The gifts were halfway unwrapped, and there were still a few exquisite brocade boxes left on the table, as well as a very inconspicuous handbag.
Duan Yixuan’s eyes sparkled as she turned to look at Li Qiao, "Shall we open yours next?"
She had asked the butler earlier, and that ancient handbag was indeed Li Qiao’s congratulatory gift.
At first glance, it seemed particularly thoughtless!
So, she planned on using Li Qiao to pave the way for the grand finale.
At this moment, Li Qiao was slouched casually in the Taishi Chair, glancing indifferently at Duan Yixuan, "Up to you."
The tricks to get attention from children were not something she cared to indulge in.
Yet Duan Jingming wouldn’t have it, "Hey, Xuanxuan, that won’t do, you said yourself we’re opening the gifts from smallest to largest, and Qiaoqiao’s box is the biggest, so it should be opened last."
Duan Yixuan had already reached for the handbag but reluctantly withdrew her hand because of Duan Jingming’s words, "Grandpa, I was just joking."
"Alright, alright, go ahead and open it," Duan Jingming said, turning to look at his children. "Today you four have finally gotten together, nobody’s allowed to leave early. After opening the gifts, play cards with me, let’s have some fun together."
Duan Jingming’s spouse had passed away early, and usually, only the butler and maids kept him company in the house. Now that his children were here for his birthday, he naturally didn’t want them to leave too soon.
And Duan Yixuan, no longer delaying, sped up the unwrapping of the gifts.
Before long, the gifts were mostly unwrapped, and Duan Jingming, taking one of the antique vases and ancient calligraphy, handed it to the butler to put away.
It was obvious that he wasn’t very excited, constantly rubbing his fingertips, eager to play mahjong.
At this moment, only a square brocade box and the ordinary handbag were left on the table.
Duan Yixuan became increasingly smug, picked up the square brocade box, took a deep breath, and opened the secret latch.
She lifted the brocade box and presented it proudly to Duan Jingming, "Grandpa, look at this inkstone platform... Do you like it?"
Upon hearing her, Duan Jingming sipped his tea and casually glanced over, but suddenly he put down his cup and his eyes lit up, "Is this... Pangu Inkstone Platform?"
Duan Yixuan nodded in self-satisfaction, deliberately speaking loudly, "Yes, Grandpa. This is the Pine Crane Prolonging Life Pangu Inkstone. I specifically brought it back from Mount Pangu for you, and this inkstone platform was also exhibited at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Exchange before, and it’s been over ten years old."
At this moment, all the previous gifts seemed to have become mere backdrops.
Duan Jingming clutched the inkstone platform with delight; it was made from high-quality Green Spotted Stone, simple and elegant, with a calm color, and the craftsmanship was meticulous, obviously quite expensive.
Moreover, the Pangu Inkstone was already one of the three famous inkstones in China.
Duan Jingming scrutinized it over and over, his eyes so cheerful, they seemed to disappear, "Xuanxuan’s gift is truly thoughtful, I like it very much. This Pangu Inkstone Platform is indeed exceptional, the carved patterns are lifelike, good, really good."
The other family members in the hall also began whispering to each other, with the eldest aunt Duan Shuhua complimenting Duan Yuanhong beside her, "Xuanxuan is becoming more and more sensible, we sent so many gifts, and none can compare to her single inkstone platform."
Duan Yuanhong, basking in reflected glory, was very gratified, "This child, she didn’t even tell me. No wonder she ran off to Mount Pangu a while back, so she was seeking an inkstone platform for the old master."
The family capable of making the Pine Crane Prolonging Life Pangu Inkstone, I heard, is settled near Mount Pangu, showing her dedication.
At this time, faced with everyone’s praise, Duan Yixuan modestly bowed her head, and said cutely, "As long as Grandpa is happy, that’s all that matters."
During such a scene, Mr. and Mrs. Li watched calmly from the side, with the younger uncle Duan Yuanhui also drinking his tea, detached.
As for Li Jun and Li Yan, they occasionally refilled Li Qiao’s tea and passed her fruit, the whole family maintaining a very hands-off attitude.
As if the Pangu Inkstone Platform, one of the three famous inkstones, was nothing special.
Then, Duan Yuanhong glanced at Li Qiao, "It comes down to the last gift, right? It’s Qiaoqiao’s, isn’t it?"