Chapter 1636: Buying Wedding Rings

Chapter 1636: Chapter 1589: Buying Wedding Rings

Yeats Howard’s show of action was so swift that Marcus Quinn couldn’t stop him. Instead, the Howard Family matriarch received the call, paused for a moment, and then smiled, “Is Marcus’s grandson getting married? No wonder your dad whipped you with a belt last night; pass the phone to Marcus.”

The matriarch did not respond to Yeats’s latter words. Yeats has always had a rough character and, because of his father’s influence, sees Marcus as a foster brother. This naturally leads him to have a touch of heroism and a desire to fight for Marcus. The matriarch knows this well and doesn’t blame him for meddling in others’ affairs.

Marcus himself hasn’t turned against his father. Our Howard Family can’t be the bad guys imposing on the Duncan Family. The matter of father-son relationships in this world is a convoluted affair.

Marcus answered the phone, calmly greeting the matriarch, and responded to her inquiries about his current situation one by one. He was neither deliberately enthusiastic nor aloof, simply treating her as a respectable elder.

Listening, the Howard Family matriarch nodded with a smile, noting that Marcus was a good child. No wonder her eldest son often took care of him these past years. The Quinn Family has always had strict family teachings, but their judgment of prospective sons-in-law was a bit lacking, which has burdened this child.

After finishing the call, the matriarch sat in the living room for a while, thinking of her numerous grandchildren. Her eldest grandson had reached the age for marriage discussions, and her beloved younger generations were living happily. Even her previously most worried grandson now had three children, making her feel gratified. She couldn’t help but feel a bit of empathy for Marcus’s descendants.

Years ago, when the Duncan Family took that child back to the Imperial City, she went out of her way to meet him—a silent and introverted child—who has been out of contact for years, leaving her worried that the Quinn Family might become extinct. Thankfully, Marcus now has marriage plans.

These thoughts made the matriarch restless, so she called over her eldest son’s wife, asking, “Is my eldest still not sober?”

The Howard Family’s first lady chuckled, “Still sleeping, he even took the day off today. Sage Howard still had a drink from last year’s Chinese New Year’s Eve, and once he broke his abstinence, there was no holding back.”

The matriarch nodded, saying, “Leave him be, soon there’ll be grandchildren born, let him do as he pleases. I’ve called you to discuss the matter of Marcus. His grandfather did favors for our Howard Family, but the Duncan Family is biased, and this child is isolated.

Just now Yeats called me, crying that he’s getting married, but there’s no one to make him new bedding, he’ll have to buy it himself. It’s quite heart-wrenching. What do you think about his marriage?”

The Howard Family first lady was silent for several seconds before responding, “Mom, why don’t we help plan this wedding? Sage Howard has always treated him like half a son. Last night Sage mentioned the bride is also an orphan.”

The matriarch nodded, saying, “Then let’s do that, and while we’re at it, give the Duncan Family a warning. If they don’t care about their reputation, we shouldn’t care either. After all, these years they’ve neglected their bloodline!”

The first lady laughed, “Okay, I’ll get started on it right away. Yeats always stirs up trouble; let him be our errand boy.”

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law reached an agreement, exchanging a comforting smile. They settled on the plan without even consulting Sage Howard.

After Marcus hung up, Yeats Howard leaned over, asking, “Didn’t my grandmother say anything?”

Marcus patted his shoulder and said nothing.

Yeats immediately felt deflated and then said, “Let’s go, aren’t we going shopping? I’ll take you shopping.”

Among the items on the shopping list, Marcus valued the diamond ring the most. Everything else could be replaced in the future, but the wedding diamond ring should be unique, so he directly let Yeats take them to customize it.

“My uncle’s diamond ring was custom-made in the United Kingdom, but it’s quite far. However, Vice Admiral Xie’s ring was custom-made in the Imperial City, from a relatively low-key niche brand that operates on a membership basis. The starting price is usually at this amount.” Yeats showed five fingers indicating the minimum cost for a loose diamond was five million.

“It’s run by people in the same circle; not an ordinary diamond ring business. They occasionally encounter decent raw stones and will custom-make something. I’ll take you there, using my uncle’s name to get a good deal. The founder is good friends with my uncle,” Yeats laughed, implying that everything was covered.

Marcus nodded and said, “If there’s not enough money, help me cover it first. I’ll repay within a year.”

Marcus calculated that his savings amounted to ten million, which should roughly be enough.

“No problem, just worried they might not charge you,” Yeats chuckled. Constantine Stewart is utterly wealthy, he established this diamond ring store because his business extended to Africa, where he sources raw stones. He’s the kind of businessman that leaves no industry untouched, so he created a niche brand. Even though he doesn’t advertise or promote it, he set up a store in a prime location decorated so luxuriously that most people hesitate to enter.

Marcus drove his car behind Yeats’s, as their courtyard house was in the second ring district, and quickly reached the store Yeats mentioned. The store had a French name, and from the outside, it was impossible to tell what it sold. Even the decor had a French luxurious style.

