"What's so difficult about it? That's all the more reason for me to help. No worries, I'm familiar with Hermès bags. Let me recommend some."

With that, I walked into the store, sat on the sofa, and enjoyed a cup of coffee before getting up.

As soon as I left, a few roommates wiped down the spot where I'd been sitting with alcohol wipes, sarcastically telling the sales associate, "Your brand should really pay attention to hygiene. It's summer, and clothes are thin. Don't spread any viruses."

I smirked inwardly but kept a friendly expression as I approached Tina to show her the bags.

One roommate rolled her eyes and used a tissue to pull me away.

"What do you know? You think you've seen more than Tina? If you can't afford it, don't touch it. They'll have to disinfect it after you."

Another whispered something to the sales associate, whose smile froze.

She looked at me cautiously, put on a mask, and said, "Miss, we have a sofa over there for resting. Please don't disturb other customers."

I nodded indifferently.

"That's fine. The new collection has already been delivered to my home, so I'll just go rest."

Normally, the flagship store's top sales associate contacts me directly with new releases, and I'm always the first to get them.

Hearing this, the roommates looked at me with even more disdain.

"An older man really knows how to spoil someone. He's old enough to be her dad, yet she still goes for it..."

They flocked to Tina, practically worshipping her.

"There aren't many like our Tina—beautiful and kind-hearted. Some people may look good, but they act like they've never seen money before."

Tina basked in the compliments, her smile stretching to her ears.

The next moment, she happily waved her hand, inviting everyone to pick whatever they liked, saying she'd cover all the expenses.

The roommates praised her even more, and Tina's false eyelashes nearly fluttered off from her laughter.

I sat on the sofa, leisurely enjoying some dessert, wondering if she'd still be smiling when it came time to pay.

The group quickly dispersed, finding the new items they had scouted online, and lined up at the register.

Tina, eyes smiling, pulled out the supplementary card I had given her five years ago.

The roommates were already outside, waiting with their bags.

But after entering the password, the payment didn't go through.

Each failed attempt filled her eyes with anxiety, and sweat beaded on her forehead.

The roommates, chatting outside, finally sensed something was wrong and came in to ask, "What's going on?"

Tina's eyes quickly darted to me, as I sat calmly sipping my milkshake.

She forced an awkward smile and said, "Could it be that your payment account is restricted by the bank? Maybe you should check with them."

Hearing the argument, the manager quickly stepped out and calmly explained, "Someone just bought five bags without any payment issues!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Tina's face turned pale and then flushed with embarrassment.

She pressed her lips tightly together, unable to speak, and kept casting pleading glances at me.

I remained seated, unbothered, thinking, "When my roommates were bullying me earlier, she pretended not to see.

Now, I'll do the same."

Tina forced a smile and said, "Everyone, please wait a moment."

"I'll check with my bank's private manager."

With that, she quickly stepped aside, her manicured nails tapping furiously on her phone.

My phone kept vibrating, but I ignored it.

She was so anxious that she was sweating, and her carefully applied makeup was smudged.

When she returned to the cashier, I continued sipping my milkshake, lost in thought.

Her gaze at me was almost fiery.

After a couple of awkward coughs, she said, "The manager mentioned a good investment recently and helped me invest, so there's not much cash in my account right now."

The smiles on my roommates' faces froze, and they reluctantly returned the bags to the clerk.

"It's alright, making money is important."

"With the returns, you'll be able to buy countless bags in the future," one roommate said with a wry smile.

"Yes, yes, Tina, don't worry. We're not just hanging out with you for the bags," another added.

Tina lifted her head again, smiling as she said, "This manager is new and inexperienced."

"She didn't inform me before investing, but I've already talked to her about it."

The other roommates could only smile awkwardly.

Seeing there were no benefits to be had, they quickly made excuses about having other commitments.

Once outside the store, they headed into other more affordable shops.

Seeing the situation, Tina quickly approached me, her face barely containing her anger.

"Yuna, why isn't your card working?" she demanded.

"They don't like you, and if I don't spend money, they'll have even more issues with you!"

Looking at her stubborn expression, filled with resentment, I felt a wave of confusion.

She used to be my only friend, the light in my life.

But now I realize she's the shadow that dims my light.

I pretended to remember something and said, "Oh, right. The bank called earlier. They said there were too many transactions and large amounts on my account. Since it wasn't me using the card and I couldn't provide proof, they had to temporarily freeze it."

As soon as I finished, Tina's eyes widened in disbelief, and she clutched her head, looking overwhelmed.

I feigned contemplation and tried to comfort her, "It's okay. I'm not living to please them. Whether they like or dislike me doesn't affect me."

"Thank you for your help over the years, but I've realized I need to rely on myself. You don't need to try to win them over for me anymore."

After I said this, the light in Tina's eyes dimmed, and though her lips trembled with anger, she couldn't say a word.

Without her help, I might actually have an easier path.

When I returned to school, I ran into Chase Rowe. As soon as he saw me, his face darkened with anger.

I could guess that my roommates had told him I was bullying Tina.

Sure enough, he approached me with a cold expression and said, "Can't you have some dignity? Didn't your sugar daddy buy you a bag? Why are you bothering our Tina? You really disgust me!"

His words made my vision go black with rage.