Chapter 149: A Country Girl Can't Afford to Give Good Gifts

Bai Chuwei lifted her gaze to look at the restaurant, made a quick calculation with her fingers, and said in a positive tone, "Duan Xiuqi is in Private Room 209. Capture some juicy dirt and I'll pay you extra."

The Old Ancestor had no particular hobbies, save for taking pleasure in watching Duan Xiuqi run into misfortune. If this paparazzo managed to snap something scandalous, it would be immensely entertaining!

Amidst the man's astonished gaze, Bai Chuwei got into a car and sped away.

The man was left muttering to himself in confusion. Without leaving any contact information, how was he supposed to collect the extra money? The person was already gone, wasn't she?

The reserved private room was on the second floor. Bai Chuwei pushed the door open and walked in. Several people were already seated inside: Bai Hongmin and his wife, along with Bai Hongguang and his wife. Seated next to Bai Guofu were two handsome young men.

The eldest cousin, Bai Ze, had a bronze complexion, a robust and athletic build, and a bright, sunny smile.

The second cousin, Bai 商 (Shang), had skin fairer than most girls, a slender figure, and uptight phoenix eyes that gave him a shrewd look. He also sported a small mustache, making him resemble a merchant from the Republican era.

"This must be Chuwei, right? Come sit down!" Bai Guofu's eldest son, Bai Hongmin, greeted with a smile.

Bai Hongmin's wife, Yang Shuhui, sized Bai Chuwei up with satisfaction. The couple had always wanted a daughter, but unfortunately, they had given birth to two boys in a row. Bai Chuwei quite suited their fancy, though it was a pity the old master had registered Bai Chuwei under Bai Hongguang and his wife's names.

Since this was their first meeting, as her elder uncle and aunt, they naturally had to prepare gifts.

Bai Hongmin presented Bai Chuwei with a watch, while Yang Shuhui picked out the latest seasonal maxi dress for her.

Eldest cousin Bai Ze scratched his head, looking a bit sheepish as he gazed at the beautiful Bai Chuwei. "I've been up in the mountains practicing martial arts all this time and have no idea what girls like. I heard you're a high school senior just like Yinyin, so your eldest cousin has prepared a set of exam papers for you."

Bai Chuwei watched as he pulled out a towering stack of Huanggang Intensive Practice Papers, Golden Exam Papers, and Tianli 38 Sets—they were piled as high as the table!

The smile on Bai Chuwei's face vanished at a speed visible to the naked eye: "..."

The Old Ancestor did not like studying!

She wanted to beat Bai Ze to death!

Bai Shang burst into hearty laughter, shaking his little mustache so hard it quivered. "Big Brother, who on earth gives exam papers as a gift? You're going to anger someone to death!"

Bai Shang smugly produced a small box and pushed it toward Bai Chuwei. "I'm giving this celadon-jade porcelain bottle to you. It's a genuine antique from a thousand years ago; I spent a hefty sum to acquire it."

As a businessman, Bai Shang's greatest passion was making money, and his hobby was collecting antiques.

Bai Chuwei picked up the celadon-jade bottle. It was only the size of a palm, pure white jade brushed with a hint of celadon, and looked exceptionally refined.

The corners of Bai Chuwei's mouth twitched. Her second cousin had bought a counterfeit imitation...

Bai Chuwei did not expose him, as she didn't want to cause Bai Shang to lose face in front of everyone.

The attitude of the eldest branch left Bai Guofu quite satisfied. He shot a piercing look at Bai Hongguang and Liu Man.

Bai Hongguang flushed with agitation and kicked Liu Man under the table. It seemed they hadn't prepared any gifts for Bai Chuwei, their adopted daughter...

Just as the couple was wondering whether they should hand over a red envelope of cash to salvage their pride, Bai Chuwei opened her school bag and said with a beaming smile, "Thank you, Uncle, Aunt, and my two cousins. I've also prepared welcome gifts for you all."

Bai Chuwei pulled out two small bottles and pushed them toward Bai Hongmin and Yang Shuhui respectively, then took out a small booklet and handed it to Bai Ze. For Bai Shang, she produced a scroll.

None of them looked like particularly precious items. After all, being a girl from the countryside, she naturally couldn't afford to give anything nice.

Yet, the faces of Bai Hongguang and Liu Man turned a mottled shade of pale and green.

What was the meaning of this?

She had prepared a gift for everyone in the eldest branch, but omitted them? They were her nominal adoptive parents!

Liu Man wished she could slap Bai Chuwei across the face. Was she intentionally humiliating them?