Centennial Pu'er
Chapter 22: Centennial Pu'er
After getting back together, Shen Qingci and Gu Yanchen's relationship became more mature and stable than before.
Gu Yanchen completely changed his ways. He learned to listen, to respect, and no longer imposed his will on Shen Qingci. He was still busy with work, but he always made time for her, whether it was a quiet afternoon tea in a teahouse or hiking in the suburbs to enjoy the scenery.
Shen Qingci also felt the change in Gu Yanchen. She was no longer as anxious about gains and losses as before, and she was full of trust in him. She would share interesting stories in the teahouse with him, and discuss her experience in restoring ancient books with him. The two of them had more common topics.
That day, Gu Yanchen said mysteriously to Shen Qingci: "Qingci, I have a surprise for you."
"What surprise?" Shen Qingci asked curiously.
Gu Yanchen didn't answer, but took her to a secluded private storage room. The temperature and humidity in the storage room were constant, and many Pu'er tea cakes were neatly arranged.
"This is the tea storage I prepared specially for you," Gu Yanchen said with a smile. "I know you like the richness and historical feel of Pu'er tea, so I've collected some Pu'er from different years. I plan to slowly savor them with you and watch them slowly change over time."
Shen Qingci looked at the tea warehouse in front of her in surprise, her heart filled with emotion. She knew that collecting so many Pu'er teas required a lot of time and energy, and Gu Yanchen did all this for her.
Gu Yanchen took a piece of tea cake wrapped in tissue paper from the shelf and handed it to Shen Qingci: "Look at this."
Shen Qingci took the tea cake and took a closer look. The writing on the cotton paper was a little blurry, but he could vaguely make out the words "Hundred-year-old Ancient Tree Pu'er".
"This is..." Shen Qingci looked at Gu Yanchen in shock.
"This is a century-old Pu'er tea I bought from an experienced tea expert after using many connections," Gu Yanchen said gently. "I think it's the perfect way to commemorate the renewal of our relationship."
He took out a set of exquisite purple clay teapots and began to brew this century-old Pu'er tea for Shen Qingci.
Hot water is poured into the purple clay teapot, and the tea leaves slowly expand in the water, releasing a rich and deep aroma. The aroma carries the weight of time, as if one can smell the flavor of history.
Gu Yanchen poured the brewed tea into the tea cup and handed it to Shen Qingci: "Try it."
Shen Qingci picked up the teacup, first smelling its fragrance, then observing its color. The tea soup was a deep red, as translucent as a ruby. She took a gentle sip. The tea soup was extremely mellow and smooth, without the slightest bitterness, only a mouthful of sweetness and a lingering aftertaste.
"It's amazing," Shen Qingci exclaimed sincerely, "It feels like there's a story a hundred years old hidden in this flavor."
"Yes." Gu Yanchen held her hand, his eyes extremely serious. "Qingci, our relationship is like this century-old Pu'er tea. Although it has experienced ups and downs, I believe that with the precipitation of time and our joint efforts, it will become more and more mellow and precious."
He paused, took out a velvet box from his pocket, knelt on one knee, and held it in front of Shen Qingci.
"Qingci, I love you. In the past, I didn't know how to love, and I made you feel wronged. But I promise you, from now on, I will use my whole life to protect and cherish you. Will you... marry me?"
Shen Qingci looked at Gu Yanchen, who was kneeling on one knee. Seeing his sincere and nervous eyes, tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded vigorously: "I do, Yanchen, I do!"
Gu Yanchen was overjoyed. He opened the box, took out a simple yet dazzling diamond ring, and gently put it on Shen Qingci's ring finger.
He stood up, hugged Shen Qingci tightly, and whispered in her ear: "Thank you, Qingci, thank you for giving me another chance."
Shen Qingci leaned in Gu Yanchen's arms, feeling his warm embrace and strong heartbeat, her heart filled with happiness and peace.
She knew that their love, like this century-old Pu'er tea, had weathered storms and would eventually yield the most beautiful flavor. And their future, like the Pu'er tea in this tea warehouse, would become increasingly beautiful with the passage of time.
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