Chapter 24: Returning It

It was a spring night just starting to warm up. Gu Liuguang had just arrived in A City and was temporarily staying at her neighbor sister’s place.

The neighbor sister was a graduate student who was extremely busy every day. Gu Liuguang spent her days wandering around A City with her new friends, and only occasionally chatted with the sister in the evenings.

That sister was the one who watched the auction with her on an utterly ordinary evening.

It was a private auction, and only because the sister’s roommate came from a prominent family did Gu Liuguang and the sister get the chance to watch the live stream together.

That was where Gu Liuguang saw the blue sapphire.

At the time, she didn’t know much about luxury goods. The little trinkets from five- or ten-yuan boutique stores seemed no different from the luxuries her new friends gave her.

So when she saw that magnified blue sapphire, it hit her like a ton of bricks.

Her first reaction was to ask the graduate student sister, “How do you buy this gem?”

Later, she realized she had made a fool of herself in front of the graduate student.

Having grown up in the village where her parents and siblings never let her do any chores—and instead tried their best to get her whatever she wanted—her horizons were narrow, and so were her material desires. When she got a phone in town and learned more, she knew those things weren’t available there anyway, so she didn’t care.

Even after coming to A City, she never worried about making ends meet.

It wasn’t until she wanted something that she realized too late it was something she could never afford in her lifetime. She quickly dropped the subject.

Su Tian found out because the girl struck up a conversation with her, said some offensive things, and bragged that she could buy Gu Liuguang anything she wanted. Gu Liuguang mentioned the blue sapphire she’d buried in her mind just to embarrass Su Tian.

Of course, the other girl couldn’t actually give her an eight-million-yuan blue sapphire.

Gu Liuguang had looked up info on gems and knew they were playthings for the rich. Even though she couldn’t afford one, that didn’t stop her from loving them.

Maybe she had an imprinting thing with gems—like a baby bird. No matter how many she’d seen in short videos, the one she loved most was still that unforgettable blue sapphire.

A no-heat Kashmir blue sapphire from a long-depleted mine— the raw stone alone had fetched eight million at auction. She even remembered its color; it was far prettier than some treated, heated blue sapphires.

She never imagined that blue sapphire would one day appear before her.

At the entrance to an ordinary company, no less. She was even afraid it would get robbed.

The delivery girl, specially dispatched, kept chattering after Gu Liuguang signed for it, introducing their company—a brand specializing in jewelry, including authentication, processing, and crafting. Their certificates were nationally recognized.

They had their own dedicated logistics chain and could even specify couriers. The stack of brochures she gifted included the company website and a roster of delivery staff. She said her name was Zhu Di, and Miss Lin had specified her for the delivery.

Gu Liuguang dazedly accepted the necklace. Xiao Yao, all excited squeals, dragged her into a break room, pushed her onto the sofa, hung a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door, and finally let out a little shriek.

“Liuguang! What the heck is this? Who sent it? Is Miss Lin your girlfriend?”

“No, wait—you’re single. Is it some big-shot boss with deep pockets?”

“Swan Jewelry Company—super famous! They only serve the ultra-rich. You won’t even see their ads on Douyin; they think it’d cheapen their brand. At most, you catch rich people flexing them online.”

After several deep breaths, Xiao Yao poked Gu Liuguang’s arm. “Hurry and open it. I didn’t dare look closely earlier—afraid it’d get snatched.”

Then she remembered something. “Did you see? There was a luxury car behind her. That Zhu Di girl even had muscles… I remember their brand’s deliveries are always over-the-top. You don’t think it’s fake, right?”

By then, Gu Liuguang had taken the necklace out of the box.

It was gorgeous—clearly crafted by Swan Jewelry Company. The entire chain was diamond-set; even holding it made her palm sparkle.

Yet even amid those dazzling diamonds, the blue sapphire stole the show. It was surrounded by the priciest black opals, but they couldn’t overshadow its allure.

Gu Liuguang caressed the blue sapphire in fascination. This blue sapphire necklace was worth more than her life.

She was willing to bind herself to it for life and death, never to part.

Xiao Yao eyed it greedily. “Can I touch it?”

Gu Liuguang glanced at Xiao Yao, then the blue sapphire. Thinking of how Xiao Yao had always taken care of her, she nodded reluctantly. “Just a few touches.”

Both pairs of eyes fixed on the blue sapphire. Xiao Yao swallowed hard. Even alone with no risk of swapping or theft, she was nervous. Her fingers brushed it lightning-quick and pulled back, afraid to dirty it.

Only then did she ask, “Who sent it? Super expensive, right?”

Gu Liuguang handed Xiao Yao the stack of certificates from the big box. They covered the diamonds, opals, and blue sapphire authentication, plus the sapphire’s origin.

Xiao Yao’s eyes nearly popped out at the eight-million auction price. Then she saw Miss Lin had bought it from the auction winner for ten million, spent another million on Swan Jewelry’s processing and polishing, plus three million more for the diamonds and opals. She went numb.

