C14 Two Happy Events

Feeling weak and unwilling to face the crowd's curiosity or schadenfreude over her family's purchase of counterfeit goods, Lirong Ding, pale with anger, excused herself early. She was furious enough to wish she could take a piece out of Chiang Ci.

Meanwhile, Chiang Ci gracefully handled the guests' congratulations and well-wishes, exuding poise and a strong sense of upbringing. Peiyan Shaang's eyes darkened with intrigue; Chiang Ci and Xinxin Chiang seemed like they came from entirely different families. He glanced at a message on his phone, a spark of interest lighting up his gaze.

"Elder Ji asked Chiang Ci with a hint of curiosity, 'How did you know my gilded Pixiu incense burner was a replica?' His eyes were bright, as if he'd stumbled upon a rare treasure, making Chiang Ci a bit uneasy.

She subtly pinched the hem of her dress and took a small step back, resembling a cautious rabbit sensing danger in Peiyan Shaang's eyes.

'Elder Ji, it was just a lucky guess!' she replied, not wanting to engage with the old fox, knowing it would only lead to trouble. Her priority was securing her grandfather's guardianship; everything else could wait.

'Oh, just a guess...' Elder Ji replied knowingly. It was clear to everyone present that the young woman was trying to keep her talents under wraps.

Peiyan's eyebrows lifted with genuine admiration, unable to hide his appreciation. This young girl really knows how to spin a tale. The others around also showed approving glances, impressed by her composure at such a young age.

“What major are you studying, young lady? Why not join my class at our school?” Elder Ji, not wanting to miss out on such a promising student, tried to recruit her with the enthusiasm of someone coaxing a child.

Xinxin's fingers were turning red from clenching them. If Qiyuan found out that Elder Ji had taken an interest in Ci, he would definitely see her in a new light.

She stepped forward, blocking Elder Ji's view, and forced a smile to divert his attention. “Thank you for the compliment, Elder Ji! But my sister is studying art and has been accepted into the Art Department at Z University. Her field is quite different from yours.”

Elder Ji gently moved past Xinxin, not sparing her any dignity. “You don’t understand, art is a branch of the antique realm. How could it be so different?”

Xinxin could only awkwardly step aside, feeling the sting of the amused glances from others, while glaring at Ci, who was now the center of attention.

“Second Chiang, my lab has plenty of fascinating things. Even if you don’t study my field, you can come and have some fun guessing what they are!” Elder Ji continued his efforts to persuade the student he had his eye on.

There are so many good things here!

Chiang Ci touched the ring on her middle finger, a spark of insight flashing in her eyes. The Artifact Spirit needed to find the Spirit Soul, and the more she interacted with antiques, the better her chances of finding it. It was a viable path.

"Alright then! I'll definitely try my luck in your lab when I get the chance."

The little girl's sweet and innocent smile was so endearing that Elder Ji couldn't resist affectionately patting her head. Such a charming child was far more delightful than his male students.

The guests surrounding Elder Ji were all savvy folks from Z City, and someone quickly congratulated him on taking a new student. It was a double celebration for the Ji family today!