My mom was a bit surprised when Shannon and I returned home so early. "Didn't you have a banquet to attend? You both dressed up so nicely, why are you back so soon?" I sat down next to her and smiled, "We already attended it. I told you earlier that we just went to have a meal of risotto. How about that? I'm so obedient, coming back early is a good thing, right?" My mom gave me a disapproving look and said, "I was worried that you would keep Shannon waiting." Shannon quickly responded, "No, those banquets are quite boring. It's better to come back early." Upon hearing this, my mom smiled and changed the subject, "Did you two eat enough? Your uncle and I never eat well at those wedding banquets." "Oh, by the way, I made white fungus soup tonight. Do you want some? I'll go serve it." Shannon quickly declined, and I didn't feel hungry either. We had eaten quite a lot, especially considering that today's wrap-up banquet was hosted by Flash and Tianyu, two major companies. The quality was good. I held onto my mom, who was about to get up, and glanced at my dad, who was engrossed in reading the newspaper. I whispered in my mom's ear, "Mom, did Shannon and I come back too early and disturb your alone time with dad?" "Oh, so many roses. Did dad buy them for you? After traveling around, dad has learned to be romantic. Not bad." My mom's face blushed slightly, and she pinched my hand on my back in embarrassment. I didn't notice it at first, but suddenly it hurt and I cried out. Shannon and my dad were startled. My dad put down the newspaper and hurried over, anxiously asking, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Should we go to the hospital?" Really, did my mom have to be so harsh? I'm pregnant! My mom pushed my dad away with a stern face and said, "Go away, go away. Your daughter is delicate like a porcelain doll. She's not that precious. There's nothing wrong, nothing at all." My dad was still worried, "But why did she cry out? Lili is now responsible for three people. It's important to be cautious." "Um... cough, dad, I'm fine. It's just... my leg twitched for a moment, but now it's fine." My dad looked at me with concern for a while before saying, "Alright, but if you feel uncomfortable anywhere, you must speak up, understand?" "I understand, Dad. Don't worry." To be honest, ever since I came home with my dad, he has been more nervous about me than my mom. It annoyed my mom, and she scolded him for being overly anxious. "Alright, you guys talk. I'm going back to my room to read."Once my dad walked away with his hands behind his back, I looked at my mom with a bitter face and complained, "Mom, why did you suddenly pinch me so hard? It hurt, you know. Pregnant women need care!" My mom raised her finger and tapped my forehead. "Who told you to make jokes about me and your dad? If your dad knew, you would see him scold you." "Oh come on, I was just joking. And I didn't say anything inappropriate. Geez." "You say that! Look at Shannon, how mature and successful she is. With so many advantages, you haven't learned anything." My mom glared at me. Shannon was there, enjoying the show. I could see her trying to hold back her laughter. That woman, she can be proud all she wants. My parents were fooled by her act of being a good girl! Seeing my mom's threatening posture as if she would punish me if I dared to talk back, I quickly waved my hand and compromised, "Alright, alright, I won't say anything anymore. So, where did these roses come from? Did you buy them on sale today?" "It's all your nonsense. I almost forgot. Wait here." Saying that, my mom got up and went back to the bedroom. After a few minutes, she returned to the living room with a box in her hands. "What's this?" I took the box from her, curious. "Today, not long after you left, a young man named Calvin Merchant came. He brought this and these flowers. Your dad and I wanted to invite him to have risotto, but he didn't stay and left in a hurry." "I guess it's from Xiaohan. Isn't he his assistant? As for what it is, I don't know. You can see for yourself." "Alright, you go play with Shannon. I'm going back to my room. The white fungus soup is in the kitchen. If you want to drink it, make it yourself. Go to bed early."Holding the box, I started to understand. It seemed that my parents had told Calvin Merchant about me attending the banquet, so it wasn't surprising that Dominic Hartnell knew. But it was still a bit strange that Dominic Hartnell knew where I went and didn't even call me. How could he be so composed? Is he still waiting for me to confess and be lenient? Hmph, cunning and sly! "Liliana Zanetti, what are you staring at? Open it and take a look," Shannon's words brought me back from my daydreaming, and I responded with a nod, opening the box. Inside was a complete set of jewelry, from necklaces, bracelets, earrings, to rings, everything was there. Even if I don't know much about jewelry, I can tell that this set is all made of red diamonds, with a silver-white base, probably white gold. If it were silver, it wouldn't match.Among these jewelry, my favorite is the pair of earrings, they look round and smooth, a bit like red beans, very beautiful. This is the first time I've seen a ruby so polished. Oh, I suddenly remembered the ring that Dominic Hartnell threw away, what a pity. At this moment, Shannon exclaimed, "Wow, that's extravagant! Well, he's willing to give you such nice things, there must be something good about him." I retorted, "Oh please, even if he didn't give me these, he still has many good qualities." "Yes, yes, your Dominic Hartnell is like a precious stone in a dung heap to you, very rare." "Shannon!" I really feel exhausted, why did I have to encounter this mismatch between a best friend and a lover. Shannon covered her mouth and mumbled, "Okay, I won't say anything anymore. Hey, you can enjoy yourself, I'm going to take a shower." "The pajamas are in the closet, help yourself." "Got it." After Shannon left, I played with the two earrings in my hand, which looked like red beans, and I became a little absent-minded. Red beans grow in the southern region. How many branches will bloom in spring? I hope you can pick more; it is my deepest desire! I am unsure if Dominic Hartnell intended this, as it does not seem to align with his usual style. Perhaps it is merely a coincidence. I am truly fond of this pair of earrings. After contemplating for a while, I made the decision to wear them. I gazed at myself in the mirror, holding my phone, and I must say, I looked quite good! Oh, all of a sudden, I am missing Dominic Hartnell a little. I feel the urge to call him...Just as this thought crossed my mind, my phone unexpectedly rang. Is this some form of telepathy? But didn't James Dalton mention that he is occupied?