The dark brown wooden box was exquisitely crafted, with clear wood grain and a few auspicious cloud patterns carved into the top. If even the wooden box itself was so exquisite, the contents inside must be something extraordinary.
Yun Qiao was afraid that the gift from He Tingjun was too expensive, so she didn't want to accept it.
She took the wooden box hesitantly and did not open it immediately. Instead, she asked, "Is it jewelry?"
He Tingjun smiled but said nothing, "You'll know if you open it and take a look."
Under the urging of He Tingjun's eyes, Yun Qiao slowly opened the lid of the wooden box, and inside was a pearl necklace.
The round pearls are full and each one is carefully selected. They sparkle with a warm halo and delicate luster like moonlight. It is obvious that they are not ordinary goods.
Yun Qiao's hands trembled as he slammed the lid of the wooden box shut. He refused, "Brother He, this necklace is too valuable. I can't accept it."
"It's not expensive, keep it." He Tingjun explained, "My brother-in-law is from an island, and his production team specializes in raising these pearl oysters. This string of pearls is from his own oysters, and he gave it to me as a gift. I don't want to pay for it."
"I can't accept it without money," Yun Qiao said. "This pearl necklace is of such low quality. It should be given to someone who deserves it. I treat patients in the clinic every day and never have the chance to wear a pearl necklace. It's not dignified and doesn't fit the simple image of a health worker. Giving it to me is a complete waste of a gift."
"If I say I'm giving it to you, it's yours." He Tingjun directly stuffed the pearl necklace and the box into Yunqiao's hand: "If you accept my gift, even if you don't wear it, I'll be happy."
Yun Qiao couldn't help but mutter, "Pearls won't last long. If you keep them for too long, they'll turn yellow."
He Tingjun smiled brightly: "No, my brother-in-law's family raises pearl oysters anyway. If this string fails, I'll ask him to get another string later."
"You make it sound so simple, but pearls of this quality are not readily available." Yun Qiao said, "They're rarely seen even in Shanghai's department stores. They're strictly for export, right?"
He Tingjun nodded: "Yes."
"Pearls are specifically for export, and every household has a responsibility to cultivate them. Let's not make things difficult for them." Yun Qiao held the wooden box and said, "I'll accept this pearl necklace for now. Don't buy something this expensive next time."
"Tut-tut-tut."
*
At noon, the company's work stoppage call sounded.
Qin Zheng was holding a freshly dead wild bird in his hand and walking from the threshing ground to Fang Qi of the educated youth compound.
He was only wearing a well-fitting winter military uniform. When he was catching birds, he took off his military coat because he felt it was too heavy and cumbersome, and just casually draped it over his shoulders, which inexplicably gave him a lazy and casual beauty.
Zheng Wenjing ran into him head-on in this situation, and her heart started pounding at the first sight.
This man completely suits her aesthetic taste and makes her heart beat faster than Ruan Yuping did back then.
Zheng Wenjing was a little distracted and slowed down her pace. She was hesitating whether to stop and say hello when she heard him speak first.
"Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to your company headquarters? I was so anxious chasing a bird that I ran all the way here and forgot the way."
"You're going to the team headquarters? Then you've got the wrong direction. This way is the educated youth compound." Zheng Wenjing pointed behind him and corrected him, "The team headquarters is to the south. If you want to go there, you need to turn around and walk back. Go straight to the grain drying ground, turn left, pass the cafeteria, and turn left at the third alley. Then, follow the road straight ahead and you'll find the team headquarters."
"Oh, I got it. Thank you, Li Zhi." Qin Zheng curled up the corners of his mouth and politely thanked Zheng Wenjing. Then he decisively turned around and walked back with the wild bird in his hand.
Zheng Wenjing subconsciously took two steps forward, but then felt that her behavior was too unreserved, so she stopped hesitantly.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
