Taiping Houkui

Chapter 12: Taiping Monkey King

After experiencing Su Manni's episode, Shen Qingci and Gu Yanchen's relationship deepened. Gu Yanchen gave Shen Qingci a full sense of security with his firmness and protection.

That day, Gu Yanchen asked Shen Qingci to have dinner together, and his expression was a little more serious than usual.

"Qingci," Gu Yanchen held her hand, his eyes serious, "next weekend, my parents want to invite you home for dinner."

Shen Qingci's heart skipped a beat, feeling a bit nervous yet also a bit expectant: "Meet...meet the parents? Isn't that too soon?"

"Not quickly." Gu Yanchen smiled. "I want them to get to know you sooner rather than later. You are the one I've chosen."

Looking at Gu Yanchen's sincere eyes, Shen Qingci nodded: "Okay, I'll go."

Shen Qingci spent the next few days preparing for the meeting with her parents. She consulted Grandpa Chen and selected a high-quality Taiping Houkui tea as a gift. A specialty of Huangshan Mountain in Anhui Province, Taiping Houkui is a green tea with two leaves surrounding a bud, flat and straight, a rich, even green color, a refreshing and long-lasting aroma, and a mellow, sweet flavor, making it an ideal gift.

She also carefully selected a suitable dress and repeatedly practiced what to say when they met, for fear that she would perform poorly.

The weekend arrived quickly. Gu Yanchen's parents lived in a beautiful villa area. When Shen Qingci followed Gu Yanchen into the house, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

Gu Yanchen's parents both looked very kind and amiable. Mother Gu warmly took Shen Qingci's hand, looked her over carefully, and a satisfied smile appeared on her face: "Qingci, right? I've heard Yanchen mention you a long time ago. You are indeed a beautiful and quiet girl."

Father Gu also nodded and said to Shen Qingci: "Welcome to our home."

Shen Qingci said nervously: "Hello, uncle and aunt, this is a small gift I brought you." She handed over the Taiping Houkui.

Mother Gu took the gift and said with a smile, "Since you're here, why would you bring a gift? But this Taiping Houkui is a good tea. Your uncle and I both like it very much."

Seeing that Gu's parents liked the gifts he gave them very much, Shen Qingci finally felt relieved.

The lunch was very sumptuous, and Gu's mother kept serving food to Shen Qingci, asking about her family situation and the business status of the teahouse. Shen Qingci answered all of them patiently, with proper manners and generous conversation.

After dinner, Gu's mother suggested making tea. Shen Qingci took the initiative and said, "Auntie, let me do it. I know a little bit about making tea."

"Okay, then let's try Qingci's cooking." Mother Gu said with a smile.

Shen Qingci took out the Taiping Houkui tea she had brought and began brewing for everyone. Her movements were skillful and graceful. She first warmed the cups and utensils, then added the tea leaves, then poured hot water at around 80 degrees Celsius, pouring it over the tea leaves. The tea leaves slowly expanded in the water, and the tea soup was clear and emerald green, exuding a fresh and elegant aroma.

Father Gu took a sip, nodded, and praised: "Not bad, not bad, this Taiping Houkui is brewed very authentically, the aroma and taste are just right. Qingci, you really know a lot about tea."

"Uncle, you're too kind. I just learned a little from my grandmother." Shen Qingci said modestly.

Mother Gu looked at Shen Qingci and liked her more and more: "Qingci, it is a blessing for our Yan Chen to meet you. You are a good girl, and we are very satisfied."

Hearing what Gu's mother said, Shen Qingci felt sweet in her heart. Gu Yanchen also held her hand and gave her an encouraging look.

When leaving Gu's house, Gu's mother took Shen Qingci's hand and said, "Qingci, come to our house often and treat this place as your own home."

Sitting in the car on the way back, Shen Qingci leaned on Gu Yanchen's shoulder, a happy smile on his face: "Yanchen, your parents are so easy to get along with."

"Of course. My parents have very high standards. Their approval shows that my girlfriend is really outstanding." Gu Yanchen said with a smile, lowering his head to kiss her forehead.

Shen Qingci knew that the successful meeting with the parents meant that her relationship with Gu Yanchen had taken another important step forward. Their love was not only blessed by their friends, but also recognized by their family.

This cup of fragrant and elegant Taiping Houkui also witnessed this important milestone in their relationship, and indicated that their future would be as clear, bright, sweet and beautiful as this tea.