Chapter 81: A Shock for You

“Ah?” Pei Xiaoru paused, then laughed lightly. “Old classmate, aren’t you exaggerating a bit? We’ve known each other so long-is all this really necessary?”

Zhang Yang had no reply. He wasn’t one to show off, but he also didn’t feel the need to hide anything, and he hadn’t expected his old classmate not to believe him.

“Here, this watch should be enough to impress the landlord, right?” Zhang Yang held out his wrist.

“What watch is that? Doesn’t look cheap,” Pei Xiaoru leaned closer and casually commented.

Ah, judging by that, she clearly didn’t know much about watches.

“Forget it,” Zhang Yang withdrew his wrist, feeling it was like talking to a wall.

“I don’t know watches, but I know cars. Where’s your car? The Bentley?” Pei Xiaoru asked with a laugh.

“Came out in a hurry, didn’t drive it,” Zhang Yang replied casually.

Besides, he hadn’t come out to drive the Bentley today-he was here to pick up the Cullinan.

Pei Xiaoru smiled faintly, said nothing, and went to get a coffee, placing it in front of Zhang Yang. “Zhang Yang, between classmates, we really don’t need all these so-called status symbols. I won’t make fun of you.”

Zhang Yang didn’t bother explaining and casually tossed the Bentley key onto the table.

Pei Xiaoru’s eyes went wide, staring at the key.

“Th-this…?”

“The Bentley stayed behind, but I’m about to pick up the Cullinan. If you’re interested, I can take you for a ride later.”

Her expression froze for a moment. She sensed Zhang Yang was serious.

Earlier she only thought he was handsome.

Now, seeing his calm composure, that unshakable, confident aura…

“Do you have a car?” Zhang Yang looked at her, amused by her dazed expression.

“Ah… I have one,” Pei Xiaoru seemed to snap out of it, blinking at him.

“Then let’s go pick it up,” Zhang Yang said, holding his coffee, walking straight outside.

At the Rolls-Royce dealership in Pudong.

Accompanied by a smiling saleswoman, Zhang Yang quickly saw his new car: the Rolls-Royce Cullinan BB edition, commonly called the Daddy Edition.

The saleswoman, in a white blouse and gray skirt, smiled elegantly beside him, graceful and refined.

Pei Xiaoru stood in a daze. From the road to this moment in front of the Rolls-Royce, it all felt surreal.

WHAT? Her college classmate-now not only outrageously handsome-was a Cullinan owner?

And with nearly nine million in add-ons, almost ten million in total?

A ten-million-yuan car?

Zhang Yang stood before the car, hearing rapid breathing nearby.

He glanced at the saleswoman, who beamed brightly, then at Pei Xiaoru, who bit her lip, her chest rising and falling nervously.

Zhang Yang chuckled, refocusing on the car.

The diamond-black paint gleamed luxuriously. A long, imposing Parthenon-style grille, rectangular LED headlights, and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy with the twin-R badge gleaming.

No wonder it’s Rolls-Royce.

Feeling the commanding luxury, Zhang Yang couldn’t help but sigh.

Bentley epitomized elegance, but in terms of presence, aura, and sheer luxury, Rolls-Royce was undeniably the top.

“Mr. Zhang, you’re the youngest and most handsome Cullinan owner I’ve seen,” the saleswoman praised sincerely.

Zhang Yang didn’t take it seriously-there were plenty of wealthy people. But most handsome Cullinan owner? Well, that he could accept.

“By the way, we’ve arranged a handover ceremony for your car,” the saleswoman said.

Rolls-Royce handovers were never casual-petals, balloons, and staff applause made customers feel honored.

Pei Xiaoru awkwardly clapped along, still dazed.

“All keys and paperwork are in this folder,” the saleswoman handed him everything. “Would you like me to show you the car’s features?”

Zhang Yang glanced at the saleswoman in the white blouse, seeing her hopeful, gentle smile.

“Sure, thanks,” he nodded.

He got in the car.

The Cullinan’s interior blended traditional luxury and modern design: rich wood and leather textures, and the modern three-circle instrument panel.

The passenger door opened, and the saleswoman sat in the spacious front seat, stretching her legs comfortably.

Soon, the Cullinan slowly drove out, the diamond-black body shining under the sunlight.

Zhang Yang pressed the accelerator lightly.

