Antique Appraisal, I Really Don't Know the Ropes

Lin Yu couldn't help but marvel at her expertise after listening.

First impressions during an initial meeting often determine how one treats a person afterward.

The moment Song Chunxia opened her mouth, warmth and familiarity radiated from her.

While playfully disparaging her own husband, she also highlighted how Lin Yu had exceeded her expectations.

Is there really a generation gap between young people and middle-aged folks?

It all comes down to whether they can click in conversation!

Since Sister Chunxia was showering Lin Yu with praise, he naturally couldn’t afford to be impolite in return.

Just as he was about to say something,

Mao Ruirui beside him suddenly cut in—

Waving her hands frantically, she blurted out:

"No, no, no, Sister Chunxia, don’t get the wrong idea! It’s not what you think!"

"Xiao Yu and I are just good friends… We haven’t reached that stage yet…"

Sister Chunxia: "Oh? Ahahaha!"

Lin Yu: "???"

The words he had prepared were instantly choked back by Mao Ruirui’s outrageous remark.

What on earth had she misunderstood?

Where did that even come from?

Honestly, it would’ve been better if she hadn’t explained at all!

Wasn’t her "clarification" just confirming the misunderstanding?

Lin Yu awkwardly glanced at Sister Chunxia,

who merely pointed to her ear with a knowing "I get it" expression.

"Ruirui, your storytelling skills have leveled up again, huh?"

"Hahaha, no need to explain—I see everything crystal clear!"

Lin Yu forced a smile and nodded.

Thankfully, they were familiar with each other.

At least this didn’t spiral into an irredeemably embarrassing situation.

Mao Ruirui whispered to Lin Yu:

"What did Sister Chunxia mean? Is someone else coming later?"

Lin Yu quickly pressed her arm, signaling her to sit down.

Enough was enough.

If Mao Ruirui kept talking,

they might as well confess to kissing and groping next!

Good Luck, spotting the hostess’s arrival,

immediately wagged its tail and leaped onto Song Chunxia’s lap with its front paws.

Its playful bouncing seemed to beg for praise.

"Oh, my sweet baby! Come here, come here! You did so well today!"

"Your brother and sister told me you learned something new?"

"Let’s go out later—show Mama what you’ve got!"

Song Chunxia happily stroked Good Luck’s fur as she spoke.

Fortunately, Song Chunxia hadn’t come today specifically for Mao Ruirui.

If the two women wanted to meet up for a meal, they could do so anytime.

Today’s agenda was clearly aimed at Lin Yu.

"My baby learned something new" was just a pretext.

If she were truly that excited, wouldn’t she have rushed outside right away to see Good Luck’s performance?

Yet Song Chunxia remained comfortably seated at the table,

as if commanding the room, and said to the pair:

"We’ve waited long enough—dig in already!"

"No outsiders here today, so let’s all relax."

"I know how Ruirui is, but Lin Yu, don’t you dare act all formal with me."

"I’m a straightforward person—I hate pointless niceties at the dinner table."

Her tone was firm,

yet it carried an inexplicable warmth that put people at ease.

Someone this candid always knew how to break the ice quickly.

No wonder Sister Chunxia and Brother Biao were a match made in heaven!

Lin Yu found her words comforting too and picked up his chopsticks:

"Sister Chunxia, talking to you feels like home."

"Brother Biao’s always looked out for me—I’ve been meaning to properly thank him."

"When you two are free, Ruirui-jie and I would love to treat you to another meal."

"Let me toast you first!"

With that,

Lin Yu raised his teacup with both hands and stood to clink it with Song Chunxia’s.

Before her arrival, Lin Yu had reminded Mao Ruirui

to message ahead and ask if Sister Chunxia wanted alcohol.

If she did, Lin Yu would’ve gladly joined her.

Of course,

the reply came swift and clear:

"Who drinks at noon? Save it for next time—today’s just a simple meal with some tea!"

Facing Lin Yu’s tea-toast, Song Chunxia accepted it graciously.

Given their age difference, she had every right to receive this gesture.

As the meal progressed,

Song Chunxia finally broached the real topic:

"Lin Yu, Biaozi tells me you share his hobby—you’re into antiques too?"

Lin Yu wasn’t surprised she knew.

When agreeing to this meetup, he’d hoped to hear how Song Chunxia perceived him as a young man.

Seems Brother Biao had mentioned his interest in antiquities while introducing him.

Her directness—cutting straight to the point—

only deepened Lin Yu’s admiration for Sister Chunxia.

Meanwhile, Mao Ruirui sipped her tea, eyeing them suspiciously.

Her mind raced with questions…

Xiao Yu and the landlord both like to… play?

Sister Chunxia keeps emphasizing this.

Guess the landlord really enjoys playing!

But Xiao Yu?

He likes it too?

What kind of "play" is she talking about?

It can’t be…

some shady recreational activities, right?

Unbeknownst to Lin Yu,

Mao Ruirui’s imagination was already weaving dramatic scenarios.

He humbly replied:

"Sister Chunxia, Brother Biao’s the real expert."

"I’m nowhere near his level—just dabbling at best."

Song Chunxia brushed off his modesty.

She pulled a small box from her bag and placed it on the table:

"Lin Yu, I’ve got something here—help me check if it’s genuine?"

"A friend gave me this trinket, said it’s good for health."

"No idea if it’s real or fake. What if it’s some radioactive rock? Don’t want it poisoning me!"

With that,

she opened the box, revealing a dark green jade Buddha pendant.

Its craftsmanship didn’t resemble modern work—it had the aura of an antique.

Likely, the gifter hadn’t presented it as mere jade

but as a valuable relic to Song Chunxia.

Lin Yu tensed and hastily declined:

"Sister Chunxia, I’m flattered you’d ask…"

"But I’m clueless about authenticating treasures!"

Mao Ruirui: "???"

Appraising antiques?

Since when does Xiao Yu have that skill?

In the apartment, Shen Buyao’s the undisputed expert.

Did Xiao Yu…

learn a thing or two from Yaoyao?

"Hey, no blame if you’re wrong!"

"You folks who haunt the antique markets must know something."

"I just want your honest opinion!"

Song Chunxia waved dismissively, trying to ease his hesitation.

Lin Yu: "…"

Eased?

If anything, I’m even more hesitant now!

...

(Bad news again! Another trip to the shadow realm! Last time escaping the black hole was grueling—ugh… This time, judging by the flagged content, much of it affects earlier setups. I’ll do my best to edit and hopefully revive smoothly. During this "resurrection tournament," updates won’t stop—they’ll continue as usual. Praying this doesn’t get butchered beyond recognition. Onward!)