binnovel Chapter 131 Tea Tasting
Chapter 131 Tea Tasting
Time, like a white steed galloping by, vanishes in the blink of an eye, as if it were just a fleeting moment before slipping through one's fingers. Fan Junyu sat there quietly, like a fine sculpture, completely immersed in the vast ocean of his work, motionless.
And what about the others around them? They knew perfectly well that their boss was currently burning with rage, like a frightened bird, ready to unleash a storm at any moment. Therefore, no one dared to approach and disturb Fan Junyu. Everyone kept their heads down, silently busy with their tasks, like a swarm of industrious bees tirelessly collecting nectar.
And so, in this quiet and peaceful atmosphere, where you could almost hear a pin drop, a long afternoon slipped away quietly, like a gently flowing, never-ending stream.
Only after Fan Junyu had finally finished dealing with the mountain of official business did he let out a long sigh of relief, feeling as if most of the heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, and he felt completely relaxed. Then, he slowly stretched his limbs, which had become slightly stiff from maintaining the same posture for so long. The feeling was like a bird that had been tightly bound for a long time suddenly breaking free of its cage and regaining the right to soar freely in the sky. Then, with a touch of languor, he slowly raised his head and glanced casually out the window. But this casual glance made him freeze in shock. The setting sun on the horizon had somehow transformed into a shy and beautiful young woman, slowly sinking into the west. And looking at the time, he realized that it was already late afternoon!
Remembering that he still needed to go to the Duke's mansion to bring He Mingning back today, Fan Junyu quickly got up and methodically began to organize his belongings. His expression was focused and serious, like a valiant warrior about to enter battle; every movement was filled with decisiveness and perseverance. Once everything was in place, he strode out without hesitation, his firm steps like an arrow released from a bow, heading straight for the door.
However, the sight before him as soon as he stepped into the hall made him pause slightly. The people inside were standing in a row, each with a pitiful expression like a child who had done something wrong, their eyes flickering as if awaiting some kind of judgment.
Seeing this, Fan Junyu remained expressionless, coldly saying, "What? You all seem quite carefree! You even have time to do other things." Hearing this, the crowd, who had been hoping for some leniency, immediately deflated. They had thought that their pitiful appearance would win Fan Junyu's sympathy and lead to leniency, but now they realized it was all wishful thinking.
Fan Junyu didn't utter another word. Before he finished speaking, he had already swept past the crowd like the wind, heading straight for the gate. In the blink of an eye, his figure disappeared from the entrance of the Dali Temple, leaving behind a group of people looking at each other, at a loss. At this moment, Zhang Yi, who had been standing silently to the side, sighed helplessly and muttered to himself, "Sigh, the boss is still the same boss after all..." Lu Xia, standing beside him, urged, "Stop daydreaming! Get to work! Are you really planning to spend the night here?" Upon hearing this, everyone felt a chill run down their spines. The thought of enduring a long, dark night in the cold Dali Temple sent shivers down their spines. Immediately afterward, as if under a spell, everyone quickly lowered their heads and began to work diligently. The entire hall instantly became bustling with activity, like countless rapidly spinning tops.
Meanwhile, Fan Junyu rode swiftly to the gates of the Duke's mansion. Upon entering the courtyard, he saw the steward passing by and inquired, "Uncle Steward, is the princess still in my aunt's courtyard?" Seeing it was Fan Junyu, the steward quickly and respectfully replied, "Yes, yes, the princess is still in the Fourth Miss's courtyard and hasn't come out yet." Fan Junyu nodded slightly and replied with a smile, "Alright, in that case, I'll go there myself!" The steward, standing beside him like a loyal guard, respectfully answered, "Yes, Young Master Junyu, then this old servant will go attend to other matters." Fan Junyu nodded gently, indicating he understood. Then, in a flash, like an arrow released from a bow, he sped towards Ningxiang Courtyard.
Before long, Fan Junyu arrived at the gate of Ningxiang Courtyard. At this moment, Qin Yaoyao, who was pacing in the courtyard, spotted him at a glance and said coquettishly, "Oh my, I didn't expect you to be so quick. You've taken care of things so fast." Fan Junyu did not stop walking and greeted her with a smile as he walked towards the living room, "Greetings, Aunt."
Qin Yaoyao nodded gracefully and said softly, "Come, sit down and rest your feet." Before she finished speaking, she raised her jade-like hand and personally handed over a cup of fragrant tea, asking gently, "Judging from your hurried appearance, did you just come back from the Dali Temple?" Fan Junyu quickly took the teacup with both hands, carefully took a sip, and then replied, "Indeed, Aunt, there were many affairs at the Dali Temple today, and I was quite busy."
Upon hearing this, Qin Yaoyao smiled and teased, "Look at you, all flustered! It's like you're afraid I'll eat Sister Ning alive if you're even a second late! Do you think I'm such a fierce woman?" Fan Junyu smiled faintly and quickly explained, "Auntie, please don't misunderstand. I didn't mean that at all. I just finished dealing with the matter and happened to see that it was almost time, so I rushed over."
Qin Yaoyao's beautiful eyes darted around, fixed on Fan Junyu's leisurely and composed demeanor. A slight smile played on her lips as she chuckled softly, saying, "Oh? Is that so?" Fan Junyu elegantly picked up his teacup, sipped the fragrant tea, and then slowly set it down. He casually glanced around, his gaze sweeping over every corner, but he couldn't find He Mingning's figure. A sense of doubt crept into his eyes, and he frowned slightly, turning to Qin Yaoyao. He asked softly, "Aunt, where are the princess and the others?"
