CHAPTER 155: CHAPTER 155: ILLUSION OR REALITY (1)_1

The Lin Family’s store was located in the most luxurious commercial area. The period before the New Year was the peak season for clothing and jewelry, naturally drawing a constant stream of customers, who came and went like clouds. When Shangguan You and Shangguan Qing went to pick clothes, the Lin Family’s store was naturally their first choice. They had just reached the entrance when they were drawn to the confrontation between the door security and some quarreling patrons.

"If you’re opening your doors for business, why won’t you let us in? Don’t you understand the principle that the customer is God?" The shrill voice of a woman caused the other patrons intending to enter the Lin Family’s store to stop at the entrance, witnessing the entanglement between the security guard and the customers.

"I’m sorry, miss, and the two madams. This is a mall under the Lin Family’s management, and these are orders from above. We have no authority to change them, and likewise, we cannot let you in. Please leave," said the security guard with a polite smile. If one looked closely, they could see that his face was full of resolve; were it not for the crowd, he would have surely thrown them out. Why bother wasting so much breath on them?

"Wanqian, why is this happening? By what right do they refuse to let me in?" This was the second time Shen Jia had been denied entry, her face somewhat flushed with a look of grievance as she turned to Wanqian and Duan Mei.

"Jiajia, leave it to me." Wanqian’s complexion was somewhat pale. Despite having slept well last night, she had constant nightmares. Even with plenty of sleep, she felt no more spirited. She patted Shen Jia’s hand, softly comforting her. At the same time, she pulled out her phone from her LV bag to dial a familiar number.

"Ladies, please don’t block the entrance, and don’t affect our business. Please come this way." The security guard gestured politely, signaling for the three women obstructing the doorway to move aside. Whether they wanted to make a phone call or create a fuss, the priority was not to disrupt their business.

"You!" Shen Jia’s face reddened, and she was about to lash out in anger. But seeing Wanqian’s expression and being tugged by Duan Mei, she refrained from shouting and let the two pull her away.

"I apologize," said Duan Mei, smiling apologetically at the security guard.

"Hahaha, it’s the first time I’ve heard of the Lin Family turning customers away! People like them clearly can’t afford to buy anything; they’re either too poor or they’re thieves, otherwise why would they be denied entry?"

"That’s right. You all should remember this – in the future, when you see these three, it’s best to stay away. They’re not in our league."

Amidst the scornful, sarcastic, and disdainful glances and the cutting remarks of the crowd, Shen Jia wished she could just burrow into a hole and disappear out of embarrassment. Wanqian’s complexion was also unsightly. For the first time, she felt as if she were being treated like a monkey in a show; her hand holding the phone trembled—she was enraged.

Just as she was about to explode with anger, her call finally went through.

"President Li, it’s Wanqian speaking." Wanqian’s sweet voice sounded as she greeted the person on the other end of the phone.

"Wanqian, you’re a busy woman; why would you think to call me? Tell me, what can I do for you? You and Shen Cheng never visit without good reason," came laughter from the other end of the phone.

"President Li, my cousin and I wish to shop at the Lin Family’s store, but the security at the door won’t let us in. Could you put in a good word for us and allow us inside? I was planning to buy a few dresses for tomorrow night’s banquet. You know how important tomorrow night’s event is."

Given that Shen Cheng had business dealings with this President Li, and they were all somewhat familiar, Wanqian spoke quite directly.

"President Li, you also know," she continued, "that for attending such a banquet, only clothing from the Lin Family and its affiliates is presentable. The others simply don’t compare. So please do us a favor and speak on our behalf to let us in."

"I thought it was something serious! Hand the phone over to security; I’ll speak to them myself. Such a minor issue, why does Wanqian need to personally ask, even plead? Customers like you are our Gods."

"Thank you, President Li." Wanqian gave the security guard a triumphant smile and handed over the phone, signaling for him to take the call.

"I am President Li. These ladies are my friends, let them in. The Lin Family’s motto is that the customer is God; how can you turn away guests at the door?" As soon as the security guard took the phone, President Li’s reproachful voice came from the other end.

The security guard’s face took on an uncomfortable expression. He waited for the person on the phone to finish before he spoke.

"President Li, right? It’s true the customer is God. However, these ’Gods’ have offended God’s own providers—the ones supplying the clothing. So, if President Li wishes to let them in, of course, it’s possible. Please personally explain it to the CEO, the person who pays your salary, that provider of our livelihood. Only if the CEO agrees to let them in, will I gladly comply. I’m simply following orders."

President Li’s entire face turned red. This low-level security guard dared to defy him so blatantly, not giving him any respect at all! Wasn’t this causing him to lose face in front of Wanqian?

President Li, with his rotund belly, charged down from the thirty-fifth floor, huffily taking the elevator. Which blind fool dared to disrespect him? He’d fire them on the spot and tell them to fend for themselves!

Shangguan You watched from a distance, naturally hearing every word from the security guard. Without guessing, she knew it must have been Lin Wenjie who acted on her behalf by adding these people to the blacklist.

In Beijing, the Lin Family all but monopolized the entire clothing industry. Every renowned commercial district had some connection with the Lin Family, more or less. Consequently, being on the Lin Family’s blacklist meant that, aside from going elsewhere, it was nearly impossible for Shen Jia and the others to buy anything good in Beijing if not from a Lin Family store.

This was why Shen Jia and her companions were so insistent on buying clothes there.

"You’re just a security guard, and you dare offend someone like President Li? Just wait, you’ll be fired and sent packing!" Shen Jia stood triumphantly to one side. She wanted to see what this security guard would do now, daring to block their entry not once, but twice!

The security guard didn’t even glance at Shen Jia, continuing to stand at his post conscientiously. He carried out his duties based on the orders he had received, regardless of whether one was a manager or his supervisor; it didn’t matter. He followed the commands given to him. He was a discharged soldier, and for soldiers, obeying orders was an absolute duty.

Looking at the security guard, Shangguan You couldn’t help but nod in approval. Such talent. If Wenjie saw, he would surely cultivate it well. Moreover, she saw the shadow of a soldier in the security guard – it seemed he too was a discharged soldier.