Chapter 194
After breakfast, we went to meet up with Nola.
John rented a car. Levi quietly told me that he actually had a car in this city - a business partner had given him one before.
I said we didn't need to make a big deal about it. Renting a car was a fine way to get around, and this way, everyone could feel relaxed.
Although Nola didn't care about details, I noticed she'd been comparing things lately. If someone did better than John, she'd get a bit moody.
This was a leisure vacation city, and also a romantic one. We came to the local busy shopping district. Nola said she was just curious if the clothes here were really as cheap as people said.
I knew she wouldn't buy anything, but she was purely curious.
"Blair, do you know how to bargain?"
"A little bit."
After my mother and I left the Greer family, we went through a really tough period. My mother's money had all been scammed away by my useless father. Looking back now, my mother was really someone who lost her head over love.
Back then, when buying things, I would bargain with the shopkeepers.. That way, we could save a bit of money and take some pressure off my mother.
Nola grabbed my arm excitedly. "Blair, we're counting on you today."
"I only know a little bit."
I hadn't looked at price tags when shopping in a long time. After marrying Levi, he was generous with money and gave way too much for household expenses.
To save trouble, I often shopped at places with fixed prices and no discounts. I found bargaining really annoying, and there was no need to bargain anyway.
When I was little, I never worried about this kind of thing, and after getting together with Levi, I didn't worry about it either.
"You two, give it a rest. Just buy whatever you want - think of it as supporting the local economy."
Nola rolled her eyes at him. "You just don't understand that kind of fun."
As soon as the car stopped, Nola pulled me into a nearby clothing store.
Inside were all fresh, flowing dresses.
"Blair, they're so pretty. What do you think is a good price?"
I said quietly, "Ask how much it costs first."
"Okay."
Nola cleared her throat. "Hello, how much is this one?"
The shop owner was a woman with a perm, looking pretty trendy, though the wrinkles on her face showed her age.
"100 dollars."
When the price came out, Nola nearly froze on the spot.
She tugged at my sleeve. "It's already so cheap, no need to bargain anymore, right?"
Her expression made me laugh. Indeed, at this price, it was hard to bargain further. Nola usually spent five or ten thousand, or even more. There was really no need to haggle over a few dozen dollars.
"Should we try another store for the experience?"
She wanted to experience bargaining after all. Honestly, I wasn't sure about this one either - I didn't know what would be an appropriate counteroffer.
Nola looked back at John. He had a worried expression, probably thinking bargaining was pointless.
The shop owner looked at us. "100 is already the lowest price. You all look like rich people who can afford it."
Now Nola and I felt even more awkward - we didn't expect to be put on the spot like this.
"Blair, maybe we should just buy it. This is so embarrassing. Let's pick something more expensive to bargain over later." Nola and I looked at each other.
I nodded. "Okay, but everything here seems pretty cheap."
My phone suddenly rang with a message notification.
I opened it - it was from Levi. [Want it?]
He was right behind me. Why didn't he just ask directly?
I replied, [Yes.]
The shop owner saw us not saying anything and said impatiently, "Alright, alright. What you're wearing is probably a knockoff anyway. How about I make it cheaper - ninety."
"50 dollars!"
When Levi said this, both Nola and I got goosebumps. She'd already lowered it to 90, and he cut it in half.
John grimaced, breaking into a cold sweat. Would this shop owner, who thought we were vain young people wearing knockoffs, laugh at us?
"50?"
The shop owner walked over to Levi. "You're way too cheap. Is this how you chase after young girls?"
Young girls? Nola and I didn't look that young, did we? Did the shop owner think Levi was some punk trying to trick young girls?
But I thought with Levi's presence, he wouldn't be looked down on like that.
"50. Not a penny more or I won't buy it."
Levi said firmly, not even glancing at the shop owner.
Now the shop owner got angry. "Young man, you look pretty classy, but turns out you're a cheapskate. The young lady likes this dress, but you're being so fussy."
"It's not that I can't afford it - it's just worth that much."
Levi took my hand. "Let's go, we'll try another store."
The shop owner pointed at him. "Oh my, you've got an attitude now. Fine, fine, I'll help you out. I'll sell it to you."
Nola giggled. "Okay then, wrap it up."
John went up to pay. Nola said excitedly, "Blair, your husband is amazing - he cut it in half just like that."
"Keep it down, keep it down. Just routine stuff."
I didn't know what I was being proud about, but seeing Levi successfully bargain made me happier than if he'd bought me a gift.
"Young man, you should be more generous in the future."
We were about to leave when the shop owner suddenly said this.
John waved the shopping bag. "Then maybe we should return it - can't afford it, can't afford it."
"Oh my, young man, I thought you were the quiet type. Why are you talking like this? Wear it well and come back next time."
The four of us burst out laughing as soon as we got outside. John was so funny - he had to joke around like that at the end, scaring the shop owner into thinking she'd lose the sale.
I'd heard before that in these places you need to bargain hard, and if they won't sell, say you're leaving. If they can make a profit, they'll definitely try to keep you.
Levi had just used that method, and it worked.
"There seems to be some kind of event over there. Let's go check it out."
Nola ran off excitedly.
John chased after her. "Slow down, don't run around. What if you fall?"
The two of them were in front, with Levi and me following behind.
He took my hand. "Are you tired?"
"Not tired. We've only been walking a little while; it's not that bad."
Yes, I was pregnant, but I wouldn't get tired from walking this short distance.
Actually, I was in a really good mood right now and felt like I could shop for another two hours.
"Do you want some water?"
Levi asked me with concern.
I stared at his gentle expression and couldn't help smiling. He was really so charming. When he was bargaining, I really admired him so much.
"Hmm?"
I snapped back to reality and waved my hand. "No, no."
"You were pretty amazing just now."
I looked at my toes, walking at a leisurely pace.
Levi said casually, "Just routine stuff."
Wasn't that what I'd just said? I instantly smiled to myself, feeling like love bubbles were rising all around us.