Scenario
After Glenn completed the trade applications in the Palace of Astrum and successfully signed the trade agreements, she wanted to express her gratitude to Han Meimei, who had always supported and helped her. She had brought some snacks from her homeland and wanted to gift those to Han Meimei...
Dialogue
Han Meimei: "Congratulations! I heard that you've wrapped up the trade agreement. That's great news. I booked a private room at Spices Supreme to have a celebration together."
Glenn: "Thank you, Han Meimei! I really don't know how I can thank you better. I've got some snacks from my homeland here..."
Han Meimei: "Thank you so much. I'm gonna go ahead and take those!"
Glenn: "This is but a small gift to communicate my vast appreciation. I hope it's enough."
Han Meimei: "Thank you. You're too kind."
Idiom
A small gift bears one's vast appreciation
Meaning: The gift may be small, but the thought weighs heavy. This saying indicates a gift should not be judged by its monetary value, but by the intent behind it.
Usage: "A small gift for one's vast appreciation" is a humble euphemism that is usually spoken by the giver of the gift. These polite euphemisms do not have much actual value in Xianzhou's socialization etiquette, but their aim is to sound elegant and proper. Therefore, it may be hard for Outworlders to understand how to use them.
For the people of Xianzhou, even an expensive gift may be described via this idiom to reduce the value of the gift. Please remember this is not a dishonest statement or an attempt to discredit the gift.
The one receiving the gift usually should not use this idiom because it implies you are belittling the gift. That goes against the Xianzhou code of etiquette.
Inappropriate Use
I know this jade abacus is not some rare item, but since you came all the way here to give it to me, I suppose that counts as a small gift that bears vast appreciation.