The Mushroom Effect - ZhanYi

Chapter 4

"He likes playing games and building with LEGO" Xiao Zhan replied. "I often buy LEGO models for him. But I think they are just toys and lack meaning. Besides, I've given him so many already, it wouldn't be a surprise."

"Yeah, there's no need to give that kind of thing on his birthday" Song Li pondered for a while and then said, "How about a watch? They say 'Give women handbags, and give men watches'. It's a safe choice. We all wear watches at work, and if Yibo ge wears the gift you give him every day, it would be meaningful."

A watch? Xiao Zhan looked at the watch on his wrist. It was a gift from his father for his birthday two years ago. It wasn't a top-tier brand, costing only a few tens of thousands of yuan. He was accustomed to the military style, thinking that functional items only needed to serve their purpose, and as long as they weren't broken, there was no need to replace them. Wang Yibo seemed to be the same, as he hadn't changed the watch he wore since their marriage.

In that case, it wouldn't matter if he wore a different watch. Wang Yibo wouldn't notice his different intentions. Xiao Zhan had to admit that Song Li's suggestion was quite tempting. Having Wang Yibo wear the gift he gave every day would be like another form of marking.

"Then, which brand should I choose?" Xiao Zhan maintained a calm demeanour and looked at Song Li, asking, "I'm not very knowledgeable about this. Do you have any recommendations?"

"You've asked the right person. When is Yibo ge's birthday? What's your budget?" Song Li smiled and took out his phone, opening his photo album.

"It's this Saturday" Xiao Zhan said. "As for the budget, it doesn't matter. Just don't go overboard."

"Doesn't matter? Laoshi, you're indeed a rich man. I, from a humble background, can't even imagine what 'doesn't matter' means." Song Li chuckled as he scrolled through his phone. Xiao Zhan also smiled. After performing a final check, he put away his tablet and pen and said, "Alright, I can recognize a Patek Philippe even if I don't understand much about it, can't I?"

"Wow, not bad, Xiao laoshi. You have such a discerning eye." Song Li raised an eyebrow. Xiao Zhan zipped up his bag and said, "Even if I can't recognize the watch, we stayed at your father's hotel just half a month ago."

"Oh, I remember now. I'll give you a lifetime free super VIP card tomorrow. You're welcome" Song Li jokingly said, making a heart gesture with his hand.

Xiao Zhan was used to his various jokes and didn't bother responding. He picked up his bag and said, "Let's go, let's have lunch. Yibo and the others should be having lunch too. Remember, don't talk nonsense later. I didn't say I'm going to give him a gift."

"Understood understood. It's all about surprises. You can trust me with the task," Song Li looked at his phone and Xiao Zhan, waiting for the elevator. He asked discreetly, "Xiao Laoshi, is a budget of around 200,000 yuan okay?"

"That's fine. Let me see." Xiao Zhan extended his hand, surprising Song Li with his straightforwardness. Song Li handed him the phone, and Xiao Zhan enlarged the picture to look at it. He asked, "Can this series be bought at the official store? I heard that some watches are not available for purchase or have a long waiting list."

"This one doesn't require allocation, it should be available at the official store. The entire series should be there," Song Li assured.

"Yibo prefers something more low-key. This one looks good. Take a look," Xiao Zhan handed the phone back to Song Li as the elevator arrived.

"Not bad, this model isn't extremely popular, so it's not easily seen around. It's great," Song Li raised his head, watching the elevator doors close and suddenly burst into laughter.

"What's so funny?" Xiao Zhan asked.

He shook his head and said, "It's nothing. I just feel... " He chuckled again and said, "Xiao Laoshi, have you always been so generous?"

"Generous?" Xiao Zhan didn't react at first but then laughed and said, "What's so generous about it? Yibo and I are married. We're not dating anymore. My money is his money."

"That's not necessarily true," Song Li disagreed with his viewpoint. "It's 2023, not the past. Just because you're married doesn't mean you're guaranteed to spend a lifetime together." He paused for a moment and added, "Sorry, Xiao Laoshi, I don't mean that you and Yibo ge will..."

"I know," Xiao Zhan wasn't offended and laughed, teasing him. "I didn't realize it, Xiaosong. You're young, but you understand things quite well."

"I've seen and heard a lot since I was young, there's nothing I do not understand"

Song Li was born with a silver spoon, and the world of the wealthy had its fair share of dirty things. Xiao Zhan could imagine what he had seen and heard.

As he looked at his reflection in the elevator doors, he thought of his wedding with Wang Yibo a year ago, where they had a lively celebration with many guests. His parents, Wang Yibo's mother, and maybe even their instructor in heaven were all smiling happily.

The world believed they were a perfect couple, but it was all just a deception.