Chapter 40: Don’t Lose My Grandfather’s Fish
Alina was taken aback by his words. She didn't know whether to accept or decline the gift. She quickly declined it as if she was holding a hot potato in her hand. "Mr. Lincoln, I can't accept this!" What if it was
something like an heirloom? She couldn't accept such an expensive gift!
Lincoln saw through her thoughts and smiled. "Don't worry about it. It's not anything valuable. If it's really valuable, I wouldn't have left it on the shelf to collect dust. Open it and have a look."
"Oh," Alina said as she placed the box on the table and opened it.
Inside the box, was an ornament shaped like a fish. Alina guessed that it should be made out of gold.
Lincoln explained, "This ornament is a fish made out of gold. It's not heavy, only twenty grams and just worth a few thousand dollars. This is a gift from me to you as a symbol of good luck. I hope that Wilson and you will have a good life together!"
"Thank you so much, Mr. Lincoln!" Alina's heart was again moved by Wilson's grandfather's words.
She accepted the gift gratefully. According to the current market price, this fish was worth less than five or six thousand dollars. It's not the cost of the fish that counts, but the well-wishes of Wilson's grandfather that was immeasurable in value.
Alina regretted not bringing a gift for Mr. Lincoln this time. However, she might have more chances to visit in the future. She would definitely prepare a gift for Wilson's grandfather the next time she came. Lincoln glanced at Alina and reminded her, "Alina, this fish is a gift personally from me. You must keep it properly. Don't lose it or sell it off."
Alina couldn't help but laugh. "Mr. Lincoln, don't worry. I won't lose it, nor will I sell it. Even if I'm bankrupt and penniless, I won't sell the golden fish." She found Wilson's grandfather to be unexpectedly endearing.
Lincoln joined her in laughter. "Alright, I will take you at your words. You can go ahead, don't let Wilson wait too long." He was in a very good mood.
Alina took the box and said goodbye to Lincoln. As she left, she pouted her lips. Would the s*umbag wait for her? She didn't think so.
However, as soon as she stepped out of the study, she saw Wilson crossing his arms and leaning against a pillar in the corridor. He smiled when he noticed Alina. "Did Grandfather show you that painting?" Alina frowned. "How did you know?"
Wilson replied, "Many years ago, I also saw that painting. Grandfather shows that painting to everyone he likes. This shows that he approves of you as well."
Hearing Wilson's words, Alina felt even more touched. Mr. Lincoln had shown her the painting just because he held her in favour. She always thought that no one liked her. Ken had abandoned her, and even her own mother disliked her, didn't she?
Seeing the wooden box in Alina's hand, Wilson raised his eyebrows. "Grandfather gave that to you?"
"That's right!" Alina nodded as she tightened her grip around the box. She would definitely keep it properly. This was a precious gift given to her by Mr. Lincoln, including the golden fish inside as well as the small wooden box.
"Let me have a look!" Wilson stretched out his hand to take the box.
Alina hid the box behind her and raised her chin. Her eyes were bright as she said, "No, you can't! Mr. Lincoln said that this gift is for me and I have to keep it properly. I can't lose it nor sell it." Wilson raised his eyebrows and laughed helplessly. "Is the item valuable?"
Alina rolled her eyes. "Why are you so shallow? Must it be costly for you to value it? Here, I'll let you have a look. Just look at it though, and you're not allowed to touch it."
After saying that, she carefully opened the small wooden box and handed it to Wilson. "Don't worry, I didn't take your family heirlooms, be rest assured!"
Wilson looked at the golden fish lying inside the box with a smile. When he looked up at Alina's pleased expression, his mood lifted even more. Wilson said fondly, "Alright, you can put it away now and don't lose it. Let's go, I'll show you my room!"
Alina followed closely after Wilson, holding the box carefully. She muttered under her breath, "I will definitely keep it safe. Every little bit of care and love is precious to me. I will protect it with my life!"