Chapter 22: Chapter 22: The Vacheron Constantin 57260
"So, you two are just going to wear these simple professional outfits?" Shang Yunyan asked, glancing at Duan Yurou and Xue'er.
"Yes, Young Master," Xue'er replied. "I'm your secretary, and Yurou is your housekeeper. Professional attire suits our roles, and there's no need for us to dress extravagantly."
Shang Yunyan nodded without saying much more. Duan Yurou went to settle the bill and then led him to a Patek Philippe boutique. However, after browsing for a while, none of the watches seemed to suit Shang Yunyan's aura. Finally, they turned to the Vacheron Constantin store.
The moment Duan Yurou stepped inside, one of the sales associates immediately recognized her.
"Miss Duan! Back to shop for watches again?"
"Yes! This time, our Young Master is here in person. We're looking for something that matches his stature, and certainly not as casual as last time."
The sales associate's eyes widened as she glanced at Shang Yunyan. She vividly remembered the last time Duan Yurou had purchased a watch costing nearly 600,000 yuan. For that to be considered "casual" by this housekeeper, what kind of taste and wealth did her employer possess?
"Do you have anything suitable?"
"Yes! Absolutely! Please follow me. We have a store treasure, the Vacheron Constantin 57260, secured within our most advanced, theft-proof glass display. Allow me to show you in our premium exhibition room."
"Alright."
The three followed the associate to a separate exhibition area. In the center of the room, encased in a robust bulletproof glass display, was the prized timepiece.
"This... is a pocket watch?" Shang Yunyan asked, slightly confused.
"Yes, Young Master," Duan Yurou explained. "This was designed to celebrate Vacheron Constantin's 260th anniversary. Its value as a collectible is extraordinary. Back when I served an old gentleman from a major Shanghai financial conglomerate, he owned a 57260. He treasured it deeply—never wore it or even showed it to anyone, calling it his most precious possession."
"I see. But isn't a watch meant to be worn? What's the point of buying one if you're just going to let it sit there unused? Not that it matters—I tend to check my phone for the time anyway." Shang Yunyan shrugged sheepishly.
The sales associate chuckled. "Young Master, a watch symbolizes a man's status. There's a saying that goes, 'The poor play with cars; the rich play with watches.' Successful individuals often wear a watch that complements their persona. This particular watch isn't just about telling time; in certain circles, it's a statement of one's position.
"The Vacheron Constantin 57260 features 57 distinct complications, including a perpetual calendar and a split-seconds chronograph. It's composed of over 2,800 parts, each hand-crafted with precision. The production of each piece takes several years. This store treasure arrived just recently, and when Miss Duan visited last time, it was still in transit."
"I see," Shang Yunyan said, inspecting the watch. Its color matched his suit and skin tone quite well. As for its 57 functions and thousands of parts, he didn't care to delve into the details. To him, a watch was just something to check the time.
"Indeed, Young Master," Duan Yurou whispered, leaning close to him. "This watch ranks among the top 30 most prestigious timepieces owned by the world's wealthiest individuals. If your finances allow, it's worth considering for your collection."
"Got it," Shang Yunyan replied. "How much is this... what's it called again, 250-something?"
The associate smiled politely. "Young Master, this is the Vacheron Constantin 57260. Its price is approximately 61 million yuan, and we don't offer installment plans."
"Installments? What's that?"
"It means taking out a loan, Young Master," Xue'er clarified.
"Ah, no worries—I don't do loans. Alright, I'll take it. Wrap it up."
The associate was momentarily stunned but quickly regained her composure, bowing deeply. "Of course, Young Master. Please wait a moment. I'll notify the store manager. This purchase requires authorization from the owner."
"Alright, but make it quick." Shang Yunyan agreed and wandered around the store with Xue'er and Duan Yurou.
"Why don't you two pick out a watch as well? My treat," Shang Yunyan offered.
"Thank you for your generosity, Young Master," Duan Yurou said with a smile. "But I already have one—a family heirloom passed down from my grandmother. I'll pass on buying a new one."
"Young Master, I already have one too!" Xue'er chimed in, showing off her wrist.
"Alright then..."
As they chatted, two formally dressed staff members and the sales associate approached Shang Yunyan.
"Good evening, sir. Our associate mentioned that you wish to purchase the Vacheron Constantin 57260 in full. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Wonderful. Xiao Li, prepare the contract. The assistant manager and I will retrieve the watch."
"Yes, sir!" Xiao Li, the sales associate, eagerly escorted Shang Yunyan and Duan Yurou to a VIP lounge. There, they were served a variety of refreshments while the contract was prepared. Meanwhile, Xue'er followed the staff closely to oversee the retrieval process. She also visited the mall's regulatory office to have the watch authenticated and verified before returning to the Vacheron Constantin store.
By the time she returned, Shang Yunyan had already completed the payment and was sitting with his eyes closed, appearing to rest. In reality, he was deep in conversation with the system.