Nina Sinclair went straight to Crestfall’s jade market.
There’s a chance Julian Lancaster’s relatives will attend his grandma’s birthday party, so she has to bring a decent gift, or she’ll likely be mocked.
When gifting something to the elderly, options are limited, and a Jade Bracelet is a safe bet.
After all, jade is beneficial for health and is also a prestigious gift.
Originally, Nina planned to message Julian, but considering his strained relationship with his grandpa, he might prevent her from attending the party. Yet she promised Grandma Lancaster she’d go, and backing out would surely disappoint her.
After some thought, Nina decided against calling him.
She resolved to bring the gift, make herself seen by Julian’s grandpa, and then leave.
Once inside the jade market, Nina was dazzled by the choices.
Even though she’s in jewelry design, her research in this area is not profound, she’s only dabbled in it.
Then Joel Thatcher’s call came through.
Nina quickly answered, "Joel, what’s up?"
"Aren’t you coming to the hospital today?" Joel asked tentatively.
"I’m busy these two days, so please take care of my mom for me temporarily. Once I get through this, I’ll properly thank you. Anyway, I’m in the jade market shopping, so I’ve got to go."
"Wait!" Joel asked, puzzled, "You’re shopping at the jade market? Hold on, I’m coming over now."
Before Nina could refuse, Joel had already hung up.
At that moment, Nina remembered Joel seems to have a fondness for jade, and it appears he has quite a collection of exquisite pieces. No wonder he rushed over upon hearing she’s at the jade market, surely worried she’d be scammed.
Soon Joel arrived, and the two met up, Joel asked, "Why did you suddenly decide to buy jade?"
"It’s... my husband’s grandma’s birthday, and I need to buy her a gift." Nina introduced Julian Lancaster with this term for the first time, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Seeing Nina’s slightly shy expression, Joel frowned, his eyes darkened. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on NovᴇlFir(e).nᴇt
Her look of delight doesn’t seem feigned; does she really like him that much?
Unhappy, yet still picking out a gift for another man — it’s downright torture!
Nina didn’t notice his unusual demeanor. After thinking for a while, she continued, "You arrived at just the right time, help me choose one, nothing too expensive, something reasonable. I don’t have much money."
Before Joel came, Nina checked her bank card balance. She doesn’t have much money left.
Aside from the money from selling the ring last time, most of her funds go towards her mother, leaving her little. Now that Julian Lancaster’s grandma’s birthday is a significant event, she decided to allocate some money for it.
Next, Joel took Nina around the market, discovering that either the jade items are overpriced or of poor quality, plain and simple, they’d be a rip-off.
Joel, feeling helpless, said, "I have a few Jade Bracelets, let me give you one."
Though knowing Nina is gifting it to another man’s family, Joel couldn’t bear to let her be swindled, so he offered one of his cherished pieces.
"Ah? Isn’t that a bit much? Aren’t your cherished jade items quite expensive?"
"With our relationship, I wouldn’t overcharge you, come on."