After parking their cars, Ah Tan was wearing the long-sleeved floral French-style dress purchased yesterday. Her small and delicate frame effortlessly suited the style, exuding a refined demeanor. She glanced at the store, surprised, realizing that a store Yeats suggested surely comes with a hefty price tag.

Ah Tan looked at Marcus and asked, “Isn’t this going to be too expensive? Our holiday village hasn’t made much money yet.”

“It won’t be,” Marcus smiled lightly.

“Mr. Howard.” As soon as Yeats Howard entered the shop, the sales assistant recognized him, and two elegantly dressed young women quickly approached with a smile, “Mr. Howard, what would you like to purchase?”

“I’m here to help my brother and sister-in-law look at diamond rings.” Yeats Howard said with a cheerful smile. The two young women quickly smiled at Ah Tan and Marcus Quinn, who entered behind him, warmly inviting the three into the VIP lounge, offering tea and snacks, and then went to fetch the diamond rings.

Ah Tan glanced around. The shop sold not only diamond jewelry but also custom-made clothing and bags; it had almost everything.

Ah Tan could tell at a glance that everything here was made of the finest materials, with prices surely being astronomical. No wonder the shop was nearly empty; only a few people could afford to shop here.

The attending young woman brought over several diamond rings, smiling, “Miss, our shop just received three custom diamond rings.”

Ah Tan looked at the three diamond rings, listening to the sales assistant describe the rings’ weight, progress, cutting process, and design concept. She picked up the smallest diamond ring to try it on. Even though it was the smallest among the three, it was 5 carats, with a relatively modest design, lacking exaggerated settings and unnecessary embellishments. However, this smallest ring was a pink diamond, and Ah Tan bit her lip, knowing that pink diamonds were extremely rare.

“The lady’s hands are extremely beautiful; wearing this pink diamond looks stunning,” one of the young women praised.

“Sister-in-law looks great with this,” Yeats Howard also nodded in agreement. “Constantine Stewart indeed offers extraordinary items; he even managed to get a 5-carat pink diamond.”

Ah Tan’s hands were the epitome of beauty, fingers fair and jade-like; adorned with the pink diamond, the brilliant sparkle made her look even more noble.

Marcus Quinn’s gaze was somewhat deep as he spoke in a low voice, “Try on the other two as well.”

“The other two are too large, and this one doesn’t seem suitable either,” Ah Tan bit her lip and sighed inwardly. As beautiful as they were, they were unaffordable.

Marcus Quinn reached over to ruffle her hair and asked in a deep voice, “What is the price of this pink diamond?”

The two young women exchanged glances, a touch of happiness in their eyes; it seemed the sale was about to happen. Working here, selling items brought a 3% commission. Selling just one item a month would yield a commission of over a million a year.

“This pink diamond is showcased due to Mr. Howard’s presence. It’s the only pink diamond in our shop. Another 7-carat pink diamond was given by Mr. Stewart to Mrs. Stewart. This one is priced at 12 million.”

They sold items by assessing the customer. Given the scarcity of exquisite diamonds, the clientele targeted was high-end. For customers who hadn’t spent over 50 million in the shop, they wouldn’t even showcase this pink diamond.

Ah Tan looked at Marcus Quinn, shaking her head, too expensive!!

“Is there a discount?” Yeats Howard sat leisurely on the side, sipping tea and hinting.

The short-haired young woman cleverly smiled, “Please wait a moment while I make a call.”

A discount? Hardly likely. But since they were brought by Yeats Howard, there had to be one.

“It’s a bit expensive,” Ah Tan quietly said, tugging Marcus Quinn’s hand. Even before the Chase Family’s decline, buying a 12 million diamond ring would be painful, let alone when she and Marcus Quinn had no money now!

“It looks beautiful on you,” Marcus Quinn said with a smile in his eyes and a low, husky voice. Seeing that Ah Tan was reluctant to take off the ring, he knew she truly liked it.

Marcus Quinn always had little concept of money. A billion-worth courtyard house lay vacant for years. Realizing he had ten million available now, he thought he could purchase it. After all, the wedding ring held an extraordinary meaning; he could always earn more money later.

“Sister-in-law, it’s truly beautiful. This type of diamond ring also has a collectible value. At Constantine Stewart’s place, this might be the only one left, an item with a price but no market.” Yeats Howard said, animated, “If I had a girlfriend as beautiful as sister-in-law, I’d buy it for her too.”

Ah Tan laughed out loud, carefully taking off the diamond ring and putting it back. A price of 12 million, she was determined not to buy it. Four months ago, she wouldn’t even buy a skirt that cost 100 yuan.

Five minutes later, the short-haired young woman returned, breaking into a sweat, hurrying back to the lounge on high heels, smiling broadly, “I’ve just contacted Mr. Stewart’s assistant, who spoke to Mr. Stewart. Since Mr. Howard brought you, there’s a 50% discount.”

The saleswoman finished, looking at Ah Tan with envy—a 50% discount! Since becoming a sales assistant, she’d never encountered such a discount before. Instantly saving 6 million!

Ah Tan heard this and looked at Yeats Howard in surprise. Marcus Quinn also glanced at Yeats Howard.