I chuckled with disdain.
“Of course you don’t recognize the brand. One shirt could buy your life.”
Maybe I sounded too harsh—Sophia’s eyes reddened immediately.
Ryan quickly smoothed things over:
“Alright, alright, we’re all classmates. No need to fight.”
“Everyone, go pick your gifts. Anything under a hundred thousand, I’ll pay!”
The crowd erupted:
“Long live Carter!”
“Unlike some people, pretending to be rich when they’re broke. Disgusting!”
I knew they were aiming at me, but as I watched them rush into the luxury stores, I laughed.
The show had begun.
Let’s see how Ryan handled it without my money.
Sophia followed him closely, blushing:
“Ryan, is there anything you want?”
He froze, then grinned sleazily:
“Having you by my side is the best gift.”
Then he grabbed her hand, basking in the flattery with pride glowing on his face.
When I didn’t follow, Ryan turned back:
“Ethan, you too! Go pick something. Don’t hold back.”
His fake warmth contrasted sharply with my coldness, prompting others to scold:
“Ethan! If you don’t want gifts, then leave!”
“Ryan treats you so well, and you dare act ungrateful?”
“Don’t think renting a Rolls-Royce makes you an heir. If you weren’t born rich, quit acting like it!”
As their curses grew louder, I paused, pretending to walk away.
Ryan panicked and clutched my arm.
“Don’t say that! Ethan’s my brother.”
His voice trembled, guilt written all over his face.
He knew that if I left, he’d lose his scapegoat at the cashier.
But of course, I never planned to leave.
How else would I enjoy the show?
“Alright, Ryan, I’ll pick something first.”
He wiped the sweat off his forehead and quickly said:
“Go ahead! Whatever you want, don’t hold back.”
I chose a men’s backpack—something I’d never even consider before.
Meanwhile, classmates picked out luxury goods one after another.
Under Ryan’s urging, Sophia selected an entire set of diamond jewelry.
Sparkling under the lights, the collection was easily worth a million.
Ryan didn’t even blink.
“If Sophia likes it, I’ll buy ten sets if she wants!”
Her lips brushed his cheek in gratitude, drawing whistles from around us.
Even the sales associate praised:
“You’re truly generous, sir. A million-dollar gift, just like that.”
Others chimed in:
“Yeah, I heard someone chased Sophia for three years and never spent even ten grand. Pathetic.”
“A broke guy shouldn’t dream of a goddess. He’s not even worthy to polish Ryan’s shoes.”
Sophia shot me a taunting glance. I shrugged indifferently.
When the spree wrapped up, the sales associate brought the card machine.
That was when Ryan’s face suddenly changed.
“My Black Card is gone!”
The entire class froze, then dropped to the floor to search for Ryan’s “lost” card.
