Time flew by quickly, and the end of the month, when the Jiang siblings' birthdays were due, was fast approaching.
Jiang Xixi didn't put forward any special requirements for her birthday dress. Relying on her long - time impression of Xixi from their childhood interactions, Ning Anmiao designed a dress for her.
Jiang Xixi loved beauty and craved attention. She must be eager to stun everyone at her birthday banquet. However, while she wanted to be eye - catching, she couldn't wear something as exaggerated and luxurious as a wedding dress.
Ning Anmiao thought carefully and, inspired by the white swan, designed a short - length dress covered with snow - white feathers. The length reached just above the thighs, making it cute and playful.
The front of the dress was dotted with scattered diamonds, and the neckline was designed as a halter, which could well accentuate Xixi's neck and collarbone.
This design not only made it convenient for her to toast guests at the birthday banquet but also reflected her status as a proud little princess.
All in all, it was flawless.
After the dress was made, Ning Anmiao had someone send it to the Jiang family along with the birthday gift for Brother Jiang Zhou.
She believed they would be satisfied.
At the Jiang family's.
Jiang Xixi opened the bag that was delivered. The moment she saw the feathered dress, a glint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
The diamonds on the front sparkled brightly, refracting beautiful light under the room's lamps. It was obviously a very valuable custom - made dress.
She could already picture herself wearing it and the envious looks from all the guests.
She felt elated.
Just then, Jiang Zhou walked over. Looking at the dress in her hand, he said in a gentle and pleasant voice, "It's a very pretty dress. Which designer made it?"
With Jiang Zhou's compliment, Jiang Xixi's originally joyful mood suddenly sank to the bottom, and her face turned ugly.
"What's so pretty about it? Brother, are you having vision problems?"
Jiang Zhou raised his eyebrows. He had clearly seen the sparkle in Jiang Xixi's eyes just now. He casually asked, "Did Miaomiao design it?"
Jiang Xixi snorted disdainfully. "Brother, aren't you ashamed? She's already married, and you still call her so affectionately."
"You treat her as a younger sister, but she hasn't remembered you, her childhood friend, for all these years."
Jiang Zhou knew that his younger sister had always been at odds with Miaomiao and was too lazy to argue with her. "If you don't like it, return it and have someone design a new one. There's still a few days left."
Jiang Xixi didn't reply. She hugged the dress and went back to her room.
Jiang Zhou understood his sister well. He knew that she actually liked it but was just reluctant to admit it, so he didn't expose her.
"Young master, this is the birthday gift Miss Ning prepared for you." The nanny walked over, pointing at the handbag placed aside, with a respectful tone.
Hearing this, Jiang Zhou's eyes landed slightly on the bag, and his eyes gradually softened.
Miaomiao had always been delicate - minded, and her gifts were always unique.
He opened the box expectantly. When he saw what was inside, a glint of a smile flashed in his eyes.
---
After Jiang Xixi returned to her room, she looked at the dress laid flat on the bed intently. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it.
The dress felt soft. Although it was made with elaborate craftsmanship, the overall weight of the dress was very light, so it definitely wouldn't feel burdensome when worn.
However...
She also knew that this dress would be the trump card to drive Ning Anmiao out of the Ning family.
...
On the day of the birthday.
The Jiang family had always had a tradition. On the day of the Jiang siblings' birthdays, they would hold a charity auction, and all the proceeds would be donated to children in mountainous areas who needed to go to school.
Some of the auction items were created by the Jiang couple, and some were the collections contributed by the literati and scholars that Jiang Zhou knew. They were all very valuable for collection.
Of course, the most valuable item for collection was the calligraphy work of the old master of the Ning family.
It was well - known in every circle that the old master of the Ning family didn't like to be involved in worldly affairs. His authentic works were never spread outside or sold.
Only at the charity auctions of old friends would he be willing to take out one or two works for auction to help those children go to school.
As the saying goes, rarity makes a thing precious. Coupled with the reputation of the Ning family, every year there were many wealthy businessmen who would bid sky - high prices just to get one of his calligraphy works.
Ning Zhijing never bothered about the price and would never take a single cent.
This was exactly what everyone at the event was most looking forward to.
Especially when they heard that the old master of the Ning family had only sent one calligraphy work this year, all the rich people were eager to try and seemed determined to get it.
The auction hall was already bustling with noise even before it started.
"Hey, I said old man Ning, aren't you really coming?" At the venue, old man Jiang said with a smile, "Even if you don't give me face, you should give these two kids some face."
On the other end of the phone, old man Ning's voice was serious. "This kind of occasion is not suitable for me. It's too noisy."
"If you really want to celebrate, tell the two kids to come to my place after it's over. I'll host a banquet to celebrate and wait for everyone."
Hearing the refusal in his words, old man Jiang didn't force him. After all, Ning Zhijing had refused him more than once.
"Okay, then we'll make an appointment for a small gathering next time."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Zhijing hung up the phone.
The Jiang couple was well - known for inheriting Chinese traditional painting, and they had a profound foundation in traditional culture. They could be called the "Two Great Families of Calligraphy and Painting" together with the Ning family. Therefore, the two families had a deep friendship.
However, unfortunately, Jiang Zhou had never been interested in Chinese traditional painting since childhood and had chosen to go into business early. Although the Jiang family was helpless, they didn't strongly forbid it.
Even though he was in business, Jiang Zhou still engaged in commercial activities in the painting circle. In the final analysis, he hadn't completely deviated from the Jiang family.
As for Jiang Xixi, she had been doted on since childhood. She only learned a smattering of Chinese traditional painting. But since outsiders praised her highly, the Jiang family had no choice but to accept it with a smile.
In fact, they knew exactly how much their daughter was capable of.
But since she was their precious daughter, they had to spoil her.
---
Even through the phone, Ning Zhijing could hear the noise from there. He frowned impatiently. "This old man Jiang, at such an old age, insists on getting covered in the stench of money."
"Jiang Zhou is the same. As the only son of the Jiang family, instead of learning Chinese traditional painting, he insists on getting involved in the turbid business world. It's really a pity."
If it weren't for their long - time friendship, he really would have considered cutting off contact.
Bai Jiaying walked over with a teapot. Hearing his conversation with old man Jiang, she said gently, "Old man, don't be so rigid."
"That child, Jiang Zhou, has no interest in Chinese traditional painting. Even if he were to inherit the family business, it's not certain that he would produce any good works."
"Moreover, Jiang Zhou hasn't left the circle of Chinese traditional painting. He has been in touch with Chinese traditional painters of other styles over the years. Otherwise, how can this tradition be carried forward?"
Bai Jiaying was a gentle and elegant lady. Due to her dignified nature, her tone was very mild. "People of the older generation should have their own perseverance and also have a vision for development."