Chapter 9: Cartier, Blue Balloon

Zifeng Tower, Vancouver Steakhouse.

This is the most expensive steakhouse in all of Jinling; the tomahawk steak is generous in portion and, of course, not cheap. With a reservation, stepping into the steakhouse immerses you in an unparalleled sense of quality—every detail, from the environment to the décor to the tableware, reveals exquisite attention and care.

Their table was by the window, on the thirty-seventh floor, overlooking the city’s nightscape.

Bathed in such a romantic setting, Mengyao Lu was practically glowing with delight. Yao Cheng ordered two set meals, each nearing two thousand yuan, which included nearly all the restaurant’s signature dishes.

In truth, this was his first time dining at such a place, and he was a little excited. Spending money endlessly had grown dull; now that he wasn’t short on cash, he also wanted to elevate his quality of life and truly savor it.

Mengyao Lu listened to the graceful notes of the violin and sipped the vibrant fruit tea the waiter had brought.

The waiter asked politely, “Sir, Miss, what flavor would you like for your steaks? We have sea salt, smoked…”

“Sea salt,” Cheng replied.

“I want smoked,” Mengyao said.

“Certainly, please wait a moment.”

Once the waiter had left, Mengyao asked, “Are you staying in the dorms?”

“Yeah, college dorm life is the real experience.”

“That’s true.”

Her glossy black hair cascaded over her shoulders. She was a completely different type compared to Han Yue Liu and Ya Zhang, exuding a pure and alluring charm.

Cheng spoke of his university life: for instance, how there was a beautiful girl in his class who looked like a porcelain doll, with eyes as if kissed by God.

Listening to this, Mengyao felt a sudden sense of crisis.

“So… do I have anything that looks like it’s been kissed by God?” she asked.

“You look pretty good. Each of your features, combined, are actually quite attractive.”

“Oh…”

Mengyao pouted in mild displeasure, mumbling inwardly,

Her eyes are kissed by God, but I’m just pieced together?

Hmph. Steel-hearted straight man.

Soon, the first course arrived.

“Sir, Miss, here is the French foie gras and Canadian lobster bisque. Please enjoy.”

Cheng tasted the foie gras, soft and silky as it melted in his mouth. It was his first time trying it, and he found it quite good—perhaps his vanity was at play. The Canadian lobster bisque, however, was truly delicious: the meat thick and tender, fresh and sweet.

Halfway through, the tomahawk steak was served.

Cheng eyed the generous portion and said to Mengyao, “You probably won’t be able to finish this. It’s a lot.”

“I definitely can’t. My appetite is small…” Mengyao blinked.

The steak’s reputation was well-deserved; it was said to be crafted from Australian Stonecoard 250-day grain-fed Black Angus beef, meticulously prepared.

Cheng wasn’t sure if that was true, but the taste was indeed excellent. The meat was firm yet tender, low-fat but juicy, the flavor rich and sweet with a springy texture. The juices and aroma mingled, blossoming in the mouth and finishing perfectly as it was swallowed.

After a few bites, Mengyao was done and turned her attention to dessert.

Champagne strawberry panna cotta—gorgeous and delicious; made with Perrier-Jouët champagne as the base, it was a refreshing treat, perfect for summer.

Dinner lasted forty minutes, and both Cheng and Mengyao left satisfied.

It wasn’t often they came to Zifeng Tower, which housed plenty of luxury boutiques.

After a short stroll, they bought cosmetics totaling over a thousand yuan. Mengyao, coy as ever, said, “Yao Cheng, you’re so good to me.”

“Then don’t go home tonight.”

“I can’t…”

Cheng’s expression shifted, about to say something when Mengyao bit her lip and added, “My period’s here.”

“All right then.”

Cheng didn’t want to be a blood-soaked warrior anyway, though he was a little disappointed. Still, there would be other chances.

Mengyao’s cheeks flushed deep red. She hadn’t expected Cheng to be so direct, saying such things without the slightest hint of embarrassment.

They wandered about and eventually stopped at a Cartier boutique.

The store was bustling, which drew Cheng’s interest.

Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin might be prestigious, but for women, beauty mattered most. In terms of aesthetics and value for young people, Cartier outshone the others by miles.

It wasn’t that Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin weren’t good, but they were simply too high-end for the young.

Stepping into Cartier, gazing at the dazzling array of jewelry and watches, Cheng too was captivated.

The prices were steep, just as he liked.

Mengyao couldn’t take her eyes off the display. She’d always felt watches were unnecessary, but faced with such beautifully elegant timepieces, their five-figure price tags spoke to a certain status and allure.

Some were square,

Some were round,

Some were breathtakingly beautiful.

By now, Cheng was already conversing with a sales associate, looking perfectly at ease.

The saleswoman smiled at Cheng and said, “Sir, our Cartier Ballon Bleu and Pasha are both very popular. The Ballon Bleu is perfect for a young lady like her—youthful and vibrant. Do you have a budget in mind?”

“Let her choose.”

“All right. Miss, don’t be shy—come look at this one…”

Gliding swiftly to the counter, the saleswoman smiled at Mengyao and said, “Miss, your wrists are so slender and fair. Try on this Ballon Bleu W69016Z4; it’s one of Cartier’s hottest models, suitable for both men and women…”

Mengyao fixed her gaze on the watches, suddenly feeling a spark of joy.

Cheng also found the Cartier watch surprisingly stunning—so elegant, clearly designed to capture people’s longing for beauty.

The saleswoman, quick to read the room, asked, “Miss, shall I take it out for you to try?”

“Uh…” Mengyao looked at Cheng, hesitant.

“Let her try it,” Cheng said.

“Certainly.”

The saleswoman slipped on gloves, carefully and elegantly taking out the watch.

Mengyao, feigning reluctance, held out her wrist.

The saleswoman swept her hair behind her delicate ear with slender fingers.

“How do you like it, Miss?”

Mengyao’s heart nearly melted—how could she not like it?

Buy it,

Buy it for me!

She fluttered her eyes, full of expectation, at Cheng.

With its black strap and rounded case, it looked delicate and refined; the lovely color and elegant design were every girl’s dream.

Cheng asked, “What’s the price on this one?”

With a smile, the saleswoman replied, “Sir, this Ballon Bleu W69016Z4 is currently priced at forty-six thousand. While it’s not cheap, it’s one of the best value-for-money watches out there—girls love beautiful things…”

Cheng looked at Mengyao. “What do you think?”

“I…”

Before she could finish, Cheng said, “We’ll take this one. I’ll pick another, a cheaper one, as a gift.”

“Certainly. Is it for…”

“My sister.”

“In that case, please look at this youth edition…”

In the end, Cheng chose an adorable pink model costing over ten thousand—perfect for Cheng Cheng, who was obsessed with pink.

…