You mean those butterfly earrings?
Jiang Nian thought for a moment, "I accidentally lost one when I first went to Jiangcheng three months ago."
"I originally planned to make do with the remaining one, but about two weeks ago, I lost the other one somewhere."
After saying that, Jiang Nian looked at Shen Qinglan's reaction and asked, "Will you be angry with me?"
Shen Qinglan waved her hand upon hearing this: "It's just a pair of earrings. I'll just buy you another pair if you lose them. What's there to be angry about?"
"Besides, I've always thought Debevere's earring holders were poorly made and easy to lose, so I won't buy from them again."
"As long as you're not angry."
Jiang Nian relaxed and took a bite of the chicken leg that Shen Qinglan had placed on her plate.
"Perfect timing, I have a new gift for you to give you today."
As she spoke, Shen Qinglan pulled out an enormous black handbag from behind the table. Unzipping it revealed a cello that looked exceptionally high-quality and elegant.
"Didn't you always want a cello made by Antonio?"
“This is the cello ‘Eternal Song’ that Antonio made before his death, which I bought at an auction house when I went to Italy last time. It’s a gift for you.”
Antonio, Italy's most renowned violin maker of the last century, has become synonymous with the highest quality in the world of musical instruments.
The dozens of cellos he made throughout his life have long since become more than just musical instruments; they have become collectibles imbued with profound artistic and historical value. Some are preserved in museums, while others have been auctioned off to private collectors at extremely high prices.
The last cello the maestro made before his death, "Eternal Song," is also considered a masterpiece of his craft. The back, sides, top, tuning pegs, strings, bridge, fingerboard, and even the varnish are all made with top-quality materials and craftsmanship, reflecting his meticulous artistry.
Its value is now immeasurable.
Shen Qinglan actually gave her this cello; I wonder how much he spent to acquire it.
"Is it very expensive?" Jiang Nian ran her fingertips across the panel, then looked up. "Eight figures?"
"Why bother with that?" Shen Qinglan said generously. "As long as it's something you can buy with money, it's not expensive."
“This instrument is too big and it’s inconvenient for you to carry around. I’ll have it airlifted to your place in Jiangcheng later.”
"good."
*
During her meal, Shen Qinglan received a phone call; there was an urgent matter at the company, so she had to leave.
He arranged for his own driver to stay behind and take Jiang Nian to the villa that the class had booked.
Jiang Nian came out of the private room and was about to leave Tingxue Garden.
But here I bumped into someone I never wanted to see, and never expected to see.
"...Jiang Nian?"
What are you doing here?
Jiang Nian looked up and saw Chen Fulan and Jiang Ranran standing outside the Tingxue Garden gate.
Chen Fulan dressed like a wealthy lady, exuding the air of a nouveau riche. In September, she even paired a long dress with a mink shawl, seemingly unconcerned about getting heat rash.
The mother and daughter didn't know who they were going to see, and Jiang Ranran was also dressed up. Her eyes were wide open, as if she was very surprised to see her there.
Standing next to him was a greasy-haired, pot-bellied man, the typical look of a CEO.
The girl in front of me was dressed simply in a white T-shirt, jeans, and canvas shoes, but her face was extremely cool and beautiful, the kind of beauty that makes it impossible to look away.
Upon recognizing the young woman, Mr. Wang immediately asked Chen Fulan, "Mrs. Jiang, who is this...?"
Chen Fulan frowned, unable to hide her disdain.
“Mr. Wang, this is my husband’s ex-wife’s daughter. She’s from the countryside. I don’t know how she ended up in such a high-class place as Tingxueyuan.”
Chen Fulan gets angry whenever she sees Jiang Nian.
Think about Jiang Nian's attitude towards the family of three at the hospital last night. Her own father was injured so badly, and as a daughter, she not only didn't care but was also extremely indifferent. In the end, she even blocked them all. This girl is heartless.
"Sister, Tingxueyuan is not an ordinary place to eat. People who can eat here are all rich and powerful, and a meal here costs tens of thousands of yuan."
"You're not here for dinner, are you? Weren't you with your classmates?"
Jiang Ranran seemed to remember something and suddenly spoke, her tone innocent yet deliberately meant to embarrass Jiang Nian.
"I see, sister. Your grandfather raises pigs. Is he supplying pork to Tingxueyuan?"
She turned out to be the granddaughter of a family that sold pork.
It's a pity about such good looks and temperament.
Mr. Wang looked regretful and looked away.
Shen Qinglan's driver, standing to the side, had an expression that resembled that of an elderly person using a cell phone on the subway.
Are the mother and daughter, dressed so extravagantly, alright?
Would someone as honored as Mr. Shen, someone he cherishes and pampers, be so short of money that they can't afford a meal at Tingxueyuan?
Do they even know who they are talking to?
So, being very perceptive, he took the initiative to say, "Miss Jiang, let's go. The car is already parked at the door."
Jiang Nian didn't bother to say anything to Chen Fulan and Jiang Ranran, and walked straight out without even lifting her eyelids.
Jiang Ranran felt she had won back a point and was somewhat smug. However, following Jiang Nian's figure, she caught a glimpse of the car logo on the vehicle Jiang Nian got into.
If she wasn't mistaken, the car the driver opened the door for Jiang Nian to get into... seemed to be a Bentley worth over five million?
Whose car is this?
How could Jiang Nian be able to ride in such a luxury car?
Even the Jiang family can't afford a car like that.
Jiang Ranran looked bewildered, and Chen Fulan stared wide-eyed, completely bewildered. But they had important guests to meet, so they couldn't worry about Jiang Nian and took a deep breath before the waiter led them to a private room.
*
Box No. 1.
It is said that the first three private rooms of Tingxueyuan are not open to the public and are reserved for the most powerful and influential people in Beijing.
Jiang Ranran stood at the door, her palms sweating with nervousness, and only dared to push the door open after mustering all her courage.
Upon entering the private room, I was struck by the elegant yet lavish decor. I saw an elderly man in a Tang suit, his temples gray, yet exuding an air of authority, sitting in the main seat.
This must be Qin Wei, the powerful and influential figure in the capital.
Beside the old man stood a graceful and elegant woman, holding the hand of a little boy of about five or six years old with exquisitely beautiful features. This must be the old man's daughter-in-law and grandson.
Jiang Ranran's legs were trembling slightly.
This is a true elite family, far beyond what the Jiang family can compare to.
If he said the wrong thing, Old Master Qin could bankrupt the Jiang family with a mere flick of his finger.
Jiang Ranran felt extremely guilty.
All I could do was mentally reassure myself and tell myself not to panic.
As soon as Jiang Ranran and Chen Fulan entered the door, Old Master Qin stood up himself, leaning on his cane.
"The Jiang family of Jiangcheng..." Old Master Qin looked the two of them up and down, his eyes scrutinizing them. "That photo of the earring, was it you who sent it to me? Is that earring now in your possession?"
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