Chapter 8 This Is Fake!

• Michael grinned. "It's Grandma's birthday, so naturally, I prepared a gift!"
• Terry sneered, "Oh, how dutiful. What did you bring? Let me guess. Did you make something by hand for Grandma?"
• Beside them, everyone paused involuntarily. "A handmade gift?"
• Terry's wife, Regina Hampton, suddenly remembered something and chuckled, "Oh, do you all remember Sophia's birthday last year? Just thinking about it makes me laugh.
• "At that time, we gave Sophia lavish gold and silver jewelry, luxurious cosmetics. Someone gave her roses. Roses are fine, but couldn't you have brought real ones instead of making paper ones?"
• Laughter erupted across the room.
• Michael stared coolly at them, completely unmoved by their ridicule.
• Suddenly, Sophia intervened, "That's enough, Terry. Even if it's something handmade by Michael, it's the thought that counts."
• Michael looked at Sophia in surprise.
• The Lewises had always liked to joke about him, but she had never stood up for him like this before, so why now?
• But in a flash, Michael understood. Terry wasn't just mocking him personally; he was also dredging up the incident from Sophia's birthday when Michael had given paper roses, indirectly criticizing Sophia too.
• Sophia appeared to defend him, but in reality, she was defending herself.
• "The thought that counts? Sophia, I don't think your logic makes sense. We're all adults here. Is sentiment expressed solely through handmade gifts? Why not something of real value, like gold, silver, or something practical?"
• Terry smirked, producing an elegant gift box and opening it. He announced proudly, "This is a rare light blue chalcedony bracelet!
• "I put a lot of effort into acquiring this. It costs over 30 thousand," he boasted.
• "Thanks to an old friend's connections, it wasn't more expensive.
• "Its true market value is likely several times higher.
• "I had someone check on its validity. I can assure it's the real deal!"
• Terry's true motive became clear.
• He aimed to impress the younger Lewises but couldn't flaunt the chalcedony bracelet directly, so he used Michael as a comparison.
• With a smug glance at Michael, Terry said, "Shephard, remember this. In the future, spare yourself the effort with handmade gifts. If you truly care, meet my standards!"
• The younger Lewises were astonished, not just by the price tag but also by the rarity of the light blue chalcedony bracelet, a truly exceptional find.
• Sophia looked disappointed. "Michael, your gift is thoughtful, but I still hold the same opinion. When giving gifts, it's the thought that counts. There's no need for comparison!"
• Sophia regretted not paying attention to Michael's 'gift' earlier. If she had noticed, she might have discarded it immediately.
• Terry chuckled. "Sophia, this isn't about comparison. Michael's handmade gift for Grandma's seventieth birthday clearly shows his lack of regard. He didn't put in effort for Grandma's gift, so what's the point of discussing sentiment?"
• He then sneered at Michael, "If you can't afford it, spare yourself the embarrassment of giving gifts!"
• At that moment, Michael chuckled. "Heh, Terry, it doesn't matter whether my gift is handmade or not. Even if it is, it's still better than you presenting a fake gift. Bringing a fake and lecturing about sentiment? That's truly embarrassing!"
• Fake?
• Suddenly, silence filled the room!