I gently placed the Ru Kiln Celadon Bowl back on the Antique Display Shelf, picked up a silk handkerchief beside me, and carefully wiped my fingertips. Casually, I said, "Jiaojiao, you don't need to belittle yourself. Antique appreciation is indeed a discipline that requires gradual accumulation of experience. You are young; the more you observe and learn, the more you will gain."
Lin Jiaojiao's expression brightened slightly, but there was still a hint of unease in her eyes. She forced a smile and replied, "Thank you for your guidance, Aunt. I will work hard to learn."
I casually placed the handkerchief on the Antique Display Shelf and turned to Lin Jiaojiao with a meaningful smile. "Speaking of which, I recently acquired a new batch of antiques, including some rare pieces. If you're interested, you can come over one day to appreciate them together."
Upon hearing this, a flicker of barely perceptible excitement flashed in Lin Jiaojiao's eyes. She quickly nodded and responded, "Sure, thank you, Aunt. I will definitely find time to come over."
I secretly chuckled to myself while maintaining a composed demeanor as I continued to chat with Lin Jiaojiao for a few moments before letting her leave.
After Lin Jiaojiao departed, I sat alone in the living room, picked up my teacup, and took a light sip of fragrant tea.
"Madam, what are you thinking..." Aunt Wang entered with a plate of exquisite pastries. Seeing my contemplative expression, she couldn't help but ask.
I set down my teacup and sighed lightly. "I was just wondering whether Lin Jiaojiao truly doesn't understand antiques or if she's deliberately pretending to be clueless."
Aunt Wang hesitated for a moment before quietly saying, "Madam, in my opinion, this Young Mistress is most likely putting on an act in front of you. Just think about it; how could a girl from a small place genuinely understand these refined things? Those so-called professional terms she used before were probably just something she picked up recently and can't stand up to scrutiny."
I looked at Aunt Wang appreciatively; although she was just a servant, her insights were sharp and accurate.
"Your analysis makes perfect sense," I nodded and continued, "However, I want to see how long she can keep up this performance."
In the evening, Jiangcheng returned home from work. As soon as he walked into the living room, he saw me sitting on the sofa, engrossed in a book about antique appreciation.
"Mom, what are you reading?" Jiangcheng approached with a smile.
I looked up and, upon seeing Jiangcheng, my face broke into a loving smile. "A-Cheng, you're back? I'm reading a book on antique appreciation; I find it quite interesting."
Jiangcheng glanced at the book in my hands and casually remarked, "Why have you suddenly become interested in antiques lately?"
I smiled and explained, "Well, now that I'm getting older and have some free time, I thought I'd find something to do. Besides, antiques not only have aesthetic value but also contain rich historical and cultural significance. Learning more about them is beneficial for both the mind and body."
Jiangcheng nodded noncommittally and didn't linger on the topic. He sat down beside the sofa, his tone carrying a hint of fatigue. "Today was quite busy at the company; I feel a bit tired after a long day."
Noticing his weariness, I quickly set my book aside and asked with concern, "A-Cheng, no matter how busy work gets, you need to take care of your health. Don't overexert yourself. Have you had dinner? Should I ask Aunt Wang to prepare a late-night snack for you?"
"I've eaten already, Mom; you don't need to worry about me," Jiangcheng replied gently.
I looked at Jiangcheng's slightly fatigued expression and felt a pang of sympathy. I knew he had been working hard for the company over the years and rarely had time to rest.
"A-Cheng, I know you're filial and want to provide me with a good life. But you also need to understand that money is endless; your health is what truly matters. You should take more breaks amidst work and not push yourself too hard," I said earnestly, my eyes filled with love.
Upon hearing my words, Jiangcheng looked up, meeting my gaze with a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. After a moment of silence, he slowly replied, "Mom, I understand what you mean. I'll make sure to rest more."
Seeing this, I didn't say anything further; I simply patted his hand to encourage him to get some rest early.
Jiangcheng got up, preparing to return to his room. As he reached the door, he suddenly stopped, turned around to look at me, and hesitated to speak.
"What's wrong, A-Cheng? Is there something else?" I asked in confusion.
Jiangcheng hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up, "Mom, I heard Jiaojiao say that you have recently become interested in antiques and even invited her to appreciate them together?"
I nodded and smiled, "Yes, so what?"
Jiangcheng pressed his lips together and said with a somewhat complicated tone, "Mom, Jiaojiao... she doesn't really understand antiques. You..."
"Are you trying to say that I'm deliberately making things difficult for her?" I interrupted Jiangcheng's words and asked calmly.
Jiangcheng's expression changed slightly as he quickly denied, "No, that's not what I meant..."
I waved my hand, indicating that he didn't need to explain. I said lightly, "A-Cheng, I know what you're trying to say. But don't worry, I just want to have more common topics with Jiaojiao; there's nothing else behind it."
Jiangcheng looked at me, his eyes filled with complex emotions. He opened his mouth as if wanting to say something more but ultimately said nothing and turned to leave.
I watched Jiangcheng's departing figure with a meaningful smile on my lips.
This game is becoming more and more interesting.
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