Cannon Fodder in an Era Drama — I Survive with Acting-Chapter 82: Worth a Fortune

She wanted to use this opportunity to connect with them, securing a powerful backer and a fallback plan for herself.

This sort of thing wasn’t exactly uncommon in their circle.

Countless people wanted to curry favor with the Fei Family.

So, as far as social maneuvering went, Yang Yingzi’s actions seemed perfectly ordinary.

Besides, her attitude wasn’t so overly enthusiastic that it made things awkward.

Therefore, although Song Qingya was on her guard around her, she couldn’t say she particularly disliked her.

However...

After all, she was a family member, and her status was inherently special.

Of course, she had to be extra vigilant when it came to certain things.

This was especially true for gifts that looked expensive and could easily cause misunderstandings.

Other things would have been fine.

For example, local specialties or snacks were inexpensive and didn’t draw attention. Even if people gossiped, she could brush it off as a simple exchange of courtesy between old comrades, and no one would have much to say.

But this shawl was different. It was incredibly valuable, not some small gift she could just accept with a smile.

Even if she truly liked it, she couldn’t just accept it so readily.

Not unless she offered something of equal value in exchange.

That way, if anyone brought it up in the future, she could justifiably say, "I traded something of equal value for it."

And so, Song Qingya looked up at Yang Yingzi with a slight hesitation.

"Thank you for the gift. This shawl is truly beautiful, and I love it. But... it’s a bit too expensive. To be honest, I feel a little awkward accepting it."

"It would be best if you could tell me and Ajin how much you paid for it, or what kind of special coupons you used, so we can pay you back accordingly. Otherwise, I’m afraid people might gossip, and that could damage our friendship."

After saying her piece, Song Qingya paused, her gaze serious as she looked at the other woman.

"Oh, goodness, how could I let you pay? If you’re going to be so formal with me, it means you don’t see me as family!"

When Yang Yingzi heard this, the smile on her face didn’t falter in the slightest.

Instead, she waved her hand with a look of feigned distress.

"If we really have to keep score like this, then I’ll be upset. Qingya, honestly! We’re like sisters, so why are you being so polite?"

She gently took Song Qingya’s hand as she spoke.

"Just relax and accept it. Don’t overthink things."

She saw how politely Song Qingya spoke and thought it was likely just for show, a token refusal.

’Girls that sweet and gentle usually don’t have a mind of their own; they do everything according to their husbands’ wishes.’

But...

In the Fei Family, it was the other way around.

Song Qingya had brought up paying for it right from the start.

And Fei Jin, without a second thought, immediately nodded in agreement.

"That’s how it should be. Sister-in-law, we’re very grateful that you were so thoughtful as to bring a gift, but how can we accept something so valuable? If Qingya likes the shawl, we’ll keep it, but we will definitely pay you back."

"Oh, dear... How could that be?"

Yang Yingzi turned to Luo Fuman, saying with a hint of grievance, "Fuman, back me up here! Where in the world is there a rule that when you give someone a gift, they have to turn around and pay you for it?"

Hearing this, Luo Fuman could only give her a wry smile.

What could he say?

In fact, he had reminded Yang Yingzi about this earlier.

He told her that Fei Jin was a man of great principle.

He disliked superficialities and was a practical man; he would absolutely never accept a gift that was too extravagant or valuable.

Giving him some local products would be far more practical.

If a gift was too expensive, it would most likely be returned.

But Yang Yingzi refused to listen.

Instead, she complained that he didn’t understand social graces, insisting that only she could handle things properly and maintain the relationship.

She had even said that since Fei Jin didn’t like these things, she’d just give it to Song Qingya instead.

What young wife could possibly dislike beautiful, delicate things from the city?

Besides, women were soft-hearted and too timid to refuse. With a bit of flattery and persuasion, she was sure Song Qingya would accept it.

At the time, Luo Fuman had just pursed his lips.

He’d always thought his wife was too naive.

"Don’t think Qingya is a pushover just because she’s young and seems gentle," he had told his wife in a low voice.

"The way I see it, she’s even more stubborn than Fei Jin in some ways. I’m afraid we’re going to hit a wall this time."

At the time, Yang Yingzi had been completely dismissive.

With a faint smile and an indifferent wave of her hand, she had said, "How is that possible? Qingya is so young and isn’t the scheming type. She’s so polite, how could she be that difficult?"

But now, seeing this scene unfold with her own eyes, her confidence wavered somewhat.

She started to think her husband’s words might not have been entirely baseless, and she began to feel a little unsure of herself.

’This shawl was clearly a gift I brought for them, so how did it turn into such a hot potato?’

’How did this escalate to the point where they insist on paying for it?’

She forced a smile and carefully explained, "But I specially asked my cousin to bring this shawl back from the provincial capital. It’s a token of my sincerity! I didn’t even ask how much it cost, so I have no idea what it’s worth... Qingya, and Xiao Fei, you really don’t have to give me any money. There’s no need for such formalities between us, is there?"

Song Qingya, however, chimed in with a beaming smile, "Sister-in-law Yingzi, don’t say that. Look how beautiful you look wearing this shawl—you look just like a goddess who’s descended to earth!"

Yang Yingzi blushed a little and kept trying to refuse.

"I really don’t know how much it cost. I didn’t even pay for it myself, so how could I possibly take your money..."

As she spoke, she lowered her head in a fluster, not daring to meet Song Qingya’s gaze.

Just then, Song Qingya glanced at Fei Jin beside her, giving him a subtle look that urged him to move.

"Then have Ajin go inside and get ten yuan to settle up with Sister-in-law for the shawl. After all, someone made a special trip to the provincial capital to bring it back. We have to accept such a kind gesture, don’t we?"

"Oh, Qingya, what are you talking about? I really don’t want any money..."

Yang Yingzi quickly cut in, looking even more ill at ease.

Before long, Fei Jin emerged from the house with a small stack of cash.

Though his movements were a little slow, he didn’t go against Song Qingya’s wishes.

After taking the money, Song Qingya gave the other woman no chance to refuse again, pressing the bills directly into her palm.

"Sister-in-law, just take it and set your mind at ease. If you don’t accept this, then you’re really trying to make things difficult for me. I’m going to get angry!"

Song Qingya said this in a light and gentle tone.

Did those words sound particularly familiar?

Of course they did!

They were the very words Yang Yingzi herself had spoken just a few minutes earlier.

Only now, they were being "paid back" to her, word for word.

And used this way, they carried even more of a punch than when she had first said them.

No wonder Luo Fuman had repeatedly warned her not to underestimate the new young wife.

She appeared to have a docile temperament, spoke in a soft, quiet voice, and had a gentle, approachable air about her.