Although it had a V12 engine, acceleration was smooth and effortless. Rolls-Royce prioritized calm, not thrill.

The saleswoman explained every feature attentively, leaning and bending to demonstrate.

Zhang Yang could smell the leather and her perfume.

“If you ever have questions, call me anytime,” she said, handing him a fragrant business card on the return.

Zhang Yang took the card and drove the Cullinan back to the dealership.

From the car, he saw Pei Xiaoru standing in the wind, hair tousled, arms crossed.

“Hop in, old classmate. I promised a ride,” he called out, lowering the window.

“Ah? Oh…” Pei Xiaoru fumbled opening the passenger door, previously relaxed now slightly tense.

Zhang Yang smiled at her formal posture.

“Relax, Pei Xiaoru. We’re old classmates, no need to be stiff.”

She turned toward him, paused for a moment, then collapsed lightly into the seat.

“Wow… it really is a Cullinan.”

She felt she’d sat on something, realized it was the folder, and quickly placed it in the armrest compartment.

“So, the favor you mentioned, I can help now, right?” Zhang Yang asked with a smile.

Pei Xiaoru nodded vigorously.

“Yes, thank you in advance, old classmate.”

Zhang Yang didn’t mention his own plans-selling the property-wanting to help her first.

“By the way, why did you spend so long with the saleswoman earlier?” she asked curiously.

“I already said, to get familiar with the car’s features. Why ask?” Zhang Yang replied, puzzled.

“Nothing, just curious,” she said, blinking.

Her property visit wasn’t today; she needed to ensure the client was serious before scheduling with the landlord.

Initially, she had felt anxious.

Now she wasn’t afraid.

Why fear? Her old classmate was driving a nearly ten-million-yuan Cullinan, had a Bentley, and wore a luxury watch.

A perfect, genuine high-quality client.

“Which property do you want to see?” Zhang Yang asked, curious.

“A property over 100 million,” Pei Xiaoru sighed. “It’s a dream listing I’ve always wanted to sell.”

In Shanghai, luxury homes and serious clients were rare.

Selling such a home required luck; the commission alone could fund a comfortable lifestyle for years.

“Over 100 million?” Zhang Yang nodded silently, saying nothing.

“Wait… my car?” Pei Xiaoru suddenly remembered, turning to him.

“You were too busy sitting in my passenger seat to notice,” Zhang Yang said with a slight exasperation.

So he turned back to bring her car along.

At noon, Shudu Spicy Roast Duck business was thriving as usual.

When Zhang Yang parked his new Cullinan BB edition in front, passersby and customers turned their heads.

“Wow, Zhang, you got another car?” Bei Jiajia ran out, eyes wide.

The diamond-black body, the luxury aura, and the tall, striking figure stepping out-it was overwhelming.

“The Cullinan? Zhang, please let me hug your thigh!”

Passersby whispered among themselves.

“Is that the Cullinan BB edition? Almost ten million? Amazing!”

“Looks like the owner of Shudu Spicy Roast Duck. I heard he also has a Bentley-super luxurious.”

“Why open this shop if money isn’t a problem? Not much profit here.”

“Maybe he just wants to treat his woman.”

Zhang Yang chuckled, looking at Bei Jiajia, who seemed about to literally hug his leg.

“No way, what’s so special about my thigh?”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ve realized it now-Zhang Handsome, you’re the real thigh to hold onto. My dad’s side isn’t worth it,” Bei Jiajia said firmly, clenching her fists.

Inside the shop, the staff and some customers drawn by promotional videos all turned to look at the Cullinan outside, their expressions varying.

“The owner of this shop is that rich? Handsome and rich! A true male god.”

“I thought he was here to boost business, but seems like he’s just playing around. Still, the food here really is good.”

“Congratulations to the boss on the new car!” Some employees took the opportunity to flatter him.

Bei Wei ran out, eyes wide, staring at the Cullinan gleaming in the sunlight, even the wheels radiating wealth.

“Zhang Yang, another car?”

“Yeah, come on, want a ride?” Zhang Yang opened the passenger door.

“I want to go! Zhang Handsome, brother-in-law, let me come too, let me come!” Bei Jiajia clung to his arm, excitement written all over her face.

“Wait, you’re already leaving-who’s watching inside?” Zhang Yang said, slightly helpless.

“The store runs fine without me, so just take me!” Bei Jiajia wiggled his arm.

