Chapter 31: Chapter 31:A Connoisseur of Swimwear
"Alex, come over here and give us your opinion!" Grace called out from across the swimwear department.
"Let's go," Alex tugged James's arm. "Give your wife some compliments - might make tonight more enjoyable, if you know what I mean!" He winked.
"You really are something else! I didn't believe Grace at first, but now I see what she means," James landed a playful punch on Alex's back.
"What are you thinking?" Alex affected an innocent expression. "I just meant she might cook you a nice dinner if she's in a good mood!"
"Damn!" James could only laugh - Alex's quick wit was something else.
"Alex, hurry up!" Grace called again impatiently.
"Coming, coming!" Alex and James made their way over.
"So what advice do you need? Though I should mention, I'm personally quite partial to bikinis," Alex declared shamelessly to the group of women.
"Are bikinis really that nice?" Gwen asked, clearly unfamiliar with swimwear.
"Of course!" Alex grabbed one from a nearby rack. "Bikinis are magical things - they use the minimum amount of fabric to create the maximum sensual impact, whether you're going for romantic, wild, innocent, or alluring."
"Alex, I had no idea you were such an expert on women's fashion!" Sue looked him up and down, as if seeing him in a new light.
"Just part of the job, just part of the job!" Alex laughed, careful to maintain propriety in front of their team leader.
"Isn't it too revealing?" Julie pointed nervously at the bikini in Alex's hand.
"It covers everything that needs to be covered!" Alex assured her. "Plus you can layer other pieces over it. I guarantee it will make Miss Julie look both sexy and adorable!"
"I'm not... sexy at all!" Julie protested with a blush.
"Alex, stop rambling and help me pick something suitable!" Grace interrupted.
"You could always go without-"
"Get lost!"
"Summer beach fashion is all about making a statement," Alex smoothly continued his expertise. "It's about embracing the sun and sea with confidence. Asian women have naturally beautiful skin that looks good in any color, so choose whatever shade you like best. While we may not have the dramatic curves of Western women, triangle cup styles work perfectly for a clean, elegant line. Though I must say, all the lovely ladies here have fantastic figures, so that's hardly a concern!"
His diplomatic compliment earned pleased smiles all around, with Grace looking particularly satisfied. Women always appreciated genuine praise about their appearance, especially from a man whose opinion they trusted.
"Swimwear is fashion in its own right," Alex continued professionally. "Since its inception, it has represented independence, sensuality, and avant-garde style. For many women, swimwear transcends mere function to become a statement of personal style. Ladies, I hardly need to explain the importance of fashion to you. From vintage-inspired designs to athletic cuts to groundbreaking sexy styles - beyond personal preference, the key is matching the swimsuit type to your natural grace. But first, let me clarify that my following comments come purely from an aesthetic perspective, with absolutely no improper intentions. Understood?"
"Brother Alex, you always build up such suspense! Just get on with it!" Julie pouted.
"Fine, fine! As long as you keep things appropriate, we won't assume anything inappropriate!" Grace added impatiently.
"Very well then. Let me start with Sue," Alex turned to their team leader. "You have a fuller, elegant figure with mature charm. Women with generous busts often feel self-conscious in swimwear, worried about exposure. I'd recommend an elegant vintage-inspired style with a low back and bow details. These classic designs always evoke timeless sophistication. Your curves are graceful and natural - a lower neckline can add just a hint of allure. These styles may not be flashy or provocative, but their cut, pattern, and details all express refined aesthetics. They're perfect for women who carry themselves with natural elegance."
"Julie and Gwen, you both have petite, delicate builds. I noticed some adorable prints with stars and cat motifs that would suit you perfectly. They express feminine charm through playful elements - adding a cute dimension to sensuality. With a wide-brimmed straw hat, you'll create an absolutely charming look!"
"What about me?" Grace demanded, impatient at being left out.
"You and Emma Winter have similar builds, though different styles. The triangle cup bikini creates beautiful lines. If you have a fuller bust, this style was made for you - though it works for more modest figures too, like Gwen and Julie. Just choose bright, expansive colors for visual enhancement. Sweet, cute patterns can also work by shifting focus from pure sexiness to charm."
"I asked about me specifically, and you went off topic again!" Grace protested, while Emma waited expectantly. Alex's expertise on women's fashion was surprisingly comprehensive.
"While you two may be a bit slow mentally," Alex dodged Grace's swat, "I have to admit you both have excellent figures. Go for vibrant colors and bold patterns that make a statement. Strategic cutouts, ties, and plunging necklines make these styles the ultimate in sensual appeal. The large floral prints have a lovely Hawaiian vibe that highlights a woman's sunny, graceful charm. I'd suggest a three-piece style with connecting straps - for the pattern, choose whatever appeals to you."
"Alex, you silver-tongued devil! But I love it - thank you for the compliments!" Grace patted his shoulder, clearly pleased with his assessment.
"As for Lisa..." Alex glanced at James's wife, "That's for your husband to decide - my opinion doesn't count!"
"It's fine, Alex. Please share your thoughts," Lisa said graciously.
"You could follow Sue's style but in a smaller size. A silk scarf at the neck would be lovely - you have beautiful shoulder lines that deserve to be highlighted."
"I had no idea you knew so much about this! Thank you!" Lisa smiled warmly.
"Ladies, if you're concerned about coverage, a light, colorful sarong wrapped around the waist or any sensitive areas works beautifully. Many swimsuits incorporate scarves in their design to enhance feminine allure while maintaining playful charm. However, I'd advise against white - it tends to become transparent when wet, which can lead to awkward situations. And with that, I've shared all my expertise. The rest is up to your personal taste." Alex concluded with an elegant bow.
"Quick, quick! After Alex's advice, I can't wait to try these on!" Grace enthused. Her love of fashion had her eager to see herself in the recommended styles.
"Alex, that silver tongue of yours... if I had your way with words..." James shook his head in admiration.
"What would happen?" Lisa turned to her husband with a sweet smile that somehow carried a hint of warning.
"I'd still have married you, of course!" James quickly amended, pulling Alex aside as sweat broke out on his forehead.
"That was quite a rapid change of heart," Alex commented once they reached the counter.
"Married life is both blessing and curse - you gain some things, lose others. How to explain it..." James mused.
"Pleasure mixed with pain?"
"Something like that," James nodded, watching his wife shop with Sue. Despite his complaints, his face held unmistakable contentment.
*Where is my happiness?* Alex wondered, observing his friend's obvious joy.
"Alex, have you thought about settling down?" James asked.
"Can't settle down without a girlfriend!" Alex laughed.
"In our whole office building, I can't think of anyone more popular with women than you. With so many admirers, is there really no one who catches your eye?"
"What popularity? We just get along slightly better than most," Alex demurred.
"Could it be your standards are too high?"
"It's not that my standards are high - it's that finding a traditional wife is nearly impossible these days," Alex smiled ruefully.
"Tell me your requirements, and I'll see if I know anyone suitable, or if Lisa does!"
"Nothing extreme - she doesn't need to be a great beauty, just have good bearing; doesn't need a perfect figure, just be pleasing to the eye; doesn't need a strong personality, just be gentle; doesn't need to be a master chef, just able to cook decent meals; doesn't need to be the perfect housewife, just know how to care for a home; doesn't need to be overly filial, just respect parents; doesn't need to be highly educated, just know how to raise children well. Are those really such high standards?" Alex listed.
"Hello? Earth to James?" Alex waved his hand in front of his friend's blank stare.
"Brother..." James finally spoke, "With those requirements... all I can do is wish you luck."
"You think I'm asking too much?"