869 Devoted

Anyone could tell that this was the highest grade of red coral.

Upon closer inspection, however, they realized that it had been carved into the shape of Old Madam Yao, holding a peach in her hand. It had been prepared specifically for her special day.

The carving was exquisitely detailed, and the overall effect was magnificent.

Most of the guests were in a daze as they stared at the coral in awe. There probably wouldn’t be any other gift more valuable than this one.

A red coral this big would fetch millions out in the market. A piece this brilliant could easily cost ten million yuan.

In addition to that, the carving would certainly hike up the price, too.

Practically everyone was making calculations in their heads, even as they gazed at it with a mix of wonder and envy.

Some of them were even struggling to rush forward and admire it more closely.

This was a bigger deal than they had initially thought!

If Miss Yao married President Yang, he wouldn’t have to worry about food or drink for the rest of her life.

Yao Yuan had stepped out to attend to some business just now, so he hadn’t caught Yang Ming’s arrival. He walked over now, having heard all the fuss.

As soon as he took in the scene, he immediately called for security.

This was a priceless red coral!

If a guest accidentally bumped into it, how would they compensate for the damages? No one else in the room could afford it!

Yao Yuan’s eyes burned passionately as he stared at the red coral. Ranran wasn’t too bad, after all. She had brought a boyfriend who not only made her look good, but also boosted their entire family’s reputation.

It wasn’t until the guards had surrounded the table that the other guests finally snapped out of their daze. They proceeded to express their awe verbally.

“It’s amazing, it truly is! The Yang family sure is generous.”

“My God, it’s actually a red coral! Do you know that they have rarely been seen in over a thousand years? What a grand gesture. I think these two families are bound to become in-laws in the future.”

“With the Yang family’s backing, it’s only a matter of time until the Yao family becomes a prominent name in City A.”

“I think they make a good match. This marriage seems auspicious.”

“This is my first time seeing a top-grade red coral. It really opened my eyes! I’m sure this can be sold for hundreds of millions in the market.”

“The Yao family is so lucky to have such a daughter. I heard that she is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She also participated in the recent Math Olympiad and almost got admitted to the Music Association. An impressive repertoire, don’t you think?”

“I see, I see. It seems that this Young Miss Yao really has both beauty and talent!”

When the reporters caught wind of what was happening inside, they crowded into the hall and took pictures of the Yao family with the red coral. They had even come up with a headline for their story:

“President Yang of Beijing Claims to be Very Fond of Young Lady Yao, Gifts the Yao Family A Top-Grade Red Coral For Old Madam Yao’s Birthday.”

For a long while, only the sound of shutters and camera clicks could be heard.

Qin Man beamed at the comments raining on them. She was already looking forward to the articles that would certainly be praising the Yao family.

After tomorrow, all the rich ladies in City A would have no choice but to treat her with the utmost regard.

Perhaps in the future, they would even turn to her for help.

Qin Man’s smile deepened at the thought. She had practically forgotten all about her rage over Yao Ran’s sudden disappearance, as well as the fact that she intended to punish the girl upon her return.

But as the crowd looked on, Old Madam Yao shook her head and told Yang Ming, “Young Master Yang, you should take this back. I cannot accept such an extravagant gift from an outsider.”

Today was her birthday banquet, and she didn’t want anyone to turn it into a circus.

More importantly, she refused to accept something so opulent from someone who wasn’t even related to her. She wasn’t so greedy that she would just grab the most luxurious item that was presented to her and throw her principles out the window.

A hush fell over the hall as the crowd processed her words.

This was a gift worth tens of millions—millions! How could anyone not want it?

If this had been given to them, they would have accepted it in the blink of an eye.

Yang Ming remained calm and smiled. “Grandma, please don’t treat me as an outsider. Ranran and I are serious about our relationship. Our Yang family will be one with yours sooner or later, so there’s no need to be overly courteous. Please accept my gift. I would feel so much better if you do.”

After saying that, he looked at Yao Ran affectionately. By all appearances, he seemed to be devoted to her.

“Look, look! You can see his determination. It seems that he really wants to marry Miss Yao Ran. Well, I suppose he wouldn’t have bothered with such an expensive gift if that wasn’t the case.”

Despite herself, Yao Ran felt rather touched when she heard this. She turned to Yang Ming and returned his loving look.

Indeed, they looked like a couple who had been in love for a long time.