Chapter 23: Van Cleef & Arpels, Subtle Luxury

Magic City, where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold.

Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, the city bursts with endless scenes of prosperity. Sitting in the back of a taxi, Cheng Yao found himself captivated by the view. He snapped a photo and sent it to Cheng Cheng, promising to take her to Magic City's Disneyland next time.

He messaged Zhang Ya, who promptly replied with the address of her school: 20 Fenyang Road, XH District.

“Are you here in Magic City for fun, young man?” The taxi driver, clearly bored and rather friendly, struck up a conversation as he drove.

“Yes, my girlfriend’s here,” Cheng Yao replied.

“A local Magic City girl?” The driver sounded surprised. Magic City was known for its insular attitude; it wasn't easy for outsiders to find a local girlfriend. The older generation might talk about low requirements, but if you didn’t own property in the city, they wouldn’t dream of marrying off their daughters. Unless you somehow bewitched their daughter and convinced her to elope, you might as well forget it. Everybody knows how to say polite things.

“No, she’s just studying here. I haven’t seen her in a long time—her military training just ended, so I rushed over. By the way, are there any fun places for locals?”

“Locals, huh? Personally, I think Magic City doesn’t have much to offer for locals, but adults have plenty of fun options.” The driver gave an expression that needed no explanation, “Young folks can wander around the malls, eat hotpot, and enjoy the Bund. Places like the City God Temple aren’t worth it—boring, time-consuming, and overpriced…”

He was an honest man and gave Cheng Yao a run-down of Magic City. “This city is for those who strive. Frankly, if you have money, anywhere’s the same. If you don’t, don’t even think about living here—it’s tough, especially without a house. Unless you’ve got tens of millions, it’s hard to survive.”

The conversation drifted until they arrived at Magic City’s IFC Tower 8.

“Take care, have fun!” the driver called.

“Thank you,” Cheng Yao replied, waving goodbye. He surveyed the bustling IFC, the heart of Magic City’s prosperity.

Parting ways with the enthusiastic driver, Cheng Yao entered the IFC and finally found Tower D.

He’d already made his choice in the car: Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin didn’t suit Zhang Ya. If he ignored other factors, appearance was always his top criterion. After all, no girl could resist the law of beauty.

Cheng Yao searched and finally found the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique.

The store glittered with gold and splendor, enough to intimidate most visitors, but Cheng Yao walked in confidently. He didn’t have much money, but he had courage.

“Welcome to Van Cleef & Arpels, sir. How may I assist you?”

In a top-tier jewelry store, the saleswomen’s beauty was indeed striking. They treated every guest warmly, judging only by their wallets, not appearances.

“I’d like to pick out a small gift for my girlfriend—a watch. Any recommendations?” Cheng Yao asked.

“A watch? This way, please. Do you have a price range in mind, sir?”

“Price range…” Cheng Yao checked his balance—about 790,000 left. “Under 800,000, nothing too extravagant.”

“Oh, I see.” The salesperson’s tone was meaningful; so under 800,000 counted as a small gift—she’d learned something new. Her gaze shifted from seeing him as a mere customer to a patron.

Some wealthy people were like this: low-key, quietly impressive.

She became even more attentive. “Sir, how old is your girlfriend?”

“Nineteen.”

“Nineteen? So young! No wonder you’ve come to Van Cleef & Arpels. Our jewelry and watches are very youthful, perfect for the modern young woman.”

Cheng Yao felt a bit cynical—how many young people could afford their products?

The saleswoman led him briskly to the counter. “For a gift to your girlfriend, I recommend this piece: our Van Cleef & Arpels Poetic Complications series, model VCARN9VI00. Let me take it out for you.”

“This watch is also called ‘Lovers’ Bridge.’ Look, the dial shows two lovers gazing at each other across a bridge, drawing closer as time passes. At noon and midnight, they meet and kiss. It’s affectionately known as the Bridge of Lovers, the Bridge of Romance, and is praised as the most romantic watch in the world. The price fits your budget, around 820,000.”

The saleswoman figured that anyone willing to spend 800,000 wouldn’t mind a few thousand more.

“The dial is too large—not suitable. And it’s too conspicuous. Do you have something more understated and elegant? Smaller dial, and please keep it under 800,000…” Cheng Yao shook his head. The dial was too big and wouldn’t look good on Zhang Ya’s slender wrist and long fingers—it would look odd.

Besides, he really couldn’t afford 820,000.

Not a hint of embarrassment—he simply wanted to use his money well.

“Of course. If you’re not satisfied with that one, this might suit your needs—it’s one of our popular series.” The saleswoman switched to another counter. “Model VCARN25800, with a rotating aventurine glass dial; white gold moon set with diamonds, yellow gold sun set with round yellow sapphires, white mother-of-pearl cover, sapphire crystal glass, 18k white gold diamond-set crown, crocodile leather strap.

The aventurine glass dial features the sun and moon in the Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Day and Night series. The case, bezel, and crown are all set with DEF, IF to VVS-grade diamonds. The dial is smaller, understated yet luxurious—perfectly matching your requirements.”

Cheng Yao’s eyes lit up. This was it.

The dial wasn’t over-the-top but was exquisitely beautiful. He didn’t know much about diamonds, but opulence was enough.

“How much?”

“This model retails at 793,000. Take your time—it’s not a decision for a few hundred or thousand. We have other styles, so please browse at your leisure.” The saleswoman was patient, offering tea and sweets.

Cheng Yao examined the watch, snapped a photo, sipped his water, and checked other counters before saying, “Alright, I’ll take this one. After all, it’s the most satisfying—girls have better taste than I do.”

“Thank you, sir. So you’ll take the previous model?”

“Yes.”

“Excellent. Please have a seat—just a few minutes, and I’ll need your signature.”

After payment, Cheng Yao maxed out his credit line, barely scraping together the full amount.

The sales team’s service was impeccable, including complimentary snacks.

Cheng Yao signed Zhang Ya’s name on the documents—after all, it was for her—and registered as a Van Cleef & Arpels member.

After half an hour, he finally secured the nearly 800,000 yuan watch.

The saleswoman’s smile could hardly be contained.

“Congratulations on becoming a Van Cleef & Arpels VIP, sir. Here’s a small token of our appreciation.”

She opened the box, revealing two delicate four-leaf clover earrings inlaid with red millennium stones.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Wishing you and your girlfriend happiness together.”

Satisfied, Cheng Yao packed his purchases and left the boutique under the saleswoman’s warm gaze.

Once outside, he felt light as air.

But he was nearly broke, so he called Wang Wenbo and borrowed 2,000 yuan.

Wang Wenbo sent it instantly, without a word.

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