Because of an app launch, Lin Jie had to return to his company. It was already past eleven when Wen Xiaoya got home, and just as she was about to go to her room, her parents called her over.

At first, they hadn't really approved of their son-in-law. But over time, they'd come to feel that this young man, Lin Jie, was truly a good person. He was capable, had an excellent character, and came from a respectable family. Most importantly, he treated their daughter and them exceptionally well—they had no complaints. They truly doted on him as if he were their own son, showering him with care and attention.

Mother Wen's tone carried a hint of rebuke. "Why are you just getting back now? It's the New Year!"

Wen Xiaoya chuckled. "We stopped for a late-night snack on the way back."

Her mother then asked, "Lin Feng and his family are leaving on the seventh day of the New Year. You should take Zhang Yuxi and the others shopping. What will you buy for them? And you should get something for the children. The price doesn't matter; it's the thought that counts."

Her father nodded in agreement. "Exactly. The two brothers are very close. There are certain social obligations you need to fulfill."

Wen Xiaoya nodded. "Okay, I'll invite my sister-in-law and take Little Bao out tomorrow."

Her parents were finally satisfied.

"Buy them something expensive, something nice. Don't be stingy with the money."

"That's right. This is their first time visiting our home, so we can't be inhospitable."

As they were speaking, Mother Wen took a jade bracelet from her jewelry box. "Here," she said. "Find a good time to give this to your mother-in-law."

Wen Xiaoya quickly replied, "Mom, please, you keep it. I can take my mother-in-law shopping for one."

Mother Wen smiled. "Why would you buy one when I have one right here? I've never worn this bracelet myself. It was purchased at an auction, and the quality is excellent. I had originally intended to give it to you, but on second thought, it would be better to give it to your mother-in-law."

Wen Xiaoya shook her head. "No, Mom, really. You should keep it and wear it yourself."

Becoming insistent, her mother placed the jade bracelet securely in her daughter's hand. "I have plenty of jewelry, more than I can ever wear, so I won't miss this one piece. Besides, you're married now. I don't need so many things anymore. I don't ask for anything else, only that you and Lin Jie live a good life together and give us a grandson soon."

Wen Xiaoya looked a little embarrassed. "Well... actually, Mom, I really don't need the bracelet. I've already bought a set of pearl jewelry for my mother-in-law."

Her mother was surprised for a moment, then chuckled. "Oh, you already bought something? Why didn't you say so sooner? Quick, let me have a look. You silly girl, you don't know the first thing about pearls. You have to be careful not to get swindled by the salespeople. It's a tricky business."

Wen Xiaoya fetched the box. Judging by the logo, it was clearly expensive. Her mother took it and examined it carefully, nodding in praise. "Not bad, not bad at all. You have good taste. This set will suit your mother-in-law perfectly."

Her father didn't understand these feminine things, but even he could see that the pearls had a unique luster. In his view, a person might not recognize quality, but a price tag certainly did.

Satisfied, Mother Wen carefully put the pearl set aside. "Well, since that's the case, give this bracelet to your mother-in-law as a gift from me." She couldn't help but chide her gently. "Honestly, you should have just told me you already bought a gift. You made me go on and on for nothing."

Wen Xiaoya giggled. "I was just afraid you'd be upset if you knew."

This remark piqued her parents' curiosity. Her mother was especially intrigued. "Why would I be upset?" she asked, puzzled.

Wen Xiaoya smiled sweetly, trying to curry favor. "Because you'd be jealous, of course! Seeing me buy such a nice, expensive gift for my mother-in-law when you've never seen me be so dutiful to you."

Her mother understood, and she gently poked her daughter's forehead. "Oh, so you're aware of that, are you? But what kind of person do you take me for? Am I that petty? She's your mother-in-law, who's like a second mother to you. Since Lin Jie is such a good son to her, it's only natural that your love for him should extend to her as well."

Wen Xiaoya asked softly, "Mom, are you sure you're not angry?"

Her mother replied earnestly, "I'm really not angry. You think I'm far too petty!"

Her father chimed in, "Exactly. It would be normal for your mother to feel a little something, but she isn't an unreasonable person. What makes her happiest isn't a gift, it's seeing you and Lin Jie live well together and giving her a grandson soon."

Mother Wen nodded along in agreement. Wen Xiaoya linked her arm through her mother's. "Actually, Mom, I prepared a gift for you too. I've just been too busy lately to give it to you."

With that, she took a small box out of her pocket.

Her mother laughed. "I was just wondering what you had stuffed in your pocket! Hurry up and let me see what you got me."

Inside was a jade ring. Mother Wen gasped, covering her mouth. "This... is this the one I saw before?"

Wen Xiaoya was stunned. "Mom, how could you tell?"

Are you kidding me? As if she could be fooled! She'd been wearing jewelry for decades; how could she not recognize it?

The ring was quite expensive, which was why Mother Wen had been reluctant to buy it for herself. Parents are a strange breed. Before their children marry, they are often quite generous with their spending. But once their children are married, they start wanting to save up a little nest egg for them, just in case. They had been on their way out to dinner once when they passed a shop and decided to have a look. It was truly just a look; though she wanted the ring, she couldn't bring herself to buy it.

Her initial joy gave way to a frown. "This is too expensive. Does Lin Jie know about this?" She knew exactly how much money her own daughter had. This was a huge expense. If Lin Jie asked about it later, she...

Wen Xiaoya slipped the ring onto her mother's finger. "Oh, this? It was Lin Jie who told me to buy it for you!"

Mother Wen let out an "oh," feeling that all her affection for Lin Jie had been well placed.

After Xiaoya left, her mother admired the ring from every angle, absolutely delighted. Her father couldn't see what the big deal was; to him, it looked much the same as the others she had.

After admiring it to her heart's content, she put the ring away. Looking at all her jewelry, she sighed with emotion. When I die, all of this will go to Xiaoya.

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