America: My Time

Chapter 119 Shopping
Chapter 119 Shopping

The next morning, John and Naoko boarded a plane to New York. Although he had plenty of time and no need to rush, John had his own plans. He and Naoko had known each other for almost a year, and he had never fulfilled his responsibilities as a boyfriend. This trip to New York was a good opportunity. New York was close to his family, and doing so would allow him to gauge the thoughts of his family members while also conveying his own ideas to the outside world!
John was eager to know how those lurking in the shadows would react, and whether anyone would jump out to target him now. It wasn't that John wanted to think badly of people, but those enemies in the shadows were capable of anything; for those bastards, only profit mattered. Although these bastards had suffered losses before and made promises, those promises were easily forgotten, and given the chance, they would definitely try to assassinate him.

John gave these enemies an opportunity, a chance to scheme against him. His aim wasn't just to find them, but more importantly, to lay a trap, to draw their attention, to attract the attention of Wall Street giants, so they wouldn't have time to learn more about his other activities, and to conceal his actions in the gold futures market. Before the gold futures market closed, John didn't want his actions to be known, not even openly.

The moment Jimmy invited him to New York to discuss the acquisition of Bell Labs and Motorola Semiconductor, John had this idea in mind. He quickly refined it and put it into action, creating an opportunity for these enemies. He made no attempt to hide his attendance at the meeting with Morgan, drawing their attention to himself.

John believed that his enemies would do everything in their power to find out the purpose of his trip, and they would succeed. Once they knew that he was preparing to acquire Bell Labs and Motorola Semiconductor, they would definitely try to stop him. Even the old guys in the conglomerates couldn't stop him. Not everyone would be controlled or influenced by the conglomerates.

John, despite owning a villa in East Hamptons, Long Island, New York, chose to stay at the Plaza Hotel. That afternoon, John and Naoko, accompanied by bodyguards, checked into the Plaza Hotel. With some time before evening, John made no attempt to conceal his intentions and took Naoko to Fifth Avenue. Fifth Avenue, known as the "Street of Dreams," is a high-end shopping district lined with numerous famous luxury brand stores. These stores are filled with trendy clothing, fine jewelry, designer handbags, and all sorts of exquisite items, a dazzling array of choices.

As soon as they reached Fifth Avenue, Naoko's enthusiasm became apparent. Like dragons, women are naturally drawn to beautiful clothes and sparkly objects, and Naoko was no exception. John followed beside her; it was a rare occasion for him to accompany Naoko shopping, and he certainly wouldn't object to it today, especially since it was part of his own plans.

Inside the Chanel store, Naoko seemed to be torn between several outfits, asking John which one looked best!
John smiled calmly and said, "They all look good, and they all suit you perfectly!" Then, John turned to the waiter and said casually, "Wrap all of these up for me!"

John's tone was indifferent, as if buying a few clothes was nothing special. This made the saleswoman's eyes light up instantly. "Wow, he's a tycoon! I have to seduce him. I'm not bad looking either." Thinking this, the saleswoman puffed out her chest, as if she wanted to compete with Naoko!
It has to be said that this waitress has terrible taste; she didn't even recognize John's identity. With John's status, why would he care about the price of these clothes, and why would he be seduced by someone like her?

After visiting Chanel, John accompanied Naoko on another shopping trip, this time to Saint Laurent, Valentino, Gucci, Versace, and many other brands. Naoko's outfit had changed; it was now incredibly stylish and perfect, a head-to-toe Valentino ensemble. This outfit suited Naoko's personality perfectly!

Shopping was hard work for John, and despite his strong physique, he still couldn't keep up. If it weren't for the bodyguards behind him, he could only look at the ever-growing bags of clothes in his hands and smile bitterly! While shopping, Naoko didn't forget to buy things for John's parents, younger brother and sister, and also picked out a few outfits for John.

After shopping for clothes, John took Naoko directly to a jewelry store. Now that the clothes were taken care of, how could they not wear jewelry? Of course, John wouldn't agree to that.

Van Cleef & Arpels is a jewelry brand with a century-long history, renowned worldwide for its unique design philosophy and exquisite craftsmanship. Immersed in the artistic atmosphere of Greater Paris and possessing a natural rhythm, it caters to the free-spirited hearts of women, embodying a harmonious and ethereal beauty within the realm of jewelry.

