A few thousand yuan in cash versus over ten thousand—the feeling was entirely different. It was like a regular small wallet could comfortably hold two or three thousand, but three or four thousand made it bulge; whereas a larger wallet could easily accommodate four or five thousand, and ten thousand plus would make it look genuinely thick.

The moment Zhang Yang pulled out that wad of cash, the visual impact alone was arresting.

Many people around were still trying to process it. Someone carrying over ten thousand in cash casually... how substantial must their assets be? At least hundreds of thousands, surely.

What’s more, Zhang Yang looked so young and unassuming. For someone like him to have that much cash on hand was even more shocking.

“This is seven thousand. You count it!”

Zhang Yang peeled off a thick stack and handed it to the sales clerk. This time, the clerk didn't freeze; she quickly took the money and began counting.

Seven thousand, and not new bills at that, felt quite substantial in the hand.

“You really can’t judge a book by its cover!”

“What a rich man, spending that much without batting an eye!”

“Thrilling! Damn, so satisfying!”

There were only a dozen or so people in the telecom hall... and every one of them was murmuring quietly, filled with various reflections.

Whether they were just browsing, looking around, or intending to buy something, everyone now felt the trip was worthwhile. There was always someone better—the seemingly unremarkable young man turned out to be quite well-off.

This kind of civilian ‘display of wealth’ was a scene rarely encountered.

There were also some younger people who couldn't stand the arrogant attitude of the Xia sisters. They were now silently cheering for Zhang Yang. Regardless, a seven-thousand-yuan mobile phone was vastly superior to a fifteen-hundred-yuan pager.

This time, it was like a resounding slap across the faces of the Xia sisters. And it was a loud one.

Zhang Yang heard some of the surrounding chatter, but he could only shake his head helplessly.

Honestly, he wasn't some tycoon right now. That ten-plus thousand yuan was his entire net worth; it wasn't as lavish as they guessed.

Zhang Yang simply didn't have the habit of depositing small amounts of money in the bank. After receiving his last bonus, he carried it all with him.

Furthermore, he genuinely intended to buy this phone today. Even if the Xia sisters hadn't shown up, he would have bought this model, not for any other reason, but because it was smaller and lighter.

It was just unfortunate that Xia Lan’s earlier words had led to such a misunderstanding of his actions—nothing he could do about that now.

“Seven thousand exactly. Please wait a moment, I’ll issue the receipt right away!”

The sales clerk’s voice rang out, tinged with excitement and enthusiasm.

For them, wealthy customers buying phones were common enough, but an incident resembling a public rivalry like today’s was unprecedented, even for them.

Not to mention that both principals in the drama were so young. Today's events, while thrilling, also brought a sense of novelty.

Zhang Yang nodded. Only then did he pick up the phone that was now rightfully his and examine it.

It felt heavy in the hand, the screen was thick, and holding it wasn't comfortable.

That was Zhang Yang’s initial impression. However, this was the latest model, considered one of the more comfortable ones available right now. He could only make do for the time being, waiting for a better one later.

“Dr. Zhang? There you are. Why didn’t you answer when I paged you earlier?”

Behind Zhang Yang, Su Zhantao’s voice called out. He had been on the phone. After the call, he turned around but couldn't find Zhang Yang and Mi Xue.

He was waiting for his classmate, so he sent a message to Zhang Yang’s pager. When he got no reply or sign of Zhang Yang moving, he waited until his classmate arrived before starting to search, finally locating Zhang Yang here.

“It’s fine, weren’t we buying a phone? I just came over to purchase it first!”

Zhang Yang turned back, smiling lightly. The sisters Xia Lan and Xia Ting also turned. Many others looked toward Su Zhantao as well.

Unlike Zhang Yang, Su Zhantao was dressed in designer brands and held a mobile phone. Though young, he immediately looked like someone wealthy.

“Young Master Su!”

Xia Lan froze momentarily upon seeing Su Zhantao, then blurted out in shock. Xia Hao stood there looking stunned, while Hu Tao stood awkwardly clutching his new pager.

“You are?” Su Zhantao looked at Xia Lan, appearing somewhat confused.

“I’m Xia Lan, the daughter of Xia Changgui. Haven't you forgotten? We met at Jinxu Garden last time!”

Xia Lan was visibly excited, her facial muscles twitching slightly as she looked at Su Zhantao, unsure where to place her hands.

“Jinxu Garden. Oh, I remember now!”

Su Zhantao slapped his forehead. Once Xia Lan reminded him, he genuinely recalled who this girl was.

Jinxu Garden was one of Changjing’s premier luxury hotels. The Su Shaohua Group had held a celebration there previously, and Su Zhantao had tagged along to join the excitement.

Many important figures from the company were present that day. Xia Changgui was a long-time employee and senior manager at Su Shaohua’s company, qualifying him for that grand celebration.

On that occasion, Xia Changgui had specifically brought his two daughters along to broaden their horizons. It was that day the Xia sisters had seen Su Zhantao.

By then, Su Zhantao had already started his own business, making Su Shaohua extremely pleased. Su Shaohua had introduced Su Zhantao grandly to everyone present. It was that day the Xia sisters had firmly etched Su Zhantao’s presence into their memories.

