Everything I Got from Online Shopping Was Legit

Chapter 194 : One Mustn’t Return Kindness with Hatred

Chapter 194: One Mustn’t Return Kindness with Hatred

Among the five people present, it was clear that everyone knew about the famous scene of Hua Qiang Buying Melons—especially the three: Jiang father and son, and Old Comrade Yuan.

At their age, how could they not have watched that TV series? Back then, Conquest was wildly popular across the country. Particularly among men— even if they hadn’t seen the full drama, they had definitely seen that scene.

“Shoo, shoo, don’t make trouble. If Xiao Lin dared to vouch for you, would he still need your help finding someone to appraise it?” Old Comrade Yuan waved his hand at his daughter and said.

Then he turned to Lin Mo and continued, “Xiao Lin, I do have some thoughts about this thing. Since you brought it over, your uncle definitely trusts it. I just don’t know—at what price are you planning to let it go?”

“Uncle, listen to what you’re saying. Since you need it, just take it. Why talk about money? It’s useless in my hands anyway. Besides, Sister Yuan has taken good care of me. When someone targeted me at work, she stood up for me. Even the place I live in now—she helped me with that.” Lin Mo spoke casually, with a generous air.

It wasn’t that he was truly so magnanimous. It was just that, given Old Comrade Yuan’s position, there was no way he would take advantage of a student who hadn’t even graduated yet—especially one who got along well with his daughter.

Sure enough, Old Comrade Yuan laughed twice at his words. Then, pointing at Lin Mo, he smiled and said, “You kid—how could your uncle take advantage of someone who hasn’t even graduated? The thing is, I don’t really know its actual value either.

How about this? If you agree, I’ll take it home, have someone look at it tomorrow and give an appraisal. I’ll keep the item and pay you according to the estimated price. How’s that sound?”

“Alright, I’ll go with Uncle Yuan’s suggestion,” Lin Mo nodded in agreement.

He had originally planned to find someone to help him sell it anyway. If it could be appraised, even better—since the item was genuine, an appraisal might fetch a higher price. Why not?

Though the one handling it had changed from Miss Yuan to Old Comrade Yuan, it didn’t make a difference to Lin Mo—if anything, the latter was more reliable.

Of course, Old Comrade Yuan could see through Lin Mo’s little intentions. Even so, he felt quite pleased. After all, the young man’s words were well chosen.

People tended to be especially tolerant toward the young—particularly those who hadn’t yet graduated. In Old Comrade Yuan’s eyes, for Lin Mo to handle himself this well at his age was already impressive. At the very least, despite knowing the difference in family background and Jiang Jianguo’s high position, he hadn’t shown any nervousness or restraint. That alone was rare.

After all, both Old Comrade Yuan and Jiang Jianguo were men of status—one a wealthy boss with many subordinates, the other a government leader. Ordinary people usually stiffened up in front of them.

But for Lin Mo, since he wasn’t after anything from them, there was no pressure. The only restraint he felt was from being in front of Miss Yuan’s elders—he simply had to watch his words.

Moreover, the online shopping platform had given him plenty of confidence. He believed his future was bright, so there was nothing to feel inferior about.

“Hahaha, I didn’t even pay a deposit and you’re letting me take it. Aren’t you afraid I’ll switch it with a fake?” Old Comrade Yuan laughed.

Lin Mo shook his head and replied with a smile, “Uncle Yuan, you have such a big business empire— even if this thing really is an antique, how much could it be worth? Hardly worth the trouble of someone like you pulling a switch. Besides, with my relationship with Sister Yuan, I have that much trust.”

Hearing that, Old Comrade Yuan laughed even harder. Flattery or not, it was pleasant to hear. No wonder his wife had such a good impression of this boy—after all, who could dislike a polite, good-looking, well-spoken young man who occasionally brought out some rare treasures?

“Alright, just for your trust, your uncle won’t let you suffer any loss. Don’t worry about that.” Old Comrade Yuan chuckled as he sipped his tea, clearly in a good mood.

Lin Mo smiled, refilled his cup, and said, “Then thank you, Uncle Yuan.”

For a moment, everyone around the tea table laughed cheerfully. Lin Mo had successfully handed over the item—though payment hadn’t yet come, it was only a matter of time. Old Comrade Yuan, having solved his gift problem, was naturally in high spirits. A win-win for everyone.

“Dad, who are you preparing this gift for? Can’t you just give money instead?” Miss Yuan suddenly asked.

At that, Old Comrade Yuan didn’t bother to hide anything from Lin Mo. He casually replied, “I’ve been eyeing a new project recently—several companies are competing. The person in charge happens to know your uncle, though not very well. He can at least make an introduction. But you can’t show up empty-handed, right?

I found out that the person’s wife is fond of calligraphy and painting, so I thought of working from that angle. Originally, I planned to bring a fine inkstone, but your uncle said that since she’s into that hobby, she probably has plenty already.