She’d rather believe Gu Liuguang had met a scammer. “Who’d send you something this pricey? You sure it’s not a con?”

Gu Liuguang was already lost in the blue sapphire necklace. Without Xiao Yao prodding, she might not have even wondered who sent it.

At the question, after a moment’s thought, she pretty much knew.

Besides Lin Zhenshuang, who else would keep spending money on her?

Oh, and Lin Shixia, once they got together later.

She doubted Lin Shixia had fourteen million to her name anyway, let alone the thought to get her something this elaborate.

“I think I know.”

Gu Liuguang said it a bit glumly. She reached to unclasp the pearl necklace around her neck but fumbled for ages. Xiao Yao saw and offered to help.

Without the blue sapphire necklace, the pearl necklace was pretty nice.

But side by side, whether price or design or gems used, one was worlds above the other. Any normal person knew which to pick.

Once unclasped, Gu Liuguang put on the blue sapphire necklace. She checked it in a makeup mirror and asked Xiao Yao, “Does it look good?”

Xiao Yao, full of envy and worry, said, “It looks great, but aren’t you scared of losing it wearing it like that?”

Gu Liuguang was torn too. “But necklaces are meant to be worn, right? I’ll just wear it a bit.”

She had to admit, Gu Liuguang looked stunning in the blue sapphire. It made sense why beauties paired with gems elevated both—her beauty leveled up big time.

After staring a while, Xiao Yao felt drool coming on. She glanced at the ruby pearl necklace in her hand and asked, “What about this one?”

They’d talked about the ruby pearl necklace over lunch. Gu Liuguang had casually said Zhang Xibai sent it.

Zhang Xibai had seemed totally nonchalant, like gifting Gu Liuguang an expensive ruby pearl necklace was no big deal.

Hearing Xiao Yao mention it, Gu Liuguang looked at the ruby pearl necklace in her hand.

The ruby was pretty, with a faint pink tint, sparkling in her palm. The pearl-linked chain had great luster and suited the skin well.

But… her neck now held a fourteen-million blue sapphire diamond necklace. No comparison.

From gem size and rarity to matching materials, Gu Liuguang could barely look at the ruby anymore. Plus, it was from Zhang Xibai.

With that in mind, she took the pearl necklace and told Xiao Yao, “I’ll return it.”

Xiao Yao: “Huh?”

A received gift, returned like a breakup.

Moreover, Gu Liuguang had worn it for hours. Not only did they know Zhang Xibai sent it, but when Gu Liuguang wore it back to the company for styling, others did too.

She was already eye-catching with her looks. People wanting to chat picked topics she liked and, seeing her fondle the necklace, complimented it.

Naturally, they asked who sent it, and she said Zhang Xibai.

With several group streams that evening and a crowded makeup room, she was the center of attention. Word spread fast—half the company knew in minutes.

Not even thirty seconds later, plenty wanted to gift her stuff, but she wasn’t into it, and company rules banned artists from dating.

Xiao Yao: “You sure about returning it?”

If returned, she wasn’t sure who’d lose more face—Zhang Xibai or Gu Liuguang. Probably Zhang Xibai, since Gu Liuguang had zero intention of taking off her neck one. She might even wear it streaming.

Thinking that, Xiao Yao asked.

Gu Liuguang nodded solemnly and even explained earnestly, “It’s so expensive, nowhere safe to put it. I can only wear it.”

Then she asked Xiao Yao, “Should I buy a safe?”

Wearing it daily might wear it down; she’d heard jewelry needed care. Maybe ask Swan Jewelry later.

Xiao Yao opened her mouth, but before she could dissuade her, Gu Liuguang grabbed the pearl necklace and headed out—clearly to find Zhang Xibai, and that’s exactly what she said.

“Streams start soon, nowhere to put it. The box is still in Zhang Xibai’s office. I’ll return it to her now.”

Xiao Yao was nervous, scared Zhang Xibai would hold a grudge if embarrassed in front of her. She waffled for three seconds as Gu Liuguang headed for the elevator. Gossip excitement won; she jogged after.

“Liuguang, I’ll go with you. If Teacher Zhang wants to hit you, I can block.”

Gu Liuguang slowed, turned to Xiao Yao, and pressed the elevator button, puzzled. “Why would Zhang Xibai hit me? Probably not, right?”

Recalling Zhang Xibai’s profile, Gu Liuguang grew unsure. She didn’t know her well—better cut ties, no business dealings.

Xiao Yao walked beside her. Usually staring at Gu Liuguang’s face, now her eyes flicked to the blue sapphire. Totally normal choice, she thought.

Xiao Yao: “What if Teacher Zhang gets mad and hits someone?”

The company was busy; no one in the elevator. They reached the fourth floor smoothly. Zhang Xibai’s office was midway from the elevator—close enough for quick access, far enough from noise.

