LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 170
Upon hearing what Ethan just said
John couldn't contain himself, his professional demeanor cracking as laughter burst from his lips. His perfectly pressed suit shook with each condescending chuckle, his face turning red with mirth. The gold cufflinks on his sleeves caught the light as his shoulders heaved.
"Oh, that's rich,"
he managed to stop himself from crying.
His earlier polish completely forgotten. Read latest chapters on empire
"Listen, young man."
He leaned forward, cologne wafting with the movement.
"Even I'm still paying installments on my A-class car I bought."
He tapped his watch meaningfully, the gesture meant to emphasize his success.
"And it would take two more years before I complete the payment."
His voice dropped to a patronizing whisper, as if explaining to a child.
"And you - a university student who hasn't even started life yet - you want to look at S-class vehicles?"
More laughter bubbled up, making his tie bounce against his chest. "Those cars cost more than most people make in a lifetime!"
At that moment the sales ladies joined in his amusement, their perfectly made-up faces creasing with laughter.
Their earlier uncertainty about Ethan forgotten as they watched their manager put this presumptuous student in his place. Some even covered their mouths with their hands, trying to stifle their giggles.
" You can come back years later,"
John added with a smirk, straightening his now-rumpled suit. " By then you must have understand how the real world works."
"My A-class?" John preened, smoothing his silk tie, still chuckling.
"Cost me Seven hundred thousand."
His chest puffed out like a proud peacock.
"Though the crown jewel of A-class car's, runs about three million."
The numbers hung in the air like heavy weights. The sales ladies watched proudly, their designer uniforms rustling as they shifted closer, certain these astronomical figures would finally silence the presumptuous student.
Upon hearing what John just said Serenity's breath caught slightly, memories flooding back unbidden. Her fingers unconsciously touched her wrist where an expensive bracelet used to rest, tracing the phantom outline of lost luxury. Her eyes grew distant, unfocused.
Before everything changed, her family had owned several of these luxury vehicles. The price tags brought back vivid images - her father's proud smile as he showed off his new car, her mother's elegant figure stepping out of another, the way the leather seats had smelled, the purr of powerful engines.
Then came the crash, the scandal, the forced sales. Everything of value liquidated, including their prized car collection. Her shoulders tensed imperceptibly as she remembered how each vehicle had disappeared from their garage, like stars blinking out one by one.
The familiar ache of loss tightened her chest as she stood in the showroom that once would have welcomed her family as VIP clients. Her clothes suddenly felt like a costume, a poor disguise hiding her fallen status.
However John continued laughter brought her back to the present, where she noticed Ethan watching her reaction with intense interest.
"I'd like to purchase your most expensive S-class model,"
Ethan said quietly, his voice cutting through Zhang's lingering laughter like a blade through silk.
At that moment John amusement transformed into irritation, his professional facade cracking further. His perfectly fingers tugged at his collar as he fought to maintain composure.
"We're done here,"
he said sharply, straightening his cuffs with jerky movements.
"This tour is over."
"You have misunderstood me,"
Ethan's tone carried that dangerous calm that made Serenity tense beside him. Her hand unconsciously gripped her notebook tighter, recognizing the warning signs.
"I want to buy the car. Now."
At that moment John face flushed red, spreading down his neck into his starched collar. His earlier patronizing smile twisted into a sneer.
"I've already explained,"
he said through his gritted teeth, a vein pulsing in his temple.
"The S-class section is restricted. Unless you're actually purchase one. "
He paused, letting out an exasperated breath, nostrils flaring. "Which we all know you're not."
At that moment the sales ladies exchanged uncomfortable glances, their designer heels shifting nervously on the polished floor.
Yet John continued, gesturing dismissively toward the exit.
"So unless you're seriously planning to buy a multi-million dollar vehicle right now,"
his voice dripped with sarcasm, "you're not allowed in that section."
However Serenity watched the exchange with growing anxiety, noting how Ethan's posture had shifted subtly - the same way it had just before Davidson's world had crumbled.
"I really want to buy an S-class car," Ethan repeated, his calm voice making John eye twitch violently. His enhanced senses caught every micro-expression of the manager's growing irritation.
"Very well,"
At that moment John lips curved into a predatory smile. He snapped his fingers at a sales lady, making her jump.
"Bring me the special access contract."
The document appeared quickly, laid out on a gleaming desk. immediately John fingers smoothed the paper with obvious satisfaction. "Sign this first,"
he said, with barely contain anger.
"If you waste our time and don't purchase a vehicle, you'll owe the company one million dollars for breaking conduct rules."
At that moment Serenity gasped softly beside him, her hand flying to her mouth. Her eyes darted between Ethan and the contract, worry etched across her features. But Ethan merely tilted his head, his posture relaxed despite the trap being laid.
"And if I do buy a car?"
His question made Zhang shift uncomfortably, the manager's confident smile faltering slightly. "What will you do,?"
John laughed nervously, tugging at his collar.
"I'll personally pay for your first maintenance service."
He pushed the contract forward certain of his victory.
"But we both know that won't happen."
immediately the sales ladies gathered around like vultures, their designer heels clicking on the floor as they positioned themselves for the best view. Their perfectly painted lips curved into identical smirks, eager to watch this presumptuous student sign away his future.
"No wealthy person would arrive by taxi,"
John said to himself.
" If he truly has money like he claims, he would have come with his car or a private driver."
The contract appeared pristine on the glass desk, John confidence growing with each second. Ethan's pen moved smoothly across the paper, making the sales ladies exchange gleeful looks.
"Ethan, don't!"
immediately Serenity grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with panic.
"This is insane! Over a car?"
But Ethan gently removed her hand, finishing his signature with deliberate care.
Seeing Ethan signed the contract John used his key card opened the S-class sanctuary with a soft beep. The air itself felt different here, rarefied and exclusive.
Upon entering inside they could see only three vehicles occupied this holy ground of automotive excellence, each one gleaming under perfect lighting.
"Let's start with the entry level,"
John gestured to the first car, his voice dripping with cruel amusement.
" It cost ten million dollars."