World Domination Begins With Getting a System in a Modern World-Chapter 135: Shopping For The Gathering

As the Lexus LS500 rolled through the clean, palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills, James kept one hand on the wheel and the other holding Leslie’s hand.

The morning sunlight filtered through the windshield, casting a golden glow across the sleek interior of the vehicle.

Leslie sat in the passenger seat, legs crossed neatly, scrolling through boutique catalogs on her phone.

Her hair fluttered gently from the open vent, and she looked as effortlessly elegant as the street they were headed to.

Their conversation was light — banter about fashion, with Leslie throwing in a few jokes about how James had no business picking his own clothes.

"I’m telling you," she grinned, glancing at him.

"If I let you walk in there alone, you’d come out looking like a hedge fund intern at his first trust fund mixer."

"And if I let you dress me without supervision, I’ll probably end up on GQ’s front page before I know what hit me." James smirked.

"That’s not a bad outcome," Leslie replied, batting her lashes playfully.

A few minutes later, the car pulled to a smooth stop at the curb in front of Loro Piana — the first stop in their style quest.

James stepped out, smoothing down his shirt and Leslie also got out of the car.

The doors locked with a gentle beep as they approached the storefront of their first destination: Loro Piana.

Loro Piana’s display windows were minimalist but screamed taste. From outside, one could see linen blazers, tailored trousers, and crisp shirts in gentle palettes rested on sleek mannequins.

As James and Leslie stepped inside, the scent of cedarwood and designer fabric filled the air.

"Start with something light," Leslie murmured as they walked in. "We’re shopping for the Chef’s Table lunch first."

James nodded in agreement.

Inside the store, they were greeted immediately by an associate dressed in navy slacks and a muted olive blazer. She offered water and asked no question.

After a brief explanation from Leslie about what they were shopping for, the associate smiled and disappeared into the curated racks.

In no time, they were in one of the private fitting rooms, a few pieces already arranged on the velvet seat.

James picked up a white button-down first — lightweight, soft, and breathable.

"This is it," he murmured, running his hand over the fabric. "Perfect."

Next came the chinos — tailored cream-colored pants with a modern, slim fit. James tried them on and stepped out.

Leslie looked him up and down and slowly nodded.

"Now we’re getting somewhere."

The associate returned with a navy-blue lightweight blazer — sharp lines, soft shoulders, and just enough authority to say I belong without shouting it.

James pulled it on over the white shirt and cream chinos, buttoning it loosely. The outfit came together instantly.

"The watch," James said aloud, glancing at Leslie.

"I already know where we’re getting that," she replied with a grin.

Back in the main boutique, they selected brown suede brogues and a pair of understated sunglasses with tortoiseshell frames — for arrival only, as per etiquette.

They checked out without even glancing at the prices, as there was no need to. The total of everything they purchased for the Chef’s Table Lunch was $3,250.

Their next stop was Brioni — for the evening wear.

Brioni was sharper, darker, moodier. The lighting was softer, more masculine. The suits on display were nothing short of perfection — a blend of old-money refinement and modern edge.

Inside, they were guided to a private room by another attendant.

"This one," Leslie said confidently, pointing to a charcoal grey tailored suit. "Or that midnight navy."

James nodded and tried on both. And they actually fitted him quite well.

Leslie stepped back and observed him carefully.

"Go with the navy," she finally decided. "The lighting at wine tastings is always warmer — this’ll pop better."

"How do you know that?" James asked curiously.

"I did my research," Leslie smiled sweetly.

They paired the suit with a crisp white dress shirt, a slim navy tie, and polished black wholecut leather shoes that looked like they were sculpted, not stitched.

Next came accessories — a deep burgundy pocket square tucked with a subtle peak, silver cufflinks with a brushed finish, and a discreet but luxury tie clip.

And then, for the timepiece.

They walked into Patek Philippe, and even James — who had bought more expensive things and spent more money in the last month than most people would in a lifetime — paused slightly at the ambiance.

This place wasn’t a store. It was a shrine.

The sales associate didn’t greet them with the usual Hello. Instead, he simply said, "Mr. Zolomon, your appointment has been confirmed. This way."

James raised a brow at Leslie.

"You set this up?"

"You’re not walking in there wearing a Casio." She smirked.

Inside the viewing room, laid out under a glass counter, was the Patek Philippe Complications 5172G-001.

White gold. Deep blue dial. Chronograph face. Leather strap that matched the navy suit perfectly.

And the price: $88,025.

James didn’t flinch when he saw it. He simply nodded.

"I’ll take it."

The purchase was swift. The watch was sized, boxed, and discreetly packaged. As James left with the timepiece now ticking on his wrist, he glanced at Leslie.

"This might be the best thing I’ve ever worn."

"You’re welcome," she said, looped her arm through his, and kissed his cheek.

With that affectionate gesture still lingering on James’ skin, they exited the final store, with shopping bags in their hands, and their mission complete.

The California sun had risen higher, casting golden rays onto the sparkling pavement of Rodeo Drive.

Leslie was glowing — not just from the sunlight but from the joy of being with James.

She hadn’t been able to spend time with him due to how busy his schedule has been and because they are trying to keep their relationship a secret from her mom.

She smiled brightly, as she held onto his arm tightly, her head occasionally brushing his shoulder as they walked.

For a moment, the world felt small, peaceful, and perfect, like they were the only two who existed in it.

Leslie laughed at something James whispered in her ear. She was lost in the moment and had no idea when he happened.

She bumped into someone, hard.