Keeping Up Appearances

Xiao Zhenshan chose Hanzhou Grand Hotel as the venue for the dinner. The Hanzhou Grand Hotel was an old, prestigious five-star establishment—its ambiance, service, and cuisine were all impeccable. Hosting a gathering here would certainly be a source of pride.

As they were leaving, Xiao Yao noticed his mother preparing to wear the icy jade bracelet he had given her. He said, “Mom, you’ve already worn that bracelet quite a few times. Now that you’re a senior bank executive, you can’t keep wearing the same piece of jewelry everywhere. Today’s gathering is with all your old friends—how about I give you an even finer piece to make an impression?”

“I’ve only worn this bracelet five or six times in total, how is that so many?” Bai Yuzhen responded. “A bracelet worth nearly two million isn’t classy enough? If I wear something even more expensive, I’m afraid my old friends will be envious.” Though her words were dismissive, her tone lacked conviction.

“Let them be envious. In the past, your friends never missed a chance to show off in front of you. Now you have your son to support you—don’t you want to see them filled with envy for once?” Women are fond of comparisons, and Xiao Yao had decided to let his mother show off properly this time.

He hadn’t rushed to present her with an even more valuable piece of jewelry, wanting her to have time to adjust. After all, even if he gave her a pile of top-tier jewelry, it would be pointless if she was too intimidated to wear them.

“Is that really appropriate? Won’t it be too much for them to handle?” Bai Yuzhen had often been on the receiving end of such situations before, but now the idea of being admired stirred a sense of anticipation within her.

“Just wait a moment. I’ve already prepared a bracelet for you—see if you like it.”

Xiao Yao turned and soon returned from the bedroom with a brocade box.

He handed the box to his mother. “Take a look—do you like this jadeite bracelet?”

“So you had one prepared for me all along. Well then, I must see if it’s any better than the one I’m wearing. If it is, I’ll swap it for today’s event.”

As she spoke, Bai Yuzhen opened the box. Inside lay a jadeite bangle that shimmered with a watery luster.

“How beautiful!” Bai Yuzhen’s face lit with delight. “The transparency is remarkable—is this high-icy or glass-type?”

“It’s glass-type, though it only has floating green, but the green is vivid enough and rather rare.” With Xiao Yao’s current standards, he didn’t think much of this bangle, but things had to proceed gradually—his family needed time to adapt to their new wealth.

Bai Yuzhen picked up the bangle, admiring it again and again, her fondness plain to see. “It’s so clear and lovely—the more I look at it, the more I like it. How much would something this fine cost?”

“The market price is about thirteen million. Wear this to the gathering today, and you’ll surely be the center of attention, collecting more than a few envious glances.” Xiao Yao continued his gentle persuasion.

“Isn’t it a bit too flamboyant to wear such an expensive bracelet? Won’t people say we’ve become nouveau riche?” The bracelet’s price was startling—Bai Yuzhen hesitated.

“This is already quite low-key. I actually prepared one worth over a hundred million for you, but since I know you prefer modesty, I decided not to bring it out and shock everyone.”

“You actually have a bracelet worth over a hundred million!” Bai Yuzhen was shocked. “That’s far too valuable! I wouldn’t dare wear it—you’d better keep that for yourself. If something that expensive got stolen or damaged, it would be heartbreaking.”

Compared to a bracelet worth over a hundred million, wearing one worth just over ten million suddenly seemed much less ostentatious.

“If there’s a more beautiful bracelet, why not wear it? I think this one suits you perfectly—it doesn’t make sense to suppress yourself for the sake of others’ opinions.” Xiao Zhenshan also encouraged her.

Bai Yuzhen was already quite taken with the bracelet. Since starting her career at the bank, she had become more confident. With both pillars of the family urging her, she no longer hesitated and happily slipped the bangle onto her wrist.

“Dad, I’ve also prepared a Patek Philippe watch for you, worth over thirteen million. Would you like to wear it as well?”

“If you’ve already prepared it, then I’ll wear it.” Xiao Zhenshan accepted without a second thought.

The Xiao family arrived at the hotel early. After making some arrangements, they went downstairs to the entrance to welcome their guests.

As Xiao Zhenshan’s closest friend, Xin Chengyou and his family were the first to arrive.

When he saw the Xin family enter, Xiao Zhenshan hurried forward to greet them—bypassing Xin Chengyou and his wife to warmly embrace Cindy. “Cindy, Uncle Xiao hasn’t seen you in over half a year. Can’t you stay longer this time?”

Cindy was tall and slender, her features refined—a true beauty. Though perhaps not quite on par with the likes of Sang Qingye or Cheng Mo, the difference was slight.

To his question, Cindy responded with poise, “Work has been especially busy at the company lately. At most, I can only stay home for three days. It’s been a while, but Uncle Xiao, Aunt Bai, you both look even younger than before.”

“We’re nearly fifty—hardly getting younger! But you, Cindy, you’re more beautiful every time I see you. I daresay even movie stars can’t compare,” Bai Yuzhen exclaimed affectionately, taking Cindy’s hand.

Yu Shan approached and said, “Yuzhen, don’t flatter her—she spends all her time at work, growing less feminine by the day. I worry she’ll never find a husband at this rate.”

“Our Cindy is both pretty and capable—she must have at least a battalion of suitors. How could she not find someone? The real problem is that with so many choices, she might not know whom to pick. Having such a wonderful daughter is a blessing—you should count yourself lucky,” Bai Yuzhen replied sincerely.

“If anyone’s blessed, it’s you.” Yu Shan glanced at Xiao Yao. “It’s barely been that long since we last met, but Xiao Yao is like a different person. His features are the same, but his aura has changed so much—he’s so much steadier and more mature, truly reassuring.”

Yu Shan was genuinely surprised. Had she met Xiao Yao elsewhere, she might not have recognized him.

Xin Chengyou and Cindy were equally astonished; they had never imagined Xiao Yao would change so dramatically, as if he were a completely new person.

“Uncle Xin, Aunt Yu, Cindy—it’s been a long time. We really should get together more often when time allows,” Xiao Yao said courteously.