to Chunan and flexed hard.

See? His luxury knowledge proved he rubbed shoulders with the elite daily. Right?

Chunan just felt lost. He didn’t care about watches or their messy backstories. But from Liu Yi’s spiel… Longtu sounded legit.

Brother Chen had mentioned this store was his family’s. So… was Longtu part of his empire too?

Suddenly, He Dong’s words clicked. If true, Brother Chen’s family wasn’t just rich…

Tsk.

Liu Yi saw Chunan’s confusion and felt even surer he knew nothing. His second goal was locked: he’d put Chunan on a pedestal, forcing him to pick only the priciest models. If Chunan backed out, he’d lose major face in front of his girl. Even settling for cheaper options would sting. To save face, he’d have to bite the bullet—these watches cost 100,000 to 200,000 yuan each. Enough to bleed him dry. Liu Yi himself only splurged on 50,000-yuan pieces.

Heh. But this guy started it last time. Don’t blame him for fighting back.

Chunan and Xiaohan had no clue about Liu Yi’s scheming. Xiaohan’s only thought after the pitch? "So expensive…"

Watches just tell time. Why pay this much? She couldn’t get it.

Liu Yi beamed brighter. "These aren’t pricey. Not top-tier, but presentable. Honestly, they’re a bit beneath you, Brother Chunan—but they’ll do. You seem rushed? Pick one. The Wantushi suits you."

The Wantushi—the store’s priciest piece at 250,000 yuan. Liu Yi had cornered him. Plus, his girlfriend had just called it expensive. If Chunan bought it now, he’d skyrocket in her eyes. Liu Yi would’ve gritted his teeth and paid for male pride. If not, he’d push harder.

Hiss… was he being too harsh?

Chunan didn’t feel trapped. Staring at the Wantushi, he asked, "What’s the second-hand market like for these?"

Liu Yi paused, then chuckled. "High-end watches rarely sell used—some even fetch way above retail. Ours aren’t that wild, but discounts are slim. Lowest is 80% off original price. That’s already dirt cheap."

Bold move—asking about used prices in front of his girl? Did he plan to buy second-hand? Even then, it wasn’t cheap. Why cling so hard? Just lose a little face.

Seeing Chunan’s deep frown and desperate look, Liu Yi felt a pang of sympathy. Had he gone too far? He’d pulled similar stunts himself. Everyone just wants to shine for their girlfriend. Tough gig. No need to be ruthless. A lesson was enough.

He sighed inwardly, ready to give Chunan an out. Too kind-hearted, really.

—Before he could speak, Chunan turned to the clerk and pointed at the Wantushi. "I’ll take this."

The clerk, who’d watched the whole drama, blinked. "Sir… you want this model?"

"Mm." Chunan nodded, pulling out Chen Peng’s black card. "This gives 50% off, right?"

Buy at half price, sell at 80% after filming—net tens of thousands. Free cash. Tsk. Too bad this was the store’s most expensive piece.

The clerk’s eyes widened. He snapped to attention, bowing slightly. "Yes! My apologies for the earlier oversight, Mr. Chunan! Right this way—I’ll prepare it immediately."

Liu Yi: "???"

You damn *&%$#…