This, however, is perfect—an expendable item, not a common one either. Rare, classy, perfect for a gift.

You’re still young—you’ll learn in time. Gift-giving is an art. Handing over cash is the worst choice. What if the person’s position is sensitive? Good intentions might backfire!”

Jiang Jianguo laughed and joined in, “Yuanyuan, your dad’s right. You still have a lot to learn about this.

Sure, you can give money to get things done, but that only works for ordinary folks. When it comes to people of real status—if you hand over money directly, it might not only fail, it could make you enemies.

For example, this person’s wife—she loves calligraphy and painting, but she’s also a calligrapher and painter herself. Her works are sought after by wealthy collectors. Each painting costs at least a few million. Do you think such a person lacks money?”

Hearing that, Lin Mo couldn’t help but think of two words—but he didn’t dare say them. Miss Yuan, on the other hand, spoke up immediately:

“A few million? At least? A modern painter’s work—not even antiques—and it sounds this much like money laundering?”

Jiang Jianguo:

Lin Mo:

Jiang Feng:

Old Comrade Yuan patted his daughter’s shoulder and said, “Go play somewhere else. Your dad will just raise you for life.”

Miss Yuan: ???

Sometimes, playing dumb was also a kind of wisdom. Some people might seem smart, yet their actions proved otherwise.

Just then, Mrs. Jiang came out and said, “Xiao Lin, your teacher is calling you in!”

“Okay, coming!” Lin Mo stood up and said to those at the table, “Uncle, Uncle Jiang, Brother Jiang—I’ll go in first.”

They all nodded, and Jiang Feng even stood to thank him, “Thanks, brother. Please take good care of my grandpa.”

“No need for thanks, Brother Jiang. It’s what I should do.”

Then Lin Mo followed Mrs. Jiang into the resting room. As he entered, Professor Li had just pulled out the last acupuncture needle. Seeing Lin Mo, he said, “Get ready, let’s start the massage.”

“Yes, teacher!”

After washing his hands, Lin Mo began.

This time, his fingers were far more dexterous, and the effect of the massage was much improved. Lin Mo hadn’t expected such progress himself.

In less than ten minutes, Old Master Jiang fell asleep. Professor Li didn’t leave this time but stayed to assist—wiping sweat and such.

An hour later, Lin Mo walked out drenched in sweat, his shirt soaked through.

Indeed, massage was not a job just anyone could handle.

“Xiao Lin, that was hard work. Have some water and rest,” Mrs. Jiang said, handing him a cup.

Lin Mo nodded. “Thank you, Auntie.”

“What’s there to thank for? Look at how tired you are. I feel embarrassed letting you work like this. How about this—tell Auntie what you’d like, I’ll get you a gift.” Mrs. Jiang said earnestly.

It was true—last time, Lin Mo had helped for free, and this time was no different. Although Doctor Li had gained plenty from it, Lin Mo hadn’t taken anything. Seeing how exhausted he looked, Mrs. Jiang truly felt bad.

“No, no, this is how it should be. Sister Yuan often helps me out; Auntie, please don’t be polite. Really, there’s no need.” Lin Mo waved his hands quickly.

Though tiring, what mattered to him was maintaining good relations with Miss Yuan. For others, he might not have even bothered.

Inside the room, Old Master Jiang had already woken up and felt much lighter.

Everyone was delighted, and after Lin Mo and Professor Li rested for a bit, they said their goodbyes.

They got into a car, with Old Comrade Yuan instructing the driver to take them home.

“Thanks, brother. If you ever need help from your Brother Jiang, just say the word,” Jiang Feng said with a grin, raising his phone.

Just moments ago, they had exchanged WeChat contacts. Lin Mo’s contact list: Police +1.

“Alright, Brother Jiang. Auntie, goodbye—you all head back; we’ll go now!” Lin Mo waved and got into the car, which soon drove off.

Watching the car disappear, Mrs. Jiang turned to Old Comrade Yuan and said, “Hey, what do you think we should prepare for Xiao Lin as a gift? We can’t just let him work for nothing.”

Old Comrade Yuan sighed, “I’ve been worrying about that too. How about…”

Both turned their heads toward the back, where their daughter was playing with little Qianqian.

They saw Miss Yuan teasing the toddler. When the little one lost her balance and sat on the floor, Miss Yuan jumped over her in place.

Miss Yuan: “Woohoo~ takeoff!”

The little baby: “Waaah~~~”

Suddenly, the whole room erupted into chaos as everyone rushed to soothe the crying child. Yuan Meng’s Sister-in-law looked utterly helpless—she felt like she was taking care of two kids at once and was exhausted.

Yuan Meng’s Grandmother came over and smacked Miss Yuan’s backside twice. Jiang Feng, as the elder brother, held back his grandmother while pointing at his sister, utterly speechless.

A grown woman bullying a toddler—how could that be considered normal?

Old Comrade Yuan:

Mrs. Jiang: “Forget it. We can’t return kindness with hatred!”