Love's Wild Card

Women are curious creatures. They might refuse a kiss or decline an intimate encounter, yet they'll happily drag you into a lingerie store, indirectly revealing their intimate preferences. Strange, isn't it?

But Alex Stone was no ordinary man—he'd seen it all. A mere luxury lingerie boutique couldn't intimidate him. Previously, walking alone, he'd avoided such stores for fear of being labeled a pervert. Now, with two women as cover, he could freely explore this ocean of feminine delicacies.

Black lace, white cotton, floral prints, seductive scarlet—the array was impressive, giving Alex quite an education.

His entrance immediately drew everyone's attention, as Grace and Emma had entered first, making it appear he'd come alone. While men occasionally entered lingerie stores, those who brazenly examined every style and item were rare specimens indeed. Several women browsing nearby lowered their voices, clearly concerned about being overheard.

"Which of these do you think looks better?" one fashionably dressed woman, easily rivaling Grace and Emma in style, asked her companion in hushed tones.

"I'm not sure. Which do you prefer?" her friend replied.

"The white set is nicer!" a male voice interjected, startling both women. With only one man in the store, its source was obvious.

The woman selecting lingerie blushed beautifully, like an autumn apple ripe enough to drip juice.

"Do you have a boyfriend?" Alex casually took the item from her hands, acting perfectly natural.

"N-no..."

"Ah. Black is the most profound color, especially in lingerie. Combined with lace and high-quality chiffon, it creates a unique sensuality, radiating irresistible nocturnal allure. Women who prefer this style subconsciously desire to dominate men, provoke passion, and enjoy bold intimate encounters. This black lace set you're holding is a must-have for seductresses. But you don't strike me as that type. Not that you're not sensual," Alex explained thoughtfully, setting down the black set and picking up the white one.

"I'm suggesting white because it matches your refined aura. See how it expresses youthful vibrancy? White represents purity, making this style perfect for someone as lively and charming as yourself. It suggests a personality that actively pursues enlightened living and works hard toward personal goals. Don't assume white isn't sensual—about eighty percent of men prefer it. Men have a special fascination with colors representing purity and innocence. Perhaps true sensuality lies in returning to that primal state, stripped of artifice..."

Not just the two women before Alex, but every woman in the store hung on his words, frozen in amazement. Call him a pervert? But every word rang true. When a man's understanding of lingerie surpasses women's own knowledge, he transcends perversion to become an expert, a master of aesthetics! Yet who had ever seen a man so casually advising strangers on lingerie choices?

Of course, people forgot Alex's profession—elite salesman at a luxury firm. This was basic knowledge, instinctive response for him.

"What do you think, miss?" Alex smiled charmingly at the still-blushing woman, fully embodying his role as the roguish aristocratic lady-killer.

"I'll take a white one too!" the friend spoke up before the shopper could respond.

"Um... then I'll take this white set!" The original customer nodded shyly, selected her size, and headed to the register, not forgetting to thank Alex.

"C cup, nice!" Alex murmured, watching her leave. Such refined young ladies were increasingly rare these days. He suddenly realized being a lingerie salesman wouldn't be bad—he'd heard the commissions were quite decent.

"Well, well, Alex, who knew you had such talents!" Grace sauntered over with a wicked smile that suggested her words held double meaning.

"What can I say, I'm a... professional!" Alex started to boast but quickly checked himself upon seeing Grace's dangerous smile.

"Pervert, deviant!" Emma awarded him two titles. Though she privately agreed with his analysis, their adversarial relationship demanded criticism.

"Originally they might have bought one piece, but after my explanation, they bought two. That's success by any measure. You call me pervert and deviant because your minds went to unsavory places. Sometimes women's erotic imagination surpasses men's! Lingerie is meant to be worn—why do men's styles number so few while women have endless varieties? Isn't being wearable and comfortable enough? Lingerie isn't just women's business," Alex lectured.

"Nonsense!" Grace rolled her eyes.

"Twisted logic!" Emma added her own eye roll.

"Actually, this gentleman makes excellent points!" A woman in her early thirties approached them. Impeccably dressed, she projected sophistication without sacrificing warmth. Her simple yet elegant blazer immediately put people at ease.

"Lingerie has evolved far beyond basic function. Women choose pieces not merely for coverage but to feel healthy, beautiful, and fashionable. When women shop for lingerie, their subconscious goal is to look good. But what defines 'looking good'? Who decides? Men do. That's why it's best to have boyfriends present when shopping for lingerie. Having someone as knowledgeable as this gentleman is truly fortunate," the woman smiled at Alex, Grace, and Emma.

"You are...?" Emma asked curiously.

"Oh, pardon my manners—I'm the boutique owner," she smiled.

"You're the owner?" Grace and Emma were clearly surprised. This was no ordinary shop—Alex had noticed the prices during his browsing. The lowest items approached a thousand dollars, with some exceeding ten thousand. He'd reached an interesting conclusion: for women's clothing, less material often meant higher prices.

"Yes. Seeing two such beautiful ladies, I was going to offer advice, but it seems unnecessary now," the owner smiled at Grace and Emma, and by extension, Alex.

"We're just browsing..."

"Not buying? Then why drag me here?" Alex interrupted Grace, dousing her enthusiasm.

"Shut up! Everything I like costs thousands. Do you think I'd spend a month's salary on lingerie?" Grace shouted, forgetting her usual composure.

"Yes, actually," Alex nodded firmly. "I may not know this brand's Chinese name, but I recognize those letters. Don't pretend I don't know you own some!" His eyes swept meaningfully over her figure.

"How do you know?" Grace was genuinely puzzled, though she did own two sets, purchased in moments of extravagance. A woman had to treat herself sometimes. She'd been young and competitive then, and the result...

"Did you forget parading around my apartment in your under—"

"Shut up! No one will mistake you for mute!" Grace punched him, face flaming. She finally remembered modeling her first set while staying at his place.

"Are you...?" The owner seemed puzzled by their relationship.

"Colleagues!" Emma clarified, while privately curious about Alex and Grace's apparently deep 'friendship.'

"Ah..." The owner nodded. This was her first time seeing a male colleague accompanying two women lingerie shopping.

"Alex, since you say I have no taste and neither option suits me—fine! I'm committing today. You choose, let's see your expert eye!" Grace challenged him, clearly aggravated.

"No thanks, I won't look even if you wear it!" Alex grimaced.

"Not optional. You're choosing something today, or... or I'll move in with you!" Grace threatened shamelessly. The young salesgirls were stunned—they'd never heard such a threat. Even the owner was speechless. What exactly was this relationship? Too complicated!

"Fine, I'll pick something!" Alex agreed immediately. *Damn, I already have one troublemaker at home. Another would be suicide!