Cheng YunYa could sense Xia Ziliang's expression clearly. Though he was excellent in many ways, he wasn't her type. His excessive attentiveness made it difficult for her to refuse without feeling guilty, especially since the cooperation with Huaxia Group was so important to Feiyang.
However, she hadn't expected to run into Guan Xing here, nor did she plan to drag him into this situation. Watching his calm demeanor, clueless about the game she was unwittingly drawing him into, Cheng YunYa felt a hint of regret. She smiled sweetly and tightened her arm around his, trying to compensate for the awkwardness she had just caused.
"Doctor Guan, what kind of car are you looking for? A Kate or a Rolls?" Xia Ziliang's voice was smooth, but his words made it clear: these were some of the world's top brands, and even their "economy" models were far from cheap. In his mind, there was no way someone like Cheng YunYa, the manager at Feiyang, could afford such luxury.
Guan Xing didn't hesitate to ask, "Mr. Xia, how much do these cars cost?"
Cheng YunYa hadn't expected Guan Xing to ask, but as his girlfriend, she felt obliged to help him avoid embarrassment. She gently spoke, "Guan Xing, there's no need for such an expensive car. We're not the type to flaunt; a domestic car would be fine. I like a few models."
Her words sounded convincing, and even Xia Ziliang didn't suspect anything. However, Xia Ziliang wasn't one to give up so easily. He quickly added, "Doctor Guan, you've got such a beautiful girlfriend, and you're the manager at Feiyang—people say that the beautiful woman deserves a beautiful car, don't be shy!"
Guan Xing, still pondering, didn't respond right away. But then, Xia Ziliang continued, "I'm considering replacing my Kate with a City Star. If you like, Doctor Guan, you could also buy this one; it's quite affordable."
Perhaps knowing that Guan Xing would be concerned about the price, Xia Ziliang dropped a hint. But what he meant by "affordable" was relative to him—certainly not to someone like Guan Xing, whose modest salary as a doctor in a small company couldn't possibly cover such a purchase.
Cheng YunYa's face visibly changed. She knew exactly how much the car cost; one of her friends had bought a City Star before, for over 1.8 million yuan. Just as she was about to speak, Guan Xing had already made his decision. "Mr. Xia, let's go see the City Star. If it's good, I'll buy it. Also, please help us with the quality check."
Xia Ziliang beamed, his inner joy almost spilling out. "Of course, of course!" He was already picturing the moment when Guan Xing would realize how out of his league the car was and shrink back in embarrassment. The thought only made him more excited.
"Guan Xing, no, don't buy such an expensive car!" Cheng YunYa couldn't take it anymore. Almost 2 million yuan for a car? Even if she wanted to help, she couldn't afford that.
Guan Xing couldn't help but smile inwardly. He thought, This woman actually has a conscience. She's more considerate than Xia Ziliang, who's playing a dirty game. But the real fun had just begun, and he wasn't going to back out now.
"YunYa, Xia Ziliang is right. When you have such a beautiful girlfriend, you need to match her with a good car. Men are allowed to be a little vain sometimes."
"Yes, yes, Doctor Guan's right. Manager Cheng, your boyfriend is willing to spend on you. You should be happy and grateful." Xia Ziliang's smile couldn't be more smug, waiting for the moment when Guan Xing would be embarrassed, while still playfully pushing the two of them toward the premium car section.
The eight City Stars on display were exquisite, and they drew the biggest crowd. But amidst them stood the king of all City Stars—the model with a silver logo, now in gold, exuding luxury and comfort. This was the one that caught Guan Xing's eye.
Originally, he had only planned on buying a car for daily use, a modest model, but now, things had taken an unexpected turn.
Xia Ziliang was far more enthusiastic than the salespeople, guiding Guan Xing's gaze toward the cars. This guy would be a natural salesperson, Guan Xing thought to himself.
"This is the City Star? It seems like the most beautiful one." Guan Xing turned to Cheng YunYa, pretending to be naive.
She smiled and nodded, leaning in slightly. A soft fragrance enveloped him as she whispered urgently, "Doctor Guan, why don't you go ahead and leave for now? Thank you for helping me. I'll take care of the rest." She didn't want Guan Xing to become the target of mockery because of her.
"Miss Cheng, I came here to buy a car, but I'm also happy to help you. Don't you think I can't afford a car?"
Cheng YunYa was stunned, her face turning red. She had only been trying to protect him, but his response had left her speechless. This man, who's supposed to be a god of medicine, is suddenly confused by something as simple as buying a car?
She had never looked down on him, but as a doctor working in a small company's clinic, earning only a few thousand yuan a month, could he really afford a car worth 2 million yuan?
Xia Ziliang, sensing an opportunity, stepped closer, his smile widening. "Doctor Guan, it seems you have good taste. If you buy this one, it would certainly suit Manager Cheng perfectly." He spoke loudly, drawing everyone's attention. "Salesperson! Get your manager out here. Our friend here is looking to buy the king of City Stars!"
The sales manager immediately rushed over, eager to close the deal. Cheng YunYa, feeling cornered, could do nothing but follow along, helplessly drifting with the current.
"Manager, I'd like to get two City Stars, one for me and one for my friend. Can you give us a discount?" Guan Xing began to negotiate earnestly with the manager, dragging Xia Ziliang into the conversation.
Xia Ziliang, though he had no intention of buying such an expensive car, didn't argue. He just wanted to see Guan Xing make a fool of himself, and as long as Guan Xing walked away embarrassed, Xia Ziliang would consider his mission accomplished.
"Sure, of course, we'll give you a good deal!" The manager smiled widely, eager to close the sale, as he detailed the full package for both cars.
When the final price was announced, Guan Xing couldn't help but exclaim, "What? The City Star is 1.8 million, and the king is 3 million?"
Xia Ziliang's eyes lit up with hope. So, he really can't afford it. I was right all along. He'll back out now.
"Perfect! 1.8 million, I'll take it right now. Guan Xing, don't you think it's a bit too expensive? You could always go for one of the 1.8 million ones instead," Xia Ziliang said, feigning casualness as he took out his wallet.
Guan Xing smiled slyly. "No, no, I'll go for the king. Three million? That's a bargain!" The mischievous glint in his eyes flickered, and Xia Ziliang immediately felt a twinge of unease.
The manager eagerly took both Guan Xing's and Xia Ziliang's cards, and Xia Ziliang's confidence faltered. I don't have that much money in my account!
As the manager processed the payment, Xia Ziliang felt the sweat pooling on his forehead. He had hoped that Guan Xing's card would be just as fake, but now it seemed that things were about to take an unexpected turn.
Guan Xing had changed the game.