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墨書 Inktalez
Shen Du bent down and wrapped his arm around the old lady's shoulders, smiling as he said, "Happy birthday! Would you like to see your gift first?"
The old lady scoffed. "What’s there to see? It’s the same old things every year—either mountain ginseng, or cordyceps, or deer antlers. At my age, what do I need these for? They won’t make me live forever."
"Mom," Shen Chi frowned, "what are you talking about?"
"Grandma," Shen Du laughed, "this year is different. It’s specially prepared by Yao Nian for you."
"Oh dear," the old lady playfully slapped Shen Du on the back, chiding him, "Why go through all this trouble just for a meal?"
"It’s not expensive," Yao Nian quickly interjected. "Shen Du mentioned that you enjoy copying scriptures, so I asked my dad’s friend in Shigatse to help me pick out a pair of paperweights. They have a lovely meaning—pine and crane symbolize longevity. I hope you like them."
Shen Du hadn’t known what Yao Nian was preparing; he was surprised that she had taken his casual remark to heart.
When the old lady lifted the lid and took a look, her eyes immediately lit up.
Made of rosewood, the paperweights had a deep, rich color and were inlaid with elements of cranes, pine trees, and plum blossoms using intricate craftsmanship. They gleamed with an oily sheen and exuded a subtle fragrance of small-leaf rosewood.
This gift truly touched the old lady's heart. She took Yao Nian's hand and said, "Come here with me."
Yao Nian cast a puzzled glance at Shen Du.
Shen Du smiled and gestured for her to go.
In the study, the old lady placed the paperweights on the desk, opened a drawer below, took out a key, and retrieved a yellowed wooden box that bore the marks of time.
As she peeled away layers of red cloth, a vibrant green jade bracelet appeared before them.
It was of excellent quality with icy texture and floating flowers.
The old lady picked up the bracelet and tried to slip it onto Yao Nian's wrist.
Yao Nian panicked, knowing that while gold has its price, jade is priceless. She hurriedly pressed down on the old lady's hand. "No, no, Grandma, this is too precious!"
"Take it," the old lady insisted firmly. Then she smiled and added, "Though it’s quite old, this was a betrothal gift from Xiao Du when he married me. Jade is meant to be passed down through generations. Now that you’re entering our family, this is my heartfelt gift as your elder; you mustn’t refuse."
Without waiting for an answer, she slipped the jade onto Yao Nian's wrist.
When they came out again, Shen Du saw Yao Nian carefully covering her wrist and asked with a smile, "What did Grandma give you?"
Yao Nian timidly raised her hand in front of him. "Grandma gave me this."
Shen Du raised an eyebrow. "She gave you a family heirloom?"
She let out a small gasp, making a move to take it off. "No, no, I can't. This is too expensive."
Shen Du chuckled and held her hand gently. "I was just joking. But ever since I can remember, the old lady has always worn this bracelet. She only took it off after my grandmother passed away; she treasured it dearly."
After the meal, Yao Nian was extremely careful with every movement, afraid that she might accidentally knock the jade bracelet on her wrist.
Shen Du picked up a pie and placed it in her bowl. "Didn't you say you loved the pies Grandma made? Eat more."
"Huh?" Xu Zhengnan asked in confusion. "Isn't this the first time your little cousin has come here?"
The old lady glanced at Yao Nian and revealed a knowing smile. "Have you forgotten that your elder brother rushed out in a hurry during the New Year?"
Xu Zhengnan suddenly realized, "Oh, so you two were together that early!"
Yao Nian rubbed her nose awkwardly.
He paused for a moment and then exclaimed, "But didn't Xiao Ran come over during the New Year as well?"
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