Buying Rings at Fengs – Part 5
Tuesday, continued …
As soon as Hou Yi realized Anna’s heart was set on the chosen ring set, he agreed without hesitation.
Assistant Manager Wong couldn’t believe how effortlessly this couple had made their decisions. Compared to her previous experiences with other VIP clients—particularly Yang Lin—this was a dream. She shuddered at the memory of Yang Lin’s visit, where nothing was ever good enough, and selecting a single item had dragged on for over five hours. Worse, the massive discount Yang Lin demanded wiped out nearly all of Wong’s monthly commission.
With a quiet signal, the tray of wedding ring sets was removed, and another tray was brought forward, featuring necklaces: four with opals, four with diamonds, and three combining both. Wong addressed Anna directly.
“Madam Hou, I see you have pierced ears. Each pendant here has matching earrings, which we can pair for you.”
Anna looked at her thoughtfully. “Assistant Manager Wong, I’m assuming these earrings are set on gold or platinum studs?”
“That is correct, Madam Hou,” Wong replied.
Anna smiled apologetically. “Unfortunately, I have allergic reactions to both gold and platinum. Would it be possible to have the earrings converted to sterling silver? It doesn’t need to be done today—just whenever it can be arranged. Please also extend my thanks to the jeweler who’ll handle the conversion. I’d hate to waste money on earrings I couldn’t wear.”
Wong nodded. “That can certainly be arranged, Madam Hou. However, the conversion process might take up to three weeks.”
“That’s absolutely fine,” Hou Yi interjected before Anna could respond. “If my wife requests it, it will be done.”
Hou Yi noticed Anna studying the tray intently. Her gaze lingered on a particular pendant featuring an opal hanging gracefully from a diamond. He reached out and touched it. “Do you want this one?”
Anna nodded shyly, and Wong picked up the pendant. Setting the tray aside, she turned back to Anna. “Madam Hou, could you please stand so I can ensure the pendant sits perfectly on you?”
Anna rose, and Wong placed the pendant, on a delicate gold chain, around her neck. Stepping back, Wong assessed the fit and smiled. “This length and drop are perfect for you, Madam Hou.” She removed the pendant and returned it to the tray.
Assistant Manager Wong picked up her notepad and the rings. “CEO Hou, Madam Hou, the rings require slight adjustments. Would you prefer to wait or have them delivered once they’re ready?”
“How long will the adjustments take?” Hou Yi asked.
“Approximately one hour,” Wong replied.
“There’s no need to wait,” Hou Yi decided. “Please arrange for the rings to be delivered to my apartment once the adjustments are complete. Also, add another pendant necklace featuring a pink diamond to complement the rings we’ve chosen. My address is on file.”
He handed Wong a sleek black credit card, something Anna had only ever heard about in stories. She couldn’t hide her surprise.
“Please charge everything to this card,” Hou Yi continued, “and add an additional five percent as a tip for your excellent assistance.”
Wong nodded, suppressing her astonishment, and left to process the purchase. The assistants followed her, carrying the trays, leaving Anna and Hou Yi alone.
Anna turned to him, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Why are you paying if your family owns the store? And why tip her five percent?”
Hou Yi smiled at her pragmatism. “Personal transactions, even in family businesses, are separate from company affairs. It’s inappropriate to demand things for free just because of my position. I believe in paying fairly.
“The tip is because she was genuinely helpful. She guided us to make the right choices without pushing her preferences or upselling the most expensive items for commission. Staff like that deserve recognition. When I encounter pushy salespeople, I make a note to avoid them in the future. But Wong cared about our satisfaction, so I’m rewarding her for it.”
Anna nodded, appreciating his integrity.
Moments later, Wong returned with the credit card in hand. “CEO Hou, I’ll personally deliver the rings to your apartment with one of our security guards as soon as the adjustments are complete.”
“Thank you,” Hou Yi said warmly.
He stood, offering Anna his hand. She placed hers in his, and he helped her rise gracefully. Together, they left the VIP room, ready to continue their day.
