When Mr. Jiang arrived, Mrs. Fujiwara was already seated.

Maids stood around.

This is the proper way to treat guests.

Yesterday doesn't count.

Bringing a knife into the house was inappropriate in terms of both manners and reason, but Fujiwara Reiki ignored it, so Jiang Chen didn't say anything more.

"lady."

He greeted them politely and introduced them, "This is my friend, Duanmu Liuli."

Unlike yesterday's flowing long hair, Lady Fujiwara was clearly dressed up today. Her silky hair, incongruous with her age, was styled into a bun. She wore a black tomesode kimono, a symbol of Japanese nobility, with a heavy silk base that had a matte finish. Five silver family crests were subtly visible on her shoulders and waist, and the hem was embroidered with pine and crane motifs in Yuzen dye. The color scheme was subdued yet subtly luxurious. A wide gold-embroidered sash was tied into a full knot at her waist, and tassels of brocade covered her feet. The split-toe silk stockings accentuated her demure and noble feet. Delicate pearl earrings dangled from her ears, and a tortoiseshell hairpin was worn at a slant in her hair. She wore no heavy makeup, yet her eyes and brows exuded the gentle grace and dignity of someone who had long held a high position.

Forget about yesterday.

I'm getting to know you all over again today.

"Please sit down."

With the ethereal beauty of Master Duanmu, it would be hard for anyone, regardless of gender, not to take a second look, but Lady Fujiwara did.

Like Fujiwara Reiki, she also ignored the Tang sword carried by Duanmu Liuli.

We can't let every banquet turn into a trap.

Since Boss Jiang survived yesterday, it means that he has overcome the most difficult hurdle.

"The food is simple and plain; please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."

Is this Chinese that I just learned?

Don't assume that Japanese people don't care about food. Even when entertaining guests, they only serve two or three dishes. That's just for ordinary people.

In any country, the lives of the upper class are always corrupt and extravagant.

Even for breakfast, the table was piled high with many exquisitely crafted pastries, which looked like works of art and seemed quite valuable. Of course, Mr. Jiang would never know their names.

"Is this your standard for simple meals, Madam?"

It's no wonder that Boss Jiang doesn't play by the rules.

It's simply because he made that promise beforehand.

He promised that if he went to China, he would guarantee the other party's quality of life.

A man must keep his word.

Fujiwara no Reiki, who was seated, did not understand his thoughts, but Lady Fujiwara seemed to have heard his heart.

"Are you under pressure?"

humor.

Quite humorous.

Just like when her precious daughter asked her for ten grams of gold.

Like mother, like daughter.

Jiang Chen smiled wryly, “China values ​​food more, please don’t take offense, madam. If you had experienced the Manchu Han Imperial Feast in China, you probably wouldn’t be able to adapt to life here.”

It's very hard.

Lady Fujiwara quieted down.

"I've never had a Manchu Han Imperial Feast before. Mother, you can take some time to go to China and try it. Jiang Sang will pay the bill."

Fujiwara Reiki interrupted.

"There's absolutely no problem."

Boss Jiang quickly chimed in, and the two of them spoke in perfect harmony.

"I've never eaten it either."

"..."

"..."

"..."

What I fear most is the sudden silence in the air.

Fujiwara Reiki looked at the "Valkyrie" who suddenly spoke, paused for a moment, and then didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Having dealt with them many times, she could clearly sense that the other party seemed to have changed from before.

Instead of kicking someone when they're down, Lady Fujiwara picked up her chopsticks and said, "Let's eat."

Although she was very considerate and had the demeanor of a hostess, she couldn't completely ease Jiang Chen's embarrassment.

He claims he'll treat others to this food even though his own friends haven't tried it. That's not just being biased, it's more like bragging.

But looking at the Taoist nun who was undermining him, he couldn't bring himself to say anything harsh.

even.

He was starting to lose all sense of whether the other party was "discussing the matter objectively" or doing it on purpose.

"It's alright, Miss Duanmu will come with us then."

Fujiwara Reiki's thoughtful intervention showed that, at times, she was indeed a very good lover.

"You are a princess, are you allowed to travel abroad?"

Jiang Chen's heart skipped a beat. He stared intently at the Taoist nun who was actually talking to Fujiwara Reiki, his alarm bells ringing at full speed.

This is definitely not just casual conversation!
Undoubtedly, Fujiwara no Reiki hadn't expected the other party to communicate with her, so she paused for a moment before smiling somewhat awkwardly and saying, "Of course you can, why not? I am a princess, but I also have the right to personal freedom."

"What if your husband were still alive?"

Upon hearing this...

Fujiwara Reiki's smile grew increasingly hard. If anyone else had said such a thing, it would have been a complete insult, but this person...

wrong.

That also seems like an insult.

She couldn't help but look at Jiang Chen, not with anger, but with confusion in her eyes.

"cough."

Mr. Jiang coughed lightly, mainly looking at Madam Fujiwara, "I'm sorry, she is a Taoist practitioner, not very familiar with formalities and worldly affairs."

Naïve and ignorant of the ways of the world.

I'm afraid Lady Fujiwara might not understand this term.

