The curly-haired woman frowned, having expected to close the deal, but Chu Haiyun was too extravagant and unwilling to spend money.
"Sir, this diamond ring is one-of-a-kind globally," the curly-haired woman said with a smile. "If you miss this opportunity, you might not be able to buy it later!"
"What a joke! A diamond ring for 1.88 million? Why don't you just rob me!" Chu Haiyun said coldly. "I won't pay for something this expensive!"
The curly-haired woman was helpless, with a hint of disdain. She had thought she'd found a wealthy patron, but now it seemed rather laughable.
Zhao Xiaotong dared not say anything. Marrying into the Chu family was already a step up for her, and she wouldn't dare to object to Chu Haiyun's refusal to spend money on her. However, with Lin Ke present, she felt a bit awkward.
"Since they don't want it, please pack it up for me!"
Lu Fan spoke up, "I'll take this diamond ring!"
"You'll take it?" Chu Haiyun chuckled. "Did I hear that right? Are you sure you can afford it?"
Lu Fan ignored her and walked directly to the counter.
Zhao Xiaotong was slightly stunned and even more surprised. She didn't believe Lu Fan could afford it.
However, Lu Fan's actions were unexpected.
"Brother Lu Fan, this diamond ring is too precious!" Lin Ke quickly shook her head. "Why don't we forget about it?"
"Since I said I'd give it, I will naturally buy it!" Lu Fan smiled lightly.
The curly-haired woman shook her head. "This is not a game. If you order it and can't pay, you'll be in trouble!"
"What, you're afraid I can't afford it?" Lu Fan said coldly. "Is this how you do business in your store?"
"I'm just reminding you," the curly-haired woman said indifferently. "I've seen plenty of people puffing themselves up."
"Get your manager to see me!"
Lu Fan sat by the counter, exuding a powerful aura.
Just as the curly-haired woman was about to speak, a middle-aged man with glasses walked over. "I am the manager here. Is there anything I can help you with, sir?"
"Is this the attitude you have when you open for business?" Lu Fan said coldly. "I'm about to make a million-dollar transaction, and your unfriendliness makes me doubt the value of this diamond ring!"
"What's going on?" The manager with glasses looked at the curly-haired woman. "The customer is king. How can you be so rude!"
"Manager, looking at him, he doesn't seem like someone who can afford that diamond ring," the curly-haired woman said with dissatisfaction. "If he can really afford it, I'll resign!"
"Whether he can afford it or not, anyone who comes into the store is a customer!" the manager with glasses said coldly. "You can go to accounting tomorrow to collect your salary!"
The curly-haired woman stood there, frozen and clearly unwilling.
"Sir, please accept our apologies for the inconvenience," the manager said repeatedly. "Which diamond would you like?"
"This one!"
Lu Fan pointed and said, "Just pack it up for me!"
The manager nodded and personally handled it. Lu Fan was dressed ordinarily, but his demeanor was extraordinary. Having been in the business for many years, he had developed a keen eye.
"He's putting on quite a show!"
Chu Haiyun said coldly. "I'd like to see how he pays!"
Zhao Xiaotong also watched the spectacle. Normally, Lu Fan, an ordinary person, wouldn't have so much money.
Lin Ke felt a pang of regret, but since Lu Fan had decided to buy it, she couldn't dissuade him further.
The manager took Lu Fan's card and swiped it for over a million. He then respectfully handed the card back to Lu Fan, maintaining a deferential attitude throughout.
Everyone present was stunned, never expecting that Lu Fan's card would actually process such a large sum.
"Manager, does he really have over a million in his card?" Chu Haiyun asked, unwilling to give up.
"Perhaps more!" the manager chuckled. "Sir, are you also here to buy diamonds?"
Chu Haiyun frowned but said nothing, feeling as though she had been slapped in the face.
Zhao Xiaotong was even more ashamed. She had looked down on Lin Ke, but now it seemed she was the one in the most embarrassing situation.
Chu Haiyun was unwilling to spend money on her, which was a world of difference compared to Lu Fan.
The curly-haired woman stood aside, her face filled with embarrassment and helplessness.
This was a large transaction that would have earned her a significant commission, but she had missed out on it and even lost her job.
"Here, let me put it on for you!"
Lu Fan, holding the diamond ring, approached Lin Ke, appearing exceptionally generous.
Lin Ke stood obediently, her face flushed with shyness.
Witnessing this scene, Zhao Xiaotong felt immense envy. A woman who could spend over a million on her partner was truly fortunate.
Throughout the entire process, Chu Haiyun's face was ashen, and she remained silent.
After a long while, they left the jewelry store. To save face, Chu Haiyun insisted on buying a diamond ring worth over 500,000.
In fact, her budget had been within 100,000, and now spending an extra 400,000 made her extremely displeased.
"We have other things to do, so we won't be joining you for dinner," Zhao Xiaotong said awkwardly. "We wish you a pleasant time!"
Lin Ke also nodded slightly, not saying much. It was no longer their university days; things had changed.
The camaraderie of their university days seemed to have vanished, replaced by comparison.
"What a fragile sisterhood," Lu Fan shrugged. "But it's good that we didn't disappoint them!"
"Cough cough..." Lin Ke looked embarrassed. Today's events were indeed somewhat comforting.
"The diamond rings are sold out, and it's getting dark. How about I take you out?" Lu Fan smiled mysteriously.
"Where are we going?" Lin Ke's face flushed. Being with Lu Fan made her feel quite happy.
"To a fun place, of course!" Lu Fan smiled. "Let's go get a meal!"
Lin Ke was puzzled but didn't ask further.
The two got into a taxi. Lu Fan then said, "Driver, take us to Jingxuan Hotel!"
The driver glanced at them and drove off. "Are you gentlemen going to Jingxuan Hotel for a meal?"
"That's right!" Lu Fan nodded. "Since it's almost dinner time, we're naturally going to eat!"
"Jingxuan Hotel is booked for a private event today!" the driver chuckled. "You might not know this, but it's the birthday of the eldest daughter of the Han family in Jiangbei. The entire Jingxuan Hotel has been reserved!"
"The Han family of Jiangbei?" Lin Ke asked, not knowing much about it.
"Are you not from Jiangbei?" the driver asked, lighting a cigarette. "In Jiangbei, the Han family holds the most power, and their eldest daughter is said to be incredibly beautiful. Many wealthy young men want to pursue her. Don't underestimate me, a taxi driver; I know everything that goes on in Jiangbei!"
"Have you seen the eldest daughter of the Han family?" Lu Fan asked with a smile. "Otherwise, how would you know she's stunning?"
"Not exactly, but rumors are rarely false!" the driver asserted confidently, recounting stories to Lu Fan and Lin Ke.
Meanwhile, at Jingxuan Hotel, numerous luxury cars were parked, and guests were arriving one after another, creating an atmosphere of grandeur.