Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2316 - 2252: Accept It

With a dry tone, she explained, "Well, during my last trip to Country Y, Mr. Wen Li shared a bit of his knowledge with me."

Meng Xinian simply nodded, choosing not to press her for more details.

Turning her attention back to Yang Zhiqi, Chiang Xiao spoke quickly, "Uncle Yang, since this bracelet is so incredibly precious, you really ought to be more careful with it."

She was worried about the implications; for instance, was it truly appropriate for him to have accepted such an item from that old comrade?

If there were any potential issues, returning it to the original owner would be the wiser choice.

Otherwise, wouldn't it just lead to complications down the road?

Initially, Yang Zhiqi assumed she was merely hesitant to accept something of such high value. However, upon hearing her explanation, he realized her true intent and felt a surge of emotion.

He saw that she was genuinely concerned for his well-being and viewed him as family, which was why she was being so blunt and honest.

His opinion of Chiang Xiao shifted instantly.

It was no wonder his father, a man with a very sharp eye for character, had so quickly claimed Chiang Xiao as his own granddaughter overnight.

Beyond the fact that she had treated his father's illness, she clearly possessed personality traits that the old man respected deeply.

He now understood that Chiang Xiao was truly sincere toward those she had accepted into her circle.

A smile broke across his face as he said, "I appreciate it, Xiao Chiang. It is perfectly fine to keep the bracelet. You see, that old comrade originally wanted to borrow a sum of money from me and promised a significant amount of interest in return. He called it an investment, but I wasn't comfortable with that arrangement, so he eventually gave me this bracelet instead."

One could view it as a form of interest; while it wasn't something he went around bragging about, it wasn't a major issue either.

In reality, he had come out ahead in the deal, as he hadn't realized the bracelet's value actually far exceeded the interest his friend had initially promised.

Chiang Xiao let out a small sigh of relief. "I just hope Uncle Yang doesn't think I'm being too nosy."

"How could I? I am very thankful for your concern." Yang Zhiqi shifted his gaze toward Meng Xinian. "This kid Xinian is truly fortunate to have found a fiancée as wonderful as you."

Meng Xinian replied with a look of pride, "My taste has always been excellent."

Snort.

If you gave this man a bit of sea salt, he’d brag as if he were scattering stardust across the heavens.

He didn't just have good taste; he was also incredibly bold and thick-skinned—after all, he had already made his move when Chiang Xiao was only thirteen years old.

If that didn't count as being thick-skinned, nothing did.

"If you're so capable, then convince Xiao Chiang to keep the gift," Yang Zhiqi said, throwing a glance at Meng Xinian.

Meng Xinian countered, "Just take it back."

"You little brat! You were the one demanding a meeting gift, and now you're telling me to take it back? Regardless, I'm done dealing with this! I'm leaving the bracelet right here and going to fix my dinner. Besides, when I went to fetch it, I told your aunt it was for your wife, Xiao Chiang. She said if Xiao Chiang refuses it, she’ll come over herself to settle the matter. So, you deal with it."

With those final words, he set the box firmly on the table and turned to make his exit.

Meng Xinian and Chiang Xiao stood there, looking at one another in silence.

"What are we supposed to do now?" Chiang Xiao asked, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

In her previous life, she had always been the victim of theft and greed; she had never experienced the polite struggle of receiving gifts. It was the same in this life; she wasn't used to people pushing gifts back and forth, and she was genuinely unsure of the proper etiquette.

Should she try to give it back and then bolt?

In the end, who would actually end up keeping it?

"Just accept it," Meng Xinian advised. "He's clearly set on giving it to you."

"Brother Xinian, this bracelet is worth a fortune," Chiang Xiao reminded him with a serious expression.