So, is this just me trying to comfort myself?

If someone who is naive and lacks social skills says something like that, you can certainly laugh it off. For example, if you put yourself in her shoes as a child, would you be angry?
Children are innocent and playful, and they speak without restraint.

"Whether my husband is here or not, it's all the same."

Fujiwara Reiki smiled again. "Even after marriage, women should maintain their independence. That's my understanding."

Jiang Chen unconsciously gripped his chopsticks, a little nervous, worried that the Taoist nun, whose Ren and Du meridians had been opened, might utter some more unpleasant questions. Fortunately, she didn't say anything more, picked up her chopsticks, and resumed her normal foodie persona.

"I've heard that AI technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, and some artificial intelligences are even starting to have their own thoughts."

Fujiwara Reiki said as she put down her chopsticks.

Not only do they have thoughts, but they can also foresee your life and calculate whether you have a marriage line!

correct.

If it can be counted as one person, can it be counted as a second person?

Mr. Jiang suddenly felt a little alarmed and kept glancing at the Taoist nun who had returned to quiet and focused on her meal.

Could it be that the other party had already told his fortune?
Fujiwara Reiki, of course, noticed his subtle movements and saw his deep worry. Her soft laughter continued, "But it doesn't matter. I've always felt that silicon-based life can't replace carbon-based life. The thoughts of AI are also shaped by humans."

Training.

This word needs to be circled.

As the world's ruling class, it is perfectly reasonable and justifiable for them to discuss AI and the future of human civilization at the dinner table.

In the Age of Exploration, AI is currently the best compass.

"Yes, I believe that we can carry out comprehensive cooperation between our two sides, learn from each other's strengths and make up for each other's weaknesses, which will surely achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Mr. Jiang agreed.

"Doing twice the work for half the result?"

Lady Fujiwara spoke up, raising her objections.

"Jiang Sang means achieving twice the result with half the effort."

The princess explained to her mother on her behalf, and then smiled at someone and said, "Jiang Sang, don't be too nervous."

nervous?

That's right.

Did you really think this was just a simple dinner party?

They come to propose marriage—no, I mean, they come to search for their son. Do they really think they can easily get things done just by talking?
Mr. Jiang isn't that naive.

and.

True sincerity cannot remain merely words.

Mr. Jiang is a man of action, a trait that has never changed, whether he is poor or rich.

"lady."

He shouted.

What is the simplest and most direct way to gain the approval of the girl's parents?
Talking about the vast and ambitious world of AI?
Too ethereal.

It's no different from writing a bad check.

To truly move people, you have to offer something genuine.

for example--

Ample bride price.

"Just now, the princess asked me for a pair of gold earrings."

Correct.

This was Fujiwara Reiki's request.

Because of the presence of the Taoist nun, Boss Jiang was very careful about how he addressed her.

Upon hearing this, Lady Fujiwara glanced at her daughter, who immediately began to pout and ask, "Jiang-san, what are you doing?"

A pair of earrings.

Is that too much? According to the traditions of China, at least five pieces of metal should be purchased, and ten grams is not enough.

"Excuse me."

Mrs. Fujiwara calmly apologized to the guests for her daughter's inappropriate behavior, and then disciplined her daughter on the spot, saying, "If you want anything, you can tell your brother, and he will give it to you."

Although gold prices are currently high, a pair of earrings doesn't really require much.

However, in such cases, it's not up to the individual involved; it depends on the opinions of their parents.

That's why Mr. Jiang made that statement.

The answer was as expected.

The woman's parents were not satisfied.

Also.

Even in working-class families, if someone is just going to give a pair of earrings and thinks they can get away with it without getting scolded, they're considered well-mannered.

“My daughter is already married, how can she still ask her brother for money?”

Fujiwara Reiki lowered her eyes and looked meek.

Lady Fujiwara gracefully picked up the porcelain bowl.

Her attitude has already been made clear.

Next, we'll see how the man performs.

Boss Jiang remained calm and unhurried. When other people visit a woman's family, they usually bring their brothers or elders, but he brought a Taoist nun. Don't ask why; Boss Jiang is no ordinary person.

"Madam, you are mistaken. The Princess and I have been through thick and thin together. The Princess is overjoyed, and I have not yet had a chance to present my congratulatory gift. It is I who have been impolite."

Mr. Jiang paused for a moment, then said firmly, "In addition to a pair of earrings, I will also present the Princess with a large gold bracelet, guaranteed to weigh at least 100 grams, as a token of my appreciation."

I go.

One hundred grams?

Quickly grab your computer and start typing.

That's like losing 100,000 yuan!
How generous!
"puff."

Look.

The princess smiled, not a mocking smile, but a sweet smile, or rather, a smile of being moved. Her eyes were like spring water, so beautiful that one dared not look directly at her.

"Jiang Sang is spending too much."

"Of course."

Jiang Chen said calmly, as if it were nothing to worry about.

Lady Fujiwara listened quietly to their back-and-forth, chewing her food slowly and deliberately, only speaking after swallowing the food in her mouth.
"Is Mr. Jiang this generous to all his friends?"

