Love's Wild Card

"You're very beautiful, miss," Alex remarked, leaning elegantly against the counter as he addressed the young cashier. Still in his work attire, he cut quite the professional figure. Combined with his carefully cultivated expression—sixty percent refined charm, forty percent roguish appeal—and that deliberately languid posture, he perfectly embodied the image of a fallen aristocrat.

"Me? Really?" The young woman, barely out of her teens, blushed at his attention.

"Indeed. I particularly admire women of your type," Alex smiled.

"Really? Everyone says I look young—they think I'm eighteen when I'm actually twenty-four," she confided.

"That's precisely what makes you charming. You're so youthful—they're just jealous. Beautiful, innocent young ladies like yourself are rare these days."

"Haha, you're too kind! But tell me, what type of woman am I? And what's your type?" She'd completely forgotten about work, tilting her head curiously.

"Hmm..." Alex assumed a thoughtful pose, hand on chin. "I prefer down-to-earth, capable women—someone who can cook a perfect omelet, operate a washing machine, has a charming beauty mark between her brows, blushes around strangers, knows the price of everyday necessities, would help wipe my brow after I carry groceries home..."

"Would you like someone who can stir-fry with bamboo skewers?" A voice dripping with menace interrupted his reverie. Alex could practically hear teeth grinding.

"I don't care for that dish. Miss, could you total this up?" Alex didn't turn around—he could identify those two familiar murderous auras behind him. *Ah, got carried away and forgot about my watchdogs.*

"Oh... right..." The cashier glanced between Alex and the two stylish women glaring daggers at his back.

"One hundred and eight dollars total."

"Oh dear, I only have hundreds. What should we do?" Alex made a show of checking his wallet with exaggerated concern.

"Just make it an even hundred!" the girl offered promptly.

"Are you sure? Can you make that call?" Alex asked solicitously.

"It's fine—my father owns the place. That small amount..."

"Really? You're too kind! I don't know how to thank you properly!" Alex beamed.

"Just come back often!" she smiled, accepting his hundred-dollar bill.

"Hehe, with you here, I certainly will!" Alex was about to continue chatting but felt the murderous intent behind him intensify. He waved goodbye and quickly exited the restaurant.

"Nice place!" he commented cheerfully to the two seething women.

"Is it the place that's nice, or the girl?" Grace jabbed him sharply in the chest with her elbow.

"Ow, internal injury!" Alex clutched his chest dramatically. What else could he say in this situation?

"Pervert!" Emma glared at him, still mortified about spraying food earlier. For someone who prided herself on maintaining a refined image, it was a major setback—especially in front of so many people.

"Just being true to my nature!" Alex shrugged. "So, are we shopping or not? If not, I'm leaving!"

"Oh, we're shopping. We're going to shop you to death!" Grace shot him a withering look. "And don't ever come back to this restaurant!"

"Why not?" Alex asked.

"You know why!" Grace glared again—Alex worried her eyeballs might pop out if she kept it up.

"No idea!" Alex shook his head innocently. "The restaurant's quite good—delicious food, nice ambiance, and they even round down the bill. Perfect! If you don't want me to come back, you need to give me a reason."

"I don't want you saving those few dollars—is that reason enough?" Grace snapped.

"Fine, fine!" Alex conceded. He didn't want to continue this argument. Debating with women was like bringing a pistol to a machine gun fight—you're always outgunned. Especially when facing two heavy machine guns like these ladies. They could fire twenty rounds for every one of his. *What's the point in even trying?*

Besides, his legs worked fine—he could always come back without telling her.

"Stop dawdling, let's go!" Grace grabbed Emma's hand and shoved Alex forward like a prisoner being escorted.

Shopping meant different things to different people. For Grace and Emma, tonight was about having fun. For Alex, it was an opportunity to admire beauty.

Where was Manhattan's busiest spot? Fifth Avenue, of course. When Emma, fresh from Shanghai, suggested the location, Alex hesitated slightly. In his experience, Manhattan women between ten and thirty-five invariably preferred the high-end boutiques around Madison Avenue, particularly the luxury department stores where one could best observe fashionable women. But Grace and Emma clearly had other plans, and after a brief argument, Desert Eagle was once again outgunned.

Fifth Avenue, Manhattan's premier shopping street, was a must-visit destination for tourists, though local beauties also frequented it. While you might not find many native New Yorkers, the avenue attracted beautiful women from across the country and around the world. On lucky days, you might even spot models doing photo shoots outside historic establishments—locals in Western wear, foreigners in traditional dress, each with their own unique charm.

Actually, Fifth Avenue wasn't bad at all. More people meant more women, and more women meant a higher proportion of beauties.

"Hey, hey, what are you doing?" Alex was jolted from his dedicated beauty-spotting when Grace suddenly yanked his arm.

"Go in!" Grace pointed at the entrance to The Oriental Plaza.

"Why? It's so nice out here!" Alex protested.

"Stop complaining. If you just want to walk, go join a race!" Grace rolled her eyes and dragged him inside, ignoring his resistance. Alex couldn't understand where she got such strength.

He had to admit, fashionable women loved these massive shopping centers with their combination of retail, dining, leisure, entertainment, and tourism facilities. The perfect environment complemented the comprehensive business model. With major retailers as anchors supplemented by specialty stores and multi-functional commercial services, it formed an impressive complex.

The Oriental Plaza was a paradise for fashion enthusiasts and a key destination for Grace and Emma's shopping expedition. The high-end shopping gallery housed international fashion brands and luxury accessories boutiques like Lalique and Swarovski. The atmosphere exuded refined, elegant living. The decorative lamp that Emma had broken at Alex's apartment had been purchased here by Grace.

Speaking of such shopping centers, they actually contained quite a few beauties—young, attractive sales assistants populated every store. Alex had been too focused on the crowded streets, rarely entering such malls. He felt like he'd discovered a new world—the beauties inside were no fewer than outside, and generally of higher quality. The air conditioning and peaceful atmosphere elevated everything a notch; the women walking about seemed more sophisticated and elegant. Alex realized he'd been foolish spending time hunting beauties under the scorching sun when he could have been appreciating them in climate-controlled comfort.

"Grace, thanks! You really understand me!" Alex patted her shoulder sincerely.

"Hm?" Grace looked at him puzzled, his reaction completely different from earlier.

"Mm, not bad. Definitely a level up from outside!" Alex stroked his chin, admiring the fashionable women passing by.

"What's he talking about?" Grace turned to Emma, confused.

"Probably the women," Emma observed his roving gaze scanning every female in sight.

"Alex, what are you looking at? Aren't two beauties right here enough? Are any of these women prettier than Emma or me?" Grace yanked his ear, ignoring the stares from passersby.

"Too familiar—can't make a move!" Alex explained, waving at several young salesgirls who were eyeing him.

"Fine, you want to look? I'll take you somewhere you'll love. Guaranteed to please!" Grace grabbed his arm.

"Really? Thank you, lead on!" Alex, knowing Grace was familiar with the mall, let her take charge.

"Right here!" The trio stopped as Grace pointed to a massive storefront.

Alex looked up. While he couldn't decipher the string of English letters on the sign, he could certainly understand what he saw inside. Lingerie? Even if he didn't recognize the luxury brand name, the merchandise was unmistakable.

"Weren't you eager to look? Dare to go in?" Grace shot him a challenging glance that irritated him. *How dare she underestimate me!*

"If you go in, I go in!"

"Hmph!" Grace lifted her chin and pulled Emma inside.

"Who's afraid?" Alex rolled his eyes and strode in confidently.