Chapter 5: Choosing a Gift

For now, Tech Group needed to find another reliable chip manufacturer. Over the next few days, Amia and Steve continued searching for a new chip supplier, and finally, they found one and sealed the deal. Since their flight to San Diego was scheduled for the following day, Amia decided to buy some local specialties in Caroya State. Concerned about Amia being alone, Marilyn asked, "Amia, would you like me to go with you? It can be dangerous for a young woman in an unfamiliar place, especially at night." Then Marilyn turned to Steve, "Mr. Steve, would you like to buy some gifts for your wife as well?" At that moment, Steve recalled the mysterious man’s voice he had heard on the phone that night. Was he being too paranoid? Perhaps it was just a misunderstanding. Nodding, he agreed to let Amia and Marilyn go shopping. "Mr. Steve, I think it would be more meaningful if you personally chose a gift for your wife," Amia suggested, immediately regretting it. After all, shopping alone with Steve felt a bit awkward. Since the parking lot was full, Marilyn drove off to find a parking spot, leaving Amia and Steve behind. Given Steve’s status as a CEO, Amia assumed he would want to buy high-end luxury items, though she herself preferred more affordable, practical options. To accommodate Steve’s image, she led him to a luxury store. However, Steve kept walking without stopping to browse, as if he was just strolling around. Feeling concerned, Amia suggested, "Mr. Steve, perhaps we should go into a store and have a look." Steve agreed and walked into a nearby shop, but they were immediately stopped by the staff at the door. "Sorry, sir, you’ll need to wait in line," the staff member said. Steve was surprised—he wasn’t used to waiting in line since anything he wanted was usually brought directly to him. Amia quickly presented their company’s Super VIP card, which instantly changed the staff member’s demeanor. Smiling, they were ushered into the VIP room. The staff quickly brought out several handbags worth tens of thousands of dollars. "Sir, ma’am, please take a look." When the staff called her “ma’am,” Amia felt a wave of embarrassment and quickly clarified, "Mr. Steve is my boss." Though Steve was often the subject of rumors due to his good looks, he didn’t want to be misunderstood. He explained, "She’s my assistant, helping me pick out a gift for my wife." "Sorry, sir, ma’am," the staff member apologized, realizing their mistake. They had assumed Amia and Steve were a couple because they seemed so well-matched. Steve, unsure of his wife’s preferences, decided to buy all the handbags, spending nearly $50,000. Amia and Steve then went to a jewelry store, where the clerk presented a gold and diamond necklace. "Sir, ma’am, this necklace is a limited edition, newly arrived and very beautiful," the clerk said. Steve simply instructed, "Wrap it up nicely." The clerk was thrilled by how straightforward Steve was and turned to Amia, saying, "Ma’am, your husband is very generous. Would you like to try on the necklace?" "He’s not my husband; he’s my boss," Amia responded, feeling exasperated. Why did these clerks keep making the same mistake? Was it really that easy to mistake their relationship for something more? She was just Steve’s assistant, and Steve was a wealthy CEO who could easily replace her if he wanted. Looking at Steve, Amia noticed his expression had changed—he seemed a bit displeased. Wanting to smooth things over, she bought the necklace, adding another $20,000 to the bill. With nearly $70,000 spent, Amia felt like her heart was breaking. She had worked hard for years but still couldn’t afford a decent home, while others could spend her life savings on a few handbags and a necklace. As they left the store, Steve asked, "Did you get what you needed?" Amia pointed to a small supermarket not far away. "I need to buy something from that store—it’s more affordable." Steve nodded and walked away, leaving Amia to follow behind, struggling with the many shopping bags. For some reason, after the store clerks had mistaken her for Steve’s wife, she felt like Steve was angry with her, becoming more distant. Perhaps he didn’t want to be misunderstood or thought she had ulterior motives. Regardless, Amia had to admit she respected Steve for being conscientious as a married man. After a few minutes of walking, they reached the small supermarket Amia had mentioned. "Mr. Steve, I’ll just buy my things in here," Amia said. "Go ahead. I’ll wait here," Steve replied. Knowing she couldn’t keep Steve waiting outside, Amia quickly bought gifts for her roommates, Jonia and Brooke, and grabbed a few items for herself. However, as she browsed the small, charming trinkets, she couldn’t help but take her time, admiring each one. Steve, meanwhile, had little patience for waiting and hated being kept idle. If Amia hadn’t helped him choose gifts for his wife, he would have left long ago. He stood outside, smoking a cigar, watching Amia as she browsed. She seemed genuinely happy, particularly interested in the small items she picked up. Were all young women fond of such things? Steve wondered if his wife might like them too. After finishing his cigar, Steve stubbed it out and walked into the supermarket. Seeing a delicate stuffed toy, Steve imagined his wife holding it, looking adorable. Unfortunately, he could barely remember what his wife looked like, only recalling that she was beautiful and fair-skinned. When the image of Amia’s face suddenly flashed in his mind, Steve quickly shook his head, trying to dispel the thought. He didn’t usually pay much attention to a woman’s appearance, so his memories of her were vague. "Mr. Steve, are you thinking of buying a stuffed toy for your wife?" Amia asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.