Chapter 450: A Shabby Gift

Translator: End less Fantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Rong Qi looked at Rong Feiyu with a wry smile, her eyes twinkling mischievously. Yall aint exactly making the Rong family look bad now, are ya? Seems like Grandma put on quite the show at the hospital, didnt she?

Rong Qis words burned, making all three women flush with shame and embarra.s.sment.

Mrs. Hong, standing behind them, furrowed her brows in thought. Had they already met at the hospital?

Mrs. Rong Sr.s eyes flitted with irritation but, recalling the reason for her visit, she swallowed her pride. Putting on a forced smile, she turned to Rong Qi and said, Little Qi, we just met for the first time today. We hardly know each other, so misunderstandings are bound to happen. Im just here to get to know you, nothing more.

Before Mrs. Rong Sr. could finish, w.a.n.g Qing jumped in, And didnt you also bring a little something for our Rong Qi? Why dont you show her?

Ah, yes, yes. My memorys not what it used to be, Mrs. Rong Sr. fumbled around in her clothes and pulled out a small box, placing it on the coffee table. Consider this a welcome gift, or an apology, if you will.

w.a.n.g Qing picked up where Mrs. Rong Sr. left off, Exactly, family shouldnt be bickering. Your Grandma genuinely wants to mend fences with you.

Their words flowed like a rehea.r.s.ed comedy duo. To someone in the know, it was family talk. To anyone else, it might have sounded like they were putting on a vaudeville act.

Mrs. Hong, listening to that, felt a little relieved. When the trio first arrived, they acted so gauche, touching everything as if theyd never seen nice things before. Now, if they were willing to make amends, Mrs. Hong could let go of her reservations.

Rong Feiyus eyes darted around before she suggested, Sister, Grandma brought you a gift. Dont you think you should reciprocate? Giving her something in return would definitely help mend the rift, dont you agree?

Ah, so thats their game, thought Rong Qi, the smile curling at the corner of her mouth growing wider. Picking up the box from the table, she twisted it around her hands before popping it open. Inside was an unremarkable, unimpressive pearl.

Mrs. Hongs face instantly soured. You think our Madam would need something as worthless as this?

Rong Qi held the pearl up to her eyes, squinting as she examined it. Is this something Grandma got lucky with at a seafood restaurant?

The pearl was not only cheap but downright ugly. It lacked l.u.s.ter, barely better than a gla.s.s bead.

Mrs. Hongs face turned cold, and she sneered, A gift should at least be heartfelt. But this? This is clearly an insult.

To everyones surprise, Rong Qi had opened the gift in plain view. It was a breach of etiquette to w.a.n.g Qing and the others.

Mrs. Rong Sr.s face turned a shade of livid green, clearly unamused. If you dont intend to reciprocate, just say so. If you dont like the gift, give it back.

The pearl had cost Mrs. Rong Sr. a whole 50 yuan at the mall, after all.

Without a word, Rong Qi placed the pearl back in its box and handed it over. Here, you can have it back.

The room fell silent.

w.a.n.g Qing clenched her teeth, regretting the advice shed given Mrs. Rong Sr.. Shed warned her that Rong Qi was no ordinary woman, and that trying to provoke her wouldnt work. Look where it had got them now.

Rong Feiyu tried to salvage the situation, pus.h.i.+ng the box back toward her sister. Rong Qi, Grandma means well. Its the thought that counts, right? Now its your turn to give Grandma something in return.

Yes, its a tradition to exchange gifts when meeting for the first time. It helps build rapport, w.a.n.g Qing chimed in, clearly expecting a valuable gift in return.

Mrs. Rong Sr. looked eager, her eyes gleaming with antic.i.p.ation. Given Rong Qis affluent lifestyle, anything she gave should be quite valuable, right? Considering our close family ties, she was obliged to be generous. I could already picture the trove of valuable items I might receive..