Huge Ego

Old man Shen smiled back at her,

"I'm looking to buy a phone, something good but not pricey… I have a budget."

"Of course," replied the lady, as she brought them over to another counter where some phones were displayed.

"Here are some of the latest models we have in stock. And take it from someone who has used these products, they are equipped with sophisticated features that can do just about anything you want and they're easy to learn and use."

The lady wore her smile from ear to ear as she explained.

"I get all the good promotion, but it still doesn't help in making a choice," stated old man Shen.

"Of course. But to help you make a choice, I'll have to know who I'm getting the phone for… you or your son?"

For some reason, being mistaken for Zhi Luan's father gave old man Shen chills, as though the thought alone was unpleasant, and Zhi Luan shared the same emotion as well. If only old man Shen knew that Zhi Luan was over twice his age and probably older than his ancestor. They both exchange looks of disgust before the old man spoke up,

"Don't worry about me, he's the one getting the phone."

The lady's smile became awkward after she sensed the mistake she made. She brushed it off and picked up a phone,

"This one would be most suitable for you. Its slick design is the latest trend…"

"Yes, yes, he'll take it. Where can I pay?"

The lady was only trying to promote her store and be as nice as she could to customers, but old man Shen was in no mood for her speeches. Plus, to him, Zhi Luan probably had no idea what a phone was in the first place.

They were directed to another counter to make their payment. After that, old man Shen enlisted a technician there to help set up the phone before leaving the store.

The two walked again for a bit before dropping by another store. The store's windows shimmered like a catwalk, showcasing the latest fashion trends and must-have pieces. Inside, the soft glow of lighting and the gentle hum of music created a welcoming ambiance, inviting customers to explore the vast collection of garments, each one a testament to the art of fashion.

Zhi Luan was completely stunned. He had seen clothes stores in his era, but none was like this. The old man noticed Zhi Luan's absentmindedness and shook his head.

'What a bumpkin.'

He thought.

Old man Shen didn't need to explain why they were there and took him around the store. A staff attended to them, and old man Shen likewise included that he had a budget at the introduction.

Zhi Luan's body measurement was taken and the clothes fitting the measurements were brought to him. He tried them all and every one of them was more captivating than the last. Now he was confused about which one to pick. Old man Shen got a few things for himself as well before they exited the store. They ended up buying a handful of clothes that mostly belonged to Zhi Luan.

"Old man…"

Zhi Luan wanted to express his gratitude but was interrupted.

"If it's what I think you want to say, then don't bother, the moment is long gone. Plus, I'm not doing this for free, I'll be taking it from your salary."

Surprisingly, Zhi Luan was relieved. He never liked to owe people, and the mere thought of owing old man Shen made him ill at ease.

That night at old man Shen's office, having gathered all the required documents, it was time to fill out the entrance form, and it took half an hour to complete it.

"I have a question. Since this is an exam, it means I have to read something…"

Zhi Luan's inquired rather sarcastically.

"Ah, smart ass. You have materials to read, and they'll be coming tomorrow. Anything else you'd like to ask?"

"That will be all."

Zhi Luan replied and retired for the night.

The restaurant resumed business the next, and per the usual time, Yan Qincheng dropped by after work. She placed three booklets on the table and passed them to old man Shen.

"These are all he needs to read for the exam. The pattern of questions asked change every year, but it would not be outside these materials."

Old man Shen nodded and handed over the entrance form. Yan Qincheng flipped through the pages of the form.

"Zhi Luan…"

She muttered. She then looked at old man Shen. She looked at old man Shen,

"He's 23 years old, and you made it sound like he's too old to go to college.'

"But Qincheng, you got into college at 18… that is the prime age to study."

"You shouldn't compare me to others. Look, I have taught freshmen older than 23 who performed outstandingly. Besides, would you spend so much for someone truly hopeless?"

Old man Shen wanted to reply but couldn't.

"Whatever. It's fine as long as he passes."

Later that night after work, old man Shen called Zhi Luan into his office and handed the materials over to him.

"These are all you have to read for the exam…"

Zhi Luan took the books and flipped through them. His expression changed from time to time, until he abruptly slammed the book shut and looked old man Shen in the eye.

"I'll need time to study…" he said.

Old man Shen nodded,

"I agree. Starting tomorrow, your shift starts by noon and ends by 8 pm. You'll have all morning to study and also before bed. That should be enough time to study in a day."

Zhi Luan gave the old man a defeated look,

"You're honestly going to make me do this, aren't you?"

Old man Shen laughed,

"You've come this far to quit. I've bought the form and the materials already. Don't tell me you're scared of a little reading?"

"Aren't you a bit too old to taunt me?"

"Why? Your ego is so big there's no way my taunts aren't working."

Zhi Luan's brows creased. The old man didn't deny taunting him and seeing that smug smile on his face made Zhi Luan feel worse. Not saying another word, Zhi Luan picked up the materials and left.