Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife

Chapter 1351: Chapter 1352: The Art of Gift Giving

Old Master Cheng of the Cheng family is about to celebrate his birthday. Previously, thanks to Ning Ge’s intervention, the Cheng family has established some connections with the Ning Family. Occasionally, the old masters of the two families would give each other a call to offer greetings and reminisce about the old times.

With the recent matter with the Loo Family being resolved, there have been collaborations between the two families, resulting in more frequent interactions compared to before. Therefore, for Old Master Cheng’s birthday, naturally, an invitation was sent to the Ning Family.

But due to political considerations and such from both sides, a full family invitation was avoided to prevent drawing too much attention and unwarranted speculation. Only Old Master Ning and Ning Ge were invited over for a meal, providing an opportunity for everyone to meet up. Of course, if Ning Gang and the others were free to come, the Cheng family would warmly welcome them as well.

Old Master Ning had already retired and was resting at home. In his leisure time, he would visit some mountain resorts and such for cooling off and health maintenance, keeping his body in good condition. Now, hearing the invitation from the Cheng family sparked his interest, and he expressed a desire to visit, especially since during winter, the Capital is too cold, while Guangcheng is a place where it scarcely snows, making it an appealing destination for a short trip.

Since he wanted to go, the family naturally wouldn’t hinder his steps, especially when he was in good health and willing to travel.

"... Then let Xiao Si accompany the old master to the banquet. Don’t embarrass us." After the arrangements were made, Ning Gang looked at his younger brother, who was lounging on the sofa, with a stern face: "It’s one thing to not sit properly at home, but if you behave like this at someone else’s house, I’ll send you to the military for ten days or so of training. Look at yourself!"

Ning Ge sprang up and said, "Brother, they say home is the place where one can be most relaxed; can’t I just sit comfortably?" Seeing the look his elder brother gave him, he quickly surrendered: "Alright, alright, I’ll sit properly!"

Old Master Ning beamed and said, "Alright, being comfortable at home is fine." Seeing his younger son being smug, he added, "But outside, you can’t behave like this. Everything you say and do reflects our family’s upbringing."

"I’m not stupid. How could I act like that outside!" Ning Ge muttered.

Eldest Sister-in-law Ning smiled and asked, "Dad, about the gift for Old Master Cheng, what do you think we should send? I can start preparing!"

Old Master Ning looked at Ning Gang: "What do you think?"

Ning Gang, on the other hand, asked Ning Ge, "What do you think we should give?"

Ning Ge, realizing he was being tested again, thought for a moment and said, "It depends on whether Old Master Cheng wants closer relations in the future or not. If the families are to get closer, then something simple would do; I heard Old Master Cheng is fond of tea. If it’s just a social obligation, then something like a jade longevity figurine would suffice!"

Old Master Ning was very pleased upon hearing this. This son was indeed not foolish. He exchanged a look with Ning Gang and nodded discreetly.

When it comes to interacting with others, there are always tactics involved, especially when it comes to gift-giving. In ancient times, gifting was a serious matter, and the closeness or distance of the relationship can be gauged from the gift itself, indicating whether they want a deeper connection or not.

This is an age-old tradition handed down from our ancestors, applicable even today.

Of course, with corrupt officials and the like, the more extravagant the gift, the better.

"Then, Xiu Xian, prepare a set of fine purple sand pots and a cake of good tea!" Old Master Ning instructed.

"Alright."

Ning Gang and Ning Ge exchanged a glance. Just from that one sentence, they understood Old Master Ning’s intentions; it was clear that he intended to maintain a long-term relationship with the Cheng family.

Old Master Ning then stood up and said, "Let’s discuss it in the study!"