Of course, Mr. Jiang, who had "beauties all over the world"—no, "confidants all over the world"—could hear the irony in the words.

He remained calm and composed, saying, "My friendship with the princess cannot be measured in money."

Fujiwara Reiki's eyes were practically sparkling.

Ugh.

She's definitely a hopeless romantic.

Lady Fujiwara probably knew that her daughter was beyond saving, so she didn't bother to see her at all, and continued to challenge, no, to question, the man who thought he was very humorous.

"In Mr. Jiang's world, what kind of relationship should be measured in money?"

this problem.

Very complicated.

It's very profound.

It's also very dangerous.

Therefore, Jiang Chen did not answer immediately. After thinking for a moment, he looked the other person in the eye and spoke quickly.

"My relationship with my wife can be measured in money."

"Pfft."

Fujiwara Reiki couldn't help but laugh again. She thought the other person would launch into a long, eloquent speech, but the result was always unconventional.

Lady Fujiwara was also taken aback for a moment, and then, the corners of her lips also couldn't help but turn up.

Obvious.

Mr. Jiang's performance also brought her unexpected joy.

"Yeah."

Mrs. Fujiwara put down her chopsticks.

Frankness and outspokenness are indeed more valuable than the hypocrisy that is everywhere, but as the saying goes...

Honest advice is hard to hear.

Sincere words are often unpleasant to hear.

Since someone dared to speak their mind so frankly, they must have been fully prepared, especially since the other party was holding hostages.

"I have prepared a gift for you, Madam."

A real man.

I never rely on sweet words.

Lady Fujiwara's curves were even more pronounced, and she showed no restraint.

That truly embodies the unity of knowledge and action.

If I understand correctly.

Is he planning to bribe her with money?

"Oh?"

Without any formalities, Lady Fujiwara, showing neither joy nor sorrow, said, "Mr. Jiang, you are too kind."

"Our land is a land of etiquette, so it is only natural for us to visit you for the first time."

Yesterday's meeting was purely accidental.

So you can't blame him for coming empty-handed.

"China may not be a land of etiquette, but Jiang Sang is certainly a gentleman."

Fujiwara Reiki remarked that even though she herself had pointed out that AI had acquired intelligence, she still didn't pay any attention to it.

"In that case, it would be impolite of me to refuse."

Having already brought up China, it was indeed difficult to refuse. Meeting Lady Fujiwara's "expectant" gaze, Boss Jiang remained calm and composed, as it was time to present his gift.

"The gift I prepared for my wife is a bit heavy; it will be delivered later."

"Oh?"

Japanese women value emotional worth, and Mrs. Fujiwara was also a Japanese woman.

"It seems Mr. Jiang has prepared a very generous gift."

Jiang Chen smiled dismissively.

What gift did Jiang Sang prepare for his mother?

Fujiwara Reiki couldn't help but be curious; this feeling was like facing a magician who could change his mind at any moment, and anticipating what kind of surprise he would present next.

Isn't this the kind of aspiration and driving force that we need in the midst of a heavy life?

"gold."

Jiang Chen tilted his head and replied seriously, "Since you like gold, I suppose Madam likes it too."

Before Fujiwara no Reiki could respond, Lady Fujiwara spoke first.
"I wonder how much of a bracelet, pendant, or other jewelry Mr. Jiang has prepared for me?"

The sarcasm was palpable.

Do you really think that these centuries-old aristocratic families are short of money?

indeed.

Lady Fujiwara wasn't wearing any gold jewelry today, but was that because she didn't have any?

Mostly because of disdain.

After all, who would wear electrical wires on their body?

BRICS.

Boss Jiang remained unfazed by either honor or disgrace.

Giving jewelry as a gift is acceptable for peers, but giving it to elders is undoubtedly somewhat inappropriate.

Mr. Jiang has an excellent sense of propriety.

Upon hearing that it was gold bricks, Lady Fujiwara pursed her lips slightly.

How many grams can jewelry weigh at most? But gold bars are different; some are measured in kilograms.

No wonder they said it was a bit heavy.

Lady Fujiwara was probably intimidated by the other party's actions. After a while, she couldn't resist her restless heart, and the "enthusiasm" she showed at this time was very different from before.

Mr. Jiang's judgment was indeed accurate.

His relationship with the other party is indeed best measured in money.

How many pieces?

"Lady Fujiwara asked."

Jiang Chen picked up a pastry that looked like a small steamed bun but had a cherry on top with his chopsticks. He took a bite and found it to be soft, fluffy, fragrant, and tender.

He chewed.

100 tons.

Lady Fujiwara lost her expression.

Perhaps because the other person was eating, their speech was unclear, so I asked again:
"How many?"

Mr. Jiang swallowed, and then said:
"100 tons."

This time it's very clear.

Furthermore, it thoughtfully breaks down sentences, separating quantifiers and units of measurement.

Lady Fujiwara, born into a prestigious family and married into another, had her pupils contract. Her body was fine, but her fingers trembled almost imperceptibly; she was probably a little dizzy from this truly "generous gift." (End of Chapter)

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