Chapter 7: Misunderstood
Before Song Zhibai could speak, Zhang Hong quickly interjected, “Clearing the store is a privilege for VIC customers. If you spend more than ten million annually, you can become one of our VIC customers.”
Xu Youyou raised her eyebrows—this seemed easier than she had expected.
Thinking that Xu Youyou was bluffing, Shen Yiren sneered, “You? A VIC customer? You’re talking big. Careful not to hurt your back with all that bragging…”
Ignoring her endless chatter, Xu Youyou directly handed her card to Song Zhibai. “Go prepare the items. I’ll spend ten million.”
Shen Yiren’s eyes widened in disbelief. In her view, Xu Youyou’s outfit looked no different from a beggar’s. How could someone like her afford to spend ten million?
Zhang Hong, however, was thrilled. She knew about Xu Youyou’s spending power—dropping over ten million in half a day. Another ten million? Easy.
Seeing Song Zhibai still hesitant, Zhang Hong nudged him and whispered, “A big customer is here—what are you waiting for? Just follow my lead and get the items.”
Song Zhibai hesitated for a moment but finally nodded, reassured by his superior.
With the help of several sales associates, they quickly assembled a collection worth ten million. The items weren’t absurdly extravagant—there were furniture pieces, jewelry, ready-to-wear, and even a few handbags, including a coveted Birkin. While not the ultra-rare Himalaya, it was still a hard-to-get model.
Xu Youyou barely glanced at the itemized list before casually swiping her card and signing the bill.
Seeing this, Shen Yiren immediately protested, “Didn’t you say the store didn’t have any black and gold Birkins in stock? How come she gets one?”
Zhang Hong smiled awkwardly. “Apologies, Miss Shen. This bag just arrived, and since Miss Xu requested it, we prioritized her due to her spending status.”
“I was here first! Shouldn’t it go to me?” Shen Yiren demanded.
Zhang Hong skillfully deflected. “Miss Shen, Miss Xu’s total spending surpasses yours. If she decides not to keep the bag, we’ll offer it to you next.”
Hermès was infamous for its “bundling” policy—where customers had to purchase other luxury items to qualify for exclusive bags. Despite public criticism, the practice never changed, and wealthy clients continued to play along willingly.
At this point, Shen Yiren had no choice but to leave, glaring resentfully at Xu Youyou. As much as she enjoyed humiliating Song Zhibai, she couldn’t afford to publicly argue with someone of obvious wealth—that would be beneath her dignity.
Xu Youyou, meanwhile, commanded, “Clear the store. I want to shop in peace.”
Zhang Hong, thrilled by the prospect of more sales, immediately instructed the staff to escort all other customers out—Shen Yiren included.
Once the store was empty, Xu Youyou waved off the other employees and said, “I want to talk to him alone.”
Zhang Hong hesitated but left the room, leaving Xu Youyou and Song Zhibai alone in the exclusive VIC lounge.
Despite the chaotic scene earlier, Song Zhibai returned to his composed yet fragile demeanor. But now, there was a trace of disillusionment in his gaze as he looked at Xu Youyou.
Without wasting time, Xu Youyou asked bluntly, “It’s a waste for you to stay here. Do you want to work for me? I can offer you a better salary.”
A strained smile appeared on Song Zhibai’s face, and he subtly stepped back. “Miss Xu, I’m fine working here. I’m not considering a job change right now.”
“How much do they pay you here?” Xu Youyou pressed, imagining the fortune she could make by investing in someone with his looks. If he had become a superstar without any backing in their past life, imagine how much faster he’d rise with her resources.
But instead of being tempted, Song Zhibai’s face hardened with resentment. “Miss Xu, my salary here isn’t much—but at least it’s honest money.”
Xu Youyou blinked in confusion. Huh? When did my money become “dirty”?
Realizing his expression was full of shame and anger, she suddenly understood—he thinks I’m trying to “keep” him.
“You’re misunderstanding me—I meant…” she began, but before she could finish, his phone buzzed.
At first, he was going to ignore it, but seeing the caller ID, he sighed and answered, “I’ll be there right away.”
After hanging up, the urgency on his face was genuine. “Sorry, Miss Xu. I can’t continue serving you.”
He quickly went to request leave from Zhang Hong.
Xu Youyou could only watch helplessly as her “golden goose” slipped through her fingers, leaving her surrounded by overly enthusiastic sales associates.
One particularly handsome male associate even began subtly hinting that he’d be willing to provide…extra services.
But Xu Youyou had no interest—her mind was preoccupied with how to win back Song Zhibai.
As she idly made more purchases, her spending continued—reaching another million. By the time she finished, Zhang Hong was practically glowing with gratitude.
This time, Xu Youyou decided to cut to the chase. “I’m planning to start an entertainment company and launch new artists. I’ve taken an interest in Song Zhibai, but I think he’s misunderstanding my intentions. He also seems to be facing some difficulties—can you tell me what’s going on?”
Recognizing Xu Youyou’s sincerity (and wealth), Zhang Hong didn’t hold back.
After leaving her delivery address, Xu Youyou exited the mall, still fixated on her escapee.
Climbing into her private car, she instructed her driver, “Take me to Hucheng Huaxin Hospital.”