Qin Yaoyao thought to herself, "Hmph, little brat, she was so calm and composed just now, acting like she didn't care at all. Now, after only a short while, she can't hold back anymore? Wasn't she in no hurry? Wasn't she going to pretend to be calm with me? Look at her now, why can't she keep up the act?" However, her face still wore a bright smile like spring flowers as she softly replied, "They went to the inner room to put some things away; they should be out soon." Fan Junyu nodded and responded, "Oh, I see."
Qin Yaoyao gently picked up the teapot and filled Fan Junyu's cup with tea. Then, she glanced at him with a half-smile and teased him in a sweet voice, "What? You look so distracted. Are you getting anxious?" Fan Junyu remained calm and replied, "No, I was just asking casually."
Hearing this, Qin Yaoyao chuckled inwardly, "Fine, keep pretending. I'll see how long you can keep this up!" She then stopped talking to Fan Junyu and began to savor her tea. Just then, as if deliberately orchestrated, He Mingning and two others gracefully and lightly emerged from the room just as Fan Junyu finished speaking.
He Mingning slowly walked out of the house. When she first saw Fan Junyu sitting at the table, leisurely savoring fragrant tea, she was momentarily stunned. At that moment, the soft and brilliant afterglow of the setting sun cascaded down on his body, as if draping him in a magnificent golden veil. This golden light not only made him appear exceptionally warm but also endowed him with an indescribable and unique charm, making it difficult for anyone to look away once their gaze fell upon him.
Just as He Mingning was gazing intently at Fan Junyu, He Mingxuan and Shen Xiaoran also stepped out of the house one after the other. He Mingxuan caught sight of Fan Junyu and her face was full of surprise. She asked, "Lord Fan, when did you arrive?" Upon hearing this, Fan Junyu quickly stood up, bowed deeply to the three of them, and respectfully said, "This humble official greets Her Highness the First Princess, Her Highness the Third Princess, and Princess Yunning."
Seeing this, He Mingxuan waved her hand gently and replied with a smile, "Lord Fan, there's no need to be so polite. We're not strangers." Shen Xiaoran, who was standing to the side, nodded repeatedly in agreement with He Mingxuan.
Qin Yaoyao, who had been silently observing He Mingning's reaction, couldn't help but smile slightly upon seeing this scene, like a delicate peach blossom quietly blooming. She chuckled softly and invited He Mingning, "Come sit here and enjoy this fine tea!"
It wasn't until she heard Qin Yaoyao's call that He Mingning snapped out of her daze, realizing that she had been so engrossed in watching Fan Junyu that she felt a pang of regret. Fortunately, she quickly composed herself and, along with the others, hurried to the table, settling down like a flock of birds returning to their nest. Each person picked up their teacup and carefully sipped the fragrant tea.
The moment He Mingning stepped out of that door, Fan Junyu, who had been on high alert, caught the subtle movement with the speed and keenness of a hawk with an extraordinary sense of smell. He quickly raised his proud head, his eyes flashing with a sharp and ardent light, and stared directly at He Mingning.
To his surprise, when his gaze met He Mingning's, he found the seemingly delicate girl staring intently at him, completely dazed and lost in thought. Seeing this, Fan Junyu's lips involuntarily curved into a slight smile. He wanted to say something, but just then, other people emerged from behind the door. Reluctantly, he had to suppress his thoughts and quickly greeted the newcomers. Even so, out of the corner of his eye, he could clearly sense that the girl who had been lost in thought was still not back to her senses.
At this moment, Fan Junyu turned her attention back to He Mingning. Her once fair face was now flushed red, as adorable as a ripe apple. Like a startled ostrich, she lowered her head and hurriedly walked to a chair and sat down. Looking at her shy and lovely appearance, Fan Junyu couldn't help but think to himself, "Looks like this little girl has finally come to her senses!"
And what about He Mingning on the other side? She sat quietly in her chair, her face flushed, like a shy rosebud about to bloom. She gently reached out and carefully picked up a cup of fragrant tea from the table, then slightly parted her cherry-like lips and took a small sip. Instantly, a wisp of white steam rose from the cup, swirling around her delicate face, as if draping her entire being in a thin veil of mystery. It was difficult for others to see her true expression through this mist; they could only vaguely sense a dreamlike, hazy beauty.
He Mingxuan gently picked up her teacup, took a sip of the emerald green tea with its delicate aroma, and felt a refreshing and mellow taste spread across her tongue. In an instant, her previously dim eyes brightened, shining like stars twinkling in the night sky. She looked at Qin Yaoyao across from her with delight and excitedly asked, "Yaoyao, what kind of tea is this? It's absolutely delicious!"
Qin Yaoyao smiled slightly and gracefully set down the teacup in her hand, her movements light and gentle, like a warm spring breeze. She replied softly, "This is Yunwu tea, and my second brother has always been very fond of it. I saw him enjoying it often the other day, and I was very curious, so I wanted to try it myself. That's why I specially brewed it today to share with you all, and I didn't expect it to taste so good."
Hearing this, Shen Xiaoran was so shocked that she couldn't close her mouth. She looked like a frightened fawn, staring at Qin Yaoyao with wide eyes in disbelief, and stammered, "This...this is the legendary Yunwu Tea that is so rare and hard to come by? Yaoyao, you are so generous to give us such precious tea to drink. You are so kind!"