“You remember? Oh, that’s wonderful! My name is Xia Lan, and I even toasted you with a drink that day!” Xia Lan grew agitated again. Her father earned a decent income, their family life was comfortable, and she herself held a respectable job. But everything she had paled in comparison to Su Zhantao.

If she was a rich young lady, then Su Zhantao was royalty. Facing royalty, how could she not be excited?

If she could be remembered, or even noticed, by Su Zhantao... that would be a chance to ascend instantly. Su Zhantao was Su Shaohua’s nephew, but they knew clearly that Su Zhantao’s father was even more formidable. Securing his attention would mean gaining both wealth and status.

Of course, this was all wishful thinking on Xia Lan’s part; he held no interest in her whatsoever.

“Yes, that occasion,” Su Zhantao nodded, but he sounded like he was just going through the motions. Then he turned away.

“Dr. Zhang, let me introduce you. This is my classmate, Zhao Pu. Whatever number you like, just tell him. I’ve already made the arrangements!”

Su Zhantao was beaming when addressing Zhang Yang—a complete contrast to his demeanor toward Xia Lan. Many people were still around, they hadn't left, and they saw everything.

Xia Lan looked awkward. She wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

“Dr. Zhang, is it? Hello. Zhantao already briefed me. Don’t worry, I will certainly find you the most satisfactory mobile number!” Zhao Pu, standing beside Su Zhantao, proactively extended his hand. This time, the few clerks behind the counter had stars in their eyes.

Zhao Pu was the director of the Telecommunications Department at the Postal and Telecommunications Bureau. To hold such a high position at his age meant he naturally possessed considerable influence.

And it was true—with his background, youth, good looks, and wealth, Zhao Pu was naturally the dream prince for many young women within the postal and telecom circle.

“Then I thank you both,” Zhang Yang said politely, shaking Zhao Pu’s hand.

He didn't place great importance on the phone number, but he didn't want a terrible one either, as this number might stay with him for a very long time... Zhang Yang wasn't in the habit of changing numbers frequently.

“Dr. Zhang has bought the phone. Shall we go handle the registration?” Zhao Pu glanced at the phone beside Zhang Yang and the receipt on the box, saying with a chuckle.

Su Zhantao noticed these details too and couldn't help but complain again, “I told you I’d buy the phone for you, why did you go ahead and buy it yourself? Why didn't you wait for me!”

Su Zhantao’s words were casual, not meant to carry much weight.

But their impact on the onlookers was different. Some began to gloat, looking at the Xia sisters. No one here was foolish; they could see how this girl had been pandering, even fawning over the young man who had just arrived.

And this newcomer clearly treated Zhang Yang differently, at least his attitude was far better than hers, suggesting they were closer to friends.

At this moment, Xia Lan’s face turned incredibly pale. She never expected that Su Zhantao would know this student whom she found so displeasing.

“I bought it, I can afford this much,” Zhang Yang smiled and shook his head. The group started walking out. He paid no further attention to Xia Lan.

A woman who looked down on the poor and fawned over the powerful—getting angry at her would only lower his own standing. Zhang Yang chose to ignore her completely.

Just because Zhang Yang didn't care didn’t mean others wouldn't.

As they were leaving, Mi Xue suddenly said, “Remember this: don't look down on people with contemptuous eyes... just because you think you’re the best!”

Mi Xue’s words were clearly directed at Xia Lan. She had reached her breaking point today. This woman had not only insulted her but also insulted Zhang Yang, completely crossing her bottom line.

“Mi Xue, what’s going on?”

Su Zhantao turned back in astonishment. Mi Xue’s remark made him sense that something was amiss.

“It’s nothing, let’s go first!” Zhang Yang pulled him gently, also holding back Mi Xue, and they walked out together. Mi Xue let out a cold snort and said nothing more. Zhang Yang clearly didn't want her to speak. She would follow his lead; otherwise, she certainly would have revealed everything that just happened, letting Su Zhantao see the true colors of that woman clearly.

Su Zhantao seemed thoughtful, giving Xia Lan a deep look before leaving with Zhang Yang and the others.

That look, however, made Xia Lan’s face turn even paler.

“Sister Lan, let’s go,” she whispered. For a long time, Xia Lan stood there blankly. Xia Ting nearby didn't dare to call her. Finally, Hu Tao timidly called out once.

“Go?”

Xia Lan snapped back to reality. She knew she had caused trouble today, possibly huge trouble... trouble that might even implicate their father.

Thinking about the mess she had made, her heart panicked. This made her look at Hu Tao with even more irritation. She suddenly reached out, snatched the pager from Hu Tao’s hand, and yelled loudly, “It’s all your fault, all your fault for being a kept man! I’ll smash this thing if I have to, but I won’t give it to you!”

Saying that, she shoved the newly purchased pager into her own bag, though she didn't actually smash it.

Hu Tao stared at her, astonished, then lowered his head again. But his hands clenched tighter, the look of humiliation in his eyes deepening, faintly mixed with a thread of hatred.