Chapter 226 (1/2)
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Since Xiang Shaoyun had a different face when he had met Li Yaxuan previously, she did not recognize him. But she did know about Xiang Shaoyun's accomplishments, and she was here precisely because of him. As a vice house leader of the Red House, one could say that she was one of its most prestigious members.
”Senior Sister Li, he is the Xiang Shaoyun we were talking about earlier.” Gong Qinyin did not expose Xiang Shaoyun's ident.i.ty and introduced him to Li Yaxuan as if he was a complete stranger.
Li Yaxuan stood up and smiled gracefully. ”You are indeed a young hero. No wonder Junior Sister Gong favors you. I am Li Yaxuan, pleasure to meet you.”
As she spoke, she did not forget to toss Xiang Shaoyun a seductive gaze. Any other man would lose their mind at this point. But Xiang Shaoyun had seen too many beautiful women. Thus, he had much more resistance to seduction.
With an unchanging face, he replied, ”I am Xiang Shaoyun. Pleased to meet you, Senior Sister Li.”
Xiang Shaoyun conducted himself in a refined manner, naturally emanating a grace only the n.o.bility would have. Both Li Yaxuan and Gong Qinyin were women with extremely high standards, but even their hearts thumped when they witnessed Xiang Shaoyun's demeanour.
”Come on, sit down and talk over tea,” invited Gong Qinyin, as she was the host.
The three sat down while Gong Qinyin started preparing tea with the tea set she had on the stone table.
The art of tea preparation and zither playing were both closely related to a person's state of mine. Great emphasis was placed on staying tranquil and even-tempered. When combined with graceful smooth movements that resemble nature itself, it would produce great tea and tune. Because of that, the art of tea was one of the things Gong Qinyin was learning.
Soon, an aromatic tea fragrance filled the air.
Li Yaxuan couldn't help but praise, ”Great skills, Junior Sister Gong.”
”You are too kind, Senior Sister Li. Please, have a drink,” said Gong Qinyin with a smile as she poured Li Yaxuan and Xiang Shaoyun a cup of tea each.
Li Yaxuan directly downed the cup of tea, while Xiang Shaoyun took the time to gently sniff the tea's fragrance and to slowly sway the teacup before sipping on it.
When Gong Qinyin noticed what he was doing, she couldn't resist asking, ”Shaoyun, you know the art of tea as well?”
Only those who knew tea would know the correct way of tea tasting. Xiang Shaoyun's action made it clear what he knew.
Xiang Shaoyun placed the cup down and smiled. ”I know a bit.”
He wasn't trying to be humble at all when he admitted it. In fact, he felt somewhat proud.
His answer made Gong Qinyin curious as she said, ”Would you mind giving me a pointer or two?”
Li Yaxuan looked at Xiang Shaoyun with a toying gaze, seemingly waiting to hear his wisdom.
After taking another sip of the tea, Xiang Shaoyun said, ”The water and tea leaves used, one's grasp over the tea set, the temperature of the water, how long to boil the water, and the amount of tea leaves used…these are all the basics in the art of tea, and you already have a good mastery over them all. Unfortunately, you placed too much emphasis on the form of the tea, losing a tiny bit of soul that could have been in it.”
”What do you mean by having a form without a soul?” Gong Qinyin asked in astonishment.
”It has the similar concept as playing the zither. The thickness of the tea originates from one's heart. There is no need to do everything in a textbook-correct manner. Follow your heart, pour your heart into it, and both your tea and zither tune will be able to leave a rich aftertaste in all who have tasted them,” explained Xiang Shaoyun solemnly.