Siheyuan: The romantic and suave Xu Damao

Xu Damao carefully reached out his hand and gently lifted the cotton cloth covering it, and the hidden object gradually appeared in front of him.

When he saw what was inside, Xu Damao's eyes suddenly lit up. This surprise was not a fake.

"Da Mao, do you see what this is?"

Lou Bancheng asked softly with a smug smile on his face. Xu Damao could hear the boasting in his voice, so Lou Bancheng picked up the lantern and placed it next to the object so that Xu Damao could see it more clearly.

"Is this... a tooth carving?"

Xu Damao reached out his hand, gently stroked the object, then deliberately showed an uncertain look and spoke slowly.

"Hey! Not bad, you have good taste! Now that you have recognized it, tell us about it."

Lou Bancheng said with a smile, as if testing Xu Damao.

"Well, let me take a closer look."

Xu Damao picked up the lantern and pretended to observe it carefully, but in fact, the moment he lifted the cotton cloth, he recognized the object at a glance.

This is an ivory carving ornament, carved with cabbage, lotus roots and lotus flowers. There is also a small grass-green grasshopper lying on the cabbage stalk. It looks lifelike, as if it will jump up at the next moment.

That is to say, this thing now has a base underneath. If you take it outside and put it on a table or in the kitchen at random, at first glance, it looks no different from real cabbage.

"The root of this cabbage is connected to the lotus root. There is a red lotus flower at the connection, and in the middle of the lotus flower is a lotus pod." Xu Damao introduced in detail.

"This is an ivory carving from the late Qing Dynasty. Judging from the amazing craftsmanship of the carving, it should have been made during the emperor's wedding. Otherwise, it would not be so exquisite and detailed."

Xu Damao talked incessantly, and Lou Bancheng's eyes lit up as he listened. He secretly sighed in his heart that this kid was really capable.

"Da Mao, how much do you think this thing is worth?" Lou Bancheng asked curiously.

"This thing is very exquisite in both craftsmanship and materials. It was top-notch at the time, and it was also a royal item. If someone likes it, I can sell it for at least three hundred yuan!"

Xu Damao deliberately quoted a relatively low price to show that he didn't know much about the goods. In fact, even in this day and age, it is very easy to sell this thing for 500 yuan.

"Three hundred? Haha, that's not a small amount, Damao. You and Xiao'e have known each other for such a long time, so you should be clear about our family background." Lou Bancheng sighed and continued, "Whether it's an engagement or you and Xiao'e's marriage, we can't openly take out those material possessions. You can take this box away, as compensation for both of you." As he said that, Lou Bancheng patted Xu Damao on the shoulder.

"Uncle Lou, this is too valuable, I can't take it..." Xu Damao quickly stood up and waved his hands to refuse. Although he was a little reluctant, he also knew that the box was very valuable. If he really accepted it, he might get into trouble in the future. Moreover, he didn't want the Lou family to look down on him because of this matter.

"Da Mao, you are such a polite kid." Lou Bancheng said with a smile, "This box was originally meant for you and Xiao'e, so don't refuse it." After that, Lou Bancheng stuffed the box into Xu Damao's hands.

Xu Damao was holding the box, feeling very conflicted. He knew that the things in the box might be more valuable than he thought, but he also felt that if he accepted it, he would appear to be greedy.

Xu Damao hesitated for a while and decided to go back and ask Lou Xiao'e for her opinion before making a decision.

"Uncle Lou, I'll go back and ask Xiao'e for her opinion on this. What do you think?"

Xu Damao asked hesitantly, while carefully observing Lou Bancheng's expression, secretly guessing his reaction.

Lou Bancheng frowned slightly, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "No need to ask her. This is for you, Damao. I only have one daughter like this. I hope you will treat her well. As for these things, you can handle them by yourself. You don't need to tell Xiao'e."

After saying that, Lou Bancheng waved his hand and looked at Xu Damao without question. He knew Xu Damao very well. Although he was sometimes a little clever, he was sincere to his daughter. Moreover, Lou Bancheng also learned that Xu Damao and Xiao'e got along well and had a good relationship. Therefore, he decided to give this gift to Xu Damao to express his blessing for their future life.

Xu Damao was pleasantly surprised when he heard this. He nodded and said, "Thank you, Uncle Lou! Don't worry, I will definitely treat Xiao'e well."

Lou Bancheng nodded, showing his satisfaction. Then, he stood up and prepared to leave the room. When he reached the door, he looked back at Xu Damao and reminded him again: "Da Mao, remember what I said, and take good care of Xiao E. If you have any difficulties, you can always come to me for help."

Xu Damao nodded gratefully, then followed Lou Bancheng out of the room carrying the box.

Lou Bancheng walked in front with a serious face, while Xu Damao followed him closely with a nervous look. The two walked towards the yard together, in silence all the way, and the atmosphere seemed a little solemn.

After walking out of the yard, Lou Bancheng stopped, turned around and said to Xu Damao, "Da Mao, go load the things onto the bicycle first."

After hearing what Lou Bancheng said, Xu Damao nodded quickly and said, "Okay!" Then he picked up the box, walked quickly to the door of Lou's house, casually put the box into his personal space, and then pushed his bicycle into the Lou's compound.

"Da Mao, what did you do with my dad just now?" Lou Xiao'e asked curiously.

"Ah... that's right... Uncle Lou gave me some local specialty snacks, and I put them on the back of my bicycle."

Xu Damao looked at Lou's father and mother standing beside him, his eyes flickering, an embarrassed expression on his face, he stuttered when he spoke, and his expression was very unnatural.

"Alas, this kid is so honest that he can't even lie. I heard he's still doing some antique business. With his current status, what kind of business can he do? I hope he doesn't lose all his family fortune."

Looking at Xu Damao's uncomfortable look, Lou's mother couldn't help but muttering softly and sighing inwardly.

Lou Bancheng was standing nearby. When he heard his wife's words, his brows slightly frowned, but he didn't say anything. He just looked at Xu Damao thoughtfully.

"Oh no, I overacted. I may have fooled Lou Xiao'e's mother, but I couldn't hide it from Lou Bancheng, that old fox..." Xu Damao secretly complained in his heart, but he also knew that he had to bite the bullet and continue acting.