The dorm gathering was set for six in the evening, and right now it was just past three, so Zoe Zhao dragged Ian Song out shopping.
When it comes to shopping, women always explode with energy, while the men who tag along end up as bag carriers—and after experiencing it once, they never want a second time.
But Ian didn’t find it tiring at all.
Thanks to Ian, the Zhao Family had already risen to first place among the Ten Great Families. Zoe Zhao and her brother Frank had played a key role in recommending him, so David Zhao naturally treated the siblings generously. Besides a monthly allowance of over a hundred thousand, the family’s companies also gave them year-end dividends, which could reach more than ten million.
So right now, Zoe Zhao wasn’t short on money at all.
Before long, the two of them arrived at Shengda Mall.
This mall didn’t have much foot traffic, since almost everything sold here was expensive luxury goods.
Chanel boutique.
When Zoe Zhao put on a simple white long dress and stepped out of the fitting room, Ian’s eyes couldn’t help but light up.
“How is it?” Zoe Zhao asked, her eyes shining with a hint of anticipation.
"It suits you really well. You look great," Ian said with a smile.
"Really?" Zoe Zhao’s face lit up with happiness.
"Of course it’s true."
Ian nodded seriously. Just then, a couple walked in—the man was already balding, about fifty, and the woman looked to be in her twenties. She was pretty, dressed sexy, wore a ladies’ watch worth tens of thousands, and carried a pricey Coach bag.
Suddenly, the woman’s eyes lit up when she saw the plain long dress on Zoe Zhao. She pointed at Zoe and said to the salesgirl, "I want the dress she’s wearing."
Zoe Zhao had already planned to buy the dress, so she hurriedly said, "I picked this dress first—I’m about to buy it!"
"Did you pay yet?" the woman asked, looking at Zoe Zhao with disdain.
Zoe Zhao said, feeling wronged, "Not yet."
"Since you haven’t paid, why can’t I buy it, honey?"
The first half was directed at Zoe Zhao; the 'honey' at the end was for the balding man.
The balding man's arrogant gaze swept over Zoe Zhao and Ian, then he pulled out a gleaming gold credit card and handed it to the salesgirl. "Go swipe this!" he ordered.
"Yes, sir!" The salesgirl respectfully took the card and went off to process the payment.
The young woman, now feeling triumphant, turned to Zoe and said with a haughty air, "What are you staring at? Hurry up and take off the dress—it's mine now!"
"You...!"
Fuming, Zoe stomped back into the fitting room.
A moment later, Zoe came out, having changed out of the plain long dress. Her face looked far from happy.
"Let's go, Zoe. We'll check out other stores—I'm sure you'll find something you like." Ian said softly, stepping forward to comfort her. After seeing all kinds of life and death, this kind of petty drama couldn't bother him at all.
"Mm." Hearing Ian say that, Zoe's mood eased a bit.
Just then, the balding man strode over and handed Zoe a gold-plated business card. "Hello, miss. I'm Leonard Wang, owner of New Dawn Entertainment. Your looks and temperament really stand out—have you ever considered a career in showbiz?"
Zoe was briefly stunned, but accepted the card and replied politely, "Sorry, Mr. Wang, I'm not interested."
Leonard Wang gave a smug smile. "Miss, you probably don't realize how powerful our company is. Cynthia Murong is one of our artists. If you sign with us, I guarantee you'll reach her level of stardom!"
"Cynthia Murong is with your company?" Zoe asked in genuine surprise.
"That's right. Besides Cynthia Murong, Leon Chen and Tony Wang also rose to fame with us!" Leonard Wang looked even more pleased with himself.
Leon Chen started as a singer, then starred in a hit Republic-era TV drama, and now he's a big name in film. Tony Wang debuted as a singer too, but he's focused on music and is one of the hottest stars right now.
"Wow, your company really is impressive!" Zoe praised sincerely.
"So, are you interested in joining us?" Leonard Wang's eyes couldn't help but flick down to Zoe's chest, a flash of greed barely concealed.
"Sorry, Mr. Wang, but I'm still not interested," Zoe said, shaking her head.
Hearing Zoe turn him down again, Leonard Wang's face darkened.
The young woman suddenly jabbed a finger at Zoe's nose and snapped, "You really don't know what's good for you! My husband is doing you a favor by offering you a contract—do you know how many people beg him for a chance and get rejected?"
Ian could see right through Leonard Wang's intentions, but trusted Zoe wasn't dumb or shallow, so he'd stayed out of it—until now. After the woman insulted Zoe and kept pestering, he finally spoke up, his tone icy: "Whether Zoe signs or not is our business. Who are you to point fingers at us?"
Leonard Wang's scheme was obvious to Ian, but he also believed Zoe wasn't some shallow airhead, so he'd kept quiet until now.
But after Zoe refused again and the woman kept pestering—even resorting to insults—Ian couldn't play nice anymore. He gave a cold laugh and said, "Signing or not is our business. What are you, to come boss us around?"
"Did you just call me a 'thing'?" The woman exploded with anger at Ian's words.
"Sorry, my mistake—you don't even qualify as a 'thing.'" Ian replied with a frosty smile.
"Jerk! How dare you insult me!" The woman grew even more furious, then clung to Leonard Wang and whined, "Honey, he bullied me! You have to stand up for me!"
Leonard Wang's face turned cold as he glared at Ian. "Kid, watch your mouth. Apologize to my wife, now, or you'll pay for it!"
"Apologize? If anyone should apologize, it's her." Ian replied indifferently.
Leonard Wang laughed coldly. "Fine, I admire your guts. I'll ask you one last time—are you going to apologize or not? Before you answer, you'd better think about whether you can handle the consequences."
Ian just chuckled.
Ian laughed and took Zoe's hand. "Let's go, Zoe. Arguing with people like this is just a waste of breath."
"Okay!" Zoe nodded.
Seeing this, the young woman thought Ian was scared and sneered, "Little bunny, are you afraid now? Running away already?"
"Afraid of you two? That's just a joke."
Zoe shot the two a dismissive look. With Ian's status in the Zhao Family, these two didn't even have the qualifications to threaten them.
"If you're not scared, then don't leave!" The woman insisted, convinced Zoe was bluffing.
"Fine, we'll stay. What, you think you can eat me or something?" Zoe snapped back, now truly annoyed.
Seeing Zoe's attitude, the woman grinned smugly and turned to Leonard Wang. "Honey, show them just how powerful you are!"