Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1290 - 658: Gift of Friendship (2)

Entering Nian Garden, Mr. Loo, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi took the gift offerings for Master Chu and Shen Qian to Xiao Shan Ju, while Lian Manman, accompanied by maids Xiao Xi and Xiao Qing, brought gifts for Shen Jin to the Lotus Pavilion.

Lian Manman’s selections for Shen Jin were not based on value but rather consisted of locally unique and interesting trinkets. Naturally, the gifts for Shen Qian were chosen in the same manner.

Shen Jin looked at the array of diverse trinkets laid out on the table, visibly surprised. She wondered if Lian Manman had brought all the items her brother collected back from his travels.

"...None of us have traveled far before. My brother went on this trip and almost brought back everything from the outside world for us," Lian Manman explained to Shen Jin with a smile. "Brother Xiao Jiu must have seen it that day, several large carts full of these things. I picked out my favorites and separated a small portion from mine to give to you."

This was to inform Shen Jin that these items were just a small part of what Wu Lang had brought back, and that Lian Manman had shared some of her own with her, rather than Wu Lang gifting them directly.

Shen Jin was naturally pleased with Lian Manman’s thoughtful gesture. Young girls are inevitably fond of new things, and in front of Lian Manman, Shen Jin didn’t feel constrained and began examining the items one by one.

"Your brother and Mr. Loo covered quite a few places this time," Shen Jin remarked.

"Yes," Lian Manman nodded.

"Do you have all of these?" Shen Jin asked again.

"I do, and even more. There are some bulky items I didn’t bring you; I’ll tell you about them later. If you like, I’ll arrange for someone to bring them over to you," Lian Manman said.

"Your brother is truly good to you," Shen Jin commented.

"Yes," Lian Manman nodded in agreement.

"You siblings share such a good bond," Shen Jin continued.

"Fifth Sister, you don’t need to envy me for this. Look at you and Sixth Master, and Brother Xiao Jiu; aren’t you just like us?" Lian Manman replied.

Shen Jin gave Lian Manman a knowing glance, withholding certain words. Her relationship with Shen Liu and Shen Qian was indeed good, but within the household, every action was constrained by etiquette. Watching Lian Manman’s interactions with Xiao Qi, Shen Jin secretly envied their sibling closeness.

"That’s true," Shen Jin nodded, turning back to examine the gifts Lian Manman brought her.

Lian Manman had selected a boxed set of Yuhua stones, two creatively shaped inkstones, boxed chicken blood stone seal blanks, Peachblossom Woodblock New Year Pictures, a feather fan, a set of Zisha teaware, several pieces of embroidery, a reed painting... lastly, there were several packages of local teas and a variety of dried fruit snacks.

As Shen Jin examined each item, Lian Manman explained each one and shared interesting stories from Wu Lang along with them. Eventually, Shen Jin couldn’t wait for her to finish explaining before asking questions eagerly.

After the two spent quite some time going over the items, Shen Jin was evidently in great spirits. She rewarded the maids in the room with the packs of snacks, instructed them to display some items around the room, and kept others away.

Of all the gifts, Shen Jin particularly favored the reed painting and the pieces of chicken blood stone.

For the reed painting, Shen Jin immediately ordered a maid to make a gauze cover for it, while she couldn’t stop fiddling with the chicken blood stones, discussing with Lian Manman about the type of seals she intended to create.

"Many thanks to you for sharing these wonderful gifts with me," Shen Jin said with a smile to Lian Manman.

"It’s nothing," Lian Manman chuckled, "I imagine Fifth Sister must have all these things too, but my gifts carry my heartfelt intentions."

"Did Mr. Loo and your brother come over as well?" Shen Jin inquired.

Earlier, as Mr. Loo and Wu Lang entered, Shen Jin must have been informed about it.

"Yes," Lian Manman nodded, "My brother is here to visit Brother Xiao Jiu and personally thank Master Chu. Mr. Loo and Master Chu are old acquaintances, and they had a pleasant conversation the other day, so he is visiting him this time. Mr. Loo and my brother asked me to convey their apologies to Fifth Sister for the disturbance."

At this, Lian Manman stood up and bowed towards Shen Jin.

As a young lady, Shen Jin needed to give her approval for Mr. Loo and Wu Lang to seek an audience with her.

"Mr. Loo is renowned for his talent, and this vast garden owes much to his contributions. Sixth Brother often praises your brother, and now our two families are not strangers... How about this, invite Mr. Loo and your brother over in a bit for a simple cup of tea..." Shen Jin hurriedly pulled Lian Manman to sit closer to her and paused for thought before speaking to her.

Shen Jin agreeing to meet Mr. Loo and Wu Lang was an exceptional act of kindness. There were reasons behind this; Mr. Loo was in trouble, and it was the Shen Family who pleaded for him and arranged for him to stay here. Mr. Loo contributed to the completion of the Consort Palace and Nian Garden, essentially working for the Shen Family. Moreover, Mr. Loo had earned the Emperor’s praise and would soon be entrusted with significant responsibilities.

As for Wu Lang, given the close relationship between Lian Manman’s family and the Shen Family, and with Lian Manman present, Shen Jin’s remark about them being like family was understandable.

Shen Jin, unlike a typical Shen Family girl, could represent the Shen Family’s stance by meeting Mr. Loo and Wu Lang.

Lian Manman naturally nodded, eager for these three individuals to meet.

Shen Jin was the future Empress, Mr. Loo was about to be employed by the Imperial Court, and Wu Lang was sure to embark on an official career.

A maid went to Xiao Shan Ju to pass the message, and soon enough, Shen Qian, Xiao Qi, and Master Chu accompanied Mr. Loo and Wu Lang in.

Mr. Loo and Wu Lang saluted Shen Jin, who slightly returned their greeting. Everyone took their designated seats while the maids served tea and snacks.

Shen Jin had once seen Mr. Loo from afar, but it was her first time meeting Wu Lang, whose reputation preceded him. Certainly, she couldn’t help but examine Lian Manman’s brother more closely.

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Here’s the first update, another will follow shortly. Requesting for pink recommendations. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)