At this moment, Yishen was shopping.
Tang Xiaowan didn’t return to Jinyuan Academy but grabbed a quick bite at a fast food restaurant before heading straight to the first floor of the shopping center, Wanhua Counter.
She wanted to figure out what exactly was the deal with her set of ruby jewelry.
"Hello, welcome to Wanhua Jewelry."
"I would like to have this bracelet cleaned."
"Of course, please have a seat."
The clerk took the bracelet from Tang Xiaowan and carefully placed it on a tray, even specifically calling over the manager.
At the Wanhua Counter, rubies weren’t particularly rare, but seeing nine together in such a beautifully crafted form was a first for the clerk, who thought the visitor must be someone very wealthy or distinguished.
Ye Wanhua happened to pass by, glanced at Tang Xiaowan, and quickly walked to the counter. Official source ıs novelꜰire.net
At this point, Tang Xiaowan hadn’t recognized Ye Wanhua and didn’t recall that she was the beautiful auntie she had met while picking figs in the afternoon, nor did she know that she was the owner of Wanhua Jewelry.
So, she naively smiled and nodded her head.
"I’m in charge here. We met this afternoon, remember? At Jinlin Garden, the figs."
Upon this mention, Tang Xiaowan’s eyes widened and she touched her nose.
"Oh, it was you! I didn’t recognize you; wow, what a coincidence, and to think you work here, that’s great, haha."
Ye Wanhua nodded lightly and asked concernedly, "Is there something wrong with the bracelet?"
"No, no, nothing wrong at all, the quality is very good. I just wanted it cleaned since it’s gotten a bit dirty from wearing it for so long."
Ye Wanhua waved her hand to signal the manager to take it away for cleaning and then sat down beside Tang Xiaowan.
"Do you know Leng Lingxiao?"
"Um, yes, and you are his..."
"Don’t misunderstand; I don’t know Mr. Leng personally. It’s just that this bracelet... along with a ring, necklace, and earrings, were all custom-made at the headquarters of Wanhua with the name Leng Lingxiao. He provided a very detailed drawing and even asked to have initials engraved, so I remember it well."
At this point, Tang Xiaowan fell into deep thought.
The two initials T represented Tangtang, her pet name, something not even Li Zishen knew about.
It seems Leng Lingxiao wasn’t lying to me, everything he said was true, but why did Li Zishen give me the same set and even talked about marriage?
He must have been lying, I’m sure I didn’t agree, otherwise, I wouldn’t have thrown the jewelry into the pond.
This is so strange; what on earth is going on?
"What’s the matter? Did Mr. Leng only give you the bracelet... oh, sorry, perhaps I’m speaking out of turn, don’t mind me."
Ye Wanhua thought to herself, since all the jewelry had the letter T engraved, it was definitely meant for the same person. However, the girl’s reaction was one of surprise and confusion.
"Actually, no matter what the gift is, it’s the thought that counts, especially your bracelet; it’s designed very delicately. I just don’t know which designer it came from?"
"It’s part of a whole set which I keep at home."
"Oh, I see, that’s nice. You could wear the others too, the ring is also very beautiful, with such a large ruby."
"It is indeed beautiful, but I’m still at university, and wearing them all would be inappropriate."
"Yes, that’s true, you are right."
Ye Wanhua responded in this manner, yet her gaze unconsciously swept over her.
The girl wore a floral long dress, which, though lacking visible branding, was exceptionally crafted from its patterns and fabric, making it hard to find any fault at a glance.
Her black hair casually fell to her slender waist, giving her a very dignified and graceful appearance.
Her flat leather shoes were even more simple.
Ye Wanhua nodded with admiration, considering Tang Xiaowan to be rather modest, unlike other well-heeled ladies who flaunt their wealth.
"Where do you study, Jinda University?"
"Um, I’m in my third year."
"I thought you were a freshman; you look so young. Do you..."
Despite it being only their second meeting, both felt an inexplicable familiarity, as if they had known each other for a long time, and the conversation flowed easily.
Everything that should and shouldn’t have been discussed was covered.
Tang Xiaowan also took the opportunity to ask the question she was most curious about.
"Auntie, do you know if, this set of jewelry... have other stores of your company, or other customers, ever custom-ordered the same set, one that looks similar?"
"Yes, there was one other occurrence."
As soon as these words were spoken, Tang Xiaowan immediately stood up, her gaze intense.
"Who ordered it, what’s his name?"
Ye Wanhua shook her head and pulled Tang Xiaowan back to her seat, "Silly girl, that sort of information falls under client confidentiality and can’t be shared with you."
"Oh, right, right, of course."
"But rest assured, although Mr. Leng didn’t specify that we couldn’t make the same design, out of respect for our clients, we still sought his opinion beforehand."
"He agreed? He knew you were going to make one just like mine?"
Tang Xiaowan shook her head in disbelief, hardly believing her own ears.
Why, why did he agree?
Didn’t he say this set of jewelry was a collaborative creation between us, of such significant memorial value? Why would he allow someone else to make the same design?
"Auntie, that person who ordered the same design... how did he know about it? Did you show him the designs?"
"No, he had his own design which he faxed to our headquarters in Country Y."
"The same, identical design?"