Zhao Zhen's face flushed crimson upon hearing this; he wished he could dig a hole in the ground and crawl into it.

Talk about twisting the knife!

What are the three things a man can take the most pride in?

The first is intelligence. It isn't simply IQ, but a reflection of a series of comprehensive abilities. It is critical for a man to establish himself, develop, and form the core of his personal charm in modern society.

The second is a strong body. This is ingrained in a man's DNA. Even though our safe and stable society no longer necessitates physical strength for protection, a strong and healthy physique still brings tremendous confidence and can easily attract women.

The third is external factors like wealth and family background. Though external, our position in society is often determined by them.

Esteemed figures like Elder Qian and Elder Yuan, true national assets, are rare in any era. The mainstream of society, composed of ordinary people, naturally uses material possessions to define social circles and status.

If a man is defeated by another in all three fundamental aspects, that is the most desperate form of defeat. Without reconciling with oneself, one may live in that shadow for a lifetime.

Zhao Zhen felt exactly this type of despair. Yet, in his despair, he clung to a sliver of hope for a miraculous turnaround.

Mr. Lu, please tell me it's not as I imagine!

Without a word in response, Lu Yisi immediately turned around and coldly said to Zhao Zhen, "Mr. Zhao, please return to your mother's side immediately and stop harassing our Cartier VIPs. Shortly, I will have a good talk with Mrs. Peng about this problem."

Shit!

Zhao Zhen felt completely numb, his brain foggy and nearly blank. Just an hour ago, when he and his mother had just arrived, Lu Yisi hadn't been like this. Back then, Lu Yisi had been all smiles, cordially chatting with his mother and sincerely complimenting him as being as handsome as "a Michelangelo statue." But now?!

Honestly, at this moment, Lu Yisi truly found Zhao Zhen's face detestable. Han Lie alone had made Cartier more money than all of Peng Hong's spending combined. It wasn't because Peng Hong wasn't spending enough, but because Han Lie was such a "big spender."

Thinking of that rumor, Zhao Zhen understood Lu Yisi's attitude but was even less able to comprehend Han Lie's choice.

You've got to be kidding me! He doesn't look stupid! How could he accept such a price?!

But the fact was, it was precisely such an outrageous price that had earned Han Lie ultra-VIP treatment at all three major jewelers.

If one lacks experience with such purchases, this kind of treatment might seem unnecessary—saving money is ultimately more important. However, if the primary goal is to gain experience points, then why not spend a bit more to secure even greater benefits?

Zhao Zhen could never grasp such an extravagant mindset. He felt frustrated by his loss, and the more he thought about it, the more stifled he became.

Damn it, to think I was completely owned by a nouveau riche! Could it be... was my previous concept of consumption wrong? No, that can't be right. Doesn't everyone earn their money through hard work? What's wrong with spending wisely?! Does that spendthrift have rocks in his head? But the spendthrift is so smart and quick-witted, clearly a sly little schemer who refuses to suffer any loss... Could it truly be that I don't understand?!

As Zhao Zhen began to subconsciously doubt himself amidst his mental turmoil, Peng Hong rushed over and hurriedly pulled her son aside.

"Xiaoshuai, are you alright?"

Zhao Xiaoshuai shook his head in a daze, not even minding that his mother had used the nickname he usually despised.

Peng Hong saw her son's face, which had been flushed red, gradually lose its color and turn pale. Her heart ached terribly.

"What happened? Tell Mom!"

Her tone carried intense resentment, as if she were ready to stand up for her son and retaliate as soon as she understood the situation.

Lu Yisi struggled to understand Chinese, but he could see that Peng Hong was not about to let the matter rest. So, he immediately approached her. "Mrs. Peng, a conflict like this is certainly not one person's fault alone. However, Cartier's stance has always been consistent: if either party wishes to pursue this further, please come to me."

What a stance, indeed! It seemed fair and impartial, but it was tantamount to pointing at Peng Hong's nose and saying, "If you want to keep this going, I'll take you on!"

This was because Han Lie clearly had the upper hand and wasn't interested in pursuing the matter further. Only Peng Hong seemed intent on relentless pursuit. Therefore, Lu Yisi's words were specifically directed at her.

Moreover, his attitude was extremely firm, completely at odds with the jeweler's principle of "service above all, customer first."

Peng Hong wasn't foolish; she finally realized what was happening. "Mr. Lu, is he the mysterious buyer of your Star of Romance?"

"Yes." Lu Yisi nodded lightly. "Mr. Han is our newest VVIP client."

He said just enough. In truth, everyone present was a VVIP, but they all knew that VVIPs existed in different tiers. For instance, some had accumulated around 100 million in spending over ten years, while others did so in three. Some bought many mass-produced items to give away casually, while others commissioned a high-jewelry piece every year. And Han Lie, who had spent 30 million on a loose diamond, undoubtedly belonged to the most important tier of VVIPs.

Peng Hong drew in a sharp breath. When she looked back at Han Lie, her gaze was suddenly filled with immense apprehension.