Chapter 3: Old Habits Die Hard

Suddenly, his phone rang, and an urgent female voice came from the other end. “My name is Tang Hong, personal image consultant. I’m already on the third floor. May I ask where exactly you are?”

Zhuang Chen was taken aback—she appeared in just twenty minutes? He named a nearby brand, and soon spotted a stylish office lady in her early thirties. She had refined features framed by gold-rimmed glasses, long legs clad in black stockings, projecting both elegance and fashion.

With a professional smile, the woman extended her hand in greeting. “Hello, I’m Tang Hong. Apologies for keeping you waiting.”

Zhuang Chen felt a bit nervous; he rarely interacted with such attractive women. Still, his upbringing always lent him an air of aloofness, and outwardly he betrayed no sign of discomfort.

Experience had taught him that with strangers, the more one spoke, the more likely one was to err. So he kept it simple: “I’d like a new look and hope you can help me, Miss Tang.”

“You’re too kind; this is precisely my job.” Tang Hong studied the young man before her carefully. He was tall and well-built, with rugged features. Though he appeared just into his twenties, his calm demeanor exuded unmistakable masculinity.

“Do you have any specific requirements? Or a preferred style you usually like?”

“Something casual and comfortable—that’s all I ask.”

“Any brand you’re particularly fond of?” Tang Hong slipped into work mode immediately. There’s no absolute standard for a personal image consultant; as long as the client is satisfied, nothing else matters.

In fact, truly wealthy people often preferred casual wear. Those who wore suits every day were usually office workers at best, perhaps a few gold-collar professionals. Bill Gates and Jack Ma, for instance, wore tees and jeans at their companies, donning formal attire only for important occasions.

Seeing Zhuang Chen shake his head, Tang Hong smiled. “Then, what’s your budget? For example, should each outfit stay under a certain amount?”

Zhuang Chen considered, then said resolutely, “Twenty thousand, but definitely not over thirty thousand.”

Tang Hong breathed a quiet sigh of relief—a budget made things easier; the worst was working for nothing. She discreetly glanced at his wrist and probed, “Do you need anything else? Perhaps a watch, or a tie clip, or a lighter?”

“I do need a watch. Money isn’t an issue, just something understated.”

He hadn’t thought about a watch before—being a chef, it wasn’t convenient. Still, he’d often heard that the three essentials for a man were a watch, leather shoes, and a belt. Since he had the chance today, he might as well settle it all at once.

“Understood. Shall we begin?” Tang Hong nodded, already having several options in mind. First, she’d select brands based on his budget, then see how they worked in practice.

Zhuang Chen followed Tang Hong as they started browsing again. She led him straight to a shop. “You have a great build—an ideal clothes hanger. For casual wear, I’d suggest a simple, tailored style. Why don’t we start with Versace?”

Zhuang Chen didn’t object. He trusted the professional eye and really didn’t have high demands. Newly rich, he thought, should at least try on some famous brands.

Tang Hong moved quickly to the display racks, expertly selecting items and chatting with the sales staff about the latest arrivals.

Soon, she brought a set over and smiled. “This is a new release for spring—the fabric and cut are both excellent. Would you like to try it?”

He took the navy-blue outfit and entered the fitting room. It fit remarkably well—the consultant’s eye was indeed sharp.

As soon as he stepped out, Tang Hong’s eyes lit up. It was true what they said: clothes make the man. His tall frame, refined by the tailored suit, looked even more impressive, and his calm aura left a memorable impression.

Even the sales assistant nearby nodded in silent approval. There were plenty of nouveau riche, but so few with this kind of masculine charm.

Standing before the mirror, Zhuang Chen was genuinely surprised. He’d never cared much about his appearance. Though he’d been approached a few times, as someone with little means, he’d never had the luxury to be frivolous.

Who would have thought a change of clothes would make him look this good?

The sales assistant hastily brought out a light gray suit. “Sir, try this one as well—it’s also a new arrival, and I believe it will suit you perfectly.”

Tang Hong nodded approvingly. “This is a good choice. There are two more beside it, both tailored cuts. Give them all a try.”

Arms full of suits, Zhuang Chen began his own private fashion show—casual sets, formal suits, business attire—he spent over an hour changing nonstop.

Tang Hong and the two sales assistants seemed energized, as if they’d discovered a masterpiece. They even snapped a few photos on the sly, leaving Zhuang Chen somewhat embarrassed.

At last, unable to hold back, he reminded, “Miss Tang, I think this is enough?”

“Sorry, truly sorry!” Tang Hong seemed to wake from a dream, her cheeks flushing bright red. “It’s just your physique and presence are so outstanding…”

The two sales assistants chimed in, “Sir, you really are a natural model, especially for our brand’s style—it’s perfect.”

Zhuang Chen scratched his nose. If even the beautiful women said so, what more could he, a grown man, do?

Tang Hong turned and selected two casual outfits, two pairs of leather shoes, and a belt. She confirmed with Zhuang Chen, “Shoes and belts can be found elsewhere, but matching the same style and design brings the best effect. What do you think?”

Zhuang Chen waved her off and picked out another belt he liked. Such things last a long time—better to get it all at once. He paid with a swipe—after the member discount, it came to eighty-six thousand.

At first, he considered using his debit card, but in the end, he drew out his platinum card from another bank. The five million he had was a backup—if something changed, he’d still have options.

As they left, Tang Hong reached for the shopping bags, but Zhuang Chen beat her to it. “I’ll carry them—let’s keep browsing.”

A strange feeling flickered in Tang Hong’s heart, but she said nothing. They continued shopping, choosing several more outfits from two other top brands, including a suit—every man’s wardrobe needs at least one.

With each purchase, Zhuang Chen’s bags multiplied. He couldn’t help but marvel at women’s shopping stamina—all buffs maxed out, as if they were cheating at a game.

Finally, they arrived at the luxury watch counter on the first floor. Tang Hong had already figured out his preferences—simple, elegant, and understated. She skipped over Patek Philippe and Rolex and went straight to Piaget.

“This is a classic model—the Black Strap G0A40236, with an 18k white gold case that shines with metallic luster. The lines of the case are distinct, and the lugs blend seamlessly into the case, giving the sides a beautifully smooth contour.”

“This ALTIPLANO G0A40109 is minimalist and stylish. The white dial with black baton markers—either single or double—makes it clear and sophisticated. The crown on the right is decorated with grooves for easy handling.”

The sales assistant brought out both models—one with a leather strap, one with a metal band—both elegant and restrained. They looked right at home on Zhuang Chen’s wrist, each priced around three hundred thousand, just as he’d expected.

For men, watches and cars are the most important accessories. One million is for cars, ten million for watches. Three hundred thousand is just an entry-level luxury watch—there are plenty that cost millions.

He wasn’t the type who liked to show off. Even if he became newly wealthy, his nature was hard to change—old habits die hard.

As the saying goes: it’s easy to go from frugal to lavish, hard to go from lavish to frugal.

But it depends on the person. As an orphan who had struggled for every bite, it was instinct to make every penny count—an unbreakable habit.

Spend the least,
Get the most!