John and Naoko began admiring the jewelry as soon as they entered the store. Looking around, they were struck by the sheer beauty of Van Cleef & Arpels' designs; even those unfamiliar with jewelry could appreciate their allure. Every piece on display was a masterpiece. Soon, John and Naoko were drawn to a set of jewelry—a necklace, bracelet, and earrings—made with the finest gemstones. The set was visually striking, compelling them to stand and examine it closely.

"It's beautiful!" A very pretty saleswoman appeared beside John and Naoko without them noticing. She exuded youthful energy, with a beautiful face, a curvaceous figure, and a tall stature. Dressed in a well-fitting outfit, she was instantly eye-catching. "Yes, it is indeed very beautiful. May we try it on?" John asked politely.

At this moment, the store manager also came over and said to the sales assistant, "Take out this set of jewelry and let this lady try it on!" As a manager, his eye for talent was naturally far superior to that of the sales assistants. He must have some knowledge of American tycoons and recognized John's identity at a glance. How could such a billionaire care about the price of this set of jewelry?

The staff member took out a key, opened the cabinet, and took out the jewelry one by one. With her help, Naoko put on the set of jewelry, and her whole demeanor changed. Naoko's original impression was youthful and sweet, but after wearing this set of jewelry, her temperament became a bit sexy and lively. This set of jewelry is a perfect match for Naoko!
“I’ll take it!” John said directly. It was clear that Naoko really liked the jewelry set, so she bought it without even asking the price. Jewelry stores like this don’t usually set prices arbitrarily.

Then, John turned to Naoko and said sincerely, "Wear it, don't take it off, it suits you perfectly!"

Naoko nodded happily. John bought it without even asking the price. Naoko saw all of this and was very pleased.

The manager was taken aback at first, then laughed. Although he recognized John's identity and knew that he was standing in front of a billionaire, it was rare to see such a big spender buy the item without even asking the price. John was clearly such a generous big spender.

It's quite rare for a salesperson to encounter such a big spender, and it's clear that John isn't interested in buying this set of jewelry, as he shows no sign of stopping and continues to look at other jewelry in the store with Naoko.

With Naoko's help, John bought several more pieces of jewelry and watches, including some for children. When he was paying, the manager said very politely, "Sir, this is our Van Cleef & Arpels diamond card. No matter which branch you visit, you will receive a 15% discount when you use this card. We hope you will accept it!"

For ordinary people, receiving a Van Cleef & Arpels discount card is a prestigious thing, but for a billionaire like John, it doesn't matter; it's a difference in status.

Of course, John wouldn't refuse. The other party was so polite and courteous that he couldn't be impolite. Besides, he would need to buy jewelry in the future, and most women really liked Van Cleef & Arpels. The name of the four-leaf clover had a great allure for women, as can be seen from Naoko's case!
"Thank you, it's my pleasure!" John politely accepted the gift. You've given me face, so of course I'll give you face too. Etiquette is paramount; such a basic mistake wouldn't happen to John! In society, one must be mindful of certain things. One must have pride towards the powerful and respect for the weak. Perhaps it's a bit foolish, but John likes to do it this way; it makes him feel good.

As John and Naoko left the Van Cleef & Arpels store, it was already getting dark. It was time for dinner. Before coming to New York, John had researched the local restaurants and made a reservation at a top-tier Japanese restaurant – after all, Naoko was Japanese. If John had to choose, his first choice would have been Chinese food, but most Chinese restaurants in the US weren't authentic, and truly authentic ones were extremely rare. His second choice would have been French cuisine, but French cuisine naturally requires red wine, which is restricted in the US, as neither John nor Naoko were old enough to drink.

Although this is Fifth Avenue, safety in the United States at night is really worrying. Eating takes time, and by the time a meal is finished, it is completely dark. John doesn't want to put himself in danger. Even with bodyguards around, it's better to be careful in a country where guns are everywhere. Who knows when a madman might jump out and start shooting!
As the old saying goes, "A wise man does not stand under a crumbling wall." Knowing how terrible the environment in the United States is, yet turning a blind eye and risking his life, John would never do something so foolish! Safety is of utmost importance, and there can be no carelessness when it comes to safety. Life is only once, and he doesn't want to put himself in danger.

(End of this chapter)