C9 Blood Jade

In the driver's seat, another person appeared so seamlessly that even amidst the bustling street, no one noticed them. Chi Rongyan, with her limited skills, was oblivious to the fact that she was being followed.

Seeing no one around, she discreetly stashed everything she had into her space, leaving only a banknote worth ten thousand dollars. Leisurely, she made her way toward the most bustling part of the city, thinking it would be the perfect place to find a gift for the matriarch.

Mo Yi, trailing Chi Rongyan, nearly lost his balance on the rooftop. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief, unable to fathom how her belongings vanished in an instant. But as Chi Rongyan disappeared into the crowd, Mo Yi quickly regained his composure and continued to follow her toward the city center.

...

Chi Rongyan eventually chose a lavish-looking two-story building. Though it had a sign, it bore no inscription. As she entered, she was immediately greeted by a staff member. Just as she was about to inquire about gifts suitable for an elder, she spotted a familiar figure ahead. Her dear sister, Chi Meng'er, was in the store, surrounded by admirers, selecting items.

It's a small world.

Chi Rongyan didn't want to waste time with Chi Meng'er here, so she decided to quickly choose her items, pay, and leave. However, one of the girls with Chi Meng'er spotted her and loudly asked Chi Meng'er, "Meng'er, isn't that your sister from the countryside? I heard she stole from you and even jumped into a lake. How is she out and about so soon?"

Chi Meng'er had lost face at home today and had upset the matriarch, so she planned to buy some gifts to make amends. Hearing Chi Rongyan's name made her pause, but she quickly formed a plan. She had suffered a setback at Chi Rongyan's hands today, and she was determined to get back at her. Usually, Chi Rongyan was awkward and tongue-tied, and today she must have been so scared that she accidentally blurted out the truth. Now that they were outside, Chi Rongyan wouldn't dare say much in front of her!

With this in mind, Chi Meng'er gave the girl beside her a reproachful look. "An'an, don't say that. She's still my sister. After all those years in the countryside, it's normal for her to pick up some bad habits." Her words were generous and forgiving, and anyone unaware of the situation might actually believe her.

Feeling the judgmental stares from those around her, Chi Rongyan smirked inwardly but didn't spare Chi Meng'er a glance. Instead, she picked up a pair of blood jade earrings and turned to the clerk.

"How much is this?"

The shopkeeper had just overheard Chi Meng'er mention that Chi Rongyan had a habit of petty theft. He was initially hesitant about whether to kick Chi Rongyan out, but seeing her calm demeanor, he started to doubt the accusation. It seemed like just another family squabble, nothing to do with him. As long as Chi Rongyan didn't steal anything from his store, he could pretend he hadn't heard a thing.

Smiling, he replied, "Miss, this blood jade is quite rare, so it's a bit pricey. It costs about a thousand dollars."

"A thousand dollars?"

With a ten-thousand-dollar bill... it might be hard to get change.

Chi Rongyan thought for a moment, then glanced around at other items. Her gaze finally settled on a lotus hairpin. The lotus was elegant and sophisticated, fitting for an elder lady.

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