207: Li Wan'er's Gift

After dinner, Zhao Fen took Li Waner's mother's hand, patting her hand warmly and saying enthusiastically, "It's so late, and it will take you some time to get back to Hong Kong. You absolutely must not leave tonight. We have plenty of rooms at home."

Before Li Waner could speak, Yun Tiannan, who was nearby, chuckled and took over, as he had already intended for them to stay: "Then we won't be polite. It saves us the trouble of rushing."

Li Waner also smiled and replied, "Then it would be disrespectful not to obey, Sister Fen."

As soon as she finished speaking, she turned to Yun Tiannan, subtly gesturing towards the door, and whispered, "Tiannan, could you help me get something from the car? It's in the trunk, a black velvet box. I specifically prepared it earlier."

Seeing Yun Tiannan stunned for a moment, she added with a hint of a smile in her voice, "I originally intended to give it to Sister Fen when we left, but since we're staying, it's a good time to present my regards."

Yun Tiannan immediately understood and nodded with a smile: "Okay, I'll go get it now." With that, he turned and walked towards the door.

Zhao Fen quickly waved her hand to stop him: "Why are you getting anything? Don't be so formal!"

Li Waner took her arm and gently swayed it, explaining with a smile, "It's nothing valuable, just a small token of my regard. Sister Fen, you really must accept it."

Yun Tiannan returned, holding a carved wooden box. The box felt substantial in his hands, and its surface was inlaid with delicate mother-of-pearl patterns, clearly indicating it was no ordinary item.

Li Waner took the box and gently opened it in front of Zhao Fen. Instantly, the indoor lights seemed to be drawn to the object inside, losing much of their brilliance.

It was a South Sea black pearl necklace, each pearl the size of a thumb, perfectly round without the slightest flaw, its surface glowing with a rich peacock green overtone, shimmering with a satiny luster under the light.

"This pearl necklace is called 'Ink Rhyme Flowing Light'. It was secretly held by an overseas collector for thirty years before I unexpectedly acquired it at auction," Li Waner softly introduced.

Her fingertips brushed the platinum chain stringing the pearls, and a pigeon's blood ruby was set in the clasp, perfectly echoing the cool elegance of the black pearls.

Jiang Chen and the others' gazes were also drawn to it. Yun Jiaxin and Yun Jiayao were both stunned to see that this was what Li Waner had given. Yun Jiayao lightly bit her lip, making it unclear what she was thinking.

"I saw that Sister Fen has a dignified temperament, and only pearls of this quality could complement her. I specifically acquired it to add a touch of elegance for you."

Zhao Fen looked at the necklace in the box, too stunned to speak for a moment, only repeatedly waving her hand: "Oh dear! This is too valuable, I can't possibly accept it!"

Li Waner smiled and held her hand, her tone affectionate yet firm: "Sister Fen, please don't refuse. The first time I saw it, I felt that the steady elegance of these pearls was exactly like your own aura. No one suits them better than you."

She picked up the necklace, carefully avoiding the pearl surfaces, "Would you like to try it on? See if it fits."

Zhao Fen's hand, which was holding the wooden box, paused, and the words of refusal didn't come out.

They say money is the best nourishment, and it's absolutely true.

Zhao Fen, due to years of work and running around with Jiang Chao, enduring wind and rain, had suffered a lot. Her face was full of the marks of time, making her look older than her peers.

But these days were different. Not only had her life become stable, but she no longer had to worry about making a living and had endless money. She even had the leisure to travel and play with Jiang Chao everywhere. She seemed to have relaxed, gradually developing a good complexion.

Jiang Chen and Jiang Yan's striking good looks came from Zhao Fen's inherent features.

Now, the fatigue on Zhao Fen's face had faded, and her naturally dignified appearance slowly emerged. Her skin also glowed with a natural radiance. Though not stunning, she possessed a steady and gentle charm that could truly carry off elegant jewelry.

Being praised like this by Li Waner made her a little uncomfortable. She quietly pursed her lips, her eyes showing a touch of awkward delight. No woman dislikes being praised, especially by a younger woman.

Yun Tiannan, standing nearby, also chimed in: "Yes, Sister Fen, Wan'er's sincerity is genuine, please accept it. From now on, our two families are one family. We'll visit often, no need to be so formal."

Only then did Zhao Fen release her hand, softly sighing "Oh," and allowed Li Waner to put the necklace on her.

The platinum chain lay cool against her skin, and the black pearls hung at her collarbone. The peacock green light reflected on her face, making her complexion appear several shades brighter.

Jiang Chen stood by, smiling and nodding, giving a thumbs-up and praising, "Mom, this necklace suits you perfectly. It really brings out your best."

Zhao Fen raised her hand to touch the pearls on her neck, caressing the cool, smooth surface, reluctant to move it away. She turned to Li Waner, her eyes full of joy, mixed with the embarrassment of being treated so generously: "This is really... such a valuable item, how can I possibly accept it?"

Li Waner smiled and linked arms with her, her tone familiar: "Sister Fen, why be so polite with me? We'll be in-laws from now on, and the children will visit often. It's just a small token of my regard for you, a heartfelt gift."

These words warmed Zhao Fen's heart even more, and her smile deepened. She patted Li Waner's hand: "You are always so thoughtful. Alright, then I won't refuse. I accept this kind gesture."

Seeing this, Yun Tiannan smiled and interjected: "That's right, Sister Fen. Wan'er always has excellent taste in choosing things. If she says it suits you, it must be absolutely perfect."

Zhao Fen nodded, then turned to Yun Jiaxin and Yun Jiayao, her tone gentle: "Jiaxin, Jiayao, come upstairs with Auntie to see your rooms. The third floor is quiet and has a good view. The bedding is all new, so you'll be comfortable."

With that, she enthusiastically led Yun Tiannan's family towards the stairs, and after a couple of steps, she couldn't resist touching the pearls on her neck, her uncontainable joy evident in her eyes.

Li Waner and Yun Tiannan exchanged a glance and smiled in understanding.

This gift had truly touched Zhao Fen's heart.

Jiang Chen watched them go upstairs, the smile on his face gradually fading.

He took out his phone, originally intending to call Zhu Zhe, but paused, remembering that she was leaving for Jiangnan tomorrow. He then found the contact information for the Board of Directors Office.

The call was answered almost instantly. Jiang Chen's tone was steady as he directly ordered, "Help me prepare a necklace or piece of jewelry. It needs to be suitable for a woman around forty years old, and the quality must be top-notch."

The assistant on the other end of the phone respectfully asked, "Chairman Jiang, do you have any specific requirements? Like style or design?"

"Style and design are not restricted, but it must be sufficiently valuable..." After a moment of thought, Jiang Chen stated his requirements and timeframe, "Look up a black pearl necklace called 'Ink Rhyme Flowing Light,' find out its price, and purchase something suitable at double that price. It absolutely must be delivered to my home by tomorrow noon."

The moment he hung up the phone, Jiang Chen gently tapped the back of his phone, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly, leaving only a deep contemplation.

Li Waner and Yun Tiannan's attitude made him feel that it was too abnormal.

Even if his younger brother were to get engaged to Yun Jiaxin, normally, maintaining a polite and respectable relationship between the two families would be sufficient.