Lushan Clouds and Mist

Chapter 13: Mist and Clouds at Mount Lu

After receiving approval from both families, Shen Qingci and Gu Yanchen's relationship entered a stable and sweet period. Gu Yanchen even began to plan their future together, discussing the further development of the teahouse and their marriage.

However, beneath the peaceful life, there are often subtle undercurrents.

Gu Yanchen's company is currently promoting a large-scale cultural tourism complex project, which involves an important tea culture experience area. He naturally thought of Shen Qingci, hoping that she could participate in the planning and operation of this experience area in a professional capacity.

"Qingci," Gu Yanchen excitedly said to Shen Qingci, holding the project plan, "I hope to make this tea culture experience area the highlight of the entire project. Your 'Evening Fragrance Tea House' is very unique, and your experience is growing. You are the perfect person to lead this project."

Shen Qingci looked at the plan, feeling a little hesitant. She was grateful for Gu Yanchen's trust, but "Wanxiang Tea House" was her roots, and she had poured all her energy into it, leaving her with little time to spare. Furthermore, she wasn't sure if she could adapt to the operational model of a large-scale commercial project.

"Yan Chen, thank you for your trust." Shen Qingci said carefully, "But I may not be able to devote myself to this project. 'Evening Fragrance Tea House' cannot do without me, and I am not very familiar with the operation of commercial projects."

The excitement on Gu Yanchen's face faded a little. "Qingci, this is a great opportunity for you. Not only can you promote your tea concept, but it will also allow you to reach a wider platform. As for the teahouse, we can hire a reliable manager to take care of it. You only need to go back occasionally to check it out."

"But..." Shen Qingci still had some concerns, "'Evening Fragrance Tea House' is not just a business, it carries the memories of my grandmother, and I don't want to neglect it because of other things."

"I understand your feelings, but we must always look forward." Gu Yanchen's tone was also a little anxious. "This project is very important to the company. I hope you can support me. Besides, this is also for our future, isn't it? With a better platform, we can give each other a better life."

Shen Qingci looked at Gu Yanchen and suddenly felt a little strange. She didn't expect Gu Yanchen to take this project so seriously, even somewhat ignoring her feelings.

"Yan Chen, in your heart, is your career always more important than me and the teahouse?" Shen Qingci's voice was a little low.

"Why do you think so?" Gu Yanchen frowned. "I'm doing all this for our future. Do you want us to spend our whole lives guarding a small teahouse?"

"I feel very happy to spend my whole life guarding the teahouse." Shen Qingci's eyes were a little red, "Yan Chen, our plans for the future seem to be a little different."

It was the first time their argument was so intense. Gu Yanchen felt that Shen Qingci was stubborn, unmotivated, and didn't understand his efforts; while Shen Qingci felt that Gu Yanchen had become utilitarian and realistic, no longer the person who could understand and support her.

Finally, Gu Yanchen left the teahouse angrily, leaving Shen Qingci alone. Facing the fragrance of tea in the room, his heart felt heavy as if a stone was pressing on him.

Outside the window, a light drizzle had begun, a reflection of her current state of mind, a blur of uncertainty. She brewed a cup of Lushan Cloud Tea, hoping it would calm her. Lushan Cloud Tea had a delicate aroma and a refreshing flavor, but at that moment, she could taste no sweetness, only bitterness and loss.

She didn't know whether this quarrel would become an unhealable rift in their relationship, or would allow them to understand each other more clearly and find a path that was truly suitable for them.