Not A Small-Town Girl

----

Moist Inkstone, also known as

Tail-End In ne, was known for its

hard and fir texture, fast ink S

absorptign, protection of brush tips,

and rea tance to ink drying. Among

thengsthose with Ripple and +*

Eyebrow patterns were considered

best.

----

The inkstone that Cheryl gave was a Moist Inkstone with a

“Ripple” pattern.

----

“Miss Locke, you’ve been very thoughtful," Giancarlo said

with a smile.

“As long as you like it, I’m happy. It’s just a small gesture of

our appreciation as juniors," Cheryl said with both humility

and respect.

“Mr. Locke, your granddaughter is quite impressive."

Giancarlo smiled as he glanced at Tim, thinking that

Cheryl’s gift had indeed touched his heart.

“Tim smiled and glanced at Danielle. "Yes, Cheryl has

always been a filial child," he said, unable to resist praising

his granddaughter for standing out at the banquet.

"Grandpa," Cheryl said shyly.

Just then, Emma suddenly said, "| wonder what gift Miss

Darling has prepared for Mr. Barnes?”

----

All eyes turned to Danielle.

Danielle glanced at Emma calmly. She had spared her at

school before, but now Emma dared to show off in front of

her again and again.

Seeing that Danielle hadn’t moved, everyone began to

whisper at each other.

“They speculated that Danielle had come to this birthday

party without bringing a gift, which made her seem

somewhat lacking in grace.

----

Just momentsago, they saw the

head of the-Gharrington family had

praised her so highly, but now it Oo

seemed Danielle was nothing S

speciah unlike Cheryl who truly<

embodied the grace and poise of a

thy heiress.

----

“Miss Darling, you didn’t come without a gift, did you?”

Emma said sarcastically.

Asharp look flashed across David’s eyes, but Danielle

gently patted his hand, calming him.

Danielle chuckled. "Of course, | brought a gift to wish

Giancarlo’s birthday. But I’m a little curious, what gift did

you bring?"

Emma was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and

said, "Is this an excuse you’re making up?”