As dusk fell, the courtyard was enveloped in a soft, golden glow.

The glazed tiles on the roof shimmered in the setting sun, giving this ancient courtyard a vibrant feel.

"Is everything ready?"

Jiang Ning and the children were tired from playing. She looked up at the time and it was almost five o'clock.

The original plan was to invite Robert's family to lunch, but he had something come up and changed it to dinner instead.

Just then, they bought a barbecue grill and planned to have a barbecue that evening.

Lin Chen and the others had been busy in the kitchen for two hours.

"It's almost ready. I'll set up the barbecue grill. Go check at the door to see if Robert has arrived yet."

He responded from inside the house.

The newly renovated courtyard house has undergone extensive renovations inside, but the original layout of the courtyard has been largely preserved.

A large locust tree stands in the southwest corner of the yard, about half a meter thick, with lush branches and leaves that shade half of the yard.

Jiang Ning led Jiao Jiao to the open courtyard gate. As soon as she peeked out, she saw a black antique car parked in the alley.

Robert, his wife Anna, and his young daughter Sophia got out of the car, smiling, and walked towards them.

"Welcome~" Jiang Ning stepped forward and hugged Anna.

Anna, with her quiet and ladylike demeanor, wore an evening gown-style dress and stood next to Robert, who wore a shirt and bow tie; they looked very well-matched and pleasing to the eye.

When Jiaojiao saw Sophia, she immediately grinned and, imitating her mother, went up and hugged her.

You're so beautiful!

Sofia was wearing a pink princess dress with a tulle outer layer, her golden hair was draped down her back, and she wore a hair clip that looked like a crown. She was indeed very beautiful.

Everyone usually praises Jiaojiao for being as pretty as a porcelain doll, and today she finally knows what a porcelain doll looks like.

Sofia smiled smugly, "You're beautiful too!"

Today, Jiaojiao is wearing a miniature version of a traditional Chinese dress made by Wang Xiufen. The light red silk makes her face look even whiter and more delicate. She has two small buns on her head and looks very cute, not at all inferior to Sofia.

Jiang Ning invited the family to the courtyard and to the dining table under the locust tree, where they were seated.

Lin Chen and his group came over and greeted them.

Robert can speak a few broken Chinese words, while Anna can only say "hello".

A series of awkward "hello"s suddenly rang out in the courtyard.

Jiang Ning told her in English that she shouldn't be shy and should make herself at home.

Robert then took her for a walk in the yard.

After arriving in the capital, they had longed for the life of a courtyard house, and now they could finally appreciate its unique charm up close.

The houses, made of mahogany, are arranged in a staggered pattern, with carved beams and painted rafters. The courtyards, with their small ponds and rockeries, are also decorated with exceptional elegance.

The courtyard had three sections, and they were in the front courtyard.

As you walk further in, each courtyard has a different view. Strolling through them, you can smell the fragrance of locust blossoms and feel the tranquility and beauty.

Jiaojiao and Sophia strolled hand in hand around the yard, finding everything they saw—a strange stone, a blade of grass—intrigued.

Unlike her, Tongtong was not as active. When she met Sophia, who was also playful, the two quickly became friends.

"Dinner's ready!"

As the aroma of mutton filled the air, Jiang Ning shouted inside.

Robert and Anna returned, their faces beaming with joy, still wanting more.

"Your home is wonderful."

Jiang Ning smiled brightly: "Thank you, you can come often in the future. Try our barbecue."

In front of each of them was a small bowl of fried rice with egg, a plate with freshly grilled lamb skewers and small pieces of steak, and a plate of vegetable salad.

Anna was pleasantly surprised. She had thought she would be eating a lot of oily Chinese food, and since she has a sensitive stomach, she was planning to eat less!

She picked up a skewer of lamb and began to enjoy it.

As night fell and the stars twinkled, everyone chatted and laughed together, and before they knew it, more than two pleasant hours had passed.

What a rare night! Different countries, different languages, yet sitting together, exchanging laughter and delicious food.

Jiang Ning had originally planned to talk to Robert about serious matters, but ultimately gave up.

Unexpectedly, while waiting for dessert, Robert took the initiative to invite her into his study to talk about something.

"Miss Jiang, you invited me here for more than just barbecue, right?" he asked while admiring some antiques on the display shelf.

Jiang Ning smiled and straightened a piece of porcelain:

"As expected, nothing escapes your eyes. I'll just say what I have to say."

I hope to partner with you to start a trading company.

Robert seemed to have been prepared and wasn't particularly surprised.

"Do you think you have the capability? Right now, overseas clients only recognize Jack."

Instead of denying it, he raised questions, proving that the matter was promising.

"Most of Jack's clients weren't introduced by you. Why don't you keep your clients instead of doing the work for others?"

As a diplomat, you cannot register the company yourself; you can have Anna register it.

I've been training at a foreign trade company for six months and I'm already capable of handling things independently. If we cooperate, we'll definitely capture the market immediately.

Moreover, Jack is currently embroiled in lawsuits and has an ambiguous relationship with Lisa; his company is doomed to fail sooner or later.

She analyzed it patiently.

Robert stared intently at a painting hanging on the wall, seemingly admiring it, yet also deep in thought, before finally speaking:

"Wait for my news."

Half an hour later, Jiang Ning's family saw Robert and his group off to their car.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!