“Hold on,” Zhang Yang searched and found a pile of supermarket gift cards, small denominations, about two hundred each. He entered the store and casually handed them out.

“Here, one per person. Work hard-today’s target is ten thousand in sales. Tonight, we’ll have a group dinner.”

“Thank you, boss!”

“Generous boss!”

The staff all smiled widely-working for a good boss made life enjoyable, and rewards were guaranteed for effort.

Soon, Zhang Yang drove off in the Cullinan with Bei Wei in the passenger seat and an eager Bei Jiajia in the back.

In the afternoon, the streets of Shanghai saw Zhang Yang driving the Cullinan.

Bei Wei sat in the passenger seat, her dark hair floating in the breeze from the window-she was perfectly suited for the Cullinan’s front seat.

Occasionally stopping at traffic lights, passersby glanced over, whispering to each other.

Though Bei Wei didn’t know what they were saying and wasn’t vain, she still felt a strange thrill. Human instinct, after all.

“Zhang Yang, I think there’s more than one kind of perfume in the car,” Bei Wei said, sniffing lightly and smiling at him.

“Is there? Didn’t notice,” Zhang Yang said with a smile, offering no further explanation. Overexplaining would only spoil it.

In the back, Bei Jiajia blinked rapidly, then quickly took out her phone, typing something and sending it off.

It was the first day back with ten thousand in daily revenue, and Zhang Yang already had over seven million in cash on him. Once the shop sold, another 20 million or so would come in.

Compared to the super-rich, it wasn’t enough, but compared to most, he was at the top.

He drove straight to the mall, planning a shopping spree with the two girls.

Shopping wasn’t necessarily about luxury-Zhang Yang’s wealth gave him freedom, unrestricted by price.

The three wandered the mall, browsing freely, picking up anything they liked.

Clothes, cosmetics, daily necessities, snacks…

Though it looked like a spree, the total spent barely exceeded ten thousand, mostly paid with Bei Wei’s mall gift card, and everything was practical for everyday use.

“You two are something else,” Zhang Yang said in disbelief.

Even with six hands carrying items, they barely spent more than ten thousand, mostly Bei Wei’s card.

“Zhang Handsome, as a rich guy, you must have forgotten what ordinary life is like,” Bei Jiajia exclaimed.

“Buying daily necessities casually for ten thousand-is that considered little?”

Zhang Yang paused, then shook his head with a smile.

No wonder the old saying goes: it’s hard to go from luxury to frugality, easy from frugality to luxury. True throughout history.

By evening, the Cullinan’s trunk was full, and he drove straight to prepare for the night’s group dinner.

Today’s sales were good, not over ten thousand yet, but with the evening, it would surely exceed that.

Zhang Yang booked a nearby Banu Hotpot for the dinner.

For staff gatherings, the focus was on being down-to-earth, no need for a fancy venue.

Late at night, in the Banu Hotpot private room, all staff of Shudu Spicy Roast Duck Shanghai branch gathered, toasting Zhang Yang one after another.

“Boss, a toast to you.”

“Cheers, boss.”

Today’s revenue easily exceeded ten thousand again-small numbers to Zhang Yang, but a result of everyone’s hard work.

He drank and ate the food Bei Wei personally dipped, feeling a mix of pride and satisfaction.

Though his business was small, and staff few, it didn’t stop him from feeling accomplished.

He scrolled through old classmates’ social media: trips, houses, new cars, couples showing off…

Zhang Yang only smiled.

Envy only exists for what one doesn’t have.

Having all of this easily-cars from Porsche to Bentley to Rolls-Royce, watches worth 1.8 million, real estate aimed at hundred-million-yuan mansions, travel anywhere at will-envy seemed pointless.

As for the girls?

“Zhang Yang, what are you smiling at?” Bei Wei asked, smiling, dabbing at his mouth.

“Nothing, just thinking it’s nice to be a little ordinary,” Zhang Yang said casually.

Though others called him a male god, he never agreed.

After twenty-five years of ordinary life, now that he’d risen, why pretend? He always considered himself ordinary, enjoying life’s simple pleasures.

By midnight, everyone had eaten and drunk to their heart’s content.

Downstairs, as the staff dispersed, Zhang Yang casually called a designated driver.

Seeing the nearly ten-million-yuan Cullinan, the strikingly handsome owner, and his sweet girlfriend, the driver was instantly envious.