The floor was quiet. Xiao Yao sighed in relief, smiling. “Not many people. Return it privately; Teacher Zhang might not get mad.”

Gu Liuguang hadn’t thought returning a necklace was a big deal, but Xiao Yao kept citing bigshots retaliating after rejections. Zhang Xibai seemed normal, but so many examples later, Gu Liuguang got scared.

She even considered leaving it on the desk and bolting with Xiao Yao.

Before she decided, they reached the door. She could see a few people inside. Gu Liuguang was about to suggest waiting, but Xiao Yao knocked twice and pushed open. “Teacher Zhang, you free now?”

Zhang Xibai rarely showed expression, same now. Seeing the door open, impatience flashed, and she was about to tell Xiao Yao to wait outside—then spotted Gu Liuguang behind.

Her eyes hit Gu Liuguang first. Words halted a second; Zhang Xibai changed tack. “Come in.”

As soon as Gu Liuguang and Xiao Yao entered, Zhang Xibai spotted the blue sapphire necklace around Gu Liuguang’s neck on her second glance. Her eyes darkened. Having been exposed to all sorts of jewelry and accessories since childhood, she could tell at a glance that the blue sapphire necklace around Gu Liuguang’s neck was the real deal.

It was top-quality too, with diamonds over one carat embedded in it, not to mention the black opals that had skyrocketed in price lately.

As for the ruby pearl necklace she had given her earlier, who knew where Gu Liuguang had stashed it.

She could guess which one Gu Liuguang had chosen.

Her mind raced, and Zhang Xibai quickly linked it to the possible reason Gu Liuguang had come over.

There were other people in her office too—all new hires from the company with solid foundations. They were seeking other opportunities for development. She had reviewed their resumes and found them decent, so she wanted to sign them to a management agency that collaborated with her friends. They were currently discussing contract details.

For a moment, the entire office fell silent.

Xiao Yao spoke up first. “Teacher Zhang, if you’re busy right now, Liuguang and I can wait for you outside?”

Zhang Xibai took a deep breath. She figured the two of them hadn’t come to see her about the necklace. She didn’t think Gu Liuguang would return it to her either.

Even if the necklace she gave wasn’t as expensive as the one around Gu Liuguang’s neck, any normal person would accept both, right? Who would really take a necklace they’d just received—worn it for a few hours, letting the whole company know their dance teacher had gifted them a ruby pearl necklace—and then return it?

Surely… no one would do that?

Zhang Xibai kept her expression neutral as her gaze swept over Xiao Yao, Gu Liuguang, and the blue sapphire necklace around Gu Liuguang’s neck. She spoke in a calm tone. “The necklace looks great.”

“No need to wait outside. What do you need from me?”

She had overthought it. Xiao Yao and Gu Liuguang must have come for something related to dance.

Gu Liuguang hesitated for a moment and was about to simply pull the necklace out of her pocket when Xiao Yao cut in beside her. “How about we wait a bit longer for Teacher Zhang?”

Zhang Xibai let out a soft breath and leaned back in her boss chair. “It’s fine. Just say it. Don’t you have a live stream styling session later? It’s not too early to go off-air now.”

Xiao Yao: “Uh…”

She glanced at Gu Liuguang, who had her hands in her pockets. The blue sapphire diamond necklace around her neck made her look elegant, noble, and sweetly beautiful. As she fished something out, she walked right up to Zhang Xibai’s desk. Even the four newly signed artists standing nearby watched her movements with full curiosity.

Soon, Gu Liuguang pulled the ruby pearl necklace out of her pocket. She extended her hand toward Zhang Xibai, hesitated as she recalled Xiao Yao saying Zhang Xibai might hit her, then lowered her hand and placed the ruby pearl necklace on the desk instead.

“Teacher Zhang, I’ve thought it over, and I can’t accept such an expensive necklace. Zhang Ze said streamers can’t just accept gifts casually. Here, take it back.”

Silence.

The office fell into an eerily quiet stillness.

The small office held six people, yet not a single one spoke. All six pairs of eyes stared fixedly at the ruby pearl necklace, casually placed on the desk like it was a cheap plastic one.

What did she say?

Zhang Xibai thought she had misheard, but to her surprise, she voiced her inner thoughts aloud. “What did you say?”

Gu Liuguang thought she hadn’t heard clearly and repeated her words. “Teacher Zhang, I mean this necklace is too expensive. I can’t accept it. Here, take it back now.”

Zhang Xibai kept her expression calm, her tone no different from usual. She let out an “oh.” “I thought I’d misheard.”

Gu Liuguang looked a bit surprised but still spoke up. “Teacher Zhang, you didn’t mishear.”

The four newcomers were on the verge of collapse, feeling like they had stumbled into some melodramatic short drama scene. They felt dazed just like Zhang Xibai, glancing at her then at Gu Liuguang.

Xiao Yao was curling her toes in embarrassment, thinking Gu Liuguang wasn’t just pretty—she was bold too.