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墨書 Inktalez
A few days later, the family gathering arrived as scheduled. In the spacious and bright banquet hall, guests mingled, dressed elegantly, with laughter and conversation filling the air.
I was wearing an elegant cheongsam, holding a wine glass, moving gracefully through the crowd, chatting easily with the guests. My gaze inadvertently swept across the room and finally landed on Lin Jiaojiao in a corner not far away.
Lin Jiaojiao was wearing a light pink dress today, her makeup meticulously done, and she wore a polite smile as she engaged in lively conversation with the surrounding guests. If I hadn’t known her true nature beforehand, I might have been deceived by her innocent and harmless appearance.
I approached Lin Jiaojiao casually and smiled as I asked, “Jiaojiao, who are you chatting with? You seem to be having such a good time.”
Upon seeing me, a flicker of panic crossed Lin Jiaojiao's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure. She smiled and replied, “Auntie, I’m chatting with Mrs. Wang. She’s sharing some insights about collecting antiques with me.”
Following Lin Jiaojiao's gaze, I saw a lavishly dressed woman standing opposite her, holding an exquisite Snuff Bottle and speaking animatedly.
I smiled and said, “Oh? It seems Mrs. Wang is quite knowledgeable about antiques. Jiaojiao, you should learn from her.”
Lin Jiaojiao nodded eagerly in agreement.
I handed my wine glass to a server and then took out an exquisite box from my handbag, presenting it to Lin Jiaojiao. “Jiaojiao, this is a little trinket I recently found. Take a look and see if you like it.”
Lin Jiaojiao was taken aback as she accepted the box and opened it to find a jade bracelet of pure green lying inside—exactly the one I had shown her that day at Treasure Pavilion.
“This is too precious; I can’t accept it,” Lin Jiaojiao quickly declined.
“Take it; consider it a small token of my affection as your aunt,” I insisted as I pressed the box into her hands. Then, discreetly holding her hand, I spoke gently, “Jiaojiao, I know you’ve always loved antiques. This jade bracelet is for you; I hope you like it.”
Lin Jiaojiao's hand trembled slightly as she raised her head to look into my eyes. A complex expression flashed across her face, but she eventually nodded and said softly, "Thank you, Aunt."
I patted the back of Lin Jiaojiao's hand and said gently, "I'm glad you like it. Speaking of which, A-Cheng has never been interested in antiques since he was young. He can't even explain the treasures at home, so you'll have to bear with him a bit more in the future."
Lin Jiaojiao's gaze flickered, and a stiff smile appeared on her lips. "Aunt is joking. I only have a superficial understanding of antiques; how could I dare to show off in front of A-Cheng?"
I casually glanced at the jade bracelet in Lin Jiaojiao's hand and said meaningfully, "Antiques, like people, all have their own stories—some true, some false. You need to keep your eyes open and discern carefully."
Lin Jiaojiao instinctively tightened her fingers, her fingertips turning slightly pale. She forced a smile and said, "Aunt is right; I will definitely remember your teachings."
I nodded in satisfaction, released her hand, picked up a glass of Champagne, and gently swirled the liquid while keeping my gaze on Lin Jiaojiao's face.
"Madam, here is the Bird's Nest Porridge you requested." Aunt Wang approached with a steaming bowl of Bird's Nest Porridge and spoke softly.
"Thank you, Aunt Wang." I took the Bird's Nest Porridge and smiled at Lin Jiaojiao. "Jiaojiao, don't just talk; try this Bird's Nest Porridge. It's great for beauty and perfect for young people like you."
Lin Jiaojiao quickly set down the jade bracelet, took the Bird's Nest Porridge, lowered her head to take a sip, and said softly, "Thank you, Aunt."
Seeing Lin Jiaojiao's obedient demeanor brought a subtle smile to my lips.
After the banquet ended, I linked arms with Jiangcheng and strolled through the hotel's garden.
"Mom, you seem especially enthusiastic about Jiaojiao today," Jiangcheng suddenly said, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry.
I stopped in my tracks, turned to look at him, and smiled as I replied, "What? Don't you want me to treat her well?"
Jiangcheng fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, "That's not what I meant. I just feel... you weren't like this before."
I sighed lightly and said, "A-Cheng, I've made many mistakes in the past, but people can change. I just want to make it up to you both now. I hope you and Jiaojiao can be happy."
Jiangcheng looked at me with a complex expression, hesitating to speak.
I gently patted the back of his hand and said, "A-Cheng, I'm getting old. This family will be in your hands from now on. All I hope is that you two can get along and support each other."
Jiangcheng lowered his head, remaining silent.
I smiled and shook my head, not saying anything more as I continued walking ahead.
The night breeze was gentle, and the moonlight was like water, stretching the shadows of Jiangcheng and me into long silhouettes.
"Madam, please walk slowly," Aunt Wang hurriedly caught up with me, holding my shawl.
I stopped and took the shawl from her, draping it over my shoulders. Smiling at Aunt Wang, I said, "Aunt Wang, it's getting late. You should head back and rest too."
"Madam, you have really changed," Aunt Wang said as she looked at me, her eyes filled with appreciation and emotion.
I smiled but didn't say anything; I just lightly patted the back of her hand before turning and leaving.
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