Third Uncle of the Qin Family glanced at the people before him, gave a slight smile, and changed the topic, continuing to discuss the customs and future arrangements of the land of Huaxia with Zhou Luoan and Zhou Han.

Qin Lang looked at his son with puzzlement, not knowing what was on his mind. However, he did not want to provoke his grandfather’s temper either, so it seemed he forgot the conversation he had with Qin Yize earlier and continued to chat merrily with Zhou Luoan and Zhou Han.

Qin Lang’s little schemes were naturally not noticed by Qin Yize, but he turned his head to look at Qin Yishan, who was hanging around him, suppressing the unusual look in his eyes. He wondered whether his cousin’s inner thoughts matched his outer appearance. If they did, he might consider promoting him and take the opportunity to dismantle the united front of his second uncle’s family of four against him.

He had significant matters to attend to and didn’t want this family to drag him down.

The Qin Family Old Residence had been quiet for decades, and it seemed like it was lively for the first time, with bright lights and cheerful laughter. Despite the long journey, Qin Sisi’s family was in great spirits.

Qin Sisi’s leg was healed, and the family’s business issues were resolved. Due to Gu Qiaoqiao’s little uncle, they also received special attention from the Black Angels, making them stronger and their foundation more solid. This kind of solidity came from recognition, which they might never have achieved in their lifetime, no matter how hard they worked.

So this time, Zhou Luoan and Qin Sisi brought generous gifts for Gu Junbai, naturally tailoring them to his taste, such as a black pearl the size of an egg.

After dinner, those Qin Family members who weren’t staying there left, and Aunt Wang’s wife, Aunt Xing, brought her niece to tidy up the kitchen.

Old Grand Master Qin didn’t like too many people at the Qin Family’s Courtyard, so he wouldn’t hire outsiders. Those helping were all family members approved by him. For example, Aunt Xing’s niece was reliable and steady, which is why she was allowed to stay and help. After all, during this festive season, the Courtyard was busy, and he wouldn’t let even Qiaoqiao tire herself out.

So, at this moment, Gu Qiaoqiao was sitting on the sofa talking with Qin Sisi.

Just then, Zhou Luoan brought out the gift they had prepared for Gu Junbai, and only then did Gu Qiaoqiao learn that her little uncle was looking for such a large black pearl.

To be honest, a black pearl of this size was indeed hard to find. The old clam cultivating such a pearl must have lived for hundreds of years, right?

And Gu Qiaoqiao had never heard Gu Junbai mention this before.

Gu Qiaoqiao took the box, which was crafted with exquisite detail. It was made of white jade, with a pink-white velvet base holding the black pearl on top, creating a stark contrast. Under the light, the pearl shone with a black-gold luster, magnificent and dazzling.

Gu Qiaoqiao placed her hand on it, and in that instant, she knew it was truly natural. She also knew that Zhou Luoan wouldn’t give her little uncle anything fake, but she was just worried about someone deceiving Zhou Luoan.

But now Gu Qiaoqiao was reassured.

Yet, she was still very curious. Placing the box with the black pearl on the coffee table, Gu Qiaoqiao asked, "Uncle, how did you know my little uncle was looking for this?"

Even she didn’t know.

"Once, during a casual conversation, we heard him mention it. I kept it in mind, but I also knew such things were rare, entirely depending on luck."

"So, how did you find it?" Gu Qiaoqiao asked directly, without reservation. Since Zhou Luoan found it, there was naturally no need to hide the source of the item.

For Old Grand Master Qin, it was also the first time seeing such a large pearl, and he was as curious as Gu Qiaoqiao, "Luoan, how did you get it?"

In truth, he was a bit worried. If there was something wrong with its provenance, offending Gu Qiaoqiao’s little uncle would be counterproductive.

This is what they call concern for one’s family leading to unnecessary overthinking.

There was no need for it. Zhou Luoan, being shrewd, wouldn’t do something like digging his own grave.

"A while back, I went out to sea with friends for a trip. Given the good weather, we sailed quite far. A veteran sailor caught it in his net. It was the first time my friends and I on the yacht had seen such a large clam. Afterward, the seasoned sailor opened the clam and found such a large pearl inside..."

He naturally spent a fortune and owed a significant favor to acquire this item.

He wouldn’t emphasize that because, in his mind, some things were more important than money.

Old Grand Master Qin gave him a look but didn’t inquire further. It was the thought that counted. If one attributes a price to a gift, it loses its meaning. He chuckled, "That’s some good luck." Then he looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, "Is your little uncle still at the ranch?"

"A few days ago, my brother asked, and my great-grandfather still hopes the two of them can come back for the New Year. My little uncle said he’d think about it and hasn’t decided yet."

"There’s a week until the New Year. How about this..." Old Grand Master Qin looked at Zhou Luoan and Qin Sisi, "The Imperial Capital isn’t far from the ranch; you can rest tomorrow and the day after, let Qiaoqiao and Ah Ze take you there to visit, and also to give your gifts to Mr. Gu directly..."

Whether or not Gu Junbai returns to the Imperial Capital for the New Year, he is currently residing at the ranch, which is also considered his residence, so visiting is the most courteous thing to do.

Zhou Luoan was naturally more than happy to, looking at Gu Qiaoqiao, "Then it’s a bit of trouble for you, Qiaoqiao."

Gu Qiaoqiao initially wanted to decline but, on second thought, if her little uncle did indeed have a significant use for such a large black pearl, she didn’t want to delay it. Moreover, she was quite curious about why her uncle needed this item.

"Alright, I’d like to visit my little uncle too." Gu Qiaoqiao nodded in agreement.

Zhou Luoan and Qin Sisi exchanged a glance, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

It was getting late when Old Grand Master Qin waved his hand, dismissing everyone to their respective rooms to rest, leaving any other matters for tomorrow.

Qin Yize pulled Gu Qiaoqiao back to their room.

The outside temperature had been quite low these past few days, although inside it was as warm as spring.

Thanks to central heating and the Ground Fire Dragon providing heat, entering the room gave off a cozy and drowsy feeling.

The two squeezed into the bathroom, with Qin Yize helping Gu Qiaoqiao dry her hair. Once her hair was semi-dry, he used a blow dryer to finish the job. After turning off the dryer, the room fell into a warm, peaceful silence.

Leaning down, he gently kissed his little wife’s cheek. Qin Yize let out a long breath. Given the current dangerous period, he naturally couldn’t engage in any major activities. To hold his petite wife daily, to look but not touch, was truly a form of torture.