Chapter 64: An Exchange of Courtesies

Chapter 64: Chapter 64: An Exchange of Courtesies

Vera Xavier knew from her past life that many of Mr. Sterling’s works had won awards, but she didn’t know the specifics—which awards they were, or when he had won them. Because of this, she couldn’t go into detail and could only brush past the subject.

Mr. Sterling smiled at her words. Recalling the piece of jade under her bed, Vera’s mind immediately started churning with a little plan. She smiled and asked, "I have a fairly nice piece of jade. I was wondering, could you help me carve a small pendant?"

Mr. Sterling glanced at Nathaniel Nathan. "For Nathaniel?" he asked.

Vera pursed her lips, trying to hide a smile. "Mr. Sterling, that’s not fair of you. I was planning to secretly ask you to carve it and then give it to Nathaniel as a surprise. Now that you’ve put me on the spot, what am I supposed to say? Yes or no?"

Mr. Sterling burst out laughing. He looked at Nathaniel Nathan and said, "You’ve got good taste."

Nathaniel Nathan paid no mind to Mr. Sterling’s words. What he cared about was that Vera Xavier had just called him "Nathaniel." It was the first time she had ever addressed him so intimately, and his name sounded exceptionally pleasant coming from her.

He replied nonchalantly, "Of course."

Mr. Sterling chuckled again. Vera pressed, "So, will you help me carve it?"

Mr. Sterling nodded. "It’s a gift for Nathaniel. How could I possibly refuse?"

In truth, he didn’t usually agree to carve things for just anyone. He only worked with top-quality jade. The Nathan Family was incredibly wealthy and possessed many fine treasures. As Nathaniel Nathan’s girlfriend, Vera was unlikely to offer something of poor quality as a gift for him.

Vera beamed. "Then I’ll thank you in advance, Mr. Sterling."

Mr. Sterling was also there to have a meal, so his studio wasn’t at this location. After exchanging greetings and Vera getting his address, they went their separate ways.

After Mr. Sterling left, Nathaniel Nathan asked Vera, "Are you really getting me a gift?"

"Of course," Vera said with a smile. "You’ve already given me so much. It’s only proper to return the favor!"

Nathaniel’s brow furrowed slightly when he heard that. "I don’t need you to return the favor. It’s enough for me that you just accept what I give you."

The moment Vera saw his expression, she knew he was displeased. She immediately tried to placate him. "Of course I’ll accept your gifts, but I want to show you how I feel about you, too!"

Only then did Nathaniel’s expression soften slightly. Vera scooted closer to him. "So, what kind of design would you like for the pendant?"

Nathaniel replied nonchalantly, "Anything."

Vera heaved a long sigh and looked at him. "Nathaniel Nathan, there’s no such thing as an ’anything’ pattern."

She then added, "I want to make a matching set—one for you and one for me. A couple’s set. So could you please take this a little more seriously?"

Her words finally seemed to pique his interest. "Then just make them in whatever style you like."

After he finished speaking, he looked at her and said, "Also, from now on, just call me Nathaniel. Don’t use my full name."

Vera pouted. ’Fine,’ she thought. ’Communicating with him is seriously exhausting. Judging by his reaction, he doesn’t seem to care one bit whether I get him a gift or not.’

The food must have been ordered by Nathaniel in advance. It was a lavish spread, and to her surprise, every dish was one of her favorites. She shot him a curious glance, but he said nothing, simply placing some rice in her bowl. When he noticed her staring, he finally spoke. "Eat more."

’They were meant to be caring words, but he managed to deliver them with absolutely no warmth at all.’